Page Fright

Write to us You know those books you shouldn't read before bed? No, not the horror novels (well, maybe sometimes the horror novels). We're talking about the ones which keep you up for hours, all while you make promises to yourself saying "just one more chapter", only to immediately break those promises because you can't put it down. This time on the Page Fright Podcast, au...

Write to us Unlikeable characters: You love them, you hate them, you LOVE to hate them. Though, how do you take a character that is designed to be unlikeable, yet still make them interesting, entertaining, and memorable? In today's episode of the Page Fright Podcast, authors Sydney Kain and Liza Petrov bring their favorite "unlikeable" characters to bat, exploring what makes fiction...

Write to us Authors, there is some huge bookish news that Sydney and Liza are talking about today on the Page Fright Podcast! Simon & Schuster have launched a brand new digital-focused self-publishing imprint called Simon Stream, and so far, the reviews are mixed. We share everything we know about the platform, and react to a few reels highlighting some impressive pros and some concerning cons...

Write to us Welcome back to another episode of the Page Fright Podcast, and this time, we're talking ALLLLLL about...talking! Dialogue can make-or-break many novels, and writing it well is SO difficult. Too much small talk can make the reader feel as if your book is dragging. Too little dialogue can leave the reader craving more context about character dynamics. And long monologues that are t...

Write to us Tension: You're writing it wrong. On today's episode of the Page Fright Podcast, Sydney and Liza explore this narrative concept closely. Creating tension does not happen during the climax of your novel but instead progresses throughout a scene or an entire work. You hear terms like, "foreboding" and "foreshadowing", but those aren't the only ways to c...

Write to us Oh dear, we have a BIG topic today on the Page Fright Podcast: What is Bad Writing? Authors Sydney Kane and Liza Petrov dive deep into their experiences with good and bad writing, approaching the question not only as writers, but as avid readers too. From justifying your character's emotions, to inconsistent prose and forgettable characters, there are a million things that can bre...

Write to us We can't even begin to tell you how wonderful today's guest is! Please welcome Gothic Historical author Rozina Hyland to Page Fright! In this episode, Rozina shared many lovely stories with us and provided a unique glimpse into her writing journey as an autistic and dyslexic author who's publishing her first novel, Of Her Blood . From the adorably bizarre stories she cre...

Write to us Oh. My. God. Kelsey Cox is here on the Page Fright Podcast to tell us all about Pretty Dead Things , her newest thriller novel. It was an absolute joy to read, proving once again that her writing is a masterclass in twists and mysteries. If you haven't read it yet, here's the synopsis from Goodreads: Secrets emerge as a Texas beauty pageant turns deadly in this rich and addic...

Write to us We have ANOTHER incredible guest author on Page Fright today, so please help us welcome Bethany Croome AKA Bethfiit! She tells us all about her debut book, a dark romantasy named "Reign", releasing September 1st, 2026! From musical inspiration during the writing process to how she slid into the DMs of a publisher to get her first book published, Bethan shares her unique insig...

Write to us On today's extra special episode, please help Sydney and Liz welcome Katy Brent onto Page Fright Podcast! She is known for her dark comedy book series about vigilante justice, and was very recently the focus of a huge worldwide controversy. The reason? Men got mad at her book title. CONTENT WARNINGS! Threats of extreme physical and sexual violence Katy walks us through how her boo...

Write to us On this week's episode of the Page Fright podcast, Sydney and Liza tackle a few very tough questions: Is it an author's responsibility to provide their audience a "moral ending"? Are Dark Romance novels negatively affecting relationships? And the hottest bookish topic we discuss; are book ratings doing more harm than good? In an age where review bombing is rampant a...

Write to us Join Sydney and Liza as they talk horror movies, the trials of writing in different genres, and what it means to "fall in love" with your work. 

Write to us The raw truth about social media hate, vulnerability, and staying true to yourself as a writer —this episode exposes the messy, emotional side of stepping into the public eye. Sydney and Liza open up about the personal toll of online criticism, the challenging truth of navigating social media, and how to stay anchored in kindness and authenticity when the digital trolls come for you. F...

Write to us Do you like dark fantasy, messy feelings, and writers who refuse to play by the rules? Then this episode is for you. Join Liza and Sydney as they sit down with Gemma Vale, the up-and-coming indie author behind Daughter of the Night, an immersive fantasy full of dark themes, shadow magic, and complex characters who leave you guessing until the final page.  But this isn’t just a book cha...

Write to us In this episode, Christa pulls back the curtain on her inventive process, showing how she crafts chilling stories that blend the absurd with the terrifying, all rooted in real human emotion. You’ll discover how she masterfully combines high-stakes psychological terror with laugh-out-loud moments that flicker like ghostly whispers in the night. Christa shares the surprising origins of h...

Write to us Go behind the scenes of a publishing conference, and learn the kind of industry advice agents are actually giving writers right now. From contracts and the business side of publishing to how you can query a book that doesn't fit neatly on the genre shelf, Sydney and Liza unpack the insights that can help authors better understand what it takes to build a career in a crowded market...

Write to us Sydney and Liza are back with a no-fluff episode that digs into the real rules behind bestselling genres—and why breaking them can make or break a book. If you’ve ever wondered what actually makes a thriller feel thrilling, why romance readers expect certain beats, or how cover art and genre tropes shape what sells, this episode is packed with the kind of behind-the-scenes publishing i...

Write to us Most writers face harsh rejections and industry surprises — but what happens after those low points? In this eye-opening episode, Sydney and Liza reveal their own struggles with doubt, delays, and even near quitting — and how they kept writing anyway. With raw honesty, they dismantle the myths of easy success and expose the messy, unpredictable reality of a writing career that might ju...

Write to us Most authors dream of that perfect debut — a catchy premise, a passionate community, a major publisher, and instant bestseller status. Heather Frances just achieved a version of that dream with Chase Me If You Can, a hilarious and heartwarming storm chasing romance that’s already making waves: over 15,000 readers want to read it, and it’s gaining momentum fast. In this episode, Heather...

Write to us Most writers get trapped in the cycle of chasing the "perfect" advice, but what if the secret to authentic storytelling is actually ignoring all the so-called rules? In this episode, Liza and Sydney rip apart the myth that success comes from following formulas—revealing that your voice and unique perspective are your greatest assets. If you're tired of cookie-cutter advi...

Write to us Uncover the hidden fears that hold writers back from sharing their work—and discover the simple mindset shift that can help you overcome them. Whether you're just starting to show your writing or struggling to share with the right people, this episode reveals key insights to help you find your confidence and protect your creative energy. When is the right time to share your work?...

Write to us Most indie authors are held back by self-doubt and overwhelming industry noise. But one successful self-publisher reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets that turned her  debut into a hit—and how you can do the same. In this episode, Erica Vipond shares her journey from medical bills and rejections to hitting shelves in major bookstores like IngramSpark and Barnes & Noble. Discover h...

Write to us Is it okay to chase fame as an author? This episode tackles that big question head-on. Join Sydney Kane and Liza Petrov as they chat about the allure of success and the pressure to conform to industry expectations. While fame can bring recognition and opportunities, it also risks overshadowing your artistic integrity. Even worse, it can feel like a drug, offering highs that leave you w...

Write to us Most writers spend months—or even years—struggling over how to perfect their pitch. What if the secret to getting noticed by agents isn’t a polished paragraph, but a bold, one-sentence hook? In this episode, Sydney and Lisa uncover the truth about craft and confidence in pitching your book, whether it’s in front of an agent, at a conference, or over a casual coffee. You’ll discover why...

Write to us This week on Page Fright, dive into the myths and realities of being a writer with Sydney Kane and Liza Petrov. As creatives, we all have to "keep the faith" about our own inevitable success, right? But when does that necessary faith veer into self-delusion? Are our hopes for our futures too high? Or are they not high enough? Join us as we discuss the highs and lows of life a...