So, I wrote a book... Now What?

In this engaging conversation, NC Barton shares her journey as a writer, discussing her early experiences with writing, the challenges she faced during the pandemic, and her transition from writing mysteries to romance. She delves into the intricacies of crafting her latest book, 'The Now and Forever,' including the dual timeline structure and character development. The discussion also covers the editing process, the importance of feedback, and her future writing projects, highlighting the emotional and creative aspects of being an author. In this conversation, Lindsay and Nicole discuss the transition from traditional publishing to self-publishing, exploring the challenges and triumphs of each path. They delve into the creative process, the importance of community among writers, and the joy of receiving feedback from readers. Nicole shares her experiences with self-publishing, including the learning curve and the excitement of having her work read by strangers. The discussion highlights the significance of finding one's voice and the unique journey every author undertakes in their writing career.That you so much Lindsay Barrett. You can buy the Savannah Royals now! And The Dravenhearst Brides comes out October 9th. You can preorder here or there’s still time to sign up for an Advance Reader CopyNicole’s debut novel is out now. You can get it on ebook or KU hereOr order a signed copy here. If you's like to sign up to be an arc reader on her Banksy inspired romance you can sign up here. If you want to connect with me I’d love to hear from you.Website. https://ncbartonwrites.com/Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/ncbartonwrites/Threads.  https://www.threads.net/@ncbartonwritesPodcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-i-wrote-a-book-now-what/id178189433NC Barton | Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/NCBartonWritesor my ⁠Substack https://nicolebartonwrites.substack.com/Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book04:16 Overcoming Challenges in the Writing Process07:09 The Evolution of Nicole's Writing Style10:07 Exploring the Setting of 'The Now and Forever'13:10 The Transition from Mystery to Romance15:57 Crafting Complex Characters18:58 The Dual Timeline Structure21:16 Editing and Refining the Manuscript24:07 The Evolution of a Story26:37 Deciding When a Book is Done29:21 Trusting Your Gut in Publishing31:06 The Journey to Self-Publishing34:45 Navigating Traditional Publishing Challenges38:42 The Freedom of Self-Publishing41:18 Learning from Mistakes in the Publishing Process46:10 The Drive to Create: A Writer's Journey48:07 Diverse Writing Processes: Plotters vs. Pantsers49:01 Finding Inspiration: Sources of Creativity50:57 The Editing Process: Revising and Refining54:31 The Challenges of Rapid Releasing58:10 The Joy of Reader Feedback01:02:24 Building Community in Writing01:04:46 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendations

In this engaging conversation, Arini Vlotman shares her journey to becoming an author, detailing her initial inspiration to write a novel on her 39th birthday. She discusses her writing process, the evolution of her craft, and the importance of reading as a source of inspiration. Arini also delves into her editing techniques, the role of beta readers, and her experiences with publishing. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of community and connection in the writing world, as well as her aspirations for future projects.If you’d like to connect with Arini her website is https://arinivlotman.co.za/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@arinivlotmanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arini_authorFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arinialwaysbeyouYou can buy her latest book Pretty Bossy here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pretty-bossy-arini-vlotman/1146623701If you want to connect with me I’d love to hear from you.Website. https://ncbartonwrites.com/Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/ncbartonwrites/Threads.  https://www.threads.net/@ncbartonwritesPodcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-i-wrote-a-book-now-what/id178189433NC Barton | Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/NCBartonWritesor my ⁠Substack https://nicolebartonwrites.substack.com/Chapters00:00 The Birth of a Writer04:20 Writing Process Evolution07:02 Editing and Feedback09:32 Reading Influences and Preferences12:09 Writing Habits and Mindset15:00 Crafting Ideas and Inspiration18:33 The Birth of a Book: Pretty Average21:15 Navigating Writer's Block and Emotional Spaces24:58 The Power of Reading: Fueling Creativity25:44 Crafting the Fame Facade Series29:09 The Journey to Publication: From Querying to Acceptance32:47 Defying Industry Norms: Staying True to Your Voice37:26 Connecting with the Writing Community39:18 Copy of Andie Smith Pink and White Cute Modern Cartoon Subscribe Bell Button YouTube Intro.mp4

In this conversation, Andie Smith shares her journey as an author and literary agent, discussing her writing process, the importance of beta readers, and navigating the publishing landscape. She reflects on her experiences with Wattpad, the challenges of querying, and the balance between her writing and agency work. Andie also emphasizes the significance of finding inspiration and overcoming creative blocks, while providing insights into what she looks for in queries and the role of a literary agent.If you's like to know connect with Andie here are here contacts.Books. Editing.MSWL.PodcastIf you want to connect with me I’d love to hear from you.Website. Instagram. Threads. Podcast. NC Barton | Patreon or my ⁠SubstackChapters00:00 The Journey to Authorship04:15 Navigating the Publishing Process06:43 The Role of Beta Readers09:15 Writing Process and Outlining11:48 Balancing Writing and Literary Agency Work14:19 Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Blocks17:06 The Querying Landscape19:39 The Role of a Literary Agent22:34 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this engaging conversation, Catherine Mann and her daughter Haley Catherine (both amazing writers and lovely humans) discuss their journeys as writers, the challenges they faced, and the importance of finding one's voice. They explore the impact of learning disabilities on their writing processes, the significance of feedback and critique, and the intricacies of the querying process. Both share insights on their writing routines and the excitement surrounding Catherine’s upcoming works, emphasizing the power of storytelling in fostering empathy and connection.You can purchase Lightning in a Mason jar here.And Charming the Cowboy here.If you’d like to connect with Catherine you can find it all here. If you’d like to connect with Haley you can find her here. If you want to connect with me I’d love to hear from you.Website. https://ncbartonwrites.com/Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/ncbartonwrites/Threads.  https://www.threads.net/@ncbartonwritesPodcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-i-wrote-a-book-now-what/id178189433NC Barton | Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/NCBartonWritesor my ⁠Substack https://nicolebartonwrites.substack.com/Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing: Overcoming Fear and Doubt04:13 Finding Your Voice: The Importance of Mentorship06:58 Embracing Learning Disabilities: A Path to Creativity09:39 The Writing Process: From First Draft to Publication12:21 Plotting vs. Pantsing: Different Approaches to Storytelling14:57 The Role of Feedback: Navigating Critique Relationships17:58 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement in Writing20:16 Finding the Right Critique Partner: A Personal Journey30:31 The Importance of Feedback in Writing30:46 Choosing the Path of Traditional Publishing32:17 Exploring New Releases and Themes33:26 Balancing Multiple Projects37:36 Establishing a Writing Routine41:42 Navigating the Querying Process51:24 Reflections on the Writing Journey

In this conversation, Maggie Eckersley shares her journey from a young reader to a published author, discussing her writing process, the challenges of navigating the publishing world, and the balance between her medical career and her passion for writing. She emphasizes the importance of writing for joy, the role of feedback in her creative process, and her excitement for her upcoming book launch. Maggie also reflects on the significance of reaching a wider audience through translations and the emotional journey of dealing with reviews.You can purchase Back in the Saddle now. https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/back-in-the-saddle-maggie-eckersley?variant=54955686920571Here’s Maggies reaction to hearing her audiobook ❤️https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLCpMABoSvq/?igsh=ZTUyZDU2OGFrMWFtIf you want to connect with me I’d love to hear from you.Website. Instagram. Threads.NC Barton | Patreon or my ⁠SubstackChapters00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book04:27 The Evolution of 'Back in the Saddle'07:15 Navigating the Publishing Process09:49 The Role of Feedback and Revisions12:17 Finding an Agent and the Querying Experience15:04 Balancing Writing with Medical Studies21:18 Balancing Writing and Medical Studies23:56 Writing Process and Time Management27:54 Overcoming Writer's Block31:17 Navigating the Publishing Process34:17 Family Dynamics and Author Life36:13 Celebrating Publication Day38:07 The Excitement of Publication Day40:06 Music as a Writing Companion42:36 Navigating Ideas and Writing Process45:14 The Challenge of Reviews and Feedback51:06 Finding Joy in Writing55:41 Upcoming Releases and Translations01:02:35 Copy of Copy of Lindsay Barrett Pink and White Cute Modern Cartoon Subscribe Bell Button YouTube Intro (1).mp4

In this conversation, I interview Joanna Thurlow, a developmental editor, about her journey into editing, the role of a developmental editor, and the intricacies of the editing process. Joanna shares insights on feedback styles, the importance of character development, and the challenges of querying. We discuss the balance between showing and telling in writing, the impact of editing on personal writing, and the flexibility of writing across genres. Joanna is offering a discount for listeners seeking developmental editing services. Email her mention the show! [email protected] can also connect with Jo through her website https://www.joannathurlow.com/Or Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joannalovesbooks/If you want to connect with me I’d love to hear from you.Website. https://ncbartonwrites.com/Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/ncbartonwrites/Threads.  https://www.threads.net/@ncbartonwritesPodcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-i-wrote-a-book-now-what/id178189433NC Barton | Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/NCBartonWritesor my ⁠Substack https://nicolebartonwrites.substack.com/

In this conversation, Kelly shares her journey to becoming an author, detailing her early inspirations, writing process, and the importance of community in finishing her book. She discusses her experiences with beta readers, the decision to self-publish, and her marketing strategies. Kelly also reflects on the challenges of balancing writing with motherhood and her aspirations for future projects, including a potential shift to hybrid publishing.You can buy Sunshine Kisses here.And Midnight Wishes here.If you’e like to connect with Kelly she’s on Instagram. Threads: And YouTube.If you want to connect with me I’d love to hear from you.Website. https://ncbartonwrites.com/Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/ncbartonwrites/Threads.  https://www.threads.net/@ncbartonwritesPodcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-i-wrote-a-book-now-what/id178189433NC Barton | Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/NCBartonWritesor my ⁠Substack https://nicolebartonwrites.substack.com/Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book04:46 Building a Community of Writers07:45 The Writing Process: Outlining vs. Discovery10:32 Self-Publishing Decisions and Marketing Strategies13:10 Feedback and Beta Readers16:03 The Evolution of Writing: Second Book Insights19:03 Navigating Reviews and Reader Reactions24:19 Literary Influences and Inspirations25:44 Crafting Stories: Learning and Growth28:22 The Impact of Literary Fiction30:34 Writing Process and Environment37:39 Balancing Writing with Parenthood43:18 Exploring New Genres and Future Projects

In this engaging conversation, Shameez Patel shares her journey as an author, discussing her early inspirations, the challenges of writing and editing, and the nuances of publishing in both the romance and fantasy genres. She reflects on her writing process, the importance of character development, and the role of feedback from beta readers. The discussion also touches on the pressures of meeting deadlines and the evolution of her writing style, culminating in her excitement for future projects.You can buy her romance novel Playing Flirty here. And her fantasy trilogy here. If you’d like to connect with Shameez you can find her on Instagram or her website. If you want to connect with me I’d love to hear from you.Website. Instagram. Threads. Podcast. NC Barton | Patreon or my ⁠Substack Chapters00:00 The Journey to Authorship04:14 Crafting Characters and Story Structure07:05 Exploring Genre and Writing Process10:09 The Publishing Experience13:06 Balancing Multiple Projects16:04 The Evolution of Writing Techniques19:04 Upcoming Works and Future Plans29:02 The Writing Process and Deadlines33:09 Finding Time to Write37:16 Music and Writing41:05 Character Development and Interior Thoughts44:28 Navigating Feedback and Revisions50:46 Exploring New Genres and Future Projects

In this conversation, Lindsay Barrett shares her journey from a secretive writer to a self-published author. She discusses her early influences, the challenges of navigating the traditional publishing landscape, and the decision to self-publish her historical romance novel. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and knowing one's worth as a creative. She also delves into her writing process, the excitement of upcoming projects, and the significance of celebrating milestones in her writing career.Pre-order Savannah Royals NOW!! You can connect with Lindsay on Instagram.Or her website. Or sign up for her newsletter.If you want to connect with me I’d love to hear from you.Website. Instagram. Threads.  Podcast. NC Barton | Patreon or my ⁠Substack Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing: A Personal Story04:38 Transforming Genres: From Fantasy to Historical Romance07:41 Navigating the Publishing Landscape: Queries and Rejections10:41 The Power Imbalance in Author-Agent Relationships13:44 Self-Publishing: A New Path Forward16:51 Creating a Unique Book: Cover Design and Marketing19:48 Future Projects: Exploring New Genres and Themes29:06 The Struggles of Drafting vs. the Joy of Editing30:13 Researching Historical Contexts for Fiction31:48 Navigating the Drafting Process34:03 The Transition from Drafting to Editing35:13 Identifying Themes During the Editing Process36:49 The Balance of Plotting and Pantsing41:26 The Unique Journey of Each Writer42:14 Sharing Work with Family and Friends44:58 The Importance of Diverse Love Stories47:19 Future Writing Projects and Inspirations48:25 Plans for Book Release and Celebrations50:24 Getting Books into Bookstores51:27 Navigating Self-Publishing and Community Support

In this conversation, Jessica Guerrieri shares her journey to becoming an author, discussing her passion for writing, the challenges of balancing motherhood with her writing career, and the importance of patience in the publishing process. She reflects on her experiences with querying, the role of beta readers, and the significance of feedback in shaping her work. Jessica emphasizes the labor of love that goes into writing and the supportive community of writers and women in recovery that has helped her along the way.Pre order Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea here:If you’d like to connect with Jessica you can through her website,https://www.jessicaguerrieri.net/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jessicaguerrieriauthor/Threadshttps://www.threads.com/@jessicaguerrieriauthorOr TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@jessstayssober?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcIf you’d like to connect with me please feel free to ⁠ Website. https://ncbartonwrites.com/Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/ncbartonwrites/Threads.  https://www.threads.net/@ncbartonwritesPodcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-i-wrote-a-book-now-what/id178189433NC Barton | Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/NCBartonWritesor my ⁠Substack https://nicolebartonwrites.substack.com/Chapters00:00 The Journey to Authorship11:43 Balancing Writing and Motherhood21:46 The Querying Process and Rejections31:50 Feedback and Growth in Writing34:30 The Power of Feedback in Writing37:46 Navigating the Writing Process41:45 The Impact of Reader Feedback45:44 Trusting Your Instincts49:50 The Journey of Writing and Publishing57:43 The Importance of Patience in Writing01:04:20 Copy of Jessica Berg Pink and White Cute Modern Cartoon Subscribe Bell Button YouTube Intro.mp4

In this conversation, Jessica Berg shares her journey as an author, founder and literary agent at Rosecliff Literary Agency, discussing her early passion for storytelling, the balance between writing and agenting, and her writing process. She emphasizes the importance of outlines, feedback from beta readers, and resilience in the face of rejection. Jessica also talks about her experience in establishing her own literary agency, the significance of building relationships in publishing, and her preference for traditional publishing over self-publishing. The discussion highlights the collaborative nature of the writing community and the creative process involved in developing characters and stories.If you like to connect with Jessica you can find her on Instagram. Here is her manuscript wishlist. If you’d like to check out Rosecliff Literary agency you can go to their website or Instagram. If you’d like to contact me please feel free to ⁠ Website. Instagram. Threads. NC Barton | Patreon or my ⁠Substack Chapters00:00 The Journey to Authorship04:32 Balancing Writing and Agency Work07:43 The Writing Process: Outlines and Drafts10:40 Feedback and Beta Readers13:29 Navigating Revisions and Completion16:30 Establishing a Literary Agency19:49 Building Relationships in Publishing22:31 Overcoming Rejection in Writing26:50 The Power of Resilience and Optimism28:16 Influential Books in the Writing Journey29:23 Manuscript Wishlist: What Agents Seek31:29 The Path to Traditional Publishing34:04 The Importance of Pitching in Publishing36:16 Building Relationships in the Literary 38:05 The Collaborative Nature of Publishing39:56 The Writing Process: Drafting and Character Development43:43 Balancing Multiple Perspectives in Writing45:50 The Creative Process: Time and Patience51:24 Community Engagement and Accessibility in Publishing

In this engaging conversation, Carmela Dutra shares her journey from writing children's literature to finding her niche in cozy mysteries. She discusses the challenges of the writing process, the importance of critique partners, and the lessons learned during the querying process. Carmela emphasizes the value of plotting and how her agent's guidance helped refine her work. Balancing writing with family life, she also reflects on her inspirations and future aspirations as an author.Pre-order Carmela’s debut cozy mystery from Crooked Lane books here. Out September 5th!Carmela discussed her Agent Guide. You can find that here. If you’d like to contact Carmela you can find her at her website.Or Instagram.If you’d like to contact me please feel free to ⁠ ⁠Website⁠. ⁠Instagram⁠. ⁠Threads.⁠ ⁠Patreon ⁠or my ⁠⁠SubstackChapters00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book04:58 Finding the Right Genre07:56 The Role of Critique Partners11:12 The Importance of Plotting14:05 Navigating the Query Process17:09 The Experience of Getting an Agent20:03 The Creative Process Behind Cozy Mysteries22:59 Writing the Sequel and Evolving as a Writer29:17 Feedback and Revisions in Writing30:44 Crafting a Satisfying Mystery35:09 Overcoming Writer's Block38:45 Balancing Writing with Family Life41:42 Exploring Future Writing Directions

In this conversation, Katherine shares her journey from avid romance reader to author, discussing the motivations behind her writing, the challenges of self-publishing, and the importance of community support. She delves into her creative process, the significance of editing and design, and her marketing strategies. Katherine also reflects on the rewards of self-publishing and the lessons learned along the way, including the need for grace and flexibility in the writing process.You can pre-order Love on a Ledge here: https://a.co/d/iGNZjUTOr order all her other books here, Etsy Page: www.etsy.com/shop/klparsonsbooksIf’d you’d like to connect with Katherine you can find her at her Website: www.klparsonsbooks.comOr on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/klparsonsbooks/If you’d like to contact me please feel free to ⁠ Website. Instagram. Threads. NC Barton | Patreon or my ⁠Substack Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book04:29 Navigating the Self-Publishing Landscape07:33 Crafting and Editing: The Writing Process10:18 The Decision to Self-Publish13:16 Managing Deadlines and Expectations16:24 Finding Joy in Self-Publishing24:31 The Joy of Creative Events28:47 Navigating Self-Publishing Challenges33:47 Inspiration and Idea Generation36:14 Crafting and Editing Process41:01 Building a Supportive Community

In this conversation, Nicole interviews Alexandria Faulkenbury about her journey to becoming a published author. They discuss the writing process, including drafting, revising, and the importance of feedback. Alexandria shares her experiences with querying agents, the themes in her upcoming novel, and the challenges of marketing as a debut author. They also touch on finding inspiration, the differences between writing short stories and novels, and the significance of community support in the writing journey.Alexandria's debut novel Somewhere Past the end is available on Netgalley now! Request it here.It's available for pre-order now.If you'd like to connect with Alexandria you can find her writing in the #5amwritersclub on Twitter / Bluesky and she's on Instagram.If you’d like to contact me please feel free to ⁠ Website. Instagram. Threads. NC Barton | Patreon or my ⁠SubstackChapters00:00 The Journey to Authorship04:29 Drafting and Revising: The Writer's Process07:23 Navigating Feedback and Publishing Challenges10:21 Staying True to Your Story13:08 Exploring Themes in Writing16:10 The Business of Being a Writer19:08 Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Stuckness21:53 Writing Habits and Routines25:22 Discovering the Heart of the Story27:43 The Writing Process: Trial and Error28:56 Learning Through Reading and Craft Books31:32 Inspiration from Favorite Authors33:18 Preparing for the Debut Release35:13 Navigating New Connections and Launch Events36:12 Balancing Multiple Projects37:52 Finding Inspiration in Mundane Tasks39:26 The Art of Flash Fiction41:23 Writing Quiet Stories in a Noisy Market

