Episodes

Episodes, Self-Publishing, Mental Health, KidLit, Debut Inkspiration Podcast Episodes, Self-Publishing, Mental Health, KidLit, Debut Inkspiration Podcast

Chapter 6: Unraveling the Fantasy Worlds of Self-Publishing with Tory Guyon

With the steadily changing landscape of publishing and social media, many authors are embracing self-publishing as a way to own their stories and build communities with their readers. In Inkspiration’s latest episode, hosts Olivia and Heather discuss self-publishing and life as an Indie author with Indie author and entrepreneur, Tory Guyon.

How many authors can say they OWN their publishing imprint? We know at least one.

With the steadily changing landscape of publishing and social media, many authors are embracing self-publishing as a way to own their stories and build communities with their readers. In Inkspiration’s latest episode, hosts Olivia and Heather discuss self-publishing and life as an Indie author with Indie author and entrepreneur, Tory Guyon. 

During this episode…

  • Tory describes her writing journey and how she became an Indie author. 

  • Tory provides a crash course in writing resources and tips for aspiring self-publishing authors.

  • Tory discusses the inspiration behind her self-published YA debut, “Angel of Water and Shadow.”

  • Tory reflects on the healing power of books and the importance of mental health representation and transparency in the publishing industry and beyond.


Let’s welcome Tory to the Inkspiration community!

Adapted from her website: 

Tory grew up dreaming about dragons, coloring Lisa Frank characters, reading the Hobbit, watching The Last Unicorn, writing Harry Potter fanfic, and eagerly awaiting to be summoned by the realm of the fae. While she no longer writes fanfic and still hasn’t been called upon by the fae, Tory has created her own fantasy worlds and is convinced that she’ll stumble across a magical being in the redwoods one day. 

From her home in Santa Cruz, California, Tory writes fantasy novels, blogs about myths and monsters, explores magical locations, and shares self-publishing tips + tricks in hopes of empowering others who are thinking of going the indie route. 

Explore Tory’s hub for her books and blog at her website

Purchase Tory’s book Angel of Water & Shadow 

Follow Tory on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest


From the Episode

  • Tory uses a Plot Tree to support her brainstorming process.

  • A few Facebook groups where Tory “lurks and learns” include Moms Who Write and 20BooksTo50K.

  • Tory uses Canva to support her content creation.

  • Tory finds the work of Tina Marshall on Instagram to help inspire and guide her own career. 

  • To find her editors and designers, Tory uses Reedsy, calling it “the LinkedIn for the publishing world.”

  • Those interested in self-publishing, living a creative life, or the best book recommendations should also check out Tory’s blog.


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!

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Episodes, Craft, KidLit, Debut Inkspiration Podcast Episodes, Craft, KidLit, Debut Inkspiration Podcast

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!

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