In this episode, I chat with Sara Sampson and Madlené Nel from the Tea and Tales Podcast! I’ve been listening to these ladies during my working hours and trust me—they are so much fun! They talk about writing craft, interview authors and agents, and provide valuable advice for beginner writers, especially those who are going through the traditional publishing journey.This time I get to ask the questions and learn everything about their stories, writing process, their similarities and differences and their biggest pet peeves!Hope you enjoy our chat—I had a blast!Keywordswriting, authors, podcast, publishing, beta reading, creativity, storytelling, journey, romance, fantasyChapters00:00 Introduction00:56 Sara's Story03:43 Madeleine's Story07:53 Publishing Aspirations11:52 Plotters vs. Pantsers23:31 Exploring Series 46:27 Author Heroes50:18 Writing AdviceGuest LinksInstagram:@teaandtalespodcast TikTok: podcastteatalesWebsite: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeaandTalespodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64b73534qT6wBP0PThxGdY?si=102b6d6b0b744c84 HostInstagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooksEmail: k.k.alba.books@gmail.comRecorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalbaMusic by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

Get Anastasija's latest release, Devious Love: a Stepbrother Romance here: https://a.co/d/cL1FaaP

And if you're in the mood for a spicy Christmas time, check out A Very Merry Match Point: A Why Choose Holiday Romance here: https://a.co/d/d8IGOuv

In this episode, I interview Anastasija White, a European indie author known for her sports romance novels. We discuss her writing process, marketing strategies, character development, and the balance between writing and personal life, as well as the value of feedback from beta readers and editors.

Keywords

Anastasija White, sports romance, writing process, editing, publishing, character development, reader engagement, marketing strategies, indie author, book recommendations

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:31 The Journey

05:13 From Fanfiction to Published Author

07:56 Reader Expectations

10:22 Researching Sports for Authenticity

12:56 Writing Process

15:29 Editing

18:10 Publishing

20:40 Character Development

23:30 Writing Style

25:50 Future Projects

31:50 Publishing Challenges

33:05 Marketing

39:49 Balancing Writing with a Full-Time Job

41:52 Feedback

58:33 Advice for Aspiring Writers

01:00:17 Influential Authors and Inspirations

Recommendations

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Guest Links

Instagram: @anastasija.white.author

TikTok: author.anastasija.white / anastasija.white

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anastasija-White/author/B0BWVDGZS7

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalba

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

In this episode, a romance author Jess K. Hardy shares her journey of writing and publishing. Jess discusses her experiences with different genres, the challenges of working with small presses, and the importance of staying creative despite the demands of publishing. She emphasizes the significance of older characters in romance literature and shares her research process for writing about sensitive topics like addiction and recovery. We also dive into Jess's writing process, the emotional depth of her stories, and her future plans.

Keywords

writing, publishing, romance, sci-fi, addiction, older characters, querying, small press, author journey, creative process

Recommendations

Fiction:

August Lane by Regina Black

Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne

Craft:

Fated Mates podcast

Guest Links

Instagram: @jesskhardy_author

Website: https://jesskhardy.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08D41791W

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalba

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

In this episode, K.H. Anastasia returns to discuss her journey as an author, reflecting on personal growth, health, and the creative process. She shares insights into the challenges she faced and the triumphs she achieved after a severe burnout.

We also go on a lot of tangets here. If you love book-to-movie adaptations, we discuss our likes and dislikes and gush over our favorite books.

Good news - Kiira beat her blues and is releasing books left and right! Her latest full-length release—a surprise pregnancy hockey romance titled The Unexpected Lineup—is out now! Get it here: https://a.co/d/gBnto6d.

Keywords

writing, personal growth, health, creative process, romance, publishing, character development, reader connection, titles, lessons learned

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back

02:27 Writing and Mental Health

07:39 New Projects

10:09 The Unexpected Lineup

14:52 Writing Challenges and Overcoming Burnout

17:22 The Evolution of Writing

26:59 Marketing

29:24 Adapting Books into Movies

39:15 Lessons Learned

41:57 Book Titles and Copyrights

46:58 Character Names

52:20 Proud Moments

Recommendations

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle: an unconventional romance

Guest Links

Instagram/TikTok: @khanastasiawrites

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09MLYQHMJ

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalba

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

In this episode, Bosnian/Belgian author A.H. Monroe shares her journey as an author, discussing her inspirations, the challenges of writing in a second language, and the importance of mental health and diversity in romance. She delves into the intricacies of her drafting process, editing and marketing. We also talk about sensitivity readers and their importance in creating authentic narratives.

Keywords

A.H. Monroe, writing journey, indie authors, mental health, diversity, book marketing, publishing, author advice, Belgium, romance novels

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:34 The Journey

07:40 Drafting and Editing

10:24 Plotting and Structure

15:06 Language and Spicy Scenes

17:50 Exploring Dark Themes

24:07 The Inspiration Behind 'Cat Got Your Tongue'

32:47 Navigating Publishing in Europe

41:11 Marketing

49:33 Mental Health and Diversity

59:56 Advice for Aspiring Authors

Recommendations

Editor: Rumi Khan (https://www.instagram.com/rumikhan_xo/?hl=en)

Marketing: https://www.instagram.com/samscreativecure/?hl=en

Guest Links

Instagram: @authorahmonroe

TikTok: @authorahmonroe_

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DK45GW19

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalba

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

Get Sweet Caroline: https://a.co/d/4oIIYf2

In this episode, Hannah Brixton, a contemporary romance author, shares her journey into writing, discussing her creative process, the challenges of editing, and the importance of mental health representation in her work. She emphasizes the significance of relatability in characters and the impact of reader connections. Hannah also delves into her publishing journey, the differences between traditional and indie publishing, and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors, encouraging them to embrace playfulness in their writing.

Keywords

Hannah Brixton, contemporary romance, writing process, mental health, indie publishing, editing, character development, marketing strategies, relatable characters, author advice

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:58 The Journey

04:55 Writing Process

07:41 Book Covers and Titles

10:31 The Series Concept and Future Plans

11:27 Drafting

17:40 The Evolution of Indie Publishing

19:28 Editing

27:06 Plotting and Pantsing

32:11 ADHD and Its Impact on Writing

42:07 Marketing Strategies for Indie Authors

46:43 Relatable Characters

50:17 Writing Advice

Recommendations

The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

Guest Links

Instagram: @hannah.brixton

TikTok/Facebook: @hannah.brixton.author

Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HannahBrixtonAuthor

Website: https://www.hannahbrixton.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CHDN9YDV

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Author account: @kayredauthor

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalba

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

Katherine’s launch party for her new book The Widower without a Will will take place in New York on October 19th 2025! RSVP form and more information on Katherine’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPmd8p5Ebkb/

Get The Widower Without a Will: https://www.amazon.com/Widower-Without-Will-Prestons-Book-ebook/dp/B0FNRZVH3K

In this episode, Katherine Grant, an indie author of historical romance, shares her journey in writing and publishing. She discusses her early fascination with writing, the evolution of her writing process, and the importance of character development and point of view choices. Katherine also delves into her marketing strategies, the significance of awards in indie publishing, and her future goals as an author. She emphasizes the value of artistic intention and connecting with readers.

Keywords

historical romance, indie author, writing process, character development, publishing, marketing, awards, author goals, Katherine Grant, Raising Baby Authors

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:40 The Author Journey

04:56 Writing Historical Romance

08:19 The Writing Process and Artistic Intentions

11:23 Point of View

16:30 Publishing and Marketing Strategies

19:48 The Podcast

33:43 The Importance of Awards in Indie Publishing

37:33 Marketing

41:20 Research

44:26 Author Goals

46:56 Celebrating the Launch of a New Book

51:02 Writing Advice

Guest Links

Instagram : @katherine_grant_romance

Website: https://katherinegrantromance.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B082TQRTRM

Historical Romance Sampler podcast: @historicalromancesampler

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Author account: @kayredauthor

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalba

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

In this episode, I interview author Kristen Bahls, who shares her journey from being a teacher to becoming a podcaster and author. Kristen shares her experiences in the cozy mystery genre, the importance of community support, and her decision to self-publish her book. She emphasizes the role of feedback from beta readers and the significance of in-person events for new authors.

A Flair For Trouble releases August 7th!

Preorder it now: https://www.amazon.com/Flair-Trouble-Teachable-Book-ebook/dp/B0FK15MQ2T/

Keywords

writing, podcasting, cozy mystery, self-publishing, author journey, beta readers, marketing, book release, cover design, teaching

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:36 Kristen's Journey

04:29 Building Connections in the Book Community

07:25 Cozy Mystery vs. Romance

11:11 Writing Cozy Mysteries

15:54 Writing Process

20:45 The First Draft

25:42 Feedback and Beta Readers

31:51 Finding Beta Readers

36:53 Publishing Strategy

48:05 Marketing Strategy

59:18 Advice for Aspiring Authors

01:11:19 Writing for Teachers and Beyond

Recommendations

Savannah Gilbo’s articles: https://www.savannahgilbo.com/

Alexa Martin’s coaching calls.

Save The Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

Romancing The Beat by Gwen Hayes

M.K. Williams’ self-publishing guides: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14420756.M_K_Williams

Guest Links

Instagram: @kristenbahlswrites

Get A Flair For Trouble: https://www.amazon.com/Flair-Trouble-Teachable-Book-ebook/dp/B0FK15MQ2T/

Where I Left Off podcast: anywhere you find your podcasts and @whereleftoffpod on Instagram

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.