Writer Unblocked – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Anthony Casella is a writer based in New York. He holds an MFA in creative writing from The New School. His work has appeared in HOBART, The Diverse Arts Project, and has been translated to Italian. He is currently working on his first novel. You can find him on Instagram @anthonyfcasella.

Resources mentioned:

QueryTracker: https://querytracker.net/

Publisher’s Marketplace: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/

For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Writer Unblocked, I’m chatting with author Brooke Dean. She is a mother, story teller, content creator, producer, editorial operations director - and now author -  with over 20 years of television and digital media experience. Brooke currently oversees the Audible Originals Third Party Scripted Content and Podcasts team at Audible where she produced the best-selling audiobook Force of Beauty: A Newark Family Memoir by Mikki Taylor.  She has written for online magazines focusing on love, sex, relationships and lifestyle content. Her first erotic romance novel, Brooklyn Unbound,  released in June of 2022; and the much anticipated sequel, Brooklyn Unleashed, released on February 14th, 2023. The steamy climax to the Brooklyn Unbound Trilogy, Brooklyn Unraveled, released on February 14, 2024 - and all are available wherever books and audiobooks are sold. A native Philadelphian, now a NYC transplant, Brooke  resides in Queens with her  son Jaxon, who is also the author of the children's book series The Whisker Gang.

Brooke’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookedeanauthor/

Brooke’s Website: https://www.brookeddean.com/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Amazon KDP: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/

IngramSpark: https://www.ingramspark.com/

ACX: https://www.acx.com/

Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/

Moods and Books: https://www.booksandmoods.com/

Findaway: https://www.findawayvoices.com/

For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Writer Unblocked, I’m chatting with Christina Diane, a wife and mother who enjoys weaving stories of love and passion from her home in Northern Maine. Her favorite genre to read and write are historical romances set in the Regency era. She took a long break from writing when her kids were younger, but found that she couldn’t stop thinking about stories and characters she had to get on paper! And with only a few weeks to go for her self-publishing launch, she got a SIX book deal from a publisher!

We talk about using Miro Board for storyboarding and character building, Regency Slang, investing in the community to authentically grow your following and investing in your career as an author. 

Christina loves chatting with her readers and talking about great reads, so please contact her on her socials!

You can find Christina Diane on:

Website: https://christinadianebooks.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/christinadianeauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinadianeauthor

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/christinadiane

For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Writer Unblocked, I’m chatting with Liza Darnton. She’s been in publishing for over 20 years. Her background includes in-house acquisitions editor for Penguin and Amazon Publishing as well as an independent editor working directly with both professional and new authors. Liza is also an agent at large for Mary Evans Inc.

You can find Liza on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-darnton/

For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Writer Unblocked, I’m chatting with David Glover, an actor, poet, playwright and director from Philadelphia. His book Beneath My Body Armor, is one of the most incredible and intimate poetry collections I’ve ever read. 

You can find David on instagram @sirdavidlawrenceglover.

For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bria Rose went from Disney cast member to self-published dark romance author—and now she’s releasing her audiobook narrated by none other than Jacob Morgan.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Disney shaped her storytelling instincts
• The origin of Her Dark Promise (a Beauty & the Beast retelling where Belle is the beast)
• Working with a professional editor and designing a standout cover
• Booking Jacob Morgan & Grace Noble for the audiobook
• How she landed book signings at Barnes & Noble (as an indie author!)
• What’s next: a spicy Pinocchio novella and a secret project with HarperCollins’ One More Chapter imprint

🎧 Buy Her Dark Promise audiobook

📘 Buy the Kindle or paperback

🛍️ Grab the merch

For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Writer Unblocked, I sit down with award-winning author Carol Van Den Hende to explore how letters can unlock creativity, why empathy and hope are essential in storytelling, and how authors can think about their brand as a promise. Carol also shares her journey from traditional publishing to founding her own B Corp press, and what it really means to publish responsibly.

We talk about:

• How the epistolary format sparked seven chapters in one weekend
• The neuroscience of empathy between writers and readers
• Why authors should celebrate book clubs and community feedback
• The difference between publishing for access and publishing with responsibility
• Defining author brand beyond logos and colors

About Carol Van Den Hende:

Carol is the author of the award-winning Goodbye Orchid trilogy and the forthcoming Dear Orchid (Nov 11, Veteran’s Day). Her books have been named most-anticipated reads by Buzzfeed, Parade, and Travel+Leisure, and praised by Glamour and Woman’s World. Through her writing, speaking, and leadership, Carol champions stories of resilience, hope, and empathy.

Connect with Carol:

🌐 Website: carolvandenhende.com

📸 Instagram: @carolvandenhende

📘 Facebook: Carol Van Den Hende Author

▶️ YouTube: @authorcv

🎵 TikTok: @carolvandenhende

📝 Substack: cvdh.substack.com

🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/cvdh

For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Nicole sits down with Rebecca Fenton—a self-employed media consultant with experience across TV, publishing, audio, and children’s books. Together they explore what it takes to develop original content in today’s saturated landscape, how feedback elevates a good project to a great one, and why authors need to think like creative strategists building a slate, not just a single book.

Rebecca shares insights from her career developing content for Audible, Line Pictures, and literacy nonprofits, and reflects on what it means to take creative risks after going freelance. She also opens up about her inspiration for Mummy and Me (available in the U.S. as Mommy and Me), a beautifully illustrated children’s book that celebrates the everyday joy of single parent households.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Rebecca’s website: rebeccafentonmedia.com
• Mommy and Me (U.S. edition)

If you loved this episode, please share it with a fellow writer and leave a review!

May contain affiliate links.

For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Nic DiDomizio joins Nicole for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and brutally honest. In this candid episode, Nic pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make it in traditional publishing—from query letter heartbreak to near-deals that died in acquisitions, and the unexpected role James Patterson played in his debut.

We also dive into Nic’s latest novel, Nearly Wed—a romcom that blends lobster lore, pop culture references, and age-gap romance in a way that speaks directly to every geriatric millennial’s soul.

You’ll hear:

• The emotional rollercoaster of getting traditionally published
• How to survive the query trenches and “dying on submission”
• Why your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect
• The importance of persistence, community, and knowing your path

Plus, Nic shares his manifestation list for 2026 (spoiler: it includes starred reviews, strong preorders, and Nearly Wed: The Movie).

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to break into traditional publishing—or stay in it—this episode is for you.

Books mentioned:

📚 Nearly Wed

📚 The Gay Best Friend

📚 Burn It All Down

Check out Nicolas’ Instagram: @nicdidomiziobooks and Website: https://nicolasdidomizio.com/

For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

May contain affiliate links.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this soulful and honest episode of Writer Unblocked, Nicole sits down with writer and developmental editor Victoria Jane to unpack what really goes into shaping a strong novel—and a resilient author. They talk about the power of developmental editing, how to support sensitive and neurodivergent writers (including those with ADHD), and why writing doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Victoria shares how she helps authors refine story structure, deepen character arcs, and gain clarity when they’ve read their manuscript one too many times. From her love of romance and fantasy to her own journey writing her debut rom-com With You I Glow, Victoria emphasizes the importance of play, nervous system regulation, and creating for the joy of it.

They also explore AI in publishing, perfectionism, and the emotional work of writing—and how to protect your creative voice through it all.

Whether you’re in the messy middle of your manuscript or struggling to “feel like a writer,” this episode will speak to your heart.

Resources & Links:

• Want to work with Victoria? She offers free intro calls and sample edits!
• Visit Victoria's website: victoriajaneeditorial.com
• Follow Victoria on Instagram: @editsbyvictoriajane
• Check out her podcast: @bookshopchats

In This Episode:

• What a developmental editor actually does—and when to hire one
• Why writers with ADHD and sensitive nervous systems need different kinds of support
• The mindset shift that can unlock your authentic voice
• Using rituals (like Nicole’s now-famous orange juice routine!) to ground your creativity
• How Victoria’s own editing journey transformed her debut novel
• The nuanced take on AI tools for authors and editors
• The creative superpower of rest, fun, and self-compassion

For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.