Episode 3 Unveiling the Art of Dark Academia: Ava Reid on Crafting Bestsellers and Navigating Literary Fame

Send us a textWhen the blank page becomes a canvas for a bestselling novel, what's the secret behind the first stroke of genius? Ava Reid, acclaimed author of dark academia's gripping tales, joins us to unravel the artistry of hooking readers from the get-go. She opens up about her own transformation from writing in solitude to embracing the glaring spotlight of success. Her frank discussion on the ebbs and flows of authorship, right down to the Wikipedia page with quirky inaccuracies about her life, offers a rare glimpse into the emotional whirlwind that accompanies literary fame.Crafting characters that linger in the minds of readers long after the last page is a feat few master, but Ava shares her insights into breathing life into the unhinged protagonists that haunt the corridors of gothic fiction. This episode is not just about the allure of the macabre; it's a roadmap through the labyrinth of the publishing industry, from the mentorship that can change the game for aspiring writers to the pivotal role of agents who champion their authors' careers. The blend of personal anecdotes with practical advice on storytelling structures like the Save the Cat beat sheet ensures that this conversation is both enlightening and grounded in the realities of writing.As your host, I reflect on my own meandering path to authorship, marked by challenges that resonate with so many who dare to dream of writing. From lessons learned in self-publishing to the revelatory moments that led to a coveted book deal, my story is one of resilience and the relentless pursuit of a passion for storytelling. As we wrap up, the excitement builds for future episodes, where we'll hear from 2025's debut authors. They're gearing up to share the craft that landed them in the publishing world, promising to be an invaluable trove of knowledge for writers at any stage of their journey. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the landscape of literature, one page at a time.Keywords: writing, traditional publishing, book marketing, making a living with your writing,  writing tips, book marketing, promotion, writing techniques, young adult fiction, dark academia, gothic novels, book promotion, audience engagement, marketing strategies, literary agents, publishing, a wri Support the show🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey. About J.D. Myall J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing. Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026. When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike. 💜 Connect with J.D. Myall 📸 Instagram 🌐 Website & Media Kit 💌 Newsletter 🔗 Linktree Watch episodes on YouTube as well. 💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener ...

There are no comments yet.

Please log in to write the first comment.