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Nobody’s perfect. (Or are they?) In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy sit down to discuss the myth of the perfect first draft in a one-hit wonder episode about writing craft.

This week’s episode was recorded a million years (give or take almost a million years) ago in late 2025 but never saw the light of day. UNTIL NOW. 

Now, while I did consider NOT editing this episode to really share what the first draft of a podcast looks like, I decided against it. 

Please let us know about both your moral outrage AND any resources you use when creating your first drafts!

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the perfection of #hotmessauthors Amy & Shéa!

Ritual and complete notes at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/episode-53-episode-53-hotmessauthors

Resources

Why ‘The Perfect First Draft’ is a Myth by Josh Spilker (behind the Medium paywall): https://medium.com/create-make-write/why-the-perfect-first-draft-is-a-myth-adaac2c654ca

Shitty First Drafts by Anne Lamott: https://wrd.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/1-Shitty%20First%20Drafts.pdf

Write Novels Fast: Down and Dirty Draft: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748PSJJK

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, 

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are wrapping up their vacation, so please enjoy your last rerun of the summer! (We’re back September 1 with all new episodes.)

On today's episode, which originally aired in May 2025, we interview author Linda Mercury about her paranormal romance and her oracle deck. Episode 5 was originally released late due to a broken foot (Amy’s). AND GUESS WHAT? Amy just had that same foot x-rayed, almost a full year and a half later, and it is still broken. Now, Linda’s episode was always the plan for this week, so now we’re pretty sure Linda is angry with Amy and cursed her left foot. 

Sigh.

Anyway, please shake yourself up a Clover Club Cocktail, settle back, and enjoy our interview with LINDA MERCURY!

Find all Linda's books AND the deck on her website:  http://lindamercury.com

And find her on instagram https://www.instagram.com/linda_mercury/

Today's deck was the Seasons of the Witch Oracle by Lorriane Anderson & Juliet Diaz, illustrated by Tijana Lukovic. https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/en-au/products/seasons-of-the-witch-ostara-oracle

For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/rerun-linda-mercury

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, 

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are (still) on vacation, so we're bringing back one of our earliest (not re-edited at all) episodes. 

On today's episode, which originally aired in February 2025, we interview author Tara West about her books "Sugar, Spice, and a Magical Midlife" and "Fuck Off, I'm Fifty."

Find Tara!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarawestauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tara_west_author/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/author-tara-west

For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/rerun-tara-west

Today's Tarot Deck was the Tarot of Aphrodite by Natacha Fromm. https://www.aphroditestudios333.com

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, 

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are taking a brief vacation from their summer break to bring you a TOTALITY awesome, brand new, episode.

In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy are talking the total eclipse (totality in Spain, Iceland, Greenland, and points between). This episode features Fun Facts with Amy(™), an eclipse ritual for writers, and of course, a kickass cocktail.

And remember - 

Whether you’re in the path of the eclipse or not, tomorrow’s total eclipse is a great time to rest, reflect, let go of old habits, and set your sights on a new horizon.

Resources

Dark Winds television show: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15017118/

Joe Leaphorn/Jim Chee novels: https://www.tonyhillerman.com/books-by-tony-and-anne-hillerman

Candle Colors and magical associations: https://www.centreofexcellence.com/coloured-spell-candle-meanings/

Moonology Oracle Deck by Yasmin Boland, Artwork by Nyx Rowan: https://www.patchworksoul.life/reviews/moonology

Eclipse Info

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEdecade/SEdecade2021.html

https://www.space.com/difference-between-total-solar-eclipse-and-annular-solar-eclipse

https://www.sacredmysteries.org/post/spirituality-of-the-solar-eclipse

https://www.seawitchbotanicals.com/blogs/swb/eclipse-season-explained

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipses_in_mythology_and_culture

https://www.fromthenocturne.com/p/2024-solar-eclipse-ritual

https://www.pujapurohit.co.uk/blog/surya-grahan:-a-vedic-perspective-on-the-solar-eclipse

https://stylecaster.com/lists/solar-eclipse-rituals/use-tarot-cards-or-other-divination-forms/

Benefits of Fangirling!

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters/202407/the-healing-power-of-pop-culture-communities

https://nicenews.com/humanity/why-being-a-fan-is-good-for-you/

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/may/22/the-big-idea-why-you-should-embrace-your-inner-fan

Recipes and complete notes at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/episode-52-total-eclipse

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, 

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are on vacation, so we're bringing back one of our earliest (not redited at all) episodes. 

On today's episode, which originally aired in July 2025, we interview author extraordinaire Lauretta Hignett about her "Susan, You're the Chosen One," the first in her "Welcome to Midlife Magic" series and try not to cringe too much at Amy’s fangirling.

You can find Lauretta at the following places:

https://laurettahignett.com/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lauretta-Hignett/author/B079ZPLXNL

https://www.instagram.com/laurettahignett/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/laurettasravenousreaders/

For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/rerun-lauretta-hignett

Today's Oracle Deck was the Norse Goddess Rune Oracle by Rebecca Joy Stark and artwork by Sharon McLeod.

https://blueangelonline.com/shop/card-decks/oracle-cards/norse-goddess-rune-oracle/

https://www.instagram.com/blueangelpublishing/

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, 

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are on vacation, so we're bringing back one of our earliest (not redited at all) episodes. 

This was originally recorded for Lughnasa 2025. This year (2026), Lughnasa falls on August 1 in the Northern Hemisphere - so I hope you have plans for this weekend!

Pour yourself a glass of wine and settle in for a brief overview of the first of the harvest festivals.

***

Bread recipe (Alas, not the one discussed, but also super easy!): https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/no-knead-crusty-white-bread-recipe

Seasons of the Witch Lammas Oracle by Juliet Diaz and Lorriane Anderson: https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/seasons-of-the-witch-lammas-oracle

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, 

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are on vacation, so we're bringing back one of our earliest (not redited at all) episodes. 

Please stir up a G&T, lean back, and enjoy this interview with Samantha Hargrove!

You can learn all about Samantha and book her services at https://www.solas-space.com

Go grab a glass of wine at Sip d’Vine in Tigard, OR: http://www.sipdvine.com

For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/magic-rocks-samantha-hargrove

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, 

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy take on the Knights who say Ni! And while they’re doing that, they talk about shrubs, a vinegar based beverage that’s been used for ages. It can be used as a beverage, a cocktail ingredient, or a spell ingredient! And making them feels like fun, fermented magic.

And remember - 

Craft your shrubs with intent, because you’re not just mixing a drink.
 
You’re mixing magic.

Resources

History

https://chilledmagazine.com/the-shrub-ancient-remedy-to-modern-mixer/

Spellwork

https://originalbotanica.com/blog/protection-cleansing-spells-salt-pepper-vinegar

https://www.yeyeo.com/blogs/yeyeo-botanica-blog/vinegar

Recipes

Bourbon Blackberry Shrub: https://therockymountainwoman.com/whiskey-sour-with-blackberry-shrub/

Podcast recipes and complete notes at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/witchs-liquor-cabinet-shrubs

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, 

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are on vacation, so we're bringing back one of our earliest (not redited at all) episodes. 

Please make yourself a bloody bellini, settle back, and enjoy this interview with Elizabeth Hunter!

You can find Elizabeth Hunter (and buy her books direct) at elizabethhunter.com, follow her on Instagram (@elizabethhunterwrites), and join her Facebook Group "Hunters Haven" https://www.facebook.com/groups/ElizabethHunterFans/.

For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/from-the-archives-bloody-bellinis-moody-alpacas-and-an-interview-with-elizabeth-hunter

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, 

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy are reminded that words come from fingers, not faces as they look back over their favorite moments of the last year and a half. And while Shéa was able to choose a single cocktail as her pod fave (a limoncello lemondrop), Amy couldn’t decide between a French 75 (she did her signature Cherry Portuguese 77) and a spicy pineapple margarita.

Join us for a glimpse at some of our favorite moments over the last 49 episodes!

Resources

Find the Cracked Amethyst Tarot by Jessica Bott: https://www.thecrackedamethyst.com/

Get the Murder of Crows Tarot by Corrado Roy: https://www.loscarabeo.com/products/murder-of-crows-tarot

Recipes and complete notes at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/the-pop-blog

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/, 

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven