Happy Writing: Recent Episodes
Jessica Dionne Abouelela
Happy Writing™ jump starts your writing through invigorating and energetic conversations. This podcast is where authors come together to help each other and have a really damn good time. Each week, Jessica Dionne Wright (once known as Dionne Abouelela before she lived her own divorce romcom) and a guest chat writing, marketing, publishing, and just being a regular person in the world at large.
We may not be the only podcast you need to listen to, but we'll definitely be your favorite!
Join us each week to get happy with your writing, your goals, and publishing.
Want more Happy Writing™ in your life? Join us on Facebook!
Today we welcome the amazing, oh-so-sweet, multi-talented author Autumn Lindsey to the show!
This episode was recorded at the start of the pandemic, but while we record new episodes to fill our space, we're bringing the shows that got stuck during major challenges back to you!
Autumn is the mother to over 100 plant babies, three children, quite the handywoman, an amazing hairdresser, and a great storyteller. She's an all around writing superhero.
You can connect with Autumn here:
Website - https://www.autumnlindsey.com/
Autumn's books on Amazon -
https://www.autumnlindsey.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/autumnlindseyauthor
Twitter -
https://twitter.com/a_lindseybooks
We wish we could give this episode a fancy title but the truth is, we're just so excited to be back with authors on The Happy Writing Podcast!
This episode was SO FUN and the discussion flowed SO GREAT that there really is no title for our chat with Ella Voss, author of Like A Fox to Swallow, other than The GRAND Return.
We talk female representation, writing yourself, writing identity, enjoying your characters, struggles with writing, struggles with being an author...AND MORE.
This episode is PACKED.
I also talk about why my name changed. And why we've been gone for so long. Forgive me, loves. We are back to help you get happy with your writing!
You can click on Ella's name above to go to her website, her book to go by a copy, or follow her on Instagram:
@ellavoss_author
Happy Writing is also back (we didn't really go anywhere, just focused on our events)-
Happy Writing Socials:
https://www.meetup.com/Happy-Writing
https://twitter.com/happywritingco
https://www.facebook.com/groups/happywriting
https://www.instagram.com/happywritingco/
https://www.youtube.com/c/HappyWriting
Newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/9e2471f79e71/newsletter-subscription
And as always, find me everywhere at @imahappywriter.
My webpage will be up sometime. I'm not in a rush. <3
Editor, typesetter, and all around author support system Amie McCracken joins us today on the Happy Writing Podcast.
How do you build good writing habits when writing isn't your favorite time filler? Are you all ideas but struggle with commitment? Learn how to get into a flow state, get some great recommendations, and learn how you can be a part of Amie's workshop: Write A Novel in Six Months.
Connect with Amie: https://www.amiemccracken.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amiemccracken11
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amiemccracken
Buy Amie's books: https://amzn.to/3aODcOb
This episode closes down the season. We'll be back with all new fresh episodes October 1.
Publicity powerhouse and author legacy builder extraordinaire Laura Gale joins us for today and brings her years of expertise as a publisher at Hachette to the show.
Connect with Laura online: https://lauraiswriting.com/
Buy A Copy of Laura's Book - How to Write This Book: https://amzn.to/31o16wu
Join us online: https://facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Write with us online or in Munich: https://meetup.com/happy-writing-munich
Award winning author Dori Ann Dupré joins us to talk about her novels Scout's Honor and Good Buddy, and the process for creating audiobooks.
Ever wondered how you can take advantage of this growing platform and what challenges an indie author might have?
We lay this down, both from an indie author and publisher perspective for you.
Meet Dori: https://dorianndupre.com
Grab your copy of Good Buddy: https://amzn.to/2YdTk6l
Hi Happy Writers! This week we are throwing it back to our influencer chats. Would you be interested in us reviving the members only part of our website with targeted monthly author chats and courses? Let us know at info@happywriting.co.
Get to know Megg: megg.me
Buy a copy of Megg's book: https://amzn.to/2XJvQpx
Author Ruth Badley joins our Memoir Mentors sub-group to discuss her memoir, Where Are the Grown-ups?
Memoir Mentors is a weekly meetup for authors of creative nonfiction and memoir writers, led by our Director of Community Engagement, Christina Howell. You can join us every Thursday at 7 PM CET: https://meetup.com/happy-writing-munich
Connect with Ruth:
https://www.ruthbadley.com/
https://twitter.com/ruthbadleypr?lang=en
Buy a copy of Where are the Grown-ups?
Today we talk with author G.G. Knoth about her book, Whisper Screaming in a Crowded Room, mental health for authors, and more.
Buy G.G.'s book: https://amzn.to/2ZrjTGc
Visit G.G. online
Website: http://ggknoth.com/index.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ggknoth
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ggknoth
Today's author, C.F. Turner, joins us to talk about his new novel, representation in the industry, and connecting with your audience.
You can purchase a copy of C.F. Turner's book, Lodeysia, by clicking here: https://amzn.to/2Ajdq6y
Keep the conversation going on Twitter with Clay: https://twitter.com/authorcfturner
Dionne's note: When editing this episode, I realized how I dominated the conversation. I want to send my sincere apologies to author C.F. Turner. I want to blame April pandemic anxiety, but that's not a good enough excuse. I hope to welcome C.F. Turner back in the future to chat more in-depth about his work.
Holly Rae Garcia joins us to talk about Imposter Syndrome and how we can smash this little annoying pest into the ground.
Connect with Holly:
Buy Holly's Book: https://amzn.to/2NjVQCj
Website: https://www.hollyraegarcia.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hollyraegarcia.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollyRaeGarciaAuthor/
Today's episode is sponsored by Katie Pye and her Fairytale Fraud Series. You can grab a copy of the best selling Sibling Wars on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2V5WZBC
Today's episode is also sponsored by debut author Kristian Joseph. His debut novelSunlight is now available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/3hTwk4R
And as always, keep the conversation rolling with us. We finally have all of our social media accounts back to @happywritingco and are excited to chat with you.
Author E.S. Barrison joins us to talk about anxiety and how we as authors can embrace every single part of our journey, despite what the world might say.
Her debut novel, The Mist Keeper's Apprentice, has just launched after a thirteen year journey to publishing. You can pick up your copy by clicking on the link above.
To keep the conversation going with E.S. Barrison, head to her website - https://www.esbarrison-author.com or chat with her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/esbarrison.
Today we sit down with author Forest Wells to talk about the battle we fight when finding our way as an author. From dysgraphia to published author, Forest shares his journey into publishing to encourage authors everywhere.
Do you have a funny or uplifting story from your author journey? We're looking to share the good and funny news every Thursday, right here, on the Happy Writing podcast. email your story to dionne@happywriting.co.
Ready to read Forest's book, Luna the Lone Wolf? Pick your copy up from Amazon: https://amzn.to/37eWH05*
Dive into Forest's favorite author, Jane Lindskold: https://www.amazon.com/Jane-Lindskold/
You can find Forest and keep the conversation going here:
https://twitter.com/forestwellsden
And, as always, chat with Dionne: https://twitter.com/imahappywriter
Today's episode was sponsored by C.J. Canady. You can purchase a copy of Omega Starlite here: https://amzn.to/2TFa18n*
*We use affiliate links for Amazon book referrals. This helps us keep the podcast running!
Hey Happy Writers. Today we chat with author Syntell Smith about his novel he calls Game of Thrones meets the New York City Library. He also drops some tips for querying, how to be confident in your author journey, and more!
Do you have a funny or uplifting story from your author journey? We're looking to share the good and funny news every Thursday, right here, on the Happy Writing podcast. email your story to dionne@happywriting.co.
Ready to read Syntell's book, Call Numbers? Pick your copy up from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TEp42g*
Dive into Syntell's favorite book by Walter Mosely, Devil in a Blue Dress :https://amzn.to/3eidphj*
You can find Syntell Smith to keep the conversation going here:
https://twitter.com/syntellsmith
And, as always, chat with Dionne: https://twitter.com/imahappywriter
Today's episode was sponsored by C.J. Canady. You can purchase a copy of Omega Starlite here: https://amzn.to/2TFa18n*
*We use affiliate links for Amazon book referrals. This helps us keep the podcast running!
Have you ever had a book idea and got to work, only to discover the words weren't working? Did years go by where you kept thinking about the story? Today's author, Lelita Baldock, talks us through the creation of her novel Widow's Lace.
Get inspired, find the courage to keep going, and maybe revisit an old project!
Keep the conversation going with Dionne:
https://twitter.com/ImAHappyWriter
Chat with Lelita: https://www.lelitabaldock.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lelitabaldockwrites/
https://twitter.com/BaldockLelita
https://www.facebook.com/lelitabaldockwrites/
Buy Lelita's Novel, Widow's Lace: https://amzn.to/3dY6AkZ
(Affiliate links may be used. We do not store data, save data, etc, but get a small portion of each sale to help keep the podcast running.)
Today we are joined by our first ever horror writer, Holly Campbell. We're going to dive into how horror, as a genre, has broken open boundaries and opened the door for other genres to talk about subjects such as mental illness.
Ready to keep the conversation going? Join me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/imahappywriter
Join us on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Talk more with Holly:
https://twitter.com/unamusedsnorlax
Buy Holly's book: https://amzn.to/3fFlMFp
The books Holly Loves:
Jurassic Park
The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls
Flowers in the Attic
In this Indie Author week blast, we bring you the magical Jamie Weaver. Have you ever wanted to write multiple characters but not felt comfortable with the task? Jamie joins us to talk about approach and how they can enrich your manuscript.
Today's episode was sponsored by author Leslie Hauser and her debut novel, Chasing Eveline. You can pick up your copy here: https://amzn.to/2S8fmo2
Pick up your copy of Jamie's books here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2KDYyAY
And connect with Jamie online:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/JWeaverWrites
Website - jweaverwrites.wixsite.com/jamieweaver
Connect with Dionne:
https://twitter.com/imahappywriter
https://www.dionneabouelela.com
Be a Happy Writer with our Facebook group:
https://facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Do you want to sponsor a future episode or start a Happy Writing meetup in your city? Reach out! dionne (at) happywriting (dot) co (not dot com).
We're keeping up our #IndieAuthor sweep, bringing you brand new authors to read. Today's guest, Ash Knight, talks about why it was important for her to incorporate autism into her first novel, how she made sure her m/m romance had proper representation, and why authors and readers shouldn't shy away from challenging themselves to read or write new characters.
Today's episode was sponsored by author Leslie Hauser and her debut novel, Chasing Eveline. You can pick up your copy here: https://amzn.to/2S8fmo2
Pick up your copy of Ash's book here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2Kz7E25
And connect with Ash online:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ForgottenAstro2
QueerIndie - https://queerindie.com/
Connect with Dionne:
https://twitter.com/imahappywriter
https://www.dionneabouelela.com
Be a Happy Writer with our Facebook group:
https://facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Do you want to sponsor a future episode or start a Happy Writing meetup in your city? Reach out! dionne (at) happywriting (dot) co (not dot com).
Authors, get ready to tap into your inner gifts. We're joined by the author of Super, Jon Coffey. We chat about alarming statistics in reading, why he wanted to empower young men and encourage them to read, and how we can all be Super.
Today's episode was sponsored by author Leslie Hauser and her debut novel, Chasing Eveline. You can pick up your copy here: https://amzn.to/2S8fmo2
Pick up your copy of Jon's book here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3aLadJf
And connect with Jon online:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/jon_coffey
Website - https://joncoffeywriting.com/
Connect with Dionne:
https://twitter.com/imahappywriter
https://www.dionneabouelela.com
Be a Happy Writer with our Facebook group:
https://facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Do you want to sponsor a future episode or start a Happy Writing meetup in your city? Reach out! dionne (at) happywriting (dot) co (not dot com).
Karen Hugg joins us to talk about how we can take the pieces of our life that we are passionate about and use them to strengthen the stories we create. Just like sowing seeds, your manuscript can grow!
Keep the conversation going:
Chat with Dionne - https://twitter.com/imahappywriter
Pick up a copy of Karen's Novel The Forgetting Flower: https://amzn.to/2RYKE0t
Visit Karen: https://karenhugg.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenhugg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenKHugg/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/karenhugg/
The lovely and wonderful Nicole Bea joins us to talk about what it's like to be releasing FIVE books this year, her newest release, and how to embrace physical, emotional, and mental health in your work.
Keep the conversation going with Dionne:
https://twitter.com/imahappywriter
or on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Connect with Nicole: https://nicolebea.com
Buy a copy of Forever Summer: https://amzn.to/3asCZOk
Nicole on Socials:
https://twitter.com/nicolebeawrites
https://www.facebook.com/nicolebeawrites
https://www.instagram.com/nicolebeawrites/
**We do use affiliate links as the small percentage we get from the sales helps keeps our podcast running.
Happy #IndieApril!
I scoured Twitter for the creme de la creme of the Indie community. Okay, I put out a tweet, but was overwhelmed by the response. To keep the heart of Indie April, we'll be blasting three episodes a week for you on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday!
Dustin Archibald is an author, Kung-Fu instructor, and tech lover.
Keep the conversation going with Dionne: https://twitter.com/imahappywriter
Pick up your copy of Asha Anderson: The Dragon - https://amzn.to/34Po0Nd
Connect with Dustin:
Web - http://dcarchibald.com/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/DCArchibald
FB - https://www.facebook.com/dcarchibald/
Insta- https://www.instagram.com/dcarchibald/
By now we all know that being an author isn't just about writing. We have to balance other activities, like websites, social media, blogging, and marketing. And, with a growing field and new competition coming in to the market daily, we have to stay on our toes.
Author Kellen Kautzman joins us today to talk one piece of our puzzle - SEO and how being an expert in his field has helped him to also become an author.
Connect with Kellen:
http://www.kellenkautzman.com/
Buy Kellen's book:
https://www.amazon.com/Everybodys-Doing-Advertising-Redefined-Kautzman-ebook/dp/B0753PDJ51/
Chat with Dionne on Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/imahappywriter
Join us on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Hi all! So many apologies for the delay on this episode. What a weird time we are in with Corona, the lockdowns, shutdowns, transitions to online life, etc. I hope you are all happy, healthy, and taking care of you.
We're here with a magical episode. Author Kristin N. Spencer talks about how to have compassion as a modern author and what this looks like.
Register for Kristin's free writing workshop: https://www.facebook.com/groups/226473741797570/
Connect with Kristin: https://twitter.com/sincerely_kris
Visit Kristin's website: https://kristinnspencer.com/
Connect with Dionne: https://twitter.com/imahappywriter
Work with Dionne: https://dionneabouelela.com
We're chatting with the dynamic and driven Melissa Woods today! A mother of six (and a dog), full time college student, and prolific writer, she still has time to share her tips and tricks.
Meet Melissa:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissamwoods
Website: https://melissamwoods.com/
Buy Melissa's book, That Night On the Bayou : https://www.amazon.com/That-Night-Bayou-Melissa-Woods/dp/1684333482
Today's episode features the extremely talented artist and author of Little Brown's The Deep and Dark Blue, Niki Smith.
Niki opens up about the impact growing diversity has had on the industry and we dive into the importance of her newest novel.
We do use affiliate links for author books
Buy your copy of The Deep & Dark Blue: https://amzn.to/39YnDBi
Connect with Niki:
http://niki-smith.com/
https://twitter.com/niki_smith
https://www.instagram.com/nikismithcomics/
https://www.patreon.com/NikiSmith
Connect with Dionne:
https://twitter.com/imahappywriter
https://dionneabouelela.com
Do authors really need an MFA? What are the perks and challenges? Nick Mancuso, author of one of the hottest indie novels around, Fever, stops by to talk about why he chose to do an MFA and what authors who don't find an MFA to be accessible can do instead.
Follow Nick online:
http://www.nickmancuso.net/
https://twitter.com/MancusoNR
Buy Fever: https://amzn.to/320tYtk
Connect with Happy Writing:
Twitter - @imahappywriter
Meetup - https://www.meetup.com/Happy-Writing-Munich/
Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/happywriting
*disclosure: We do use affiliate links when pointing to author's books. This means we get a small percentage of the sale as an advertiser. We do not retain any of your data or information, or handle production/taxes/shipping/sales/distribution of said item.
Today's magical chat is with keynote speaker, author, and all around inspirational person, Sophie Bennett.
Sophie brings her years of experience writing for major brands and businesses, as well as her ability to understand varied mindsets, to our show.
When you're finished, make sure to tell Sophie hello! You can find her here:
https://www.sophiebennett.com and on social media @sophiebennettuk
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Chat with Dionne on Twitter: twitter.com/imahappywriter
*Please note this is a rereleased episode from season one. The Author Lounge is currently on hold while we do our best to create new and fresh programs.
**We do use affiliate links when dropping links for our guest's books. This means we get a small percentage of the sale, and we get to keep the podcast running. ;-)
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Chat with Dionne on Twitter: twitter.com/imahappywriter
*Please note this is a rereleased episode from season one. The Author Lounge is currently on hold while we do our best to create new and fresh programs.
**We do use affiliate links when dropping links for our guest's books. This means we get a small percentage of the sale, and we get to keep the podcast running. ;-)
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Chat with Dionne on Twitter: twitter.com/imahappywriter
*Please note this is a rereleased episode from season one. The Author Lounge is currently on hold while we do our best to create new and fresh programs.
**We do use affiliate links when dropping links for our guest's books. This means we get a small percentage of the sale, and we get to keep the podcast running. ;-)
We're happy to have Las Vegas based crime and thriller author Brian Rouff for Episode 9! Brain has carefully tailored his writing to a very niche market, Las Vegas.
On this episode, we talk about how a niche helps, how to identify yours or potential opportunities, and other great pieces to keep you moving forward with this award winning author.
Connect with Brian: https://brianrouff.com/
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Chat with Dionne on Twitter: twitter.com/imahappywriter
*Please note this is a rereleased episode from season one. The Author Lounge is currently on hold while we do our best to create new and fresh programs.
**We do use affiliate links when dropping links for our guest's books. This means we get a small percentage of the sale, and we get to keep the podcast running. ;-)
We are joined by Everett Demorier, Award-winning novelist, author, playwright, and humorist. Join us to learn about his process for writing his London Book Fair Best Of novel, Thirty Three Cecils, the process of turning it into a movie, and how I was totally shocked to learn the book was actually a piece of fiction!
Connect with Everett: https://everettdemorier.com/
Grab a copy of Thirty Three Cecils: https://amzn.to/37h94qL
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Chat with Dionne on Twitter: twitter.com/imahappywriter
*Please note this is a rereleased episode from season one. The Author Lounge is currently on hold while we do our best to create new and fresh programs.
**We do use affiliate links when dropping links for our guest's books. This means we get a small percentage of the sale, and we get to keep the podcast running. ;-)
Join us to talk to the hilarious Jim Ellis. He will show us how miscommunication can actually be a strong tool for better communication!
Connect with Jim: Legacy Productions
Buy Jim's book: https://amzn.to/39uGkwa
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Chat with Dionne on Twitter: twitter.com/imahappywriter
*Please note this is a rereleased episode from season one. The Author Lounge is currently on hold while we do our best to create new and fresh programs.
**We do use affiliate links when dropping links for our guest's books. This means we get a small percentage of the sale, and we get to keep the podcast running. ;-)
Ruth Kudzi is a powerhouse coach for women and we were lucky to secure thirty minutes of her time. Ruth talks to us about how to create actionable steps and help us make the moves we need to make to move forward!
Connect with Ruth: www.ruthkudzi.com
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Chat with Dionne on Twitter: twitter.com/imahappywriter
*Please note this is a rereleased episode from season one. The Author Lounge is currently on hold while we do our best to create new and fresh programs.
In one of my favorite ever interviews, in which I try to not fan girl too hard, we talk to the amazing and inspirational Debbie Burns about how to silence your inner critic.
Are you a sacred rebel? This episode is for you.
Connect with Debbie: https://debbieburns.me
Connect with Debbie's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/debbersxoxo/
Episode note: This episode is a repost of season one. The Happy Writing Author Lounge is out of commission, but we post classes on Skillshare and openly share information in our group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywriting
Today we are joined by prolific songwriter and platform pioneer, Sarantos. Sarantos talks about his journey to acquiring over one million combined social media followers and how he keeps his fans entertained with authentic content.
Meet Sarantos: https://www.melogia.com
Feisty Italian author Mariuccia Milla joins us with her flavor to talk about her books, writing, and why it's so important to be authentic in the modern age.
Author James Goi Jr. is a manifestation and abundance guru, with a true passion for helping his readers unlock and unblock their financial challenges.
On this episode, we use James' expertise to talk about how authors can get unblocked when it comes to their writing.
The founder of Write Into the Woods joins us for our first episode.
Jenny Lewis talks with Dionne about the hell of writing a synopsis, querying, benefits of self-publishing, life before Google (whaa?) and how writing keeps her sane.
Today's episode is sponsored by Megg Geri, author of Write A Novel in 30 Days.
Do you want more Happy Writing™ in your life? Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/happywriting