Page Fright

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...

Write to us Most writers stumble through the messy middle—yet mastering it can be the secret to writing stories that captivate and resonate on a whole new level. In this episode, Sydney and Liza peel back the curtain on the second act — the often overlooked but crucial “playground” where your characters deepen, conflicts escalate, and your story gains momentum towards the climax. Discover why the...

Write to us Discover how the smallest details—like unique character quirks and surprising tropes—can transform a story from dull to dazzling. This episode dives into the magic of friction and contrast, revealing how they fuel your narrative and keep readers hooked. Learn practical tips for starting your story at the right moment and crafting scenes that sparkle with your unique voice. 

Write to us Most writers focus on plot or characters, but what if the secret to truly captivating stories is understanding the gaze behind the words? In this thought-provoking episode, Sydney and Liza explore the nuanced differences between the male and female gaze—and how these perspectives shape the stories we tell, read, and believe. From Hollywood's over-sexualization in HBO dramas to the...

Write to us Navigate the complex emotion of jealousy in your writing career with insights from seasoned authors. This episode explores how jealousy can impact your creative journey and professional relationships, offering strategies to transform it into a source of motivation and self-improvement. Join Sydney and Liza as they discuss real-life experiences and practical advice on managing jealousy,...

Write to us Most authors believe the path to publishing success hinges solely on perfecting their manuscript — but what truly makes or breaks your writing career? In this episode, Sydney and Liza Petrov peel back the curtain on the hidden layers of the industry, revealing insider strategies on how to secure an agent, negotiate your book deals, and find the right editor to elevate your story. You’l...

Write to us Most writers grapple with the relentless cycle of loving and hating their own work — but what if that inner critic is actually a form of "writing dysmorphia"?   In this episode, Sydney and Liza explore why writers often see their manuscripts as ugly ducklings, only to realize they were swans all along. Discover practical strategies to build confidence, embrace imperfection, a...

Write to us Unlock the truth about originality in storytelling — is every idea truly new, or just a remix of what’s come before? Industry insiders reveal why chasing “completely original” concepts might be holding you back and how embracing familiar tropes with a fresh twist can actually catapult your career. If you’ve ever wondered whether your ideas are “good enough,” or grappled with the pressu...

Write to us Ready to create characters that leap off the page and linger in your readers' minds? This episode is your ultimate guide to crafting complex, flawed characters that defy stereotypes and captivate audiences. In this episode of Page Fright, Sydney and Liza discuss why embracing contradictions—like a villain with a soft spot or a hero with hidden, even offensive flaws—can make your c...

Write to us Most women don't realize how much society has tried to silence and shame our natural desires — until a viral video claims women's fiction is pornography in disguise. Liza and I break down the shocking misinformation in Hilary Layne 's disturbing critique of modern romantic and erotica books, revealing what’s really at stake: freedom, empowerment, and the right to enjoy w...

Write to us In this episode, Sydney and Liza dive into the nuances of storytelling, character development, pacing, and industry pressures. They explore practical tips for tightening your writing, balancing genre expectations, and maintaining sustainability as an author.

Write to us Is Your Favorite Genre Taboo? Exploring Boundaries in Writing and Society In this episode, Sydney and Liza dive into the social and artistic implications of writing in genres considered less serious or taboo, such as horror, romance, and dark themes. They discuss how societal perceptions influence genre credibility and how writers can navigate genre boundaries while staying true to the...

Write to us In this episode, Sydney and Lisa delve into travel-inspired writing, the nuances of editing, and common stigmas surrounding self-publishing. They share personal journeys, discuss the realities of the publishing industry, and challenge common stigmas in the literary world.

Write to us  Liza and Sydney discuss the unpredictability of Texas weather, share humorous anecdotes about past snowstorms, and delve into the complexities of AI's role in creativity and writing. They explore whether creativity can be taught, the importance of individual voice in storytelling, and the evolving relationship between technology and artistic expression. Sydney and Liza explore th...

Write to us In this episode of PageFright, hosts Sydney Kain and Liza Petrov focus on writer's block. Is it holding you back from completing your first (or latest) manuscript? Is it even real? Listen for writing hacks and general advice on how to get past that dreaded blank page. Plus bonus conversation about"The Housemaid", "Gone Girl", and writing tips on how to create a...

Write to us Sydney and Liza explore various aspects of writing, including the use of flashbacks, the significance of happy endings in romance, and the complexities of genre classification. They discuss the importance of empathy in character development and the impact of media on societal perceptions, particularly regarding female representation. The duo emphasizes the necessity of research in writ...

Write to us Join Sydney Kane and Liza Petrov on PageFright as they tackle the highs and lows of the writing world. From handling bad online reviews to beta reader horror stories, they share personal insights and strategies for success. Discover how defiance fuels their creative journey and get tips on querying versus self-publishing.

Write to us Join hosts Liza Petrov and Sydney Kain on the PageFright Podcast as they explore the art of genre blending in literature. Discover how mixing genres like romance, thriller, and fantasy can create compelling narratives that captivate readers. This episode delves into the challenges authors face in publishing, the creative process behind writing, and the evolving trends in storytelling....

Write to us In this episode of PageFright, hosts Sydney Kain and Liza Petrov dive into the fascinating world of writing trends and the impact of age on creativity. They explore how Taylor Swift's love for books is influencing the literary scene and discuss whether authors should write to trends or stay true to their artistic desires. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards...

Write to us In the debut episode of "Page Fright," hosts Lisa Petrov and Sydney Kain dive into the challenges and triumphs of being writers in today's fast-paced world. They candidly discuss their personal journeys, from grappling with self-doubt to navigating the evolving landscape of publishing. With humor and honesty, they explore the pressures of word counts, the impact of socia...