Claim OwnershipEmbracing the Fiction Author Journey
Subscribed: 5Played: 63
Subscribe
© 2025 Embracing the Fiction Author Journey
Description
Welcome to Embracing the Fiction Author Journey (formerly Parents Who Write), the podcast that helps writers pursue their author dreams.
Join host, Erin P.T. Canning—an indie author, editor, book coach, and mom of two young boys—as she helps you make time for your writing, strengthen your voice, and gain confidence and direction, so you can own your identity as a writer and thrive as an author.
You’ll hear from other writers and authors who've been where you are and know what's coming next.
Learn what keeps them inspired, how they overcome imposter syndrome, and what they wish they'd known earlier. Gain writing, revision, publishing and marketing tips.
We’ll also talk about the craft of creative writing, including my personal favorite genres of fantasy, romance, and romantasy, and discuss techniques you can apply to your own manuscripts.
Enjoy the laughs, the writing tips, and the relief in knowing you’re not alone. Episodes release on Tuesdays.
78 Episodes
Reverse
Ready to transform your manuscript from a rough draft into a polished gem? Discover the secrets to navigating the entire editing process, whether you're working with a professional editor or sharpening your skills to self-edit your book! In this episode, join Erin P.T. Canning and special guest Allyson Wilkins, an expert editor for YA and adult fantasy and fairy tale retellings, as we demystify everything you need to know about getting your book ready for readers. Learn how to know if your ma...
Ever wonder what makes a massive novel like Callie Hart's Quicksilver tick … or maybe a struggle? Join Erin P.T. Canning for a fascinating dual review, breaking down this popular book from both a writer/editor's analytical perspective and a reader's honest opinion. In this episode of Embracing the Fiction Author Journey, Erin dives deep into Quicksilver. You'll hear insights on plot structure, character arcs, industry guidelines, and Erin's personal reading experience with this captivat...
Do you start writing fervently but get lost in the murky middle? Or have you ever had an idea for a story but you're not sure where to start? And sitting down to write a massive number of words feels intimidating? In today’s episode, learn how discovery drafts can help you capture your story idea much more quickly—and provide flexibility for pantsers. Topics discussed in this episode: Two case storiesWhat is a discovery draft?What goes into a discovery draft?Many benefitsStructuri...
Big changes are in store for Parents Who Write. In this episode, I'm excited to announce a new chapter for my podcast! I'll share the inspiration behind the name change and how it better reflects the show's current focus. Get ready for a fresh start with engaging discussions and valuable insights. ********* Connect with Erin P.T. Canning: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinptcanningeditor Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/erinptcanningeditor Book a free 30-...
Have you ever read a book and the world falls away? Pay attention to those moments. Because as writers, we can learn a lot from the books that inspire us. We should study what works and why. We can also explore what didn’t work for us and learn how that knowledge can also shape us into the writers we want to be. In today’s episode, host Erin P.T. Canning discusses The Witch Collector, a fantasy romance novel by Charissa Weaks. Learn what made this book unique with its use...
Juggling motherhood, writing, and career aspirations? Join Erin as she chats with author and editor Jessica Dall about her journey from fan fiction to publishing historical romance and romantasy. Discover the challenges and rewards of balancing writing and editing, as well as the unexpected twists and turns of motherhood and creativity. You’ll also learn valuable insights into the research process, the importance of support systems, and the power of perseverance in the writing ...
Ever wondered what makes a bestselling book tick? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of genre analysis and why having this knowledge is vital to your author career. Learn how to identify and leverage the key components that make your genre resonate with readers. You’ll also discover how understanding those components can unlock your writing potential. Tune in today so you don’t make the same mistakes I did… Oops. Topics discussed in this episode: Why you’...
Every feel like a fraud? Imposter syndrome can plague even the most successful writers. In this episode, host Erin P.T. Canning chats with developmental editor and life coach Charlotte Chipperfield about strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and building self-belief. Listen in as they explore the root causes of imposter syndrome and practical tools to silence that inner critic. You’ll also learn how to build confidence through achievement and prove to yourself that you can be an...
Do you ever feel like you're drowning under the pressure to be a perfect parent, spouse, and—on top of that—a creative writer? In today’s episode, host Erin P.T. Canning and fellow Fantasy Author Michelle Summers share their experiences and strategies for balancing writing with family life. Through this conversation, listeners will discover how Michelle and Erin combat the pressure to do it all, how to prioritize tasks in a way that refills your creative cup, and how to jump sta...
Curious about transforming journaling entries into a published memoir? Joining us today is Sarah Birnbach, author of the memoir "A Daughter's Kaddish." Sarah shares her surprising journey from journal facilitator to published author and how journaling helped her heal through grief. But the question remains: How do you take those raw, personal entries and turn them into a compelling memoir? In this episode, Sarah shares her secrets! You'll hear: Tips for overcoming overwhelm and getting you...
Have you ever wondered about audiobook opportunities for authors? In this episode, we explore the booming audiobook market and its potential benefits for authors. You’ll learn about the pros and cons of creating audiobooks, including pricing considerations, narration options, and distribution channels. But wait, there's more! We'll also address some key questions to help you decide if audiobooks are a good fit for you at this stage in your writing journey. Tune in and di...
What happens when have twenty million ideas all jumbled up in your head, and you struggle with multiple projects—or worse, multiple, multivolume series? Joining us today is Edward Green, who is a prolific writer. During this episode, Edward shares not only his writing journey but also the answers to questions that used to plague him too. Like, when you have so many ideas screaming for attention all at once, how do you keep track of all those random scenes that pop into your head? You’ll ...
Do you want to spend months, maybe even years, toiling away at the keyboard, birthing characters, perfecting your story, and publishing your writing—only for no one to read it? No, of course not. We want our words to find our ideal readers because we love writing—most days. But in order for our words to find those ideal readers, you have to learn the marketing side of this business too, regardless of whether you self-published or signed a contract with a traditional publishing house. ...
Have you ever started writing a story, and the words rush onto the page. But then you start worrying that your writing or your ideas aren’t good enough. You start rewriting chapters over and over again. You can’t shake that voice in the back of your head that says you’re doing this wrong. Something isn’t right, but you can’t pinpoint what that is. Or worse—you scrap the whole project and give up. In today’s episode, Erin shares how finding the right editor can help you avoid or blow thro...
Have you ever dreamed of writing all day long—and getting paid to do so? But then reality sets in, and you start wondering how that’s feasible? How you’d even get started? In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Sarah Werner, who shares how she planned to leave her full-time job in marketing, how she discovered the worth of her work, and how she trudged through painful writing gigs that still taught her valuable lessons. You’ll also learn how experimenting with your creativity can ...
Are you struggling to figure out where to focus next in your writing journey? From navigating various publishing paths to juggling writing workshops, marketing courses, and more, the confusion is real. In this episode, host Erin P.T. Canning reflects on the challenges she faced in previous years with balancing parenthood, editing, and writing. Despite releasing her first fantasy romance novel in 2023, she felt overwhelmed trying to balance her priorities. Find out how Erin found focu...
It’s that time of year again when we ponder what we want to achieve in the new year. For parents who write, our lives are exceptionally busy, so planning our writing goals is crucial to our success. However, we also need to intentionally set writing goals that we can realistically achieve. So if you haven’t already sat down to plan out your writing goals for the new year, use this template that is tried, tested, and true. Help set yourself up for success and ensure that whatever story ...
Have you contemplated designing your own book cover, or wondered what to expect if you hire a professional? Joining today’s conversation is Katia Balab, who has joined the MiblArt family, a book cover design company that's based in the Ukraine. They have been helping self-publishing authors and publishers create book covers that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also an effective marketing tool. Thanks to Katia’s expertise, you’ll learn about the science behind effective cover d...
As your story expands, do you find keeping track of the evolving ideas and details overwhelming? What about if you’re writing not just one book but a whole series? In today’s episode, you’ll learn how you can maintain consistency and track story threads, regardless of whether you’re working with professional editors or beta readers. You’ll walk away knowing how to better communicate with your editor about their offerings, including whether they’ll create a style sheet for you. E...
Ever wonder how some authors are able to cover come the hurdles that most, if not all, writer’s face? Welcome back to part 2 of our journey through the 2023 Write Women Book Fest in Bowie, Maryland. In this episode, you’ll hear from seven women writers, each with their own compelling tales, as they offer insights into their passion for writing, the challenges they've overcome, and the messages they're eager to share with you. From holiday contemporary romance to high school fic...
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
Thank you for this. i have been struggling to decide where to start due to my ADHD and you have given amazing advice! favorited episode 😍