Author-(ish) Podcast

With Amy & Dana

Author(ish) Podcast

Author(ish) Podcast Episode 22 -Interview with Natalie Brougham Author of The Element

About The Author Natalie grew up worshipping fiction and fiction writers like Roald Dahl, Douglas Adams, and Kurt Vonnegut. On many occasions she was in big trouble for reading all night as a child instead of sleeping, but that never stopped her. Fiction has been a sufficient substitute for reality on occasions when reality wasn’t…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 21 – Interview with Literary Agents Christine Goss and Esty Downes

In this episode, I chat with literary agents Christine Goss at The Purcell Agency and Esty Downs of Art House Literary Agency. What We Discuss Resources This Shit No One Tells You About Writing Writing Day Workshops Contact Info Christine Goss Christine’s Twitter Christine’s Threads Christine at The Purcell Agency Christine Kelly Reads and Writes…
Encore: Author(ish) Podcast Episode 20: Interview with Dana Hawkins Author of Not In the Plan

I am sharing an encore episode of the Author(ish) podcast where I interview my co-host, Dana Hawkins in celebration of her debut, Not in the Plan, launching this week!
Author(ish) Podcast 19: Interview with Chuck Sambuchino of Writing Day Workshops

About Chuck Sambuchino CHUCK SAMBUCHINO is a bestselling humor book writer, a freelance editor, and a former editor for Writer’s Digest Books for many years. During his time with WD Books (until 2017), he edited the GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS as well as the CHILDREN’S WRITER’S & ILLUSTRATOR’S MARKET. His Guide to Literary Agents Blog was one…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 18: Interview with Riley Kilmore Author of Shay the Brave

In this episode, Riley and I talk about her upcoming MG debut Shay the Brave. About Riley In addition to her 20 years as a firefighter, Kilmore’s been a cop and a homeschool mom. She’s leaped from an airplane or two, sailed around the world, and with her husband of 36 years has raised six…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 17: Interview with J.K. Raymond Author of Infinite Mass

In this episode, J.K. and I talk about the buzz of launch day for a debut author. About J.K. J.K. Raymond received her Bachelor of Arts from Fontbonne University in St. Louis in 1995 where she fell in love with everything in St. Louis and under it! Additionally, she obtained a Missouri teacher certification in…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 16: Interview with Dana Hawkins Author of Not In the Plan

In this episode, Dana and I talk about Queer Joy Romance and what draws her to the genre. We also deep dive into her publishing journey. About Dana Dana Hawkins is a queer mom of three humans and one Saint Bernard. When not searching the country for the perfect cup of piping hot Americano, she…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 15: Interview with Jenny Hale, Author and Founder of Harpeth Road Publishing

About Jenny Jenny Hale is founder and director of the romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road Press. Harpeth Road was named one of the eight best publishers in Nashville by Reedsy.com. Its very first title was a number one Clean and Wholesome romance on Amazon.com. Harpeth Road signed a TV film and shopping agreement for its second…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 14 – All Things Picture Books With Jamie Bills and June Smalls

In this episode, I have a conversation with picture book authors Jamie Bills and June Smalls. We Discuss: Jamie’s Contact Info: Instagram Twitter Website June’s Contact Info: Instagram Twitter Website For Editors and Publishers: If you are an editor or publisher interested in either Jamie or June’s work, please use the contact form below.
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 13 – How Writing Short Stories For Anthologies and Competitions Can Beef Up Your Author Bio and Elevate Your Craft

In this episode, Dana and I talk about the benefits for writing short stories and submitting them for publication in anthologies and writing competitions. Resources Curiosity Never Killed the Writer Wild Ink Publishing Anthology Submissions The Writer’s Workout If you want to ask us a question we can answer on the show, drop it below!
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 12: A Deep Dive Into Querying and Manuscript Wish List with Amy Nielsen

In this episode, Dana interviews Amy about her new role as an associate literary agent at The Purcell Agency. We Discuss: Resources: Polishing Your Submission Packet For Querying Ten Steps Authors Should Consider Before Querying Author(ish) Podcast Episode 08 – Opening Pages: Risky Versus Less Risky The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Comp Service Amy’s Manuscript…
Author(ish) Podcast – Episode 11 – Banned Books and a Call for Submissions Inspired By Them

Amy talks a little about her experience with book bans during her career as a public school librarian. She also puts out a call for submissions for Uncensored Ink: A Banned Book-Inspired Anthology. More information about the anthology is below. Anthologist: Amy Nielsen Coordinator: Ian Tan Submission Window – October 1, 2023-February 29, 2024 Description: An anthology centered…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 10 – Interview with Michael Dolan Owner of Winding Road Stories Publishing

Michael’s Bio Michael Dolan is the founder and editorial director of Winding Road Stories, an independent traditional book publisher that is home to 25 authors in a variety of fiction and non-fiction genres. In addition to being the author of several books, he has served as executive editor for many publishing companies, including Conde Nast. Michael…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 09 – Interview with Sally Lotz author of The Truth is a Lie

Content Note: Although not graphic, this episode contains discussions of child abuse and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised. One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide. -Brene Brown Sally’s Bio Sally is a mentor and a writing coach with…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 08 – Opening Pages: Risky Versus Less Risky

In this episode, Amy and Dana discuss all things opening pages! We focus on risky versus less risky ways to open your novel including examples. Risky Less Risky Novels Mentioned in this Episode
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 07 – Interview with S.K. Andrews author of The Kelly Society Book Series

S.K. Andrews Bio When S.K. Andrews wasn’t swimming in the Pacific Ocean in her hometown of Laguna Beach, California, she busied herself by writing fantasy stories and acting on stage. Having grown up watching Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone and Night Gallery shows on TV, S.K. quickly fell in love with paranormal tales with a message…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 06 – Interview with Cozy Mystery and Sweet Romance Author Jennifer Vido

In this episode, Amy and Dana interview cozy mystery and sweet romance author, Jennifer Vido. Author Bio Jennifer Vido is the author of the Gull Island sweet romance series. An avid booklover, she interviews bestselling authors for her weekly Jen’s Jewels column on FreshFiction.com. A longtime Arthritis Foundation advocate, she teaches seniors an arthritis-friendly water…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 05 – Getting an Agent

In this episode, Amy and Dana break down what they’ve learned after collectively querying nearly a hundred agents over four years. And while they both ultimately chose to publish via small presses, many authors want an agent. So here is our best advice on deciding if you want an agent and how to get one.…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 04 – Interview with Young Adult Author S.E. Reed

In this episode, Amy and Dana interview author S.E. Reed. S.E. has spent the last 20 years of her life moving around all five-regions of the United States which gives her a unique American perspective. Many of her pieces have a strong Southern theme, but she also dabbles in the strange, bizarre and fantastical. Her work…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 03 – Interview with Screenplay Writer, Director, and Author Kevin O’Neill

In today’s episode, Dana and Amy interview Kevin O’Neill. Kevin is an award-winning film director, screenwriter, and producer who has been writing and directing short films for the last sixteen years. His films have been nominated for 89 awards and have won 59. Many of his film scripts are inspired by real stories from his…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 02 – The Emotional Phases of Writing

In episode two of the Author(ish) podcast, based off a blog Dana wrote, Dana and Amy talk about the Emotional Phases of Writing. You can read the blog by clicking here. I share that I recently met my publishing sister, S.E. Reed, author of the upcoming YA My Heart is Hurting. (You can watch the…
Author(ish) Podcast Episode 01 – Writing Community

Authors Amy Nielsen and Dana Hawkins discuss the importance of building a Writing Community and give actionable steps in how to do it.
Author(ish) Podcast Trailer

Authors Amy Nielsen and Dana Hawkins introduce each other and the types of content listeners can expect on their upcoming podcast.

The What

Author-ish is a podcast for beginning writers dipping their toes into the writing world and those looking for basic tips-n-tricks on querying and the writing craft.

The Why

Your hosts, Amy and Dana, are authors who elbowed their way through the query process to land publishing deals. They want to help you acheive your publishing dreams. Amy will bring over 20 years of experience in education and media. Dana will bring in the knowledge of how she first picked up a pen, wrote three books, and landed a publishing deal in under two years. Together they will bring a conversational style with interviews from fellow authors, podcasters, publishers, and most likely a sprinkling of a few terrible jokes.

The Who

Dana Hawkins is a caffeine-fueled mom of three humans and one slobbery St. Bernard from Seattle, WA. She is the contemporary romance author of the soon-to-be-released SERVING LOVE and the upcoming novel LOVE AND RAINBOW LATTES. She has a deep love for writing craft books, coffee mugs, and over-thinking almost all life decisions.

Amy Nielsen likes to think she is Type-A, but if you saw the number of open apps on her phone and her unread emails, she’s anything but. What she is though, is the lucky mama to four cool kids and wife of a super-nice Canadian. She’s also the author of WORTH IT, her upcoming YA debut which hits shelves in May of 2024. When she’s not writing, she and her family can be found cruising the waters of Tampa Bay.

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There are three rules of for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.
W. Somerset Maugham