Episodes
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 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
From the Episode
Information on Writing with the Soul can be found at https://writingwiththesoul.com/.
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!
Chapter 5: Why Writers Should Embrace Delusion with Monica Hay
In the latest chapter of Inkspiration, Mia and Leila get to know writing resistance and mindset coach Monica Hay and learn more about common roadblocks writers face while trying to get their stories out of their heads and onto the paper (or screen).
A dash of delusion. A heaping of intuition.
These are some of Monica Hay’s key ingredients for writers working to overcome writer’s resistance and find success in the publishing industry.
In the latest episode of Inkspiration, Mia and Leila get to know writing resistance and mindset coach Monica Hay and learn more about common roadblocks writers face while trying to get their stories out of their heads and onto the paper (or screen).
During this episode…
Monica explains the origins behind her interest in brain science for writers and her flourishing coaching business.
Diving into the science behind resistance, Monica describes how resistance lives and manifests in the body and mind.
Monica emphasizes the importance of listening to your intuition and being delusional, rather than realistic, with your writing dreams.
Touching on her own spirituality, Monica describes how spirituality impacts her writing and coaching as well as how connecting with yourself can help you craft more compelling and honest characters.
Listen to the episode on all major podcast platforms today and find out just what Monica means when she says, “Your delulu will come trulu!”
Let’s welcome Monica to the Inkspiration community!
From her website:
Monica is from the hills of California, though she now resides in Amsterdam. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in English Literature. After a career in social work, she earned her Master’s in Publishing. She worked with two literary agents and with WriteOnCon before starting her own coaching business. Monica now aims to help other writers embrace their fullest creative potential and manifest their dream lives.
Those interested in learning more about Monica’s workshop and coaching can follow her on Instagram @monicahayauthor and learn more about her business on her website: https://monicahay.com/.
From the Episode
Monica praises Writing on Both Sides of the Brain by Henriette A. Klauser as a book that encouraged her to dig deeper into the science of resistance.
Monica references Octavia Butler’s journal pages, where the prolific science fiction and speculative author manifested her own success.
Monica studied The Science of Stuck by Britt Frank and Around the Writer’s Block by Roseanne Bane to prepare for the famous “Science Day” in her workshop.
For those looking to learn more about spirituality, Monica recommends Abraham-Hicks, who has a plethora of videos on YouTube.
Monica’s favorite craft book is Story Genius by Lisa Cron.
Monica’s latest five-star read is Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao.
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!