Behind the Book

Author Dee Ernst is a big believer in writing books with second chance themes!  Her newest novel, Lucy Checks In, takes place in Rennes, France, a place she's visited and loves. In this interview, she talks to Tess and Karen about the contrasts between being published by a traditional New York publisher versus Amazon Publishing, and her earlier experiences with indie publishing. Aspiring authors will also love hearing her philosophy that for writers,  it's never too late.

Books mentioned:
On Writing by Stephen King
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

https://www.deeernst.com/

Sponsored by: Mayan Shadows:  The Crystals of Ahrum by Craig A. Hart & S.J. Varengo

Author Promotion: On Top of That Marketing  https://www.ontopofthatmarketing.com/

This interview with Kayte Nunn was second to None (sorry, we couldn't resist!). But seriously, Kayte proved to be a delightful guest, sharing her unconventional process for writing a dual timeline novel, and explaining why writing in a genre helps authors build name recognition and a readership. Tess & Karen also enjoyed hearing how a walk near a lighthouse sparked the idea that led to one of her novels, and learning the food that will never get past her lips (you'll never guess!).  Her newest, highly-recommended novel, The Only Child,  is a contemporary-historical crime mystery.

Enjoy!

Books mentioned:
Writing 21st Century Fiction by Donald J. Maas
The Only Child by Kayte Nunn
The Last Reunion by Kayte Nunn

https://kaytenunn.com/

Tess & Karen loved talking with USA Today and international bestselling author Debra Clopton!  She writes wholesome, sweet contemporary, and western romances.  All told, her books have sold over three million copies.

In this episode, Debra (in her charming Texas accent) tells a fascinating story of the time a sudden life-threatening illness struck during a writing workshop. After a month-long stay in the hospital, doctors told her that her writing routine was ideally suited for brain recovery. 

She also touches on the importance of retaining the authorial voice, and reveals why she deliberately transitioned from being traditionally published to going indie.

Enjoy the show!

https://debraclopton.com

Gregory Maguire is a master storyteller, both in the written form and in this interview! Tess & Karen were enthralled, leading to a longer than usual episode. Listen in as Gregory tells how the process of elimination led to his writing career and how an intellectual idea sparks book ideas for him. The ladies loved learning how the composer Stephen Schwartz convinced him that the Broadway musical would honor his intention, and hearing about his experience seeing Wicked on stage for the first time.  He also shared an amusing story of a visit with P.L. Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins series.

This is an interview you won't want to miss!

Books mentioned:
The Wild Winter Swan by Gregory Maguire
Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire
Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire


https://gregorymaguire.com/

Jodi Allen Brice writes small town clean and sweet romance.  Her previous novels, written under a different name, were paranormal romance novels, but when the virus hit,  she felt compelled to write a book that would change hearts and minds.

Mentioned during the interview:
Margie Lawson's Writing Classes
Write Better-Faster with Becca Syme

Author Jodi Allen Brice - Author of Sweet Romance and Woman's Fiction

When Karen McQuestion's publisher rejected her book, THE MOONLIGHT CHILD, she decided to self-publish it, then poured on the marketing to give it every advantage. Eventually the novel reached the #1 spot on the Amazon Kindle charts and was the #3 bestseller in Kindle for 2021. Listen in as she shares her strategies and chats with Tess about book marketing in general. 

Mentioned during the podcast:
Novelist and Editor Barbara Taylor Sissel: https://barbarataylorsissel.com/
Kindlepreneur Dave Chessen: https://kindlepreneur.com/
BKlink--to check book categories: https://bit.ly/3xCf64B
Marketing guru David Gaughran: https://davidgaughran.com/
Bryan Cohen's Amazon Ads course: https://bryancohen.com/
Method for Writing a Book Description: https://www.karenmcquestion.com/for-writers

USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings and puzzling whodunits. She is the author of over 30 novels in the genres of cozy and historical mystery. 

Sara writes nonfiction for authors, including “How to Write a Series” and “How to Outline a Cozy Mystery.” She also co-hosts a podcast for writers, the Wish I’d Known Then Podcast.

Books mentioned:
The Heroine's Journey by Gail Carriger
Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell
Dear Writer series by Becca Syme

https://www.sararosett.com 

Amazon Charts bestselling author Karen McQuestion describes the three things every great novel has in common.

Books mentioned:
The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler
Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Check out Karen's writing book:  Write that Novel by Karen McQuestion

Jacque Ben-Zekry of Modify Editorial Services, is a Developmental Story Editor primarily working with Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Sci-fi, Fantasy, and Historical novels. She also works in Screen and Stage play story development.

Projects she has worked on have gone on to be New York Time’s bestsellers, Wall Street Journal Bestsellers, and Amazon Bestsellers as well as nominations for the Pen Falkner, The Edgar, The Silver Dagger, The ITW Thriller Award, The Hugo, and The Harper Lee. Jacque has been a developmental story editor for more than 10 years and has worked on over 100 novels. Her clients range from Bestsellers to first time novelists.

Enjoy the show!

Modify Editorial Services

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Simone St. James writes books spanning genres and time periods. Listen to the interview to hear why she writes ghost stories, the difficulty of turning off the creative brain, and how her love of true crime led to her newest novel, The Book of Cold Cases.  Writers will also be interested in hearing her best marketing tip (the one thing every author should have!) and the way Simone uses social media to connect with readers.

This episode comes highly recommended!

Writing books mentioned:
On Writing by Stephen King

www.simonestjames.com