Afleveringen
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A quick update on the recent delay in episode uploads and plans moving forward. The podcast isn't saying goodbye, but we'll be taking a bit of a breather to do some catching up (and meeting some other deadlines!).
Moving forward, we may explore doing the "seasons" setup where we take breaks between batches of episodes, but we'll keep you updated once we settle on a schedule. Thank you so much for sticking with us, and we appreciate you all!
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Amy sits down for a chat with author Harvey Oliver Baxter about writing aromantic and asexual characters in fiction. We discuss some of our fave characters, least fave tropes, and more.
Harvey Oliver Baxter is the author of Fallen Thorns, available now.
Find Harvey online:
Instagram: @lastvanillasmile
TikTok: @authorhobaxter
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Episode Drink:
2oz gin1.5oz sweet red vermouth2oz ruby red grapefruit juice.5oz grenadine*2 dashes angostura bittersOptional: mint leaf for garnish*Get the real pomegranate stuff if you can, or you can make your own by heating equal parts 100% unsweetened pomegranate juice and granulated sugar until the sugar dissolves. You can also substitute with creme de cassis or creme de mure if needed.
1) Shake all in cocktail shaker with ice2) Double strain into chilled coupe glass3) Optional: garnish with a mint leaf
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Amy discusses the miscommunication trope with fellow writer Lesia, which includes our fave (and least fave) ways it can be incorporated, as well as a bit of shared glee over character angst.
Follow Lesia on Instagram
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Amy and guest Fiona Fenn discuss fanfiction! They chat about their personal ties to fanfic, as well as shifting perceptions in the traditional publishing industry, and how the community aspect differs between fanfic and trad-pub.
Fiona is the author of the upcoming fantasy novel, The Crack at the Heart of Everything, available for pre-order now!
Find Fiona online here:
WebsiteTwitterInstagramTikTok -
Amy is joined by guest co-host Abi to discuss love triangles (or assorted other shapes). We discuss the "why not all" option, when a love triangle/polygon may actually help serve the plot, and our best tips for making them feel authentic.
Follow Fledgling Books here!
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Historical mystery author Jenny Adams joins Amy for a discussion about what it's been like pivoting from young adult fantasy to adult historical mystery, as well as sharing some advice for others thinking about expanding into other genres.
Jenny is the author of the debut adult historical mystery novel A Deadly Endeavor, available now!
Find Jenny Adams and her books online:
LinktreeLearn more about A Deadly Endeavor and order it here! -
Amy sits down with author T.L. Simpson to discuss his YA contemporary debut novel, Strong Like You. We discuss what it's like to tackle darker themes in YA, how journalistic writing can help with fiction, and share a minor digression on a little childhood toy nostalgia.
Find T.L. Simpson online:
Website: tlsimpson.netInstagram: @word_factory21Facebook: tlsimpson21Find Strong Like You on Amazon hereStrong Like You book cover illustration by Caitlin O'Dwyer -
In this special guest episode, Amy sits down with author Jaq Evans to discuss what it's like juggling projects, working with publishing deadlines and long silences, as well as giving yourself grace when choosing which book to work on.
Jaq Evans is the author of the adult horror novel What Grows in the Dark, releasing on March 5, 2024.
Find Jaq online:
Twitter: @jaqwritesInstagram @anomistingWebsite: jaqevans.com -
In this episode, Amy and D.C. chat with special guest Brigitta Estelle Burguess, author of Swipe Up For Secrets. We discuss keeping a positive outlook on writing, marketing a self-published book, and what it's like maintaining a writing career as a parent.
Find Brigitta and her book online:
Swipe Up For Secrets
Instagram
Twitter/X
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What do you do when the muse isn't singing and the motivation just isn't sparking? Amy and D.C. discuss some of their favorite tips for getting the mojo back.
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When should you interact with your readers, and when should you keep out of reader spaces? Today, Amy and D.C. discuss this touchy topic.
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How can you make sure your subplots weave in with your main plot, how do they tie in to characters, and why is that important? Amy and D.C. discuss.
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Amy and D.C. discuss the ugliness of publishing insecurities and professional jealousy, as well as sharing our best tips for keeping them at bay. We also talk about the importance of community and supporting other authors. (Yes, this might be spurred on by the recent review-bombing mess in December 2023).
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Amy's book, The Longest Autumn, comes out tomorrow (if you're listening to this episode on the day it drops)!
Amy and D.C. take a look back to discuss how a book gets to print, her journey to publication and what a long, strange trip it's been.
To learn more about The Longest Autumn (or to order it), click here.
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Drink Recipes:
Cocktail:
2oz apple cider (the good cloudy stuff that's only squished apples)2oz pumpkin spice syrup1.5oz rye whiskey.5oz whipped cream vodka1 dash angostura bittersStir with ice for about 30 seconds or until well chilledStrain over fresh crushed ice.Mocktail:
2oz apple cider (the good cloudy stuff that's only squished apples)2oz pumpkin spice syrup2oz ginger beerStir apple cider and pumpkin spice syrup with ice for about 30 seconds or until well combined and chilled.Strain over fresh crushed ice in a highball glass.Top with ginger beer and give a light, quick stir. -
Avery (now Amy) and D.C. discuss writing multiple timelines or flashbacks in a story. We chat about some possible best practices, finding the right reader for a multi-timeline story, and some of our favorite (and least favorite) examples.
(Side note: This episode was originally recorded in October of 2023 but Amy just now got around to editing it, so the "what we're reading and working on" sections are a glimpse into Past Us)
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Some updates about what the podcast will look like in 2024, news about Amy's book release (January 16th, aaaa!), and a replay of one of our most popular episodes: "Invisible, Lyrical, and Purple Prose".
Tour dates mentioned:
Tuesday January 16th at 6pm - Wichita, KS, Watermark Books & Cafe with KT Hanna, author of numerous fantasy, dystopian, and LitRPG booksWednesday January 17th at 7pm - Tulsa, OK, Magic City Books Thursday January 25th at 7pm - Lawrence, KS, The Raven Bookstore with Megan Bannen, author of The Undertaking of Hart & MercyMonday January 29th at 6:30pm - Ann Arbor, MI, Literati Bookstore with Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch’s Heart and The Weaver & The Witch QueenFind out more about THE LONGEST AUTUMN or pre-order at this link!
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Hi! We'll be taking a break for the month of December while we do some recalibrating, but we'll be back to our regularly scheduled weekly programming in January!
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Amy and D.C. discuss some techniques and tricks for making memorable and three-dimensional side characters.
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Your story's theme is its heart, but how do you find yours or decide on one? In this episode, D.C. and Avery discuss the ways in which your throughline and theme play together to underscore your book's core message.----more----
Books mentioned:
The Longest Autumn, by Amy AveryA River Enchanted, by Rebecca RossA Song of Ice and Fire series, by George R. R. MartinYellowface, by R. F. KuangHowl's Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne JonesThe Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins -
So you've finished the initial rush of those first chapters and you're reaching the middle of your story when you hit that wall: the Murky Middle. Today, D.C. and Avery discuss some tips and tricks to get over the mental hurdles and craft-based befuddlement of your book's second act.
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