Finding the Magic: Tricia Copeland on Fairies, Courage, and Indie Authorship (Ep. 231)

In this live episode from the Asylum in Eagle Pass, I sit down with multi-genre author and podcaster Tricia Copeland to explore the magic behind storytelling, the craft of building believable worlds, and the courage it takes to bring characters to life. We talk about her path from scientist to novelist, how a personal struggle inspired her first fiction series, and why her creativity spans fantasy, dystopian, and contemporary romance. Tricia shares insights on writing strong character arcs, balancing multiple genres, and closing out her 10-book saga that culminates with To Be a Fae—the finale of the Realm Chronicles—where themes of identity, leadership, and bravery take center stage. We also get into her Finding the Magic Book Podcast, how Toastmasters sparked her transition to hosting, the realities of indie publishing, and the difference between writing novels and adapting them to screenplays.We swap favorite classics (yes, vampires and Poe), talk about why readers’ emotional investment is the ultimate compliment, and preview her upcoming romance Perfect Secrets (June). If you love urban fantasy with witches and vampires, epic fae realms with a medieval vibe, or heartfelt romances with a happily ever after, Tricia’s catalog—and candid look at the author life—will hit the spot. Plus, find out how to grab two free short stories and where to follow her work and podcast.Check out her books, podcast, and freebies, and keep an eye out for her upcoming romance, Perfect Secrets, arriving in early June.  Watch LIVE tonight at 7PM CT Rumble.com/JoeRooz YouTube.com/@JoeRooz FOLLOW US ON:X: https://x.com/joeroozFacebook: https://facebook.com/joeroozshowTwitch TV: https://twitch.tv/joeroozInstagram: https://instagram.com/notjoeroozTikTok: https://tiktok.com/joe.roozMinds: https://minds.com/joeroozGETTR: https://gettr.com/joeroozSpecial thanks to:Executive Producer Wayne RankinExecutive Producer Rosanna RankinExecutive Producer Carolina JimenezExecutive Producer Angela WetuskiExecutive Producer John SeeleyWant to be a guest on The Joe Rooz Show?Send Joe a message on #PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/joeCheck out our partners:Podhome.fmCreative EdgeMusic: https://youtube.com/@pogo️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864(00:04:07) Cold open from Asylum Studios, Eagle Pass, TX(00:04:54) Late start banter and last night’s Lt. Col. Ken Webb recap(00:06:09) Show times and audience growth reminders(00:09:30) Guest intro: Tricia Copeland, multi‑genre author & podcaster(00:10:37) Icebreaker: the three apps Tricia would keep(00:13:03) Follow‑up on Romans 14 and favorite fictional characters(00:14:41) What drew Tricia to writing: from technical writing to memoir‑inspired fiction(00:17:25) Growing up in Georgia, reading habits, and Shakespeare’s resonance(00:21:56) Young adult fiction then vs. now(00:21:59) Finding the Magic Book podcast: origins and focus(00:24:21) Host’s podcast journey and booking avalanche(00:27:12) From writer to host: Toastmasters and starting a show(00:28:37) Writing across genres without mixing projects(00:29:41) Why “magic” matters in life and storytelling(00:32:01) Worldbuilding process: hybrids, curses, and Kingdom Journals(00:34:47) Character arcs: hooks, pace, and avoiding a slow start(00:36:29) Does a story have heart? Emotional barometers and feedback(00:38:49) Are characters based on real people?(00:38:50) Realm Chronicles spotlight: Titania’s rise and threats(00:42:00) Ending the series and crossover with Kingdom Journals(00:42:43) Eight years, ten books, and writing cadence(00:43:13) Breakout characters that defied the plan(00:44:45) What readers should take from the finale: courage(00:45:45) From page to screen: screenwriting lessons(00:46:38) Best advice from authors: follow your passion(00:47:53) Publishing realities: marketing, discovery, and hats to wear(00:49:06) Indie vs. small press vs. big house: who does what(00:50:39) The love‑hate of social media and promotion grind(00:52:47) Writer vs. author: what’s the difference?(00:53:41) What’s next: Perfect Secrets (Maria Jane) in June(00:54:46) If she could rewrite a classic: happier Stoker endings?(00:56:59) Admired collaborators: editor Joe Michaels and team(00:58:22) Where to find Tricia and free short stories(00:59:05) Wrap‑up and host reflections on the interview(01:02:31) Schedule notes and sign‑off mantra - Joe "Rooz" Russiello - Marisa Lee - Wayne Rankin - Rosanna Rankin - Angela Wetuski - Carolina Jimenezhttps://www.joerooz.com/supporthttps://www.joerooz.com