In this conversation, romance author Annie McQuaid shares her journey of writing her debut novel, Crash Landing, detailing the transformation of her initial dark story into a romantic comedy during the pandemic. She discusses the importance of critique partners and mentorship in her writing process, the challenges of navigating the query process, and the intricacies of crafting dual timelines. Annie also reflects on the pressures of publishing her second book, the creative flow, and how she deals with writer's block. The conversation concludes with insights on reader engagement and the reality of being an author.Buy Crash Landing here.If you’d like to connect with Annie you can find her on Instagram Substack Or her website If you’d like to contact me please feel free to ⁠ Website. Instagram. Threads. Podcast. NC Barton | Patreon or my ⁠Substack Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book04:28 Transforming a Dark Story into a Rom-Com07:22 The Role of Mentorship in Writing10:31 Crafting Dual Timelines in Storytelling13:10 Balancing Plot and Character Development16:11 Navigating the Publishing Process19:20 The Pressure of Writing a Second Book22:16 Creating New Stories and Future Projects25:00 Exploring New Directions in Writing26:09 The Role of Critique Partners28:02 Embracing the Publishing Journey28:18 Overcoming Creative Blocks30:16 Drafting Techniques and Strategies32:59 Finding Inspiration in Other Works35:21 Genre Exploration and Future Projects36:38 Navigating Reader Expectations39:57 The Solitary Nature of Writing42:42 Preparing for Book Launch and Signings

In this conversation, I interview Isabelle Engel, author of the upcoming romance novel Most Eligible, about her journey into writing, the challenges of balancing a day job with her passion, and her experiences with querying and mentorship. Isabelle shares insights into her writing process, the importance of community in the romance genre, and the evolution of her stories. We discuss the intricacies of editing, the role of sensitivity readers, and the creative mindset needed to navigate the publishing world. If you’d like to reach out to Isabelle you can find her on Instagram or her website. We discussed Smooch Pit. If you're a romance author you should look into it.If you want all the bonus content you can subscribe to my ⁠NC Barton | Patreon or my ⁠Substack If you’d like to contact me please feel free to ⁠ Website. Instagram. Threads.  Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book04:16 Exploring the Romance Genre07:02 Writing Routine and Challenges09:33 Querying and Feedback Experiences12:35 Mentorship and Finding an Agent15:15 Editing and Collaboration with Publishers18:01 Creating a New Project20:54 The Writing Process and Overcoming Blocks23:33 Balancing Drafting and Editing Mindsets27:56 Exploring Authorial Identity and Genre Flexibility29:26 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Romance31:11 The Evolution of Book Titles and Their Significance33:11 The Anticipation of Book Covers and Their Impact34:54 Balancing Humor and Emotion in Writing37:58 Crafting Characters and Managing Ensemble Casts41:03 Recycling Ideas and Self-Referencing in Writing44:55 Writing Resources and Craft Techniques

In this conversation, Anne Alcott author behind Tiny Horse Books, shares her journey as a writer, discussing her transition from writing children's books to adult fiction. She reflects on the challenges of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, the importance of maintaining control over her work, and her unique writing process. Alcott also emphasizes the significance of finding inspiration and the realities of revising and editing. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of publishing and the personal growth that comes with navigating it.You can buy THIS BOOK IS OVERWHELMED here.If you’d like to contact me please feel free to ⁠ ⁠Website.⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠Threads. ⁠If you interested in bonus content you can subscribe to my ⁠NC Barton | ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ or my ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing: A Natural Calling04:17 Empowering Children Through Storytelling07:09 The Self-Publishing Decision: Control and Freedom10:19 Navigating Traditional Publishing: A New Path12:58 The Transition from Children's Books to Novels15:58 Exploring Literary Fiction: Breaking Boundaries18:54 Finding Time to Write: Balancing Life and Creativity21:59 The Creative Process: Outlining vs. Discovery Writing24:35 Revising and Structuring: Crafting the Final Product31:10 The Journey of Writing and Querying33:30 Exploring Literary Fiction36:32 The Reality of Publishing Challenges40:09 The Importance of Agent Relationships42:59 The Future of Self-Publishing44:52 Celebrating Weird Girl Literary Fiction48:15 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

In this engaging conversation, Holly Gramazio, author shares her journey of writing her debut novel, The Husbands. She discusses her initial motivations, the writing process, and the importance of feedback and revision. Holly also delves into the role of her agent, the unique premise of her book, and the challenges of writing a second novel. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of character development, voice, and the creative process, providing insights into her inspirations and future projects.You can find Holly on Instagram or her website.The Husbands is out in paperback March 18th, 2025.If you’d like to contact me please feel free to ⁠ Website. Instagram. Threads. NC Barton | Patreon or my ⁠Substack Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book05:57 Crafting the Novel: Process and Structure10:14 Feedback and Revision: Shaping the Manuscript13:33 Finding an Agent and Getting Published21:58 The Challenge of the Second Book25:56 Navigating Reader Expectations29:04 Overcoming Writer's Block30:25 Crafting with Inspiration35:30 Exploring Character Development38:53 Maintaining Narrative Momentum44:23 The Submission Journey

In this conversation, author Sarah Fox shares her journey from writing scripts to becoming a published author of cozy mysteries. She discusses her writing process, the importance of routine, and how she balances multiple projects. Sarah also delves into the querying process, the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and her experiences with screenwriting. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the challenges of waiting for feedback and the joy of writing, while also offering insights into overcoming writer's block and the importance of formatting in both novels and screenplays.If you'd like to reach Sarah she's on Instagram, Facebook or you can reach her at her website. If you want all the in and outs of my my querying journey or bonus content you can subscribe to my ⁠NC Barton | Patreon or my ⁠SubstackIf you’d like to contact me please feel free to ⁠ Website.Instagram.Threads. Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book04:55 Crafting Cozy Mysteries07:41 The Writing Process and Routine10:27 Editing and Feedback13:30 Navigating the Publishing Process16:39 Balancing Multiple Projects19:41 Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Challenges22:37 The Future of Writing and New Projects30:46 Navigating Dictation Tools for Writing33:06 Editing Techniques: From Paper to Digital34:34 The Journey of Self-Publishing37:24 Learning the Self-Publishing Process40:27 Balancing Traditional and Self-Publishing43:13 Screenwriting Mentorship and Learning46:59 The Differences Between Screenwriting and Novel Writing

In this conversation, H.M. Geiser shares her journey of writing her first book, discussing the motivations that led her to write, her “chaotic” writing process as a pantser, and the challenges of editing and receiving feedback. She reflects on her experiences with finding an agent, the decision between traditional and self-publishing, and the importance of community and support in the writing journey. Geiser also delves into her inspirations for writing thrillers, the significance of plot twists, and her aspirations for future projects.Discussion Question:Are you a plotter or a pantser?H.M. Geiser is currently on sub. If you’d like to connect with her she’s on Instagram TikTokOr you can reach her through her website.If you’d like to join our craft book club head over to my Patreon Or my SubstackYou can also find me on Instagram. ThreadsWebsite.Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book07:39 Editing: The Chaotic Revision Process13:21 The Agent Search and Traditional Publishing19:02 Inspiration Behind the Stories26:30 The Drafting Dilemma31:43 The Reality of Writing: Hardships and Joys37:11 Inspiration from Film and Literature41:48 Crafting the Story: Learning and Feedback

In this conversation, Katherine Bitner shares her journey to becoming an author, detailing her experiences with writing, self-publishing, and marketing her books. We talk about her latest book Unravel Me that comes out next week! Preorder here!Katherine discusses the challenges of maintaining visibility in a crowded market, the importance of networking with other authors, and her evolving writing process. Katherine also reflects on the emotional aspects of writing, the significance of finding inspiration, and the development of her unique voice as a writer. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the value of perseverance and creativity in the face of obstacles.You can find Katherine on Instagram  TikTok Or her websiteIf you’d like to join our craft book club head over to my Patreon or my Substack You can also find me on Instagram. Threads Website. Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book04:28 Self-Publishing Insights07:25 Marketing and Book Launch Strategies10:06 Challenges of Self-Publishing12:58 Creative Process and Outlining15:30 Future Projects and Genre Exploration18:18 Navigating the Publishing Landscape27:21 The Excitement of Book Launches29:15 Navigating Reviews as a Self-Published Author31:09 The Journey of Finding Your Voice33:10 Traveling and Its Influence on Writing35:02 Music as a Source of Inspiration38:58 The Emotional Connection Between Music and Writing40:44 Crafting Your Unique Writing Style45:30 Overcoming Writer's Block and Finding Support

In this engaging conversation, Katie Naymon shares her journey from being laid off to publishing her debut novel You Between the Lines. She discusses her writing process, the importance of feedback, and the challenges of navigating the publishing world. Katie emphasizes the significance of reading widely in the romance genre and how it inspired her to write. She also touches on the balance between her full-time job and writing, the impact of reviews on her mental health, and the strategies she employs to overcome writer's block. Throughout the discussion, Katie highlights the importance of authenticity and voice in writing, as well as the challenges of creating distinct characters in a large cast. Pre-order You Between the Lines here!  Barnes & Noble    Amazon    Bookshop.org   Books-A-Million    Scuppernong Books    McNally Jackson   Powell’s   Black Cat Books You can get in touch with Katie on Instagram @katienaymonwrites or her website https://www.katienaymonbooks.com/contact You can also find me one of these places     Website. Instagram. Threads. Substack. Patreon Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book 07:37 Feedback and Revisions: The Editing Process 13:27 Navigating the Submission Process 27:46 Navigating Reviews and Validation 34:15 The Spark of Inspiration 40:16 The Tools of the Trade 47:58 Developing a Strong Character Ensemble 53:45 Reflections on the Writing Journey

In this conversation, Christine Goss shares her journey as a writer and an agent, discussing the motivations behind her writing, her creative process, and the challenges she faces in both roles. She emphasizes the importance of community, feedback, and continuous learning in the writing process. Christine also reflects on her experiences with querying, finding an agent, and balancing her writing career with her responsibilities as a parent and a professional. Throughout the discussion, she offers insights into the publishing industry and encourages aspiring writers to seek support and stay persistent in their craft. You can find Christine on Instagram , Substack, or her website. If you’d like to join our craft book club head over to my  Patreon or my Substack. You can also find me on  Instagram.  Threads Website. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book 04:12 Crafting the Story: From Idea to Draft 06:55 The Revision Process: Challenges and Strategies 09:04 Finding Beta Readers and Feedback 11:53 Querying and Getting an Agent 14:40 Navigating Revisions and Agent Relationships 18:54 Navigating Professional Relationships 21:51 The Journey to Becoming an Agent 23:45 Balancing Multiple Roles 26:28 The Challenges of Writing and Agenting 28:23 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 30:08 Finding Your Writing Voice 36:33 The Importance of Community and Feedback

In this conversation, Noreen Nanja shares her journey to becoming an author, detailing her early inspirations, the writing process, and the challenges of querying and editing her debut novel that comes out this May The Summers Between Us. She discusses the importance of mentorship, the intricacies of crafting dual timelines, and her approach to finding a writing routine that works for her. Noreen also reflects on the emotional aspects of writing, the influence of various authors, and her future writing projects, all while emphasizing the significance of hard work over innate talent. If you'd like to connect with Noreen she's on Instagram, Threads, and Tiktok. If you'd like to connect with me, you can find me Website. Instagram. Threads. Substack. Patreon Please consider rate and or reviewing! Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Authorship 04:20 The Writing Process and Revisions 07:00 Navigating the Query Process 09:54 Editing and Finalizing the Manuscript 12:51 Exploring Dual Timelines in Storytelling 15:39 Crafting Characters and Emotional Depth 18:34 Inspiration from Other Works 21:25 The Future of Writing and New Projects 27:23 Crafting a Compelling Book Proposal 30:36 Navigating the Editorial Process 32:59 Handling Feedback and Reviews 34:39 Finding Time to Write 38:52 The Art of Revision and Self-Editing 44:46 Tools and Techniques for Writing

In this engaging conversation, ⁠Erin and Rose⁠ share their journey of writing together, from their early friendship in high school to their current collaboration their debut novel, ⁠Sparring Partners⁠. They discuss the creative process of co-authoring, the importance of feedback, and the challenges of navigating the publishing world. The duo emphasizes the significance of writing what you love and the support of a writing community in overcoming obstacles in the writing journey. You can find Erin Rose on ⁠Instagram⁠,⁠ X⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠,⁠Facebook⁠ or their website. If you's like to connect with me you can find me in one of these places: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠. Want to hear how my querying journey is going? You can read about it on my⁠ Patreon ⁠or my ⁠S⁠⁠⁠⁠ubstack⁠⁠⁠⁠.  If you're enjoying this podcast please like and/or subscribe and consider leaving a review. Chapters 00:00 The Origins of a Writing Partnership 04:01 The Collaborative Writing Process 07:02 Navigating the Publishing Journey 09:45 Finding an Agent as a Duo 12:32 The Road to Publication 15:22 The Art of Letting Go 18:14 Understanding Reader Feedback 21:11 Deciding on Future Projects 25:23 The Stress of Writing and the Need for Passion Projects 25:48 Exploring Genre Blending in Romance 26:16 Inspiration from Life Experiences and Imagination 27:33 Overview of 'Sparring Partners' and Its Themes 29:45 Crafting Characters and the Importance of Deep POV 32:18 Influences from Favorite Authors and Books 34:48 Taking a Break and Reflecting on Writing Process 35:43 Overcoming Writer's Block and the Value of Rewriting 40:06 The Collaborative Process of Title Creation 44:28 Finding a Unique Writing Voice Together 46:26 Final Thoughts on Writing and Community Support

In this conversation, Jenny Adams shares her journey as an author, detailing her path to publishing her debut novel, A Deadly Endeavor. She discusses the evolution of her writing style, the challenges of querying agents, and the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Jenny emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of rejection and shares insights into her writing process, including her rituals and the role of feedback. She offers advice for aspiring writers and we discuss her novel A Poisonous Silence coming out May 6th, 2025. You can connect with Jenny through her website, Instagram or Threads. You can connect with me in one of these places: Website. Instagram. Threads. Substack.  If you enjoyed this or other episodes please consider rating and reviewing. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Authorship 06:13 The Querying Process and Finding an Agent 11:55 Editing and Feedback Dynamics 19:35 The Art of Writing: Mystery and Historical Fiction 26:43 Finding Inspiration: Authors and Books That Influence 34:40 Resilience in Writing: Embracing Rejection and Growth

