Touch Grass: From Writer to Published Author | Mary Colussi on Winning the Penguin Literary Prize

Touch Grass: From Writer to Published Author | Mary Colussi on Winning the Penguin Literary Prize

Australian-American novelist Mary Colussi joins the podcast to share the remarkable journey behind her debut novel, Touch Grass. From growing up between Australia and the United States to navigating the challenges of publishing, Mary offers an honest look at the realities of becoming a published author. In this episode, we discuss how her multicultural background shaped her storytelling, the inspiration behind Touch Grass, and how themes of digital disconnection and the search for authentic human connection became central to her work. Mary also shares her writing process, completing a manuscript in just three months, overcoming rejection, and ultimately winning the prestigious Penguin Literary Prize. Whether you're an aspiring author, a creative professional, or someone interested in the publishing industry, this conversation provides valuable insights into resilience, creativity, and building a successful writing career. In this episode; * Mary Colussi's Australian-American upbringing * Life in New York and returning to Australia * The inspiration behind Touch Grass * Writing a novel in three months * Dealing with rejection and literary competitions * Winning the Penguin Literary Prize * The importance of mentorship and writing communities * Publishing industry insights for emerging authors * Australian culture and its influence on storytelling * Building resilience as a writer

Leeanne Slade: From Maternity Leave to Audiobook Success & Romantic Storytelling

International bestselling romance author Leeanne Slade joins the podcast to discuss her incredible journey from maternity leave and corporate life to becoming a full-time author with bestselling audiobooks, a global fanbase, and film adaptations in development. In this episode, Leeanne shares how she built a successful career through Audible Originals, why romance novels continue to resonate with readers worldwide, and how authenticity, emotion, and perseverance shaped her writing journey. We dive into audiobook publishing, romance writing, imposter syndrome, motherhood, creativity, reviews, and the realities of building a modern author career. If you love romance books, audiobooks, publishing insights, author interviews, BookTok, or creative entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Topics discussed: • Transitioning from corporate work to full-time author • The audiobook-first publishing model with Audible • Romance writing and emotionally authentic storytelling • Balancing motherhood, creativity, and mental health • Dealing with reviews, rejection, and imposter syndrome • Writing inspiration from music and real-life experiences • The power of female collaboration and writing communities • Film adaptations and future writing projects Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, publishing professionals, and creatives shaping the literary world. #LeeanneSlade #RomanceBooks #Audiobooks #AuthorPodcast #BookTok

The Power of Genre Shifts and Authentic Storytelling with Liz Flanagan

Award-winning author Liz Flanagan joins the podcast to discuss her remarkable journey from writing beloved children’s fantasy books to publishing adult historical fiction. In this episode, Liz shares insights into the creative process behind her latest novel, When We Were Divided, set during the English Civil War, and opens up about genre shifts, research, publishing, editing, and finding confidence as a writer. We explore writing across genres, historical fiction research, independent bookshops, publishing in the UK, creativity during the pandemic, and the importance of writing stories that truly matter to you. If you’re an aspiring author, fan of historical fiction, fantasy books, or interested in the publishing industry, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration. Topics discussed: • Transitioning from children’s fantasy to adult historical fiction • The inspiration behind When We Were Divided • English Civil War research and surprising historical facts • Writing during the pandemic and overcoming self-doubt • The role of editors, publishing teams, and writing communities • Independent bookstores and reader connections • Genre hopping, pseudonyms, and creative freedom • Advice for aspiring writers and authors Books Mentioned: • When We Were Divided • The Wildsmith series #LizFlanagan #HistoricalFiction #AuthorPodcast #WritingCommunity #FantasyBooks

Hannah Doyle: From Journalism to Bestseller | Writing Romance, Publishing & The Long Haul

Bestselling romantic comedy author Hannah Doyle joins the podcast to share her inspiring journey from celebrity journalism to becoming a published novelist. Hannah opens up about breaking into the publishing world, balancing motherhood with writing, navigating editors and industry changes, and creating her latest rom-com with a sci-fi twist, The Long Haul. If you're an aspiring author, romance reader, or publishing enthusiast, this episode is packed with honest insights into writing careers, creativity, persistence, and modern publishing. In This Episode * Hannah Doyle’s transition from journalism to fiction writing * How celebrity interviews shaped her storytelling skills * The realities of traditional publishing and finding an agent * Balancing writing with motherhood and family life * Behind the scenes of writing romantic comedy novels * Creating The Long Haul and adding a time-loop element * The role of editors, cover design, and book marketing * Why independent bookstores matter more than ever * Advice for aspiring writers and debut authors * The future of romance publishing and genre mashups Connect with Hannah Doyle Instagram: @hannahdoyleauthor TikTok: @hannahdoyleauthor If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with fellow readers and writers.

From Twitter Writing Contest to Bestselling Author: Andi Epimoni’s Journey, Pen Names & Meet Cute BookFest

In this episode, we sit down with UK author Andi Epimoni—founder of Meet Cute BookFest—to unpack her journey from entering a Twitter writing competition to building a full-time career in romance publishing. Andi shares how she transitioned from literary fiction to commercial romance, the strategy behind writing under multiple pen names, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s fast-moving publishing industry. We also dive into the creation of Meet Cute BookFest, a festival designed to bring romance authors and readers together in real life. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a romance reader, or curious about the publishing world, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and practical advice. 💡 What We Cover * Andi’s path from Twitter writing contest to published author * Transitioning from literary fiction to commercial romance * Writing under multiple pen names (Lauren Forsyth & A.L. Michael) * The realities of digital publishing and writing at speed * Finding an agent and navigating the submissions processBalancing writing with full-time work and motherhood * The story behind Meet Cute BookFest * Challenges of running a book festival and future plansIndustry trends: AI, self-publishing & community * Handling rejection and building a sustainable writing career If you're enjoying these episodes and hearing from your favourite authors, please hit the subscribe button and leave a comment!