Connecting w/ Charla Ayers

To wrap up season three we are lucky to once again hear from best selling author Alissa DeRogatis. In our first episode together, Alissa and I talked about her debut indie novel Call It What You Want and the journey she had getting into the traditional industry with it. Today we talk on her upcoming release How To Find Love In The Cereal Aisle and the differences in her journey between her debut and sophomore novels.Alissa’s current read: Too Blessed To Stress by Ali Hoff KosikWhere you can find more of Alissa:Website: https://www.alissaderogatis.com/booksPre order HTFLITCA: https://www.sourcebooks.com/9781464223396-how-to-find-love-in-the-cereal-aisle-tp.html

This week’s episode, I sit down with debut author to talk about the upcoming release of her novel, Viper and Lillies. A Bridgerton meets romantasy novel I know will take the world by storm when it releases February 2027.Lexie Axon, author of Viper and Lillies walks us through her path to publication, the highs the lows and her unique perspective of the journey who has spent years working on the other side in publishing. This episode was truly something special and I cannot wait for y'all to listen!Lexie’s current read: A Study In Drowning by Ava ReidWhere you can find more of Lexie:PREORDER Viper & Lillies: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/lexie-axon/viper-lilies/9781538778241/Website: https://www.lexieaxon.com/viperandliliesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexieaxon/

This is one of my favorite episodes to date. Today we get to hear from author, agent and podcasting co-host, Lauren Khan. In this episode, Lauren shares her journey from an attorney to author and how that led to her also taking up the mantle of agent at Fine Print Literary. It was such an honor to sit with Lauren and learn about her. I can’t wait for you to listen.Lauren’s current read: This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany CrumWhere you can find more of Lauren:Website: https://www.laurenjpkhan.comMSWL: https://mswishlist.com/agent/LaurenKhanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenjpkhan/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prose-pros/id1835741861

Today’s episode we are lucky to hear from debut author, Alyssa K Burns, in celebration of her new release, The Last Special Thing. Today we speak on Alyssa’s indie author journey, the highs, the lows and everything in between. Alyssa is an example of resilience and devotion to getting your craft out into the world and we are lucky to learn from her experience.Alyssa’s current read:The Right Words by Meg RosenthalWhere you can find more of Alyssa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssakburns/Website: https://www.alyssakburns.comBook: https://www.alyssakburns.com/books

In this return episode of The Wannabe Author, we are privileged to hear from indie to trad published author, Liana Cincotti. This author was generous in sharing her publishing journey. I learned so much valuable publishing and writing insight from this conversation and I know you will too.Liana’s current read:And Now Back To You by BK BorisonWhere you can find more of Liana:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lianacincotti/?hl=enWebsite: https://withliana.com/my-books/Pre-order A Summer of Stars: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/liana-cincotti/a-summer-of-stars/9781538779279/

Welcome to the final episode of season two, from your favorite little wannabe author.Taryn’s current read/obsession:Dark Age by Pierce Brown2025 Netflix adaptation of Frankenstein Where you can find more of Taryn:Website: https://linktr.ee/tarynchristeen

For the first time on The Wannabe Author, not only did we have the privilege from learning from one guest author, but two. Authors Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley joined me for a great conversation to talk about the ins and outs of a dual authorship. Best known for their Supernatural meets Fern Gully, (Shot In The Dark Series) Mary and Anne explain how their love for telling stories brought them together, how they were led to self-publish and their individual skill sets that benefit their author careers. It was such an intriguing conversation and I can’t wait for y’all to get to know these authors.Mary’s current read:Bitter Burn by Sierra SimoneAnne’s current reads:A Conjuring of Light by VE SchwabWhy Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu MillerThe Invocations by Krystal SutherlandWhere you can find more of Mary and Anne:Website: https://authorsdublinkendsley.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/authors.dublin.kendsley/

Today on The Wannabe Author we were FED!!! In today's collaborative episode, I had the fabulous opportunity of introducing author, editor and now podcaster, Meg Rosenthal.In the episode, Meg introduces her new podcast, The Architecture of Story by breaking down The Heroes Journey. This episode is chuck full of information, story insights and exciting looksee into what you can look forward to when The Architecture of Story releases Nov. 3rd.So proud of you, Meg!!Where to find more of Meg:Website: https://megrosenthal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/megrosenthalauthor/?hl=enThe Hero’s Journey video: https://youtu.be/Hhk4N9A0oCA?si=MmE5OT_8b9gjwfG8

Today’s episode, we are privileged to hear and learn from author and editor, Charla Ayers. This episode we dive into Charla’s journey in celebration of her recently released novel, Shrike. We get to hear about her process, how skills as an editor bleeds into her own writing and her insight on the industry. This was such a fantastic conversation and I know you will learn so much from Charla. Happy listening!Charla’s current read: The Knight and The Moth by Rachel GilligWhere you can find more of Charla:Website: https://charlaayers.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlaayers/?hl=en

In this episode we are honored to learn and hear from screenwriter and author Charlotte Lillie Balogh. Charlotte’s journey to publication was such a unique and inspiring experience. From starting in television writing where the idea for Kill The Lax Bro originally started as a TV pilot to it being picked up by her editor to be turned into her debut YA novel. Charlotte was such a joy to talk to as she really dove into her journey, the people that stood by her and the odds she beat. I can’t wait for y’all to learn from Charlotte the way I was so lucky to. Happy listening!Charlotte’s current read:A Cruel Thirst by Angela MontoyaWhere you can find more of Charlotte:Website: https://www.charlottelillie.com/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottelilliebalogh/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlottelilliebalogh?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc