Odyssey of a Novel

Heather McMahon: Poet and Fantasy Author

Welcome back to another episode of the Odyssey of a Novel pod, the podcast where I sit down with indie authors to learn all about the journey and the work that led to their completed novel. Today I’m joined by Heather McMahon! Heather McMahon is an indie author and typewriter poet residing in Columbus, Ohio. Her debut book, I Was Always Worthy, came out in June 2025. It is a collection of poetry that explores themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and healing, emphasizing that worthiness comes from within. Perfect for those trying to find their way back to themselves. Heather is currently working on her first novel, which will become a complete fantasy trilogy. To keep up to date on this and other projects, check out Heather on Instagram @heathermcmahonwrites If you’re in or around Ohio, you can see her in person at Big Ohio Book Con, the first weekend of June in Medina, Ohio. Highlights: * What is typewriter poetry? * Working with writers’ groups * Process for poetry * The challenge of formatting e-books * An inside look at KDP Get full access to The Writer on the Water at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe [https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Kristie Wolf: The Working Life of a Bestselling Indie Author

Welcome to another episode of The Odyssey of a Novel pod, the podcast where I sit down with self-published authors to learn about the journey and the work that led to their published novel. Today’s episode is part two of my conversation with Kristie Wolf, the Amazon best-selling romance author. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who is currently an indie author and trying to build their business, or anyone who is thinking about being an indie author. Kristie is a wealth of knowledge on how to streamline your process, how to drum up business, and why to publish indie. Not to mention, she’s just a delight to talk to. Highlights: * Kristie’s publishing process * Why Kristie chose to publish indie (and you might just too) * New outlets for selling your book * When spending money helps you make money * Countless anecdotes from her author life I learned so mcuh from Kristie and I know you will too! Get full access to The Writer on the Water at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe [https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Kristie Wolf: The Making of a Romance Author

My guest today is Kristie Wolf, an author four times over who is known for her heat-packing romance novels, including the Project Viper series and the Blood Snow series. I believe that you, like me, will be obsessed with Kristie after this conversation and also be a romance novel convert. Award-winning author Kristie Wolf weaves tales about fearless heroes and badass heroines who fight for justice and love while burning up the pages. As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, wife of a Marine, and Navy mom, she enjoys writing happily ever afters for not just military heroes, but for all the brave, loyal, and selfless men and women who serve and protect our country in every capacity. Kristie resides in Maryland with her husband - aka her tech support - and her two teenagers. Highlights: * Kristie’s childhood as an avid reader * The inspiration for her storylines * A unique planning process involving Excel spreadsheets and voice memos * Kristie’s tips for conferences and author events * More A quick note about the recording. My internet was struggling during this, but it gives the illusion at times that I can read Kristie’s mind- I respond to her a little too quickly. Instead of covering it up in audio editing and sacrifice the video, I didn’t want to deprive followers of the visuals, so please try to overlook the imperfections and enjoy listening to (and watching) Kristie! This is part one of our chat, so be sure to tune in next week for more. Get full access to The Writer on the Water at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe [https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Priscilla Zorrilla, Author of The Quiet Awakening: Dare to Dream

BIG NEWS: This is our very first video episode! If you want to watch the conversation, head over to our YouTube page, or you can watch it on Substack. All episodes are still available in audio format on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. My incredible guest today is Priscilla Zorrilla. Priscilla is a writer and coach focused on the moment people know what’s true and choose to move past it anyway. After a decade in the tech industry, she self-published her debut poetry collection, The Quiet Awakening: Dare to Dream, written in real time while stepping away from a career that no longer fit. Her work centers on self-trust, inner authority, and the quiet decisions made without an audience. She writes to interrupt self-betrayal and give language to what people already know but haven’t named. In the chat, Priscilla and I have a lot of fun while also discussing some pretty big topics that will resonate deeply with a lot of aspiring authors, but also those of us who have faced a challenge in life and recognized that what’s waiting on the other side just might be the best version of ourselves. Get full access to The Writer on the Water at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe [https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

All About Hybrid Publishing

Welcome back to the Odyssey of a Novel podcast with host Emily Elizabeth. This episode is going to look a little different than our normal episodes. As you may recall, the podcast was founded in the spirit of education, learning, and helping other aspiring authors learn about the process of publishing their book while highlighting self-published authors. In today’s episode, Emily sat down with Kristin Mitchell, owner and founder of Little Creek Press, to learn all about hybrid publishing, which is another viable route for aspiring authors. Get full access to The Writer on the Water at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe [https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]