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…

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…

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 InstagramAv anditswriting

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…

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!Av anditswriting

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.Av anditswriting

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.Av anditswriting

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.Av anditswriting

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).…

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…

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, …

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…

Hi! We'll be taking a break for the month of December while we do some recalibrating, but we'll be back to our regularly scheduled weekly programming in January!Av anditswriting

Amy and D.C. discuss some techniques and tricks for making memorable and three-dimensional side characters.Av anditswriting

Your story's theme is its heart, but how do you find yours or decide on one? In this episode, D.C. and Avery discuss the ways in which your throughline and theme play together to underscore your book's core message.----more---- Books mentioned: The Longest Autumn, by Amy Avery A River Enchanted, by Rebecca Ross A Song of Ice and Fire series, by Geo…

So you've finished the initial rush of those first chapters and you're reaching the middle of your story when you hit that wall: the Murky Middle. Today, D.C. and Avery discuss some tips and tricks to get over the mental hurdles and craft-based befuddlement of your book's second act.Av anditswriting

You know those extra italicized sentences at the top of chapters? Today Avery and DC talk about epigraphs. Why would you want to use them and what pitfalls should you avoid? They also dip their toes (see what I did there) into footnotes. Books Mentioned: The Stormlight Archive Series, by Brandon Sanderson The Farseer Trilogy, by Robin Hobb The Rain…

Avery and D.C. discuss how they decide which character should be the main point-of-view, when to choose multiple POVs, and how to decide which POV per scene. Books Mentioned: One of Us is Lying, by Karen McManus As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner Spinning Silver, by Naomi Novik Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn…

Avery and D.C. sit down with Chase Neely, marketing expert and author of the book Every Step Counts: Your Guide to the Challenging Path of Marketing a Book, to discuss that very topic. We share some laughs as we chat about platform, ads, building a brand, networking, hosting events, and more. Find out more about Chase and Leverage Brands here. Book…

When rewriting, how do you handle the creeping fear that you're ruining your book? Amy and D.C. discuss their own struggles with those doubts and some techniques for working through them.Av anditswriting

When should you set a book aside, and how do you decide if it should be temporary or permanent? Amy and DC discuss their trunked books, ones they should have trunked, and what it's like to pull one out of the trunk.Av anditswriting

Avery and D.C. are back! We review two more submissions as well as a surprise third excerpt. ----more---- Drink Recipes: Corpse Reviver No 2 From the Savoy Cocktail Book 1oz Lillet Blanc (can substitute St Germain elderflower liqueur) 1oz Cointreau or Triple Sec 1oz Lemon Juice 1oz London Dry Gin Dash absinthe Rinse the inside of a chilled coupe or…

Avery and D.C. discuss a few of the things they wish they had known earlier in their writing and publishing journeys.Av anditswriting

Avery and D.C. discuss the evolution of their own writing processes, and what considerations they made that might help you refine your own process in a way that works best for you.Av anditswriting

What is a reverse outline, and how can it help streamline your writing process? Avery and D.C. discuss their approaches to this revision technique.Av anditswriting

Avery and D.C. celebrate passing the 100th-episode milestone by editing submissions sent in by YOU, our listeners! ----more---- Drink Recipe: Bermuda Hundred 1.5oz Gin .75oz Campari 1.5oz Pineapple Juice .5oz Fresh Lime Juice .5oz Orgeat Combine all in shaker with ice Shake well Pour into chilled rocks glass over ice Optional: Garnish with a cherry…

Should you review other writers' books if you are also an author? D.C. and Avery discuss this sticky situation and our feelings on the topic.Av anditswriting

What happens if you and your agent part ways, for any reason? In this episode, D.C. and Avery discuss the possible circumstances that could lead to an agent break-up, and what the options are in that situation.Av anditswriting

Dr. Mark Sawusch was a successful and well respected ophthalmologist working in Malibu, California. Despite his thriving practice and impressive investments he dealt with horrible mental health issues. Those issues made him a prime target for con artists Anthony David Flores, a.k.a. “Anton David,” and Anna Rene Moore. These sorry excuses for humans…

