Sign My Book: A Peek Inside the Writer's Mind

In this episode of Sign My Book, I’m talking with book marketing and social media expert Jenn DePaula, who’s been helping authors, musicians, and creatives build their platforms for over 25 years. Jenn started in the music industry just as everything was shifting to digital, and she’s carried those lessons into the publishing world helping authors move beyond “I’ll just run some Facebook ads” into sustainable, long-term marketing that actually sells books.

We dig into what really matters for authors today: whether follower count actually impacts your chances of getting traditionally published, how to start marketing before your book is out, and the three “unsexy” foundations every author needs (goal, ideal reader, and clear messaging). Jenn also breaks down the three phases of book marketing: Attraction, Promotion, and Follow-Up, so you can stop guessing and start using a simple, repeatable system that fits your life, not just the algorithm.

Topics Discussed in the Episode

• Why follower count ≠ automatic book sales (and what publishers actually care about)

• The three phases of book marketing: Attraction, Promotion, and Follow-Up

• How to define your ideal reader and talk directly to them

• Messaging, hooks, tropes, and using social media without chasing every trend

• Visibility vs. conversion: why views aren’t enough and how to turn attention into sales

If this episode helped you feel a little less overwhelmed by marketing, I’d love it if you’d follow/subscribe to Sign My Book on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and leave a quick rating and review. It helps more writers and readers discover the show and keeps these conversations coming.

Connect with Jenn:

Website: https://jenndepaula.com

Instagram: @jenndepaulabookmarketing

This week on Sign My Book, I sit down with the hilarious and talented mother–daughter writing duo Kelly and Megan Anelons, an award-winning screenwriting team and Nicholl Fellowship finalists. Megan is a former creative executive turned Booktokker and co-writer, and her mom Kelly co-writer. Together they share how they’ve built a thriving creative partnership that’s as honest as it is funny.

We dive into everything from navigating the film industry and writing competitions to leaving Hollywood yet staying connected through newfound creative friendships, and redefining success as women in entertainment. The pair share personal stories about pitching to executives (including a Ron Howard–backed Impact Initiative program), learning to write together as family, and staying inspired in an ever-changing creative landscape. Plus, they give us a glimpse into their upcoming projects, including their hilarious feature script, Best Laid Plans, which they hope to get into the hands of Helen Mirren.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• How Megan and Kelly turned a “mental breakdown” into a creative writing partnership

• Finding creative chemistry and boundaries while co-writing as a mother–daughter team

• Art vs. commerce: surviving the business side of screenwriting

• TikTok 

This week on Sign My Book, I sit down with Jessica Lancaster—journalist, editor, writer, and founder of Musings & Company, a boutique studio for freelance editing and book cover design. Jessica shares her path from corporate sales to a newsroom, then into indie publishing—where she now helps authors polish their manuscripts without changing their voice and create genre-accurate covers that sell. We dig into what to look for in an editor (and what to avoid), how anthologies really work, and practical ways to protect your story’s tone from AI “help.”

We also get tactical: Jessica explains how to test an editor with a free 1,000-word sample, why tracked changes matter, how to join cozy mystery anthologies, and the nuts and bolts of cover design (from eBook to paperback spines and audiobook squares). Plus—her realistic time strategy while homeschooling, editing, designing, and still writing: 10 minutes a day, voice notes, and week-over-week progress.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• From Fortune 500 sales to journalism editor to freelance book editor & cover designer

• How to choose an editor: free sample edits, tracked changes, fit, and why AI won’t replace humans

• Getting into anthologies (especially cozy mysteries): submissions, fees, and acceptance

• Musings & Company (Editing + Cover Design): https://musingsandcompany.com

• Jessica on Instagram: https://www.instragram.com/writingwithjessica

• Writer’s Digest University: https://www.writersdigest.com/university

This week on Sign My Book, I chat with Val Penny—an American-born, Scotland-based crime fiction author behind the DI Hunter Wilson police procedurals (Edinburgh) and the Jane Renwick Thrillers (set across Scotland). Val shares how illness unexpectedly rerouted her life toward writing, the serendipitous (and very funny) road to her first book deal, and why rejection letters aren’t personal—they’re about fit.

We dig into series worldbuilding, character naming (including a brilliant Ethiopian detective nicknamed “Bear”), and how Val mirrors Scotland’s diversity on the page. She also opens up about the craft: plotting a mystery (from color-coded walls of “story wallpaper” to practical outlines), the crucial role of reading widely, and the tonal differences between steady, methodical Hunter and fast-driving, body-finding Jane. If you love police procedurals, Scottish mysteries, and real talk about publishing, this one’s a treat.

Topics Discussed in the Episode

• From recovery to writer: how illness, reading, and “just try it” launched a crime fiction career

• Building two Scottish series: DI Hunter Wilson (Edinburgh) vs. Jane Renwick (major incident team across Scotland)

• Character craft: memorable names, authentic diversity, and giving protagonists distinct voices and lives

• Plotting a mystery: outlines, color-coded scene tracking (à la A.A. Dhand), and lessons from Sue Moorcroft

• The publishing journey: early acceptance, why rejections aren’t personal, and keeping your momentum

Connect with Val Penny:

Website - www.valpenny.com

Hunter’s Chase - https://geni.us/ic7r

A Fighting Chance - https://mybook.to/FightChance

This week on Sign My Book, I sit down with USA Today bestselling author Michele Pariza Wacek (MPW) to talk about her twisty, clean mysteries—spanning psychological thrillers and cozy mysteries—all set in her fictional Wisconsin world. Michele shares how her series are cleverly interconnected: The Secrets of Redemption (9-book thriller foundation) spun off The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries (’90s coziest of cozy—tea, small town, quirky neighbors), which then spun off her newest series, Redemption Detective Agency. We dig into how she sustains momentum (aiming for ~4 books/year), why she writes discovery-first with a rough outline, and how a single anthology short turned into a thriving cozy franchise.

Michele explains why she loves the control of indie publishing, when hybrid deals make sense, foreign language translations, how she uses BookSirens for ARC feedback, and which platforms move the needle (Bookstagram for clean/cozy, TikTok for fantasy/steam). If you love cozy mysteries, psychological thrillers, and real talk about the indie author life—this episode is for you.

Topics Discussed in the Episode

• How Michele built a connected mystery universe across multiple series

• The shift from psychological thrillers to ’90s-set cozy mysteries

• Writing process: discovery writing, daily word counts, and productivity challenges

• Why she values indie publishing control and when hybrid deals make sense

• Marketing strategies, ARC readers, and why Instagram works best for her cozy audience

Connect with Michele:

Newsletter & purchase books: MPWNovels.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/michelepw 

Instagram: @themichelepw 

Facebook: facebook.com/michelepwauthor 

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/michelepw
BookSirens: https://booksirens.com/

This week on Sign My Book, I chat with author Jenna Maeson, who has turned her lifelong love of storytelling into a thriving self-publishing career. From writing picture-stories as a child to releasing four novels in less than a year, Jenna’s journey is packed with lessons about creative discipline, burnout, and the balance between writing for the market and writing for yourself.

In our conversation, Jenna opens up about how she found the courage to publish after turning 40, the role her mentor played in guiding her through the world of indie publishing, and why she refuses to box herself into just one genre. We also explore her Tales of Trouble cozy mystery series, how she manages to write a book every three months, and her honest take on marketing, cover design, and the realities of being your own publisher. If you’re curious about cozy mysteries, self-publishing strategies, or simply how to stay creative under pressure, this episode is full of insight and encouragement.

Topics Discussed in the Episode

• How Jenna reignited her writing dream and published four books in under a year

• The value of having a mentor when navigating self-publishing

• Balancing creative freedom with the demands of publishing schedules

• Marketing strategies, cover design tips, and the cost of being an indie author

• Jenna’s Tales of Trouble cozy mystery series and her latest seasonal release

Links & Resources

• Jenna Maeson’s Newsletter: www.jennamaesonmysteries.com

• Tales of Trouble: Emerald Ridge Mysteries series on Amazon

• Mentor: Maria Secoy’s Writing Academy: https://www.allwritewell.com/ 

• GetCovers: https://getcovers.com

• 99 Designs: https://99designs.com

• ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com

• Written Word Media: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com

This week on Sign My Book, I sit down with romantic comedy author Kimberly Webb, whose lifelong passion for storytelling has taken her from writing fantasy retellings in high school to launching her latest adventure-filled rom-com, Jillian’s Island. Kimberly shares how she wrote 15 novels in just six years, why she stepped away from writing to focus on family, and how she reignited her creative spark to become a full-time indie author.

We dive into the inspiration behind Jillian’s Island—a fresh, modern twist on the television classic, Gilligan’s Island, complete with a female lead, a shipwreck, and a blend of romance and mystery. Kimberly opens up about her writing process, building characters with depth, navigating the challenges of indie publishing, and how she balances creative work with motherhood. Whether you’re an aspiring author, a rom-com fan, or a reader who loves adventure with a heart, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes insights from the indie author life.

Topics Discussed in the Episode

• Kimberly’s journey from teenage writer to publishing 15 novels in six years

• How Jillian’s Island reimagines a classic TV favorite with a romantic twist

• Building rich, relatable characters and letting them grow through story events

• The realities of indie publishing and marketing your own books

• Time management, writing routines, and balancing creativity with parenting

Links & Resources

• Follow Kimberly Webb on Instagram: @author.kimberly.webb

• Jillian’s Island on Amazon

• IngramSpark: https://www.ingramspark.com

• Author Robert Kurson: https://www.robertkurson.com/

If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe to Sign My Book so you never miss an inspiring author interview. And if you enjoyed our conversation, please leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more book lovers discover the show!

In this episode, host Lisa McFadden chats with author Annette Miller as she shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author, and discusses her passion for the fantasy, supernatural, and science fiction genres. She dives into her Angel Haven series, highlighting its mythical beings, unconventional heroes, and the importance of happy endings in romance. Annette explains her writing process, blending planning and spontaneity, and using Pinterest for inspiration. She also touches on marketing, networking, and her success at furry and sci-fi/fantasy conventions. Annette emphasizes the value of learning the craft, referencing key books like Self-Editing for Fiction Writers and Goal, Motivation, and Conflict. She encourages writers to start, even if the first draft isn’t perfect, and shares memorable experiences with readers and support from the writing community.

Key topics discussed are:

Quote: There's not enough happily ever afters in the world. And that's what we need.

To learn more about Annette:

Angel Haven

Facebook: Annette Miller

Annette (ami3025) - Profile | Pinterest

AnnetteMillerAuthor (@AngelHavenR) / X

Angel Haven Romances (@annettemillerauthor) • Instagram profile

Annette Miller - Goodreads Author

Website: Annette Miller

wildrosepress.com

Want to learn how to overcome creative blocks and tap into your intuition as a writer? Tune in as Sara Zavacki-Moore, a certified hypnotherapist and author, reveals how hypnosis and mindfulness can help you open up your creativity and learn trust your instincts.

In this episode, Lisa interviews Sara Zavacki-Moore, a hypnotherapist and author. They discuss Sara's journey into writing and how she became interested in hypnotherapy. They also explore the intersection of writing and hypnosis and the impact of Sara's work as a therapist on her writing. 

Here are a few of the key topics discussed in the episode:

Sara's writing journey: Sara shares how she started writing a few years ago and how she got her books published through The Wild Rose Press.

The role of hypnotherapy in Sara's life: Sara talks about her personal experience with hypnosis and how it helped her manage chronic pain. She also explains how she became a certified hypnotherapist specializing in chronic pain.

Using hypnosis for creativity: Sara discusses how hypnosis and self-hypnosis can be used to overcome creative blocks and tap into one's intuition and imagination.

Trusting the writing process: Sara shares her approach to writing, which involves being open to the characters and allowing the story to unfold naturally. She emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts and being open to unexpected twists and turns in the writing process.

The impact of therapy on writing: Sara explains how her work as a therapist, particularly in dealing with trauma and religious abuse, influences her writing. She aims to turn pain into art and create stories that resonate with others who have experienced similar struggles.

Connect with Sara:

Amazon Author Page

(https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09KXQ61SB/about)

Instagram

(https://www.instagram.com/sarazmooreauthorhypnohelp/)

Her books for purchase:

Tiny House of God

(https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-House-God-Sara-Zavacki-Moore-ebook/dp/B0C28XY9FB/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=OHYp6&content-id=amzn1.sym.86077fb1-5ca1-4ffd-8c2c-b22356121545&pf_rd_p=86077fb1-5ca1-4ffd-8c2c-b22356121545&pf_rd_r=131-0143287-1913317&pd_rd_wg=31fG6&pd_rd_r=66052706-faed-4b2f-97b8-d21e3832a1fe&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk)

Choosing Charity

(https://www.amazon.com/Choosing-Charity-Sara-Zavacki-Moore-ebook/dp/B09KQZRZ26/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=i2BpF&content-id=amzn1.sym.86077fb1-5ca1-4ffd-8c2c-b22356121545&pf_rd_p=86077fb1-5ca1-4ffd-8c2c-b22356121545&pf_rd_r=131-0143287-1913317&pd_rd_wg=2gdMZ&pd_rd_r=6e4ef517-74bb-4ad4-9e24-31945ff0d2da&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk)

Lori Pollard Johnson discusses her writing journey, including starting with children's books, transitioning to writing articles, and eventually publishing cozy mysteries.

In this week’s episode, Lori Pollard Johnson shares her writing journey, starting with children's books and then transitioning to writing articles for various publications. She talks about her inspiration for her first book, Toxic Torte, and how she developed her writing process over time. Lori also discusses her experience with finding a publisher and the importance of staying true to oneself as a writer. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing your work and adapting quickly to different writing spaces and she shares her strategies for getting into the writing zone.

- Lori Pollard Johnson discusses her writing journey, starting with children's books and transitioning to writing articles.

- She shares her inspiration for her first book, Toxic Torte.

- Lori emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself as a writer and finding writing spaces that foster creativity.

- She shares her strategies for getting into the writing zone and the need to prioritize writing over other tasks.