The Fiction Affair

Hey Storytellers,This week’s episode of The Fiction Affair is all about one of the most exciting — and sometimes intimidating — parts of publishing: book design.We sat down with the wonderful Mariska from Rubre Art, who creates stunning covers and interiors that feel like a story before you even turn the first page. Our conversation is full of heart, practical advice, and gentle reminders that you can absolutely do this — in whatever way works best for you.Whether you’re a DIY indie author learning Canva late at night or someone ready to invest in a professional designer, this episode reminds us there’s no one right path. What matters most is finding the balance between creativity, clarity, and the kind of visual magic that makes your book feel like yours.Here’s what we talked about:* How cover design captures the emotion of your story* What makes interior formatting part of the reading experience* Tips for communicating your vision to a designer* Encouragement for indies learning as they goAnd, of course, a big dose of inspiration from Mariska’s journey with Rubre Art — proof that design is just another form of storytelling.Listen out our chat with her now and check out her website here: If you enjoyed this podcast, please check out our previous episodes and follow along!Thanks for reading The Fiction Affair’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefictionaffair.substack.com

Hello, Storytellers! We’re back! After a little break (Dunja had a manuscript request 🎉 and Larissa wrapped up the rough draft of her sequel 🥳), we’re so excited to bring you a brand-new episode of The Fiction Affair.Fair warning—there were a few audio struggles in this one. Bear with us as we shake the dust off and get back into the rhythm. The conversation, though? Absolutely worth it.This week, we’re diving into the frustrations of publishing—whether you’re:✦ In the trenches of querying✦ Taking the indie route✦ Or navigating traditional publishing dealsOur guest is the wonderful Carmela Dutra, author of A Murder Most Fowl. She joins us to talk about her experiences and to remind us that no matter the path, the challenges are real—but so is the community that gets us through it.If you liked this podcast, please share, rate, and leave a comment! Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe! Seeing new people in the community always brings us joy!As always, keep telling your stories and stay cozy!Warmest wishes, lots of love, and a hundred typos, The Fiction Affair This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefictionaffair.substack.com

Cozy Corners, Creative Headspace, and the Ultimate Writing Vibes - that’s what this episode is all about.In this episode, we chat about:✨ Our dream writing setups (cue the fairy lights and endless tea supply)✨ How physical and mental environments impact creativity✨ Tools like Scrivener, Focus Mode in Word, and the Writerly app for flow state✨ The importance of daydreaming time (yes, staring at the ceiling counts as writing!)✨ Resources from amazing creators like Bethany Atazadeh and Abbie Emmons✨ The power of music for immersive storytellingWhether you’re writing in a bustling café, a quiet library, or a cozy corner of your home, we’re sharing tips to help you make the most of your space—inside and out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefictionaffair.substack.com

✨ We Were Sick, I Had Mom Brain… And We Still Hit Record 🎙️Hey, storytellers! In this episode, we’re getting real about something every writer faces: ✅ Imposter syndrome✅ Self-doubt (the sneaky kind that creeps in mid-chapter)✅ The struggle of actually claiming the title “writer”And because we’re us—you know we couldn’t resist sharing our favorite tools AGAIN. Yes, we talk about these all the time. No, we’re not sponsored (yet… hey Plottr, call us 👀). We just love them and can’t help ourselves:AutoCrit - because sometimes you brain can’t be trusted to edit. AND THEY ARE OFFERING 50% off the Annual Pro Membership right now! TrackBear — our secret weapon for turning overwhelming goals into bite-sized wins. Plottr — the visual plotting tool that makes story structure fun.Honestly? Recording this was a little chaotic, and a lot vulnerable—but that’s kind of the point. Because if there’s one thing we want this podcast to be, it’s a reminder that you’re not alone in this wild writing journey.We hope you love it, laugh with us, and maybe even feel a little less alone the next time that doubt creeps in. And hey—if you like what you hear, share it with a writer friend or leave us a review. It means the world.Stay confident (or at least fake it till you write The End).With lots of love and writing mojo, The Fiction Affair This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefictionaffair.substack.com

Hello, Storytellers! Welcome to another episode of The Fiction Affair, where we talk about bringing your stories to life. In this episode, we have an author who writes under two different pen names- Danika Brown, who is coming out with a paranormal romance this year! Her goal is September as a release for “The Inn Between.” If you don’t already, make sure to give her a follow on Instagram and/or sign up to her newsletter!She also writes under the name Serenity Steel, which is all about spicy holiday romance!This author has a lovely perspective on inspiring yourself, pushing onward when you feel stuck, and always trying to find the joy in your stories. One of the hardest things for writers, is keeping the joyful, creative spirit alive - and it’s so important for us to continue listening to the inner muse, the child-like voice that tells us writing is fun. Top Tips from this Podcast-Find your writing community, whether or online or in person.-Try a different genre/writing under a different name.-When you’re stuck on a scene, write just the dialogue.-As always… DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. Don’t know your characters yet? Cool. Figure out your plot first. Or vice versa.-Write, write, and write. It’s the only way to grow. Resources Mentioned: -7 Figure Fiction: Universal Fantasy-PlottrWe hope you can bring a little joy with you after this episode and remember to find your passion!Happy Writing,The Fiction Affair This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefictionaffair.substack.com

In this episode of The Fiction Affair, we dive into one of our favorite topics—tropes! Love them or hate them, tropes are the backbone of storytelling, and we break down how to use them effectively in your own writing. We explore what makes certain tropes so addictive, why readers gravitate toward them, and how to take familiar story elements and make them feel fresh. Whether you're intentionally incorporating tropes or discovering them in your writing after the fact, understanding their impact can help create a story that resonates.We also get personal, sharing some of our favorite tropes, our own hot takes, and the ones that keep us coming back to certain books and series. Of course, we had to mention Zodiac Academy, one of Larissa’s favorite romantasy/dark academia reads, which masterfully blends tropes like enemies-to-lovers, found family, and magical school dynamics.Throughout the conversation, we reference the craft book 7 Figure Fiction, which explores the idea of “universal fantasy” and how tapping into those deep, emotional reader desires can make stories feel truly irresistible. If you're a writer looking to level up your craft or a reader who loves dissecting what makes certain books so compelling, this episode is for you!Listen in and let us know—what are your favorite (or least favorite) tropes? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefictionaffair.substack.com

Welcome to the The Fiction Affair! We’re Dunja and Larissa, two writers learning the ropes not just as authors but as podcast hosts, too. While we’re figuring things out along the way, we do know some things—and we’re excited to share them with you. Our goal is to create a cozy, intimate, and welcoming environment for all writers, no matter where you are on your journey.In this episode of The Fiction Affair, we’re getting personal and talking about the people who sparked our love for reading. From cherished childhood moments to the joy of encouraging little ones to fall in love with books, we reflect on how important it is to never shame anyone for what they enjoy reading—because every story has value.We also chat about how being a sponge for life, love, and stories shapes us as writers. Eventually, you have to squeeze that metaphorical sponge and pour it all out onto the page.Of course, we couldn’t help but nerd out over creative tools like Pinterest boards for visual inspiration and Plottr for plotting and story bibles. If you’re interested in grabbing Plottr, feel free to check it out here: www.plottr.com/?aff=larissaJoin us as we share our passion for reading, writing, and soaking up inspiration wherever we can find it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefictionaffair.substack.com

Welcome to the The Fiction Affair! We’re Dunja and Larissa, two writers learning the ropes not just as authors but as podcast hosts, too. While we’re figuring things out along the way, we do know some things—and we’re excited to share them with you. Our goal is to create a cozy, intimate, and welcoming environment for all writers, no matter where you are on your journey. By the time you hear this, the UK Holiday mentioned will have passed, and it was all about storytellers! That doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate your unique voice!As writers, finding and staying true to our author voice is both an exhilarating and challenging journey. In Episode 2 of The Fiction Affair Podcast, Dunja and I dove deep into what it means to embrace your unique voice as an author—and why staying true to yourself is the ultimate key to long-term creative success.Resources and Authors We Talked About:Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne ValentiThe “7 Figure Fiction” Perspective by T. TaylorAutoCrit:https://autocrit.samcart.com/referral/RjUnsEmf/iUOVtt8kSJtBmjNEThanks for joining us and let's bring your stories to life! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefictionaffair.substack.com

Welcome to the first episode of The Fiction Affair! We’re Dunja and Larissa, two writers learning the ropes not just as authors but as podcast hosts, too. While we’re figuring things out along the way, we do know some things—and we’re excited to share them with you. Our goal is to create a cozy, intimate, and welcoming environment for all writers, no matter where you are on your journey.In this inaugural conversation, we dive deep into the timeless debate: discipline versus the muse. Can the structured grind of daily writing coexist with the erratic inspiration of creative epiphanies? Do you need discipline to court the muse, or can one thrive without the other?In this episode, we explore:* The role discipline plays in sustaining a writing practice.* How to create space for the muse within a disciplined routine.* Tips for balancing inspiration and hard work in your creative life.* Personal anecdotes and strategies we’ve used to blend the two.We also share some fantastic resources for writers looking to grow their craft and connect with the writing community, including:* Trackbear, a tool to help you stay on top of your writing goals.* The Heartbreathings YouTube channel by Sarra Cannon, packed with advice on productivity and storytelling.* Author Bethany Atazadeh’s YouTube Channel resources and community for indie authors.Whether you’re a planner, a pantser, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with insights to help you find harmony between discipline and the muse in your writing journey.Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow writers! You can also connect with us on Instagram at @thefictionaffair, @authorlarissawrites or the @the_bookworm_affair — to share your thoughts on today’s topic or suggest ideas for future episodes.Let’s get writing! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefictionaffair.substack.com