We Fight So You Don't Have To

Best friends and co-authors of seven novels, including the Amazon Charts bestselling book, The Good Widow, Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke use biting humor to share lessons they’ve learned during their thirty-year friendship. They talk about their ups—and especially their downs. Including sharing the brutal truth about the rejection they’ve faced in the publishing industry. <br /><br />Listen in and hear for yourself why Liz and Lisa have also cultivated a passionate following on social media. They tell it like it is. They laugh—or in Liz’s case, snort—at themselves. They aren’t afraid to expose their own flaws and failures as they navigate being business partners and friends while juggling motherhood, their families and other friendships.<br /><br />In a nutshell: They fight so you don’t have to.

Episode 51| We Fight So You Don't Have To. . . On Christmas Day

Liz and Lisa STILL don't always get it right when they communicate, even with thirty plus years of friendship under their belts. So yes, they fought on Christmas, of all days. Listen to find out what was said that made Liz's head explode and drove Lisa to put on a literal mask of shame. And why they decided it’s okay to fight—even on a holiday.Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

02-07
39:16

Episode 50| Mike Fenton Speaks His Truth

It's our 50th podcast episode, so who better to have as a guest than MIKE FENTON, who just turned 50! He is reluctantly joining us as we recount his birthday trip to Cabo, the turf war we had with another birthday boy named Michael, and why he is never making Liz a taco again. If you love all things Mike Fenton or are just curious about the dynamics of long-term marriages, couples traveling together or the relationships between best friends and their husbands, this episode is a must-listen!Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

01-23
53:20

Episode 49| How it Works: Interview with Alcove Press Production Manager Rebecca Nelson

IIn this episode of their How it Works series, Liz and Lisa chat with the production manager for Crooked Lane Books and Alcove Press. From contract negotiation to cover concepts to submitting books for awards, Rebecca Nelson does it all. Even more impressive, she finished her graduate degree just two and a half years ago. If you're wondering how to break into the book business, this is a great episode to listen to as Rebecca shares her secrets to how to get hired in book publishing. Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

01-10
25:44

Episode 48| How it Works: Interview with Agent Holly Root

Are you trying to get an agent? On this episode of How it Works, Liz and Lisa talk to their agent, Holly Root of Root Literary about what will make your book stand out from the others. She also shares why certain books soar to the top of the best seller charts after they are published. And why she thinks authors need to learn to let go of control over sales. If you are looking for an agent, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!If you have questions or comments about this episode, email Liz@Lizandlisa.com and write podcast in the subject line.

12-15
44:09

Episode 47| How it Works: Interview with Book Marketing Manager Madeline Rathle

In this episode of the "How it Works" series, Liz and Lisa interview Madeline Rathle, the marketing manager at their publisher, Alcove Press. She shares the do's and don'ts of authors on social media. And she answers a burning question for Liz and Lisa: Should they join Tik Tok? Her answer might surprise you!Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

12-06
30:23

Episode 3| The Tricycle

Long before Lisa got married, she spent a majority of her time as the third wheel to Liz and her husband. They dubbed themselves: The Tricycle. They rode to many events together, even Liz and Lisa’s ten-year high school reunion! Most recently, the three of them dusted off the wheels of their trike and went on a cruise with a group of Liz and Lisa’s readers, and they can’t wait to tell you all about it. Hint: It was just like riding a bike. (Wink, wink.)Liz & Lisa want to hear from you! Email them at liz@lizandlisa.com, and put PODCAST in the subject line.

02-25
30:49

Episode 2| The Scarlet Letter

Liz and Lisa had a fight before high school graduation that could have ended their friendship. In a nutshell: Liz did something Lisa didn't agree with. So Lisa took it upon herself to inform the person who was affected by Liz's choice. The result? A complete and total sh*t storm and a scarlet letter added to Liza's varsity jacket. Decades later, Liz and Lisa are grateful their seventeen-year-old selves didn't blow up their friendship. (They are also damn thankful that they are not idiot teenagers anymore!) But now, as parents of their own teens, Liz & Lisa hope their experiences—both good and bad—will help nudge their kids in the right direction.Liz & Lisa want to hear from you! Email Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

02-21
29:09

Episode 1| 1987

1987 isn’t only the year Fatal Attraction was number one at the box office. (Remember Glenn Close and the boiling bunny?) It’s also when we met. Our paths first crossed as fourteen-year-old freshman strutting across their high school campus in mom jeans and shoulder-padded shirts. Back then, as we fantasized about Kirk Cameron and listened to Debbie Gibson on our Walkmans, we could have never predicted that thirty-three years later, we’d still be BFF’s and have co-written seven novels together. And have our own podcast! (We probably would have asked what the hell a podcast was, but that’s beside the point!)In this episode, as we chug (er, sip) champagne, we’ll bring you into our warped little world of lifelong friendship that boasts endless stories, secrets and arguments. You’ll hear about the fight we had at the end of our senior year that prompted one of our moms to call Cal Poly Pomona and proclaim, “They will not be rooming together!” Because: we fight so you don’t have to!Have a question? Comment? Idea? Email us at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

01-29
46:39

Episode 63| We Fight So You Don't Have To: At Bouchercon

What happens when a blue moon and a mystery book convention collide? Liz and Lisa have a fight! Listen in as they discuss how an author friend got stuck in the middle of one of their squabbles and why their memoir will be titled, Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

10-17
35:45

Episode 62| WTF Is This Book About? The Husband by Maud Ventura

Liz & Lisa continue with the WTF book club. This episode they are discussing MY HUSBAND by Maud Ventura. It's an immersive read with so many layers and a hell of an ending! Also-listen to find out why audio might be your best bet.Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

09-18
23:43

Episode 61| We Went to Italy Again: Part 2

Liz & Lisa finish telling the tale of their Tuscan adventures. Did they make it through the trip without fighting? Did they drink ALL the wine in Italy? Did the teens break anything in the villa? You'll have to listen to find out. Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

09-05
50:09

Episode 60| When Your First Child Goes To College

Liz’s firstborn daughter is off to college at WSU. (Go Cougs!) Liz and Lisa talk about the highs and lows of moving your child out of the house and into their dorm. Liz shares the tips and tricks she learned along the way. And maybe how some secret tears were shed courtesy of a Counting Crows song? You'll have to listen to understand.Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

08-21
42:28

Episode 59| We Went to Italy Again: Part 1

Liz & Lisa and their families spent most of June in Italy--and OF COURSE there are stories! Lisa hosted her entire family (and Liz's) in a secluded Tuscan villa and Liz has five teens in tow. Listen in for all the tea behind those instagram stories.A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

08-09
35:09

Episode 58| The Struggle Bus with Vanessa Lillie

Liz and Lisa welcome Vanessa Lillie aboard the struggle bus to talk about second chances in publishing. Vanessa reveals her scariest moment, what she did to connect to her soul purpose and shares the Hail Mary that kept her in the publishing game. Whether you’re an aspiring author or have already been published, this is a must-listen because of all the invaluable advice Vanessa shares. Have a comment?A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

07-25
42:33

Episode 57| WTF is this Book About?: Forever Hold Your Peace

Liz and Lisa launch a new series where they host a book club the only way they know how: Liz & Lisa style. Which pretty much means they are figuring it out as they go!They’’ll dish on books they’ve loved, starting with their own—because they’re no strangers to shameless self-promo. Forever Hold Your Peace will be published this week. Cue the champagne! It’s a party! They talk about their characters (who do they relate to?), southern California settings (there are several), friendship break ups and reconciliations, love stories, and more. Plus, they surprise each other with shocking and insightful questions. Listen in, this is one book club you don’t want to miss!Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

07-09
46:44

Episode 56| How it Works: Co-Authoring with Christine Pride and Jo Piazza

Liz & Lisa love to chat with other co-author duos so they are thrilled to sit down with Jo Piazza and Christine Pride to discuss their origin story, how they write together, and the complexities of writing characters outside of your race. And OF COURSE they also dish on the complexities of the publishing industry! Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

05-30
40:15

Episode 55| Rom-coms and Mom-coms

Liz & Lisa talk rom-coms, mom-coms, and summer TBR lists with fellow Alcove Press authors Annie Cathryn and Heidi Shertok.Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

05-10
30:33

Episode 54| What No One Tells You About Aging and Menopause with Author Karma Brown

Liz and Lisa talk with their friend and international bestselling author of Recipe for a Perfect Wife Karma Brown about turning fifty and all the things NO ONE will tell you. They get into it all: the emotions around leaving your forties behind, the body and mood changes (so many!) and the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy. And Karma, a cancer survivor, shares what she’s learned about menopause and why she considers getting older a blessing. If you’re confused, anxious or just a little curious about aging, you won’t want to miss this conversation! Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

04-24
53:29

Episode 53| How it Works: Pre-publishing Anxiety with author Steven Rowley

Steven Rowley, bestselling author of The Guncle, joins Liz and Lisa so they can freak out together about their upcoming publication dates! He shares his story (every author has one!) about the highs and lows of his own experiences as well as his best advice for how to handle the stress and lack of control around having a book come out. And Liz and Lisa reveal that even though they know better, their inner control freaks are beginning to rear their ugly heads as July 11th, the publication date of their eighth novel, Forever Hold Your Peace, nears. You won't want to miss this one. Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

04-04
49:08

Episode 52| Get Out of Your Book Slump!

Liz and Lisa surprise each other with three books they've each read and loved, recently and. . . not so recently. (Lisa didn't understand the assignment!) If you've been in a reading slump, listen in, because Liz and Lisa share some great book ideas—from a friendship saga that will pull at your heart strings to a page-turner with a fresh, smart and sassy protagonist. Liz and Lisa don’t always like the same reads, so this is a perfect blend of books that will satisfy everyone. Have a comment? A question? Something you'd like to know about the publishing industry? Email Liz & Lisa at Liz@lizandlisa.com and put PODCAST in the subject line.

03-20
40:24

Recommend Channels