Episodes
Chapter 9: Perseverance in PUblishing with Author Sierra Greer
In today’s chapter, Heather and Leila get to know author Sierra Greer and learn more about her debut Annie Bot and her whirlwind of a year.
In today’s chapter, Heather and Leila get to know author Sierra Greer and learn more about her debut Annie Bot and her whirlwind of a year.
Tune in for discussion on the topics below and more!
Tackling themes in your writing
How the Book of the Month selection process and contract works
Let’s welcome Sierra to the Inkspiration community!
Sierra Greer grew up in Minnesota before attending Williams College and Johns Hopkins University. A former high school English teacher, she writes about the future from her home in rural Connecticut. Her debut novel, Annie Bot, came out in March 2024 and was a Book of the Month selection and also featured on Jimmy Fallon as part of his Fallon Book Club bracket. Talk about a whirlwind of a debut year.
Purchase Annie Bot wherever books are sold.
More information on Sierra’s journey and future publications can be found on her website, sierragreerwriter.com.
Thanks for listening to Inkspiration, a podcast where we explore the art of storytelling with expert interviews and tips for writers, readers, and publishing enthusiasts eager to uncover the magic in their stories.
Follow us on Instagram at @inkspirationpodcast. Our DMs are always open for discussion, suggestions for future episodes, and all things literary! Tag us in your writing adventures and inkspirations!
Chapter 8: Exploring Identity and Agency in the Horror Genre with Sam Rebelein
In today’s chapter, Olivia and Mia get to know horror author Sam Rebelein!
In today’s chapter, Olivia and Mia get to know horror author Sam Rebelein!
Tune in for discussion on the topics below and more!
Sam’s journey to publication with Edenville
Exploring complex emotions through the horror genre
How to create compelling characters and powerful storylines
The importance of blending real-life events with fiction
Content Warning: Discussions of Sexual Assault: In this episode, we discuss experiences related to sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised.
Let’s welcome Sam to the Inkspiration community!
Sam holds a BA in English and Education from Vassar College and an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College. His debut novel, Edenville, was released onto the shelves in October 2023 by William Morrow and Titan Books. After receiving rave reviews, Edenville has been nominated for a Bram Stoker award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Sam’s work has appeared in a variety of speculative fiction publications and his follow-up collection to Edenville releases in early 2025. He lives in Poughkeepsie, New York with his dog, Truman - a pup whose sassy self is a frequent participant on Sam’s Instagram.
Purchase Edenville wherever books are sold.
More information on Sam’s journey and future publications can be found on his website, www.srebelein.com.
Thanks for listening to Inkspiration, a podcast where we explore the art of storytelling with expert interviews and tips for writers, readers, and publishing enthusiasts eager to uncover the magic in their stories.
Follow us on Instagram at @inkspirationpodcast. Our DMs are always open for discussion, suggestions for future episodes, and all things literary! Tag us in your writing adventures and inkspirations!
Chapter 4: Exploring YA Romance with Eva Des Lauriers
What can be more perfect than a conversation about first love, Taylor Swift, and the inspiration behind Eva Des Lauriers’ debut YA romance I Wish You Would? As hosts Mia and Leila discover, talking to debut author Eva Des Laurier tops the charts in oh so many ways.
What can be more perfect than a conversation about first love, Taylor Swift, and the inspiration behind Eva Des Lauriers’ debut YA romance I Wish You Would? As hosts Mia and Leila discover, talking to debut author Eva Des Laurier tops the charts in oh so many ways.
During this episode…
Eva describes her publishing journey and how her former career as a social worker informs her writing today.
Eva explains the inspiration behind her debut YA romance I Wish You Would, including its Swiftie appeal.
Eva and the hosts dig into the importance of writing for teen readers and the considerations writers should have when writing KidLit.
Eva suggests ways for writers to find like-minded communities and navigate the business side of publishing.
This episode is overflowing with wisdom from a soulful author who writes honest, loving, messy characters for teen readers looking for humor, romance, and solace.
Let’s welcome Eva to the Inkspiration community!
From her website:
Eva is a California girl who became a diehard romantic when she married her best friend, the boy she sat next to in eleventh-grade Calculus. She now holds both an MSW and BA in Psychology. As a clinical social worker, she had the privilege of working with the vibrant and complicated teens for whom she now writes. When she isn’t writing, you can find her wandering through the redwoods, staring at the sea, or pretending she’s in a music video. She lives with her husband, their two children, and her collection of kissing books in Northern California.
Purchase I Wish You Would wherever books are sold.
Check out Eva’s podcast with author Kathryn Bury, Write Where It Hurts.
More information on Eva’s journey and future publications can be found on her website, www.evadeslauriers.com.
Eva can be found on Instagram and TikTok @evadeslaurbooks.
From the Episode
If you want to dig deep into the effects of novel writing and publishing on mental health (and have lots of laughs and maybe some tears along the way), check out Eva’s podcast with Kathryn Bury, Write Where It Hurts.
Information on Writing with the Soul can be found at https://writingwiththesoul.com/.
Thanks for listening to Inkspiration, a podcast where we explore the art of storytelling with expert interviews and tips for writers, readers, and publishing enthusiasts eager to uncover the magic in their stories.
Follow us on Instagram at @inkspirationpodcast. Our DMs are always open for discussion, suggestions for future episodes, and all things literary! Tag us in your writing adventures and inkspirations!
Chapter 3: Romancing Your Debut Year with Clare Gilmore
Do you fantasize about writing your own workplace romance? Do you cast Henry Cavill in your WIPs? Do you LOVE swoon-worthy rom-coms with the perfect combination of romance and humor? If you relate to any of these (and even if you don’t!), tune in to Inkspiration’s latest episode, where Leila and Olivia interview debut romance author, Clare Gilmore.
Do you fantasize about writing your own workplace romance? Do you cast Henry Cavill in your WIPs? Do you LOVE swoon-worthy rom-coms with the perfect combination of romance and humor?
If you relate to any of these (and even if you don’t!), tune in to Inkspiration’s latest episode, where Leila and Olivia interview debut romance author, Clare Gilmore.
Clare published her first novel, Love Interest, in October 2023, and the workplace romance garnered nothing but praise from the reading community. Perfect Fit, another workplace romance sure to have readers swooning, is scheduled for release on October 29, 2024. Between these two office romcoms, Clare has also released her first mystery, What Happened to Helen Rochester, on Kindle Unlimited.
During this episode…
Clare describes her journey to publication, beginning with her Maurader fanfic and ending with the publication of her romcom, Love Interest.
Clares breaks down tips for surviving querying and debut year.
Clare explains her decision to self-publish her mystery What Happened to Helen Rochester and kickstart a hybrid career.
Clare provides suggestions for writing swoon-worthy characters and romances for any genre.
Needless to say, writers of all genres can learn from Clare’s journey, and readers will love learning more about this witty rom-com author who moonlights in mystery.
Listen to the episode on all major podcast platforms today!
Let’s Welcome CLare to the Inkspiration Community!
From Clare’s website:
Clare is a romcom author who was raised in Nashville, but now calls Charlotte, North Carolina home where she lives with her dog, Winifred, and her partner. When it comes to her books, you can expect stories that are “frothy but substantial,” chock full of funny moments split up between earnest self-realizations. Clare’s debut novel, Love Interest, was published in 2023 and her follow-up novel titled, Perfect Fit, is set to release on October 29, 2024. You can find her cooking elaborate meals or planning endless vacations.
Purchase Love Interest by Clare Gilmore today
Read What Happened to Helen Rochester on Kindle Unlimited
Preorder Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore today (In stores everywhere, October 29, 2024!)
Find Clare on Instagram and TikTok at @claregilmorewrites.
Thanks for listening to Inkspiration, a podcast where we explore the art of storytelling with expert interviews and tips for writers, readers, and publishing enthusiasts eager to uncover the magic in their stories.
Follow us on Instagram at @inkspirationpodcast. Our DMs are always open for discussion, suggestions for future episodes, and all things literary! Tag us in your writing adventures and inspirations!
Chapter 2: Editing your first draft with Callie Stoker
In this episode of Inkspiration, Heather and Mia interview editor extraordinaire, Callie Stoker. Callie is the founder and owner of The Manuscript Dr., an editing service for fiction writers that provides mentorship, education, and editing support by experienced professionals.
You’ve written a manuscript. A whole first draft. It’s beautiful. Pristine. Perfect…or is it?
In this episode of Inkspiration, Heather and Mia interview editor extraordinaire, Callie Stoker. Callie is the founder and owner of The Manuscript Dr., an editing service for fiction writers that provides mentorship, education, and editing support by experienced professionals.
As Heather is currently self-editing her manuscript and Mia is tackling rewriting hers, both these hosts are excited to learn from Callie and share her expertise with listeners.
During this episode…
Callie shines a light on the murky first steps following your first draft.
Callie breaks down the editing mindset for creatives who prefer drafting to revising.
Callie explains how to navigate the editing funnel and different types of editing services.
Regardless of your experience, this episode overflows with editing and revising tips and tricks you won’t want to miss. Be sure to stay tuned until the end when Callie introduces a one-time offer for Inkspiration listeners only.
Listen to the episode on all major podcast platforms today!
let’s welcome Callie to the Inkspiration community!
From her website:
In fourth grade Callie read The Indian in the Cupboard. The idea of a boy’s toy coming alive in a magic cupboard grabbed a hold of her imagination and never let go. The addiction only increased as she read Roald Dahl, Lloyd Alexander, Madeleine L’Engle, and the Redwall series. In sixth grade her teacher took away Jane Eyre because it was distracting Callie from her work.
In all her reading, one question has always fascinated her. Why do some stories with great ideas fall flat?
For the past decade, Callie has honed her skills by studying the craft of writing and defining the elements that make a story work. She can read any story, any rocky first draft, and provide the first aid it needs to make your manuscript live off the page and resonate in the minds of your readers.
Callie is also a mother of four–two of whom are on the Autism Spectrum. A singer and theater buff, she has spent a lot of time on the stage and behind the curtain as a music director and costumer. She loves good stories told on television and is a big fan of many
From the Episode
Callie’s favorite craft book is On Writing by Stephen King. Read it – it’s doctor-recommended.
Callie loves to use Dan Wells’ 7-Point Story Structure series to inform her plot. Find the series at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzfRuHa21NIzQFrQ6FAq8Pj2IA_SXiwrN&si=GGwFZQGsVGSx-53f
Callie referenced Neil Gaiman’s killer quote: “Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.”
Thanks for listening to Inkspiration, a podcast where we explore the art of storytelling with expert interviews and tips for writers, readers, and publishing enthusiasts eager to uncover the magic in their stories.
Follow us on Instagram at @inkspirationpodcast. Our DMs are always open for discussion, suggestions for future episodes, and all things literary! Tag us in your writing adventures and inkspirations!