In this episode, bestselling author Barbara Conrey discusses her inspiring journey to publication, her creative process, and the themes behind her emotionally powerful novels, including A Fine Layer of Dust.

Every novel needs fuel to keep it moving forward, and that fuel is conflict and tension. In this episode, we break down the difference between scene-level tension and story-level conflict—and show how they work together to keep readers hooked.

Ready to pitch your book? Pitch events can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also one of the best opportunities for writers to connect with literary agents. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 10-minute pitch: what it is, how to prepare, and how to make the most of those precious few minutes.

SOMETHING BETTER by Joanna Monahan is a coming-of-(middle-) age tale of love, family, and the dangers of attending your high school reunion. It was published in June 2023 by Blue Ink Press.

The first page of a novel can make or break a reader’s attention. In this episode, we explore what goes into crafting an irresistible opening that hooks your audience from the very first line.

This episode is a must-listen for writers, book lovers and screen buffs alike. 

Award-winning author, Gail Priest shares her passion for women’s fiction, inspired by her background in theatre and psychology.

In this episode, we explore how writers can effectively monetize their work on Substack by leveraging paid subscriptions, exclusive content, and additional products.

Ready to finally conquer Scrivener without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Authors Talking Bookish, we’re breaking down the basics of Scrivener and showing you how to set up your first project like a pro.

In this episode, we sit down with James Arnett, acclaimed author of The Monmouth Manifesto and Bean Fate, two gripping works of historical fiction.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the editing process with two expert guests: Sarah Rexford, a seasoned editor from a Manhattan publisher and John DeDakis, author, freelance editor, book coach and former CNN editor.

For our 50th episode, we’re turning the mic inward! Join Hope and Donna as they interview each other in a candid, no-holds-barred...

Lisa Montanaro is the author of the debut novel, Everything We Thought Was True , which released in January 2025, by Red Adept...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Authors Talking Bookish , we take a deep dive into The Handmaid’s Tale —not just as readers, but as writers....

In this episode, we explore how a simple journal can become a novelist’s most powerful tool. From unlocking character secrets to breaking...

Author Jenn Bouchard is a member of Grub Street and the Women Fiction Writers' Association, as well as a board member for her local...

In this episode, we dive deep into the best resources for writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're plotting your first...

When writing a novel, it’s essential to develop complex, authentic characters that your readers come to care about in some way. In this...

Join us as we interview author J.D .Barker, renowned for his thrilling novels, including Forsaken , The Fourth Monkey , and Dracul...

Writers craft thousands of words to create a novel, so why is it so difficult to write a summary and pitch for books? We’ll delve into...