Storytelling Sirens Podcast

From Vampires to Sci-Fi: Amanda's Journey of Pitching, Persistence, and Progress

Hey Sirens! Get ready for an incredible episode as we dive into the world of writing and perseverance with our amazing guest, Amanda Blake. In this episode, Amanda shares how she transitioned between genres, the impact of joining a critique group, and hard-earned lessons from querying 100 agents. We also explore her experience pitching Mechanical Vice at a conference, the art of balancing short stories with novels, and an exciting sneak peek into her urban fantasy project featuring a reluctant necromancer! Key Topics: * The moment Amanda realized she wanted to be a writer and how her journey began * How transitioning from vampire novels to sci-fi opened new creative doors * The invaluable lessons learned from critique groups and giving/receiving feedback * Staying motivated while navigating 100+ agents and the querying process * The unique challenges and joys of writing both short stories and novels * Behind the scenes of pitching Mechanical Vice at a writing conference * A glimpse into her upcoming urban fantasy project * Advice for aspiring writers and what Amanda would tell her younger self Amanda's Website: Her Website [https://www.akblakeauthor.com] Amanda's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akblake_writes/ [https://www.instagram.com/akblake_writes/] ⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show! Follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for a chance to get a siren fan shout out in future episodes! If you'd like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com. 🔗 Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates: https://instagram.com/authorcatdean [https://instagram.com/authorcatdean]

Taking Flight: A Journey Through Writing and Inspiration With Paige Kent

Hey Sirens! Get ready for an inspiring episode as we dive into the journey of writing and creative exploration with our incredible guest, Paige Kent! This time, we explore the beginnings of her author journey, the inspirations behind her dystopian action-adventure series, and the unique strategies she's developed for learning the craft in under a year. In this episode, we unpack the roller coaster of of drafting and editing, as well as the exciting process of writing as a pantser. We also explore the value of critique groups, the power of a supportive community on social media, and some tips for writers looking to grow their community online. Key Topics: * The moment Paige knew she wanted to be a writer and how she got started * The aviation inspiration for her current book and the story behind it * Writing tips and resources that helped her learn quickly, even without formal training * Challenges and wins in the writing and editing process * Insights on writing as a pantser and how she makes it work * The most valuable lessons learned from critique groups and advice for new writers * Building a supportive writing community on Instagram and tips for social media success * Upcoming projects and advice she would share with their younger self about writing Paige's Website: Her Website [https://www.paigekent.com] Paige's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigekentwrites [https://www.instagram.com/paigekentwrites] ⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show! Follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for a chance to get a siren fan shoutout in future episodes! If you'd like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com. 🔗 Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates: @authorcatdean [https://www.instagram.com/authorcatdean/]

From Block to Breakthrough: Embracing Creative Flow With Jessica Van Devanter

Hey Sirens! Get ready for an exciting episode as we delve into the journey of writing and creative expression with the incredible Jessica Van Devanter! This time, we'll explore Jessica's personal writing journey, the challenges of overcoming writer's block, and how she empowers other writers through their coaching. In this episode, we tackle the intricacies of perfectionism and people-pleasing, uncovering how these challenges can hinder creativity. Jessica shares her experiences in overcoming these obstacles and guiding others to embrace their unique voices without judgment. Key Topics: * The moment Jessica realized she wanted to be a writer * Navigating the rough terrain of writer's block after grad school * Balancing perfectionism and people-pleasing in the writing process * The benefits of an MFA in Creative Writing from Hunter College * An introduction to flash fiction and its role in her writing * The importance of embracing failure and playful experimentation in storytelling * Insights into her current projects and creative process * Advice for aspiring authors and reflections for her younger self Jessica's Website: https://www.writewithjess.com/ [https://www.writewithjess.com/] Jessica's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/writewithjess/ [https://www.instagram.com/writewithjess/] ⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show + follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Leaving a review means you could get a siren fan shout out in future episodes! If you'd like to be a guest on the show or know someone who would be a perfect fit, please email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com [catdeanwrites@gmail.com] 🔗 Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and the latest episode updates: https://www.instagram.com/authorcatdean/ [https://www.instagram.com/authorcatdean/]

The Neurodivergent Creative: Finding Power in Writing With Natasha Yentrouc

Hey Sirens! Get ready for an exciting episode as we step into the world of fantasy and intricate character development with the amazing Natasha Yentrouc! This time, we'll dive deep into her personal journey as a writer, the inspiration behind her novel, The Cursed Thief, and explore how their creative process balances rich world-building with complex themes. In this episode, we unravel the challenges of writing authentic, deeply emotional stories by channeling personal experiences into characters. From the trials of being a pantser to discovering how neurodivergence shapes the writing process, Natasha gives us a raw, inspiring look behind the scenes of their creative mind. Key Topics: * The origins of Natasha's writing journey * The inspiration behind The Cursed Thief and the heart of its themes * Writing as a path to emotional growth and mental health * The unique challenges and rewards of balancing plotting with pantsing * How neurodivergence influences storytelling * Crafting authentic, relatable characters by drawing from personal experience * Advice for aspiring authors, and the wisdom Nastasha would share with their younger self Natasha's Website: https://www.authornatashayentrouc.com [https://www.authornatashayentrouc.com] Natasha's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.yentrouc.author/ [https://www.instagram.com/natasha.yentrouc.author/] Purchase The Cursed Thief: Get It Here! [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4KRRJXD?ref=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_VHKGDQJJP91ZDRDCK880&ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_VHKGDQJJP91ZDRDCK880&social_share=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_VHKGDQJJP91ZDRDCK880&language=en_US&skipTwisterOG=2] ⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show + follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Leaving a review of the show means you can get a siren fan shout out on future episodes! If you'd like to be a guest on the show or know of someone that would be a perfect guest, please email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com [catdeanwrites@gmail.com] 🔗 Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and the latest episode updates: https://www.instagram.com/authorcatdean/ [https://www.instagram.com/authorcatdean/]

Love On The Ice: A Romance Writer's Journey With Melissa Diaferia

Hey Sirens! Get ready for a super fun episode where we dive into the world of romance and hockey with the incredible Melissa Diaferia! Join me as we chat about her personal journey, the inspiration behind her captivating hockey-infused romances, and the challenges and triumphs she's faced along the way. We'll unpack the process behind her latest novel, Wedding Dates and Hockey Skates, and explore the passion that fuels her writing. From discussing the role of self-esteem in her career to overcoming self-doubt and finding her unique voice, Melissa shares invaluable insights for writers at every stage. Key Topics: * Melissa's author journey * Hockey as a central theme to her books * Finding her unique voice during the process * Building self-esteem in both her personal and professional life * Making her work stand out by creating character representation for immigrant families * How to approach writing character flaws * Her favorite part of the process when writing and publishing Wedding Dates and Hockey Skates * Advice for aspiring authors and what she would tell her younger self Be sure to check out Melissa's latest novel, Wedding Dates and Hockey Skates, and follow her on social media for updates on her future works! Melissa's Website: https://melissacdiaferia.wixsite.com/author [https://melissacdiaferia.wixsite.com/author] Melissa's Socials: IG, YouTube & TikTok https://www.instagram.com/melissadiaauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/melissadiaauthor/] https://www.instagram.com/melissa_dia/ [https://www.instagram.com/melissa_dia/] https://www.youtube.com/melissadiaferia [https://www.youtube.com/melissadiaferia] https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa.diaferia [https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa.diaferia] Purchase Wedding Dates and Hockey Skates: Get It Here! [https://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Dates-Hockey-Skates-Toronto-ebook/dp/B0D2Z2GS8R] ⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show + follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Leaving a review of the show means you can get a siren fan shout out on future episodes! If you'd like to be a guest on the show or know of someone that would be a perfect guest, please email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com [catdeanwrites@gmail.com] 🔗 Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and the latest episode updates: https://www.instagram.com/authorcatdean/ [https://www.instagram.com/authorcatdean/]