PODCAST · arts
Reality Writes
by Ellie Alexander
The Reality Writes Podcast stars bestselling mystery author Ellie Alexander and her Tech Guy husband as they reveal the ins and outs of writing. Ellie, who has written for big names like Macmillan and Simon & Schuster, and indie publishers like Storm, shares her journey from story ideas to publishing. Together, they dive into the highs, lows, and funny moments of creating captivating stories. With a blend of humor and honesty, Reality Writes offers a behind-the-scenes look at the writing world. So grab your coffee (or wine) and join Ellie and the Tech Guy for some story-spinning secrets.
Episodes
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Inside A Murder at Midnight—A Spoiler-Free Sneak Peek
Send us a message! This episode opens with an excerpt from A Murder at Midnight, book four in the Novel Detectives, releasing October 13th. Then The Tech Guy and I discuss the book, spoiler-free, of course. When a popular ghost-hunting TV crew takes over the Secret Bookcase for an overnight…
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How an Audiobook Gets Made—Inside Narration With Victoria Lynn Arbor
Send us a message! Have you ever wondered what actually goes into making an audiobook? If so, you're in luck because this week I'm joined by my friend Victoria Lynn Arbor, a professional audiobook narrator. We talk about all the steps of audiobook narration, how authors and narrators find each...
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Paths to Publication—Pros, Cons & Life Lessons
Send us a message! "What's the best way to get published?" This is a question I get most from new writers and my answer is always the same: there are several options and it depends. In this episode, The Tech Guy and I map out the three routes open to writers today: traditional publishing with the...
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Cozy Mystery Sneak Peek—The Pumpkin Vice Cafe
Send us a message! We open this episode with an actual excerpt from The Pumpkin Vice Café, book 23 in my Bakeshop Mystery Series, releasing September 29th. Then The Tech Guy and I give a spoiler-free (of course) overview of this latest installment. We're back in Ashland during the fall in this…
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Author Talk—Writing a Book is Only Step One
Send us a message! A Fall to Remember is out this week. YAY! So, it's the perfect time to talk marketing. Are you writing a book? Congrats! However, did you know that the real work begins once you've finished? The Tech Guy and I dive into what marketing an author's book really looks like, busting...
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To AI Or Not To AI—That is the Question (for Writers)
Send us a message! To AI or not to AI? For me, it's not really a question and, in this episode of Reality Writes, I tell you why. The Tech Guy and I get behind the mics for an honest look at AI as seen from both writer's and reader's lenses and how it is impacting both worlds. I tell you why I…
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Last Chance Summer Dance—End of Summer TBR Reveal!
Send us a message! Summer is flying by, darlings, so I'm calling this one the Last Chance Summer Dance. The Tech Guy and I share what we've been reading plus the towering TBR stacks sitting on our nightstands. We've got some thrillers, a mystery favorite, indie bookstore recommendations, and some...
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Writing My Fall Rom-Com—A Fall to Remember
Send us a message! Fall is my favorite season, darlings, so of course I set a whole book there. With A Fall to Remember arriving September 1st, The Tech Guy and I sat down for a spoiler-free deep dive into my new rom-com. I share why this one feels so different from my holiday rom-coms, how I…
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You Asked, We Answered—A Reader and Writer Grab Bag
Send us a message! We're back from our travels, darlings, and my inbox was overflowing, so we did the only sensible thing and turned your questions into an episode. This one is a true grab bag, pulled from the messages and DMs that landed while we were away. I share my honest take on querying...
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Ashland Mystery Fest 2026—Your Complete Guide to the 4th Annual Festival
Send us a message! Picture yourself stepping into a real-life cozy mystery — stunning fall foliage, charming streets, and 14 authors who can't wait to meet you. That's the Ashland Mystery Festival. In this episode, we're giving you the full 4th Annual Ashland Mystery Fest preview—everything you...
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A Murder at the Mansion—Inside Book Three of the Novel Detectives
Send us a message! Book three in the Novel Detectives is almost here! I sit down with the Tech Guy to preview A Murder at the Mansion, out July 21st, and this one comes with a first: an actual pet in the plot. Annie and Fletcher get called out to investigate a missing heiress at an estate that...
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The Cozy Contract—What Readers Expect and Why Authors Can't Break It
Send us a message! There is an unspoken agreement between every cozy mystery author and her readers. Nobody signs it, but every cozy lover knows exactly what it says and can feel it the moment something goes wrong. In this episode, the Tech Guy and I break down all six clauses of the cozy…
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Reader Confessions—Bookish Hills We'll Die On - Part 2
Send us a message! Five more bookish hills. One major disagreement. And The Tech Guy is confident he's going to win this one. In this reader-focused follow-up to our fan-favorite Bookish Hills episode, I'm sharing five more hot takes that readers feel very strongly about, and this time, The Tech...
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Word Count Goals—How I Built a Process That Actually Works
Send us a message! Every book I've ever written started the same way: one word at a time. In this episode of Reality Writes, I walk you through my complete writing process. From the very beginning, when I was working another job with a kindergartner at home and 250 words a day felt like a genuine...
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Fall Cozy Energy—A Sneak Peek at Upcoming Books
Send us a message! It's June, darlings, but we are diving headfirst into fall because that's just how publishing works, and also because fall is my favorite season and I refuse to apologize for it. In this episode, The Tech Guy and I talk about why fall has become such a dominant season in books...
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Your Burning Writer Questions Answered—Scene Craft, Querying & More
Send us a message! Got writing questions? We've got answers. In this episode, The Tech Guy and I dig into the questions that land most in our inbox, starting with a great one from a writer, Matt, in Cleveland, about how to structure and set scenes in a cozy mystery. From there, we cover coaching...
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Live From Leavenworth—Sloan Krause Mysteries Q&A
Send us a message! We're coming to you live from Leavenworth, Washington—the real-life Bavarian village from the Sloan Krause Mystery series! While I was busy signing books at A Book for All Seasons, The Tech Guy was hard at work "researching" the local breweries. In this special on-location...
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From Sprayed Edges to Box Sets—The Book Trends We're Obsessing Over
Send us a message! In this episode of Reality Writes, I'm sitting down with The Tech Guy to talk about the book trends shaping what readers are buying, collecting, and obsessing over right now. We cover cover art cycles, the love-hate relationship with movie tie-in covers and glossy finishes, the...
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Fake It Till You Bake It—Answering Your Biggest Mystery Recipe Questions
Send us a message! You asked, and I'm answering! This week on Reality Writes, The Tech Guy and I are pulling straight from my overflowing inbox to tackle the baking questions I get most often from you. Am I a professional baker? Do I test every recipe? Can you swap almond milk for whole milk?…
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When the Story Takes Over—What Really Happens When Your Book Changes Mid-Draft
Send us a message! Have you ever wondered what really happens between the book an author planned to write and the one that ends up in your hands? In this episode of Reality Writes, I'm pulling back the curtain on one of the most surprising — and honestly, sometimes terrifying — parts of the…
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Independent Bookstore Day—Why Your Local Shops Matter
Send us a message! Independent Bookstore Day is April 25th—and we're kicking off the celebration early! 📚 In this episode of Reality Writes, we're sharing everything you need to know about why indie bookstores are so much more than just a place to buy books. From the ongoing comeback story of...
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A Death In The Dark—A New Mystery Plotted on a Road Trip
Send us a message! A man staggers into a detective agency covered in blood with no memory of the night before and... The Tech Guy and I go spoiler free on a brand-new cozy mystery, A Death In The Dark, the latest entry in my Novel Detectives series (a spin off connected to the Secret Bookcase...
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First Draft Pitfalls—5 Things for Writers to Watch for
Send us a message! You've done it — you've written a first draft! But before you send it out into the world, there are five common pitfalls that trip up nearly every new writer, and I've seen them time and time again while coaching my writing students. In this episode, The Tech Guy and I walk...
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Why Reading Matters—And What We Can Do About It
Send us a message! Reading is in trouble — and not just for kids. In this episode, I'm sitting down with the Tech Guy to talk about some genuinely alarming statistics about literacy in the United States, discuss why reading matters more than ever, and share some easy, actionable ways you can help...
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The 4th Annual Ashland Mystery Festival—Author Lineup Revealed
Send us a message! The announcement you've been waiting for is here, darlings! I'm so excited to reveal the author lineup for the 4th Annual Ashland Mystery Festival — October 8th through 11th, 2026 in Ashland, Oregon. In this episode, The Tech Guy and I share who's joining us this year…
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Why Setting Matters—Building the World of Your Story
Send us a message! Ellie Alexander and the Tech Guy explore the role of setting in storytelling and why the places where stories unfold are just as important as the characters themselves. Ellie shares how she approaches choosing locations for her books, including the decision between using real...
