Meg Shaffer takes us behind the scenes to the literary seminar with legendary writer Richard Russo, who helped her craft her cozy fantasy book, The Lost Story.

Imposter syndrome is real and even our favorite authors experience it as they contemplate their next project. In this week's episode, we welcome back bestselling author Meg Shaffer to join us to discuss her latest cozy fantasy novel, The Lost Story, and the literary seminar with Richard Russo that guided this story and gave Meg the writing encouragement she always needed.  

Today, we discuss Meg's unique research methods, including how she used Fiverr to fact-check archery scenes and gain insights into the pressures of writing a second novel after the commercial success of The Wishing Game.

Don’t miss this week’s bonus book list with 23 cozy fantasy books to read this autumn. This new book list includes upcoming titles, new releases, and, of course, those backlist book gems you have come to expect!

Patrons can join us for a bonus spoiler-filled conversation with Meg Shaffer, where we discuss The Lost Story ending, her favorite moments in the book, and her top book recommendations from her spicy romance writing career for Harlequin!

Meet Meg Shaffer

Meg Shaffer is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wishing Game, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist, a Book of the Month finalist for Book of the Year, a #1 Barnes & Noble bestseller, and a Reader's Digest Best Book of the Year. Her second novel, The Lost Story, is an instant national bestseller and is available now from Ballantine.

With an MFA in TV and Screenwriting from Stephens College, Shaffer lives in Kentucky with her husband and two cats—though the cats, unfortunately, aren't writers.

Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like The Lost Story. All purchases support this year's programming. 

Mentioned in this episode:

BONUS BOOK LIST: 23 Cozy Fantasy Books  To Lower Your Stress Levels

Join the October Book Club Chat (Severance by Ling Ma)

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

The Wishing Game Interview (Meg Shaffer's First Show)

The House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

The Magic of Old Hollywood Books with Molly Fader Episode

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

Jack Gibbons, Chopin Pianist

It by Stephen King

Bookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!

Connect With Us:

Join the Book Gang Patreon

Connect with Meg Shaffer on Instagram or her Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

Get My Happy List Newsletter

Get the Daily Kindle Deals Newsletter

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)