• Title Tactics—Baking Up the Best Book Names
    Oct 3 2024

    Hello, fellow cozy mystery buffs and pun aficionados! 🕵️‍♂️💕 It’s time for another cozy episode of "Reality Writes." This week, The Tech Guy and I dive deep into the art of title creation in Episode 01.18. Ever wonder why some books grab your attention right from the shelf? It’s all in the title! From the agony and ecstasy of brainstorming to the final publisher edits, titles are a huge part of a book's success. We even whipped up some hilariously punny titles with the help of AI—like a mystery called "Bread or Alive"! 🍞🔍 And speaking of puns, did you know a Harvard study says they're a sign of high intelligence? Join us for more tidbits like that, and get ready for practical tips on crafting perfect titles. Get comfy, press play, and step into our world. What's the quirkiest book title you’ve seen? Drop it below! 🙌🎧 Catch the latest episode now, and let’s keep this cozy chat rolling!

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    40 mins
  • Author Insights—Balancing Multiple Series
    Sep 26 2024

    Hello, Darlings! Welcome to Episode 17 of Reality Writes! 🎙️ In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of series writing and the challenges of balancing multiple books at once. 📚 I also share insights into my writing schedule and a sneak peek into the setting of my latest Bakeshop Mystery, which may or may not involve coffee research in Costa Rica! 🌴 Listen in as the Tech Guy and I explore the fascinating worlds of traditional, indie, and hybrid publishing and why setting aside that first draft is so crucial for a fresh perspective. Grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and join us. What keeps YOU coming back to a book series? Share your thoughts in the comments! ➡️ Don’t forget to follow, like, and share! 📢✨

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    43 mins
  • Killer Ideas—Crafting Murder in Cozy Mysteries
    Sep 12 2024

    Hello, Darlings! 🎧 Episode 16 of Reality Writes is live and filled with all kinds of inspiration straight from real life! 📚 Join me and the Tech Guy as we chat about how the rich history and quirky local events in Ashland weave their way into my stories. Did you know the “Downhill Dummy” competition on Mt. Ashland sparked the idea for a murder method in one of my books? We also talk about the hilarious (and sometimes awkward) moments of brainstorming murder plots in public. And, yes, chatting about potential murder methods over family dinner? Totally normal in my house! 😅 Have a quirky murder method idea you’re dying to share? 🎤 I’d love to hear it! Make sure to follow the podcast and join the conversation. Let’s keep building this creative community together. 🌟

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    49 mins
  • Stirring the Plot—Why Food Writing Matters
    Sep 5 2024

    Hello, Darlings! 😍 Ready for a delicious adventure? Episode 15 of Reality Writes is live, and we’re diving into the irresistible world of culinary mysteries. 🍰🔍 Join me and The Tech Guy as we chat about how I choose the perfect recipes for the Bakeshop Mystery series—spoiler alert, coffee is always involved! ☕

    We’ll also talk about some of my family’s treasured recipes, like raspberry Danish and mocha almond buttercream torte. This episode is filled with sweet treats and the research that goes into perfecting each one.

    So, grab a cozy cup of coffee and tune in to this flavorful episode that blends baking and mystery! What’s your favorite family recipe? I’d love to hear about it in the comments! 🎧✨

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    49 mins
  • Getting Organized—Tips and Advice for Writers
    Aug 29 2024

    Hello, Writers! 🌟 Welcome to Episode 14 of "Reality Writes!" I'm here with The Tech Guy, and this week, we're busting the myth that professional creatives are disorganized. This episode reveals how essential structured writing and editorial calendars are for success. We share tips on experimenting with your writing schedule, from late-night sips of wine to early-morning tea sessions, because finding what works for you is key! We also jump into balancing creativity with productivity through batching tasks and the importance of focused energy. ⚡️ So, grab a pen, get comfy, and dive into our discussion on keeping your writing life organized. Do you have any strategies you think we should try? 💡 Don't forget to follow, share, and tag us with your thoughts! Listen to the episode now and stay inspired. 🎧✨

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    41 mins
  • Letting Go—Things Writers Can’t Control
    Aug 22 2024

    Hello, Darlings! Welcome to Episode 13 of "Reality Writes!" I'm here with The Tech Guy, and in this episode, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world. We discuss the limited control some authors have over covers and distribution, why you should contact booksellers instead of authors about damaged copies, and how indie authors are shaking things up in the digital space. We also share some personal stories and answer burning reader questions. So grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and join us as we unravel the realities of being an author. Don't forget to follow, share, and send us your feedback. Let’s keep this writing conversation going!

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    47 mins
  • The Bakeshop Mysteries—Series Overview
    Aug 15 2024

    In this episode of Reality Writes, we dive into Ashland, Oregon, the real-life inspiration behind my Bakeshop Mystery series. Join me and The Tech Guy as we explore Ashland's historic buildings, quirky local events, and the captivating Oregon Shakespeare Festival. We'll share behind-the-scenes stories, talk about character development in a long-running series, and even touch on some memorable real-life incidents that made their way into my books. You don't want to miss our chat about the joy and challenges of writing a cozy mystery series, the town's incredible features, and the inspiration behind Jules' cozy bakeshop. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and your favorite treat, and let's get started!

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    42 mins
  • Genre Disrespect—It's Just a Cozy Mystery
    Aug 8 2024

    Dive into the world of cozy mysteries with Ellie Alexander and The Tech Guy. In this episode of Reality Writes, they unravel why the cozy mystery genre often gets the cold shoulder in publishing. Don’t miss it! 🕵️‍♀️📚

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    37 mins