Author Gloria Chao guides us through her unique journey from dentistry to writing! We also chat about her upcoming adult debut, The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club . Listen to our conversation for fun insights on puzzles, coming-of-age YA stories, and learning there’s no “right” way to write. Gloria Chao Website: https://gloriachao.wordpress.com/ Social: @gloriacchao Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill set...
Jun 18, 2025•59 min•Ep. 49
Children’s author-illustrator Niña Mata joins the Thriving Writers Podcast to chat about her publishing journey—from illustrating educational materials, working with Olympian athletes, to finally writing her own stories! Listen to hear Niña share some tips on what illustrators gravitate towards in manuscripts and ways writers can make the collaborative process smoother. Plus, get her thoughts on the value of storytelling and what she hopes readers take away from her work. Niña Mata Website: http...
May 14, 2025•51 min•Ep. 48
Thrilled to be joined by author and publishing expert Courtney Maum ! She gives us insight behind her terrific book, Before and After the Book Deal , and talks about the highs and lows of the publishing business. Tune in for her knowledgable tidbits about marketing, building an online platform, self-publishing, memoir, and more! Courtney Maum Website: https://www.courtneymaum.com/ Substack: https://courtneymaum.substack.com/p/welcome Social: @cbmaum Good Story Company: If you have a story in you...
Apr 16, 2025•53 min•Ep. 47
What’s the secret behind designing a bestselling YA book cover? Are illustrated covers here to stay? Casey Moses , an Assistant Art Director at Penguin Random House, gives us some answers and provides insight into the role of a book cover designer. Listen to our in-depth conversation to learn about designing typography, special edition production, and the unusual methods for achieving perfect photoshoot conditions. Casey also shares her thoughts on international publishing markets and the import...
Mar 12, 2025•54 min•Ep. 46
Ready to navigate the publishing landscape and want some practical advice? Mary Kole is joined by writing expert John Matthew Fox to chat about his work helping authors and founding his company, Bookfox. Conversation topics include the different publishing paths available to writers, the benefits and drawbacks of traditional vs. self-publishing, the challenges of effectively marketing one's work, and going beyond commercial success. John Matthew Fox Website: https://thejohnfox.com/ Social: @book...
Nov 13, 2024•57 min•Ep. 45
Despite the challenges of balancing writing with a day job and parenting, middle grade and YA author Tracy Badua keeps churning out adventurous contemporary fantasy stories. Tracy’s books, all featuring Filipino-American characters, explore themes of cultural identity and family expectations, even drawing inspiration from Filipino superstitions she grew up with. Her stories provide joyful, diverse representation for young readers while also tackling complex emotional and cultural issues faced by...
Oct 16, 2024•59 min•Ep. 44
Young adult author Farrah Penn ( Twelve Steps to Normal & Cancelled ) details her publishing journey, from striking out on submission to her newest novel. Listen in to this conversation for thoughts on the young adult genre, using tropes, crafting stakes and curveballs for your characters, and how screenwriting may help when writing a novel. Farrah Penn Website: https://www.farrahpenn.com/ Social: @farrahpenn Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it...
Sep 18, 2024•50 min•Ep. 43
Going viral on TikTok can’t be your entire book marketing strategy. So how do new authors go about finding their ideal readers? Jenn Hanson-dePaula guides you through the steps of elevating your book promo! Tune in to hear her take on what marketing is and isn’t, tips for building your social media platform (including valuable advice on what to post), and why you should have a newsletter. Jenn Hanson-dePaula Website: https://jenndepaula.com/ Instagram: @mixtusmedia TikTok: @mixtusmedia Good Stor...
Jul 17, 2024•59 min•Ep. 42
Mary is joined by NYT bestselling author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka to chat about his experience in children's publishing. He shares the challenges and gratifications of reaching across different age categories and the importance of illustrations in storytelling. Listen to hear his tips on writing within established franchises (like Star Wars ), how to pivot a picture book idea into a graphic novel series, and memoir writing. Jarrett J. Krosoczka Website: https://www.studiojjk.com/ Instagr...
May 23, 2024•49 min•Ep. 41
Danielle Marietta joins the podcast to discuss her publishing company, Books & Things Publishing, the children’s book sphere, and the importance of promoting diverse authors. Tune in to learn more about Danielle’s writing journey, and her tips on self-publishing, social media marketing, and connecting with your target audience. Danielle Marietta Website: https://www.daniellemariettabooks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellemariettabooks/ Books & Things Publishing Website: h...
Mar 20, 2024•54 min•Ep. 40
Romance author Allison Speka joins the pod to discuss her journey into writing and self-publishing. She talks about her love for the romance genre, and shares her experience with self-publishing, including tips on cover design, book marketing, and the value of learning from other indie authors. Allison Speka: Website: https://www.allisonspeka.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spekaallison Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. W...
Jan 24, 2024•58 min•Ep. 39
Editor and writing coach Katie Wolf joins the pod for an inspiring conversation about getting started in publishing, work-life balance, and writing to market. She also discusses the importance of prioritizing mental health and why self-awareness is key in developing your writing craft. Katie Wolf: Website: https://www.thekatiewolf.com/ Podcast-- Blank Page to Book: https://www.thekatiewolf.com/podcast/001 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekatiewolf/ "Bicycle Face" speech: https://www.youtu...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 38
Thriller vs. Suspense... what's the difference? Heather Dixon, whose debut novel Burlington hits shelves this week, chats with Mary Kole about getting published and the appeal of suspenseful women's fiction. She also discusses plotting high stakes, developing character arcs, and writing "quiet stories." Heather Dixon: Website: https://www.heatherdixon.ca/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/hdixonwriter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherdixonwriter/ Good Story Company: If you have a story in ...
Aug 23, 2023•51 min•Ep. 37
Rob Kent, author and host of the Middle Grade Ninja podcast, joins Mary Kole to talk about his illustrious publishing career and provides valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring writers. He discusses the importance of managing expectations and success in your writing career, as well as writing for your own personal happiness. Rob Kent: Website: http://www.middlegradeninja.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MGNinja Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you ...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 36
You want to write a book? Listen to this and you'll be all set. Dark YA novelist Gretchen McNeil joins Mary Kole in an episode all about recognizing and executing a good story idea. They discuss the shifting young adult book market and embracing diversity, mastering storytelling structure and the importance of shaping the reader's experience, and the controversial subject of IP development. Gretchen McNeil: Website: https://www.gretchenmcneil.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/GretchenMcNeil Good ...
May 24, 2023•56 min•Ep. 35
How does a new author start gaining traction? Can you stay authentic while "selling yourself" as a writer? Book Marketer and PR Coach Emily Enger joins Mary to talk about some of the aspects of the writing process that might leave a yucky taste in our mouths. Tune in for actionable tips and insights into a publicist and marketer's side of the publishing world. Good Enough Book Marketing: https://www.goodenoughbookmarketing.com Emily's Website: https://emilyenger.com Instagram: https://www.instag...
Apr 19, 2023•58 min•Ep. 34
Join Mary Kole and Sara Zarr as they talk about the complex realities surrounding publishing and becoming a career author within a rapidly shifting young adult and middle grade marketplace. Sara Zarr brings insight and personal experiences to surviving the sudden and drastic changes within the YA marketplace, such as the popularization of certain YA genres and how that affects YA authors who specialize outside of those genres. Website: http://www.sarazarr.com/ Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 33
Tune in for a chat with Mary Kole's long-time friend in the children's publishing space, YA Author J.C. Geiger. He tells all about how he made an epic mixtape with music no one's heard before (and met his heroes in the process), writing young adult characters, the future of post-pandemic fiction, and—of course—the power of music. Website: https://jcgeiger.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jcgeiger Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the wor...
Nov 16, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 32
Lisa Stringfellow, award-winning author and middle school teacher, discusses her debut novel about mermaids and mythology set in the Caribbean, “A Comb of Wishes.” She talks through her long journey from draft to finished book—plus plans for Book 2—and shares craft and industry tips she’s learned along the way. Website: https://lisastringfellow.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/EngageReaders Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We...
Sep 21, 2022•51 min•Ep. 31
Benjamin Roesch joins us to talk about his debut novel—but not his first novel—published with LGBTQ+ young adult indie publisher Deep Hearts. We talk about turning short stories into a novel, coming of age fiction, and being an older debut writer. Website: https://benjaminroesch.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/bbroesch Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all ...
Aug 17, 2022•56 min•Ep. 30
CEO of independent publisher Girl Friday Productions Leslie Miller, aka "LAM" joins the Good Story Podcast to talk all things publishing, marketing, and building your platform as an author. Having worn all the different hats, she discusses the differences between traditional publishing, self-publishing, indie publishing, and hybrid publishing, and how to know which option is right for your project, whether that's children's books, literary fiction, genre fiction, memoir, nonfiction, or thought l...
Jul 20, 2022•58 min•Ep. 29
Award-winning children’s book writer Ronald L. Smith, author of Black Panther: The Young Prince and Spellbound, joins the Good Story Podcast. We talk about writing dark and unconventional stories for middle grade, his writing routine, and marketing yourself as an author. And, of course, he tells all about what it’s like to write in collaboration with Marvel. Website: https://www.strangeblackflowers.com Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/ronsmithbooks Good Story Company: If you have a story in y...
Jun 15, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 28
Writer, writing teacher, ghost writer, and general literary icon Roz Morris joins Mary Kole on the Good Story Podcast. They dive into the mechanics of storytelling and discuss how to connect with your audience—whether you're writing someone else's story or you're telling your own. Website: https://rozmorris.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/Roz_Morris Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genr...
May 18, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 27
New York Times Bestselling children's book author Tami Charles joins the Good Story Podcast to talk about experimenting with verse, amplifying the stories of girls of color, and writing what you feel. Website: https://tamiwrites.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TamiWritesStuff Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand w...
Apr 20, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 26
Author and former assistant professor of creative writing Leslie C. Youngblood joins Mary Kole on the Good Story Podcast. She shares her journey through her MFA program, gives tips on crafting interesting character relationships, and weighs in on one of the hottest questions for authors today: traditional or self-publishing? Website: https://www.lesliecyoungblood.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lescyoungblood Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you ...
Feb 16, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 25
Mindy McGinnis, mystery, suspense, thriller author and dog haver, joins the Good Story Podcast to talk about her upcoming work with James Patterson, shit-shoveling, book snobbery, and showing characters' humanity. Website: https://www.mindymcginnis.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindyMcGinnis Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing proc...
Nov 17, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 24
In a special spooky episode of the Good Story Podcast, NYT Bestselling young adult and middle-grade author Jonathan Auxier joins Mary Kole to discuss visual writing, worldbuilding, and how different media use dialogue to create action. \Website: https://www.thescop.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonathanAuxier Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages o...
Oct 20, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 23
Ghostwriter Kelly Madrone joins us to talk about writing as someone else, modulating a professional potty mouth, and creating a story arc in memoir. Website: https://kellymadrone.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/madronekelly Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? ...
Sep 15, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 22
Gabriela Pereira discusses her journey to founding DIY MFA, the do-it-yourself alternative to a Masters degree in writing, while living with bipolar disorder. Along the way, she shares tips about unconventional learning styles, finding a writing community in your backyard, and using storytelling to effectively market your work. Website: https://diymfa.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DIYMFA Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We...
Jul 21, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 21
Decades-long agent, Rachel Orr, talks about real life clients as she shares what agents and editors are looking for, what to include in your query letter, and how to challenge the status quo. About Rachel Orr: https://portfolio.prospectagency.com/2017/03/21/536/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelprospect Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the w...
May 26, 2021•50 min•Ep. 20
