I've been in a business mentorship group for a few years now, and that's where I met today's guest, Rhonda Douglas. We found each other in that group — both writers, both building businesses around helping other writers — and I've loved her ever since. 

Rhonda is an award-winning poet, fiction writer, and founder of First Book Finish, a program that takes writers from draft all the way through to publication. She goes straight to the root of why writers get stuck. Not the craft stuff. The brain stuff. And in this conversation, that's exactly where we go. 

In this episode, we talk about: 

• Why mindset matters more than craft — and how to actually shift it 
• Writing rituals that train your brain to show up consistently 
• Imposter syndrome at every stage of the writing career (yes, even after 20 books) 
• Consistency over perfection — and why "write every day" advice can backfire 
• Beginner's mind, and why it's essential every time you start something new 
• What's really going on when a writer has been "working on a book for ten years" 
• The joy — and learning curve — of writing in a new genre for the first time 

Find Rhonda Douglas 

Find Rhonda at resilientwriters.com and on Instagram at @ResilientWriters. Her podcast, the Resilient Writers Radio Show, is available wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find free resources — including a DIY retreat guide and a Writers Weekly Planner — at resilientwriters.com/resources. 

Listen + Subscribe 

You can listen to this episode of Get Writing with Liz Mugavero wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to: 

• Hit follow/subscribe 
• Leave a quick rating or review 
• Share this episode with a writer friend who needs to hear it 

And if you're looking for your own supportive community of writers, come join us inside the Creativity Lab at GetWritingWithLiz.com. We're there every week — writing together, talking craft books, and supporting each other. I think it will make a huge difference in your writing career to be writing alongside a community. 

I’ve been on a short break from the podcast—finishing a book, trying to stay focused, and, honestly, wrestling with what it means to keep making art when the world feels heavy. I’ve caught myself wondering whether talking about creativity and writing and books is indulgent… or beside the point.

What I keep coming back to is this: creating isn’t frivolous. It’s resistance.

Paying attention, telling stories, making meaning—this is how we stay human.

So I’m back after a short sabbatical, and I couldn’t have picked a better conversation to return with.

In this episode, I’m joined by author and communications professional John David, whose debut novel The Bystander launched just weeks before we recorded. We talk honestly about the part of the writing life that doesn’t get romanticized: what happens after launch, how it feels to market your own work, the long silence of querying, and how to keep going when there’s no magic formula.

This is a conversation about persistence, patience, and staying in the work—even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Coming back to creativity as resistance and meaning-making

• The question every author has after launch: What’s next?

• Why marketing often feels like selling one book at a time

• The strange truth: it’s easier to market everyone else’s work than your own

• How a career in communications shaped John’s fiction writing

• Why journalists make compelling investigators—and compelling characters

• Mystery vs. thriller, and why genre lines are increasingly blurred

• Why not every mystery needs to start with a murder

• The reality of querying agents and hearing nothing back

• Turning down the wrong offer—and why fit matters more than validation

• Finding the right publishing home through an independent press

• Writing into a three-book deal and learning to live with deadlines

About the book

The Bystander is a mystery with thriller elements inspired by a real-world event. When a journalist captures a viral act of violence on camera, everything that follows isn’t quite what it seems—and the deeper he digs, the more complicated the truth becomes.

Find John David

John writes on Substack at https://byjohndavid.substack.com/, where he shares reflections on writing, publishing, and the behind-the-scenes reality of building a fiction career. If you enjoy long-form, thoughtful essays about the writing life, his Substack pairs naturally with the conversations we have here—and with the kinds of reflections I share on my own Substack as well.

The Bystander is available wherever books are sold and can be ordered through your local bookstore.

If you’re in the middle of the writing life—querying, launching, wondering if your work is “good enough,” or asking yourself why you keep going—this episode is for you.

Thanks for being here. And if you needed the reminder: making art still matters. Keep writing.

Listen + Subscribe

You can listen to this episode of Get Writing with Liz Mugavero wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to:

• Hit follow/subscribe

• Leave a quick rating or review

• Share the episode with a writer friend who needs a reminder not to give up

And if you’re craving a little more support, come hang out with me inside The Creativity Lab— it’s where we write together, keep each other accountable, and make space for the kind of progress that actually feels good.

Her book is set in the Greek-life world at the University of Michigan and follows two undergrads, Stella and Penny. Stella is the sorority girl who seems to have it all; Penny is the introvert who becomes obsessed with the idealized version of Stella she sees. Their lives collide through sororities, frat boys, prescription drugs and psychiatric “care” that’s more comedy and chaos than actual help. Things spiral in a way that’s messy, unsettling and very human.

If you love dark academia, complicated female characters, and endings that don’t necessarily offer a neat bow, this one’s for you.

We talk about:

The origin of The Gilded Butterfly Effect

How Heather took the mystique of sorority houses and Greek life and turned it into a literary campus novel.

Imagined selves & performative perfection

How Penny’s obsession with Stella is fueled by an imagined, “perfect” version of her—and how that connects to social media, curated lives and what we choose to show the world.

Psychiatric care, pills, and dark humor

Why Heather made the psychiatrists in the book hilariously incompetent, and how Stella and Penny manipulate them for drugs, attention and validation.

Short stories vs. novels

Why she finds short stories easier than novels, how this book started as a single short story set in a church basement, and why she always knows the ending early.

How her PhD shapes her writing

How studying 19th-century poetry and form at Oxford made her think differently about structure, language, and even commas—and how that attention to detail shows up in her prose.

The long road to publication

Getting an agent in 2020 (yes, right as the pandemic hit), losing that agent, continuing to submit, and eventually finding the right home with small press Three Rooms Press.

Bleak endings & “unfixable” people

Why she’s drawn to dark, unresolved endings and troubled characters who don’t necessarily get redemption, and how that connects to the Victorian novels she studies.

Process, pressure, and permission

Her very unstructured, note-app-based writing process, why deadlines help her, and the reminder that your writing process doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be valid.

What’s next

The short story collection she has coming out (full of unhinged women and strange endings, with one story from Stella’s POV), plus her plans for finishing her PhD and staying in academia.

About Heather Colley

Heather Colley is a writer and academic originally from New York and now based in the UK. Her debut novel, The Gilded Butterfly Effect, is a dark, literary campus novel set in the Greek-life world at the University of Michigan. Her short fiction has won awards including the Oxford Review of Books short fiction prize, the Hopwood Award, the BNU-Oxford short fiction prize (runner-up), and the Desperate Literature Prize shortlist. Heather is a PhD student in English Literature at Oxford University. She holds a master’s degree in literature from St Andrews University and a bachelor’s degree in the same subject from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.

Connect with Heather & Find the Book

Book: The Gilded Butterfly Effect – available in print, ebook, and audiobook wherever you usually buy books

Website: heathercolleyauthor.com

Instagram & TikTok: @heathercolleyauthor (lots of literary and bookish posts… plus cat content )🐈

Listen + Subscribe

You can listen to this episode of Get Writing with Liz Mugavero wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to:

Hit follow/subscribe

Leave a quick rating or review

Share the episode with a writer friend who needs a reminder not to give up

And if you’re craving a little more support, come hang out with me inside The Creativity Lab—it’s where we write together, keep each other accountable, and make space for the kind of progress that actually feels good.

Well, good news.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with book broker Randy Peyser, who has spent nearly three decades helping authors land deals with traditional publishers. Randy shares what’s working right now in publishing, what agents and editors are really looking for and how to position both your book and your platform so you’re taken seriously.

Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, this conversation gives you a clear-eyed, encouraging look at the business side of books—without crushing your own personal magic.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What a book broker is and how Randy acts as a connector between authors, agents, and publishers

• Why she won’t pitch anything that isn’t polished, “stellar,” and clearly sellable

• The current word count realities publishers are quietly using (including why many don’t want books over ~80K words)

• Why nonfiction lives or dies on outcome-driven titles and a clear promise to the reader

• What makes fiction stand out in an oversaturated market—and why your opening pages matter so much

• How platform and engagement are evaluated behind the scenes (including tools like SocialBlade and what agents check while you’re pitching)

• Smart ways to build visibility before your book is even out—like podcasts, newsletters, and focused social content

• How conferences, pitch sessions, and tight, two-minute pitches can accelerate your chances of getting noticed

• Randy’s hilarious and inspiring story of how her book Crappy to Happy ended up in Eat Pray Love

• Her current project, Bald Courage, and why legal permissions matter when you’re writing about real people

• The mindset shift from “my book is an option” to “my book is a priority”—and why that changes everything

About Randy Peyser

Randy Peyser is a book broker and the founder of Author One Stop. After working as an editor-in-chief in the Mind–Body–Spirit magazine world, she transitioned into helping authors land traditional book deals. Over nearly 30 years, she’s developed deep relationships with literary agents and publishers, and now pitches both nonfiction and fiction projects—often securing multiple offers and even six-figure deals for her clients. Randy also oversees a team of highly vetted editors and ghostwriters and is currently working on her own book, Bald Courage:

Gentle Wisdom on the Chemo Journey. Resources

• Randy’s website: Author One Stop – https://www.authoronestop.com

• Social media metrics tool: https://www.socialblade.com (check your own engagement the way publishers do)

• Look for in-person pitch opportunities like the Writer’s Digest Conference and other agent “speed dating” or pitch sessions in your genre

Listen + Subscribe

You can listen to this episode of Get Writing with Liz Mugavero wherever you get your podcasts.

If this conversation gave you hope, a nudge, or a new way to look at your own “drawer novel,” it would mean the world if you:

• Hit follow/subscribe

• Leave a quick rating or review

• Share the episode with a writer friend who needs a reminder not to give up

And if you’re craving a little more support, come hang out with me inside The Creativity Lab— it’s where we write together, keep each other accountable, and make space for the kind of progress that actually feels good.

Every time I hear it, I think about my own story. I wrote a bunch of books before I got my first book published by a publisher. I had a couple that I really wanted to get published. I have one that I'm still rewriting to this day because it did not get published.

And I wrote these books back in my 20s and early 30s. I was positive especially with one of these, that it was going to be the book. And it might still be, because I'm still rewriting it. But no — it almost got published once at a small press and then it did not. They ended up passing.

And then the opportunity fell into my lap to start my first cozy mystery series. And that was a decade after I started trying. A decade after I started going to conferences and pitching and editing and rewriting and pitching again and getting a lot of rejections.

So it really is true that “overnight” successes are years in the making.

And today's guest is someone else who knows that journey inside and out — the persistence, the rewrites, the revisions, and that long stretch between who you are as a writer and when you finally get recognized by the industry and picked up by a publisher (if that’s the path you’re choosing).

This story is awesome. I love my guest today, Cindy Fazzi. She's the author of the Domingo the Bounty Hunter series which she started writing in 1995. It was rejected everywhere, rewritten multiple times (do you see a theme here?), dropped by publishers, resurrected again, and ultimately sold twice to the same editor at two different houses. I mean, you can't make this stuff up.

Cindy's story is one of the most hopeful and necessary conversations that I've had lately about resilience, representation and just really sticking with the book that you believe in.

We cover:

✨ The “Unsellable” Book That Wouldn’t Let Go

How Cindy first wrote the earliest version of Danger No Problem in 1995, had it rejected everywhere, and kept coming back to it over decades.

✨ Immigration, Identity & Why Representation Matters

Why Cindy, a Filipino-American immigrant and former Associated Press reporter, felt compelled to center Filipino-American characters and humanize immigration beyond the headlines.

✨ The POV Shift That Changed Everything

How changing the narrator from a non-criminal undocumented immigrant to a Filipino- American bounty hunter organically turned the story into a thriller and made the book click.

✨ Selling the Same Two Books — Twice

The wild publishing ride:

• Selling the series to one publisher

• Watching that house shutter six months after release

• Then selling the same books again to the same editor at a different publisher, who relaunched them and released both books simultaneously.

✨ Agents, Rejections & the Myth of “Once You Have an Agent, You’re Set”

Cindy’s journey through three agents, what actually happens when agents can’t sell your work, and how she learned to stop tailoring her writing to someone else’s idea of “marketable.”

✨ Community as a Career Shortcut (and Lifeline)

How joining Crime Writers of Color and Sisters in Crime later in her journey changed everything — and why she wishes she’d done it years earlier.

✨ A Brand-New Series with a Brilliant Heroine

Cindy’s next project: a new series starring a female FBI intelligence analyst — a procedural featuring a heroine who doesn’t carry a gun but fights crime with her intellect and her instincts.

About Cindy

Cindy Fazzi is the author of the Domingo the Bounty Hunter series, including:

• Danger No Problem

• Sunday or the Highway

The series follows Domingo, a Filipino-American bounty hunter who specializes in tracking criminal undocumented immigrants — and finds himself drawn into increasingly complex, high- risk cases involving non-criminal undocumented people as well. Through Domingo’s world, Cindy tackles the human side of immigration, justice, and belonging.

A former Associated Press reporter, Cindy brings her journalist’s eye for detail ad clarity to her thrillers, blending pace, human stakes, and nuanced social issues.

Where to Find Cindy

• Website: CindyFazzi.com

• Social: Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube → @cindyfazzi

Perfect For

This episode is especially for you if:

• You’ve been working on a manuscript for years and feel like it might never find a home

• You’ve been rejected so many times you’re wondering if it’s a sign to quit

• You care about representation and want to see more immigrant and Filipino-American characters in genre fiction

• You love hearing real talk about the business side of publishing — agents, editors, imprints closing, books getting resurrected

• You need a reminder that persistence + the right match can change everything

Listen + Subscribe

You can listen to this episode of Get Writing with Liz Mugavero wherever you get your podcasts.

If this conversation gave you hope, a nudge, or a new way to look at your own “drawer novel,” it would mean the world if you:

• Hit follow/subscribe

• Leave a quick rating or review

• Share the episode with a writer friend who needs a reminder not to give up

And if you’re craving a little more support, come hang out with me inside The Creativity Lab— it’s where we write together, keep each other accountable, and make space for the kind of progress that actually feels good.

I’ve been thinking about what happens when you cross an invisible border—geography, language, career—and suddenly the words you’ve always trusted go quiet. Our guest today knows that silence intimately. She grew up in communist Bulgaria, moved to Kentucky, stopped writing for eleven years…and then, driving to work one morning, a poem jolted through her like electricity. That current carried her back to herself.

Today I’m talking with poet, publisher, and community builder Katerina Stoykova about identity, reinvention, and the long road back to the page. We get into losing—and re-finding— your voice in a new language, why throwing away a year of work can be an act of devotion, what it takes to shape a pile of poems into a book, and how small daily goals add up to a creative life.

We also dig into her press, Accents Publishing, her craft book The Poet’s Guide to Publishing, and the metaphor at the heart of her latest poetry collection, Between a Birdcage and a Birdhouse—that liminal space between nesting and flight. If you’ve ever felt “in between,” this one’s going to land.

In this episode:

• Growing up in communist Bulgaria, immigrating to the U.S., and holding two identities at once

• The 11-year silence—and the poem that arrived like a jolt in a Kroger parking lot

• Writing in a second language and giving yourself permission to “waste” pages

• The craft and logistics of poetry books: conceiving, arranging, editing, publishing, marketing

• Founding Accents Publishing (from hand-bound chapbooks in the dining room to global distribution)

• Community as a lifeline: Kentucky Book Festival and the Kentucky State Poetry Society

• Journaling → harvesting → (yes) burning: a ritual for clarity and privacy

• The birdcage/birdhouse metaphor for the immigrant experience—home as a moving target

• Monthly creative goals, tiny daily commitments, and tricking your brain past resistance

• Why not being yourself is the costliest path of all

About Katerina

A Bulgarian by birth, Katerina Stoykova is a bilingual poet living in Kentucky and is the author of Between a Bird Cage and a Bird House (University Press of Kentucky, 2024) and The Poet's Guide to Publishing: How to Conceive, Arrange, Edit, Publish and Market a Book of Poetry (McFarland, 2024). Katerina is the founder and senior editor of Accents Publishing, as well as the creator of the Accents podcast on WUKY. Katerina served as the 2023-2024 Director of the Kentucky Book Festival, as well as the Director for the Center for the Book in Kentucky and is the 2025-2026 President of the Kentucky State Poetry Society.

Connect

Accents Publishing: https://www.accents-publishing.com/books.html

Accents podcast: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1191882226/accents

Latest poetry book (University Press of Kentucky, 2024)

https://www.kentuckypress.com/9780813198682/between-a-bird-cage-and-a-bird-house/

Nonfiction book, the Poet's Guide to Publishing (McFarland, 2024)

https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-poets-guide-to-publishing/

You can also follow the Get Writing podcast on all platforms and join my newsletter at lizmugavero.substack.com for creative rituals, seasonal challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories.

And if you’re craving a little more support, come hang out with me inside The Creativity Lab— it’s where we write together, keep each other accountable, and make space for the kind of progress that actually feels good.

It sounded warm and fuzzy, sure. But as a storyteller, I understood that was exactly what this was: a story.

Families don’t write you up for missing a deadline. They don’t guilt you into working weekends. They definitely don’t lay you off with a smile and a severance packet. What was really underneath those warm and fuzzy words was, We want you to be loyal until we don’t need you anymore. Then, you’re gone and we won’t even blink an eye.

I started questioning how much of corporate culture is built on the stories we tell to keep people in line—stories about loyalty, productivity and worth. And that’s one of the things I went deep on with this week’s guest, Alex Mell-Taylor.

Alex writes about politics, pop culture and futurism—all through the lens of story. We got into how writing can challenge cultural narratives, how corporate America can mirror cult dynamics and how fiction helps us imagine something more authentic.

Alex also shares their journey from creating video content to writing essays about politics and culture, how fiction can tell the truth sideways and why community is essential for creative survival.

In this episode:

• Why “we’re a family” might be the most dangerous workplace myth

• The link between advocacy and storytelling

• How fiction can become cultural resistance

• The cult logic of corporate America

• Imagining better futures through creative work

• Writing as a way to process fear—and move toward liberation

• Building community as a creative survival skill

If you’ve ever side-eyed a “we’re a family” email or felt the urge to write your way out of someone else’s narrative, this one’s for you.

About Alex Mell-Taylor

Alex Mell-Taylor is a trans, nonbinary writer who reports out from the digital trenches on pop culture and politics, often with an intersectional, queer bent. Their personal blog, Alex Has Opinions, has received hundreds of thousands of views and is growing every day. They are the editor and founder of the futurist magazine After the Storm, which has accepted stories from around the world. The Bubble We're In is their debut Romance novel.

Connect

You can find Alex’s work on Medium.

You can also follow the Get Writing podcast on all platforms and join my newsletter at lizmugavero.substack.com for creative rituals, seasonal challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories.

And if you’re craving a little more support, come hang out with me inside The Creativity Lab— it’s where we write together, keep each other accountable, and make space for the kind of progress that actually feels good.

When I heard this advice from author Liz Alterman, I actually sat back in my chair.

Because it’s So. True. In fact, it is the key to success in this author life—persistence, intuition

and an almost ridiculous belief in yourself and the project that keeps you up at night.

Liz Alterman is a novelist and essayist whose work ranges from psychological thrillers to rom- coms and memoir. We talk about how she’s navigated the rollercoaster of agents, rejections, indie publishing, and trusting her creative instincts—plus what happens when the “wrong” killer turns out to be the right one.

This one’s a love letter to persistence, self-belief and the weird, wonderful process of being a writer—whether you’re 3,000 words in or deep in a series. Also: goats, cats and the occasional suburban meal-train rivalry.

We truly cover it all:

• What it really takes to claim “writer” as your identity

• Liz’s merry-go-round ride with different agents and how it led to a deep belief in herself and her work

• Navigating agents, rejections, and alternative publishing paths

• Building better writing habits that fit real life

• Trusting your gut when feedback is conflicting

• How to find humor in dark stories

• Substack experiments, marketing without losing your soul…and of course, cats

If you’re wondering why your own writing career doesn’t go neatly from point A to point B… this episode is for you.

Favorite Quotes

“Are you writing for two gatekeepers—or thousands of readers?”

“This isn’t a pan of brownies; it’s a year of my life.”

“If feedback doesn’t feel true in your body, it’s a no.”

About Liz Alterman

Liz Alterman is a multi-genre author and journalist based in New Jersey. Her novels include You Shouldn’t Have Done That, The Perfect Neighborhood, He’ll Be Waiting, The House on Cold Creek Lane, and the memoir Sad Sacked. Her rom-com Claire Casey’s Had Enough lands June 3, 2025. She also writes essays, humor, and freelance pieces for publications like Parade Pets.

Connect

You can find Liz at https://www.lizalterman.com/.

You can also follow the Get Writing podcast on all platforms and join my newsletter at lizmugavero.substack.com for creative rituals, seasonal challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories.

And if you’re craving a little more support, come hang out with me inside The Creativity Lab— it’s where we write together, keep each other accountable, and make space for the kind of progress that actually feels good.

Write books, publish books, repeat. Easy, right?

Yeah. No. That’s not how it works.

Every milestone in publishing just opens a new set of questions. The middle of a writing career is this weird mix of gratitude and uncertainty—you’re not the shiny new debut anymore, but you’re not the household name with a dozen contracts either. You’re somewhere in between, still showing up, still hustling, still trying to figure out what success even looks like now.

That’s what I’m digging into in this episode with my friend Korina Moss, Agatha Award– winning author of The Cheese Shop Mysteries. After six books, a loyal fan base, and all the recognition you’d hope for, her series came to an end—and she’s been really open about what that’s been like.

We talk about what happens when your career takes a turn you didn’t see coming, how to find your footing again, and why community and resilience are everything when you’re stuck in the middle.

If you’ve ever looked around and thought, Wait a second—wasn’t this supposed to get easier by now? …you’re going to feel seen in this one.

What We Talk About

• The myth of “making it” in publishing

• What really happens when a successful series ends

• The grief, relief, and recalibration that follow

• Burnout, deadlines, and learning to set boundaries

• Shifting genres and re-learning how to write again

• The good and bad of social media for authors

• How to stay connected to readers without losing yourself

• Why community is what makes perseverance possible

My Takeaway

The middle isn’t failure—it’s feedback. It’s part of the deal. You’re allowed to pause. You’re allowed to want something different. You’re allowed to protect your energy, your health, and your joy—even when the world tells you to keep producing.

If you’re in the in-between right now, I get it. It’s uncomfortable and uncertain, but it’s not the end. You’re not the only one figuring it out, and you’ll find your footing again—probably sooner than you think.

Connect

Find Korina Moss on Instagram @korinamossauthor or visit korinamossauthor.com.

You can also follow the Get Writing podcast on all platforms and join my newsletter at lizmugavero.substack.com for creative rituals, seasonal challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories.

And if you’re craving a little more support, come hang out with me inside The Creativity Lab— it’s where we write together, keep each other accountable, and make space for the kind of progress that actually feels good.

A few weeks ago, I tuned into an early morning live session on Insight Timer, my favorite meditation app. It was a mediumship reading with Gloria Battini, a transformational guide, spiritual teacher and empathic visionary—also a Swiss Army knife of spiritual tools.

And I got picked for a reading. Next thing I know, I’m having a conversation with my dad that I’ve wanted to have since he passed away a decade ago.

I write for a living. I share a lot. And still—being that vulnerable in front of 200 strangers in a group chat felt scary.

But—not only is Gloria amazing, but her community is too. That’s the thing about her: she makes the unseen feel not only possible, but safe.

Today, we trace how a girl who “always felt she wasn’t alone” grew into a spiritual medium and teacher who works with tarot, Akashic Records, and personal astrology—and how that same intuitive current can fuel our writing. We talk about the four clairs, why forcing ideas backfires, the difference between a thought that tightens and a nudge that speaks, and simple ways to let your stories come through.

If you’ve been told you’re “too sensitive,” consider this your permission slip: sensitivity is craft material—and this episode is a can’t-miss.

We cover:

• Growing up “never alone” and only realizing in her thirties that not everyone senses energy

• The four clairs—voyance (seeing), audience (hearing), sentience (feeling), cognizance (knowing)—and how to spot yours

• Why early criticism makes us hide our creative selves (and how to rebuild self-trust)

• Meditation and daydreaming as space-makers for story (no 8-hour writing day required)

• Automatic writing, sound as a doorway and the cacao ritual Gloria uses to quiet the noise

• Building affirmations that work because they’re yours—not generic Pinterest lines

Try this

• Catch the nudge: When an idea lands, stop and write one messy sentence. Speed beats polish.

