Literary Prospects: Recent Episodes
Kelley Vick
Kelley Vick talks to authors and other literary professionals about books, publishing and the writing life.
Hannah Selinger graduated with an MFA in fiction at 25, built a successful journalism career, got nominated for a James Beard Award, and still spent two decades wondering if she'd ever sell a book.
She did.
In this episode, Hannah discusses her acclaimed new literary thriller, Valley of the Moms, a sinister tale that plunges into the lives of wealthy, suburban moms (and dads) with deliciously dark secrets. Hannah also talks candidly about her winding road to publication, the difference between her memoir and fiction debuts, what she learned the hard way about book marketing, and the counterintuitive advice she has for debut authors that subverts conventional wisdom.
In this episode, you'll learn:
•Why the big advance isn't always the smart advance — and the career risk that almost no one talks about when debut authors earn out
•How a real-life PTO kerfuffle became a literary thriller — and what it takes to transform everyday frustration into a compelling murder mystery
•What actually sells books in today's market — hint: it's not The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, or any legacy media outlet you've been chasin
•How Hannah wrote a novel in two months — her daily word count habit, her journalism-trained mindset, and why she doesn't recommend doing it quite that fast
•The plotting vs. pantsing question — answered differently for every book — and why switching methods project to project might actually be the most honest approach
•What a James Beard nomination has to do with getting a literary agent — and how one piece in the New York Times Magazine changed the trajectory of her entire career
•The emotional difference between memoir and fiction — and why a bad review of your novel hits completely differently than a bad review of your life
*To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com
*For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects
*More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com
Topics and Timestamps
0:28 – Welcome to Literary Prospects / Introducing Hannah Selinger
1:23 – What is Valley of the Moms about?
3:46 – The real-life PTO scandal that sparked the novel
7:28 – Craft: How Hannah builds richly drawn characters
9:26 – The dual POV, dual timeline structure — and why it works
12:05 – Hannah's writing process: 2,000 words a day, done in two months
13:29 – Plotting vs. pantsing — and switching between them book to book
17:06 – Why Hannah is drawn to the thriller genre (and what Dateline taught her)
21:21 – Fiction debut vs. memoir debut: a very different emotional experience
26:24 – The long road to publication: MFA at 25, book deal at 45
29:50 – How Valley of the Moms led to a two-book fiction deal
34:27 – Hannah's daily routine: juggling novels, freelance, and family
39:28 – What Hannah wishes she'd known: what sells books these days
42:02 – Hot take for aspiring authors: the big advance might not be the best advance
43:29 – The traditional last question: what's the Valley of the Moms theme song?
When Nicola Harrison graduated from college, her beloved professor told her NOT to write a novel because she had "nothing to say yet." So, she moved to New York, worked as a fashion journalist, and didn't publish her first novel until she was 40. Now, Nicola is a bestselling historical fiction author with four books and a devoted readership.
In this episode of Literary Prospects, Nicola discusses her sun-soaked new novel The Island Club, set on Balboa Island, California in the 1950s. Nicola opens up about the winding road from fashion journalism to fiction, what it's like to write from three points of view for the first time, the 5 AM writing habit that transformed her productivity, and the real-life 1920s tennis star who inspired one of her central characters.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How to find your writing community — why Nicola credits writing groups with keeping her accountable, sane, and moving forward
• The 5 AM Writers' Club — how waking up before the house stirs gave her two uninterrupted hours of pure creative output
• Research before you write — why she spends two full months researching before typing a single word, and why knowing more than you'll ever use is the key to authenticity
• Plotter vs. pantser — Nicola's honest take on why leaving room for surprise is actually a creative superpower
• Jumping into multiple POVs — what made her take the leap from single-narrator storytelling to three alternating perspectives, and how she pulled it off
• From journalism to fiction — how Nicola’s background in fact-based writing became an unexpected asset, and how she got past the fear of "just making things up"
• The road to publication — finding an agent, signing with St. Martin's Press, and why patience is non-negotiable in publishing
• Life experience is your raw material — the professor advice that stuck: get out, live your life, and then write
*To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com
*For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects
*More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com
Topics and Timestamps:
1:10 — Welcome & book introductions: The Island Club
2:00 — What is The Island Club about?
3:39 — How Nicola discovered tennis and found community as an adult
6:30 — Joining the 5 AM Writers' Club
8:47 — Why Balboa Island? The history, the frozen bananas, and "Bal Week"
11:19 — Real tennis legend Suzanne Lenglen, the inspiration behind Adele
13:57 — Nicola’s research process
16:54 — Nicola’s Writing process
18:41 — Plotter vs. pantser
21:34 — Why The Island Club demanded three POVs
26:20 — What draws Nicola to writing historical beach fiction
27:43 — From fashion journalism to fiction
29:16 — Growing up in England, and writing as a child
29:33 — The professor advice that changed everything: "You have nothing to say yet"
30:42 — Road to publication
34:03 — The Taylor Swift boost: how The Showgirl got a surprise viral moment
35:46 — What Nicola wishes she'd known before publishing
37:35 — Surviving book tours: why Nicola brings her mom along
38:24 — Nicola's new writing workshop for aspiring authors (nicolaharrison.com)
40:27 — Best advice for aspiring authors: find your writing community
41:39 — Theme song pick
What would happen if everyone in the world received an email (or telegram) at the exact same time, naming their true soulmate? This is the question Joan F. Smith explores in her thoughtful and original adult debut novel, YOUR SOULMAIL IS ATTACHED. But before Joan sits down to write, she has more than a simple question in mind. A self-confessed “extreme plotter,” Joan grounds wildly speculative elements and keeps readers turning pages with meticulous research and extensive structural outlining.
In this episode, Joan gets real about her process, the writing “rules” she refuses to follow, her obsession with TV pilot episodes, navigating publishing's unpredictability, and building a creative life that lasts. Whether you're drafting your first chapter or querying your tenth manuscript, Joan's practical, hard-won insights will meet you exactly where you are.
In this episode, you'll learn:
•The difference between an idea and a book concept — and why writing before you know which one you have is the most common (and costly) mistake aspiring authors make
•How to make wildly speculative premises feel completely grounded — Joan's research-heavy, reader-first approach to world-building in Your Soulmail is Attached
•Why extreme plotting works — how writing a 20,000-word outline before drafting a single scene can actually set you free
•The unexpected craft lesson from screenwriting — why studying TV pilots and film structure gave Joan a story-shaping toolkit that fiction workshops couldn't
•What reading in your genre actually means — and how recent your comps really need to be
*To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com
*For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects
*More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com
Topics and Timestamps:
0:22 — Introduction & book blurbs for Your Soulmail is Attached
2:46 — About the book: the premise and Olivia Adler's story
3:23 — How Joan came up with the Soul Mail concept
5:05 — Would Joan open her Soul Mail? How her answer has changed
6:48 — Making speculative fiction feel grounded
10:55 — How Joan draws characters from real life…and then flips them
12:28 — Joan's writing process: extreme plotting, 20K outlines, and writing non-linearly
14:55 — Why the best ideas come in the shower (and what that says about our attention spans)
16:33 — Moving from YA to adult fiction; it’s not a “pivot”
19:14 — How a screenwriting course transformed the way Joan thinks about story structure
21:10 — Reverse outlining TV and film
24:18 — Has Joan always been a writer? (Spoiler: she submitted a story to Cosmo in 5th grade)
24:55 — The road to publication: MFA, Pitch Wars, and finding her writing partners
27:06 — What made her writing partnership the catalyst for everything taking off
29:44 — Dance as storytelling: how being a dance teacher informs Joan’s writing
30:28 — The Darling Killers podcast
32:07 — The difference between an idea and a book concept (and why it matters)
38:14 — What Joan knows now that she wishes she'd known before her debut
39:59 — Best advice for aspiring authors: read and reverse outline!
43:46 — The theme song for Your Soulmail is Attached (the movie/series)
After years of rejection, losing his agent and editor, and a creeping number of novels sitting on his hard drive, Amin Ahmad said he was writing one more book and then he was done. Good thing he did! Amin’s new book club thriller has critics and readers raving, and it’s been optioned for a limited series: proof that craft, persistence, and knowing your obsessions always pays off eventually.
On today’s episode, Amin, a former architect and creative writing professor at Duke University, sits down to talk about his breakout thriller A Killer in the Family, a Gatsby-esque story of arranged marriage, family secrets, a wealthy New York dynasty, and a lurking serial killer. But just as compelling as the novel itself is the story behind it: years of failed drafts, lost agents, and hard-won lessons about what it really takes to become a successful author.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why failure isn't the enemy of good writing — it's the method
• The difference between a "discovery draft" and a finished manuscript (and why confusing the two stalls writers)
• How Amin uses index cards to outline without killing creative momentum
• Why building a writing community is as important as developing your craft
• The publishing industry realities no one warns you about — and how to navigate them
• How teaching writing accelerated his own growth as an author
• Why reading screenwriting books might be the best thing a novelist can do
*To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com
*For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects
*More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com
Topics and Timestamps:
1:22 — Welcome & introducing A Killer in the Family
3:16 — The elevator pitch: arranged marriage, wealth, and a serial killer
4:17 — The real family secret that inspired the novel
5:59 — The Great Gatsby connection & the Jersey Turnpike moment
7:22 — Writing under a new name & finding Amin’s subject matter
12:40 — Literary thriller vs. genre fiction: how does Amin label it?
19:37 — Place as the way in: New York, architecture & expensive tastes
23:21 — Craft: writing immersive settings without slowing the pace
26:35 — Managing time, POV, and suspense in the novel
31:10 — From immigrant to architect to writer: the origin story
34:59 — Finding (and keeping) a literary agent
36:59 — Writing is failure — and why that's the whole point
40:05 — What Amin wishes he'd known before his first book was published
44:44 — The limited series option & the dream theme song
Acclaimed author Lori Gold returns to discuss her new novel, KISS, MARY, KILL, and shares how rejection fueled her success, why she writes across genres, and the craft secrets behind her latest speculative novel.
In this episode, Lori talks about the three-year journey of writing her most challenging novel yet—a speculative fiction story about three women who wake up living out the consequences of a party game. She reveals her process for managing multiple timelines and points of view, offers practical advice on novel planning, and shares how she navigated publishing setbacks by channeling rejection into "revenge writing." Plus, we talk about teaching writing, running retreats, and the reality of promoting books in today's demanding landscape.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How to intertwine character arcs with plot to create emotionally resonant stories
• Why planning your ending first saves time and creates more satisfying novels
• Strategies for balancing multiple projects without creative burnout
• How to develop fearlessness in the face of rejection and keep writing
• What aspiring authors should know about the publishing industry before signing a deal
• Practical tips for overcoming public speaking anxiety as an author
*To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com
*For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects
*More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com
Topics Covered:
• 2:09 - The Premise of Kiss Marry Kill
• 3:16 - How watching the teen TV show The Society sparked the idea for the book
• 4:51 - The Appeal of Alternate Universes
• 5:56 - Female Friendship as a Through-Line in Lori’s work
• 7:02 - Making the leap from YA fantasy to grounded adult speculative
• 10:35 - The Craft Challenge - Managing three POVs, multiple timelines, flashbacks, speculative elements, AND a mystery with a dead body
• 12:17 - Lori's Writing Process - high-concept premises, building character arcs, plotting the twist
• 15:42 - Publishing Two Books in One Year
• 19:28 - Avoiding Burnout
• 22:17 - The Other Kiss Marry Kill - turning a title conflict into an opportunity
• 25:19 - Novel Planning Essentials - The two most important things
• 28:22 - Teaching as a Social Outlet - How instructing makes Lori a better writer by
• 29:35 - Revenge Writing - Using rejection to your advantage
• 31:18 - Cultivating Fearlessness
• 32:46 - Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety
• 34:19 - Writing Retreats - Building community through weekend retreats
• 37:17 - Industry Advice for Aspiring Authors
• 39:08 - Theme Song Selection for KISS, MARY, KILL
Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, author of The Fortune Tellers of Ru Daru, The Haunting of Moscow House, and The Witch and the Tsar, left a successful law career to write stories inspired by Slavic folklore, drawing from her own Russian heritage. In this episode, Olesya opens up about her path from attorney to published novelist, the role of curiosity in her creative process, and the family superstitions and immigrant experience that inspired her latest novel.
