Literary Lines: Interviews with Indie Authors

The Long Road to Success & The Dark History of Superheroes – with William Bernhardt

What does it take to push through nearly a decade of rejection letters and become a million-selling author? Award-winning legal thriller writer William Bernhardt joins us to share his incredible journey—from Primary Justice to his 19-book Ben Kincaid series—and why writers should never be afraid to evolve. We also dive into his riveting new book, The Superman Wars, uncovering the heartbreaking true story of Jerry Siegel, the creator of Superman who lost the rights to his own iconic character. Plus, Bill teases his upcoming The Batman Wars, the shocking history behind Batman’s creator, and the messy reality of intellectual property in entertainment. Along the way, we talk about WriterCon, his podcast of nearly 300 episodes, and why persistence, creativity, and protecting your work matter now more than ever.   Find William here: Website: https://williambernhardt.com/ [https://williambernhardt.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wbernhardtbooks/ [https://www.instagram.com/wbernhardtbooks/]   How to find GiGi: Website: https://www.gigimeier.com/ [https://www.gigimeier.com/] Free Bonus and Deleted Scenes: https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies [https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier [https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier] Substack: https://gigimeier.substack.com [https://gigimeier.substack.com] The Cougar Den Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier [https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier [https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier]

Beyond the Dystopia: Exploring Freedom and Humanity with D.A. Murray

GiGi Meier sits down with acclaimed sci-fi dystopian author, D.A. Murray, to dissect her thought-provoking novel Dominion: Ascension and its powerful exploration of human freedom. This isn’t just a story about a futuristic world; it's a deep dive into the enduring questions of power, control, and what truly defines humanity. We discuss how Dominion examines the intersection of technology, authority, and individual choice – urging us to consider whether true freedom lies in conforming to societal structures or forging our own paths. Beyond the book itself, we uncover D.A.’s innovative approach to building a community through her Writers in Tech series, her vibrant online presence on Instagram and TikTok, and her genuine curiosity about readers’ choices. Plus, she shares insights into her unconventional career journey – from global travel to entrepreneurship – and reveals what this powerful novel taught her about herself.   Find D.A. here: Website: https://damurrayofficial.com/ [https://damurrayofficial.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damurrayofficial/ [https://www.instagram.com/damurrayofficial/]   How to find GiGi: Website: https://www.gigimeier.com/ [https://www.gigimeier.com/] Free Bonus and Deleted Scenes: https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies [https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier [https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier] Substack: https://gigimeier.substack.com [https://gigimeier.substack.com] The Cougar Den Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier [https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier [https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier]

Medical Doctor Turned Romance Author: An Interview with D.W. Brooks

GiGi Meier welcomes bestselling romance and romantic suspense author D.W. Brooks for a deeply inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of storytelling. D.W. shares how her writing began in childhood – creating one-chapter mysteries with her cousin on dot matrix paper – revealing a creative spark that never faded. We delve into her extraordinary journey: from medical school and an MBA to working as an ophthalmologist and medical consultant, then bravely publishing her debut novel after facing personal challenges including a kidney transplant and caring for her father. This conversation is raw, honest, and ultimately triumphant. Plus, we get an exclusive sneak peek at her upcoming release, The Match Game, the newest book in her Meet Your Match series! D.W.’s story is a testament to the courage it takes to pursue your dreams – no matter what life throws your way.   Find D. W. Brooks here: Website: https://authordwbrooks.com/ [https://authordwbrooks.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordwbrooks/ [https://www.instagram.com/authordwbrooks/]    How to find GiGi: Website: https://www.gigimeier.com/ [https://www.gigimeier.com/] Free Bonus and Deleted Scenes: https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies [https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier [https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier] Substack: https://gigimeier.substack.com [https://gigimeier.substack.com] The Cougar Den Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier [https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier [https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier]

From Small-Town Roots to Global Adventures: A Conversation with Annie Dike

GiGi Meier welcomes bestselling author Annie Dike for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about reinvention, storytelling, and the courage to begin again. Dike’s debut novel, Clovis, is rooted in her childhood growing up in New Mexico – a gritty coming-of-age story that blossomed from real memories and vivid recollections. We delve into the emotional core of the book, including the beautiful dedication to her mother who passed away during its creation, and get an exclusive reveal of her upcoming sequel, Austin. But Annie’s journey doesn't stop there! She shares her incredible transformation – from lawyer to sailor, blogger to nonfiction author – revealing how she embraced curiosity and built a wildly successful career. Plus, we discuss her twelve years at sea, the magic of writing a series, and the surprising path that led her to international travel. Annie’s story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reinvent yourself.   Find Annie here: Website: https://anniedikeauthor.com/ [https://anniedikeauthor.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniedikeauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/anniedikeauthor/]   How to find GiGi: Website: https://www.gigimeier.com/ [https://www.gigimeier.com/] Free Bonus and Deleted Scenes: https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies [https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier [https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier] Substack: https://gigimeier.substack.com [https://gigimeier.substack.com] The Cougar Den Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier [https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier [https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier]

Social Fiction & a Writing Whirlwind: An Interview with Patricia Leavy

GiGi Meier sits down with award-winning author Patricia Leavy – a sociologist who revolutionized fiction with her term “social fiction” – for a powerful and expansive conversation. Leavy dismantles the notion of “beach reads,” arguing that depth, healing, and truth can absolutely thrive within contemporary stories. We delve into how her research background fuels her storytelling, why she publishes both fiction and nonfiction under one name, and get an exclusive look at her upcoming romance, Twinkle of Doubt. Plus, Leavy shares her astonishing writing rhythm (including 4-week drafts!), the realities of publishing contracts and author marketing, and offers a roadmap for building a fulfilling creative life through her latest book, The Artist Academic. We also discuss arts-based research, her global teaching work, and whether her novels are mirrors or blueprints for our world.   Find Patricia here: Website: https://patricialeavy.com/ [https://patricialeavy.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricialeavy/ [https://www.instagram.com/patricialeavy/]   How to find GiGi: Website: https://www.gigimeier.com/ [https://www.gigimeier.com/] Free Bonus and Deleted Scenes: https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies [https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier [https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier] Substack: https://gigimeier.substack.com [https://gigimeier.substack.com] The Cougar Den Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier [https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier [https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier]