Ep 154: Cassie Miller's Path to "Meet Me Under the Lights" (YA Contemporary Romance)

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!An elementary school librarian by day. A writer by night (and other spare moments). Somewhere in between, a whole book got written.In episode 154, I’m joined by Cassie Miller, author of the upcoming young adult contemporary sports romance Meet Me Under the Lights (Viking, March 2026). We talk about how she balanced teaching, writing, and real life long enough to finish a novel—and then had the courage to send it into the traditional publishing world.Cassie walks through her querying experience with refreshing honesty. The waiting. The no’s. The small wins that kept her going. And the moment it shifted from “maybe someday” to seeing her story become a real book.We also dig into what helped her stay grounded while juggling deadlines and expectations, and why writing while working full-time didn’t disqualify her from success. Instead, it helped shape it.This conversation isn’t about overnight breakthroughs or perfectly optimized writing schedules. It’s about showing up consistently, trusting the work, and letting progress count even when it feels slow.*****🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINTGet back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.*episode sponsor WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMPYou've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebookSupport the show******Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Let's Connect! InstagramWebsite Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] comThe podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth