The Wannabe Author

Taryn Christeen
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ever wonder what it really takes to go from zero to published? Join me, Taryn, as I navigate the messy, exhilarating and often frustrating journey of becoming an author— without any prior experience. Each episode dives into books, breaks down the craft of writing, explores mental health, and shares valuable lessons I’ve learned through trial and (so much) error. With interviews featuring authors, mental health professionals, and readers, The Wannabe Author offers fresh, unfiltered look at the world of storytelling and publishing. Tune in— it’s a damn good time!

  1. 11/10/2025

    Connecting w/ Taryn Christeen

    Welcome to the final episode of season two, from your favorite little wannabe author. Taryn’s current read/obsession: Dark Age by Pierce Brown 2025 Netflix adaptation of Frankenstein Where you can find more of Taryn: Website: https://linktr.ee/tarynchristeen

    26 min
  2. Connecting w/ Mary + Anne

    10/30/2025

    Connecting w/ Mary + Anne

    For the first time on The Wannabe Author, not only did we have the privilege from learning from one guest author, but two. Authors Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley joined me for a great conversation to talk about the ins and outs of a dual authorship. Best known for their Supernatural meets Fern Gully, (Shot In The Dark Series) Mary and Anne explain how their love for telling stories brought them together, how they were led to self-publish and their individual skill sets that benefit their author careers. It was such an intriguing conversation and I can’t wait for y’all to get to know these authors. Mary’s current read: Bitter Burn by Sierra Simone Anne’s current reads: A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab Why Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu Miller The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland Where you can find more of Mary and Anne: Website: https://authorsdublinkendsley.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authors.dublin.kendsley/

    36 min

  3. 10/23/2025

    The Architecture of Story w/ Meg Rosenthal

    Today on The Wannabe Author we were FED!!! In today's collaborative episode, I had the fabulous opportunity of introducing author, editor and now podcaster, Meg Rosenthal. In the episode, Meg introduces her new podcast, The Architecture of Story by breaking down The Heroes Journey. This episode is chuck full of information, story insights and exciting looksee into what you can look forward to when The Architecture of Story releases Nov. 3rd. So proud of you, Meg!! Where to find more of Meg: Website: https://megrosenthal.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megrosenthalauthor/?hl=en The Hero’s Journey video: https://youtu.be/Hhk4N9A0oCA?si=MmE5OT_8b9gjwfG8

    59 min
  4. Connecting w/ Charla Ayers

    10/16/2025

    Connecting w/ Charla Ayers

    Today’s episode, we are privileged to hear and learn from author and editor, Charla Ayers. This episode we dive into Charla’s journey in celebration of her recently released novel, Shrike. We get to hear about her process, how skills as an editor bleeds into her own writing and her insight on the industry. This was such a fantastic conversation and I know you will learn so much from Charla. Happy listening! Charla’s current read: The Knight and The Moth by Rachel Gillig Where you can find more of Charla: Website: https://charlaayers.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlaayers/?hl=en

    56 min
  5. Connecting w/ Charlotte Balogh

    10/09/2025

    Connecting w/ Charlotte Balogh

    In this episode we are honored to learn and hear from screenwriter and author Charlotte Lillie Balogh. Charlotte’s journey to publication was such a unique and inspiring experience. From starting in television writing where the idea for Kill The Lax Bro originally started as a TV pilot to it being picked up by her editor to be turned into her debut YA novel. Charlotte was such a joy to talk to as she really dove into her journey, the people that stood by her and the odds she beat. I can’t wait for y’all to learn from Charlotte the way I was so lucky to. Happy listening! Charlotte’s current read: A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya Where you can find more of Charlotte: Website: https://www.charlottelillie.com/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottelilliebalogh/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlottelilliebalogh?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    37 min
  6. Connecting w/ Logan Karlie

    10/02/2025

    Connecting w/ Logan Karlie

    Today on The Wannabe Author, we were BLESSED to listen to NYT bestselling author, Logan Karlie. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Logan over the last year and what a gem she is. Originally, Logan self-published her debut, Dream By The Shadows, in September of 2023 then re-released traditionally in Aug 2025. This gorgeous, gothic fantasy quickly made its way onto the NYT bestsellers list and we get a little glimpse into the rollercoaster journey Logan went through to get this book to where it is now. So excited for y’all to listen and be inspired by this incredible author! Happy listening! Logan’s current reads: Starchaser by R.M Gray The Wicked Sea by Jordan Stephanie Gray Immortal Consequences by I.V Marie Where you can find more of Logan: Website: https://www.logankarlie.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlogankarlie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorlogankarlie?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    43 min
  7. Connecting w/ Alexandra D’Amico

    09/18/2025

    Connecting w/ Alexandra D’Amico

    Here on The Wannabe Author we have been privileged to hear from a wide range of guests, spanning from indie/trad authors, debuts to industry veterans and bestsellers. But today’s episode is special because for the first time on the podcast we get to hear from a literary agent. I was connected with Alex through one of her clients first. After many praises and kind words this client shared with me about Alex, I knew I needed to get her on the pod and I am so glad I did. Alex offered fabulous insight regarding the perspective of the agent, advice for querying authors and words of encouragement. I am so excited for y’all to listen to this episode and fall in love with Alex the way I did. Happy listening! Alex’s current read: Shrike by Charla Ayers Where you can find more of Alex: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmico/?hl=en Rights Factory Agency: https://www.therightsfactory.com/Agents/alexandra-d'amico

    35 min
  8. Connecting w/ Sara Phoebe Miller

    09/11/2025

    Connecting w/ Sara Phoebe Miller

    Today we are privileged to learn from author and editor, Sara Phoebe Miller. I can’t correctly put into words the the insight I gathered from listening to Sara explain her journey to working in editing at DC Comics for 13 years, then now as the Editorial Director of BOOM! Studios and how it influenced her journey to publishing her debut graphic novel, You Belong Here. Sara is not only a wealth of knowledge but an incredible inspiration for chasing down a dream. Her journey was a roller coaster but her resolve to get her novel out there was steady and it was an honor to have her share it here on The Wannabe Author. I can’t wait for you to listen and get to know Sara the way I got to. Happy listening! Sara’s current read: Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe by CB Lee Where you can find more of Sara: Website: https://www.saraphoebemiller.com (https://www.saraphoebemiller.com) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraphoebee/ (https://www.instagram.com/saraphoebee/)

    1h 5m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Ever wonder what it really takes to go from zero to published? Join me, Taryn, as I navigate the messy, exhilarating and often frustrating journey of becoming an author— without any prior experience. Each episode dives into books, breaks down the craft of writing, explores mental health, and shares valuable lessons I’ve learned through trial and (so much) error. With interviews featuring authors, mental health professionals, and readers, The Wannabe Author offers fresh, unfiltered look at the world of storytelling and publishing. Tune in— it’s a damn good time!

Information

  • Creator
    Taryn Christeen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Taryn Christeen
  • Show Website
    The Wannabe Author