Author Pep Talks

A pep talk for the Writer who needs nourishing.

Connect with Natalia online:

A Pep Talk for the Writer who needs a warm-up.

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Today I’m interviewing Jen St. Jude, author of If Tomorrow Doesn't Come.

Jen is a Lambda Literary Fellow who writes queer speculative fiction. They have served as an editor at Chicago Review of Books, Arcturus Magazine, Burning Worlds – Climate Change in Art & Literature, and Just Femme & Dandy Magazine.

Today we’re talking about the joy of our animal companions and how they keep us grounded, making peace with the possibility of not quite reaching your dreams, as well as embracing the possibility of creating new ones, and the power of writing your own emotional discoveries that can be just as transformative as the arcs our characters go through. This conversation is perfect for writers tackling sensitive and personal issues, as well as writers in need of a reminder that you and no one else decide the value of your story. So relax and settle in, and enjoy my conversation with Jen St. Jude.

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A Pep Talk for the Writer with big emotions.

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A Pep Talk for the Writer who deserves to just exist.

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A Pep Talk for the Writer who feels left behind.

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Today I’m interviewing Stephanie Feldman, author of The Angel of Losses and Saturnalia. She is also co-editor of the multi-genre anthology Who Will Speak for America? and her stories and essays have appeared in Asimov’s Science Fiction, Electric Literature, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, The Maine Review, The Rumpus, and Vol. 1 Brooklyn. She lives outside Philadelphia with her family

Today we’re talking about how she managed to persevere through the eight years between her debut novel and her second book, the complex process of rebuilding, and why it’s important to love the act of writing more than the idea of being a writer. If you’re stuck in the query trenches or trunking novels you were sure would sell, this episode is a treasure trove of advice when it comes to keeping your eyes on your own paper and working at a pace that honors the writers you actually are, rather than the writer you wish you were. So slow down, let it all go quiet, and enjoy my conversation with Stephanie Feldman.

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A Pep Talk for the Reluctant Writer.

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Today I’m interviewing Alechia Dow, author of The Sound of Stars and The Kindred. Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef and librarian. When not writing, you can find her having epic dance parties with her daughter, baking, reading, or traveling.

Today we’re talking about the journey of self-discovery that coincides with becoming a published author, learning to adjust your expectations in a way that prioritizes your own physical and mental health, and the importance of safeguarding the things that made you fall in love with writing in the first place. If you struggle with comparison, self-doubt, and just feeling like your dreams aren’t coming true fast enough, I know you’ll be encouraged by Alechia’s reminders to slow down, take stock, and redefine success for yourself.

So settle in wherever’s comfortable and enjoy my conversation with Alechia Dow.

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A Pep Talk for the Writer who needs to just be.

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A Pep Talk for the Willing.

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Today I’m interviewing Vanessa L. Torres, debut author of the young adult novel The Turning Pointe.

Vanessa L. Torres loves to read anything with a vivid setting, but there's a special place in her heart for urban tales. She was born and raised in Minneapolis Minnesota, and now lives in Olympia Washington with her husband and daughter. When she's not writing, she balances her time between anything outdoors, and her other job as a firefighter/paramedic. And when the snow hits, you might catch a glimpse of her ski patrolling on the mountain.

Today we’re talking about how Vanessa juggled writing her debut novel alongside being a firefighter paramedic at the height of the pandemic, the beauty in returning to old security blankets in times of need, and why it’s essential to have the support of other writers as you brave the often long and winding journey to publication. If you’ve found yourself feeling discouraged by rejections or overwhelmed by your responsibilities, I know you’ll find solace in Vanessa’s story.

So pop in your headphones, find a path you’ve yet to explore, and enjoy my conversation with Vanessa L. Torres.

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A Pep Talk for the Pusher.

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A Pep Talk for the Painstaking.

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Today I’m interviewing Racquel Marie, debut author of the young adult novel Ophelia After All.

Racquel Marie grew up in Southern California where her passion for storytelling of all kinds was encouraged by her friends and big family. She received a BA in English with an emphasis in creative writing and a minor in gender and sexuality studies from the University of California, Irvine. Racquel primarily writes YA contemporaries starring queer Latine characters like herself. When not writing or reading, she loves practicing beauty and special effects makeup, watching and producing YouTube videos, and teaching herself to play ukulele in spite of her extremely long nails.

Today we’re talking about the importance of setting physical and emotional boundaries, how borrowing joy from our own communities can help us reconnect with our work, and why books are the ultimate group project. If you’re struggling to find your voice in your personal or professional life, this episode is for you.

So make a space that’s just for you and enjoy my conversation with Racquel Marie.

