takeaways

• Courtney's pen name has a personal connection to her pets and family.
• She accidentally wrote a children's book about mice at a country club.
• Courtney is an emergency vet tech and a passionate animal advocate.
• The indie author community has been incredibly supportive for her writing journey.
• Imposter syndrome is a common feeling among new authors, but support helps overcome it.
• Courtney has multiple upcoming releases, including anthologies and novellas.
• She enjoys involving her readers in her writing process.
• The Ladies of Doom anthology features strong female characters and dark themes.
• Courtney's writing style blends humor with horror elements.
• Her memoir tackles heavy themes and aims to resonate with readers. Courtney started writing on online platforms under a pen name.
• Her upcoming book will explore trauma from different perspectives.
• She identifies as a 'pantser' and writes in one draft.
• Courtney's stories often include themes of animal advocacy.
• She transitioned from aspiring FBI agent to animal care advocate.
• A teacher's encouragement shaped her identity as a writer.
• Courtney's tattoo symbolizes her commitment to writing.
• She plans to hop genres in her future works.
• The indie community plays a crucial role in her writing journey.
• Courtney's humorous take on life and writing shines through her stories.

summaryIn this engaging conversation, host Alyssa chats with author Courtney Capone, also known as Dahlia R. Sterling. They explore Courtney's journey as a writer, the significance of her pen name, and her unexpected foray into children's literature. The discussion highlights the supportive indie author community, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the excitement surrounding Courtney's upcoming releases, including anthologies and a memoir that tackles heavy themes. With humor and heartfelt anecdotes, Courtney shares her passion for writing and her love for animals, making for a delightful and insightful episode. In this engaging conversation, Courtney shares her unique journey as a writer, discussing her transition from writing in notebooks to publishing her work under various pen names. She delves into her writing process, revealing her preference for pantsing over plotting, and the themes of trauma and animal advocacy that permeate her stories. The discussion also touches on her aspirations to join the FBI, her impactful experiences with animals, and the influence of a high school teacher on her writing career. As she looks ahead to future projects, Courtney emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in the indie publishing world.