What happens when a completed trilogy inspires a major plot twist that changes everything—and suddenly three books become six? In this episode, GiGi Meier welcomes back award-winning fantasy author Peter Gribble for a celebratory and deeply fascinating conversation about the evolution of his City of Magicians saga.

Since their first interview, Peter has completed his award-winning trilogy—which took home the BookFest Gold Medal—and dropped a twist at the end of book three that has expanded the story into a six-book series. He's currently writing book four and shares what's next for this richly imagined world.

Peter takes us deep into his creative process, revealing how his lifelong love of history, astrology, mythology, and philosophy shaped every corner of his fantasy world. He also opens up about his fascination with languages—inspired by a childhood split between Canada and France—which led him to create an original language complete with its own symbols, as well as a personal shorthand for capturing story ideas. And if that weren't enough, he also designed the legal system, court structure, and governing order that bring authenticity and depth to his fictional world.

From writing the ending before the beginning to spending twenty-two years bringing his vision to life, Peter's journey is a testament to patience, curiosity, and the joy of lifelong learning.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about world-building, persistence, and the magic of letting your story grow beyond what you first imagined.

Find Peter here:

Website:

https://petergribble.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/petergribble3/

How to find GiGi:

Website:

https://www.gigimeier.com/

Free Bonus and Deleted Scenes:

https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier

Substack:

https://gigimeier.substack.com

The Cougar Den Facebook Reader Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier

What does it take to build an entire fantasy world while working full-time, raising four children, and navigating the challenges of ADHD? In this episode, GiGi Meier sits down with dark fantasy author M.T. Riverbooke for an honest, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation about creativity, persistence, and the winding path to publication.

M.T. shares the story behind his upcoming dark fantasy novel, Bloodbound, the first book in his Shadow Trial Saga, and how a lifelong love of world-building—inspired by Edgar Allan Poe and Harry Potter—led him to create morally gray characters and immersive fantasy worlds. He opens up about years of experimenting across genres, his journey back to writing after high school, and how he finally discovered his unique voice.

But this conversation goes deeper than craft. M.T. speaks candidly about living with ADHD—the hyperfocus, the self-doubt, the burnout—and how it both fuels and complicates his creative process. He also discusses the realities of balancing family life with writing, the challenges of marketing and social media, and the dream of one day becoming a full-time author.

Whether you're a fantasy writer, a working parent with creative ambitions, or someone navigating neurodivergence, this episode is a powerful reminder that your path doesn't have to be straight to be meaningful.

Tune in for a raw, heartfelt conversation about world-building, resilience, and chasing big dreams in the middle of a full life.

Find M.T. Riverbrooke here:

Website:

https://books.by/silent-rebel-publications

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mt_riverbooke/

How to find GiGi:

Website:

https://www.gigimeier.com/

Free Bonus and Deleted Scenes:

https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier

Substack:

https://gigimeier.substack.com

The Cougar Den Facebook Reader Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier

What happens when a simple goal to "write a book" turns into a thirteen-year journey of perseverance, mentorship, and accidentally discovering you're writing romance? In this episode, GiGi Meier sits down with debut novelist Amy Lorowitz for an honest and inspiring conversation about the unexpected path to publication.

Amy shares the story behind her debut novel, Summer Husband—a romance set against the nostalgic backdrop of a sleepaway camp that's really about so much more: confidence, friendship, motherhood, and second chances. She opens up about spending years in a writer's workshop, learning to handle critique, cutting nearly 100,000 words from her manuscript, and the moment she realized she had written a romance novel without even intending to.

But the conversation goes beyond the craft. Amy also reflects on the unforgettable "pinch me" moments of her publishing journey—from meeting her childhood hero Judy Blume (and sending her the finished novel!) to finding the perfect publishing home with She Writes Press and finally seeing her debut on bookstore shelves.

Whether you're a romance reader, an aspiring writer, or anyone who's ever wondered if it's too late to chase a creative dream, this episode will remind you that perseverance, trust, and a little bit of accidental magic can take you further than you ever imagined.

Find Amy here:

Website:

https://www.amylorowitz.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/amylorowitz.author/

How to find GiGi:

Website:

https://www.gigimeier.com/

Free Bonus and Deleted Scenes:

https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier

Substack:

https://gigimeier.substack.com

The Cougar Den Facebook Reader Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier