Lady Books

Alyssa Cole returns! Kate & Tasha ask her all sorts of questions about navigating multiple subgenres, agents, and publishing avenues. Show notes

In today's super episode, Kate & Tasha talked to their friend - science fiction author Mel Todd - while in Kate's condo in Atlanta. Mel has navigated some major changes in her life and career. Things that would have knocked anyone on their ass, Mel saw as an opportunity to level up to what has become her dream writing career. [Click here for full show notes and links.]

In today’s episode, Tasha & Kate chat with Rachel Kramer Bussel - a veteran in erotic short fiction - about what goes into anthologies, from writing short fiction, editing, and curating her anthologies. [Click here for full show notes and links]

Kate and Tasha talk with author Annabel Joseph about everything from finding new audiences using Facebook video to getting the first book of a series banned on Amazon! [Click here for full show notes!]

Kate and Tasha discuss research, folk tales, and getting out of your own way with Caitlin Brehm of the Roots of Lore Podcast. [Click here for full show notes!]

Call it the sophomore slump, jinx, or jitters, more than one author has been plagued by the belief that that the second book will never be as good as the first. There are psychological explanation for the phenomenon, but even statistically, it's never as good as the first time...or so we've come to believe... [Click here for full show notes!]

Today we chat with Alyssa Cole, award-winning author of historical, contemporary, and SFF romance. Her latest series, Reluctant Royals, starts with A Princess in Theory -- which we totally use this chance to gush about the book with the author! ...Excuse Kate & Tasha while they fangirl. This week, we discuss: Writing historical romance in a period "no one wants to read about" Bringing those mundane, frustrating experiences into fiction Serendipitous timing - publishing in the time of Black Panther and Meghan Markle's wedding Working with the publisher on cover design and dress designer AdornedbyNicole (Etsy) Anxiety and writing, and the pressure of having readers looking forward to your next book Living up to the opportunity of traditional publishing when you're a woman of color Thinking about all those heavy things you don't put on the page as a writer and a human being Choosing writing projects based on what's great for your mental health Mechanisms for coping with anxiety so you can write You can find more about Alyssa Cole at alyssacole.com or follow her on social media at @AlyssaColeLit (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook). Her books, including A Princess in Theory are available wherever books are sold! *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod

Emily + Kathleen put the drink in #ADrinkwithLadyBooks! Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon, hosts of the podcast Being Boss, visit us today to play a drinking game and discuss the writing process behind their new book, Being Boss: Take Control of Your Work + Live Life on Your Own Terms (available now for pre-order). This week, we discuss: Using Google Docs and scheduled time to write their book together Writing like you speak; speaking like you write Recording an audiobook and reading your words out loud Incorporating spirituality into your entrepreneurial journey Disclaiming your message and other triggers The magic in feedback (1 vs 3 star reviews) The Flowers in the Attic switch Announcing yourself when you walk into room (DJ KHALED!) And so very much more as we share a drink or two Check out beingboss.club/book to learn more about the Being Boss book, including pre-order info and book events! ** If you're in or near Atlanta, Tasha and Kate are hosting a Being Boss book signing event on April 27th *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod

Kate & Tasha are reunited with their boss friend, Caroline! Caroline Donahue is also known as the Book Dr., and the host of her very own podcast, the The Secret Library. They talk about everything from plotting, to tarot, to wigs, to spreadsheets. In today's episode: The part where Caroline, Tasha, and Kate spend way too much time discussing who would narrate their lives. Caroline’s upcoming Anthology, I Wrote it Anyway and how she and her writing buddy Dal decided to publish this book of essays. Caroline’s thoughts on traditional publishing vs. self-publishing. Writing hang-ups and some ideas to help you fix them. Jami Gold’s writing spreadsheets and how they help the plotting process. Tarot for Writers how tarot cards can help with the writing process. *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod

Welcome to the first episode of #ADrinkWithLadyBooks, our new interview series! In today’s episode we have a drink with DL White! DL (aka Dom) is our real life author-friend who has penned seven novels in both the romance and women’s fiction genres. Her most recently published book is Leslie’s Curl & Dye—a small town, second-chance romance that touches on gentrification. In today's episode: Fanfic to self-published novel. Choosing your cover designer. Romancing the Beat and how she went from pantser to plotter. The 60% road block. The audiobook publishing process. Wine with Writers ATL which is now SOLD OUT. You can find D.L. White at booksbydlwhite.com and Amazon. *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod

Does Romance have a problem with depicting healthy female friendships? Kate and Tasha think they do. In today's episode: Genres that seem to do friendships really well. Catty friendships: Which came first? Poor depictions of female friendships or friendships wrought with competition and jealousy? Tokenism and using “friends” as plot points instead of developing the relationships. The story about the The Gibbons sisters. (Kate knew she was gonna find it after the episode was recorded.) New and improved episodes coming soon with super special guests! *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod

Are you a Jessica or an Elizabeth? Or a Betty or Veronica? On this week’s episode, Kate and Tasha reminisce about books they loved growing up - from elementary to high school - and how the books shaped the writers we are today. Books and authors (in no particular order) include: SWEET VALLEY HIGH R.L. Stine and Fear Street Babysitters Club Toni Morrison Anne Rice Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys V.C. Andrews Stephen King Isabel Allende Buffy, Angel, Charmed, Saved by the Bell, and soaps (TV shows, we know) Something about horses And more! What were your favorite books growing up? Reach out to us at ladybookspod@gmail.com or on social media @ladybookspod! *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod

This week Kate and Tasha walk through the Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) process step-by-step! They discuss: What's a synopsis and how do you write it? Feelings and trigger warnings and feelings about trigger warnings. Date around or stay exclusive? Or why sticking to KDP Select is best for new authors Categories and keywords Don't DRM me, baby. Price yourself like you love yourself. Six Weeks Until Release Day (PDF download) *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod

Happy New Year! Welcome the first episode of the 2018! Kate and Tasha discuss self-editing and how they approach the sometimes painful, but definitely worthwhile process. Why is it important to read and self edit your novel before you send it to an editor? Tasha's step by step process that includes taking a two week break from the novel then printing and binding it at her local Fedx Kinkos. What goes into a three pass edit? Kate opinion on critiques and whether or not reviews are for authors or readers (spoiler alert: they're for readers). Series notebooks and why everyone needs them. *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod

In this liminal week between the holidays and new year, Kate and Tasha discuss their plans, Kindles, and what's up for Lady Books in 2018. It's short but don't worry - starting in 2018, we'll have episodes each Thursday. *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Romance novel writing is a billion dollar industry, but it’s authors and readers are often met with derision from the literary community and society as a whole. But when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a self-proclaimed feminist, dismisses an entire industry that is dominated by women, it’s time for a discussion. Hillary Clinton’s perception of the romance industry and why she’s wrong. The idea that writing “Lady Books” is diminutive occupation and past time. The heart of romance is desire and desire is at the heart of every plot. Romance IS formulaic, but ALL genre fiction is formulaic. The idea that there are rooms that “only” certain people can be in. Lots of stuff about race because feminism and racism intersect. Resources: Sara MacLean's Bustle article about romance bashing *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod

Ahhh...NaNoWriMo. That one month of the year when aspiring and veteran authors take on the challenge to write 50,000 words in thirty days... And possibly melt their brains in the process. In this episode Kate and Tasha discuss: Why they decided to take on NaNoWriMo and the insanity and excitement that precedes the challenge. The horrible and inescapable pain of drafting Using NaNoWriMo as a proving ground for the writing process. How they tracked their progress. Returning to the purity they felt as fledgling authors. *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod

Welcome to our inaugural episode of Lady Books where Kate and Tasha chat (and sometimes giggle and snort) about all things books! Authors are the frequently asked, what inspired this story? In this episode, Kate and Tasha ramble about the people, places, and things that inspire them, including: the royal engagement of Prince Harry and the brown princess everyone (meaning Tasha) has been waiting for, Meghan Markle. British monarchies and Kate’s obsession with them. Social justice issues that seep into our narratives. Reality TV and Tasha’s love for Cardi B. Religion and our affinity for books about Priests and Preachers who have been led astray. Serial killers, and diabolical, drug dealing Colombianas who order the deaths of fifty men while lounging in a decadent bubble bath and other ways to get the visual input you need to describe settings realistically. *** Follow Lady Books on Instagram: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Twitter: @ladybookspod Follow Lady Books on Facebook: facebook.com/ladybookspod

Meet Kate & Tasha, two ladies (a term we use loosely) chat about reading, writing, designing, editing, and publishing books. Coming soon!