Mrs Write the Podcast

Bronte Bennett

Mrs Write... Where stories begin, and writers find their voice.Have you ever had a story living inside you, one that nudges you awake at 2 am, that colours the edges of your day, that feels too big to stay locked in your head? Mrs Write is the podcast for you. Hosted by a self-published author, Bronte Bennett, who is still very much on the journey herself, Mrs Write is a warm, honest, and deeply human conversation about what it really means to write — and to keep writing, even when life gets in the way. What can you expect? Real author stories. Honest, behind-the-scenes interviews with novelists and storytellers at every stage of their career, the rejections, the rewrites, the moments of doubt, and the breakthroughs that made it all worth it. The craft of fiction. Practical tools and techniques to help you move from idea to finished story, building characters, finding your voice, structuring your plot with more confidence and less overwhelm. The business of getting published. Agents, submissions, self-publishing, hybrid routes, Mrs Write pulls back the curtain so you can make informed decisions about your own path. The mindset that makes it possible. The inner critic, the comparison trap, the paralysis of perfectionism, these are the real obstacles between you and your finished manuscript. Mrs Write tackles the psychological side of the writing life head-on. A personal journey, shared honestly. Your host isn't speaking from a distant summit of success. She's in it with you... navigating the beautiful, maddening, deeply rewarding experience of being a writer in the real world. Who is Mrs Write for? Anyone who has ever loved a story — and felt the pull to create one of their own. The aspiring writer who just needs someone to say you can do this. The experienced writer who is stuck or stalled. The reader curious about what goes on behind the pages. You don't need a finished manuscript or a publishing deal to belong here. Just a story worth telling. Because writing can be lonely, and it doesn't have to be. Mrs Write exists to give you the craft, the confidence, and the community to stay the course. New episodes drop bi-weekly. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

  1. 1d ago

    Phil Oddy - Echoes & Other Stories

    Phil Oddy reveals how abandoned drafts, hidden world-building, and one brilliantly timed time loop turned decades of false starts into Echoes and the four-book Entanglement arc. Bronte Bennett sits down with Phil Oddy, author of the Entanglement series, for a candid, inspiring conversation about the long road to publication, the realities of indie writing, and why the work you think is “going nowhere” may be preparing you for everything. Phil shares how a childhood love of stories evolved into years of unfinished novels, a middle-grade book written for his son, and finally Echoes—a fast-paced time travel adventure set in the strange city-state of Trinity, where a software salesman finds a message in his own handwriting: you’re trapped in a time loop. From there, the world opens up into political murder, identity crises, multiple timelines, and a series built to reward readers without leaving them stranded. You’ll discover: Why Phil believes 20 years of “abandoned” drafts were actually world-building in disguiseHow he uses character motivation first, then adds the pressure that makes a story singThe difference between plotting, pantsing, and his own patchwork approach to draftingWhy each Entanglement book stands alone while still feeding a bigger arcHow he plans a 12-book structure in three “phases” without sacrificing satisfying endingsThe real-world marketing mix that sells indie books, from Comic Cons to TikTok to mailing listsBronte and Phil also get honest about the business side of being an indie author: writing in lunch breaks and living rooms, juggling family life, navigating imposter syndrome, and learning to define success as simply having books out in the world that readers genuinely enjoy. Phil is the author of the Entanglement series, a time travel sci-fi saga beginning with Echoes and continuing through Entrapment, Eclipse, and Enlightenment. He writes, publishes, and promotes his books independently, with a focus on immersive worlds, fast-moving plots, and stories that reward reader curiosity. Essential listening if you’re an aspiring writer, an indie author, or a reader who loves time travel, rich world-building, and smart sci-fi with heart. If you’ve ever wondered whether your unfinished ideas are leading somewhere, this conversation may change how you see your own work. Find Phil and his work here: https://philoddy.com/

  2. Oct 20

    R.M.Wood - Forged in Thunder & Fire

    A self-published spicy romantic fantasy, a husband’s “believe in yourself” advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at bringing a book to market—this episode is packed with personal insight and practical lessons for aspiring authors.Bronte Bennett sits down with R.M. Wood, author of Forged in Thunder and Fire, to talk about how a story born from frustration with adulthood grew into a romantic fantasy with deeper themes of grit, identity, love, and resilience. Their conversation explores how personal experience shapes fiction and what it really takes to self-publish when you’re the writer, editor, marketer, and business owner all at once. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Forged in Thunder and Fire began as an emotional outlet before becoming a publishable storyWhy R.M. Wood writes romantic fantasy, and how romance and world-building work togetherThe real-life conversation with her husband that inspired a central theme in the bookThe shift from writing as personal expression to shaping a story for readersThe work behind self-publishing, from hiring an editor and cover artist to coordinating beta and ARC readersHow social media, reels, and podcast appearances can support a book launchThe role of community, confidence, and visibility for authorsBronte and Reesa also discuss the hidden costs of publishing, the importance of developmental editing, and why finishing a book is a meaningful achievement in itself. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to be “good enough” at writing, marketing, or social media before you begin, this conversation offers an encouraging perspective. A thoughtful listen for romance readers, fantasy fans, and anyone considering writing or self-publishing a book. Connect with R.M.Wood here: https://www.instagram.com/author_rmwood

  3. Oct 13

    Kristie Wolf - Too Dangerous to Love

    Bronte Bennett talks with author Kristy Wolf about how a lifelong love of romance turned into a publishing career built on strong heroines, wounded heroes, and high-stakes romantic suspense. Kristy shares the personal roots of her writing, the research behind her bionic-soldier series, and what she has learned about finishing books, finding community, and marketing as an author. She grew up reading romance, from Judy Blume to Harlequin, and started making up stories as a child. She talks about learning from feisty heroines who respected themselves and did not accept nonsense. In college and early career, she wrote professionally in marketing, then wrote a 60,000-word romance in a month after seeing a contest ad. She describes rejection, long detours, critique groups, and finally finding her people at the New Jersey Romance Writers Conference in 2016. The premise of Too Dangerous to Love - The book follows a Navy SEAL turned human weapon with a bionic arm and a shy genius scientist working on the Project Viper program. Romance first, tech second - Christy explains that the sci-fi and cybernetic elements always stay in service of the love story and character arc. How personal experience shaped the characters - PTSD, military family life, grief, and strength all draw on real people and lived experience, including her father and a friend lost on 911. Read Too Dangerous to Love if you want a romance with military suspense, sci-fi elements, and a strong emotional core. If you are an author, look for critique partners, conferences, and writing communities instead of trying to do everything alone.Treat book marketing as a real part of the job, not an afterthought.Talk about your book in everyday spaces, not only online.Keep the romance central, even when the plot includes bigger genre elements.To learn more about Kristy & her work: https://www.kristiewolf.com/

  4. Oct 11

    Theresa Halvorsen - Warehouse Dreams

    Most authors are told to pick a lane, Theresa Halvorsen writes the whole buffet. From dystopian romantasy and paranormal stories to cozy Christmas rom-coms, she shares why refusing to be boxed into one genre is both her biggest marketing challenge and her greatest creative strength. Bronte Bennett, author of The Squire and host of the Mrs Write podcast, talks with Theresa Halvorsen, author of Warehouse Dreams, about the obsession that started with childhood reading, the realities of building a career across multiple genres, and the discipline it takes to keep writing while juggling a day job, editing clients, and a life that starts at 4 a.m.You’ll discover: Why Theresa says her writing is “an international buffet” of genresHow Warehouse Dreams blends enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance, found family, and dystopian themesWhy she now plots from the ending backward because she’s “terrible at endings”How she balances indie publishing, editing work, and a full-time job without burning outWhat she’s learned about spice levels, reader expectations, and writing endings that satisfyTheresa also opens up about the emotional side of being an author: the tears, the exhaustion, the constant pressure to show up, and the stubborn love of writing that makes it all worth it. She and Bronte trade hard-won advice on indie publishing, building a backlist, finding writer support, and why success is not always about money or fame.If you’re an aspiring writer, an indie author, or a reader who loves strong voice, genre-blending stories, and honest conversation about the reality behind the books, this one is essential listening. Find Theresa and her work here: https://theresahalvorsen.com/

  5. Sep 8

    Jim Hughes - Untamed

    In this episode, Bronte Bennett speaks with author, coach, speaker, and Untamed founder Jim Hughes about purpose, fear, and the parts of ourselves we hide to fit in. Jim shares the winding path that took him from ski instructing in Canada to running an electrical engineering business in Western Australia, and how that experience led him to help people reconnect with their real selves. They also dig into his cast list concept, the emotional intelligence behind coaching, and the challenge of turning a big body of lived experience into a book. Key topics Bronte introduces Jim Hughes as an author, coach, speaker, and founder of Untamed, and frames the conversation around purpose and self-discovery.Jim explains that he did not grow up with a single clear career path, but instead tried multiple directions before finding his own lane.He shares how, around 2016 to 2017, he realised he was deeply misaligned in his life and work and began a deliberate process of asking who he was, who he wanted to serve, and what kind of life he wanted.Jim tells the story of ending up in Western Australia through a series of wild pivots, including working on the mines, taking a secondment he was not qualified for, and eventually running an electrical company.He describes how he muted his playful personality in a corporate environment and how that experience became the seed for Untamed.Bronte and Jim discuss fear as a survival mechanism, especially the fear of rejection, judgment, and public speaking.Jim introduces the cast list concept, a framework for understanding the different inner parts that show up depending on context, history, and learned behavior.He explains how traits like the class clown, the protector, or the pleaser can form early as survival strategies and reappear later when we feel threatened.They connect this work to emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the importance of noticing both what people say and what they do not say.Jim talks about the difficulty of distilling years of coaching experience into a book, including multiple drafts, publisher feedback, and the importance of outside accountability.The conversation shifts to motivation for writing, including access for people who cannot afford coaching and the professional credibility a good book can create for speaking work.Jim shares the books and people that shaped him, including The 4-Hour Workweek, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Richard Branson, and an Irish coach named Philip.They close with a quick reading preferences game and a warm reflection on coaching, books, and personal growth. Connect with Jim here: https://www.becomeuntamed.com/

  6. Sep 1

    Lise Mayne: From a handwritten childhood novel to Time Enough

    Bronte Bennett speaks with author Lise Mayne about a lifetime of reading, journaling, and writing that began in childhood and eventually led to her historical novel Time Enough. Lise shares how family history, Manx heritage, and years of research shaped the book, plus the realities of publishing, marketing, and building a writing life later in life. We discuss how writing by hand, trusting the process, and letting characters evolve can create richer stories. Lise also offers practical advice for aspiring authors on deadlines, accountability, and defining success beyond sales. Key topics In this episode, Lise Mayne shares how learning to read through the Dick and Jane books sparked a lifelong obsession with books and storytelling.She describes writing her first handwritten, illustrated novel at age 10, inspired by A Christmas Carol and Alice in Wonderland.Lise talks about journaling from age 10 onward as a way to process loneliness, hardship, and big life changes.She explains how poetry entered her life in school, thanks to a teacher who introduced her to song lyrics, sonnets, and analysis of poetry.We discuss her path into teaching, including becoming assistant principal, principal, and consultant over a 32-year career.Lise shares the long road to publication, including self-publishing Becoming Sand after years of work and selling the first 500 copies herself.She explains the family history behind Time Enough, including her mother’s Manx roots, her Scottish heritage, and a discovery of baptismal and homestead records in 1988.The book’s research process covered migration routes, mining history, Boston intake routes, train schedules, and the realities of homesteading in North America.Lise describes Time Enough as historical fiction with deep point of view, third person narration, dialogue, and strong Manx cultural detail.She reflects on the emotional core of the novel, including family conflict, migration, sacrifice, and a daughter’s struggle to reconcile family history with lived experience.We discuss how characters in her work are shaped by real people and personal experience, while still remaining fictionalized.Lise shares that her first book was angry and raw, while Time Enough is more measured, hopeful, and full of childlike wonder.She explains how fairies, surprise, and magic remain important to her writing process.We talk about the challenges of post-publish life, especially marketing, book events, social media, and the need to stay visible.Lise offers advice for writers: know why you are writing, define the feeling you want readers to leave with, set deadlines, and finish the manuscript.She also speaks about success as an author as feeling fulfilled, being published, and hearing from readers who genuinely connect with the work.  To connect with Lise – and to access her work: https://www.lisemayne.ca

  7. Aug 25

    The Purpose Pursuit with Hannah Miller

    Purpose is not a luxury reserved for the privileged, the polished, or the perfectly organised. Hannah Miller reveals why the women and everyday people who feel stuck, stretched, or restless may need this conversation most.   Bronte Bennett sits down with Hannah Miller, author of The Purpose Pursuit, for a candid, generous conversation about the origins of a book that began with childhood reading obsessions, handwritten stories, and a mother who sparked a lifelong love of words.   Hannah shares how her years as a teacher, facilitator, and coach shaped the practical, structured approach behind her book - and why she wrote it to help real people, not just high-achievers with unlimited time, money, or freedom.   You’ll discover: How Hannah turned workshops and one-to-one coaching into a book that more people can actually accessWhy structure is the key to strong nonfiction, and how she maps a book so each chapter delivers real substanceThe importance of the phrase “substance, substance, substance” when writing anything that mattersHow to recognise the noise, fluff, and comparison traps that keep you from what truly mattersWhy purpose is bigger than career, and how to think about contribution across your whole lifeWhat it looks like to build a purpose statement that fits the person you are, not just the job you do Hannah also opens up about the realities behind publishing the book: the emotional weight of writing through grief, the unexpected path that led to a traditional publishing deal, and the hard truth that success cannot be measured only by sales, charts, or social media noise. Instead, she makes the case for a far better metric - whether your work helps someone feel more capable, more valuable, and more hopeful than they did before.If you’ve ever wondered what to do with your strengths, how to navigate a life transition, or how to build a life that feels meaningful without buying into hustle culture, this episode is for you. It’s thoughtful, practical, and deeply reassuring - a reminder that purpose can be lived in ordinary places, by ordinary people, in extraordinary ways. Perfect for readers, writers, midlife resetters, and anyone asking, “What am I here to do?” To connect with Hannah - visit her website here: https://www.hellosidekick.co/home-idv

About

Mrs Write... Where stories begin, and writers find their voice.Have you ever had a story living inside you, one that nudges you awake at 2 am, that colours the edges of your day, that feels too big to stay locked in your head? Mrs Write is the podcast for you. Hosted by a self-published author, Bronte Bennett, who is still very much on the journey herself, Mrs Write is a warm, honest, and deeply human conversation about what it really means to write — and to keep writing, even when life gets in the way. What can you expect? Real author stories. Honest, behind-the-scenes interviews with novelists and storytellers at every stage of their career, the rejections, the rewrites, the moments of doubt, and the breakthroughs that made it all worth it. The craft of fiction. Practical tools and techniques to help you move from idea to finished story, building characters, finding your voice, structuring your plot with more confidence and less overwhelm. The business of getting published. Agents, submissions, self-publishing, hybrid routes, Mrs Write pulls back the curtain so you can make informed decisions about your own path. The mindset that makes it possible. The inner critic, the comparison trap, the paralysis of perfectionism, these are the real obstacles between you and your finished manuscript. Mrs Write tackles the psychological side of the writing life head-on. A personal journey, shared honestly. Your host isn't speaking from a distant summit of success. She's in it with you... navigating the beautiful, maddening, deeply rewarding experience of being a writer in the real world. Who is Mrs Write for? Anyone who has ever loved a story — and felt the pull to create one of their own. The aspiring writer who just needs someone to say you can do this. The experienced writer who is stuck or stalled. The reader curious about what goes on behind the pages. You don't need a finished manuscript or a publishing deal to belong here. Just a story worth telling. Because writing can be lonely, and it doesn't have to be. Mrs Write exists to give you the craft, the confidence, and the community to stay the course. New episodes drop bi-weekly. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.