Advertise on podcast: Romancing the Story: Writing Romance, Storytelling, and Book Structure

"I think the number one thing (for an audiobook) is collaboration is the key..." Audiobooks are an intimate experience. Author Loren Sorensen and Narrators Willa Jaymes and Christian Leatherman would know about creating stories - both in a book and in the booth. Loren gives us a glimpse behind the inspiration of her novella, The Trouble with Christmas. We also delve into Christian's thorough prep work and Willa's careful, immersive approach to character work. Connect with Loren: https://www.lorensorensenwrites.net/ Instagram: @lorensorensenwrites TikTok: @lorensorensenwrites Shopify: https://lsorensenbookstop.myshopify.com/ Connect with Willa: https://www.willa-jaymes.com/ Instagram: @willajaymesnarrator TikTok: @willajaymesnarrator Facebook: @willajaymesnarrator Connect with Christian: https://christianleatherman.com/ Instagram: @leathermanaudio TikTok: @leathermanaudio Audible: https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Christian+Leatherman Check out The Trouble with Christmas: https://amzn.to/4q3skkk --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show

"There's a reason a lot of the marginalized characters start out in places like Wattpad...it becomes this people driven publishing house in a way...." Watty award winning author, Lux Raven, understands how platforms like Wattpad are influencing publishing, reader's habits, and the rules of writing. We chat the success of serialized fiction and how authors can succeed there too. Plus, we chat the making of binge-able moments that can help build an audience. Connect with Lux: https://www.luxravenwrites.com/ Instagram: @luxravenwrites Wattpad: @LuxRaven TikTok: @luxravenwrites Check out the Siren's Mark Duology: https://amzn.to/48JyxvW --------- Special Thanks to: Heather Kay Ling - Narrator https://www.heatherkayling.com/ --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show

"Someone said to me in my twenties...you can have it all but not all at the same time and that has stuck with me for a long time."  Award winning author, Alisha Fernandez Miranda joined me to chat the myth of “having it all,” motherhood, following your passions, and embracing strengths featured in her debut, Someone's Gotta Give. We also discuss the realities of working in philanthropy, fiction versus memoire writing, and exploring viewpoints of ambition and burnout.  Connect with Alisha: https://www.alishafmiranda.com/ Instagram: @alishafmiranda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alishafernandezmiranda/ Check out Someone's Gotta Give: https://amzn.to/47ZkTVt --------- Media Mentions: Poderistas https://poderistas.com/ Good Morning America Interview https://youtu.be/_GmQ1JEE4BI?si=BaG09OBt-uGe_W6V --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

"...usually (writing) my central character is early for me and my central themes are early for me and everything else springs from that, and that includes the magic..." Author and Veteran video game writer, Morgan Lockhart blends magic, game‑style lore, and emotional stakes in her writing, enough to craft character thematics and individual journeys of magic. We discuss the influence of game writing mechanics in a narrative, shout-outs to Jim Henson, and using family and traditions to address emotional and mental health in the cozy, small town holiday setting. Connect with Morgan: https://www.lockhartwrites.com/ Instagram: @lockhartwrites BlueSky: @mizdoomcookie.bsky.social Check out A Spell for Midwinter's Heart: https://amzn.to/3WJa8QC --------- Media Mentions: Craft Tips for Writing a Magic-Filled Story with She Writes https://shewrites.com/craft-tips-for-writing-a-magic-filled-story/ The Muppet Christmas Carol https://amzn.to/4hR0mW4 Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas https://amzn.to/49LOi6x --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

"My therapist and I talk all the time about how the support system you have and where you're at (in life) totally dictates how you handle recovery." Romance Author Thea Claire portrays realistic recovery from addiction in her novels and how resilience shapes character arcs, emotional truths, and heals trauma. We explore the track of her own recovery and the importance of community, pushing through setbacks, and the impact it has on long-term growth.  Connect with Thea: https://thea-claire-author.square.site/ Facebook: @theaclaireauthor Instagram: @theaclaireauthor TikTok: @theaclaireauthor Check out The Recovering Good Girl Series: https://amzn.to/4n5Ayqz --------- Media Mentions: Pucking Around by Emily Rath https://amzn.to/47jFm6O Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez https://amzn.to/4okOjCL --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

"You want to (write dark themes) in a way that's sensitive and include the dark content but also consider the impact."  Sarah Hawley, USA Today Bestselling Author, writes dark fantasy worldbuilding that makes rebellion feel inevitable and magic feel consequential, a drastic shift from her lighter rom-coms. Focusing on her high fantasy series, we discuss creating believable rebellion arcs, designing a dark narrative that shapes story stakes, and techniques for deepening character motivation, along with themes of escapism, rebellion, and fighting for a better world even when the odds are against you. Connect with Sarah: https://www.sarahhawleyauthor.com/ Instagram: @mssarahhawley Twitter: @MsSarahHawley Check out "Servant of Earth" by Sarah Hawley, the first book in The Shards of Magic Series: https://amzn.to/3GE7RRW --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

"One thing I love about the romance genre is that you're allowed to have those big, emotional moments....without apology." Romance Author and former Hallmark creative producer, Bryn Donovan discusses the charming and humorous moments that arise with miscommunication in romcoms, the challenges of a love that transcends time, and the heartwarming journey that led to her novel being published and made into a movie. Connect with Bryn: https://www.bryndonovan.com/ Instagram: @bryndonovanauthor TikTok: @bryndonovan Twitter/X: @BrynDonovan YouTube: @BrynDonovanWriter Facebook: @AuthorBrynDonovan Find "Her Knight at the Museum" by Bryn Donovan: https://amzn.to/44nRClL --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

"...each enneagram has a really unhealthy bar all the way up to a healthy bar. So for me, it's 'where did my character start on the bar?' and 'how do I get them to a healthy place of the enneagram through the story?'..." USA Today Bestselling Author Krystal Shannan explains how the Enneagram can shape believable motivations, conflicts, and arcs to make characters unforgettable. We explore their powerful application in character development and character arcs. Discover how the nine Enneagram types can help you create characters who are relatable, genuine, and dynamic. Krystal provides insights to craft characters that resonate deeply with your readers and drive compelling narratives. Connect with Krystal: https://www.krystalshannan.com/ YouTube: @KrystalShannan Facebook: @KrystalShannan Instagram: @krystalshannan --------- Other Media Mentions: The Enneagram Institute https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

"For (the politican couple), it's almost a negotiation -  I know what I want. Are you able to give it to me? And just having that back and forth." Romance Author Alicia Wilder created a not-so-secret, forced proximity romance set in Washington DC with likeable characters to boot in My Secret Vice. She walked through the process of toeing the line between politics and passion and talks about building a West Wing-type romance with emotional depth, older MCs, ambitions, and respecting power balance. Connect with Alicia: https://aliciawilder.com/ TikTok - @aliciabwilder Instagram - @aliciabwilder Facebook - @aliciabwilder Twitter/X - @aliciabwilder Tumblr - https://www.tumblr.com/aliciabwilder GoodReads - Alicia_Wilder Find Alicia Wilder's books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fo5e2A --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

"...if I want readers to be able to identify with the character then I want them to be able to identify with the illness specifically...I can't be ashamed to put the name (of illness) on the page." Romance author Cara Dion knows writing through the pain of chronic illness is not just about the physical aspects but touches ever part of her life. We chat her experience with chronic illness, the way it affects her writing and using romance as a way to create relatable characters and powerful commentary on challenges, both illness and beyond. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a good, ol' fashioned Hemingway to Sierra Simone pipeline? Find Cara Dion on Kindle: https://amzn.to/4d95nWh Connect with Cara: https://www.caradion.com/ Facebook - @caradion.author Instagram - @caradion.author --------- Media Mentioned: Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert https://amzn.to/4e3sDGh Priest by Sierra Simone https://amzn.to/3XtiJqr --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show Support the show

"I think initially planning it out was kind of difficult. Only because...(the writer) is very descriptive. She says she can't draw, but in my mind, (they) just do it differently. (Writers) do it with words." USA Today Bestselling Author C.A. Szarek collaborated with comic artist Gilbert Perez to create an illustrated version of her romantic fantasy novel. Chrissy provides the writer's perspective of how she was able to convey and hone down her story to the essentials to be illustrated. Gilbert provides the artist perspective of composing scenes, managing workload, and figuring out limitations - such as color blindness - to create art. Connect with C.A. Szarek: http://www.caszarek.com/ Twitter/X - @caszarek Instagram - @caszarek Facebook - @caszarek Connect with Gilbert Perez https://gilbertperezart.wixsite.com/2021 Instagram - @gilbertperezart TikTok - @gilbertperezart Twitter/X - @gilbertperezart Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gilbertperezart?mibextid=ZbWKwL Sword’s Call Illustrated Edition by C.A. Szarek — Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/caszarek/swords-call-illustrated-edition Find C.A. Szarek's books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m --------- Other Media Mentions: Path of the Pale Rider Issues #1 - 5 by Laurie Calcaterra https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pathofthepalerider/path-of-the-pale-rider-issue-5 Ep 65 - Building an Interconnected Series with C.A. Szarek https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/13976922 Ep 35 - Highlander Time-Travel Trope and Writing with C.A. Szarek https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11426240 Lauren Smith's Wicked Designs: The Illustrated Edition https://amzn.to/3Zbe0wg ---------  The YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

"....(Screenwriting) is, to me, a lot more puzzle-like than novels...if somebody gives me a screenplay to read that is 140 pages, I know it doesn't work." Award-winning author Emily Roberson explores the intricacies of adaptation as she delves into how to write compelling scripts. From options as an author to translating a story to the screen, Emily shares insights, challenges, and plenty of examples. Whether you’re a writer or simply curious about storytelling, join us as we unpack the written word and its visual counterpart. Connect with Emily https://www.emilyrobersonbooks.com/ YouTube: @emilyrobersonbooks TikTok: @robersonemily Instagram: @robersonemilym Twitter/X: @RobersonEmily Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters by Emily Roberson https://amzn.to/3YW8bCH --------- Other Media Mentions: Time to Write with Amy Kelly and Emily Roberson https://timetowritepodcast.com/ "The Screenwriting Life” with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna https://www.thescreenwritinglife.co/ Michael Arndt https://www.youtube.com/@michaelarndt8848 Cinestory https://cinestory.org/ --------- The YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

"As a romance fan, we couldn't get anybody or any of the networks to buy into....(or) pay to make these adaptations, and so we started our own streaming platform..." Tosca Musk, CEO and founder behind streaming service Passionflix, takes proper time, care, and effort to make a romance book into a movie for the fans. We chat determining what role she takes in each production, the power of delegating and getting fans involved with productions. It's all part of her master plan-fingers crossed! Connect with Tosca https://passionflix.com/ Twitter/X: @toscamusk Instagram: @toscamusk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057793790249 Passionflix membership https://watch.passionflix.com/ --------- Media Mentions: Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J. R. Ward https://amzn.to/46YvzBf The Air He Breathes by Brittainy Cherry https://amzn.to/4dPG4t2 Gabriel's Inferno Trilogy https://amzn.to/3yKD5Dp Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre https://amzn.to/3yLFBJy Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout https://amzn.to/4fUskPl --------- The YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

"...and if you create this single story for a people of a certain historically, marginalized identities; you know, that gets taken by readers and it gets inside of them in ways we might not expect or intend to..." Award-winning author Alex Temblador commitment to diverse storytelling helped create a tool to authentically write and edit a character whose identity differs. We delve into the art of authentically writing characters whose identities differ from our own by exploring the complexities of crafting diverse characters, addressing topics such as identity terms, stereotypes, and unconscious biases. Connect with Alex https://www.alextemblador.com/ https://www.writinganidentitynotyourown.com/ Twitter/X: @alex_temblador Instagram: @alex_temblador Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1360921567 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextemblador/ GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15807980.Alex_Temblador Writing an Identity Not Your Own: A Guide for Creative Writers https://amzn.to/4dhE8JS --------- Other Media Mentions: Writing the Other (Conversation Pieces) https://amzn.to/3X467Gj Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much | Stella Young https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K9Gg164Bsw --------- The YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

"...Introducing family shows a different side (to the character) and allows the character to be a little more well-rounded in the way they interact..." Writing instructor and multi-genre author, Amber Royer, encounters the challenges and surprises of introducing new characters with her Bean to Bar Cozy Mystery Series. She even touched on understating off-page characters until authors know the dynamics they present with the main protagonist and the importance of moving a character forward.  Connect with Amber http://amberroyer.com/ Twitter/X: @amber_royer Instagram: @amberroyerauthor Facebook: @Amber.Royer.Author Bean to Bar Mysteries Series by Amber Royer https://amzn.to/465yUNI Amber Royer - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoA_29HV2nPmRnox9LPVanw --------- Media Mentions: Stop or My Mom Will Shoot https://amzn.to/46B1OpZ Case Closed https://amzn.to/4fHHwzw --------- Amber's Other Episode: Ep 14 - Character Agency, Motives and Chocolate-writing https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/8890402 Ep 43 - Making a Cozy Mystery Cozy https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12098109 Ep 61 - Writing Engaging Pets and Animal Sidekicks https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/13653198 --------- The YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show