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New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed joins us for an eye-opening episode that challenges the status quo of the publishing world. As a Muslim author writing about critical themes such as Islamophobia, Samira offers a unique perspective on the hurdles faced by marginalized writers. She discusses her unorthodox journey from education and activism to literature, shedding light on the systemic barriers within the industry and advocating for bookshelves that truly reflect our diverse society.

We turn our focus to the contentious issue of book banning, discussing its detrimental impact on intellectual freedom. In a world where preemptive censorship is alarmingly common, Samira and I draw parallels to historical regimes that have used book bans as tools of oppression. We emphasize the vital role of community efforts in resisting these acts, inspired by Toni Morrison's rallying cry for authors to wield their stories as weapons of defiance against bigotry and authoritarianism.

Finally, we explore actionable ways to support diverse voices and combat censorship on a local level. From attending school board meetings to engaging with initiatives like We Need Diverse Books, we discuss how community activism can make a tangible difference. Samira and I urge listeners to champion marginalized authors and advocate for curricula that embrace diversity. By staying informed and involved, we can ensure literature remains a powerful force for truth and inclusivity.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=craftchat

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🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

💜 Connect with J.D. Myall
📸 Instagram

🌐 Website & Media Kit

💌 Newsletter

🔗 Linktree

Watch episodes on YouTube as well.

💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener ...

Send a text

🎙️ How Fourth Wing & Heart’s Gambit Were Recorded | Audiobook Narrator Tips, Auditions, PFH Rates & Multicast Secrets

The circus lights flare. The band swells. Two voices step forward to turn ink into electricity.

In this behind-the-scenes audiobook deep dive, we go inside the booth with Eric Lockley and Kyra Frates (narrator of Fourth Wing) to unpack how Heart’s Gambit became an immersive multicast audiobook — and what it really takes to record bestselling fantasy.

Yes, we talk about:

• 🎧 The recording process for Fourth Wing
• 🎙️ How Heart’s Gambit was brought to life in audio
• 📚 What publishers look for in audiobook narrators
• 💰 What “per finished hour” (PFH) really means
• 🎭 How to land auditions and record self-tapes
• 🎤 Voice protection, stamina, and vocal warmups
• 🔥 Recording intense, romantic, and emotionally heavy scenes
• 🎬 Working with directors and engineers
• 🎧 How narrators stay consistent when recording on different days

If you’ve ever wondered:

• How do you become an audiobook narrator?
• How did Khaya Frates record Fourth Wing?
• What does a fantasy audiobook recording session actually look like?
• How do multicast audiobooks stay aligned?
• How do you break into Macmillan’s narrator program?
• What does Atlas Talent do for voice actors?
• Is Ahab a real pathway into audiobook work?

We get into all of it.

Eric and Kyra share practical, actionable tips and resources for aspiring audiobook narrators — including workshops, agency routes, community platforms, and how to build a sustainable voice acting career. From audition sides (usually 2–3 pages) to author approvals, from breath control to emotional pacing, this episode breaks down the craft AND the business.

Genre fans will especially love the conversation on narrating fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and YA — from banter and intimacy to grief, catharsis, and recording “spicy” scenes safely in graphic audio formats.

We also talk about:
✨ Representation in audio
✨ Expanding identity through sound
✨ Pro

Support the show

🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

💜 Connect with J.D. Myall
📸 Instagram

🌐 Website & Media Kit

💌 Newsletter

🔗 Linktree

Watch episodes on YouTube as well.

💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener ...

Send us a text

Unlock the secrets to making the most of your MFA Creative Writing program with insights straight from Drexel University's Alumni Association co-chairs, Jamie, Mo, and JD. This episode promises to guide you through the intricate packet exchange process, shedding light on how to prepare for it, navigate it during both years of study, and maintain effective communication with your mentor. Whether you aim for traditional publishing or self-publishing, our guests share candid anecdotes and invaluable tips to enhance your journey in the MFA program.

Discover the challenges and personal growth that come with transitioning between different genres, such as high fantasy and historical fantasy. Learn the significance of setting flexible goals and the normalcy of navigating uncertainties. The discussion underscores the importance of submitting polished work to receive constructive feedback and building a robust, open relationship with mentors. This episode is a treasure trove of advice on maximizing the packet exchange process, all while maintaining your unique writing voice.

Gain insights into the emotional complexities of receiving feedback and strategies for effectively incorporating it into your writing. Jamie, Mo, and JD share their personal techniques for discerning valuable critiques, balancing authenticity, and managing the emotional toll that feedback can bring. This episode also highlights the importance of self-care, work-life balance, and detaching emotionally from your work to accept feedback constructively. Plus, hear about the journey of refining thesis work, the patience required in the revision process, and how alumni communities can play a pivotal role in your ongoing professional development.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=craftchat

Support the show

🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

💜 Connect with J.D. Myall
📸 Instagram

🌐 Website & Media Kit

💌 Newsletter

🔗 Linktree

Watch episodes on YouTube as well.

💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener ...

Send us a text

The curtain lifts on circus magic, high-stakes romance, and the unfiltered reality of publishing a debut fantasy novel.

In this candid, behind-the-scenes conversation, we sit down with J.D. Myall, author of Heart’s Gambit, to unpack how the book grew from a proposal into a full-scale launch, complete with preorders, a regional book tour, library-hosted events, and an immersive audiobook cast that brings music and magic to the page. This is the kind of publishing conversation most writers crave and most readers never get to hear, equal parts celebration, strategy, and confession.

We dive into the emotional whiplash of the publishing process, from quiet stretches filled with doubt to the sudden rush of deadlines, finished copies arriving in boxes, and calendars packed with launch events. J.D. shares how a library-centered launch, a focused preorder campaign, and circus-themed influencer mailers helped keep the heart of the story front and center amid the noise.

Craft takes the spotlight as we talk revision decisions that changed everything, including how a sharper prologue reframed the stakes, why the ending evolved for the better, and how a plotter-pantser process allows execution to shift while the big beats stay true. We dig into favorite scenes like battle training, time-bending romance, and dates shaped by magic, and why time travel through a Black perspective transforms questions of risk, agency, history, and place.

There’s also a frank discussion of author life and visibility, from navigating social media without burnout to balancing a day job, family, and creative work while choosing connection over performative content.

Featuring a special excerpt read by Khaya Fraites, narrator of Heart’s Gambit and the Fourth Wing series.

If you love fantasy novels, time travel stories, Black historical fantasy, circus aesthetics, and romance with a bite, Heart’s Gambit belongs on your list. If you’re a writer, you’ll walk away with practical insight into editing, cover design, audiobooks, book marketing, and the courage it takes to put your work into the world.

Follow, share this episode with a friend who loves book craft and publishing real talk, and leave a review to help more listeners

Support the show

🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

💜 Connect with J.D. Myall
📸 Instagram

🌐 Website & Media Kit

💌 Newsletter

🔗 Linktree

Watch episodes on YouTube as well.

💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener ...

Send us a text

Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes of a Master of Fine Arts program? Today, we sit down with Drexel University's MFA alumni, Jamie Jenette, Mo, and Tori, who share their transformative journeys through the world of writing and publishing. Jamie talks about her leap from high school teaching to the creative freedom of novel writing, fueled by intellectual curiosity and motherhood's challenges. Meanwhile, Tori reveals her path from self-publishing romantic suspense novels to refining her craft through her MFA experience. This episode uncovers the reality of pursuing formal education as a writer and the diverse paths one can take—MFA or not.

Balancing passion with practicality is no easy feat, but our guests offer invaluable insights into making it work. Discover the intricacies of navigating the academic landscape post-COVID, the balancing act of passion projects versus career-driven writing, and the importance of building a robust support network. From the unique flexibility offered by MFA programs during tumultuous times to overcoming the hurdles of returning to school as an adult, Jamie and Tori provide an honest, relatable look at the trials and triumphs of their journeys. Networking and community-building emerge as crucial elements in a writer's development, reinforcing the idea that the connections made during such programs are priceless.

Finally, we confront the gritty realities of the publishing industry, from financial burdens to the elitist expectations that often accompany it. Jamie and Tori share their experiences with querying, the art of staying true to one's original vision amidst feedback, and the challenge of genre shifts in a fluctuating market. As the conversation wraps up, we delve into practical advice on maintaining ties with mentors and peers post-MFA, exploring how these connections can support ongoing growth and success. Join us for a candid exploration of what it truly means to pursue a writing career in today's ever-changing literary landscape.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=craftchat

Support the show

🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

💜 Connect with J.D. Myall
📸 Instagram

🌐 Website & Media Kit

💌 Newsletter

🔗 Linktree

Watch episodes on YouTube as well.

💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener ...

Send us a text

What if a book could change the entire course of your career? Join us on Craft Chat Chronicles as we sit down with literary agent Sarah Younger, who shares her transformative journey from a reluctant reader to a champion of authors. Discover how a serendipitous encounter with "Ella Enchanted" ignited Sarah's passion for books and led her through a whirlwind of experiences across Europe, small presses, and summer programs, all in pursuit of her dream role in commercial fiction. Her story is a testament to persistence and the power of storytelling.

Together with Sarah, we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of literary representation, especially in the romantic fiction genre. From the burgeoning trend of "romanticy" to the potential rise of romantic suspense with relatable, everyday heroes, Sarah offers a behind-the-scenes look at what's capturing readers' hearts. She also opens up about the dynamics of agent-client relationships, focusing on the importance of personalized strategies and the inclusion of diverse voices to enrich the literary world. Aspiring agents will find valuable insights on building strong relationships and understanding the nuanced role they play in an author's long-term journey.

Our conversation wouldn't be complete without tackling the practical sides of publishing today, such as managing author expectations and the pivotal role of social media presence. Sarah shares sage advice for both budding agents and authors, highlighting the significance of finding the right fit in agent partnerships and being cautious with initial offers. We also explore market trends in a fun, speculative game that assesses the status of various literary themes. This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical tips for anyone passionate about the ever-fascinating world of publishing.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=craftchat

Support the show

🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

💜 Connect with J.D. Myall
📸 Instagram

🌐 Website & Media Kit

💌 Newsletter

🔗 Linktree

Watch episodes on YouTube as well.

💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener ...

Send us a text

From aspiring biochemist to bestselling author, Kwame Alexander's literary journey is nothing short of inspiring. What if a single college poetry class could alter the course of your career? For Kwame, that moment came with Nikki Giovanni at Virginia Tech. Kwame reveals how this pivotal experience ignited his passion for writing, ultimately leading him to self-publish 13 books before his Newbery Medal win in 2015 catapulted him into the realm of traditional publishing. Join us as Kwame shares the trials and triumphs of his path, offering a roadmap of persistence and self-belief for budding authors.

Navigating the tangled web of the publishing industry is a challenge, and Kwame's quest for the perfect literary agent is a testament to resilience. We take you through his story of searching for representation, from initial disappointments to finding a business partner in Ariel, a retired agent who believed in his vision. This journey culminated in an unforgettable early morning call announcing his Newbery triumph. Kwame opens up about the power of confidence and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals, exemplifying how perseverance can turn 25 years of hard work into a seemingly overnight success.

Kwame's creativity continues to flourish with projects that engage and inspire. He shares the backstory of "Black Star" and the fulfilling process of bringing his stories into different mediums, like an animated PBS series and a Broadway musical adaptation. Listen as he reflects on balancing multiple projects and staying true to his artistic vision, while offering valuable advice for storytellers everywhere. His insights on the importance of creativity, impactful storytelling, and the joy of inspiring young readers are sure to resonate with writers and creatives seeking their own path to success.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=craftchat

Support the show

🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

💜 Connect with J.D. Myall
📸 Instagram

🌐 Website & Media Kit

💌 Newsletter

🔗 Linktree

Watch episodes on YouTube as well.

💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener ...

Send us a text

What does it take to transition from a legal career to becoming a bestselling young adult author? Join us on Craft Chat Chronicles as we share thrilling updates, including my exciting new role at the Neighborhood Literary Agency under the guidance of the renowned Eric Smith. We'll discuss my progress on two major writing projects: a vampire novel set for submission and the first completed book of the Heart's Gambit series. This episode also tackles timely and crucial issues like book banning, emphasizing the pivotal role parents play in guiding their children's reading journeys.

Dive into an inspiring conversation with bestselling author Jeff Zentner, who takes us through his remarkable journey in the world of publishing. Jeff's passion for writing and music traces back to his teenage years, and he shares how perceptions of the literary world evolved over time, paving the way for his success. We'll also explore the nuances of crafting compelling adult novels, from maintaining narrative momentum to the importance of honest feedback. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned storyteller, this episode is brimming with insights and inspiration you won't want to miss!

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=craftchat

Support the show

🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

💜 Connect with J.D. Myall
📸 Instagram

🌐 Website & Media Kit

💌 Newsletter

🔗 Linktree

Watch episodes on YouTube as well.

💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener ...