Creative, Inspired, ALIVE

Word-of-mouth, including through book clubs, is such an important way for readers to discover books, so I am very excited that my guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Mackenzie Newcomb, founder of the Bad B***h Book Club, which has 32,000 members.Today, we talk about:* what makes a great book club book? Aka what kind of books are more likely to be chosen for a book club?* readers' surprising pet peeves about characters* what makes an unlikeable character, likeable* how authors can best connect with book club readers* what makes a great book club meeting,and so much more.🟨 Full video version of this interview is available free at CreativeInspiredHappy.com, along with Scholarships for Aspiring Writers, a Book Club for Writers & Curious Readers, behind-the-scenes insights into a bestselling authors' life, mini-creativity challenges, and more.Podcast booking inquiries:info@creativeinspiredhappy.comWant more of the Mackenzie or the Bad B***h Book Club?You can find the main Bad B***h Book Club website here, or become a Patreon member to get extra community features like voting on their book club picks.And for book reviews and recs, you can find Mackenzie at Mack in Style. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredalive.com/subscribe

My guest today is Kate Fagan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of four non-fiction books and a brand new novel. She is also an Emmy Award-winning journalist who has worked at Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and more.Today, we talk about:* building a varied career with different kinds of writing,* making a name for herself in the traditionally male-dominated field of sports journalism,* her shift from non-fiction to fiction, and the differences in the writing, publishing, and publicity aspects of them,* her unique craft tricks for writing a fictional memoir, The Three Lives of Cate Kay,* and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!Want more of Kate?Her novel, The Three Lives of Cate Kay, is available now wherever books are sold.You can also find Kate on her website and Instagram.Kate Fagan is an Emmy-award winning journalist and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of WHAT MADE MADDY RUN, as well as THE REAPPEARING ACT and ALL THE COLORS CAME OUT. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her wife, Kathryn Budig, and their two dogs.🟨 Full video version of this interview is available free at CreativeInspiredHappy.com, along with Scholarships for Aspiring Writers, a Book Club for Writers & Curious Readers, behind-the-scenes insights into a bestselling authors' life, mini-creativity challenges, and more.Podcast booking inquiries:info@creativeinspiredhappy.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredalive.com/subscribe

Heather Demetrios, a critically acclaimed novelist and writing coach, dives into the distinctions between writing coaches and freelance editors. She shares insightful tips on balancing authenticity with market demands while addressing mental health's role in creativity. Demetrios discusses overcoming writer’s block and self-doubt, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's voice. The conversation also touches on the effects of AI on writing, sparking a lively debate about creativity and its challenges. A must-listen for aspiring writers!

My guest today is Suzanne Young, New York Times author of over 20 novels, including The Program series. She's also written a novel with a rock star.But the dream I alluded to is that last year, Suzanne packed her bags, sold her house, and moved to Italy, where she now spends her days writing under the Italian sun and hosting writing retreats in gorgeous villas from Tuscany to Venice.Today, we talk about:- tips for weathering the ups and downs of publishing so you can have a long career,- going on book tour with Blink-182 singer Tom DeLonge,- her decision to move to Italy,- designing the "Writing in Italy" retreats,- D.I.Y. tips for how you can create your own great writing retreat (closer to home),- and so much more!Happy holidays, and enjoy the show!🟨 Full video version available free at CreativeInspiredHappy.com, along with $1,000 & $2,500 Scholarships for Aspiring Writers, a Book Club for Writers & Curious Readers, behind-the-scenes insights into a bestselling authors' life, mini-creativity challenges, and more.Podcast booking inquiries:info@creativeinspiredhappy.comWant more of Suzanne or Writing in Italy?Suzanne Young is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Program series. Originally from New York, Suzanne is a dual US and Italian citizen, currently living in the breathtaking Veneto region of Italy. She has published more than 20 novels, including Girls with Sharp Sticks, In Nightfall, and What Stays Buried.When not writing, Suzanne is a high school English teacher and the founder of Writing in Italy, hosting author retreats throughout Italy. You can also find Suzanne and her three photogenic dogs on Instagram at @authorsuzanneyoung. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredalive.com/subscribe

Hello, Protagonists!My guest today is J.C. Cervantes, New York Times Bestselling author. Her books for children, young adults, and adults have been published in more than twelve countries and have appeared on national lists, including the American Booksellers Association New Voices, Barnes and Noble’s Best Young Reader Books, as well as Amazon’s, Apple’s, and Audible’s Best Books of the Month.Today we talk about:* becoming an author without a fancy degree,* listening to your intuition/gut when you’re writing,* writing books for different target audiences,* working with iconic author Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson series),* and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!>> Want more of J.C.?J.C. currently resides in the Land of Enchantment with her family and spoiled pups, but keeps part of her heart in Southern California, where she was born and raised. When she isn’t writing, she is haunting bookstores and searching for magic in all corners of the world. Her books are available anywhere books are sold.J.C. online: Website / InstagramPodcast booking inquiries:info@creativeinspiredhappy.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredalive.com/subscribe

The podcast is on a short break for Thanksgiving, so today I have a piece I wrote that was originally published on Beyond with Jane Ratcliffe.We have a lot of new community members here at CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY, so I wanted to share a part of me that you might not know. Thank you for being here.💛~evelyn This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredalive.com/subscribe

My guest today is Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author and an icon in the historical fiction space.Today we talk about:* writing what you're drawn to and if/when marketability goes into that decision* The Hero's Journey vs The Heroine's Journey for character development and plotting* how to draw the line between fact and fiction when writing about real life people or historical events* advice for both aspiring writers and writers who are a few books into their careers* and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!»Please leave a rating for me on Apple or Spotify 💛)🤓 Are you serious about your writing?Every Tuesday & Friday, you’ll get a new author interview, publishing insights, creativity mini-challenge, or something else to make you more creative, inspired, or happy. Subscribe now--it's free! CreativeInspiredHappy.com .Want more of Kate?The Briar Club and The Phoenix Crown are both on sale now.You can also find Kate online on Facebook, Instagram, and her website (where you can also sign up for her newsletter and get the free Alice Network short story.)Podcast booking inquiries:Brittani@lavenderpublicrelations.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredalive.com/subscribe

My guest today is Taran Matharu, New York Times bestselling author with over 3 million copies sold. Taran is also co-founder of a small publishing house, Portal Books.Today, we talk about:* how Taran got his start on Wattpad during NaNoWriMo, and then landed multiple book deals with traditional publishers,* advice for anyone participating in a novel writing challenge this month,* why he decided to start his own publishing house* what he's learned about the book industry since becoming a publisher* how he balances his work as a writer and as a publisher,* and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!»Watch here, or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts! (please leave a rating for me on Apple or Spotify 💛)🎥 Past episodes of the podcast live here!»Interviews with New York Times bestselling authors including Alka Joshi, J. Courtney Sullivan, Alison Espach, National Book Award winner Sabaa Tahir, and many more.Want more of Taran?Taran is on X and Instagram, and you can find his books at your favorite retailer. For more information on his publishing house, you can visit Portal Books on their website.🟨 Full video version of this interview is available free at CreativeInspiredHappy.com, along with $1,000 & $2,500 Scholarships for Aspiring Writers, a Book Club for Writers & Curious Readers, behind-the-scenes insights into a bestselling authors' life, mini-creativity challenges, and more.Podcast booking inquiries:Brittani@lavenderpublicrelations.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredalive.com/subscribe

My guest today is Brian Weisfeld, co-author of four middle grade books—both fiction and non-fiction—as well as the founder of The Startup Squad Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to teaching kids about entrepreneurship.Today we talk about:* how a personal mission can drive your writing career* the differences in writing fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels* what Brian has learned through some ups and downs in publishing* how to come up with out-of-the-box ideas for book events to promote your work, and so much moreI hope you enjoy the show!» Past podcast episodes live HERESpecial swag and autograph offer:Brian has generously offered to send autographed bookplates and some swag to anyone in our podcast community who purchases his books. To get an autographed bookplate and swag, just send an email to info@thestartupsquad.com and mention the CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY podcast in the subject line!✍🏼 And don’t forget about our $1,000 Scholarships for Aspiring Writers (more info here). 🟨 Full video version available free at CreativeInspiredHappy.com, along with $1,000 & $2,500 Scholarships for Aspiring Writers, a Book Club for Writers & Curious Readers, behind-the-scenes insights into a bestselling authors' life, mini-creativity challenges, and more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredalive.com/subscribe

My guest today is Cait Jacobs, who is My guest today is Cait Jacobs, who is THE Original Booktooker--yes, Cait literally created that massive TikTok phenomenon that has completely changed the publishing industry. Cait is also the author of a novel slated for next year, called Medievally Blonde.In this episode, we talk about:* what led Cait to post their first video on TikTok, and whether they had any idea it would go viral and blow up the way it did,* what Cait has learned from BookTok about what readers love, and how they have applied to their writing,* why they chose traditional publishing over self-publishing,* advice for writers both for their writing and their online marketing efforts,* navigating social anxiety and fame, and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!🟨 Full video version available free at CreativeInspiredHappy.com, along with $1,000 & $2,500 Scholarships for Aspiring Writers, a Book Club for Writers & Curious Readers, behind-the-scenes insights into a bestselling authors' life, mini-creativity challenges, and more.Want more of Cait?You can find them online as caitsbooks on TikTok / Instagram / X / YouTube / Tumblr This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredalive.com/subscribe