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Writer and Reader Scams—How to Avoid Them
Send us a message! Online scams are getting smarter—and both writers and readers are being targeted.In this episode of Reality Writes, the Tech Guy and I break down the most common scams we’re seeing right now in the publishing and book world.From AI-generated emails inviting authors to fake book...
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Conferences, Conventions & Festivals…Oh My!—A Mystery Insider’s Guide
Send us a message! If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens at mystery conferences, conventions, and festivals, this episode is for you.Today on Reality Writes, I’m breaking down the differences between festivals, genre-specific mystery conventions like Malice and BoucherCon, general writing...
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Book 22 is Here—The Whisking Hour & a Bakeshop Glow-up
Send us a message! Book 22. I can hardly believe I’m even typing that. If you’ve been here since Book 1...thank you. Truly. And if you’re just joining at Book 22? Welcome to Torte.In this episode of Reality Writes, we’re celebrating the release of The Whisking Hour, the 22nd book in my Bakeshop...
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Writing Romance Across Genre—Cozy Mysteries to Rom-Coms
Send us a message! I’m talking romance today — specifically how love fits into cozy mysteries, why some readers adore it, why others don’t, and how I’ve woven romantic arcs into my series over time. We also dig into my recent shift into writing rom-coms, what surprised me most about the genre…
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Reader Feedback—When to Listen and When to Let It Go
Send us a message! Writing doesn’t happen in a vacuum — readers are a huge part of the experience. But when it comes to reader feedback, not all of it carries the same weight.In this episode of Reality Writes, I’m talking honestly about reader feedback: when it’s genuinely helpful, when it’s not,...
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Behind the Scenes—How a Cozy Mystery Series is Built to Last
Send us a message! How does a cozy mystery series last for dozens of books—and what causes one to end early? Ellie Alexander and Tech Guy go behind the scenes to talk series writing, subplots, reader expectations, publishers, and the real-world happenings that shape long-running cozy mystery...
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Plotting 2026—New Books, Projects, and Intentions
Send us a message! Ellie Alexander is facing her most intense writing year yet—10+ books, multiple series, overlapping deadlines, and an endless stream of rewrites, page proofs, edits, and launches. In this candid kickoff to Season 3 of Reality Writes, she and the Tech Guy break down the…
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'Tis the Season (Already?)—Seasonal Book Trends in Reading & Publishing
Send us a message! It’s officially peppermint mocha season…for some of us. In this episode, Tech Guy and I dive into the great holiday debate: when is the right time to start reading (or writing) holiday books? We’re talking about cozy autumn reading trends, the publishing realities of holiday...
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Ashland Mystery Fest Recap—Highlights, Behind-the-Scenes & T-Shirt Guns
Send us a message! We’re recapping Ashland Mystery Fest 2025—aka my favorite weekend of the entire year! In this episode, we’re sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the third annual festival, including reader highlights, cozy chaos, mystery dinners gone wild, and why I still don’t have a…
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Cozy But Not Deadly—Changing Up Genres
Send us a message! Join mystery author Ellie Alexander and The Tech Guy as they dive deep into Ellie's exciting venture into romance writing! In this episode, Ellie reveals her upcoming holiday rom-com duet, one of them featuring beloved characters from her Meg Reed mystery series. After writing...
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Mystery Meets Art—Behind the Color & Sleuth Series
Send us a message! What happens when a mystery author teams up with a talented artist to create something completely new? Join Ellie and the Tech Guy as they welcome Rebecca Demos, the artist behind the Color & Sleuth interactive mystery coloring book series. We'll dive into how this unique...
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Building a Mystery Community—A How-To Discussion
Send us a message! How do you go from zero readers to thousands of engaged "darlings" who genuinely care about your writing journey? Join me and the Tech Guy as we break down the real strategies behind building an authentic mystery community. We'll share what actually worked (and our spectacular...
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What Would You Do?—Author Ethics Dilemmas
Send us a message! In this episode, we tackle the messy ethical dilemmas authors actually face. Should you blurb another author’s book if you don’t like it? What happens when you want to use real-life businesses or locations in your murder mystery? How do you handle using actual people as the...
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21 and Counting—The Secret Sauce to Series Writing
Send us a message! Ever wondered how I keep all my characters, timelines, and plot twists straight across multiple cozy mystery series? In this special live episode of Reality Writes, we’re diving into my personal systems for series writing—from my (messy) story bibles to real-life continuity...
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How a Cozy Becomes a Culinary Mystery—Research, Recipes & Baking Fails
Send us a message! Hello, Darlings! A reader recently asked me how I come up with the food themes in my books, and I couldn’t wait to bite into this one! In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my Bakeshop Mysteries and sharing how I research (and test!) every recipe, including some...
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Readers Behaving Badly—Seriously, Who Says This Stuff?
Send us a message! I’ve gotten some reader messages that are…let’s just say memorable. In this episode, I’m sharing a few of the wildest things people have sent me (anonymously, of course) and talking about what authors actually control when it comes to things like pricing, covers, and shipping....
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5 Bookish Hills I'll Die On—Controversial Takes
Send us a message! Get ready for some spicy book opinions in this episode of Reality Writes! I’m breaking down five bookish hills I’ll die on—from why I DNF without guilt to why blurbs and awards don’t matter (as much as we think they do). Plus, The Tech Guy and I tackle reader guilt over library...
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Meg Reed Investigates—The Cozy Mystery Series Returns
Send us a message! Hello, Darlings! What happens when you revisit the first mystery series you ever wrote—ten years later? In this episode of Reality Writes, I’m talking about the re-release of the Meg Reed Investigates series (formerly the Pacific Northwest Mysteries), how it all began, and what...
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Ashland Mystery Fest 2025 Preview—with Author Emmeline Duncan
Send us a message! What happens when two mystery writers team up to plan a cozy crime scene in real life? In this episode, I talk with Emmeline Duncan about Halloween books, Ashland Mystery Fest, and awkward reader encounters. Plus, we answer the ultimate question: what should you actually say to...
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Back at it—A Recap & All the Bookish Things Coming Soon
Send us a message! Hello, Darlings! We’re back and just getting warmed up! After a hectic couple of months, we’re settling back into a rhythm and looking forward to diving into some fun new topics on Reality Writes. For the rest of this season, we’ll be discussing the ups and downs of writing…
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Behind the Scents—Crafting Candles and Cozy Mysteries
Send us a message! Hey, Darlings! The Tech Guy came up with a new segment for the podcast that has me a little worried—"Stump Ellie." 🕵️♀️ Put your cozy mystery knowledge to the test by sending in questions about any of my series! Think you know the "Bakeshop Mysteries" better than me? Now’s…
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Soufflés and Seasides—Exploring the 20th Bakeshop Mystery
Send us a message! Hey, Darlings! 🎉 We're back with a special release week episode all about "Killing Me Souffle," the 20th book in the Bakeshop Mystery series. 🎂 Join us as we reminisce about our journey, from launch parties filled with delectable pastries to the creative process that brings...
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Ashland Mystery Festival—3rd Annual Reveal & Details!
Send us a message! Hello, Cozy Mystery Fans! 🔎📖 We're buzzing with excitement in this episode as we reveal the all-star lineup for the 2025 Ashland Mystery Fest! This festival brings readers and authors together in the most immersive and community-focused way possible. Imagine being part of a...
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Celebrating Book Love—New Releases and Creative Inspiration
Send us a message! Hello, Darlings! 🎉 I’m thrilled to welcome you back to Reality Writes for our special Valentine’s episode! Love is in the air, and I’m celebrating the release of my latest book, "A Victim at Valentine's." This episode is all about the irresistible charm of books and the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Reality Writes Podcast stars bestselling mystery author Ellie Alexander and her Tech Guy husband as they reveal the ins and outs of writing. Ellie, who has written for big names like Macmillan and Simon & Schuster, and indie publishers like Storm, shares her journey from story ideas to publishing. Together, they dive into the highs, lows, and funny moments of creating captivating stories. With a blend of humor and honesty, Reality Writes offers a behind-the-scenes look at the writing world. So grab your coffee (or wine) and join Ellie and the Tech Guy for some story-spinning secrets.
HOSTED BY
Ellie Alexander
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Reality Writes have?
Reality Writes currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Reality Writes about?
The Reality Writes Podcast stars bestselling mystery author Ellie Alexander and her Tech Guy husband as they reveal the ins and outs of writing. Ellie, who has written for big names like Macmillan and Simon & Schuster, and indie publishers like Storm, shares her journey from story ideas to...
How often does Reality Writes release new episodes?
Reality Writes has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Reality Writes?
You can listen to Reality Writes on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Reality Writes?
Reality Writes is created and hosted by Ellie Alexander.
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