Books, Business, & Mindset - A Podcast for Authors

Jen Graybeal Creative Coaching
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Running an author business is so much more than writing. Jen Graybeal (she/her) is a certified creativity coach, educator, and editor that has spent more than ten years helping authors create stories they are proud of and businesses that align with their individual vision of success. She empowers authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving, and gently-applied tough love. Visit her website for client testimonials at  www.jengraybeal.com or follow her on the socials: @JenTheEditor.

  1. 1d ago

    Writing through Self-Doubt: Cheri Champagne on Regency Monsters, Bada$$ Heroines, Building a Community on Discord

    Award-winning queer and autistic author Cheri Champagne writes steamy, suspenseful Regency romances — from her Seductive Spies series and the Bow Street Wallflowers to her new Regency-set monster romances drawn from UK folklore. She joins us to talk about how she handles self-doubt and imposter syndrome after 13 books, and building a writing career as an ADHD author. We dive into the changes happening in the Regency romance business, and what today’s readers are looking for in historical romances now. If you're an author wondering how to stay in love with writing while the market shifts, this one's for you.  ·       How she decided to write her own spy series — and why "write what you're passionate about" beats "write what you know" Research rabbit holes, etymology, and why historical accuracy makes a story feel authentic rather than like a documentaryWhy heroines who are "secretly badass" are replacing the innocent wallflower — and what that means for the eroding popularity of historical romanceWhere monster romance and romantasy are taking the market, and how to spot a trend without chasing itBuilding an author community on Discord for accountability that actually keeps you writingThe craft books on her shelf including Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi's Thesauruses for authors, Cara Bristol's Naughty Words for Nice Writers, and a Scottish bestiary that shaped her monstersWhether you're self-published, traditionally published, wide or exclusive, this episode is about the long game: making yourself proud first, and letting everything after that be icing.   Links for Cheri Champagne Website: www.cherichampagne.com LinkTree: linktr.ee/cheri.champagne.author Tiktok: @cheri.champagne.author Instagram: @cheri.champagne.author Discord for Authors: https://discord.gg/F2JqVusz5J   Books we discussed by Cheri Champagne The Pirate Spy, part of the Seductive Spies series: https://link.amazon/B07sc2Ty7 Seductive Spies series: https://link.amazon/B0bVoxwV9 Presage and Piracy, part of the Bow Street Wallflowers trilogy: https://link.amazon/B06klumiH  Bow Street Wallflowers series: https://link.amazon/B00kGoNmb    Additional links Celeste Bradley books: https://celestebradley.com/ Writers Helping Writers series by Becca Puglis and Angela Ackerman: https://link.amazon/B0auYDUcl  Naughty Words for Nice Writers: A Romance Novel Thesaurus by Cara Bristol: https://link.amazon/B0i669w2j  The Book of Beasties: Scottish Bestiary of Old by Belle Robinson   About Cheri Champagne Cheri is an award winning queer and autistic author of steamy and suspenseful romances. She began writing as a child and fell in love with historical romance as an early teen. What started out as a prolific career in writing heart-pounding historical romances turned quickly into a passion for creating Regency-set monster romances full of danger, spice, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.   About Jen Graybeal Jen Graybeal (she/her) is dedicated to empowering authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving and gently-applied tough love. In twelve years of coaching, workshops, and editing projects, she has helped over a thousand authors create stories they are proud of and businesses that align with their individual vision of success. Jen is an award-winning mindfulness-trained Creativity Coach, and international speaker with a degree in English, an ever-expanding TBR pile, and a furball assistant that is usually on her lap. Visit her website for client testimonials at www.jentheeditor.com or follow her on social media: @JenTheEditor. Listen to the Books, Business & Mindset podcast, now available on all your favorite podcast apps.  Join Jen’s Patreon: https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors  Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it  Where to find Jen Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/ All the socials: @jentheeditor Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

  2. Oct 21

    I'm Not Afraid to Fail: Siera London on 10 Years of Writing, Publishing, and Staying in the Game

    USA Today bestselling author Siera London joins Jen Graybeal for a candid conversation about building an author career — the craft, the business, and everything publishing throws at you. A retired military officer and pediatric nurse practitioner turned award-winning novelist, Siera writes contemporary and paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and women's fiction centered on women of color who are intelligent, flawed, desired, and deeply loved. Siera shares how she discovered romance as a healing balm during a military career lived with rheumatoid arthritis — reading a few pages of a romance novel tucked in her lab coat during her 12-hour hospital shifts — and how that led her to write her debut novel. We talk about what it actually takes to move from writing to publishing, and why those two things are not the same job. The heart of the conversation is community. Siera breaks down how to find the readers, book clubs, indie bookstores, and library partners who will actually carry your book. She also explains how The Lunchtime Chronicles, her multi-author interracial romance serial (69 books, one of the longest-running in the marketplace), used a shared gossip columnist and a 100-page promise to launch authors' careers and hit the Amazon blue flag. We also dig into the parts of the author business that catch writers off guard: handling public criticism and online hate, the very real cost to the people in your corner, and how to decide — before you start — how much of your private life goes public.  She talks about pursuing her MFA in writing popular fiction a decade into publishing, and her newest releases: A Hard Habit to Break, a small town second chance romance, and the tribute anthology To Vivian With Love, honoring pioneering editor and RWA co-founder Vivian Stephens, where every story features heroes and heroines 55+. Whether you're an aspiring author, a self-published indie, or querying traditional publishing houses, this episode is packed with practical writer advice, publishing industry insight, and encouragement to keep going when the business side gets loud. Find out more at: SieraLondonAuthor.com TikTok: @authorsieralondon Instagram: @authorsieralondon Threads: @authorsieralondon Facebook.com/authorsieralondon   Siera London’s Books To Vivian, With Love Anthology: https://amzn.to/4gJppvC  A Hard Habit to Break: https://www.sieralondonauthor.com/a-hard-habit-to-break/ Chasing Ava: https://www.sieralondonauthor.com/a-hard-habit-to-break/ Lunchtime Chronicles series: https://www.sieralondonauthor.com/lunchtime-chronicles/   Links to the authors we talked about: Brenda Jackson: https://brendajackson.com/ Iris Bolling: https://irisbolling.com/ Shirley Hailstock: http://shirleyhailstock.net/ Monica Waters: https://www.authormonicawalters.com/ Celeste Norfleet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celeste_O._Norfleet Tracee Lydia Garner: https://traceegarner.com/ Xyla Turner: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Xyla-Turner/author/B00VK3NAS0?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1792462843&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=d3bb1930-3836-46e8-8bba-7880b819b006 Olivia Gaines: https://www.ogaines.com/ Keta Kendric: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Keta-Kendric/author/B077ZMJZ2Y?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1792462929&sr=1-2&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=bb5ae12e-cb10-4afe-81b0-a13023a7ffd0 Sonja B: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063904035570 Kenya Wright: https://kenyawrightbooks.com/ K.M. Weiland: https://www.kmweiland.com/     Links to everything else: Romance Writers of America: RWA.org  House of Bohanan Publishing: https://houseofbohannon.com/ Writing Popular Fiction MFA Program at Seton Hill University: https://www.setonhill.edu/academics/degrees-programs/graduate-programs/writing-popular-fiction-mfa/index.html The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest:  Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland:  K.M. Weiland’s Helping Writers Become Authors Workshops: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/ Writers Helping Writers YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WritersHelpingWriters Feel the Heat reader event in Tampa, FL: https://portfolio.michellesauthorservices.com/  Shelf Life bookstore in Altamonte Springs, FL: https://shelflifespace.com/   About Siera London Siera London is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and women's fiction. A retired military officer, she writes stories that center on women of color who are intelligent, flawed, desired, and deeply loved. Across genres, Siera writes about heroines you know, heroes you love, and romance you can feel. Her latest release, A Hard Habit to Break, in her Calvary Brothers series, is a small-town second-chance romance from Grand Central Publishing. Learn more about Siera and her literary catalog online at https://www.sieralondonauthor.com. Siera is represented by Lasheera Lee of SBR Media.   About Jen Graybeal Jen Graybeal (she/her) is dedicated to empowering authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving and gently-applied tough love. In twelve years of coaching, workshops, and editing projects, she has helped over a thousand authors create stories they are proud of and businesses that align with their individual vision of success. Jen is an award-winning mindfulness-trained Creativity Coach, and international speaker with a degree in English, an ever-expanding TBR pile, and a furball assistant that is usually on her lap. Visit her website for client testimonials at www.jentheeditor.com or follow her on social media: @JenTheEditor. Listen to the Books, Business & Mindset podcast, now available on all your favorite podcast apps.    00:00 Meet Siera London 01:33 Anthology Tribute Project 02:07 Vivian Stephens Legacy 03:57 Slow Jam Playlist Story 04:52 Mixtape Romance Nostalgia 07:42 From Military to Romance 08:39 Romance as Healing 10:45 Writing First Novel 13:01 Business Side Fears 15:03 Handling Online Criticism 17:33 Stories With Empowerment 20:04 Connecting With Readers 24:34 Authenticity and Privacy 29:35 Lunchtime Chronicles Serial 33:31 Building Author Community 34:10 Communities That Sell 35:19 Target Readers ROI 38:12 Proud Of Resilience 40:14 Staying Agile In Publishing 42:49 Why Get An MFA 44:34 Writer Versus Publisher 46:58 Defining Success Your Way 48:39 New Release Deep Dive 50:44 Breaking Romance Stereotypes 54:25 Identity And Representation 58:07 Book And Craft Recs 01:02:26 Where To Find Siera 01:03:14 Events And Final Wrap   Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors  Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it  Where to find Jen Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/ All the socials: @jentheeditor Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

  3. Oct 14

    From “You’ll Never Publish” to NYT Bestseller: Elizabeth Boyle on Research, Indie Publishing, and Writing Better Books

    What do you do when someone scrawls “you will never publish” across your pages in red Sharpie? You publish anyway! NYT & USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle shares the real behind-the-scenes story of her debut book (featuring a real-life romance hero!), plus the craft and business lessons that built a 30-year writing career. We dig into author research tactics, her genre shift from historical romance to women’s fiction with magical realism, and what indie publishing actually demands. Boyle also unpacks plotting interwoven storylines, and the best-kept secret for free marketing.     All the links…  Website: http://elizabethboyle.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizboyle/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElizabethBoyle Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19842.Elizabeth_Boyle Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elizabeth-boyle  No Marriage of Convenience by Elizabeth Boyle: https://link.amazon/B0f1zxuRb O, Little Town of Bethlehem by Elizabeth Boyle: https://link.amazon/B03ygI473 Artist Pino Daeni: Pino Artist | Pino Paintings | Pino Prints Write Your Novel from the Middle by James Scott Bell: https://link.amazon/B097dwdV3 The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown: https://link.amazon/B0cHme1GU Susanna Kearsley books: https://susannakearsley.com/ Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/ *Amazon links are affiliate.    About Elizabeth Boyle Elizabeth Boyle is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 25 novels, novellas and short stories. Her writing has garnered the coveted RITA award, RT Historical Love and Laughter award, as well as the Reviewer’s Choice Award, and has been a finalist for the PNWA Nancy Pearl Book Award, as well the WWW LAURA Award. When she isn’t writing, she’s baking, knitting, or gardening in her beloved rainy corner of the Pacific Northwest. Though she’s a homebody at heart, she never stops scouring maps looking for her next adventure.    About Jen Graybeal Jen Graybeal (she/her) is dedicated to empowering authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving and gently-applied tough love. In twelve years of coaching, workshops, and editing projects, she has helped over a thousand authors create stories they are proud of and businesses that align with their individual vision of success. Jen is an award-winning mindfulness-trained Creativity Coach, and international speaker with a degree in English, an ever-expanding TBR pile, and a furball assistant that is usually on her lap. Visit her website for client testimonials at www.jentheeditor.com or follow her on social media: @JenTheEditor. Listen to the Books, Business & Mindset podcast, now available on all your favorite podcast apps.  Jen’s website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/ Jen’s Patreon: https://patreon.com/jentheeditor    00:00 Meet Elizabeth Boyle 01:15 Researcher Mindset 02:42 Museum Archives Secrets 04:34 Bethlehem Series Update 06:27 Origins of Storytelling 09:11 First Publishing Break 10:14 Blizzard Deadline Sprint 15:19 Karma at RWA 17:25 Ignore the Naysayers 22:36 Going Indie Publishing 25:58 Relaunch Lessons Learned 27:59 Rights Reversions Reprints 29:36 Clinch Cover Comeback 30:12 Pino Artwork Story 32:39 Milestones and New Genre 34:39 Writing From the Middle 38:36 Trusting the Subconscious 40:27 Research Serendipity Tales 43:38 Book Recommendations 45:48 Bethlehem Book Details 48:16 Family Secrets and DNA 50:18 Where to Find Elizabeth Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors  Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it  Where to find Jen Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/ All the socials: @jentheeditor Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

  4. Jun 3

    40+ Books and Still Curious: Cathy Maxwell on Writing, Reinvention, and her Leap to Indie Publishing

    NYT and USA Today bestselling author Cathy Maxwell has written more than 40 historical romances — and her most exciting chapter is just beginning. In her very first podcast interview, Cathy sits down with me to reflect on three decades of writing, the friendships that shaped her career, and the creative freedom she found when she made the leap into indie publishing. This is a conversation full of hard-won wisdom, genuine warmth, and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. Cathy talks about what romance has always gotten right, why she isn't afraid to fail, and how asking for help — even when it's uncomfortable — has been one of the defining moves of her career. Whether you're writing your first book or your fortieth, there's something here for you. Highlights include: Finding your people: why author community isn't optionalThe difference between the right and wrong people to vent toWhat indie publishing taught a 30-year traditional author about joyReader relationships and why they change everythingThe niche advantage and building your platform at any career stageCoaching, critique partners, and building the right teamWhy every author — at every level — has to be willing to be a beginnerLoved this one? Follow the Books, Business, and Mindset podcast so you never miss an episode, and leave a review to help other authors find the show. Have a fabulous day!    Where to find Cathy Maxwell online Website: www.cathymaxwell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxwellcathy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxwellcathy If I Should Ever Love You by Cathy Maxwell: https://amzn.to/4o21Lw4 Curves for the Rakish Duke by Cathy Maxwell: https://amzn.to/3PEG9cJ   Other links The Busty Bodice Series: https://amzn.to/4u4Jjo5 Author Stephanie Bond: https://stephaniebond.com/ Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman: https://amzn.to/4a266d2 Andre Norton: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andre-Norton Robert McCammon: https://www.robertmccammon.com/ Follow the Sun by Liz Locke: https://amzn.to/4x3R0h6 Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid: https://amzn.to/4dWykal   About Cathy Maxwell Cathy Maxwell has written forty some historical romances, hit the New York Times and USA Today lists, been nominated for--and won--some very nice awards, made dynamite writing friends, and has had the time of her life. To get into the weeds, go to www.cathymaxwell.com     About Jen Graybeal, Creative Coach Jen Graybeal (she/her) is dedicated to empowering authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving and gently-applied tough love. In eleven years of coaching, workshops, and editing projects, she has helped over a thousand authors create stories they are proud of and businesses that align with their individual vision of success. Jen is an award-winning mindfulness-trained Creativity Coach, and international speaker with a degree in English, an ever-expanding TBR pile, and a furball assistant that is usually on her lap. Visit her website for client testimonials at www.jentheeditor.com or follow her on social media: @JenTheEditor. Listen to the Books, Business & Mindset podcast, now available on all your favorite podcast apps.    Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors  Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it  Where to find Jen Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/ All the socials: @jentheeditor Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

  5. May 27

    Pirate Queens, Reapers, and Joyful Chaos: Allison/ Alli Temple on Brand, Boundaries, and Big Creative Swings

    Author Allison Temple (aka Alli Temple) joins me to talk about writing what lights you up—even when it breaks the “rules.” From male/male small‑town rom‑coms to a smash hit sapphic pirate series and a weirdly wonderful trilogy about the Afterlife, Allison shares how she builds worlds around characters and built her brand around stories she loves. We dig into shelving projects without shame, writing across genres, and how to protect your joy. Highlights: Character‑first worldbuilding (and why vibes matter)Brand clarity without boxing yourself inIndie pros/cons: control, speed, and realistic cadenceVisibility tactics: backlist marketing, niche positioning, in‑person connectionsCelebrating milestones that actually feel good (drafts > release day)Looking for more in-depth conversations with authors? Subscribe to the Books, Business, and Mindset podcast for more practical, author‑friendly episodes—and tell me what you are doing to make your brain happy.   Where to find Allison (Alli) Temple online  Website: http://allitemple.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisontemplebooks/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allisontemplebooks   Links to Allison (Alli) Temple’s books we talked about Vacation from Hell – Book 3 in the Afterlife, Incorporated series: https://amzn.to/4nQrPdD Afterlife Incorporated series – all three books in the series: https://amzn.to/4dKSP9X  Uncharted: A Sapphic Pirate Romantasy – Book 1 in The Pirate & Her Princess series: https://amzn.to/4nZu8LG The Pirate and her Princess: The Compete Series – includes all three books: https://amzn.to/4a9Y2qA My Not-So-Super Blind Date: A Time Loop Rom-Com – part of the Subparheroes series: https://amzn.to/4vhPhDf Ski-Crossed Lovers – part of the Love on the Podium series: https://amzn.to/4uxXi6N The Pick Up – Single dad falls for his daughter’s teacher: https://amzn.to/4vgTTcS   Other stuff mentioned in the podcast The Artisan Author: The Low Stress, High-Quality, Fan-Focused Approach to Escaping the Publishing Rat Race by Johnny B. Truant: https://amzn.to/4dLGSAy A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland: https://amzn.to/42Xbw5e   About Allison Temple Allison lives in Toronto with her very patient husband and the world’s cutest team of rescue pets. She tries to split her time between writing, exploring Toronto’s parks, and traveling anywhere that has good wine. Tragically, this leaves no time to clean the house.   About Jen Graybeal Jen Graybeal (she/her) is dedicated to empowering authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving and gently-applied tough love. In eleven years of coaching, workshops, and editing projects, she has helped over a thousand authors create stories they are proud of and businesses that align with their individual vision of success. Jen is an award-winning mindfulness-trained Creativity Coach, and international speaker with a degree in English, an ever-expanding TBR pile, and a furball assistant that is usually on her lap. Visit her website for client testimonials at www.jentheeditor.com or follow her on social media: @JenTheEditor. Listen to the Books, Business & Mindset podcast, now available on all your favorite podcast apps.  Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors  Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it  Where to find Jen Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/ All the socials: @jentheeditor Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

  6. May 20

    Write, Publish, Profit: Moni Boyce’s Playbook for Career Resilience

    USA Today bestselling author, filmmaker, and poet Moni Boyce joins Jen to unpack what it takes to turn writing into a real, sustainable business. Moni traces her path from film producer to traveling nomad ghostwriter to full‑time indie author, sharing how she plans series that drive read‑through, builds a brand readers recognize, and balances creativity with smart marketing. Moni recommends courses worth paying for, and explains how to use newsletters, TikTok/BookTok, and ads strategically—without burning out. Moni also gets candid about time management, celebrating small wins, and why consistency doesn’t mean daily.   Perfect for authors who want practical tactics and real‑world encouragement. What we cover: Making the move from film to fiction Series strategy that sells: building worlds for bingeable read‑throughNewsletter fundamentals that compound (and why you own this channel)Social media that works now: TikTok/BookTok, short video, and platform fitReality of paid ads, budgets, ROI, and why free might be best… for nowWhy every author needs a marketing allianceCourses and mentors worth the money Share this episode with a writer who needs a boost today! Make sure you’ve subscribed to the Books, Business, and Mindset podcast for great information each week.   Where to find Moni Boyce online Website: https://moniboyce.com Redemption of the Heart by Moni Boyce: https://amzn.to/4nzwiRM Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/moniboyce Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/moni-boyce Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/moniboyce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoniBoyceWrites Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniboyce Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/moniboyce TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJpAQjRV/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/moniboyce.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniboyce The Author Spotlight Podcast with Kenya Goree-Bell and Moni Boyce: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QmPbbAYYZkTCNoSVVtqpg?si=68a4730199e84ee7  Connect with Moni in person! She will be at the following events in 2026: Romance Book Day at the Vineyard - Lancaster, SC - June 6th RSJ Convention – Virtual – July 9-11 2026 Sexy and Sassy Signing - Richmond, VA - July 25th Beating Hearts Romance Book Festival - Suffolk, VA - August 15th BookMark Her - Huntsville, AL - Nov. 13th - 15th   Links to resources and stuff Danja Pittman - https://danjatales.com Bryan Cohen - https://learn.bestpageforward.net Skye Warren - https://www.authoradsintensive.com Theodora Taylor, non-fiction - https://7figurefiction.com Becca Syme - https://betterfasteracademy.com Margie Lawson: https://www.margielawson.com/ Theodora Taylor is the author of more than 70 romance novels! Here’s the link to her site so you can find your next favorite read: https://theodorataylor.com/reading-list/  First 1000 Superfans Course: https://authorgrow.teachable.com Valent Chamber, the site where women of color post their original work is: https://www.valentchamber.com Fan Fiction dot Net, the site where Moni posted Scandal fan fiction: https://www.fanfiction.net Three Teams Every Author Needs – Aug 20, 2025 Episode of Jen’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ZaQNMW6odLSJ3UEg2ozgB?si=0dfb2bef1aa04f19 Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense: https://rwakissofdeath.org/kodcontest/ The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas: https://amzn.to/4tNPNaX  The Autobiography of Malcom X: As Told to Alex Haley by Malcom X and Alex Haley, Audiobook narrated by Laurence Fishburne: https://amzn.to/3PL7Q3s Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom by David W. Blight, Audiobook narrated by Prentice Onayemi: https://amzn.to/3PL7WYS  Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine, Book 1 of the Stillhouse Lake Series: https://amzn.to/4unuTAu  About Moni Boyce Moni Boyce is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance, a filmmaker, and a poet. A world traveler and former producer, she now creates stories with heat, heart, and HEAs—full time. About Jen Graybeal Jen Graybeal (she/her) is dedicated to empowering authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving and gently-applied tough love. In eleven years of coaching, workshops, and editing projects, she has helped over a thousand authors create stories they are proud of and businesses that align with their individual vision of success. Jen is an award-winning mindfulness-trained Creativity Coach, and international speaker with a degree in English, an ever-expanding TBR pile, and a furball assistant that is usually on her lap. Visit her website for client testimonials at www.jentheeditor.com or follow her on social media: @JenTheEditor. Listen to the Books, Business & Mindset podcast, now available on all your favorite podcast apps.  Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors  Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it  Where to find Jen Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/ All the socials: @jentheeditor Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

  7. May 6

    On Your Shoulders - A Mindful Moment

    Today on the podcast, we are doing something a little bit different. We're going to take a couple of minutes for peace and stillness while Jen walk you through a mindfulness exercise. You can do this sitting at your desk, sitting on the couch, lying down on your bed, anywhere that is comfortable and your body feels supported. Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors  Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it  Where to find Jen Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/ All the socials: @jentheeditor Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

  8. Apr 29

    Rock Shows, Rescue Pets, and Radical Creativity: R.L. Merrill on the Choices Authors Make

    In this wide‑ranging conversation, award‑winning author R.L. Merrill joins Jen to talk about creativity, resilience, and finding joy in the writing life. Ro shares how music shapes her stories, how she writes across multiple genres (from contemporary romance to paranormal to horror), and why hope and acceptance are at the core of her work. She opens up about writing through personal hardship, caring for family, navigating chronic illness, raising queer kids, and embracing the messy, magical intersection of art and real life. Ro also talks candidly about career expectations, resisting “shoulds,” and building a sustainable author business that aligns with your capacity and values. If you need inspiration, encouragement, or a reminder that your writing path is allowed to look like your writing path, this episode delivers.   • How music fuels storytelling  • Writing queer, paranormal, horror, and cross‑genre fiction  • Creativity during burnout, illness, and caregiving  • Building a long-term author career without chasing every trend  • Embracing hope and acceptance in fiction  • Finding community, collecting people, and celebrating wins  • What Ro’s 60+ published works have taught her  • Book and music recommendations to refill your creative well Where to find R.L. Merrill (she/her) www.rlmerrillauthor.com facebook.com/rlmerrillauthor BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/r-l-merrill TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rlmerrillauthor1342 Playlists for Ro’s Books Healer by R.L. Merrill Links Horror Addicts Agents Irish & Whiskey – The Complete Series Audiobookby Layla Rayne White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton The Thorn & The Spire by Katherine McIntyre Bottle-Shock by Kim Fielding Ancient Obsession - Critter Catchers by Hank Edwards Fool’s Puzzle – A Benni Harper Mystery by Earlene Fowler Sleep Token YouTube Channel Lord Huron NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert Die Spitz YouTube Channel About R. L. Merrill Award-winning romance author and Bay Area native R.L. “Ro” Merrill is a recovering public school educator who was raised on a steady diet of eclectic music and campy horror. She writes queer and straight quirky and relatable characters that know how to use their words. You can find her wrangling rescue dogs and cats or headbanging at a rock show. Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors  Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it  Where to find Jen Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/ All the socials: @jentheeditor Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

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Running an author business is so much more than writing. Jen Graybeal (she/her) is a certified creativity coach, educator, and editor that has spent more than ten years helping authors create stories they are proud of and businesses that align with their individual vision of success. She empowers authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving, and gently-applied tough love. Visit her website for client testimonials at  www.jengraybeal.com or follow her on the socials: @JenTheEditor.

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