Today on the podcast, we are doing something a little bit different.

We're going to take a couple of minutes for peace and stillness while Jen walk you through a mindfulness exercise. You can do this sitting at your desk, sitting on the couch, lying down on your bed, anywhere that is comfortable and your body feels supported.

Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors

Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

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In this wide‑ranging conversation, award‑winning author R.L. Merrill joins Jen to talk about creativity, resilience, and finding joy in the writing life. Ro shares how music shapes her stories, how she writes across multiple genres (from contemporary romance to paranormal to horror), and why hope and acceptance are at the core of her work.

She opens up about writing through personal hardship, caring for family, navigating chronic illness, raising queer kids, and embracing the messy, magical intersection of art and real life. Ro also talks candidly about career expectations, resisting “shoulds,” and building a sustainable author business that aligns with your capacity and values.

If you need inspiration, encouragement, or a reminder that your writing path is allowed to look like your writing path, this episode delivers.

• How music fuels storytelling
• Writing queer, paranormal, horror, and cross‑genre fiction
• Creativity during burnout, illness, and caregiving
• Building a long-term author career without chasing every trend
• Embracing hope and acceptance in fiction
• Finding community, collecting people, and celebrating wins
• What Ro’s 60+ published works have taught her
• Book and music recommendations to refill your creative well

Where to find R.L. Merrill (she/her)

www.rlmerrillauthor.com

facebook.com/rlmerrillauthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/r-l-merrill

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rlmerrillauthor1342

Playlists for Ro’s Books

Healer by R.L. Merrill

Links

Horror Addicts

Agents Irish & Whiskey – The Complete Series Audiobookby Layla Rayne

White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton

The Thorn & The Spire by Katherine McIntyre

Bottle-Shock by Kim Fielding

Ancient Obsession - Critter Catchers by Hank Edwards

Fool’s Puzzle – A Benni Harper Mystery by Earlene Fowler

Sleep Token YouTube Channel

Lord Huron NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Die Spitz YouTube Channel

About R. L. Merrill

Award-winning romance author and Bay Area native R.L. “Ro” Merrill is a recovering public school educator who was raised on a steady diet of eclectic music and campy horror. She writes queer and straight quirky and relatable characters that know how to use their words. You can find her wrangling rescue dogs and cats or headbanging at a rock show.

Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors

Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

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Author and illustrator Lin Lustig joins creativity coach Jen Graybeal to explore what it really means to live—and write—authentically as a creative. From blending art and fiction to building found-family pirate adventures and heartfelt queer fantasy, Lin shares how embracing her “delightful oddball” side became both her superpower and survival tool.

This thoughtful, funny, and deeply honest conversation dives into the realities of indie authorship—the isolation, the self-doubt, the endless business advice that doesn’t always fit—and how to keep creating anyway. Lin opens up about turning creative burnout into joyful experimentation, connecting with readers through Patreon and Discord, and using storytelling as a tool for empathy and belonging.

Whether you’re an author struggling to stay true to your voice, or a creative searching for your next spark, this episode will remind you that your weird, wonderful self is exactly what your stories—and readers—need.

Website: https://www.linlustig.com/

Where to find Lin: Discord, Patreon, newsletter

Becca Syme: Better-Faster Academy with Becca Syme

Moonrise Rocks: Instagram

The Craft clip: The Craft - We are the weirdos

The Mountain is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest: https://amzn.to/4ts0oJc

A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine: https://amzn.to/4mPhRsE

7-Figure Fiction: How to Use Universal Fantasy to SELL Your Books to ANYONE by T. Taylor: https://amzn.to/4vEcqk8

BIO:

Lin Lustig believes the world needs more delightful oddballs and writes romantic adventures with fun illustrations to prove unconventional thinking and kindness are superpowers. Her stories have deep emotional dichotomies from dramatic queer fantasy to lighthearted adventures centered on LGBTQ+ found family and grumpy-sunshine dynamics. Because everyone deserves laughter and belonging.

After earning a degree in film production and fangirling over everything from Sailor Moon to Superwholock, she approaches each story with relentless creative experimentation. Step into her stories where being authentically weird and kindhearted is exactly what the world needs.

Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors

Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

Award‑winning author and intellectual property attorney Lisa Rayne joins host Jen Graybeal to deliver a masterclass in writing, business, and author empowerment. Lisa pulls back the curtain on what every writer needs to know about contracts, grants of rights, and copyrights—including the pitfalls many authors miss until it’s too late.

She shares her journey from corporate law to award-winning romance novelist, why she’s passionate about helping creatives become savvy entrepreneurs, and how to write stories that truly bring you joy.

We dive into Lisa’s novels, from her groundbreaking Never Cross a Highlander—the first romance to feature a Black Highlander hero—to Ice Matched, her upcoming contemporary sports romance set in the world of Olympic ice dancing. Lisa brings bold, Black characters to life across genres, proving that following your creative passion can be both joyful and powerful.

Whether you’re indie, hybrid, or traditionally published, this conversation will help you reframe your mindset, understand your rights, and level up your business game as an author—without losing the creative spark that started it all.

Key Topics:

• Understanding your grant of rights and what you may be giving up
• Why copyright registration matters more than you think
• How to approach contracts like a confident professional
• Balancing creativity with smart, strategic thinking
• Finding joy in the writing life while protecting your business interests
• Lisa’s coaching platform SCRIBAL, created to help authors level up their entrepreneurship

Where to find Lisa Rayne

Website: lisarayne.com

SCRIBAL Book Business Institute: skool.com/scribal/about

Ice Matched Pre-Order: lisarayne.com/icematched/

Never Cross a Highlander: lisarayne.com/highlanders/

Lisa Rayne’s Romance Readers Community: skool.com/lisarayne/about

Newsletters

For Readers: lisarayne.com/getnewsletter

For Authors: lisarayne.com/forauthors

Social media

Instagram: instagram.com/authorrayne

Threads: threads.net/@authorrayne

TikTok: tiktok.com/@authorrayne

YouTube: youtube.com/@authorlisarayne

Mentioned

RSJ Convention: rsjconvention.com/

Starboy Fitness on TikTok: tiktok.com/@starboysobersfitness

Beverly Jenkins: beverlyjenkins.net/

Elle Kennedy: ellekennedy.com/

Jaci Burton: jaciburton.com/

The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy: https://amzn.to/4tFZxo2

Clifton Strengths: https://bit.ly/3rb6P5b

Debbie Allen Signature Barbie: creations.mattel.com/products/barbie-tribute-collection-debbie-allen-doll-jbj24

Under the Cover, Kansas City: underthecoverkc.com/

Thirst Books, Milwaukee: thirstbooks.com/

Heartbound Book Shop, Anaheim: heartboundbookshop.com/

Shelf Love DSM, Des Moines: shelflovedsm.com/

Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors

Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

How do you make email marketing work for your author business—not against it?

In this episode, creativity coach Jen Graybeal talks with Y. M. Nelson, author of The Accidental Swipe and host of the Nerdy Romantics podcast. Together, they dive deep into building a sustainable writing career—we talk about knowing who you are and what you want, and how that translates to better newsletters and marketing as an indie author.

Y.M. shares her journey from writing tech manuals to publishing spicy, nerdy romance and romantic women’s fiction that celebrates emotional growth and representation. She opens up about the free learning available from webinars and critique partners, and deciding when to invest in coaching or paid tools.

Jen and Y.M. also unpack practical business strategies for authors:

• Building an engaged email list and improving click rates
• Choosing marketing tools that fit your stage of growth
• Navigating the “in‑between” years—when you’ve outgrown the beginner stage but aren’t yet full‑time

Where to find Y. M. Nelson

Website: ymnelson.com

Newsletter Subscription: ymnelson.com/subscribe

@authorymnelson on BlueSky, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest

@ymnelsonauthor on Facebook

Y.M. Nelson books on Bookshop.org: Bookshop.org US

She is currently writing The On Purpose Wedding, book 3 in the Accidental Lovers trilogy

The Nerdy Romantics Podcast

The Nerdy Romantics Podcast: Nerdyromanticspodcast.com

@nerdyromanticspodcast on YouTube

NerdyRomantics Podcast is everywhere you get podcasts

Links for everything we discussed

MailChimp: Email & SMS Marketing Platform | Mailchimp

MailerLite: https://www.mailerlite.com/

Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: https://amzn.to/4bPfGBn

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder: https://amzn.to/4drYcfK

Story Engineering: Mastering the Six Core Competencies of Successful Writing by Larry Brooks: https://amzn.to/47GiBKb

Story Genius by Lisa Cron: https://amzn.to/4verftI

The Joy of Writing Sex: A Guide for Fiction Authors by Elizabeth Benedict: https://amzn.to/4drYjba

Cheris Hodges: About – Cheris Hodges

Hoopla: hoopladigital.com/home

Y.M. Nelson on Bookshop.org: Bookshop.org US

20 Books to 50k Facebook Group: 20BooksTo50K® | Facebook

The Rules of a Rebound by Julie Carver: https://amzn.to/4cje3vX

Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors

Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

What does it take to keep writing — and thriving — across decades of publishing?

Host Jen Graybeal sits down with Loucinda McGary, romantic‑suspense author and creative globe‑trotter, to talk about writing gothic‑tinged love stories, finding community, and treating your author career like a business.

Loucinda shares how she went from a government job to full‑time novelist, the power of supporting writer groups and Zoom sprints, and the mindset shift that helped her pivot with data — turning self‑publishing strategy into a 55 percent revenue jump and record Kindle Unlimited reads.

They also dive into creative recovery, imposter syndrome, and how crochet, travel, and “filling the well” keep Loucinda’s imagination flowing.

Grab inspiration and practical insight for staying in the game — no matter where you are in your writing journey.

Where to find Loucinda McGary

Loucinda’s website: https://www.loucindamcgaryauthor.com/

Sign up for Loucinda’s newsletter: https://www.loucindamcgaryauthor.com/contact

Loucinda’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loucinda.mcgary/?fref=ts-

Loucinda’s Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Loucinda-McGary/author/B001JS706Y?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1773715292&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=a3df5f6a-ae60-4066-be52-d43cafc84776

Books we mentioned

Mackinac Island’s Little Lost Girl: https://amzn.to/4ceWrkP

Jewels of the Madonna, Wee Bit of Irish Series Book 1: https://amzn.to/4rZKSmb

Wee Bit of Irish Series: https://amzn.to/4lXdBXo

Other resources

NorCal Romance Writers: https://www.norcalromancewriters.com/

Work It – A 6-Week Coaching Intensive: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it

Nicholas Erik: https://nicholaserik.com/

Clip from When Harry Met Sally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v='lNEX0fbGePg

Sacramento Book Festival, April 19, 2026: https://www.sacramentobookfestival.com/

About Loucinda McGary

Loucinda McGary has been a writer most of her life but finally got serious about it when she left her government career in September, 2003 for early retirement to write romantic suspense. She sold her first novel almost 4 years to the day later to a small publisher. At the end of 2011 she released her first self-published story and has gone on to Indie publish 15 other titles on Amazon.

Loucinda's two great passions continue to be writing and travel. To date she has visited 47 states, 39 countries, and taken 51 cruises. She likes to set her stories of romance and suspense in some of the exotic locations she has visited. Her stories have placed and won several contests and awards including the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart contest, the Australian Romance Readers Awards, the Chesapeake Romance Writers 2021 Rudy contest, and the Kindle Book Review's Best Indie Book of 2012 and 2013.

Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors

Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

What does it take to build a lasting career as a fiction author? In this episode, host Jen Graybeal sits down with Tobi Doyle—award-winning romance and cozy mystery author of over a dozen books.

Tobi shares her journey from first putting words on the page in 2007 to publishing her upcoming cozy mystery series Pour Decisions. The conversation covers essential topics for authors at every stage:

• Craft development: How critique groups, writing retreats, and contest judging (like the Daphne du Maurier Awards) sharpen your storytelling skills
• Writer community: Building connections through local groups, online networks, and virtual meetups
• Book marketing for introverts: Honest talk about marketing discomfort, staying authentic on social media, and avoiding burnout
• Mindset advice: Why comparing yourself to other authors stalls your progress, and how to stay focused on your own path

They also spotlight the IGW Genre Conference in Huntington, WV (with a virtual attendance option), its pitch workshops for querying authors, and Story Magic Cards—a teaching tool for understanding story structure and sparking creativity.

Whether you're drafting your first novel, querying agents, or looking to sustain momentum in a long-term writing career, this episode offers grounded advice from authors who've been in the trenches.

Tobi Doyle: https://tobidoyle.com/

Pour Decisions by Tobi Doyle: https://amzn.to/4lGduzn

Too Sweet to Die by Tobi Doyle: https://amzn.to/3PysqDD

Intensive Genre Workshops: https://askigw.com/

GenreCon July 25-26, 2026: https://askigw.com/

Story Magic Cards: https://storymagiccards.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTobiDoyle/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobi.doyle/

Substack: https://substack.com/@tobidoyle

The Widow File by S.G. Redling: https://amzn.to/4bDBzlR

Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense: https://rwakissofdeath.org/kodcontest/

Tor Publishing Group: https://torpublishinggroup.com/

Henlo Press: https://www.thehenlopress.com/

Rowan Prose Publishing: https://www.rowanprosepublishing.com/

Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes: https://amzn.to/3NwUQgQ

Rules of a Rebound by Julie Carver: https://amzn.to/4801dA6

Topics covered: author career advice, writing craft, critique partners, cozy mystery writing, romance writing, book marketing strategies, writing community, writer retreats, pitch workshops, querying agents, story structure tools, indie and traditional publishing mindset

Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors

Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

Author Kelly Farmer talks with Jen Graybeal about writing queer contemporary romance filled with snark, heart, and authentic connection. She shares her journey from early storytelling to publishing inclusive love stories that help readers feel seen.

Kelly spotlights her Vector City Supers trilogy—a superhero romance series about found family, second chances, and chasing dreams—with Book 3 launching this month. She also dives into the craft of writing sapphic romance, building community through author collectives, and using improv’s “yes, and” creativity to stay inspired.

Perfect for romance authors and writers seeking insight, motivation, and practical advice from an author who’s building joy one book at a time.

Links

Kelly Farmer’s website: https://www.kellyfarmerauthor.com/

The Brightest Blaze, Vector City Supers Book 3: https://amzn.to/4scy7FQ

Vector City Supers Series: https://amzn.to/4lyRfeG

Kelly’s Socials: @kellyfarmerauthor

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyfarmerauthor/

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyfarmerauthor/

· Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kellyfarmerauthor.bsky.social

Authors, Organizations, and Books we mentioned

Avery Flynn: https://averyflynn.com/

R.L. Merrill: https://www.rlmerrillauthor.com/

Shannon Schroeder/ Sloane Steele: https://shannynschroeder.com/about-shannyn/

Rules of a Rebound by Julie Carver: https://amzn.to/3NeuUqe

Romancing the Beats by Gwen Hayes: https://amzn.to/4rFwCPj

Heated Rivalry Series by Rachel Reid: https://amzn.to/4uUZCFV

Chicago North Romance Writers: https://www.chicagonorthromancewriters.com/

Chicago Spring Fling, April dates: https://www.chicagonorthromancewriters.com/spring-fling

PWHL, Professional Women’s Hockey League: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/

About Kelly

Kelly Farmer (she/her) has been writing romance novels since junior high. While the stories have changed, one theme remains the same: everyone deserves to have a happy ending. She is the bestselling author of queer contemporary romances with snarky humor and lots of heart.

When not writing, she enjoys being outside in nature, quoting from eighties movies, listening to all kinds of music, and petting every dog she comes in contact with. All of these show up in her books. Kelly lives in the Chicago area, where she swears every winter is her last one there.

To connect with Kelly, talk about current TV binges, and subscribe to her newsletter for access to free bonus stories, head over to www.kellyfarmerauthor.com

Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authors

Information, Wait List Sign Up, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe