Margs & Manuscripts

Cait & Jenna
  • 5.0 (8)
  • BOOKS

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. Sara Ney Unfiltered: 50 Books, Tropes, & Romance Writing Chaos

    5D AGO

    Sara Ney Unfiltered: 50 Books, Tropes, & Romance Writing Chaos

    Romance author Sara Ney joins us for one of the funniest and most unfiltered conversations we’ve had on the podcast yet. From writing 50+ romance novels and navigating BookTok-driven publishing trends to hockey romance, favorite tropes, spicy scenes, and rapid-release writing schedules, Sara pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to build a long-term career in romance publishing. We talk indie vs. traditional publishing, bookstore signings, writing routines, weird author quirks, reader expectations, and why every ex-boyfriend somehow thinks the book is about him. Sara also gives us her best meet-cutes, favorite romance dynamics, and accidentally coins what might be the greatest romance-writing tagline of all time. Also discussed: • the now-infamous hot dog story • “foreplay is my forte” • why dry humping deserves a comeback • BookTok trend pressure & publishing chaos • Starbucks writing rituals • writing 50+ books without losing your mind • fake dating, hockey romance & favorite tropes • why romance readers know exactly what they want About Sara Ney:  Sara Ney is a bestselling romance author known for her sports romances, college romances, and fan-favorite series including How to Date a Douchebag, Jock Row, and Campus Legends. With more than 50 published books across indie and traditional publishing, Sara has become a staple in the contemporary romance space thanks to her humor, unforgettable banter, emotionally grounded love stories, and wildly addictive characters. Her upcoming releases include Married to the Scottish Player and Revenge Puck.

    52 min
  2. Mom-fluencers, Motherhood & Midwest Family Chaos | Claire Swinarski

    MAY 12

    Mom-fluencers, Motherhood & Midwest Family Chaos | Claire Swinarski

    Mom influencers. Midwest family dynamics. Wisconsin supper clubs. Postpartum anxiety. Parenting pressure. Somehow, Claire Swinarski wrapped all of it into one of the most emotionally honest books we’ve read this year. In this episode, we sit down with bestselling author Claire Swinarski to talk about her newest novel, The Supper Club Saints — a story about a young mother returning home to Wisconsin after fleeing a mom-influencer “mom-mune,” only to find her complicated family, their beloved supper club, and her own identity waiting for her. We talk about:  the real-life inspiration behind the book  why mom influencer culture fascinates people  writing complicated but deeply loving families  motherhood, anxiety, and impossible expectations  Wisconsin culture and the magic of supper clubs  publishing pressure, launch anxiety, and finding readers organically  why authors need to stop declaring their books “dead” before launch week is over Claire also shares how Ruby Franke, Paris Hilton’s advocacy work, and her own large Catholic family helped shape the story behind The Supper Club Saints. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough, parenting “right,” or comparing yourself to everyone online… this conversation is going to hit. In This Episode  Claire explains what a Wisconsin supper club actually is  The inspiration behind the “mom-mune” storyline  Why every reader seems to connect with a different sister  The pressure of modern motherhood and online perfection  How childhood shapes parenting choices  Claire’s refreshingly healthy take on book launches and publishing  The reality of writing books rooted in the Midwest  Why readers are craving stories about family right now About Claire Swinarski Claire Swinarski is the author of multiple novels for both adults and younger readers, including The Funeral Ladies of Ellery County and The Supper Club Saints. Known for writing deeply human, Midwest-rooted stories filled with complicated families, humor, and emotional honesty, Claire currently lives in Wisconsin with her family. Books & Authors Mentioned The Supper Club Saints — Claire Swinarski The Funeral Ladies of Ellery County — Claire Swinarski Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club — Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper ClubLlama Llama Red Pajama — Llama Llama Red PajamaFollow Margs & Manuscripts 🎙 Podcast: Margs & Manuscripts 📚 Bookshop: Margs & Manuscripts Bookshop 🛍 Merch: Margs & Manuscripts Shop

    36 min
  3. We Need to Talk About Abigail Adams with Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray

    MAY 5

    We Need to Talk About Abigail Adams with Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray

    What if the story we’ve been told about the American Revolution is only half the picture? In this episode, we sit down with bestselling authors Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray—the powerhouse duo behind America’s First Daughter, My Dear Hamilton, and their newest release, A Founding Mother. Known for bringing history’s most overlooked women to life, they’ve built a career on telling the stories behind the story—the ones that didn’t make it into the textbooks. We talk about their collaborative writing process (and how they make it work without killing each other), the research behind their novels, and why the women of the Revolution—especially Abigail Adams—still feel strikingly relevant today. This conversation is part craft, part history, and part reminder that the people holding everything together were often never the ones in the spotlight. In this episode: How Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray built a collaborative writing process that actually works Why historical fiction is uniquely positioned to “read between the lines” of history The real lives of women during the American Revolution—and what’s been left out How Abigail Adams’ voice stands out among the founding generation The role of research, letters, and archives in shaping authentic storytelling Why every generation thinks it’s living through the “end”—and what history tells us instead The unexpected, chaotic reality of researching historical sites (yes, including almost getting in trouble)About our guests: Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray are bestselling authors of historical fiction known for their deeply researched, emotionally rich novels centered on women’s lives during pivotal moments in history. Together, they’ve written America’s First Daughter, My Dear Hamilton, and A Founding Mother, bringing new perspective to the American Revolution through the voices of the women who lived it. Books mentioned: A Founding Mother by Laura Kamoie & Stephanie Dray America’s First DaughterMy Dear HamiltonAnnouncements: Laura and Stephanie are currently on tour for A Founding Mother. For upcoming events and appearances, visit: 👉 https://draykamoie.com/events

    38 min
  4. The Fantasy Series That Made It Out of the Group Chat | Cozy Fantasy with E.B. Asher

    APR 30

    The Fantasy Series That Made It Out of the Group Chat | Cozy Fantasy with E.B. Asher

    What happens when a group chat turns into a published fantasy series? This week, we’re joined by E.B. Asher—aka Bridget Morrissey, Emily Wibberley, and Austin Siegemund-Broka—the trio behind one of the most fun, chaotic, and genuinely entertaining cozy romantasy series out right now. We get into how their books This Will Be Fun and This Will Be Interesting were born out of a years-long group chat, what it actually looks like to write a fantasy novel as a team, and why starting with a pitch (instead of a manuscript) might change everything about how you write. Also: sequels, worldbuilding, why humor works better when characters take themselves seriously, and the surprisingly strategic side of writing something that feels effortless. In This Episode  How E.B. Asher turned a group chat into a full fantasy series  Writing a sequel vs. “hoping” for one  Their collaborative process (and why it works)  Why they start with the pitch instead of the book  The reality of co-writing a 120K word fantasy novel  Balancing humor with real emotional stakes  Cozy fantasy, romantasy, and writing for fun first  Audiobooks, accents, and letting narrators run with it  Their next project (and it’s chaotic in the best way)  What they’re reading right now About Our Guests E.B. Asher is the collaborative pen name of authors Bridget Morrissey, Emily Wibberley, and Austin Siegemund-Broka. Together, they write cozy, comedic romantasy stories filled with heart, chaos, and just enough emotional damage to keep things interesting. Their series includes: This Will Be FunThis Will Be InterestingTheir work blends fantasy, romance, and humor in a way that feels both nostalgic and completely fresh—think classic adventure vibes with modern chaos and character-driven storytelling. Announcements ✨ New Bonus Series Coming Soon: We’re launching a new short-form bonus episode series: “How I Got My Agent” These will be 10–15 minute episodes featuring real stories from authors about how they landed representation or publishing deals—what worked, what didn’t, and what actually matters. Favorite Moments from the Episode  “This book literally came out of a group chat.”  “We start with the pitchiest version of the idea first—and build from there.”  “The whole point is the class clown.”  “It’s like opening a document and it’s grown without you.” Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro – We finally got Cait into fantasy 00:41 Meet E.B. Asher (it’s three authors 👀) 02:04 How the series started (yes… the group chat) 07:18 The first idea that sparked the story 10:56 How they knew each other before writing together 12:52 How they actually write as a team 14:52 Building a fantasy world together (yes, they made an encyclopedia) 16:08 Editing, collaboration, and creative tension 17:41 Writing humor that actually works 20:27 Why fantasy still needs emotional stakes 22:04 Audiobooks, accents, and creative freedom 23:43 Their NEXT book (and it’s chaotic) 25:23 Fantasy influences + Jack Black energy 27:17 What they’re working on individually 28:53 Why they start with the pitch first 31:28 The problem with tropes (and why blurbs matter more) 33:12 Do they read while writing? 35:31 What they’re reading right now 37:13 For non-fantasy readers… start here 38:24 Why they wanted this series to feel easy and fun

    39 min
  5. The AI Conversation in Publishing Has Gone Off the Rails

    APR 21

    The AI Conversation in Publishing Has Gone Off the Rails

    AI in publishing is getting loud—and not always helpful Everyone has an opinion about AI right now, especially in the publishing and writing world. But instead of thoughtful conversations, what we’re seeing is a lot of noise, fear-based takes, and people rushing to pick a side. In this episode, we’re not here to give a definitive answer on AI. We’re here to talk about what’s actually bothering us about the conversation itself—the fearmongering, the “AI police,” and the pressure being put on writers in an already difficult industry. We waited to speak on this for a reason. We listened first. And now we’re sharing what feels off, what feels overblown, and where we think the focus should actually be. In this episode, we cover:  Why the AI conversation in publishing feels reactive instead of productive  The rise of fear-based takes and why they’re not helping writers  Where we personally draw the line with AI (workflow vs creativity)  The pressure and anxiety AI is adding to authors—especially debut authors  Why “AI isn’t going away” is the wrong starting point for the conversation  What writers should actually focus on right now instead of spiralingFor writers navigating AI right now: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the noise around AI, you’re not alone. This episode is meant to ground the conversation back in reality and remind you of what actually matters: Your voice, your process, and the work itself. Listen now 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 📺 Full episode + clips on YouTube 📚 Explore books from our featured authors on our Bookshop page

    32 min
  6. Sex Scenes Are Just Another Scene: How to Write Them Without Making It Weird

    APR 14

    Sex Scenes Are Just Another Scene: How to Write Them Without Making It Weird

    Let’s just say it: writing sex scenes is weird… until it’s not. In this episode of Margs & Manuscripts, we sit down with author Susan Ferber to talk about how to write sex scenes, why they matter in storytelling, and what separates a good scene from one that completely pulls the reader out. This isn’t a “how spicy should your book be” conversation. It’s about craft—how intimacy functions in a story, how to write scenes that actually move the plot forward, and why sex scenes should be treated like any other scene in your book. We get into the nuance of writing desire, tension, and connection—without overexplaining, overdescribing, or making your reader cringe. From dialogue-driven intimacy to the power of what you don’t show on the page, this episode breaks down what actually works. We also talk about the bigger conversation around women writing sex, the double standard around “smut,” and why stories centered on female desire are still treated differently in publishing. If you’ve ever wondered: Do I need a sex scene in my book?How explicit is too explicit?Why do some scenes feel natural and others feel… off?This one’s for you. What We Cover  How to write sex scenes that feel natural and not forced  Why sex scenes should function like any other scene in your story  Writing intimacy through dialogue vs description  How much detail is actually necessary (and when less is more)  The role of tension, power, and emotional stakes in intimate scenes  “Spice” vs “smut” vs storytelling—what’s the difference?  Do you need to show consent and protection on the page?  Writing awkward vs polished intimacy (and why both can work)  What makes a sex scene cringe vs compelling  The double standard around women writing sex  Why romance and intimacy are often labeled as “lesser”  How reader imagination plays a role in writing intimacy  Whether a book needs a sex scene at all About Susan Ferber Susan Ferber is the author of The Essence of an Hour and We Were Very Merry, with her third novel What Other Years Have Done releasing September 2026. Her work explores female identity, women’s relationships, and the complexities of love, desire, and power across time. She is particularly interested in how stories set in the past can shape our understanding of women’s rights today. Susan is also a book editor and currently lives in London with her husband—yes, very much a romance novel setup. Listen + Follow If you liked this episode, make sure to follow Margs & Manuscripts wherever you listen to podcasts and check out our full episode library on our website. You can also shop books from our featured authors (including Susan!) through our Bookshop—supporting both indie bookstores and the writers we love. Let’s Talk What’s your biggest pet peeve when reading sex scenes? Drop it in the comments or DM us—we’re dying to know.

    49 min
  7. Why No One Warns You About Book Launch Anxiety | ft. Meg Rosenthal

    APR 8

    Why No One Warns You About Book Launch Anxiety | ft. Meg Rosenthal

    What happens when you finally finish your book… and then immediately spiral? In this episode, we sit down with Meg Rosenthal to talk about the very real anxiety that comes with putting your work into the world. From 2am panic spirals to the vulnerability of “bleeding on the page,” we unpack the emotional weight of publishing, the fear of critique, and the unexpected mental load that no one warns you about. We also dive into imposter syndrome, the tension between commercial vs. authentic writing, and what it actually means to create art in an industry that expects you to monetize it. Meg brings a unique perspective having worked across multiple sides of publishing—as an author, editor, and hybrid-published writer—offering both practical insight and honest reassurance for anyone navigating the writing journey. In this episode:  The reality of book launch anxiety (and why no one talks about it)  The vulnerability of “bleeding on the page” as a writer  Fear of critique, reviews, and putting your work out publicly  Imposter syndrome and feeling like you don’t “belong”  What actually defines “good writing” (and who gets to decide)  Traditional vs. indie vs. hybrid publishing paths  Writing for yourself vs. writing for the market  Commercial expectations vs. authentic storytelling  The emotional impact of sharing your work with people you know  Pricing your work and the challenge of valuing creative output  The balance between art, passion, and making money  Why community matters (and how it changes everything)Books: Beautiful and Deadly by Nicole YvetteRealms of Ruin by Nika McKinneyWe Would Never Tell by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau About Our Guest: Meg Rosenthal Meg Rosenthal is a contemporary romance author, editor, and host of The Architecture of Story podcast. She is the author of The Right Words and The Wingman, and brings a unique perspective to the publishing world through her work across hybrid publishing, editing, and author education. Through her editorial work and podcast, Meg helps writers better understand story structure while encouraging them to create with both intention and authenticity. She is also an active member of the writing community, supporting authors at every stage of their journey.

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

    MAR 31

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Margs & Manuscripts
  • Show Website
    Margs & Manuscripts

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