Ink in Your Veins
Episodes
How this INCREDIBLE Book Got Published, with Portia Elan
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
DON’T SKIP THIS ONE! Portia Elan has written Rachael’s favorite book in recent years, and THIS is the story of how her debut novel has come to be ...
The Black Herron 43
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In which Sacha is moving (and making moves!) and Rachael is in a bit of a panic!Links mentioned re: Claude:https://rebeccabultsma.substack.com/p/befor...
Lunch Hour Writing, with Moorea Corrigan
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Moorea Corrigan is a master at lunch hour writing, getting her books written on her breaks at her the publishing house where she works. She talks abou...
How to Be Relentless About Protecting Your Writing Time, with Kelly Yang
16 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kelly Yang knows that if she lets the world get in the way of her writing, it will, so she is relentless about protecting her practice. Join us for th...
Writing Without Pressure, with Alicia Jo Rabins
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are you hard on yourself? Ever? You need to listen to this gorgeous chat about following the pleasure in your writing (and your life). Alicia Jo ...
Who Hurt You? with Ashley Herring Blake
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the question that’s most useful to Ashley Herring Blake as she sets up her characters? Who hurt you? And why? And how? Follow along! A...
The Black Herron 42
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In which we talk about being intentional! 🏠 Ink Village! Check it out here: http://rachaelherron.com/inkvillage(New perks, like editing!)📕 ...
On Letting Life (and Writing) Surprise you, with Maria J. Morillo
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do when your first book dies on sub? You write the most fun thing you can imagine, just for yourself. Maria J. Morillo tells us how! (And ...
On Being Precious About NOTHING, with Samantha B. Cummings and Matilda Swift
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You’ll adore this episode where the Pens to Paycheck Authors wax lyrically and hilariously about all things writing, business, and mindset! Sam...
Struggling with Commitment to the Page, with Lauren Novak
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Lauren Novak wrote the book she needed to read, and in this episode we talk about how to uncover your next book (or how to wait for it!) as well as as...
The Black Herron 41
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Rachael and Sacha are planning for the new year! And Sacha's had her most stressful month ever. IMAGINE. 🤯✏️ 90 Days to Done NOW OPEN! http://r...
The 2 Questions that will Bring Your Scene to Life, with Virginia Kantra
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sure, you can drive the whole way there in the beam of just the headlight, but what IS that headlight, anyway? Virginia knows! New York Times bes...
Harnessing the Chaos of Writing and Launching a Book, with Jacque Gorelick
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jacque Gorelick looks at life like a pie chart — what’s going to fit, and what won’t? Don’t miss this fabulous conversation on how to rely on ...
Keep Looking at the Hard Questions, with Diana Hongcha
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Don't look away - if you keep looking at those hard questions, the answers come. Listen as we chat about this today! Diana Hongcha is a Chinese Americ...
The Black Herron 40
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In which Sacha and Rachael share their words of 2026, and their thoughts about their wins and losses from 2025, and where 2026 is taking them! Hint: S...
When Madeleine L'Engle Wrote to Me: Solo Episode with Rachael Herron
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Times are hard, y'all. So here's a hopeful story. In this solo episode, Rachael shares about the time Madeleine L'Engle wrote to her. ✏️ 90 Days t...
How to Set the Angel Free, with Luke Richardson
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Michelangelo said, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free" - How do you do that in your own work? And how do you bring a place...
Write for Money and Power, with Amy Suto
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Money AND power? We’re allowed to want those things? Heck, yes, we are. Don’t miss this dynamic conversation about how to do it! Amy Suto is ...
Annual SHOW ME THE MONEY Episode!
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
💰 The Annual MONEY Episode! How did Rachael make her money in 2025 and how does she feel about it? Enjoy! ✏️ 90 Days to Done NOW OPEN...
The Black Herron 39
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sacha and Rachael get real in their annual Lessons Learned show! Don’t miss it! Write in the Junkyard! https://rachaelherron.com/online-writing-retr...
How to Keep Writing While Caring For a Loved One, with Donn King
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Finally, someone’s written the book for creative people who need to use their time to care for loved ones. How do you set aside perfectionism and gu...
A Process That Might Unlock Your Writing, with V. F. Mejia
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
V. F. Mejia has a process for writing that might change the way you show up for your writing! And she’s just funded her first Kickstarter, and Racha...
Write What You Love, with Lisa Dailey
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Dailey had a sideways entry into writing fiction, and she’s been having a ball ever since. Don’t miss this super fun interview! Lisa Dai...
Imagine More Deeply with Cai Emmons, via Paul Calandrino
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is one of Rachael’s favorite episodes, ever — join Paul as he tells us about Cai Emmons’s new book The Bells. Paul Calandrino is a playwrig...
The Black Herron 38
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which we catch up on two months! Sacha’s new goals, her amazing Shopify success, and Rachael’s new book idea (plus a challenge from Sacha).&nbs...
Give Yourself the Dignity of Writing it Your Way, with Louisa Owen Sonstroem
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I ADORE this episode, in which I talk to Louisa about making things by hand, including books! Louisa Owen Sonstroem considers garment-making skil...
How to Start Again When it Feels Impossible, with Samantha Browning Shea
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha Browning Shea is an agent who knows about selling books, and we talk about how it felt when her first book didn’t sell on submission, and h...
Your Fear Is Not Relevant, with Becca Syme
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Becca Syme is at it again, telling us how to quit what we should quit (and how to keep going when it’s the right thing to do). Don’t miss this ama...
How to Be Brave When First Publishing, with Elle Hartford
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachael's got a new diagnosis! And a new office. (And they both start with the sound Awwww.) Listen as she takes you on that journey, and then enjoy E...
How to Ditch Perfectionism, with Kaila Yu
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which we talk about perfectionism and how to get out from under it, as well as loving yourself as who you are. Kaila Yu is an author based in ...
How to Use Images to Prompt Your Writing, with Lorena Hughes
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachael’s so excited to have Lorena on the show today! Lorena Hughes is the award-winning author of The Night We Became Strangers, The Queen of...
Why It’s Good that Words Will Always Fail Us, with Livia Sara
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You don’t want to miss this one, in which we talk about how art is connection (to ourselves first) and why words will always let us down (and why th...
On Surviving and Thriving in Publishing, with Dr. Zoe Shaw
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This has to be one of Rachael's favorite episodes in a long time - Dr. Zoe will blow you away with the story of her path to publication! Dr. Zoe ...
527 | The Black Herron Ep 37
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachael shares the big news she JUST got right before Sacha jumped on the call, and Sacha shares her new reading and outlining discoveries! 📕 OUT N...
Are You a Writer? Try Therapy! with Annie Mare
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Annie Mare (she/they) writes queer contemporary young adult romance and cowrites queer romance and mysteries with her wife, Ruthie Knox. Mare lives wi...
On Raiding the Scraps Pile, with Alexandria Bellefleur
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which we talk about a book dying on submission (and the pain of that!) as well as being STUBBORN enough to keep going. Alexandria Bellefleur i...
How a Secret Blog Created a Writer, with Dana K. White
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dana K. White had always wanted to be a writer, but she never could have predicted how she’d get there or how she would reach so much success. ...
How to Define True Success, with Evelyn Skye
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On vampires, and deep work, and what it means to actually be (and feel) successful. Evelyn Skye is the New York Times bestselling author of several no...
The Black Herron 36
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sacha and Rachael talk about some REAL stuff. Don't miss it! 🍎 90 Days to Done: http://rachaelherron.com/90daystodone🍎 90 Day Revision: http://r...
I HIT THE USA TODAY BESTSELLER LIST! and a warning
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
My new book just hit the USA Today Bestseller list, and I AM SO HAPPY. And also, I want to tell you a story about scammers who are scamming! (The list...
On Finding Success, with Isabelle Taylor
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Isabelle Taylor writes sweet, steamy fantasy Romance under Isabelle Taylor, LGBT+ Horror/Paranormal Romance under I.S. Belle, and spicy MM Romance und...
On Using Real Pain to Bring Life to Your Work, with Daphne Fama
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which Daphne Fama has some incredible advice on how to open a wound in your heart in order to make your book really matter. Daphne Fama was bo...
Take Out the Apology, with Brian Selznick
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian not only writes but also illustrates his incredibly popular books—this epic interview will blow you away! Brian Selznick’s books have sold m...
The Black Herron 35
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which Sacha challenges Rachael to let go of some stuff and Rachael, unsurprisingly, balks.🏠 INK VILLAGE! Click here for the details! 🎉 Unstuc...
Is it Intuition or Anxiety? With Elizabeth Greenwood
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you tell if what you’re worried about in your writing is your intuition being smart or your anxiety spiraling out of control? Don’t miss t...
On the Long Road to Publication, with Virginia Evans
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t miss this gorgeous episode in which we talk about what it takes to stay on the road to publication (and what it feels like to get there). ...
On the Benefit of Writing Retreats, with Ben C. Davies
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should you take a writing retreat? If so, how do they work? Ben and Rachael also talk about the all-consuming vortex of writing as well as battling im...
The Avoidance Journey and How it Changed Everything for Jen Butler
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You HAVE to hear this episode. How did doing just one thing change everything for Jen Butler? Listen, and be amazed, friends. And then go be amazing, ...
On Bringing Your Characters to Life, with Emma Knight
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Emma Knight tells us how to bring character’s to life by inhabiting their bodies to make them more real, as well as how the written word can have sh...
The Black Herron 34
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which we talk about nervous system regulation, Rachael’s desire for ease, and Sacha’s desire to GET HER BOOK DONE! 🏠 INK VILLAGE! Click...
How to Get Over the Biggest Hurdle in Writing, with Rosie Evylin
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the hardest part of writing? Putting on those running shoes! Join us in this delightful chat about trusting your subconscious, leaving yourse...
How to Find Your Truest Voice, with Greta Morgan
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachael's been dying to share this interview with you! No one knows voice better than Greta Morgan, and today, she shares the wisdom she's learned the...
How to Start Your Scenes with Dialogue, with Aime Austin
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aime Austin is the author of the Casey Cort and Nicole Long legal thriller series, weaving sharp social commentary into gripping crime fiction. Born i...
How to Know Your Dream is Worth Pursuing, with Holly Bowen
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you know that dream of yours is worth pursuing? And when do you take yourself seriously? When is a retreat worth it? Holly Bowen is an eme...
The Black Herron 33
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which Sacha makes a truly shocking announcement! Don’t miss this one! Also mentioned: https://heidimcintyre.com/coach/🏠 Ink Village! Chec...
How to Sell Your Book Without an Agent, with Savannah Carlisle
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which Savannah and Rachael talk about selling a book without an agent, and moving from non-fiction to fiction and using podcasts as research for jo...
Using Insomnia as a Super Power, with Elisabeth Dini
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Insomnia, helpful? Elisabeth and Rachael chat about how insomnia can be something good, instead of something dreaded, as well as how overwriting can g...
There Are No Rules with Rachel May and Emily Golden
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Golden and Rachel May are the founders of Golden May: https://goldenmayediting.com/ Their joint love of amazing stories and mutual fascination w...
How to Reframe What Writing Success Is (and When to Do It) with Nicole Graev Lipson
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nicole and Rachael talk about what success might look like on any given (changing) day, as well as how to find trust in ourselves as writers, accessin...
501 | The Black Herron 32
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which Sacha is in a MUCH better place than she was last time (Kickstarter success! but it’s more than that) and Rachael talks us through a though...
How to Do Magic with Your Writing, with Iris Beaglehole
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrating 500 episodes! What’s my favorite thing about podcasting? Listen in! And then you’ll love this gorgeous chat on magic, listening f...
Make Room for Writing, with Aimee Phan
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're talking about writing as refuge, a place that's always waiting for you. We also talk about how writing and revision is layering, and about...
Telling Your Story with TedX, with Catriona Turner
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you talk about your writer-self on TedX and make a difference to listeners? Catriona spills the tea everything, as well making the very good ca...
The Best Critique Partner Guide, with Amy Nielsen
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should you use a critique partner? How do you find them? What should you watch out for? Amy Nielsen spent twenty years as a youth librarian shari...
On Finding Resilience in Writing Memoir, with Sarito Carroll
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sarito Carroll is an author whose childhood was shaped by the chaotic, free-love world of the Osho Rajneesh movement, where she experienced both a dee...
The Black Herron 31
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which we talk about Rachael’s new Ink Village and Sacha’s warehouse shenanigans! 🏠 INK VILLAGE! Click here for the details! 🎉 Unstuck is ...
9 Lessons Learned from 9 Years of Full-Time Writing
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
9 Lessons Learned from 9 Years of Full-Time Writing! Join Rachael as she shares what she's learned from being a writer full time. 🏠 INK VILLAGE! Cl...
Have a Different Creative Outlet, with Elizabeth Becker
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Also: writing about human truths, and the importance of having a second set of eyes on your work at the right time! ELIZABETH BECKER is a former ...
On Being Fluent in the Language of Fiction, with Isa Arsén
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Also, the importance of enjoying other people’s work! Isa Arsén is a certified bleeding heart and audio engineer based in South Texas, where s...
Make It Easy to Show Up for Your Writing, with Josee Smith
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s not selfish to write! Here’s why. Josee Smith is an indie author and book coach for working moms who want to finish the novel of th...
The Black Herron Episode 30
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which we talk about Sacha’s new empire and how Rachael is enjoying herself (could we just say this for every episode? It’s possible!) 🏠...
On Circling the Laptop, with Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you also circle the laptop like it might be venomous? You'll love this episode! Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is the author of Every Moment Since and...
On Finding Your Deepest Reason for Writing, with Tiffany Yates Martin
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tiffany Yates Martin always brings the real talk and also the kind talk. Here we go deep on how to get out of being stuck and not burning out while ho...
On the Magic of Books that Make You Want to Write, with Sophie Berti
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you keep the magic alive when writing? Sophie Berti lives in California. Find her hiking in the foothills, chasing her kid around the beac...
The Black Herron 29
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
More thoughts about the new year, with Sacha and Rachael! ❤️ Adventure 52 - Patreon🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writ...
On Not Letting a Disability Keep You From Publishing, with Rosie Radcliffe
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do when life gets so challenging you're not sure what to do next? Follow what Rosie did! When a rare form of arthritis ended her care...
How to Write Suspense That Works, with Helena Echlin
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to make suspense actually suspenseful and the power of a fuzzy outline! Helena Echlin has written for numerous publications on both sides of the A...
The Power of Micro-Communities with Michele Tracy Berger
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Don't miss this chat about not only micro-communities, but how to know when you've NAILED your query letter! Michele Tracy Berger is the Eric and...
The Annual MONEY Episode!
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The most popular episode every year - check out what Rachael made in 2024 and how she made it! Also, what will she be changing, adapting, doing in 202...
On the Utter Joy of Having Homework Forever, with Elisabeth Sharp McKetta
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is an interview you will LOVE, start to finish. Get ready to be overjoyed. Elisabeth Sharp McKetta is an award-winning writer and writing te...
The Black Herron 28 (plus update!)
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let's plan for the new year with Sacha and Rachael!❤️ Adventure 52 - Patreon - http://patreon.com/rachael ✏️ Write More, Worry Less: A Ye...
How to Build the Support You Want with Heidi McIntyre
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Support — who needs it? You do! How to get it (and how to hold open space for your writing, too). Heidi McIntyre’s journey as a writer began ...
The Power of Trimming Down Your Work, with Kate Mahony
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rachael’s back from swimming with the turtles - catch up with her today. And how does a writer move from flash to longer work? Find out with Kate!Ka...
The Black Herron 27
30 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rachael's landing book planes and Sacha's cleaning up after an incredibly successful Kickstarter! Enjoy! 🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Yo...
Writing an Identity Not Your Own, with Alex Temblador
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How to write an identity not your own! Also: on inhabiting your character, on easy reading being damned hard writing, on grounding the reader in a sce...
On Slowing Down Hurry Mode with Nicole Meier
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On zooming out to look at character interiority and having scene goals, as well as slowing down the hurry mode. Enjoy! Nicole Meier is an author ...
How to Write with Heart, Soul, and Pen, with Robin Finn
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On writing with heart, soul, and pen! Robin Finn, MPH, MA, is the author of the new book, Heart. Soul. Pen.: Find Your Voice on the Page and in Y...
How to Embrace Not Knowing in Writing with Lauren Aliza Green
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On being okay with not knowing (it's part of being human), on listening to dreams, and on "overhearing" your book. Enjoy! Lauren Aliza Green is a...
The Black Herron 26
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rachael and Sacha chat about her monumental Kickstarter and how it feels, emotionally (answer: weird!) as well as Rachael’s new book idea. 🎉...
Earn Your Emotional Moments - with Julie Leong
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On earning the heightened moments in your writing. Also, you don't have to be writing to be writing! Julie Leong is a Chinese Malaysian Ame...
When a Pantser Turns Into a Plotter - with Ann Rose
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How to go from feeling your way through a story to actually knowing a bit about it before you start! Also - what does a cat have to do with kindness?&...
How to Invest in Yourself as a Writer with Rebekah Faubion
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On being unapologetic about investing in yourself as a writer! Rachael and Rebekah also talk about the value of friends, and about writing being alive...
Using a Freelance Developmental Editor While Still Writing Your Novel with May Cobb
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Using an editor AS you're writing! Don't miss this conversation about something people often wonder about but rarely talk about! May Cobb is an a...
The Black Herron 25
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Please enjoy this episode of The Black Herron with Sacha Black and Rachael Herron! 🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Wri...
How to Quit Imposter Syndrome - with Lynne Thompson
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On how to quit imposter syndrome (yes, it’s doable!) and on giving voice to the inanimate - you’ll love this episode! Lynne Thompson served a...
Using Intuition Like a Muscle with Tara Sim
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How to use intuition like a muscle - the more you use it the stronger it gets! Also: on shaking ideas out of your brain, and keeping the brain active ...
What's Your Writing Expiration Date? with Natasha Daniels
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do with social anxiety and OCD? Write about it. Don't miss this lovely chat with Natasha and Rachael! Natasha Daniels is a child anxi...
How to Celebrate Everything - Ally Nikolaus
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ally and Rachael talk about FUN and celebration as well as living (and thriving) without alcohol. Don't miss this one! Ally Nikolaus is an award-...
On Surprising Yourself with Danica Nava
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sheer fun! Danica Nava talks about the joy of writing fanfic while young, and how to surprise yourself! Danica Nava is an enrolled citizen of the...
The Black Herron LIVE Ep 24
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Please enjoy this LIVE EPISODE of The Black Herron with Sacha Black and Rachael Herron! 🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: Ho...