How to Build an Indie Author Career From Scratch | Talk Spicy to Me

Building Author Friendships & Writing Community | Talk Spicy to Me

Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. In this season finale episode, Kandi and Giana discuss the realities of life in the publishing trenches, the importance of genuine author friendships, what really happens at writing retreats, and answer reader questions about writing and the romance genre. The podcast will return this summer after Giana begins maternity leave. Timestamps: 00:00 – Season finale announcement & Giana starting maternity leave early 01:36 – Life in the indie publishing trenches 08:45 – Season sponsors: Lena Hendrix & Willow Aster 10:07 – The Spice Report (current reads, shows, and obsessions) 27:58 – Kandi's word of the year: "Rooted" 30:11 – Industry advice: building genuine friendships 32:25 – Why meeting in person matters ("vibe checks") 43:56 – What really happens at writing retreats 52:58 – How to organize your own writing retreat 01:08:17 - Sponsor: Brittanee Nicole 01:12:59 – Red Flag / Green Flag trope discussion 01:18:11 – Reader question: why write romance? 01:23:29 – Book club discussion: Deep Pockets by Nana Malone 01:35:29 – Final Bump-Date BOOK CLUB PICK Deep Pockets by Nana Malone Tropes for that book: Mafia/Assassin romance, Best friend's sister, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers Link: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q [https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/ [https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/] Website: https://nanamalone.com/ [https://nanamalone.com/] Join us for the Deep Pockets deep dive on March18th. SEASON SPONSORS Brittanee Nicole Darling Daffodils Farm :https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/808533/darling-daffodils-farm-a-hope-harbor-novel-by-brittanee-nicole/ [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/808533/darling-daffodils-farm-a-hope-harbor-novel-by-brittanee-nicole/] Website: https://www.brittaneenicole.com/ [https://www.brittaneenicole.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrittaneenicole/ [https://www.instagram.com/authorbrittaneenicole/] Lena Hendrix Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/chasingthesun1 [https://geni.us/chasingthesun1] Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/ [https://www.lenahendrix.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix [https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix] Willow Aster What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2) Link: https://geni.us/WhatItTakes [https://geni.us/WhatItTakes] Website: https://www.willowaster.com/ [https://www.willowaster.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/ [https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/] WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE Talk Spicy to Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast] Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast HOSTS Giana Darling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor [https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor] Website: https://gianadarling.com/ [https://gianadarling.com/] Kandi Steiner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner [https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner] Website: https://kandisteiner.com/ [https://kandisteiner.com/] 🔥 AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the extended, unfiltered conversation? Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed. Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast [https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast] Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, and honest discussions about romance, publishing, and storytelling craft.

The Anatomy of a Romance Bestseller w/ Liz Tomforde | Talk Spicy to Me

Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. In Season 2, Episode 9, the hosts are joined by bestselling romance author Liz Tomforde to break down the anatomy of a bestseller. They also share personal updates, reality TV obsessions, and the importance of author friendships while navigating pregnancy, publishing, and the chaos of a writing career. Liz Tomforde Upcoming Release: In Her Own League https://liztomforde.com/in-her-own-league [https://liztomforde.com/in-her-own-league] Website - https://liztomforde.com/ [https://liztomforde.com/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/liztomforde.author/ [https://www.instagram.com/liztomforde.author/] 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe [https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe] TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 01:05 – Pregnancy updates & baby shower weekend 02:06 – Prenatal classes and unexpected anxiety 03:07 – Why friendships matter in pregnancy and writing 04:15 – Season sponsors: Lena Hendrix & Willow Aster 05:20 – Surprise guest reveal: Liz Tomforde 17:39 – The Spice Report 17:45 – Kandi's obsession: Below Deck 21:38 – Giana's obsession: Bridgerton 25:46 – Liz's obsession: Love Is Blind 28:57 – The Anatomy of a Bestseller 32:49 – Why characters are the heart of a great romance 37:49 – Avoiding self-insert characters 38:89 – Writing empathy into character choices 40:14 – Purposeful pacing and emotional tension 44:45 – Building highs and lows in storytelling 46:26 – Adding compelling elements beyond the romance 51:03 – Conflict as the "bones" of a bestseller 01:17:50 – Red Flag / Green Flag 01:22:28 – Reader Question BOOK CLUB PICK Deep Pockets by Nana Malone Tropes for that book: Mafia/Assassin romance, Best friend's sister, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers Link: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q [https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/ [https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/] Website: https://nanamalone.com/ [https://nanamalone.com/] Join us for the Deep Pockets deep dive on March18th. SEASON SPONSORS Lena Hendrix Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/chasingthesun1 [https://geni.us/chasingthesun1] Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/ [https://www.lenahendrix.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix [https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix] Willow Aster What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2) Link: https://geni.us/WhatItTakes [https://geni.us/WhatItTakes] Website: https://www.willowaster.com/ [https://www.willowaster.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/ [https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/] WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE Talk Spicy to Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast] Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast HOSTS Giana Darling Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor [https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor] Website: https://gianadarling.com/ [https://gianadarling.com/] Kandi Steiner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner [https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner] Website: https://kandisteiner.com/ [https://kandisteiner.com/] 🔥 AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the extended, unfiltered conversation? Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed. Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast [https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast] Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, and honest discussions about romance, publishing, and storytelling craft.

Boundaries, Burnout & Publishing Deals w/ Shanora Williams | Talk Spicy to Me

Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. This week, we're joined by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shanora Williams for an honest, vulnerable conversation about boundaries, burnout, publishing contracts, and whether you can actually balance it all as a modern author. Shanora Williams New York Times & USA Today bestselling author known for emotionally immersive romance across contemporary and high-stakes worlds. Upcoming Release: Mayhem and the Mortal: https://www.shanorawilliams.com/mayhemandthemortal [https://www.shanorawilliams.com/mayhemandthemortal] Website - shanorawilliams.com [https://shanorawilliams.com/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/reallyshanora/ [https://www.instagram.com/reallyshanora/] Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shanora-Williams/author/B00BHQUULU [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shanora-Williams/author/B00BHQUULU] 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe [https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe] TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 01:01 – Chaos, travel, deadlines & overwhelm 02:56 – Season Sponsors: Lena Hendrix & Willow Aster 04:10 – Introducing Shanora Williams 07:02 – Indie vs Traditional Publishing Speed 09:11 – Protecting Yourself in Publishing Contracts 10:27 – Why You Shouldn't Accept Every Deal 11:43 – Turning Down a Major Publisher (And Why It Paid Off) 12:44 – The Spice Report 13:27 – Interview with the Vampire 18:50 – Night of the Seven Kingdoms 21:26 – Wuthering Heights Film Adaptation 22:20 – Can You Actually Balance It All? 25:51 – Productivity Guilt & Burnout 27:11 – "Rest Is Productive" 31:07 – The Irregular Life of an Author 37:10 – Series Deep Dive: Anna B. Doe 40:10 – Motherhood & Writing with Three Kids 45:40 – The Invisible Load Women Carry 49:00 – Delegation & Building a Support System 01:13:49 – Red Flag / Green Flag 01:17:40 – Reader Question: Steamy Scenes BOOK CLUB PICK Deep Pockets by Nana Malone Tropes for that book: Mafia/Assassin romance, Best friend's sister, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers Link: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q [https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/ [https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/] Website: https://nanamalone.com/ [https://nanamalone.com/] Join us for the Deep Pockets deep dive on March18th. SEASON SPONSORS Anna B Doe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabdoe/ [https://www.instagram.com/annabdoe/] Website: https://www.annabdoe.com/ [https://www.annabdoe.com/] Lena Hendrix Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/chasingthesun1 [https://geni.us/chasingthesun1] Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/ [https://www.lenahendrix.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix [https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix] Willow Aster What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2) Link: https://geni.us/WhatItTakes [https://geni.us/WhatItTakes] Website: https://www.willowaster.com/ [https://www.willowaster.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/ [https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/] WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE Talk Spicy to Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast] Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast HOSTS Giana Darling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor [https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor] Website: https://gianadarling.com/ [https://gianadarling.com/] Kandi Steiner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner [https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner] Website: https://kandisteiner.com/ [https://kandisteiner.com/] 🔥 AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the extended, unfiltered conversation? Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed. Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast [https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast] Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, and honest discussions about romance, publishing, and storytelling craft.

Why Raw & Messy Romance Hits Harder w/ Ambar Cordova | Talk Spicy to Me

Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. In Season 2, Episode 5, hosts Kandi Steiner and Giana Darling are joined by special guest Ambar Cordova for a deeply honest conversation about messy characters, third-act breakups, reader reactions, and why raw, emotionally complicated romances hit harder Please note: Due to technical difficulties, audio quality may not be up to par in the first half of the episode. We appreciate your patience. Ambar Cordova •NEWSLETTER: acordovabooks.com/newsletter [https://acordovabooks.com/newsletter] •FACEBOOK: facebook.com/acordovabooks [https://facebook.com/acordovabooks] •FACEBOOK READER GROUP: facebook.com/groups/735186988190607 [https://facebook.com/groups/735186988190607] •INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/acordovabooks [https://instagram.com/acordovabooks] •TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorambarcordova [https://tiktok.com/@authorambarcordova] •WEBSITE: www.acordovabooks.com [https://www.acordovabooks.com/] 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe [https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe] TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 01:31 – Pregnancy updates & writing while sick 02:46 – Balancing indie and traditional publishing 05:17 – Patreon shoutouts: Ghost Pepper Goddesses 06:23 – Season sponsors: Willow Aster & Lena Hendrix 07:28 – Introducing Ambar Cordova 11:20 – The Spice Report 19:06 – Motherhood, high-risk pregnancies & body changes 21:31 – Discovering romance in 2020 22:16 – Writing the stories you wish existed 23:41 – Reader reactions to messy characters 31:38 – Writing as therapy & emotional processing 37:45 – Why women write men who show up 40:19 – Writing slow-burn spice & emotional tension 42:52 – The third-act breakup debate 46:17 – Why flawed heroines get more hate 50:00 – Sunshine heroines who are secretly struggling 52:15 – The miscommunication trope discussion 58:05 – S.J. Sylvis 59:19 – Red Flag / Green Flag: When he texts you constantly 01:05:11 – TSTM Book Club: Deep Pockets by Nana Malone 01:07:03 – Reader Question: Special Editions BOOK CLUB PICK Deep Pockets by Nana Malone Tropes for that book: Mafia/Assassin romance, Best friend's sister, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers Link: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q [https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/ [https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/] Website: https://nanamalone.com/ [https://nanamalone.com/] Join us for the Deep Pockets deep dive on March18th. SEASON SPONSORS S.J. Sylvis Overtake: A Rivals to Lovers F1 Romance (Vanstone Racing) Tropes: Rivals to Lovers/Enemies to Lovers, F1 Romance, Workplace Romance, Forced Proximity, link: mybook.to/vanstoneracing1 [https://mybook.to/vanstoneracing1] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsjsylvis/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/authorsjsylvis/?hl=en] Website: https://www.sjsylvis.com/ [https://www.sjsylvis.com/] Lena Hendrix Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/chasingthesun1 [https://geni.us/chasingthesun1] Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/ [https://www.lenahendrix.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix [https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix] Willow Aster What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2) Link: https://geni.us/WhatItTakes [https://geni.us/WhatItTakes] Website: https://www.willowaster.com/ [https://www.willowaster.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/ [https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/] WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE Talk Spicy to Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast] Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast HOSTS Giana Darling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor [https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor] Website: https://gianadarling.com/ [https://gianadarling.com/] Kandi Steiner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner [https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner] Website: https://kandisteiner.com/ [https://kandisteiner.com/] 🔥 AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the extended, unfiltered conversation? Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed. Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast [https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast] Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, and honest discussions about romance, publishing, and storytelling craft.

How to Build an Indie Author Career From Scratch | Talk Spicy to Me

Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. In Season 2, Episode 6, hosts Kandi Steiner and Giana Darling share life updates, celebrate publishing milestones, and break down exactly what they would do differently if they were building an indie author career from scratch today. 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe [https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe] 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 00:55 – Travel episode & Kandi's ski trip in Deer Valley 02:31 – Learning to ski 04:38 – Season sponsors 05:18 – Spice Report 18:03 – Main Topic: Building an indie career from scratch 18:34 – Step 1: Identify your author identity 20:37 – Step 2: Start with a series of standalones 22:28 – Series strategy & saving the fan favorite for last 23:42 – Step 3: Market research & branding 25:52 – Recovering covers & packaging pivots 27:40 – Thinking like a business person 29:16 – Testing covers, blurbs & ads 31:02 – New Release Spotlight: Safe Haven by Kristen Proby 32:00 – Courses & free resources 36:11 – Write more than one book 37:45 – Rapid release strategy 39:02 – Newsletter & reader funnel 41:20 – Film everything (sell the journey) 42:43 – Building super fans 44:02 – Stay positive in the community 45:36 – Sponsor spotlight: Piper Rayne 46:34 – Red Flag / Green Flag: Office Romance 50:32 – Reader Question: Special edition book process NEW RELEASE SPOTLIGHT Safe Haven by Kristen Proby Hockey romance, best friends to lovers, found family, and a protective hero. Link: https://amzn.to/4gkydGd [https://amzn.to/4gkydGd] SEASON SPONSORS Piper Rayne – The Hot Shot Link: https://www.amazon.com/Hotshot-Piper-Rayne-ebook/dp/B0F3FP2WHQ [https://www.amazon.com/Hotshot-Piper-Rayne-ebook/dp/B0F3FP2WHQ] Lena Hendrix Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/chasingthesun1 [https://geni.us/chasingthesun1] Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/ [https://www.lenahendrix.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix [https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix] Willow Aster What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2) Link: https://geni.us/WhatItTakes [https://geni.us/WhatItTakes] Website: https://www.willowaster.com/ [https://www.willowaster.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/ [https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/] WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE Talk Spicy to Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast] Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast Hosts Giana Darling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor [https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor] Website: https://gianadarling.com/ [https://gianadarling.com/] Kandi Steiner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner [https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner] Website: https://kandisteiner.com/ [https://kandisteiner.com/] AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the uncensored conversation? Join the Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and exclusive content:https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast [https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast] Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, writing advice, and unapologetically honest romance talk.