Today’s guest, Kacey Ezell, was born in South Dakota and grew up around the world on various military bases. When she was seven, her mother gave her a copy of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragondrums, and shortly thereafter, Kacey decided that she wanted to be a dragonrider when she grew up. From the time she was a small child, Kacey made up stories to tell to her friends and family.

Kacey’s emotionally-fueled fiction includes alternate history, fantasy, noir, and science fiction. She’s a master in emotional resonance and character building! Join us in learning the tips and tricks to build characters with believable emotional arcs.

In Part One, We Discuss:

• Every villain is the hero of their own story; writing unpopular characters
• Every hero is probably the villain of someone else’s story
• Redemption arcs
• Characters we love to hate
• How worldbuilding impacts characters and vice versa
• Tools to track details

Resources and Guest Links:

• • https://kaceyezell.net/
  • Newsletter and free short stories: https://kaceyezell.net/the-dragons-horde/

• Psyche of War: https://kaceyezell.net/book-series/the-psyche-of-war/

• World Anvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/
• Notion: https://www.notion.com/

Join us in thanking Kacey! She’s a great author and an even better friend, and we’re grateful she took time out of her relaxicon to interview and give us the inside scoop on how she crafts excellent characters.

Host Links:

• H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/
• David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/

Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)

• Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios,

• Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

How often do we hear an author say, “I just want to write books”? If only it were that simple. In this lesson, we discuss ensuring that your writing goals, like what, how, and how much you want to write, also align with what you want from a writing career. In other words, how you define success.

Join Jana, CJ, and Troy of the Plot Geek Academy as they break down this deep topic to help you decide what success means to you and how you can get there.

Curious about building your author brand? In this episode, we explore the value of social media, traditional publishing, and much more with Kathleen Schmidt. She’s the founder of Publishing Confidential, and you can subscribe on Substack.

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee are joined by returning guest Holly Darling to discuss the art of email marketing for authors. Drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s mastery of storytelling and fan engagement, the conversation explores how authors can use newsletters to connect with their audience, build anticipation, and foster a loyal community of readers.

Holly shares practical strategies, including how to gamify reader engagement, personalize content through segmentation, and reward superfans with exclusive perks. The discussion also tackles overcoming imposter syndrome, using automation to streamline communication, and collaborating with other authors to expand reach. Packed with actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for authors looking to take their email marketing to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

• Email marketing is a powerful tool for authors to build a community and deepen connections with readers.
• Storytelling within newsletters enhances reader engagement and loyalty.
• Overcoming imposter syndrome is key to creating authentic and effective communication.
• Personal stories make newsletters relatable and foster a sense of connection.
• Gamifying reader engagement can boost interaction and excitement.
• Rewarding superfans with exclusive content or perks strengthens community bonds.
• Collaborative newsletters among authors can increase reach and engagement.
• Polls and surveys help authors understand reader preferences and tailor content.
• Segmenting audiences allows for targeted, personalized communication.
• Consistency in sending newsletters is vital for maintaining reader interest and trust.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift
• 01:18 – Guest Introduction: Holly Darling Returns
• 04:54 – The Power of Storytelling in Emails
• 06:09 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
• 08:33 – Engaging Readers with Personal Stories
• 12:48 – Using Newsletters for Book Marketing
• 18:56 – Preparing for Book Launches
• 27:57 – Building Effective Marketing Systems
• 30:06 – Understanding the Audience
• 30:32 – Rewarding Your Superfans
• 31:19 – Creative Reward Systems
• 37:45 – Collaborative Newsletters
• 47:48 – Advanced Newsletter Strategies
• 51:59 – Kiss, Marry, Kill: Music Edition

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Holly Darling

Website - https://hollydarlinghq.com/

Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/181189192674935

Courses - https://hollydarlinghq.com/courses/

Our latest guest is J.T. Evans, fantasy, science fiction, and horror author and former president of Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group and Pikes Peak Writers. Today he brings his expertise and experience in both writing and gaming to help us dig into the nitty gritty of fantasy city building.

When not writing, he keeps computers secure at the Day Job, spends time with his family, and plays way too many tabletop games. J.T. joined the Gnome Stew Crew in March of 2016. Since that time, he has written dozens of articles for the site and has earned three Gold ENnie awards (2016, 2017, and 2018) as part of the team at Gnome Stew. He is the author of the Modern Mythology and Flashing Blades series and is hastily working on more right now.

In Part Two, We Discuss:

• Reasons and implications for city locations and environments
• City resources and the role of standardization and

• Natural disasters and character reactions to their surroundings
• Governing bodies, including some of their flaws
• Maps!

Resources and Guest Links:

• https://jtevans.net/
• The Flashing Blades series: https://jtevans.net/publications/flashing-blades/
• Modern Mythology series: https://jtevans.net/publications/modern-mythology/
• Newsletter subscription: https://jtevans.net/about/contact/
• Gnome Stew: https://gnomestew.com/
• Stay tuned for links to JT’s maps and other photo resources!

Join us in thanking JT! We’re fortunate to claim him as a writing colleague and a friend. We’re seriously grateful he lent us his expertise for this episode and loved digging into the nitty-gritty of city building with him.

Host Links:

• H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/
• David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/

Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)

• Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios,

• Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

One of the most important things you as a writer can do for yourself is determine your why. In this episode of The Plot Geek Academy, we’ll tackle how to determine what you want from your author career, what those things might be, and how knowing your why can set you up for success.

Join Troy, CJ, and Jana as they share their journey, and how you can find your own path to author success, however you define it.

Curious about building your author brand? In this episode, we explore how I’ve grown my Instagram to 740 followers, hit a 3,000-view milestone on my latest reel, and prepped for my showing at Twin Cities Con. I’ll share strategies on leveraging social media, boosting in-person book sales, and creating attention-driven marketing for authors eager to connect with readers and expand their reach. Join me for insights on turning your passion into a growing, engaged audience!

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane interview Chelle Honiker, co-founder of Indie Author Magazine, to discuss the parallels between Taylor Swift’s approach to her career and the world of indie authorship. The conversation dives into the transformative power of authenticity, setting boundaries, and building a supportive community for creatives. Chelle shares personal stories, including the importance of Taylor Swift’s music in her life, especially during challenging times, and reflects on the role of creativity as a means of connection and resilience.

The discussion highlights how indie authors, like Swift, can take control of their narratives, embrace their unique voices, and cultivate a genuine relationship with their audience. Themes of mental health, constructive criticism, and navigating the demands of a creative career are woven throughout the episode, offering practical advice for authors. The episode underscores the value of indie publishing, community building, and the ever-evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital age.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal challenges, such as family health issues, can influence and deepen an author's creative journey.
• Indie Author Magazine is dedicated to supporting writers in building successful careers.
• Taylor Swift’s music holds a powerful connection for Chelle and her family.
• The pandemic shifted how artists like Taylor Swift approached creative control and independence.
• Authenticity and vulnerability are essential in building a loyal audience as an author.
• Setting boundaries is key to protecting mental health within a demanding creative industry.
• Romance literature plays an essential role in connecting communities through storytelling.
• Constructive criticism can aid growth when approached with the right mindset.
• Building a supportive network and community is critical for indie authors’ long-term success.
• Indie authors today have more opportunities than ever to share their stories and connect with readers.

Episode Breakdown:

Harnessing Creativity: Lessons from Taylor Swift for Indie Authors

Hosts Morgana Bevan and Emily Jane discuss the impact of Taylor Swift's lyrics and business strategies on authors' careers in the Romancing Like Swift podcast. They are joined by Shell Honaker, co-founder of IndieAuthorMagazine and other initiatives, to explore the profound influence of Taylor Swift on personal and professional growth. The episode covers themes of authenticity, collaboration, and creative control while touching on Swift's various eras and her strategic navigation of fame. They also delve into maintaining boundaries, handling criticism, and embracing the evolving landscape of independent storytelling.

00:31 Guest Introduction: Shell Honaker

01:12 Shell's Background and Achievements

01:44 Author Nation Conference Details

03:34 Taylor Swift's Influence and Eras

06:50 Taylor Swift's Collaborations and Creativity

12:18 Taylor Swift's Political Stance and Impact

20:08 The Power of Romance and Empathy

20:53 Men Reading Romance: Breaking Stereotypes

23:04 Legal Fun with Literary Questions

24:17 Challenges of Marketing Romance on TikTok

25:21 Taylor Swift's Balanced Approach to Advocacy

26:28 Lessons Authors Can Learn from Taylor Swift

27:19 The Importance of Owning Your Intellectual Property

27:36 Building a Trustworthy Team

28:58 Handling Criticism and Authenticity

31:35 Navigating Fame and Setting Boundaries

33:29 The Impact of Negative Reviews

36:06 Protecting Your Mental Health as an Author

48:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell