In this episode of Am I Write?, Guest Marah Rutherford takes listeners inside her creative process and shares how travel, culture, and everyday life influence her fantasy worlds. She explains how small “story kernels” grow into full novels, and what helps her create vivid settings and believable characters. 

She also reflects on building a sustainable creative life while juggling family, deadlines, & constant change, and talks honestly about burnout, productivity, and learning to focus on what she can control. Find balance and stay grounded in this unpredictable industry!

Resources

Mara’s Website: https://www.mararutherford.com

Mara’s Books: https://www.mararutherford.com/all

The Night and the Moths by Rachel Gillig: https://a.co/d/0gsWdAMH

Bear our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bury-our-bones-in-the-midnight-soil-v-e-schwab/1145782127

James by Percival Everett: https://a.co/d/03YSncIY

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry: https://a.co/d/0ab1aK3l

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mararutherfordwrites/

About Mara

Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. Originally from California, Mara has since lived all over the world with her diplomat husband and two sons. A triplet born on Leap Day, Mara holds a Master's degree in Cultural Studies from the University of London. Her favorite days involve books, tea, and Mishka (a small red muppet often mistaken for a dog). She is the author of YA fantasy novels including the Crown of Coral and Pearl duology, Luminous, The Poison Season, and A Multitude of Dreams (Inkyard Press). Her next book, A CURIOUS KIND OF MAGIC, releases Fall ‘25 from Wednesday Books.

Multi-published author Becky Dean joins host Sheridan Sharp to talk about the real process behind becoming a stronger writer: the practice books that build your skills, the rejections that teach resilience, and the everyday moments that shape your stories (like those magic moments in the shower). She shares simple, actionable insights for writers who want to understand the craft beyond the page.  

If you’re looking for clarity and encouragement in your own writing journey, this episode is for you! 

About Becky

Becky Dean is a fan of adventures both real and fictional. She writes young adult contemporary romance books full of travel and banter, and as B.L. Dean, writes science fiction books full of travel and banter in space. When she's not writing, she can be found drinking iced tea, watching science fiction shows, planning travel adventures, or spending time with her family.

Resources

Love Unmasked, Becky's Latest Book!

Website: https://beckydeanwrites.com/

Substack: https://beckydean.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckydeanwrites/ 

In this episode of Am I Write?, debut romance author Amy Buchanan joins Sheridan to talk about the winding, emotional, and ultimately inspiring path to publication. Amy opens up about writing her first draft in secret, finding clarity through mentorship, navigating the querying trenches, and learning to trust her creative instincts. She also shares the importance of community, how small acts of support can make a big difference for authors, and why writing dreams are never out of reach—even when life is chaotic. Whether you're drafting your first chapter or preparing to query, this conversation offers encouragement, honesty, and the reminder that your story deserves to be told.

About Amy

Amy Buchanan’s affair with romance and books started at three, when she watched Beauty and the Beast and couldn’t decide if she was more obsessed with the prince or the library (Obviously, the library). After decades of devouring love stories written by others, she finally decided to share the ones pinging around in her brain. She writes fun and spicy contemporary romances with relatable heroines, swoonworthy heroes, and loving found families. Her debut, Let's Call a Truce, released in January 2025.

She lives in Central Florida with her three littles, two pups, and one husband. On top of writing, she uses her Masters in Higher Education Administration to run a scholarship foundation for first-generation college students. When not working, she trolls travel sites for luxury rentals outside of her travel budget and–poorly–trains for half-marathons.

Resources

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amybuchananbooks/

Substack:  https://amybuchananbooks.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amybuchananbooks

Website: https://www.amybuchananbooks.com/

Let’s Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan

The New Romantics Bookstore

What happens when a medieval scholar trades academic papers for storytelling?

 In this episode, Am I Write? Host Sheridan Sharp sits down with Amy S. Kaufman to talk about her bold leap from teaching medieval history to writing fiction. Amy shares how her background shaped her reimagining of Robin Hood—and why no word you write is ever wasted. If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late to chase your dream or worried your first draft isn’t “the one,” this episode will remind you: every story, sentence, and struggle matters.

Resources

Amy’s Official Website: amyskaufman.com

Substack Newsletter: Amy S. Kaufman on Substack

Instagram: @as_kaufman

Bluesky: @askaufman.bsky.social

About Amy

Amy S. Kaufman is the author of THE TRAITOR OF SHERWOOD FOREST, a Robin Hood retelling based on the medieval ballads (Penguin Books, 2025). Amy holds a PhD in medieval literature and has written about the Middle Ages for both academic journals and popular venues, including The Washington Post. She is co-author of The Devil’s Historians: How Modern Extremists Abuse the Medieval Past (University of Toronto Press, 2020).

Multi-published author K.C. Harper joins host Sheridan Sharp on Am I Write? to talk about character purpose, emotional depth, and the one thing every story needs—GMC.  Plus, gain inspiration to keep writing and wisdom from both an author AND professional editor on where you can start. 

Connect with K.C. Harper 

Website 

Instagram 

X (Twitter) 

Bluesky 

Linktree 

K.C.’s Goodreads 

 Shadowed Moonlight (The Moonlight Series #1) by K.C. Harper

Shattered Moonlight (The Moonlight Series #2) by K.C. Harper

Scattered Moonlight (The Moonlight Series #3) by K.C. Harper

Rear View by K.C. Harper
 

 Other Resources

Fantasma series by Kalie Smith:

Phantasma (Wicked Games #1)

Enchantra (Wicked Games #2) 

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

About K.C. Harper

K.C. Harper is a romance and romantasy author represented by Helen Lane at the Ki Literary Agency. She is the author of The Moonlight Series, a romantasy collection published by Hodderscape (Hachette). The first two installments, Shadowed Moonlight and Shattered Moonlight, are available now, with the third book in the series scheduled for release later this year. Shadowed Moonlight was featured in Good Housekeeping Magazine as one of the “Best Romantasys to Read If You Loved Onyx Storm.”

In addition to her fantasy work, Harper is expanding into contemporary romance with her recent novel, Rear View, published by Harlequin (HarperCollins) in 2025. Beyond her writing, she also works as a developmental editor, helping other authors refine their craft and bring their stories to life.

 (Secretly hoping no one listens to this) 🦇

 What does it really mean to “put your creative self first” when life, work, and algorithms keep getting in the way?

 In this episode of Am I Write?, author Paula Chase gets honest about what 18 years in publishing have taught her about creative balance, writing through burnout, and redefining success on your own terms. She shares how she’s learned to protect her creativity from the noise of social media, why showing up to the page matters more than going viral, and how to keep writing even when the world feels too busy to care. For new and aspiring writers, this conversation is both a grounding reminder and a gentle push: your effort is the art, and your consistency is the true success.

Resources

paulachasebooks.com

thebrownbookshelf.com

TikTok: paula.chaseauthor

IG: thatpaulachase

Link Paula's latest book: Balancing Act

Guest Belinda Kroll discusses her writing journey, starting from childhood and evolving into a balance between a day job and her passion for writing. She shares insights on the entrepreneurial spirit inherited from her family, the impact of hustle culture, and her decision to keep writing as a joyful side endeavor rather than a full-time career. 

Tune in to hear about her approach to writing and marketing as well as the importance of understanding how you want your readers to feel and why she enjoys genre-blending. Belinda also touches on her creative process, the challenges and changes in the publishing industry, and offers practical advice for aspiring writers.

 
Resources

Find Belinda’s Hesitant Mediums series on her website, worderella.com!

Instagram: @wordella

Mr.Darcy’s Enchantment by Abigail Reynolds

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater

Scales and Sensibility by Stephanie Burgis

Manners and Monsters by Tilly Wallace

About Belinda

Belinda Kroll is an award-winning author of cozy stories with Jane Austen vocabulary and modern sass. She writes and illustrates the Hesitant Mediums series, where women can speak with ghosts and wish they couldn't, and the sweet men who love them. Belinda is the mind behind the Bright Bird Press all-in-one novel planner and other forgiving stationery for discovery writers.

Host Sheridan Sharp is joined by author Jaclyn Goldis for a compelling discussion on the intersection of travel, writing, and manifestation.

Jaclyn reveals how her adventures around the world have breathed life into the captivating settings of her books. Hear why she made the bold decision to stop working on old projects and move into the realm of suspense. Plus, discover new ways to find ease in your writing journey through the transformative power of manifestation.

 

Resources 

Preorder Jaclyn’s new book, The Main Character, or check out her website

Jaclyn’s Instagram

Other books by Jaclyn

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Bad, Bad Seymour Brown by Susan Isaacs

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispensa

Get on the waiting list for Jaclyn’s new manifestation course by signing up for her newsletter!

About Jaclyn

Jaclyn Goldis has a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and a JD from NYU School of Law. She practiced estate planning law at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago for seven years before leaving her job to travel the world and write novels. After culling her possessions into only what would fit in a backpack, she traveled for over a year until settling in Tel Aviv, where she can often be found writing from cafés by the beach.

Whether you're an aspiring writer seeking guidance or simply curious about the realities of the writing journey, join host Sheridan Sharp on Am I Write? for a conversation with award-winning author Rosalyn Eves. In this episode, they delve into the nuanced challenges faced by writers, from the relentless pressure to publish quickly to the intricacies of polishing manuscripts.

Eves shares candid reflections on what she wishes she had known earlier in her publishing career, offering invaluable insights for writers at any stage. Discover practical tips for navigating the demands of a writing career while juggling life's responsibilities and explore the concept of the objective correlative in storytelling.

Whether you're looking for inspiration or practical advice, this episode promises to provide a deeper understanding of the writing process. Tune in to gain valuable insights and perspective on the journey of writing!

Resources 

Books by Rosalyn

Rosalyn’s Website

Rosalyn’s Instagram

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

The Magic Words: Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults by Cheryl Klein

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Watch the Storymakers Guild Conference where Rosalyn will be teaching! (Virtual copies release after recording date)

Query Shark by Janet Reid

About Rosalyn

Rosalyn Eves is an author, English professor, and mother of 3. She has a PhD from Penn State, and has written the YA historical fantasy trilogy Blood Rose Rebellion, an award-winning YA historical, Beyond the Mapped Stars, and the Regency companion books An Improbable Season and an Unlikely Proposition.