Books, Business, & Mindset - A Podcast for Authors

Jen Graybeal Creative Coaching
  • 5.0 (6)
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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. 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

    1h 4m

  2. 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

    49 min

  3. 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

    1h 10m

  4. 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

    7 min

  5. 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

    1h 1m

  6. Apr 22

    Art, Patreon, and Pirates with Lin Lustig: A Discussion About Authenticity and Ill-Fitting Shoes

    Author and illustrator Lin Lustig joins creativity coach Jen Graybeal to explore what it really means to live—and write—authentically as a creative. From blending art and fiction to building found-family pirate adventures and heartfelt queer fantasy, Lin shares how embracing her “delightful oddball” side became both her superpower and survival tool. This thoughtful, funny, and deeply honest conversation dives into the realities of indie authorship—the isolation, the self-doubt, the endless business advice that doesn’t always fit—and how to keep creating anyway. Lin opens up about turning creative burnout into joyful experimentation, connecting with readers through Patreon and Discord, and using storytelling as a tool for empathy and belonging. Whether you’re an author struggling to stay true to your voice, or a creative searching for your next spark, this episode will remind you that your weird, wonderful self is exactly what your stories—and readers—need. Website: https://www.linlustig.com/ Where to find Lin: Discord, Patreon, newsletter Becca Syme: Better-Faster Academy with Becca Syme Moonrise Rocks: Instagram The Craft clip: The Craft - We are the weirdos The Mountain is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest: https://amzn.to/4ts0oJc A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine: https://amzn.to/4mPhRsE 7-Figure Fiction: How to Use Universal Fantasy to SELL Your Books to ANYONE by T. Taylor: https://amzn.to/4vEcqk8   BIO: Lin Lustig believes the world needs more delightful oddballs and writes romantic adventures with fun illustrations to prove unconventional thinking and kindness are superpowers. Her stories have deep emotional dichotomies from dramatic queer fantasy to lighthearted adventures centered on LGBTQ+ found family and grumpy-sunshine dynamics. Because everyone deserves laughter and belonging.  After earning a degree in film production and fangirling over everything from Sailor Moon to Superwholock, she approaches each story with relentless creative experimentation. Step into her stories where being authentically weird and kindhearted is exactly what the world needs. 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

    46 min

  7. Apr 15

    Level Up Your Author Business: Rights, Royalties, and Real Talk with Lisa Rayne

    Award‑winning author and intellectual property attorney Lisa Rayne joins host Jen Graybeal to deliver a masterclass in writing, business, and author empowerment. Lisa pulls back the curtain on what every writer needs to know about contracts, grants of rights, and copyrights—including the pitfalls many authors miss until it’s too late. She shares her journey from corporate law to award-winning romance novelist, why she’s passionate about helping creatives become savvy entrepreneurs, and how to write stories that truly bring you joy. We dive into Lisa’s novels, from her groundbreaking Never Cross a Highlander—the first romance to feature a Black Highlander hero—to Ice Matched, her upcoming contemporary sports romance set in the world of Olympic ice dancing. Lisa brings bold, Black characters to life across genres, proving that following your creative passion can be both joyful and powerful. Whether you’re indie, hybrid, or traditionally published, this conversation will help you reframe your mindset, understand your rights, and level up your business game as an author—without losing the creative spark that started it all. Key Topics: Understanding your grant of rights and what you may be giving upWhy copyright registration matters more than you thinkHow to approach contracts like a confident professionalBalancing creativity with smart, strategic thinkingFinding joy in the writing life while protecting your business interestsLisa’s coaching platform SCRIBAL, created to help authors level up their entrepreneurshipWhere to find Lisa Rayne Website: lisarayne.com SCRIBAL Book Business Institute: skool.com/scribal/about Ice Matched Pre-Order: lisarayne.com/icematched/   Never Cross a Highlander: lisarayne.com/highlanders/ Lisa Rayne’s Romance Readers Community: skool.com/lisarayne/about Newsletters For Readers: lisarayne.com/getnewsletter For Authors: lisarayne.com/forauthors   Social media Instagram: instagram.com/authorrayne  Threads: threads.net/@authorrayne  TikTok: tiktok.com/@authorrayne  YouTube: youtube.com/@authorlisarayne  Mentioned RSJ Convention: rsjconvention.com/ Starboy Fitness on TikTok: tiktok.com/@starboysobersfitness Beverly Jenkins: beverlyjenkins.net/ Elle Kennedy: ellekennedy.com/ Jaci Burton: jaciburton.com/ The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy: https://amzn.to/4tFZxo2 Clifton Strengths: https://bit.ly/3rb6P5b Debbie Allen Signature Barbie: creations.mattel.com/products/barbie-tribute-collection-debbie-allen-doll-jbj24 Under the Cover, Kansas City: underthecoverkc.com/ Thirst Books, Milwaukee: thirstbooks.com/ Heartbound Book Shop, Anaheim: heartboundbookshop.com/ Shelf Love DSM, Des Moines: shelflovedsm.com/  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

    59 min

  8. Apr 8

    Email Marketing for Authors and the Many Benefits of Being a Nerdy Romantic with Y.M. Nelson

    How do you make email marketing work for your author business—not against it?  In this episode, creativity coach Jen Graybeal talks with Y. M. Nelson, author of The Accidental Swipe and host of the Nerdy Romantics podcast. Together, they dive deep into building a sustainable writing career—we talk about knowing who you are and what you want, and how that translates to better newsletters and marketing as an indie author. Y.M. shares her journey from writing tech manuals to publishing spicy, nerdy romance and romantic women’s fiction that celebrates emotional growth and representation. She opens up about the free learning available from webinars and critique partners, and deciding when to invest in coaching or paid tools. Jen and Y.M. also unpack practical business strategies for authors: Building an engaged email list and improving click ratesChoosing marketing tools that fit your stage of growthNavigating the “in‑between” years—when you’ve outgrown the beginner stage but aren’t yet full‑time  Where to find Y. M. Nelson Website: ymnelson.com Newsletter Subscription: ymnelson.com/subscribe @authorymnelson on BlueSky, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest @ymnelsonauthor on Facebook Y.M. Nelson books on Bookshop.org: Bookshop.org US She is currently writing The On Purpose Wedding, book 3 in the Accidental Lovers trilogy   The Nerdy Romantics Podcast The Nerdy Romantics Podcast: Nerdyromanticspodcast.com  @nerdyromanticspodcast on YouTube NerdyRomantics Podcast is everywhere you get podcasts    Links for everything we discussed MailChimp: Email & SMS Marketing Platform | Mailchimp MailerLite: https://www.mailerlite.com/  Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: https://amzn.to/4bPfGBn  Save the Cat by Blake Snyder: https://amzn.to/4drYcfK  Story Engineering: Mastering the Six Core Competencies of Successful Writing by Larry Brooks: https://amzn.to/47GiBKb  Story Genius by Lisa Cron: https://amzn.to/4verftI  The Joy of Writing Sex: A Guide for Fiction Authors by Elizabeth Benedict: https://amzn.to/4drYjba  Cheris Hodges: About – Cheris Hodges Hoopla: hoopladigital.com/home Y.M. Nelson on Bookshop.org: Bookshop.org US 20 Books to 50k Facebook Group: 20BooksTo50K® | Facebook The Rules of a Rebound by Julie Carver: https://amzn.to/4cje3vX  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

    1h 5m
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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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