The way you know an author really wrote a book these days? Reverse book report. Authors LOVE talking about their process, characters, etc. Just tell us you found X interesting and we'll go off on X, Y, and Z for hours.
I like listening to synthwave music, as I enjoy how good artists endeavor to make music that conveys story solely through tempo, tone, & vibes. I feel like good written stories do the same thing.
But I never talk about it 'cause I know there's no way I won't sound like Gabe from The Office.