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Co-Authoring Chronicles Podcast episodes
- How Co-Authors Write the Same Characters (Consistently)
Helen Corvis and Steaphan Kay discuss how their co-authoring process evolved across two book volumes, shifting from a highly structured first-book approach with frequent check-ins and outlining to a looser second-book workflow aimed at increasing writing speed, including initially assigning different POV characters to each author. They compare their writing styles (Steaphan's more poetic dialogue and Helen's more precise, economical approach) and describe how developmental editing revealed persona drift due to differing mental models of character behavior. They review tools for maintaining consistency—character bios that must be updated, character voice guides, visual references for characters, and timelines of emotional states—citing examples from multi-author projects like Star Trek: The Fall and co-author teams with varying degrees of structure. They close by considering a hybrid approach for a third book with fewer meetings than book one but better use of existing character-tracking tools.
Please Like & Follow us wherever you listen to this podcast and on social.
Helen's Bio Site (bio.site/helencorvis)
Steaphan's Bio.Site (bio.site/steaphankay)
Other Content:
- For indie authors at: IndieAuthors.Social
- For readers at steaphankay.com/blog
- For authors at steaphankay.com/authors
- For art lovers at deviantart.com/authorsteaphankay
24 min - Welcome Back: We Are in Publish Mode!
After a long hiatus, the hosts return with a pretty good excuse: they've been writing. In this episode, they talk about completing two books together and what they learned from moving deeper into a shared series.
The conversation gets into the practical side of co-authoring—keeping worldbuilding and continuity straight across books, deciding how a series should be structured and named, revisiting details you created months ago, and knowing when to stop tweaking and move forward. They also discuss how the workload shifts between two writers, how collaboration can help when one person hits writer's block, and why trust and respect matter when you're building the same fictional world together.
Along the way, they talk fantasy series, David Eddings, canon, perfectionism, and some increasingly questionable ideas for future book titles.
Please Like & Follow us wherever you listen to this podcast and on social.
Helen's Bio Site (bio.site/helencorvis)
Steaphan's Bio.Site (bio.site/steaphankay)
Related Content For This Episode:
- K.A. Riley, 9 volumes in 3 series, and 1 universe starting with The Resistance Trilogy Book 1
- KDP 10% change in page count rule for new editions (KDP Editions)
Other Content:
- For indie authors at: IndieAuthors.Social
- For readers at steaphankay.com/blog
- For authors at steaphankay.com/authors
- For art lovers at deviantart.com/authorsteaphankay
12 min - Are Indie Authors Quitters?
This episode of The Co-authoring Chronicles Podcast explores the paths of traditional and independent publishing. We examine the effort involved in each, from the rigorous journey of traditional publishing to the comprehensive work undertaken by indie authors. We also discuss the financial realities and perceived legitimacy within the publishing world, asking whether one path truly offers an easier route.
Please Like & Follow us wherever you listen to this podcast and on social.
Helen's Bio Site (bio.site/helencorvis)
Steaphan's Bio.Site (bio.site/steaphankay)
Co-Authored Serial Fiction: In the Arms of the Void
Other Content:
- For indie authors at: IndieAuthors.Social
- For readers at steaphankay.com/blog
- For authors at steaphankay.com/authors
- For art lovers at deviantart.com/authorsteaphankay
19 min - Nathan Lowell Interview: 2025 Author Biz Update
On this episode of the Co-Authoring Chronicles, Helen and Steaphan have a conversation with author Nathan Lowell. With over 40 years of writing experience, Nathan discusses the fundamentals of marketing for authors, emphasizing the distinction between marketing and simple sales or promotion. Topics include identifying your market and niche, the importance of differentiation, and viewing the author's journey as a business endeavor. Nathan also reflects on recent life challenges and how they've shaped his approach to writing and maintaining a consistent practice.
Please Like & Follow us wherever you listen to this podcast and on social.
Helen's Bio Site (bio.site/helencorvis)
Steaphan's Bio.Site (bio.site/steaphankay)
Co-Authored Serial Fiction: In the Arms of the Void
Related Content For This Episode:
- Nathan Lowell's Bio Link (bio.link/nlowell)
- Nathan's 'The View From Here' Essays (nathanlowell.com/view/)
- Episode with Nathan on 'Running it Like a Business'
Other Content:
- For indie authors at: IndieAuthors.Social
- For readers at steaphankay.com/blog
- For authors at steaphankay.com/authors
- For art lovers at deviantart.com/authorsteaphankay
36 min - Writing Ourselves
How much of an author lives within their characters? Helen and Steaphan consider the spectrum, from borrowing experiences for authenticity or healing, to exploring alternate life paths, and even the dangers of the "Mary Sue." They reflect on how their own lives seep into their collaborative fiction.
Please Like & Follow us wherever you listen to this podcast and on social.
Helen's Bio Site (bio.site/helencorvis)
Steaphan's Bio.Site (bio.site/steaphankay)
Co-Authored Serial Fiction: In the Arms of the Void
Other Content:
- For indie authors at: IndieAuthors.Social
- For readers at steaphankay.com/blog
- For authors at steaphankay.com/authors
- For art lovers at deviantart.com/authorsteaphankay
27 min - Words, Words, Words
Expanding vocabulary is the topic of today's Co-Authoring Chronicles. The hosts discuss methods for vocabulary building and how word choice impacts writing. Authors such as Faulkner, Twain, Frost, and Stephen King are referenced. Connotation, denotation, strategic word use, target audience, and word creation are also mentioned.Expanding vocabulary is the topic of today's Co-Authoring Chronicles. The hosts discuss methods for vocabulary building and how word choice impacts writing. Authors such as Faulkner, Twain, Frost, and Stephen King are referenced. Connotation, denotation, strategic word use, target audience, and word creation are also mentioned.
Please Like & Follow us wherever you listen to this podcast and on social.
Helen's Bio Site (bio.site/helencorvis)
Steaphan's Bio.Site (bio.site/steaphankay)
Co-Authored Serial Fiction: In the Arms of the Void
Other Content:
- For indie authors at: IndieAuthors.Social
- For readers at steaphankay.com/blog
- For authors at steaphankay.com/authors
- For art lovers at deviantart.com/authorsteaphankay
18 min - Writing Tips from Suess, Hemingway, and King
In this episode, Helen and Steaphan discuss how to keep the joy in your writing, even when it feels like a grind. They share insights from famous authors like Seuss, Hemingway, and King, and offer tips for celebrating accomplishments, finding inspiration in everyday life, and making your writing a safe space for your unique voice.
Please Like & Follow us wherever you listen to this podcast and on social.
Helen's Bio Site (bio.site/helencorvis)
Steaphan's Bio.Site (bio.site/steaphankay)
Co-Authored Serial Fiction: In the Arms of the Void
Other Content:
- For indie authors at: IndieAuthors.Social
- For readers at steaphankay.com/blog
- For authors at steaphankay.com/authors
- For art lovers at deviantart.com/authorsteaphankay
16 min - Authors & AI in 2025
This episode dives into AI, exploring its use as a collaborative tool, copyright concerns, and the importance of maintaining the human element in writing. The hosts discuss the varying levels of AI acceptance among authors, its potential for marketing and idea generation, and the possibility of using AI for writing assistance. They also touch on AI's potential to expedite research.
Please Like & Follow us wherever you listen to this podcast and on social.
Helen's Bio Site (bio.site/helencorvis)
Steaphan's Bio.Site (bio.site/steaphankay)
Co-Authored Serial Fiction: In the Arms of the Void
Other Content:
- For indie authors at: IndieAuthors.Social
- For readers at steaphankay.com/blog
- For authors at steaphankay.com/authors
- For art lovers at deviantart.com/authorsteaphankay
24 min - The Transgressive Love of Shakespeare
Dive into the complex world of Shakespeare's plays with the Co-Authoring Chronicles podcast! Join Helen and Steaphan as they explore the Bard's writings on love, use of language, and challenges to 15th century society that still impact us today.. This week, they discuss the "transgressive loves" found in his works and how they still resonate. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion on timeless themes.
Please Like & Follow us wherever you listen to this podcast and on social.
Helen's Bio Site (bio.site/helencorvis)
Steaphan's Bio.Site (bio.site/steaphankay)
Co-Authored Serial Fiction: In the Arms of the Void
Other Content:
- For indie authors at: IndieAuthors.Social
- For readers at steaphankay.com/blog
- For authors at steaphankay.com/authors
- For art lovers at deviantart.com/authorsteaphankay
25 min - PIxar's Emma Coats on Storytelling
Join Helen and Steaphan as they cover their favorite gems from the 22 storytelling tips posted by Pixar's Emma Coats. They explore how these rules can help writers of all levels, from established authors to beginners, and discuss how to apply them to your own creative process, covering topics like finding your core motivation, balancing audience interest with personal passion, and the importance of letting go.
Please Like & Follow us wherever you listen to this podcast and on social.
Helen's Bio Site (bio.site/helencorvis)
Steaphan's Bio.Site (bio.site/steaphankay)
Co-Authored Serial Fiction: In the Arms of the Void
Related Content For This Episode:
- The 22 rules of storytelling, according to Pixar
Other Content:
- For indie authors at: IndieAuthors.Social
- For readers at steaphankay.com/blog
- For authors at steaphankay.com/authors
- For art lovers at deviantart.com/authorsteaphankay
16 min
About Co-Authoring Chronicles Podcast
From the publisher's feed
Step into the narrative labyrinth with Helen Corvis and Steaphan Kay on the "Co-Authoring Chronicles Podcast," where the secrets behind penning a captivating tale are unraveled. As co-authors of the enthralling "In the Arms of the Void," Helen and Steaphan offer an indie author perspective from their collaborative journey, sharing their experiences, strategies, and personal anecdotes from their successful partnership.
Each episode is a treasure trove for fans and fellow writers alike, as our hosts delve into the nitty-gritty of co-authoring. They will dissect their writing process, from the initial spark of an idea to the intricate weaving of each serialized installment. Listeners will gain insight into how two authors fuse their ideas, styles, and visions to create a coherent and compelling narrative that keeps readers eagerly awaiting each new release.
Helen remarks, "We're excited to give our listeners a front-row seat to everything that goes into crafting 'In the Arms of the Void,' including how we tackle plot twists, character arcs, and pacing in fiction."
Steaphan adds, "And it's not just about our successes; we're sharing our challenges too. From resolving creative differences to meeting tight deadlines—this podcast is about the real experience of being a writing duo."
Beyond storytelling techniques, "Co-Authoring Chronicles Podcast" offers practical advice for those interested in exploring collaborative writing projects. Discover how to maintain consistency across multiple episodes or volumes, engage your audience over time, and manage feedback from your growing reader base.
Whether you're an aspiring writer looking to explore serial fiction's unique opportunities or a fan curious about what happens behind the scenes of your favorite series, this podcast is your guide through the episodic world of storytelling.
Subscribe to "Co-Authoring Chronicles Podcast" now and join Helen Corvis and Steaphan Kay as they chart the course through their shared literary universe—one chapter at a time.