On this episode, we’re joined by Gary A. Keith. Author, essayist, and longtime Austin observer, for a conversation about the writing process behind fiction, nonfiction, and essays. We talk about where ideas come from, how stories take shape, and the differences between writing novels, political nonfiction, and personal essays.

Gary is the author of Austin Blues and The Mansions on Woodlawn Boulevard, and previously wrote extensively on Texas politics, including his award-finalist biography Eckhardt: There Once Was a Congressman from Texas. He also writes essays and poems on Substack and lectures on democracy and civic life.

Gary Keith ATX

https://garykeithatx.com/

Gary’s Substack

https://garykeith.substack.com/

Subscribe to the Atmosphere Press YouTube Channel for Notifications! https://www.youtube.com/@atmospherepress

Sign up for the Newsletter to stay in the know!

https://atmospherepress.com/newsletter/

In this episode, we sit down with author Elinor Tambourine to discuss the writing process, navigating creativity through neurodivergency, and what it really takes to finally get the book done. From overcoming challenges to embracing unique ways of thinking, this conversation offers encouragement and insight for writers at every stage of their journey.

Subscribe to the Atmosphere Press YouTube Channel for Notifications! https://www.youtube.com/@atmospherepress

Sign up for the Newsletter to stay in the know!

https://atmospherepress.com/newsletter/

Author for over 30 years! We talk to author Matt Peterson on writing process, exploring different genres and selling your book.

Matt Peterson is the pen name for Cisco Gonzalez, an American author who writes fictional stories with a comedic twist. As a military brat, he grew up all over the place. He enjoys any well-written and funny fiction and is influenced by authors such as Christopher Moore, John Scalzi, and Martha Wells. He currently resides in Tucson with his wife, her two feline enforcers and Cimarron, the best dog in the world.

Andrea Jo DeWerd is a book marketing strategist, publishing consultant, speaker, and founder of the future of agency LLC, the industry’s only full-service book marketing agency headquartered in Brooklyn, NY. A veteran of Big 5 publishing with more than 107 career New York Times bestsellers, Andrea has led campaigns across commercial and literary fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, business, wellness, cookbooks, and major lifestyle brands in roles at SImon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, and HarperCollins—including for authors such as Marc Benioff, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ashley Flowers, Pati Jinich, Jamie Metzl, Elizabeth Strout, Dr. Tara Swart, Tara Westover, and Marie Yovanovitch. Andrea is a frequent speaker on what’s actually working in book marketing today, helping authors, publishers, and industry professionals navigate an increasingly complex publishing landscape. She holds an M.S. in Publishing from New York University and is also the author of the historical fantasy novel What We Sacrifice for Magic (Alcove Press).

Megan Sells holds an M.F.A. in Acting and Directing from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Before joining the publishing world, they spent years developing new plays with theatre companies such as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. That background informs their uniquely embodied, character-driven approach to editing.

They have edited over two dozen books across genres including speculative fiction, YA/MG, and memoirs. Megan is also a featured speaker at Writing Day Workshops, The Fiction Lab, and other workshops focused on narrative technique.

On this episode we'll be talking with our guest Marcus Batterbury on Writing the Truth: Craft, Courage, and the Memoir Journey. We explore the path of a memoirist, from the inspiration behind his story to the lessons learned along the way. Our guest shares insights on the challenges and breakthroughs of being an author, reflections on the writing and editing process, and how to craft stories that truly resonate with readers. We also touch on key moments that shaped their narrative voice and offer practical advice for writers navigating both traditional and independent publishing. Learn more abouut Marcus and his memoir With You in the Moment at https://marcusbatterbury.com

What really happens after you finish your manuscript? This episode covers working with an editor, navigating the marketing cycle, and learning to trust your publishing team to bring your book to life.

In this episode, learn how to create a standout book cover. Covering design basics, common mistakes to avoid, and simple strategies to help your book actually sell. Want to work with Laura Duffy? Find out more about Laura and her work at lauraduffydesign.com

In this episode, we explore the power of confessional writing and how deeply personal experiences can be transformed into compelling stories that resonate with readers. We discuss the craft of turning vulnerability, memory, and lived experience into narratives that feel both intimate and universal.

We also look at breaking the norms of indie publishing—especially as a non-genre or literary author. From building credibility while self-publishing to positioning your work to be taken seriously in the industry, this conversation offers insight for writers determined to share honest stories and succeed on their own terms. Visit Eva at Eva-Asprakis.com and learn more about us at AtmospherePress.com.

In this episode, we talk with a work-from-home mom and writer who has spent more than twenty years building a writing life while balancing family, freelance work, and the everyday demands of home. She shares honest insights into what it really takes to keep writing when time is limited and responsibilities are many.

We discuss practical strategies for finding time to write, prioritizing creative projects, building a freelance career, staying motivated through busy seasons, and handling rejection along the way. This conversation offers encouragement and real-world advice for writers trying to make their creative goals work alongside the realities of daily life. Visit Taffeta at https://bio.site/taffetachime and learn more about us at AtmospherePress.com.