In this episode, we explore Nalini Singh's Storm Echo, in which we visit both the amnesia and second chance at love tropes. The story centers on Lei, a Changeling healer with little memory of her past, and Ivan Mercant, a man whose own turbulent past haunts him. As their paths cross, they not only navigate the complexities of their emerging feelings but also piece together the scattered fragments of Lei’s memory—and a past that once included Ivan.

Sign up for author Nalini Singh’s newsletter to receive fan service here: https://nalinisingh.com/

Want the official Psy-Changeling Reading Order? Click here: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/

Get ready for Resonance Surge, coming in 2 weeks! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/3C5XPqJ 

Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/

Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP

Find the hosts online at:

Leslye Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/ 

Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/ 

Credits: "Moonlight Hall" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.

Join us on this week’s podcast as we dive into the process of revising your manuscript, from the rough beginnings of the "dirty draft" to the final, polished version. We've got the expert tips and practical advice to help you tackle each stage with confidence. Tune in to learn how to transform your writing with each pass through your manuscript, ensuring that what you eventually submit or publish is the best possible version of your work. 

Sign up for author Nalini Singh’s newsletter to receive fan service here: https://nalinisingh.com/

Want the official Psy-Changeling Reading Order? Click here: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/

THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Holly Lisle’s courses: https://hollylisle.com/category/writing-classes/ 

Writing into the Dark with Dean Wesley Smith: https://deanwesleysmith.com/a-great-take-on-writing-into-the-dark/ 

Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener 

Emotion Thesaurus: https://amzn.to/4fMIjhr 

Margie Lawson’s EDITS System: https://www.margielawson.com/ 

Holiday in Handcuffs: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0938666/

Leslye’s Revision Workshop: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/courses/revise-your-novel

Get ready for Storm Echo, coming in 1 week! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/41dUro6 

Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/

Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP

Find the hosts online at:

Leslye Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/ 

Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/ 

In Last Guard, we meet a hero with a mobility disability and a heroine grappling with mental health challenges. Together, they navigate a world filled with obstacles, both external and internal, finding strength and love in each other's company.

In the episode, we'll explore how Nalini Singh skillfully portrays complex characters breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes within the framework of a deeply moving romantic narrative. 

Sign up for author Nalini Singh’s newsletter to receive fan service here: https://nalinisingh.com/

Want the official Psy-Changeling Reading Order? Click here: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Recursion by Blake Crouch: https://amzn.to/3BSJWfs

Illona Andrews The Hidden Legacy series: https://amzn.to/406h2kj 

Get ready for Storm Echo, coming in 2 weeks! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/4j4ukGD

Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/

Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP

Find the hosts online at:

Leslye Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/ 

Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/ 

Credits: "Moonlight Hall" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.

Get ready to tackle your goals for 2025 in this week's episode of our podcast. We’ll help you start the year off smart—that's Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. We also talk about how to effectively use both paper and digital planners to keep you on track. Join us as we provide tips, tricks, and insights to help you organize your writing life, maximize productivity, and turn those big dreams into achievable realities. 

Sign up for author Nalini Singh’s newsletter to receive fan service here: https://nalinisingh.com/

Want the official Psy-Changeling Reading Order? Click here: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/

THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Sarra Cannon’s HB90 Course: https://heartbreathings.com/tag/hb90-method/ 

Leslye’s Decision Matrix: https://myimaginaryfriends.substack.com/p/enter-the-matrix-free-your-mind-and

Profit First: https://amzn.to/4iW18BA 

YNAB: https://www.ynab.com/ 

PAPER PLANNERS

Erin Condren Daily Duo: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/inesjohnson/1

*This is Ines’ Referral Link. It should get you a discount with your first purchase.

Agendio: https://agendio.com/referrals-welcome/jy789Y_1606242292 *Leslye’s referral link

Ink and Volt: https://inkandvolt.com/ 

Twelve Month Wall Calendar: https://amzn.to/3P6g6aw 

DIGITAL PLANNERS

Trello: https://trello.com/ 

Clickup: https://clickup.com/ 

Todoist: https://todoist.com/ 

Leslye’s Favorite Gluten Free Flour: https://shop.jessicasnaturalfoods.com/products/gluten-free-all-purpose-flour

Brownie Recipe: https://www.food.com/recipe/betty-crocker-fudge-brownies-homemade-496992

Ines’ Kickstarter: https://ineswrites.com/Kickstarter 

Get ready for Last Guard, coming in 1 week! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/41dUro6 

Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/

Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP

Find the hosts online at:

Leslye Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/ 

Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/ 

Credits: "Moonlight Hall" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.

Join us on this week's episode as we break down Alpha Night, where a female alpha wolf and a Psy male with a ticking time bomb in his head get insta-mated in the first chapter! 

Gird your loins, listeners, in this wild ride as of an unconventional pairing, the challenges of navigating differing societies, and the power dynamics involved with skin-privileges. The stakes are high and the passion fiery in a story that combines psychic intrigue with raw, animal magnetism!

Sign up for author Nalini Singh’s newsletter to receive fan service here: https://nalinisingh.com/

Want the official Psy-Changeling Reading Order? Click here: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyers: https://amzn.to/49fpv8I 

The Deadlands series by Kati Wilde: https://amzn.to/3ZoIB7L

Darkness Dawns by Diana Duvall: https://amzn.to/3OJarqG

Lothaire by Kresley Cole: https://amzn.to/3AUBM60 

Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise: https://amzn.to/49dF3tN 

Get ready for Last Guard, coming in 2 weeks! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/41dUro6 

Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/

Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP

Find the hosts online at:

Leslye Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/ 

Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/ 

In this week's episode hosts Leslye and Ines are joined by their mastermind partner, Cerece Renee Murphy. Not only will they discuss the invaluable benefits of participating in a mastermind group, but they will also give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how they run their own. Listen in to learn how a mastermind can elevate your skills, broaden your perspective, and significantly level up your projects. 

Sign up for author Nalini Singh’s newsletter to receive fan service here: https://nalinisingh.com/

Want the official Psy-Changeling Reading Order? Click here: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Ali Hazelwood Knotting Book is Bride: https://amzn.to/49l4HNb

Wanna see Ines’ Book Boxes with BOB? https://shop.ineswrites.com/collections/book-boxes-with-bob

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins: https://amzn.to/3VgpITr 

Get ready for Alpha Night, coming in 1 week! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/3ZPDAqB

Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/

Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP

Find the hosts online at:

Leslye Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/ 

Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/ 

Singh's foray into thrillers is on display in this gripping entry into the Psy Changeling world.

In Wolf Rain we meet a hero who sees himself as a rogue wolf destined to be alone and a Psy woman convinced she's a monster beyond redemption. Together, they discover that their beliefs about themselves are profoundly mistaken.

Suspense blends with heart-wrenching romance as Singh proves once again that she is a powerhouse in the genre with a thrilling romance about finding each love, finding yourself, and touching the hearts of all readers. 

Sign up for author Nalini Singh’s newsletter to receive fan service here: https://nalinisingh.com/

Want the official Psy-Changeling Reading Order? Click here: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

High Noon by Kati Wilde: https://amzn.to/41nkl8K

Get ready for Alpha Night, coming in 2 weeks! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/3VijC4K 

Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/

Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP

Find the hosts online at:

Leslye Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/ 

Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/ 

This week you get a masterclass in worldbuilding in a romance novel from expert Leslye while Ines listens in.

We explore how setting is not just the backdrop against which a story unfolds, but a dynamic element that enriches the narrative through its integration of culture, language, and politics.

The discussion reveals how these broader world elements can be strategically used to increase conflicts and strengthen emotions, making the romance more intense and the stakes higher.

Tune in to discover practical tips and insightful strategies on crafting a vivid, immersive world that enhances the romantic journey and captivates readers from the first page to the last.

Sign up for author Nalini Singh’s newsletter to receive fan service here: https://nalinisingh.com/

Want the official Psy-Changeling Reading Order? Click here: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Lisa Kleypas’ The Wallflowers series: https://amzn.to/3OAdhOI 

A Court of Mists and Fury by Sarah J Maas: https://amzn.to/4iq124W 

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: https://amzn.to/3VjeDRo

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: https://amzn.to/3AUlnhW

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne: https://amzn.to/3ZwwOFX 

Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James: https://amzn.to/49doxKj 

The Cupid Guild by L. Penelope: https://amzn.to/4fTxXgk 

Alpha’s Temptation by Renee Rose and Lee Savino: https://amzn.to/4gfyf18

A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Mila Vane: https://amzn.to/3B6IbuN 

Get ready for Wolf Rain, coming in 1 week! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/3NswRvq 

Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/

Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP

Find the hosts online at:

Leslye Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/ 

Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/ 

Credits: "Moonlight Hall" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.

A security specialist with a life-threatening brain chip. A changeling chef with her own guarded secrets. Bowen and Kaia’s love story starts off as a slow burn in “Ocean Light,” but things heat up and combust before the tale is over. This book not only explores the romance and challenges between Bowen and Kaia but also serves as an intense lesson for authors on how to continuously raise the stakes throughout a novel. It is a masterclass on how to maintain suspense and tension all the way to the last page. 

Sign up for author Nalini Singh’s newsletter to receive fan service here: https://nalinisingh.com/

Want the official Psy-Changeling Reading Order? Click here: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo: https://amzn.to/4hFSfeQ

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell: https://amzn.to/3NXmrnN 

Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta: https://amzn.to/3AFsSJa

Lothaire by Kresley Cole: https://amzn.to/3Ay2Vez

Get ready for Wolf Rain, coming in 2 weeks! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/3NswRvq 

Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/

Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP

Find the hosts online at:

Leslye Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/ 

Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/ 

Credits: "Moonlight Hall" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.

In this episode, we tackle the "messy middle" of the second act. One of the solutions we offer involves a series of Try Fail cycles, where the protagonist encounters a carefully designed obstacle course that tests their resolve and pushes the plot forward. Ines emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to these cycles, suggesting that each cycle should include a plan, an obstacle, a setback, a scene of growth, and a regrouping phase to maintain narrative momentum and character development. While Leslye insists the best way to get out of the middle is with the "Yes, But" or "No, And" formula. This method ensures that each scene contributes to escalating the stakes—when a character succeeds ('Yes'), there's a complicating factor ('But'), and when they fail ('No'), the situation worsens or changes direction ('And'). This episode is packed with practical advice and approaches to help authors refine their storytelling skills, keep readers engaged through the mid-point of their books, and effectively develop their narratives towards a satisfying climax. 

Sign up for author Nalini Singh’s newsletter to receive fan service here: https://nalinisingh.com/

Want the official Psy-Changeling Reading Order? Click here: https://nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series/

BOOKS and SHOWS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Write your Novel From the Middle by James Scott Bell: https://amzn.to/3A2KWg7 

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder: https://amzn.to/4882ELO 

Save the Cat Strikes Back by Blake Snyder: https://amzn.to/3YmeNJU 

Save the Cat Goes to the Movies by Blake Snyder: https://amzn.to/3NmAmDQ 

Lisa Daily’s Youtube Channel where she talks about Three Dates and a Disaster: https://www.youtube.com/@BestsellingAuthorLisaDaily 

Leslye’s watching Love Is Blind on Netflix.

Ines binge watched Nobody Wants This on Netflix.

Check out Leslye’s podcast where she discusses the messy middle on her Substack.

You can find Ines’ substack at https://ineswrites.substack.com/ 

Get ready for Ocean of Light, coming in 1 week! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/487ZAPO 

Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/

Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP

Find the hosts online at:

Leslye Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/ 

Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/ 

Credits: "Moonlight Hall" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.