We Fight So You Don't Have To

What happens when a blue moon and a mystery book convention collide? Liz and Lisa have a fight! Listen in as they discuss how an author friend got stuck in the middle of one of their squabbles and why their memoir will be titled, Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz & Lisa continue with the WTF book club. This episode they are discussing MY HUSBAND by Maud Ventura. It's an immersive read with so many layers and a hell of an ending! Also-listen to find out why audio might be your best bet.Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz & Lisa finish telling the tale of their Tuscan adventures. Did they make it through the trip without fighting? Did they drink ALL the wine in Italy? Did the teens break anything in the villa? You'll have to listen to find out. Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz's firstborn daughter is off to college at WSU. (Go Cougs!) Liz and Lisa talk about the highs and lows of moving your child out of the house and into their dorm. Liz shares the tips and tricks she learned along the way. And maybe how some secret tears were shed courtesy of a Counting Crows song? You'll have to listen to understand.Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz & Lisa and their families spent most of June in Italy--and OF COURSE there are stories! Lisa hosted her entire family (and Liz's) in a secluded Tuscan villa and Liz has five teens in tow. Listen in for all the tea behind those instagram stories.A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and Lisa welcome Vanessa Lillie aboard the struggle bus to talk about second chances in publishing. Vanessa reveals her scariest moment, what she did to connect to her soul purpose and shares the Hail Mary that kept her in the publishing game. Whether you're an aspiring author or have already been published, this is a must-listen because of all the invaluable advice Vanessa shares. Have a comment?A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and Lisa launch a new series where they host a book club the only way they know how: Liz & Lisa style. Which pretty much means they are figuring it out as they go!They''ll dish on books they've loved, starting with their own—because they're no strangers to shameless self-promo. Forever Hold Your Peace will be published this week. Cue the champagne! It's a party! They talk about their characters (who do they relate to?), southern California settings (there are several), friendship break ups and reconciliations, love stories, and more. Plus, they surprise each other with shocking and insightful questions. Listen in, this is one book club you don't want to miss!Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz & Lisa love to chat with other co-author duos so they are thrilled to sit down with Jo Piazza and Christine Pride to discuss their origin story, how they write together, and the complexities of writing characters outside of your race. And OF COURSE they also dish on the complexities of the publishing industry! Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz & Lisa talk rom-coms, mom-coms, and summer TBR lists with fellow Alcove Press authors Annie Cathryn and Heidi Shertok.Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and Lisa talk with their friend and international bestselling author of Recipe for a Perfect Wife Karma Brown about turning fifty and all the things NO ONE will tell you. They get into it all: the emotions around leaving your forties behind, the body and mood changes (so many!) and the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy. And Karma, a cancer survivor, shares what she's learned about menopause and why she considers getting older a blessing. If you're confused, anxious or just a little curious about aging, you won't want to miss this conversation! Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Steven Rowley, bestselling author of The Guncle, joins Liz and Lisa so they can freak out together about their upcoming publication dates! He shares his story (every author has one!) about the highs and lows of his own experiences as well as his best advice for how to handle the stress and lack of control around having a book come out. And Liz and Lisa reveal that even though they know better, their inner control freaks are beginning to rear their ugly heads as July 11th, the publication date of their eighth novel, Forever Hold Your Peace, nears. You won't want to miss this one. Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and Lisa surprise each other with three books they've each read and loved, recently and. . . not so recently. (Lisa didn't understand the assignment!) If you've been in a reading slump, listen in, because Liz and Lisa share some great book ideas—from a friendship saga that will pull at your heart strings to a page-turner with a fresh, smart and sassy protagonist. Liz and Lisa don't always like the same reads, so this is a perfect blend of books that will satisfy everyone. Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and Lisa STILL don't always get it right when they communicate, even with thirty plus years of friendship under their belts. So yes, they fought on Christmas, of all days. Listen to find out what was said that made Liz's head explode and drove Lisa to put on a literal mask of shame. And why they decided it's okay to fight—even on a holiday.Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

It's our 50th podcast episode, so who better to have as a guest than MIKE FENTON, who just turned 50! He is reluctantly joining us as we recount his birthday trip to Cabo, the turf war we had with another birthday boy named Michael, and why he is never making Liz a taco again. If you love all things Mike Fenton or are just curious about the dynamics of long-term marriages, couples traveling together or the relationships between best friends and their husbands, this episode is a must-listen!Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

IIn this episode of their How it Works series, Liz and Lisa chat with the production manager for Crooked Lane Books and Alcove Press. From contract negotiation to cover concepts to submitting books for awards, Rebecca Nelson does it all. Even more impressive, she finished her graduate degree just two and a half years ago. If you're wondering how to break into the book business, this is a great episode to listen to as Rebecca shares her secrets to how to get hired in book publishing. Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Are you trying to get an agent? On this episode of How it Works, Liz and Lisa talk to their agent, Holly Root of Root Literary about what will make your book stand out from the others. She also shares why certain books soar to the top of the best seller charts after they are published. And why she thinks authors need to learn to let go of control over sales. If you are looking for an agent, this is an episode you don't want to miss!If you have questions or comments about this episode, email Liz@Lizandlisa.com and write podcast in the subject line.

In this episode of the "How it Works" series, Liz and Lisa interview Madeline Rathle, the marketing manager at their publisher, Alcove Press. She shares the do's and don'ts of authors on social media. And she answers a burning question for Liz and Lisa: Should they join Tik Tok? Her answer might surprise you!Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Have you written a book that you are trying to get published or are you curious about what the job of a book editor entails? In this episode of the How it Works series, Liz and Lisa interview their editor at Alcove Press, Holly Ingraham. She shares the type of books she's looking to acquire right now and the top things that make a manuscript stand out above the rest. Listen in if you want the inside scoop on what sends your query letter and manuscript to her inbox instead of into the slush pile. Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and Lisa talk about what it's REALLY like for authors to promote their own books. How do they decide where to put their efforts online and how much time they should spend doing it? What about social media? Is BookTok for everyone? Although it can be fun, marking your book can also exhausting, time consuming and even expensive. The real question is: Do online marketing campaigns translate to sales? Or do authors only participate in book promo simply so they don't have fomo? Listen in to find out what Liz and Lisa think!Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

When Liz and Lisa told people they were going to give the inside scoop on how it really works when it comes to endorsements, everyone said, YOU CAN'T TALK ABOUT THAT! So, what did they do? They talked about it anyway! Because it's important to pull the curtain back on these publishing topics. Listen in to find out all the behind the scenes truths on getting and giving the blurbs you see on book covers. And find out why sometimes it's best to just say no.Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz & Lisa launch a new series called, "How Does It Work?" where they pull the curtain back on every aspect of publishing. In the first episode, they give you the inside scoop on the editing of their next book, Forever Hold Your Peace. Find out how the Netflix show Virgin River played into Liz's epic meltdown during developmental edits and the embarrassing truth they both forced to face after they received their copyedits. Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz recently dragged Lisa to their 30 year high school reunion. Listen to discover why Liz hated her outfit and kept losing track of Mike Fenton, who considers himself an honorary member of the class at this point. Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Author Elisa Lorello boards the struggle bus and tells her story of going from self publishing the #1 book on Amazon and quitting her day job to getting dropped by her publisher only a few years later. She tells Liz and Lisa how she not only found success once more but how she learned what was important after facing the ultimate rejection.

When author Jen Coburn got her first book deal and snagged a six figure option, she thought she had made it. Little did she know the twisty path her career would take in the next several years and that she'd bottom out before switching gears (again!) to sell a historical fiction novel that everyone is buzzing about. Listen to her Struggle Bus story, filled with incredible heart and humor.

Liz and Lisa talk to "The Davids" (as they call them) about what a ride on the struggle bus feels like for a screenwriter. Hint: (Bumpy!) David Wagner and David Allensworth each separately enjoyed early success in their writing and producing careers but haven't had a hit together in several years. The Davids are currently adapting Liz & Lisa's novel, The Status of All Things. They'll give the "status" on that screenplay, now called Keep Me Posted, and explain why they hope it will help get them back on top.Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Up next for a ride on the struggle bus is New York Times bestselling author, Michelle Gable. Find out why Michelle says she still struggled in publishing after she hit the list. Michelle doesn't hold back as she takes us through the highs and lows of her career. And she gives us her secret on why she never gave up.Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

LIz and Lisa (and Barry Manilow!) announce the good news that they have another book deal! Forever Hold Your Peace will be published in the summer of 2023! It's been a long year and a half of editors choosing to "step aside" (listen to their rejection series if you haven't already) so they are beyond excited to be bringing another novel out into the world. Listen in as they give all the details on how this deal came through right when they had all but given up hope!Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and Lisa have invited authors to take a ride on the struggle bus and talk about the hard times they've experienced in their publishing careers. Their next passenger is author Nicole Hackett who wrote six books and had two agents before she finally got her first book deal. Listen to find out why she never gave up despite the many failures she faced. Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and Lisa have invited authors to take a ride on the struggle bus and talk about the hard times they've experienced in their publishing careers. Their first passenger? Internationally best-selling author, Catherine McKenzie, who talks candidly about the failures, the rejection, and the tears.Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and LIsa's rejection series continues. In this episode, they answer a question they're often asked: Should I try co-authoring a book?If you're thinking about writing a novel with another person, then you must listen to the many ways Liz and LIsa have almost broken up. Find out what they've learned from transitioning from friends to business partners and how they've managed not to kill each other in the process.Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and LIsa's rejection series continues. They have heard from so many authors who have lost the joy of writing. (Liz has too!) They do a deep dive into why it happens and how to pull yourself out of it.Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

In the fourth episode of their rejection series, Liz and Lisa finally reveal the current status of their career, and butcher a classic theme song. You'll have to listen to understand.Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and Lisa were shocked by the incredible response to the first two episodes of their rejection series. In this episode, they discuss their surprise that so many authors are in the same boat as they are, and why everyone is afraid to talk about their failures publicly.Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

Liz and Lisa continue the series about facing rejection as authors. In this episode, they focus on how they've each coped with the tremendous amount of "we're going to step aside" emails they've received from editors. How they wrote not one, but two full manuscripts and neither has yet to sell. And how they've learned to be happy for others even while their own careers have gone into a ditch. Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

This is part one of Liz and Lisa's series about the rejection they've faced in the publishing world. The subject of failing as an author (or anything else) is often taboo, but Liz and Lisa are ready to spill the tea on how hard the last two years have been. They take you behind the scenes and share the raw details about why they couldn't get out of bed for days. And what finally happened to give them the sliver of hope they needed to secure another book deal. Have a comment? A question? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

A missing cat. An awkward group text. A fight. Liz and Lisa are now achingly familiar with the phrase, toxic positivity and you'll find out why they now think twice before declaring to anyone that “It's going to be okay!”

Liz and Lisa put their thirty-year knowledge of one another to the ultimate test. Does Lisa know Liz's favorite color? Does Liz know how many speeding tickets Lisa has? And which one would want to be a lion if they could be an animal?

Find out why Liz had to stop watching the first episode of the new series based on Sex and the City and why, after talking with Lisa about it on this podcast, she's ready to press play again.

How did Mike Fenton almost die? Who is Vincenzo? And why do we like the European version of ourselves wayyy better than the American? Listen to find out!

Liz and Lisa didn't spend the entire trip to Italy together for a reason (Think: Previous slightly disastrous vacay to Grand Cayman: Episode 19). Find out what European adventures we had before we saw each other on the Amalfi Coast.

Liz and Lisa have seven rescue dogs and one cat between them. (Lisa has two dogs and Liz has the rest. You do the math!) And now, Liz has taken in a German Shepard and needs an intervention ASAP. Can Lisa talk some sense into her? We love to hear from you! Email liz@lizandlisa.com for show ideas, comments or questions.

Liz's husband, Mike Fenton, whom we always call by his first and last name got his five minutes of Instagram fame during a recent trip to Cabo when he secured pool chairs like it was an Olympic sport. Liz chronicled his 6am chair-claiming-talents in her stories and women everywhere slid into her DMs to comment. Listen to find out why Mike Fenton was such a hit with the ladies!