Thriving Writers Podcast
Episodes
Episode 57: Claire Linney, Children's Author
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Claire Linney shares how a book about Black British history sparked the idea for her series Time Tub Travellers! Our fun conversation covers topics fr...
Episode 56: Jennie Nash, Book Coach
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jennie Nash started Author Accelerator when she realized there was a need for more personalized, ongoing coaching to assist through the often isolatin...
Episode 55: Kate McKean, Author & Literary Agent
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you set realistic expectations in publishing? If a book doesn’t sell, how do you cope with rejection? Literary agent and author Kate McKean c...
Episode 54: Marisa Churchill, Author & Chef
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From Top Chef to magical cooking school: Food Network personality and chef Marisa Churchill chats about her upcoming YA novel, Secrets, Spells, and Ch...
Episode 53: Alee Anderson & Alice Sullivan, Ghostwriters
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alee Anderson and Alice Sullivan are here to celebrate the release of their new book, The Definitive Guide to Ghostwriting! This highly intensive proc...
Episode 52: Brent Taylor, Literary Agent
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brent Taylor started at Triada US as an 18-year-old intern and has since built a successful career representing children's and adult fiction. Hear his...
Episode 51: Paul Coccia, YA Author
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author Paul Coccia joins the podcast to chat about Recommended Reading, his YA book developed in partnership with Bittersweet Books! Learn his tricks ...
Episode 50: Jessica Faust, BookEnds Literary Agency President
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica Faust, President of BookEnds Literary Agency, details her 26-year career as a literary agent, growing the company from a small boutique firm t...
Episode 49: Gloria Chao, Author & Screenwriter
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author Gloria Chao guides us through her unique journey from dentistry to writing! We also chat about her upcoming adult debut, The Ex-Girlfriend Murd...
Episode 48: Niña Mata, Author-Illustrator
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Children’s author-illustrator Niña Mata joins the Thriving Writers Podcast to chat about her publishing journey—from illustrating educational mat...
Episode 47: Courtney Maum, Author & Writing Coach
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, an...
Episode 46: Casey Moses, Cover Designer
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the secret behind designing a bestselling YA book cover? Are illustrated covers here to stay? Casey Moses, an Assistant Art Director at Pengu...
Episode 45: John Matthew Fox, Writer & Founder of Bookfox
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 wo...
Episode 44: Tracy Badua, MG & YA Author
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Despite the challenges of balancing writing with a day job and parenting, middle grade and YA author Tracy Badua keeps churning out adventurous contem...
Episode 43: Farrah Penn, YA Author
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Young adult author Farrah Penn (Twelve Steps to Normal & Cancelled) details her publishing journey, from striking out on submission to her newest nove...
Episode 42: Jenn Hanson-dePaula, Book Marketing Consultant
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 41: Jarrett J. Krosoczka, NYT Bestselling Author/Illustrator
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mary is joined by NYT bestselling author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka to chat about his experience in children's publishing. He shares the challen...
Episode 40: Danielle Marietta, Creator of Books & Things Publishing
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Danielle Marietta joins the podcast to discuss her publishing company, Books & Things Publishing, the children’s book sphere, and the importance of ...
Episode 39: Allison Speka, Romance Author
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, an...
Episode 38: Katie Wolf, Editor and Writing Coach
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Editor and writing coach Katie Wolf joins the pod for an inspiring conversation about getting started in publishing, work-life balance, and writing to...
Episode 37: Heather Dixon, Debut Fiction Author
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Thriller vs. Suspense... what's the difference? Heather Dixon, whose debut novel Burlington hits shelves this week, chats with Mary Kole about getting...
Episode 36: Rob Kent, the Middle Grade Ninja
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rob Kent, author and host of the Middle Grade Ninja podcast, joins Mary Kole to talk about his illustrious publishing career and provides valuable ins...
Episode 35: Gretchen McNeil, Young Adult Horror & Suspense Novelist
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Episode 34: Emily Enger, Book Marketing Coach
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 join...
Episode 33: Sara Zarr YA & Middle Grade Author
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Mary Kole and Sara Zarr as they talk about the complex realities surrounding publishing and becoming a career author within a rapidly shifting yo...
Episode 32: J.C. Geiger, YA Author & Mixtape Maker
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 31: Lisa Stringfellow, Middle-Grade Fantasy Author
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Stringfellow, award-winning author and middle school teacher, discusses her debut novel about mermaids and mythology set in the Caribbean, “A C...
Episode 30: Benjamin Roesch, YA/MG Author
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Episode 29: Leslie "LAM" Miller, CEO of Girl Friday Productions
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
CEO of independent publisher Girl Friday Productions Leslie Miller, aka "LAM" joins the Good Story Podcast to talk all things publishing, marketing, a...
Episode 28: Ronald L. Smith, Children's Book Author
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning children’s book writer Ronald L. Smith, author of Black Panther: The Young Prince and Spellbound, joins the Good Story Podcast. We tal...
Episode 27: Roz Morris, Ghostwriter and Writing Coach
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 26: Tami Charles, Children's Book Author
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New York Times Bestselling children's book author Tami Charles joins the Good Story Podcast to talk about experimenting with verse, amplifying the sto...
Episode 25: Leslie C. Youngblood, Author
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Author and former assistant professor of creative writing Leslie C. Youngblood joins Mary Kole on the Good Story Podcast. She shares her journey throu...
Episode 24: Mindy McGinnis, YA Author
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mindy McGinnis, mystery, suspense, thriller author and dog haver, joins the Good Story Podcast to talk about her upcoming work with James Patterson, s...
Episode 23: Jonathan Auxier, Writer of Strange Stories for Strange Kids
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 22: Kelly Madrone, Award-Winning Writer and Ghostwriter
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ghostwriter Kelly Madrone joins us to talk about writing as someone else, modulating a professional potty mouth, and creating a story arc in memoir.We...
Episode 21: Gabriela Pereira, founder of DIY MFA
21 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Gabriela Pereira discusses her journey to founding DIY MFA, the do-it-yourself alternative to a Masters degree in writing, while living with bipolar d...
Episode 20: Rachel Orr, YA and Children's Literary Agent
26 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 let...
Episode 19: Chuck Sambuchino, Freelance Editor and Publishing Expert
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Insights from industry veteran Chuck Sambuchino on how to become a well-informed writer, build a platform, and get published.Website: https://chucksam...
Episode 18: Patricia Faithfull and Rick Williams, Aspiring Writers
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A conversation about "The Emotion Thesaurus" as well as writing tools in general and whether human input can ever be replaced by tools.The Emotion The...
Episode 17: Anna Staniszewski, Children's Author
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this month's episode, children's author Anna Staniszewski chats about her path to publication, writing for different age groups, and what it takes ...
Episode 16: Laura Sebastian, YA Fantasy Author
20 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A conversation with YA fantasy author Laura Sebastian (ASH PRINCESS, out now from Delacorte) all about worldbuilding. Website: https://laurasebastian...
Episode 15: Cidney Swanson, Good Story Grant Recipient
02 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A conversation with Cidney Swanson, sci-fi author and recipient of the 2020 Good Story Grant.Website: https://cidneyswanson.comTwitter: https://twitte...
Episode 14: Rebecca Coffindaffer, Science Fiction/Fantasy Author
16 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A conversation with debut YA author Rebecca Coffindaffer (CROWNCHASERS, out now from HarperTeen) all about worldbuilding.Website: https://www.rebeccac...
Episode 13: Wendelin Van Draanen, MG and YA Author
18 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An uplifting conversation with author Wendelin Van Draanen, where we discuss the therapeutic nature of writing and the silver lining in a difficult pa...
Episode 12: John Cusick, Agent and Author
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A conversation with John Cusick, literary agent and MG/YA author. We delve into writing for MG and YA readers, what agents are looking for, and breaki...
Episode 11: Erin Entrada Kelly, Middle Grade Author
16 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An interview with middle grade author and Newbery medalist Erin Entrada Kelly, where we discuss writing outside your lived experience. Website: http:...
Episode 10: Brittany Thurman, Picture Book Author
19 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Debut picture book author Brittany Thurman discusses writing about complex issues for a young audience, bias in the publishing industry, and supportin...
Episode 9: Kilby Blades, Romance Author
15 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A conversation with romance author Kilby Blades about changes the traditional publishing industry needs to make in order to be an inclusive space for ...
Episode 8: Jeff Lyons, Writing Teacher
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Writing teachers Jeff Lyons and Mary Kole in conversation about craft, from the big picture to the nitty gritty.Website: https://storygeeks.comTwitter...
Episode 7: Jessica Brody, Author and Writing Teacher
20 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An interview with author and writing teacher Jessica Brody, where we discuss what makes a compelling story, how to apply story structure whether you'r...
Episode 6: Gail Carson Levine, Historical and Fantasy Author
15 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Historical and fantasy author Gail Carson Levine shares thoughts on the writing process, world-building, and her latest book.Website: www.gailcarsonle...
Episode 5: Jake Burt, Middle Grade Author
19 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A podcast interview with middle grade author Jake Burt, all about writing diversity from a place of privilege.Website: https://www.jburtbooks.comTwitt...
Episode 4: Laura Elliott, Ghostwriter
19 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A podcast interview with ghostwriter Laura Elliott, all about deep research, finding inspiration from various sources, and telling stories … even ot...
Episode 3: Peter H. Reynolds, Picture Book Author and Illustrator
08 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An enlightening discussion about creativity, picture book writing, illustration, inspiration, and making mistakes ... in a good way! Peter H. Reynold...
Episode 2: Ryan Van Cleave, Nonfiction Writer and Writing Teacher
04 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A podcast all about nonfiction book proposals, nonfiction article pitching, and strategically growing your writing career, including a ton of tips for...
Episode 1: Chris Baty, Founder of NaNoWriMo and Writing Teacher
30 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
An interview with NaNoWriMo founder and writing teacher Chris Baty, where we discuss plot, pantsing, not nipping good ideas in the bud, celebrating a ...