From the challenges of balancing motherhood with writing deadlines, to the reality of what happens after you land that first book deal, Olesya shares invaluable wisdom for writers at every stage of their careers.
In this episode, you'll Learn:
• Why curiosity—not just talent—is the secret ingredient to improving your craft
• How to know when your manuscript is ready to query (and why your first book might not be "the one")
• The real timeline from idea to publication, including the proposal process for multi-book deals
• Why rejection from an agent today doesn't mean rejection forever—even from that same agent
• How to balance research with creative freedom when writing historical fiction
• The power of writing what you're curious about rather than chasing market trends
• What actually happens after you get your first publishing deal (spoiler: the work isn't over)
• Why setbacks—big and small—are inevitable, and how to keep going anyway
• The importance of finding your unique voice by turning inward to your own culture and experiences
• How to structure your writing life around other responsibilities without losing momentum
*To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com
*For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects
*More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com
Topics Covered:
2:44 - What is The Fortune Tellers of Ru Daru about?
4:43 - The spark that started the story
4:50 - Discovering fortune telling in Olesya’s own family's traditions
8:18 - Slavic folklore and superstition
12:25 - The journey from contemporary fantasy to gothic suspense
14:40 - Why historical fiction appeals to a former lawyer
14:51 - Using litigation skills to build complex stories
17:52 – The appeal of the 1920s
20:24 - "Women carry the brunt of survival"
20:47 - The strong women who inspired the novel
25:30 - Making immigration central to the story
25:54 – Olesya’s personal immigrant experience
28:50 - The research process for this book
29:13 - Finding academic sources
33:19 – Olesya’s writing process
39:20 – Becoming a writer
41:48 - Making the switch from law to writing
44:31 - The road to getting published
48:09 - What Olesya wishes she'd known before publishing
50:25 - Best advice for aspiring authors
52:58 - Theme song selection
What happens when a celebrated children's author decides to explore the messy, vulnerable truth of adult friendships and motherhood? Corey Ann Haydu takes us behind the scenes of her vulnerable leap into adult fiction with Mothers and Other Strangers, a dual-timeline story exploring friendship, motherhood, and the weight of secrets across generations.
In this episode, Corey reveals the seven-year journey behind her stunning adult debut. She opens up about the fear of leaving her comfort zone, how writing for children prepared her to honor the gravity of childhood and adolescence, and why sometimes the best thing you can do for your manuscript is walk away for months at a time.
Whether you're contemplating a genre shift, wrestling with point of view, or wondering how to balance creative freedom with craft discipline, this conversation offers wisdom earned through years of experience—and the courage to start over.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How to transition between genres without losing your voice—and why constraint can be both limiting and liberating
• The art of roving close third-person POV—techniques for seamlessly moving between multiple characters' perspectives
• When to put a manuscript aside—how taking breaks and evolving as a person can strengthen your work
• Character development strategies—finding the emotional entry point and building from small connections to fully realized people
• The power of taking childhood seriously—why honoring adolescent perspectives creates deeper, more resonant adult fiction
• Navigating vulnerability in a new market—what it's like to submit as an unknown after years of publishing success
• Craft accountability tricks—why writing down your creative decisions (not just thinking them) transforms your work
*To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com
*For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects
*More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com
Topics Covered:
[0:00] - Introduction
[0:36] - Starred Reviews & Praise
[2:09] - About Mothers and Other Strangers
[3:05] - The personal inspiration behind the story
[4:42] - Transitioning to Adult Fiction
[9:48] - Writing Childhood from an Adult Lens
[12:05] - Mom Friends - the unique dynamics of parent friendships
[14:45] - Point of View Choices - The roving close third-person POV and how Corey made it work seamlessly across four main characters
[19:37] - Why May became Corey's entry point into the story
[22:08] – Corey’s Writing Process and the value of stepping away and returning with fresh perspective
[27:55] - From Actor to Writer - Corey's journey from theater conservatory to realizing writing was her true calling
[30:50] - Road to Publication
[39:23] - Lessons Learned - What Corey wishes she'd known before publishing her first book
[43:56] - Teaching at Vermont College of Fine Arts - How teaching MFA students has clarified Corey's own craft and provided emotional grounding beyond publishing's uncertainties
[49:26] - Advice for Aspiring Authors
[52:26] - Theme Song choice
After spending four years crafting her novel and a full year querying agents only to hear "great writing, no market vision," Ariel Slick made the bold decision to self-publish her novel, THE DEVIL TAKE THE BLUES, a Southern Gothic tale set in 1920s Louisiana. The result? Her book now sits in 15 bookstores and has garnered stellar reviews.
In this episode, Ariel shares her research-intensive writing process, the emotional journey of writing about complicated family relationships, her deep dive into blues music and Southern folklore, and, most importantly—the exact steps she took to successfully self-publish, from finding the right editor to getting that crucial review that opened bookstore doors.
You’ll learn:
• How to transition from "aspiring writer" to published author without waiting for traditional publishing gatekeepers
• The step-by-step self-publishing process: editing, cover design, launch strategy, and the tools that actually work
• How to get your self-published book into bookstores and libraries using editorial reviews and personalized outreach
• Why you should skip Facebook ads when starting out (and what free marketing to focus on instead)
• The outlining method that syncs character development with plot (Story Genius by Lisa Cron)
• Why Kirkus Reviews matter and how to leverage them to gain credibility with bookstores
• How to overcome the stigma of self-publishing (spoiler: quality writing trumps everything)
*To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com
*For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects
*More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com
Topics Covered:
[02:35] What The Devil Take the Blues is about
[03:26] The spark behind the story
[04:28] Why the 1920s Louisiana setting
[05:33] Writing as a love letter: Processing a complicated sister relationship
[07:31] Research deep dive: blues history and Southern culture
[09:26] From fantasy to Southern Gothic: Why Ariel switched genres
[11:12] Southern folklore and mythology
[13:11] The devil character
[14:38] Writing process part 1: Brainstorming, asking "why," and finding the theme
[16:00] Writing process part 2: Outlining with Story Genius by Lisa Cron
[18:17] Becoming a writer
[19:56] Ariel's road to publication
[20:46] Agent rejection: a year of querying with no bites
[21:48] The self-publishing decision: Creating Hell or High Water Books
[22:34] Self-publishing process: Editing, hiring specialist cover designers, and launch resources
[24:27] Book launch strategy: Using Joanna Penn's How to Market a Book and APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur
[25:03] Getting into bookstores: The Kirkus review strategy that opens doors
[25:48] Bookstore outreach: Using NetGalley, editorial reviews, and personalized emails to pitch bookstores
[27:21] Marketing mistakes to avoid: Why Facebook and Instagram ads aren't worth it for unknown authors
[28:54] Advice for aspiring authors
[31:17] Theme song pick: "Crossroad Blues" by Robert Johnson
Malcolm Kempt spent 17 years as a criminal lawyer in the remote Canadian Arctic before trading the courtroom for full-time writing. His journey from law to literature led to his critically acclaimed debut crime novel, A Gift Before Dying.
In this episode, Malcolm shares how isolation in one of the world’s harshest landscapes shaped his atmospheric storytelling, why he chose to write crime over horror despite his love for the genre, and the unconventional path that led him from a $500 ice cream trailer to a two-book deal with Penguin Random House. He opens up about his "waste books" writing method, the importance of deep focus in a distracted world, and why aspiring authors should put down their phones and pick up their pens.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How lived experience fuels authentic storytelling – Malcolm's 17 years in the Arctic provided the foundation for his debut novel's setting and themes
• The "waste books" method for overcoming writer's block – A historical approach to capturing ideas without pressure
• How Malcolm balanced his love of horror with his background in criminal law
• How online workshops and critique groups helped Malcolm develop his craft in isolation
• Why eliminating phone distractions is essential for deep creative work
• The reality of the publishing journey – From winning an unpublished manuscript award to landing a major book deal
*To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com
*For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects
*More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com
Topics covered:
[0:00] Introduction to Malcolm Kempt and A Gift Before Dying
[2:28] What is A Gift Before Dying about? Crime novel meets ghost story
[4:30] The spark: A spate of suicides in Cape Dorset that haunted Malcolm
[6:45] Why the Arctic? Places where "the veil is thin"
[9:15] Balancing horror influences with crime fiction
[11:30] How Malcolm ended up as a lawyer in the Canadian Arctic
[15:00] Creating characters: Sergeant Cole and 10-year-old Malik
[19:45] The moral complexity of justice in isolated communities
[23:00] Malcolm's writing process: Cinematic thinking and "tent pole" images
[27:15] The "waste books" method for capturing ideas
[30:00] Architect vs. archeologist: Finding structure in chaos
[33:45] Malcolm's creative origin story: Music, art, and writing
[38:00] Finding community through Lit Reactor workshops
[42:15] The pandemic decision: Leaving law to write full-time
[45:30] Financing the dream: Running an ice cream trailer while writing
[49:00] The road to publication: From award to agent to two-book deal
[54:00] Current writing routine with a 3-year-old
[56:30] The unexpected joy of reconnecting with people from your past
[58:45] Best advice for aspiring authors: Get off your phone
[1:05:00] Balancing social media demands with deep creative work
[1:11:30] Dream casting and theme song for the adaptation
[1:14:45] Closing thoughts
What happens when you weave together three centuries of women's stories, religious trauma, and a curse that won't let go? Author Kristi DeMeester takes us deep into the haunting world of DARK SISTERS—a multi-generational horror epic that explores shame, rage, and the power of accepting all parts of ourselves.
In this episode, Kristi opens up about her personal journey growing up in fundamentalist religion and mega churches, and how those experiences shaped the themes of religious persecution, purity culture, and feminine rage in her work. She also shares her path to publication, from years of querying and rejection to a life-changing book deal, why she fought writing horror for so long, and why the term "literary horror" isn’t her favorite.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How journaling became the foundation for Dark Sisters
• How Kristi developed three timelines (the maid, the mother, and the crone) to tell the complete story she needed to tell
• Why accepting all parts of yourself means being willing to see what's wrong and apologize—not just blindly accept
• How Kristi ended up with a "life-changing" book deal after years of rejection
• How horror can offer comfort: even in the most horrific situations
This episode is your sign that you don't need permission to write what scares you, and never give up!
*To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com
*For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects
*More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com
Show Notes:
Guest: Kristi DeMeester Books Discussed:
• Dark Sisters (latest novel)
• Such A Pretty Smile (Georgia Author of the Year finalist)
• Beneath
• Everything That's Underneath (short fiction collection)
Topics Covered:
• [00:00] Introduction and welcome
• [00:43] Overview of Dark Sisters and its three-timeline structure
• [04:28] The spark that started the story
• [06:38] Growing up in fundamentalist religion and mega churches
• [08:07] Purity culture and purity balls
• [08:19] How Roe v. Wade's overturning influenced the book
• [10:25] The three timelines and working with Kristi's agent
• [13:38] Writing process: alternating timelines vs. writing them separately
• [15:58] Camilla as the character Kristi might have become
• [17:47] Mary as Kristi's favorite character
• [20:09] Themes of anger, acceptance, and compassion
• [23:38] The importance of accepting uncomfortable truths about ourselves
• [26:13] The lore of the Dark Sisters entity
• [32:03] Coming to writing and horror
• [36:39] The comfort found in horror
• [37:21] Thoughts on "literary horror" as a term
• [39:17] The long road to publication
• [42:06] The life-changing book deal for Such A Pretty Smile
• [49:38] Advice for aspiring authors: don't be afraid to keep going
• [51:27] Theme song choice: Eartha Kitt's "My Heart Belongs to Daddy"
• [52:40] Dream casting for a Dark Sisters adaptation
Could a random scroll through Instagram turn into a debut novel? That's exactly what happened to Michelle Merrick when she spotted an Etsy ad for a 1920’s martini glass and immediately thought, "What if a person died holding this…and left their energy in the glass?" Four months later, she had a complete manuscript for her debut speculative thriller The Found Object Society.
In this episode, Michelle gets real about the writing life—the good, the messy, and the terrifying. She talks about waking up every morning to face the blinking cursor with a bit of terror, writing 2,000 words before lunch, and trusting her acting improv background to let the story unfold without rigid outlines. Her approach? Write the first draft fast and messy, take notes in your phone constantly, don't overthink it, and never give up.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How to trust your creative instincts even when you don't have it all figured out
• How Michelle wrote a first draft in 3-4 months without burning out (and why messy is better)
• Why attending writing conferences is the single most important thing Michelle did for her career
• How to build genuine relationships in the writing community (even if you're an introvert)
• How to keep going after rejection and use each manuscript as a stepping stone
• How to balance research with momentum so you don't get stuck in the details
• Why your supernatural or speculative idea might be exactly what readers need right now
This episode is an invitation to stop second-guessing yourself, release the pressure to write "the right way," and remember that you don't need an MFA or a perfect outline to build a writing career.
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Topics Discussed:
• [0:00] Introduction and book blurbs from Julia Barts, Fiona Davis, and Danielle Tristani
• [2:04] Plot overview: Greta Davenport and the mysterious Found Object Society
• [4:52] The spark: How a vintage Etsy martini glass inspired the entire novel
• [7:16] Character development and choosing historical objects (French perfume bottle, Elton John sunglasses, 1920s cigarette lighter)
• [12:04] Writing structure: Experiencing voyages chronologically with Greta
• [14:17] Research process for different time periods and 1920s slang
• [17:30] Childhood obsession with the supernatural and influence of her father
• [22:23] Themes of privilege, addiction, and wealth disparity in New York City
• [25:17] Daily writing process and using Scrivener
• [29:06] Origin story: From childhood poems to "I Hate Tuna" to short stories
• [31:49] Road to publication: Writing conferences, querying, and signing with an agent
• [37:30] Cover design process and fighting for the perfect visual
• [38:17] Best advice: Get out of the writing cave and attend conferences
• [40:33] Theme song choice: "New York Narcotic" by The Knocks
On this episode of Literary Prospects, we're talking with author Karen Winn about her sophomore novel, THE SOCIETY, the sordid Boston history behind the story; the secret society she, herself, may or may not have been a part of (wink, wink); balancing nursing and writing careers; the challenges of selling a novel before it’s written; and much more.
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Comedian and writer Aaron Leidecker talks with Kelley about his debut children’s book BOWIE’S BACKYARD, his beloved blind dog that inspired the book, self-publishing and marketing children’s books, dealing with imposter syndrome, how his stand-up comedy informs his writing, and much more.
*Purchase a copy of BOWIE’S BACKYARD here
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On our 99th episode, I sit down with the brilliant Marisa Silver to talk about her new novel, At Last, the strange interaction with her own grandmother at age 4 that sparked the novel, leaving film for literature, writing about “ordinary” moments, the enduring importance of art, and so much more.
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Author Margaux Eliot (aka Julia Fine) talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel Honeymoon Stage, the early aughts reality TV culture that inspired the story, creating a literary alter ego, publishing in the post-covid age, and much more.
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Author Kristin Bair talks with Kelley Vick about her uproarious new novel, Clementine Crane Prefers Not To, the mental load women carry, finding her voice as a writer, giving ourselves permission to write, and much more.
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Amy Gallo Ryan talks with Kelley Vick about her new memoir, You May Feel a Bit of Pressure, the struggles with infertility that inspired the book, structuring a memoir in essays, learning which feedback to pay attention to and which to ignore, and much more.
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Author Nick Medina talks with Kelley Vick about his latest novel, The Whistler, the Native American superstition that inspired the novel, blending folklore with modern social issues, finding a home for indigenous horror, and much more.
- In continued recognition of BANNED BOOKS WEEK we’re donating proceeds from all of our “Read Banned Books” merch to the American Library Association. Plus, FREE and REDUCED SHIPPING. Check out the Literary Prospects Shop.
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Author Kristen Loesch talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, The Hong Kong Widow, her family history and the haunting Hong Kong urban legends that inspired the book, braiding timelines and writing the same character from multiple POVs, reclaiming the joy in writing after it becomes a career, and much more.
- It’s BANNED BOOKS WEEK! We’re donating proceeds from all of our “Read Banned Books” merch to the American Library Association. Plus, FREE and REDUCED SHIPPING. Check out the Literary Prospects Shop.
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Kelley Vick talks to anthropologist and author Danilyn Rutherford about her new book, Beautiful Mystery: Living in a Wordless World; her experience raising her multiply disabled daughter, Millie, who inspired the book; why, as an anthropologist, she no longer thinks language is essential to human experience; the place for creativity and story in academic writing; and much more.
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Author Susan Coll talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, The Literati, how serving 5 years as the president of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation informed the book, finding her comedic voice as an author, getting out of tricky plot situations, and much more.
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Author Ken Miller talks with Kelley Vick about his debut novel, High Finance, how his time as a Wall Street executive inspired the book, publishing his first novel at 82, structuring a novel in stories, publishing as performance art, and much more.
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Author Shobha Rao talks with Kelley Vick about her highly anticipated sophomore novel, Indian Country, how land holds memory, the damning effects of colonialism, the importance of reading for writers, our responsibilities as artists, and much more.
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Author Daphne Fama talks with Kelley Vick about her debut novel, HOUSE OF MONSTROUS WOMEN, the brutal Filipino history and folklore that inspired the novel, traveling to the far reaches of the Philippines to meet practitioners in healing and cursing, the importance of preserving culture through literature, and much more.
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Author and activist Ruchira Gupta talks to Kelley Vick about her new middle grade novel, The Freedom Seeker, the real-life struggles migrant children face, writing for younger readers, how small acts of kindness can change the world, and much more.
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Author Virginia Trench talks with Kelley Vick about her debut thriller, Our Secrets Were Safe, why thrillers are the perfect outlet for female rage, why we need more bad women in the thriller genre, navigating an author career as a mom, and much more.
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Author Brooke Lea Foster talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, Our Last Vineyard Summer, the vacation that inspired the novel, writing in dual timelines, how to make a story addictive for readers, pushing through self-doubt, and much more.
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In honor of our 85th episode, we went back through the archives to bring you advice for aspiring authors from six critically acclaimed authors of literary fiction. Chelsea Bieker, Kimberly King Parsons, Samuel Kolawole, Marcy Dermansky, Jon Hickey and Cynthia Weiner all share their wisdom.
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Author Jessica Berger Gross talks with Kelley Vick about her debut novel, HAZEL SAYS NO, what draws her to exploring family dynamics in her work, constraints in crafting memoir vs crafting fiction, the importance of cultivating and trusting our own taste as writers, and much more.
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Author Lori Gold talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, Romantic Friction, the real-world publishing experiences that inspired the novel, AI’s changing role in the creative writing space, how big books become big books (and what authors with smaller marketing budgets can do to get their work out there), why writers need to be a little bit arrogant, and much more.
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Author Jon Hickey talks with Kelley Vick about his acclaimed debut novel, BIG CHIEF, the yearning for belonging at the heart of this political thriller, the power of patience in writing, balancing the art of writing with the business of selling a novel, and much more.
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Author Daria Lavelle talks with Kelley Vick about her debut novel, AFTERTASTE, the connection between food and ghosts, what draws her to speculative fiction, balancing joy and humor with grief and longing, and much more.
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Author Anna Mitchael talks with Kelley Vick about her new book, They Will Tell You the World is Yours, the little rebellions that make our lives, finding creative inspiration outside of outlines and routines, publishing a novel in vignettes, and much more.
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Author Christina Li talks with Kelley Vick about her adult fiction debut, THE MANOR OF DREAMS, our cultural obsession with haunted houses, how the sordid history behind the founding of her alma mater, Stanford University, inspired the novel, how she cultivated her own writing education (and got an agent at 16!), and much more.
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Author Jessie Rosen talks with Kelley Vick about her sophomore novel ALL THE SIGNS, why writing this novel was the most powerful creative experience of her life, finding “star twins,” the writing hacks that helped her finish her second novel in a year (after taking nearly a decade on the first one), and much more.
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Bestselling author Sarah Penner talks with Kelley Vick about her latest novel, THE AMALFI CURSE, how she chose the magical setting for the new book, why she loves to write in dual timelines, making the leap from corporate finance to full-time author, and much more.
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Bestselling author Alka Joshi talks with Kelley Vick about her latest novel, SIX DAYS IN BOMBAY, the unsung Hungarian-Indian painter whose mysterious death inspired the book, writing an accidental trilogy, the 2 mistakes beginning authors make, how she persisted for 9 years to get her first novel published (which became an international bestseller), and much more.
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In a special bonus episode of Literary Prospects, author Holly Kennedy discusses her new novel, The Sideways Life of Denny Voss, how she developed Denny’s unique voice, writing a cross-genre novel, and much more. She also shares heart-stopping stories from her real life that inspire her work.
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Author Abbi Waxman talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, One Death at a Time, how she finally sold the feel-good murder mystery she’s always wanted to write, growing up with an author mom, writing a series, and much more.
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Author and publisher Laura Stanfill talks with Kelley Vick about her new craft book Imagine a Door: A Writer’s Guide to Unlocking Your Story, Choosing a Publishing Path, and Honoring the Creative Journey; how distribution works and why authors should care; creating a literary community, and much more.
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Author Roohi Choudhry talks with Kelley Vick about her debut novel Outside Women; her long road to publication, braded narratives, uncovering joy amidst migrant women’s struggle, special tricks for getting “unstuck” and writing emotional scenes; and much more.
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Author Karen Thompson Walker talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel The Strange Case of Jane O, her obsession with time, the POV decision that made the new book fall into place, transitioning from book editor to author, teaching in a writing program, and much more.
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Author Marcy Dermansky talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, Hot Air, the silly writing prompt that started the book; how she knows when to continue working on a project, and when to let it go; writing multiple points of view; swimming pools; and much more.
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Author Josh Duboff talks with Kelley Vick about his debut novel, Early Thirties, his journey from senior writer at Vanity Fair to novelist, getting his dream cover interview with Taylor Swift, balancing humor and darkness in writing, finding creative flow, his best advice for aspiring authors, and much more.
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Author Angela Brown talks with Kelley Vick about her sophomore novel, Some Other Time, what draws her to including speculative elements in her work, how years spent teaching rhetoric to high school students influences her writing, imposter syndrome, and much more.
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Author Jane Tara talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, Tilda is Visible, the devastating diagnosis that inspired the book, how her regular meditation practice informs her writing, finding the courage to put more of herself into her fiction, publishing her first novel in the United States (after many others in Australia), and much more.
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Author Holly Brickley talks with Kelley Vick about her celebrated debut novel, Deep Cuts; why a desire to explore her envy of musicians led to writing the book; how, post-MFA, she found her way to writing the stories she feels she’s meant to write; the unusual (and super fun!) job that originally took her away from writing, and then led her back; and much more.
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Five New York Times Bestselling authors: Emiko Jean, Fiona Davis, Julia Bartz, Marissa Stapley, and Lisa Barr, share their specific paths to publishing their first novels.
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Lexi Rosen, Co-Founder and Poetry Editor-in-Chief of Silly Goose Press, talks with Kelley Vick about starting and running a literary magazine, the importance of finding literary community, what it's like to work with close friends, being the only romance writer in an MFA program, and much more.
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Memoirist Wendy Dale talks with Kelley Vick about her new craft book, The Memoir Engineering System, the difference between a formula and a system, why most “tried and true” writing tips out there are wrong, the two principal components of a memoir, how memory can actually get in the way of a great story, how “show don’t tell” can destroy a book, and much more.
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Author Cynthia Weiner talks with Kelley Vick about her debut novel, A Gorgeous Excitement, her personal connection to the story and the infamous “Preppy Murder” in New York in 1986, how she knew when the short story she was working on was really a novel, finding your voice as an author (it starts with really knowing your narrator), and much more.
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Author Tara Dorabji talks with Kelley Vick about her debut novel, Call Her Freedom, how researching her first novel led to an award-winning documentary series on human rights defenders in Kashmir, how her work as an activist and journalist informs her fiction and vice versa, her unique road to publication as the winner of the Simon and Schuster Books Like Us Grand Prize, and much more.
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New York Times bestselling Author Fiona Davis talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, The Stolen Queen, how an international art plot involving Kim Kardashian inspired the story, what draws her to historical fiction, how she found her way to writing fiction later in life, why she believes everyone should change careers every 10 years, and much more.
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Author Jennifer McGaha talks with Kelley Vick about her new essay collection, The Joy Document, the conversation with her grandmother that inspired the project, defining moments of joy, writing as a spiritual practice, how her latest project has changed her, her road to publication, and much more.
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Author Sara Reish Desmond talks with Kelley Vick about her debut story collection, What We Might Become, what fascinates her about liminal spaces, why she loves the short form, publishing with a “teaching press,” her best advice for aspiring authors, and much more.
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Book publicist Leah Paulos talks with Kelley Vick about her latest project: Book Publicity School, what every author should do as early as possible to lay the groundwork for promotion, the connection between publicity and book sales, what works and what doesn’t for authors on social media, and much more.
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Authors Ashlee Cowles and Danielle Stinson – known together as A.D. Rhine – talk with Kelley Vick about their sophomore novel, Daughters of Bronze, what made them want to retell the epic story of the Iliad from the Trojan women’s perspective, the real historical figures who inspired the characters, the blurry line between history and mythology, writing as a team (even though they have vastly different work styles), how their friendship and growing up as “military brats” inspires their writing, and much more.
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Author Sarah Seltzer talks with Kelley Vick about her debut novel, The Singer Sisters, the concert that inspired the story, her journey from draft to publication, what she learned in a low-residency MFA program, her work as Executive Editor of Lilith Magazine, how art intersects with motherhood, and much more.
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Author and educator Courtney Maum talks with Kelley Vick about creating the indispensable publishing guide, Before and After the Book Deal, what authors should look out for when signing book contracts, the biggest mistake she sees in query letters, her own writing process and road to publication, preserving the joy in making art, and much, much more.
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Author Julia Dahl talks with Kelley Vick about her latest crime thriller, I Dreamed of Falling, why she describes the story as a “family drama wrapped in a murder mystery,” the personal experience that inspired the novel, her favorite characters to write, her best advice for aspiring authors, and much more.
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Author and Poet Ananda Lima talks with Kelley Vick about her acclaimed fiction debut, Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil, how a self-described “wimp” who’s afraid of scary movies ended up writing horror, what fascinates her about the devil, how her poetry informs her fiction (and vice versa), learning to trust her own instincts as a writer, and much more.
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Author Anna Rasche talks with Kelley Vick about her debut novel, The Stone Witch of Florence, how her work as a gemologist and jewelry historian inspired the book, the road to publishing her first novel, learning to sell herself as an author, and much more.
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Author Lynda Cohen Loigman talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, the family stories that inspired the novel, her unconventional writing process, writing magical realism, and much more.
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Author and multiple Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin talks with Kelley Vick about his debut novel, Showmance, making the leap from writing for Broadway to writing a novel, the importance of romantic comedies, working with Meryl Streep, his best advice for aspiring authors, and much more.
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Author Kimberly Brock talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, The Fabled Earth, what draws her to writing about southern folklore and ghosts, the sordid history of Cumberland Island that inspired the novel, her cyclical approach to storytelling, and much more.
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Author Marissa Stapley talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, The Lightning Bottles, what drew her to writing about the 90’s grunge music scene, why we glorify male singers and vilify their female counterparts, making the jump from author to screenwriter, the specific snacks that keep her energy up while working on multiple projects, and much more.
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Author Iman Hariri-Kia talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, The Most Famous Girl in the World, America’s fascination with anti-heroes, why she thinks this is the story she was always meant to write, balancing writing a novel with a full-time journalism career, what we can all do to help to make sure novels with diverse protagonists make it into the spotlight, and much more.
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Author Madeline Martin talks with Kelley Vick about her latest novel, The Booklover’s Library, the real-life English library that inspired the book (and the odd law that had women refusing to get married so they could keep working there!), what draws her to historical fiction, why she felt compelled to explore the stigmas and challenges of single motherhood in this book, how she builds out her characters, and much more.
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Author Chelsea Bieker talks with Kelley Vick about her latest novel, Madwoman; the personal story that drove her to write about motherhood, domestic violence…and grocery stores; what she knows now that she wishes she’d known before publishing her first book; and much more.
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Author Tess Callahan talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel Dawnland, the connection between meditation and art, how constraint breeds creativity, and much more.
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Author Laurie Elizabeth Flynn talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, Till Death Do Us Part, what draws her to domestic thrillers, how she takes a novel from initial idea to final draft, the excitement and panic of getting a multiple-book deal, what keeps her writing, and much more.
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Author Sarah Easter Collins talks with Kelley Vick about her debut literary thriller, Things Don’t Break on Their Own, how she plays with the expectations of clued-up thriller readers, the ways in which her work as a painter informs her writing, her inspiring road to publication, and much more.
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Author Samuel Kolawole talks with Kelley Vick about his critically acclaimed debut novel, The Road to the Salt Sea; why he wants to shed light on the often overlooked problem of trans-Saharan migration; how, as an immersive writer, he conducted research for a book in which his characters go places that he could not; why he likes unusual character names; his decision to pursue a PhD in Creative Writing; and much more.
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Author Gila Pfeffer talks with Kelley Vick about her debut memoir Nearly Departed: Adventures in Loss, Cancer, and Other Inconveniences, becoming the oldest living member of her family at 30, taking control of her health, how she finally acknowledged herself as a writer, building a community of writers, growing a following, and much more.
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Author Joselyn Takacs talks with Kelley Vick about her debut novel, Pearce Oysters; writing about environmental issues and complicated families; striking a balance between history, geography, culture and the human heart; what fascinates her about oysters; why she decided to go for a PhD in creative writing; and much more...
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Author Kimberly King Parsons talks to Kelley Vick about her debut novel We Were the Universe, psychedelics, motherhood, her road to publication, her best advice for early career writers, and much more.
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Author Elizabeth Birkelund talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, A Northern Light in Provence, what fascinates her about literary translation, the importance of place in her work, her best advice for early career writers and much more.
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New York Times Bestselling Author Amanda Eyre Ward talks with Kelley Vick about her latest novel, Lovers and Liars, why she’s drawn to writing about families and money, what makes a work "literary," being the only woman in her MFA program, and much more.
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Author Swan Huntley talks to Kelley Vick about her new novel, I Want You More, why she loves writing thrillers, ghostwriting for a Real Housewife, what she knows now that she wishes she’d known before publishing her first book, how all of her books are really conversations with herself, and much more.
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Author Evan S. Porter talks with Kelley Vick about his debut novel, Dad Camp, publishing outside of a traditionally marketable genre, making the leap from blogger to novelist, his best advice for aspiring authors, and more.
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Author Brooke Lea Foster talks with Kelley Vick about her new novel, All the Summers in Between, why she believes in the “transformational summer,” finding her voice as a writer (and tricks for finding yours), writing great dialogue, how she got her first novel published, and much more.
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Kelley Vick talks with author Lisa Barr about her new historical thriller, The Goddess of Warsaw, how her former career as a journalist informs her writing process, why she’s drawn to historical fiction, her best advice for early career writers, and much more.
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Kelley Vick talks with author Mary Carroll Moore about her new novel, Last Bets; making the switch from food writing to fiction; going back to school to get her MFA at 50; the healing power of art; and much more.
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Kelley Vick talks with author Jessie Rosen about her debut adult novel, The Heirloom; the family superstition that inspired the book; moving from screenwriting to novel writing; how practicing live storytelling can make you a better writer; and much more.
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Kelley talks with bestselling author Emiko Jean about her new adult thriller, The Return of Ellie Black; why she chooses to write in vastly different genres; the thing all of her books have in common; why she believes women are obsessed with true crime; her road to publication; and much more.
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Kelley talks with author Sue William Silverman about her new book, Acetylene Torch Songs: Writing True Stories to Ignite the Soul; the big misunderstanding about creative nonfiction; what makes a story art; why nonfiction writers need to show AND tell; literary masks; and so much more.
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Kelley talks with bestselling author Allison Pataki about her new novel, Finding Margaret Fuller; how she got started writing historical fiction; the writing routine that’s allowed her to publish 10 books in 10 years; how she knows when she’s found her next subject; why many of us don’t know Margaret Fuller’s name, but should (she was the first woman allowed to study and Harvard and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s inspiration for Hester Prynne); and much more.
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Kelley talks with author Suzanne Park about her new novel, One Last Word, her choice to leave the business world (and her MBA) behind to be a full-time writer, how her own experiences of misconduct while working in big tech influenced her latest book; how her work as a stand-up comedian informs her writing; and much more.
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Kelley talks with writing coach Monica Hay about the science behind writer’s block, why writers procrastinate, tools for overcoming procrastination and perfectionism in your writing, why workshopping isn’t always the best idea for blocked writers, and much more.
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Kelley talks with bestselling author Julia Bartz about her debut thriller, The Writing Retreat; how Julia's debut became an instant New York Times bestseller; the secret reason she thinks it took her years to publish a novel; her work as a creative coach; and much more.
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Kelley talks with Literary Publicist Kathleen Carter about the current state of publishing, how and when writers should hire a publicist, tips for getting comfortable with public speaking, and much more.
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Kelley talks with author Isa Adney about her new book, The Little Book of Big Dreams; what it means to follow a spark; the trait most dream-achieving creatives have in common; the relationship between journalism and art; hybrid publishing; and much more.
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Kelley talks with author Amy Lin about her debut memoir, Here After, the physical toll of grief, the importance of asking good questions, whether art requires audience, and much more.
*The musical piece Amy mentions near the end of the interview
is The Visitors by Ragnar Kjartansson. You can hear the full audio here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qOxG711lb0E
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writers, check out our new Literary Prospects Shop.
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curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books.
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Kelley talks to author and therapist Emily Locker about her debut novel, Running Mates, how an event involving speech writers for Barak Obama and Mike Pence sparked an idea for a YA rom-com, why romance novels are important for mental health, the science behind why our best ideas often to come to us in the shower, and much more.
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Kelley talks with best-selling author Jennifer Belle about her new novel Swanna in Love, why this is her first novel in more than a decade, writing transgressive material, why authors should never start at the beginning, and much more.
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Kelley talks with author Julie Chavez about her debut memoir Everyone But Myself, modern motherhood, reclaiming joy after a mental health crisis, finding a publisher for her first book, and much more.
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Kelley talks with author Miciah Bay Gault about her novel, Goodnight Stranger, the road to getting published, teaching in an MFA program, coordinating the Vermont Book Award, ghosts, and much more.
Kelley talks with author Samantha Hunt about her latest work, The Unwritten Book; her writing process; hauntings; how she managed to get a blurb from Charlotte Bronte; and much more.
Kelley talks with author Dolen Perkins-Valdez about her latest novel Take My Handand the political side of art.
Kelley talks with author Wade Rouse, who also writes under the pen name Viola Shipman, about his latest Viola Shipman novel, The Edge of Summer; writing both memoir and fiction; the story behind his choice to use a pen name; how he keeps from burning out while publishing (at least) two books a year, and much more...
Kelley talks with author Daniel Turtel about his debut novel, Greetings From Asbury Park, writing about "taboo" topics, the value of an MFA, and much more.
Kelley talks with bestselling author Camille Pagan about her latest novel, Everything Must Go, her work as an Author Coach, her best advice for aspiring authors, why she doesn't do book tours, and much more.
Kelley talks with Author Taylor Brown about his new novel Wingwalkers, the challenge of embodying his literary hero William Faulkner, the strict writing routine that's kept him from burnout through publishing 5 novels in 6 years, and his super cool "day job."
Kelley talks with Christopher Bunton, Executive Producer of the new movie The Duke, about how he wrote a screenplay based on his grandfather's alleged theft of the famous Duke of Wellington painting from London's National Gallery, pitched his idea to movie producers, and got his family's incredible true story developed into a critically-acclaimed major motion picture starring Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent.
Kelley talks with Literary Agent Eleanor Jackson and gets an insider's take on publishing. Eleanor talks about how she finds her clients, what she's looking for when she reads a submission from a new author, her idea of the perfect cover letter, the step by step process of what happens from the moment she takes on a new manuscript to the day the published book hits shelves, and a lot more!
Kelley talks with editor Alexandra Shelley and gets a peek behind the scenes of the publishing world.
Kelley talks with author Julia Dahl about her new book, The Missing Hours; publishing in the time of COVID; how her work has evolved since becoming a parent; and what she wishes she'd known before publishing her first novel.