Lesbians Who Write

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

Programming note: They’ve delayed the ask us anything episode because they need more questions, so please send them in.

Beware: TB woke up extremely grumpy. While publishing the last episode, TB thought she uploaded the wrong file. In non-heart attack news, The AM Show, the cowrite with Miranda MacLeod, is number 1 on the charts. Toot, toot! In more good news, the Friday Feels feature on I Heart Lesfic has officially launched.

Clare had a fab holiday in Portugal and is planning on becoming a golfing lesbian in retirement. Clare discovered Portugal has lovely cheap, cold beers, but the best find was a custard dessert. Clare, who named her publishing business Custard Books, is a big fan of the treat. In book news, Clare is prepping Change of Heart for publication in a couple of weeks!

They crash on to the main topic: what they hate about their author businesses. TB doesn’t start off following the rules because she lists something she doesn’t necessarily hate, but it’s one thing that stresses her out. As they both list their things, it becomes apparent how differently they tackle every subject because TB shares overarching concepts about the author business, while Clare zeroed in on certain tasks. They both hate taxes, though, because… taxes.

What things do you hate in your daily life?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Next time, they’ll dish about their favorite season.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

The AM Show: iheartlesfic.com/the-am-show/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

Programming note: There won’t be an episode on October 4, 2021, but they’ll return on the 11^th with an ask us anything episode, so please, send in your questions.

TB woke up late, and now she’s completely off. However, she can’t blame waking late on something she effed up recently with the Girl Love Happens series. On the cowriting front, TB is in a mad dash to get the book ready for publication. In intimidating news, TB is considering dipping her toes into A+ Content, but unlike Clare, who dives in, TB is baby-stepping her way to actually doing it.

Clare is hoping to go away for a much-needed break as long as she doesn’t catch COVID. If she’s successful, she’ll be sitting by a pool when this episode goes live. In writing news, she’s started a new project that begins with a breakup, but she’s not sure where the story is going from there, aside from an HEA, obviously. Change of Heart has gone to the early readers, and the story is full of damsels, drama, drams, and desire. Sounds like a winning formula!

They crash on to the main topic: favorite birthday memories. In an effort to keep the episode shorter than normal, TB suggested they share one each. Clare shares three. Before they dive in, they chat about how birthdays play a role in their fiction. Have a listen to learn all about their best birthdays and more proof they are the exact opposite of each other.

What’s your favorite birthday memory?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

They’ll be back on October 11, and don’t forget to send the duo questions they can answer on air.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

Programming note: Clare and TB’s cowrite One Golden Summer is currently on sale for $2.99.

After TB’s harrowing two weeks of deadline hell, she’s been able to relax and sleep to recoup for her next project. Miranda MacLeod and TB have started outlining the series they plan to publish on Vella. In I Heart Lesfic news, TB is sorting the requested categories for the 2022 IHL Reading Challenge.

Clare stayed in a posh Marylebone hotel for her 50^th and had a lovely birthday week. Now, Change of Heart is back from the editor, and she has one week to whip it into shape for the first readers before jetting out of London. Clare finally took her CliftonStrengths Test, but sadly her results weren’t sexy like she was hoping.

They jump into the main topic: A+ Content. If you’re wondering what the heck that is, don’t fret. Clare not only defines it, but in order to prep for today’s episode, she uploaded content for a handful of her books to road test it. Have a listen to hear what she thinks and determine if you should hop onto the A+ Content Train.

Have you tried out A+ Content?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Next week, they’ll discuss birthday memories.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

I Heart Lesfic Reading Challenge Form: iheartlesfic.com/book-submission-form-for-2022-ihl-reading-challenge/

One Golden Summer: iheartlesfic.com/one-golden-summer/

Before You Say I Do (Brazilian edition): www.amazon.com.br/Antes-que-você-diga-sim-ebook/dp/B09BMDT83H/

Kindlepreneur A+ Content Article: kindlepreneur.com/amazon-a-content/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:58 — 29.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

TB’s last two weeks were pure hell: two massive back-to-back deadlines, computer issues, another hurricane, and quick turnarounds for end-of-month tasks. The good news is she was able to fix a niggling problem with The Setup blurb on Audible, and Lizzie is with her beta readers. In her downtime, TB’s been watching tennis.

It’s Clare’s birthday, and it’s a big one! In not fun news, she spent a week getting her accounts sorted. Clare’s squeezing out some new words in a shiny-new project because she’s got the itch to write a story in first person. In fab sports news, Clare saw two women’s football games. Ladies in shorts. What’s not to love?

They dive into the main topic: how to find an editor. A listener requested the topic, and while on the surface is seems like an easy question, it’s anything but. The duo shares some resources with lists of editors (see links below) and suggest asking other authors as well as visiting writing Facebook groups. Finding the right editor for your project will take time and patience. There might be some bumps on the road, but it’s key to work with someone who understands your writing style and will help you grow as an author.

How did you find your editor?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Next week, they’ll discuss A+ content.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

LWW 20: lesbianswhowrite.com/lww20-lets-talk-about-editing/

iReadIndies: ireadindies.com/resources.html

Reedsy: reedsy.com

The Creative Penn: www.thecreativepenn.com/editors/

Alliance of Independent Authors: www.allianceindependentauthors.org

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:39 — 39.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

Calling all Lizzie fans! Lizzie is TB’s current writing project, and it’s slated to go to the editor in October (fingers and toes double crossed!). Girl Love Happens: Season Three has officially launched, which is a huge relief since this one was long overdue. TB has been reading a Brandon Sanderson book that’s 1300 pages, and around page 700, she realized she’d already read it, but she’s crashing on to complete it for the second time. Finally, TB has a big car announcement!

Clare’s book has gone to the editor. Can we get a resounding toot toot! If you can’t get enough of Clare’s dulcet tones, check out her latest Lesbian Book Club podcast episode. Fantabulous news for Big London Dreams fans, the audio version has been commissioned. She’s finally decided what coworking space she’s going with during her neighbor’s construction project. And, in sad news, a family friend has passed, and Clare wants to remind people that life is short, so if you want to finish that draft, don’t wait.

They jump into the main topic: what are your strength and weakness? The idea for the episode came about when Clare rediscovered a CliftonStrengths test four months ago and hadn’t taken it. The duo breaks down their strengths and weakness, and interestingly, they have some of the same. It’s possible they spend too much time together, or it may be some of their strengths are the keys to how they’re able to support themselves as full-time authors.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Next week, they’ll discuss how to find an editor.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

Girl Love Happens: Season Three: iheartlesfic.com/girl-love-happens-season-three/

Lesbian Book Club: www.clarelydon.co.uk/2021/08/the-lesbian-book-club-summer-special-2/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:57 — 39.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

TB has been swamped getting Girl Love Happens: Season Three ready to launch, and she uploaded the file early on KDP due to a hurricane warning. In more shiny-new-object news, the third box set of Lizzie is now available in audio. And, TB’s car-buying saga continues.

In Clare’s world, she’s working on Change of Heart, but there was a brief scare when she thought the book wasn’t workable. After a walk along the Thames, she was in a better mind frame to whip it into shape to send it to the editor. In fab news, the Brazilian translation of Before You Say I Do launched and its number one! In love news, Clare attended a wedding.

The duo has a first in LWW history and they’re both thrilled about it!

They crash on to the main topic: what 3 things are you going to accomplish by the end of the year? They break down their goals into different categories, including writing, running their author businesses, and mental health. Both compare their goals to the previous year and why and when they had to pivot in 2021. Naturally, the pandemic, world events, and life in general are impacting them and it’s hard to stay positive these days.

What do you want to accomplish before the end of the year?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

Girl Love Happens: Season Three: iheartlesfic.com/girl-love-happens-season-three/

IHL 2022 Reading Challenge: iheartlesfic.com/book-submission-form-for-2022-ihl-reading-challenge/

Friday Feels: iheartlesfic.com/introducing-friday-feels/

Before You Say I Do (Brazilian Edition): www.amazon.com.br/Antes-que-você-diga-sim-ebook/dp/B09BMDT83H/

A Woman Lost: Boxes Series Books 6-8: www.amazon.com/Woman-Lost-Box-Books-6-8/dp/B09D5HL2BB

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:38 — 36.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

TB is back from vacation and is feeling blue that it’s over much too soon. In fantabulous news: Girl Love Happens: Season Three is releasing August 27^th, and it’s available for preorder right now. Toot toot! I Heart Lesfic is launching a new feature called Friday Feels to help TB recapture that Friday feeling. Clare suggests a Friday song by Cud, and not surprisingly, TB has never heard of the band or song.

Clare’s new book is due with the editor fairly soon, so she’s plugging away like the pro she is. She’s got her fingers and toes crossed for a holiday away this autumn. Please send positive mojo. In “conquering the world” news, Clare’s books have been purchased in a handful of countries she hasn’t sold in before. Now that football has started, she has high hopes for her team, Tottenham, to have a smashing good season. Once again, please send positive mojo.

They crash on to the main topic: if you died tomorrow, what would you be most proud of? When Clare proposed this topic, three things immediately came to TB’s mind, and Clare tried to come up with something funny but ended up being gushy (odd for a Brit!). While TB’s things revolve around fears she continually confronts, Clare went the profound route.

What are you most proud of?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

Girl Love Happens: Season Three: iheartlesfic.com/girl-love-happens-season-three/

Friday Feels: iheartlesfic.com/introducing-friday-feels/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:59 — 34.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

Programming note: there won’t be an episode on August 16, but the duo will return on August 23.

TB hasn’t been up to much since she’s on vacation. She’s started reading her Brandon Sanderson novel (book 2 in the series) that weighs about 500 pounds, give or take. However, she learned there’s book 2.5 that she absolutely must have before starting book 3, which is also mammoth. TB is asking for listeners to recommend epic fantasy lesfic books. And, TB’s car buying saga continues…

Clare is getting stuck in the next book she’s writing. She’s got a tight turnaround on this one, and she needs to get her head in the game. It’s hard, though, when also right in the midst of a new release. In big news, Clare won a Goldie for Before You Say I Do! Toot toot! Clare blows TB’s mind by mentioning fascinating things about The Champion pub, a place TB frequented when she lived in Bayswater.

They move on to the main topic: second drafts. A listener asked the duo to do a deep dive into second drafts. TB struggles with the topic because her second drafts are more like first drafts for other writers, since her first drafts are probably technically considered detailed outlines. Clare, who happens to be right in the middle of a second draft, walks the listener through her process. In Clare’s words, second drafts are when a book really starts to come to life.

How do you tackle second drafts? Got any tips?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Next week, they’ll be back to discuss the question, if you died tomorrow, what would you be most proud of?

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:13 — 34.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

TB is so much less stressed this week because she’s on vacation. Toot toot! The cowrite with Miranda MacLeod is with the editor, allowing TB’s brain to recover from such a tight deadline. And, the ARCs of Girl Love Happens: Season Three are going out soon. This means, TB can actually enjoy two weeks of not working, although she wasn’t able to find a sitter for Grey, so she’s having a staycation with one goal in mind: keep away from her laptop.

Big London Dreams is out, and it’s soaking up the sunshine! Clare is continuing her tradition of celebrating a new release by going out to dinner with her wife. So romantic. It’s like she’s a romance writer or something! That’s not all. Clare has started the second draft of her next blockbuster, plugging all those pesky plot holes like a true pro. The Long Weekend finally has a shiny new cover! Clare is smashing it out of the park this summer.

They move on to the main topic: historical fiction. TB, the history nerd, suggested this topic because Clare just published her first historical romance, and TB wants to learn more about writing one. Clare outlines how she conducted her research and why she selected the 1950s. She offers advice on what to do and what to avoid. Most importantly, she cautions writers not to fall down research rabbit holes and to remember historical fiction is just that, fiction. Don’t beat the reader over the head with facts and dates.

Is historical fiction something you would consider writing?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Next week, they’ll be back to discuss something fresh and juicy.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

The Long Weekend: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/the-long-weekend/

Big London Dreams: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/big-london-dreams/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:32 — 36.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

TB is having a stressful week, and all of her hair is standing straight up. Why is she more stressed than normal? Because it’s the final week before her editing deadline for the cowrite with Miranda MacLeod, and TB is foregoing sleep to meet it, making her very cranky. In Girl Love Happens news, it’s so close to being done, but all the words are blending together because TB has read it so many times. On the personal front, TB is in the process of buying a car and is encountering one roadblock after another, yet another reason why her hair is standing up.

Clare is enjoying traveling by train these days since they’re not as full as normal. Now, prepare yourself for huge news. After talking about Big London Dreams for the past six months, it’s finally launch week! Cue the marching band. On the writing front, she has six chapters to go on the first draft of her new book. In reading news, Clare’s enjoying Casey McQuiston’s latest book, although TB is still baffled about one of the plot points of the story.

They move on to the main topic: Kindle Vella. This is a sparkling new service available to readers and authors in the US. So, what the heck is Kindle Vella? It allows authors to publish serialized stories over a period of time. Since it’s so new and has only launched in the US, not everything is known quite yet, but TB researched the service and walks the listeners through what she’s learned so far, including what can be published on the service, what exclusivity means, and how authors are paid. Bear in mind Amazon has soft launched Kindle Vella, more than likely so they can work out the kinks before unleashing it on the rest of the world.

Does Kindle Vella sound appealing to you?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Next week, they’ll be back to dish about writing historical fictional.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

Big London Dreams: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/big-london-dreams/