Writing and Editing

Send us Fan Mail Author, pirate, and return guest Liz Shipton stops by to talk about engaging in real-world issues through speculative fiction with a focus on humor and female rage, and how those aspects impacted the overall message of her story. ▬ Check out Liz's fantastical adventures on her website: https://lizshipton.com/ Grab a copy of her books here: https://shop.lizshipton.com/ Follow...

Send us Fan Mail Author and journalist Sheila Yasmin Marikar swings by to discuss the pros of using vacation as your story setting, how you can create a deeper exploration of characters in unfamiliar places, and why it is the perfect vehicle for tension and drama. ▬ Learn more about Sheila on her website: https://www.sheilayasminmarikar.com/ Grab your own copy of the beach-y and thrilling Incident...

Send us Fan Mail Writer and teacher Melanie Dobson talks about the nuances of writing dual timelines, why the connections of past and present are important, and gives advice on how to make each time period you include standout while still weaving together. ▬ Find more on Melanie's website: https://melaniedobson.com/ Check out The Lost Story of Via Belle and her other works: https://melaniedob...

Send us Fan Mail Shakespeare scholar and author Caroline Bicks discusses her book, Monsters in the Archive , the insights she learned searching through Stephen King's archives, and analyzes what makes us so attracted to the horror genre. ▬ Learn more about Caroline on her website: https://carolinebicks.com/bio/ Get your own copy of Monsters in the Archive for a deeper dive into Stephen King&a...

Send us Fan Mail Author and educator A.A. Sekhon stops by to discuss writing openings that grab readers' attention, the best way to avoid overwhelming your audience, and how she did this in her own book, Assumptions . ▬ Visit A.A.'s website: https://assumptionsbook.wordpress.com/ Grab the enthralling Assumptions here: https://assumptionsbook.wordpress.com/shop/ Learn more about A.A.&apos...

Send us Fan Mail Author and educator April Reynolds stops by to talk about her book,  The Shape of Dreams , how she tackled the nuanced concepts of justice and injustice, and how other writers can also do the same in their own stories. ▬ Find out more about April's story: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2267230/april-reynolds/ https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/faculty/mosolino-april-re...

Send us Fan Mail Author and educator Lori Carlson-Hijuelos stops by to talk about her new memoir,  A Writing Marriage , the impacts of grief on her life and writing, and how she is focusing on a new period of "reconstruction" in this special episode of  Writing and Editing. ▬ Learn more about Lori's journey here: https://lorimariecarlson.com/bio.html Grab your copy of A Writing Marr...

Send us Fan Mail Author and boat captain Connie Mann discusses creating daring adventures on the page, the allure of these treasure hunt narratives, and gives advice on how to keep the story from dragging along in between the action. ▬ Learn more about Connie on her website: https://www.conniemann.com/ Discover all of the exciting secrets within The Liar's Treasure : https://www.conniemann.co...

Send us Fan Mail Returning guest and author Jean Burgess is back to discuss drawing inspiration from real life for novels, when to research for accuracy and when you can fill in the lines, and how this is all blended together in the genre of retro fiction. ▬ Swing by Jean's website and grab a copy of Navigating Her Next Chapter: https://www.jeanburgessauthor.com/ Find more ways to connect wit...

Send us Fan Mail Author and writing coach Marilyn McEntyre stops by to discuss the little ways that can kickstart your author journey, what allowing yourself creative writing freedom can do, and how really exploring your style makes all the difference. ▬ Find more advice on Marilyn's website: https://www.marilynmcentyre.com/ Check out her wide selection of books: https://www.marilynmcentyre.c...

Send us Fan Mail Author Christine Hill Suntz is back to discuss how stakes of survival can reveal our true selves, how this can present in romance-driven plots, and how these layers of being human reflect upon some societal dynamics as a whole. ▬ Give Christine's website a visit: https://www.christinehillsuntz.com/ Pre-order The Heiress and the Woodsman now: https://www.amazon.com/The-Heiress...

Send us Fan Mail Author and editor Emily Listfield discusses the cultural obsession with elite private schools, why this is the perfect setting to build tension or expose secrets, and what can set your characters apart from the traditional private school archetypes. ▬ Swing by Emily's website and get your hands on a copy of Reasons to Lie : https://www.emilylistfield.com/ Learn more about Emi...

Send us Fan Mail Returning guest and bestselling author T.I. Lowe discusses having a main character with major flaws, how to make audiences still root for them, and why these kinds of narratives are important to write about. *CW: Discussions of addiction* ▬ Stop by T.I.'s website: https://www.tilowe.com/ Peruse her extensive catalogue: https://www.tilowe.com/books Find more from T.I. on her s...

Send us Fan Mail Bestselling author and international speaker Mary Demuth talks about finding the right mentor and agent, the differences between the two, and the best ways to get your book in their hands! ▬ Learn so much more from Mary's website: https://marydemuthliterary.com/ Grab your copy of Restory Your Life here: https://amzn.to/4rpbNIg Check out more about Mary's intensives progr...

Send us Fan Mail Professor and author David Arndt stops in to discuss the philosophy behind writing, why we find such comfort in the written word, and the pillars that he teaches to all his students. ▬ Learn more about David, his book, and how you can reach him: https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/news/david-arndt https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/faculty-directory/arndt-david Access a free electronic copy of Phi...

Send us Fan Mail Returning guest and author Becca Kinzer discusses one of the most popular tropes in fiction, the perfect balance needed in writing opposing love interests, and why these kinds of stories appeal to audiences. ▬ Swing by Becca's website: https://www.beccakinzer.com/about Check out her catalogue, including Not What We Pictured : https://beccakinzer.com/shop/ Follow Becca across...

Send us Fan Mail Author and voice actor Farah Naz Rishi stops by to discuss how different siblings can be even growing up in the same environment, the highs and lows of these relationships, and what's important to think about when writing them accurately. ▬ Visit Farah's website to find more of her insights: https://farahnazrishi.com/ Grab a copy of her books (including The Flightless Bi...

Send us Fan Mail Author and educator Ginny Kubitz Moyer discusses some common fears that surround new and seasoned writers alike, gives tips on how to push past them, and talks about how sometimes bad writing can mean you're doing it right. ▬ Stop by Ginny's website to see more: https://ginnymoyer.org/ Peruse her catalogue of books: https://ginnymoyer.org/books/ Connect further with Ginn...

Send us Fan Mail Author and former executive Kristine Delano reveals the hidden layers of financial thrillers, how to portray suspense and tension without (too much) blood, and the character work that drives it all. ▬ Find more of Kristine's work on her website: https://kristinedelano.com/ Grab her debut, The Lies We Trade, for yourself:   https://kristinedelano.com/#debut Sign up for Kristin...

Send us Fan Mail Author and producer Lee Schneider analyzes the use of technology in storytelling, how authors are trying to keep up with its rapid innovation in real life, and gives tips on how this rise of tech could be used as inspiration for your writing. ▬ Learn more on Lee's website: https://leeschneiderbooks.com/ Check out his books here: https://leeschneiderbooks.com/books/ Follow all...

Send us Fan Mail Author and speaker Bill Cates (not to be confused with Bill Gates, he points out) discusses what exactly a parable is, why lessons in stories are important, and how it is easier to hide them in a narrative than you may think. ▬ Look at all of Bill's fascinating material on his website: https://referralcoach.com/ Grab your copy of The Hidden Heist here:   https://referralcoach...

Send us Fan Mail Screenwriter and former professor Richard Walter stops by to discuss humor in fiction and real life, how we use it within story, and explain why it is an important part of the human condition. ▬ Check out Richard's website and his variety of work: https://www.richardwalterbooks.com/ Connect with Richard on his socials: https://www.facebook.com/ProfRichardWalter/ https://x.com...

Send us Fan Mail Author Daniel Braum returns to discuss ghost stories, how they have changed across the centuries, and how the genre has evolved beyond the original ghastly figures of legend. ▬ Peruse Dan's catalogue and learn more about him: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Braum/author/B01F9C69PS https://bloodandstardust.wordpress.com/about/ Check out Dan's other ghostly tales on h...

Send us Fan Mail Editor, filmmaker, and author Daniel Roth swings by to discuss the importance of dialogue and credibility in keeping readers engaged with your story. ▬ See if your manuscript is ready when you stop by Daniel's website: https://ficklegodsofpublishing.com/ Grab a copy of his book here: https://ficklegodsofpublishing.com/my-book Learn more about transforming your story on Daniel...

Send us Fan Mail Author and editor Alida Winternheimer talks about what theme is (and isn't!), the importance of theme within story, and when you should establish it in your writing process. And make sure you listen until the end to hear the special offer that Alida is giving out to our listeners . . . ▬ Stop by Alida's website to check out all of her work: https://alidawinternheimer.com...