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Episode 39: Allison Speka, Self-Published Romance Author

Episode 39: Allison Speka, Self-Published Romance Author

Romance author Allison Speka joins the pod to discuss her journey into writing and self-publishing. She talks about her love for the romance genre and shares her experience with self-publishing, including tips on cover design, book marketing, and the value of learning from other indie authors.

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Episode 38: Katie Wolf, Editor and Writing Coach

Episode 38: Katie Wolf, Editor and Writing Coach

Katie Wolf joins the pod for an inspiring conversation about getting started in publishing, work-life balance, and writing to market. She also discusses the importance of prioritizing mental health and why self-awareness is key in developing your writing craft.

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Episode 37: Heather Dixon, Debut Fiction Author

Episode 37: Heather Dixon, Debut Fiction Author

Thriller vs. Suspense... what's the difference? Heather Dixon, whose debut novel Burlington hits shelves this week, chats with Mary Kole about getting published and the appeal of suspenseful women's fiction.

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Episode 36: Rob Kent, The Middle Grade Ninja

Episode 36: Rob Kent, The Middle Grade Ninja

Rob Kent, author and host of the Middle Grade Ninja podcast, joins Mary Kole to talk about his illustrious publishing career and provides valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring writers. He discusses the importance of managing expectations for success in your writing career, as well as writing for your own personal happiness.

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Episode 13: Wendelin Van Draanen, MG and YA Author
Episode 11: Erin Entrada Kelly, Middle Grade Author
Marketing Your Book With Emily Enger
Episode 10: Brittany Thurman, Picture Book Author

Episode 10: Brittany Thurman, Picture Book Author

Debut picture book author Brittany Thurman discusses writing about complex issues for a young audience, bias in the publishing industry, and supporting Black writers.

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How to Be a Writing Buddy

How to Be a Writing Buddy

How is a writing buddy different from a critique partner or writing partner? The terms are often used interchangeably, but I happen to think that a “writing buddy” is friendlier. So here’s how to be a good one, and boost your own critique and writing skills at the same time.

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Episode 35: Gretchen McNeil, YA Horror/Suspense Novelist

Episode 35: Gretchen McNeil, YA Horror/Suspense Novelist

Dark YA novelist Gretchen McNeil joins Mary in an episode all about recognizing and executing a good story idea. They discuss the shifting young adult book market and embracing diversity, mastering storytelling structure and the importance of shaping the reader's experience, and the controversial subject of IP development.

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Episode 30: Benjamin Roesch, YA/MG Author

Episode 30: Benjamin Roesch, YA/MG Author

Benjamin Roesch joins us to talk about his debut novel—but not his first novel—published with LGBTQ+ young adult indie publisher Deep Hearts. We talk about turning short stories into a novel, coming of age fiction, and being an older debut writer.

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How to End a Chapter

How to End a Chapter

Approaching how to end a chapter is tricky territory. It’s very easy to lose your reader in the white space and page break there, unless you give them a reason to stay and turn the page. Distractions are always beckoning, and nowhere is your grasp on your audience more tenuous. Check out this video to learn how to end your chapters in a compelling way!

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Episode 33: Sara Zarr, YA & Middle Grade Author

Episode 33: Sara Zarr, YA & Middle Grade Author

Sara Zarr brings insight and personal experiences to surviving the sudden and drastic changes within the YA marketplace, such as the popularization of certain YA genres and how that affects YA authors who specialize outside of those genres.

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Episode 25: Leslie C. Youngblood, Author

Episode 25: Leslie C. Youngblood, Author

Leslie C. Youngblood shares her journey through her MFA program, gives tips on crafting interesting character relationships, and weighs in on one of the hottest questions for authors today: traditional or self-publishing?

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