Romancing the Story: Writing Romance, Storytelling, and Book Structure Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:47:49 -0500 https://romancingthestory.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Romancing the Story: Writing Romance, Storytelling, and Book Structure yes Support this Podcast 9dbff6d2-3104-55d5-8f1d-969089f3c4c0 sarahgamez@my.unt.edu Sarah Gamez episodic false Story enthusiast and romance writer Sarah Gamez explores the creative craft and pragmatic aspects of writing with niche topic discussions, inspirational pieces and industry insights. Join in on conversations with authors and experts on creating engaging stories, marketing your books, and navigating the (self) publishing world. Whether you write romance or not, there's plenty of tips to be found on storytelling, genres, and medias. Sometimes, with a twist of romance.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Sarah Gamez sarahgamez@my.unt.edu https://storage.buzzsprout.com/pqqi7xfmvkwapor393jhi53suh6x?.jpg Romancing the Story: Writing Romance, Storytelling, and Book Structure Ep 90 - Polishing Love Stories: Editing with Craft and Care with Juicy Details Romance Editors Ep 90 - Polishing Love Stories: Editing with Craft and Care with Juicy Details Romance Editors "...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.

Connect with Juicy Details:
https://www.juicydetailsediting.com/
Instagram: @juicydetailsediting

---------

Media Mentions:

Ep 30 - Interracial Romance and the South Asian Experience with Khushi T. Saha

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/romancing-the-story-writing-romance-storytelling-and/id1511776362

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> "...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.

Connect with Juicy Details:
https://www.juicydetailsediting.com/
Instagram: @juicydetailsediting

---------

Media Mentions:

Ep 30 - Interracial Romance and the South Asian Experience with Khushi T. Saha

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/romancing-the-story-writing-romance-storytelling-and/id1511776362

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-18340675 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600 3908 romance writing, romance authors, romance novels, romance editing, contemporary romance, romance publishing, indie publishing, writing craft, book editing, self publishing, author advice, romance the story full false Ep 89 - Writing & Dual Narrating a Holiday Romance with Loren Sorensen, Willa Jaymes, and Christian Leatherman Ep 89 - Writing & Dual Narrating a Holiday Romance with Loren Sorensen, Willa Jaymes, and Christian Leatherman "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.

Connect with Loren:
https://www.lorensorensenwrites.net/
Instagram: @lorensorensenwrites
TikTok: @lorensorensenwrites
Shopify: https://lsorensenbookstop.myshopify.com/

Connect with Willa:
https://www.willa-jaymes.com/
Instagram: @willajaymesnarrator
TikTok: @willajaymesnarrator
Facebook: @willajaymesnarrator

Connect with Christian:
https://christianleatherman.com/
Instagram: @leathermanaudio
TikTok: @leathermanaudio
Audible: https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Christian+Leatherman

Check out The Trouble with Christmas:
https://amzn.to/4q3skkk

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> "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.

Connect with Loren:
https://www.lorensorensenwrites.net/
Instagram: @lorensorensenwrites
TikTok: @lorensorensenwrites
Shopify: https://lsorensenbookstop.myshopify.com/

Connect with Willa:
https://www.willa-jaymes.com/
Instagram: @willajaymesnarrator
TikTok: @willajaymesnarrator
Facebook: @willajaymesnarrator

Connect with Christian:
https://christianleatherman.com/
Instagram: @leathermanaudio
TikTok: @leathermanaudio
Audible: https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Christian+Leatherman

Check out The Trouble with Christmas:
https://amzn.to/4q3skkk

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-18355114 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0600 3421 holiday romance, romance writing, romance author, romance podcast, romance stories, Christmas romance, voice acting, audiobook community, narration, storytelling, writing tips, audible, audiobook industry, romancing the story, narration tips full false Ep 88 - Wattpad & Serialized Fiction: Writing That Hooks Readers with Lux Raven Ep 88 - Wattpad & Serialized Fiction: Writing That Hooks Readers with Lux Raven "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.

Connect with Lux:
https://www.luxravenwrites.com/
Instagram: @luxravenwrites
Wattpad: @LuxRaven
TikTok: @luxravenwrites

Check out the Siren's Mark Duology:
https://amzn.to/48JyxvW

---------

Special Thanks to:

Heather Kay Ling - Narrator

https://www.heatherkayling.com/

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> "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.

Connect with Lux:
https://www.luxravenwrites.com/
Instagram: @luxravenwrites
Wattpad: @LuxRaven
TikTok: @luxravenwrites

Check out the Siren's Mark Duology:
https://amzn.to/48JyxvW

---------

Special Thanks to:

Heather Kay Ling - Narrator

https://www.heatherkayling.com/

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-18274375 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600 3454 Wattpad, Serialized Fiction, Digital Publishing, Writing Craft, Reader Engagement, Lux Raven, book podcast, romance podcast, bookstagram, fanfiction writer, romancing the full false Ep 87 - Ambition and Finding Purpose: Someone's Gotta Give with Alisha Fernandez Miranda Ep 87 - Ambition and Finding Purpose: Someone's Gotta Give with Alisha Fernandez Miranda "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. 

Connect with Alisha:
https://www.alishafmiranda.com/
Instagram: @alishafmiranda
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alishafernandezmiranda/

Check out Someone's Gotta Give:
https://amzn.to/47ZkTVt

---------

Media Mentions:

Poderistas

https://poderistas.com/

Good Morning America Interview

https://youtu.be/_GmQ1JEE4BI?si=BaG09OBt-uGe_W6V

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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. 

Connect with Alisha:
https://www.alishafmiranda.com/
Instagram: @alishafmiranda
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alishafernandezmiranda/

Check out Someone's Gotta Give:
https://amzn.to/47ZkTVt

---------

Media Mentions:

Poderistas

https://poderistas.com/

Good Morning America Interview

https://youtu.be/_GmQ1JEE4BI?si=BaG09OBt-uGe_W6V

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-18196960 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600 3127 Ambition and Burnout, Finding Purpose, Philanthropy, Having It All Myth, Alisha Fernandez Miranda, Someone’s Gotta Give, Wealth and Giving, Women's Fiction, Family Fiction, Ambition as a working mom, balancing career and motherhood full false Ep 86 - Writing a Witchy Holiday Romance using Yule Magic and Lore with Morgan Lockhart Ep 86 - Writing a Witchy Holiday Romance using Yule Magic and Lore with Morgan Lockhart "...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.

Connect with Morgan:
https://www.lockhartwrites.com/
Instagram: @lockhartwrites
BlueSky: @mizdoomcookie.bsky.social

Check out A Spell for Midwinter's Heart:
https://amzn.to/3WJa8QC

---------

Media Mentions:

Craft Tips for Writing a Magic-Filled Story with She Writes

https://shewrites.com/craft-tips-for-writing-a-magic-filled-story/

The Muppet Christmas Carol

https://amzn.to/4hR0mW4

Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas

https://amzn.to/49LOi6x

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "...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.

Connect with Morgan:
https://www.lockhartwrites.com/
Instagram: @lockhartwrites
BlueSky: @mizdoomcookie.bsky.social

Check out A Spell for Midwinter's Heart:
https://amzn.to/3WJa8QC

---------

Media Mentions:

Craft Tips for Writing a Magic-Filled Story with She Writes

https://shewrites.com/craft-tips-for-writing-a-magic-filled-story/

The Muppet Christmas Carol

https://amzn.to/4hR0mW4

Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas

https://amzn.to/49LOi6x

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-18158030 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600 2681 Witchy Romance, Holiday Fantasy, Yule Magic, Writing Craft, Worldbuilding, Morgan Lockhart, Character Themes, Video Game Writer, Paranormal Romance, Holiday Novel with Witches, Witch Romance Novel, Romance podcast, Romancing the Story, Romance the Story full false Ep 85 - Addiction Recovery and Resilience in Romance Novels with Thea Claire Ep 85 - Addiction Recovery and Resilience in Romance Novels with Thea Claire "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. 

Connect with Thea:
https://thea-claire-author.square.site/
Facebook: @theaclaireauthor
Instagram: @theaclaireauthor
TikTok: @theaclaireauthor

Check out The Recovering Good Girl Series:
https://amzn.to/4n5Ayqz

---------

Media Mentions:

Pucking Around by Emily Rath

https://amzn.to/47jFm6O

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

https://amzn.to/4okOjCL

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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. 

Connect with Thea:
https://thea-claire-author.square.site/
Facebook: @theaclaireauthor
Instagram: @theaclaireauthor
TikTok: @theaclaireauthor

Check out The Recovering Good Girl Series:
https://amzn.to/4n5Ayqz

---------

Media Mentions:

Pucking Around by Emily Rath

https://amzn.to/47jFm6O

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

https://amzn.to/4okOjCL

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-17228447 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500 3151 addiction recovery, recovery in fiction, romance novels, writing craft, resilience, Thea Claire, Romancing the Story podcast, addiction in romance, relatable characters, romance genre, romantic, romance book full false Ep 84 - Dark Fantasy Worldbuilding: Rebellion and Magic with Sarah Hawley Ep 84 - Dark Fantasy Worldbuilding: Rebellion and Magic with Sarah Hawley "You want to (write dark themes) in a way that's sensitive and include the dark content but also consider the impact." 

Sarah Hawley, USA Today Bestselling Author, writes dark fantasy worldbuilding that makes rebellion feel inevitable and magic feel consequential, a drastic shift from her lighter rom-coms. Focusing on her high fantasy series, we discuss creating believable rebellion arcs, designing a dark narrative that shapes story stakes, and techniques for deepening character motivation, along with themes of escapism, rebellion, and fighting for a better world even when the odds are against you.

Connect with Sarah:
https://www.sarahhawleyauthor.com/
Instagram: @mssarahhawley
Twitter: @MsSarahHawley

Check out "Servant of Earth" by Sarah Hawley, the first book in The Shards of Magic Series:
https://amzn.to/3GE7RRW

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "You want to (write dark themes) in a way that's sensitive and include the dark content but also consider the impact." 

Sarah Hawley, USA Today Bestselling Author, writes dark fantasy worldbuilding that makes rebellion feel inevitable and magic feel consequential, a drastic shift from her lighter rom-coms. Focusing on her high fantasy series, we discuss creating believable rebellion arcs, designing a dark narrative that shapes story stakes, and techniques for deepening character motivation, along with themes of escapism, rebellion, and fighting for a better world even when the odds are against you.

Connect with Sarah:
https://www.sarahhawleyauthor.com/
Instagram: @mssarahhawley
Twitter: @MsSarahHawley

Check out "Servant of Earth" by Sarah Hawley, the first book in The Shards of Magic Series:
https://amzn.to/3GE7RRW

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-16241989 Mon, 05 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500 2711 dark fantasy, Sarah Hawley, romantasy, rebellion, fantasy books, magic world, fae world, dark narrative, Shards of Magic Series, fantasy world building, writing a fantasy world full false Ep 83 - Time Travel RomCom: Chivalry in Modern Romance with Bryn Donovan Ep 83 - Time Travel RomCom: Chivalry in Modern Romance with Bryn Donovan "One thing I love about the romance genre is that you're allowed to have those big, emotional moments....without apology."

Romance Author and former Hallmark creative producer, Bryn Donovan discusses the charming and humorous moments that arise with miscommunication in romcoms, the challenges of a love that transcends time, and the heartwarming journey that led to her novel being published and made into a movie.

Connect with Bryn:
https://www.bryndonovan.com/
Instagram: @bryndonovanauthor
TikTok: @bryndonovan
Twitter/X: @BrynDonovan
YouTube: @BrynDonovanWriter
Facebook: @AuthorBrynDonovan

Find "Her Knight at the Museum" by Bryn Donovan:
https://amzn.to/44nRClL

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "One thing I love about the romance genre is that you're allowed to have those big, emotional moments....without apology."

Romance Author and former Hallmark creative producer, Bryn Donovan discusses the charming and humorous moments that arise with miscommunication in romcoms, the challenges of a love that transcends time, and the heartwarming journey that led to her novel being published and made into a movie.

Connect with Bryn:
https://www.bryndonovan.com/
Instagram: @bryndonovanauthor
TikTok: @bryndonovan
Twitter/X: @BrynDonovan
YouTube: @BrynDonovanWriter
Facebook: @AuthorBrynDonovan

Find "Her Knight at the Museum" by Bryn Donovan:
https://amzn.to/44nRClL

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-16081542 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600 2800 Time Travel Romance, Romantic Comedy, RomCom Writing, Hallmark romance, Chivalry in Fiction, Romance Craft, Bryn Donovan, Novel Writing, Historical Elements in Romance, Romance the Story, Romance podcast, Romancing the Story, Writing a RomCom full false Ep 82 - Character Development using Enneagram with Krystal Shannan Ep 82 - Character Development using Enneagram with Krystal Shannan "...each enneagram has a really unhealthy bar all the way up to a healthy bar. So for me, it's 'where did my character start on the bar?' and 'how do I get them to a healthy place of the enneagram through the story?'..."

USA Today Bestselling Author Krystal Shannan explains how the Enneagram can shape believable motivations, conflicts, and arcs to make characters unforgettable. We explore their powerful application in character development and character arcs. Discover how the nine Enneagram types can help you create characters who are relatable, genuine, and dynamic. Krystal provides insights to craft characters that resonate deeply with your readers and drive compelling narratives.

Connect with Krystal:
https://www.krystalshannan.com/
YouTube: @KrystalShannan
Facebook: @KrystalShannan
Instagram: @krystalshannan

---------

Other Media Mentions:

The Enneagram Institute
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "...each enneagram has a really unhealthy bar all the way up to a healthy bar. So for me, it's 'where did my character start on the bar?' and 'how do I get them to a healthy place of the enneagram through the story?'..."

USA Today Bestselling Author Krystal Shannan explains how the Enneagram can shape believable motivations, conflicts, and arcs to make characters unforgettable. We explore their powerful application in character development and character arcs. Discover how the nine Enneagram types can help you create characters who are relatable, genuine, and dynamic. Krystal provides insights to craft characters that resonate deeply with your readers and drive compelling narratives.

Connect with Krystal:
https://www.krystalshannan.com/
YouTube: @KrystalShannan
Facebook: @KrystalShannan
Instagram: @krystalshannan

---------

Other Media Mentions:

The Enneagram Institute
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-16023476 Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0600 3323 Character Development, Enneagram, Character Crafting, character‑focused, NaNoWriMo, Writing Tips, Novel Writing, writing advice, Enneagram character types, Build believable characters, Character psychology in fiction, Enneagram for writers, writing podcas full false Ep 81 - Political Romance: Writing Love in the Public Eye with Alicia Wilder Ep 81 - Political Romance: Writing Love in the Public Eye with Alicia Wilder "For (the politican couple), it's almost a negotiation -  I know what I want. Are you able to give it to me? And just having that back and forth."

Romance Author Alicia Wilder created a not-so-secret, forced proximity romance set in Washington DC with likeable characters to boot in My Secret Vice. She walked through the process of toeing the line between politics and passion and talks about building a West Wing-type romance with emotional depth, older MCs, ambitions, and respecting power balance.

Connect with Alicia:
https://aliciawilder.com/
TikTok - @aliciabwilder
Instagram - @aliciabwilder
Facebook - @aliciabwilder
Twitter/X - @aliciabwilder
Tumblr - https://www.tumblr.com/aliciabwilder
GoodReads - Alicia_Wilder

Find Alicia Wilder's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4fo5e2A

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "For (the politican couple), it's almost a negotiation -  I know what I want. Are you able to give it to me? And just having that back and forth."

Romance Author Alicia Wilder created a not-so-secret, forced proximity romance set in Washington DC with likeable characters to boot in My Secret Vice. She walked through the process of toeing the line between politics and passion and talks about building a West Wing-type romance with emotional depth, older MCs, ambitions, and respecting power balance.

Connect with Alicia:
https://aliciawilder.com/
TikTok - @aliciabwilder
Instagram - @aliciabwilder
Facebook - @aliciabwilder
Twitter/X - @aliciabwilder
Tumblr - https://www.tumblr.com/aliciabwilder
GoodReads - Alicia_Wilder

Find Alicia Wilder's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4fo5e2A

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-16001495 Tue, 29 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2662 enemies to lovers, political romance, romance in the public eye, romance novel, romance author, Alicia Wilder, scandal in fiction, public lives, power dynamics, writing craft full false Ep 80 - Writing Through Pain: Chronic Illness Portrayal with Cara Dion Ep 80 - Writing Through Pain: Chronic Illness Portrayal with Cara Dion "...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?

Find Cara Dion on Kindle:
https://amzn.to/4d95nWh

Connect with Cara:
https://www.caradion.com/
Facebook - @caradion.author
Instagram - @caradion.author

---------

Media Mentioned:

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
https://amzn.to/4e3sDGh

Priest by Sierra Simone
https://amzn.to/3XtiJqr

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

Support the show

]]> "...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?

Find Cara Dion on Kindle:
https://amzn.to/4d95nWh

Connect with Cara:
https://www.caradion.com/
Facebook - @caradion.author
Instagram - @caradion.author

---------

Media Mentioned:

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
https://amzn.to/4e3sDGh

Priest by Sierra Simone
https://amzn.to/3XtiJqr

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15765158 Tue, 17 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500 3274 Chronic Illness, Writing Craft, Illness Narratives, Disability Representation, Diversity in Romance, Cara Dion, Authentic Portrayals of Chronic Illness, Character Authenticity, Romance reader full false Ep 79 - Illustrating a Novel: Prose to Pictures with C.A. Szarek and Gilbert Perez Ep 79 - Illustrating a Novel: Prose to Pictures with C.A. Szarek and Gilbert Perez "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.

Connect with C.A. Szarek:
http://www.caszarek.com/
Twitter/X - @caszarek
Instagram - @caszarek
Facebook - @caszarek

Connect with Gilbert Perez
https://gilbertperezart.wixsite.com/2021
Instagram - @gilbertperezart
TikTok - @gilbertperezart
Twitter/X - @gilbertperezart
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gilbertperezart?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Sword’s Call Illustrated Edition by C.A. Szarek — Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/caszarek/swords-call-illustrated-edition

Find C.A. Szarek's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m

---------
Other Media Mentions:

Path of the Pale Rider Issues #1 - 5 by Laurie Calcaterra
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pathofthepalerider/path-of-the-pale-rider-issue-5

Ep 65 - Building an Interconnected Series with C.A. Szarek
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/13976922

Ep 35 - Highlander Time-Travel Trope and Writing with C.A. Szarek
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11426240

Lauren Smith's Wicked Designs: The Illustrated Edition
https://amzn.to/3Zbe0wg

--------- 

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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.

Connect with C.A. Szarek:
http://www.caszarek.com/
Twitter/X - @caszarek
Instagram - @caszarek
Facebook - @caszarek

Connect with Gilbert Perez
https://gilbertperezart.wixsite.com/2021
Instagram - @gilbertperezart
TikTok - @gilbertperezart
Twitter/X - @gilbertperezart
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gilbertperezart?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Sword’s Call Illustrated Edition by C.A. Szarek — Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/caszarek/swords-call-illustrated-edition

Find C.A. Szarek's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m

---------
Other Media Mentions:

Path of the Pale Rider Issues #1 - 5 by Laurie Calcaterra
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pathofthepalerider/path-of-the-pale-rider-issue-5

Ep 65 - Building an Interconnected Series with C.A. Szarek
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/13976922

Ep 35 - Highlander Time-Travel Trope and Writing with C.A. Szarek
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11426240

Lauren Smith's Wicked Designs: The Illustrated Edition
https://amzn.to/3Zbe0wg

--------- 

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15684858 Tue, 03 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500 3160 illustrating a novel, book illustration, illustrated novel process, illustrated novel, Gilbert Perez, Manuscript to Images, Collaborating on Novel Illustration, Romancing the Story full false Ep 78 - Book Adaptation: Turning Novels into Screenplays with Emily Roberson Ep 78 - Book Adaptation: Turning Novels into Screenplays with Emily Roberson "....(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.

Connect with Emily
https://www.emilyrobersonbooks.com/
YouTube: @emilyrobersonbooks
TikTok: @robersonemily
Instagram: @robersonemilym
Twitter/X: @RobersonEmily

Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters by Emily Roberson
https://amzn.to/3YW8bCH

---------

Other Media Mentions:

Time to Write with Amy Kelly and Emily Roberson
https://timetowritepodcast.com/

"The Screenwriting Life” with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna
https://www.thescreenwritinglife.co/

Michael Arndt
https://www.youtube.com/@michaelarndt8848

Cinestory
https://cinestory.org/

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "....(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.

Connect with Emily
https://www.emilyrobersonbooks.com/
YouTube: @emilyrobersonbooks
TikTok: @robersonemily
Instagram: @robersonemilym
Twitter/X: @RobersonEmily

Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters by Emily Roberson
https://amzn.to/3YW8bCH

---------

Other Media Mentions:

Time to Write with Amy Kelly and Emily Roberson
https://timetowritepodcast.com/

"The Screenwriting Life” with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna
https://www.thescreenwritinglife.co/

Michael Arndt
https://www.youtube.com/@michaelarndt8848

Cinestory
https://cinestory.org/

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15640626 Tue, 27 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500 3152 book adaptation, screenwriting adaptation, novel to screenplay, writing a script from a book, screenwriting, adaptation process, film adaptation, Emily Roberson, writing craft, script development full false Ep 77 - Romance in Film: Crafting Romantic Stories with Tosca Musk Ep 77 - Romance in Film: Crafting Romantic Stories with Tosca Musk "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!

Connect with Tosca
https://passionflix.com/
Twitter/X: @toscamusk
Instagram: @toscamusk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057793790249

Passionflix membership
https://watch.passionflix.com/

---------

Media Mentions:

Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J. R. Ward
https://amzn.to/46YvzBf

The Air He Breathes by Brittainy Cherry
https://amzn.to/4dPG4t2

Gabriel's Inferno Trilogy
https://amzn.to/3yKD5Dp

Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre
https://amzn.to/3yLFBJy

Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
https://amzn.to/4fUskPl

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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!

Connect with Tosca
https://passionflix.com/
Twitter/X: @toscamusk
Instagram: @toscamusk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057793790249

Passionflix membership
https://watch.passionflix.com/

---------

Media Mentions:

Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J. R. Ward
https://amzn.to/46YvzBf

The Air He Breathes by Brittainy Cherry
https://amzn.to/4dPG4t2

Gabriel's Inferno Trilogy
https://amzn.to/3yKD5Dp

Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre
https://amzn.to/3yLFBJy

Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
https://amzn.to/4fUskPl

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15621641 Thu, 22 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2890 Romance in Film, Romantic Filmmaking, Passionflix, Directing Romance, Tosca Musk, Film Craft, Screenwriting Romance, On‑Screen Chemistry, Romance book adaptation, Black Dagger Brotherhood adaptation full false Ep 76 - Character Development: Writing an Identity Not Your Own with Alex Temblador Ep 76 - Character Development: Writing an Identity Not Your Own with Alex Temblador "...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

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg

I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much | Stella Young
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K9Gg164Bsw

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "...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

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg

I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much | Stella Young
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K9Gg164Bsw

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15574428 Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0500 2968 Character Development, Writing Identity, Representation in Fiction, Representation in Romance, Research for Writers, Ethical Writing, Alex Temblador, Write Characters Outside Your Experience, Characters Different from You, Writing full false Ep 75 - Writing Family Dynamics to Reveal Character with Amber Royer Ep 75 - Writing Family Dynamics to Reveal Character with Amber Royer "...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

Bean to Bar Mysteries Series by Amber Royer
https://amzn.to/465yUNI

Amber Royer - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoA_29HV2nPmRnox9LPVanw

---------

Media Mentions:

Stop or My Mom Will Shoot
https://amzn.to/46B1OpZ

Case Closed
https://amzn.to/4fHHwzw

---------

Amber's Other Episode:

Ep 14 - Character Agency, Motives and Chocolate-writing
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/8890402

Ep 43 - Making a Cozy Mystery Cozy
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12098109

Ep 61 - Writing Engaging Pets and Animal Sidekicks
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/13653198

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 


Support the show

]]> "...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

Bean to Bar Mysteries Series by Amber Royer
https://amzn.to/465yUNI

Amber Royer - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoA_29HV2nPmRnox9LPVanw

---------

Media Mentions:

Stop or My Mom Will Shoot
https://amzn.to/46B1OpZ

Case Closed
https://amzn.to/4fHHwzw

---------

Amber's Other Episode:

Ep 14 - Character Agency, Motives and Chocolate-writing
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/8890402

Ep 43 - Making a Cozy Mystery Cozy
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12098109

Ep 61 - Writing Engaging Pets and Animal Sidekicks
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/13653198

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 


Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15528621 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500 3131 Writing Family Dynamics, Character Development, Writing Relationships, revealing family dynamics, Amber Royer, Character Depth, Scene Craft, Emotional Stakes, exposing inner motivations, character revelations, conflict full false Ep 74 - Indie Romance Audiobook: Production and Narration with Melissa Whitney and Harlow Wilde Ep 74 - Indie Romance Audiobook: Production and Narration with Melissa Whitney and Harlow Wilde "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.

Connect with Melissa:
https://www.melissawhitneywrites.com/
Instagram: @Melissa_WhitneyAuthor
TikTok: @melissasuewhitney
Facebook: Melissa Whitney Author
Twitter: @SteamingPlot81
Threads: @melissa_whitneyauthor

"Finding Home" on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3WmcEg7

Connect with Harlow:
https://www.harlowwilde.com/
Instagram: @harlow.wilde
TikTok: @Harlow.wilde_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarlowWilde

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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.

Connect with Melissa:
https://www.melissawhitneywrites.com/
Instagram: @Melissa_WhitneyAuthor
TikTok: @melissasuewhitney
Facebook: Melissa Whitney Author
Twitter: @SteamingPlot81
Threads: @melissa_whitneyauthor

"Finding Home" on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3WmcEg7

Connect with Harlow:
https://www.harlowwilde.com/
Instagram: @harlow.wilde
TikTok: @Harlow.wilde_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarlowWilde

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15414094 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2932 Audiobook Production, Audiobook Narration, Audiobook Distribution, Audiobook narrator, Audiobook Workflow, Romance Audiobook, Narration Tips, Melissa Whitney, Harlow Wilde, Self‑Publishing Audio, Indie Author full false Ep 73 - Audiobook Marketing: How to Grow Listeners with Karen White Ep 73 - Audiobook Marketing: How to Grow Listeners with Karen White "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/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hcbaudiobooklovers
Listeners Page including the weekly SuperFan News signup: https://www.homecookedbooks.com/for-listeners
Author FAQs: https://www.homecookedbooks.com/authorfaqs

---------

Media Mentioned:
C.A. Szarek's Audiobooks

Collision Force
https://amzn.to/3RWEEEB

Sword's Call
https://amzn.to/4cI841c

King of Hearts
https://amzn.to/3RUldMM

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> "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/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hcbaudiobooklovers
Listeners Page including the weekly SuperFan News signup: https://www.homecookedbooks.com/for-listeners
Author FAQs: https://www.homecookedbooks.com/authorfaqs

---------

Media Mentioned:
C.A. Szarek's Audiobooks

Collision Force
https://amzn.to/3RWEEEB

Sword's Call
https://amzn.to/4cI841c

King of Hearts
https://amzn.to/3RUldMM

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15374890 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500 3481 Audiobook Marketing, Grow Listeners, Audiobook Discoverability, Karen White, Author Marketing, Audio Distribution, Promotion, Platform leveraging, author strategies, promotional tactics, indie authors, traditional publishing, Audience Growth full false Ep 72 - Narrative Flow: Building Emotional Arcs with Kimberly Packard Ep 72 - Narrative Flow: Building Emotional Arcs with Kimberly Packard "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!

Find "This Time Around" on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4eb5JNT

Connect with Kimberly:
www.kimberlypackard.com
Facebook - @kimberlypackardauthor
Twitter - @kimberlypackard
Instagram - @kimberlypackard

---------

Media Mentioned:

The episode where Kim's blurb for This Time Around appeared!
Ep 34 - Dissecting Book Blurbs with Jessie Cunniffe
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11384252

"This Time Around" cover artist who gets a shout-out:
Sarah Hansen
https://www.okaycreations.com/

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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!

Find "This Time Around" on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4eb5JNT

Connect with Kimberly:
www.kimberlypackard.com
Facebook - @kimberlypackardauthor
Twitter - @kimberlypackard
Instagram - @kimberlypackard

---------

Media Mentioned:

The episode where Kim's blurb for This Time Around appeared!
Ep 34 - Dissecting Book Blurbs with Jessie Cunniffe
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11384252

"This Time Around" cover artist who gets a shout-out:
Sarah Hansen
https://www.okaycreations.com/

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15229223 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500 2753 Emotional Arcs, Narrative Flow, Story Structure, Pacing, Character Arc, Kimberly Packard, Revision Techniques, pacing emotional beats, scene structure to escalate feeling, tightening emotional punches, story impact full false Ep 71 - The Write Transition: From Podcast to Literary Life with Amy Kelly Ep 71 - The Write Transition: From Podcast to Literary Life with Amy Kelly "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.

Connect with Amy:
Personal Instagram: @amykellytheishgirl
Business Instagram: @lonestarlit
Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theishgirl
Business Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoneStarLiterary

Websites:
https://theishgirl.com/
https://www.lonestarliterary.com/

 ---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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.

Connect with Amy:
Personal Instagram: @amykellytheishgirl
Business Instagram: @lonestarlit
Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theishgirl
Business Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoneStarLiterary

Websites:
https://theishgirl.com/
https://www.lonestarliterary.com/

 ---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15145454 Tue, 28 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2902 full false Ep 70 - Using AI Ethically to Make the Most of Your Writing with Marcy Pusey Ep 70 - Using AI Ethically to Make the Most of Your Writing with Marcy Pusey "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!

Connect with Marcy:
TikTok for writing and publishing tips: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcypusey
Instagram Personal: https://www.instagram.com/marcymarie/
Instagram Business: https://instagram.com/miramareponte
Personal website: www.marcypusey.com
Press website: www.miramarepontepress.com
FREE Author AI Toolkit: http://www.miramarepontepress.com/AIToolkit
Author Workshop Series (it's also in the toolkit): https://www.miramarepontepress.com/AIworkshop

Marcy's Books:

Parenting Children of Trauma: The Foster-Adoption Guide to Understanding Attachment Disorder
https://amzn.to/3UT8GcO

Overcoming Writer's Block: The Writer's Guide to Beating the Blank Page
https://amzn.to/3ytJDpq

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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!

Connect with Marcy:
TikTok for writing and publishing tips: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcypusey
Instagram Personal: https://www.instagram.com/marcymarie/
Instagram Business: https://instagram.com/miramareponte
Personal website: www.marcypusey.com
Press website: www.miramarepontepress.com
FREE Author AI Toolkit: http://www.miramarepontepress.com/AIToolkit
Author Workshop Series (it's also in the toolkit): https://www.miramarepontepress.com/AIworkshop

Marcy's Books:

Parenting Children of Trauma: The Foster-Adoption Guide to Understanding Attachment Disorder
https://amzn.to/3UT8GcO

Overcoming Writer's Block: The Writer's Guide to Beating the Blank Page
https://amzn.to/3ytJDpq

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15097972 Tue, 21 May 2024 08:00:00 -0500 3612 full false Ep 69 - The Authorpreneur Mindset: Blooming in Adversity with Kathryn McClatchy Ep 69 - The Authorpreneur Mindset: Blooming in Adversity with Kathryn McClatchy "(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.

Connect with Kathryn:
https://kathrynmcclatchy.com/
Twitter: @Kmmcclatchy
Instagram: @kathrynmcclatchy
Facebook: @KMMcClatchy
TikTok: @kathrynmcclatchy

Authorpreneurs Unleashed Podcast
Authorpreneurs Unleashed (buzzsprout.com)

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "(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.

Connect with Kathryn:
https://kathrynmcclatchy.com/
Twitter: @Kmmcclatchy
Instagram: @kathrynmcclatchy
Facebook: @KMMcClatchy
TikTok: @kathrynmcclatchy

Authorpreneurs Unleashed Podcast
Authorpreneurs Unleashed (buzzsprout.com)

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-14347818 Mon, 13 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500 3764 full false Ep 68 - Beyond Stereotypes: Crafting Authentic Characters with Disabilities with Melissa Whitney Ep 68 - Beyond Stereotypes: Crafting Authentic Characters with Disabilities with Melissa Whitney "....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.

Connect with Melissa:
https://www.melissawhitneywrites.com/
Instagram: @Melissa_WhitneyAuthor
TikTok: @melissasuewhitney
Facebook: Melissa Whitney Author
Twitter: @SteamingPlot81
Threads: @melissa_whitneyauthor

Find "In the Hello and In the Goodbye" on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4bhmOUc

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "....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.

Connect with Melissa:
https://www.melissawhitneywrites.com/
Instagram: @Melissa_WhitneyAuthor
TikTok: @melissasuewhitney
Facebook: Melissa Whitney Author
Twitter: @SteamingPlot81
Threads: @melissa_whitneyauthor

Find "In the Hello and In the Goodbye" on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4bhmOUc

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15015114 Sun, 12 May 2024 20:00:00 -0500 2915 full false Ep 67 - Tragedy and Humor: Creating a New Happily Ever After with Courtney Deane Ep 67 - Tragedy and Humor: Creating a New Happily Ever After with Courtney Deane "...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.

Connect with Courtney:
https://www.courtneydeane.com/
YouTube: @CourtneyDeane
Instragram: @authorcourtneydeane
TikTok: @courtneydeane
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/authorcourtneydeane/
Substack: https://substack.com/@courtneydeane

Find When Happily Ever After Fails on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3Jdi0D0

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "...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.

Connect with Courtney:
https://www.courtneydeane.com/
YouTube: @CourtneyDeane
Instragram: @authorcourtneydeane
TikTok: @courtneydeane
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/authorcourtneydeane/
Substack: https://substack.com/@courtneydeane

Find When Happily Ever After Fails on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3Jdi0D0

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-14855587 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500 2491 full false Ep 66 - Collaborative Magic: Crafting a Holiday Novella Series with Lark Green, Lucy Limon, and Catrina Bell Ep 66 - Collaborative Magic: Crafting a Holiday Novella Series with Lark Green, Lucy Limon, and Catrina Bell "...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.

Connect with Lark Green:
https://www.authorlarkgreen.com/
Instagram: @authorlarkgreen
Facebook: @authorlarkgreen
Goodreads: Lark Green

Connect with Lucy Limon:
https://www.lucylimon.com/
Instagram: @lucylimon.books
BookBub: @LucyLimon_books
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45367606.Lucy_Lim_n

Connect with Catrina Bell:
linktr.ee/catrinabell
Instagram: @catrinabell
Twitter: @catrinabellxoxo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catrinabellwrites

Find Horned Up for the Holidays on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4aQJefx

---------

Lark's Other Episode:

Ep 45 - Writing while Working Full-Time with Lark Green
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12159925

---------

Other Media Mentioned:

Sweet Monster Treats Series
https://amzn.to/3SaS7cy

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "...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.

Connect with Lark Green:
https://www.authorlarkgreen.com/
Instagram: @authorlarkgreen
Facebook: @authorlarkgreen
Goodreads: Lark Green

Connect with Lucy Limon:
https://www.lucylimon.com/
Instagram: @lucylimon.books
BookBub: @LucyLimon_books
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45367606.Lucy_Lim_n

Connect with Catrina Bell:
linktr.ee/catrinabell
Instagram: @catrinabell
Twitter: @catrinabellxoxo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catrinabellwrites

Find Horned Up for the Holidays on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4aQJefx

---------

Lark's Other Episode:

Ep 45 - Writing while Working Full-Time with Lark Green
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12159925

---------

Other Media Mentioned:

Sweet Monster Treats Series
https://amzn.to/3SaS7cy

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-14267890 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0600 3354 full false Ep 65 - Building an Interconnected Series with C.A. Szarek Ep 65 - Building an Interconnected Series with C.A. Szarek "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.

Connect with C.A. Szarek:
http://www.caszarek.com/
Twitter - @caszarek
Instagram - @caszarek
Facebook - @caszarek

Find C.A. Szarek's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m

---------

C.A. Szarek's Other Episode:

Ep 35 - Highlander Time-Travel Trope and Writing with C.A. Szarek
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11426240

 ---------

Other Authors Mentioned:
 
Cherry Adair:
https://amzn.to/46eWfM7

--------- 

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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.

Connect with C.A. Szarek:
http://www.caszarek.com/
Twitter - @caszarek
Instagram - @caszarek
Facebook - @caszarek

Find C.A. Szarek's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m

---------

C.A. Szarek's Other Episode:

Ep 35 - Highlander Time-Travel Trope and Writing with C.A. Szarek
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11426240

 ---------

Other Authors Mentioned:
 
Cherry Adair:
https://amzn.to/46eWfM7

--------- 

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13976922 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0600 2680 full false Ep 64 - Overcoming Writer’s Block and Procrastination with Dr. Nicole Janz Ep 64 - Overcoming Writer’s Block and Procrastination with Dr. Nicole Janz "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

Connect with Dr. Nicole
nicolejanz.com
www.thewritehabitplanner.com
Medium:  https://janz-is-writing.medium.com/
Twitter/X:  @camwritinghub
Instragram: @janz.is.writing
Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/710181483039162
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolejanz/

---------

Media Mentioned:
 
The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer by Steven Kotler
https://amzn.to/3QtF43w

The Art of Impossible Flow Chart
https://www.nbforum.com/newsroom/blog/steven-kotler-the-art-of-impossible/

---------

NaNoWriMo Episodes:

Ep 15 - Brianstorming, Writing Research, and NaNoWriMo with Kraken Editing
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/9509081

Ep 41 - Novel Prep and Starting NaNoWriMo with Shayla Raquel
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11633960

Ep 46 - Trope Thesaurus Romance Edition with Jennifer Hilt
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12191020

Ep 37 - Top Tropes in Romance Writing with Aimee Walker
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11519577

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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

Connect with Dr. Nicole
nicolejanz.com
www.thewritehabitplanner.com
Medium:  https://janz-is-writing.medium.com/
Twitter/X:  @camwritinghub
Instragram: @janz.is.writing
Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/710181483039162
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolejanz/

---------

Media Mentioned:
 
The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer by Steven Kotler
https://amzn.to/3QtF43w

The Art of Impossible Flow Chart
https://www.nbforum.com/newsroom/blog/steven-kotler-the-art-of-impossible/

---------

NaNoWriMo Episodes:

Ep 15 - Brianstorming, Writing Research, and NaNoWriMo with Kraken Editing
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/9509081

Ep 41 - Novel Prep and Starting NaNoWriMo with Shayla Raquel
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11633960

Ep 46 - Trope Thesaurus Romance Edition with Jennifer Hilt
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12191020

Ep 37 - Top Tropes in Romance Writing with Aimee Walker
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11519577

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13910015 Mon, 06 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0600 2881 full false Ep 63 - Monster Romance: Unconventional Love Stories with Kate Prior Ep 63 - Monster Romance: Unconventional Love Stories with Kate Prior "(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.

Surprisingly, there's a lot of DnD talk too!
 
Claws and Cubicles Series
https://amzn.to/46CDJyz

Connect with Kate
https://kate-prior.com/
Instagram: @bykateprior
Twitter/X: @byKatePrior
TikTok: @bykateprior
Facebook: Kate's Priory of Paranormal Romance
GoodReads: Author Kate Prior

Romance Writer's Therapy Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/romance-writers-therapy/id1595202492

---------

Media Mentioned:

Shoshana Rain (Fantasy Romance)
https://amzn.to/3QqM7KH

Desirée M. Niccoli (Siren/Mermaid Romance)
https://amzn.to/46WoW1h

Frankenstein (1931 Movie)
https://amzn.to/4958o99

Strange Love by Ann Aguirre
https://amzn.to/491nzAi

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "(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.

Surprisingly, there's a lot of DnD talk too!
 
Claws and Cubicles Series
https://amzn.to/46CDJyz

Connect with Kate
https://kate-prior.com/
Instagram: @bykateprior
Twitter/X: @byKatePrior
TikTok: @bykateprior
Facebook: Kate's Priory of Paranormal Romance
GoodReads: Author Kate Prior

Romance Writer's Therapy Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/romance-writers-therapy/id1595202492

---------

Media Mentioned:

Shoshana Rain (Fantasy Romance)
https://amzn.to/3QqM7KH

Desirée M. Niccoli (Siren/Mermaid Romance)
https://amzn.to/46WoW1h

Frankenstein (1931 Movie)
https://amzn.to/4958o99

Strange Love by Ann Aguirre
https://amzn.to/491nzAi

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13821222 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0500 2703 Monster Romance, Unconventional Love Stories, Kate Prior, Creature Romance, Trope Subversion, Romance Craft, Size difference, Monster boyfriend, Creature boyfriend, spicy romance full false Ep 62 - It’s a Wonderful Life Reimagined: LGBTQIA+ Holiday Romance with Kelly Farmer Ep 62 - It’s a Wonderful Life Reimagined: LGBTQIA+ Holiday Romance with Kelly Farmer "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.

Connect with Kelly
https://www.kellyfarmerauthor.com/
Twitter/X: @KellyFarmerAuth
Instagram: @kellyfarmerauthor
Facebook: @kellyfarmerauthor
BookBub: @Kelly_Farmer_Author

It's a Fabulous Life by Kelly Farmer
https://amzn.to/3ZUVqqe

---------

Media mentioned:

We're Here (TV show)
https://amzn.to/48XxLda

---------
 
The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> "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.

Connect with Kelly
https://www.kellyfarmerauthor.com/
Twitter/X: @KellyFarmerAuth
Instagram: @kellyfarmerauthor
Facebook: @kellyfarmerauthor
BookBub: @Kelly_Farmer_Author

It's a Fabulous Life by Kelly Farmer
https://amzn.to/3ZUVqqe

---------

Media mentioned:

We're Here (TV show)
https://amzn.to/48XxLda

---------
 
The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13779767 Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0500 2339 It’s a Wonderful Life, Holiday Romance, LGBTQIA+ Romance, Sapphic Love Story, Queer Adaptation, Kelly Farmer, Classic Reimagining, Hallmark vibes, writing a queer romance, romance podcast, Romancing the Story, modern retelling full false Ep 61 - Writing Engaging Pets and Animal Sidekicks with Amber Royer Ep 61 - Writing Engaging Pets and Animal Sidekicks with Amber Royer "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

Bean to Bar Mysteries Series by Amber Royer
https://amzn.to/465yUNI

Amber Royer - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoA_29HV2nPmRnox9LPVanw

---------

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com?sca_ref=3251246.wdTIggePcN.

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.

---------

Other Books Mentioned:

A House-Flipper Mystery Series by Diane Kelly
https://amzn.to/3rsSh4s

Chet and Bernie Mystery Series by Spencer Quinn
https://amzn.to/3H3bZYl

The Cat Who Mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun
https://amzn.to/3H3bZYl 

 ---------
 
 The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> "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

Bean to Bar Mysteries Series by Amber Royer
https://amzn.to/465yUNI

Amber Royer - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoA_29HV2nPmRnox9LPVanw

---------

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com?sca_ref=3251246.wdTIggePcN.

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.

---------

Other Books Mentioned:

A House-Flipper Mystery Series by Diane Kelly
https://amzn.to/3rsSh4s

Chet and Bernie Mystery Series by Spencer Quinn
https://amzn.to/3H3bZYl

The Cat Who Mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun
https://amzn.to/3H3bZYl 

 ---------
 
 The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13653198 Mon, 25 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0500 3297 full false Ep 60 - Re-assessing Successful Writer Goals with Kathryn McClatchy Ep 60 - Re-assessing Successful Writer Goals with Kathryn McClatchy "....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.

Connect with Kathryn:
https://kathrynmcclatchy.com/
Twitter: @Kmmcclatchy
Instagram: @kathrynmcclatchy
Facebook: @KMMcClatchy
TikTok: @kathrynmcclatchy

Authorpreneurs Unleashed Podcast
Authorpreneurs Unleashed (buzzsprout.com)

---------

Resources Mentioned:

* Atomic Habits by James Clear
https://amzn.to/3Eo4EkT

* Maya Shankar
https://mayashankar.com/

* Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
https://amzn.to/3L8P8gE

* The PARA Method by Tiago Forte
https://amzn.to/3Z7qDpZ

* The Bucket List
https://amzn.to/482fCug

* Trello - Project Management App
https://trello.com/

* Asana - Platform for Cross-Functional Work
https://asana.com/

* Notion - Note taking App
https://www.notion.so/

* Evernote - Note Taking App
https://evernote.com/

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "....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.

Connect with Kathryn:
https://kathrynmcclatchy.com/
Twitter: @Kmmcclatchy
Instagram: @kathrynmcclatchy
Facebook: @KMMcClatchy
TikTok: @kathrynmcclatchy

Authorpreneurs Unleashed Podcast
Authorpreneurs Unleashed (buzzsprout.com)

---------

Resources Mentioned:

* Atomic Habits by James Clear
https://amzn.to/3Eo4EkT

* Maya Shankar
https://mayashankar.com/

* Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
https://amzn.to/3L8P8gE

* The PARA Method by Tiago Forte
https://amzn.to/3Z7qDpZ

* The Bucket List
https://amzn.to/482fCug

* Trello - Project Management App
https://trello.com/

* Asana - Platform for Cross-Functional Work
https://asana.com/

* Notion - Note taking App
https://www.notion.so/

* Evernote - Note Taking App
https://evernote.com/

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13523277 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0500 3805 full false Ep 59 - Creating Compelling External Conflict for a Captivating Story with Susan Sheehey Ep 59 - Creating Compelling External Conflict for a Captivating Story with Susan Sheehey "...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.

Connect with Susan:
https://www.susansheehey.com/
susan@susansheehey.com
Facebook - @SusanSheehey
BookBub - @susan-sheehey
Instagram - @susansheehey
Twitter/X - @SusieQWriter

Link to Susan's books:
https://amzn.to/3EieViJ

---------

MAUI FIRE RELIEF FUND
https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief

MAUI STRONG FUND
https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong

HAWAI'I FOOD BANK
https://hawaiifoodbank.org/Maui-Relief?

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I FOUNDATION
https://www.uhfoundation.org/give/giving-opportunity/help-maui

WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN IN MAUI
https://donate.wck.org/give/508200/

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "...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.

Connect with Susan:
https://www.susansheehey.com/
susan@susansheehey.com
Facebook - @SusanSheehey
BookBub - @susan-sheehey
Instagram - @susansheehey
Twitter/X - @SusieQWriter

Link to Susan's books:
https://amzn.to/3EieViJ

---------

MAUI FIRE RELIEF FUND
https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief

MAUI STRONG FUND
https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong

HAWAI'I FOOD BANK
https://hawaiifoodbank.org/Maui-Relief?

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I FOUNDATION
https://www.uhfoundation.org/give/giving-opportunity/help-maui

WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN IN MAUI
https://donate.wck.org/give/508200/

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13477366 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0500 2674 full false Ep 58 - Scoring Goals and Soccer Romance with Liz Lincoln and Lainey Davis Ep 58 - Scoring Goals and Soccer Romance with Liz Lincoln and Lainey Davis "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.

Connect with Liz:
https://www.lizlincoln.com/
Twitter - @TheLizLincoln
Instagram - @lizlincolnauthor
TikTok - @lizlincoln
Facebook - Liz Lincoln

Link for Liz's Books - including "Milwaukee Soccer Club":
https://amzn.to/44QMjbq

Connect with Lainey:
https://www.laineydavis.com/
Instagram - @authorlaineydavis
Facebook - @authorlaineydavis
TikTok - @authorlaineydavis

Link for Lainey's Books - including "Beautiful Game":
https://amzn.to/3XYd1wB

---------

Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiser
https://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023

--------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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.

Connect with Liz:
https://www.lizlincoln.com/
Twitter - @TheLizLincoln
Instagram - @lizlincolnauthor
TikTok - @lizlincoln
Facebook - Liz Lincoln

Link for Liz's Books - including "Milwaukee Soccer Club":
https://amzn.to/44QMjbq

Connect with Lainey:
https://www.laineydavis.com/
Instagram - @authorlaineydavis
Facebook - @authorlaineydavis
TikTok - @authorlaineydavis

Link for Lainey's Books - including "Beautiful Game":
https://amzn.to/3XYd1wB

---------

Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiser
https://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023

--------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13233437 Tue, 18 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0500 2665 full false Ep 57 - Launching Yourself as an Author before Publishing with Danika Bloom Ep 57 - Launching Yourself as an Author before Publishing with Danika Bloom "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.

Connect with Danika:
https://www.danikabloom.com/
Instagram - @authordanikabloom
Facebook - @authordanikabloom
Twitter - @DanikaBloomHEA

Link for Danika's Books - including "The Billionaire's Shrubbery":
https://amzn.to/46DCIqf

Danika's Business Site:
https://www.authoreverafter.com/

Danika's free author resource list:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/f1gkyq4vsc

---------
Previous episodes mentioned:

Ep 42 - Setting Successful Writer Goals with Kathryn McClatchy
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12057827

Ep 39 - Curating a Paranormal Romance Anthology with Patrice Caldwell
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11592975

Ep 19 - Judging a Book by Its Romance Cover with Sarah Kil
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/10330813

Ep 53 - Evolving and Embracing Change as a Creator with Bree Unabashedly
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12976379
--------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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.

Connect with Danika:
https://www.danikabloom.com/
Instagram - @authordanikabloom
Facebook - @authordanikabloom
Twitter - @DanikaBloomHEA

Link for Danika's Books - including "The Billionaire's Shrubbery":
https://amzn.to/46DCIqf

Danika's Business Site:
https://www.authoreverafter.com/

Danika's free author resource list:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/f1gkyq4vsc

---------
Previous episodes mentioned:

Ep 42 - Setting Successful Writer Goals with Kathryn McClatchy
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12057827

Ep 39 - Curating a Paranormal Romance Anthology with Patrice Caldwell
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11592975

Ep 19 - Judging a Book by Its Romance Cover with Sarah Kil
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/10330813

Ep 53 - Evolving and Embracing Change as a Creator with Bree Unabashedly
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12976379
--------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13190984 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0500 3185 full false Ep 56 - The Power of Voice: Dictating your way to Better Writing with Heidi McCahan Ep 56 - The Power of Voice: Dictating your way to Better Writing with Heidi McCahan "...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.

Connect with Heidi:
https://heidimccahan.com/
Instagram - @heidimccahan.author
Twitter - @HeidiMcCahan
Facebook - @heidimccahan
Pinterest - @HeidiMcCahan

Link for Heidi's Books - including "One Southern Summer":
https://amzn.to/3r14KMa

Heidi's blog on dictation:
https://heidimccahan.com/dictation-101-use-your-voice-finish-first-draft/

---------

Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiser
https://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023

--------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "...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.

Connect with Heidi:
https://heidimccahan.com/
Instagram - @heidimccahan.author
Twitter - @HeidiMcCahan
Facebook - @heidimccahan
Pinterest - @HeidiMcCahan

Link for Heidi's Books - including "One Southern Summer":
https://amzn.to/3r14KMa

Heidi's blog on dictation:
https://heidimccahan.com/dictation-101-use-your-voice-finish-first-draft/

---------

Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiser
https://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023

--------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13113954 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0500 2402 full false Ep 55 - Cowboy Romance and Emotional Character Arcs with Kayla Grosse Ep 55 - Cowboy Romance and Emotional Character Arcs with Kayla Grosse "...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.

Connect with Kayla:
http://www.kaylagrosse.com/
http://www.kaylagrosse.com/newsletter
Instagram - @kaylawriteslife
Twitter - @KaylaGrosse
Facebook - @kaylagrosseauthor

Link for Kayla's Book "Reign Me In":
https://amzn.to/42Rb5H7

---------

Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiser
https://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023

--------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "...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.

Connect with Kayla:
http://www.kaylagrosse.com/
http://www.kaylagrosse.com/newsletter
Instagram - @kaylawriteslife
Twitter - @KaylaGrosse
Facebook - @kaylagrosseauthor

Link for Kayla's Book "Reign Me In":
https://amzn.to/42Rb5H7

---------

Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiser
https://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023

--------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13070582 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0500 2468 full false Ep 54 - Planning a Successful Book Launch with Carolyn Choate Ep 54 - Planning a Successful Book Launch with Carolyn Choate "...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!

Book Launch Planner:
https://amzn.to/462fMR2

Connect with Carolyn:
https://www.financiallyfreeauthor.com/
Instagram: @financiallyfreeauthors
Facebook:  @financiallyfreeauthors
YouTube: @Financiallyfreeauthor
Pinterest: @FinanciallyFreeAuthor
TikTok: @financiallyfreeauthors

  --------

Instagram Post about Blog Tours:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CtWtginAo81/

Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiser
https://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023

----------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "...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!

Book Launch Planner:
https://amzn.to/462fMR2

Connect with Carolyn:
https://www.financiallyfreeauthor.com/
Instagram: @financiallyfreeauthors
Facebook:  @financiallyfreeauthors
YouTube: @Financiallyfreeauthor
Pinterest: @FinanciallyFreeAuthor
TikTok: @financiallyfreeauthors

  --------

Instagram Post about Blog Tours:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CtWtginAo81/

Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiser
https://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023

----------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-13028861 Tue, 13 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0500 2939 full false Ep 53 - Evolving and Embracing Change as a Creator with Bree Unabashedly Ep 53 - Evolving and Embracing Change as a Creator with Bree Unabashedly "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.

Give the podcast a listen
https://linktr.ee/TheCategoricallyRomancePodcast

Connect with Bree and TCR:
Instagram: @bree.unabashedly
Twitter:  @BreeUnabashedly
Instagram: @thecategoricallyromancepod 
Twitter:  @thecategoricallyromancepod  
 
 --------

Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiser
https://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023

Author mentioned by Sarah who reviewed the Three Little Pigs Re-telling
Instagram: @courtneymccaskillwrites

----------

Books Mentioned from Bree

The Rivals of Casper Road by Roan Parrish (A male/male romance from Harlequin Special Edition)

https://amzn.to/3MT8dDs

Twin Babies to Reunite Them by Ann McIntosh (A female/female romance featuring two Black women from Harlequin's medical line)

https://amzn.to/3qsvHbn

Awakened by the Wild Billionaire by Bella Mason (The author who wrote her book in one month - with Harlequin Presents)

https://amzn.to/43rXkjd

The Match by Sarah Adams (The one Bree couldn’t remember the title but recalled it had a service dog who detected seizures!)

https://amzn.to/42llcnq

The Backup Plan by Jill Shalvis (Straddles the line of romance and women’s fiction)

https://amzn.to/45KF2eu

Lizzie and Dante by Mary Bly (Eloisa James’ real name and her women’s fiction book) 

https://amzn.to/42vM58k

 ----------
 
The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> "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.

Give the podcast a listen
https://linktr.ee/TheCategoricallyRomancePodcast

Connect with Bree and TCR:
Instagram: @bree.unabashedly
Twitter:  @BreeUnabashedly
Instagram: @thecategoricallyromancepod 
Twitter:  @thecategoricallyromancepod  
 
 --------

Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiser
https://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023

Author mentioned by Sarah who reviewed the Three Little Pigs Re-telling
Instagram: @courtneymccaskillwrites

----------

Books Mentioned from Bree

The Rivals of Casper Road by Roan Parrish (A male/male romance from Harlequin Special Edition)

https://amzn.to/3MT8dDs

Twin Babies to Reunite Them by Ann McIntosh (A female/female romance featuring two Black women from Harlequin's medical line)

https://amzn.to/3qsvHbn

Awakened by the Wild Billionaire by Bella Mason (The author who wrote her book in one month - with Harlequin Presents)

https://amzn.to/43rXkjd

The Match by Sarah Adams (The one Bree couldn’t remember the title but recalled it had a service dog who detected seizures!)

https://amzn.to/42llcnq

The Backup Plan by Jill Shalvis (Straddles the line of romance and women’s fiction)

https://amzn.to/45KF2eu

Lizzie and Dante by Mary Bly (Eloisa James’ real name and her women’s fiction book) 

https://amzn.to/42vM58k

 ----------
 
The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12976379 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0500 3424 full false Ep 52 - A Long, Winding Path to Publishing with Megan Tady Ep 52 - A Long, Winding Path to Publishing with Megan Tady "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

Connect with Megan:
https://www.megantady.com/
Instagram: @megtady
Facebook:  @medtady
Twitter: @MegTady

--------

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Spicy Blurb Playbook (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
www.spicyblurbplaybook.com

1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

----------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> "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

Connect with Megan:
https://www.megantady.com/
Instagram: @megtady
Facebook:  @medtady
Twitter: @MegTady

--------

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Spicy Blurb Playbook (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
www.spicyblurbplaybook.com

1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

----------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12942804 Tue, 30 May 2023 05:00:00 -0500 2650 full false Ep 51 - How Rural Settings Shape Stories with E.F. Dodd Ep 51 - How Rural Settings Shape Stories with E.F. Dodd "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.

E.F.'s Books:
https://amzn.to/3MNqvHJ

Connect with E.F.:
https://www.efdoddwrites.com/
Instagram: @e.f.dodd
Facebook:  @efdoddwrites

--------

Spicy Blurb Playbook (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
www.spicyblurbplaybook.com

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

----------

Time Stamps

[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.

----------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> "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.

E.F.'s Books:
https://amzn.to/3MNqvHJ

Connect with E.F.:
https://www.efdoddwrites.com/
Instagram: @e.f.dodd
Facebook:  @efdoddwrites

--------

Spicy Blurb Playbook (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
www.spicyblurbplaybook.com

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

----------

Time Stamps

[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.

----------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12892415 Mon, 22 May 2023 05:00:00 -0500 2406 full false Ep 50 - Romance versus Erotica and Defining the Genre with Cassandra Rose Clarke Ep 50 - Romance versus Erotica and Defining the Genre with Cassandra Rose Clarke "(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.

Cassandra's Books:
https://amzn.to/3VlZHkl

Connect with Cassandra:
http://www.cassandraroseclarke.com/
Instagram: @cassandraroseclarke
Twitter: @seeorsea
Facebook: @authorcassandraroseclarke
Tumblr: @cassandraroseclarke
Goodreads: 5331983.Cassandra_Rose_Clarke

--------

Spicy Blurb Playbook (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
www.spicyblurbplaybook.com

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

----------

Time Stamps

[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.
----------

Books Mentioned:

Linnea Sinclair's Books

https://amzn.to/3pm0e9T

Finley Fenn's Books

https://amzn.to/41gjoeX

Strange Love by Ann Aguirre

https://amzn.to/3NPOR4A

The Red by Tiffany Reisz

https://amzn.to/3VIHVbb

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> "(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.

Cassandra's Books:
https://amzn.to/3VlZHkl

Connect with Cassandra:
http://www.cassandraroseclarke.com/
Instagram: @cassandraroseclarke
Twitter: @seeorsea
Facebook: @authorcassandraroseclarke
Tumblr: @cassandraroseclarke
Goodreads: 5331983.Cassandra_Rose_Clarke

--------

Spicy Blurb Playbook (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
www.spicyblurbplaybook.com

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

----------

Time Stamps

[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.
----------

Books Mentioned:

Linnea Sinclair's Books

https://amzn.to/3pm0e9T

Finley Fenn's Books

https://amzn.to/41gjoeX

Strange Love by Ann Aguirre

https://amzn.to/3NPOR4A

The Red by Tiffany Reisz

https://amzn.to/3VIHVbb

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12754198 Mon, 08 May 2023 05:00:00 -0500 2984 full true Ep 49 - Foundations of Great Storytelling with Megan Haskell Ep 49 - Foundations of Great Storytelling with Megan Haskell "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.

Kickstarter for The Author Wheel Quick Guides
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/authorwheel/preparingtowrite

"Search it up!" with The Author Wheel:
https://www.authorwheel.com/
Podcast: https://authorwheelpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Facebook: @AuthorWheel
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCddVhLNk6gZ1Aj8EsxOE2Fw

Megan's Books:
https://amzn.to/41RQqTs

Resources from the Author Wheel:
https://www.authorwheel.com/stuff

--------

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> "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.

Kickstarter for The Author Wheel Quick Guides
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/authorwheel/preparingtowrite

"Search it up!" with The Author Wheel:
https://www.authorwheel.com/
Podcast: https://authorwheelpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Facebook: @AuthorWheel
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCddVhLNk6gZ1Aj8EsxOE2Fw

Megan's Books:
https://amzn.to/41RQqTs

Resources from the Author Wheel:
https://www.authorwheel.com/stuff

--------

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12618082 Mon, 01 May 2023 05:00:00 -0500 2666 full false Ep 48 - Kissing and Killing: Romance and Murder hand-in-hand with Diane Kelly Ep 48 - Kissing and Killing: Romance and Murder hand-in-hand with Diane Kelly "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.

Diane's Books:
https://amzn.to/3KoMqE3

Connect with Diane:
https://www.dianekelly.com/
Twitter:  @DianeKellyBooks
Instagram: @DianeKellybooks
TikTok: @DianeKellybooks
Facebook: Author Diane Kelly

--------

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

--------

Time Stamps

[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.

--------

Books Mentioned:

Primer and Punishment: A House-Flipper Mystery (Book 5) by Diane Kelly

https://amzn.to/41awP11

A Trip with Trouble: The Mountain Lodge Mysteries (Book 2) by Diane Kelly

https://amzn.to/3Sd2niR

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> "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.

Diane's Books:
https://amzn.to/3KoMqE3

Connect with Diane:
https://www.dianekelly.com/
Twitter:  @DianeKellyBooks
Instagram: @DianeKellybooks
TikTok: @DianeKellybooks
Facebook: Author Diane Kelly

--------

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

--------

Time Stamps

[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.

--------

Books Mentioned:

Primer and Punishment: A House-Flipper Mystery (Book 5) by Diane Kelly

https://amzn.to/41awP11

A Trip with Trouble: The Mountain Lodge Mysteries (Book 2) by Diane Kelly

https://amzn.to/3Sd2niR

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12295658 Tue, 21 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600 3493 full false Ep 47 - Writing Multiple Subgenres in Romance with Lauren Smith Ep 47 - Writing Multiple Subgenres in Romance with Lauren Smith "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.

Lauren's Vampire Valentine Novella:
https://amzn.to/3K5NvRc

Lauren's Other Books:
https://amzn.to/3YshwPp

Connect with Lauren:
https://laurensmithbooks.com/
Twitter:  @LSmithAuthor
Instagram: @laurensmithbooks
Facebook: @LaurenDianaSmith
Pinterest:  @ldsmith1818

--------

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.

---------

Books Mentioned:

Wicked Designs (The League of Rogues Book 1) by Lauren Smith

https://amzn.to/3YNnryy

Grigori: A Dragon Shifter Romance (Brothers of Ash and Fire Book 1) by Lauren Smith

https://amzn.to/3HT5bN7

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> "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.

Lauren's Vampire Valentine Novella:
https://amzn.to/3K5NvRc

Lauren's Other Books:
https://amzn.to/3YshwPp

Connect with Lauren:
https://laurensmithbooks.com/
Twitter:  @LSmithAuthor
Instagram: @laurensmithbooks
Facebook: @LaurenDianaSmith
Pinterest:  @ldsmith1818

--------

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.

---------

Books Mentioned:

Wicked Designs (The League of Rogues Book 1) by Lauren Smith

https://amzn.to/3YNnryy

Grigori: A Dragon Shifter Romance (Brothers of Ash and Fire Book 1) by Lauren Smith

https://amzn.to/3HT5bN7

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12237452 Mon, 13 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600 2746 full false Ep 46 - Trope Thesaurus Romance Edition with Jennifer Hilt Ep 46 - Trope Thesaurus Romance Edition with Jennifer Hilt "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.

Trope Thesaurus Romance: Trope Your Way to a Stronger Story
https://amzn.to/43r3GOX

The Trope Thesaurus (Book 1) on Amazon
https://amzn.to/3YoDB11

The Trope Thesaurus: Horror (Book 2) on Amazon
https://amzn.to/3wVDiiz

Connect with Jennifer:
https://www.jenniferhilt.com/
Facebook: @authorjenniferhilt
Instagram: @jennifer_hilt
Twitter:  @jenehilt
--------

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.

---------

Books (and Media) Mentioned:

The Lost City with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum

https://amzn.to/3jC4mAo

Persuasion by Jane Austen

https://amzn.to/3Yakube

The Suki Stackhouse Series (True Blood)

https://amzn.to/40x8l1B

Podcast Episode where I talked about the film 'Persuasion'.

https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com/adapting-austen-netflixs-persuasion-with-romancing-the-story/

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> "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.

Trope Thesaurus Romance: Trope Your Way to a Stronger Story
https://amzn.to/43r3GOX

The Trope Thesaurus (Book 1) on Amazon
https://amzn.to/3YoDB11

The Trope Thesaurus: Horror (Book 2) on Amazon
https://amzn.to/3wVDiiz

Connect with Jennifer:
https://www.jenniferhilt.com/
Facebook: @authorjenniferhilt
Instagram: @jennifer_hilt
Twitter:  @jenehilt
--------

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.

---------

Books (and Media) Mentioned:

The Lost City with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum

https://amzn.to/3jC4mAo

Persuasion by Jane Austen

https://amzn.to/3Yakube

The Suki Stackhouse Series (True Blood)

https://amzn.to/40x8l1B

Podcast Episode where I talked about the film 'Persuasion'.

https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com/adapting-austen-netflixs-persuasion-with-romancing-the-story/

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12191020 Mon, 06 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600 3033 full false Ep 45 - Writing while Working Full-Time with Lark Green Ep 45 - Writing while Working Full-Time with Lark Green 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! 

Connect with Lark
https://www.authorlarkgreen.com/
Instagram: @authorlarkgreen
Facebook: @authorlarkgreen
Goodreads: Lark Green

The Orc Boss
https://amzn.to/3HMoTLL

---------

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.

---------

Books Mentioned:

Ice Planet Barbarians Series by Ruby Dixon

https://amzn.to/3DENm36

Romancing the Beat: Story Structure in Romance Novels by Gwen Hayes

https://amzn.to/3WPXTiF

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need

https://amzn.to/3YeMSJ2

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> 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! 

Connect with Lark
https://www.authorlarkgreen.com/
Instagram: @authorlarkgreen
Facebook: @authorlarkgreen
Goodreads: Lark Green

The Orc Boss
https://amzn.to/3HMoTLL

---------

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.

---------

Books Mentioned:

Ice Planet Barbarians Series by Ruby Dixon

https://amzn.to/3DENm36

Romancing the Beat: Story Structure in Romance Novels by Gwen Hayes

https://amzn.to/3WPXTiF

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need

https://amzn.to/3YeMSJ2

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Connect with Me:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12159925 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600 2592 full false Ep 44 - Conquering Writing Challenges and Getting Unstuck with Holly Lyn Walrath Ep 44 - Conquering Writing Challenges and Getting Unstuck with Holly Lyn Walrath 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.

Connect with Holly
http://www.hlwalrath.com/
Twitter: @HollyLynWalrath
Instagram: @holly__lyn
Facebook: @HollyLynWalrathEditorial

Holly's Books
https://amzn.to/3jfzqWq

Holly's Class Schedule
http://www.hlwalrath.com/appearances.html

---------

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order. 

---------

Books Mentioned:

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

https://amzn.to/3DoGsid

The Smallest of Bones by Holly Lyn Walrath

https://amzn.to/3jfzLsa

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> 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.

Connect with Holly
http://www.hlwalrath.com/
Twitter: @HollyLynWalrath
Instagram: @holly__lyn
Facebook: @HollyLynWalrathEditorial

Holly's Books
https://amzn.to/3jfzqWq

Holly's Class Schedule
http://www.hlwalrath.com/appearances.html

---------

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order. 

---------

Books Mentioned:

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

https://amzn.to/3DoGsid

The Smallest of Bones by Holly Lyn Walrath

https://amzn.to/3jfzLsa

---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12106256 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600 2988 full false Ep 43 - Making a Cozy Mystery Cozy with Amber Royer Ep 43 - Making a Cozy Mystery Cozy with Amber Royer 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

A Study in Chocolate (Bean to Bar Mysteries Book 5) by Amber Royer
https://amzn.to/3Hp2ynp

Amber Royer - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoA_29HV2nPmRnox9LPVanw

--------- 

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order. 

---------

Books Mentioned:

A Study in Chocolate (Bean to Bar Mysteries Book 5) by Amber Royer
https://amzn.to/3Hp2ynp

Story Like a Journalist: Master Collection by Amber Royer
https://amzn.to/3R03EZU

Chet and Bernie Mystery Series by Spencer Quinn
https://amzn.to/3H3bZYl

The Cat Who Mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun
https://amzn.to/3H3bZYl

No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman
https://amzn.to/3WtAeEr
---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> 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

A Study in Chocolate (Bean to Bar Mysteries Book 5) by Amber Royer
https://amzn.to/3Hp2ynp

Amber Royer - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoA_29HV2nPmRnox9LPVanw

--------- 

Amepphire Press Apparel
https://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order. 

---------

Books Mentioned:

A Study in Chocolate (Bean to Bar Mysteries Book 5) by Amber Royer
https://amzn.to/3Hp2ynp

Story Like a Journalist: Master Collection by Amber Royer
https://amzn.to/3R03EZU

Chet and Bernie Mystery Series by Spencer Quinn
https://amzn.to/3H3bZYl

The Cat Who Mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun
https://amzn.to/3H3bZYl

No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman
https://amzn.to/3WtAeEr
---------

The YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12098109 Mon, 23 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600 3329 full false Ep 42 - Setting Successful Writer Goals with Kathryn McClatchy Ep 42 - Setting Successful Writer Goals with Kathryn McClatchy 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)

Connect with Kathryn:
https://kathrynmcclatchy.com/
Twitter: @Kmmcclatchy
Instagram: @kathrynmcclatchy
Facebook: @KMMcClatchy
TikTok: @kathrynmcclatchy

Authorpreneurs Unleashed Podcast
Authorpreneurs Unleashed (buzzsprout.com)

---------

Resources Mentioned:

* The 12 Week Year for Writers: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Your Writing Done by A. Trevor Thrall, Brian P. Moran , Michael Lennington

https://amzn.to/3GSO4e6

*On Writing by Steven King

https://amzn.to/3XrJkme

*Kitchen Privileges by Mary Higgens Clark

https://amzn.to/3GLu110

*The Power of When by Michael Breus
 
https://amzn.to/3IPTAjZ

*Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller

https://amzn.to/3DgpJ0P

* Mel Robbins "Re-invent your life podcast"

https://amzn.to/3IXxg8a

---------

The YouTube Channel

Support the Show

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> 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)

Connect with Kathryn:
https://kathrynmcclatchy.com/
Twitter: @Kmmcclatchy
Instagram: @kathrynmcclatchy
Facebook: @KMMcClatchy
TikTok: @kathrynmcclatchy

Authorpreneurs Unleashed Podcast
Authorpreneurs Unleashed (buzzsprout.com)

---------

Resources Mentioned:

* The 12 Week Year for Writers: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Your Writing Done by A. Trevor Thrall, Brian P. Moran , Michael Lennington

https://amzn.to/3GSO4e6

*On Writing by Steven King

https://amzn.to/3XrJkme

*Kitchen Privileges by Mary Higgens Clark

https://amzn.to/3GLu110

*The Power of When by Michael Breus
 
https://amzn.to/3IPTAjZ

*Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller

https://amzn.to/3DgpJ0P

* Mel Robbins "Re-invent your life podcast"

https://amzn.to/3IXxg8a

---------

The YouTube Channel

Support the Show

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12057827 Tue, 17 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600 3669 full false Ep 41 - Novel Prep and Starting NaNoWriMo with Shayla Raquel Ep 41 - Novel Prep and Starting NaNoWriMo with Shayla Raquel 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!

Connect with Shayla:
https://linktr.ee/shaylaleeraquel
Twitter - @shaylaleeraquel
TikTok - @shaylaleeraquel
Instagram - @shaylaleeraquel
Pinterest - @shaylaleeraquel

Shayla's Books
https://amzn.to/3NADtFH

NaNoWriMo 2022 Planner and Workbook
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1304802050/nanowrimo-2022-planner-and-workbook-22

Shayla's Facebook Group NaNoWriMo Adventures
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nanowrimoadventures

---------

Resources Mentioned:

A Writer's Guide to Active Setting: How to Enhance Your Fiction with More Descriptive, Dynamic Settings by Mary Buckham

https://amzn.to/3t03LcF

The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

https://amzn.to/3FVwDux
---------

*SPECIAL FOR NOVEMBER*
$20 for 20-minute tarot reading for your writing with L.J. Keys

To book, fill out the Google Form below for an appointment and mention the $20 for 20 mins at the end of the form when prompted for questions.

Tarot for Writers Google Form:
tinyurl.com/yeyvenrt

L.J. Keys' website:
https://thekeystothesoul.com/

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> 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!

Connect with Shayla:
https://linktr.ee/shaylaleeraquel
Twitter - @shaylaleeraquel
TikTok - @shaylaleeraquel
Instagram - @shaylaleeraquel
Pinterest - @shaylaleeraquel

Shayla's Books
https://amzn.to/3NADtFH

NaNoWriMo 2022 Planner and Workbook
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1304802050/nanowrimo-2022-planner-and-workbook-22

Shayla's Facebook Group NaNoWriMo Adventures
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nanowrimoadventures

---------

Resources Mentioned:

A Writer's Guide to Active Setting: How to Enhance Your Fiction with More Descriptive, Dynamic Settings by Mary Buckham

https://amzn.to/3t03LcF

The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

https://amzn.to/3FVwDux
---------

*SPECIAL FOR NOVEMBER*
$20 for 20-minute tarot reading for your writing with L.J. Keys

To book, fill out the Google Form below for an appointment and mention the $20 for 20 mins at the end of the form when prompted for questions.

Tarot for Writers Google Form:
tinyurl.com/yeyvenrt

L.J. Keys' website:
https://thekeystothesoul.com/

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11633960 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0600 2972 full false Ep 40 - Fantasy Romance, Worldbuilding, and Sapphic Lovers with Freya Marske Ep 40 - Fantasy Romance, Worldbuilding, and Sapphic Lovers with Freya Marske 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?

Connect with Freya:
https://freyamarske.com/
Instagram - freyamarske
Twitter - @freyamarske
Goodreads - Freya Marske

Link for Freya's Recent Release "A Restless Truth (The Last Binding Book 2)":
https://amzn.to/3U8eiy4

Link for Freya's First Book in the Series "A Marvellous Light":
https://amzn.to/3Fu0QAn

Other books mentioned:
Maurice by E.M. Forster
https://amzn.to/3zwBPky

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> 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?

Connect with Freya:
https://freyamarske.com/
Instagram - freyamarske
Twitter - @freyamarske
Goodreads - Freya Marske

Link for Freya's Recent Release "A Restless Truth (The Last Binding Book 2)":
https://amzn.to/3U8eiy4

Link for Freya's First Book in the Series "A Marvellous Light":
https://amzn.to/3Fu0QAn

Other books mentioned:
Maurice by E.M. Forster
https://amzn.to/3zwBPky

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11598238 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2758 full false Ep 39 - Curating a Paranormal Romance Anthology with Patrice Caldwell Ep 39 - Curating a Paranormal Romance Anthology with Patrice Caldwell 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!

Connect with Patrice:
https://patricecaldwell.com/
Instagram - @pncaldwell
Twitter - @whimsicallyours

Link for Patrice's Recent Anthology "Eternally Yours":
https://amzn.to/3U6na7i

Link for Patrice's 1st Anthology "A Phoenix First Must Burn":
https://amzn.to/3fhJjkr
---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Resources:

Melissa de la Cruz's "Blue Bloods"
https://amzn.to/3sLswco

Chloe Gong's "These Violent Delights"
https://amzn.to/3fiCrDc

Casey McQuiston's "Red, White & Royal Blue"
https://amzn.to/3sH37AT

Kendare Blake's "Three Dark Crowns"
https://amzn.to/3U3f8wc

Sarah Gailey's "The Echo Wife"
https://amzn.to/3U5vkga

Elizabeth Gilbert's Ted Talk "Your Elusive Genius"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86x-u-tz0MA

Additional Music:
Let the Mystery Unfold
by geoffharvey

Support the show

]]> 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!

Connect with Patrice:
https://patricecaldwell.com/
Instagram - @pncaldwell
Twitter - @whimsicallyours

Link for Patrice's Recent Anthology "Eternally Yours":
https://amzn.to/3U6na7i

Link for Patrice's 1st Anthology "A Phoenix First Must Burn":
https://amzn.to/3fhJjkr
---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Resources:

Melissa de la Cruz's "Blue Bloods"
https://amzn.to/3sLswco

Chloe Gong's "These Violent Delights"
https://amzn.to/3fiCrDc

Casey McQuiston's "Red, White & Royal Blue"
https://amzn.to/3sH37AT

Kendare Blake's "Three Dark Crowns"
https://amzn.to/3U3f8wc

Sarah Gailey's "The Echo Wife"
https://amzn.to/3U5vkga

Elizabeth Gilbert's Ted Talk "Your Elusive Genius"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86x-u-tz0MA

Additional Music:
Let the Mystery Unfold
by geoffharvey

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11592975 Mon, 31 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2939 full false Ep 38 - Rockstar Romance and Plus Size Heroines with Kayla Grosse Ep 38 - Rockstar Romance and Plus Size Heroines with Kayla Grosse 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.

Connect with Kayla:
http://www.kaylagrosse.com/
http://www.kaylagrosse.com/newsletter
Instagram - @kaylawriteslife
Twitter - @KaylaGrosse
Facebook - @kaylagrosseauthor

Link for Kayla's Book "I Like You Like That":
https://amzn.to/3VSpl03

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> 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.

Connect with Kayla:
http://www.kaylagrosse.com/
http://www.kaylagrosse.com/newsletter
Instagram - @kaylawriteslife
Twitter - @KaylaGrosse
Facebook - @kaylagrosseauthor

Link for Kayla's Book "I Like You Like That":
https://amzn.to/3VSpl03

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11554841 Mon, 24 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2879 full false Ep 37 - Top Tropes in Romance Writing with Aimee Walker Ep 37 - Top Tropes in Romance Writing with Aimee Walker 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.

Connect with Aimee:
https://aimeewalkerproofreader.com/
Instagram - @aimeewalkereditorialservices
Twitter - @AimeeEditorial
Facebook - @AimeeWalkerEditorialServices

Top Tropes: A Romance Writer's Guide link:
https://amzn.to/3MYS5QA
---------

Use the link below for special $5 discount to Emerald City Writers Conference.
Be sure the notes at checkout include the code ROMANCETHESTORY.

Emerald City Writers' Conference Tickets (PayPal Link):
https://tinyurl.com/romancethestory

What more information? Find full details for the ECWC below.

Emerald City Writers' Conference Page:
https://www.emeraldcityromancewriters.org/emerald-city-writers-conference

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> 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.

Connect with Aimee:
https://aimeewalkerproofreader.com/
Instagram - @aimeewalkereditorialservices
Twitter - @AimeeEditorial
Facebook - @AimeeWalkerEditorialServices

Top Tropes: A Romance Writer's Guide link:
https://amzn.to/3MYS5QA
---------

Use the link below for special $5 discount to Emerald City Writers Conference.
Be sure the notes at checkout include the code ROMANCETHESTORY.

Emerald City Writers' Conference Tickets (PayPal Link):
https://tinyurl.com/romancethestory

What more information? Find full details for the ECWC below.

Emerald City Writers' Conference Page:
https://www.emeraldcityromancewriters.org/emerald-city-writers-conference

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11519577 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2478 full false Ep 36 - Tarot Readings for Writers with LJ Keys Ep 36 - Tarot Readings for Writers with LJ Keys LJ Keys is an intuitive woman of many talents - writer, poet, and tarot reader. Over the years, it has become clearer where she should be in her spiritual journey. Part of the journey is helping writers with their writing through tarot! She provides a tarot reading for my characters to show how tarot can be used as a writer's tool and how to structure and interpret tarot for writing.

Connect with LJ:
https://thekeystothesoul.com/
Twitter - @ljandthekeys
Instagram - @ljandthekeys
Facebook - @ljandthekeys

Find LJ's poetry book here:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/before-i-sleep-l-j-keys/1140979648

---------

Use the link below for special $5 discount to Emerald City Writers Conference.
Be sure the notes at checkout include the code ROMANCETHESTORY.

Emerald City Writers' Conference Tickets (PayPal Link):
https://tinyurl.com/romancethestory

What more information? Find full details for the ECWC below.

Emerald City Writers' Conference Page:
https://www.emeraldcityromancewriters.org/emerald-city-writers-conference

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> LJ Keys is an intuitive woman of many talents - writer, poet, and tarot reader. Over the years, it has become clearer where she should be in her spiritual journey. Part of the journey is helping writers with their writing through tarot! She provides a tarot reading for my characters to show how tarot can be used as a writer's tool and how to structure and interpret tarot for writing.

Connect with LJ:
https://thekeystothesoul.com/
Twitter - @ljandthekeys
Instagram - @ljandthekeys
Facebook - @ljandthekeys

Find LJ's poetry book here:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/before-i-sleep-l-j-keys/1140979648

---------

Use the link below for special $5 discount to Emerald City Writers Conference.
Be sure the notes at checkout include the code ROMANCETHESTORY.

Emerald City Writers' Conference Tickets (PayPal Link):
https://tinyurl.com/romancethestory

What more information? Find full details for the ECWC below.

Emerald City Writers' Conference Page:
https://www.emeraldcityromancewriters.org/emerald-city-writers-conference

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11479934 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:00:00 -0500 4348 full false Ep 35 - Highlander Time-Travel Trope and Writing with C.A. Szarek Ep 35 - Highlander Time-Travel Trope and Writing with C.A. Szarek Eight books into her Highlander Time-Travel series, USA Today Bestselling Author C.A. Szarek is well-acquainted with the trope. She divulges the interest in Scotland that worked its way into her series and creating (and breaking) your own rules as a writer in a sub-genre based in magic.

How does she keep track of all the HEAs in a Highlander family tree and how all the books are inter-connected? So far, she tracks mentally and re-reads her books. But we discuss the very real possibility of a book bible for her ever-growing highlander series....

Connect with C.A. Szarek:
http://www.caszarek.com/
Twitter - @caszarek
Instagram - @caszarek
Facebook - @caszarek

Find C.A. Szarek's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Eight books into her Highlander Time-Travel series, USA Today Bestselling Author C.A. Szarek is well-acquainted with the trope. She divulges the interest in Scotland that worked its way into her series and creating (and breaking) your own rules as a writer in a sub-genre based in magic.

How does she keep track of all the HEAs in a Highlander family tree and how all the books are inter-connected? So far, she tracks mentally and re-reads her books. But we discuss the very real possibility of a book bible for her ever-growing highlander series....

Connect with C.A. Szarek:
http://www.caszarek.com/
Twitter - @caszarek
Instagram - @caszarek
Facebook - @caszarek

Find C.A. Szarek's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11426240 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2766 full false Ep 34 - Dissecting Book Blurbs with Jessie Cunniffe Ep 34 - Dissecting Book Blurbs with Jessie Cunniffe Professional book blurb writer and coach, Jessie Cunniffe joined the show for a second time to walk through a blurb audit with two voluntary blurbs - one a women's fiction and the other a spicy romance. She talks through the highs and revisions of the blurbs to help gain more readers.

Whether you're working on the blurb for a new release or looking to revise from your backlist, Jessie will help you find the right fit and vibe for the blurb of your book.

Below are links to the paid courses mentioned on the episode. If you don't use the link, be sure to use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off the courses below.

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

1:1 Blurb Audit
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie:
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

---------

Connect with Jessie:
TikTok - @bookblurbmagic
Instagram - @bookblurbmagic
Twitter - @Bookblurbmagic
Facebook - @bookblurbmagic

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Book Recommendations:
Phoenix by Kimberly Packard
https://amzn.to/3WBKYAV

Floor Time: Stewart Realty Book 1 by Liz  Crowe
https://amzn.to/3ZZMb81

Support the show

]]> Professional book blurb writer and coach, Jessie Cunniffe joined the show for a second time to walk through a blurb audit with two voluntary blurbs - one a women's fiction and the other a spicy romance. She talks through the highs and revisions of the blurbs to help gain more readers.

Whether you're working on the blurb for a new release or looking to revise from your backlist, Jessie will help you find the right fit and vibe for the blurb of your book.

Below are links to the paid courses mentioned on the episode. If you don't use the link, be sure to use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off the courses below.

Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

1:1 Blurb Audit
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie:
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY

---------

Connect with Jessie:
TikTok - @bookblurbmagic
Instagram - @bookblurbmagic
Twitter - @Bookblurbmagic
Facebook - @bookblurbmagic

---------

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Book Recommendations:
Phoenix by Kimberly Packard
https://amzn.to/3WBKYAV

Floor Time: Stewart Realty Book 1 by Liz  Crowe
https://amzn.to/3ZZMb81

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11384252 Mon, 26 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0500 3480 full false Ep 33 - Proofreading for Your Writing with Melissa Bradford Ep 33 - Proofreading for Your Writing with Melissa Bradford Melissa Bradford may be a Spanish teacher by day but moonlights as a freelance proofreader and copyeditor ready to turn rough drafts into polished, publishable material for indie authors. She helps walk me through the editing titles (alpha reader, beta reader, proofreader) to clarify when authors need them during the revision process. During our chat, I learn of her business as a proofreader, her genres, and areas of expertise - i.e. teen talk - and what proofreaders can offer writers.

Connect with Melissa:
https://linktr.ee/melissaproofreads
Instagram - @melissa.proofreads

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Melissa Bradford may be a Spanish teacher by day but moonlights as a freelance proofreader and copyeditor ready to turn rough drafts into polished, publishable material for indie authors. She helps walk me through the editing titles (alpha reader, beta reader, proofreader) to clarify when authors need them during the revision process. During our chat, I learn of her business as a proofreader, her genres, and areas of expertise - i.e. teen talk - and what proofreaders can offer writers.

Connect with Melissa:
https://linktr.ee/melissaproofreads
Instagram - @melissa.proofreads

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11343259 Mon, 19 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2508 full false Ep 32 - Kindle Vella Writing and Publishing with Rebecca F. Kenney Ep 32 - Kindle Vella Writing and Publishing with Rebecca F. Kenney Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories. As a successful self published author, she knows her way around writing a story and she was one of the early adopters to Amazon's new platform - Kindle Vella. During our chat, we talk about her stories on KV and she bestows all the writing in-and-outs for authors looking to navigate the new serialized format. 

Find Rebecca's books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-F-Kenney/e/B07JH589ZN/

Connect with Rebecca:
https://linktr.ee/rfkenney
Pinterest  - @rebeccaken
Instagram - @rebeccafkenneybooks
TikTok - @rebeccafkenney
Twitter - @RebeccaFKenney1

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Sources:
https://kindlepreneur.com/kindle-vella/

https://www.geekwire.com/2021/bringing-books-tiktok-era-amazons-kindle-vella-rise-new-story-platforms/

Support the show

]]> Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories. As a successful self published author, she knows her way around writing a story and she was one of the early adopters to Amazon's new platform - Kindle Vella. During our chat, we talk about her stories on KV and she bestows all the writing in-and-outs for authors looking to navigate the new serialized format. 

Find Rebecca's books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-F-Kenney/e/B07JH589ZN/

Connect with Rebecca:
https://linktr.ee/rfkenney
Pinterest  - @rebeccaken
Instagram - @rebeccafkenneybooks
TikTok - @rebeccafkenney
Twitter - @RebeccaFKenney1

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Sources:
https://kindlepreneur.com/kindle-vella/

https://www.geekwire.com/2021/bringing-books-tiktok-era-amazons-kindle-vella-rise-new-story-platforms/

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11301600 Mon, 12 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2746 full false Ep 31 - From Page to Audiobook for Paranormal Mystery with Shannon Reber and Lauren Rodriguez Ep 31 - From Page to Audiobook for Paranormal Mystery with Shannon Reber and Lauren Rodriguez Shannon Reber is a Mystery, Paranormal, and Fantasy writer. She was born a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . . or her imagination was anyway. She lives in western New York with her husband and a wide variety of both real and imaginary friends who often battle it out for dominance in her head.

Her coming-of-age paranormal mystery series - Madison Meyer Mystery - is about a young genius who becomes a paranormal investigator and creates a team to find out about a world she never knew existed. Maddie makes new friends, finds love, and maybe finds a new career path.

Lauren Rodriguez narrates the Madison Meyer Mystery Series and has several audiobooks to her name. Lauren's love of performing in plays and musical theatre helped shape her passion for using her voice to tell stories behind a microphone.

Find Shannon's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3DehdPC

Shannon's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeENpO-D6rrCBOM2o2KK0pA

Connect with Shannon:
https://authorshannonreber.com/
Facebook - @authorshannonreber
Instagram - @authorshannonreber
Twitter - @ShannonArtWrite

Connect with Lauren:
https://bio.site/lrodriguez
TikTok - @laurenrodriguezvo
Instagram - @laurensuz
Twitter - @LaurenSuzRod

My YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Shannon Reber is a Mystery, Paranormal, and Fantasy writer. She was born a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . . or her imagination was anyway. She lives in western New York with her husband and a wide variety of both real and imaginary friends who often battle it out for dominance in her head.

Her coming-of-age paranormal mystery series - Madison Meyer Mystery - is about a young genius who becomes a paranormal investigator and creates a team to find out about a world she never knew existed. Maddie makes new friends, finds love, and maybe finds a new career path.

Lauren Rodriguez narrates the Madison Meyer Mystery Series and has several audiobooks to her name. Lauren's love of performing in plays and musical theatre helped shape her passion for using her voice to tell stories behind a microphone.

Find Shannon's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3DehdPC

Shannon's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeENpO-D6rrCBOM2o2KK0pA

Connect with Shannon:
https://authorshannonreber.com/
Facebook - @authorshannonreber
Instagram - @authorshannonreber
Twitter - @ShannonArtWrite

Connect with Lauren:
https://bio.site/lrodriguez
TikTok - @laurenrodriguezvo
Instagram - @laurensuz
Twitter - @LaurenSuzRod

My YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11220278 Mon, 29 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2306 full false Ep 30 - Interracial Romance and the South Asian Experience with Khushi T. Saha Ep 30 - Interracial Romance and the South Asian Experience with Khushi T. Saha Khushi T Saha is an indie romance writer, has lived on both coasts of the US, and is a first generation South Asian. Drawing on her own experiences, she weaves tales of interracial relationships, India, and the South Asian culture and traditions - using her skills to completely immerse romance readers.
 
Her romance series - The Liberated Series - became a cathartic project to convey the triumph and turmoil of an interracial couple and create a HEA with a South Asian heroine. She hopes that other South Asian Americans can relate to her stories and the Asian American experience, and of course, that romantics all around enjoy her novels.

Find Khushi's books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Khushi-T-Saha/e/B09QC25LJ7/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk

Connect with Khushi:
https://linktr.ee/ktsromance
Facebook - @KhushiT.S
Instagram - @ktsromance
TikTok - @ktsromance

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Sources:
https://bookriot.com/barnes-noble-hardcover-stock-change/

Support the show

]]> Khushi T Saha is an indie romance writer, has lived on both coasts of the US, and is a first generation South Asian. Drawing on her own experiences, she weaves tales of interracial relationships, India, and the South Asian culture and traditions - using her skills to completely immerse romance readers.
 
Her romance series - The Liberated Series - became a cathartic project to convey the triumph and turmoil of an interracial couple and create a HEA with a South Asian heroine. She hopes that other South Asian Americans can relate to her stories and the Asian American experience, and of course, that romantics all around enjoy her novels.

Find Khushi's books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Khushi-T-Saha/e/B09QC25LJ7/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk

Connect with Khushi:
https://linktr.ee/ktsromance
Facebook - @KhushiT.S
Instagram - @ktsromance
TikTok - @ktsromance

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Sources:
https://bookriot.com/barnes-noble-hardcover-stock-change/

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11176677 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2457 full false Ep 29 - The Passion for Great Romance Reads with Poppy Darling Ep 29 - The Passion for Great Romance Reads with Poppy Darling Poppy Darling, romance fan and writer, loves a good romance novel. They thrill her, and they were her secret obsession. Until, she decided to become Host of the Confessions of a Closet Romantic Podcast.

Like most romantic readers, she finds a sense freedom in the romance genre - being able to define what love, connection, and sex mean to her.  Most of all, she aims to celebrate her love of the genre without embarrassment or shame.

In celebration of Romance Reading Month, we gush about why we love the romance genre, how it's changed for us as we've matured, and why we both started podcasts about romance. 

Find Poppy's podcast here:
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com/episodes/

Connect with Poppy:
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com/
Twitter - @poppy_confesses
Instagram - @poppy_confesses

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Poppy Darling, romance fan and writer, loves a good romance novel. They thrill her, and they were her secret obsession. Until, she decided to become Host of the Confessions of a Closet Romantic Podcast.

Like most romantic readers, she finds a sense freedom in the romance genre - being able to define what love, connection, and sex mean to her.  Most of all, she aims to celebrate her love of the genre without embarrassment or shame.

In celebration of Romance Reading Month, we gush about why we love the romance genre, how it's changed for us as we've matured, and why we both started podcasts about romance. 

Find Poppy's podcast here:
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com/episodes/

Connect with Poppy:
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com/
Twitter - @poppy_confesses
Instagram - @poppy_confesses

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11137506 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2808 full false Ep 28 - Excellent Audiobook Narration with CJ Critt Ep 28 - Excellent Audiobook Narration with CJ Critt Audiobooks are a booming business with less obstacles than ever before. While many indie authors face the burning questions: Should they narrate their own books or find a narrator? And how do authors find the right narrator for a book?

CJ Critt, SAG-AFTRA Actress and Narrator, walks through the process of narration and let's us peak behind-the-mic for the work that goes into voicing an audiobook. CJ has been narrating audiobooks for decades with nearly 200 popular titles of fiction to her name. For her, being an artist is thrilling. But it is work. And it is a business. And with her help, we walk through the business of audiobook narration and what it takes.

Connect with CJ
cjcritt.com
cjcritt@mac.com

CJ's Upcoming Narration Classes
https://stagewest.coursestorm.com/course/voice-over-acting-master-class-narration-tuesday-august-9-6-00-8-00-pm

https://www.1106lupo.com/bookings-checkout/vo-trio-speak-up-narration-sept-11th?referral=service_list_widget

https://www.1106lupo.com/bookings-checkout/cj-critt-s-voice-over-trio-september?referral=service_list_widget

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Audiobooks are a booming business with less obstacles than ever before. While many indie authors face the burning questions: Should they narrate their own books or find a narrator? And how do authors find the right narrator for a book?

CJ Critt, SAG-AFTRA Actress and Narrator, walks through the process of narration and let's us peak behind-the-mic for the work that goes into voicing an audiobook. CJ has been narrating audiobooks for decades with nearly 200 popular titles of fiction to her name. For her, being an artist is thrilling. But it is work. And it is a business. And with her help, we walk through the business of audiobook narration and what it takes.

Connect with CJ
cjcritt.com
cjcritt@mac.com

CJ's Upcoming Narration Classes
https://stagewest.coursestorm.com/course/voice-over-acting-master-class-narration-tuesday-august-9-6-00-8-00-pm

https://www.1106lupo.com/bookings-checkout/vo-trio-speak-up-narration-sept-11th?referral=service_list_widget

https://www.1106lupo.com/bookings-checkout/cj-critt-s-voice-over-trio-september?referral=service_list_widget

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-11097832 Mon, 08 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0500 3540 full false Ep 27 - Crafting a Re-telling into a New Tale with Kate Forsyth Ep 27 - Crafting a Re-telling into a New Tale with Kate Forsyth Award-winning author Kate Forsyth knows her way around a re-telling. With a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairy tale studies and an accredited master storyteller, she has written several books re-contextualizing fairy tales and myths. She lends insight into her process of writing a re-telling and how to pull from the original tales to create a compelling story for a modern audience.

Kate's most recent novel is The Crimson Thread, a reimagining of ‘The Minotaur in the Labyrinth’ myth set in Crete during the invasion and occupation of World War II.

The Crimson Thread
https://amzn.to/3bMB5hZ

Kate's other books
https://amzn.to/3bJh381

Connect with Kate
https://kateforsyth.com.au/
Facebook - @kateforsythauthor
Twitter - @KateForsyth
Instagram - @kate_forsyth_

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Award-winning author Kate Forsyth knows her way around a re-telling. With a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairy tale studies and an accredited master storyteller, she has written several books re-contextualizing fairy tales and myths. She lends insight into her process of writing a re-telling and how to pull from the original tales to create a compelling story for a modern audience.

Kate's most recent novel is The Crimson Thread, a reimagining of ‘The Minotaur in the Labyrinth’ myth set in Crete during the invasion and occupation of World War II.

The Crimson Thread
https://amzn.to/3bMB5hZ

Kate's other books
https://amzn.to/3bJh381

Connect with Kate
https://kateforsyth.com.au/
Facebook - @kateforsythauthor
Twitter - @KateForsyth
Instagram - @kate_forsyth_

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10905153 Tue, 05 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2844 full false Ep 26 - Building Writing Habits and the 365 Writing Challenge with Clarissa Gosling Ep 26 - Building Writing Habits and the 365 Writing Challenge with Clarissa Gosling Clarissa Gosling, author of  "Dragons of Kaitstud" and "Lost Princess of Starlight"  YA fantasy series, has always lived more in the world of daydream and fiction than in reality. But faced the problem many author do: How do you find the time to write?

On top of being a busy mum and living abroad, she is also an admin for the 365 Writing Challenge, an international writing support group that helps writers build the habit of writing. She has built in writing productivity for her busy schedule and is one of the co-hosts of the Reading Queens podcast, which discusses mainly young adult fantasy books and their tropes.

Find Clarissa's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3xVkxfg

Connect with Clarissa:
https://clarissagosling.com/
TikTok - @clarissagosling
Facebook - @clarissagosling
Twitter - @clarileia
Instagram - @clarissahgosling
Pinterest - @clarissagosling

365 Writing Challenge:
https://www.365writingchallenge.com/

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Clarissa Gosling, author of  "Dragons of Kaitstud" and "Lost Princess of Starlight"  YA fantasy series, has always lived more in the world of daydream and fiction than in reality. But faced the problem many author do: How do you find the time to write?

On top of being a busy mum and living abroad, she is also an admin for the 365 Writing Challenge, an international writing support group that helps writers build the habit of writing. She has built in writing productivity for her busy schedule and is one of the co-hosts of the Reading Queens podcast, which discusses mainly young adult fantasy books and their tropes.

Find Clarissa's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3xVkxfg

Connect with Clarissa:
https://clarissagosling.com/
TikTok - @clarissagosling
Facebook - @clarissagosling
Twitter - @clarileia
Instagram - @clarissahgosling
Pinterest - @clarissagosling

365 Writing Challenge:
https://www.365writingchallenge.com/

The YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10859067 Mon, 27 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2708 full false Ep 25 - Tips and Tricks for Writing Book Blurbs with Jessie Cunniffe Ep 25 - Tips and Tricks for Writing Book Blurbs with Jessie Cunniffe It's a spicy book blurb summer! Professional book blurb writer and saving grace for authors, Jessie Cunniffe, joined the show to spill all the tea on writing the perfect book blurb for your book - talking the ins and outs of creating a dynamite blurb that sells your book for you.

Below are links to freebies and the paid courses mentioned on the episode - along with discount codes for the podcast.

Spicy Blurb Secrets for Romance (FREE):
www.spicyblurbplaybook.com

Anatomy of a Book Blurb for general fiction/nonfiction blurb (FREE):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/anatomy-of-a-book-blurb/

Spicy Blurb Playbook BUNDLE:
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://romancingthestory--adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/the-spicy-blurb-playbook-bundle/

Book Blurb Magic:
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
www.bookblurbmagic.com

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie:
https://romancingthestory--adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/

Find Jessie here:
TikTok - @bookblurbmagic
Instagram - @bookblurbmagic
Twitter - @Bookblurbmagic
Facebook - @bookblurbmagic

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Sources:
https://www.tagari.com/what-percent-of-self-published-books-are-amazon/

http://edwardwrobertson.com/self-publishing/self-publishings-share-of-the-kindle-market-by-genre/

Support the show

]]> It's a spicy book blurb summer! Professional book blurb writer and saving grace for authors, Jessie Cunniffe, joined the show to spill all the tea on writing the perfect book blurb for your book - talking the ins and outs of creating a dynamite blurb that sells your book for you.

Below are links to freebies and the paid courses mentioned on the episode - along with discount codes for the podcast.

Spicy Blurb Secrets for Romance (FREE):
www.spicyblurbplaybook.com

Anatomy of a Book Blurb for general fiction/nonfiction blurb (FREE):
https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/anatomy-of-a-book-blurb/

Spicy Blurb Playbook BUNDLE:
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
https://romancingthestory--adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/the-spicy-blurb-playbook-bundle/

Book Blurb Magic:
Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% off
www.bookblurbmagic.com

Custom Book Blurb Service with Jessie:
https://romancingthestory--adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/

Find Jessie here:
TikTok - @bookblurbmagic
Instagram - @bookblurbmagic
Twitter - @Bookblurbmagic
Facebook - @bookblurbmagic

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Sources:
https://www.tagari.com/what-percent-of-self-published-books-are-amazon/

http://edwardwrobertson.com/self-publishing/self-publishings-share-of-the-kindle-market-by-genre/

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10820525 Mon, 20 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0500 4279 full false Ep 24 - Authorpreneurs and Writing as a Business with Kathryn McClatchy Ep 24 - Authorpreneurs and Writing as a Business with Kathryn McClatchy Writer, speaker, and social media consultant Kathryn McClatchy talks about her passion of engaging and encouraging Authorpreneurs and what that term means to her. With a background in business, she plans to help authors take their book business to the next level with some great advice on where to start. We also discuss our latest collaboration on Twitter Spaces, #AuthorpreneurSpace, where we get into the nitty gritty of book marketing and business with more detailed topics.

Next Chapters Unleashed Anthology
https://amzn.to/38VeNtq

Find Kathryn here:
https://kathrynmcclatchy.com/
Twitter: @Kmmcclatchy
Instagram: @kathrynmcclatchy
Facebook: @KMMcClatchy
TikTok: @kathrynmcclatchy

Or her Author Facebook Group, Unleashing the Next Chapter:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnleashingTheNextChapter

Book referenced
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
https://amzn.to/3xjOJ4s

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Writer, speaker, and social media consultant Kathryn McClatchy talks about her passion of engaging and encouraging Authorpreneurs and what that term means to her. With a background in business, she plans to help authors take their book business to the next level with some great advice on where to start. We also discuss our latest collaboration on Twitter Spaces, #AuthorpreneurSpace, where we get into the nitty gritty of book marketing and business with more detailed topics.

Next Chapters Unleashed Anthology
https://amzn.to/38VeNtq

Find Kathryn here:
https://kathrynmcclatchy.com/
Twitter: @Kmmcclatchy
Instagram: @kathrynmcclatchy
Facebook: @KMMcClatchy
TikTok: @kathrynmcclatchy

Or her Author Facebook Group, Unleashing the Next Chapter:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnleashingTheNextChapter

Book referenced
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
https://amzn.to/3xjOJ4s

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10743084 Mon, 06 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2747 full false Ep 23 - Complex Characters, Contradictions and Diverse Romance with Denise Giddings Ep 23 - Complex Characters, Contradictions and Diverse Romance with Denise Giddings Denise Giddings is a romance writer and lover of all things romantic.  From writing short stories to a stand-alone novel to a series, we talk about complex characters with flaws and how the passion for writing can encourage learning the craft. We also discuss some of the inspirations behind her latest release, Contradictions, and the importance of showcasing  African American characters. 

Contradictions Available Now:
https://amzn.to/3z28r6i

Find Denise here:
https://www.denisegiddings.com/
Facebook: @dgiddingsbooks
Twitter: @dgiddingsbooks
Instagram: @dgiddingsbooks

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Denise Giddings is a romance writer and lover of all things romantic.  From writing short stories to a stand-alone novel to a series, we talk about complex characters with flaws and how the passion for writing can encourage learning the craft. We also discuss some of the inspirations behind her latest release, Contradictions, and the importance of showcasing  African American characters. 

Contradictions Available Now:
https://amzn.to/3z28r6i

Find Denise here:
https://www.denisegiddings.com/
Facebook: @dgiddingsbooks
Twitter: @dgiddingsbooks
Instagram: @dgiddingsbooks

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10688998 Fri, 27 May 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2467 full false Ep 22 - Writer's Retreat and Author Quickies with Friends Ep 22 - Writer's Retreat and Author Quickies with Friends It's a surprise episode filled with writing retreat wisdom and fun "quickies" - lightning round author interviews. Hear all about what makes writing retreats special and why they're important to each writer. Plus, learn about what projects authors work on during a writing retreat and their best practices!

Find Kimberly Packard here:
www.kimberlypackard.com
https://amzn.to/3sQ3I3C

The "Spotifly" Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/34P12lKiYzQLGDw5D4rQib?si=87f3a7dfe65f4357

Find Susan Sheehey here:
www.SusanSheehey.com
https://amzn.to/3LEeNeo

Find Vanessa Foster here:
https://vgfoster.com/
https://amzn.to/3sUiCWr

Find C.A. Szarek here:
http://www.caszarek.com/
https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> It's a surprise episode filled with writing retreat wisdom and fun "quickies" - lightning round author interviews. Hear all about what makes writing retreats special and why they're important to each writer. Plus, learn about what projects authors work on during a writing retreat and their best practices!

Find Kimberly Packard here:
www.kimberlypackard.com
https://amzn.to/3sQ3I3C

The "Spotifly" Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/34P12lKiYzQLGDw5D4rQib?si=87f3a7dfe65f4357

Find Susan Sheehey here:
www.SusanSheehey.com
https://amzn.to/3LEeNeo

Find Vanessa Foster here:
https://vgfoster.com/
https://amzn.to/3sUiCWr

Find C.A. Szarek here:
http://www.caszarek.com/
https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10664186 Mon, 23 May 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2487 full false Ep 21 - 90s Nostalgia, Two Princes, and Writing in your 50s with Cindy Kehagiaras Ep 21 - 90s Nostalgia, Two Princes, and Writing in your 50s with Cindy Kehagiaras Cindy Kehagiaras is a romance writer and Gen-Xer that's been waiting to write Two Princes, her debut novel, for 30 years. Now on her "5th Life" as she tells it, we talk a bit about the inspirations behind her debut's 90s-setting romantic adventure, the online writing community, and entrepreneurism in the current publishing landscape.  She also divulges a little bit on her next release - a second-chance surfer romance!

Two Princes Available Now:
https://amzn.to/3kTOVAz

Find Cindy here:
https://cindykehstories.com/
Facebook: @cmkehstories
Twitter: @CMKehSTORIES
Instagram: @cmkehstories
TikTok: @cmkehstories

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Cindy Kehagiaras is a romance writer and Gen-Xer that's been waiting to write Two Princes, her debut novel, for 30 years. Now on her "5th Life" as she tells it, we talk a bit about the inspirations behind her debut's 90s-setting romantic adventure, the online writing community, and entrepreneurism in the current publishing landscape.  She also divulges a little bit on her next release - a second-chance surfer romance!

Two Princes Available Now:
https://amzn.to/3kTOVAz

Find Cindy here:
https://cindykehstories.com/
Facebook: @cmkehstories
Twitter: @CMKehSTORIES
Instagram: @cmkehstories
TikTok: @cmkehstories

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory 

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10590124 Tue, 10 May 2022 05:00:00 -0500 3642 full false Ep 20 - Finding the Fun in Romance and Wattpad Writing with E.L. Lewis Ep 20 - Finding the Fun in Romance and Wattpad Writing with E.L. Lewis E.L. Lewis (or Liza) is a romance author, Wattpad Star, and a natural storyteller with an active imagination. We discuss how her Wattpad journey started, how it's going and how the publications of her 3 novels came about. Vanessa Holden, a manager from Cherry Publishing, also joins us to talk as part of an indie publisher of romantic fiction. Liza's books are published through Cherry Publishing.

Find Liza here:
https://ellewiswrites.com/
Ink Series : https://amzn.to/3EIxw6K
Faux Real: https://amzn.to/3xQXweR
TikToK and Instagram: @ellewiswrites
Wattpad: @lizaalewis

Find Cherry Publishing here:
https://cherry-publishing.com/en/
Facebook - @cherrypublishingenglish
Instagram - @cherrypublishingenglish

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> E.L. Lewis (or Liza) is a romance author, Wattpad Star, and a natural storyteller with an active imagination. We discuss how her Wattpad journey started, how it's going and how the publications of her 3 novels came about. Vanessa Holden, a manager from Cherry Publishing, also joins us to talk as part of an indie publisher of romantic fiction. Liza's books are published through Cherry Publishing.

Find Liza here:
https://ellewiswrites.com/
Ink Series : https://amzn.to/3EIxw6K
Faux Real: https://amzn.to/3xQXweR
TikToK and Instagram: @ellewiswrites
Wattpad: @lizaalewis

Find Cherry Publishing here:
https://cherry-publishing.com/en/
Facebook - @cherrypublishingenglish
Instagram - @cherrypublishingenglish

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10496517 Mon, 25 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0500 3151 full false Ep 19 - Judging a Book by Its Romance Cover with Sarah Kil Ep 19 - Judging a Book by Its Romance Cover with Sarah Kil Sarah Kil is a graphic designer, self-starter, and an open-book when it comes to talking about the business of covers. She tells me all about her venture into book covers, what trends are emerging, and how a cover impacts marketing. While heavily rooted on romance, she designs for other genres, but she's still a hopeless romantic at heart!

Find Sarah here:
https://www.sarahkilcreativestudio.com/
Facebook: @sarahkilcreativestudio
Instagram: @sarahkilcreativestudio

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Sarah Kil is a graphic designer, self-starter, and an open-book when it comes to talking about the business of covers. She tells me all about her venture into book covers, what trends are emerging, and how a cover impacts marketing. While heavily rooted on romance, she designs for other genres, but she's still a hopeless romantic at heart!

Find Sarah here:
https://www.sarahkilcreativestudio.com/
Facebook: @sarahkilcreativestudio
Instagram: @sarahkilcreativestudio

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10330813 Mon, 28 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0500 2932 full false Ep 18 - Secrets of Writing Series and Sequels with Tex Thompson Ep 18 - Secrets of Writing Series and Sequels with Tex Thompson Tex Thompson is a ruckus-raising professional speaker, writing instructor, and all-purpose extrovert. We discuss all about series and sequel writing - including linear writing, entry points, and the importance of the first book in a series.

Find Tex here:
https://www.thetexfiles.com/
Facebook - @texianne
Twitter - @tex_maam

The Seven Deadly First-Page Sins:
https://www.thetexfiles.com/classes

Resources to help Ukraine:
Save the Children
https://www.savethechildren.org/

Global Giving
https://www.globalgiving.org/

Razom for Ukraine
https://razomforukraine.org/

Book recommendations:
One Night in Sixes by Tex Thompson
https://amzn.to/3vKkaEF

Guards! Guards!: A Novel of Discworld by Terry Pratchett
https://amzn.to/3tTwvUL

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Tex Thompson is a ruckus-raising professional speaker, writing instructor, and all-purpose extrovert. We discuss all about series and sequel writing - including linear writing, entry points, and the importance of the first book in a series.

Find Tex here:
https://www.thetexfiles.com/
Facebook - @texianne
Twitter - @tex_maam

The Seven Deadly First-Page Sins:
https://www.thetexfiles.com/classes

Resources to help Ukraine:
Save the Children
https://www.savethechildren.org/

Global Giving
https://www.globalgiving.org/

Razom for Ukraine
https://razomforukraine.org/

Book recommendations:
One Night in Sixes by Tex Thompson
https://amzn.to/3vKkaEF

Guards! Guards!: A Novel of Discworld by Terry Pratchett
https://amzn.to/3tTwvUL

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10200951 Mon, 07 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0600 3101 full false Ep 17 - Finding Book Ambassadors and Marketing Content with Shayla Raquel Ep 17 - Finding Book Ambassadors and Marketing Content with Shayla Raquel Shayla Raquel is a wealth of knowledge for indie publishing. She teaches me a thing or two about acquiring book ambassadors, marketing tools and how to create better content as an author.

SHAYLA'S BOOKS 📚 🐛💕
https://amzn.to/3NADtFH

Find Shayla here:
https://www.shaylaraquel.com/
Twitter - @shaylaleeraquel
Instagram - @shaylaleeraquel
Pinterest - @shaylaleeraquel

Shayla's Amazon Tricks:
https://www.shaylaraquel.com/blog/amazontricks
.....................................................

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory
.....................................................

Books mentioned:
The Trope Thesaurus by Jennifer Hilt
https://amzn.to/3uKinix

Dishonor: One Soldier's Journey from Desertion to Redemption by David Mike
https://amzn.to/3Jlwbnu

The Wonky Donkey
https://amzn.to/3LxbiYB

Every Last Minute by Ellen Smith
https://amzn.to/3oOPz4B
.....................................................

Newsletters mentioned:
https://www.thefussylibrarian.com/
https://www.bookgorilla.com/
https://www.bargainbooksy.com/
https://bookrebel.com/
https://www.ereaderiq.com/
https://www.ereadernewstoday.com/

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Sources cited:
https://sandvox.io/best-selling-book-genres-in-2021/

https://www.writerswrite.co.za/the-17-most-popular-genres-in-fiction-and-why-they-matter/

Support the show

]]> Shayla Raquel is a wealth of knowledge for indie publishing. She teaches me a thing or two about acquiring book ambassadors, marketing tools and how to create better content as an author.

SHAYLA'S BOOKS 📚 🐛💕
https://amzn.to/3NADtFH

Find Shayla here:
https://www.shaylaraquel.com/
Twitter - @shaylaleeraquel
Instagram - @shaylaleeraquel
Pinterest - @shaylaleeraquel

Shayla's Amazon Tricks:
https://www.shaylaraquel.com/blog/amazontricks
.....................................................

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory
.....................................................

Books mentioned:
The Trope Thesaurus by Jennifer Hilt
https://amzn.to/3uKinix

Dishonor: One Soldier's Journey from Desertion to Redemption by David Mike
https://amzn.to/3Jlwbnu

The Wonky Donkey
https://amzn.to/3LxbiYB

Every Last Minute by Ellen Smith
https://amzn.to/3oOPz4B
.....................................................

Newsletters mentioned:
https://www.thefussylibrarian.com/
https://www.bookgorilla.com/
https://www.bargainbooksy.com/
https://bookrebel.com/
https://www.ereaderiq.com/
https://www.ereadernewstoday.com/

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Sources cited:
https://sandvox.io/best-selling-book-genres-in-2021/

https://www.writerswrite.co.za/the-17-most-popular-genres-in-fiction-and-why-they-matter/

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-10069442 Sun, 13 Feb 2022 23:00:00 -0600 3759 full false Ep 16 - Poetry, Perceptions and Writing Prompts with L.J. Keys Ep 16 - Poetry, Perceptions and Writing Prompts with L.J. Keys LJ Keys waxes poetics on perceptions and gets personal about how Before I Sleep: Poetry, Prose, and Peculiarity, her first book of poetry, came into being.

Find LJ here:
https://ljkeys.com/
Twitter - @ljandthekeys
Instagram - @ljandthekeys
Facebook - @ljandthekeys

Special Shout-Outs:
Luc Bardi - illustrator - @gabeathran
Rob Halhead - cover design - @rob_halhead
Stephen Parolini - editing - www.noveldoctor.com
Kraken Editing - proof reading - www.krakenediting.com
bookow.com - book formatting

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Transcript done by A.I. and may be subject to errors. 

Support the show

]]> LJ Keys waxes poetics on perceptions and gets personal about how Before I Sleep: Poetry, Prose, and Peculiarity, her first book of poetry, came into being.

Find LJ here:
https://ljkeys.com/
Twitter - @ljandthekeys
Instagram - @ljandthekeys
Facebook - @ljandthekeys

Special Shout-Outs:
Luc Bardi - illustrator - @gabeathran
Rob Halhead - cover design - @rob_halhead
Stephen Parolini - editing - www.noveldoctor.com
Kraken Editing - proof reading - www.krakenediting.com
bookow.com - book formatting

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Transcript done by A.I. and may be subject to errors. 

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-9961212 Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0600 2783 full false Ep 15 - Brianstorming, Writing Research, and NaNoWriMo with Kraken Editing Ep 15 - Brianstorming, Writing Research, and NaNoWriMo with Kraken Editing (Recorded in Oct 2020)
Kelsey Holmes of Kraken Editing & Literary Service Investigations offers some great insight on research and we talk about how writing styles are both empowered and influenced by what we read.  To add a little spice to the mix, we talk tips for NaNoWriMo and how to help boost your writing when you hit a wall.

Find Kelsey here:
https://www.krakenediting.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KrakenEditing/
Twitter - @krakenediting
Instagram - @krakenediting

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> (Recorded in Oct 2020)
Kelsey Holmes of Kraken Editing & Literary Service Investigations offers some great insight on research and we talk about how writing styles are both empowered and influenced by what we read.  To add a little spice to the mix, we talk tips for NaNoWriMo and how to help boost your writing when you hit a wall.

Find Kelsey here:
https://www.krakenediting.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KrakenEditing/
Twitter - @krakenediting
Instagram - @krakenediting

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-9509081 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 21:00:00 -0600 3785 full false Ep 14 - Character Agency, Motives and Chocolate with Amber Royer Ep 14 - Character Agency, Motives and Chocolate with Amber Royer What agency does your main character have? Character motives are integral to the plot and writing instructor and fiction author, Amber Royer, helps us get to the core of a character.  We examine what agency looks like in context of romance and use some of your favorite rom-coms as examples. Plus, we gush about chocolate!

Find Amber's books here:
https://amzn.to/3HLqXCe

Connect with Amber:
http://amberroyer.com/
Facebook: @Amber.Royer.Author
Twitter: @amber_royer
Instagram: @amberroyerauthor

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> What agency does your main character have? Character motives are integral to the plot and writing instructor and fiction author, Amber Royer, helps us get to the core of a character.  We examine what agency looks like in context of romance and use some of your favorite rom-coms as examples. Plus, we gush about chocolate!

Find Amber's books here:
https://amzn.to/3HLqXCe

Connect with Amber:
http://amberroyer.com/
Facebook: @Amber.Royer.Author
Twitter: @amber_royer
Instagram: @amberroyerauthor

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-8890402 Mon, 19 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0500 3611 full false Ep 13 - Multiple POVs and Stories of the Heart with Kimberly Packard Ep 13 - Multiple POVs and Stories of the Heart with Kimberly Packard Dying, writing, and...Cantebury Tales? Kimberly Packard does an impressive juggling act with mixing all three in her latest release - with seven POVs and an emotional core that is a powerhouse read. We talk about what makes Dire's Club special.

Kimberly's books:
https://amzn.to/3ObdFkA

Find Kimberly Packard here:
www.kimberlypackard.com
Facebook - @kimberlypackardauthor
Twitter -  @kimberlypackard
Instagram -  @kimberlypackard

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Dying, writing, and...Cantebury Tales? Kimberly Packard does an impressive juggling act with mixing all three in her latest release - with seven POVs and an emotional core that is a powerhouse read. We talk about what makes Dire's Club special.

Kimberly's books:
https://amzn.to/3ObdFkA

Find Kimberly Packard here:
www.kimberlypackard.com
Facebook - @kimberlypackardauthor
Twitter -  @kimberlypackard
Instagram -  @kimberlypackard

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-8664453 Mon, 07 Jun 2021 23:00:00 -0500 3098 full false Ep 12 - Update and ghosting the podcast Ep 12 - Update and ghosting the podcast I provide an update on what's been happening in my world, leaving the podcast for awhile, and looking forward in posting more chats with authors and writers in all genres.

