Marissa chats with Amanda M. Helander about her debut romantasy, DIVINE MORTALS. Also discussed in this episode: how keeping diaries can be a first step in a writing career, publishing timelines and how there’s no such thing as typical, the frustration of fitting books into age categories and writing books in their margins, worldbuilding, planning for a duology, mining breadcrumbs from book one to create threads in book two, embracing limitations in characters, writing to make yourself happy, and so much more!

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Marissa chats with Sabaa Tahir about the first book in her new YA fantasy duology, HEIR. Also discussed in this episode: Yosemite National Park, using the GMC (Goal, Motivation, Conflict) technique, how the final, typeset draft can be a place where momentum requires deeper revisions (much to publishers’ chagrin), adding unexpected twists midway through a book to surprise the reader, the power of self-bribery, using our world to influence world-building and so much more!

Yosemite National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm 

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In this bonus craft episode, Marissa shares her seven best tips and strategies for balancing multiple writing projects. Discussed in this practical episode: how many projects she works on at any given time and what stage in the process they are at, how she prioritizes, what she does in the times when she isn’t or can’t be drafting, and so much more! 

 Extra bonus: This episode also includes upcoming book announcements that you may have missed!

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Marissa chats with Stephan Lee about his new contemporary YA - K-POP REVOLUTION - as well as the difficult decision to leave your (second) dream job in order to pursue your ultimate dream of becoming a writer; some strategies for giving your ensemble cast of characters great chemistry while making them feel like authentic people; how injecting some sadness into your story can help develop emotional attachment between readers and minor characters; writing song lyrics by replicating real-life musical styles and tapping into your characters' inner emotions; plus a candid discussion on how public criticism can hurt - whether you're a K-Pop idol or a debut author! - and some thoughts on protecting ourselves emotionally from other people's opinions. 

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Marissa chats with Lindsay Eagar about her new middle grade novel - THE PATRON THIEF OF BREAD - as well as taking a trip to the bookstore in order to determine your primary genre; how to beat the querying slush pile (and why slush pile statistics aren't really as discouraging as they seem); using an alternate point of view to build on your story's major themes; upping the stakes in a "quiet" story by giving your protagonist an impossible choice; the fun dynamics of the rag-tag group of characters, and why we all love a found family story; and some top tips for becoming a more prolific writer... just keep in mind that productivity can and should have limits.

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Marissa chats with TJ Alexander about their debut romance - CHEF'S KISS - as well as some suggestions for writing luscious food descriptions, including actually testing out some of the recipes you're trying to describe; the oft-told (but debatable?) advice that if you can do anything other than write, then you should do that; considering your story's built-in tension and need for emotional distance when deciding between a single or dual point of view format; two of our favorite romance tropes - the slow burn and the grumpy x cheerful pairing - and how the two can work together to make for an organic romance; and some excellent advice for writers about to start looking for a literary agent: don't write a query letter, write the jacket copy for your future book. (Your future editor will thank you!)

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Marissa chats with J.C. Cervantes about her YA contemporary romance - FLIRTING WITH FATE - as well as coming up with five "pinch points" in your story to build suspense and challenge your protagonist; surprising your readers by always looking for places to turn the story on its head, and how sometimes you just need a little more thinking time to let the story unfold; why main characters are so much harder to write than secondary characters; the strange overlap between writers and runners, and how it's super important to treat ourselves and our bodies well; and mining your own experiences to write dynamic family relationships. (No siblings? No worries! Try consuming books and media with the sorts of relationships you're aiming for.)

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Marissa chats with Hanna Alkaf about her new YA murder mystery - QUEEN OF THE TILES - as well as some challenges that are unique to the mystery genre, and how writing a mystery plot is a bit like conducting an ongoing excavation; what to do when your craft skills aren't yet to the point where you feel you can do your story justice, and how it's okay to set a project aside in order to focus on developing your craft and confidence (remember, you can always come back to it!); the difference between reading for pleasure and reading with the intent of uncovering another author's secrets; and how self-doubt can lead us to limit our creativity and our careers. Plus: You should totally bookmark this episode for the next time you need an encouraging pep talk and a reminder to trust your intuition. (You're not the only one!)

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Marissa chats with Emily J. Taylor about her debut YA fantasy - HOTEL MAGNIFIQUE - as well as writing a "setting-first" book by treating your setting as a character, with its own backstory and personality; using a variety of sources (many unexpected) to inspire unique setting details; digging deeper into your worldbuilding and magic system with every round of revisions; and constantly asking yourself what else you can add that will surprise your readers. We also discuss using your characters' secrets to build romantic tension, and how it's important that your love interests see each other as equals, even when they are on different levels of the social hierarchy; and taking a closer look at your characters' motivations when your story feels like it's gone off-course. Plus, the bonus round uncovers a simple and fun technique for writing dialogue and banter that Marissa will definitely be trying out. 

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Marissa chats with Erin Entrada Kelly about her new middle grade contemporary - THOSE KIDS FROM FAWN CREEK - as well as including a multitude of points of view in your novel and how to give a unique voice and character arc to each one; some different ways to think about how you develop primary versus secondary characters; finding the middle ground when it comes to subtext, so that it is neither too vague or too obvious, and still leaves space for readers to draw their own conclusions; one fantastic question to ask yourself during editing that will help you decide what to cut and what to keep; how success does not make self-doubt or impostor syndrome go away, but how we can use those feelings to propel our work forward; and a question Marissa has never gotten to ask before: what was it like to win a Newbery Award?!

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Marissa chats with JC Peterson about her debut YA contemporary - BEING MARY BENNET - as well as the truth universally acknowledged that it can be difficult to talk to family and friends about your writing journey, and why it's important to have writers in your life who "get it"; writing character arc-driven books that contain genuine growth, not superficial makeovers, and how the relationships in the story can shine a light on the different ways your protagonist has changed; one technique to try if you're worried your character's voice might be falling flat; how to handle a secondary character that your readers will have a very different opinion of than your protagonist; writing a romantic interest that is both super dreamy and also very believable; and using humor, banter, and voice to make your unlikeable protagonist... well, likeable.

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Marissa chats with Joy L. Smith about her debut YA contemporary - TURNING - as well as finding ways to relate to your protagonist in order to capture raw, authentic emotions on the page, and using humor to balance out your book's really intense moments; choosing first person point of view as a way to manipulate what your readers will see and feel throughout the story; how both YouTube and sensitivity readers can help you get the details right when writing about unfamiliar experiences; developing complex relationships between your characters, and how they often change and deepen over the course of revisions; the simple yet effective advice we should all have posted in our writing space; and some strategies for protecting your own emotions and well-being when delving into difficult topics (musical theater, anyone?). 

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Marissa chats with Lillie Lainoff about her debut YA novel - ONE FOR ALL - as well as some great tips for researching for historical fiction, such as using knowledgeable consultants and going beyond documents to also referencing objects and artifacts; writing a protagonist with a disability or chronic illness, and the challenges posed by maintaining the authenticity of that illness while keeping the plot moving how you want it to; the universally acknowledged truth that book deadlines always seem to coincide with real-life deadlines (why is that??); plus lots of self-care talk, including finding the life balance that works for you (and ignoring advice that doesn't), knowing that asking for help does not make you - or your characters! - weak, asking for a deadline extension when you need it, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable on the page.

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Marissa chats with award-winning author of CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, Tomi Adeyemi, about her new third book in the Legacy of Orisha series, CHILDREN OF ANGUISH AND ANARCHY. Also discussed in this episode: the inspiration for Tomi creating The Writer’s Roadmap courses for writers, feeling like you’re finally a career writer, transitioning from a long-term series to something new, the struggle to take breaks when so many ideas are in your brain, imposter syndrome, movie production updates, and so much more!

The Writer's Roadmap: https://www.thewritersroadmap.net/

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Marissa chats with Dallas Woodburn about her new YA contemporary - THANKS, CARISSA, FOR RUINING MY LIFE - as well as not giving up on a book that you really love, no matter how many years or drafts it takes; creating powerful character arcs by determining the endpoint goal, then figuring out the challenges that character will need to face to get there; the interesting challenge of writing a romance in which the characters are physically distanced from each other; how a book coach might just be the cheerleader and accountability partner you need to help you get your book written; the value of writing for yourself, regardless of whether or not you want to seek publication; and some tips on dealing with the universally frustrating mucky middle and shiny new idea syndrome.

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Marissa chats with Sarah Winifred Searle about her new graphic novel - THE GREATEST THING - and her contribution to the SERENDIPITY anthology, "Keagan's Heaven on Earth," as well as some reasons that Sailor Moon was so creatively nourishing for many people in our generation; the many different paths one can take to reach their dream of becoming a writer, illustrator, or creator;  how fictionalized memoir can be seen as either a giving or a self-centered endeavor (and both interpretations are totally valid), and how much the genre should or should not stray from real life; using a story-within-a-story as metaphor to highlight some of the larger themes of the book; and how technology details help to establish your time period within a specific, almost-contemporary setting. Also... Valentines and secret admirers!

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Marissa and her favorite co-hosts - Sloane and Delaney - chat with Lisa Stringfellow about her debut middle grade novel - A COMB OF WISHES - as well as drawing on mermaid stories and folklore from around the world to create merpeople that feel both new and familiar; some of the "rules" of writing middle grade fiction, and how sometimes you need to listen to your own instincts in deciding what rules to break and how far to push those boundaries; reading your work aloud as a helpful editing tool, both to establish a pleasant cadence in the language but also to make sure what you want to say is really coming across to the reader; using traditional oral storytelling techniques in the written word to help establish a relationship between the reader and the writer; and how teachers can use NaNoWriMo's Young Writer's Program to inspire their students and create a community of writers in the classroom.

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For our 100th episode(!), Marissa chats with Nancy Balbirer about her new memoir - ALMOST ROMANCE - as well as deciding what stories from your life might connect with readers on an emotional level, therefore making them good fodder for your own memoir; how to translate real-life into an actual book that includes all the necessary elements of a good story; the importance of establishing trust with your reader and why highlighting what you don't remember can be just as powerful as highlighting what you do; understanding the gray area between truth and memory and using primary sources (i.e., friends and emails) to help you nail the details; embracing a life-long love of vocabulary and the rhythm of words; and some thoughts on dealing with criticism, even if you happen to have really thin skin.

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Marissa chats with Leslie Vedder about her debut fairy-tale-inspired fantasy - THE BONE SPINDLE - as well as crafting adventurous puzzles and booby traps in the written word, when we're so used to seeing them in a visual format; using backstory to develop realistic character flaws that will create lots of tension and drive the plot forward; deciding what to keep and what to change in order to make your fairy tale retelling feel new and interesting in the genre; balancing a mix of romantic and platonic relationships in one book, and how to keep each storyline unique from the others; and lots of love for our mutual fanfiction backgrounds and how - for many of us - writing fanfic helped to build a foundation of joy in the writing process.

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In our first episode for 2022, Marissa chats with Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera about their new contemporary romance - HERE'S TO US - as well as our semi-charmed road-to-publication stories; the expectations within the romance genre and how it can strengthen the story to approach every relationship as if you don't already know how it's going to end; lots of talk about writing loveable secondary characters, from best friends to boyfriends; how deadlines and pandemics impacted the collaborative process between two different books, and some pros and cons of each method; and the role of the capital-U Universe in both contemporary fiction and real life.

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For our final episode of 2021, Marissa chats with Chelsea Bobulski about her new four-book contemporary series - ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS - as well as the ins and outs of planning a series of rapid release companion novels, and why one might want to avoid overlapping timelines if possible; why your "learning" manuscripts are just as important as the book that gets published; the pros and cons of writing and releasing books on an accelerated schedule; the power of having a great support system at your side, especially when you're growing your career and raising a family at the same time; and choosing to focus your energy on social media channels and promotion strategies that you enjoy and can do well, rather than spreading yourself too thin and risking burnout. 

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Marissa chats with Claire Winn about her debut sci-fi novel - CITY OF SHATTERED LIGHT - as well as some rules for worldbuilding, including guidance into how deep your knowledge of the world should go and how much to reveal to the reader in order to create an immersive experience; seeking out knowledgeable resources to assist with things you don't fully understand, such as advanced technology or brain science; figuring out your story's obstacles first and your plot second, so that you can lay out the story in an order that makes sense and keeps the action moving; using video games to inspire everything from battle scenes to worldbuilding to evoking a certain mood from scene to scene; and what to do with those "revise and resubmit" requests from agents, along with some words of comfort if that book still doesn't sell. (Spoiler: It's not the end of your writing journey!)

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Marissa chats with writing duo Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman about their young adult fantasy - ALL OF US VILLAINS - as well as using archetypes to guide your decisions when building a large cast of characters, then adding layers through personality details; developing a complex magic system and determining when and how to break your own magic rules; being intentional with your setting details and descriptions in order to evoke a certain mood; and lots of insight into the co-writing process, from things to consider when entering into a writing partnership (think: communication, trust, and a shared vision for the project), as well as some potential challenges (like technology hiccups and - gulp! - having to share your unpolished work with someone else).

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Marissa chats with Tif Marcelo about her contemporary YA romance - THE HOLIDAY SWITCH - as well as the importance of being flexible, whether that's making adjustment to your career path or trying something new with your writing to see where it leads; discovering your characters in your first draft, and "putting them together" in revisions - yes, even if it means having to rewrite all your dialogue; balancing romantic sparks with ongoing tension by first determining where your protagonist and love interest both attract and repel each other; why the power of changing your mind is just as important for us writers as it can be for our protagonists; some thoughts on how hosting our respective podcasts has helped us feel connected to other writers during the pandemic; and the idea that reading a book can be a little bit like reading your horoscope - we often get from it what we are looking for.

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Marissa chats with the husband-and-wife writing team of Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka about their latest YA adventure heist novel, HEIRESS TAKES ALL. Also discussed in this episode: the process of cowriting and the division of labor that resembles a marriage, carefully and consciously casting a heist book’s ensemble of characters, benefiting from each other’s writing strengths, the benefits of having a cowriter for marketing and events, and so much more! 

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Marissa chats with Jennifer Donnelly about her fairy tale retellings - STEPSISTER and POISONED - as well as Marissa's newest novel - GILDED! We delve into some of the deeper themes in our favorite stories, and how writers can use retellings to change an ongoing discussion in our society; how so many retellings come from a place of irritation with the source material and why creators are often drawn to "set the story right"; why embracing the darkness in fairy tales adds a layer of authenticity and can ultimately be empowering for young readers; writing protagonists that include a little bit of ourselves in them and also a little bit of who we'd like to be; using word choice, sensory details, and haunting music to capture an eerie vibe in your writing; and various techniques for developing villains and morally ambiguous side characters who are both alluring and multi-dimensional. 

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Marissa chats with Roseanne A. Brown about her new fantasy novel - A PSALM OF STORMS AND SILENCE - as well as weaving together two storylines with alternating points of view by ensuring that each subplot consistently informs the other; developing big stakes and powerful motivations for your protagonists that will continuously increase the book's suspense; using riddles (or spells, or clues, or prophecies...) as a clever plot device to build forward momentum into your plot; some tips for making a fantasy world that feels particularly lush and lived in; balancing multiple writing projects at a time by first developing a time management system that works for you and then finding ways to access a different headspace for each project; and choosing to take your writing seriously, no matter where you are on the journey.

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In this bonus episode, Marissa chats with her own literary agent - Jill Grinberg of Jill Grinberg Literary Management. Answering questions from listeners, topics include how Jill became Marissa's agent and the author/agent relationship (which shares a lot of similarities to marriage); what, exactly, a literary agent does and why it's important to find one that shares your overall vision; why authors should think long-term when it comes to career planning, and how many sustainable writing careers are built gradually, not necessarily with a big, splashy debut; how publishing is an industry built on relationships, and a little bit of kindness and appreciation can go a long way; and lots and lots of talk about - yes! - the query letter! Including a few Dos and Don'ts, and how you can get your query letter to stand out from the crowd.

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Marissa chats with Rachel Smythe about her debut graphic novel - LORE OLYMPUS, Volume 1 - collected from her popular web comic. Topics include recontextualizing Greek myths for a modern audience; respecting your old work - no matter how cringy you feel about it - because it got you to where you are on your creative journey today; how sadness and angst in our reading material can actually make us happier (who knew?); some thoughts on writing serialized stories, such as web comics, and how each episode should be written for both your long-term readers who crave ongoing story structure, and also new readers searching for week-to-week entertainment; a glimpse into Rachel's intricate plotting process; and a wonderful tip for taking away some of the pressure of perfectionism: draft in Comic Sans!

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Marissa chats with Soman Chainani about his new story collection - BEASTS AND BEAUTY: DANGEROUS TALES - as well as the incredible feeling of gratitude one feels when they know they are following their true calling in life; weaving layers and subtext into your short stories, and how those nuances will be interpreted differently by readers depending on their age, experience, and imagination; taking a deeper look at the questions inherent in fairy tales in order to reinterpret their themes, morals, and the idea of happily ever after; the question to ask yourself after cutting something from your work, once you've had a chance to let it settle - "Do I miss it?"; what to do when your story falls into that gray area between middle grade and young adult (hint: you may not have to do anything); plus a behind-the-scenes look at working with an illustrator.

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Marissa chats with Ayana Gray about her debut young adult fantasy - BEASTS OF PREY - as well as using online resources to learn from other writers about the publishing journey, and as a way to know that you're not alone; choosing your descriptive words carefully in order to evoke a particular feeling, whether you're describing a minor character or a great mythical beast inspired by real-world lore; striking that balance between fast-paced action and deep emotional moments, even when they both need to happen in a single scene (hint: sometimes your story - and characters - just need to pause and take a breath); using backstory and motivation to get your readers invested in your protagonist's emotional journey; and giving yourself permission to pursue a career in writing, despite the naysayers.

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Marissa chats with Sarah Rhea Werner - host of the Write Now podcast and creator of the award-winning audio drama "Girl in Space" - about All Things Creativity! Topics include the definition of "creativity" and how all types of creative expression deserve credit and affirmation; why the practice of conscious consumption is step one in generating lots of ideas; keeping a journal and playing the "what if?" game as effective brainstorming strategies; lots of tips for overcoming various writing fears - from fear of running out of ideas, to fear of failure, to fear of success, and everything in between; re-sparking inspiration for an idea that has started to fizzle out; and how to know when working with a creativity consultant or book coach might be right for you. 

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Marissa is joined by listener Allison Phillips to chat with Marie Lu about her new futuristic duology - SKYHUNTER and STEELSTRIKER - as well as how characters who speak different languages and have different communication styles makes for some unique writing challenges, but ultimately add depth and realism to your world building; what to do with that book of your heart when the market isn't quite ready for it; a great tip for differentiating character voices when writing from two separate first-person POVs; and some of the difficulties of creating during the pandemic, but how we can care for our own mental health by inserting pinpoints of light and optimism into our work. Plus: Marissa's favorite new tip for snacking-while-writing (and avoiding getting your keyboard all messy)!

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Marissa joins Kendare Blake for the virtual launch event of her new paranormal murder mystery - ALL THESE BODIES - hosted by Square Books. Topics include the horrifying real-life murders that inspired the story; what happens when you make a book idea wait to be told, sometimes for years, while you tackle other projects; the decision to leave an ending open to reader interpretation, and how to get it right; why the protagonist of your tale may not make the best narrator, and how a strong narrator acts as a natural lens through which readers will view all the other characters of the story. Plus: gore-themed cocktails, dreamy Twilight dates, and some reader-submitted Q&A!

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Marissa chats with Caitlin Sangster, host of the Lit Service Podcast, about her new fantasy novel - SHE WHO RIDES THE STORM - as well as writing that complex, multi-POV fantasy heist novel, and why Caitlin starts with the characters and their motives; determining the "aboutness" of your story, and how to dig deeper into the heart of your book to uncover the themes you most want your readers to come away with; some things to keep in mind when switching from writing young adult to middle grade; how to use action and stakes to get your reader asking the right sorts of questions from the beginning, without the dreaded first-chapter info dump; and some tips for balancing homeschooling and family life with our personal creative pursuits (with as little parent guilt as possible!).

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

In this 200th (!) episode of The Happy Writer Podcast, Marissa (with some help from Joanne) answers many of your burning questions. Topics discussed: dealing with burnout, crafting three-dimensional characters, writing to trends, co-writing, balancing writing with parenting, and so much more. Also included: much-anticipated updates on TLC production, upcoming tours, new books, and yes, a couple of first-time-heard future project reveals! 

Order and find out more about LET IT GLOW: https://www.marissameyer.com/let-it-glow/
Marissa's book playlists: https://www.marissameyer.com/extras/playlist/

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Farah Naz Rishi about her new contemporary romance - IT ALL COMES BACK TO YOU - as well as writing sibling dynamics and relationships that are as complex and interesting as real-world families; the roles that fate and coincidence can play in a romantic storyline; a few interesting narration techniques that act like different camera lenses through which to view the story and characters; how we tend to be inspired by issues that concern us in the real-world, and how we can use them to add dimension to our stories, no matter what genre we're writing in; why "read more poetry!" has been on Marissa's to-do list for ages; and Farah's unconventional origin story involving law school and video games.

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Sarah Raughley about her new historical fantasy - THE BONES OF RUIN - as well as balancing incredible superpowers with weaknesses and drawbacks - whether physical, emotional, or psychological; using your protagonist's greatest desires, and the consequences they'll face if they don't get what they want, to create escalating suspense; a number of things to consider when designing an in-story tournament or competition; how grounding your historical fantasy in well-researched reality helps your readers suspend disbelief; and a great tip inspired by anime and manga: developing characters around a set archetype, before digging deeper to make them fully realized and three-dimensional.

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa is joined by her daughters, Sloane and Delaney, to chat with Maryrose Wood about her new middle grade novel - ALICE'S FARM: A RABBIT'S TALE - as well as writing in third person omniscient point of view (yes, even for young readers!) and how multiple perspectives can be used to show the interconnectedness of your characters, subplots, and the world at large; how following our writerly intuition often pays off with a serendipitous gift from the universe... or research; crafting authentic cultures and belief systems based on factual research, even when your characters are animals; and the pleasure of lush, sophisticated language and vocabulary, and how neuroscience proves that we shouldn't be afraid to use it in children's fiction. Plus, Sloane and Delaney tell the story of our real-life bunny adventure!

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Victoria Aveyard about her new fantasy novel - REALM BREAKER - as well as a surplus of juicy craft discussion! Topics include the three-act, eight-sequence structure for screenwriting and how it can be applied to novels and series; focusing on plot escalation over the course of multiple books, and using callbacks to show how far your characters have come; a friendlier way to think about the age-old plotter vs. pantser debate; some thoughts on long-term career planning and how to choose your next project; and using maps, real-world history, and "one unbelievable thing" to improve your world-building. Plus: Victoria suggests a simple yet brilliant tactic for developing fantasy names and languages.

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

In this bonus episode, Marissa chats with Mason Engel, sci-fi writer and filmmaker, about his documentary: THE BOOKSTOUR. Topics include a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the documentary making process; why bookstores are the best places to make new friends; the adventure inherent in any roadtrip (hurricanes, pandemics, power outages, oh my!); the unfortunate disconnect that persists between indie authors and indie bookstores; and at least one reason why someone might choose to shop at an independent bookstore, even when there are cheaper options online. (Spoiler: it's all about the love!)   

Find out how you can watch The Bookstour by visiting thebookstourfilm.com. All proceeds from the film go to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation in support of independent bookstores.

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Margot Wood about her debut contemporary novel - FRESH - as well as using unusual narration techniques to break down the fourth wall between narrator and reader, to absolutely hilarious effect; trusting your instincts and ignoring the naysayers, even when/especially when you're writing something very different from the current market; how a book's design and typography can make for an immersive reading experience; the #1 marketing tool for writers, according to the founder of Epic Reads (spoiler: it's your elevator pitch!); and on that note - thinking of your book like a wedding in order to determine its most memorable elements and distill them into an awesome hook.

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Tori Bovalino about her debut young adult novel - THE DEVIL MAKES THREE - as well as tapping into your own fears in order to write effective horror and really scare your readers; treating your setting as its own character, and using real-life locations to hone in on atmospheric details; how completing higher education can change our creative process and impact our career goals; some ways that classic literature can inspire us, and perhaps encourage a bit more sarcasm and wit; and some suggestions for including religious elements in your story without imposing specific beliefs on the work. 

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Julie Murphy about her first adult romance - IF THE SHOE FITS - and her 8 million other projects (PUMPKIN, FAITH, anthologies, oh my!); as well as a little bit of TWILIGHT appreciation; working with a publisher on packaged projects and how much creative control Julie had in her Disney-based romance; placing characters, especially villains, in "different lights" in order to alter how both the reader and other characters respond to them; how groundbreaking and inspiring DUMPLIN' and Julie's full-figured protagonists have been for the market; and some of the differences between writing young adult versus (closed door) adult romance. Also: a mini cameo from Marissa's mom. (Hi Mom!)

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Amy Kim Kibuishi and Kazu Kibuishi about their graphic novels - REALM OF THE BLUE MIST: BOOK ONE OF THE REMA CHRONICLES and AMULET - as well as the bittersweetness of reaching the end of a decades-long project; why romance might be more "acceptable" in middle grade graphic novels than prose novels (though Marissa would love to see more romance in both!); the state of the comics market and where it might be headed next; how living your life according to your values can help you be a good role model for young readers, without the pressures that sometimes come with a more public life; and some great advice for pacing yourself and your creative output, rather than always racing toward the next deadline, in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid the dreaded burnout.

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Axie Oh about her new contemporary romance - XOXO - as well as... K-Pop! The music, the phenomenon, and our personal BTS biases. On the writing front, we talk about using music as inspiration and curating a book's playlist before or after you've written it; why celebrity romances call for a strong protagonist with dreams of their own; choosing to write in genres that you love, and how switching to new genres can help keep us inspired; and the importance of following our intuition when it comes to writing, a.k.a. ignoring the trends and following your passions!
 
Books discussed in this episode can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or buy them online from the Happy Writer bookshop.org store (that benefits indie bookstores) at https://bookshop.org/shop/marissameyer

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Alexene Farol Follmuth about her latest contemporary coming-of-age YA romance, TWELFTH KNIGHT. Also discussed: some of the differences between self and traditional publishing and how the two can come together in a career, crafting the ‘unlikeable female character’, using Shakespeare for source material, structuring a romance differently than what’s expected, the challenge of writing technology and social media that could become quickly dated, and so much more!

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Brandie June about her debut YA novel - GOLD SPUN - as well as All Things Rumpelstiltskin! We compare and contrast our different takes on this beloved fairy tale, covering topics that range from giving our protagonists more agency and independence, to deciding how villainous (or swoony...) to make Rumpelstiltskin and the King. Also: how uplifting - or not - to make the ending of the first book in a series; crafting a love triangle that keeps your readers guessing; the trouble with titles; and when to make the executive decision to toss out elements of the original fairy tale that just don't fit into the story you're creating.

Books discussed in this episode can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or buy them online from the Happy Writer bookshop.org store (that benefits indie bookstores) at https://bookshop.org/shop/marissameyer

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Basil and Kevin Sylvester about their co-written middle grade novel - THE FABULOUS ZED WATSON - as well as writing aspirational "weird kid" characters that can help encourage self-acceptance in readers; the power of brainstorming as a duo and how receiving instant feedback and bouncing ideas off each other can make for speedier writing; one method for dividing the work between co-writers, even when their processes put them on different schedules; how today's young readers are ready for books that feature non-binary/LGBTQ+ characters having adventures beyond the coming-out narrative; and some great tips on creating a fictional treasure hunt that is full of the same allure and wonder that make real-world treasure hunts so enticing.
 
Books discussed in this episode can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or buy them online from the Happy Writer bookshop.org store (that benefits indie bookstores) at https://bookshop.org/shop/marissameyer

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Emiko Jean about her contemporary romance - TOKYO EVER AFTER - as well as channeling your inner teen to write an authentic (and potentially hilarious) protagonist; developing a romance around two characters who are polar opposites, and watching the sparks fly; casting off the idea that we only get "one shot" at a publishing career, and how to pivot after a post-debut rejection; and some tips for researching cultures and places in order to bring authenticity to your contemporary settings.

Books discussed in this episode can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or buy them online from the Happy Writer bookshop.org store (that benefits indie bookstores) at https://bookshop.org/shop/marissameyer

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377

Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/