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A Pep Talk for the New You.

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A Pep Talk for the Unproductive.

Connect with Alex online:

Today I’m interviewing Alex Perry, debut author of the middle grade novel PigHearted.

Alex used to teach amazing middle schoolers in Houston, but now she writes novels for kids everywhere. She lives in Arkansas with her husband, baby, and two dogs.

Today we’re talking about what it feels like to be entering year three of the pandemic, experiencing tragedy alongside professional milestones, and how to let go of the debut hustle. If you’re currently raising littles or struggling with the guilt of not being quite as productive as you’d like, this episode is for you.

So on Alex’s recommendation, make yourself a warm cup of Earl Grey Tea, find your favorite chair and enjoy my conversation with Alex Perry.

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A Pep Talk for the Uninspired

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A Pep Talk for the Short on Time.

Connect with Juliet online:

Today I’m interviewing Juliet Menendez, debut author of the illustrated collection Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers.

Juliet is a Guatemalan American author and illustrator living between Guatemala City, Paris, and New York. While working as a bilingual teacher in New York City’s public schools, Juliet noted the need for more books that depicted children like the ones in her classrooms. She studied design and illustration in Paris and now spends her days with her water colors and notebook. Latinitas is her first children's book.

Today we’re talking about finding moments of creativity when you’re operating in survival mode, how unexpected projects can be a safe place to hide in the midst of trauma, and why being vulnerable with others is essential to avoiding overwhelm. I was awestruck by the medical journey Juliet’s mother went on and how Juliet remained by her side, sleeping for months in her hospital room, while also managing to pitch her debut collection in person. My conversation with her was a great reminder that we are all capable of doing extraordinary things, and that many of us have over these past two years, juggling work and caretaking and our creative endeavours. Finding strength and an ability to adapt we may never have thought possible. It’s the perfect conversation to kick off this new season of Author Pep Talks and I know you’ll find it just as fortifying as I did. So, without further ado, curl up with a furry companion or find yourself a warm blanket, and enjoy my conversation with Juliet Menendez.

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A Pep Talk for the Still Dreaming.

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A Pep Talk for the Covetous.

Connect with Ally online:

Today I’m interviewing Ally Malinenko, debut author of the middle grade novel Ghost Girl.

Ally writes poems and stories in a secret writing closet before dawn each day and is the author of several poetry collections, as well as two middle grade horror novels. She has a burning desire to go to Antarctica, specifically to the South Pole so she can see where Robert Falcon Scott died.

You can find her online writing about smashing the patriarchy, writing anxiety, Doctor Who, David Bowie, and more patriarchy smashing.

She’s also a cancer survivor and Brooklyn resident where she lives with her husband.

Today we’re talking about the very normal experience of falling out of love with your debut novel, how celebration and grief go hand-in-hand when it comes to releasing a book out into the world, and the storyteller’s essential role in cultivating empathy and creating community. Ally’s story is raw and impactful and her relentless ability to push through is the perfect note to end on as the first season of Author Pep Talks comes to a close. So for the last time until I see you again in 2022, find a quiet place that’s just for you, and enjoy my conversation with Ally Malinenko

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A Pep Talk for the Runner.

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A Pep Talk for the Lost.

Connect with Lulu online:

Today I’m interviewing Lulu Delacre, author and illustrator of the picture book Luci Soars and Us: In Progress, a middle grade collection of short stories.

Lulu is a three-time Pura Belpré Award honoree and has been writing and illustrating children's books since 1980. The New York Times Bestselling artist was born and raised in Puerto Rico to Argentinean parents.

Delacre has lectured internationally and served as a juror for the National Book Awards. She has exhibited at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, The Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators in New York, the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico among other venues and Reading is Fundamental honored her with a Champion of Children’s Literacy Award.

Today, we’re talking about channeling grief to create something beautiful for others, how a reverence for your audience, no matter how small, can give your work purpose, and the healing power of writing to understand.

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A Pep Talk for the Perfectionist.

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A Pep Talk for the Brave Beginner.

Connect with Anya online:

Today I’m interviewing Anya Leigh Josephs, the author of the Young Adult Fantasy novel, Queen of All, which debuted in June of 2021.

Anya Leigh Josephs was born in Boston, MA, raised in Chapel Hill, NC, and now makes her home in New York City. She has a BA from Columbia University and an MA from UCLA, both in English. When she’s not writing, she teaches foster youth pursuing college degrees. She can also often be found playing Dungeons and Dragons, going to the theatre, reading door stopper fantasy novels, or worshipping her cat, Sycorax.

Today, we’re talking about stories that hit too close to home, what role your creative process should play in your life and how therapy, medication, and other mental health services made it possible for us to get through the publication process.

Anya is currently [pursuing a degree in social work so you know this episode is full of gems related to creativity and mental health. She also has an incredibly inspiring personal story of courage, perseverance, and grace that I know is going to really resonate with so many of you who have been working on a single project for years and feeling unsure about the fate of it. So without further ado, take some time to settle in, and then enjoy my conversation with Anya Leigh Josephs.

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A Pep Talk for the Distracted.

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A Pep Talk for the person trying their best.

Connect with Crystal online:

Today on this very special episode of the Author Pep Talks podcast I’m actually interviewing two guests instead of just one. My first guest is Crystal Maldonado, the author of the Young Adult romance, Fat Chance Charlie Vega.

Crystal Maldonado is a young adult author with a lot of feelings. Her work has been published in the Hartford Courant, Buzzfeed, and Latina Magazine. By day, she is a social media manager working in higher ed, and by night, a writer who loves Beyoncé, shopping, spending too much time on her phone, and being extra. She lives in western Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Next up is Olivia Abtahi, author of the Young Adult novel, Perfectly Parvin. Olivia Abtahi is a film director and writer based in Denver, Colorado. Born to an Iranian father and an Argentine mother, she is a melting pot of distinct cultures. Growing up in the DC area, Olivia always had a passion for cinema and storytelling. She is a graduate of NYU Film School and VCU Brandcenter, and has lived in New York, San Francisco, Richmond Virginia, and Dublin, Ireland. She holds a BFA and MaSC. In her spare time, she enjoys watching music videos, laughing so hard it hurts, and hunting down gluten-free pastries. She currently lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and daughter.

Today, we’re talking about the absolutely monumental feat that is parenting during the pandemic, the intense stress of debuting, also during a pandemic, and making time for your creative practice when you’re being pulled in a million different directions.

I enjoyed every second of our conversation and loved the back and forth between these two fierce Mamas. I am so in awe of their strength, candidness, and sense of humor, and I hope you come away from this conversation feeling as liberated as I did. So steal some alone time if you can, kick up your feet, and then enjoy my conversation with Crystal Maldonado and Olivia Abtahi.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

A Pep Talk for the Tired.

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A Pep Talk for the Joyless.

Connect with Adiba online:

Today I’m interviewing Adiba Jaigirdar, the author of the Young Adult Contemporary novel, The Henna Wars, which debuted in 2020.

Adiba Jaigirdar is a Bangladeshi/Irish writer and teacher, and she has an MA in Postcolonial Studies from the University of Kent, England and a BA in English and History from UCD, Ireland. All of her writing is aided by tea, and a healthy dose of Janelle Monáe and Hayley Kiyoko. When not writing, she is probably ranting about the ills of colonialism, playing video games, or expanding her overflowing lipstick collection.

Today, we’re diving deeper into her recent blog post titled Book Two Depression and discussing the unexpected apathy and disconnection authors sometimes feel toward their work, how writer friends can keep us afloat during these dark times, and how to cultivate joy around a particular project when you need it the most.

I found my conversation with Adiba just as moving as when I read her original blog post and it was so refreshing to speak candidly about an experience many writers have, though often in isolation, especially over the past year as many of us have been drafting and debuting in a bubble that feels so far away from the rest of the world. Our conversation allowed me to let go of mainy painful months of trying to fall in love with my sophomore novel, and to finally make room for those feelings to grow in an organic way. I hope you come away from our conversation feeling less burdened too. So without further ado, find a comfy spot away from all the noise, and then enjoy my conversation with Adiba Jaigirdar.

Connect with Adiba online:

A Pep Talk for the Joyless

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A Pep Talk for the Over (or Under) Prepared

Connect with Nina online:

Today I’m interviewing Nina Moreno, the author of the Young Adult Contemporary novel, Don’t Date Rosa Santos, which debuted in 2019 and the forthcoming companion novel, Our Way Back to Always, out on October 12th of 2021.

Nina Moreno was born and raised in Miami until a hurricane sent her family toward the pines of Georgia where she picked up an accent. She’s a proud University of Florida Gator who once had her dream job of shelving books at the library. Inspired by the folklore and stories passed down to her from her Cuban and Colombian family, she now writes about disaster Latinx teens & tweens chasing their dreams, falling in love, and navigating life in the hyphen. Her first novel, Don’t Date Rosa Santos was a Junior Library Guild Selection, Indie Next Pick for teen readers, and SIBA Okra Pick.

Today, we’re talking about the book two slog, when writing is no longer a refuge, and the importance of grace in the creative process.

There were so many parallels between our creative journeys over the course of the pandemic and being able to speak candidly about the book two experience, writing from personal grief and trauma, and the aches and pains (both physical and emotional) of being a writer with someone I so admire left me feeling less alone and more confident in my abilities to handle whatever writing and publishing throws my way. And I know our conversation will leave you feeling inspired too. So curl up with a nice hot cup of cafecito, maybe a pastelito or two, and then enjoy my conversation with Nina Moreno.

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A Pep Talk for the Insecure

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Today I'm interviewing Steven Salvatore, the author of the Young Adult Contemporary novel, Can’t Take That Away, which debuted in March of 2021.

Steven grew up in Tarrytown, New York. They studied writing and art history at Ithaca College, and received their MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Writing for Children from The New School. Formerly a full-time Assistant Professor of Composition and Director of the Writing Center at CNR, they oversaw the Freshman Writing Program and taught creative writing. After CNR officially ceased academic operations in August of 2019, they began teaching part time at Pace University and Westchester Community College. They also volunteer at The LOFT (an LGBTQ+ resource center in White Plains, New York) where they facilitate a creative writing workshop. As an educator, Steven is passionate about progressive activism on and off campus and advocating for young people. Steven currently lives in Peekskill, New York, with their amazingly patient husband, whose name is also Steve.

Today, we’re talking about the anti-climactic free fall into nothing that is debuting during a pandemic, coming to terms with an author’s lack of control, and the gift of closure in such uncertain times.

I had such a great time talking with Steven two months post their debut and one month post my own and I felt so validated by our conversation. They reminded me that even though it feels like something has come to an end, we’re actually at the beginning of, hopefully, very long careers, and that it’s important to keep your eyes on the horizon, even in the midst of life’s storms.

So find your favorite spot on the couch, get cozy, and then enjoy my conversation with Steven Salvatore.

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A pep talk for the Dreamer.

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A Pep Talk for the Burned Out.

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A pep talk for the Dejected.

Connect with Sam online:

Today I’m interviewing Sam Taylor, the author of the Young Adult Fantasy novel, We Are the Fire, which debuted in February of 2021.

Sam grew up in Arizona's desert and now lives among Connecticut's trees. She writes fantasy novels for teenagers, and magic is always at the heart of her stories. For her writing, Sam has won the Tassy Walden Award for New Voices in Children's Literature and twice received the Young Adult Romance Writers of America Rosemary Award. She's worked as a proofreader, copywriter, and instructor of university writing courses before deciding to write her own books.

When she's not writing, Sam spends her time being mom to the world's cutest boys, whirling through dance workouts, and baking too many cakes. She does not possess fire magic, but does have one fire-colored cat.

Today, we’re talking about the power of play, how writing in a new age category might be just the escape you need, and when stepping away from the work is the kindest thing you can do for yourself.

Sam was such a joy to talk to and I was so inspired by her optimism during a year when so many of us have struggled to see the silver lining. Her emphasis on family and community and the ways a good writing schedule should serve both, reminded me that no story is worth your sanity and that loving others is what life is truly about. So pull on your favorite oversized sweatshirt, get comfy, and then enjoy my conversation with Sam Taylor.

A Pep Talk for the Truth-Seeker.

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A pep talk for the Discouraged.

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Today I’m interviewing Amparo Ortiz, the author of the Young Adult Fantasy novel, Blazewrath Games, which debuted in October of 2020.

Amparo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and currently lives on the island’s northeastern coast. She holds an M.A. in English and a B.A. in Psychology from the UPR’s Río Piedras campus.

Her short story comic, “What Remains in The Dark,” appeared in the Eisner Award-winning anthology PUERTO RICO STRONG , and SAVING CHUPIE, her middle grade graphic novel, comes out with HarperCollins in 2022.

When she’s not teaching ESL to her college students, she’s streaming Kpop music videos, vlogging for her eponymous YouTube channel, and writing about Latinx characters in worlds both contemporary and fantastical.

Today, we’re talking about scheduling moments of joy, music as an emotional entry point into story, and giving yourself permission to suck.

Amparo is so witty and funny and full of optimism. Her anecdotes and advice left me feeling so much lighter and I hope our conversation leaves you feeling lighter too. So curl up in a cozy spot, maybe even with a snack nearby, and then enjoy my conversation with Amparo Ortiz.

If you’d like to learn more about Amparo or her books, please visit her website at http://www.amparoortiz.com/ or find her on social media @Amparo_Ortiz on Instagram and Twitter. Also be sure to buy her book, Blazewrath Games, published by Page Street Kids, at your local indie bookstore.

A Pep Talk for the Uninspired.

Connect with Laekan online: