As a writer, I am fascinated by other writer's processes. Whether it's how they approach worldbuilding or how they weave in thematic elements, I am always looking to dive a little bit deeper.

On my YouTube Channel, Mik Writes, we talk about how there is no one set way to write a book, that the art is in the process itself. This podcast aims to really unravel the stories behind the stories these authors tell. To open up and share the intimate process of creating their art.

PEN TO POD seeks to build a community of writers who are wanting to learn from each other with bi-weekly interviews of today's most intriguing authors.

On our off weeks, we will dive into the art of writing itself, exploring craft concepts through the lens of short stories, novels, and more to sharpen your skills and ignite your creativity

Season One starts Monday, September 23rd with our first guest: Kath Richards.

Follow Mikayla Kimes on YouTube here: @MikWrites

Follow the podcast on Instagram here: @PentoPodcast

Summary

In this conversation, Mik and Kath Richards explore Kath's journey from New Mexico to Utah, her evolution as a writer, and the impact of her education on her craft. They discuss the nuances of genre fiction, the themes of connection and personal experience in writing, and the challenges of writing action sequences. Kath shares insights from her self-publishing journey and offers advice on marketing and building an author brand, all while promoting her debut novel, 'A Love Most Fatal.'

Topics

• What is “literary” in genre fiction?
• Themes arising naturally when writing
• Kath’s Short Fiction
• The Theme of Connection and Relationships in Kath’s Work
• The Inevitability of Miscommunication in Relationships
• Difference between short fiction and longer fiction 
• A Love Most Fatal by Kath Richards
• Kath’s Writing Process
• Self-Publishing
• Marketing for Self-Published Books
• Vampires: The Monster Within All of Us

Books, Media and Authors Mentioned

Fallen by Lauren Kate: fallen angel YA romance

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson

Marilyn Robinson - Literary author Kath adores

Beach Read by Emily Henry 

The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

Perfect Little World by Kevin Wilson

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldry 

H.D. Carlton - Indie Author

Greer Rivers - Indie Author

Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee

Twisters (2024) - new movie 

Emails I Can’t Send - Sabrina Carpenter (album)

Short n’ Sweet - Sabrina Carpenter (album)

Kath’s Work

All We Have by Kath Richards

Night Swimming by Kath Richards

A Love Most Fatal by Kath Richards

https://www.kathrichards.com/

Resources Mentioned

• Kath’s Writing Discord - The Writing Team  (deadline sep 26)
• Travis Baldry’s Self Published Book Launch A-Z: a great resource on how to self publish
• Word Weavership by Sam’s Creative Cure: Membership for authors to get access to marketing templates.

Mik Writes

If you want to follow the host, Mikayla Kimes, you can on her YouTube channel @MikWrites. On the channel she discusses her own personal writing journey and other craft topics.

Keywords

writing, romance, self-publishing, MFA, genre fiction, family themes, miscommunication, action sequences, author journey, book marketing