In this episode of Am I Write?, Guest Marah Rutherford takes listeners inside her creative process and shares how travel, culture, and everyday life influence her fantasy worlds. She explains how small “story kernels” grow into full novels, and what helps her create vivid settings and believable characters.

She also reflects on building a sustainable creative life while juggling family, deadlines, & constant change, and talks honestly about burnout, productivity, and learning to focus on what she can control. Find balance and stay grounded in this unpredictable industry!

Resources

Mara’s Website: https://www.mararutherford.com

Mara’s Books: https://www.mararutherford.com/all

The Night and the Moths by Rachel Gillig: https://a.co/d/0gsWdAMH

Bear our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bury-our-bones-in-the-midnight-soil-v-e-schwab/1145782127

James by Percival Everett: https://a.co/d/03YSncIY

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry: https://a.co/d/0ab1aK3l

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mararutherfordwrites/

About Mara

Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. Originally from California, Mara has since lived all over the world with her diplomat husband and two sons. A triplet born on Leap Day, Mara holds a Master's degree in Cultural Studies from the University of London. Her favorite days involve books, tea, and Mishka (a small red muppet often mistaken for a dog). She is the author of YA fantasy novels including the Crown of Coral and Pearl duology, Luminous, The Poison Season, and A Multitude of Dreams (Inkyard Press). Her next book, A CURIOUS KIND OF MAGIC, releases Fall ‘25 from Wednesday Books.

Multi-published author Becky Dean joins host Sheridan Sharp to talk about the real process behind becoming a stronger writer: the practice books that build your skills, the rejections that teach resilience, and the everyday moments that shape your stories (like those magic moments in the shower). She shares simple, actionable insights for writers who want to understand the craft beyond the page.

If you’re looking for clarity and encouragement in your own writing journey, this episode is for you!

About Becky

Becky Dean is a fan of adventures both real and fictional. She writes young adult contemporary romance books full of travel and banter, and as B.L. Dean, writes science fiction books full of travel and banter in space. When she's not writing, she can be found drinking iced tea, watching science fiction shows, planning travel adventures, or spending time with her family.

Resources

Love Unmasked, Becky's Latest Book!

Website: https://beckydeanwrites.com/

Substack: https://beckydean.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckydeanwrites/

In this episode of Am I Write?, debut romance author Amy Buchanan joins Sheridan to talk about the winding, emotional, and ultimately inspiring path to publication. Amy opens up about writing her first draft in secret, finding clarity through mentorship, navigating the querying trenches, and learning to trust her creative instincts. She also shares the importance of community, how small acts of support can make a big difference for authors, and why writing dreams are never out of reach—even when life is chaotic. Whether you're drafting your first chapter or preparing to query, this conversation offers encouragement, honesty, and the reminder that your story deserves to be told.

About Amy

Amy Buchanan’s affair with romance and books started at three, when she watched Beauty and the Beast and couldn’t decide if she was more obsessed with the prince or the library (Obviously, the library). After decades of devouring love stories written by others, she finally decided to share the ones pinging around in her brain. She writes fun and spicy contemporary romances with relatable heroines, swoonworthy heroes, and loving found families. Her debut, Let's Call a Truce, released in January 2025.

She lives in Central Florida with her three littles, two pups, and one husband. On top of writing, she uses her Masters in Higher Education Administration to run a scholarship foundation for first-generation college students. When not working, she trolls travel sites for luxury rentals outside of her travel budget and–poorly–trains for half-marathons.

Resources

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amybuchananbooks/

Substack: https://amybuchananbooks.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amybuchananbooks

Website: https://www.amybuchananbooks.com/

Let’s Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan

The New Romantics Bookstore