CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY with Evelyn Skye

Hello, Protagonists!My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Hattie Williams, a former book publicist whose debut novel, Bitter Sweet, is about... a book publicist who falls for a legendary author she's working for.Hattie has not only worked in publishing as a publicist but also in marketing and editorial, and before that, she was a musician and songwriter who has toured across Europe.Today, we talk about:* how Hattie fell into writing as a young mother,* her experience in the publishing world and how that informed the settings and stories in Bitter Sweet.* writing complicated, toxic relationships without veering into judgment of the characters,* how her background as a book publicist has helped her publicize her own book on both Instagram and Substack,* whether songwriting affects her novel writing,and so much more.Want more of Hattie?You can find Hattie on Substack and Instagram. Bitter Sweet, is available in bookstores everywhere or from your favorite online retailer!

Welcome to another episode of the Creative. Inspired. Happy. podcast—where we go behind the scenes with the storytellers shaping our culture.My guest today is Nikki Erlick, New York Times Bestselling author of The Measure, which was a TODAY Show/Read with Jenna book pick. Nikki's work has been translated into 24 languages worldwide, and her newest novel, The Poppy Fields, is out now.Today, we talk about:* Nikki's favorite childhood books,* Her experience first as a travel writer and ghost writer, before shifting to fiction,* Why she's drawn to big, existential questions in her novels,* How she is able to write without thinking about what her audience is expecting of her,* pouring herself into the characters of The Poppy Fields,and so much more.Want more of Nikki?You can find Nikki on Instagram and her website. Her newest novel, The Poppy Fields, is available in bookstores everywhere or from your favorite online retailer!

Hello, Protagonists,Welcome back to Letters from the Creative Life. These occasional essays explore the quieter corners of living: small reflections on art, ambition, and the tender balancing act of building a meaningful life in a noisy world. Think of them as letters from my life to yours. Enjoy!The Invisible Thread: What Authors and Readers Offer Each OtherYears ago, when I was still unpublished and hungry for any connection to the literary world, I had the opportunity to be the conversation partner for a well-known author visiting our local bookstore. I spent hours preparing for the event, and on the day of, I asked thoughtful questions and felt genuinely excited about the discussion we had on stage.But afterward, when she didn't follow me back on social media, I felt stung. Didn't she appreciate what I'd done for her as host in our local community? Wasn't I worth a simple follow?It wasn't until years later, when I was published and began experiencing the reality of public-facing author life, that I understood. That well-known author wasn't being snobby—she was protecting her sanity. The event we'd done together was just one stop on a long tour, one conversation among dozens, not to mention all the press and interviews online. It wasn't mentally healthy for her to follow every bookseller, every conversation partner, and every reader who wanted a piece of her digital attention without drowning in the noise.Then vs. NowThere was a time when a novelist's job was simply to write novels. Authors like J.D. Salinger and Harper Lee could disappear from public view entirely, letting their work speak for itself. Readers had to seek out authors through carefully crafted interviews or rare public appearances, if they encountered them at all.Today, the expectation is radically different. To sell books in the current market, authors are expected to be accessible, relatable, and constantly engaging. We share glimpses of our writing process and our daily routines, and some of us—like me here on Substack—build communities around our creative lives.This intimacy is beautiful, in many ways. But there's also a shadow side to this accessibility.When Knowing Becomes ClaimingThe challenge with parasocial relationships—those one-sided connections where someone feels like they know a public figure personally—isn't that they exist. Parasocial relationships have always existed. People have felt connected to actors, musicians, and even authors for as long as we've had public figures at all.The difference now is proximity and expectation, because digital platforms create the illusion of personal relationship. When an author shares a photo of their morning coffee or talks about their writing struggles, it feels like a text or video call from a friend. The human brain, which evolved for small communities where we actually knew each and every person we interacted with, struggles to distinguish between true intimacy and technologically-enabled accessibility.This confusion can sometimes lead to a sense of ownership over an author's time and attention that feels different from other relationships. Almost every author I know has, at some point, been on the receiving end of a reader lashing out because they were disappointed/upset that the author didn't respond to their email, DM, or social media post.But if we step back and try to look at this objectively, isn't this strange? For example, if a friend recommends a restaurant to you, the friend doesn't expect the chef to come out and personally thank them.Yet, in a world where technology creates a parasocial mirage, it's easy to forget that authors might be fielding hundreds or even thousands of similar messages, or simply taking a much-needed break from being online.The New RealityI think about Suzanne Young, who told me about co-authoring a book with Tom DeLonge from the band Blink-182. During a book signing, a fan approached with scissors because he wanted to cut a piece of Tom's hair to keep as a souvenir. Tom's bodyguard intervened, and afterward, Tom turned to Suzanne and said something like, “Isn't it crazy when that happens?” She laughed and told him that that doesn't happen to authors, it only happens to rock stars.That conversation happened years ago. I'm not sure it would be as clearly true today.Recently, bookstores have had to implement security policies that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago. At some events, signs now explicitly state that authors “do not owe fans access, attention, or physical proximity simply by virtue of being public figures.” The fact that this needs to be spelled out shows how normalized certain expectations have become.What We Already Give Each OtherInstead of focusing on the negatives, though, I now want to turn this around and look at the wonderful things we all do for each other. I think it's good to remember that, above all, we love books and we love storytelling. That beautiful common ground is what brings readers and authors together in the first place.What strikes me most about the author-reader relationship is how generous it is on both sides. Readers invest their precious time and emotional energy in our stories. They champion books they love, create communities around shared reading experiences, and offer the kind of support that sustains authors through the inevitable challenges of creative life. This generosity moves me every single day.And authors? We keep showing up to the page, sometimes when inspiration feels elusive, because we know there are readers who need the stories only we can tell. We share parts of ourselves through our work, trusting that these offerings will find their way to the people meant to receive them.The invisible thread between author and reader is real, and it's powerful. Despite what I said before about parasocial relationships, platforms like Substack, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc. are great for allowing us to connect like never before. We just all need to remember to set and keep respectful boundaries of mutual admiration. When we honor both the magic of that connection and the humanity on both sides of it, something extraordinary happens. The stories we share and love become bridges between us—not because we know each other in real life, but because we recognize something true and universal in the work itself.What we offer each other—story and attention, creativity and care—is already enough. Everything else is simply a gift.What brings you the most joy in your reading life? I'm always curious about the moments that remind us why we fell in love with books in the first place. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/subscribe

My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Lisa Jewell, #1 New York Times and international bestselling author of 24 novels. Her latest psychological thriller, Don't Let Him In, is out now.Today, we talk about:* Lisa's preferred reading format—physical books, ebooks or audio books—and her “dark” secret as a reader,* Why she writes and what has kept her going in such a long and successful career,* behind the scenes of her writing process for Don't Let Him In,* how she keeps her stories fresh to make sure she's not repeating herself with each new book,* what the most misunderstood part of being a bestselling author is,* a few sneaky hints about her next book,* her favorite interactions with readers,* one thing that readers might be surprised to find out about her,and so much more.Want more of Lisa?You can find Lisa on X and Instagram. Her newest novel, Don't Let Him In, is available in bookstores everywhere or from your favorite online retailer!

How changing my perspective of ordinary moments became my quiet rebellion.Welcome back to Letters from the Creative Life. These occasional essays explore the quieter corners of living: small reflections on art, ambition, and the tender balancing act of building a meaningful life in a noisy world. Think of them as letters from my life to yours. Enjoy!This is the audio version of an essay I wrote. If you prefer to read it, it's at CreativeInspiredHappy.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/subscribe

My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author of 25 books, including The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Her latest novel, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, is out now.Today, we talk about:* the curse of perfectionism and how Victoria copes with it,* fighting Imposter Syndrome,* why it's important to her to share both the victories and disappointments in publishing,* the part of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil that Victoria re-wrote at the last minute, to the chagrin of her publisher,* why defining books in genres is a box that writers and readers should actively fight against,* which part of writing is her most hated, and which is her favorite,* whether her poetic prose comes in the first draft or later in the editing phase,* reading reviews of her own books,* and so much more.»(Plus a guest appearance in the video from one of Victoria's cats)Want more of Victoria?You can find Victoria on Instagram or check out her website to sign up for her newsletter. Her newest novel, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, is available in bookstores everywhere or from your favorite online retailer!

How I found balance between big dreams and small, personal moments.Welcome to Letters from the Creative Life, a new feature on my podcast and Substack. These occasional essays explore the quieter corners of living: small reflections on art, ambition, and the tender balancing act of building a meaningful life in a noisy world. Think of them as letters from my life to yours. Enjoy!(If you'd like to read the essay instead, you can find it at CreativeInspiredHappy.com ) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/subscribe

Hello, Protagonists!My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Adam Met, multi-platinum recording artist (he's the A in the band AJR). He is also a professor, and now author of a new book, AMPLIFY.Today, we talk about:* the kinds of books Adam likes to read* the process of co-authoring a book with another writer* how to outline a non-fiction book* breaking rules to build fanbases* storytelling in songs vs in books* avoiding burnout in creative careers, and* how to find your personal happiness and fulfillment in life

My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Mike Sowden, the author behind the hugely popular Substack, “Everything is Amazing.” He is also a former archaeologist and travel writer, and one of the humblest writers I know. (Don't be fooled when he starts out the interview by telling you he has no idea what he's doing.)Today, we talk about:* What is Substack, and is it too late to get started there?* How Mike found his writing voice, a unique blend of scientific explanation and approachable humor* The joy of trying things even when you're not an expert on the topic* Growth on Substack - what works and what doesn't?* The concept of writing seasons (a.k.a. finding a publishing cadence that doesn't kill you)* What we can learn from Liz Gilbert's multimedia approach to writing,and so much more.Want more of Mike?Fill your life with more WOW at Everything is Amazing.

Hello, Protagonists!My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Katherine Center, New York Times Bestselling author and one of the reigning queens of hopeful, feel-good fiction. She's also had two books adapted into hit movies on Netflix. Her latest novel, The Love Haters, is out now.Today, we talk about:* finding inspiration which Katherine describes catching butterflies* discovering your place and mission in writing—a.k.a. what kind of author do you want to be?* maintaining a pace of publishing one book a year(Sample production timeline in traditional publishing)* her trick for writing deep characters* balancing "normal life" as a mom with being a professional writer* what does long-term success look like for a novelist* and so much more.

My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Andrea Bartz, New York Times Bestselling thriller author. Her books have been a Reese's Book Club pick, a Good Morning America Bonus Buzz pick, and a Marie Claire book club pick; one of them was optioned by Mila Kunis and another is in production at Netflix.Andi's latest thriller, The Last Ferry Out, is out next week.Today, we talk about:* who Andi considers the “greats” of thriller writing* what she learned from being a Reese's Book Club pick and how it changed the trajectory of her career* understanding the market and how reader feedback might affect what to write* tricks for building suspense and managing pacing, in any kind of fiction* clear definitions of a “reveal” and a “twist” and why they're different,* using Substack as a way to connect with other writers,* and so much more.

My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Allegra Goodman, New York Times bestselling author of Sam and, more recently, Isola. Allegra's books have also been a National Book Award Finalist, a Reese's Book Club pick and a Read with Jenna/TODAY Show pick.Today, we talk about:* what Allegra would do if she won a book-shopping spree,* how reading has influenced the way she writes,* why writing in third person or first person changes the experience for both the author and the reader,* writing historical fiction in a way that resonates with contemporary readers,* whether celebrity book club endorsements (Reese Witherspoon and Jenna Hager Bush) has changed the way Allegra thinks about the audience for her books* recent books she's read that surprised or delighted herand so much more.

My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Sarah Penner, New York Times Bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary, which has sold over 1 1/2 million copies. Her latest novel, The Amalfi Curse, is out now.Today, we talk about:* the books that influenced young Sarah as a reader, and later, as a writer,* behind-the-scenes of Collector's Editions—how an author finds out about special endpapers and sprayed edges on their books,* how she manages to write and weave together dual timelines,* the importance of big "hooks" for her stories,* the unknown book about the Cotswalds that she wrote during the pandemic that never got published,* her dream book club menu,and so much more.

Hello, Protagonists!My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Téa Obreht, winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction, National Book Award Finalist, and international bestseller of The Tiger's Wife and other novels. Her latest book, The Morningside, is out in paperback now.Today, we talk about:* how being an immigrant influences her storytelling,* writing in English while sometimes translating in her head from her first language,* how she wove in a Serbian folktale into a novel about climate disaster* why Téa dislikes writing in first person,* her advice for writers on spending time on social media,* where she discovers her next reads,* and so much more.

Hello, Protagonists!My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is author Gretchen Schreiber. She is also the Manager of Books at Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine. Gretchen's latest novel, All the Stars Align, is out now!Today, we talk about:* how Gretchen landed the dream job at Hello Sunshine,* reading for Reese's taste versus reading for her own* what Gretchen has learned about the publishing industry from her work at Hello Sunshine* advice for authors when working with their publishers* writing about disability from personal experience* and so much more.

Hello, Protagonists!My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is a Emma Pattee, a climate journalist, playwright, and author of novel Tilt.Today, we talk about:* tapping into a character's vulnerability and using your personal experiences to deepen your work,* using "writing containers" (like setting the story in one day) to structure your novel* writer's block--what it really is and how to break through it* the most surprising part of her journey as a debut author,* and so much more.

My guests today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY are Jennifer Acker and Emily Everett, the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor of literary magazine The Common. Jennifer and Emily are also both accomplished novelists.Today, we talk about:* what an editor at a literary magazine does* how they find submissions and how they choose what to publish at The Common* what makes a great writing mentor* the differences in writing short fiction and non-fiction vs longer-form books* advice for aspiring writers on how to decide what to write and the shape of your career* advice for authors on the eve of their book's publication* and so much more.

My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Eowyn Ivey, Pulitzer Prize finalist and UK National Book Award winner for her novel, The Snow Child. Her latest book, Black Woods Blue Sky, is out now.Today, we talk about:* how her experience as a bookseller and a journalist helped when she began to tackle writing a novel,* whether the Pulitzer nomination put pressure on her for her next book,* transforming painful personal experience into beautiful, impactful fiction* accepting rejection as part of the process of being a writer,* and so much more.

My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Erin Crosby Eckstine, whose debut novel, JUNIE, is this month's Good Morning America book pick.Today, we talk about:* using family stories as inspiration for a novel* deciding when to insert real history and when to make it flexible in historical fiction* what happens behind the scenes on the set of Good Morning America for author interviews,* how writers can prepare for media appearances and publicity events,and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!

My guests today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY are three massively popular creators in the book space on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Bindery: Jaysen Headley (a.k.a. Ezeekat), Zoranne Host, and Marines (Mari) Alvarez.Today, we talk about:* how they discover books and how they choose which books they promote on their social media channels* weathering the changes that platforms like TikTok and others are undergoing* what it's like being a full-time or part-time creator* Bindery: a new way (beyond traditional publishing and self-publishing) for writers to connect with creators and publish books* what Zoranne, Jaysen, and Mari are looking to publish (the kinds of books/authors they want to work with)* how writers can submit their manuscripts to Bindery and the creators* book trend predictions for 2025 and 2026, and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!

My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Margarita Montimore, bestselling author of Oona Out of Order, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her latest novel, The Dollhouse Academy, is out now!Today, we talk about:* pep talks for yourself to get through the ups and downs of publishing* how many rejections she weathered before landing a book deal* dealing with professional jealousy of other writers (especially if they are friends!)* writing tricky narrative structures (like multiple POVs or timelines)* and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!

My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Olivia Wolfgang-Smith, whose latest novel, Mutual Interest, has been described as a witty and joyful, queer Edith Wharton in gilded age New York.Today, we talk about:* the most important benefit of having writer friends or critique partners* finding the belief in yourself that you can write a full-length novel* the difference between publishing a debut novel versus a sophomore novel, including whether it was easier to write a book the second time around* why she chose to hire a freelance publicist, and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!

Word-of-mouth, including through book clubs, is such an important way for readers to discover books, so I am very excited that my guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Mackenzie Newcomb, founder of the Bad B***h Book Club, which has 32,000 members.Today, we talk about:* what makes a great book club book? Aka what kind of books are more likely to be chosen for a book club?* readers' surprising pet peeves about characters* what makes an unlikeable character, likeable* how authors can best connect with book club readers* what makes a great book club meeting,and so much more.

My guest today is Kate Fagan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of four non-fiction books and a brand new novel. She is also an Emmy Award-winning journalist who has worked at Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and more.Today, we talk about:* building a varied career with different kinds of writing,* making a name for herself in the traditionally male-dominated field of sports journalism,* her shift from non-fiction to fiction, and the differences in the writing, publishing, and publicity aspects of them,* her unique craft tricks for writing a fictional memoir, The Three Lives of Cate Kay,* and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!Want more of Kate?Her novel, The Three Lives of Cate Kay, is available now wherever books are sold.You can also find Kate on her website and Instagram.Kate Fagan is an Emmy-award winning journalist and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of WHAT MADE MADDY RUN, as well as THE REAPPEARING ACT and ALL THE COLORS CAME OUT. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her wife, Kathryn Budig, and their two dogs.

Hello, Protagonists!My guest today is Heather Demetrios, a critically acclaimed novelist and writing coach who specializes in guiding writers in finding their voice, bringing their ideas to their full written potential, mindfulness, mental health in creative practices, and more.Today, we talk about:* the differences between a writing coach and a freelance editor* mental health practices that support your writing* how to balance writing what's true to your heart and “stories that sell”* tips for getting over fear or self-doubt at the start of a project* and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!

My guest today is Suzanne Young, New York Times author of over 20 novels, including The Program series. She's also written a novel with a rock star.But the dream I alluded to is that last year, Suzanne packed her bags, sold her house, and moved to Italy, where she now spends her days writing under the Italian sun and hosting writing retreats in gorgeous villas from Tuscany to Venice.Today, we talk about:- tips for weathering the ups and downs of publishing so you can have a long career,- going on book tour with Blink-182 singer Tom DeLonge,- her decision to move to Italy,- designing the "Writing in Italy" retreats,- D.I.Y. tips for how you can create your own great writing retreat (closer to home),- and so much more!Happy holidays, and enjoy the show!

Hello, Protagonists!My guest today is J.C. Cervantes, New York Times Bestselling author. Her books for children, young adults, and adults have been published in more than twelve countries and have appeared on national lists, including the American Booksellers Association New Voices, Barnes and Noble's Best Young Reader Books, as well as Amazon's, Apple's, and Audible's Best Books of the Month.Today we talk about:* becoming an author without a fancy degree,* listening to your intuition/gut when you're writing,* writing books for different target audiences,* working with iconic author Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson series),* and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!>> Want more of J.C.?J.C. currently resides in the Land of Enchantment with her family and spoiled pups, but keeps part of her heart in Southern California, where she was born and raised. When she isn't writing, she is haunting bookstores and searching for magic in all corners of the world. Her books are available anywhere books are sold.J.C. online: Website / InstagramPodcast booking inquiries:info@creativeinspiredhappy.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/subscribe

The podcast is on a short break for Thanksgiving, so today I have a piece I wrote that was originally published on Beyond with Jane Ratcliffe.We have a lot of new community members here at CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY, so I wanted to share a part of me that you might not know. Thank you for being here.

My guest today is Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author and an icon in the historical fiction space.Today we talk about:* writing what you're drawn to and if/when marketability goes into that decision* The Hero's Journey vs The Heroine's Journey for character development and plotting* how to draw the line between fact and fiction when writing about real life people or historical events* advice for both aspiring writers and writers who are a few books into their careers* and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!»Please leave a rating for me on Apple or Spotify

My guest today is Taran Matharu, New York Times bestselling author with over 3 million copies sold. Taran is also co-founder of a small publishing house, Portal Books.Today, we talk about:* how Taran got his start on Wattpad during NaNoWriMo, and then landed multiple book deals with traditional publishers,* advice for anyone participating in a novel writing challenge this month,* why he decided to start his own publishing house* what he's learned about the book industry since becoming a publisher* how he balances his work as a writer and as a publisher,* and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!»Watch here, or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts! (please leave a rating for me on Apple or Spotify

My guest today is Brian Weisfeld, co-author of four middle grade books—both fiction and non-fiction—as well as the founder of The Startup Squad Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to teaching kids about entrepreneurship.Today we talk about:* how a personal mission can drive your writing career* the differences in writing fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels* what Brian has learned through some ups and downs in publishing* how to come up with out-of-the-box ideas for book events to promote your work, and so much moreI hope you enjoy the show!» Past podcast episodes live HERESpecial swag and autograph offer:Brian has generously offered to send autographed bookplates and some swag to anyone in our podcast community who purchases his books. To get an autographed bookplate and swag, just send an email to info@thestartupsquad.com and mention the CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY podcast in the subject line!✍

My guest today is Cait Jacobs, who is My guest today is Cait Jacobs, who is THE Original Booktooker--yes, Cait literally created that massive TikTok phenomenon that has completely changed the publishing industry. Cait is also the author of a novel slated for next year, called Medievally Blonde.In this episode, we talk about:* what led Cait to post their first video on TikTok, and whether they had any idea it would go viral and blow up the way it did,* what Cait has learned from BookTok about what readers love, and how they have applied to their writing,* why they chose traditional publishing over self-publishing,* advice for writers both for their writing and their online marketing efforts,* navigating social anxiety and fame, and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!

My guest today is Maureen Lee Lenker, who is a Senior Writer at Entertainment Weekly and also the author of two novels, It Happened One Fight. She also has a podcast, Hollywood-ography.Today we take look at creativity on both sides, writing about books while writing books, and how she taps into her creative energy without burning out on either end.We also talk about:* what it's like to work at a magazine and how she pitches stories she wants to cover* how to juggle a day job and writing fiction* how the book industry has changed, from her perspective as a journalist,* book-to-film production companies,* and so much moreI hope you enjoy the show!

My guests today are Sara Raasch and Beth Revis, both New York Times bestselling authors and co-authors of the YA fantasy duology, Night of the Witch and The Fate of Magic.Today we talk about:* the process of writing a book together, from ideation to revision* diversifying your writing career, including publishing traditionally and through self-publishing at the same time* tips for what works on social media, as well as what not to expect from it* what to do if you hate the book cover your publisher gave you, and so much more.It was such a pleasure to hang out with Sara and Beth because we've been friends for a long time and "grew up” together in this industry. So be forewarned that we laugh a lot in this episode.I hope you enjoy the show!✍

My guest today is J. Courtney Sullivan, a New York Times bestselling author whose books have not only been Reese Witherspoon book picks twice, but have also been optioned by Reese's production company.Today we talk about:* how to know when an idea is "right"* doing research, and writing stories in layers* ignoring genre categories and instead, writing whatever you want* the most important guiding principle to hold onto in a creative career* the coolest, most unexpected things that have happened to Courtney in her writing career, and so much moreCourtney was so fun and easy to talk to. I hope you enjoy the show!✍

My guest today is Alison Espach, author of The Wedding People, which was a Read with Jenna /Today Show book club pick.Alison is also a creative writing professor, and today we talk about:* making the decision to turn writing from hobby to career?* coming up with ideas and knowing when it's the right time to write it, or when to leave it be for a while* where Alison was when she found out that her book had been chosen for Read with Jenna and what it was like actually being on The Today Show* and how to continue believing in yourself in a career that requires years of patience and hard work, often in isolation.This was a really meaty conversation full of wonderful anecdotes from Alison's writer side, and wisdom and guidance from her creative writing professor side.I hope you enjoy the show!✍

My guest today is Danielle Walker, New York Times bestselling cookbook author who shot to fame with her first book, Against All Grain. Danielle was a Forbes 30 under 30, and has appeared many times on The Today Show. She is also an advocate for those with autoimmune diseases like hers. She's written many cookbooks, and her latest is Make it Easy.Today we talk about:* building community as a writer* the intersection of book titles and branding* behind the scenes of The Today Show* the creative process of recipe creation, and so much more.I hope you enjoy the show!$1,000 and $2,500 Scholarships for Aspiring Writers. Applications now open! More information here.

My guest today is TJ Klune. He is the New York Times bestselling author of The House in the Cerulean Sea and its upcoming sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea. He is also a Lambda Literary Award winner and a queer advocate, who believes fiercely in writing the stories for his community that he didn't have growing up.Today we talk about:* what makes a breakout hit novel?* why he prefers writing standalone rather than series* the importance of reader word-of-mouth in helping a book succeed,* and TJ's important advice for finding and maintaining creative fulfillment.Enjoy the show!✍

My guest today is Sabaa Tahir, National Book Award winner, Printz Award winner, and New York Times Bestselling author.Today we talk about:* writing the stories unique to you* maintaining self-esteem and confidence as a writer* how the National Book Award and Printz Award have changed her career, and so much more✍

My guest today is Caroline Chambers, queen of a culinary media empire with her Substack What To Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking as the crown jewel with nearly 200k subscribers, as well as a popular podcast “So Into That” and an active social media presence (her Instagram rivals her Substack, with well over 200k followers, so I stopped counting, haha.)Today we talk about:* building an author platform,* balancing motherhood and a creative career,* infusing your personal voice into non-fiction,* the process of writing (and photographing) a cookbook, and more!I hope you enjoy the show!And don't forget about our $1,000 and $2,500 Scholarships for Aspiring Writers. Applications now open! More information here.

My guest today is Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, and The Perfumist of Paris. The Henna Artist was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick and is currently in development at Netflix as a series.Today we talk about:* beginning a writing career later in life* what it's like to work with Reese Witherspoon and her book club team* Alka's ideal writing schedule,* advice for getting started as a writer, and so much more.✍

My guest today is the artist Sally Fama Cochrane, a classically trained painter whose gorgeous work was the inspiration for the paintings in my new novel, One Year Ago in Spain.In this episode, we delve deeper into how creative careers are the same yet different in the worlds of writing and fine art.We talk about:

My guest today is Julie Soto, whose first novel, Forget Me Not, was a bona fide TikTok sensation last summer and became a USA Today Bestseller. Her latest novel, Not Another Love Song, just hit bookshelves everywhere.Today we talk about- Julie's origins as a playwright,- how to take fan fiction (or work on places like Wattpad) and re-publish it as a book- the demands of social media on artists today. ✍

My guest today is romantasy author Scarlett St. Clair, who has sold millions of copies of her books worldwide and is a #1 New York Times and international bestseller. We first met in France at le Festival du Livre de Paris (aka Paris Book Festival), where I got to witness firsthand the magnitude of her international fame.Today we talk about:* How she rose from a flop to become a global superstar in self-publishing, then later switched over to a traditional publisher* Why “No” just means “Yes, but in a different way”* Her unorthodox way of writing books* Nurturing a genuine community of readers and fans, and much more!Also, Applications are now OPEN for our $1,000 Scholarship for Aspiring Writers. Get more info at creativeinspiredhappy.com Want more of Scarlett?Find her on Instagram @authorscarlettstclair or her website scarlettstclair.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/subscribe

My guest today is Jeannine Ouellette, author of the award-winning memoir The Part That Burns and founder of the incredibly popular Writing in the Dark, an online writing community that offers online creative writing intensives as well as literary salons.Today we talk about:* separating art from commerce* how paying attention to everyday life helps make creativity more easily accessible* building a career through different income streams and types of writing* and more.We also touch on transparency in making money as a writer. After you watch/listen to the episode, here are two posts with even more detail:* Making money as a writer* Book Deal 101: How do authors get paid (traditional publishing)I hope you enjoy the show!$1,000 and $2,500 Scholarships for Aspiring WritersCREATIVE.INSPIRED.HAPPY is pleased to sponsor scholarships for writers to further their writing education. More information here!GIVEAWAY: 1-year paid subscription to Writing in the DarkJeannine and I are partnering to give away a 1-year paid subscription to Writing in the Dark!To enter, just be a subscriber to CREATIVE.INSPIRED.HAPPY:I will choose a random winner from my subscriber list on Sunday, July 7, 2024 and will update this post once the winner has confirmed via email.Want more of Jeannine?You can find her at Writing in the Dark, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and X.Want more writing advice and career insight? Join thousands for free at CreativeInspiredHappy.com to go behind the scenes with bestselling authors, and get access to our Book Club for Writers, creativity challenges, and more. I can't wait to see you there! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/subscribe

My guest today is Beth Spencer, a picture book author-illustrator, photographer, and founder of the staggeringly popular Introvert Drawing Club, an online community of 7,000 members she leads in ultra-relaxed drawing sessions.Today we talk about how Beth succeeded in building a bestselling Substack platform even though she didn't know what she was doing when she started, how to find fulfillment in your work, and tips for getting started in a creative pursuit, even if you've been told your whole life that creativity wasn't for you.Full video version available free at CreativeInspiredHappy.com, along with a Book Club for Writers & Curious Readers, behind-the-scenes insights into a bestselling authors' life, mini-creativity challenges, and more.You can find Beth and her low-pressure, cameras-off club at introvertdrawingclub.com : ) It's a lot of fun—especially if you like drawing animals.The book she mentioned on the podcast: Attention Span by Gloria Mark This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/subscribe

My guest today is Ali Hazelwood, whose latest novel, Not in Love, just hit bookshelves everywhere. She is a #1 New York Times bestseller multiple times over, and she's also a former neuroscience professor.Today we talk about how Ali was discovered by her agent, and why she doesn't like the label “incredibly successful,” and her advice for anyone pursuing a creative career.Full video version available free at CreativeInspiredHappy.com, along with a Book Club for Writers & Curious Readers, behind-the-scenes insights into a bestselling authors' life, mini-creativity challenges, and more.You can learn more about Ali and all her other books on her website and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/subscribe

My guest today is Pierce Brown, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Rising series, the latest of which—Light Bringer—recently came out in paperback.Today we talk about how Pierce overcomes self-doubt, how success has changed his career, and whether writing makes him happy. (And we poke some good-natured fun at what authors are like.) We also debate creativity vs inspiration.Full video version available free at CreativeInspiredHappy.com, along with a Book Club for Writers & Curious Readers, behind-the-scenes insights into a bestselling authors' life, mini-creativity challenges, and more.You can find out more about Pierce on his website, Instagram, or X. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/subscribe

Coming Soon: The CREATIVE.INSPIRED.HAPPY podcast. Interviews with incredibly successful writers about how they rose from obscurity to build fulfilling careers. Learn something new each episode to make you more creative, inspired, and happy. Hosted by New York Times bestselling author and #1 Netflix film/literary collaborator Evelyn Skye. Full video podcast available free at CreativeInspiredHappy.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/subscribe