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/

Hey Sirens! Get ready for an exciting episode as we step into the world of fantasy and intricate character development with the amazing Natasha Yentrouc! This time, we’ll dive deep into her personal journey as a writer, the inspiration behind her novel, The Cursed Thief, and explore how their creative process balances rich world-building with complex themes.

In this episode, we unravel the challenges of writing authentic, deeply emotional stories by channeling personal experiences into characters. From the trials of being a pantser to discovering how neurodivergence shapes the writing process, Natasha gives us a raw, inspiring look behind the scenes of their creative mind.

Key Topics:

• The origins of Natasha's writing journey
• The inspiration behind The Cursed Thief and the heart of its themes
• Writing as a path to emotional growth and mental health
• The unique challenges and rewards of balancing plotting with pantsing
• How neurodivergence influences storytelling
• Crafting authentic, relatable characters by drawing from personal experience
• Advice for aspiring authors, and the wisdom Nastasha would share with their younger self

Natasha's Website: https://www.authornatashayentrouc.com

Natasha's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.yentrouc.author/

Purchase The Cursed Thief: Get It Here!

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show + follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Leaving a review of the show means you can get a siren fan shout out on future episodes! If you'd like to be a guest on the show or know of someone that would be a perfect guest, 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/

Hey Sirens! Get ready for a super fun episode where we dive into the world of romance and hockey with the incredible Melissa Diaferia! Join me as we chat about her personal journey, the inspiration behind her captivating hockey-infused romances, and the challenges and triumphs she's faced along the way.

We'll unpack the process behind her latest novel, Wedding Dates and Hockey Skates, and explore the passion that fuels her writing. From discussing the role of self-esteem in her career to overcoming self-doubt and finding her unique voice, Melissa shares invaluable insights for writers at every stage.

Key Topics:

• Melissa's author journey
• Hockey as a central theme to her books
• Finding her unique voice during the process
• Building self-esteem in both her personal and professional life
• Making her work stand out by creating character representation for immigrant families
• How to approach writing character flaws
• Her favorite part of the process when writing and publishing Wedding Dates and Hockey Skates
• Advice for aspiring authors and what she would tell her younger self

Be sure to check out Melissa's latest novel, Wedding Dates and Hockey Skates, and follow her on social media for updates on her future works!

Melissa's Website: https://melissacdiaferia.wixsite.com/author

Melissa's Socials: IG, YouTube & TikTok

https://www.instagram.com/melissadiaauthor/

https://www.instagram.com/melissa_dia/

https://www.youtube.com/melissadiaferia

https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa.diaferia

Purchase Wedding Dates and Hockey Skates: Get It Here!

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show + follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Leaving a review of the show means you can get a siren fan shout out on future episodes! If you'd like to be a guest on the show or know of someone that would be a perfect guest, 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/

Hey Sirens! Get ready for an inspiring conversation with fantasy author Emily Condos as she shares her journey to becoming a published writer. Emily is a rising star in the fantasy and romance genre, known for her vivid world-building, interesting characters, and imaginative storytelling. Her debut novel, A Wrecking of Salt & Fire, has garnered praise for its unique blend of magic, adventure, and emotional depth.

She explores powerful themes of feminine strength and not letting past trauma define who you are. Her ability to explore these complex themes while maintaining a sense of wonder and excitement makes her a must-read author for fans of fantasy and romance!

Key Topics:

• Her early days as a writer
• The inspiration behind her debut novel, A Wrecking of Salt & Fire
• The most surprising thing she learned while writing
• Overcoming mental blocks and challenges
• The important themes and lessons she wants readers to take away from her debut
• Balancing writing with adulting and being a furbaby mama
• Her decision between self-publishing and traditional publishing
• The process of writing a sequel, A Spell of Bones and Madness
• Advice for aspiring author

Be sure to check out Emily's debut novel, A Wrecking of Salt and Fire, and follow her on social media for updates, unhinged content and behind the scenes of her sequel!

Emily's Website: Her Website

Emily's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoremilyk/

Purchase A Wrecking of Salt and Fire: BUY HERE

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show + follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Leaving a review of the show means you can get a siren fan shout out on future episodes!

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

Hey Sirens! Get ready for a super fun chat with the amazing Zack Albertini, author of Drake's Search For A Happy Ending. Zack shares his inspiring journey, from his early days as a writer and working in television production to his recent Substack publication. He also discusses how poetry has enriched his creative process and how others can benefit from it as well.

As a passionate advocate for mental health, Zack opens up about his experiences with ADHD and how he has developed strategies to overcome writer's block and stay consistent. He also shares his triumphs and disappointments, offering valuable advice to aspiring authors.

Key Topics:

• Zack Albertini's author journey
• The inspiration behind "Drake's Search For A Happy Ending"
• The role of poetry in his creative process
• Balancing his role as a husband and father with writing
• Overcoming challenges + how to keep creating even during writer's block
• Mental health and writing
• Advice for aspiring authors

Be sure to check out Zack Albertini's novel, Drake's Search For A Happy Ending, and follow him on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Zack's Website: Substack Link

Zack's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byzackalbertini/

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show + follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Leaving a review of the show means you can get a siren fan shout out on future episodes!

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

Hey Friends! Get ready for a super fun chat with the amazing Alexandria Swanson, author of Defiance. We’re diving deep into her world of adult fantasy and uncovering how she went from dreaming about writing to actually holding her book in her hands. As a passionate mental health advocate, Alexandria also discusses the importance of this topic in her work and the themes readers can expect to find in Defiance. Plus, you get a sneak peek into her upcoming sequel!

Key Topics:

• Alexandria's author journey
• Overcoming obstacles in world-building
• Balancing life as a 911 dispatcher, partner and furbaby mom
• Mental health and storytelling
• The behind-the-scenes of Defiance and its sequel

Be sure to check out Alexandria's novel, Defiance, and follow her on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses on her upcoming sequel!

Alexandria's Website: https://otherworldlyauthor.com/

Alexandria's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandria_swanson_author/

Purchase Defiance here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNRHLK65?th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show + follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Leaving a review of the show means you can get a siren fan shout out on future episodes!

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