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Join us for conversations with your favorite authors that go behind the scenes in their process. From ideas to software, superstitions and routines to mindset hacks, we'll chat about what works and what doesn't in the current publishing ecosystem. Your host is Nancy Smay, long-time editor and story coach and USA Today bestselling romance author.
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The Attic Monologues is a queer urban fantasy/horror podcast distributed by Planar Prod on fate, friends to lovers, meta narratives, and the importance of feathered friends. The show follows Nyx Ryland, a nonbinary university student who discovers a strange collection of monologues in their attic. But these monologues are strange, and dreamlike, and the more Nyx reads, the more it becomes evident that things are not as they seem. These monologues are not just paper and ink, the world is not ...
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Wisconsin and the World.
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Episode 76: In Which Julia Jarrett Talks about Hanson. (Dreamy Sigh.)
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Julia Jarrett is a Canadian author of spicy romance novels. She started with small-town romance but recently branched out into sports romance, specifically baseball. In this episode, Nancy and Julia talk about where Julia's ideas for her books come from and what goes on in their plot coaching sessions. Julia shares her strategies for launching book…
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“AN/RN#202204-H - miskunnbil [amnesty period] AN/RN#202204-I - epicinium [aftermath] AN/RN#202204-J - colloquium aves [conference of the birds] AN/RN#202204-K - discrimen [turning point] Transcripts available here: https://www.planarprod.com/the-attic-monologues-transcripts CONTENT WARNINGS: Depiction of arguments, emotionally abusive parenting, ma…
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Some artificial sweeteners may raise blood sugar, Tattoo ink is under-regulated, scientists say, Sticky rice with pork belly
This week the hosts examine a study that found some artificial sweeteners may raise our blood sugar, and they discuss the safety of tattoo inks. Plus, they share a delicious […]
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Significant surge in sugary drink intake by children and adolescents, Generation X and Millennials have higher risk of developing 17 cancers compared to older generations, Braised Chickpeas with Zucchini ...
This week Zorba and Karl discuss a surge in sugary drink intake by children and adolescents over the last several decades, and they look at new research showing Generation X […]
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Episode 75: In Which Mona Shroff Waits Beneath Clerys Clock
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In this conversation, authors Nancy Smay and Mona Shroff discuss the process of writing contemporary romance novels, sharing insights into their creative process, inspiration, and the challenges they face. Mona Shroff shares her journey from optometry to becoming a writer, her approach to character development, and the unique way she plots her stor…
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Study finds no evidence that depression is caused by low serotonin levels, The importance of the shingles vaccine, Thai-style beef with basil
This week the hosts look at a study that found no evidence that depression is caused by low serotonin levels, and they discuss the importance of getting your shingles shot. […]By Wisconsin Public Radio
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“AN/RN#202204-D - ek muna therr [i understand you] AN/RN202204-E - tandem etja eventus [at last, an inciting incident] AN/RN202204-F - absens fragmen [the missing piece] AN/RN202204-G - impietas [betrayal]” Transcripts available here: https://www.planarprod.com/the-attic-monologues-transcripts CONTENT WARNINGS: Lying, emotionally abusive parenting,…
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Are cold showers good for you?, Antipsychotics for dementia linked to more harms than previously acknowledged, Greek Orzo Salad
This week Zorba and Karl look at the health benefits of cold showers, and they discuss new research focusing on the potential harms of antipsychotic medicines. Plus, they share a […]By Wisconsin Public Radio
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Episode 74: In Which Ines Johnson Enters Her Godmother's Pantry
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In this conversation, Ines Johnson discusses her experience as a romance writer and the changes she has observed in the genre. She talks about her journey as an indie author and the challenges she faced in traditional publishing. Ines also shares her insights on the evolving preferences of readers, particularly the TikTok generation, and how she in…
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Taking a daily multivitamin does not help you live longer, Substantial rise in adults and young adults vaping, Watermelon Pizza
This week Zorba and Karl look at new research that shows daily multivitamin use does not help you live longer, and they discuss why there is a sharp rise in […]By Wisconsin Public Radio
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“AN/RN#202204-A - ek sa knaliga tantum reyndr [i am trying so hard] AN/RN202204-B - dreyma sumar solstitio nox [a midsummer night’s dream] AN/RN202204-C - log ante veder [the calm before the storm]” Transcripts available here: https://www.planarprod.com/the-attic-monologues-transcripts CONTENT WARNINGS: Mentions of burn out/over work, references to…
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Episode 73: In Which Denny S. Bryce Time Travels
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1:10:27
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In this conversation, Nancy Smay interviews Denny S. Bryce, a traditionally published author of historical fiction. They discuss Denny's background as a writer and her passion for craft and research. Denny shares her experience as a fan fiction writer and how it led her to join the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and eventually get an agent. They …
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Salt substitutes lower risk of heart attack, stroke and death, New pig research may change what we know about organ transplants, Spicy eggplant and tofu bowls
This week the hosts discuss how dietary salt substitutes lower risk of heart attack, stroke and death, and look at how new pig research may change what we know about […]
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Episode 72: In Which Lena Hendrix Discusses Whether Mafia Cowboys Will Ever be a Thing
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In this episode, Nancy chats with spicy small town romance writer Lena Hendrix. Lena, who began publishing just a few years ago, has found success in KU writing multiple series and focusing on cozy settings, relatable characters, time-tested tropes, and an edge. They discuss the importance of considering marketing before beginning to write, explore…
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Voice Note 1: [static] The Attic Monologues will return July 31st
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The many health benefits of laughter, Daily sugar intake fell after UK sugar tax imposition, Strawberry Balsamic Caprese Salad
This week Zorba and Karl talk about how laughter truly might be the best medicine, and they discuss why a sugar tax in the UK led to a drop in […]
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Episode 71: In Which Kait Nolan Talks about Talking to Herself
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1:14:02
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In this conversation, Nancy interviews Kate Nolan about her writing career and process. They discuss topics such as the different genres Kate writes in, her experience with self-publishing and traditional publishing, her decision to use pen names, her approach to wide distribution, and her writing routine. Kate shares that she is a rabid plotter an…
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Hiccup cures put to the test, Brain’s response to singing is different than just music, Sriracha deviled eggs
This week the hosts put common hiccup cures to the test, and they discuss why the brain’s response to singing is different than just music. Plus, they share a deliciously […]
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Walking may cut dementia risk, WHO warns against artificial sweeteners, Spicy honey cornflake baked chicken
This week the hosts look at a new study that suggests walking may reduce the risk of dementia, and they discuss a new warning by the World Health Organization about […]
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Medicinal cannabis can relieve cancer pain and curb and opioid use, How artificial intelligence may change medicine, Cobb salad wraps
This week the hosts look at research that shows medicinal cannabis can safely relieve cancer pain and curb total meds and opioid use, and they discuss how artificial intelligence may […]By Wisconsin Public Radio
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There is a world, in which everything changed… Content Warnings: implied negative family relationships, discussion of anxiety Transcripts available here: https://www.planarprod.com/the-attic-monologues-transcripts Written, read, and sound designed by Morgan Greensmith Produced by Morgan Greensmith, LM Clohessy & Sorren Briarwood Theme tune composed…
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Episode 70: In Which Pippa Grant Ponders Rage
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Summary: Pippa Grant discusses her journey as a writer, from querying agents to self-publishing, and shares insights into her writing process and success. She emphasizes the importance of joining writing organizations, like Romance Writers of America, for learning and support. Pippa also talks about the strategic decision to rebrand under a new pen…
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Episode 69: In Which Sylvie Discusses Superpowers
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Nancy and Sylvie Stewart discuss their pen names, their family histories, and their writing careers. They talk about how they got started in writing and the genres they write in. They also discuss their experience co-writing a series with Marika Ray and the process they use. The conversation touches on the challenges of self-publishing and the impo…
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Episode 68: In Which Marika Ray Searches for the Secret Sauce
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The conversation between Nancy Smay and USA Today bestselling rom-com author Marika Ray delves into the world of writing and publishing, exploring topics such as book production, genre selection, marketing strategies, and writing processes. Marika shares insights into her journey as an author, her approach to writing, and the challenges she faces i…
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Episode 67: The One Where International Bestseller Kelly Collins Ponders the Pepper Rating
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In this episode, Nancy and author Kelly Collins delve into Kelly's writing process, book series, and publishing experiences. They also explore the concept of 'steaminess' in romance novels, the challenges of writing, and the importance of backups and market research. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the creative process, bo…
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Once upon a time, a boy grew wings... Content Warnings: descriptions of fire, arson and murder, heights and suicidal ideation, death of parents, volcanic eruption, funerals and death; references to burns/scars and cover-up augmentation Transcripts available here: https://www.planarprod.com/the-attic-monologues-transcripts Read by Drew Citrine as R…
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Episode 66: Delancey Stewart - Exploring Writing Process
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We're flipping the script a bit! Listen in as Nancy interviews working authors who run the gamut of genre and renown. First up? A bit of a multiple personality situation - Delancey Stewart! Hear how she gets ideas, plots her books, tools she uses, and how she approaches marketing. Our new focus gives you a look behind the scenes at your favorite au…
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Join us as we talk death of the author, dnd classes, how well our protagonists would survive other podcasts, and all things Attic Monologues in this Season 2A Q&A. Transcripts available here: https://www.planarprod.com/the-attic-monologues-transcripts The Locked Tomb tangent/spoilers: 6:28-11:55 Voices: Morgan Greensmith LM Clohessy Production Tea…
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Episode 65: Talking Tropes and Building Better Stories
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Tropes are a storytelling convention that help us let readers know what to expect from our books. Learn how to use them, combine them, and twist them to make your stories fresh!
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Episode 64: Marketing Focus - Understanding Comps
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Why do you need to understand comps as an author? Because you can't market a book without understanding the market. This episode of Story Strategy focuses on helping indie authors figure out how to market their books based on identifying where they fit with other books in the market.
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