Avery and D.C. talk with some special guests about Elixir Writing Retreats! They're joined by Elixir founder Daniel Waldman, author Donna Barba Higuera, and literary agent Allison Remcheck. Together, they discuss how Elixir Writing Retreats got started, what one of their retreats entails, and also talk about monkey etiquette (it makes sense, we pro…

No one in their right mind would ever withhold food and water from a baby for not saying "Amen." Unfortunately Ria Ramkissoon was desperate and fell prey to cult leader Queen Antoinette of '1 Mind Ministries.' Ria's religious beliefs were twisted to have her convinced that her beautiful 16-month old Javon Thompson would be resurrected through praye…

Avery and D.C. discuss how they decide which book ideas to pursue, and how to decide if an idea is actually a novel or not.Av anditswriting

Jung Yoo-jung is a true crime enthusiast who decided that her life was so horrible that it would just be better if she simply took over the life of someone else. She did her research, found the right victim, and tried to do just that. She pretended to be a school girl to get access to a tutor who she then brutally killed, dismembered, and intended …

Avery and D.C. discuss why you need to do research as an author, no matter your genre. We also chat about places to find information and our approaches to research.Av anditswriting

Avery and D.C. discuss their experiences at conferences and workshops. They'll go over what to expect, where to find them, and how to get the most out of them, as well as outlining the differences between the two. Additional Resources: AWP Writing Conference directory Virtual Bookish Events Weekly Newsletter, by Sarah N. Fisk Local and Regional Wri…

Avery and D.C. discuss author sites: what to include, where to build them, and our best tips and tricks. We also discuss using your site metrics while querying, and take a nostalgic walk through web design trends of a bygone era.Av anditswriting

Avery and D.C. discuss how to grab a reader's attention with a great opening line and first pages. ----more---- Mentioned in this episode: American Gods, by Neil Gaiman Dark Places, by Gillian Flynn The Last Tale of the Flower Bride, by Roshani Chokshi One of Us is Lying, by Karen M. McManus The Spear Cuts Through Water, by Simon Jimenez The Restau…

What makes a great title? Avery and D.C. explore the topic using some of our favorites as examples, and share a few tips for how we come up with our own.Av anditswriting

Everyone has their own demons, but choosing to try and conquer them is what makes a person truly strong. Lisa Hazard chose to fight her demons not just for herself but for her 8 year old son. Unfortunately, Lisa never arrived to get the much needed help she was hoping to get. Her disappearance reached a fever pitch when the father of her son, Georg…

Avery and D.C. review a passage from Avery's old writing and discuss their best tips for describing your characters. Mentioned: Writing the Other ----more---- Drink recipe: Gold-Flecked Eyes Shot 1oz Goldschlager 1oz Blue Curacao Pour Blue Curacao in shot glass Carefully layer goldschlager on top by pouring slowly over the back of a spoon…

In which Avery and D.C. discuss the harm in comparing yourself to other writers, and how they combat those creeping doubts.Av anditswriting

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. This was Kori Richins' attitude when it came to murdering her husbands Eric Richins. And all because she wanted to get access to more of his money, because half a million in credit card debt and a multi-million dollar home was just not enough for her.Av Reyna

Avery and D.C. discuss what it's like to treat your writing like a job and ways their writing process has changed as they pursue author careers.Av anditswriting

D.C. and Avery discuss how to read fiction more closely to study craft. We discuss our favorite tricks for dissecting your favorite books, and also the merits of analyzing books you hate.Av anditswriting

Avery and D.C. discuss our favorite and least favorite unreliable narrators, tips for writing one, and some possible pitfalls.Av anditswriting

Shommaonique Oliver-Wickerson got the call every parent fears, her babies were missing. Eight-year-old A’Miyah Hughes Oliver, 9-year-old Zi’Ariel Robinson-Oliver, and 5-year-old Te’Mari Robinson-Oliver were being babysat by their cousin Paris Propps while their mother worked. Authorities first told Shommaonique that her daughter had drowned, only t…