Support the show

]]> I provide an update on what's been happening in my world, leaving the podcast for awhile, and looking forward in posting more chats with authors and writers in all genres.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-8659822 Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:00:00 -0500 1203 full false Ep 11 - Author Content and Productivity with Kathryn McClatchy Ep 11 - Author Content and Productivity with Kathryn McClatchy Writer, speaker, and social media consultant Kathryn McClatchy gives insight on the kind of content authors should be posting and tools for writing productivity. With a background in business and marketing, she has a passion to help authors leverage their assets.

Find Kathryn McClatchy here:
https://kathrynmcclatchy.com/
Twitter: @Kmmcclatchy
Instagram: @kathrynmcclatchy
Facebook: @KMMcClatchy
TikTok: @kathrynmcclatchy

Or her Author Facebook Group, Unleashing the Next Chapter:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnleashingTheNextChapter

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Writer, speaker, and social media consultant Kathryn McClatchy gives insight on the kind of content authors should be posting and tools for writing productivity. With a background in business and marketing, she has a passion to help authors leverage their assets.

Find Kathryn McClatchy here:
https://kathrynmcclatchy.com/
Twitter: @Kmmcclatchy
Instagram: @kathrynmcclatchy
Facebook: @KMMcClatchy
TikTok: @kathrynmcclatchy

Or her Author Facebook Group, Unleashing the Next Chapter:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnleashingTheNextChapter

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-5081858 Thu, 20 Aug 2020 15:00:00 -0500 3382 full false Ep 10 - Recipe for Romantic Subplotting with Amanda Arista Ep 10 - Recipe for Romantic Subplotting with Amanda Arista A self-professed Story Nerd, Amanda Arista is in-the-know of writing tips and tricks for bringing your story to life. She's a lecturer who teaches other aspiring authors and writes paranormal stories with full-realized protagonists that kick butt! She teaches us a thing or two about genre writing and reader expectations.

Find Amanda Arista's books on Amazon:
Diaries of an Urban Panther: https://amzn.to/3vfYPT9
The Truth about Night (Merci Lanard Files Book 1) : https://amzn.to/3rMzVYY

Find Amanda below:
http://www.amandaarista.com/
Pinterest: @aarista
Instagram: @Pantherista
Twitter: @Pantherista
Facebook: @pantherista

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> A self-professed Story Nerd, Amanda Arista is in-the-know of writing tips and tricks for bringing your story to life. She's a lecturer who teaches other aspiring authors and writes paranormal stories with full-realized protagonists that kick butt! She teaches us a thing or two about genre writing and reader expectations.

Find Amanda Arista's books on Amazon:
Diaries of an Urban Panther: https://amzn.to/3vfYPT9
The Truth about Night (Merci Lanard Files Book 1) : https://amzn.to/3rMzVYY

Find Amanda below:
http://www.amandaarista.com/
Pinterest: @aarista
Instagram: @Pantherista
Twitter: @Pantherista
Facebook: @pantherista

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-4892525 Thu, 06 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0500 3503 full false Ep 9 - Romance is Self-Care Ep 9 - Romance is Self-Care We're back at it!

Strap in cause I go off-script for this one with some personal stories but I promise I have a point! I discuss my absence, taking care of yourself, and how romance is a form of self-care. It's important to take care of ourselves mentally and emotionally in rough patches and find our safe space. 

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory

Music by Nico Maximilian
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF7OwLvnKHg

Support the show

]]> We're back at it!

Strap in cause I go off-script for this one with some personal stories but I promise I have a point! I discuss my absence, taking care of yourself, and how romance is a form of self-care. It's important to take care of ourselves mentally and emotionally in rough patches and find our safe space. 

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory

Music by Nico Maximilian
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF7OwLvnKHg

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-4850174 Tue, 04 Aug 2020 14:00:00 -0500 1663 full false Ep 8 - Let's Revise Mis-representation in Books Ep 8 - Let's Revise Mis-representation in Books "It’s dis-heartening to think the author wrote the book using diversity without a diverse audience in mind. The book was about my people - mi gente - but it was not written for me."

TW: I talk about my discomfort over misrepresentation of Hispanic culture in a recent book. 

Adding diverse characters and settings in your book is a great way to expand your writing skills and a new way to craft your work. In that regard, we should aim to represent other communities respectfully and authentically. I talk about ways I've seen it not work and how together, we can do better as a collective going forward.

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory

Music by Nico Maximilian
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF7OwLvnKHg

Support the show

]]> "It’s dis-heartening to think the author wrote the book using diversity without a diverse audience in mind. The book was about my people - mi gente - but it was not written for me."

TW: I talk about my discomfort over misrepresentation of Hispanic culture in a recent book. 

Adding diverse characters and settings in your book is a great way to expand your writing skills and a new way to craft your work. In that regard, we should aim to represent other communities respectfully and authentically. I talk about ways I've seen it not work and how together, we can do better as a collective going forward.

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory

Music by Nico Maximilian
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF7OwLvnKHg

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-4385687 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:00:00 -0500 1122 full false Ep 7 - Why Black Lives Matter and How Writers and Readers Can Help Ep 7 - Why Black Lives Matter and How Writers and Readers Can Help Change starts with us. It starts with the way we think and our actions.

This isn't the typical podcast for "Romancing the Story". Instead, I took time to process the social injustice that has come to the forefront of a lot of important discussions.

I am a small voice on a platform, and I don't wish to take attention away from the more critical voices in the Black Lives Matter movement. Instead, I highlighted an abbreviated version of why the movement is important and focus on what writers and readers can do in the short term and long term to progress change and help dismantle an old method of thinking.

Compiled list of sources referenced in the podcast:

Organizations, Memorial Funds, or Bail Funds for BLM:

https://nymag.com/strategist/article/where-to-donate-for-black-lives-matter.html#victim-memorial

Book recommendations for anti-racism

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2020/06/06/871023438/this-list-of-books-films-and-podcasts-about-racism-is-a-start-not-a-panacea

https://www.charisbooksandmore.com/understanding-and-dismantling-racism-booklist-white-readers

Black owned businesses list:

https://nymag.com/strategist/article/black-owned-businesses-support-shop.html

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Change starts with us. It starts with the way we think and our actions.

This isn't the typical podcast for "Romancing the Story". Instead, I took time to process the social injustice that has come to the forefront of a lot of important discussions.

I am a small voice on a platform, and I don't wish to take attention away from the more critical voices in the Black Lives Matter movement. Instead, I highlighted an abbreviated version of why the movement is important and focus on what writers and readers can do in the short term and long term to progress change and help dismantle an old method of thinking.

Compiled list of sources referenced in the podcast:

Organizations, Memorial Funds, or Bail Funds for BLM:

https://nymag.com/strategist/article/where-to-donate-for-black-lives-matter.html#victim-memorial

Book recommendations for anti-racism

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2020/06/06/871023438/this-list-of-books-films-and-podcasts-about-racism-is-a-start-not-a-panacea

https://www.charisbooksandmore.com/understanding-and-dismantling-racism-booklist-white-readers

Black owned businesses list:

https://nymag.com/strategist/article/black-owned-businesses-support-shop.html

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-4220681 Wed, 17 Jun 2020 23:00:00 -0500 868 full false Ep 6 - Managing and Writing 17 books and counting...with C.A. Szarek Ep 6 - Managing and Writing 17 books and counting...with C.A. Szarek C.A. Szarek is a renaissance woman of romance writing. With 17 books and counting, she writes everything from romantic suspense to epic fantasy romance. She has been both traditional published and self published, has been president of her local Romance Writers, and she is also an editor on the side in addition to her full-time and part-time gigs. No matter what stage you are in your writing journey, Szarek has some nugget of wisdom to sink your teeth into....and lots of dragon mugs.

Find C.A. Szarek's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m

Or connect through her website:
http://www.caszarek.com/
Twitter - @caszarek
Instagram - @caszarek
Facebook - @caszarek

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> C.A. Szarek is a renaissance woman of romance writing. With 17 books and counting, she writes everything from romantic suspense to epic fantasy romance. She has been both traditional published and self published, has been president of her local Romance Writers, and she is also an editor on the side in addition to her full-time and part-time gigs. No matter what stage you are in your writing journey, Szarek has some nugget of wisdom to sink your teeth into....and lots of dragon mugs.

Find C.A. Szarek's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m

Or connect through her website:
http://www.caszarek.com/
Twitter - @caszarek
Instagram - @caszarek
Facebook - @caszarek

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-4146818 Fri, 12 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0500 2506 full false Ep 5 - The Love Affair of Fanfiction and Romance Ep 5 - The Love Affair of Fanfiction and Romance Did you know fanfics were and still are dominated by women?

We take a bit of a journey from the usual romance fare to explore the strange new(ish) world of fanfiction. Fanfiction holds a very special place in our hearts and is a personal passion project. We examine the impact of fanfiction in romance and how romantic fanfiction has influenced writers. 

Fanfiction inspires people to write, whether nurturing a writing passion that has always existed or encouraging a fan who might not have otherwise written at all. 

Ukulele Star Trek: TOS Cover by thesadchicken
https://youtu.be/Z0S94lexjo8

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory

Opinions are my own, but the references below helped:

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/4xa4wq/the-forgotten-early-history-of-fanfiction

http://www.gender-focus.com/2010/02/18/fanfiction-and-feminism/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdDIMOehLm8

https://bookriot.com/2019/10/14/history-of-fanfiction/

https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-promise-and-potential-of-fan-fiction

https://www.techtimes.com/articles/70108/20150723/fan-fiction-star-trek-harry-potter-history-of-fan-fiction-shakespeare-roman-mythology-greek-mythology-sherlock-holmes.htm

https://sites.duke.edu/unsuitable/fan-fiction/

https://repository.library.georgetown.edu/bitstream/handle/10822/551540/17_etd_kem82.pdf

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Did you know fanfics were and still are dominated by women?

We take a bit of a journey from the usual romance fare to explore the strange new(ish) world of fanfiction. Fanfiction holds a very special place in our hearts and is a personal passion project. We examine the impact of fanfiction in romance and how romantic fanfiction has influenced writers. 

Fanfiction inspires people to write, whether nurturing a writing passion that has always existed or encouraging a fan who might not have otherwise written at all. 

Ukulele Star Trek: TOS Cover by thesadchicken
https://youtu.be/Z0S94lexjo8

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory

Opinions are my own, but the references below helped:

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/4xa4wq/the-forgotten-early-history-of-fanfiction

http://www.gender-focus.com/2010/02/18/fanfiction-and-feminism/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdDIMOehLm8

https://bookriot.com/2019/10/14/history-of-fanfiction/

https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-promise-and-potential-of-fan-fiction

https://www.techtimes.com/articles/70108/20150723/fan-fiction-star-trek-harry-potter-history-of-fan-fiction-shakespeare-roman-mythology-greek-mythology-sherlock-holmes.htm

https://sites.duke.edu/unsuitable/fan-fiction/

https://repository.library.georgetown.edu/bitstream/handle/10822/551540/17_etd_kem82.pdf

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-4085627 Mon, 08 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0500 1391 full false Ep 4 - Co-Authoring a Romance Series with Mia London and Susan Sheehey Ep 4 - Co-Authoring a Romance Series with Mia London and Susan Sheehey Mia London and Susan Sheehey concoct an author synergy that makes magic happen on the page. Both ladies encourage each other by writing through adversity and created an awesome Indie Romance Author dream team. They co-authored two different series, a Romantic Comedy and a Romantic Suspense. If their characters aren't making you laugh, they are liable to make things explosive - both literally in the book and figuratively in the bedroom.

Did we mention they have range?

Find Mia and Susan's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3LDeCjy

Or connect through their website:
www.MiaLondon.com
www.SusanSheehey.com

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Mia London and Susan Sheehey concoct an author synergy that makes magic happen on the page. Both ladies encourage each other by writing through adversity and created an awesome Indie Romance Author dream team. They co-authored two different series, a Romantic Comedy and a Romantic Suspense. If their characters aren't making you laugh, they are liable to make things explosive - both literally in the book and figuratively in the bedroom.

Did we mention they have range?

Find Mia and Susan's books on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3LDeCjy

Or connect through their website:
www.MiaLondon.com
www.SusanSheehey.com

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-3838040 Wed, 20 May 2020 00:00:00 -0500 2085 full false Ep 3 - Mixing Romantics with Women's Fiction with Kimberly Packard Ep 3 - Mixing Romantics with Women's Fiction with Kimberly Packard Kimberly Packard keeps us on our toes with all the feels in women's fiction and builds a case for writing compelling relationships in novels. She also gives writing advice on plot development and process for newbie writers. Learn how romance genre mingles with women's fiction for a little lovin' to all readers.

And we take a moment to talk about dogs. Duh.

Kimberly's books:
https://amzn.to/3ObdFkA

Find the video on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/TaHKyHjUe3I

Find Kim here:
www.kimberlypackard.com
Facebook - @kimberlypackardauthor
Twitter - @kimberlypackard
Instagram - @kimberlypackard

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Kimberly Packard keeps us on our toes with all the feels in women's fiction and builds a case for writing compelling relationships in novels. She also gives writing advice on plot development and process for newbie writers. Learn how romance genre mingles with women's fiction for a little lovin' to all readers.

And we take a moment to talk about dogs. Duh.

Kimberly's books:
https://amzn.to/3ObdFkA

Find the video on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/TaHKyHjUe3I

Find Kim here:
www.kimberlypackard.com
Facebook - @kimberlypackardauthor
Twitter - @kimberlypackard
Instagram - @kimberlypackard

Support the Show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory

Find me below:
Twitter - @RomancetheStory
Instagram - @RomancetheStory
Facebook - @RomancetheStory

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-3716105 Mon, 11 May 2020 15:00:00 -0500 2073 full false Ep 2 - Digital Love Cringe Ep 2 - Digital Love Cringe Technology and the Romance genre, hardly the twain ever meet. Is the internet something we should mix with love stories? As our world continues to evolve with remote connection, we have the opportunity to write about dating online in an authentic and truthful way.

Which specific trend or modern development do you feel should be written in more romance?

Find me on twitter and instagram. 

@RomancetheStory

Opinions are my own, but the references below helped:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/who-is-the-the-romance-novel-reader_b_7192588

https://sporteluxe.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-online-dating/

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Technology and the Romance genre, hardly the twain ever meet. Is the internet something we should mix with love stories? As our world continues to evolve with remote connection, we have the opportunity to write about dating online in an authentic and truthful way.

Which specific trend or modern development do you feel should be written in more romance?

Find me on twitter and instagram. 

@RomancetheStory

Opinions are my own, but the references below helped:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/who-is-the-the-romance-novel-reader_b_7192588

https://sporteluxe.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-online-dating/

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support the show

]]> Sarah Buzzsprout-3631897 Tue, 05 May 2020 10:00:00 -0500 560 full false Ep 1 - The Power of Love and Reading Romance Ep 1 - The Power of Love and Reading Romance Romance is a key ingredient to almost every story. Whether it be the focal point or a sub-plot, characters seek to find love in some form or another. In the inaugural episode, Sarah gives a personal story as a reader and champions the case for reading romance, both in general and during dark times.

Spoiler alert: It's pretty much about love, connection, and female empowerment.

After all, HEA is only a page away. Huzzah!  

Why do you love romance? What is your favorite thing about the romance community or Romancelandia?

Find me on twitter and instagram. 

@RomancetheStory

Opinions are my own, but the references below helped:

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057%2F9781137462619_10

https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/99818/slmoody_1.pdf?sequence=1

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/




Support the show

]]> Romance is a key ingredient to almost every story. Whether it be the focal point or a sub-plot, characters seek to find love in some form or another. In the inaugural episode, Sarah gives a personal story as a reader and champions the case for reading romance, both in general and during dark times.

Spoiler alert: It's pretty much about love, connection, and female empowerment.

After all, HEA is only a page away. Huzzah!  

Why do you love romance? What is your favorite thing about the romance community or Romancelandia?

Find me on twitter and instagram. 

@RomancetheStory

Opinions are my own, but the references below helped:

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057%2F9781137462619_10

https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/99818/slmoody_1.pdf?sequence=1

Music:
Prelude in C (BWV 846) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4237-prelude-in-c-bwv-846-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/




Support the show

]]> Sarah Buzzsprout-3631825 Tue, 05 May 2020 10:00:00 -0500 697 full false Ep 0 - What is Romancing the Story? Ep 0 - What is Romancing the Story? Why is reading a good love story so satisfying but writing one is so hard?  

Budding romance writer, Sarah Gamez, answers those questions with a deep-dive look into writing and reading love stories and our favorite guilty pleasures. Including guest speakers and round-table discussions, we focus on the writing elements of romance, how romances influences our favorite stories, and developing our own narratives. Here, happy endings are always guaranteed. 

Support the show

]]> Why is reading a good love story so satisfying but writing one is so hard?  

Budding romance writer, Sarah Gamez, answers those questions with a deep-dive look into writing and reading love stories and our favorite guilty pleasures. Including guest speakers and round-table discussions, we focus on the writing elements of romance, how romances influences our favorite stories, and developing our own narratives. Here, happy endings are always guaranteed. 

Support the show

]]> Sarah Buzzsprout-3631564 Tue, 05 May 2020 10:00:00 -0500 105 full false