Olivia Muenter on Book Deals, Big Five Rejections, and Why Success Doesn't Cure Imposter Syndrome

Krisserin's fighting through the darkness of her 5 AM garage writing sessions while Kelton navigates competing feedback on her memoir proposal. But this week they're joined by their third Season 2 guest: Olivia Muenter, USA Today bestselling author of "Such a Bad Influence," co-host of the Bad On Paper podcast, and Pen Pals superfan. Olivia's here to talk about her wildly unconventional path to publication—and why landing a book deal didn't cure her imposter syndrome like she thought it would.The trio discusses the challenges of generating new material after months of revision (Krisserin hasn't written new words in over a year), the importance of curating beautiful writing spaces (taper candles can fix everything, according to Olivia), and why rest is productive. Olivia's daily routine—journaling first, then tackling the most creative work in the morning, with a brain-dump journal that has "absolutely changed her life"—offers a template for sustainable creative practice.Plus: Krisserin moves from revision to terrifying new material, Kelton wrestles with contradictory feedback on her memoir proposal (more voice versus more market research), and Olivia plans her first self-hosted writing retreat in the Catskills while finishing her proposal for book three. Through their different writing styles and career paths, all three writers circle back to the same truth: the only real measure of success is that you keep going, no matter who rejects you.Pre-order Olivia's upcoming novel "Little One" (releases February 3rd): https://www.littlebrown.com/titles/olivia-muenter/little-one/9780316594561/Learn more about Olivia: Website & Newsletter: https://oliviamuenter.substack.com/ Bad On Paper Podcast: https://badonpaperpodcast.com/ "Such a Bad Influence": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/739425/such-a-bad-influence-by-olivia-muenter/Recommended Reading from Olivia:"Night Watching" by Tracy Sierra"Tilt" by Emma Petit"Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance" by Alison PacWrite to us: [email protected] us:Instagram: @penpalspodTikTok: @penpalspodYouTube: @PenPalsPodSubStack: penpalspod.substack.comFollow Krisserin and Kelton:TikTok: @krisserin, @keltonwrites Instagram: @keltonkin, @keltonwritesKelton's Substack: ShangrilogsKrisserin's Substack: krisserin.substack.comMusic by Golden Hour Oasis Studios