Best Trope Publishing Podcasts (2024)

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✨ Magan Vernon on Navigating Self-Doubt, Criticism, and Creative Renewal 41:58

2d ago41:58

41:58

Send us a Text Message. Episode 225 / Megan Vernon, author of over 40 romance novels, joins us to talk about starting over after a difficult experience of being publicly criticized. We talk about the need to give ourselves grace and the importance of a supportive community for navigating the ups and downs of a writing career. Megan shares about her…

1
📱Kate Johnson on Zory and Fiction Apps 50:12

9d ago50:12

50:12

Send us a Text Message. Episode 224 / Kate Johnson is the co-founder of Zory, an interactive reading app that merges the depth found in fiction with the choose-your-path-style plotlines of narrative video games. Kate shares details about Zory and craft tips about GMC as well as the All Is Lost moment. Plus we talk about trends in genre blending, an…

1
🩻 Steffanie Holmes on Skeleton Drafting, Rebanding, and Kickstarter 56:05

16d ago56:05

56:05

Send us a Text Message. Episode 223 / Do you like to discover the plot as you write? Do you get bored if you know where the story is going? Then a skeleton draft might be what you need. Paranormal and gothic romance author Steffanie Holmes joins us to talk about how discovery writers can use a skeleton draft to get their ideas down on paper and avo…

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🔒 Supporter Episode: 🔎 Incorporating Mystery Elements into Your Writing 21:15

23d ago21:15

21:15

Subscriber-only episode Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how to add a twist of mystery to your narrative? Find out exactly what mystery elements are, how to sprinkle them into your narrative, and why they keep readers turning the pages. Whether you're writing romance, sci-fi, or fantasy, a mystery can add layers of intrigue and depth to your s…

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🧚‍♂️ Writing Middle Grade Books with Jessica Renwick 59:51

23d ago59:51

59:51

Send us a Text Message. Episode 222 / Jessica Renwich, who writes fantasy and horror for kids ages 9-12, joined us to share her experience as an indie middle grade author. She has terrific insights on approaching schools for author visits and the impact of creating whimsical and fun content to appeal to young readers. In addition to discussing how …

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🔗 Amy Pine on Creating a Community 43:26

30d ago43:26

43:26

Send us a Text Message. Episode 221 / Looking to grow a community around your books? Romance author Amy Pine shares how she and her co-hosts created a podcast and built a vibrant community around Korean dramas. We also dive into craft book recommendations, beat sheets, and combining tropes in unexpected ways. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! …

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💡KimBoo York on Discovery Writing 47:34

1M ago47:34

47:34

Send us a Text Message. Episode 220 / KimBoo York joins us to share how to embrace flexibility and spontaneity in your writing process through discovery writing. Whether you thrive on outlining or prefer a more free-flowing approach, there are different techniques to suit your writing style. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to g…

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Ep131: Podcasting is Hard, Y'all 1:36

1M ago1:36

1:36

A quick update on the recent delay in episode uploads and plans moving forward. The podcast isn't saying goodbye, but we'll be taking a bit of a breather to do some catching up (and meeting some other deadlines!). Moving forward, we may explore doing the "seasons" setup where we take breaks between batches of episodes, but we'll keep you updated on…

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Martha Carr on Embracing Change and Starting Over 53:24

1M ago53:24

53:24

Send us a Text Message. Episode 219 / Martha Carr is a journalist who now writes escapist fiction in the urban fantasy genre with a lot of magic, some action and adventure, and a little romance. Martha shares about beating health challenges, changing her business model, and dealing with the ups and downs of publishing. We also talk about leaving re…

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Julie Duffy on Writing Short Stories and Flash Fiction 55:13

2M ago55:13

55:13

Send us a Text Message. Episode 218 / Julie Duffy has long been involved in the publishing industry, but she found herself not actually writing fiction due to the demands of school and work. This realization led her to challenge herself with a "story a day" project in order to get back to writing and creating fictional stories. Julia joins us to ta…

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Celeste Barclay: Binge Writing and the Power of Universal Themes in Pulling Readers to New Genres 58:23

2M ago58:23

58:23

Send us a Text Message. Episode 217 / Writing under two pen names, Celeste Barclay has penned over 50 books in historical and mafia romance. She shares insights on the writing process, the challenges of juggling multiple book brands, the importance of flexibility, and why universal themes resonate across genres. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcas…

1
Ep131: On Aspec Characters, with Harvey Oliver Baxter 48:27

2M ago48:27

48:27

Amy sits down for a chat with author Harvey Oliver Baxter about writing aromantic and asexual characters in fiction. We discuss some of our fave characters, least fave tropes, and more. Harvey Oliver Baxter is the author of Fallen Thorns, available now. Find Harvey online: Instagram: @lastvanillasmile TikTok: @authorhobaxter ----more---- Episode Dr…

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Abigail Keam: Writing Historical Mystery, Payhip Direct Sales, and Merchandise for Readers 43:55

2M ago43:55

43:55

Send us a Text Message. Episode 216 / Mystery author Abigail Keam shares how she embraced the digital landscape and incorporated direct sales into her business model. From historical accuracy to adapting to technology, she shares her lessons-learned. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. ht…

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💸 How to Save and When to Splurge in your Author Business 47:22

2M ago47:22

47:22

Send us a Text Message. Episode 215 / When it comes to your author business, a bargain sometimes costs money in the long run, but other times it pays to splurge instead of scrimp. Join us as we discuss tips for saving money as well as when we’re willing to pay more. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a fu…

1
Ep130: The Miscommunication Trope 17:26

3M ago17:26

17:26

Amy discusses the miscommunication trope with fellow writer Lesia, which includes our fave (and least fave) ways it can be incorporated, as well as a bit of shared glee over character angst. Follow Lesia on InstagramBy anditswriting

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How to Find Your Author Brand 53:55

3M ago53:55

53:55

Send us a Text Message. Episode 214 / How do you pull in readers who will love your books and push away those readers who won’t enjoy your book? Branding. Branding is more than colors, fonts, and covers. Join us for an in-depth discussion on how to determine your brand and carry it through in everything from your voice to ad copy to covers. And you…

1
🔒 Character Archetypes 31:45

3M ago31:45

31:45

Subscriber-only episode Send us a Text Message. The sage. The rebel. The everyman. These are a few character archetypes that resonate with readers. We discuss fifteen character archetypes, their common characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and their desires along with examples in popular culture. We also discuss the difference between an archetyp…

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Constructing a Compelling Series: Sara Rosett on the Indy Author Podcast (Reair) 50:13

3M ago50:13

50:13

Send us a Text Message. Episode 213 / We’re sharing an interview Sara did with Matty Dalrymple on the Indy Author Podcast last year. Sara and Matty go deep on the topic of how to structure a series so that it works for your writing style and your genre. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode.…

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Ep129: Fiona Fenn on Fanfiction 24:08

3M ago24:08

24:08

Amy and guest Fiona Fenn discuss fanfiction! They chat about their personal ties to fanfic, as well as shifting perceptions in the traditional publishing industry, and how the community aspect differs between fanfic and trad-pub. Fiona is the author of the upcoming fantasy novel, The Crack at the Heart of Everything, available for pre-order now! Fi…

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Author Sustainability and Kickstarter with Claire Taylor 1:13:14

3M ago1:13:14

1:13:14

Send us a Text Message. Episode 212 / Claire Taylor, humor and mystery author and Enneagram expert, shares how authors can use the Enneagram to create a resilient approach to the often chaotic writer lifestyle. We also discuss Claire’s successful track record on Kickstarter, and she tells us what she wishes she knew about using the crowdfunding pla…

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Ep128: Writing Love Triangles and Other Polygons 16:12

3M ago16:12

16:12

Amy is joined by guest co-host Abi to discuss love triangles (or assorted other shapes). We discuss the "why not all" option, when a love triangle/polygon may actually help serve the plot, and our best tips for making them feel authentic. Follow Fledgling Books here!By anditswriting

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Financial Freedom, Direct Sales, and Author Nation with Joe Solari 1:06:49

3M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Send us a Text Message. Episode 211 / How do you live your best life through your writing career? We talk with Joe Solari about how to achieve author goals and how various business models, including direct sales and subscriptions, play into reaching those goals. We also discuss Author Nation, the largest indie author conference, and tips on how to …

1
Ep127: Jenny Adams on Pivoting Genres 22:59

4M ago22:59

22:59

Historical mystery author Jenny Adams joins Amy for a discussion about what it's been like pivoting from young adult fantasy to adult historical mystery, as well as sharing some advice for others thinking about expanding into other genres. Jenny is the author of the debut adult historical mystery novel A Deadly Endeavor, available now! Find Jenny A…

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⏳ M.K. Williams: “Packing your Patience," YouTube Success, and Writing Across Genres 57:11

4M ago57:11

57:11

Send us a Text Message. Episode 210 / M.K. Williams writes suspenseful literary fiction and helps aspiring authors. M.K. shares how she writes and markets books across different genres, using Payhip for direct sales, the drawback of a surprise launch, and why delusion is sometimes a good thing. 🌀 Why M.K. has specific goals for each book Why M.K. r…

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Ep126: T.L. Simpson, author of Strong Like You 42:22

4M ago42:22

42:22

Amy sits down with author T.L. Simpson to discuss his YA contemporary debut novel, Strong Like You. We discuss what it's like to tackle darker themes in YA, how journalistic writing can help with fiction, and share a minor digression on a little childhood toy nostalgia. Find T.L. Simpson online: Website: tlsimpson.net Instagram: @word_factory21 Fac…

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Melanie Harlow: Lessons Learned on the Way to Becoming a One-Click Author 1:10:22

4M ago1:10:22

1:10:22

Send us a Text Message. Episode 209 / How do you get to the point that your readers “one-click” the buy button for your books? Join us as we chat with small town romance author Melanie Harlow. Melanie shares what she learned about giving readers what they want—and what that has to do with spaghetti versus cake. 🎂 Knowing how to market the book befo…

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Ep125: Jaq Evans on Juggling Projects 20:43

4M ago20:43

20:43

In this special guest episode, Amy sits down with author Jaq Evans to discuss what it's like juggling projects, working with publishing deadlines and long silences, as well as giving yourself grace when choosing which book to work on. Jaq Evans is the author of the adult horror novel What Grows in the Dark, releasing on March 5, 2024. Find Jaq onli…

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Margaret Lashley on Creating Your Own Genre and Being True To Yourself 59:25

4M ago59:25

59:25

Send us a Text Message. Episode 208 / Want to write something a little bit different? How do you appeal to readers in one of the main genres, but also forge your own path? Margaret Lashley joins us to share how she created a subgenre of wacky, humor-filled mysteries that appeal to cozy readers as well as women’s fiction readers. How Margaret’s back…

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Emma St. Clair on Building Fandom and Writing Closed Door Romantic Comedies 1:14:00

4M ago1:14:00

1:14:00

Send us a Text Message. Episode 207 / Do you want to create a loyal readership interested in you, not just your genre? Do you want to up the romantic tension in your books? Rom-com author Emma St. Clair shares tips on these topics, plus much more: The minefield of romance terms used to describe heat level and tone Weighing the cost of taking a brea…

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Ep124: Self-publishing While Parenting, with Brigitta Estelle Burguess! 57:02

4M ago57:02

57:02

In this episode, Amy and D.C. chat with special guest Brigitta Estelle Burguess, author of Swipe Up For Secrets. We discuss keeping a positive outlook on writing, marketing a self-published book, and what it's like maintaining a writing career as a parent. Find Brigitta and her book online: Swipe Up For Secrets Instagram Twitter/X…

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Leslye Penelope on Worldbuilding, Being a Hybrid Author, and Selling Signed Books Using Payhip 42:39

5M ago42:39

42:39

Send us a Text Message. Episode 206 / Leslye Penelope, author of fantasy and paranormal romance, joins us and shares how she builds rich story worlds. How the worldbuilding can connect to plot, character, theme, and conflict Using Payhip to sell signed paperbacks Leslye’s course on Worldbuilding How Leslye went from indie publishing to being a hybr…

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🔒 Supporter Chat with Ines Johnson: How to Avoid the Saggy Middle 🦥 38:16

5M ago38:16

38:16

Subscriber-only episode Send us a Text Message. How do you structure your novel so the middle is as page-turning as the beginning and the end? How do you write a strong heroine? What are content buckets and how can they help with your newsletter? We dive into these topics with the wonderful Ines Johnson, who joins us to answer your questions! Ines …

1
Ep123 (Mini-Ep): Getting Motivated 19:19

5M ago19:19

19:19

What do you do when the muse isn't singing and the motivation just isn't sparking? Amy and D.C. discuss some of their favorite tips for getting the mojo back.By anditswriting

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The Power of Owning Your Reader’s Experience with Matt Briel from Lulu 48:25

5M ago48:25

48:25

Send us a Text Message. Episode 205 / This episode is all about harnessing the power of direct connection with your readers. Matt Briel from Lulu discusses the value of direct sales as we move away from a distribution-first publishing model. Importance of owning customer data Why you should start building your direct audience even if you only have …

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Ep122 (Mini-Ep): Navigating Reader Interactions 16:13

5M ago16:13

16:13

When should you interact with your readers, and when should you keep out of reader spaces? Today, Amy and D.C. discuss this touchy topic.By anditswriting

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Get the First Draft Written and Mental Health for Writers with Erin P.T. Canning 53:07

5M ago53:07

53:07

Send us a Text Message. Episode 204 / Having trouble getting words on the page? Erin P.T. Canning has strategies to help! We delve into how to let go of perfectionism and give yourself permission to write a “bad” first draft. Erin also shares how writing helped her with depression. Why it’s important to look backward as well plan for the future Mak…

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Ep121(Mini-Ep): Connecting the Dots of Subplots 14:16

5M ago14:16

14:16

How can you make sure your subplots weave in with your main plot, how do they tie in to characters, and why is that important? Amy and D.C. discuss.By anditswriting

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🔒 Supporter Episode:🪝Hooky Openings 32:39

5M ago32:39

32:39

Subscriber-only episode Send us a Text Message. Opening lines, where to start the book, and prologues How do you start your book in a way that hooks readers? In this month’s suporter-only episode, we look at compelling beginnings. We cover the heavy lifting that the open line does, where to start your book, and (controversy!) prologues. Famous firs…

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✅ Why Branding and Quality are More Important Than Ever with Clayton Noblit of Written Word Media 55:53

5M ago55:53

55:53

Send us a Text Message. Episode 203 / Do you want to simplify marketing? Do you want to take your branding up a notch? Do you want to know the trends in writing and publishing? Clayton Noblit of Written Word Media has answers about these topics and also shares tips on where to start with branding and common mistakes new authors often make. https://…

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Ep120 (Mini-Ep): Insecurities and Professional Jealousy 17:30

5M ago17:30

17:30

Amy and D.C. discuss the ugliness of publishing insecurities and professional jealousy, as well as sharing our best tips for keeping them at bay. We also talk about the importance of community and supporting other authors. (Yes, this might be spurred on by the recent review-bombing mess in December 2023).…

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🌟 My Favorite Trope (Part 2) 36:47

5M ago36:47

36:47

Send us a Text Message. Episode 202 / It’s part two of our trope series–very appropriate for episode #202! What’s your favorite trope? We asked a range of authors this question, and we’re here to share the answers. We unpack the benefits of writing tropes, why we love specific tropes, and where to find the favorite examples of the specific trope in…

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Ep119: The Journey to The Longest Autumn 55:19

6M ago55:19

55:19

Amy's book, The Longest Autumn, comes out tomorrow (if you're listening to this episode on the day it drops)! Amy and D.C. take a look back to discuss how a book gets to print, her journey to publication and what a long, strange trip it's been. To learn more about The Longest Autumn (or to order it), click here. ----more---- Drink Recipes: Cocktail…

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Writing Dark Romance with Khardine Gray & Faith Summers 1:11:46

6M ago1:11:46

1:11:46

This episode is with my clients and authors, Khardine Gray / Faith Summers. We discuss her career, the evolution of her writing process, and making her dark romance her own. About Khardine Gray Khardine Gray is a USA Today Bestselling author who loves writing sizzling hot contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She also wri…

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Increase Productivity with Intentional Planning with S.L. Hansen 49:32

6M ago49:32

49:32

Send us a Text Message. Episode 201 / Mystery author S. L. Hansen shares how she hacked her writing process. She figured out how to fit writing in with her full-time job and also learned how to work with her Clifton Strengths to draft her books faster. Stephanie shares so many great tips that you can personalize to fit your writing personality. We …

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Ep118: Multiple Timelines and Flashbacks 49:02

6M ago49:02

49:02

Avery (now Amy) and D.C. discuss writing multiple timelines or flashbacks in a story. We chat about some possible best practices, finding the right reader for a multi-timeline story, and some of our favorite (and least favorite) examples. (Side note: This episode was originally recorded in October of 2023 but Amy just now got around to editing it, …

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🥳 200 Episodes! What We Learned + Trends that will Impact Authors in 2024 📈 42:28

6M ago42:28

42:28

Send us a Text Message. Episode 200 / We’re celebrating 200 episodes with a look back (what we learned in 2023) and a look forward to 2024 (trends that matter to authors). We’re so happy to have such a warm community around the podcast! Thanks for listening and supporting us during the last four years. Here’s to the next 200 episodes! 🥂 💜 🎙 Become …

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Ep117: Updates for 2024, plus Purple Prose Revisited! 57:59

6M ago57:59

57:59

Some updates about what the podcast will look like in 2024, news about Amy's book release (January 16th, aaaa!), and a replay of one of our most popular episodes: "Invisible, Lyrical, and Purple Prose". Tour dates mentioned: Tuesday January 16th at 6pm - Wichita, KS, Watermark Books & Cafe with KT Hanna, author of numerous fantasy, dystopian, and L…

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German Translation Tips plus Insight to the German Market with Julia Stirling 52:57

6M ago52:57

52:57

Send us a Text Message. Episode 199 / Julia Stirling is a German romance author of over twenty books. She shares tips for when to go into translation, German covers, and connecting with German readers. Julia also has some fantastic ideas on newsletter bonus content and a unique book giveaway that brings her new readers and also creates bonds betwee…

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Writing with Neurodiversity and Including Neurodiverse Characters with Claire Kohler 46:09

6M ago46:09

46:09

Send us a Text Message. Episode 198 / Claire Kohler writes Scottish fantasy romance and is also an editor, tutor, and neurodiversity advocate. Claire shares how her autism and ADHD can be both a positive and a negative in her writing career and encourages neurodivergent writers to pursue their goals. We also talk about slowing down, the power of wr…

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Tara Cremin on Thinking Globally and Kobo Plus Subscriptions 44:40

7M ago44:40

44:40

Send us a Text Message. Episode 197/ Tara Cremin is the Director of Kobo Writing Life and has great tips for how to go wide, how to reach readers globally, and how Kobo Plus, their non-exclusive subscription platform, helps authors reach new readers. We also talk about common mistakes Tara sees authors make as well as library distribution and cover…

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