• 40+ Books and Still Curious: Cathy Maxwell on Writing, Reinvention, and her Leap to Indie Publishing
    Jun 3 2026

    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 optional
    • The difference between the right and wrong people to vent to
    • What indie publishing taught a 30-year traditional author about joy
    • Reader relationships and why they change everything
    • The niche advantage and building your platform at any career stage
    • Coaching, critique partners, and building the right team
    • Why every author — at every level — has to be willing to be a beginner

    Loved 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

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Pirate Queens, Reapers, and Joyful Chaos: Allison/ Alli Temple on Brand, Boundaries, and Big Creative Swings
    May 27 2026

    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 in
    • Indie pros/cons: control, speed, and realistic cadence
    • Visibility tactics: backlist marketing, niche positioning, in‑person connections
    • Celebrating 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

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    49 mins
  • Write, Publish, Profit: Moni Boyce’s Playbook for Career Resilience
    May 20 2026
    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 onlineWebsite: https://moniboyce.comRedemption of the Heart by Moni Boyce: https://amzn.to/4nzwiRMAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/moniboyceBookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/moni-boyceGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/moniboyceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoniBoyceWritesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniboycePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/moniboyceTikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJpAQjRV/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/moniboyce.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniboyceThe 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 6thRSJ Convention – Virtual – July 9-112026 Sexy and Sassy Signing - Richmond, VA - July 25thBeating Hearts Romance Book Festival - Suffolk, VA - August 15thBookMark Her - Huntsville, AL - Nov. 13th - 15th Links to resources and stuffDanja Pittman - https://danjatales.comBryan Cohen - https://learn.bestpageforward.netSkye Warren - https://www.authoradsintensive.comTheodora Taylor, non-fiction - https://7figurefiction.comBecca Syme - https://betterfasteracademy.comMargie 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.comValent Chamber, the site where women of color post their original work is:https://www.valentchamber.comFan Fiction dot Net, the site where Moni posted Scandal fan fiction: https://www.fanfiction.netThree Teams Every Author Needs – Aug 20, 2025 Episode of Jen’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ZaQNMW6odLSJ3UEg2ozgB?si=0dfb2bef1aa04f19Daphne 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/3PL7Q3sFrederick 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 BoyceMoni 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 GraybealJen 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 JenWebsite: https://www.jentheeditor.com/All the socials: @jentheeditorSubscribe to Jen's ...
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • On Your Shoulders - A Mindful Moment
    May 6 2026

    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

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    7 mins
  • Rock Shows, Rescue Pets, and Radical Creativity: R.L. Merrill on the Choices Authors Make
    Apr 29 2026

    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 & WhiskeyThe 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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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Art, Patreon, and Pirates with Lin Lustig: A Discussion About Authenticity and Ill-Fitting Shoes
    Apr 22 2026

    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

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    46 mins
  • Level Up Your Author Business: Rights, Royalties, and Real Talk with Lisa Rayne
    Apr 15 2026

    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 up
    • Why copyright registration matters more than you think
    • How to approach contracts like a confident professional
    • Balancing creativity with smart, strategic thinking
    • Finding joy in the writing life while protecting your business interests
    • Lisa’s coaching platform SCRIBAL, created to help authors level up their entrepreneurship

    Where 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

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    59 mins
  • Email Marketing for Authors and the Many Benefits of Being a Nerdy Romantic with Y.M. Nelson
    Apr 8 2026

    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 rates
    • Choosing marketing tools that fit your stage of growth
    • Navigating 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

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    1 hr and 5 mins