In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Edward J. Cembal to talk through what it was like to write, edit, and publish his debut novel, The Monsters In Our Shadows. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[04:00] A quick introduction to Edward J. Cembal (including a timeline of his writing, editing, and publishing journey) as well as a summary of his debut dystopian novel, The Monsters In Our Shadows

[09:00] Edward describes what it’s like working with a book coach, an editor, and beta readers—including what it’s like receiving feedback from different sources

[22:00] What it’s like to dig deep and put your “blood on the page” in terms of writing a protagonist who shares some of your own inner struggles—and how Edward feels now that he’s gone through that process

[28:00] Edward shares how his novel accidentally ended up in Hollywood—and how this totally uprooted his plans to self-publish (but why he self-published anyway)

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Edward J. Cembal’s website
• Edward J. Cembal on Instagram
• The Monsters In Our Shadows (out October 2023)
• Richard LJoenes (cover designer)
• Andrew Lowe (editor)
• Rachel Cone-Gorham (RxD Agency)
• Wango Films (Tim Doiron, James van der Woerd, April Mullen)
• Want to learn more about my Notes to Novel course? Click here to read all about it and join the waitlist. Doors are opening again soon!

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