Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast9 Aug

Scarlett Drake on Writing Oleander: Behind the MM Romance Phenomenon

Declan and Silvan are joined by one of the most talked-about voices in MM romance.

In this special interview, we're joined by bestselling author Scarlett Drake to discuss the phenomenal success of Oleander, her haunting queer reimagining of Great Expectations.

Scarlett shares the twelve-year journey that took her from posting fanfiction on Wattpad to becoming one of the genre's most celebrated independent authors, and how self-publishing changed her life.

We take a deep dive into Oleander, exploring the inspiration behind the novel, its gothic atmosphere, the symbolism of the title, and the complex relationship between Jude and Cas. Scarlett opens up about writing morally complicated characters, depicting trauma responsibly, and why she believes Cass deserves empathy despite his flaws. We also discuss readers' divided reactions to the ending, the challenges of adapting classic stories for a modern queer audience, and the lasting influence of The Song of Achilles and A Little Life.

Scarlett also gives us an exciting first look at her next project: a dark, gothic MM retelling of a popular classic. We chat about her writing process, visualising scenes like films, balancing creativity with a day job, and her advice for aspiring authors hoping to publish their own stories.

There may be some spoilers when discussing the characters, so join us for a insightful conversation with Scarlett.

The next episode of the Long Game podcast will be released on Sunday 16th August 2026.

Find Scarlett:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/scarlettedrake?utm_source=qr

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/scarlettedrake?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Scarlett-Drake/author/B09C6HH6FC?_encoding=UTF8&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Join our Long Game Podcast Book Club on Fable to read along with us each week.: https://fable.co/club/long-game-pod-book-club-with-long-game-pod-349252537194?invite=fc285de0-86ea-45c4-ab3f-8dcc82b8cad8&referralID=4tVUzsxlCC

Find us on instagram: longgame.heatedrivalry.pod

Write to us: longgamepod2481@gmail.com

Find Declan:

Instagram: declan712

Tiktok: declanmccallion1

Find Silvan:

Instagram: Silvates

Tiktok: silvates1

Listen to the Podcast on:

Apple podcast:

Spotify podcast:

Amazon podcast:

Watch it on youtube: https://youtu.be/Z73ROmlKrlU

Listen to Silvan’s ‘Silvates’ podcast here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/silvates/id1531620495

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xMX59teVzpf6M86Cv7WG9?si=016f5477aed14697

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Avsnitt(35)

Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 13 - The End of Heated Rivalry

Declan and Silvan make it to the end of Heated Rivalry, but does Shane and Ilya’s story get the ending it deserves?In Part 13, we dive into Chapter 27 and the epilogue, as Shane and Ilya begin to imag...

23 Aug 48min

Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 12 - Getting Caught

Declan and Silvan finally reached that chapter.In Part 12 of our Heated Rivalry deep dive, we tackle Chapter 26, and despite our best intentions, manage to spend an entire episode on just one chapter....

16 Aug 1h 14min

Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 11 - The infamous BJ

Declan and Silvan break down the Heated Rivalry book review in part 11. We dive into one of the most talked-about chapters and it is every bit as steamy as its reputation suggests.We explore how Rache...

2 Aug 56min

Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 10 - Eight Burgers, One Loon & One Huge Revelation (Chapter 24)

Declan and Silvan are at The Cottage in Part 10 of our Heated Rivalry book review.We unpack one of the funniest chapters in the novel, from eight burgers and "stupid Canadian wolfbird" to the effortle...

26 Juli 59min

Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 9 - Rimmedgate

Declan and Silvan break down the start of Shane and Ilya’s cottage escape in Part 9 of our Heated Rivary Book review. This week we are joined by Bri, who is a long-time listener of the podcast.Togethe...

19 Juli 49min

Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 8 - I’m coming to the Cottage

Declan and Silvan dive into Part 8 of the Heated Rivalry book review.We explore how Rachel Reid uses crisis as the catalyst for emotional growth in Shane’s injury. We compare the novel with the TV ada...

12 Juli 56min

Heated Rivalry Book Review: Part 7 - Shane’s glasses and the skype call

Declan and Silvan go deeper into our Heated Rivalry deep dive in Part 7. We unpack one of the novel's most intimate and emotionally revealing chapters. What begins with a simple Skype call quickly bec...

5 Juli 59min