The Grumpy Sunshine Podcast

Jess Weber shares her journey from being inspired to start her own bookish business, to making it a reality. Jess is the owner of The First Chapter book store in Adelaide, South Australia. She's successfully run "A Romantic Affair" a fantastic romance author convention that centres around local and international indie romance authors (of all sub genres.) This episode is full of laughs, we hope you enjoy!You can find Jess’s store both online at www.thefirstchapter.com.au or in person at Unit 2, 15 Sturton Road, Edinburgh, SA.Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In this episode, Kate and Laura chat with New Zealand indie author Colette Rivera, who has over ten published books, all set in paranormal worlds of her making. Come along as we pick Colette's brain about writing queer romances, relationship dynamics, world-building, and how to manage paranormal rules and lore with creativity. Colette's upcoming release, Her Ghosty Embrace, is an FF paranormal romance about two women who have had enough and will stop at nothing to get their happily ever after. And vengeance. This is the first book in the Lockwood Coven series, a group of interconnected, stand-alone novels. Pre-order now, or read it on May 4, 2026!You can find Colette at @collete_rivera on Instagram!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

Episode three takes off with Shara from Aura and Alchemany. Shara creates bookish perfumes, which are taking the bookish community by storm. Having worked in the worlds of both beauty and aromatherapy she has honed her skills to create timeless, unique perfumes. Shara inspires us to branch out into our creative endeavours and shows how creating a supportive and safe environment can help encourage others to start their own business. Shara is grateful for her community and her authenticity shines! If you'd like to check out her perfumes you can follower her here:Instagram: auraandalchemy.perfumeryEnjoy!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In this episode of The Grumpy Sunshine Podcast, we welcome indie romance author Emme Goode to the show!This time last year, Emme Goode was a couple of months away from being a debut author. Now, she has three published novels, one being edited, and another WIP in the works. Emme writes spicy contemporary romances with strong female leads and the men who worship them. All of her stories so far are set in the fictional Australian town, Heart City, which has truly taken on a life of its own.Today, we’ll be talking about spice scenes! How to write them, how to infuse emotion and link them to character growth and plot. We’ll also delve into why spice scenes resonate with readers and why they’re important to the romance reading experience.Enjoy!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In the season return of the Grumpy Sunshine Podcast, Kate and Laura sit down and chat with fantasy author and woman of many talents, MG Hunt. Monica speaks about her gradual discovery of the fantasy and sci-fi genre through gaming, movies, and reading.Monica also deep dives into her creative process, along with some advice on writing at your own pace, and trusting your gut when it comes to who you let into your online community.We also speak to her about her love for giving authors a voice on her own podcast, "The Indie Author Show." This conversation was so genuine and fun, and it's a juicy episode length, so get comfy and have a listen! Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

Join Kate and Laura as they wrap up the first year of the Grumpy Sunshine Podcast!Diving in to some of their favourite moments and moments that made them laugh. This is a cosy ep! Grab a cup of coffee and listen in. ---Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! We've had such a blast this year and we can't wait to comeback next year!xx Kate & Laura Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In this episode Kate & Laura welcome indie author H.A. Walker to discuss the world of mythical creatures in fantasy literature. They explore Hayley's journey into writing fantasy, the duality of dragons and unicorns, and why unicorns are often sidelined in adult fantasy. There is also a huge list of fantasy recs from H.A Walker, for those who don't know where to start up to the advanced fantasy reader. Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

This week on the pod we have our first indie bookstore discussion. With Alisha from Tales and Tomes.Tales and Tomes is an indie book store that has had so much success as an online store, it is now getting a physical store. Alisha talks with us about the struggles of trying to keep up with the phsyical and mental demands of running a store. She also discusses how romance authors can help have their books in a store. Alisha's chat is funny, honest and super motiviating. We really enjoyed speaking with her! Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In episode 13, Kate and Laura talk about their reading habits, from childhood to now. Talking all things fairy tales, first loves of romance and favourite re-reads. This episode is a cosy one. Grab a cup of coffee and catch up with the girls.Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In this episode, Kate and Laura chat with Rachel O'Rourke, a self-published author who has released four books and is in the midst of writing her first trilogy. The discussion centres on certain aspects of self-publishing that Rachel and Kate wished they had known when they were publishing their first book. From when to book in service providers, setting your expectations, dealing with KDP and Ingram, and building a community, this episode has it all. Enjoy!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

Corporate girl by day, swoonworthy romance author by night, Olivia Fenwick is with us this week to discuss her search for the elusive work/life/ writing balance.In episode 11, we discuss how, as an author, it's important to make time for the things you love, as well as looking after your health and wellbeing. Olivia and Kate talk about how they balance working full-time in a corporate setting while also making time to be creative, whether it be writing or content creation.We also chat about how fun author signings can be!We love this episode, and we hope you do too!In-depth conversation, book recs, helpful advice, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out today!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

Episode 10 is a good one! In this episode, we have our first international guest: Amanda Gambill! If you’ve listened to TGSP before, you’ve heard Laura and Kate talk incessantly about the book, ‘Honestly I’m Totally Faking it’ and Pres St. Clair, both Amanda creations.Ever wondered how to create a multi-dimensional character that readers will love or hate? In this episode, we discuss character development (something Amanda is brilliant at) and her writing process, too. We delve into social media and Bookstagram, and how to set boundaries while also maintaining a loyal fan base through genuine interactions.We love this episode, and we hope you do too!In-depth conversation, book recs, helpful advice, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out todayPlease subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In episode 9, Australian indie author Jess McFarlane joins Laura and Kate to talk about slow burn versus fast burn/insta-love romances. The trio talks about their preferences and processes as authors and an editor, as well as readers of romance. Jess discusses how she developed the slow burn in her series, Arasgain Rule (Woman of Wolves and Man of Bears are the first two books), and Kate explains how she approached the relationships in her first two books, and how she's trying something new with her upcoming novel, Wing Woman.In-depth conversation, book recs, helpful advice, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out today!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In episode 8, Kate and Laura are joined by Brittany Carson to discuss the importance of character art. Brittany and Kate take listeners through their process for both finding and commissioning art. Laura gives a large list of her favourite artists accompanied by a stunning list of books to add to your TBREnjoy this fun, light and entertaining chat with the girls!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In episode 7, Kate and Laura are joined by Britt from BLD Editing to discuss the benefits and intricacies of developmental editing.Britt and Laura guide listeners through their process and how they support authors in developing their plot, character arcs, conflict, tension, and other 'big picture' aspects of their manuscript. Kate shares her experience gaining developmental feedback from alpha and beta readers.Book recs, helpful advice, listener feedback, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out today!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In this episode, Laura and Kate discuss the complexities of burnout as both an indie author and editor, alongside listener feedback and fellow community members' signs and symptoms. Laura and Kate share their personal stories with burnout and how they were able to recognise the signs in themselves, along with working through and coming out the other side. Listeners shared their very real feedback on how they feel the onset of burnout and also how they overcame it. Please be careful with yourself when listening to this episode. If you need to take a break, we will be here when you're ready. Trigger warnings: talk of burnout and its many symptoms, depression, anxiety, medication, mental illness, chronic illness and symptoms.Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In episode five, Kate and Laura have fun discussing female main characters in their favourite books and sub-genres of romance, focusing on The Maiden and The Huntress archetypes. Kate explains how she goes about writing a FMC, and Laura shares how she helps authors develop strong female characters. Book recs, helpful advice, listener feedback, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out today!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In episode four, Kate and Laura discuss the benefits of self-editing your manuscript and how it can improve the quality of your story. They look at this from Kate’s perspective and as an author, and discuss her process in the lead up to professional editing. That’s where Laura comes in and gives some advice on self-editing before, during, and after the professional editing process. Book recs, helpful advice, listener feedback, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out today!Enjoy the next episode in this new and exciting podcast that will delve into topics about reading, writing, editing, publishing, and social media.Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In episode three, Kate and Laura discuss how to find an editor for your manuscript. Finding an editor is similar to dating—you need to 'shop around' until you find the right fit. Laura shares what to look for and look out for, as well as questions you can ask potential editors and what editors should and shouldn't do with your manuscript. Kate shares her experiences with different editors as an indie author and what she's learnt along the way. This is an info-packed episode, so have your pens and paper or notetaking apps ready!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In episode two, Kate and Laura discuss the age-old debate over book covers: model, discreet, or illustrated? They look at this from a reader's perspective, but also from Kate’s perspective as a self-published author. Book recs, favourite covers, buddy reads, author and artist shoutouts, and new segments—this episode has it all!Enjoy the newest episode of this new and exciting podcast that will delve into topics about reading, writing, editing, publishing, and social media.Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]

In episode one, Kate and Laura welcome listeners to The Grumpy Sunshine Podcast. They talk about being an indie author and an indie editor, as well as how they met and how the podcast came to be.Enjoy this short intro to a new and exciting podcast that will delve into topics about reading, writing, editing, publishing, and social media.Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!Stay connected:@thegrumpysunshinepodcast@[email protected] in touch:[email protected]