The Story Will Save You

Courtney Psak, author of The Tutor  (2025), The Hostess (just released), and The Aunt (coming June 2026), shares her writing process, lessons of self-publishing, and we even get into a debate about pronunciation. You never know where our convos will go on TSWSY.We don't apologize. Resources from this episode: Website: CourtneyPsak.comFacebook: /Courtney.psakInstagram: @courtneypsak_ Enter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

Jeanne and Ciara chat with author Leila Siddiqui—a Senior Manager of Digital Strategy at DK, a division of Penguin Random House—about her new gothic horror novel, The Glowing Hours."A mind-bending, revisionist gothic horror story about the fabled summer Mary Shelley began work on Frankenstein, as told by her Indian housemaid." A Publishers Weekly Top 10 Pick: Spring 2026 SF, Fantasy & Horror Preview Ms. Magazine Most Anticipated Feminist Reads of 2026 CrimeReads 27 Horror Novels to Look Forward to in 2026 We dive into her inspiration, the challenges of historical research, and the joys of weaving in fiction. Plus, writing routines, being an evil twin ... and so much more!Resources:Leila's Books "Come Play with Us" Podcast NY Public Library Event on March 3, 2026 Leila's Symposium Sessions Enter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

Jeanne reunites with author Patricia Shanae Smith after first meeting years ago at a writer's conference. Patricia shares insights into speed pitching, getting her debut novel published—then republished by a different press—and pivoting into screenwriting, all while juggling running a restaurant and writing more novels.And, yes, we talked about dead bodies. Of course we did. Resources from this episode:Patricia's novel, Remember, re-released by Parnassus BooksTrailer for RememberPatricia on Instagram: @patriciashanaesmithPatricia's Bio: At six years old Patricia Shanae Smith saw her first dead body, sparking a lifetime passion for writing that would lead to a career in crime fiction and screenwriting. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Smith was inspired by the power of escapism in television to begin writing stories worse than her personal life. As an adult Smith moved to Nashville where she continued her writing career at Belmont University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Motion Pictures with a focus in screenwriting. While at Belmont Smith directed two short films, finished her second novel, and wrote four pilot television scripts; of course, the majority of these publications included a dead body. Smith loves to be part of the storytelling process, whether that takes place on screen or page, and hopes to help consumers escape from their own chaotic lives through her work. Connect with her at www.patriciashanaesmith.comEnter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

It was a pure delight to speak with Nancy Doyne, screenwriter of What Maisie Knew—an insightful character film, starring Julianne Moore. Now, Nancy's debut novel, Ten Swamps, will be out on November 25th (published by Pointed Leaf Press).We dive into writing the topic of childhood trauma, and real-life stories, as well as her transition from writing for film to writing novels. Pre-order Ten Swamps.Enter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

Matt and Jeanne chat with middle-grade author and graphic novelist, Karina Evans about her writing routine, juggling genres, navigating writing advances ... oh, and the days when she was an intern for Pipeline!Lots of great writing advice that we all need to hear.Resources from this episode:Karina's websiteKarina on IG: @karinaewritesKarina's LinktreeEnter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

Chantelle Aimée Osman shares advice on queries, editing, and the first 50 pages. And there's talk of upholstery. Just listen. You won't regret it.Resources:Chantelle's Symposium "Beyond the Query: The First 50 Pages" (on Wednesday, July 23rd ... all registrants receive a copy of the recording)Chantelle's Symposium Host PageChantelle's Website22 Literary (for Chantelle's consulting services)Chantelle on Socials:IG: @SuspenseSirenX: @SuspenseSirenBlueSky: @suspensesiren.bsky.socialEnter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

Matt and Jeanne chat with Clay Stafford—author, producer, actor, poet, and liver of life. Honestly, the list of his talents is longer than this episode. Listen to Clay's story of breaking in, the importance of networking, the power of the hustle, and tips for writing in multiple mediums and working with mentors. The advice might just change your perspective on the craft of writing.Check Clay’s site, and sign up for his Success Points newsletter. He also has an educational platform, The Balanced Writer. Of course, mystery and thriller fans should check out Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, and sign up for Killer Nashville Magazine (free)Follow Clay on social media: FacebookX: @ClayStaffordIG: @claystaffordEnter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

The story indeed can save you ... from corporate hell ... but you have to be more creative then ever these days to financially survive as a writer. Jeanne and Ciara talk with New York Times bestselling author, J.D. Barker, about quitting a job to dive head first into a writing career ... and so much more! J.D. Barker (Jonathan Dylan Barker) is an international bestselling American authorwhose work has been broadly described as suspense thrillers, often incorporatingelements of horror, crime, mystery, science fiction, and the supernatural.Resources from this episode:J.D. Barker's websiteJ.D. Barker on X: @jdbarkerJ.D.'s new book, We Don't Talk About EmmaJ.D. Barker's BooksSomething I Keep Upstairs contest: Win an overnight stay in a haunted house on a secluded island!Author Nation Conference in Las Vegas"Writer's, Ink" podcast by J.D. BarkerEnter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

Writer Erin Hemenway shares her path from circus youngin' to screenwriter to self-published author ... who created a Naughty Mrs. Claus.Yes, you read that correctly.Resources from this episode:The Night Before Christmas by Erin HemenwayErin Hemenway's website Erin on IG: @erin.go.write Erin on TikTok: @erin.go.writeErin on FacebookSymposium's mentioned:Step-by-Step Guide to Indie Publishing Success (discounted bundle)Self-Publishing: The Fundamentals and BeyondEnter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

Ciara Duggan and Jeanne Veillette Bowerman joined a recent Coverfly educational day of fun by leading a Q&A with a live audience on the value of adapting screenplays into novels. But wait, there's more! Insights on the publishing process, acquiring an agent, and self-publishing tips were discussed, as well. We left no stone unturned.Resources from this episode:Scrivener SoftwareSymposium's "Self-Publishing: Fundamentals and Beyond"Symposium's "One-on-One with Writer Beware's Victoria Strauss"Enter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

A random chat about conferences, setting expectations as an author, and why screenwriters and authors should hang together.Resources from this episode: BoucherconThrillerfestEnter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

Ciara and Jeanne dive into audiobook production with actor and professional book narrator Megan Tusing. Megan shares everything you never knew about the audiobook world, including working with publishers, indie authors, and what an author should ask for when selling their audiobooks.One thing shouldn't surprise you though ... the need for research and great communication.If you're an audiobook listener or an author wanting to know how it works, this one's for you.Keep tabs on Megan's work:X: @megantusingEvery link you need for Megan on LinkTreeLittle But Fierce ProductionsEnter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

After a long week of heat wave exhaustion, Ciara and Jeanne weigh in on whether or not to include the story ending in your query letter. Pros and cons were tossed about, as well as tips for writing contests.Sure, we rambled, but it's all writerly stuff. Well, most of it. You'll have to listen to hear the ending ... see what we did there?If you have a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode, please email [email protected] from this episode:The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Enter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Join a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@pipelineartistsEnter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

What makes a reader stop reading a book? As always, it depends.Pipeline's Matt Joseph Misetich and Jeanne Veillette Bowerman explore what leads them to DNF (Do Not Finish) when reading material. In fact, we coined a new phrase: "DNF Guilt." It's real. We have it. You might, too.But the best way to combat guilt is with honesty. You can always count on us to drop the Hard Truths™.If you have a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode, please email [email protected] a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists

Book Pipeline execs Ciara Duggan and Jeanne Veillette Bowerman take you on the brutally honest ride of publishing ... and hold on. It's bumpy. But don't worry—the story will save you.In this inaugural episode, Ciara and Jeanne share what drew them to writing as well as how they are (or aren't) juggling writing and life. Resources from this episode:Pipeline ArtistsJeanne's articles on Pipeline ArtistsCiara's articles on Pipeline ArtistsSymposium - A year-round conference in the arts.Enter a Book Pipeline Competition:Book Pipeline (Unpublished and Adaptation)Need critique?Submit to Book Pipeline's WorkshopJoin a Symposium session:Symposium EventsFollow us on X:@StoryWillSaveU@CDugganBooks@jeannevb@SPMJM@pipelineartists