🚀 Interview with Bethany Garcia: Worldbuilding, Self-Publishing, and Creative Freedom 🚀 Bethany Garcia’s Links: Website: www.bshgarcia.com (Get From the Ashes free by subscribing to her newsletter!) Socials: @bshgarcia on all platforms (primarily on Twitter/X and Instagram) Upcoming Release: Of Love and Loss (Released September 28th) 📚 Ebook Pre-order: https://books2read.com/u/b6pwl0 📚 Paperback and Hardback also available! Writing Quest’s Links: Storybook: Master Novelist: https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest Scrivener Discount (20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2 Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn Episode Summary: In this episode, Brenden sits down with fantasy author Bethany Garcia, author of Of Thieves and Shadows and Of Love and Loss. Bethany shares her journey from acting to writing, the origins of her Quinaria series, and the challenges of balancing family life with creative pursuits. Bethany dives deep into worldbuilding, character development, and the self-publishing process, offering invaluable advice to aspiring authors. From finding the courage to share your work with beta readers to navigating the complexities of publishing, Bethany’s insights are both practical and inspiring. What’s Inside: The Origins of Quinaria: Bethany recounts how a single scene idea during an acting exercise transformed into her debut fantasy series, The Heart of Quinaria. On Worldbuilding: For Bethany, worldbuilding is more than setting—it’s a character in its own right, shaping her story and influencing every decision her characters make. Writing Process & Challenges: Balancing writing with family life, Bethany discusses how becoming a mother reshaped her approach to creativity, and how she shifted from a structured routine to seizing moments of inspiration during naptimes. Self-Publishing vs. Traditional: Bethany reflects on her decision to self-publish after receiving feedback from agents. She highlights the value of creative control, the importance of research, and the ever-evolving landscape of indie publishing. Advice for Aspiring Authors: Finish your drafts, get feedback from beta readers, and build a supportive writing community—Bethany’s advice for writers at any stage of their journey. Join the Discussion: Have you considered self-publishing? What role does worldbuilding play in your stories? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out Bethany Garcia’s latest book, Of Love and Loss! Subscribe for more author interviews and writing tips from Writing Quest! #WritingQuest #BethanyGarcia #FantasyAuthor #Worldbuilding #SelfPublishing #OfThievesAndShadows #HeartOfQuinaria