Hey Sirens! Get ready for an incredible episode as we dive into the world of writing and perseverance with our amazing guest, Amanda Blake.

In this episode, Amanda shares how she transitioned between genres, the impact of joining a critique group, and hard-earned lessons from querying 100 agents. We also explore her experience pitching Mechanical Vice at a conference, the art of balancing short stories with novels, and an exciting sneak peek into her urban fantasy project featuring a reluctant necromancer!

Key Topics:

• The moment Amanda realized she wanted to be a writer and how her journey began
• How transitioning from vampire novels to sci-fi opened new creative doors
• The invaluable lessons learned from critique groups and giving/receiving feedback
• Staying motivated while navigating 100+ agents and the querying process
• The unique challenges and joys of writing both short stories and novels
• Behind the scenes of pitching Mechanical Vice at a writing conference
• A glimpse into her upcoming urban fantasy project
• Advice for aspiring writers and what Amanda would tell her younger self

Amanda's Website: Her Website

Amanda's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akblake_writes/

⭐ Don’t forget to rate and review the show! Follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for a chance to get a siren fan shout out in future episodes! If you’d like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com.

🔗 Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates: https://instagram.com/authorcatdean

Hey Sirens! Get ready for an inspiring episode as we dive into the journey of writing and creative exploration with our incredible guest, Paige Kent! This time, we explore the beginnings of her author journey, the inspirations behind her dystopian action-adventure series, and the unique strategies she's developed for learning the craft in under a year.

In this episode, we unpack the roller coaster of of drafting and editing, as well as the exciting process of writing as a pantser. We also explore the value of critique groups, the power of a supportive community on social media, and some tips for writers looking to grow their community online.

Key Topics:

• The moment Paige knew she wanted to be a writer and how she got started
• The aviation inspiration for her current book and the story behind it
• Writing tips and resources that helped her learn quickly, even without formal training
• Challenges and wins in the writing and editing process
• Insights on writing as a pantser and how she makes it work
• The most valuable lessons learned from critique groups and advice for new writers
• Building a supportive writing community on Instagram and tips for social media success
• Upcoming projects and advice she would share with their younger self about writing

Paige's Website: Her Website

Paige's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigekentwrites

⭐ Don’t forget to rate and review the show! Follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for a chance to get a siren fan shoutout in future episodes! If you’d like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com.

🔗 Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates: @authorcatdean

Hey Sirens! Get ready for an exciting episode as we delve into the journey of writing and creative expression with the incredible Jessica Van Devanter! This time, we’ll explore Jessica's personal writing journey, the challenges of overcoming writer's block, and how she empowers other writers through their coaching.

In this episode, we tackle the intricacies of perfectionism and people-pleasing, uncovering how these challenges can hinder creativity. Jessica shares her experiences in overcoming these obstacles and guiding others to embrace their unique voices without judgment.

Key Topics:

• The moment Jessica realized she wanted to be a writer
• Navigating the rough terrain of writer's block after grad school
• Balancing perfectionism and people-pleasing in the writing process
• The benefits of an MFA in Creative Writing from Hunter College
• An introduction to flash fiction and its role in her writing
• The importance of embracing failure and playful experimentation in storytelling
• Insights into her current projects and creative process
• Advice for aspiring authors and reflections for her younger self

Jessica's Website: https://www.writewithjess.com/

Jessica's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/writewithjess/

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show + follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Leaving a review means you could get a siren fan shout out in future episodes! If you’d like to be a guest on the show or know someone who would be a perfect fit, please email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com

🔗 Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and the latest episode updates: https://www.instagram.com/authorcatdean/