Margs & Manuscripts

Cait & Jenna
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Two writer friends wrap up their writing session, pour a drink, and let the conversation flow, processing "the craft", the chaos, and everything in between.

  1. Nightmares, Plot Twists & Writing Psychological Thrillers | ft. Calvin Naraghi

    6D AGO

    Nightmares, Plot Twists & Writing Psychological Thrillers | ft. Calvin Naraghi

    What happens when a nightmare turns into a full-blown thriller novel? This week on Margs & Manuscripts, we’re joined by Calvin Naraghi, indie author of House Rules, to talk all things thriller writing, horror inspiration, and the very unhinged ways authors come up with ideas. From waking up in a cold sweat with a fully formed plot to building stories around music and cinematic moments, Calvin walks us through his creative process—and why horror writers might actually be the nicest people you’ll ever meet. We also get into:  The difference between horror vs. thriller vs. psychological thriller Writing plot twists and unreliable narrators Why dark stories can actually be… fun??  Turning ideas into books (without telling anyone you’re trying 👀)  The reality of indie publishing + social media growth And yes… the absolutely unhinged Google search histories required to write these books If you’ve ever wondered how thriller writers come up with their ideas, this one’s for you. In This Episode  How a nightmare became a published thriller  Horror vs. thriller: what’s the difference?  Writing plot twists that actually work  The appeal of unreliable narrators  Indie author marketing + social media tips  Building a story from music and cinematic scenes  Why horror writers are (surprisingly) the happiest people About Calvin Naraghi Calvin Naraghi is an indie thriller author known for his cinematic, twist-driven storytelling. His books blend psychological suspense, horror elements, and high-stakes mystery, with stories that keep readers guessing until the very end. Links + Resources  Follow Calvin on Instagram: @calvinnaraghi_writer Shop his books Join his newsletterSupport the Podcast If you’re loving Margs & Manuscripts:  Shop our merch Follow us on Instagram: @margsandmanuscripts Share the episode with your writing besties 🖤

    30 min
  2. The Indie Author's Playbook with Debut Author Jourdana Webber (pt. 2)

    MAR 24

    The Indie Author's Playbook with Debut Author Jourdana Webber (pt. 2)

    In Part 2 of our conversation with author Jourdana Webber, we go deeper into the reality of building an author career from the ground up—no gatekeeping, no shortcuts, just figuring it out as you go. We talk about what it actually looks like to put yourself out there (spoiler: it’s uncomfortable), how Jourdana landed her book in Times Square, and why asking the right questions can change everything. From cold emails to audiobook production to navigating reviews, this episode is a candid look at the trial-and-error behind indie publishing. We also get into the emotional side of it all—the identity shifts, the fear of putting your work out into the world, and the reality that not everyone is going to love what you create. Jourdana shares what helped her push through that fear, why she stopped reading reviews, and how she reframed what it means to be “selfish” as a creative. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or like you’re just making it up as you go—this one’s for you. ✨ What We Cover  Jourdana’s Times Square billboard moment (and how she made it happen)  Why “just asking the question” is the real unlock  The power of community over gatekeeping in publishing  Trial-and-error marketing (and what didn’t work)  How indie authors can access opportunities like Publishers Weekly Behind the scenes of audiobook production  The emotional reality of publishing your work  Why you should probably stop reading your reviews 👀  Reframing “selfish” as choosing yourself  Letting go of other people’s opinions 🔗 Links + Resources  Grab your copy of Unconventionally Elle (Times Square Special Edition): 👉 https://jourdanawebber.com/products/times-square-special-edition-sprayed-edges-unconventionally-elle    Shop Margs & Manuscripts merch:  👉 https://margs-manuscripts-shop.fourthwall.com

    25 min
  3. How an Indie Author Landed in Time Square: ft. Jourdana Webber (Pt. 1)

    MAR 17

    How an Indie Author Landed in Time Square: ft. Jourdana Webber (Pt. 1)

    In this episode, we’re raising a glass (literally) to indie author success with bestselling author Jourdana Webber, whose debut novel Unconventionally, Elle has taken the indie publishing world by storm. Jourdana joins us to talk about her journey from corporate life to writing swoony, heartfelt contemporary romance, and how she built her author career by learning the business side of publishing. From producing her own audiobook to cold-emailing bookstores and building industry relationships, Jourdana shares the strategies that helped her break through as an independent author. We also celebrate a massive milestone: Unconventionally, Elle appearing in Times Square, proving that indie authors absolutely belong on the biggest stages in publishing. To celebrate the moment, Jourdana is releasing a limited Times Square special edition with sprayed edges, available now in an extremely limited run. 👉 Order the Times Square Special Edition: https://jourdanawebber.com/products/times-square-special-edition-sprayed-edges-unconventionally-elle If you’re an aspiring author—or just love behind-the-scenes conversations about the publishing world—this episode is packed with honest advice, hilarious moments, and plenty of margarita-fueled encouragement. In This EpisodeHow Jourdana went from corporate burnout to bestselling authorThe truth about indie vs traditional publishingWhy audiobooks can be a game changer for indie authorsHow asking the right questions (and sending cold emails) can open doorsWhat it actually takes to market your book outside of social mediaWhy building your own publishing company and retaining rights mattersThe mindset shift that helps authors keep going after rejectionCelebrating Jourdana’s Times Square feature for Unconventionally, ElleAbout Jourdana WebberJourdana Webber is the bestselling author of Unconventionally, Elle, a heartfelt contemporary romance about ambition, love, and redefining success. Her stories blend humor, vulnerability, and the messy magic of real relationships while celebrating women’s voices, resilience, and found family.  She lives in New Orleans with her husband and four dogs and is known for crafting emotionally resonant romances that remind readers happily-ever-afters still exist—even when life doesn’t go as planned.  About the BookUnconventionally, Elle Elle Watson climbed the corporate ladder and achieved everything she thought she wanted—until burnout and betrayal force her to rethink everything. As she leaves the corporate world behind to pursue her dream of becoming a writer, Elle finds herself caught between a new love and the past she thought she left behind.  Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Carley Fortune, Abby Jimenez, and Sophie Kinsella, the novel blends romance, humor, and emotional depth with themes of ambition, love, and building an unconventional life.  Follow JourdanaInstagram: @authorjourdanawebber Website: https://jourdanawebber.com Follow Margs & ManuscriptsInstagram: @margsandmanuscripts Listen If You LoveEmily HenryAbby JimenezCarley FortuneSophie KinsellaContemporary romance with humor, heart, and real-life chaos If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast with a fellow writer or book lover.

    25 min
  4. What It’s Really Like to Be a Literary Agent | ft. Tali & Lauren of The Prose Pros

    MAR 10

    What It’s Really Like to Be a Literary Agent | ft. Tali & Lauren of The Prose Pros

    What is it actually like to be a literary agent? In this special collaboration episode, we’re joined by Tali and Lauren from The Prose Pros for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about agenting, publishing, querying, and what authors often misunderstand about the industry. This is not an episode about how to get a literary agent. It’s a candid look at what literary agents do, what their inboxes really look like, how they evaluate queries, and why agenting is far less glamorous—and far more emotional—than it seems from the outside. We talk about the reality of reading thousands of queries, balancing client communication, handling rejection from the agent side, burnout in publishing, and the huge highs that come with helping authors land book deals. Tali and Lauren also share what they’re looking for in submissions, why fit matters so much, and what makes a query or manuscript stand out. Whether you’re querying, revising, or just wildly curious about the publishing world, this episode pulls back the curtain in the best way. In this episode, we discuss: What literary agents actually do behind the scenesThe truth about querying and agent inboxesWhy agenting is really client service at its coreHow agents evaluate query letters and full manuscriptsCommon querying mistakes writers makeRejection, manuscript fit, and why “no” does not always mean “bad”Burnout in publishing and on the agent sideWhy a bad agent can be worse than no agentThe kinds of books Tali and Lauren are excited to read About our guests: Lauren and Tali of The Prose Pros bring a unique perspective to the publishing conversation as agents, authors, and lawyers. Their insight into both the creative and business sides of publishing makes this episode especially helpful for writers trying to better understand the industry. Connect with our guests: Lauren: Instagram Query Tracker Tali: Instagram Substack Check out The Prose Pros for more conversations on writing, publishing, and agenting. Youtube Apple Pod Spotify If you enjoyed this episode: Be sure to follow Margs & Manuscripts on your favorite podcast platform, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with a writer friend who’s deep in the querying trenches. Follow Margs & Manuscripts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margsandmanuscripts/  Subscribe for more real-talk conversations about writing, publishing, and building a bookish life with zero gatekeeping. If you loved this episode, leave a quick rating + review—it helps more writers find the show.

    44 min
  5. YA Books are Booming: What’s driving the surge + what’s trending now, with literary agent and owner of the Reading Chamber, Jess Taylor

    FEB 24

    YA Books are Booming: What’s driving the surge + what’s trending now, with literary agent and owner of the Reading Chamber, Jess Taylor

    In this engaging conversation, Jess Taylor shares her journey of opening an online bookstore dedicated to young adult literature and her role as a literary agent. The discussion explores the evolution of YA fiction, the importance of addressing banned books, and the unique challenges of running a bookstore in a digital age. Jess emphasizes the joy of connecting with readers and authors alike, highlighting the need for more diverse representation in literature, particularly for younger audiences and male protagonists. The conversation concludes with insights into the current trends in YA literature and the significance of passion in writing and publishing. Takeaways Jess Taylor opened an online bookstore to fill a gap in YA literature.The joy of seeing teens excited about books is validating.YA literature allows for creativity and exploration of complex themes.Banned books discussions highlight the importance of exposure to diverse topics.Personalization in online bookstores can differentiate from larger retailers.Social media content creation is a significant challenge for online sellers.Jess transitioned from publishing to agenting to advocate for authors.The YA audience is growing up, leading to a demand for new adult stories.There is a need for more books featuring younger protagonists in YA.Jess is open to queries for contemporary YA fiction. Connect with Jess Taylor Shop The Reading ChamberFollow on TikTokFollow on InstagramDiscount Code Shop The Reading Chamber and use the code MARGS at checkout for 15% off your entire purchase including the first month of a subscription!Querying Jess Jess is currently open to queries and can be found on Query TrackerChapters 00:00 Introduction to the Bookstore Dream 02:17 Inspiration Behind the Reading Chamber 03:39 Nostalgic Reading Experiences 05:11 The Appeal of YA Literature 07:53 The Journey of Opening a Bookstore 10:21 Current Trends in YA Literature 12:50 The Evolution of Young Adult Readers 13:40 Navigating Content in YA Books 14:29 Addressing Difficult Topics in YA Literature 17:20 The Need for Diverse Protagonists in YA 17:46 The Importance of Passion in Writing 18:38 Understanding Young Adult Literature 19:11 Curating a Bookstore: Personal Touches and Choices 21:08 Challenges of Running an Online Bookstore 23:59 The Journey to Becoming a Literary Agent 26:32 Open for Queries: Insights into the Agenting Process 26:41 Quirks that Capture an Agent's Interest 26:48 Expanding Genres: YA and Beyond 29:40 105-End Credits Animation .mp4

    30 min
  6. Choosing Indie Publishing as a Debut Author (Self-Publishing Without Gatekeeping) with Alyssa K. Burns

    FEB 17

    Choosing Indie Publishing as a Debut Author (Self-Publishing Without Gatekeeping) with Alyssa K. Burns

    In this episode of Margs & Manuscripts, we’re joined by Alyssa K. Burns—journalist, author, MBA, elder emo, and one of the most supportive humans in the writing community. Alyssa’s debut novel releases April 1, and she’s sharing the real story behind how she got here… including the moment she decided she was done waiting for permission and went all-in on indie publishing. We talk through the decisions debut authors actually face (trad vs indie, money vs time, ego vs autonomy), plus the behind-the-scenes logistics that nobody explains until you’re already stressed. What we cover: The mindset shift: “I’m done with people telling me no” and choosing indie publishingWhy indie publishing isn’t a “last resort” (and why readers often don’t care) The indie publishing checklist Alyssa built (because of course she did—MBA behavior)Beta readers vs developmental editsARC readers: how many she aimed for, why, and what reviews do for a debutHiring help: what Alyssa outsourced (and why it saved her sanity)Cover design: what went wrong, what she learned, and how to advocate for what you wantLaunch planning: making your book launch a real milestone (yes, like a mini wedding) Connect with Alyssa: 🔗 Alyssa’s Website: https://www.alyssakburns.com/  📸 Alyssa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssakburns/  Connect with us: Follow Margs & Manuscripts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margsandmanuscripts/ Subscribe for more real-talk conversations about writing, publishing, and building a bookish life with zero gatekeeping.If you loved this episode, leave a quick rating + review—it helps more writers find the show.

    25 min
  7. Female Main Characters We Love and the Ones We Can’t Stand

    FEB 10

    Female Main Characters We Love and the Ones We Can’t Stand

    We got put in Instagram jail… then spiraled into a Galentine’s deep dive on FMCs: agency, tropes, and ACOTAR takes. We got put in Instagram jail (for extremely writer reasons)… and then pivoted into a Galentine’s Day episode about female main characters (FMCs): why so many female protagonists feel frustrating in fantasy romance, romantasy, and contemporary romance, and what actually makes a great FMC. We unpack the traits that make readers root for her—agency, purpose, intellect, and meaningful choices—and why the hero’s journey can be a trap for women characters. Plus: ACOTAR vs Throne of Glass, the return of the manic pixie dream girl, and how writers can “dig deeper” to avoid defaulting to stereotypes. Question: Who’s your favorite FMC of all time—and what FMC trope are you done with?

    36 min
  8. Marketing Yourself as an Author Is Exhausting (4 Authors, No Filter)

    FEB 3

    Marketing Yourself as an Author Is Exhausting (4 Authors, No Filter)

    Four authors sit down to say the quiet part out loud: marketing yourself as an author is exhausting. We talk social media pressure, algorithm burnout, batching content, comparison spirals, and how to promote your book when you don’t even have a product yet. No gatekeeping—just honest writer chaos, big feelings, and a reminder that community is the point. With special guests, friends of the pod, and authors: Nicole Yvette and Jo Bentley

    29 min
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About

Two writer friends wrap up their writing session, pour a drink, and let the conversation flow, processing "the craft", the chaos, and everything in between.

Information

  • Creator
    Cait & Jenna
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Margs & Manuscripts
  • Show Website
    Margs & Manuscripts

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