A character is hurt. A character is comforted. It’s all about vulnerability on today’s episode where we explore one of our favorite tropes: hurt/comfort! (Called “whump” in some circles.) From the cathartic reader experience of seeing beloved characters looked after and cared for to the versatility of a writing tool that enables characters to open up, form new bonds, and show sides of themselves they may have otherwise kept hidden. Plus, our best recommendations for media that does hurt/comfort so right.

Luna Daye (she/her) is the author of The Thoraius Saga and the Fated Fae series. You can connect with her at her website: www.lunadaye.com

Noah Hawthorne (he/they), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the Adventures in Levena series (beginning with Phantom and Rook) and the stand alone novel The Rebel Foxes. You can connect with him at their website: neshamapublishing.com

Sarah Wallace (they/she) is the author of the Meddle & Mend series (beginning with Letters to Half Moon Street) and co-author of the Fae & Human Relations series (beginning with Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms). You can connect with them at their website: sarahwallacewriter.com

S. O. Callahan (she/her) is the author of the Fella Enchanted duology and co-author of the Fae & Human Relations series (beginning with Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms). You can connect with her on Instagram @s.o.callahan

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, Mr Warren’s Profession, and Fiorenzo. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com