Author and artist Tessa Burns joins Laura Joy Lloyd to discuss how a character “in the back of the room” became a story’s heart-wrenching focal point. What happens when an author pours themself into the story. Why bumblebees are a metaphor for life. Whether or not bloopers should be included in podcast episodes. And so much more.

Discover more about Tessa Burns and her novel Candace Can-Can Cook: https://tessaburns.com/

Discover Tessa’s Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TessaBurnsCreative

Learn more about Wren Island books by Laura Joy Lloyd: https://www.laurajoylloyd.com/books/

Learn more about interactive serialized fiction: https://www.laurajoylloyd.com/what-is-interactive-serialized-fiction/

Become a Wren Islander: https://www.laurajoylloyd.com/sign-up-for-lauras-posts/

About Laura Joy Lloyd

Laura Joy Lloyd writes uplifting contemporary stories set on Pacific Northwest islands. Through an innovative style she calls interactive serialized fiction, Laura invites readers to influence many of her projects in real time as she writes. Laura also enjoys swimming, knitting, keeping company with creatives, and organizing whatever feels messy.

Find more fun stuff on Laura’s website: https://www.laurajoylloyd.com/

Episode website: https://www.laurajoylloyd.com/a-conversation-with-tessa-burns-part-1-rwlj133/

Release date: July 11, 2025

Music credit: “plain-accoustic-inspiring-folk-music-128699” courtesy of Pixabay