Craft Chat Chronicles

A Writer's Journey: Inside the Making of Heart’s Gambit: Circus Magic, Time Travel, and the Real Truth About Publishing a Debut

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297946/fan_mail/new] The curtain lifts on circus magic, high-stakes romance, and the unfiltered reality of publishing a debut fantasy novel. In this candid, behind-the-scenes conversation, we sit down with J.D. Myall, author of Heart’s Gambit, to unpack how the book grew from a proposal into a full-scale launch, complete with preorders, a regional book tour, library-hosted events, and an immersive audiobook cast that brings music and magic to the page. This is the kind of publishing conversation most writers crave and most readers never get to hear, equal parts celebration, strategy, and confession. We dive into the emotional whiplash of the publishing process, from quiet stretches filled with doubt to the sudden rush of deadlines, finished copies arriving in boxes, and calendars packed with launch events. J.D. shares how a library-centered launch, a focused preorder campaign, and circus-themed influencer mailers helped keep the heart of the story front and center amid the noise. Craft takes the spotlight as we talk revision decisions that changed everything, including how a sharper prologue reframed the stakes, why the ending evolved for the better, and how a plotter-pantser process allows execution to shift while the big beats stay true. We dig into favorite scenes like battle training, time-bending romance, and dates shaped by magic, and why time travel through a Black perspective transforms questions of risk, agency, history, and place. There’s also a frank discussion of author life and visibility, from navigating social media without burnout to balancing a day job, family, and creative work while choosing connection over performative content.  Featuring a special excerpt read by Khaya Fraites, narrator of Heart’s Gambit and the Fourth Wing series.  If you love fantasy novels, time travel stories, Black historical fantasy, circus aesthetics, and romance with a bite, Heart’s Gambit belongs on your list. If you’re a writer, you’ll walk away with practical insight into editing, cover design, audiobooks, book marketing, and the courage it takes to put your work into the world. Follow, share this episode with a friend who loves book craft and publishing real talk, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=jennette18 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297946/support] 🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey. About J.D. Myall J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing. Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026. When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike. 💜 Connect with J.D. Myall 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jd_myall/] 🌐 Website & Media Kit [https://jdmyallbooks.zenfolio.com/] 💌 Newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/e58355a07479/untitled-page] 🔗 Linktree [https://linktr.ee/jdmyall] Watch episodes on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDiXvx0Fhvc&list=PLUn-cv3mJJM1kSUprgM7VdpITQizojyTB] as well.  💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener — the ...

A Writer’s Journey: Bad Art Friend and the Messy Realities of Writer Friendships

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297946/fan_mail/new] Ever had a friend steal your kidney story? Neither had we until we dove into the notorious "Bad Art Friend" literary scandal that rocked the writing world. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we unpack what happens when writer friendships go spectacularly wrong—and why creative relationships can be both essential lifelines and potential minefields. The publishing journey is rarely a straight line, and the people you meet along the way can profoundly impact your experience. We share deeply personal stories about navigating the messy realities of writer friendships: the friend who visibly bristled at our good news, the acquaintances who only appeared when they needed something, and the strange feeling of watching peers succeed while you're still struggling. These conversations aren't happening enough in writing communities, where social media can make everyone else's path look deceptively smooth. But it's not all cautionary tales! We also explore how to find your authentic writing community—those rare souls who celebrate your wins without reservation and hold space for your rejections and disappointments. From local writing groups to online communities, we share practical strategies for connecting with fellow writers who understand the unique challenges of the creative life.  The episode concludes with a candid discussion of red flags (like the "friend" who only contacts you after you've leveled up) and green flags (the person who checks in on your writing even when you haven't published anything lately) in writer relationships. Whether you're just starting your writing journey or navigating the complexities of the publishing world, this conversation will help you cultivate meaningful connections while protecting your creative spirit. Join us for this heartfelt exploration of literary friendships, and remember: the right writing circle can transform not just your work, but your entire creative experience. Subscribe, share, and let us know your own experiences with writer friendships! Link: A Writer's Journey with Scrivener! [https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=jennette18] #1 Novel & Book Writing Software For Writers [https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=jennette18] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297946/support] 🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey. About J.D. Myall J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing. Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026. When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike. 💜 Connect with J.D. Myall 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jd_myall/] 🌐 Website & Media Kit [https://jdmyallbooks.zenfolio.com/] 💌 Newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/e58355a07479/untitled-page] 🔗 Linktree [https://linktr.ee/jdmyall] Watch episodes on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDiXvx0Fhvc&list=PLUn-cv3mJJM1kSUprgM7VdpITQizojyTB] as well.  💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener — the ...

A Writer’s Journey: Ryan Coogler’s Sinners and the Future of Vampire Storytelling

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297946/fan_mail/new] Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" has captivated audiences with its fresh take on vampire mythology set against the racially charged backdrop of 1930s Mississippi. This Southern Gothic tale follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both masterfully portrayed by Michael B. Jordan) as they return home to open a juke joint, only to encounter supernatural forces that mirror the very real horrors of American racism. What makes "Sinners" extraordinary is how it weaves multiple layers of meaning throughout its narrative. The film doesn't just deliver vampire thrills—it transforms the vampire mythos into a powerful metaphor for colonization, assimilation, and cultural appropriation. When the Irish vampire Remmick offers immortality to the Black community, his proposition mirrors historical patterns where marginalized groups face devil's bargains: survival at the cost of identity. This dynamic creates a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to survive in a hostile world. The film's stunning visual language deserves special mention. From breathtaking blue skies over cotton fields to the unforgettable juke joint sequence with its transcendent musical performance, Coogler demonstrates his mastery of cinema as a visual medium. The diverse cast represents the often-overlooked multicultural reality of the American South, including a Chinese merchant family whose complex relationship with the Black community reflects nuanced historical realities. Beyond its artistic achievements, "Sinners" has broken box office records as the highest-grossing non-IP film since before the pandemic, proving audiences hunger for original storytelling. In a landscape dominated by franchises and reboots, this film stands as powerful evidence that innovative narratives with meaningful social commentary can achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. Experience this groundbreaking film that's redefining what vampire stories can be while sparking important conversations about America's past and present. Whether you're a horror aficionado, a fan of historical drama, or simply someone who appreciates masterful filmmaking, "Sinners" offers a richly rewarding cinematic journey that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.  Link: A Writer's Journey with Scrivener! [https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=jennette18] #1 Novel & Book Writing Software For Writers [https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=jennette18] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297946/support] 🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey. About J.D. Myall J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing. Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026. When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike. 💜 Connect with J.D. Myall 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jd_myall/] 🌐 Website & Media Kit [https://jdmyallbooks.zenfolio.com/] 💌 Newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/e58355a07479/untitled-page] 🔗 Linktree [https://linktr.ee/jdmyall] Watch episodes on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDiXvx0Fhvc&list=PLUn-cv3mJJM1kSUprgM7VdpITQizojyTB] as well.  💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener — the ...

A Writer’s Journey: Black Representation in Vampire Stories from The Vampire Diaries to Interview with the Vampire

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297946/fan_mail/new] The supernatural world of vampires has captivated audiences for generations, but how these stories represent Black characters reveals much about our evolving cultural consciousness. In this thought-provoking episode, we dissect three influential vampire shows through a craft and representation lens, tracking a remarkable evolution from tokenism to authentic storytelling. Starting with The Vampire Diaries' Bonnie Bennett, we examine how this powerful witch was relegated to a perpetual supporting role—repeatedly dying to save her white friends while being denied the romantic storylines and character development afforded to others. Despite Kat Graham's compelling performance, Bonnie's character exemplified the "magical Black friend" trope, complete with European-based magic systems that ignored potential connections to African or African-American traditions. True Blood's Tara Thornton marked progress with her direct confrontation of racial issues (memorably asking a vampire if he'd owned slaves) and fuller backstory. Yet the show still trapped her in the "angry Black woman" stereotype and ultimately disrespected her character with an unceremonious off-screen death—a stark contrast to how white characters' storylines concluded. The conversation peaks with AMC's Interview with the Vampire, which reimagines Louis as a Black man in early 20th century New Orleans. This adaptation demonstrates how powerful storytelling can be when a character's racial identity informs rather than incidental to their journey. Louis emerges as a fully-realized protagonist whose experiences as a Black man directly shape his vampire transformation. For writers crafting characters outside their cultural experience, these examples offer valuable lessons in authenticity, research, and the importance of sensitivity readers. We discuss how representation isn't just about inclusion but about creating characters with cultural specificity and genuine depth. Subscribe to Craft Chat Chronicles for more insightful conversations about writing craft, representation in fiction, and the evolving landscape of storytelling. Visit jdmayal.com for show notes, writing resources, and upcoming workshop information. Link: A Writer's Journey with Scrivener! [https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=jennette18] #1 Novel & Book Writing Software For Writers [https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=jennette18] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297946/support] 🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey. About J.D. Myall J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing. Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026. When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike. 💜 Connect with J.D. Myall 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jd_myall/] 🌐 Website & Media Kit [https://jdmyallbooks.zenfolio.com/] 💌 Newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/e58355a07479/untitled-page] 🔗 Linktree [https://linktr.ee/jdmyall] Watch episodes on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDiXvx0Fhvc&list=PLUn-cv3mJJM1kSUprgM7VdpITQizojyTB] as well.  💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener — the ...

A Writer’s Journey: Overcoming Writer’s Block, Self-Doubt, and Imposter Syndrome

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297946/fan_mail/new] Every writer knows the paralyzing feeling of staring at a blank page, unable to move forward. But what if writer's block isn't actually about your skills or talent? In this candid conversation, we unpack the surprising truth: most writing blocks stem from anxiety, self-doubt, and the notorious imposter syndrome rather than any lack of ability. Our panel of writers shares their personal battles with creative blockages—from the early-career paralysis of thinking "I'm not good enough" to the mid-project stall when a story breaks down. We explore how different writers experience blocks uniquely, whether triggered by external pressures like editorial deadlines or simply the daily chaos of life interfering with creative flow. The conversation reveals how even experienced writers sometimes struggle to transition between projects they're passionate about and work they're contractually obligated to complete. Practical strategies emerge throughout our discussion, offering listeners actionable techniques to overcome creative barriers. From the power of meditation before writing sessions to the unexpected benefits of "bad TV" as background noise, we cover environmental adjustments that facilitate creativity. We examine how setting modest daily writing goals (just two pages!) can accumulate into impressive monthly progress, and why acknowledging your natural creative rhythm—whether you're a morning person or night owl—might transform your productivity. Perhaps most importantly, we emphasize the liberating concept of the "shitty first draft," giving writers permission to create imperfectly while remembering that editing comes later. After all, as one guest reminds us, "You can't improve nothing." Connect with our writing community at jdmyall.com for more resources, workshops, and support on your creative journey. Link: A Writer's Journey with Scrivener! [https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=jennette18] #1 Novel & Book Writing Software For Writers [https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=jennette18] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297946/support] 🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey. About J.D. Myall J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing. Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026. When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike. 💜 Connect with J.D. Myall 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jd_myall/] 🌐 Website & Media Kit [https://jdmyallbooks.zenfolio.com/] 💌 Newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/e58355a07479/untitled-page] 🔗 Linktree [https://linktr.ee/jdmyall] Watch episodes on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDiXvx0Fhvc&list=PLUn-cv3mJJM1kSUprgM7VdpITQizojyTB] as well.  💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener — the ...