Southern Belle and Maritza welcome Romanian author Dana Marin to discuss writing in English as a non-native speaker, finding inspiration in fanfiction, and creating supernatural lore. From embracing dark themes to navigating publishing, they explore the creative and business sides of being an author, including market research and the emotional toll of self-promotion.

Connect with Dana Marin:
Dana’s Linktree

Follow us on Instagram:
Southern Belle: @southernbellebook
Maritza: @maritzabermudezalonso

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Book Overview
• 01:40 Writing in English as a Romanian Author
• 03:32 Influential Books and Fanfiction
• 07:03 Challenges of Writing and Publishing
• 14:34 Creating Supernatural Lore
• 22:45 Market Research and Business of Writing
• 29:22 The Emotional Side of Book Marketing
• 30:47 Balancing Self-Advertising and Pity Marketing
• 33:15 Accountability in Book Marketing
• 36:06 Gaming and Leisure Activities
• 39:49 Challenges of Writing in English as a Non-Native Speaker
• 47:31 Embracing Discomfort and Dark Themes in Writing
• 49:19 Closing Remarks and Book Promotion

In this episode, Southern Belle and Maritza share exciting updates, including new book releases and a special charity mission. Maritza announces a new novella series and discusses the use of a pen name for book differentiation. The hosts explore language and cultural differences, share personal experiences, and discuss the significance of tattoos and piercings. Additionally, Maritza announces the pre-order availability of her new book, The Crystal Princess.

Follow us on Instagram:
Southern Belle: @southernbellebook
Maritza: @maritzabermudezalonso

Chapters

• 00:00 Exciting Updates and Book Releases
• 01:25 New Novella Series Announcement
• 02:24 Pen Name and Book Differentiation
• 03:49 Book Series Overview
• 07:23 Charity Work and Christmas Mission
• 14:37 Language and Cultural Differences
• 23:08 Tattoos and Piercings
• 25:32 Book Pre-Order Announcement

A stolen fantasy map, an AI scam, and a workplace that turned hostile over a book. This episode dives into what happens when your creative life collides with the real world.

Maritza shares how a map from The Crystal Lands was passed off as someone else’s handmade work, complete with a Gemini watermark still visible. Then Southern Belle tells the story of what happened after coworkers discovered she had published a book inspired by retail life, leading to gossip, intimidation, false complaints, and attempts to silence her.

Together, Southern Belle and Maritza talk about protecting your work, using disclaimers, documenting plagiarism, navigating toxic workplaces, and knowing when “good enough” just isn’t good enough.

If you’re an indie author, creator with a day job, or anyone worried about being judged for what you create, this episode is for you.

Follow us on Instagram:
Southern Belle: @southernbellebook
Maritza: @maritzabermudezalonso

Chapters

• 00:00 Challenges of Self-Publishing
• 02:02 Protecting Creative Work
• 14:07 Workplace Harassment and Bullying
• 23:49 Workplace Harassment
• 26:11 Legal Implications
• 28:08 Writing and Publishing
• 33:38 Lessons Learned