The Story Will Save You

Courtney Psak, author of The Tutor   (2025), The Hostess (just released), and The Aunt (coming June 2026), shares her writing process, lessons of self-publishing, and we even get into a debate about pronunciation. You never know where our convos will go on TSWSY. We don't apologize.  Resources from this episode :  Website: CourtneyPsak.com Facebook: /Courtney.psak Instagram: @courtneypsak_  ...

Jeanne and Ciara chat with author Leila Siddiqui—a Senior Manager of Digital Strategy at DK, a division of Penguin Random House—about her new gothic horror novel, The Glowing Hours . "A mind-bending, revisionist gothic horror story about the fabled summer Mary Shelley began work on Frankenstein , as told by her Indian housemaid."  A Publishers Weekly Top 10 Pick: Spring 2026 SF, Fantasy...

Jeanne reunites with author Patricia Shanae Smith after first meeting years ago at a writer's conference. Patricia shares insights into speed pitching, getting her debut novel published—then republished by a different press—and pivoting into screenwriting, all while juggling running a restaurant and writing more novels. And, yes, we talked about dead bodies. Of course we did.  Resources from...

It was a pure delight to speak with Nancy Doyne, screenwriter of What Maisie Knew — an insightful character film , starring Julianne Moore. Now, Nancy's debut novel, Ten Swamps , will be out on November 25th (published by Pointed Leaf Press). We dive into writing the topic of childhood trauma, and real-life stories, as well as her transition from writing for film to writing novels.  Pre-order...

Matt and Jeanne chat with middle-grade author and graphic novelist, Karina Evans about her writing routine, juggling genres, navigating writing advances ... oh, and the days when she was an intern for Pipeline! Lots of great writing advice that we all need to hear. Resources from this episode: Karina's website Karina on IG: @karinaewrites Karina's Linktree Enter a Book Pipeline Competiti...

Chantelle Aimée Osman shares advice on queries, editing, and the first 50 pages. And there's talk of upholstery. Just listen. You won't regret it. Resources : Chantelle's Symposium " Beyond the Query: The First 50 Pages " (on Wednesday, July 23rd ... all registrants receive a copy of the recording) Chantelle's Symposium Host Page Chantelle's Website 22 Literary (...

Matt and Jeanne chat with Clay Stafford—author, producer, actor, poet, and liver of life. Honestly, the list of his talents is longer than this episode.  Listen to Clay's story of breaking in, the importance of networking, the power of the hustle, and tips for writing in multiple mediums and working with mentors. The advice might just change your perspective on the craft of writing. Check Cla...

The story indeed can save you ... from corporate hell ... but you have to be more creative then ever these days to financially survive as a writer. Jeanne and Ciara talk with New York Times bestselling author, J.D. Barker, about quitting a job to dive head first into a writing career ... and so much more!  J.D. Barker (Jonathan Dylan Barker) is an international bestselling American author whose wo...

Writer Erin Hemenway shares her path from circus youngin' to screenwriter to self-published author ... who created a Naughty Mrs. Claus. Yes, you read that correctly. Resources from this episode : The Night Before Christmas by Erin Hemenway Erin Hemenway's website Erin on IG: @erin.go.write Erin on TikTok: @erin.go.write Erin on Facebook Symposium's mentioned : Step-by-Step Guide to...

Ciara Duggan and Jeanne Veillette Bowerman joined a recent Coverfly educational day of fun by leading a Q&A with a live audience on the value of adapting screenplays into novels. But wait, there's more! Insights on the publishing process, acquiring an agent, and self-publishing tips were discussed, as well. We left no stone unturned. Resources from this episode: Scrivener Software Symposi...

A random chat about conferences, setting expectations as an author, and why screenwriters and authors should hang together. Resources from this episode: Bouchercon Thrillerfest Enter a Book Pipeline Competition: Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation) Need critique? Submit to Book Pipeline's Workshop Join a Symposium session : Symposium Events Follow us on X : @StoryWillSaveU @CDugganBooks...

Ciara and Jeanne dive into audiobook production with actor and professional book narrator Megan Tusing. Megan shares everything you never knew about the audiobook world, including working with publishers, indie authors, and what an author should ask for when selling their audiobooks. One thing shouldn't surprise you though ... the need for research and great communication. If you're an a...

After a long week of heat wave exhaustion, Ciara and Jeanne weigh in on whether or not to include the story ending in your query letter. Pros and cons were tossed about, as well as tips for writing contests. Sure, we rambled, but it's all writerly stuff. Well, most of it. You'll have to listen to hear the ending ... see what we did there? If you have a topic you'd like us to cover i...

What makes a reader stop reading a book? As always, it depends. Pipeline's Matt Joseph Misetich and Jeanne Veillette Bowerman explore what leads them to DNF (Do Not Finish) when reading material. In fact, we coined a new phrase: "DNF Guilt." It's real. We have it. You might, too. But the best way to combat guilt is with honesty. You can always count on us to drop the Hard Truth...

Book Pipeline execs Ciara Duggan and Jeanne Veillette Bowerman take you on the brutally honest ride of publishing ... and hold on. It's bumpy. But don't worry—the story will save you. In this inaugural episode, Ciara and Jeanne share what drew them to writing as well as how they are (or aren't) juggling writing and life. Resources from this episode : Pipeline Artists Jeanne's a...