Alyssa Cole returns! Kate & Tasha ask her all sorts of questions about navigating multiple subgenres, agents, and publishing avenues.

Show notes

In today's super episode, Kate & Tasha talked to their friend - science fiction author Mel Todd - while in Kate's condo in Atlanta. Mel has navigated some major changes in her life and career. Things that would have knocked anyone on their ass, Mel saw as an opportunity to level up to what has become her dream writing career. [Click here for full show notes and links.]

In today’s episode, Tasha & Kate chat with Rachel Kramer Bussel - a veteran in erotic short fiction - about what goes into anthologies, from writing short fiction, editing, and curating her anthologies. [Click here for full show notes and links]

Kate and Tasha talk with author Annabel Joseph about everything from finding new audiences using Facebook video to getting the first book of a series banned on Amazon! 

[Click here for full show notes!]

Kate and Tasha discuss research, folk tales, and getting out of your own way with Caitlin Brehm of the Roots of Lore Podcast. [Click here for full show notes!]

Call it the sophomore slump, jinx, or jitters, more than one author has been plagued by the belief that that the second book will never be as good as the first. There are psychological explanation for the phenomenon, but even statistically, it's never as good as the first time...or so we've come to believe... [Click here for full show notes!]

Today we chat with Alyssa Cole, award-winning author of historical, contemporary, and SFF romance. Her latest series, Reluctant Royals, starts with A Princess in Theory -- which we totally use this chance to gush about the book with the author! ...Excuse Kate & Tasha while they fangirl.

This week, we discuss:

• Writing historical romance in a period "no one wants to read about"
• Bringing those mundane, frustrating experiences into fiction
• Serendipitous timing - publishing in the time of Black Panther and Meghan Markle's wedding
• Working with the publisher on cover design and dress designer AdornedbyNicole (Etsy)
• Anxiety and writing, and the pressure of having readers looking forward to your next book
• Living up to the opportunity of traditional publishing when you're a woman of color
• Thinking about all those heavy things you don't put on the page as a writer and a human being
• Choosing writing projects based on what's great for your mental health
• Mechanisms for coping with anxiety so you can write

You can find more about Alyssa Cole at alyssacole.com or follow her on social media at @AlyssaColeLit (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook). Her books, including A Princess in Theory are available wherever books are sold!

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Emily + Kathleen put the drink in #ADrinkwithLadyBooks! Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon, hosts of the podcast Being Boss, visit us today to play a drinking game and discuss the writing process behind their new book, Being Boss: Take Control of Your Work + Live Life on Your Own Terms (available now for pre-order).

This week, we discuss:

• Using Google Docs and scheduled time to write their book together
• Writing like you speak; speaking like you write
• Recording an audiobook and reading your words out loud
• Incorporating spirituality into your entrepreneurial journey
• Disclaiming your message and other triggers
• The magic in feedback (1 vs 3 star reviews)
• The Flowers in the Attic switch
• Announcing yourself when you walk into room (DJ KHALED!)
• And so very much more as we share a drink or two

Check out beingboss.club/book to learn more about the Being Boss book, including pre-order info and book events!
** If you're in or near Atlanta, Tasha and Kate are hosting a Being Boss book signing event on April 27th

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Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod
Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod
Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod