Episode 5 takes us into the Historical Fiction genre with a saga about Tudor England in the 1500's - specifically into the life of Blessed Thomas Abel, the personal priest to Katherine of Aragon who was the first wife of Henry VIII. Theresa Abell Haynes' new book, The Queen's Priest, is also a personal tale for the author because Thomas Abell is one of her ancestors. Our conversation ranges from the layers of research she got to do - including going to the Tower of London to see where Thomas Abell spent the last 7 years of his life - to the layers of editing she went through as she self-published this her debut novel. We also dip into the process of how to get a book done as an audiobook through the ACX platform. To keep up with all the developments in Theresa's writing, you can visit her website at www.TheresaAHaynes.com or follow her Substack newsletter.

Ever read a Cyberpunk Anthology before? Maybe not but in Episode 4 of Season 2 we get to meet one of the 9 authors who collaborated on just such a work of fiction. Tina Gollings is a teacher and writer who has dabbled in a number of genres over the course of her writing career starting in 2nd grade with a submission to a school writing contest to starting a dystopian novel in college to writing a children's picture book which is due to be published in 2026. But in this episode, we focus on her latest published piece in Eon City Burnout. All eleven stories by the nine authors are both great writing and great fun. And, as Tina says, the entire process of world building and collaborating as a team was great fun as well. You're sure to find something interesting and inspiring in Tina's journey!

In Episode 3, we get to know Susie Crosby. Her latest book which came out in July of 2025 is a children's book entitled Where Is Sheep 100? - A Skip Counting Story About the Good Shepherd's Love. Susie takes us behind the scenes with her agent, illustrator and publishing house as she moves this book from idea to finished product. We also get to hear about LIghthearted - 100 Day Devotional which came out in 2024. It is a devotional aimed at helping us utilize the promises of God to overcome heavy emotions and live a light-hearted life. Susie gives us some great marketing tips as well as inspirational nudges to keep us all moving forward. So, grab a cuppa and take a listen. I think you'll be glad you did.

Episode 2 of Season 2 is an interview with Sonja Anderson, the author of a children's picture book entitled "A Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse: A Saint Lucia Celebration". This book is traditionally published through Tyndale Kids. So we walk through that process from getting an agent to signing a contract to engaging with an illustrator and much more. Sonja is a public school librarian as well as an author of middle-grade novels, devotional articles and an historical picture book she wrote with her husband called Mount Rainier's Historic Inns and Lodges. She is a wealth of information about the book industry and writing process as well as a rich well in her spiritual journey. I learned a lot through this conversation with Sonja and I'm sure you will too!

In Episode 1 of Season 2 I interview Georgia Morris the author of a memoir entitled Unfailing Love: Freedom From Abuse, Shame, And Control Of A Schizophrenic Spouse. Since this season is all about exploring the many different avenues authors take to get their books published, Georgia and I spend some time chatting about her experience going through a hybrid publishing company - both the good and the challenging aspects. We talk about a few of the particular issues associated with writing a memoir as well as the general battles authors go through as we write. Georgia ends with a few Scriptures that helped her in her journey and a nugget of advice for her fellow authors.

In this the final episode of Season 1, Wendy Jo talks all things marketing....at least the things that she knows. From social media to Goodread giveaways to websites to podcast interviews - and whatever else she can think of within her realm of experience. She also gives a long range perspective on the power of simply getting your book out into the world and letting it take on a life of its own. Marketing is the ongoing work that follows the work of writing. It never really ends...but that's okay because neither does your book. Carry on, fellow authors. Carry on!

It's time to get that manuscript in shape for publishing. What does that entail? Formatting, formatting, formatting. In this episode, Wendy Jo discusses some of the elements of getting your manuscript print ready. Everything from margins, sizing, pagination, fonts, etc. Lots of decisions and details but much satisfaction when the finished product comes out in the form of a proof copy. There are many options from various software programs to YouTube learning to professional formatters. She also makes some comparisons between uploading onto KDP and IngramSpark - what's the difference? - as well as ebook formatting.

Time to talk about the all important book cover. Yes, I know, God views us through the lens of what is going on in our hearts. But people.... well, we tend to judge things (at least initially) by the outward appearance. In this episode, we discuss the elements that will make up your cover as well as different places you can go to find cover designers. There is quite a spectrum of options both financially and technically. Something for everyone! I also expose some of the design process I have recently been through for Solbakken: A Tale of Generations. It has taken some doing, but the cover is done! Glory!