Entertaining, actionable advice on craft, productivity and creativity for writers in all genres, hosted by Jessica Lahey (freelancer, essayist and NYT best-selling author of "The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Children Can Succeed", KJ Dell'Antonia (NYT contributor and former editor; her novel, The Chicken Sisters, debuts in June 2020, How to Be a Happier Parent is available now) and Sarina Bowen (USA today best-selling author of more than 30 romance novels).
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March 13, 2026Episode 49542 min
495: Hot Seat Coaching: Producer Andrew Parrella Steps Out From Behind the Mic
Jennie Nash launches a brand-new Hot Seat Coaching series on the podcast—real, on-air coaching sessions where listeners get to hear a story develop in real time.In the first episode, Jennie brings #amwriting podcast producer Andrew Parrella out from behind the microphone as he begins work on his first novel. Fresh off completing the Blueprint challenge, Andrew shares his gothic horror premise: a Dracula-inspired story set in 1920s London, where Abriana Harker—the daughter of Mina Harker—faces a string of mysterious deaths unfolding against the backdrop of the suffrage movement.Jennie and Andrew pressure-test the blueprint together, refining the novel’s central point, exploring how Van Helsing’s legacy shapes the world of the story, and identifying ways to strengthen Abriana’s role so the plot is driven by her choices. Andrew leaves with clear next steps—and this is just the beginning: he’ll return in future episodes as Jennie continues coaching him through the process of developing the novel.You can connect with Andrew via his website AndrewParrella.com
March 6, 2026Episode 49424 min
494: "I Had the Full Heart of the Question In My Hand."
It’s very rare for me to demand that the readers of my #AmReading substack pre-order something. And the bar to be my “Just One Book” is high. But here we go: The book is The Fountain—debut speculative fiction from Casey Scieszka—and you’ll want to read it, but even more, you’ll want to hear us talk about what it took to pull this big, beautiful novel from her Tuck-Everlasting-loving soul. And here’s the question her agent asked her that is now stuck on a post-it on my computer and may be my next tattoo: How can you reveal these things in action?Casey is reading:Open Throat by Henry Hoke (“It’s funny and deeply tender and unlike anything I’ve ever read.”Follow Casey on Instagram and Substack: Spruceton Inn.
February 27, 2026Episode 49316 min
493: Write the Book Readers Can’t Stop Recommending(Write Big, Ep 14)
In this Write Big episode, Jennie Nash is joined by AJ Harper, author of Write a Must-Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives—Including Your Own, to talk about a more meaningful way to define success as a writer. AJ shares her concept of writing a “Top Three” book—one that becomes a reader’s personal favorite, the kind they keep forever, recommend constantly, and return to again and again. Together they explore why chasing external metrics like speed, bestseller lists, or book deals can distract from what really matters, and how focusing on writing something truly beloved often leads to those wins anyway. Links from the Pod:Ep 416: The Art of Helping Writers Do Their Best Work, with AJ HarperWrite a Must-Read, AJ Harper Love Medicine, Louise ErdrichThe War of Art, Steven Pressfield
February 20, 2026Episode 49223 min
492: Ep 492: What book format benefits authors most?
Hello and welcome to Nerd Corner with Sarina and Jess! I love these episodes because I will never, ever know as much about the publishing industry as Sarina Bowen, and I learn so much from her. This week, she answers a question she got from a listener, paraphrased thusly:Dear Sarina, I want to support you and your work, so which format of your books do you profit from most? The fact that we live in a world where any reader is interested in the answer to this question soothes my troubled soul. So let’s break it down: hardcover, paperback, audio, ebook? What about borrowing from the library? What about subscription services such as Kindle Unlimited?Here are a few helpful links that expand on the topics we discuss in this episode:The Top Five Reasons Pre-Orders MatterWhich format pays the best royalty for an author? Print, digital, audio...
February 13, 2026Episode 49111 min
491: What Finishing a Book Teaches You About Showing Up (Write Big, Ep 13)
In this Write Big session, Jennie Nash talks with podcast co-host Sarina Bowen about what it really feels like to finish a book—especially the anxiety and pressure that can come with “finishing energy.” Sarina shares a powerful mindset shift: there is no summit in a writing career. You may reach the end of a draft (or even launch day), but the work doesn’t magically get easier—there’s always another book. The key, she says, is learning to love the hike itself and stay connected to your curiosity so you can keep showing up.
January 30, 2026Episode 48942 min
489: Quit Laughing at My WOTY It's Not Funny.
Our Goals for 2026: Jess is gonna finish a novel.Sarina is going to figure out what she wants a long haul writer career to looks like.KJ is going to write this book as hard as she can and for as long as it takes.Jennie is going to claim her authority in the writing space.Our Words of the Year are …Meanwhile: Fan of Heated Rivalry? You’ll want to read these books by Sarina Bowen!Ready to talk about your own goals and words? COME ON IN. We are here for that!Join KJ’s subscriber chat - Available in the Substack app and on webHey - if you’ve been curious about becoming a book coach, Jennie’d like to invite you to a live training she’s doing on February 4th, at 5pm PST / 8pm EST. She’s going to be talking about how to become the kind of book coach writers love to pay. You can sign up at bookcoaches.com/liveWOTYs … in the episode! If you want to know what was so funny, you’ll have to listen.If you love us enough that you got this far… You should subscribe to the #AmWriting Podcast!
January 23, 2026Episode 48813 min
488: Why A Growth Mindset Matters In The Writing Life (Write Big, Ep 12)
In this short Write Big session, Jennie Nash unpacks the power of a growth mindset—an idea popularized by psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck—and why it’s non-negotiable for anyone who wants to keep learning, keep creating, and keep going when writing gets hard. Mastery isn’t about talent you’re born with, it’s about the willingness to be uncomfortable, look imperfect, and keep showing up until the skill catches up to the desire.Hey - if you’ve been curious about becoming a book coach, Jennie’d like to invite you to a live training she’s doing on February 4th, at 5pm PST / 8pm EST. She’s going to be talking about how to become the kind of book coach writers love to pay. You can sign up at bookcoaches.com/live
January 16, 2026Episode 48741 min
487: How to Take the (long, elegant) Gloves Off and Write Like You
Anyone who ever listened to Jenna Blum do interviews on the A Mighty Blaze podcast will not be one bit surprised to hear that we had a great time talking all things writing but most specifically writing BIG—which Jenna has absolutely done with her current book, Murder Your Darlings. Murder Your Darlings is a contemporary thriller and a real departure from Jenna’s very popular historical fiction—a departure that’s totally in keeping with Jenna’s own enthusiastic, passionate personality. As her agent said, her earlier work was elegant and restrained (although still powerful) but in this one Jenna lets herself loose. We had a wonderful time talking about it, and I know you’ll have a great time listening. #AmReadingThe Plot and The Sequel, Jean Hanff Korelitz Last Seen, Christopher CastellaniYou, Caroline KepnesJoin Jenna on tour—she’s absolutely a joy to listen to on writing and probably any other topic! Dates HERE. And do grab Murder Your Darlings—who doesn’t love a tell-all thriller set in this ridiculous industry we all love so much?Hey—if you’re reading this in January 2026, it’s not too late to join our Blueprint Sprint and get in on a rapid-fire roadmap to writing the book you want to write this year (instead of writing 100K words in search of it… ask me how I know!) First Blueprint post linked below—upgrade your subscription to get started. Why This Book? What's Your Point?
January 9, 2026Episode 48624 min
486: You have To Tell Everybody It’s The Best Damn Book in the World and They Need to Read It (Write Big, Ep 11)
Welcome to writer/publicist Jessica Cozzi’s world. This is her pub week for her YA romance, We’ve Hit Turbulence, and, in her words: “I want to soak in every moment of this.”Writers, we’ve never interviewed anyone who was at once so practical and realistic about this industry—she is a publicist for a Big Five publisher, after all—and delighted to be a part of it. We adored her ultimate message, as both the writer and a pro: you have to tell everybody it’s the best damn book in the world and they need to read it.You’re going to be inspired to do just that.Aaaaand: it’s Blueprint season! If you want to be shouting about your book from the rooftops—but you have not exactly finished it yet (or maybe even started), the Blueprint for a Book is for you.Regulars around here know we offer the Blueprint for a Book program once or twice a year. This time, we’re doing a Blueprint Sprint: 6 weeks to build a guide for the book you want to write. (As opposed to drafting a hundred thousand words in the wrong direction. Ask me how I know.)It starts January 12, 2026, we talk fiction, non-fiction and memoir, and it’s open to all paid subscribers. Community, weekly assignments, weekly lives with me and Jennie Nash, plenty of information for your reading and listening pleasure. More details below and to come.It’s time to figure out where I’m going with thisAn Invitation to the January Blueprint!It’s on again!Blueprint for Revision: The System That Makes Revision Finally Make SenseMost writers start revision by re-reading their manuscript from page one — but that’s the least effective way to improve a book. In this episode, Jenny explains a clearer, more strategic way to revise using the Blueprint and the 3D Revision Process. You’ll learn how to step back, see your book with fresh eyes, and create a plan that actually moves your …Subscribe now
January 2, 2026Episode 48545 min
485: Reclaiming Your Rights and Your Legacy (Ep 10)
In this Write Big session of the #amWriting Podcast, Jennie Nash talks with author and book coach Janet Fox about a powerful decision: buying back the rights to her first novel and reissuing it on her own terms.Janet shares her journey through traditional publishing, what it took to reclaim ownership of her work, and why legacy—not trends or permission—now guides her creative choices. This conversation is a clear-eyed, inspiring look at what it means to stop waiting and start owning your writing life.In this episode:
What it really means to buy back your book rights
Why “out of print” doesn’t have to mean the end
Publishing as a tool—not an identity
Self-publishing, kid lit, and changing industry realities
Ownership, legacy, and writing from the heart
This episode is a powerful reminder that your work belongs to you—and that writing big often begins with claiming what you’ve already made.Mentioned in Episode
Darcy Pattison
100 Covers
BookFunnel
Draft2Digital
Jane Friedman newsletter
Janet’s Substack
Guest BioJanet Fox has worn many hats—English teacher, oceanographer, rock band singer—but her favorite is “award-winning children’s author.” She’s written thirteen books for kids and teens, from science nonfiction to mysterious middle grade to swoony YA. Janet holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach. She lives in Montana with her husband, and their lively yellow lab. When she’s not writing, she helps fellow storytellers find their voice and bring their best work to life. Her stories are full of heart and always have just a touch of magic. Find her here: janetsfox.comJoin the Blueprint SprintStarting January 12 and rolling though February, KJ Dell’Antonia and Jennie Nash will lead you through the 14 foundational questions that every writer should ask of themselves and their book, whether you’re just getting started, are mid-draft or starting on on the whatever-number revision with weekly assignments, live events, workbooks and updated access to all the Blueprint resources. All you need to do is be a paid subscriber and stay tuned—we’ll let you know how to get signed up.I NEED a January Blueprint!What if you want even MORE? Then you could be one of a very few #AmWriting subscribers who join our first ever Blueprint Sprint cohort. 6 weeks of working together and write-alongs, 5 group-only live sessions, which will be recorded for anyone who can’t attend and a members-only community dedicated to helping you create a Blueprint that leads you to the book you want to write, ending with direct feedback from me and from Jennie on your flap copy and 3 page Inside-Outline.We’re keeping this small on purpose—we max out at 10 and we might drop that down—so applications to join this group open today and will be evaluated on a first-come, first serve basis. Once we have 10 people, we will close down the application, so get yours in early! Early-bird pricing is $1000 until December 22, after that the price goes up to $1200 (if there are spaces left by then).Oh say no more.What are we looking for? 10 writers who are prepared to commit to the process and to the cohort, who do what they set out to do when they set out to do it, who welcome constructive feedback and are willing to do what it takes to build a blueprint for the book they want to create. Writers who know that sometimes you must look a hard truth in the face and cut your losses, that what goes in the scrap heap is rarely resurrected but that the scrap heap is a necessary part of the work. Writers who won’t take no for an answer, but can hear “not this” and feel both disappointment and a burning determination that the next effort will be the one that gets there.Also: no assholes.What will you need to apply? We want to hear about your professional and publishing backgrounds, but no publishing experience is necessary. We want to know where you are with this current project, but “still noodling” is a fine answer. The primary requirements are first, a readiness to do the work and second and more ephemerally, our sense of what makes a cohesive cohort.If that sounds like you, here you go—the time to apply is now.Apply now!Links & Resources
Learn more about the Blueprint tools
Substack about how each genre has a different primary goal in the Blueprint
#amwriting Episode about the Blueprint origin story and why it’s such a powerful tool.
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