Literary Blend: A Publishing Podcast

If you’re pursuing traditional publishing, waiting is an unavoidable part of every step in the process. For chapter eighty-one of Literary Blend, one of my author friends, Z. T. Fairfax, joined me to chat about surviving publishing’s long wait times. We talked about the reasons for these waiting periods, what we can do as authors to stay productive, and everything in between. Also, after our insightful conversation, Zack’s plot twist is one of the funniest yet. He actually googled the alphabet. I hope you enjoy listening and walk away from this chapter with refreshed knowledge for how you can make the most of the waiting periods on your own publishing journey.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

For authors who write horror and other dark genres, it’s important to handle difficult topics, like death and grief, in an accurate and respectful way. I couldn’t be more excited to share chapter eighty of Literary Blend with Victoria L. Bilstein, who is both an author and mortician. During our conversation, we talked about the importance of research for realistic representation, avoiding desensitization, answering the question why, tips for strengthening the reader’s connection to the characters, and more. Whether you write horror or not, all of Victoria’s wisdom is incredibly fascinating and insightful, so I hope you’ll give this chapter a listen and learn something new about portraying death in fiction.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

As authors, we find light and hope through writing, and Mickey Black joined me for chapter seventy-nine of Literary Blend to cover this relatable topic. From putting words on the page to process experiences and emotions to working on new stories to reignite our love for writing when publishing gets tough, Mickey and I had an open and honest conversation about the beauty of writing in all its forms, and specifically for us, fiction, poetry, and songs. I absolutely loved having Mickey on the show, so I hope you enjoy listening and feel inspired to search for the light in the darkness when life is hard and the publishing industry casts shadows over your dreams.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

On the heels of World Poetry Day and with National Poetry Month coming in April, there’s no better time to cover poetry on Literary Blend. Alana Avellino joined me for chapter seventy-eight to pull back the poetry curtain. From being concise and intentional with word choice to penning poems that resonate with readers, our conversation is a fabulous glimpse into the process of a poet. I hope you love listening and feel inspired to write honest poetry of your own.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

You want readers to discover your books, right? Sure you do! In chapter seventy-seven of Literary Blend, Leah Paulos joined me to cover book publicity in today’s media landscape. No matter what path to publication you’re pursuing, promoting your books is key to reach your audience and get your stories in the hands of readers. Leah and I shared so much golden advice for PR in the publishing world, so I hope our conversation inspires you to put on your publicist hat and get the word out about your books.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Are you ready to go back in time and solve a mystery? Sure you are! I’m delighted to share chapter seventy-six of Literary Blend with Norman Woolworth all about writing historical mystery. During our fabulous chat, we talked about blending history and mystery, dual timeline narratives, writing a mystery or thriller as a plotter or pantser, choosing settings, and much more. Whether you write historical mysteries or not, this chapter of the show is full of gems for all authors. I loved having Norman on Literary Blend, so I hope you have a blast listening and learn more about historical mystery along the way.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Happy almost Valentine’s Day! There’s no better time to talk about romance, so I’m super excited to share chapter seventy-five of the show with Thea Landen all about romance reader expectations. From the craft to marketing, we explored key aspects of the romance genre and how to best meet reader expectations. Whether you write romance or not, I hope you’ll walk away from this chapter with more knowledge about the genre and how to keep these readers happy. Huge thank you to Thea for joining me on the show for such a fabulous conversation. Grab some candy hearts, hit play, and live happily ever after!Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Do you like writing more than one genre? Are you interested in both traditional and self-publishing? Well, you’re in luck, because Rebecca Minelga sat down with me for chapter seventy-four to cover being a multi-genre and hybrid author. We chatted about the pros and cons of writing in more than one genre and pursuing a hybrid career, and Rebecca shared personal experiences from her own publishing journey. I really enjoyed having Rebecca on the show for this conversation, so I hope you love listening and gain insight into the life of a multi-genre and hybrid author.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Step aside, hero’s journey, Emily Rozmus joined me for chapter seventy-three to shine the spotlight on the heroine’s journey. During our chat, we covered the differences between the hero’s journey and heroine’s journey, key characteristics of the heroine’s journey, tips for following a story framework, and more. If you have ever wanted to explore the heroine’s journey in your own writing, this chapter is for you. I can’t thank Emily enough for coming on the show to share her knowledge. I learned so much from her and hope you will, too.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Are you ready to plunge into the story inspiration pool? I hope so, because I’m kicking off this year’s Literary Blend chapters with my fabulous author friend, Adele Liles, for chapter seventy-two all about inspiration. From discussing where inspiration comes from to sharing tips for finding the spark to work on stories when we’re not feeling inspired, this conversation is full of personal experiences, insights, and shiny advice. Also, Adele’s plot twist is absolutely hilarious, so you don’t want to miss that. I hope you love listening to our conversation and feel inspired to chase your publishing dreams this year.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Surprise! I’ve decided to end 2025 with another interlude, and let me just say you are in for a very fun ride with this one. Michelle Sanchez and Z. T. Fairfax joined me on the show to chat about choosing between story ideas. Since a new year is right around the corner, this is a great time to think about what stories you want to write in 2026. From reflecting on what projects you feel you can see through to the end to being aware of the market, I hope our conversation gives you golden advice for how you can pick between your WIPs. This interlude is the perfect blend of insightful, entertaining, and a little chaotic, and I’m delighted it’s finally yours. Thank you so much to Michelle and Zack for being superstar guests and for wrapping up another fabulous year of Literary Blend with me.To all my listeners and guests, thank you for making 2025 an incredible year for the show. Hosting Literary Blend is such a gift, and I’m grateful for all the memories the podcast gave me this year. I’m looking forward to more amazing conversations and even wilder plot twists in 2026.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to 2026, happy reading and writing!

Snow flurries and love are in the air, because chapter seventy-one of the show with S.R. Hartley is all about penning Christmas romance. From tips for writing this genre to the unique aspect of marketing holiday books, Sheena and I had a blast unwrapping the wonders of Christmas romances. I hope you love listening, and maybe you’ll even feel inspired to write a Christmas romance of your own. Also, be sure to check out Sheena’s book, 13 Wishes, this holiday season.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Are you ready to step outside your comfort zone? I hope so, because Michelle Sanchez, a loyal listener of Literary Blend and one of my author friends, joined me for chapter seventy to chat all about writing unexpected genres. From blending the familiar with the unfamiliar and mixing different genre elements to create something fresh, our conversation is packed with our own experiences, insights, and advice for authors eager to take a trip down a new genre path. Also, Michelle’s plot twist is one of the most complex and unhinged on the show so far, and now, she’s haunted by salad. Listen to find out why. All around, this chapter is the perfect combination of fun and informative, so I hope you love my chat with Michelle and feel inspired to explore unfamiliar genres in your own writing.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Dear Diary, what is it like being a new literary agent? A.J. Van Belle joined me for chapter sixty-nine of the show to chat all about being a new agent. From doing an internship and networking with editors to finding perfect partnerships with authors, we covered it all. I loved having A.J. on the show, so I hope our conversation gives you a glimpse into what it’s like in the early days of being a literary agent.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Are you ready for some time traveling? Well, not literally, but historical fiction comes close enough. USA Today bestselling author Alyson Richman joined me for chapter sixty-eight of Literary Blend to chat about crafting authentic historical fiction. Whether you write historical fiction or not, our conversation is packed with golden wisdom for all authors. I’m so honored I got the chance to have Alyson on the show because she truly inspired me. I hope you love listening as much as I enjoyed chatting with her.If you would like to check out Alyson’s books, upcoming events, and more, head over to her website: https://www.alysonrichman.com/about-alyson-richmanAre you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Halloween is just around the corner, and in the spirit of the spookiest holiday, chapter sixty-seven of Literary Blend is all about bringing magic into the writing process. Grab some crystals and light a candle, because Ciara Smith returned to the show to share her witchy wisdom. While we wove spirituality and the writing process together, we talked about rituals, color association, astrology, intention, and much more. Also, make sure to stick around for the plot twist, which is a Tarot reading that completely helped me finish the rough chapter outline of my young adult gothic thriller. I loved having Ciara back on the show for such a fascinating conversation, so whether you’re spiritual or not, I hope you find our chat interesting and learn something you can apply to your own author journey.If you would like to check out Ciara’s writing and witchy services, head over to her website for Witch and Words: https://witchandwords.com/Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Gather round, friends, because chapter sixty-six of Literary Blend is an extra special one with Jennifer L. Armentrout. She’s truly flourishing in the romantasy landscape, but you can’t have flowers without rain, and she got super candid about the highs and lows of her publishing adventure. Whether you’re a reader of Jennifer’s books or an author eager to hear golden wisdom from someone who has found tremendous success in publishing, this chapter is one you don’t want to miss. Also, if you’re a fan of the Blood and Ash series, you’ll especially love the plot twist. Jennifer is an absolute gem, and I’m so grateful she took the time to have such a fun and insightful conversation with me on the show.If you would like to stay updated with Jennifer’s author journey, head over to her website: https://jenniferlarmentrout.com/Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

AI has become a constant presence in the publishing industry, and it’s time to address the elephant in the room on Literary Blend. Katrina Lemaire joined me for chapter sixty-five of the show for a truly fantastic conversation about AI from the agent perspective. Both Katrina and I don’t support the use of AI, and we wanted to have a professional, informative, and insightful chat about the impact AI has on the querying process and artistic creation in general. Our conversation couldn’t have gone more perfectly, so I hope you enjoy listening and feel encouraged to fully embrace the creative process without the assistance of AI as you chase your author dreams.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Love is in the air because chapter sixty-four of Literary Blend with Gail Lynn is all about writing and submitting romance flash fiction. From tips for crafting compelling flash romance to the submission process and what editors look for, Gail and I shared so much amazing information. If you have never written romance flash fiction before, I hope our conversation inspires you to give it a try, and if you have, I hope you learn something new you can keep in mind on your journey.If you’re interested in submitting to Micromance Magazine and its various anthologies, head over to the website: https://micromancemagazine.substack.com/Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Welcome to the cozy mystery coffee shop! I’m so glad you stopped by. Grab a drink and take a seat because you’re in for a treat. Carmela Dutra joined me for chapter sixty-three of Literary Blend to talk about the cozy mystery genre. From breaking down cozy mystery elements to giving a glimpse into the querying process, we covered it all. Whether you write cozy mysteries or not, I hope you take something valuable away from our conversation. I can’t thank Carmela enough for coming on the show to share her cozy mystery wisdom.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

If you’re a pantser, put your hand up. This is your time to shine. I’m so excited to share chapter sixty-two of Literary Blend with Desirae Gracyn all about the joys and obstacles of being a pantser. Since Desirae is a pantser and I’m a plotter, we had such a unique conversation, sharing the pros and cons of pantsing, revision tips, and more. Whether you’re a pantser or not, this chapter has something for every writer. I hope you love listening.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

It’s outlining time! Grab a pencil and paper because you’ll want to tap into student mode and take notes during chapter sixty-one of Literary Blend with Mylee J. Miller all about outlining. Mylee and I chatted about why we became plotters, the benefits of outlining, and the downsides of plotting our stories before we draft. Also, we shared ten golden outlining tips from our own experiences as plotters. This chapter is packed with amazing insights and advice, so whether you’re a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between, I hope you take something meaningful away from our conversation.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

What time is it? Summertime. Yes, but it’s also Revise & Resubmit O’Clock, a mysterious time of day. I’m over the moon to share my conversation with Grace Demyan for chapter sixty, where she demystifies R&Rs. If you have ever wanted insight into R&Rs from a literary agent, this chapter of the show is for you. Our conversation is packed with so much wonderful information, so I hope you love listening and gain new knowledge about R&Rs.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Are you ready to talk about money? I hope so, since we’re getting real on Literary Blend today. If you like free things and low-cost options, stick around because I’m over the moon to bring you chapter fifty-nine with B Wheeler all about being an author on a budget. We had such a fabulous conversation, covering various aspects of being an author and sharing how you can chase your publishing dreams and reach your goals in the best way that works for you. I can’t thank B enough for joining me for this important chat, and I hope you gain gems of advice while listening.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Do you have a unique writing process? Do you like blending genres in your work? If so, you’ll love chapter fifty-eight of the show with Brittany Micka-Foos on writing outside the box. We had such a fabulous conversation all about experimenting to discover what works for us, bending genre expectations, embracing our differences, and much more. I hope this chapter inspires you as you chase your publishing dreams.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Would you like insight into the picture book publication process from a publisher? If so, you’re in the right place. Sandra Sutter from Gnome Road Publishing joined me for chapter fifty-seven of the show for a fabulous conversation. Whether you write picture books or not, Sandra and I talked about things that apply to all authors, like critique partners, comp titles, industry connections, and more. I truly had a blast chatting with Sandra, so I hope you love listening to our conversation and take away valuable advice.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Thanks for stopping by the kindness corner. My friend, Danielle Render Turmaud, returned to the show for chapter fifty-six to cover kindness. We had such a wonderful conversation about showing ourselves and others kindness while chasing our writing dreams, then the chapter wrapped up with the most unhinged plot twist so far. From our vulnerable conversation to lots of laughs, I hope this chapter makes you smile and feel less alone on your journey.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Have you ever considered running a Kickstarter campaign for your literary project? If so, you’re in luck because Marx Pyle joined me for chapter fifty-five to chat all about Kickstarter campaigns for books. During our conversation, we talked about the benefits of running a Kickstarter campaign, suggestions for rewards, golden tips to set campaigns up for success, and so much more. I learned a ton from Marx, so I hope you find our chat both insightful and entertaining.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Surprise! It’s time for the second Literary Blend interlude. Returning guests, Bruce Buchanan and Jessica Lee Minneci, joined me to chat all about playing in the story sandbox. We had such an uplifting conversation focused on having fun while chasing our publishing dreams. I loved having Bruce and Jess back on the show for this chat, so I hope you enjoy listening and feel inspired to hold on to the joy of writing.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Are you feeling artsy? I hope so, because chapter fifty-four is all about mood boards, agent guides, and editor guides with Aaliyah Paolucci. Aaliyah and I talked about what mood boards, agent guides, and editor guides are, how to choose images, deciding what colors to use, crafting visually appealing designs, recommended dimensions for posting on social media, and more. Our conversation is full of tips, tricks, and advice, so I hope you love listening and gain the knowledge you need to create your own mood boards and guides to share your manuscripts.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Have you ever wondered how books find homes on library shelves? If so, chapter fifty-three of the show with Karen McCoy is for you. Karen shared so much golden information, from how librarians select titles and tips for getting your books on shelves to the differences between academic and public libraries and much more. I learned a ton from Karen, so I hope you love listening to our conversation.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Welcome to the historical fiction corner. I’m so glad you stopped by. Cidney Mayes joined me for chapter fifty-two to cover historical fiction. From choosing a time period and researching to blending historical fiction and fantasy, our chat is full of insights and advice. Whether you write historical fiction or not, I hope you enjoy listening and learn something you can apply to your own work.If you would like to connect with Cidney and read her book, Season of Fire, head over to her website: https://cidneymayes.com/ Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Are you currently on submission? Have you ever wondered what the acquisitions process is really like? If so, chapter fifty-one of Literary Blend is for you. Jamie Ryu, a former editorial assistant at Macmillan and HarperCollins, joined me on the show to chat all about this mysterious stage in the publishing process. From editors evaluating submissions to offers of publication, we covered each step of a book’s acquisitions journey. I truly can’t thank Jamie enough for sharing her knowledge and insights. This chapter is a priceless peek behind the curtain at what actually goes on at traditional publishing houses when books are being considered for publication.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Wow, we have reached chapter fifty of Literary Blend. Can you believe it? Time flies when we’re having fun, right? Well, the fun continues because Alexandria Faulkenbury joined me to chat about blurring the line between reality and fiction. We had such a fascinating conversation, from talking about exploring what it means to be human and crafting realistic characters and settings to discussing the advice to write what you know and much more. I loved having Alexandria on the show to cover this topic, so I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation and gain insight into how you can blend reality and fiction in your own writing.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Okay, friends, it’s time to venture down the rocky rejection road for chapter forty-nine. Vicky Weber joined me on the show for such an important and insightful chat on this unavoidable aspect of the publishing industry. From talking about the reality of rejection to why agents and editors pass on manuscripts, we covered it all. I hope my conversation with Vicky helps shift your perspective on dealing with passes on your own work. We all face rejection in publishing, so remember, you’re never alone on this rocky road.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

It’s time for a trip down library lane! I’m beyond honored to bring you a truly fantastic chat for chapter forty-eight with Sam Helmick, the president-elect of the American Library Association. During our conversation, we covered key details about the American Library Association, the importance of libraries, how we as a society can support libraries, the issues surrounding book banning and censorship, the upcoming 2025 LibLearnX conference, and more. Sam was such a delight to have on the show, and I can’t thank them enough for taking time out of their busy schedule to join me. I hope you love listening to this chapter, and please get out there and support the libraries in your community.If you would like to learn more about the American Library Association, head over to the organization’s website: https://www.ala.org/ Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

Happy New Year! Thank you so much for flipping the page to the first chapter of 2025. Do you like myths? I hope so, because Olivia Jackson sat down with me for chapter forty-seven to cover the myth of overnight success. Reaching our publishing goals requires persistence, hard work, luck, the right timing, and more, and Olivia and I unraveled the truth behind overnight successes. This is a fabulous chapter to kick off the new year, so I hope you find it inspiring and enlightening.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter, happy reading and writing!

What’s this? An interlude? Yes, that’s right. Welcome to the first Literary Blend interlude. I wanted to end 2024 in a special way, so I invited back two of my wonderful friends, Danielle Render Turmaud and Kate Pockett, for a fabulous conversation on author gifts. We laughed. We almost cried. We shared our hearts and souls. I hope this interlude brightens your day as you get ready to ring in the new year.Thank you for being part of Literary Blend in 2024. My guests and listeners mean so much to me and make this show possible. I’m excited to share more unforgettable chapters in 2025.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the first chapter of 2025, happy reading and writing!

Thanks for flipping the page to chapter forty-six. This is a fabulous one with Robin Morris all about demystifying debut days. During our conversation, Robin unveiled her debut journey, from when she got inspired to write her novel to release day. If you have ever wondered what publishing your first book would be like, this chapter is for you. I can’t thank Robin enough for joining me on the show to share her journey with her novel, The Days Between, so I hope our chat gives you a peek behind the debut curtain.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

Who’s ready for chapter forty-five of the show? Put your hand up. This is an amazing one with Abigail Wild from Wild Ink Publishing all about owning a small press. Whether you’re interested in signing with a small press or simply curious what it’s like to own a publishing house, this conversation is for you. It was such a joy having Abby on the show for an insightful chat, so I hope you love listening and learn about the small press path to publication.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

Wow, you are in for such a treat. Chapter forty-four is a unique one packed with priceless gems. T. A. Chan joined me to share five pieces of golden writing advice, plus a fabulous bonus. These are things she wishes she knew before starting her publishing journey. I absolutely loved having Tina on the show for this truly wonderful and insightful conversation. Trust me, you’ll walk away from this one with so much fantastic information. So, get ready to take notes and move forward in the publishing industry with newfound knowledge.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

As authors, we all face writer’s block from time to time, but guess what? Dani Abernathy joined me for chapter forty-three of the show to talk about conquering writer’s block. From discussing various sources of writer’s block to tips for overcoming it, our conversation covers it all. I hope our chat gives you the knowledge and tools you need to triumph over your own writer’s block in order to keep progressing on your author journey.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

Okay, friends, I got my crown on! Chapter forty-two is a special one. If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with anthologies, and I’m honored Arwyn Sherman joined me on the show to cover anthologies through a business lens. We talked about choosing where to submit our work, submission guidelines, what to look out for in contracts, editing for anthologies, and more. I can’t thank Arwyn enough for chatting about anthologies with me, so whether you’re new to anthologies or have been part of this wonderful world for a while, I hope you take something valuable away from our conversation.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

Pursuing a career in publishing is a roller coaster ride, and sometimes, we struggle to chase our dreams. I’m excited to share a wonderful conversation with Katie Brown for chapter forty-one of the show on breathing life back into the author dream. From defining the author dream to finding ways to get back on track when things are rough, we covered it all. I’m so glad Katie joined me for this chat, so I hope it encourages you to keep going after your author dreams while holding onto your love for writing.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

Happy spooky season! There’s no better time of year to spotlight the horror genre. I’m delighted to share my conversation with Bram Stoker Award-winning author Sara Tantlinger on writing horror for chapter forty of the show. We covered the diversity of the horror genre, tips for capturing the emotion of dread, crafting compelling protagonists and villains, establishing a horror setting and atmosphere, common pitfalls of the genre, and much more. I loved chatting with Sara, so I hope our conversation inspires you to write a horror story of your own.If you would like to check out Sara’s work, head over to her website: https://saratantlinger.com/Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

Are you all about the indie writing life? Well, Shaelynn Long is. She joined me for chapter thirty-nine of the show to cover indie publishing. During our chat, we talked about choosing the right path to publication based on our personalities and goals, the support found with a small press, the importance of marketing, finding a balance between writing and life, and so much more. Shaelynn was a delight to have on the show, so I hope our conversation gives you insight into indie publishing and its benefits.If you would like to check out Shaelynn’s work, head over to her website: https://www.shaelynnlong.com/Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

Wow, you are in for a real treat with chapter thirty-eight. J.K. Raymond joined me on the show to talk about overcoming barriers as an author. This vulnerable and honest conversation speaks for itself, so I invite you to hit play and enjoy. No matter what you’re facing in your life, please remember you’re not alone.If you would like to connect with J.K. and check out her work, head over to her website: https://www.jkraymond.com/Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

Today, I’m delighted to bring you chapter thirty-seven of Literary Blend with Riley Kilmore all about maintaining authorial authenticity in a commercial market. During our chat, we covered writing authentic characters, achieving a deep point of view, writing genres and age categories that feel natural, keeping marketability in mind, working with editors, being receptive to feedback, and more. I can’t thank Riley enough for joining me for such a fabulous conversation, so I hope you love listening.If you would like to check out Riley’s work and stay up to date with her events and more, head over to her website: https://rileykilmore.com/Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

Happy Fall Equinox! Today is the perfect day to share chapter thirty-six of Literary Blend with Diane Billas on creating a writing ritual. From working on manuscripts during a certain time of day and changing up writing locations to creating a writing-work balance and beyond, Diane and I covered it all. I hope our conversation inspires you to create your own writing ritual as you make fabulous progress on your manuscripts.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

Wow, I have a truly fantastic chapter for you today. Author and trauma therapist Danielle Render Turmaud joined me for chapter thirty-five to cover mental health and the querying process. We talked about querying through psychological and biological lenses, bringing a research-based flare to how querying affects mental health. I can’t thank Danielle enough for coming on the show and sharing her wisdom with the writing community. I learned so much during our fascinating chat, so I hope you do, too.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: [email protected]: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!