The Grumpy Sunshine Podcast
A one-stop shop for all things indie author-related, self-publishing tips, and advice from both an editor and a self-published author. Join Laura (indie editor) and Kate (indie author) as they discuss the wonderful world of Bookstagram, being a self-published author, and everything in between.
Balancing Corporate Life, Author Life, and a Social Life: with Olivia Fenwick
Corporate girl by day, swoonworthy romance author by night, Olivia Fenwick is with us this week to discuss her search for the elusive work/life/ writing balance.
In episode 11, we discuss how, as an author, it's important to make time for the things you love, as well as looking after your health and wellbeing. Olivia and Kate talk about how they balance working full-time in a corporate setting while also making time to be creative, whether it be writing or content creation.
We also chat about how fun author signings can be!
<...Creating Compelling Characters: with Amanda Gambill
Episode 10 is a good one! In this episode, we have our first international guest: Amanda Gambill! If you’ve listened to TGSP before, you’ve heard Laura and Kate talk incessantly about the book, ‘Honestly I’m Totally Faking it’ and Pres St. Clair, both Amanda creations.
Ever wondered how to create a multi-dimensional character that readers will love or hate? In this episode, we discuss character development (something Amanda is brilliant at) and her writing process, too. We delve into social media and Bookstagram, and how to set boundaries while also maintaining a loyal fan...
Slow Burn vs. Insta Love with Jess McFarlane
In episode 9, Australian indie author Jess McFarlane joins Laura and Kate to talk about slow burn versus fast burn/insta-love romances.
The trio talks about their preferences and processes as authors and an editor, as well as readers of romance. Jess discusses how she developed the slow burn in her series, Arasgain Rule (Woman of Wolves and Man of Bears are the first two books), and Kate explains how she approached the relationships in her first two books, and how she's trying something new with her upcoming novel, Wing Woman.
In-depth conversation, book recs, helpful a...
The Importance of Character Art with Brittany Carson
In episode 8, Kate and Laura are joined by Brittany Carson to discuss the importance of character art.
Brittany and Kate take listeners through their process for both finding and commissioning art. Laura gives a large list of her favourite artists accompanied by a stunning list of books to add to your TBR
Enjoy this fun, light and entertaining chat with the girls!
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Stay connected:
@thegrumpysunshinepodcast
@kate_louise_author
@hummingbird.editing
G...
Editor Chats: What is developmental editing?
In episode 7, Kate and Laura are joined by Britt from BLD Editing to discuss the benefits and intricacies of developmental editing.
Britt and Laura guide listeners through their process and how they support authors in developing their plot, character arcs, conflict, tension, and other 'big picture' aspects of their manuscript. Kate shares her experience gaining developmental feedback from alpha and beta readers.
Book recs, helpful advice, listener feedback, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out today!
Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!
Stay co...
Managing Burnout: Stories of burnout from an indie editor and author
In this episode, Laura and Kate discuss the complexities of burnout as both an indie author and editor, alongside listener feedback and fellow community members' signs and symptoms.
Laura and Kate share their personal stories with burnout and how they were able to recognise the signs in themselves, along with working through and coming out the other side.
Listeners shared their very real feedback on how they feel the onset of burnout and also how they overcame it.
Please be careful with yourself when listening to this episode. If you need to take a b...
The Independent FMC vs. The Damsel: Who will win?
In episode five, Kate and Laura have fun discussing female main characters in their favourite books and sub-genres of romance, focusing on The Maiden and The Huntress archetypes. Kate explains how she goes about writing a FMC, and Laura shares how she helps authors develop strong female characters.
Book recs, helpful advice, listener feedback, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out today!
Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!
Stay connected:
@thegrumpysunshinepodcast
@kate_louise_author
@hummingbird.editing
G...
Self-Editing & Drafting: How to ensure your manuscript is ready for professional editing
In episode four, Kate and Laura discuss the benefits of self-editing your manuscript and how it can improve the quality of your story. They look at this from Kate’s perspective and as an author, and discuss her process in the lead up to professional editing. That’s where Laura comes in and gives some advice on self-editing before, during, and after the professional editing process. Book recs, helpful advice, listener feedback, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out today!
Enjoy the next episode in this new and exciting podcast that will delve into topics...
Finding an Editor vs. Dating: What's the difference?
In episode three, Kate and Laura discuss how to find an editor for your manuscript. Finding an editor is similar to dating—you need to 'shop around' until you find the right fit. Laura shares what to look for and look out for, as well as questions you can ask potential editors and what editors should and shouldn't do with your manuscript. Kate shares her experiences with different editors as an indie author and what she's learnt along the way. This is an info-packed episode, so have your pens and paper or notetaking apps ready!
Please su...
Romance Novel Covers: Cutesy vs. Model vs. Discreet
In episode two, Kate and Laura discuss the age-old debate over book covers: model, discreet, or illustrated? They look at this from a reader's perspective, but also from Kate’s perspective as a self-published author. Book recs, favourite covers, buddy reads, author and artist shoutouts, and new segments—this episode has it all!
Enjoy the newest episode of this new and exciting podcast that will delve into topics about reading, writing, editing, publishing, and social media.
Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!
Stay connected:
@thegrumpysunshinepodcast
<...Welcome to The Grumpy Sunshine Podcast
In episode one, Kate and Laura welcome listeners to The Grumpy Sunshine Podcast. They talk about being an indie author and an indie editor, as well as how they met and how the podcast came to be.
Enjoy this short intro to a new and exciting podcast that will delve into topics about reading, writing, editing, publishing, and social media.
Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates!
Stay connected:
@thegrumpysunshinepodcast
@kate_louise_author
@hummingbird.editing
Get in touch:<...
