Explore every episode of the podcast Romancing the Story: Writing Romance, Storytelling, and Book Structure
Dive into the complete episode list for Romancing the Story: Writing Romance, Storytelling, and Book Structure. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Ep 90 - Polishing Love Stories: Editing with Craft and Care with Juicy Details Romance Editors
20 Feb 2026
01:05:08
"...we feel strongly that romance novels have the potential to make the world better in a number of ways."
Juicy Details Romance Editing brings a craft‑focused, thoughtful approach to polishing love stories. Using the “3 Pillars of Genre Fiction Editing,” Monica and Maria take meticulous care with every manuscript and believe deeply in romance’s power to make the world a better place.
At the time of recording, the team was three editors strong; today, they continue their mission as a dedicated duo.
Ep 89 - Writing & Dual Narrating a Holiday Romance with Loren Sorensen, Willa Jaymes, and Christian Leatherman
16 Dec 2025
00:57:01
"I think the number one thing (for an audiobook) is collaboration is the key..."
Audiobooks are an intimate experience. Author Loren Sorensen and Narrators Willa Jaymes and Christian Leatherman would know about creating stories - both in a book and in the booth. Loren gives us a glimpse behind the inspiration of her novella, The Trouble with Christmas. We also delve into Christian's thorough prep work and Willa's careful, immersive approach to character work.
Ep 80 - Writing Through Pain: Chronic Illness Portrayal with Cara Dion
17 Sep 2024
00:54:34
"...if I want readers to be able to identify with the character then I want them to be able to identify with the illness specifically...I can't be ashamed to put the name (of illness) on the page."
Romance author Cara Dion knows writing through the pain of chronic illness is not just about the physical aspects but touches ever part of her life. We chat her experience with chronic illness, the way it affects her writing and using romance as a way to create relatable characters and powerful commentary on challenges, both illness and beyond. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a good, ol' fashioned Hemingway to Sierra Simone pipeline?
Ep 79 - Illustrating a Novel: Prose to Pictures with C.A. Szarek and Gilbert Perez
03 Sep 2024
00:52:40
"I think initially planning it out was kind of difficult. Only because...(the writer) is very descriptive. She says she can't draw, but in my mind, (they) just do it differently. (Writers) do it with words."
USA Today Bestselling Author C.A. Szarek collaborated with comic artist Gilbert Perez to create an illustrated version of her romantic fantasy novel. Chrissy provides the writer's perspective of how she was able to convey and hone down her story to the essentials to be illustrated. Gilbert provides the artist perspective of composing scenes, managing workload, and figuring out limitations - such as color blindness - to create art.
Ep 78 - Book Adaptation: Turning Novels into Screenplays with Emily Roberson
27 Aug 2024
00:52:32
"....(Screenwriting) is, to me, a lot more puzzle-like than novels...if somebody gives me a screenplay to read that is 140 pages, I know it doesn't work."
Award-winning author Emily Roberson explores the intricacies of adaptation as she delves into how to write compelling scripts. From options as an author to translating a story to the screen, Emily shares insights, challenges, and plenty of examples. Whether you’re a writer or simply curious about storytelling, join us as we unpack the written word and its visual counterpart.
Ep 77 - Romance in Film: Crafting Romantic Stories with Tosca Musk
22 Aug 2024
00:48:10
"As a romance fan, we couldn't get anybody or any of the networks to buy into....(or) pay to make these adaptations, and so we started our own streaming platform..."
Tosca Musk, CEO and founder behind streaming service Passionflix, takes proper time, care, and effort to make a romance book into a movie for the fans. We chat determining what role she takes in each production, the power of delegating and getting fans involved with productions. It's all part of her master plan-fingers crossed!
Ep 76 - Character Development: Writing an Identity Not Your Own with Alex Temblador
13 Aug 2024
00:49:28
"...and if you create this single story for a people of a certain historically, marginalized identities; you know, that gets taken by readers and it gets inside of them in ways we might not expect or intend to..."
Award-winning author Alex Temblador commitment to diverse storytelling helped create a tool to authentically write and edit a character whose identity differs. We delve into the art of authentically writing characters whose identities differ from our own by exploring the complexities of crafting diverse characters, addressing topics such as identity terms, stereotypes, and unconscious biases.
Connect with Alex https://www.alextemblador.com/ https://www.writinganidentitynotyourown.com/ Twitter/X: @alex_temblador Instagram: @alex_temblador Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1360921567 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextemblador/ GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15807980.Alex_Temblador
Writing an Identity Not Your Own: A Guide for Creative Writers https://amzn.to/4dhE8JS
---------
Other Media Mentions:
Writing the Other (Conversation Pieces) https://amzn.to/3X467Gj
Ep 75 - Writing Family Dynamics to Reveal Character with Amber Royer
05 Aug 2024
00:52:11
"...Introducing family shows a different side (to the character) and allows the character to be a little more well-rounded in the way they interact..."
Writing instructor and multi-genre author, Amber Royer, encounters the challenges and surprises of introducing new characters with her Bean to Bar Cozy Mystery Series. She even touched on understating off-page characters until authors know the dynamics they present with the main protagonist and the importance of moving a character forward.
Connect with Amber http://amberroyer.com/ Twitter/X: @amber_royer Instagram: @amberroyerauthor Facebook: @Amber.Royer.Author
Ep 74 - Indie Romance Audiobook: Production and Narration with Melissa Whitney and Harlow Wilde
15 Jul 2024
00:48:52
"It's been fun to kinda see (Melissa's writing) evolve also in the narration I have done for her....her stories get better and better with time. It's the same with narration too."
Romance author Melissa Whitney Author and narrator Harlow Wilde are a dynamic duo when it comes to audiobooks. We discuss the changing production process of each book, what to expect creating an audiobook, and working together as an author and narrator for the best listening experience in an audiobook.
Honestly, this episode is three former theater kids who geeked out about being creative and it's glorious.
Ep 73 - Audiobook Marketing: How to Grow Listeners with Karen White
08 Jul 2024
00:58:01
"If you're just starting out, I personally would recommend waiting (to invest in audiobooks) until you have a full series that...is selling well. ...If the series isn't working, you're not going to know that until the series has been out for a while."
As an author and narrator, Karen White knows what it takes to get into listening ears. We discuss her passion for audiobooks with the creation of Home Cooked Books, an audiobook community designed to support authors and readers. She shares leveraging narrators, your platforms, and tips for creating and promoting your audiobook.
Connect with Karen: https://www.homecookedbooks.com/ https://www.karengrey.com/
Ep 72 - Narrative Flow: Building Emotional Arcs with Kimberly Packard
11 Jun 2024
00:45:53
"I try to write really fierce, headstrong characters...but at the same time, it's ok to be vulnerable. It's ok to say I don't have all the answers."
Author Kimberly Packard lovingly calls women's fiction the "trash can punch" genre since it has a little bit of everything, and while her characters and novels run the gamut within the genre, the emotional arcs that keep readers invested is the glue that holds them all together. We delve into balancing emotional arcs in a plot that helps readers root for your characters. She shows us how to lean into feelings - without dragging down the narrative or wearing down the reader!
Ep 71 - The Write Transition: From Podcast to Literary Life with Amy Kelly
28 May 2024
00:48:22
"If it feels like I'm trying to force something...that's usually when I know to kinda let go. Either set it down or hold it with an open hand and see what happens. Whatever happens with it, let that be. "
Amy Kelly, the new leader at Lone Star Literary Life, shares her unique journey as an author, podcaster and literary advocate to enrich both Texans and other authors. We explore how previous experiences and knowledge all lead to taking over LSLL and managing time and effort into the right endeavors.
Ep 88 - Wattpad & Serialized Fiction: Writing That Hooks Readers with Lux Raven
01 Dec 2025
00:57:34
"There's a reason a lot of the marginalized characters start out in places like Wattpad...it becomes this people driven publishing house in a way...."
Watty award winning author, Lux Raven, understands how platforms like Wattpad are influencing publishing, reader's habits, and the rules of writing. We chat the success of serialized fiction and how authors can succeed there too. Plus, we chat the making of binge-able moments that can help build an audience.
Ep 70 - Using AI Ethically to Make the Most of Your Writing with Marcy Pusey
21 May 2024
01:00:12
"There's this living in alignment, in integrity, and I don't like to do things out of alignment...and this is an area that has some consequences."
Bestselling Author, Tedx Speaker, and therapist, Marcy Pusey helped me delve into the ethical use of AI in the creative process - pros and cons. She illuminates how AI operates with creative recycling and what questions authors should ask when considering its use - even with freelancers. Together we explore defining ethical for an author's writing if they choose to use it and being transparent to readers. Join us in an enlightening conversation regarding the future of writing!
Ep 69 - The Authorpreneur Mindset: Blooming in Adversity with Kathryn McClatchy
13 May 2024
01:02:44
"(It) started as a blog, Unleashing the Next Chapter, to document my stroke recovery and unleashing is a nod to the fact that I had just gotten Gizmo (service dog)...to (now) having a boutique marketing agency..."
Kathryn McClatchy is an authorpreneur and consultant who lived two distinct lives: one before strokes and one after. She reveals what it took to rebuild a life in the aftermath of multiple strokes and turning her passion of helping others into a thriving business and the Authorpreneurs Unleashed podcast.
Ep 68 - Beyond Stereotypes: Crafting Authentic Characters with Disabilities with Melissa Whitney
13 May 2024
00:48:35
"....Whenever you are going to write disability or anytime you're going to write outside of your lived experience, first you have to ask yourself: Do you already platform and support this community?"
As a romance writer with a disability, Melissa Whitney writes fantastic HEAs for non-typical protagonists - who have disabilities and neurodivergences. In the discussion, we explore the nuances of creating authentic characters with disabilities and how to write with empathy and accuracy while bringing depth to the writing.
Ep 67 - Tragedy and Humor: Creating a New Happily Ever After with Courtney Deane
09 Apr 2024
00:41:31
"...I certainly hope that (this book) reaches the people who do, for one reason or another, feel that the world has just been so unfair to them and why can't it pick on somebody else for once..."
After both her parents died, Courtney penned those tragedies into a debut book, When Happily Ever After Fails. In the book, she proves all tragedies can be rewritten, and happiness can bloom where you least expect it. We chat revising a happily ever after doesn’t have to be an “all or nothing” mentality and mingling dark and light elements of life is more fact than fiction.
Ep 66 - Collaborative Magic: Crafting a Holiday Novella Series with Lark Green, Lucy Limon, and Catrina Bell
08 Jan 2024
00:55:54
"...as we're solving problems in our own stories, we're creating problems for the other stories that (Lark and Catrina) had to work in... It made for some really creative outcomes." - Lucy Limon
As critique partners and writers with complementary strengths, romance authors Lark Green, Lucy Limon, and Catrina Bell devised a plan for a holiday novella series where a one author took a different book. We chat how their masterful coordination, thorough world-building, and developmental courtesy helped them stay on track to release the series, even in the midst of last-minute fixes and edits.
Ep 65 - Building an Interconnected Series with C.A. Szarek
15 Nov 2023
00:44:40
"They always say start your book on a day that's different. That's called an inciting incident. That's what I try to do naturally. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't."
A decade into writing her Highlander series, USA Today Bestselling Author C.A. Szarek has built a large cast of interconnected books, and her unorthodox method continues to have no hard and fast rules of writing. We chat about how she gets reacquainted with her books after a period of time away from writing in the world and as an important idea with any writer, how the overall pantsing way of writing her books works best for her.
Ep 64 - Overcoming Writer’s Block and Procrastination with Dr. Nicole Janz
06 Nov 2023
00:48:01
"We need to see writer's block in a different way. It's really not the enemy, but...it's a sign. And usually, it's that your body and your mind are telling you something is off..."
Author and writing coach, Dr. Nicole Janz, helps creatives use their writing voice with breakthroughs on writer's block and procrastination. Straightforward and detailed, we chat about what causes procrastination and how to approach writer's block in a way that is conducive and keeps your story moving forward.
The Write Habit: The Undated Annual Planner and Workbook for Busy Writers https://amzn.to/47moyJN
Ep 63 - Monster Romance: Unconventional Love Stories with Kate Prior
24 Oct 2023
00:45:03
"(Not) to dive into the core fear...that we're unrelatable that people will not communicate with us...and I think that's one of those things you see get demonstrated with monsters in the history of storytelling."
Romance Author Kate Prior fell into writing Monster Romance by accident and now, has three books to show for her Claws and Cubicles series. We discuss writing creatures as an allegory for differences in ourselves and reader's interest in an otherworld romance where Monsters are love interests.
Ep 62 - It’s a Wonderful Life Reimagined: LGBTQIA+ Holiday Romance with Kelly Farmer
17 Oct 2023
00:38:59
"You know it is such a beloved story but the modern twist...it's really a celebration of queer joy and community...like a true Hallmark-y story nothing truly bad happens."
We're celebrating the most fabulous time of the year! Contemporary Romance Author Kelly Farmer crafts heart, humor, and depth into her books and gave the premise of "It's a Wonderful Life" a make-over with LGBTQIA+ characters. We chat the process of lightening the mood with Hallmark vibes and the process of switching characters while staying true to the original for a modern re-telling.
Ep 61 - Writing Engaging Pets and Animal Sidekicks with Amber Royer
25 Sep 2023
00:54:57
"I think the key is either treat the character (animal) as a sounding board...or you treat this as another character on the same level as a human character."
Writing instructor and multi-genre author, Amber Royer, incorporates all types of animals in her writing - from an octopus to a cockatoo. She directs us in how writing sidekick animals and pets typically follow the "save the cat" rule. Plus, how an animal can provide development and impact in a story - including her own cozy mystery Bean to Bar Series.
Connect with Amber http://amberroyer.com/ Twitter/X: @amber_royer Instagram: @amberroyerauthor Facebook: @Amber.Royer.Author
Ep 87 - Ambition and Finding Purpose: Someone's Gotta Give with Alisha Fernandez Miranda
24 Nov 2025
00:52:07
"Someone said to me in my twenties...you can have it all but not all at the same time and that has stuck with me for a long time."
Award winning author, Alisha Fernandez Miranda joined me to chat the myth of “having it all,” motherhood, following your passions, and embracing strengths featured in her debut, Someone's Gotta Give. We also discuss the realities of working in philanthropy, fiction versus memoire writing, and exploring viewpoints of ambition and burnout.
Ep 60 - Re-assessing Successful Writer Goals with Kathryn McClatchy
20 Sep 2023
01:03:25
"....We need time to think. We need time to research, and we need time to be creative. And so that has to go into our calendar as well."
Back in episode 42, Writer, speaker, and social media consultant Kathryn McClatchy provided ways to create realistic, achievable goals and put the right timeframes in place. Over six months later, we're doing a re-assessing of yearly goals since we're both embarking on new stages of life.
Tag along as we chat ever-changing goals. No matter if you are looking to level up your business, writing, or hobbies, the conversation delves into linking identity with goals and how we manage the shift in our schedule and thinking.
Ep 59 - Creating Compelling External Conflict for a Captivating Story with Susan Sheehey
28 Aug 2023
00:44:34
"...What drives the conflict most are the character's goals and motivations. So you have to ask 'what is the main character's top goal in life and the focus of the story?'..."
Author and Developmental Editor, Susan Sheehey writes compelling stories by embracing flaws, loving imperfections, and building external conflict. She reminds us of the great storytelling tools, goals, motivations, and conflict, and as we chat, she helps troubleshoot what authors can do if a story gets stuck without a conflict.
We also discuss methods for gaging conflict and some of her favorite ways to track conflict while writing.
Ep 58 - Scoring Goals and Soccer Romance with Liz Lincoln and Lainey Davis
18 Jul 2023
00:44:25
"My book, A Beautiful Game, was...a love story and also, a love story about soccer and playing soccer."
Liz Lincoln and Lainey Davis score goals when it comes to soccer romance. Both ladies write other kinds of sports romance, but in honor of the World Cup, we chat making soccer (or football!) romance accessible to the masses, writing from althetic and non-althetic POVs, and incorporating real events - like the World Cup - into your book.
Ep 57 - Launching Yourself as an Author before Publishing with Danika Bloom
10 Jul 2023
00:53:05
"Being a pre-published author is to know exactly what your expectations are of yourself and of your writing...Like is this a career for you or do you just have that one story...?"
Danika Bloom, USA Today bestselling romance author, coaches authors like she used to coach small business owners. She empowers and creates a community, so authors don't work alone. We chat tips and methods for launching yourself as an author on the path to publication, rebranding, and resources to help authors achieve their dreams.
Ep 56 - The Power of Voice: Dictating your way to Better Writing with Heidi McCahan
27 Jun 2023
00:40:02
"...Dictating helps me get to the emotional level of my characters a little easier than if I was handwriting or typing on my laptop. It's just for me, dictation takes away a little bit of a barrier..."
Heidi McCahan had an interesting path to becoming a Harlequin author and found a smart way to create leverage in writing multiple books a year - dictation. She utilized dictation for her latest release, One Southern Summer, and chats basics of dictation to finish your draft.
We discuss Heidi's writing process and a dictation course that she put together; plus, tips and tricks to get your story on the page faster.
Ep 55 - Cowboy Romance and Emotional Character Arcs with Kayla Grosse
20 Jun 2023
00:41:08
"...I really wanted all my characters to have this nice arc...They start at point A and then they're sort of figuring their way through it as the book goes on."
Kayla Grosse can't help but write compelling characters with depth - which propelled her previous romance book into a bestseller. Now her cowboy romance, Reign Me In, rides highs and lows as the small-town character's emotional journeys are put front and center; all while hitting all the steamy scenes.
We chat exploring different methods of grief, challenges in writing series and how personal experience has impacted Kayla's writing.
Ep 54 - Planning a Successful Book Launch with Carolyn Choate
13 Jun 2023
00:48:59
"...when you can bring your creative brain to marketing, it explodes. There's so much great opportunity to be creative in marketing and think outside the box and try new things."
Author and Speaker Carolyn Choate hosts The Financially Free Author Show and has been imbedded in the indie publishing world since the wild west of ebook publishing when Kindle first came out! We discuss about the details of books launch and get off on tangents about our passion for podcasting. Plus, she gives a special glimpse of ways she's implementing her own strategies and writers can too!
Ep 53 - Evolving and Embracing Change as a Creator with Bree Unabashedly
05 Jun 2023
00:57:04
"We're pretty good at (the podcast)....I have to not be afraid of like stepping out of the intentions of what it looked like....Not being afraid to step out, to do something different. Owning that like "you're good at what you do". I feel like that's where I'm at right now. "
Whether you are a romance writer, reader or content creator, Bree knows the struggles that comes with growth and transformation. She co-hosts, produces, edits, and co-created The Categorically Romance Podcast that introduces listeners to Harlequin category romance and authors that write under the brand. Come with us as we swap stories of hard-learned lessons in expectations and the reality of a creative.
Ep 52 - A Long, Winding Path to Publishing with Megan Tady
30 May 2023
00:44:10
"We kinda get hit with these overnight success stories, whether it's a writer or anyone...but what I think we don't hear about as much is the actual real toil and grind and rejection that goes into so many books and to being an author."
Author Megan Tady put a lot of editing and querying into her debut, Super Bloom, and has the book to prove it! We discuss why the story of hope, grief, and starting a-new was important to tell. Plus, she talks how the book changed from draft to final version and what author life looks like now that her book has been published.
Super Bloom by Megan Tady: https://amzn.to/42coMzV
Ep 51 - How Rural Settings Shape Stories with E.F. Dodd
22 May 2023
00:40:06
"The city is a beautiful backdrop for (character's) to live their lives in. Whereas in a small town, it's really part of the story."
Romance author E.F. Dodd holds a special place in her heart for rural settings and even set her latest book, A Higher Standard, in a small North Carolina town. We chat how specific settings influence your story and tone of a book. Plus, there's discussion on how to avoid the stereotypes of small-town settings and making a romance worthy of a smooth city slicker and a fiery country girl falling for each other.
[00:02:25] Indie romance author EF Dodd. [00:04:20] Writing two books at once. [00:09:38] Rural North Carolina. [00:13:55] Equine rescue as unique cause. [00:16:02] Realistic rural setting. [00:19:58] Importance of female friendships. [00:22:14] Importance of community in small towns. [00:26:47] Small town community dynamics. [00:30:56] Romance in rural settings. [00:33:34] Preserving historic buildings. [00:37:13] Love and Business.
Ep 86 - Writing a Witchy Holiday Romance using Yule Magic and Lore with Morgan Lockhart
10 Nov 2025
00:44:41
"...usually (writing) my central character is early for me and my central themes are early for me and everything else springs from that, and that includes the magic..."
Author and Veteran video game writer, Morgan Lockhart blends magic, game‑style lore, and emotional stakes in her writing, enough to craft character thematics and individual journeys of magic. We discuss the influence of game writing mechanics in a narrative, shout-outs to Jim Henson, and using family and traditions to address emotional and mental health in the cozy, small town holiday setting.
Ep 50 - Romance versus Erotica and Defining the Genre with Cassandra Rose Clarke
08 May 2023
00:49:44
"(For erotica) You have to have an escalation for how the s*x scenes build on each other, in that sense of things getting more and more serious."
Cassandra Rose Clarke knows how to play with genres. She teaches writing classes across multiple genres and has written over 70 novels - working with official tie-in books like Star Trek, Halo, etc. We chat on what defines an erotica as opposed to a romance - and how language is essential in building the right emotion for salacious scenes. We also theorize on genre-mixing and how stories can incorporate erotic elements.
[0:04:35] Erotica and romance can overlap. [00:06:21] Erotica and romance can overlap. [00:12:39] Erotica should have emotional connection. [00:16:41] Erotica often requires explicit content. [00:21:04 Erotic scenes enhance storytelling experience. [00:26:09] Fantasy romance is legitimate genre. [00:30:56] Exploring sexuality in speculative fiction. [00:36:04] Language and context shape intimacy. [00:44:49] Integrate sex scenes with plot. [00:46:12] Pay attention to language in sex scenes. ----------
Ep 49 - Foundations of Great Storytelling with Megan Haskell
01 May 2023
00:44:26
"If (writers) have a problem...we want to help you target that and take actionable steps. One step at a time (in) chunks so that you can actually move forward right away."
Megan Haskell keeps author's stories rolling. Co-host of the Author Wheel podcast and fantasy writer, Megan delves into the importance of structuring writing time and finding the right fit for telling your story. We discuss popular resources The Author Wheel has to offer, and Megan discusses their new writing reference guides that save time, find clarity, and build a foundation for your next novel.
Ep 48 - Kissing and Killing: Romance and Murder hand-in-hand with Diane Kelly
21 Feb 2023
00:58:13
"You can have the emotion, the angst, and the personal intimate details of a romance, but you can also have the cerebral part of a mystery and solving clues..."
Award-winning author Diane Kelly had a natural progression from romance writer to cozy mystery writer, and she's been mixing genres ever since. She discusses the difference between concocting a murder mystery and building a romantic connection in a story. Plus, we chat the influence of true crime and how justice can be served in when writing a cozy mystery.
[00:04:24] Cozy mysteries feature intelligent women. [00:05:31] Exploring relationships in cozy mysteries. [00:09:35] Balancing genres in cozy mysteries. [00:15:11] Mixing genres can enhance storytelling. [00:19:04] Cozy mysteries and true crime. [00:24:35] Process of outlining cozy mysteries. [00:27:50] Creating suspense in mystery novels. [00:32:20] Understanding human behavior is key. [00:37:49] Romance can enhance cozy mysteries. [00:45:32] Animals bring charm to stories. [00:46:46] Building community in Cozy Mysteries. [00:51:40] Breaking away from Southern stereotypes.
Ep 47 - Writing Multiple Subgenres in Romance with Lauren Smith
13 Feb 2023
00:45:46
"Write like a Reader. If you don't wanna read it, don't write it."
USA Today Bestselling Author Lauren Smith has written 75 books in 8 years - spanning multiple sub-genres in romance. She fully understands the trials and tribulations that come with branding yourself under one author name, as well as using a pen name for a different sub-genre. She talks about pros and cons in writing different sub-genres, her approach to writing different types of romance, and managing details with so many ongoing series.
Ep 46 - Trope Thesaurus Romance Edition with Jennifer Hilt
06 Feb 2023
00:50:33
"You can bend the rules, but you need to know what they are first."
USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Hilt loves a good trope. So much so that she's written several books about it! In working with authors as a plotter and concept creator, she created and wrote the Trope Thesaurus, a writing reference book to help identify tropes and strengthen stories.
Ep 45 - Writing while Working Full-Time with Lark Green
01 Feb 2023
00:43:12
Author Lark Green might be a nurse during the day, but she writes steamy monster romance at night. To deal with the stress of her job and a global crisis, she started writing her own HEA stories. She set a goal to have her debut, The Orc Boss, written and published in a year - all while working full-time in the medical field!
We chat about what her process looked like and what she learned in her first foray into monster romance!
Ep 44 - Conquering Writing Challenges and Getting Unstuck with Holly Lyn Walrath
30 Jan 2023
00:49:48
WRITE WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU WRITE.
That's Holly Lyn Walrath's motto. Holly is a writer, poet, editor, and publisher of Interstellar Flight Press and always finds new ways to challenge her writing. Her creativity allows her to think outside the box with poems and short stories; along with numerous methods on getting unstuck. She teaches writing workshops and shares knowledgeable tips for helping writers of all genres.
Plus, we have a pow-wow about our wins and losses when it comes to writing practices.
Ep 43 - Making a Cozy Mystery Cozy with Amber Royer
23 Jan 2023
00:55:29
Writing instructor and multi-genre author, Amber Royer, understands the heart of what makes a cozy mystery the perfect comfort read - community, characters, a little romance and a dash of murder mystery. She has done vast research on chocolate, occupations, and furry friends to bring her latest series - Bean to Bar - to life.
Plus, we have an honest discussion about charting out romance subplots in a series and handling the romance with care.
Connect with Amber http://amberroyer.com/ Twitter: @amber_royer Instagram: @amberroyerauthor Facebook: @Amber.Royer.Author
Ep 42 - Setting Successful Writer Goals with Kathryn McClatchy
17 Jan 2023
01:01:09
It's always a good time to set goals! Writer, speaker, and social media consultant Kathryn McClatchy knows how to create and hit achievable goals. She'shelped many authors create realistic goals and objectives for their stage of life - and put the right timeframes in place.
We'll be talking all things goal-oriented. No matter if you are looking to level up your business, writing, or hobbies, we break down why goals are important, identifying goals that are realistic for your stage of life and how to lean into your strengths. (Part 1 of 2. Second part can be found on Kathryn's podcast - Authorpreneurs Unleashed)
Ep 41 - Novel Prep and Starting NaNoWriMo with Shayla Raquel
07 Nov 2022
00:49:32
Shayla Raquel is an author, self publishing mentor, speaker, editor, wifey, and dog mom. She's been helping authors on their publishing journey for over a decade and has writing tips to spare!
We chat all things NaNoWriMo and how writers can get invested in any stage of the word count. As a former NaNo winner, Shayla divulges her current methods and tools that set her up for success. Plus, teach you how to apply the tricks for your own writing!
Ep 85 - Addiction Recovery and Resilience in Romance Novels with Thea Claire
13 Oct 2025
00:52:31
"My therapist and I talk all the time about how the support system you have and where you're at (in life) totally dictates how you handle recovery."
Romance Author Thea Claire portrays realistic recovery from addiction in her novels and how resilience shapes character arcs, emotional truths, and heals trauma. We explore the track of her own recovery and the importance of community, pushing through setbacks, and the impact it has on long-term growth.
Ep 40 - Fantasy Romance, Worldbuilding, and Sapphic Lovers with Freya Marske
01 Nov 2022
00:45:58
Freya Marske dazzles readers with her immersive worlds and has the credentials to show for it! She's an international bestselling author, winner of the Romantic Novel Award for Fantasy, and a Hugo-nominated podcaster.
She discusses methods in building meticulous, literary worlds readers want to lose themselves in and how to balance a story that does so much with its premise - think Edwardian Knives Out on a boat! We also chat on leveraging a historic setting to layer a story and fleshing out characters and worldbuilding. Best of all, her series "The Last Binding" centers compelling queer characters that subvert and play on classic romance tropes - the-rake-and-wallflower coupling anyone?
Ep 39 - Curating a Paranormal Romance Anthology with Patrice Caldwell
31 Oct 2022
00:48:59
Patrice Caldwell holds many esteemed titles already - children’s book editor, literary agent, Forbes’s “30 Under 30” media list, and Publishers Weekly Star Watch honoree - and she hold a distinct passion for uplifting diverse voices in the publishing industry.
She discusses the process of pitching, curating, and editing a YA paranormal romance anthology - titled Eternally Yours - with fifteen of today’s bestselling writers, including Casey McQuiston, Julian Winters, Kat Cho, Melissa de la Cruz and Chloe Gong. Editing the anthology with so many diverse voices was no easy feat and we talk about it in all it's glorious detail!
Ep 38 - Rockstar Romance and Plus Size Heroines with Kayla Grosse
24 Oct 2022
00:47:59
Kayla Grosse started off writing scripts but found her calling as a bestselling author of romance. Her rockstar romance, I Like You Like That, is hitting all the right chords with an empowered plus-size heroine and a sizzling love story.
We get real about plus-size representation in media, the influences behind her empowering female protagonist and writing a character that embodies confidence and knows her worth - regardless of size.
TW: We do briefly talk about eating disorders, weight loss, and fatphobia.
Ep 37 - Top Tropes in Romance Writing with Aimee Walker
18 Oct 2022
00:41:18
It's all about tropes! Aimee Walker is a new author and qualified editor - providing all levels of editorial services to authors of romance and women's fiction with clients across four continents. Pulling from her knowledge, clients and resources, she created a top trope book that gamifies tropes found in your favorite contemporary romances. We talk on the importance of tropes and how they cannot be underestimated in romance writing and reading.