Literary Blend: A Publishing Podcast

Welcome to Literary Blend: A Publishing Podcast, hosted by Demi Michelle Schwartz. Tune into new chapters every other Sunday to hear insightful conversations with authors, agents, editors, and other publishing industry professionals. There’s no perfect recipe for chasing a dream in publishing, but Demi hopes this show gives you the ingredients to bake yours into reality.

Chapter 44 - Five Pieces of Golden Writing Advice with T. A. Chan

Wow, you are in for such a treat. Chapter forty-four is a unique one packed with priceless gems. T. A. Chan joined me to share five pieces of golden writing advice, plus a fabulous bonus. These are things she wishes she knew before starting her publishing journey. I absolutely loved having Tina on the show for this truly wonderful and insightful conversation. Trust me, you’ll walk away from this one with so much fantastic information. So, get ready to take notes and move forward in the publishing industry with newfound knowledge.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

11-17
23:48

Chapter 43 - Conquering Writer’s Block with Dani Abernathy

As authors, we all face writer’s block from time to time, but guess what? Dani Abernathy joined me for chapter forty-three of the show to talk about conquering writer’s block. From discussing various sources of writer’s block to tips for overcoming it, our conversation covers it all. I hope our chat gives you the knowledge and tools you need to triumph over your own writer’s block in order to keep progressing on your author journey.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

11-17
35:20

Chapter 42 - Anthologies Through a Business Lens with Arwyn Sherman

Okay, friends, I got my crown on! Chapter forty-two is a special one. If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with anthologies, and I’m honored Arwyn Sherman joined me on the show to cover anthologies through a business lens. We talked about choosing where to submit our work, submission guidelines, what to look out for in contracts, editing for anthologies, and more. I can’t thank Arwyn enough for chatting about anthologies with me, so whether you’re new to anthologies or have been part of this wonderful world for a while, I hope you take something valuable away from our conversation.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

11-03
33:40

Chapter 41 - Breathing Life Back into the Author Dream with Katie Brown

Pursuing a career in publishing is a roller coaster ride, and sometimes, we struggle to chase our dreams. I’m excited to share a wonderful conversation with Katie Brown for chapter forty-one of the show on breathing life back into the author dream. From defining the author dream to finding ways to get back on track when things are rough, we covered it all. I’m so glad Katie joined me for this chat, so I hope it encourages you to keep going after your author dreams while holding onto your love for writing.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

11-03
26:18

Chapter 40 - Writing Horror with Sara Tantlinger

Happy spooky season! There’s no better time of year to spotlight the horror genre. I’m delighted to share my conversation with Bram Stoker Award-winning author Sara Tantlinger on writing horror for chapter forty of the show. We covered the diversity of the horror genre, tips for capturing the emotion of dread, crafting compelling protagonists and villains, establishing a horror setting and atmosphere, common pitfalls of the genre, and much more. I loved chatting with Sara, so I hope our conversation inspires you to write a horror story of your own.If you would like to check out Sara’s work, head over to her website: https://saratantlinger.com/Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

10-20
31:11

Chapter 39 - The Indie Writing Life with Shaelynn Long

Are you all about the indie writing life? Well, Shaelynn Long is. She joined me for chapter thirty-nine of the show to cover indie publishing. During our chat, we talked about choosing the right path to publication based on our personalities and goals, the support found with a small press, the importance of marketing, finding a balance between writing and life, and so much more. Shaelynn was a delight to have on the show, so I hope our conversation gives you insight into indie publishing and its benefits.If you would like to check out Shaelynn’s work, head over to her website: https://www.shaelynnlong.com/Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

10-20
29:08

Chapter 38 - Overcoming Barriers as an Author with J.K. Raymond

Wow, you are in for a real treat with chapter thirty-eight. J.K. Raymond joined me on the show to talk about overcoming barriers as an author. This vulnerable and honest conversation speaks for itself, so I invite you to hit play and enjoy. No matter what you’re facing in your life, please remember you’re not alone.If you would like to connect with J.K. and check out her work, head over to her website: https://www.jkraymond.com/Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

10-06
27:30

Chapter 37 - Maintaining Authorial Authenticity in a Commercial Market with Riley Kilmore

Today, I’m delighted to bring you chapter thirty-seven of Literary Blend with Riley Kilmore all about maintaining authorial authenticity in a commercial market. During our chat, we covered writing authentic characters, achieving a deep point of view, writing genres and age categories that feel natural, keeping marketability in mind, working with editors, being receptive to feedback, and more. I can’t thank Riley enough for joining me for such a fabulous conversation, so I hope you love listening.If you would like to check out Riley’s work and stay up to date with her events and more, head over to her website: https://rileykilmore.com/Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

10-06
32:10

Chapter 36 - Creating a Writing Ritual with Diane Billas

Happy Fall Equinox! Today is the perfect day to share chapter thirty-six of Literary Blend with Diane Billas on creating a writing ritual. From working on manuscripts during a certain time of day and changing up writing locations to creating a writing-work balance and beyond, Diane and I covered it all. I hope our conversation inspires you to create your own writing ritual as you make fabulous progress on your manuscripts.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

09-22
24:56

Chapter 35 - Mental Health and the Querying Process with Danielle Render Turmaud

Wow, I have a truly fantastic chapter for you today. Author and trauma therapist Danielle Render Turmaud joined me for chapter thirty-five to cover mental health and the querying process. We talked about querying through psychological and biological lenses, bringing a research-based flare to how querying affects mental health. I can’t thank Danielle enough for coming on the show and sharing her wisdom with the writing community. I learned so much during our fascinating chat, so I hope you do, too.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

09-08
26:59

Chapter 34 - Twitter Pitch Events with Kate Pockett

We have made it to chapter thirty-four of the show, and wow, it’s a fun one. Kate Pockett, who is one of the co-owners of PopUpPit, joined me to cover Twitter pitch events. From crafting pitches and following rules to having the right author mindset while participating in events, our conversation has it all. Pitch events occur frequently, so I hope my chat with Kate helps you prepare for the next one, whether you’re new to the writing community or have taken part in these events for a while.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

08-25
27:09

Chapter 33 - Research and Realism with Ian Tan

Do you think research is fun? If not, I bet chapter thirty-three of Literary Blend will change your mind. I’m delighted to share my conversation with Ian Tan about research and realism. We talked about the importance of research, pulling real-world elements into fantastical stories, crafting immersive and realistic settings, and so much more. No matter what genre you write, research and realism are key, so I hope my chat with Ian gives you insight into how you can make your own stories believable and immersive for readers.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

08-25
28:04

Chapter 32 - Building an Author Platform with Emily Rae

Okay, friends, it’s time for a mini business class, but don’t worry, it’s a fun one. I’m delighted to bring you chapter thirty-two of the show with Emily Rae on building an author platform. From talking about the benefits of having an author platform to advice for creating a website and social media presence, we covered it all. I hope our conversation gives you the tools you need to build your own author platform and show readers and publishing professionals who you are as you chase your dreams.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

08-11
28:10

Chapter 31 - Landing Podcast Interviews as an Author with Michelle Glogovac

Talking about podcasts on a podcast is a real plot twist, if you ask me. I’m so excited to share my conversation with Michelle Glogovac for chapter thirty-one on landing podcast interviews as an author. During our chat, we discussed why podcast interviews are important for authors, tips for a recording setup, advice for pitching to podcasts, what to do after episodes are released, and more. If you have ever wondered how to be a guest on podcasts as an author, this conversation is for you.Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you.Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://demimschwartz.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartzInstagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartzThank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

08-11
24:49

Chapter 30 - Tackling First Drafts with Mitra De Souza

Are you dreaming about writing your new book? If so, same here, but dreaming won’t make it a reality. You have to grab your pen and paper or put your fingers on the keyboard and write the story. I’m over the moon to share chapter thirty of the show with Mitra De Souza on tackling first drafts. Our conversation is packed with insights and advice, from going from a blank page to a finished draft. I absolutely loved having Mitra on the show, so I hope our chat gives you tips, tricks, and encouragement as you tackle your own first drafts. If you would like to stay connected with Mitra and check out her debut novel, The Fragile, head over to her website: https://mitradesouza.com/ Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you. Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.com Website: http://demimschwartz.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartz Instagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartz Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

07-28
28:29

Chapter 29 - Healing Through Writing with Heather Kays

Chapter twenty-nine of Literary Blend is a special and vulnerable one. I’m so glad Heather Kays joined me on the show to talk about healing through writing. We had a very open conversation about the healing power of writing, from fictionalizing past trauma to turning to our craft as a way to escape. I truly hope you love listening to our conversation and that it brings you comfort and reminds you you’re not alone. Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you. Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.com Website: http://demimschwartz.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartz Instagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartz Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

07-28
27:09

Chapter 28 - Diversity in Publishing with Ciara Smith

Thank you for flipping the page to chapter twenty-eight. This is an important one with Ciara Smith about diversity in publishing. From talking about the publishing business and querying to diverse representation in books, we covered it all. I can’t thank Ciara enough for joining me on the show to tackle this topic, and I hope our conversation gives you a glimpse into diversity in publishing. Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you. Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.com Website: http://demimschwartz.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartz Instagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartz Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

07-28
29:04

Chapter 27 - A Peek into Picture Books with Stephanie Henson

Okay, cover your eyes. Hey, don’t peek! Fine, you can peek. I’m beyond excited to share chapter twenty-seven of Literary Blend with Stephanie Henson on a peek into picture books. We talked about the picture book market, specific PB elements, working with an illustrator, and much more. It was a true delight having Stephanie on the show for such an insightful conversation, so I hope you learn lots about picture books. If you would like to check out Stephanie’s work, head over to her website: https://stephanie-henson.weebly.com/ Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you. Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.com Website: http://demimschwartz.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartz Instagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartz Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

07-14
29:18

Chapter 26 - Crafting a Short Story Collection with Michael Goodwin Hilton

Do you write short stories? If so, have you ever considered creating a collection? I’m delighted to share my insightful conversation with Michael Goodwin Hilton for chapter twenty-six of the show on crafting a short story collection. Michael’s debut short story collection, What the Statue Thinks, was published by Wild Ink Publishing, so he has first-hand experience with this topic. From discussing the process of choosing the stories for a collection to tips for ordering them to take readers on a journey, we covered it all. I learned so much during our chat, so I hope you do as well. Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you. Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.com Website: http://demimschwartz.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartz Instagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartz Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

07-14
34:30

Chapter 25 - Writing for the Middle Grade Audience with Carey Blankenship-Kramer

Here we go, friends. We have reached chapter twenty-five of Literary Blend with Carey Blankenship-Kramer about writing for the middle grade audience. Whether you write for this age category or are simply interested in gaining industry knowledge, this conversation is for you. Carey and I covered tips for writing middle grade and things to avoid, the difference between lower MG and upper MG, word count expectations for this age category, writing a stand-alone vs a series, and so much more. Also, Carey unveiled the details about her upcoming middle grade horror debut, Ghost Scouts Honor. I loved having Carey on the show, so I hope our chat gives you a glimpse into writing for the middle grade audience. If you would like to stay up to date with all Carey is up to, head over to her website: https://www.careyblankenshipkramer.com/ Are you enjoying Literary Blend? Do you have a topic suggestion for a chapter? Would you like to be a guest on the show? I would love to hear from you. Show Email: literaryblendpodcast@gmail.com Website: http://demimschwartz.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartz Instagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartz Thank you so much for listening. Until we flip to the next chapter of Literary Blend, happy reading and writing!

07-14
26:18

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