How do you elevate your prose without rewriting your entire story?

In this craft-focused discussion, I’m joined by editors, AJ Volante and Margie Libling from The Wednesday Refinery to talk about sentence-level revision, literary voice, and the difference between commercial and literary fiction. If you’re revising a manuscript, preparing a query package, or trying to refine your prose, this episode breaks down what actually strengthens fiction at the line level.

After a chance class on prose refinement with them, I saw a shift in my own thriller, not in the plot, but in the sentences. In this conversation, we explore how elevated prose comes from precision, restraint, and voice rather than adding more description or complexity.

We dive into: 

• What elevated prose really means
• The difference between correct writing and compelling writing
• Sentence-level habits that weaken fiction
• How to strengthen voice during line editing
• Line edits vs. developmental editing
• How prose quality affects your query package and first pages
• Refining description without listing or over-explaining
• Protecting your voice during the revision process

This episode is for fiction writers working on revision, literary fiction, thrillers, or preparing to query. If you’re trying to move from commercial structure toward a stronger literary voice, this conversation will help you understand how prose refinement shapes a manuscript.

About The Wednesday Refinery

Run by AJ Volante and Margie Libling, The Wednesday Refinery offers manuscript editing and query guidance. 

About AJ: 

AJ first started writing and editing for museum exhibits and gaming companies before realizing she wanted to help writers with their manuscripts.
When she's not working or writing dark speculative fiction, she enjoys restoring her 1924 craftsman home and taking her cats for walks.

About Margie:

Margie is a former social worker who now writes and edits full-time. She is the author of two adult fiction novels and is currently working on a third. When not at her desk, Margie spends time with her husband, two daughters, and rescue dogs.

You can learn more about them here:

• Website: https://www.thewednesdayrefinery.com/
• Instagram: @thewednesdayrefinery

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"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and thriller author Nicole Annbury to talk about what it really takes to write a psychological thriller that kills. (all puns intended!) We take a deep dive into the craft behind her newest novel, The Signature Line, and explore why the psychology is the story.

This is a must-listen for writers interested in psychological thriller writing, and character-driven storytelling, as well as readers who love dark, emotionally layered thrillers.

We also discuss:

• Her latest release, The Signature Line (out February 13th, 2026)
• How to build psychological tension through character
• Plotting vs. pantsing (and plantsing!) 
• Crafting endings that stay with the reader
• Writing through hard seasons and pacing creativity
• The power of writing community and support

About the book:

The Signature Line  is a psychological thriller about Dr. Carmella Carey, a feminist therapist who runs a controversial program called "Year of Self" while hiding dark secrets. When she promotes the program on TV, it angers Dylan Foster, a men's rights advocate seeking his ex-girlfriend who joined Dr. Carey's program. As Dylan's threats escalate and a serial killer begins targeting the women in the program, both characters find themselves on a collision course. This page-turning thriller examines the ultimate price of control and the dangerous consequences when ideology turns deadly.

About Nicole: 

Nicole Annbury is a writer of dark fiction in the thriller, psychological suspense, and mystery genres. She currently lives in Indiana with her husband and three cats. When she's not writing, she enjoys nature walks, true crime documentaries, reality TV viewing and going on drives with her husband. 

For more information about upcoming releases, go to her website: nicoleannbury.com

Have a publishing question? Email me at [email protected]

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"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, we sit down with professional audiobook narrator Robb Moreira to talk about what it really takes to bring stories to life in audio—and what authors and aspiring narrators need to know before stepping behind the mic. Robb has recorded for authors like Rebecca Yarros, James Patterson, Megan Lally, Frieda McFadden, Mica Merrill Rice, and so many more!

Robb shares how he got started in audiobook narration, the project that helped define his career, and why audiobook narration is about far more than having a good voice. We also dive into the realities of audiobook production, self-narration, and how AI is impacting the voice narration space. 

We Discuss:

• How Robb got started in audiobook narration
• The book that helped put him on the map
• What makes a manuscript work (or struggle) in audio
• Why audiobook narration is performance, not just reading
• When authors should, and shouldn't, narrate their own books
• The realities of production, stamina, and consistency
• AI narration: limitations and listener trust

We conclude with the INK STARTER LIGHTNING ROUND and Robb’s 5 Best Tips for Authors and Aspiring Narrators.

About Robb: 

Robb Moreira is a Bilingual Voice Actor and audiobook narrator with over a decade of experience behind the microphone. With 7 years of Conservatory Acting training and over 10 years of stage experience, Robb was looking for something different. A chance conversation with a fellow actor changed his theater trajectory to one of voiceover and Robb never looked back. 

With over 200 audiobook credits and several voice award nominations (and wins!), Robb continues to venture further into the audiobook world and sees a very busy future in the genre. Keep an eye out for future titles!

Where to find Robb: 

Socials: @robbmorieravo

Website: https://www.robbmoreiravo.com/

You can also catch his voice on audiobooks via most major retailers!

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"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, we discuss Creating the Rules, a women's fiction novel by Ania Ray, and explore why women writers thrive when they choose community over isolation.

Ania shares the inspiration behind the book, her journey as an indie author, and how building intentional writing spaces changes the creative process.

We Discuss:

• • Her latest release, Creating the Rules, the 3rd and final book in the Cromwell Rules series
  • Her process for writing the craft
  • The Quill and Cup Writing group and the importance of community in this industry
  • We conclude with the INK STARTER LIGHTNING ROUND and Ania’s 5 Best Tips for Authors!

About Ania: 

Ania Ray is a mama, author, and CEO of Quill & Cup, a fiercely supportive community of women who are committed to prioritizing progress on their novel and making rest a non-negotiable. When she’s not curating curriculum, hosting events, or teaching research-backed mindset tools to empower women, she’s hanging out with her family. To fill her cup, catch her hiking, planning her next trip, or enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones.

The Cromwell Rules is her debut women’s fiction trilogy, where each woman must face the worst of herself before she becomes the hero of her story. 

Where to find Ania Ray: 

Instagram: @theaniassey

Books: https://www.thecromwellrules.com 

Writing group, Quill & Cup: www.quillandcup.com 

Ania's podcast : Her Life, Her Rules

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"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, I sit down with historical fiction author and English Literature teacher Catherine Astl to talk about her novel Christmas Serenades—a deeply rooted Smoky Mountain Christmas story filled with truth, tradition, and meticulously researched history.

Catherine shares how her lifelong connection to the Great Smoky Mountains shaped her storytelling, why she stays fiercely committed to historical accuracy, and how she weaves real events and family stories into engaging fiction. We discuss the simple but meaningful holiday traditions of Cades Cove, the importance of preserving the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, and the delicate balance between factual research and narrative imagination.

We Discuss:

• How Christmas Serenades brings Smoky Mountain history to life
• The simple holiday traditions of Cades Cove and why they matter
• Catherine’s extensive research process using family stories and university archives
• Why historical fiction should never “correct” or soften difficult truths
• How she balances teaching full-time with a consistent writing practice
• The power of small details, authentic dialogue, and writing with passion
• Catherine’s “Five Best Tips” for authors of any genre

Where to find Catherine and her book:

• Christmas Serenades: A Novel
• Instagram: @catherineastl
• Catherine on Facebook

About Catherine: 

Catherine Astl, a Florida-based English Literature teacher, holds a Master’s in English-Literature and Curriculum from Southern New Hampshire University, a Bachelor’s in English-American Literature from the University of South Florida, and is a graduate of the International Summer Schools Shakespeare and Literature program at the University of Cambridge. She also has an Associate of Science in Legal Assisting and spent 27 years as a civil litigation trial paralegal before transitioning to education. Catherine has published a trade magazine column, two non-fiction books, and six Smoky Mountain Historical Fiction novels.

Deeply connected to the Great Smoky Mountains—where her North Carolina roots lie—she devotes her work to preserving the stories of the people who once lived there. Inspired by childhood visits and personal ties to the region, Catherine is passionate about bringing the area's history to life, honoring the resilience and spirit of those who built communities in the park's now-preserved landscapes.

Have a publishing question? Email me at [email protected]

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"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, I sit down with memoirist and journalist Mallary Tenore Tarpley to talk about her new book, SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery, and the craft of writing memoir with honesty and care.

We discussed:

• What inspired SLIP and what it means to write from the “middle place” of recovery
• How to tell the truth with empathy — especially when writing about loved ones
• Why contradictions belong in memoir and how Mallary holds multiple truths
• Her winding journey to a Big Five publishing deal 
• Practical tips for memoirists who want to write about trauma, healing, or lived experience
• And we finish with the Ink Starter Lightning Round and her 5 best tips for authors

About our guest: 

Mallary Tenore Tarpley is a journalism and writing professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication and McCombs School of Business. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and The Dallas Morning News, among other publications. She is the recipient of a prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Foundation grant, which helped support her research and writing. Mallary graduated from Providence College and has a master’s of fine arts in nonfiction writing from Goucher College. She lives outside of Austin, Texas, with her husband and two children. Slip is her first book.

Where to find Mallary and her book:

•  Substack: Write at the Edge 
• Her book: SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery 

Have a publishing question? Email me at [email protected]

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"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

“Independent bookstores are the heart of the industry. We move books through real conversations, not algorithms. That grassroots passion is irreplaceable.” - Alsace Walentine

In this episode, I chat with Alsace Walentine, co-owner of Tombolo Books, about how indie bookstores choose what goes on their shelves and what makes an author stand out. Alsace shares what really sells, the production mistakes that get books rejected, how to approach a bookseller the right way, and why community matters more than ever.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• How indie bookstores decide which books to stock
• What makes a book sell—from cover design to endorsements
• How indie authors can get discovered by bookstores
• The best (and worst) ways to pitch your book
• How consignment works
• Alsace’s five best tips for authors

Perfect for indie authors, book lovers, and anyone curious about the world behind the bookstore counter.

About our guest:

Alsace Walentine is the founder and co-owner of Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg, Florida. Tombolo Books is an independent bookstore dedicated to promoting the value and pleasure of reading throughout St. Petersburg by offering thoughtful inventory curation, extensive literary knowledge, and excellent customer service.

Links for Tombolo Books: 

TomboloBooks.com  

@tombolobooks: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Have a publishing question? Email me at [email protected]

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Website: micamerrillrice.com

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"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

“Every single word has to earn its place.” - Jayne Marshall

In this episode, literary fiction author and developmental editor Jayne Marshall joins me again to talk about crafting literary fiction and how to blend fact with fiction in an engaging way. 

In this conversation, we dive into:

• Her latest release, A Line Drawn or Printed: Six Routes Through Madrid, a literary fiction.
• How she crafts a story blending fact and fiction without losing her authorial voice
• Her advice for making sure every word and every character count.
• Her best tips for authors on writing literary fiction

About Jayne:

Jayne Marshall is an author and a developmental editor at Modern Odyssey Books. Her latest book, A Line Drawn or Printed: Six Routes Through Madrid, can be found at all fine retailers. She currently resides in Spain.

You can also follow her by visiting one of her sites below:

• Website: jaynemarshall.com
• Subscribe to her Substack here: whoiaminspanish.substack.com

Have a publishing question? Email me at [email protected]

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Website: micamerrillrice.com

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"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

"Do your research." - Artem Sahaidak

In this episode, we sit down with marketing lead Artem Sahaidak at Miblart/Get Covers to talk about all things cover art and what to look for when you’re ready to get one.

We discussed: 

• Who Miblart and Get Covers are and what they offer
• Tips on how to work with a cover designer and get the best result
• Advice for authors
• And then we concluded with the INK STARTER LIGHTNING ROUND and Miblart’s 5 best tips for indie authors!

About Miblart

Miblart is a creative design agency specializing in custom book covers for indie authors. Known for its artistic quality and market-focused approach, Miblart helps writers stand out on platforms like Amazon and beyond with covers that captivate readers and boost sales. With thousands of projects completed, their work combines creativity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of book marketing.

You can find them here:

• https://miblart.com/portfolio/
• https://www.trustpilot.com/review/miblart.com

Have a publishing question? Email me at [email protected]

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Website: micamerrillrice.com

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"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

“Treat marketing like storytelling instead of advertising…” - Saleema Ishq

In this episode, thriller author and TikTok book marketing influencer Saleema Ishq joins me to talk about the craft of writing page-turning stories and how to grow your readership through BookTok.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• Her latest release, Sisters Arcana, an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller
• How she crafts a story that keep readers hooked
• What actually works when marketing books on social media (and what doesn’t)
• Her best tips for authors on writing and social media marketing

About Saleema:

Saleema Ishq is a former copywriter turned award-winning thriller author who accidentally fell in love with book marketing while launching her debut novel. Since then, she’s sold thousands of books, built a TikTok community of 16k+ readers, and picked up a few awards and media shoutouts along the way (all without burning out or selling out). Now she helps other authors do the same, making marketing feel authentic, sustainable, and even fun.

Free Social Media Kit for TSP listeners from Salmeema: 

• https://stan.store/saleemaishq/p/traditionally-self-published-listener-bonus

Resources mentioned in our podcast:

• Quill and Cup (women’s writing group): https://www.quillandcup.com
• Editor Nicole Meier: https://nicolemeier.com

Connect with Saleema on: 

• TikTok: saleemaishq 
• Instagram: saleemaishq
• Website: www.fearlessphrases.com

Have a publishing question? Email me at [email protected]

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Website: micamerrillrice.com

Instagram: @micamriceauthor

Facebook: @micamriceauthor

TikTok: @micamriceauthor

"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