What happens behind the pen names?

In this engaging and honest episode, author Olivia Beirne joins the podcast to talk about writing across genres, navigating the publishing world, and what it’s really like managing multiple pen names.

Olivia shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of building different author identities, and how she stays true to her voice no matter the name on the cover. We also discuss the importance of support networks, handling reader reviews, overcoming creative blocks, and balancing writing with everyday life—all with plenty of laughs along the way.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a published author, or simply curious about the realities of author life, this conversation offers inspiration, practical insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at the modern publishing journey.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow the podcast for more conversations with authors and creatives.

Episode Takeaways

• Writing under multiple pen names comes with both creative freedom and unique challenges

• Staying true to your voice matters more than the name on the book

• Support networks play a vital role in an author’s journey

• Personal experiences strongly influence authentic storytelling

• Reader reviews can affect mindset and confidence

• Writer’s block is a common challenge—even for established authors

• Balancing creativity with real-life commitments is an ongoing process

• The publishing industry continues to evolve

• Social media can deepen connections between authors and readers

• Writing is about authenticity, consistency, and connection

In today’s episode, we welcome the brilliantly funny, wildly talented, and endlessly inspiring Lindsey Kelk — bestselling author, broadcaster, and all-round queen of wit.

Lindsey takes us on a journey from her childhood in a small mining village in South Yorkshire to building a thriving writing career in Los Angeles. With her signature humour and honesty, she opens up about the realities of the publishing industry: the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hustle it takes to build a life in books.

We dive into:
✨ How a book-obsessed kid became a bestselling author
✨ Why perseverance matters more than perfection
✨ The messy, wonderful truth about breaking into publishing
✨ How social media completely changed the game
✨ The role of agents, editors, and choosing your creative team
✨ Balancing writing with real life (and keeping the joy alive)
✨ The power of showing up authentically — on the page and online

Whether you’re an aspiring author, a lover of books, or someone chasing a big dream, Lindsey’s humour, heart, and hard-won wisdom will leave you feeling inspired — and ready to take the next step in your own creative journey.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Perseverance is everything — even (especially!) when things get tough.

• Your voice is your superpower: authenticity wins.

• Social media has reshaped publishing — and offers huge opportunities.

• Having a good agent makes a world of difference.

• Your path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.

• Writing is personal — but publishing is a business.

• Balancing life and creativity is an ongoing journey.

• Embrace who you are and use it in your work.

👉 Enjoying the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a dose of inspiration!

In this inspiring and deeply honest episode, bestselling author Amy Andrews joins us to talk about her journey through the ever-changing world of publishing. Amy opens up about her early rejections, the persistence that kept her going, and how authenticity has become the heart of her connection with readers.

We dig into her writing process, the discipline behind creativity, and the role social media now plays in an author's career — both the blessings and the challenges. Amy also shares candid reflections on burnout, personal growth, and the importance of staying adaptable as the industry evolves.

Whether you're an aspiring author or simply love hearing the real stories behind the books you read, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humour, and practical advice.

Keywords: Amy Andrews, writing process, authenticity, publishing industry, social media, personal growth, creativity, burnout, networking, author journey

Takeaways:
– Rejection can spark resilience and ambition
– Authenticity builds true reader connection
– Publishing has changed dramatically with digital formats
– Social media can help but can also overwhelm
– Burnout is real and must be managed mindfully
– Networking matters more than most writers realise
– Inspiration can come from the smallest moments
– Writing requires both art and discipline
– Balance is crucial for long-term creative sustainability
– Growth happens when you embrace change

Get in touch with Amy

Website - https://amyandrews.com.au/about/

Instagram - @amyandrewsbooks

Writing Academy - @howtowriteacademy

Get ready for an honest and energising conversation with author Liv Matthews, who takes us inside the real world of modern publishing. Liv shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author, opening up about the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the mindset that helped her keep going.

We talk about everything from marketing yourself as an author to navigating the changing publishing landscape — and why embracing imperfection might be the most powerful creative tool you have. Liv also discusses the role of social media, the importance of having a supportive network, and what truly matters when you’re chasing a book deal.

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book, or you simply want a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry, this episode is packed with wisdom, heart, and encouragement.

Liv opens up about:
✔️ Her journey from aspiring writer to published author
✔️ The challenges she faced getting noticed in the industry
✔️ Why marketing yourself is essential for modern authors
✔️ The evolving publishing landscape — and how to keep up
✔️ How embracing imperfection fuels creativity
✔️ The role of social media in today’s book world
✔️ What really happens on the path to a book deal
✔️ The importance of community and trusting the experts around you

Remember to subscribe, like and share so we can keep bringing you these episodes!

Today we’re diving into an incredible creative journey with author Mary Newnham! From writing a blog in her twenties to rediscovering storytelling during the pandemic, Mary’s path has been anything but linear—and that’s why it’s so inspiring.

We chat about:
✨ Her early blogging days
✨ Earning a master’s degree in creative writing
✨ Protecting your writing time (and why it matters!)
✨ The ups and downs of the writing process
✨ The moment her debut novel, Amy Elman Doesn’t Feel Sexy, became a reality

If you’re a writer—or you’ve ever dreamed of becoming one—this episode is the encouragement you’ve been waiting for.

In this episode, the hilarious and heart-warming Kathleen Whyman pulls back the curtain on her journey as a writer of laugh-out-loud women’s fiction. She chats about the messy, magical process behind her stories—the challenges that trip her up, the inspirations that keep her going, and the real-life moments that spark her trademark humour. With her signature wit, Kathleen reminds us why writing authentically matters and how a well-timed joke can make even life’s everyday chaos feel a little lighter.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction and Kathleen's Writing Journey
• 00:10:00 The Role of Humor in Women's Fiction
• 00:20:00 Challenges and Inspirations
• 00:30:00 Advice for Aspiring Writers
• 00:40:00 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

✨ Enjoying the episode? Don’t forget to follow, rate, and subscribe to Beyond the Plot so you never miss a new conversation with the storytellers behind your favourite stories.

In this episode of Beyond the Plot Podcast, host Lisa sits down with bestselling rom-com author Sophie Cousens, known for her heartfelt, clever, and serendipity-filled novels such as This Time Next Year and Just Haven’t Met You Yet.

Together, they peel back the layers of Sophie’s creative process—exploring how she crafts warm, relatable characters, why she’s drawn to stories about fate and second chances, and the real-life inspirations that spark her most memorable moments on the page.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Sophie’s books or simply curious about what goes into writing a modern romantic comedy, this conversation will leave you inspired, laughing, and maybe even believing a bit more in the magic of timing.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the episode—your support helps bring more incredible authors beyond the plot each week.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Sophie Cousens
• 00:05:00 - From TV to Writing
• 00:10:00 - The Writing Process
• 00:15:00 - Book Adaptation Journey
• 00:20:00 - Advice for Aspiring Authors
• 00:25:00 - Balancing Life and Writing

In this inspiring episode, we explore the pivotal crossroads moment in @isabelle_broom’s life. At the time, she was working at Heat magazine and faced two very different paths—relocating to Greece or entering a short story competition. Isabelle chose to follow her passion for writing, entering the competition judged by bestselling author @themillyjohnson—and won! That victory sparked a new chapter, but her big break didn’t come immediately. It was during a Q&A event with @mrsgifletcher that Isabelle met literary agent Hannah Ferguson, a connection that would ultimately lead to her signing and the release of her debut novel.

Join us as we uncover how one bold choice transformed Isabelle’s future and launched a career filled with stories that transport readers around the world.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Introduction and Early Writing
• 00:03:00 - Career at Heat Magazine
• 00:09:00 - Winning the Short Story Competition
• 00:15:00 - The Role of Social Media
• 00:21:00 - Challenges in Publishing
• 00:27:00 - Upcoming Projects and Mentorship

Key Takeaways

• Isabelle's early passion for storytelling and how it shaped her career.

• The pivotal moment of winning a short story competition.
• The importance of authenticity and connection in writing.
• Challenges and changes in the publishing industry.
• The impact of social media on an author's visibility and success.

Keywords:

Isabelle Broom, author journey, publishing challenges, writing inspiration, book adaptations, social media marketing, Heat Magazine, short story competition, authenticity in writing.

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