• Find your channel: Notice what shows up first—image, words, body sensation, clean “knowing.” Feed it with a matching practice (visualization, single-track listening, breath/ somatic work, or timed freewrite).

• Flip the doubt: Take your loudest fear and turn it into a targeted affirmation you can say out loud daily.

Resources

• GLOW Nation live circles on Insight Timer (donation-based) and YouTube

• Courses on Insight Timer: Unlock Your Psychic Skills, Life-Changing Affirmations, Tarot & Oracle: Energy, Intuition and Divination

• Ritual: 20g ceremonial cacao + hot water, cinnamon, turmeric, tiny pinch cayenne, spoon of honey

About Gloria

A lifelong sensitive who trained intensively in intuitive development, Gloria helps people reconnect to their inner guidance through live circles, courses and one-to-one work.

For writers

• The Creativity Lab membership: seasonal rituals, co-writing, and woo-meets-structure.

PS: Gloria is visiting The Creativity Lab later this month for a past-lives class. Bring your notebook. And if you’re not a member yet, now’s the time! https://getwritingwithliz.com/

And follow me on IG @Liz Mugavero. If today’s episode resonated, leave a quick rating or share it with your writing group—every star helps another writer find the show.

Then there’s the wrong kind—the inherited kind. The kind that isn’t about danger, but about staying small. I grew up watching the women in my family carry that kind of fear. Fear of speaking up. Fear of being “too much.” Fear of wanting more than they were told they could have. And without meaning to, I picked up that script. It’s shaped how I’ve moved through the world and even how long I kept writing from taking the center stage it was always meant to take.

Writers know that version of fear well. It’s the voice that says your pages aren’t good enough. That you’ll embarrass yourself. That it’s safer not to try.

That’s why today’s guest, Amy Koford—The Happy Hypnotist— feels like such a breath of fresh air. She’s made it her mission to help people unhook from the wrong kind of fear. Through hypnosis, she’s guiding people out of depression, anxiety, addictions, and yes, the creative paralysis that fear creates. Amy knows both the science of how fear lives in our brains and the lived reality of what it does to our lives.

This conversation is about rewriting that script—so you can let fear do its real job of protecting you, and stop letting it keep you from the page.

I love this because, as you know, I love ALL the woo. And honestly hypnosis is one of the (very) few things I haven’t tried. I think that might be about to change, y’all.

We cover:

• Myth-busting hypnosis: Hollywood sells mind control; real hypnosis is a natural theta brainwave state where you’re deeply relaxed and still in control.

• Why it works fast: Traditional talk therapy tries to solve subconscious problems with the conscious mind; hypnosis goes straight to where the patterns live. Amy’s typical range: 1–8 sessions (severe cases at the high end).

• Road hypnosis & daydreams: Everyday examples of light trance—and how guided work takes you deeper with intent.

• From HR to hypnotist: A “crossroads” season, a test session to kick sugar, then training —her niche found her: depression and anxiety.

• Fear as the real problem: Under addictions, procrastination, and perfectionism sits fear —often fear of feeling. Resolve the root and the habit loosens.

• Creatives + blocks: Writers are not broken; they’re protecting themselves. Hypnosis can unhook old criticism and performance fear so the draft can happen.

• Process peek: Shocking the nervous system into relaxation; “moving the conscious mind aside” to work with the unconscious; why Zoom sessions (with headphones) are effective.

• Book origin story: A long drive, a bossy inner voice—“Write about fear.” First draft flowed, revisions were the real workout. Practical tools in every chapter (including Amy’s Stress Eliminator).

• Self-love (next book): Most of us are brutal to ourselves. She’s building a toolbox to swap criticism for actual confidence.

Favorite thread:

“Necessary fear protects you. Unnecessary fear parks you.” Amy’s work is basically teaching your nervous system the difference—and letting the writer part of you breathe again.

Try this (Writer’s Prompt):

Name one “unnecessary fear” that keeps your pages stuck. Give it a voice on the page for 5 minutes—let it rant. Then write a 7-line rebuttal from the part of you that actually wants the book. Close your eyes for 60 seconds, slow your breathing, and start your next scene without rereading.

Find more about Amy and her work at https://www.amykoford.com/ .

And follow me on IG @Liz Mugavero. If today’s episode resonated, leave a quick rating or share

it with your writing group—every star helps another writer find the show.

Today’s guest, Joseph Bolton, stepped right into that space and built a world. He took the true thread of his French-Canadian and Algonquin ancestry and wove it into Old Grandmother’s Tree—two volumes of fully illustrated original folktales with Northern Lights shawls, trickster animals, and one fierce ancestor at the center: Mityo Goku.

We get into how an INFJ intuition becomes a writing process, how grief and curiosity can open creative doors, and what it takes to honor culture while inventing boldly. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn family history into living story, this one’s your permission slip.

We cover:

• From one assignment to a universe: A French-class story about farm animals sledding becomes a two-volume, 40K-word cycle with ~450 full-color illustrations.

• The intuitive build: Joseph’s INFJ pattern-spotting, writing without outlines, and following the “good idea fairy” at 2 a.m.

• An ancestor at the center: The life of Mityo Goku—widowed at 22, children taken, later praised by her community as courageous and loving—and how Joseph uses folktale “language” to tell deeper truths.

• Team storytelling: Storyboards by Masami Kyoto → final art by Natasha Pelly-Smith (Cree/Ojibwe), and how the visual magic shaped the writing.

• Respecting culture: Research, community feedback from the Algonquin community in Pembroke, ON, and an invitation that became kinship.

• Language matters: Publishing in English and Quebec French now; a plan to translate future work into the Algonquin language—and the real costs of keeping languages alive.

• Place as portal: Returning to Quebec post-COVID, feeling the land as lineage, and renaming Magog to Saint-Autery inside the books.

• Grief as ignition: Losing two brothers, writing to leave something that connects people across borders and generations.

• Let them doubt you: The bookstore owner who said it would fail—and why that became fuel.

My favorite thread:

Stories don’t end when someone dies. They keep moving through us. Joseph’s work is a reminder that writing can be an act of reunion—between languages, between cousins who’ve never met, between who we were told we are and who we’re still becoming.

Try this (Writer’s Prompt):

Write a 700–1200 word folktale about an ancestor—real or rumored. Give them one magical object that reveals who they are. Let a trickster character witness the turning point. Don’t research first. Write the heartbeat, then layer facts later.

Find out more about Joseph and his work here: https://oldgrandmotherstree.com/

Follow me on IG @Liz Mugavero, and if today’s episode resonated, leave a quick rating or share

it with your writing group—every star helps another writer find the show.

Headlines read like history we swore we’d never repeat. When I heard about the book Counting Backwards, I felt like it truly was a story for our time.

That’s why I invited Jacqueline Friedland on the show. She’s a former attorney whose new novel was sparked by two things: the 1927 Buck v. Bell decision that green-lit involuntary sterilization—and a 2020 headline about women in a U.S. immigration detention center alleging sterilization without consent. A century apart. Same wound. Jacqueline’s book threads those timelines together through one fierce (and imperfect, human) attorney who decides to fight.

This conversation isn’t just “about issues.” It’s about people. It’s about how a teenage research project can burrow into your bones for decades. It’s about how words, choices, and consent are not abstractions—especially now. And it’s about writing the kind of novel that lets readers feel the danger and the dignity at stake.

🧵 What we talk about:

• The seed that wouldn’t let go. Seventeen-year-old Jacqueline, paging through dry Supreme Court opinions, stumbles on a three-paragraph ruling that changes her. Years later, a headline called “The Uterus Collector” lights the fuse. She starts writing because she can’t not.

• Reproductive rights ≠ one argument. We widen the lens: consent, informed care, the right to have children and the right not to be forced into it, language access in medical settings—and how easily “obvious” rights get eroded when we stop paying attention.

• Law school, then a left turn. Jacqueline tries on the big-firm life and realizes the part she loves is the thinking, the arguing, the human stakes—not the billable hours. She carries the law into fiction anyway, where it becomes plot, pressure and purpose.

• Building people, not positions. In Counting Backwards, the past belongs to Carrie (inspired by Buck v. Bell), and the present belongs to Jessa, a lawyer who thinks she knows her path—until she meets women whose stories demand more of her. Layer by draft, Jacqueline writes toward their private truths.

• Writing in a hard season. From “fill the sandbox, then build the castle” first drafts to the temptation of perfect sentences, we talk about stamina, deadlines, and showing up when the news cycle feels like quicksand.

• Publishing without losing your voice. Hybrid, then Big Five—what changed, what didn’t, and why editorial control (and the right champion) matter when you’re carrying a story with real-world resonance.

• What’s next. A D1 swimmer buckles under pressure and finds unlikely connection with an autistic teen. Different arena, same heartbeat: agency, identity, and the cost of belonging.

If you’ve felt the weight of this moment for women, or wondered how to capture some of the fear and anger we’re feeling right now, this episode is for you.

📚 About Jacqueline Friedland

Jacqueline Friedland is the USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of both historical and contemporary women’s fiction. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and NYU Law School, she practiced as a commercial litigator for as long as she could stand it. She then returned to school to earn her Masters of Fine Arts in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College and has been writing ever since.

Jackie’s books have been awarded the 2020 and 2021 gold medals in fiction from Readers’ Favorite. Her novels have also been named the 2021 Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Book of the Year, the SheReads Best Book Club Pick of 2021, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association Star finalist for 2022. She regularly reviews fiction for trade publications and appears at schools and other locations as a guest lecturer. Her fifth novel, Counting Backwards, was released by Harper Muse in March 2025.

🔗 Connect with her at https://www.jacquelinefriedland.com/

Follow me on IG @Liz Mugavero, and if today’s episode resonated, leave a quick rating or share

it with your writing group—every star helps another writer find the show.

I mean, you have to admit—most of us have So. Many. Possibilities. when it comes to character, drama or heck, even murder plots when we look at the people we work with or have worked with (and if that’s not you, you’re a unicorn!.

In all seriousness—people are fascinating and there are really stories everywhere. And I just worked in financial services! So I have always been a little envious of people who have really cool jobs who then take those learnings and turn them into fiction. And today's guest, Brad Elder, has done just that.

After nearly two decades as a lawyer and a business owner, he found himself unexpectedly turning to creativity during a difficult time. He started out painting, but then soon turned to writing. And then before he knew it, he was channeling his professional expertise into a brand new thriller series. So in this conversation, Brad shares how he went from I could never do this to finishing his debut novel, Recoil of Justice, and all about his writing and publishing journey.

We talk about:

• How painting through a stressful season opened the door to writing

• Why you don’t have to choose between plotter or pantser—it’s a spectrum

• The way his legal background adds realism without overwhelming readers

• The pros and cons of self-publishing and what he’s learned so far

• How secondary characters and even fleeting real-life moments add depth to a story

If you’re hating on your day job right now, you need to listen to this episode. We’re going to turn that dread into a mindset of, What a wealth of creativity is at my fingertips at this job!

🔗 Connect with Brad at bradeldernovels.com for updates, sneak peeks, and release news.

Follow me on IG @Liz Mugavero, and if today’s episode resonated, leave a quick rating or share it with your writing group—every star helps another writer find the show.

Yup. That was pretty much a defining moment in my life. I was pretty young and I felt like all my friends were doing ballet and jazz and tap classes. So I begged my mother to sign me up. She did, and I went to a few classes. I don’t remember much about it, except the story my mother told over and over after that—how the teacher basically told her not to waste her money on dance classes for me, and invited her to remove me from class.

Embarrassing, right? I still get hives when I think about going near a dance floor today.

My guest today, Alexandra Beller, is the exact opposite. She’s a professional dancer, choreographer, teacher and now she’s added writer to her creative credits. And despite the fact that I worried, given my sad history with dancing, that we might not have a lot in common, I couldn’t have been more wrong. We had the best conversation about her journey from dance to writing and her book, 'The Anatomy of Art,' which explores various frameworks for understanding and enhancing the creative journey.

We covered:

• Why habits aren’t inherently bad—but why we sometimes need to break them to bring more “colors” back onto our creative palette.

• The simple changes that can wake up your brain and shift your perspective.

• What it means to actually listen to your body (and how I’ve spent much of my life living in my head because of that dance teacher’s words).

• A kinder, more compassionate way to deal with the inner critic that shows up in all of us.

• How Alexandra’s background in choreography shapes the way she approaches writing now.

• The importance of joy and rest as part of the creative process, not rewards we only earn when the work is “done.”

If you’ve been feeling like you’re in a little bit of a creative slump lately, you don’t want to miss this episode.

You can find all of Alexandra’s classes, her book and some free dance practices here.

Follow me on IG @Liz Mugavero, and if today’s episode resonated, leave a quick rating or share

it with your writing group—every star helps another writer find the show.

That’s exactly how author and illustrator Regina Linke transformed her career. After years in nonprofit marketing, Regina and her family moved to Taiwan where she discovered Gongbi, a traditional Chinese brush-painting style once favored by emperor. She began experimenting with characters—a boy, an ox, and a rabbit—sketching them for her young son.

And realized, this could be something.

So she did the next right thing: Validated her idea.

Instead of creating a personal “author account,” Regina did something unexpected: she gave her

characters their own social presence. Through short, illustrated dialogues posted on Instagram, she tested ideas, built an audience and proved that her stories resonated. By the time the account passed 10,000 followers, agents and publishers were paying attention. That experiment became

The Oxherd Boy—first as an adult illustrated gift book and later as children’s picture books blending Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian wisdom with stories accessible to kids and adults alike.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Regina reframed social media from an energy drain into a creative playground

• The moment she knew the “safe” corporate path had go to make room for her art

• Why building accounts for her characters—not herself—was the breakthrough that got her published

• The practical habits that helped her balance family, creativity and the uncertainty of starting over

• A first look at her 2025 picture book Big Enough, and why its message of courage and compassion is one we all need

This conversation is about creativity, risk, and finding ways to make the tools we resist work for us. Whether you love or loathe social media, Regina’s story shows that sometimes the most unexpected experiments can become the path to a writing life.

👉 Explore Regina’s work and sign up for her newsletter at oxherdboy.org

👉 Follow her characters’ journey on Instagram at @OxherdBoy

Follow me on IG @Liz Mugavero, and if today’s episode resonated, leave a quick rating or share

it with your writing group—every star helps another writer find the show.

It’s why I weave mindfulness practices into everything I teach, from my masterclasses to my membership for writers. So when I heard about the Mindful Writers Retreat and all the good coming out of it, I had to get today’s guests on the show.

Kim Gray is a fellow author, one of my OG writer pals and a fellow traveler on the mindfulness journey. Kathie Shoop is also an author and the creator and host of the Mindful Writers Retreat.

They’re here to talk about how mindfulness shows up in their retreats, how these sessions drove the creation of six anthologies where writers get to share their work, and why combining meditation, nature and community can change not just your writing, but the way you approach your creative life.

We cover:

• How the very first Mindful Writers Retreat began

• Why meditation and walking can unlock creativity

• The surprising rituals that change first-time attendees

• The anthologies created by retreat participants—and the charities they support

• Their newest collection, Retreat, which benefits The House of Ruth in Baltimore

If you’ve ever wondered what benefits mindfulness and meditation have on your creativity, this is the episode for you.

After you listen, try this today:

A Mini Mindfulness Toolkit for Writers

If you want to bring a little retreat energy into your own writing space, here are three practices you can try in just a few minutes:

1. Silent Walk – Step away from your desk and walk slowly in silence for five minutes. Let your mind wander toward your story instead of your to-do list.

2. Candle Focus – Light a candle, soften your gaze on the flame, and breathe deeply for a few minutes before writing. Let the ritual mark your shift into creative space.

3. Micro-Meditation – Close your eyes, place a hand on your chest, and take three slow breaths. With each exhale, release distraction. With each inhale, invite your characters and story back in.

✨ Links & Resources

• Contact Kathie (kathleen.shoop@gmail.com) or Kim (kcurthgray@gmail.com) for info about Mindful Writers Retreat

• Buy Retreat here: https://browseaboutbooks.com/; https://www.theivybookshop.com/

• Learn more about House of Ruth

• Read The Detective’s Daughter

Chapters

4:31 The Birth of Mindful Writers Meetup

08:50 The Retreat Experience and Its Evolution

14:35 Planning vs. Pantsing: Finding Your Writing Style

20:34 The Retreat Experience

23:00 The Power of Community in Writing

27:22 The Anthology Journey: From Retreat to Publication

34:30 Charitable Causes and Community Impact

49:40 Future of Mindful Writers and Upcoming Retreats

Whether you’re scribbling down ideas for your next big story, ranting in your journal after a rough day, or trying to make sense of feelings that won’t leave you alone—the page doesn’t judge. It listens. It helps you sort through problems, emotions, solutions.

Writing things down has a special kind of healing power. I remember a few years back being stuck in the middle of a book deadline while navigating a swirl of personal challenges, and the only way I could find my footing was through journaling.

Every morning it was me, a pot of coffee, my dogs and that journal. And I wrote A TON. Nothing publishable—but they were a lifeline. They reminded me that I wasn’t just a writer on deadline. I was a human trying to process, heal and keep moving forward while keeping all the balls in the air.

I truly believe that if it wasn’t for my years of journaling—of telling the truth on the page, regardless of how it sounded—I wouldn’t be at the place in my life where I am. It saved me creatively, but also as a human.

My guest on the podcast this week is another living embodiment of this truth. Cathelina Duvert experienced this too. For her, writing became a way to work through depression, to process complicated family relationships, and to give shape to a novel that would eventually take 25 years to finish. Twenty-five years! Think about that kind of persistence.

In our conversation, she shared how her blog evolved from funny dating stories into deeply personal reflections about mental health. She talked about the cocktail of rituals—meditation, therapy, exercise, motivational videos—that supported her alongside the writing. And she let us in on the spark that became her debut novel: a young woman struggling with depression who uncovers a hidden note from her late mother, leading her on an emotional journey of forgiveness, identity and truth.

We covered:

• How journaling can help you process emotions and shift perspective

• Why Cathy turned her blog into a book-in-progress and how it changed her writing journey

• The importance of rituals like meditation, exercise, and motivational practices in supporting creativity

• The inspiration behind her debut novel and how mother-daughter dynamics and generational trauma informed the story

• Lessons learned from self-publishing, working with a mentor, and embracing the identity of being a writer

And if you’ve been putting off your own writing because you think it’s taking too long, or it doesn’t feel “real” enough, or you’re not sure where it’s going—let Cathelina’s story inspire you. Sometimes the most important part isn’t the finish line. It’s the fact that you keep showing up, page after page, year after year. That’s where the transformation happens.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Cathelina’s website: cathelinaduvert.com

• Follow Cathelina on Instagram: @CathelinaDuvert

• Women’s Fiction Writers Association

Your Turn

If Cathelina’s story resonates with you—if you’ve felt like writing is your lifeline too, or if you’ve been carrying around an idea for years but aren’t sure how to bring it to life—I’d love to invite you into The Creativity Lab.

It’s my membership for writers who are ready to reclaim their creativity, build sustainable habits, and finally bring their stories to the page. Inside, you’ll find seasonal writing rituals, co-writing sessions, mindset support, and a community of writers who get it.

Because here’s the truth: your story matters. And you don’t have to do it alone.

✨ Click here to join The Creativity Lab and start writing your next chapter—today.

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Chapters

03:56 The Lifeline of Storytelling

05:55 Journaling as a Healing Tool

09:00 The Journey of Blogging and Writing

19:08 Discovering Mental Health through Writing

24:05 The Premise of the Novel

26:20 Navigating Mother-Daughter Relationships

34:10 The Journey to Publication

37:40 Embracing Self-Validation as a Writer

41:55 Future Projects and Personal Growth

I realized my best walks work like that because I’ve mapped them, it clicked: my best drafts work the same way.

When I map the story—Midpoint, All Is Lost, Final Reveal—I don’t get yanked around by every shiny idea. That’s the energy behind this episode.

I’m breaking down six narrative roadmaps I use with mystery writers: Save the Cat Writes a Novel, the Hero’s Journey, the Heroine’s Journey, Dan Harmon’s Story Circle, the Snowflake Method, and Story Genius. I share when each one shines, how I mix them, and exactly where to plant clues so tension climbs instead of puddling in the middle.

Grab the companion:

I made a free, fillable PDF—Map Your Mystery—so you can try the frameworks on your WIP today.

👉 Download here.

What you’ll learn

• A one-question fit test for each framework so you can pick what matches your brain

• How I place the Midpoint and All Is Lost in mysteries (and what actually goes there)

• A simple hybrid I love: Save the Cat (external beats) + Story Genius (internal engine)

• Quick fixes when the middle sags, the stakes feel low, or the finale won’t land

Links & resources

• 🎁 Free PDF: Five Key Decisions Cheat Sheet – snag it here.

• 📚 Pre-order Cat Café #9, Claws Out, out August 28!

• ✨ Ready to go deeper? Join the waitlist for my Mindful Mystery Writer’s Masterclass and get on the path to a sustainable writing life. Doors open soon—don’t miss it! Get on the waitlist here.

• Instagram (tag me with your beat sheet): @lizmugavero

Note: Framework names are used for educational purposes. “Save the Cat!”® is a registered trademark of Blake Snyder Enterprises, LLC.

Spread the Word

If today’s episode resonated, leave a quick rating or share it with your writing group—every star helps another writer find the show.

Now, before you tune out thinking that’s just for fantasy or sci-fi—stick with me. Because world building is crucial in mysteries too. Whether you're creating a charming small town with quirky characters or a darker, high-stakes setting full of secrets, your world sets the tone for your entire book.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the four pillars that hold up every great mystery world:

🔹 Setting

🔹 Hook

🔹 Characters

🔹 Plot

You’ll learn how to build an immersive atmosphere your readers won’t want to leave—and why this upfront work makes everything else in your writing process easier (and more fun).

🎧 I also share some personal lessons from my own writing journey—mistakes I made early on that taught me a lot about building better book worlds. If you’re writing a series, you especially don’t want to miss this.

Tune in and let’s build your world together.

Resources & Links

• 🎁 Free PDF: Five Key Decisions Cheat Sheet – snag it here.

• 📚 Pre-order Cat Café #9, Claws Out, out August 28!

• ✨ Ready to go deeper? Join the waitlist for my Mindful Mystery Writer’s Masterclass and get on the path to a sustainable writing life. Doors open soon—don’t miss it! Get on the waitlist here.

Connect with Liz

• Instagram → @lizmugavero

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Spread the Word

If today’s episode resonated, leave a quick rating or share it with your writing group—every star helps another writer find the show.

In the middle of the book, I somehow extracted my characters from their small Connecticut town where they were trying to solve the mystery of the missing uncle and plopped them down in Boston Harbor, where they awaited a ship full of gangsters? A missing priceless artifact? I really wasn’t sure.  

And I wasn’t sure what they were going to do when the ship came in, since they were ill-equipped to handle gangsters. You know, being normal people without law enforcement training and all.  

So there they stayed for weeks on that harbor, until my deadline started pressing down on me and my anxiety was going through the roof. Lamenting this to one of my author friends, she pointed out that I’d somehow started writing a thriller in the middle of my cozy mystery. And my job now was to get my people back to their town and get on with solving the mystery like, well, an amateur sleuth would, rather than a team of highly trained special agents.  

This is why it’s SO IMPORTANT to know in which subgenre you’re writing. And while I obviously did know this since I was in the middle of a series, somehow I lost sight of the key components of my genre—community is key in solving the mystery.  

Genre is only one of the five decisions that, when you know it, saves you from mid-draft meltdowns. Whether you’re plotting your first whodunit or leveling-up book ten, in this episode I’m taking you through the five decisions—genre, series scope, timeframe, setting, and point of view—that set the rails for an anxiety-free, focused writing process. 

Key Takeaways 

• Genre defines the promise. Nail it early so pitches, comps and word counts line up. 
• Series ≠ stand-alone. Ongoing arcs demand different character blueprints than one-off stories. 
• Timeframe shapes clues. Technology (or the lack of it) dictates how your sleuth solves the case. 
• Setting sells atmosphere. Real places boost authenticity; fictional towns give you total freedom. Mash them together and it’s a perfect world (literally!). 
• POV is your camera. Choose the lens that delivers maximum tension and reader intimacy. 

Resources & Links 

• 🎁 Free PDF: Five Key Decisions Cheat Sheet – snag it here.
• Pre-order Cat Café #9, Claws Out → https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250883995/clawsout/ 
• Want deeper coaching? Get on the waitlist for the Mindful Mystery Writer’s Masterclass (Sept cohort)!

Connect with Liz 

• Instagram → @lizmugavero - DM your chosen genre + POV! 
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app so you never miss an episode. 

Spread the Word 

If today’s episode helped untangle your plot, leave a quick rating or share it with your writing group—every star helps another mystery find its ending. 

This summer, when I sat down to start Purranormal Activity (Cat Cafe #10!), I felt…steady. Energized. Ready. Like I’d finally engineered a workflow that syncs with my gloriously distractible writer-brain—because I had.

Lesson #1? Decode your own circuitry. Forget the tired left-brain/right-brain trope; newer studies show both hemispheres tango together. Analytical or intuitive, disciplined or dreamy— your whole brain turns up for the party. Our systems have to honor that messy brilliance.

In today’s episode, I’m lifting the lid on the five sacred systems that helped me write and publish 20 (!) books while wrangling day jobs, pets and real life. From mindset rewires to tactical time-blocking, you’ll learn how to craft a writing practice you actually crave.

If finishing—or finally starting—your mystery is on your 2025 vision board, this episode is your blueprint.

Key Takeaways

1. Affirmations first. Pick a mantra you actually believe (mine is: “I prioritize my writing”) and repeat it daily.

2. Make consistency measurable. Choose a single metric—words, pages, minutes—and track it.

3. If it’s not scheduled, it isn’t real. Protect a dedicated writing block, even 20minutes.

4. Habit-stack your mornings. Meditate → journal → open Scrivener (laptop ready by the bed). Remove friction wherever you can.

5. Accountability beats perfection. Pair up with a writing buddy and practice radical self-kindness on the days you miss the mark.

Resources & Links

• InsightTimer

• AtomicHabits by JamesClear — the systems-vs-goals framework

• Scrivener — writing software with built-in word-count targets

• Mindful Mystery Writer’s Masterclass wait-list (doors opening soon!)

• Join The Creativity Lab membership (doors are open now!): getwritingwithliz.com

• Connect with me on Instagram @lizmugavero or at cateconte.com

Support the Show

Enjoyed the episode? Rate ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ , review, and subscribe so you never miss a writing boost. Share it with a friend who could use a creative jump-start—because writing dreams grow faster in community.

Keep writing, and see you next week!

But what if it doesn’t fit anymore? What if your priorities have shifted? What if you're craving something more creative, more fulfilling, more aligned with who you are now? What if what you really want is to build a life—and a career—on your own terms?

This week, I’m joined by Shannon Russell—former Hollywood TV producer turned franchise owner, coach, podcaster, and now author of Start Your Second Act. Shannon left a career in entertainment to raise her kids, reclaim her time and build a business that actually felt aligned with her life. And she did it all without a roadmap—until she built one for other women to follow.

We talked about:

• Letting go of what “success” is supposed to look like

• Shifting from a job that no longer serves you to a life that lights you up

• How to create time for writing and your creative business—even with a full schedule

• Shannon’s journey to self-publishing her first nonfiction book

• Why confidence (and a plan) are your secret weapons

• What Hollywood taught her about storytelling—and how that shaped her writing

Shannon didn’t just quit a job—she made a conscious choice to produce her own life. To take all the skills she honed in a fast-paced industry and use them to build a second act full of impact, creativity and empowerment.

If you’ve ever looked around and thought, “This isn’t it,” but felt too overwhelmed to pivot— this conversation is for you. (That has definitely been me!!)

What I loved most about Shannon’s story is how honest she is about the in-between: the messy, unglamorous, often-overlooked middle ground between the old life and the new one. The part where you're still working the day job, still raising the kids, still squeezing in writing after bedtime—but starting to believe that change is possible.

This episode is your reminder that:

• You don’t need to wait for permission to start over

• Big life changes begin in small pockets of time

• There is no wrong time to become the next version of you

And if writing is part of your second act? There’s never been a better time to start.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward producing your own life.

About Shannon:

Shannon Russell is a former television producer who spent over 16 years working in Hollywood and New York before making the leap into entrepreneurship. She is now a career transition coach, host of the Second Act Success Podcast, and author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life. Her mission is to help women design lives they actually want—whether that means starting a business, writing a book, or simply choosing themselves.

Find Shannon:

📚 Start Your Second Act (book): secondactsuccess.co

🎙 Second Act Success Podcast

📸 Instagram: @secondactsuccess

Connect with Liz:

🌟 Join The Creativity Lab membership (doors are open now!): getwritingwithliz.com

📸 Instagram: @lizmugavero

💻 Website: cateconte.com

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

Chapters

04:03 From Television to Entrepreneurship

07:35 Mindset and Confidence in Career Transitions

17:26 Coaching and Supporting Others

21:30 The Journey of Writing a Book

24:15 Balancing Dreams and Responsibilities

26:33 The Power of Short Writing Sessions

30:32 Lessons from Leaving a Dream Job

32:35 Experiences in the Entertainment Industry

34:04 Storytelling Skills from TV to Writing

35:19 The Second Act Success Podcast

37:52 Future Aspirations and New Projects

Not in a scandalous way—but creatively. Are you the person who writes in secret before dawn and doesn’t tell your spouse? Who has notebooks full of story ideas hidden in desk drawers?

Who practices "acceptable" career small talk while your heart yearns to discuss character development and plot twists?

If so, you're not alone. And this week's podcast guest proves there's hope for creative closet- dwellers.

Meet Michael Isaac Shokrian—attorney by day, secret novelist by night... for 30 years.

Michael's story fascinated me because it reveals something I suspect many of us experience: the exhausting split between who we are and who we think we're supposed to be.

Here's the thing about hidden writers—they're everywhere:

• The accountant who writes poetry on lunch breaks

• The teacher crafting a memoir during summer vacation

• The doctor with three finished novels in a filing cabinet

• The parent scribbling story ideas while kids are at practice

• The retiree finally admitting they've "always wanted to write"

Michael spent decades as what he calls a "closeted writer"—too ashamed to tell even friends and colleagues about his real passion. His immigrant parents wanted him in business. Society told him writing wasn't "substantial." So he became a lawyer and wrote in the shadows.

But here's what happens when you deny your creative self for too long:

"I think I was really a frustrated lawyer who was sour and angry a lot, unfulfilled," Michael told me. "And I think the only person who knew that really well was my wife."

Sound familiar? That creative energy doesn't just disappear when we ignore it. It festers. It makes us irritable. It creates this low-level dissatisfaction that colors everything else we do.

The turning point came when Michael's wife gave him permission to stop hiding:

She told him to go pursue it—not instead of everything else, but alongside it. And that's when something magical happened: he realized he could structure his time to honor both sides of himself.

His secret? Military-level time management:

• 7:30-10:15 AM: Writing (his creative currency)

• 10:30 AM-4:00 PM: Law practice (paying the bills)

• 4:00-8:00 PM: Family time (staying connected)

• 8:00-10:00 PM: Reading/creative input

"Your time is your currency," he said. "I'm going to spend two hours on this. I'm going to spend four hours on that."

But the real breakthrough came at age 60 when he decided to stop asking for permission to be who he was.

His debut novel "American Playground" is now published. He runs a literary magazine called The Thieving Magpie. He openly calls himself a writer. The creative closet door is wide open.

What I found most moving about Michael's story:

He started The Thieving Magpie to publish his own rejected work—but ended up championing other hidden voices instead. He discovered there's a whole community of talented people who felt shut out of traditional publishing. Writers with day jobs. Artists with mortgages. Poets with practical responsibilities.

People just like you. Just like me.

Here's what Michael's journey teaches us about creative courage:

1. You can't hide who you are forever. That creative identity will keep demanding expression until you honor it.

2. Permission comes from within. Stop waiting for someone else to validate your creative dreams.

3. Time isn't the enemy—priorities are. If it matters to you, you'll find the time. If it doesn't, you'll find excuses.

4. Community matters. Other hidden writers are out there, waiting to connect and support each other.

5. It's never too late. Michael published his first novel at 60. Your creative timeline is your own.

My question for you: What creative dream are you keeping in the closet? What would happen if you gave yourself permission to pursue it openly, proudly, unapologetically?

Listen to Michael's full story on this week’s podcast.

And seriously—head to my chat and tell me about your hidden creative life. Are you a secret writer? A closet artist? A kitchen table entrepreneur with a business idea you're too scared to share?

I read every response, and I'm genuinely curious about the creative lives we're all living in the margins.

Maybe it's time to step into the light.

Keep creating (openly),

Liz

P.S. Michael's "American Playground" emerged from a third-grade playground fight that stayed with him for 50 years. Sometimes our most powerful stories come from our earliest moments of feeling like outsiders. What childhood memory has been trying to tell you something?

P.P.S. The Thieving Magpie literary magazine is actively seeking submissions from writers at all stages. If you've got work hiding in a drawer, maybe it's time to let it see daylight. Check out thievingmagpie.org.

About Michael:

Michael Isaac Shokrian is an Iranian-Jewish writer born in Hamburg, Germany and raised in Los Angeles by way of Tehran. With little knowledge of the English language or American culture,

Michael became a self-taught American via terrestrial radio and TV. He began writing at UCLA and as he honed his poetic flair in his adopted language, a theme emerged: the voice, perspective and humor of the Outsider and the struggle of marginalized characters to find authenticity and identity. Michael’s work introduces readers to the multi-layered world of Iranians in America and their effort to find their place in America through hard compromises, small triumphs and poignant defeats.

Michael launched a non-profit online literary quarterly, the Thieving Magpie, in 2017 his effort to create a literary community and platform for established, emerging and underrepresented voices. His debut novel, American Playground, is out now.

Connect with Michael:

Grab a copy of American Playground here:

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael.isaac.shokrian/

Stay updated on Michael’s work here: https://www.mishokrian.com/

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero

Website: cateconte.com

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

Chapters

05:18 Introduction to Michael Shokrian

08:40 The Journey of a Writer

13:00 The Role of Art in Society

14:50 The Story Behind 'American Playground'

18:40 Themes of Belonging and Fitting In

24:24 The Impact of Media on Identity

27:08 Understanding Immigration and the American Dream

33:20 Self-Publishing Insights

41:50 Balancing Writing and Life

49:52 Advice for Aspiring Authors

55:28 Looking Ahead: Future Projects

Meditation apps, energy healing sessions, therapy modalities I can barely pronounce—if it promised to help me understand myself better or unlock some creative potential, I was all in.

But here's what I never expected: all of that inner work would become absolutely essential to my writing career.

When I started writing seriously, I hit wall after wall. The voice in my head was relentless: Who do you think you are? You're not a real writer. This is garbage. Sound familiar? I'd sit down to write and immediately get hijacked by that internal critic, or I'd pour myself into work projects instead—anything to avoid the vulnerability of putting my own words on the page.

It took me years to realize that my writing wasn't blocked by lack of talent or time—it was blocked by all the old stories I believed about myself. The meditation practices, the mindset work, the spiritual tools I'd been gathering? They weren't just nice-to-haves. They were the keys that unlocked everything.

That's why this conversation with Clementine Moss hit me so deeply. She's living proof that creativity and spirituality aren't separate paths—they're two sides of the same coin.

Clementine is a professional drummer who makes her living in a Led Zeppelin tribute band, but she's also a contemplative writer, meditation practitioner, and spiritual counselor. Her memoir From Bonham to Buddha and Back explores how drumming and meditation became parallel doorways to the same destination: healing those deep patterns of unworthiness that keep so many of us from fully stepping into our creative power.

In this conversation, Clementine shares:

• How she discovered that drumming and meditation were seeking the same healing—connection to that "invincible, infinite part" of herself

• Why creative people seem to carry such deep feelings of unworthiness (spoiler: she thinks it's universal, but artists feel it more acutely)

• Her journey from identifying as a writer to letting music take over for a decade—and how that "detour" gave her exactly the material she needed

• The synchronistic way she found her writing coach (hint: it involved a pug and a garden)

• How studying to become a spiritual counselor unexpectedly unleashed a flood of creative output

• Her unique healing practice called depth hypnosis, which combines shamanism, Buddhism, and Western psychology

• Why she believes you must follow your creative life force, even when it doesn't match your logical plans

What struck me most about Clementine's story is how she learned to trust the process—both in creativity and in healing. She talks about showing up to write or make music even when she felt like she had nothing, calling it "running the dirty tap" to clear the way for what wants to come through.

Her latest album Clem and Clear Light is literally a love letter to the parts of herself she had to release in order to grow. As someone who's also had to say goodbye to old versions of myself that weren't serving my creative path, I found this incredibly moving.

This isn't just a conversation about balancing different creative pursuits. It's about recognizing that all the work we do on ourselves—the meditation, the therapy, the spiritual seeking—isn't separate from our art. It IS our art. It's what gives us access to the authentic voice that's been waiting underneath all our conditioning and fear.

If you've ever felt torn between your practical responsibilities and your creative calling, or if you've wondered whether all that inner work you're doing actually matters for your art—please take the time to listen to this one. Clementine's story is proof that the path to authentic creative expression often winds through some unexpected territory.

Takeaways for Writers and Creatives

1. Honor Both Sides of Your Nature: Don't compartmentalize different aspects of your creativity – they often serve the same deeper purpose

2. Show Up Consistently: Even unproductive creative sessions serve a purpose in clearing the way for breakthroughs

3. Follow Your Enthusiasm: Your creative life force will guide you, even when it diverges from your original plans

4. Embrace the Uncomfortable: Both creativity and spiritual growth require willingness to sit with discomfort

5. Find Your Healing Practice: Whether through meditation, music, writing, or other practices, discover what connects you to your authentic self

Key Quotes That Will Stay With Me:

"I was seeking in meditation and in my musical life the same healing. I was seeking the same place within me that was still and quiet and knew itself to be connected to the divine."

"You must go where your life force is calling you... the creative force is our life force... It tells us by our enthusiasm where we're to go."

"You have to trust the process and it's really important to show up for it. You must show up for it."

About Clementine

Clementine Moss is a multi-talented artist who seamlessly blends the worlds of rock music and contemplative practice. As a professional drummer, she makes her living performing in a Led Zeppelin tribute band while also creating original music. Her spiritual journey includes extensive meditation practice, including 10-day Vipassana retreats, and training as a depth hypnosis practitioner.

Find Clementine:

• Website: clemthegreat.com (for music, books, and spiritual counseling)

• Book: From Bonham to Buddha and Back

• Latest Album: Clem and Clear Light

Resources She Mentioned:

• Vipassana meditation retreats

• Depth Hypnosis through Foundation for the Sacred Stream

• The power of showing up consistently, even for "dirty tap" days

This conversation reminded me why I fell in love with this work in the first place. When we're willing to do the inner work—to face our patterns, heal our wounds, and trust our creative instincts—we don't just become better artists. We become more fully ourselves. And that's when the real magic happens.

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero

Website: cateconte.com

Get Writing is about the intersection of craft, creativity, and the inner work that makes it all possible. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it—and if you know someone who needs to hear Clementine's story, please share it with them.

—

Chapters

06:15 Clementine Moss: A Multifaceted Creative Journey

08:50 The Intersection of Spirituality and Creativity

13:07 Navigating Unworthiness in the Creative Process

21:18 The Evolution of Writing and Songwriting

25:50 Starting a Blog to Writing a Book

33:10 Meditation Practices and Their Impact

34:56 Unlocking Creativity Through Spiritual Work

40:00 The Making of an Album

43:09 Understanding Depth Hypnosis

52:34 Exploring New Projects and Future Plans

Lately, I’ve been down the rabbit hole of wrongful convictions for research I’m doing on a new book project. I’ve been listening to a ton of podcasts, talking to Innocence Project investigators and reading accounts—story after story of people who lost everything because the system failed them. And I’ve been struck not just by the sheer number of these cases, but by how eerily similar so many of them are.

The patterns are horrifying—and they’re not rare.

But nothing compares to hearing the story directly from someone who lived it.

That’s why I’m honored to share this episode with Deon Patrick, one of the co-authors of The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men, and a survivor of a wrongful conviction that stole more than 21 years of his life. At 20 years old, Deon was arrested for a double murder he had no involvement in. What followed was a terrifying journey through a justice system more interested in closing cases than getting it right.

In this conversation, Deon shares:

• How he and three others were coerced into false confessions

• What it was like to live through more than two decades in prison for something he didn’t do

• The emotional process of writing The Hazel Boyz with his co-defendants

• How storytelling helped him reclaim his voice—and his sense of power

• His ongoing advocacy work and hopes for real change in the justice system

I’ve read about cases like Deon’s. I’ve studied the mechanics. But hearing it firsthand brings an entirely different weight. It’s personal. It’s devastating. And it’s also a reminder: stories like his must be told.

This is not your typical writing story. It’s one of survival, justice, resilience—and ultimately, storytelling as a means of reclaiming identity and fighting back.

Please take the time to listen to this one. It’s not easy—but it’s necessary.

About Deon:

Deon Patrick is a Chicago native, musician, and justice advocate who spent more than 21 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Raised by a hardworking single mother, Deon grew up in a home rooted in love, discipline, and resilience. His early passion for music and education was shaped by his mother’s guidance—until her sudden passing left him reeling with grief and responsibility at a young age.

In 1992, at just 20 years old, Deon was wrongfully convicted—alongside three other young men —of a double murder in Chicago. The case, built on coerced confessions and systemic failures, changed the course of his life. But Deon never stopped fighting for the truth.

Today, Deon is the co-author of The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men, a powerful memoir that chronicles their wrongful imprisonment and hard-won exoneration. Through his advocacy, storytelling, and ongoing work to expose injustice, Deon is a powerful voice for reform and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Connect with Deon:

Grab a copy of The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men here:

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehazelboyz/

Stay updated on Deon’s work here: https://www.thehazelboyzbook.com/

Find out more about the Innocence Project: https://innocenceproject.org/

You can also search for your local organization here: https://innocencenetwork.org/directory

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero

Website: cateconte.com

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

My guest today is Margaret Philbrick— and if you're a writer who loves diving into history, character and craft, you're in for a treat. Margaret’s latest novel is inspired by none other than Caravaggio, the infamous artist whose life was as chaotic and dramatic as his paintings. We talked about how she turned that inspiration into a gripping story that blends art history, emotional depth, and suspense — and what it takes to write fiction that’s rooted in real-life people and events.

But this episode isn’t just about art heists and brooding painters. Margaret and I also dug into the writing life itself — the messy, beautiful, behind-the-scenes stuff. We talked about how she protects her creative time, the rituals that keep her grounded, what it’s like working with multiple agents across genres and how research can actually become one of the most energizing parts of your process (when you let it be an adventure instead of a checklist).

Margaret’s approach to writing is honest, thoughtful, and full of wisdom — the kind that reminds you why you fell in love with writing in the first place.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• How Caravaggio’s life and work inspired Margaret’s new novel

• The challenges (and joys) of writing fiction based on real historical figures

• What themes like guilt and identity add to character development

• How cinematic storytelling influences her work

• The value of research — and how to make it fun and immersive

• Why she has multiple agents for different genres — and what that’s taught her

• The daily writing habits that help her stay consistent and inspired

• How she protects her creative space in a world full of distractions

• Patience, persistence, and the long game of building a writing life

About Margaret:

Connect with Margaret:

Website: https://margaretphilbrick.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretannphilbrick

Check out her latest novel, House of Honor -The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity: https://margaretphilbrick.com/books/

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero

Website: cateconte.com

If you enjoyed this episode:

Make sure to hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you’ve got a minute, leaving a quick review helps other writers find the show — and keeps the conversations going.

Share this one with a fellow writer or art lover who needs a little inspiration today.

Thanks for listening — and keep writing. Your words matter.

Well. Isn’t that the truest thing anyone’s ever said?

If there were a degree in getting in my own way, I’d have a double Ph.D. with honors, a tassel and a commemorative mug. I am so good at overthinking, second-guessing, perfectionism-ing (yes, that’s a word now), and generally making things harder than they need to be. And I know I’m not alone.

That’s why this episode is so special.

When I connected with today’s guest, Bonnie Garvin—a screenwriter, teacher, and creativity coach—I knew immediately I’d found a kindred spirit with a mission to bring people back to their creative selves.

Bonnie’s journey into writing wasn’t linear or obvious, and her experiences navigating

Hollywood have given her a ton of insight into what it really means to live and breathe creativity.

And she’s super honest and funny about her experiences, and she just has the best vibe! You’ll definitely love her.

We talk about:

• Why so many of us bury our creative spark—and how to dig it back up

• How writing and storytelling can reconnect us to who we really are

• The power of just enjoying the creative process without chasing outside approval

• Why success looks different for everyone (and why that’s a good thing)

• And how to finally stop letting self-doubt call the shots

This convo felt like the creative pep talk I didn’t know I needed. If you’re feeling stuck, hesitant, or unsure if your creativity still “counts,” I promise this episode will remind you: it does. You do.

And it’s time to get writing (or painting, or dancing, or building that weird little project that makes you happy).

Key Takeaways:

• Creativity shows up when you stop trying to do it “right.”

• You don’t need permission to call yourself a writer—or a creative.

• Reconnecting with your inner child can lead to big creative breakthroughs.

• Your voice matters—and no one else can tell your story the way you can.

• Joy is a perfectly valid creative goal (actually, it’s the best one).

So grab your notebook, your coffee, or your favorite fuzzy blanket, and settle in for this feel- good, soul-nourishing conversation with the one and only Bonnie Garvin.

🎧 Press play—and let’s get out of our own damn way.

About Bonnie:

Bonnie Garvin has written and produced movies for television and film in the United States in Europe. In addition to writing for the three major American broadcast networks, she’s worked for Showtime, Lifetime and USA, as well. Her first feature, The Killing Yard, was optioned by Warner Brothers, and later made as film for Showtime. It garnered several award nominations including an Edgar for Best Written Television/Miniseries. Bonnie received a special Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association, the largest professional legal organization in the world, for her “accurate portrayal of the criminal justice system.” She’s a produced playwright and her personal essays appear in three book anthologies. Bonnie's Storytelling Lab embodies her philosophy that we’re born writers. She specializes in getting you out of your own way.

Bonnie’s enabled and empowered hundreds of writers around the globe. In addition to creating her international online Storytelling Lab, she’s a professor at the University of Southern California in the School of Cinema Arts where she’s taught screenwriting for two decades.

Connect with Bonnie: https://substack.com/@storytellinglab

Website: https://www.storytellinglab.online/about

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero

Website: cateconte.com

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

—

Chapters

04:20 The Journey to Creativity

10:43 Navigating the Hollywood Landscape

18:00 Empowering Others to Write

22:40 The Art of Letting Go

29:46 The Journey of Non-Writers to Creative Expression

37:09 Overcoming Creative Blocks and Self-Doubt

44:28 Taking the Leap into Creativity

That’s the question at the heart of The Mechanics of Memory, the fabulous debut psychological thriller by Audrey Lee.

And I have to tell you—this book is a MUST READ.

I first met Audrey earlier this year at the New Author’s Breakfast at Left Coast Crime. I sat at her table at the New Author’s Breakfast and out of all the pitches we heard that day, her’s was by far the most captivating—and we’ll also talk about this during the episode. But it inspired me to grab her book, and I’m so glad I did. It was so good.

It’s a genre bender too—definitely psychological thriller/suspense, with sci fi and a little romance weaved in. It explores the power—and fragility—of memory, weaving real psychological research and new technology into a fast-paced, thought-provoking plot.

🎧 In this episode:

Audrey and I dive deep into the story behind her book, from the inspiration she drew from psychologist Dr. Julia Shaw’s research on false memories, to the creative challenges of blending genres and building believable characters. We talk about her transition from a 20-year career in public education to the writing world, and the nerve-wracking yet exciting process of pitching, finding an agent, and building her author brand. Audrey also shares what’s next for her—ghosts, sci-fi, and more psychological twists.

📝 Takeaways:

• The Mechanics of Memory is a psychological thriller that explores memory loss and psychological manipulation.

• Audrey was inspired by Dr. Julia Shaw’s research on false memories.

• A compelling pitch can make or break a publishing opportunity.

• Genre-blending stories are increasingly embraced in publishing.

• Research in psychology and technology can elevate story realism.

• Character depth drives reader connection and engagement.

• Every writer finds their own balance between plotting and pantsing.

• Discovering the right structure is part of the creative process.

• Condensing a novel into a short pitch is often one of the hardest tasks for authors.

• Research and brainstorming breaks fuel creative momentum.

• She always wrote for pleasure—this was her first foray into long-form fiction.

• The pandemic gave her the time and space to focus on her book.

• Attending writing conferences helped her build essential connections.

• Learning how to build a personal author brand was a steep learning curve.

• Her publisher has been hands-on and supportive throughout her journey.

• Persistence and patience are vital to a writer’s success.

• Writing communities and peer support are crucial.

About Audrey:

Audrey Lee started writing fiction at the young age of eleven, when she and her best friend co-authored a masterpiece about gallivanting around London with the members of Depeche Mode, Wham!, and Duran Duran. Unfortunately, these spiral notebooks have yet to find a publisher evolved enough to understand the genius buried within.

As a result, The Mechanics of Memory is her first work of published fiction.

Audrey lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, son, and Maltipoo, Luna. She spends her free time compulsively organizing and cheering for the Golden State Warriors with a dirty martini in hand.

Connect with Audrey: https://www.instagram.com/audreyleeauthor/

Website: https://audreyleeauthor.com/

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero

Website: cateconte.com

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

—

Chapters

04:10 Introduction to The Mechanics of Memory

05:30 The Inspiration Behind the Story

08:31 Crafting the Perfect Pitch

13:34 Genre-Bending: Blending Thrillers and Sci-Fi

17:20 Researching Technology and Psychology

21:50 Plotting vs. Pantsing: The Writing Process

26:12 Finding the Right Structure for Your Story

31:14 The Journey to Writing a Novel

35:51 Navigating the Publishing Process

38:00 Finding an Agent and Getting Published

45:27 Networking and Community in Writing

50:11 Upcoming Projects and Future Aspirations

Today’s guest is someone I’ve known and admired for a long time. I met Nancy Parra—also Nancy Coco as well as other alter egos - we’ll talk about that - a long time ago - when we were both starting out, and I was always inspired by her. We’ve been publishing for roughly the same number of years and damn is she prolific.

She’s published over 40 books across several genres (yes, really!), and in this episode, we dive into what it’s like to sustain that kind of creative output over time—through shifting trends, evolving processes, new agents and life’s curveballs.

We talk about everything from how she got her start writing fan fiction and dystopian stories, to her pivot into cozy mysteries (with recipes!), to how she juggled writing multiple series at once.

We also explore the very real challenges of the publishing world, why finding the right literary agent matters, and what community and conferences have meant to both of us over the years.

If you’ve ever wondered how prolific writers keep going—or how they find joy in the process— this one’s for you.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• How it started for Nancy - and how it’s going

• The vital role a supportive literary agent plays in an author’s career

• Nancy’s process for writing a book in as little as six weeks

• The balance between plotting and discovery writing

• Tips for writing multiple series at once

• Why editing is as important as drafting

• The power of writing community and conferences

• Insight into Nancy’s teaching approach and how she shares the craft

• A peek into her current and upcoming projects—including genre experimentation!

📝 Key Takeaways:

• Everyone’s writing process is unique—find what works for you.

• Having an agent who truly works for you makes a difference.

• Community, conferences, and peer support are vital to growth.

• Drafting can be linear or modular—both are valid approaches.

• It’s okay to explore other genres—even after publishing success.

💬 Quotes to Remember:

“Writing can be both fun and challenging—and it’s okay to evolve.”

“There’s no one right way to draft. Just keep writing.”

About Nancy:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Nancy Coco AKA Nell Hampton AKA Nancy Parra is the author of over 40 published novels which include five mystery series: The Oregon Honey-comb Mystery Series (Kensington), The Candy-Coated Mysteries (Kensington), The Kensington Palace Mystery Series (Crooked Lane), The Wine Country Tours Mystery Series (Crooked Lane)

The Gluten-free Baker’s Treat Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), and The Perfect Proposal Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime). Her writing has been called witty and her protagonists plucky by reviewers around the world. Nancy is a member of Sisters in Crime, and loves to hear from readers.

Connect with Nancy:

Website: https://www.nancyjcoco.com/

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero

Website: cateconte.com

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

Chapters:

03:45 Introduction to Nancy Parra's Literary Journey

13:08 Navigating the Publishing World

15:32 The Role of Agents in an Author's Success

19:45 Transitioning Between Genres

23:24 Writing Process and Productivity

26:14 Plotting vs. Pantsing: Finding Your Method

30:10 Teaching Writing: Classes and Techniques

36:25 Conferences and Building a Writer's Community

44:16 Current Projects and Future Endeavors

It’s not just about hiking trails and campgrounds—it’s about preserving places of beauty, history, and community connection. Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type (full disclosure: the beach is my version of nature), what’s happening to our parks deserves our attention.

Which brings me to this week’s guest on the Get Writing Podcast—Eloise Corvo, whose debut cozy mystery Off the Beaten Path couldn’t be more timely. Set in a Lake Michigan state park, this book blends mystery with a heartfelt look at what it means to fight for the spaces—and the peace—we love. I had the chance to read an early copy (and even blurb it!), and I can tell you: this one’s a gem.

The book blends murder, quirky characters, and environmental themes into a smart, heartfelt mystery.

Eloise opens up about her whirlwind writing process—completing the first draft in just six weeks —and the unexpected journey from writing for herself to pursuing publication. She discusses the challenge of querying agents, ultimately partnering with an independent press and the pivotal role her husband played in encouraging her to share her work.

This conversation dives deep into the world of cozy mystery writing, from character development and cathartic storytelling to the gritty realities of editing, marketing, and building community. Whether you’re a cozy fan, aspiring author, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and heart.

Join me for a conversation about writing, resilience, and why cozy mysteries set in unexpected places can shine a light on issues we all need to care about.

✨ Takeaways:

• Off the Beaten Path was inspired by her love for Northern Michigan’s landscapes.

• The first draft was completed in just six weeks.

• She never initially intended to publish the book—her husband encouraged her to take the leap.

• The process of querying agents was overwhelming, but ultimately led her to an indie

press.

• Her background in environmental policy shaped the story’s setting and themes.

• Real-life people inspire many of her characters’ quirks and traits.

• Her protagonist is grounded and relatable, surrounded by an eccentric cast.

• Fast drafting often leads to a tougher editing process.

• Independent publishers offer valuable opportunities to debut authors.

• Researching careers and settings brings authenticity to fiction.

• Marketing is an essential part of the author journey—especially for debuts.

• Online writing communities provide meaningful support and feedback.

• Attending conferences helps writers network and stay inspired.

• She’s currently working on a Halloween-themed sequel.

About Eloise:

Connect with Eloise:

Instagram: @eloisecorvo

Website: https://eloisecorvo.com/

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero

Website: cateconte.com

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

I’ve got to tell you, when I first heard my guest today’s take on confusion, I was skeptical.

Especially because I was, once again, in one of those periods where I felt completely lacking in clarity, not sure what to do next and basically like every day was a slog.

Anyone else ever feel like that? I’m guessing yes.

And confusion isn’t really a word we associate positively with, right? I never did, at least. But I was intrigued, so I checked out Giovanna’s story. And came away with a whole new outlook on the concept of being confused.

See, we often think clarity is the goal, but confusion is a signal that something is shifting. It asks you to stop running on autopilot and start listening to your intuition, your gut, more closely.

Because when we allow ourselves to be uncomfortable, ask different questions and release the pressure—mostly our own—to "have it all figured out," confusion turns into creativity. When we have to get scrappy and figure out what we really want, that’s when we can get down to the real clarity.

This week I’m sitting down with Giovanna Silvestre—creative entrepreneur, yoga wear designer, author, and spiritual seeker—to explore the powerful, and often misunderstood, role of confusion in the journey of self-discovery. We take a deep dive into how uncertainty isn’t a sign of failure but a sacred invitation to get curious, slow down, and align with your truest self.

Giovanna opens up about her personal evolution—from blogging and building a crystal-inspired fashion brand to navigating grief and writing a book. Along the way, she shares how leaning into the unknown, trusting the universe, and embracing life’s messiness led to her most creative breakthroughs.

Oh - and she loves crystals too, which made me immediately decide she was my people.

But seriously, like she says: “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”

Top Takeaways:

• Confusion is a natural and essential part of transformation.

• Joy, creativity, and clarity often arise after periods of disorientation.

• Trusting the universe means balancing inspired action with surrender.

• Self-worth must come from within, not from what you produce or achieve.

• Grief can crack us open to new perspectives and creative depth.

• Creativity thrives when we give ourselves permission to slow down and play.

• Embracing the unknown leads to unexpected, beautiful possibilities.

• Healing often begins when we stop resisting what we feel.

• Life doesn’t require perfection—it asks for presence.

About Giovanna:

Giovanna Silvestre is the creator of Confused Girl in the City, an international activewear brand inspired by unique healing crystals, blending beauty and spirituality. Featured on NBC and in Forbes and LA Yoga, she’s a graduate of the University of Southern California. Transitioning from the entertainment industry, Giovanna embarked on a journey of self-discovery, emerging as a leading lifestyle and wellness influencer, entrepreneur, and writer.

Connect with Giovanna:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confusedgirlla/

Website: https://confusedgirlinthecity.com/

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero

Website: cateconte.com

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

Samuel's story is a powerful reminder that creative success doesn’t require a big city address—it requires courage, connection, and commitment. From his hometown of Palmetto, Florida, he’s building a local creative community, proving that opportunity isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create.

In this episode, we explore:

• Samuel’s journey from poetry to animation and the early mentor who changed his life

• The creation of Tony, the timid bunny trying to get back into athletics—and how the

character reflects real-life struggles

• The emotional and personal roots of The Timid Bunny

• The power of asking for help and staying open to learning

• Samuel’s belief that “everything happens for a reason”—and how that mindset fuels his work

• Why artists and storytellers should focus on building local opportunity instead of

chasing it elsewhere

• Strategies for marketing creative projects and building buzz

• The importance of being “aggressively patient” in a fast-moving industry

• Why connecting your creative efforts can make a larger cultural impact

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Creativity and business go hand in hand—don’t be afraid to think strategically

• Building a supportive local arts community takes time, energy, and leadership

• To be seen in the entertainment world, you need to generate your own momentum

• Stay engaged, keep learning, and don’t walk away from your project once it’s out in the world—promote it

• Patience is essential—but so is taking initiative. It’s all about balance.

🎬 About Samuel Chambers:

Samuel is an emerging voice in animation and storytelling whose creative roots lie in poetry and personal storytelling. With his current project “The Timid Bunny,” he’s blending heartfelt narrative with bold visuals to bring underrepresented voices and experiences to life. He’s also deeply committed to fostering artistic expression in Florida and helping other creatives see what's possible—right where they are.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Watch this space for updates on The Timid Bunny’s release! https://bento.me/thetimidbunny

• More episodes of the Get Writing Podcast: https://lizmugavero.substack.com/s/getwriting-podcast

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices like Samuel’s—and to kickstart your own writing journey.

03:57 The Creative Journey Begins

06:02 From Poetry to Animation

09:56 Finding Purpose and Courage

12:12 The Birth of Tony the Bunny

13:54 Honoring Friends Through Storytelling

23:15 Building a Creative Community in Florida

27:35 Building Buzz and Community Engagement

35:18 The Importance of Patience

38:14 Navigating Opportunities and Challenges

Sarah's novel is deeply rooted in music, romance and identity, and in this episode, we explore the intersections of real-life inspiration and fictional magic. From the tangled legacy of Bob Dylan and Joan Baez to the enduring impact of Lilith Fair and the Greenwich Village music scene, Sarah reflects on how women’s voices—past and present—have shaped culture, creativity, and her own writing.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Sarah’s process from idea to published book

• The enduring power of fictional and real-life rock & roll romances

• How Sarah wrote her own song lyrics for the book

• Pop culture characters we wish were real—and why they stick with us

• The often-overlooked contributions of women to the Greenwich Village music scene

• What it really takes to keep writing when everything else gets in the way

Whether you’re a music lover, an aspiring writer, or just someone who adores great storytelling, this conversation will inspire you to dust off your dreams and get writing—no matter what stage of the journey you’re on.

More about Sarah:

Sarah is a writer, journalist, and editor whose work has appeared in outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, Slate, and Vulture. Her fiction blends pop culture, music history, and complex relationships with emotional depth and clarity. Her debut novel is a love letter to reinvention, artistic passion, and the healing power of story.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Sarah’s website: sarahseltzer.wordpress.com

• Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmseltzer/

• More episodes of the Get Writing Podcast: https://lizmugavero.substack.com/s/get-

writing-podcast

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review the show—it helps other writers find us and keeps the creative energy flowing!

Chapters

04:58 Introduction to The Singer Sisters

05:59 The Influence of Music on Writing

09:46 Exploring Female Musicians in History

13:58 Family Dynamics and Secrets in the Novel

16:39 Researching the Music Scene

22:32 The Creative Process of Writing Lyrics

27:50 The Role of Women in Music

40:20 The Long Road to Publication

We also dive into the realities of the publishing world, including the sting of rejection, the persistence needed to find an agent and the joy of connecting with readers when you do get that book published.

We discuss:

• How medical thrillers allow for exploration of life-and-death situations.

• Balancing technical details with storytelling for the best reading experience.

• How she draws inspiration from paying attention to reality and storing ideas.

• How her Italian heritage inspires her stories

And so much more.

If you’re curious about blending real-life expertise with fiction or need a dose of inspiration to keep going in your own writing journey, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and a behind-the-scenes look at crafting compelling medical thrillers. Don’t miss it!

You can find more about Cristina and her books here.

Chapters

03:10 Cristina's Journey from Medicine to Writing

08:35 The Art of Crafting a Medical Thriller

10:00 Inspiration and Research in Writing

15:35 The Importance of a Satisfying Conclusion

16:59 Character Development and Themes

23:34 The Writing Process and Overcoming Challenges

26:38 Future Works and Lessons Learned

29:20 The Journey of Writing and Rejection

31:19 Finding an Agent and Getting Published

32:36 The Writing Process and Daily Routine

42:18 Current Projects and Inspirations

But today, we get to go behind the scenes with a career NYC firefighter-turned-author, and the conversation is fascinating.

My guest is Andrew Serra, a retired NYC fire captain. After 25 years in the department, today he’s a full-time author who wound up writing about fires, even though he says he never started out with that intent.

His latest historical novel is Hell's Hundred Acres, which centers around the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, exploring its historical significance and the evolution of fire safety.

Andrew talks to me about the research process, the emotional impact of the writing and how it’s helped him process the things he’s seen on the job and the importance of storytelling in preserving history. He also draws parallels between the immigrant experiences of the past and present.

We discuss:

• How researching historical events revealed surprising insights about key figures

• How his writing served as a therapeutic process for dealing with past experiences

• His investigation into a 9/11 story to correct misconceptions about firefighters' actions during the tragedy that turned into his memoir

• And what his writing life looks like today.

This conversation was so insightful and poignant. Don’t miss it—and definitely pick up Andrew’s books.

You can find more about Andrew and his books here.

Chapters

03:48 Introduction to Andrew Serra

04:36 Hell's Hundred Acres: A Historical Novel

09:40 Research Insights and Surprises

13:40 Writing as a Processing Tool

15:30 The 9/11 Memoir: Setting the Record Straight

26:22 The Role of Storytelling in History

29:52 Parallels Between Past and Present

31:06 Writing Process and Daily Habits

34:15 Future Projects and Conclusion

This is a moment for me.

Neil Brown is the president of The Poynter Institute since September 2017, after serving as the editor and vice president of the Tampa Bay Times. Brown has spent four decades as a journalist, news company executive and media industry leader. He recently completed nine years as a member of the Pulitzer Prize Board, the past two years as co-chair.

In case you’re not familiar with the Poynter Institute, its staff of more than 80 journalists and educators leads the nation in training journalists in craft, ethics and leadership. Poynter is now home to PolitiFact, the International Fact-Checking Network, the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership and a news literacy initiative called MediaWise. Poynter works with journalists and citizens in the U.S. and more than a dozen countries.

Neil and I cover a lot of ground. I was so excited to discuss the evolving landscape of journalism, the importance of media literacy and the challenges faced by journalists today— and he has so much wisdom to offer. He highlights the importance of rebuilding trust in journalism through responsible reporting and diverse representation.

We discuss:

• The critical role of editors and the essential traits of modern journalists

• The importance of building relationships in reporting

• The challenges faced by the press in the current political climate

• The state of fact-checking and the integration of AI in journalism

• And, my favorite - the importance of telling a good story above all else

Plus, journalism is NOT a dead career—and that’s an important message for all the would-be journalists out there listening.

If you’re a journalist, past, present or hopeful, or someone who consumes the news, this episode is for you. As a consumer, it’s especially helpful to understand how good journalism should work, and how important the work of reporters continues to be.

So what I mean is, don’t miss this episode. You can connect with Neil here and follow Poynter on Instagram and on their website.

Chapters

4:42 Introduction to Neil Brown and Poynter Institute

9:24 The Evolution of Journalism and Media Literacy

10:50 The Shift in Storytelling and Audience Engagement

23:11 Rebuilding Trust in Journalism

27:16 Defining Great Journalistic Writing

31:50 The Importance of Editors in Writing

34:54 The Role of Editors in Journalism

32:06 Traits of Modern Journalists

40:01 The Impact of Media on Justice

43:23 Press Freedom and Current Challenges

46:39 The State of Fact-Checking Today

50:46 AI's Role in Journalism

54:55 The Future of Journalism for New Graduates

(So not raising my hand.)

Let’s face it—a lot of us are introverts, and networking events where we have to do a lot of small talk are probably right up there in popularity with a canceled publishing contract. Am I right?

What if I told you there was a better way to expand your network to create and nurture connections?

Well, there is. And my guest today is going to tell you how.

Devin Sizemore is a serial entrepreneur and the author of the book Connection Expansion, which delivers a foolproof strategy on identifying and cultivating high-value connections that can help your career or business.

He’s run a bunch of businesses—including a cat cafe!! Which of course we talk A LOT about— and he’s honed the art of networking while building those ventures. His strategies are perfect for authors looking to build their brand through meaningful connections.

We covered:

• Why you need a network, especially as an author
• How to manage your networking time effectively so it’s not taking up too many hours of your writing time
• Common mistakes in networking
• What it was like to write his first book
• And - what it was like to run a cat cafe!

And so much more. If you’re looking to get your name out there—and really, what author isn’t?—you don’t want to miss this episode.

You can find out more about Devin and buy his book here: https://devinsizemore.com/connection-expansion-book/

So I’m exited to share my conversation with my guest Eric Gee, who developed his own personality test—and the results are all animal personas. Which, of course, makes it even better.

And, he wrote a book about it. So of course we talked about the writing process.

Eric has administered personality-based life coaching for more than twenty years. He built a successful education company that used his personality typing method to better the lives of more than twenty thousand students, parents, and teachers. As creator of the Youtopia Project website and the Youtopia 16 assessment, he has disseminated his method to over half a million users since the website’s creation in 2016. His coaching program has been used in companies (Hulu, Disney), universities, and over forty school districts.

We covered:

• How his personality typing works

• What some of the personas signal about who we are and how we operate

• What the types mean for your writing career

• What it was like to write the book after doing all the research and developing the test

And so much more. If you’re looking to find about who you are, this episode is definitely for you.

You can take the test here: https://youtopiaproject.com/youtopia-16-assessment-2/

And I want to know—what animal are you? Please let me know - drop me a note on Instagram

@lizmugavero.

Chapters

03:49 Introduction to Personality Typing

09:52 Understanding Eric's Personality Typing Methodology

13:13 Exploring the Animal Personality Types

23:02 Application of Personality Types in Writing

26:50 The Writing Process and Publishing Journey

29:24 Marketing and Promoting the Book

38:22 Future Projects and Aspirations

Today I’m talking to Tia Levings, the New York Times bestselling author of A Well-Trained Wife, her memoir of escape from Christian Patriarchy. She writes about the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. She spends her time shining a spotlight on the realities of high-control religion and church-sanctioned domestic abuse—and if you’re not following her on social or Substack, you are missing out.

I first heard her speak on a podcast, and I was blown away by her story. And then I listened to her memoir and I couldn’t get it out of my head. So I was beyond thrilled when she agreed to come on the show.

I could’ve talked to her for hours. We covered:

• How writing her memoir helped her process her story and heal from trauma

• How she reclaimed her creativity

• What religious trauma is and how it impacts people

• How the events that happened in her world translate to the bigger world we’re living in

• Her ongoing writing, which shining a spotlight on the realities of high-control religion

and church-sanctioned domestic abuse

And so much more.

You can find out more about her here: https://tialevings.com/

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

Carolyn is a writer, musician, and a psychic medium. I got to meet her many years ago in the Boston mystery writing world, and she’s a lovely person and a talented writer. I’ve used her services as a medium and can tell you she’s the real deal. And she’s now got a brand new series coming out soon about - you guessed it - a psychic medium.

In the episode we talk about the span of her creative life, from music to memoir writing to murder mysteries, her exploration of mediumship, and the challenges of portraying psychic experiences in fiction.

We talked about:

• Her experience writing about her personal history

• Transitioning to fiction for greater creative freedom and exploration.

• How she kept her creativity alive through exploring different genres

• The importance of persistence

• Why you just have to keep moving forward

And so much more.

I love talking with Carolyn - and I think you’ll love meeting her.

You can find out more about her here: https://www.carolynwilkins.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

--

Chapters

03:28 Introduction to Carolyn Marie Wilkins

10:02 Exploring the Transition to Fiction

14:26 Writing About Mediumship and Musicians

32:41 The Writing Journey

38:21 Finding an Agent and Building Relationships

46:08 Navigating Deadlines and Perfectionism

51:12 Advice for Aspiring Writers

She’s a romance author turned thriller writer and she has a fun story to tell—she took her years working as an advertising and PR exec on the Las Vegas strip and turned the experiences into her latest novel, Summer’s Blood.

It’s a thriller that tackles not only murder, but family dysfunction and workplace conflict - two themes that I also love to not only read about, but add into my own books!

Adele holds a BA in English from Arizona State University, where she graduated magna cum laude. Her published novels include Camera Ready, Princess Smile, and For Position Only, which was a BookLife by Publishers Weekly Editor’s Pick. She is currently working on the sequel to Summer's Blood featuring the next generation of the Keller/Van Ness family, as well as Deadly Sins, a collection of short stories.

We covered the entire writer’s journey - from finding her way to writing, the pivot from romance books to thrillers, her process and her publishing journey.

We talked about:

• Why she pivoted from romance to thriller - and her newfound delight in killing people (in

books only of course!)

• Her experiences doing PR in Las Vegas and how they shaped her work

• Her publishing journey, from small press to self-published

• How she gets past writer’s block

And so much more.

Adele was a delight - I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I do!

You can find more about Adele here: https://adeleroyce.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

It’s also pretty mysterious, even for those of us steeped in it. And sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough conversations about the realities of it—not to discourage us, but to encourage transparency and also to share experiences so we can all be educated and feel, well, less alone.

So today, I invited my friend Daryl Wood Gerber back to the podcast to take about ALL the things.

Daryl’s been here before, but in case you need a refresher, she is is the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling author of of The Fairy Garden Mysteries, featuring a fairy garden shop owner in charming Carmel, California, The French Bistro Mysteries, featuring a former chef who is now an up-and-coming bistro owner in Napa Valley, and The Cookbook Nook Mysteries, featuring an admitted foodie and owner of a cookbook store in picturesque coastal California.

Under the pen name Avery Aames, Daryl writes the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling The Cheese Shop Mysteries set in fictional Providence, Ohio. Daryl also writes suspense novels, including the Aspen Adams books and several standalones.

We cover:

• The importance of persistence

• How to write a killer proposal

• Why resilience and persistence is a critical skill in this line of work

• Creating and sustaining an author brand

And so much more.

I hope this conversation provides some insight, and more importantly, some inspiration to stay

the course.

You can find more about Daryl here: https://darylwoodgerber.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

Thanks for sticking around to celebrate this milestone with me - I am so excited to be going into year three of podcasting. I’ve gotten to talk to so many amazing writers, and my 100th episode is no different.

I am delighted to welcome an author I truly admire - Faye Snowden - to the podcast this week.

Faye is the award-winning author of noir mysteries, poems and short stories. Her novels include The Savior, Fatal Justice, and A Killing Fire, a dark, southern gothic tale featuring homicide detective Raven Burns. A Killing Fire is first in a four-part series. The sequel, A Killing Rain (June, 2022), was long listed for the CWA Gold Dagger award, and won gold in the 2022 Foreword INDIES awards. CrimeReads named it one of the best southern gothic crime fiction novels of 2022.

Faye started out writing romantic suspense before transitioning to Southern Gothic mysteries, and we talk about her whole journey to get here, as well as her publishing story.

We cover:

• How she started writing by reimagining TV shows and books

• The personal inspiration behind Detective Raven Burns

• The “roller coaster ride” of publishing

• How she structures her writing life

• The influence the South has had on her work

• Imposter syndrome, and why all writers—even the most successful ones—have it

And so much more.

Faye is lovely - and she’s also an inspiration to all writers. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

You can find more about Faye here: https://www.fayesnowden.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

---

Chapters

03:40 Introduction to Faye Snowden and Her Journey

07:54 Transition from Romantic Suspense to Southern Gothic Mysteries

11:24 The Publishing Journey: Challenges and Triumphs

19:39 Balancing Writing with Day Job and Family Life

24:47 Creating Detective Raven Burns: Inspiration and Setting

26:54 Exploring the Gothic Elements of Louisiana

28:46 Themes Evil and Human Nature

33:45 The Art of Plotting vs. Pantsing in Writing

36:57 Diversity in Publishing: Progress or Setback?

40:11 The Role of Organizations in Supporting Diverse Voices

43:36 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Writer

I’ve got my friend Catriona McPherson on the show, and we’re talking about all things writing— process, publishing, the writing journey, and all the pieces in between like creating characters, researching, and most importantly, how to keep the joy alive.

I love this conversation. Catriona is a delight to know as well as to read, and we could have talked for hours. She shares her own journey as the author of 35 mystery novels in multiple genres, how she keeps her productivity high, and also shares her insights into how to stay the course in publishing.

We cover:

• The catalyst for her to finally take her writing seriously

• How to enjoy the writing process and have fun with your stories

• How the COVID lockdown helped her connect with her family’s past to jumpstart her storytelling

• Why the right literary agent is so important

• Her own daily schedule that keeps her writing prolifically

And so much more.

Our talk was so inspiring it made me want to just go start a new story for the pure joy of it. And she has the best Scottish accent - you’ll want to listen all day!

You can find more about Catriona here: http://catrionamcpherson.com/

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

03:20 Introduction to Catriona McPherson's Literary Journey

08:46 The Path to Becoming a Writer: Overcoming Doubts

18:01 The Role of Research in Fiction Writing

19:30 Finding Joy in Storytelling: The Playful Approach

31:56 Connecting with Characters: Personal Reflections

35:44 On Process

43:58 On Publishing

52:48 Finding the Right Agent

01:01:02 Upcoming Works and Future Plans

I’m SO excited to have Margot Douaihy, author of the Sister Holiday Mysteries, a new series that has already gotten much critical acclaim—and it’s no mystery why. From her poetic writing style to the noir atmosphere and the gripping plots, not to mention the exploration of faith that is inherent throughout the books, it’s no surprise that this series is getting a ton of attention. As a recovering Catholic, I was fascinated with her protagonist for so many reasons, which I got to discuss with her in this episode.

Margot is a beautiful writer and a fascinating person - she grew up in Scranton, PA and earned a BA in Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and a PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University. Her series, of which there are two books so far, is published by Gillian Flynn Books - yes, that Gillian Flynn. The first book, Scorched Grace, was named a Best Crime Novel of 2023 by The New York Times, The Guardian, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble, among others. The second book, Blessed Water, was named a Summer Crime & Suspense Pick by NPR’s Fresh Air.

We cover:

• Margot’s journey from poetry to fiction writing

• The creation of Sister Holiday

• The evolution of genre fiction

• The impact of virtual reality on her writing process, and the transformative power of art in the face of political challenges

And so much more.

I can’t wait for you to meet Sister Holiday and her creator.

You can find more about Margot here: https://www.margotdouaihy.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

04:18 The Journey to Fiction Writing

10:40 The Origins of Sister Holiday

24:20 The Evolution of Genre Fiction

29:25 Virtual/Augmented Reality

37:30 Art as a Tool of Transformation and Political Futures

And today, in addition to talking about his own, my guest is talking about his own podcast— and now book—detailing the origin story of a number of writers, many of them best-selling, across multiple genres.

Jonathan Small s an award-winning journalist, editor, podcast host, and producer based in Los Angeles. He hosts three podcasts, including Write About Now, which features interviews with successful writers. Jonathan is also Editor in Chief of Green Entrepreneur, a cannabis industry website and print magazine published by the editors of Entrepreneur magazine, and the host of their weekly podcast of the same name. He has written for The New York Times, TV Guide,

Cosmo, Details, Maxim, and Good Housekeeping.

In our conversation, we talk about:

• His beginnings in journalism

• What he learned working at major magazines

• His transition to podcasting with his show 'Write About Now,'

• How that work became his first book, which is out now

And so much more.

This is such an insightful, inspiring conversation. If you’re a writer in any genre, you don’t want to miss it.

You can find more about Jon here: https://writeaboutnowmedia.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

The remaining four of us decided we need to keep the Wickeds going because we're dedicated to our community of readers and writers—and to each other. And obviously we're still writing.

So we are going to be launching Wickeds 2.0 in January 2025.

It's going to be a little bit of a different format than just a blog. We're going to be doing video, podcasts, even a YouTube show. We are really looking forward to engaging with our community in a different way. And we hope that the people who love our books will join us on this new journey.

And today, I wanted to share with you all a conversation that the six of us recorded to mark the end of this chapter. We reflect on the blog, on our writing journeys, on what we've learned from each other. It was just such a fun conversation that I really wanted to share it with this community.

So this is a conversation with me, Barbara Ross, Sherry Harris, Edith Maxwell/Maddie Day,

Julie Hennrikus and Jessica Ellicott. Enjoy!

If you want to watch the conversation, you can check it out here.

You can follow us at https://wickedauthors.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

And that’s a good thing! The more we’re willing to change and work on our own writing evolution, the more opportunities we open up for ourselves.

That’s certainly been true for my guest today. Mollie Cox is one of my OG writer friends—we go way back. I remember some of the first panels I was on as a published author were with her.

And today between us we have around 40 published books, so it’s been a fun ride.

We both started out in cozies, and Mollie has been reinventing her life and her writing these past few years.

We talk about:

• What it means to have different names and navigate different genres

• The “finishing energy” you need to actually finish a book

• Her publishing journey and its evolution

• Balancing writing and life

And so much more.

Here’s more about her:

Mollie Ann Cox writes cozy mysteries with edge and traditional mysteries with heart. She’s the author of several bestselling mystery series, also writing under the pen name Maggie Blackburn and Mollie Cox Bryan. Her books have been selected as finalists for an Agatha Award and a Daphne du Maurier Award and as a Top 10 Beach Reads by Woman’s World. She has also been short-listed for the Virginia Library People’s Choice Award. The Lace Widow: An Eliza Hamilton Mystery is the first book where she’s combined her passion for history and mystery. She lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.

You can find more about Mollie here: https://molliecoxbryan.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

A couple of years ago, Alyssa Jarrett made the decision to prioritize her mental health - and that meant walking away from her tech marketing job to pursue her creative dreams of writing romance novels.

In this week’s episode, Alyssa shares her story about the job she left behind, how she pivoted to writing, and the challenges of navigating both the tech and publishing industries.

Today, Alyssa is a romance author based in the San Francisco Bay Area—and she’s still dabbling in tech marketing, but now it’s on her terms. When she’s not telling steamy, satirical love stories, she can be found drinking an iced tea or cuddling with her husband and three cats.

We talked about her journey from a full-time marketer to doing life and work on her terms, including:

• Her decision to indie publish

• The inspiration behind her books and what it’s like to pursue romance in the tech world

• Her experience with traditional publishing and indie publishing

• Her struggle with imposter syndrome

And so much more.

Chapters:

02:46 Prioritizing Mental Health and Career Shifts

05:57 The Indie Author Experience

08:55 Navigating the Tech and Publishing Worlds

12:02 Romance in the Tech Industry

14:58 Inspiration Behind Alyssa's First Book

17:47 The Decision to Indie Publish

21:55 Embracing the Indie Publishing Journey

25:28 The Fearlessness of Romance Authors

27:21 Building a Supportive Writing Community

30:10 Balancing Writing and Consulting Work

34:35 Planning for Future Releases

36:27 Budgeting for Indie Publishing

39:22 Diversifying Income Streams as an Author

42:02 Lessons Learned from the Indie Author Journey

You can find more about Alyssa here: https://www.alyssajarrett.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

That’s a big deal, guys. I think it took me until age 7 to know - so she was way ahead of me!

And she’s come a long way since then. Today, her crime fiction novels have been featured on the Today Show, won numerous awards, and named to Time Magazine’s 100 Best Mystery & Thrillers of All Time. The latest is Missing White Woman, which was an Apple Books Staff Pick, Amazon Editors’ Pick, Reader's Digest June 2024 Book Club selection and the CBS New York Club Calvi Spring Book Club pick.

In addition, Kellye is a co-founder of Crime Writers of Color, which received the 2023 Raven Award from MWA and Boucheron’s 2024 David Thompson Special Service Award.

Plus, she’s an overall amazing person and so much fun to talk to.

We talked about her road from screenwriter to novelist, including:

• What journalism taught her about writing

• How a billboard on the side of an LA freeway led to her first novel, Hollywood Homicide

• The everyday experiences that shape her writing practice

• How community has helped shape her career

And so much more.

Chapters:

03:00 Kellye's Journey to Crime Writing

06:12 Transition from Screenwriting to Novels

08:57 Finding an Agent and Getting Published

12:11 The Evolution of Kellye's Writing Career

15:09 Writing Process and Idea Generation

18:06 Research and Community in Writing

20:54 Diversity in Crime Fiction

24:07 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

27:01 Advice for Aspiring Writers

You can find more about Kellye here: https://kellyegarrett.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

Well, it’s all true. And my guest today has the tales to prove it.

I’m delighted to welcome my friend and fellow crime writer Daniel Palmer to the show today.

Daniel has a few iterations of names and brands, which we’ll get to in the conversation, but the headline is - he is the author of 22 novels. He’s written under Daniel Palmer, D.J. Palmer and as a duo with his dad, Michael Palmer, who was also a hugely successful medical thriller author. Daniel received his master’s degree from Boston University and after a career in e-commerce he shifted gears to writing full time.

I love talking to writers about their journeys because everyone’s is so unique. And the publishing journey is a whole other thing - also super unique to everyone and completely separate from the writing journey. Daniel and I talk a lot about that as he walks us through the twists and turns his career has taken - as many as any good suspense novel - and it serves as a reminder to us all that the path may not look the way we thought it would but if we stick with it, we’ll get to the right place.

We talked about his winding path to the career he has today, including:

• What to do when the writing journey doesn’t go the way you think it “should”

• What it was like growing up with a hugely successful novelist father, and how that

shaped his writing and his own career (surprisingly not in the way you might think!)

• Why you need to stick to the path, no matter how directionless it might seem in a

certain moment

• How a fictional dog salvaged his first novel

And so much more.

If you’re looking for inspiration to keep going when your writing career isn’t panning out the

way you hoped, come listen. Have we got stories for you.

You can connect with Daniel here: https://danielpalmerbooks.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

Delia is a proud board member of Sisters in Crime, serving as the DEIJB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging) liaison. She’s passionate about representation in the crime writing world and is a valuable voice in our shared community of writers.

Here’s a bit more about Delia: she was born and raised in Chicago, studied history at Oberlin College, and earned her Ph.D. in African history from the University of Chicago. She’s worked as a journalist, university administrator, and U.S. diplomat, bringing a unique perspective to her storytelling. This summer, she released her latest novel, Trouble in Queenstown, a private eye mystery published by Minotaur Books, and her short story The Killer was featured in *Best American Mystery and Suspense 2021. Delia is also the author of the Ross Agency Mysteries, which feature an unforgettable cast of characters.

Join me for this conversation as we dive into Delia’s unique journey to crime fiction, the inspiration behind her characters, and her thoughts on the evolution of the genre.

We covered:

• Delia’s unique career path, from journalist to U.S. diplomat to PI novelist.

• Insights into her DEIJB role with Sisters in Crime and the importance of diverse voices in crime fiction.

• The making of Trouble in Queenstown and what inspired her private eye protagonist.

• How Delia’s experiences in various fields inform her characters and settings.

• The concept of justice and how it manifests in her work.

And so much more.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that explores the intersections of life experience and fiction—and get inspired by Delia’s journey to becoming a standout voice in crime writing.

You can connect with Delia here: https://www.deliapitts.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

I think it sounds amazing and I’m totally up for the challenge. My guest today, Arden Coutts, decided that this year is their creative year—and is intentionally following that path with creative exercises, challenges and more.

I love this idea and I’m so here for it.

Arden is a trans, non-binary author who writes queer romantic suspense novels about finding yourself and love in your 30s and 40s. Arden grew up in rural Nebraska and now lives in North Carolina where they work in historic preservation and continue to pursue their creative endeavors in podcasting, writing, and art. They have a degree in Anthropology from Iowa State University. Fall Into Midnight is their debut novel. They have also published the prequel Before We Fall, which is a romance novella, and a book of poetry, Where We Once Existed.

Arden’s approach to nurturing their own creativity should inspire all of you.

We cover:

• Winning against imposter syndrome

• Processing emotions through writing

• The moment that began their writing career

• What it looks like to live intentionally and creatively

• How to tap into creative practices to jumpstart a new project

And so much more.

You can check out Arden’s work here: https://www.ardencoutts.com/free-novel

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

And when you figure out how to do that and embrace your purpose, life just gets so much better. My guest today is such a great example of this—and she is someone who will make your nervous system just take a breath.

Anastasia Lindsey is a self-taught poet. Her work explores the ways in which relationships shape us in specific and universal ways. She is a writer, author, photographer, creative, healer, and poet. Her book, O C E A N has received much recognition across the U.S. Anastasia's work explores grief, loss, love, trauma, healing, self-empowerment, transformation, and much more.

We talk about poetry, vulnerability, creativity, and how writing heals you - which is a theme of this podcast simply because it’s so true.

I loved spending time with her—her vibe is just incredible.

We cover:

• Practices that help tap into the creative process

• How to approach writing poetry so it’s not overwhelming or scary

• Making writing in any genre fun

• How to make creativity your gravity center so you can keep coming back to it

And so much more.

You can find out more about Anastasia here: https://summersolacehealing.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

Kay Oliver worked as a writer in Hollywood and then moved into novels in order to retain creative control over her work. She’s got some fascinating stories about what

Hollywood is really like - hint, it’s maybe not as great as we all like to imagine it is - and also what that transition to novel writing was like.

Kay holds degrees in Radio/TV/Film from California State University, Fullerton, and an MBA in Business. With over 3 decades in entertainment, spanning studios and TV stations, she produced, wrote and directed films. Defying gender biases and the notion that female-centric stories lack marketability in Hollywood, she took the leap and became an author, championing women's resilience in her novels.

Her experience and advice is applicable to all of us—and a reminder to make sure we’re power keeping our own lives.

We talk about:

• How an illness led to her decision to seek creative control over her work
• What it’s like writing for some of the greats in Hollywood
• Whether fiction or screenwriting is “easier” to write
• How to keep the ideas flowing

And so much more.

You can find more about Kay at https://kayaoliver.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

As a former journalist, I know that we never really give it up. It’s who we are, something that’s in our blood. It feels like a society of sorts, which is so juicy.

My guest today, Peter Sacks, has a long, impressive career as a journalist and nonfiction author, and now he’s writing fiction - as we do. His first novel, Libertyland, is a political thriller that is as much cultural commentary as it is action packed - and I just love talking to journalists who’ve seen so much of the world and then turn those experiences into fiction.

Peter has been nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize, including one for his book, Tearing Down the Gates, an examination of the role that social class plays in American education and society.

It also won Book of the Year from the Association of American Colleges and Universities. Peter has worked as a newspaper journalist on both coasts, as an economist, and as a college instructor in English and Journalism. His essays have appeared in many national publications, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and The Nation. He’s been a keynote speaker at colleges and universities around the United States.

Libertyland is his first fiction novel.

We talk about:

• Journalism as a calling - and life training

• Exploring bigger societal themes through fiction writing

• Taking on capitalism in his thriller

• Using fiction to expose what’s happening in the real world, in real time

And so much more.

You can check out Libertyland here: https://www.amazon.com/Libertyland-Peter-Sacks/dp/1922329576/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

That’s the case with today’s guest. In my latest role as a consultant for a healthcare system, I have been working with a fierce leader in this field. Gina Calder is now the first Black female regional president at Hartford Healthcare, overseeing the system’s central region.

She is a tireless advocate for equity in healthcare and an unrelenting champion for women of color. Her leadership style is both generous and badass.

And she’s turned that advocacy into a book of affirmations called She Looks Like Me!, aimed at young girls to, in her own words, “help them have their own vocabulary and language to describe how spectacular and remarkable they are and and are becoming.”

So I had to have her on the show to talk about her second career as an author and how her desire to lift up young women and girls intersects with the work she’s doing for the healthcare industry.

We talk about:

• Her mother’s influence on her confidence and creativity

• Why she focused on affirmations in her book and what she hopes young girls will take away

• Why it’s so important for young girls to see themselves reflected back to them in today’s leaders

• How she made the time to get the book written and published with such a demanding career

And so much more.

You can get in touch with Gina on IG @thexenexec

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

Well, it doesn't have to be. My guest today is actually doing just that. And she’s going to tell you exactly how she did it.

Amy Suto began her career as a Hollywood TV writer before she decided during the pandemic to quit the industry, hit the road and become a digital nomad and freelance writer. Among other endeavors, she ghostwrites memoirs, which has become her niche. She documented the rise of her career in her nonfiction book, Six Figure Freelance Writer, A Holistic Guide on Finding Freedom in Freelance.

Amy has also just released her first crime fiction novel, Nomad Detective Volume 1 following Detective Violet Chase who—unsurprisingly—is a digital nomad solving crimes.

I just love when people find the courage to live their dream, go do the things that they want to do, build a career around writing that most of us were told was simply that—a dream. Amy is living proof that it can be done.

We talked about:

• The reality of Hollywood writer rooms

• How she started and built her freelance career

• What ghostwriting memoirs looks like

• How to think about marketing and promo in this new digital age

And so much more.

If you’re dreaming of more freedom—and more money—in your writing life, this episode is for

you.

You can find all things Amy here.

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

Writers need other writers. Period. We spend a lot of time alone, and when we have the chance to interact with our peers, or with publishing experts or teachers or other creative people, we need to jump on that.

In this episode, we’re discussing the multiple ways to think about connecting with other people in the field, what it looks like and how to open yourself up for greater connection.

And since it’s the two of us, we can’t resist a rabbit hole or two…like how chaos impacts—or enhances—writing, why kids need more creativity in their life, and how to give ourselves and those around us permission to be creative and how to set boundaries so we can actually do the things.

Elisabeth is a storyteller, a poet, the author of 13 books across multiple genres, and a teacher for the Harvard Extension School Writing Program and Oxford University’s Diploma in Creative Writing.

If you missed part one, go back and listen first.

And if you’re looking for some creative friends to hang out and have tea with for an hour, well, you’ve found us.

You can find Elisabeth here: https://elisabethsharpmcketta.com/

Episode 79: Genre-bending, mom assassins and edge-of-your-seat suspense - a conversation with Elle Cosimano, author of the Finlay Donovan series

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes

Creative rabbit holes abound in this episode—and that’s why it’s so damn good. One of my favorite things about talking with other writers is that creative brains can be so non-linear, especially when the conversation is so juicy.

I had the best conversation with my guest today. Elisabeth McKetta is a storyteller, a poet, the author of 13 books across multiple genres, and a teacher for the Harvard Extension School Writing Program and Oxford University’s Diploma in Creative Writing.

We had so much to discuss and we just jumped right in. From making writing more fun to life editing, we’re going to A LOT of places.

This conversation covered so much that we had to split it into two parts. In this episode, we cover:

• The 3 Cs of creativity and how to think about each one individually

• How to think about fun and creativity

• Another take on voice - what it means and how to develop it

• Editing your life to evoke more creativity

And so much more.

If you just want to geek out on all things creativity, come hang out with us this week. This conversation is magical.

You can find Elisabeth here: https://elisabethsharpmcketta.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

Yeah, same. Fear has been a constant passenger of mine in so many areas of my life. I’ve tried to banish it, ignore it, outthink it, and finally befriend it. None of it really worked for me. It keeps popping up, over and over, like that friend you have outgrown but can’t seem to shake.

My guest on the podcast today has been there too. And he was so determined to get past it that he wrote a whole book on it. Charlie Barclay is the author of [re]build - Moving Past Fear to Find Purpose, a motivational speaker and coach who has had a LOT of practice combating fear.

His book dives into the realities of how fear can cause us to miss our life, and gives us actionable steps to start moving forward, one baby step at a time.

I loved chatting with him about this topic - he’s funny, authentic and totally open about his own struggles.

We talk about:

• His own fears about writing and how he overcame them

• How to look at fear so it’s not so, well, scary

• The cost of quitting

• How to start taking action in your own life so it feels doable

And so much more.

If you’ve got something you’ve been wanting to do but have been paralyzed on how to start, this episode is for you.

You can find Charlie and his book here: https://www.charliebarclay.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

This is so many people’s story. It’s definitely been mine, and it’s my guest today’s as well. Her story will resonate with you regardless of what’s taking up your time. She is a new mom, so that’s a big part of her experience—but even if your children are furry or you have no children at all, you’ll be able to relate to our conversation.

Josee Smith is an indie author and book coach for working moms who want to finish the novel of their dreams. She achieved her childhood dream of finishing a novel and publishing it in 2021, and now she supports other writers with the same dream. As a new mom with a busy job, she understands the challenges of managing it all, and she also believes strongly that writing and creativity can help women feel like themselves again after the chaos of motherhood.

We talk about:

• The REAL challenge of writing (hint - it’s not the writing)

• How to achieve more in less time

• The impact of small steps

• Finding your identity beyond parenthood

And so much more.

If you’re struggling right now with balancing it all, this episode is for you.

You can find out more about Josee and her work here: https://www.joseesmithbookcoach.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

And I love when I meet other creatives who approach their work the same way.

My guest this week is one of those people. Kirsten Rudberg is such a magical person. She says she has only ever wanted to be a polymath - which, if you don’t know what that is because I didn’t, is a “person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning.”

She certainly is. Aside from this, she's the creator of Byte Sized Blessings the podcast, the "Murder of 2" animated series, as well as "Roller Mom.” She's a beekeeper and sci-fi junkie and wonders why we all just can't get along.

Honestly, she’s a freaking delight and I loved the conversation we just had.

We talked about:

• How she relates to the Universe and opens herself up to creative messages,
• Teaching creative people using myths and folklore to jumpstart their writing
• How she incorporates social justice into her work
• How she’s able to treat writing like a playground

And so much more.

If you’ve been wanting to open yourself up to the magic of the creative process more, this is the episode for you. I can’t wait for you to listen.

You can find out more about Kirsten and listen to her show at: https://bytesizedblessings.com/

Join me in my FREE MASTERCLASS, The 3-Step Framework for Writing a Mystery!

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

I discovered Finlay last year and was immediately hooked—and have since devoured all the books. I am such a fan of this series, from both a reader AND a writer perspective, which is why I was so excited to have Finlay’s creator, Elle Cosimano, on the show.

Elle came to the Boston area with the release of the latest in the series, Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, back in the spring and after listening to her speak I really wanted to introduce her to this community. She’s warm and funny and honest and has such a great story that I know will inspire all of you—because it inspired me.

We cover all the things:

• Her windy road through the publishing industry until Finlay hit the scene

• How a Panera Bread conversation spurred the super-fun premise of the series

• What it was like to see a genre-bending book literally catch fire

• Her secret for keeping us on the edge of our seats in literally every chapter of these books

And so much more.

If you’re a Finlay fan, you aren’t going to want to miss this. And if you’re new to Finlay, this conversation will make you want to run out and grab the books today. I can’t wait for you to listen!

You can find our more about Elle at https://ellecosimano.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

Hear me out. Most of us are carrying around stories that someone told us at some point in our lives. Usually those stories have to do with why we can’t do something, or perhaps why spending our time writing a book isn’t a realistic endeavor. Or maybe we’ve come to believe that we’re not good enough for something.

The thing about those stories, though, is that they are never true. They’re limiting beliefs, and they’re holding us back.

In fact, it’s what holds us back more than ANY OTHER obstacle when it comes to creative expression.

I speak from experience. I’m still working through a slate of limiting beliefs every single day.

Which is why I wanted to record an episode about this for you, because we’ve covered a lot of topics lately about ways to get ourselves organized and prepared to actually start writing our books.

This is the last piece of the puzzle that we need to get out of the way.

I’m covering:

• How limiting beliefs show up and what they’re really telling us

• Where these stories came from and how we can start rewriting them

• The tools and strategies to support you in unsubscribing from limiting beliefs

If you’re struggling with self-doubt, lack of confidence or fear about your creative path, you don’t want to miss this episode.

Resources:

Sign up for the free webinar, The 3-Step Formula for Writing Your Mystery

How to Plot Even if it’s Not Your Superpower with Jessica Ellicott

The Five Key Decisions Episode

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes

This week on the show I’m talking about getting started writing your book—the actual pen to paper (or fingers to keys) part.

And we’re starting with the world you’re going to build for your story. This episode covers all the elements your story needs to get started, your setting, your hook, your characters and your plot.

World building isn't just for fantasy or sci-fi genres—it's essential in mysteries too. It involves crafting a rich, immersive environment that enhances your story's atmosphere and plot.

Whether your mystery unfolds in a big city or a tiny village, world building sets the stage for the story you’re telling.

World building is a really fun part of writing a book - and I’m going to tell you how to do it.

I’m covering:

• Why it’s really important to get your world right - whether you’re writing a series or a standalone

• How to make your setting stand out

• How to find the right hook

• How to create multidimensional characters - including your villains

• The most important plot elements to identify whether you’re a plotter or not

And so much more.

If you want to build an unforgettable world your readers will be dying to spend time in, don’t miss this episode.

Resources:

How to Plot Even if it’s Not Your Superpower with Jessica Ellicott

The Five Key Decisions Episode

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

Get on the waitlist for The Mindful Mystery Writer’s Masterclass - opening soon!

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

Awesome! I love when people own their creative dreams. But it’s not as simple as just sitting down and waiting for the muse to strike with her fairy wand full of creativity.

Instead, we’ve gotta do some things to set ourselves up for success.

I’ve been writing mysteries for the past two decades, and one thing I learned is the importance of understanding exactly what kind of book you’re writing BEFORE you get started.

On today’s episode of the Get Writing Podcast, I’m talking about the major decisions you need to make before you start writing your mystery.

You might have an idea for a mystery. Or you just know you want to write one and that’s enough to get you started. And this episode is going to help you make the big decisions that will get you writing your masterpiece.

This episode will help you:

• Set yourself up for success before you write a word

• Nail down exactly what kind of story you want to write, so you can understand reader expectations

• Get clear on where and when your book should take place

• Understand who your characters are and which one should be telling the story

And so much more.

If you want to get clear about what you’re writing so you can sit at your desk with confidence, you don’t want to miss this episode.

And I’ve got a FREE guide to go along with this episode that walks you through each of the decisions - grab it below.

Resources:

The Five Key Decisions You Need to Get Started Writing Your Mystery - grab it here!

Get on the waitlist for The Mindful Mystery Writer’s Masterclass - opening soon!

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes

I don’t mean the nuts and bolts of learning how to write or practicing your craft. Yes, that’s important—but that’s not everything.

I’m talking about the mental prep work you have to do to get your mindset, your confidence and your motivation high enough to write.

There’s a lot of inner work we need to do to lay the groundwork for success and perseverance, no matter what’s going on externally. And then there are the external systems that keep us on track.

I put up an Instagram post a while back about systems and why writers need them and you told me that it was a topic you wanted to hear more about. So here we go!

I’ve become a systems queen. I don’t know how it happened, because I’ve always struggled with process and project management. But between working full time and writing multiple books a year FOR YEARS, I finally needed to figure out a better way. Which meant I needed a system to get myself writing every day, or most days at least, make enough progress to feel good about myself, and make writing a priority in my life - even if it wasn’t the thing I could spend the most amount of time on.

In this episode, I’m talking about what it means to create systems that will get you writing and keep you writing so you can fulfill the creative promises you made to yourself.

I’m covering:

• Why it’s so important to understand yourself and your own brain

• What I learned over the years about me that impacted the way I wrote—and even the outcomes

• The systems I have in place to ensure ease and productivity in my writing

• How to create systems that work for you so you can get to your best writing life

If you’ve been struggling with getting your writing started and keeping it on track, this episode will change your whole approach.

I can’t wait to see what you create!

Resources:

Episode 2: How to project manage your writing with Christine Carron

Episode 33: The most important tool in a writer’s toolbox

Monday Hour One - Brooke Castillo

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

I have fellow cozy author Emmeline Duncan joining me on the show today. Emmeline’s books are so much fun. She’s the author of the Ground Rules Mysteries about barista Sage Caplin and her coffee cart in Portland, Oregon. She’s also the author of a new series about a year- round Halloween-themed town in Oregon. The first book, Chaos At The Lazy Bones Bookshop is out this summer and it’s delightful.

Emmeline is a girl after my own heart—clearly, she’s obsessed with coffee and Halloween—and also animals and books, so as you can imagine we have a lot to talk about.

We cover:

• Our joint obsession with coffee and how it turned into a series for her

• The northwest vibe and how it plays well into mystery writing

• How there really is a Halloween-themed town in Oregon, and how she used that as a

basis for her new series

• Her journey from writing YA to becoming a mystery author

• How to create a cozy setting in a big city

And so much more.

You can find out more about Emmeline at https://emmelineduncan.com/

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

Peter is a fellow New England author who recently launched his 11th book, A Talent for Murder, and it’s SO GOOD. I knew I had to have him on the show to talk about his work, his process, all of it.

Like every writer I talk to on this show, he’s had his own unique experience getting into the business and getting to where he is today. We have a great conversation about:

• Navigating the publishing industry. We get real about what to expect!

• His writing process—because if there’s one thing you should take away from all these conversations, it’s that every writer’s process is different

• How characters are born and how they evolve—and sometimes demand their own spotlight

• The role setting plays in books

• The notion of “no killing of animals in books” thing that I always manage to get in!

And so much more.

My favorite part of the conversation was when we talked about plotting vs. pantsing and Peter’s approach. I’ve been really thinking about how to make plotting work for me without putting myself through the paces of feeling like a failure if I don’t know everything about a book before I start writing it. Hearing different perspectives is super helpful for me and I hope for you too, if this is something you’re struggling with.

If you’re looking to write suspense that gets noticed, you don’t want to miss this episode!

You can find out more about Peter at https://www.peter-swanson.com/

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

I think we all can have this experience if we’re open to it. If we allow ourselves to put our pen to paper, write in our journals, spill our deepest secrets. Write our books and our memoirs and share them with the world.

That’s how writing can save you - and point you in the direction of the right life at the same time.

My guest today knows this firsthand. Karen Coccioli is an author, a trauma survivor, and quite simply, a force in the world. She is passionate about language, writing, and most importantly, helping individuals embrace and live their authentic selves regardless of their age or past history.

Her memoir, Paradise, is also the foundation for the life lessons she’s learned over the years - including learning to love herself. And how she used writing to FIND herself in the first place - we talk a lot about what that looked like for her.

Karen is a published author and holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature, within the context of women’s meditations regarding gender identity, sexuality, and the gendered body.

We cover a lot of topics including:

• Writing your way into gender identity and sexuality

• The importance of representation for LGBTQ+ individuals in the literary world

• How writing can help in trauma recovery

• How the “worst” experiences can be our largest creative blessings

And so much more.

Karen is so inspiring - I can’t wait for you to listen.

You can find out more about Karen and her work here: https://www.karenannecoccioli.com/

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

That might sound funny to ask as a writer who uses her brain every day, but I promise it’s a serious question. Sometimes when I sit down to start a new book, my mind has already jumped MONTHS ahead to the deadline. Or a year ahead to the marketing and launch. And I haven’t even written a sentence yet.

And even though these are all things we need to be thinking about at some point, they could quite possibly be getting in the way of your creativity and the biggest job of all - getting the actual writing done.

My guest this week, Jacqueline Fisch, is the author of two non-fiction books for writers - Unfussy Life and Intuitive Writing. She is also a communications consultant, and the founder of The Intuitive Writing School. She helps creatives move past writer’s block and perfectionism so they can finish their important work, and she supports business owners in finding their authentic voice so they can make an impact on the world.

She’s an expert on turning off the brain and turning on the heart to bring your most authentic self to the page, whether you’re writing a book, copy for a website, a blog or any other writing endeavor.

We cover all kinds of fun things like:

• How to write using the energy of the moon cycles

• How to write through blocks like fear, procrastination and busyness

• The different energies you need for different parts of the writing process

• How to use empathy and authenticity in all your writing, even “boring” writing

And so much more.

We had such a great conversation and there are so many nuggets in here that I KNOW will help you on your writing journey.

You can find out more about Jacq here: https://jacquelinefisch.com/ and here: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/

Find her on social:

https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/

https://www.facebook.com/theintuitivewritingschool

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

If you’re anything like me, you can get caught up sometimes in thinking one path is the right path, or the only path. Or that things happen in sequence, or that they take a long time, or multiple other stories we have that may or may not be true.

I talk a lot on this show about how there is more than one path to publication. Actually, today there are so many ways to get your work published that it’s incredible - and the industry is in a state of fluctuation right now. And while that may feel overwhelming, I believe it’s a good thing- because sometimes systems need to be shaken up to perform better.

My guest on the show today is someone who found her way to a book deal where she least expected it - through a tweet. (Or an X? What are we actually saying now??)

Anyway - Angela Crook is a thriller author who I met at Left Coast Crime, where she was celebrating her debut, Hurt Mountain. She has SUCH A GREAT STORY. I mean, it’s wild. So for those of you who are stuck in a story about how getting your first publishing deal has to go, this one is for you - because Angela is proof that whatever you’re thinking has to happen can go a completely different way.

This episode is about celebrating a new voice to watch, certainly - and a very cool person - but also it’s about the magic of opening yourself up to possibilities, to jump on opportunities if they present themselves, and to never assume that something wild can’t happen - and that this can’t be the day when your whole life changes.

We talk about:

• How responding to a tweet got her in front of a big name publisher

• How she worked backwards from a book deal to get an agent

• What the debut process is like

• The inspiration for her thriller

And so much more!

I can’t wait for you to meet her.

You can find out more about Angela here: https://angelacrook.wordpress.com/

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

I get you. 100 percent. I struggled with this too, until I found my people. Now my mission is to create that space for others to find THEIR people.

And when I talk about this stuff, it’s only natural that I’m attracting likeminded people into my world. I really believe that. When I met Leigh Shulman, it because super obvious that we had the same goals. She is a writer who also teaches people how to create the writing lives they want. Which is SO MY JAM.

We have a great conversation on what this means today, from figuring out your own writing process to what accountability means and how to find accountability partners that work for us, to how to actually enjoy writing. Which means fitting it into your life fitting your life into writing.

But I’m getting ahead of myself - I want you to listen to the conversation.

Here’s a bit about Leigh:

She’s an author and writing mentor and she founded The Inspired Writer Community, a women writers network for writers at any stage in their writing lives. Her bestselling book "The Writer's Roadmap: Paving the Way To Your Ideal Writing Life" helps thousands find their way in the writing world. She also writes for publications including the Washington Post, Wired, and Insider. And she’s living her best life with her family in the mountains of Argentina.

We talked about everything from:

• How the right writing community can help you find your voice

• Why you need to figure out your own writing process instead of expecting someone

else’s to work for you

• What your main writing goal should be - regardless of the project

• The internal work you have to do so you can write through every block

And so much more!

Tune in for some serious inspiration.

You can find out more about Leigh at https://leighshulman.com/

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

But not today’s guest.

I am so excited to bring you Rob Osler, a fellow mystery author who you are just going to adore. Rob writes the contemporary comedic series Hayden & Friends Mysteries, featuring a gay and lesbian amateur sleuth duo. He calls these books “comedic romps” and let me tell you - they really are.

Book one, DEVIL’S CHEW TOY, was a 2023 Best Debut Mystery Finalist for the Anthony, Macavity, Agatha, and Lefty Awards and was a 2022 Year’s Best by Crime Reads, BOLO Books, Book Riot, and POPSUGAR. Rob coined the term “quozy” as a way to highlight queer characters in the cozy world.

His new book, THE CASE OF THE MISSING MAID, the first in the new historical series, Harriet Morrow Investigates,” featuring a Chicago-based queer female detective in America s Progressive Era is out in late December.

He’s also a short story writer, and his story MISS DIRECTION is a 2024 finalist for mysteries most prestigious prize, the Edgar Allan Poe Award from Mystery Writers of America. His debut mystery short story, ANALOGUE, won the Mystery Writers of America 2022 Robert L Fish Award for best debut short story by an American Author.

We talked about everything from:

• Turning the traditional cozy on its head

• Rob’s wild path to publication - a story I just love because as I’ve said often on the show,

there is no one path to publication and often things happen in ways you could just never anticipate

• How to create secondary characters your reader loves just as much as your protagonist

• What the future holds for the cozy genre

I had so much fun chatting with Rob - I hope you love our conversation!

You can find out more about Rob and his books here, and check out his free short story:

https://robosler.com/

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

Dru Ann Love, of the blog Dru’s Book Musings, is here with me today. And if you don’t know her, that’s all about to change.

Dru Ann Love is a true friend and advocate of cozy authors—well, all authors really. She and her award-winning blog have been a name since I started writing. She launched in 2011 and has had a solid following ever since.

I remember the first time she featured me—I was ecstatic. The main focus of her blog is the “day in the life” feature where a lead protagonist or any other character gives readers a glimpse into their day.

Today, the blog is probably the most well known in the cozy mystery world, and Dru is a face that everyone looks for at our favorite conferences, including Malice Domestic and Bouchercon.

She’s also an award-winning author! Her 2024 short story cowritten with Kristopher Zgorski, Ticket To Ride, won the Agatha Award for Best Short Story and was also nominated for an Anthony Award. And her blog has been nominated for multiple awards.

During our conversation, we cover:

• How the blog started

• What it takes for a book to stand out for her

• How a Beatles song prompted her foray into writing - and an Agatha award

• Why she doesn’t actually want to write

Dru is a true love. And if you are someone who’s always looking for new mystery fiction to read, go follow her blog right now - as soon as you listen to this episode. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find Dru’s blog here: https://drusbookmusing.com/

And on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/DrusBookMusing

I’m on @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes

But every now and then I like to branch out and bring someone on the show who writes in a totally different genre. So today I’ve got a fantasy author for you who has a really cool story about how she got started.

Danielle Orsino is an award-winning fantasy novelist whose lifelong vision is to create whimsical realms that her readers can escape to. The creative spark of storytelling has been with Danielle ever since she was a child, but martial arts and her nursing career took center stage into adulthood—until an unlikely event that reignited her creative fire.

But I’ll let her tell you about that.

We had a really fun conversation about writing, the world of fantasy, and so much more. We cover:

• How an encounter with a patient during her nursing years got her back to the writing desk

• Why she’s on the cover of her own novels

• Her obsession with creating strong women characters and how she approaches creating them

• The role her Yorkie plays in her books

This was a really fun conversation—I learned so much about a genre I don’t typically spend a lot of time in. If you’re a fantasy fan—or curious like me what draws people to the genre—you don’t want to miss this episode. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find Danielle on Instagram @birthofthefae_novel/

I’m on @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes

So of course I love Edwin Hill’s books. Edwin is the author of the critically-acclaimed Hester Thursby mystery series, which have been nominated for multiple awards, as well as the standalones The Secrets We Share and Who to Believe. His books are wild rides of twists, turns and surprises and if that’s your jam, you will definitely love them.

And of course, because we’re writers, we can’t help but talk about our processes—and of course, plotting or pantsing.

We cover:

• Writing character-driven mysteries

• When writing turns dark and it’s kind of a surprise

• How we as writers tend to overcomplicate stories - and what happens when we chill out

• The role animals play in his books

This was such a great conversation. If you’re a thriller fan or if you just love hearing writers talk about writing—because we all do it so differently—you don’t want to miss this episode. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find Edwin at https://www.edwin-hill.com/

And on Instagram @edwinhillauthor.

I’m on @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!

She is part of the Wicked Authors blog with me, there are six of us total, and we all got started roughly around the same time. We became blog mates, and most of all friends and 11 years later, here we are.

Edith and I started out with the same agent, same publisher, same dreams. I’ve lost count of how many books we have between the two of us all these years later. Maddie Day’s series have really taken off. She also writes historicals, and won an Agatha for one of her Edith

Maxwell books. And she’s a prolific short story writer.

We cover:

• Writing multiple series at the same time

• Pantsing vs. plotting (because when DON’T we talk about that?

• Our favorite research trip and how we almost got (mock) killed

• Traditional vs. self-publishing

It was so much fun to have a conversation with Edith/Maddie in this setting. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a tight-knit group of writers navigating life and publishing together, this episode is for you. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find her at https://edithmaxwell.com/maddie-day/

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

Mindset is a critical tool that can make or break your success as a writer.

It almost doesn’t matter how talented you are if your mind is working against you. If every move you make is subverted by an inner critic that is just running amuck. And most of us come to the page with preconceived notions about the “right” way to write, what is and isn’t productive, how our process “should” look—even if we’ve been doing this a long time.

We have to stop that. Our brains all work differently, and that’s something to be celebrated and nurtured, not beaten down.

In this episode, Trisha and I break down some of the biggest mindset barriers to success and how to start coaching yourself in a kinder, more productive way.

We cover:

• Where mindset blocks come from and how to start shifting our thinking

• How each writer’s process is highly individualized and why we shouldn’t compare ourselves to anyone else

• The inner work and introspection necessary to understand yourself, which will help you understand your writing style

If you’ve been feeling down on yourself as a writer because you’re thinking you’re not as productive as other writers, or lost in processes that feel like a slog, this episode is for you.

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

If you’re not following Trisha yet, you can find her at https://www.trishajennreads.com/.

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

I have a lot of conversations with writers about rules, and what you are “supposed to do” and “not supposed to do.” A lot of people just starting out have heard there is absolutely a right and a wrong way to write a book, to tell a story, to fit into a genre.

I think we block ourselves from so many things if we approach writing in this way. We block ourselves from inspiration, from the actual magic that occurs when we just sit down and write something without putting it in a box, or putting ourselves in a box. Most importantly, we end up blocking our own voice - the voice that really wants to come out and be heard.

But here’s the good news: Genre-bending fiction is on the rise. And my guest today is going to tell you how she does it.

Lale Davidson is an author and writing teacher who pushes the boundaries of magical realism in her novels. And we talk about how to do that in today’s episode.

We cover:

• How she created a world she wanted to work with before she had an actual plot—and why that worked for her

• Why it makes sense to write in “layers” or phases and write out of order if that makes sense to you

• The ONLY writing rule she follows

• How to bring readers along with you on any journey—even in a nontraditional genre

If you love pushing the envelope in your writing and creating something that is authentically YOU, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

You can find out more about Lale and her work at https://laledavidson.com/

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

I love talking about conferences. I credit the way my writing career unfolded to getting started so early finding the right ones, networking and making connections. When I made the decision to focus my writing career on mysteries and crime, the first thing I did was go online and search mystery writing conferences.

And one popped up right in my backyard. The New England Crime Bake.

I’m going to tell you all about this one and more in the episode, and also my top three reasons why writers should make conferences a part of their strategy.

I cover:

• The top conferences for mystery writers and readers in the US

• How to think about which ones are right for you, at whatever stage of your writing career you’re in

• My personal favorites and why

If you’ve been wondering if conferences are something into which you should invest time and money, definitely tune in to this episode so you can make the decision that’s best for you.

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

Conferences I mention:

Left Coast Crime

Malice

The Edgars

ThrillerFest

Bouchercon

Killer Nashville

Sleuthfest

New England Crime Bake

When I met Max Friedman and heard his story, I knew I needed to bring it to all of you—for so many reasons.

Max Friedman’s parents were both Holocaust survivors who never spoke about that horrific time in their lives. He and his sister grew up understanding that something was different in their family, that there were stories under the surface that no one was telling, stories that were impacting their lives.

After his parents were gone, Max, who was a journalist his whole life, decided that it was time. He needed to find out his parents’ story, and the story of where he came from. So in his late sixties, he embarked on a journey to find out who his parents really were before that terrible time.

It took him five years and a lot of sleuthing, but he did it. And now the book, Painful Joy, is out in the world.

Max’s story is incredible. The story itself, of course, and also the proof that writing can heal you. Writing about emotional experiences has been scientifically proven to help mental health.

The Harvard Business Review reported that since 1986, more than 200 studies have been done that show “emotional writing” can improve not only emotional health but physical health.

In Max’s case, his book brought healing and closure to a family that had lived with ghosts for many years.

We talk about:

• Why he made the decision to investigate and tell his family’s story

• How his journalism training helped him navigate the research and have empathy for

himself as he faced his life story head on

• What he found out about his parents’ lives before the Holocaust

• What he learned about himself in the process

This is such a heart-wrenching story, but so beautiful to hear it finally be told. And we need to

tell—and hear—stories like this so we always remember the mistakes of the past.

You can find out more about Max and buy the book at https://maxfriedman.net/

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

Veronica Kirin is a speaker, teacher, cultural anthropologist, entrepreneur, magazine publisher— and of course, a writer. She is the author of Stories of Elders, a compilation of interviews of the last living members of one of America’s final analog generations. It won two book awards and an award for the accompanying documentary. She’s also an essayist, a poet and a fiction writer. She also co-founded Anodyne magazine, an arts and lit magazine highlighting the intersectional health experience of the global FLINTA (Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Trans and Agender) community—a powerful publication.

Our conversation was so full—and she shared some real wisdom bombs to inspire you to live your best life as a creative.

We covered:

• What drove her to write Stories of Elders

• How to dismantle the systems in our minds that keep us from honoring and expressing our creativity

• How to treat your writing like a business, whether you're a traditionally published author or a self-published author

• How to overcome imposter syndrome

• Why it’s so important to avoid burnout - and how to overcome it if you're already there

Veronica’s vibe is pretty awesome—I think you're going to love her. Tune in to get a huge creativity boost. You need this!

You can find out more about Veronica and her work here.

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

Last week, you heard all about the real-life work of a private investigator when John talked about his day job as the founder of and investigator at Nardizzi & Assocs., Inc. It’s not surprising that, as a creative person, John was able to channel all that life experience into a second career as an author.

After all, truth is often stranger than fiction, so there’s a lot to work with here.

In this episode, John and I focus on his writing life. We talk about:

• His fictional PI, Ray Infantine and the cases he’s worked

• Crime fiction authors who inspired his own writing

• Mistakes writers make when writing about PIs and how to get it right

• What it’s like for writing and life to intersect meaningfully

We have such a great conversation about books and writing overall—and if you love crime fiction, definitely tune in to this one.

You can find out more about John’s firm here: https://www.nardizzi.com/

And his books here: https://www.johnnardizzi.com/

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

Me too! Well, get excited because today I’m answering that question for you with my guest, investigator, lawyer and author John Nardizzi.

And no—it has nothing to do with spying on cheating spouses. At least, not this investigative firm.

John Nardizzi is the founder of Nardizzi & Assocs., Inc., a private detective agency in Boston. His firm has been lauded for its unique, high-end approach to investigating everything from white collar crimes to cold cases to wrongful convictions. John’s work on innocence cases earned him the Arc of Justice Award from the New England Innocence Project. He was also named 2023 Investigator of the Year from the World Association of Detectives.

And of course, he channeled his day job into a second career as an author, writing a PI series that has also gained critical acclaim. More about that in part two—yes, this one’s a two parter!

In this episode, John and I focus on his PI work, including:

• The surprising experience he looks for when hiring investigators

• How the field has evolved over the years and what makes his work different

• His work on the New England Innocence Project and some of the cases that make it all worthwhile

• The intersection of justice and investigative work

There is so much great information in this episode, and John is so fun to talk to. If you’ve ever wanted a peek behind the curtains into what private investigators’ lives really look like, you don’t want to miss this episode.

You can find out more about John’s firm here: https://www.nardizzi.com/

And his books here: https://www.johnnardizzi.com/

And make sure you’re following me on IG @lizmugavero for the latest episodes!

My guest today knows this better than most. Teri Brown survived an emotionally abusive relationship and had the courage to keep putting her words on the page, but it wasn’t until she challenged herself with a cross-country tandem bike ride with her new husband that she finally found her voice.

Today she’s a published author who is living her passion.

She and I had the best conversation. We talked about:

• Her big bike adventure and her new love story

• How she got the idea for her first book about three generations of Ukrainian women

• How she handles her characters telling her what to do

• How to REALLY celebrate all your milestones.

Teri is such a delight—and I know you’ll feel inspired after this conversation.

You can find out more about Teri at https://www.terimbrown.com/

And follow her on Instagram @terimbrown_author

Connect with me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ for updates.

The Magical Fortune Cookie Mysteries take place in a Chinese bakery in California, and you get to see how a pro creates a world and allows people into it with just enough knowledge and understanding that they immediately feel at home.

And I think that’s the best part about cozies—when done well, like this book, they do such a great job of creating a sense of place and community and honestly make you feel like you’ve got a whole new set of friends when the book is over.

We’re talking today about:

• How she created this world and her delightful characters

• Her other books, including her Sassy Cat Mysteries, which also feature magical furries

• Her writing life and process

• The communities she’s found along the way and how they’ve influenced her career.

If you love cozies, magic and pets, you don't want to miss this one.

You can find out more about Jen here: https://jenniferjchow.com/

And follow her on Instagram @jenjchow

Connect with me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ for updates.

My guest today is a truly inspirational person who approaches her life with a can-do attitude, despite the challenges that have been put in her path. As a disabled Black woman, Tracee has had to navigate MANY different worlds. And she’s done it with humor, joy and positivity, always keeping her eyes on the future and the life she wants to create.

And it was when she found writing in college that everything started to click into place for her.

Writing became the thing that changed her life—from when she first realized she could do it well, to when she realized she could teach it, to when she realized she could coach other writers. Today, she's the author of 18 books, a speaker, writing coach, course creator and fierce disability advocate who speaks from her own experience. As someone living with muscular dystrophy, she loves to encourage others how to overcome their own personal barriers.

Tracee is really a force. We talk about:

• How she realized she was good at writing

• The magic of sharing creative energy with other writers

• Her experiences in both traditional and self-publishing

• The Author Life Fix

• Her work advocating for herself and other disabled people who face inaccessibility every single day

And so much more.

You can find out more about Tracee here: https://traceegarner.com/field-guide/

And follow her on Instagram @traceelydiagarner

Connect with me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ for updates.

One year. I kind of can’t believe it.

I’d been thinking about starting a podcast for a while. I’d created, launched and hosted a podcast at my last corporate job, and while the conversations were way more scripted than I liked, I really loved it. And I thought, talking about writing, with other writers, would be so fun.

I wasn’t wrong.

I have LOVED bringing the Get Writing Podcast to all of you over this past year. I’ve had so many amazing conversations with so many people—some of whom I know really well, and others who I just met because of the podcast, and some have become friends which is so cool.

When I started the show, I knew I wanted to cover all aspects of writing. As a mystery author myself, I knew the crime genre would be a big piece of it, along with process and publishing and deadlines and marketing and community and the highs and lows of being in this business.

I also knew I wanted to cover not just crime, but all kinds of writing. Over the past year I’ve talked to romance authors, fantasy authors, self-help authors, memoir authors and more. I love the spectrum of conversations, all held together by that one creative thread of putting words down on the page in some form that will touch or change someone’s life.

But something I realized a long time ago is that writing isn’t something that compartmentalizes well. What I mean by that is, if you’re not tending to yourself as a whole person, you’re probably not tending to your creative self very well. And to me that means establishing a writing practice that’s sustainable - which means finding the creative process that works for you. It means working every day on your mindset, because without a good mindset, you’re going to struggle and probably not get much accomplished. And it means celebrating the communities you find and make along the way.

So for this episode I wanted to highlight some of my favorites from each of those buckets - creative process, mindset and community.

Here are the links to the full show episodes:

How to plot even when it’s not your superpower with author Jessica Ellicott

Is writing a song really like writing a novel? With singer/songwriter Zach Comtois

How building your community helps you become a better writer with author Julie Hennrikus

From stand-up comedy to genre-bending fiction with author Dick Wybrow

How to mine your life for stories with memoir author Dave Singleton

How to be a self-publishing superstar with author Tonya Kappes

How to find your people with author Jessica Speer

I hope you enjoyed this look-back to this past year. More, I hope you’ve enjoyed the podcast so far. I can’t wait to bring you more episodes that help your writing life expand joyfully, productively and successfully.

If you have ideas on topics you want to hear about, send them to me. You can find me on IG @lizmugavero or at my website, cateconte.com

As always, thanks for tuning in, and keep writing, keep creating and keep sharing your words with the world.

Too often as writers we only think that the time spent pounding out actual words on the keyboard can be considered our writing time. And that’s the message we often get from the world, too, when we share what we’re doing. The first question I always get asked is, “Do you write every day?” Followed up by, “How many words per day do you write?”

These questions are perfectly valid, and truth be told I do try to write every day, especially when I am knee-deep in a book. But it’s also true that the best ideas often arrive when I’m doing something else—like showering or driving. I believe it’s because we’re not trying to force the muse to bestow a magical idea on us during a specific time period. It’s usually when we give our minds a break and let them work on things subconsciously that we find a resolution.

My guest today backs me up on this completely. In fact, the whole first chapter of her latest book is about the benefits of daydreaming as writers.

Emily Winslow is the author of a series of crime novels and a memoir, as well as Time to Write, a how-to guide for writers of all genres. We had the best time talking about all things writing, including:

• How a job creating puzzles led to her first crime novel

• Figuring out YOUR writing process—and then not only accepting it, but embracing it

• Why every writer needs daydreaming time just as much as actual fingers-on-keyboard time

• Owning how much of our writing is done in our heads when we’re doing other things

And so much more.

You can find out more about Emily and buy Time to Write here: https://emilywinslow.com/

And follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilywinslow.author

Connect with me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ for updates.

You may remember my guest today from Episode 16, The Real Value of Romance Novels.

Trisha Loehr is a romance writer and book coach, and she’s my resident expert on all things love and romance—because let’s face it, that is NOT my forte! Just being honest :)

We had some fun with this conversation.

We talk about:

• “Spice level” branding of romance novels

• Expectations in the romance genre and the overlap into the traditional and cozy mystery genres

• How to create and show intimacy between characters, even those unromantically involved

• How to know in which genre you REALLY want to write

And so much more.

If you missed my first episode with Trisha, you can find it here.

You can find out more about Trisha here: https://www.trishajennreads.com/

And follow her on Instagram @trishajennreads.

Connect with me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ for updates.

This is for all of us who live on the procrastination train, and take daily rides on the excuse train, and are still putting off writing that book or that other project we got an idea for a decade ago.

My guest today is 16 years old, and she’s already written more than 26 books.

No, that wasn’t a typo.

Not only has she written 26 books, she’s figured out self-publishing, creates her own marketing plans, and even has a marketing budget. And in her spare time, she’s an anti-bullying advocate. Not too shabby for someone who literally can’t even vote yet, right?

Shanti Hershenson says that ever since she could hold a pencil, marker, or crayon, she was creating stories. They started from pictures, mere scribbles, and eventually, turned into captivating tales.

I often say I knew I would be a writer ever since I could hold a pen. But it took me until I was in my late twenties to write my first book! I am in awe—and I think you will be too.

Shanti and I talk about:

• How she taught herself to write

• How she approaches a book

• Her TikTok strategy that sells books

• What inspired her to start writing seriously so young

And so much more. Shanti is an absolute delight—I know you’re going to love her.

Find out more about her at https://www.shantihershenson.com/

Connect with me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ for updates.

And if you’re looking for a community and some accountability to get you writing, get more info on The Creativity Lab here.

Musicians and writers aren’t so different. That sense of community and camaraderie is a common thread in today’s conversation.

My guest Gabe Bolkosky is a musician who also creates community and accountability for other musicians through online practice support, resources and workshops—so he’s a kindred spirit.

We talk about:

• How we approach our own creative work with the influence of community behind us

• How we really get to a place of peace and ease that helps our processes

• How we nurture our own communities—and what we’re always learning from them

• Why creatives need each other

And so much more. Gabe is such a kind and talented soul who takes so much pleasure in music and the musicians around him. There’s a lot to learn, so don’t miss our talk.

Find out more about Gabe at www.educationforhappiness.org

Connect with me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ for updates.

And if you’re looking for a community and some accountability to get you writing, get more info on The Creativity Lab here.

If you’ve been in my world you’ve heard me say this before, but I’m going to keep saying it until we ALL get it. Mindset can mean the difference between starting a book and actually finishing it. It can mean the difference between a published author and someone who says, “I always wanted to write a book, but…”

I know this to be true from personal experience, so I love talking to people who live by the same ideas. My guest today is SO one of those people.

Stephanie Cansian is a copywriter, email marketer, and owner of the marketing agency Say It Simply. She loves trying new restaurants with excellent coffee, reading good books in comfortable chairs, and breaking a sweat everyday.

Her first book, “Change the World in $10 or Less” is available on Amazon.

And she is such an inspiration when it comes to how mindset can make a difference in the life you have—and get you to the life you want.

We talk about:

• How burpees played a role in changing her life

• How she stays motivated to write, run a business and pitch new clients—daily

• Mindset tricks to get what you want out of your brain—and your life

And so much more.

If you find yourself constantly battling with your own thoughts, you want to upgrade your life or you simply want to feel better every day, you can’t miss this episode.

Find out more about Stephanie at http://www.stephaniecansian.com/

Connect with me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ for updates.

And if you’re looking for a community and some accountability to get you writing, get more info on The Creativity Lab here.

That’s what author Dick Wybrow did when he was just starting out to counteract the wait between agent and editor queries and response time. Using stand-up comedy as a platform, he tested out not only story ideas, but pacing, his approach to humor and overall storytelling presence.

Fast forward to today—he’s a best-selling author of more than a dozen humorous supernatural thrillers. His latest novel, Kane, has been atop Amazon's best-seller list since its publication.

His books cross genres and break ALL the rules, which if you know me at all, you know I love.

Like I always say, there are no rules in writing.

We talk about:

• How his former careers, from stand-up to radio host to TV news, helped him find his writing voice

• His approach to crossing genres

• His reverse approach to the traditional werewolf story (hint - it involves a wolf turning human)

• His unique writing superpower

And so much more.

This conversation was a blast - you don’t want to miss it.

Find out more about Dick at https://www.dickwybrow.com/ and find links to his books.

Connect with me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ for updates.

And if you’re looking for a community and some accountability to get you writing, get more info on The Creativity Lab here.

Well, don't worry, friend - it’s never too late. My guest today, Steph Katzovi, knew she wanted to be a writer in the third grade, but she traded that dream in for law school and later, a career as a communications consultant.

But eventually, she came back to that dream and picked it up with both hands, becoming a children’s author and putting positive messages for tweens out into the world.

We talk about:

• What it felt like to remember how much she loved writing

• The process of writing her first book

• How she keeps herself motivated and inspired

And so much more.

We had such a fun talk - you don't want to miss this one. If you’re feeling that urge to come back to your writing, or explore a desire to write, make sure you tune in.

Find out more about Steph at https://stephkatzovi.com/ and find links to her books.

Connect with me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ for updates.

And if you’re looking for a community and some accountability to get you writing, get more info on The Creativity Lab here.

Zach Comtois is a singer and songwriter whose credits include a four-year stint playing guitar for Britney Spears at her Las Vegas residency—but that’s only one chapter of his story. His band, Better Fires, released their first album recently and he’s currently touring with the band Motion City Soundtrack. He has appeared on The Today Show, the Billboard Music Awards, the iTunes Music Festival in London and many others.

Zach and I are talking about:

• How songwriting and novel writing compare

• A songwriter’s process—and how it’s not so different from other writers’ processes

• What it’s like to live a fully creative life and be true to your art

And so much more.

I really loved this conversation. If you love music, if you’re an aspiring songwriter or any type of writer who needs some inspiration, you need to listen to this conversation.

Find out more about Zach at https://www.betterfires.com/

And check him out on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/zachcomtois

Get more info on The Creativity Lab here.

And stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

That’s a quote from my guest today, Cindy Ingram. This artist and writer has managed to capture her feelings about art in such a way that she was able to heal from trauma, rediscover her deepest self, reconfigure her business and fully show up for her life after being missing for a long time.

By using art as a way to delve into the hard stuff, Cindy was able to find a whole new lease on life—and she’s sharing that with the world in her new memoir, Art is About Being Whole. In her book, she explores various pieces of art through essays that serve as touchpoints for her story, her life and her healing.

Cindy and I talk about:

• Reconnecting with her inner artist and relearning how to make art and write

• What it’s like to use art as an exploration of mental health and trauma

• How she merged art and writing to tell a story of healing and becoming whole

• What the creative process teaches us about life.

This conversation was so profound—and I believe it can bring healing to a lot of people.

You can pick up Cindy’s book at https://artisaboutbeingwhole.com

And get more info on her work at https://artclasscurator.com

Get more info on The Creativity Lab here: https://getwritingwithliz.com/

And stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

I’ve been doing NaNo in some form or another for many years. And this year, I took my members in the Creativity Lab through it - many of them for the first time. And one of the things we talked about as we were prepping was making it work for you. Creating the right goal for themselves and their writing lives at this point in their journey. And celebrating their progress, whatever that goal was.

Today two of my members join me on the show. Both are at different stages of their careers - one of the has actually been on this podcast before. Dave Singleton is a seasoned memoirist and author who wanted to try his hand at a fiction project. And the other, Jill Jaramillo, is writing her first mystery novel. Both of them approached NaNo with different ideas of success in mind, and today they’re here sharing their experiences.

They talk about:

• Why they took the challenge in the first place, and how they made it their own

• How they overcame doubt, inner critics and other constraints to find success

• What they learned about themselves and their writing

• How it felt to stretch out of their comfort zone

This conversation was so inspiring for me - I hope it does the same for you. And if you missed NaNo this year, you don’t have to wait another year for it to come back around. I’m hosting another month-long writing challenge early in 2024.

Connect with me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ for updates.

Get more info on The Creativity Lab here: https://getwritingwithliz.com/

And stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

I can totally relate, friend. I spent a lot of time in the past out of alignment, working in environments that didn’t serve me and leaving less than one percent of my brain available to actually do the creative work that I loved so much.

But guess what? It caught up with me. And I had to make a change.

I know I’m not alone. And today’s guest has also been down that road. Dr. Nicole Janz went from a career in academia to burning herself out - then totally revamping her life and pursuing her own writing as well as becoming a writing coach to help others like her.

I love the similarities in our journey and the insights we share. We talk about:

• How to use burnout to guide you to where you need to be

• Why being true to yourself is the only way to REALLY succeed in life

• A new type of journaling that can deliver the insights you’re looking for

• How to create space for yourself to find the right project, the right words or the right next step

If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your writing - or your life - you don’t want to miss this episode.

I guarantee you’ll take away some life-changing tips on how to get on track.

And stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

Make sure you’re following me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ or find me at cateconte.com.

You can find more about Nicole here: https://nicolejanz.com/

And buy her planner here: https://www.thewritehabitplanner.com

Um, me, for one. Raising both hands here. And I have to tell you - it can be hard to stay on track creatively when these curveballs come. As much as we know deep down that life has other, bigger, better plans for us, these moments are hard. And when they happen, they usually throw our creative selves off track. It’s not easy to tap into that well when you’re feeling drained, sad, angry, or whatever you’re feeling.

I see you. And in today’s episode, I’m sharing my top three strategies to keep my creativity alive and well during a stressful time. I’m sharing:

• Why it’s important to slow down and regroup

• How to take small steps to get back to yourself and your work

• A personal story of how I used one of my biggest disappointments in my fiction, and how it helped me process

If you’re struggling with anything big right now, or even just the impending holiday season, you don’t want to miss this episode. Your creativity will thank you for tuning in.

And stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

Make sure you’re following me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ or find me at cateconte.com.

I’m digging into this question this week with my favorite person to have this conversation with - a fellow cozy author and one of the Wickeds, Barbara Ross. Whenever the question about what a cozy REALLY is comes up and Barb is in the room, you can bet you’re in for an education - or at least a spirited discussion.

Barb is the author of the acclaimed Maine Clambake Mysteries as well as the Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody series and the standalone Death of an Ambitious Woman. She is a multiple-time Agatha nominee and she’s also won the Maine Literary Award for Crime Fiction.

And she’s very passionate about the subject of cozies! We covered a lot in this conversation:

• What cozies are, vs. what they are not

• Their impact on the mystery fiction genre

• Food in cozies and how it enhances the community feel of the books

• How to make sure your characters are multilayered so they feel real to the reader

If you’re a cozy mystery writer or are looking to write a cozy, you don’t want to miss this episode.

You can find more about Barb here: https://barbararossauthor.com/

And stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

Make sure you’re following me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ or find me at cateconte.com.

Plus, she’s got the best attitude—I’m always going to her for a mindset boost.

We covered a lot in this conversation:

• How to navigate the publishing world

• How to make writing work in your own life

• Why every writer needs a community—and the reason may not be what you think

• How to keep the joy alive in your work, even when it gets hard

There are so many gems in our talk—I know you’ll find something to take away that will make all the difference. Don’t miss this one.

You can find more about Julie at the links below:

https://jhauthors.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jhauthors/

If you’re interested in joining Sisters in Crime, you can do that here:

https://www.sistersincrime.org/

And stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

Make sure you’re following me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ or find me at cateconte.com.

Natasha Tynes is a Jordanian-American author and communications professional who owns and operates a digital media agency, Suburban Media Group. She has over twenty years of experience working as a journalist, writer and social media manager. She’s a regular contributor to a number of publications inside and outside the United States. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Nature Magazine, Elle Magazine, The Post, Esquire magazine, and Aljazeera, among others and she’s appeared on shows like Larry King Live and CBS’s Morning Show.

She also hosts the podcast, Read and Write with Natasha, where she talks with authors, publishers, and book marketers around the world. She’s a fiction writer too - her most recent work is the speculative literary novel They Call Me Wyatt.

We had a great conversation - we covered all the things writing, business, mindset and more:

• How to keep going when you feel like you have no idea what you’re doing

• Doing whatever it takes to keep your dream alive

• Betting on yourself and not living for someone else’s dream

• How to use your mindset to get what you want

If you need some inspiration or even just a sign to keep going, this episode is for you.

You can find more about Natasha at the links below:

https://www.readandwritewithnatasha.com/

http://natashatynes.com/

And stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

Make sure you’re following me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ or find me at cateconte.com.

I met Daryl Wood Gerber back when we were both starting out. We have been friends since the early days and she is one of the people who embodies everything good about the writing industry—helpful, motivating, big-hearted. They are traits that are necessary in the world of publishing, because perseverance, a good attitude and a drive to see your work in the world are the most important things.

Daryl is an actress-turned-novelist and today she writes cozy mysteries, suspense and has even ventured into the world of romance. Her books are delightful, her passion is huge and she truly knows how to turn everything into an opportunity. Our conversation today digs into all areas of writing, the business of writing, and even a little Hollywood.

We talk about:

• That time she was on Murder, She Wrote (yes, really!)

• How to write in multiple genres

• How to strategically approach your writing career and keep going even when it gets tough

• Her tips on working with agents and editors

And so much more. If you need a little inspiration, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Find Daryl at https://darylwoodgerber.com/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/

darylwoodgerber/ and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/darylwoodgerber/.

Her new book, Hope for the Holidays, is here: https://darylwoodgerber.com/books/hope-for-the-holidays/

And stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

Make sure you’re following me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ or find me at cateconte.com.

This week, I’m talking about National Novel Writing Month—what it is, how to get ready for it, and how to crush it while keeping your sanity.

National Novel Writing Month is a challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days during the month of November. And while it sounds pretty daunting if you’ve never tried it, there are ways to get through it without your stress levels hitting the roof.

I’m giving you those tips today. I’m talking about:

• The three keys to a successful NaNo

• How to set the goal that’s right for you

• Mindset tips to keep you going strong even when it gets tough

• Practical prep tools so you can hit the ground running next week

If you’ve been thinking about NaNo this year for the first time, or you’re an OG NaNoer and want to approach it differently, this episode is for you.

You can connect with me on Instagram at @lizmugavero or find me at https://cateconte.com/.

And stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

Make sure you’re following me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ or find me at cateconte.com.

My guest today, Claire Taylor, is a fiction strategist and the owner of FFS Media. She helps authors create aligned and sustainable writing careers using various tools, including the Enneagram. She uses the Enneagram framework to help authors create careers they love and stories that stand out, and is an Advanced Certified Instructor through the Enneagram Spectrum Method developed and taught by Dr. Jerome Wagner.

We talk about all aspects of the Enneagram, including:

• How your type guides your character development - even if you don't know what your type is

• How it can help create ease in your writing

• How you can use the information about your type to dissolve blocks

• How you can attract your aligned audience by writing with the Enneagram

This episode is packed with great information—you definitely want to tune in. If you’re not familiar with the Enneagram, you can go to any of these sites to find out your type:

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ (RHETI test)

https://enneagramspectrum.com/testing/

https://www.wepss.com/

Find Claire at https://www.ffs.media/ or on Instagram or TikTok @FFS.media.

You can connect with me on Instagram at @lizmugavero or find me at https://cateconte.com/.

And stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

Make sure you’re following me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ or find me at cateconte.com

There’s another piece to that - and it’s all about bringing the joy back to our creative process - and opening ourselves up through joy and fun to help us access the creative part of ourselves.

I’m talking about bringing the joy back to your writing life. And one of the ways we can do that is through the Artist Date.

In this episode I talk about:

• What an Artist Date is

• Why it’s critical to the creative process

• A few ideas on how to take one

• How you can really be in the moment and enjoy the time you’re taking to connect with your inner artist

If you’ve never thought that a “serious writing career” should include having fun, this episode is for you, my friend. It’s also for me too, because I have been known to be fun-challenged. So let’s go on some Artist Dates together and see what magic happens!

Stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

Make sure you’re following me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ or find me at cateconte.com

Well, the topic I have for you today is going to help you make the most of your writing time and give your creativity a huge boost.

I’m talking about the most important tool in your writer’s toolbox. And no, it’s not Scrivener - even though that’s a pretty close second.

I’m talking about journaling, and how critical it is for writers. I know, because I am living proof that it works.

I’m covering:

• Why journaling is important for writers

• Why you shouldn’t be scared of it

• Three types of journaling you can put into practice today

If you’ve never journaled before, or if you’re feeling some resistance even reading this, then you need this episode. I promise, if you commit to a journaling practice your writing life WILL change. It’s that simple.

Stay tuned for some big news coming up soon about a masterclass on mindful mystery writing!

Make sure you’re following me on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/ or find me at cateconte.com

I’ve always said that it takes real acting talent to bring a book to life through voice. I always hesitate to say yes to anyone who asks me to read from my own books at an event or on a podcast or radio show, because I know I don’t have that talent.

And when someone does, it makes the book really come alive.

My guest today, Becky Parker Geist, understands that. She is the founder and CEO of Pro Audio Voices, a Portland based company serving clients internationally as a go-to place for exceptional audiobook production and marketing. She is also the producer of the AMPlify app (available for both iPhone & Android), that offers the highest royalties and most control to authors of audiobooks of any platform in the industry. Becky is also a writer—she just does it all. Her debut novel, The Left Turn, the first in the Split Universe series, explores self discovery and discoveries in new science through contemporary metaphysical fiction in the context of parallel universes.

We had a fascinating conversation about everything from:

• Why not everyone should read their own audiobook

• What to look for in a partner company when publishing your audiobook

• How she approaches narration, and finds the right readers for the right books

And so much more.

You can find Becky at: https://beckyparkergeist.com/ and more about her company at https://proaudiovoices.com.

Becky's novel is available on Amazon, and the AMPlify app is available through Pro Audio Voices (iPhone & Android).

Find me at cateconte.com or on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero

Tyler Schwanke, created with his first novel, Breaking In, about a female filmmaker who stages a heist to steal back the movie that the head of her film school stole from her and made into his Hollywood comeback.

If you think the story sounds fun, wait until you hear from Tyler himself. The novel pulls from his own background in film school, where he learned how to visually tell a story—a skill that served him well when he transitioned into novels. We had a fascinating conversation about everything from:

• What makes a good heist film

• The pros and cons of turning a novel into a movie or TV show

• How to “show, not tell,” in your writing

• The road to finding an agent and publisher and what novelists should look for

And so much more.

You can find out more about Tyler here: https://www.tylerschwanke.com/

And get Breaking In here: https://bit.ly/3EFAz0j

Follow Tyler on IG at @tschwankes

Find me at cateconte.com or on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero

Search engine optimization is about improving unpaid traffic to your website from search engines — which can lead to more people finding you, which obviously leads to more sales. My guest today, Brandon Leibowitz of SEO Optimizers, is full of tips for how authors can enhance their online presence with SEO.

We talk about:

• How to set your website up for success

• What backlinks are, why you need them and how to get them

• How to find the right keywords to sell your books

• How to implement SEO in your social media

And so much more.

If you’re an author looking to get more eyes—and more sales!—on your books, you don’t want to miss this episode.

You can find out more about Brandon here: https://seooptimizers.com/

For his free masterclass on SEO, go here: https://seooptimizers.com/gift

Find me at cateconte.com or on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/

My guest today, LynDee Walker, has a whole series featuring journalist Nichelle Clark (and if you haven’t read them yet, go get them NOW). Like me, she started out as a journalist and holds the profession near and dear to her heart. And it comes through in her books.

We talked about:

• How journalism teaches you life

• What drives LynDee’s Nichelle Clark in her pursuit of the truth

• How to ask the right questions

• The real-life stories that really hit home

And so much more.

You can find out more about LynDee here: https://severnriverbooks.com/authors/lyndee-walker/

And the Nichelle Clarke series here: https://severnriverbooks.com/collections/nichelle-clarke

Follow her on IG at @lyndeewalkerbooks.

Episode 22: Community and Cowriting with LynDee Walker: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-writing-podcast/id1673553137?i=1000621508445

Find me at cateconte.com or on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/

My guest is a writer, but I actually wanted to bring her on the show because what she’s writing and teaching about HELPS writers. Her name is Ashton Rodenhiser and she teaches visual note taking and using drawing as a thinking tool. Now - before you hit pause on this episode, don’t get hung up on the word “drawing” - because if you’re anything like me, you’re saying right now “I can’t draw!”

Well guess what. You don’t have to. Visual notetaking is a whole thing. And as Ashton herself says, Anyone, whether they are students or boardroom executives can benefit from visual note taking. Even if you feel like you can't draw, it's possible to learn basic drawing elements to help you benefit from drawing your notes. There are studies that support visually capturing notes can lead to improved recall and retention and can help you focus and connect deeper with information.

Ashton is passionate about lifting the creative spirit in everyone that she meets. For the past seven years, she has followed her passion for helping people communicate their ideas and combined that with creativity by founding Mind's Eye Creative Consulting. Over the years, she has brought close to a thousand presentations and conversations to life either on paper or digitally.

We talked about:

• All the different ways you can use visual representation to capture ideas

• How to use this technique to plot your book

• Why you don’t have to have the first clue how to draw ANYTHING

And so much more.

Find out more about Ashton and her work here: http://www.mindseyecreative.ca/

How to plot even when it’s not your superpower with Jessica Ellicott: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-writing-podcast/id1673553137?i=1000603171534

Find me at cateconte.com or on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero/

My guest today is no different. Kathy Otten writes in multiple genres and she credits her success with joining Pennwriters, an organization that helps writers of all levels, from the novice to the award-winning and multi-published, improve and succeed in their craft. Today she’s all about staying involved, giving back and nurturing the idea of community among writers - which makes her a perfect guest on the show.

Kathy is the author of several historical romance short stories and novels. She was a Northwest Houston RWA Lone Star winner and Utah/Salt Lake RWA Hearts of the West finalist. She teaches workshops, both in person and online, on the craft of writing and offers her services as a book coach for anyone who needs help writing their book. As a coach she offers support with project management and constructive feedback on any work submitted. With a bit of tough love and emotional support thrown in, she provides the tools for writers to complete their book and make it their very best.

We talked about:

• The best ways to improve your craft

• Prompts to get you plotting

• What a book coach actually does, and

• Really important advice that all writers need to hear.

Check out Kathy’s website: https://www.kathyotten.com/

If you’re interested in Pennwriters: https://www.pennwriters.org

His first book, "Alcoholics Not Anonymous, a Modern Way to Quit Drinking," describes the method he created for himself to get sober. He used the money he saved from not drinking to buy a one-week sailing class, and soon after bought a 30' sailboat, which he sailed alone, 1000 miles, from the west coast of Florida to the East coast. This became the subject of his second book, "Becoming a Sailor." He now lives a nomadic life, sailing, writing, and chasing his dreams wherever they lead. He has written and self-published ten books, the most recent is "Until They Bury Me," a psychological thriller.

We talked about a lot of things during this podcast - writing, of course, and how it became the thing that drives him every single day. But we also talked about life, and creativity, and designing your own existence - which I just love. So many of us end up doing the things we “are supposed to do” vs. what we actually want to do, and as Paul talks about, life is too short.

If you’re a writer - or dreaming of becoming one and just can’t see the path - this episode is for you.

Check out Paul’s website: https://paultrammell.com/

And find him on Instagram @trammel.paul

And check out Until They Bury Me here.

And since this is a special episode, I had to have a special guest. You know how there are those people who you meet and just feel like you’ve known forever? Well, that happened to me (a few times) at the Seascape Writers Retreat about 14 years ago. If you listened to episode 17 with author John Valeri, you heard a little bit about it. That was in 2007. The following year, I went again and I formed more friendships that have lasted to this day - my Wicked Author friends Sherry Harris and Edith Maxwell, and my guest today.

Christine Keyes is a writer who is making it up as she goes along. She started her career as a television reporter but has been a magazine editor, CEO of her own software company and even a traffic controller. She now runs a publishing company. She has two sons and is based in Sydney, Australia but can often be found singing karaoke on a cruise ship or a tropical island.

Or in the U.S., which is where she is right now - here at the beach with me. And I had to get her on the podcast to talk about her journey from Seascape to publishing her first book this year, her popular blog about her many travels, and the importance of the writing community she’s built over the years.

We talk about:

• What working with professional mentors at Seascape taught her about writing

• How traveling the world has changed her writing life

• The process of publishing her first book

And more. You don’t want to miss this super fun episode.

Follow Christine’s blog, Festival of Tina.

Buy Stella’s Secret here.

You can find me at cateconte.com

or on Instagram: @lizmugavero

I met Jason Allen through my good friend and fellow Wicked Author Julie Hennrikus. Not only is he a good friend of hers, but she also spilled the beans that he was her first reader - which means he reads the drafts of her books to see if they, well, are books. Of course, I had to jump on that bandwagon and see if he would do the same for me.

Well, he said yes - and my books are infinitely better for it. Now he’s even an honorary member of the Wicked Authors. And I knew I had to get him on the podcast.

I wanted to talk to him about doing this first reading gig from a reader perspective - someone who isn’t writing his own books but reads voraciously. We had such an interesting conversation that I know you’re going to love.

We talked about:

• How Jason got this super lucrative (haha!) gig

• What he looks for when reading drafts

• How it’s changed the way he reads books overall

And so much more. If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes process of writing, editing and publishing, you don’t want to miss this episode.

You can find out more about the Wicked Authors here: https://wickedauthors.com/

You can find me at cateconte.com

or on Instagram: @lizmugavero.

We’re still talking about community and today’s guest reinforces this whole conversation about how It’s so important to find your people. In writing AND in life - and sometimes if you get lucky you can find both at once.

My guest today is in a completely different genre, but she has a similar story to me and so many mystery writers I know about finding her group and how much it helped her grow as a writer and grow her career.

Jessica Speer is a children’s book author whose books strengthen social awareness and help kids and families navigate common struggles. Her award-winning writing engages and entertains readers by combining the stories of preteens and teens with fun activities and practical insights. She has a master’s degree in social sciences and explores social-emotional topics in ways that connect with kids, schools and families.

Jessica is regularly featured in and contributes to media outlets on topics related to preteens/teens, parenting, social-emotional topics and friendship. She lives in Colorado with her husband and two daughters.

We talked about:

• How the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators helped launch and sustain her career

• Why having a support system is so critical for writers who sit alone at their desks most days

• How she uses the resources within this group to continuously improve her writing

• The opportunities that groups like this offer

And so much more. If you’re a writer looking for your people, you don’t want to miss this episode.

You can find out more about Jessica here: https://jessicaspeer.com/

And the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators here: https://www.scbwi.org/

You can find me at cateconte.com

or on Instagram: @lizmugavero.

I’ve always said my community is such a huge part of the writing life. From the broader mystery community down to my Wicked Author blog mates, I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. I got my first contract because of the Sisters in Crime New England community. When writing gets tough I turn to the Wickeds, who are great listeners, cheerleaders and voices of reason. And now I get to give back by offering community to other writers through my membership, the Creativity Lab. It really makes a difference.

My guest today is trying out a different kind of community in writing - a co-writing gig with a fellow author. LynDee Walker is the author of two best-selling series, and she teamed up with author Bruce Robert Coffin to add a third to the mix - and it's going to be a fun one.

We talked about:

• How the collaboration came to be

• What it’s like as a pantser who had to write an outline for a whole book and hand it off to another writer

• How her own process has changed for the better thanks to the partnership

And so much more. If you’re a writer looking for ways to collaborate with other authors, you don’t want to miss this episode.

You can find out more about LynDee here: https://severnriverbooks.com/authors/lyndee-walker/

And the Turner and Mosley files here: https://severnriverbooks.com/series/the-turner-and-mosley-files/

Follow her on IG at @lyndeewalkerbooks and her co-writer, Bruce Robert Coffin, @brucerobertcoffinauthor.

You can find me at cateconte.com

or on Instagram: @lizmugavero.

Shirley Novack just wrote and published her first historical fiction novel - in her mid-seventies. She used a real life event that happened to her father and turned it into fiction, wrote it in a year and just saw it published.

I LOVE stories like this - they turn all those old stories right on their heads and show you just what’s possible when you have a different attitude about it.

We talked about:

• The importance of mindset

• How Shirley approached writing a book for the first time

• How she took a traumatic family story and used it to create a fictional novel

And more.

You can find Shirley’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Story-Shirley-B-Novack/dp/1638607338

You can find me at cateconte.com

or on Instagram: @lizmugavero.

If you’ve always wanted to write and haven’t yet been able to make any meaningful progress in your writing of choice—or never tried—chances are you have a creative block. It’s different from writer’s block. In this episode, we talk about what that means and how to start dissolving it.

You’ll hear:

• Examples of what creative blocks look like

• A story about my own experience with a major creative block

• Why taking your writing seriously—but not too seriously—is going to help you get through the block

And more.

Thanks for spending some time with me on this holiday. Stop over at my website, cateconte.com, for more information on my books, how to work with me and how to stay in touch, or find me on Instagram: @lizmugavero

so when I had the opportunity to interview today’s guest, I jumped at the chance.

I’m a huge ghost fanatic. Two of my books have ghosts in them—my third Pawsitively Organic

Mystery, The Icing on the Corpse, and my next Cat Cafe Mystery, Nine Lives and Alibis (out in

August!). And I truly believe that people and animals we love are on the other side sending us

signs, and I had a lot of questions about this.

Tina Erwin’s mission is to teach the living how to help the dead. She wants to empower

everyone to help any ghost they may find. Tina has studied metaphysics all of her life and is the

author of eight books on metaphysics. Her writing comes from a desire to know and understand

the hard science behind the unseen world of action and reaction combined with a sincere desire

to share this understanding with other knowledge seekers.

We talk about:

• What it means when a ghost is “stuck” in this world and how to help them cross over

• How there are as any different types of ghosts as there are personalities

• What “predecessor energy” is and why you may have ghosts who linger in certain areas

And so much more.

You can find more about Tina at TinaErwin.com and GhostHelpers.com.

to discuss her new book, Games of Chance. The book covers the lives of three non-biological

siblings, Alex, Seb and Emilia, who are raised in an Italian-American family in New Jersey after

a family tragedy. The story follows the trio over a period of twenty-one years, from their

childhood to their late twenties. It’s a novel about what family means and what keeps certain

families together while others fall apart.

I loved this book and I loved our conversation. As a fellow Italian, I loved being invited in to

another family’s approach to the culture, the food, and the age-old debate about sauce vs. gravy

- and yes, we get into that in the conversation.

We talk about:

• How it took her ten years to write this book—and why it was worth the wait

• Why she made the choice to self-publish

• What happens when characters take up residence in your head and won’t leave

• What it really means to be an Italian-American (hint: There’s a lot of food involved!)

And so much more.

You can find Raquel at https://raqueldrosos.com/, along with a link to buy the book.

That love of books has completely changed his life. As he realized writers were his people, he made it his mission to champion them. By shouting out books and going deep with the authors behind them, John not only brought his unique perspective to interviews and book reviews, he’s managed to establish lifelong friendships with some of the biggest names in the industry.

This conversation spans 16 years—from the Seascape Writers Retreat back in 2007 to today.

In it, we cover his entire journey from someone who wanted to try out writing to a serious reviewer who has written for some of the largest publications in the mystery field—and beyond.

We talk about:

• How he had to psych himself out to watch horror movies—and what he discovered he loves about the really good ones

• The early mysteries that captivated his attention

• How he got started reviewing books and meeting authors

• The chain of events that brought him to bestie status with Marcia Clark

• The one author who’s still on his wish list to sit down with

And so much more. If you didn’t know John before this conversation, you’re going to want to when it’s over.

Find John at: http://www.johnbvaleri.com/

are and are not—and whether or not they’re really valuable to society. Romance writers face

the same preconceptions. But my guest today is a staunch believer that all books have value,

and has a great story about how romance novels not only pulled her out of a really dark time,

but became a business.

Today, Trisha Loehr is a romance author herself as well as a book coach for other romance

authors, and she couldn’t be happier with her choices. This conversation is about a writer

embracing her calling and transforming her life and her happiness because of it.

We talk about:

• Exploring multiple career paths in a quest for a “real” job

• How writing a “serious” thriller about sex trafficking nearly derailed her writing again

• How she finally embraced the books she truly loved

• Why romance books have just as much value as any other type of writing

And so much more!

You can find Trisha’s blog, services and social media at:

https://trishajennreads.com/

And find me on Instagram @lizmugavero. Send me a DM if you’re loving the pod, and follow

me so you never miss a show update

Then this episode is for you.

My guest today is Alexa Nazarro, the owner of Aaxel Author Services and an expert on all aspects of self-publishing, from writing your first drafts to publishing and marketing your book. She understands the art of writing regardless of genre, and she understands self-publishing and marketing for the independent author.

One of the things I wanted to do with this podcast was give authors and aspiring authors access to all different kinds of information that will help them in their careers—which includes all the publishing options available today. I can talk about the traditional publishing route, and I love finding people who can talk about the self-publishing route with knowledge and expertise and valuable information that will help authors choose the right path for them. Alexa is one of those people.

We talk about:

• How to decide if self-publishing is right for you
• The things in fiction writing you have to get right
• Why you shouldn’t trust your first draft—or your mother’s opinion of it
• How to be a superstar marketer once your book is out

And so much more!

Find more information about Alexa and Aaxel author services here:

https://aaxelauthorservices.com/ 

And follow me on Instagram @lizmugavero so you never miss a show update.

film writing if you’ve been writing in a different medium?

Well, I’ve got answers for you.

Today, author, playwright and screenwriter Matt Witten joins me on the show to talk about his long,

illustrious career from playwright to Agatha-award winning cozy author to series writer (he wrote for Law

and Order , House and Pretty Little Liars , to name a few) to thriller writer. Oh, and there’s a Hallmark

movie somewhere in there too.

We talk about:

How Matt got into TV writing

What it's really like in those writer’s rooms

Why cozies—both book and film—should get more respect

The character that stuck with him for seven years until he figured out a plot for a thriller

How writers can think about pitching their books as a series

And tons more. If you’ve ever been curious about how to break into TV writing, you don't want to miss

this episode. And even if you don’t and just want to know what it's like in that world, this conversation

will keep you captivated.

You can find more about Matt and check out his books here: https://mattwittenwriter.com/

We talk about:

• The ins and outs of switching genres
• Writing in different genres in today's publishing world
• Breaking habits and taking risks as a writer

And so much more!

You can find more about Amy here. 

If I had known about my guest today a lot sooner, it would have saved me many years of heartache.

Karen C.L. Anderson is an expert in mother-daughter relationships and is the author of Difficult Mothers, Adult Daughters: A Guide for Separation, Liberation, and a companion journal. She is currently finishing her new book, You Are Not Your Mother: Releasing Generational Trauma and Shame, which speaks to her personal experience with shame.

We talk about:

How adult daughters have the right to break contracts and speak the truth about their mothers;

How important it is to set boundaries with family members and honor them;

How self-concept work can help you understand yourself better so you can approach difficult interactions with your mother from a place of power;

Why setting boundaries doesn’t have to mean not speaking to your mother—but it could.

Whether you’re an adult daughter struggling with your relationship with your mother, or a mother who wants some insights into how to better relate to her daughter, I hope you love this episode. If this feels triggering for you, make sure you’re taking care of yourself.

You can find Karen on social here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kclanderson/

Retired NYPD detective-turned-author Vic Ferrari joins me to share a look behind the scenes at some of the wildest times in the department’s history, from mobsters to chop shops to what it’s really like working with the FBI.

Vic is the author of six books, five of which details some of his most memorable experiences as a detective in the largest department in the country.

We talk about:

• His first experience meeting mobsters at the local butcher’s when he was 12;

• How John Gotti’s son-in-law dealt with rats;

• How body shops run by the mob operated;

• The nuns who “borrowed” the Big Nun’s car to go on a shopping spree—and the car got stolen

• That time he moved to Florida and thought he could be a cop there too until they tried to teach him how to wrestle alligators

• How someone suggested he write down a few of his stories—and that turned into a second career

And so much more!

Whether you’re a writer looking for some authentic tales from the NYPD or someone who just loves listening to the real stories from the street, you’re going to love this episode.

Also - there’s some adult language in this one, so don’t listen with little ones around!

You can find Vic’s books here.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01IIQXLBC

And find him on social here:

Instagram: @vicferrari50

Twitter: @vicferrari50

(Doesn’t that sound fun? Anything with glitter is a must in my book!)

Lovisa’s extensive background in coaching, leadership, mindfulness, journalism and more has led her to a place today where she can use her creativity to reach and empower thousands of women.

We talk about:

The importance of taking a more feminine approach to business and exploring spiritual tools, like the Enneagram, to enhance personal growth

How writing, soul and spirit work, and shadow work can be used to empower women and reconnect with their deeper selves

The importance of embracing qualities such as presence, power, and curiosity for transformation and newfound freedom.

And much more!

Chapter Breakdown:

Exploring the World through Writing and Self-Leadership

00:00 - 09:38

Exploring Magic, Fantasy, and Human Growth Through Writing

09:38 - 18:00

Finding the Balance: Writing, Vulnerability, and the Spiritual Path

18:00 - 26:06

Find Lovisa at:

https://www.lovisaalsen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovisaalsen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovisaalsen

Join us as we deep-dive into: 

• The business of self-publishing
• The family values that set Tonya on her path and helped her cultivate her approach to running a company
• Marketing tips and tricks for authors that you don’t want to miss

And more!

Find Tonya at:

https://tonyakappes.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyakappesbooks/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authortonyakappes/ 

Patreon: https://tonyakappes.com/tonya-on-patreon/

While traditional publishing continues to be the path that many authors pursue, self-publishing has become much more popular and more widely accepted over the past decade. Still, there’s a lot of questions—and a lot of mystery—behind the process.

Today’s guest, bestselling cozy author Tonya Kappes, has been self-publishing since the start of her career more than a decade ago. She’s an Amazon All Star who has written more than 180 southern cozy mysteries, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists. Her stories are packed with southern charm, emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters. And her business sense is impeccable. 

This gal knows her stuff—and she’s here to share it all, from the day she decided to write a book (hint: she never even liked to read before that!) to when she made the decision to put her books out on her own. We’re talking writing, marketing and how to stay grounded and centered in this crazy business. 

Tune in to hear: 

• The catalyst that drove Tonya to start writing
• How The Artist’s Way helps to keep her head in the game
• Her go-to strategy for staying connected to her readers
• That time Tonya met Grumpy Cat (yes, the real one!)

And much more!

Find Tonya at:

https://tonyakappes.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyakappesbooks/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authortonyakappes/ 

Patreon: https://tonyakappes.com/tonya-on-patreon/

If you’ve ever had any of these burning questions, you don’t want to miss today’s conversation. I’m sitting down with a new friend who happens to be an expert on everything crystals and minerals—and one of my personal “crystal suppliers.” 

Eric Gendron is the chief crystal officer of Ravenstone, an amazing crystal and gift shop here on Massachusetts’s north shore. He is a wealth of information about which crystals to use, how to use them, and where to start if you’re feeling intimidated by all the choices. 

Join us to learn:

• Which crystals can support you in creative pursuits

• How to use your intuition to decide which stone is right for you

• How to use the stones once you’ve made your choice

And so much more!

You can visit Ravenstone in person in Lynn, Mass., or online at https://www.ravenstonegifts.com/.

Follow them on social for all the newest stones and other goodies:

Instagram: @ravenstonegifts

Facebook.com: @ravenstonegifts

Tiktok: @ravenstonegifts 

To celebrate, I’m having a conversation with my friend and fellow author Korina Moss, whose book Curds of Prey is out today too. Korina is the author of the Cheese Shop cozy mystery series set in Sonoma Valley.

This is a fun conversation - we cover cheese, writing, Agatha Award nominations, and so much more. Tune in and help us celebrate!

You can find Korina at:

https://www.korinamossauthor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korinamossauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korinamossauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KorinaLMoss

Writers Who Kill: https://writerswhokill.blogspot.com/

But what does that process actually look like? People ask me that a lot - what happens after you send a book in? How long does it take to edit? What kind of edits happen? How many people weigh in? Where do covers come from?

In this shorty episode, I walk you through what happens from the time a book gets turned into the publisher until it reaches your hot little hands.

My conversation with Dave Singleton covers all this and more. A memoir author, essayist and writing teacher, Dave is an expert at teaching writers how to hone in on the stories in their lives of which they need to make the most sense and turn them into literary gold. 

If you’ve ever wanted to go deep into your own past for inspiration, join me for this conversation.

Find Dave at: http://www.davesingleton.com/ 

How to plot even when it’s not your superpower (Ep. 3)

Most writers have struggled with plotting their novel at one point or another. Even if you self-identify as a plotter (as opposed to a “pantser”), plotting can stymie even the best writer. 

Well, good news. In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with fellow Wicked Author and plotting queen Jessica Ellicott, who’s talking about her plotting process and how writers can find a plotting method that works for them. 

We talk about:

• How most writers are plotting even when they think they’re not
• Why there’s no “one way” to plot a novel
• How to think about it differently so it’s not so overwhelming
• Why the plotting vs. pantsing debate should just stop and let everyone do what works for them

This is a fun episode and I guarantee you’ll walk away with some ideas on how to make plotting work for you—even if you’ve never plotted a scene before. 

Find Jessie at:

https://jessicaellicott.com/ 

More from me: 

Strategies to skyrocket your writing success: https://bit.ly/3NNAbz

https://cateconte.com/  

https://wickedauthors.com/  

Instagram: @lizmugavero 

@cateconteauthor

Facebook: @author.liz.mugavero

Christine Carron, founder of Goodjelly, joins me to talk about project managing your writing and get ready for your mind to be blown!

I’m the first to admit that I don’t have a project management brain. So when Christine and I started talking about this concept, it was hard to wrap my head around it. She encourages writers to develop their own custom writing process, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, experimentation, and kindness. 

Tune in to hear:

• Why being good to yourself is such an important part of the writing process
• How to project manage your writing—without a spreadsheet
• How you can empower yourself to take charge of any situation—including with agents and editors
• How to handle your inner critic with kindness

…and much more! If you’re sick of not feeling in control of your writing life, this is the episode for you. You don’t want to miss this conversation. 

Find Christine here:

Goodjelly website: https://www.goodjelly.com/

Goodjelly Instagram: @leagueofgoodjelly

Goodjelly Facebook: @hellogoodjelly

In this inaugural episode, I’m sharing my story—how I got to where I am, what I did to get here and, most importantly, how turned that into a calling to help writers regain and embrace their creativity. 

This involves recognizing and nurturing the artist within, being honest about the things that don’t serve you and being open to moving past painful experiences. Having the proper tools and support and a supportive community are all important aspects of reaching creative potential and writing success.