In this conversation, Olivia Jackson shares her journey as a writer, detailing her early inspirations, the challenges of writing and revising her novels, the process of querying agents, and her experiences with traditional publishing. She emphasizes the importance of critique partners, the learning curve involved in writing. Olivia also discusses her writing process, the role of inspiration, and how her voice has evolved over time. Her debut novel Digging Dr. Jones comes out May 2nd 2025 from Harper Collins and is available for pre-order now! You can find connect with Olivia You can connect with me on Instagram: @oliviajacksonbooks or at her website www.oliviajacksonbooks.com . If you'd like to find me, I'm probably in one of these places Website. Instagram. Threads. Substack.  Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book 08:13 The Querying Process and Learning from Rejections 14:53 Editing and Working with an Agent 22:40 The Excitement of Publishing and Book Reveal 23:46 Dreams of Bookstore Success 25:43 Inspiration Behind the Stories 28:33 Overcoming Writer's Block 30:40 Finding Your Unique Voice 33:48 Current Projects and Future Aspirations 35:16 Favorite Writing Resources 38:20 Genres of Interest and Future Writing Plans

In this conversation, Mara Williams shares her journey as a writer, discussing her early passion for writing, the challenges she faced in finding her voice, and the importance of community and feedback in the writing process. She reflects on her experiences with querying agents, navigating the publishing world, and the emotional journey of writing. Mara emphasizes the need for confidence, bravery, and the willingness to embrace imperfection in the pursuit of becoming a successful author. Her debut novel The Truth is in the Detours comes out in 2025 from Lake Union. You can find Mara on Instagram. If you want to find me, I'm probably scrolling Instagram. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Writing a Book 03:31 Finding Confidence in Writing 06:20 The Writing Process: Plotting vs. Pantsing 08:49 Overcoming Writing Challenges 11:41 Genre Exploration and Identity 14:33 The Path to Getting an Agent 16:56 Influences and Inspirations in Writing 20:15 Finding Your Voice as a Writer 26:12 The Journey of Crafting a Book 33:07 Building a Writing Community 39:10 Navigating the Publishing Process 49:01 Finding Closure with Past Works 52:21 Pink and White Cute Modern Cartoon Subscribe Bell Button YouTube Intro (1).mp4

In this engaging conversation, Tobie Carter shares her journey from writing thrillers to romance, discussing the challenges and joys of self-publishing. She delves into her writing process, the importance of plotting, and how she finds inspiration. Tobie also reflects on her experiences with traditional publishing, the role of beta readers, and her aspirations for future projects, including her latest book release Gnome One Like You: A Novella (The Wordplay Series) You can find her on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tobiecarter.writer/ Threads https://www.threads.net/@tobiecarter.writer TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@authortobiecarter X https://x.com/tobiecarter6190 Substack https://tobiecarterwrites.substack.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Tobie-Carter/pfbid0AvErPw8bdhQVLVzzMrt5iSudHsVz48nfEtSKnE5WZUbD6LM28BzmTbHnvr5br2wQl/ Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Becoming a Writer 06:26 Writing Process and Plotting Techniques 12:02 Navigating Traditional vs. Self-Publishing 17:41 Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Writer's Block 23:57 The Value of Mentorship in Writing 32:00 The Impact of Motherhood on Creative Writing 36:56 Introducing 'Gnome One Like You': A Holiday Novella If you'd like to reach out to me I'm probably scrolling Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/ncbartonwrites/

In today's episode Nicole interviews Gina Banks, an author living in the bay area. Gina writes steamy romances about powerful women and the men who worship them. She is represented by Joanna MacKenzie at Nelson Literary Agency. Summary In this conversation, Gina Banks shares her journey of becoming a writer, discussing the motivations behind her decision to write a book, her writing process, and the importance of critique partners. She emphasizes the significance of mental health in the writing journey, the realities of book submissions, and the need to find joy in the craft. Gina also reflects on the challenges of rejection and the importance of having a life outside of writing, while remaining committed to her passion for storytelling. You can find Gina on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ginabanksbooks/ Threads https://www.threads.net/@ginabanksbooks and her amazing Substack HEA & Other Obsessions https://ginabanksbooks.substack.com/ You can find me on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ncbartonwrites/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@ncbartonwrites and Substack https://nicolebartonwrites.substack.com/ or at my website. https://ncbartonwrites.com/ You can also read more about Gina's process here. https://nicolebartonwrites.substack.com/p/tell-me-your-wayswith-gina-banks Gina found her critique partners through Bianca Maris Beta Reader match up you can sign up here: https://www.biancamarais.com/beta-reader-match-up.html Craft books we discussed: Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum Emotional Wound Thesaurus by Becca Puglisi, Angela Ackerman The Emotion Thesaurus by ⁠Becca Puglisi⁠, ⁠Angela Ackerman⁠ Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody