In this episode of Beyond the Plot Podcast, host Lisa sits down with bestselling rom-com author Sophie Cousens, known for her heartfelt, clever, and serendipity-filled novels such as This Time Next Year and Just Haven’t Met You Yet.

Together, they peel back the layers of Sophie’s creative process—exploring how she crafts warm, relatable characters, why she’s drawn to stories about fate and second chances, and the real-life inspirations that spark her most memorable moments on the page.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Sophie’s books or simply curious about what goes into writing a modern romantic comedy, this conversation will leave you inspired, laughing, and maybe even believing a bit more in the magic of timing.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the episode—your support helps bring more incredible authors beyond the plot each week.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Sophie Cousens
• 00:05:00 - From TV to Writing
• 00:10:00 - The Writing Process
• 00:15:00 - Book Adaptation Journey
• 00:20:00 - Advice for Aspiring Authors
• 00:25:00 - Balancing Life and Writing

In this inspiring episode, we explore the pivotal crossroads moment in @isabelle_broom’s life. At the time, she was working at Heat magazine and faced two very different paths—relocating to Greece or entering a short story competition. Isabelle chose to follow her passion for writing, entering the competition judged by bestselling author @themillyjohnson—and won! That victory sparked a new chapter, but her big break didn’t come immediately. It was during a Q&A event with @mrsgifletcher that Isabelle met literary agent Hannah Ferguson, a connection that would ultimately lead to her signing and the release of her debut novel.

Join us as we uncover how one bold choice transformed Isabelle’s future and launched a career filled with stories that transport readers around the world.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Introduction and Early Writing
• 00:03:00 - Career at Heat Magazine
• 00:09:00 - Winning the Short Story Competition
• 00:15:00 - The Role of Social Media
• 00:21:00 - Challenges in Publishing
• 00:27:00 - Upcoming Projects and Mentorship

Key Takeaways

• Isabelle's early passion for storytelling and how it shaped her career.

• The pivotal moment of winning a short story competition.
• The importance of authenticity and connection in writing.
• Challenges and changes in the publishing industry.
• The impact of social media on an author's visibility and success.

Keywords:

Isabelle Broom, author journey, publishing challenges, writing inspiration, book adaptations, social media marketing, Heat Magazine, short story competition, authenticity in writing.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories and insights from authors like Isabelle Broom. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with your friends. Follow us on social media for updates on upcoming episodes and exclusive content!

Join us as we dive into the world of romance with Emma Mugglestone, a hybrid romance author who has successfully transitioned from indie publishing to securing a traditional book deal. In this episode, Emma shares her journey, the challenges and rewards of both publishing paths, and the importance of authenticity in writing. Discover her inspirations and gain insights into the art of storytelling.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction and Background
• 00:05:00 Emma's Writing Journey
• 00:10:00 Indie Publishing Experience
• 00:15:00 Transition to Hybrid Publishing
• 00:20:00 Insights and Inspirations
• 00:25:00 Future Plans and Advice

Key Takeaways

• Emma Mugglestone transitioned from indie to hybrid publishing.
• She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in writing.
• Emma's journey began with a love for English and creative writing.
• She found inspiration in everyday life and personal experiences.
• Emma's indie series, Wattle Junction, was a trial project that grew.
• She encourages writers to seek unbiased feedback.
• Emma's traditional book deal came through unexpected opportunities.
• She values the creative freedom of indie publishing.
• Emma highlights the distribution benefits of traditional publishing.
• Her story underscores the importance of doing things in one's own time.

Don't miss out on Emma's inspiring journey! Subscribe now to stay updated on our latest episodes and follow Emma's path to success.

In this episode, Jodie Fitzsimons shares her journey as a writer and her innovative approach to engaging students through her Bold Author Budding Artists series. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of self-publishing, the importance of community, and her passion for inspiring young illustrators.

Takeaways

• ​Jodie Fitzsimons emphasizes the importance of community in her writing journey.
• ​She shares her innovative approach to engaging students through her Bold Author Budding Artists series.
• ​Jodie discusses the challenges and triumphs of self-publishing.
• ​She highlights the role of social media in marketing her work.
• ​Jodie talks about the inspiration she draws from her children.
• ​She shares her experiences with traditional publishing and self-publishing.
• ​Jodie discusses the impact of her work on young illustrators.
• ​She emphasizes the importance of persistence in the creative industry.
• ​Jodie shares her vision for expanding her series nationally.
• ​She reflects on the joy of seeing her books in libraries.

Chapters

• ​00:00:00 - Introduction and Jodie's Writing Journey
• ​00:10:00 - The Bold Author Budding Artists Series
• ​00:20:00 - Challenges and Triumphs of Self-Publishing
• ​00:30:00 - The Role of Community and Social Media
• ​00:40:00 - Inspiration and Future Goals

Join us for an inspiring conversation with indie author Victoria Walker as she shares her journey from aspiring writer to bestselling author. Discover how a trip to Iceland sparked her creativity, the challenges she faced in self-publishing, and the supportive community that helped her along the way. Whether you're an aspiring author or a fan of romance novels, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Chapters:

1. ​ Introduction to Victoria Walker

- 00:00:00

1. ​ The Spark of Iceland

- 00:02:00

1. ​ Journey into Indie Publishing

- 00:10:00

1. ​ Marketing and Community Building

- 00:20:00

1. ​ Challenges and Triumphs of Indie Authors

- 00:30:00

1. ​ Future Aspirations and Inspirations

- 00:40:00

Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more inspiring stories and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode! Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Victoria Walker, indie author, Iceland, romance novels, self-publishing, writing journey

#IndieAuthor #WritingJourney #RomanceNovels #Podcast

Join us as we dive into the world of Emma Steele, a talented author who transitioned from a legal career to writing captivating romance novels. Discover her journey, inspirations, and the challenges she faces in the literary world. Perfect for aspiring writers and book lovers alike!

Summary:

In this episode, Emma Steele shares her inspiring journey from being a lawyer to becoming a successful romance novelist. She discusses her writing process, the importance of perseverance, and how music influences her storytelling.

Key Takeaways

1. Emma's transition from law to writing was driven by her passion for storytelling.
2. Music plays a significant role in Emma's creative process.
3. Perseverance is key in the face of rejection in the publishing industry.
4. Emma values the balance between family life and writing.
5. The importance of having a supportive writing community.
6. Emma's advice for aspiring authors: keep honing your craft.
7. The challenges of marketing oneself as an author in today's digital age.
8. Emma's unique approach to writing around family life.
9. The role of critique groups in improving writing skills.
10. Emma's future aspirations in the literary world.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 03:15 - Emma's Journey from Law to Writing
• 10:45 - The Role of Music in Writing
• 18:30 - Perseverance in the Publishing World
• 25:00 - Balancing Family and Writing
• 32:15 - The Importance of Community
• 40:00 - Marketing as an Author
• 47:30 - Advice for Aspiring Authors
• 55:00 - Emma's Future Plans

#EmmaSteele #RomanceNovels #WritingJourney #Inspiration #Perseverance

Join us as we dive into the enchanting world of Dani McLean, a contemporary romance author known for her heartfelt stories. In this episode, Dani shares her journey from writing as a child to becoming an independent author, the challenges of balancing a full-time job with her passion for storytelling, and the inspiration behind her captivating novels.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

Follow Dani on Instagram and TikTok at ⁠@DaniMcLeanWrites⁠ and visit her website at ⁠www.danimclean.com⁠ for updates on her latest releases.Takeaways:

• Writing has been a lifelong passion for Dani McLean.
• COVID-19 was a pivotal moment for Dani's writing career.
• Dani values the importance of community in writing.
• She draws inspiration from 90s rom-coms and personal experiences.
• Dani balances a full-time job with her writing career.
• Social media is a challenge but also a tool for Dani.
• Dani's advice: Be kind to yourself and embrace learning.

**Chapters**

• 0:00

Introduction and Early Writing

• 5:00

COVID-19 and Career Shift

• 10:00

Community and Inspiration

• 15:00

Balancing Work and Writing

• 20:00

Social Media and Marketing

• 25:00

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Dani Mclean talks about the magic of irresistible and body swapping love!

In this engaging conversation, Pippa Roscoe shares her journey from script editing to becoming a successful author of over 30 books. She discusses the cultural adjustments she faced after moving from London to Norfolk, the importance of community among writers, and the challenges authors encounter, including imposter syndrome. Pippa emphasizes the need for aspiring authors to keep writing and understand their goals, while also reflecting on her collaborative writing experiences and her love for coffee. The discussion highlights the significance of romance novels and the supportive nature of the writing community.

What does it mean to be a write? Pippa Roscoe joins me on the podcast to share her thoughts. Here's a sneak peek of our conversation - don't miss the full episode out on the 1st of October.