Mrs Write the Podcast

Tune in to discover how to turn merchandise from an afterthought into a major growth lever, so you can focus on what you love: creating, writing, and connecting with your audience.Unlock the hidden power of merchandise to skyrocket your brand and turn fans into your biggest evangelists. Leah Keggi, author of The Merch Blueprint, reveals how even small creators like authors can harness simple, cost-effective strategies to generate word-of-mouth buzz that sells without traditional marketing hustle.Most authors and entrepreneurs overlook how just a few well-placed products can ignite conversations and amplify visibility. Leah shares her journey from marketing executive to self-published author, uncovering how she crafted a straightforward but powerful approach to merchandise that works for book lovers, series fans, and business owners alike. Imagine creating products so compelling that strangers stop you in airports or start conversations in coffee shops... just because they connect with your work. That's the alchemy Leah's blueprint offers: turning merchandise into a conversation starter and a reputation builder, whether you're selling books, brand apparel, or niche products. In this episode, you'll discover:How to identify the perfect merchandise for your unique audience—be it readers, fans of a series, or personal brand followers.Practical tips on creating products that inspire word-of-mouth promotion—think coffee mugs, backpacks, and custom gear that speak your brand’s language.Why the timing around current trends, TV shows, or seasonal gift guides can supercharge your visibility.The truth about making merchandise manageable—print-on-demand options, managing inventory, and scaling at your own pace.Leah's insider strategies for self-publishing merchandise and navigating options like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond.Failing to leverage merchandise effectively can mean missing out on effortless marketing and organic growth. This episode is perfect for authors, creators, small business owners, and anyone eager to amplify their work without the complex tech or intimidating marketing noise.Leah is a seasoned marketing expert turned author, known for her practical, conversational style that makes complex ideas easy—and fun—to implement. Her insights will inspire you to think differently about your brand expansion and show how simple, authentic merchandise can magnetise fans and foster community.If you’ve ever wondered how to make your work more visible and create products that promote themselves, this episode is your game-changer. Connect with Leah: https://leahkeggi.com/ 

Steve Grant, an accidental writer-turned-crime author, navigated the world of self-publishing, genre shifts, and marketing. This episode provides practical tips, insights into the writing process, and the emotional journey of becoming an author.Main Topics Covered:Steve's unconventional journey into authorship and genre explorationThe writing process: discovery, pantsing vs plotting, and revisionsHow to craft compelling query letters and deal with rejectionMaintaining mental health during the writing and publishing journeyBuilding a writing community and overcoming introversionUsing quirky historical facts and research to enrich storytellingStrategies for book promotion, including book tours, social media, and reviewsThe importance of feedback and beta reading in refining your craftPersonal insights on character development and plotting techniquesBalancing passion projects with market considerations in genre fiction.Connect with Steve and by his books here: https://www.stevegrantauthor.com/

 Uncover the remarkable journey of Emma Woodhouse—a Victorian history enthusiast turned bestselling author—whose rebellious spirit and relentless research landed her in academic circles, authoring not just novels but groundbreaking non-fiction about forgotten women of the era.Emma shares how her obsession with Victorian working-class women, fuelled by childhood memories at Blist Hill and her detective-like archival work, transformed into a writing career that defies traditional publishing norms. In this episode, you'll discover:·       How Emma’s research—spanning prison records, graveyard hunts, and newspaper archives—brings real Victorian women, like Mercy Newton and Mary Carr, vividly back to life.·       Why embracing feedback and ruthless editing turned her rough drafts into compelling stories, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.·       The highs and lows of navigating the query trenches, finding an agent, and the realities of traditional vs. indie publishing—plus why she now champions creative control and community over fame.·       The surprising influence of academic recognition, symposiums, and her ongoing MA on expanding her scope from fiction to acclaimed non-fiction works.·       Why Emma believes writing is a lifelong “graft,” driven by passion rather than profits, and how her local heritage inspires her prolific output of compelling historical stories rooted in her own backyard.Perfect for aspiring authors, history buffs, and readers craving authentic female stories from Victorian Britain, this episode proves that success isn’t just about bestseller lists—it's about staying true to your passion and creating a lasting legacy.Emma’s unfiltered insights on storytelling, research, and resilience make this a must-listen for anyone dreaming of transforming curiosity into a career.A captivating blend of personal anecdotes, meticulous research, and honest advice,Emma’s story highlights that the greatest rewards in writing come from connection, authenticity, and a love for the craft. Get inspired to pick up your pen—your story is waiting.Connect with Emma on Instagram: emma_woodhouse_books 

What do you do when your football obsession gets out of hand? If you're Spencer Fearn, you buy the worst club in Britain and find out the hard way.As we approach the start of the 2026 World Cup - this is a great listen for those needing their footy fix!In this episode, Spencer shares the full story behind Belief... from the moment he first set foot inside East Stirlingshire to the surreal moments that followed. But we go deeper than the football: Spencer opens up about what drove him to write seriously, how storytelling can immortalise the people and places that shaped us, and the real lessons from self-publishing a book in the modern era.We cover AI tools in the writing process, finding your voice, the myth of the "right time" to write, and why starting badly is still starting. Whether you're a football fan, an aspiring author, or just someone who's ever had a mad idea they couldn't shake — this one's for you.Key takeaways: Back yourself. Start before you're ready. Short chapters are underrated. And AI is a better editor than most people will admit.

From Bookworm to Published Author: Babs Rudlin's Journey.In this engaging interview, debut author of 'Finding Wildfire' - Babs Rudlin shares her inspiring journey from avid reader to soon-to-be published novelist.She discusses her writing process, the importance of editing, building a reader community, and her decision to pursue the indie publishing route, offering valuable tips for aspiring authors.What you can expect:The writing and editing process for a debut novelThe importance of building a reader community and newsletter strategiesDeciding between indie and traditional publishingThe emotional journey of writing as therapyTips for aspiring authors on publishing and marketingSound Bites"I read the Narnia series at seven""Writing helped me process my grief""The magic system is driven by gods"Where to find Babs!Everything you need to know is available to you on:www.babsrudlin.com