AM I WRITE?

Host Sheridan Sharp is joined by bestselling author Jeff Zentner, known for his resonate and lyrical writing. Learn how he writes in small pockets of time, how to trust your creative instincts, and why filling your “creative well” matters just as much as drafting. If you’re looking for advice on craft, glean wisdom about Jeff’s character-driven process, thoughts on voice and first chapters, and pr...

In this episode of Am I Write?, Guest Marah Rutherford takes listeners inside her creative process and shares how travel, culture, and everyday life influence her fantasy worlds. She explains how small “story kernels” grow into full novels, and what helps her create vivid settings and believable characters.  She also reflects on building a sustainable creative life while juggling family, deadlines...

Multi-published author Becky Dean joins host Sheridan Sharp to talk about the real process behind becoming a stronger writer: the practice books that build your skills, the rejections that teach resilience, and the everyday moments that shape your stories (like those magic moments in the shower). She shares simple, actionable insights for writers who want to understand the craft beyond the page.  ...

In this episode of Am I Write? , debut romance author Amy Buchanan joins Sheridan to talk about the winding, emotional, and ultimately inspiring path to publication. Amy opens up about writing her first draft in secret, finding clarity through mentorship, navigating the querying trenches, and learning to trust her creative instincts. She also shares the importance of community, how small acts of s...

What happens when a medieval scholar trades academic papers for storytelling?  In this episode, Am I Write? Host Sheridan Sharp sits down with Amy S. Kaufman to talk about her bold leap from teaching medieval history to writing fiction. Amy shares how her background shaped her reimagining of Robin Hood—and why no word you write is ever wasted. If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late to chase your d...

Multi-published author K.C. Harper joins host Sheridan Sharp on Am I Write? to talk about character purpose, emotional depth, and the one thing every story needs—GMC.  Plus, gain inspiration to keep writing and wisdom from both an author AND professional editor on where you can start.  Connect with K.C. Harper   Website   Instagram   X (Twitter)   Bluesky   Linktree   K.C.’s Goodreads     Shadowed...

 (Secretly hoping no one listens to this) 🦇

 What does it really mean to “put your creative self first” when life, work, and algorithms keep getting in the way?  In this episode of Am I Write? , author Paula Chase gets honest about what 18 years in publishing have taught her about creative balance, writing through burnout, and redefining success on your own terms. She shares how she’s learned to protect her creativity from the noise of soci...

Guest Belinda Kroll discusses her writing journey, starting from childhood and evolving into a balance between a day job and her passion for writing. She shares insights on the entrepreneurial spirit inherited from her family, the impact of hustle culture, and her decision to keep writing as a joyful side endeavor rather than a full-time career.  Tune in to hear about her approach to writing and m...

Host Sheridan Sharp is joined by author Jaclyn Goldis for a compelling discussion on the intersection of travel, writing, and manifestation. Jaclyn reveals how her adventures around the world have breathed life into the captivating settings of her books. Hear why she made the bold decision to stop working on old projects and move into the realm of suspense. Plus, discover new ways to find ease in...

Whether you're an aspiring writer seeking guidance or simply curious about the realities of the writing journey, join host Sheridan Sharp on Am I Write? for a conversation with award-winning author Rosalyn Eves. In this episode, they delve into the nuanced challenges faced by writers, from the relentless pressure to publish quickly to the intricacies of polishing manuscripts. Eves shares cand...

Not everyone’s querying journey is a handful of years! Many authors have experiences like Rita’s: a 14-year span of trial, error, and a whole lot of persistence. Join host Sheridan Sharp as guest Rita Feinstein talks publishing, poetry, connecting in a post-truth world.   Resources Rita’s Debut: Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension Sylvia Path   Anne Sexton The Quiet Damage by Jesselyn Cook Website: ht...

From integrating culture to the pros of magical realism and around to how she landed her agent, the content in this episode with guest María Alejandra Barrios Vélez pulls from a well of experience and offers firsthand advice to new and aspiring writers everywhere. Also talk about María's debut book, scheduled just weeks out from this episode air date on Am I Write! Resources Read THE WAVES TA...

Patchree Jones stars on this episode of Am I Write? Podcast to talk about the impact of the middle grade book genre and why she left the corporate world for it. Also discuss the pros of being an unagented, small press author and consider how you can build a marketable author brand naturally. Resources Website: patchreejones.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/PointsTangent?s=20 BlueSky: @patchreejones.bs...

Literary Journals: Do they really help you get your manuscript published? If you've wondered about this, guest Christine Ma-Kellams is here to share her experience as an author AND writer with multiple online publications. Also, take a look at how she builds dimensional characters by ensuring there's enough to root for--and against --on this episode of Am I Write? Resources THE BAND Webs...

The age old question: how much of getting published is just luck and how much of it is skill? "Rebel Author" Barry Lyga joins host Sheridan Sharp to talk about his 27-novel track record (and counting). Instead of getting distraught over the timing of it all, focus on what you CAN control on this episode of Am I Write? Podcast. About Barry Called a "YA Rebel Author" by Kirkus, B...

Swati Hegde opens up about her writing experience spending years in the query trenches. She explains the role destiny played in both her upcoming publication and her current career as a writing coach. Gain hope and inspiration from her for your writing journey on this episode of Am I Write? . Resources Website: swatihegde.com (Pre-order MATCH ME IF YOU CAN now!) Instagram: @swatihegdeauthor Twitte...

Join guest Kathryn Lang alongside host Sheridan Sharp to discuss how giving tribute to your uniqueness will give you power to write boldly and with purpose. Unlock the elements of your voice and be relentlessly helpful along the way on this episode of Am I Write? .   Resources Website: https://www.kathrynlang.com/books Write Your Book in 8 Weeks: https://pecuproductions.com/courses/8-weeks-to-writ...

Landing the agent isn’t the end of your journey—for many, it’s the beginning. Elizabeth Sumner Wafler joins today to enlighten us with her experience, nailing a hopeful agent match and then managing a contrasting struggle with market trends. Learn how she pressed forward with captivating prose, succeeding through hybrid publishing and now scheduled to launch a fifth publication! Resources Website:...

Aneesa Marufu joins host Sheridan Sharp to talk about her fresh-off-the-press book and her experience as an internationally-published author. Hear the unique story of how she found her agent, why she writes for young adults, and what she does to handle the pressure of deadlines on this episode of Am I Write.     Resources https://aneesamarufu.com/ https://www.instagram.com/aneesa.marufu/?hl=en-gb...

Debut author of a Jane Austen meets To All The Boys I've Loved Before tale, Priyanka Taslim joins us on Am I Write to talk about beloved retellings, keeping them fresh, and how she conquered those dark nights of doubt. Get some great resources and look forward to her upcoming projects! Resources priyankataslim.com https://linktr.ee/priyankataslim https://twitter.com/bhootbabe https://www.inst...

What is a beta reader? How can I determine I'm ready to give my manuscript to them? Should I consider family for beta readers? How can I prepare them to give good feedback? What should I expect from a batch of beta-reading? Having any of these questions or just want some new ideas for your next beta reading sesh? Host Sheridan Sharp is here with some resources and ideas! Resources Am I Write...

You've been tirelessly working on your writing, pouring your heart and soul into your stories, but when it comes to getting published, you're hitting a brick wall. You've been told to simply keep submitting your work, but the rejections keep piling up, leaving you frustrated and demoralized. Guest, Annalisa Summea reveals the her individualized program to help you accomplish your wr...

Monica Miller returns to the show to share how to captivate readers and build a loyal following through the power of personal connection and storytelling. Monica emphasizes the importance of weaving your gold thread by starting in the middle of your story. Make a lasting impact with personal experiences and perspectives in both your books and marketing efforts. Resources www.monicawrites.com/Calen...

I have an idea, but I don't know if it will stand the test of time. How do I know it's good?  Should I share my work with others? What if I'm really excited about it? Does it need to be outlined before I dive in?  If you're looking for answers to these questions, let's have a candid conversation and see if we can get you somewhere today on Am I Write! Plus, tune in for som...