LWW 190: 20Books Vegas Conference

Clare in VegasWelcome to episode 190 – ten off another major milestone!

TB is stressed. Why, I hear you cry? The November IHS Mega Sale for one, along with the IHS Sapphic Reading Challenge for 2024. Plus, she’s got a co-write to finish. But what’s bringing a touch of lightness is her WIP, which is set in Vermont. TB has been able to get out and enjoy the picturesque state. She also has some very sad news to share.

Meanwhile, after a couple of months focusing on business, Clare’s got back in the writing saddle and aims to get London Romance 9 to her editor before Christmas. You heard it here first. Her paperbacks are still flying off bookshop shelves, and she’s determined to finish her year-long reading challenge on a sapphic high!

They crash on to the topic at hand: the 20Books Vegas Conference and what did they learn? First, presentation matters. Second, Vegas is expensive and badly carpeted. But mostly, that you can learn a lot at such an intense and varied conference, but none of it matters as much as the people you meet and the connections you make. Bonus lesson: Clare can still play pool. Her lesbian card is still intact. Phew.

What do you think are the key points of attending conferences? Let us know by heading over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com and leaving us a comment.

Happy listening!

Clare & TB

Links:

2024 Reading Challenge Submission Form: https://forms.gle/ZLBmJatXgd8NLm9C9
IHS Mega Sale: https://iheartsapphfic.com/2023/11/24/november-mega-sale-page-1/
Top 5 Reads Form: https://forms.gle/ELgbZtDjFcFmRtk88
IHS Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IHeartSapphFic
Clare Lydon website: https://www.clarelydon.co.uk
Hotshot: https://www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/hotshot/

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LWW 189: One Golden Piece of Advice

Programming note: the duo is taking a break and the next episode will be out on November 20, 2023.

TB in VermontAll Wrapped Up in You, the cowrite TB did with Adrian J. Smith is out in the world. Toot toot! Lizzie fans get ready. Pretty soon, there’s going to be a whole lot of Lizzie. The leaves are turning in New England, so TB’s getting out and about in Vermont and New Hampshire to see them!

Clare’s preparing for her Canadian trip and needs to find her warm clothing. She’s still working on London 9 and did more research to help kick it into a higher gear. Hotshot keeps selling out in Gay’s the Word, a queer bookshop in London. Finally, Clare is jazzed about listening to audiobooks on Spotify.

They crash on to the topic: what’s the one golden piece of advice you’d give to a new author? Clare proposed this topic after seeing advice from a hugely successful author on the socials. The thoughtful advice surprised Clare, spurring her thoughts on the topic. Find out their one piece of advice for authors.

Let us know what you think.

Head over to lesbianswhowrite.com and leave a comment on the episode.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

All Wrapped Up in You: https://mybook.to/BubbleLWW1

2024 Reading Challenge Submission Form: https://forms.gle/ZLBmJatXgd8NLm9C9

IHS Author Newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/400233/102127810225637229/share

Hotshot: https://www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/hotshot/

Gay’s the Word: https://www.gaystheword.co.uk/

 

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LWW 188: Ask Us Anything

A Song in Her Heart has been doing well and hit #1, a huge relief for TB. Now she’s preparing for her next release, which is the last summer project that made those months extremely challenging. TB might take a moment to have a celebratory drink, but then she’ll turn her attention to the next project.

Clare next to the ThamesClare is buckling down on London 9. In fact, she’s so dedicated, she hasn’t watched one holiday movie yet even though the Christmas Channel is live. In a twist, Clare’s considering writing a time travel story. Intriguing!

They crash on to the ask us anything questions, ranging from writing questions to personal. The duo tackles the questions with honesty and hopefully deliver a few giggles. At least TB gets a laugh and can’t stop at one point.

Let us know what you think.

Head over to lesbianswhowrite.com and leave a comment on the episode.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Link:

A Song in Her Heart: https://mybook.to/SongLWW1

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LWW 187: Finding Your Voice

TB ExploringA Song in Her Heart is out in the world! What a relief. TB has published 2 of the 3 projects that dogged her during the summer and the other one is with the editor. Unfortunately, she’s already behind on her fall projects. Such is the life of a writer.

Clare has sent a book to the editor. Toot toot toot! Now she’s switching back to London 9, but first she must jog her memory about the story. The Italian translation of Change of Heart is out for real this time. That’s not all. A Christmas Catch has been uploaded to the audio platforms and should be out soon. Lots of book news for Clare!

They crash on to the topic: when you can call yourself a writer and how to find your writing voice. TB takes the reins on this episode, sharing when she first considered herself a writer and explains what it means when people say writer’s voice and how to find yours.

Let us know if you have any questions on this topic or for the ask us anything episode.

Head over to lesbianswhowrite.com and leave a comment on the episode.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Link:

A Song in Her Heart: https://mybook.to/SongLWW1

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LWW 186: Writing Lessons from the Women’s World Cup

Programming note: We’re planning an ask us anything episode, so please let us know your burning questions.

TB has had an intense summer, but she has status updates on all three of her writing projects. It’s possible there’s an end in sight for all her deadline misery. There’s more good news. There’s tennis on the telly and it’s finally September. Bring on fall!

Clare Looking SummeryClare’s had a breakthrough with the book she’s working on. Woot! When she finishes this book, she has another she needs to wrap up this autumn. Busy time! As it turns out, Clare’s Italian translation isn’t live yet, but it’s on preorder. Sadly, she’s learned a disturbing trend in Italy.

They crash on to the topic: writing lessons from the Women’s World Cup. Clare, the football fanatic, leads the discussion this time. She shares ten things she learned from watching all the matches. Get a cup of tea, settle in, and have a listen.

What have you learned from watching sports?

Head over to lesbianswhowrite.com and leave a comment on the episode.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Change of Heart (Italian preorder): https://www.amazon.it/Change-Heart-Edizione-Clare-Lydon-ebook/dp/B0CDFGL6TF

IHS September Sale Submission Form: https://forms.gle/gf5U3PzcoKA475px6

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LWW 185: The Shadow Self

TB HikingProgramming note: We’re planning an ask us anything episode, so please let us know your burning questions.

TB recorded with a terrible sinus headache. That doesn’t stop her from dropping big news. Lizzie is back! TB had a fun time writing this one, leaning into Lizzie’s zaniness. The Lizzie launch is how TB is celebrating her 10-year writing anniversary. Toot toot!

Clare has been getting work done in between all the World Cup matches. Don’t fret, Clare Lydon fans. She has a plan in place for both books, including deadlines. She’s also been forging ahead on the Facebook ads. It’s still early days, but there’s been an uptick in sales and she’s collecting data. Stay tuned for more updates.

They crash on to the topic: the shadow self. TB takes the reins of this episode, explaining what the shadow self is and how it impacts not only the author but their creations. Have a listen to learn how you can go deeper with your stories.

How do you deal with the shadow self in your writing?

Head over to lesbianswhowrite.com and leave a comment on the episode.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

A Midlife Woman (Lizzie): https://mybook.to/MidlifeLWW

Flight Plan: https://mybook.to/FlightPlanLWW

The Creative Penn Podcast Episode: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2023/07/24/writing-from-your-shadow-side-with-michaelbrent-collings/

IHS BookFinder Submission Form: https://forms.gle/DPoSiMn9UzBFCNRt5

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LWW 184: Dealing with Disappointment

What have they been up to since the last episode? 

TB has been busy juggling 3 writing projects, including one that’s a little terrifying. Also, TB got some island time!

Photo of ClareClare’s main project right now is watching the Women’s World Cup. She’s also been trying Facebook ads because she heard a rumor the targeting has improved. Can Clare crack the Facebook ads code for all sapphic authors?

They move on to the topic: dealing with disappointment.

They focus on not being included on recommendation lists. What’s the best way to deal with it? Clare and TB come at the question differently, but they agree on one big point. Have a listen to learn how they deal with it and what they choose to focus on.

How do you deal with disappointment?

Head over to lesbianswhowrite.com and leave a comment on the episode.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

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LWW 183: It Doesn’t Get Easier You Just Get Better

TB in pinkThe duo is back!

It was fab to have some time away, and TB and Clare had adventures of their own during the break. Like TB’s road trip (you won’t believe how many miles she traveled) to Denver and Clare’s time in Stockholm (including a history museum). It wasn’t all fun, though, because there’s no escaping work. Before diving into the topic, they share all the highlights and some lows from the past five weeks.

They crash on to the topic: it doesn’t get easier, you just get better. This topic was inspired by a podcast Clare listened to, reminding Clare about comments slung her way about how things are just easy for her. Why do people believe this and is it true? Have a listen to find out.

What has seemingly gotten easier for you when in reality you’ve simply gotten better?

Head over to lesbianswhowrite.com and leave a comment on the episode.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

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LWW 182: 5 Must Haves for the Ideal Beach Read

Programming note: The duo is taking a summer break. The next podcast will come out July 24.

Die Morning Show has been number 1 in the German store for well over a week, which is a huge relief for TB since this is her first translation. Flight Plan is back from the editor and will go live soon.  Miranda and TB will be sharing daily updates from their GCLS road trip with Patreon peeps. TB’s looking forward to finally having some time off!

Summer Clare PhotoLondon has sprung into summer, making it too hot for Clare, but it’s not raining so she’ll take it. She had a magical weekend in Yorkshire with her sister. On the work front, Clare has been doing some writing and editing and more writing and editing. Clare’s becoming a celebrity! On the health front, Clare is in training. Wish her luck everyone! In amazing news, Clare saw Beyonce.

They crash on to the topic: 5 must haves for the ideal beach read. Not only does TB look forward to summertime, but she also loves a good beach read. What makes them perfect for this time of year? TB breaks it down for the listeners and Clare cautions everyone now’s the time to start thinking about their holiday books.

What do love about beach reads?

Head over to lesbianswhowrite.com and leave a comment on the episode.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Sapphic Trailblazers: https://iheartsapphfic.com/category/sapphics-trailblazers/

IHS Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IHeartSapphFic

Die Morning Show: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0C6B5HT2Z

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LWW 181: What Should Writers Stop Worrying About?

TB Celebrating PrideHappy Pride!

To celebrate Pride, every day in June, TB will be posting a Sapphic Trailblazer on I Heart SapphFic. TB and Miranda published their first German Translation: Die Morning Show. Toot toot! IHS is now on Patreon and those who join will be able to follow TB & Miranda on their road trip to the Golden Crown Literary Society Conference.

Clare has been ticking along on two projects. One is at 50K and the other is at 30K. With her writing going well, she’s been smashing it on the exercise front. Is there a correlation? She just had her third three-day weekend in May. But that’s not the most exciting part. Clare is seeing Beyonce! TB is so jealous.

They crash on to the topic: What Should Writers Stop Worrying About? Being a creative can be nerve-racking and it’s easy to drive oneself insane stressing about all the things. Clare and TB go over a list of things that writers shouldn’t dwell on ranging from pirates, one-star reviews, and running out of ideas. Have a listen to learn what you should let go of to focus on what you can control: writing your story.

What other things should writers stop worrying about?

Head over to lesbianswhowrite.com and leave a comment on the episode.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Sapphic Trailblazers: https://iheartsapphfic.com/category/sapphics-trailblazers/

IHS Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IHeartSapphFic

Die Morning Show: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0C6B5HT2Z

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