In this episode, we explore the rising genre of mid-life fiction with authors Elissa Bass (Happy Hour) and Christina Consolino (The Marriage Debt), who are redefining what it means to find love, identity, and purpose in the middle chapters of life. Through their unforgettable protagonists, KK and Nika, these writers explore how relationships evolve under the weight of experience, shifting expectations, and hard-earned self-awareness. Together, we unpack why readers are increasingly drawn to these stories now, and how mid-life fiction balances realism with possibility.

SHOW NOTES:

Book Summaries

Mid-life fiction

Connecting with audience

Inspiration

Balance

Writing Life

What’s next

What you learned the hard way

SOURCES & LINKS

Elissa Bass Links

Website https://www.elissabass.com/general-8

Happy Hour: https://bookshop.org/p/books/happy-hour-elissa-bass/4ca0d102bfc3fed9?ean=9781665756747&next=t

Please Wait to Cross: https://bookshop.org/p/books/please-wait-to-cross-elissa-bass/0ec211895feba746?ean=9781665783354&next=t

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14319840.Elissa_Bass

Christina Consolino Links

Facebook Instagram

or @AuthorChristinaConsolino for FB and @cmconsolino for IG

Website: https://christinaconsolino.com/

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Authors, are you looking to build a strong foundation as an entrepreneur who is at the helm of marketing your own work? After hearing about all the scams and red flags in our January episode, it’s important to know that there are honest, effective, and affordable ways to promote your book. These proven strategies (and a long directory with links) help you build visibility, connect authentically with readers, and establish long-term credibility.

SHOW NOTES:

Build a Strong Author Platform

Collaborate with other Authors

Work with Reputable Publicists or Marketers

Pursue Authentic Media Coverage

Optimize your Book Metadata

Leverage Paid Ads the Smart Way

Engage Readers Directly

Final Takeaway

SOURCES & LINKS

Qwoted Connects credible experts with authors (podcasts, blogs, PR…)

Haro: Help a Reporter Out Connects journalists to stories/potential interviews

Writer Beware Blog that identifies scams and provides advice

ALLi Watchdog Alliance of Independent Authors, protects from predatory practices and misinformation

SOURCES & LINKS

Links available on our website/ click link below

DO NOW: Research some of the links we’ve provided, so you not only know what’s available to you but to curate a list of marketing strategies that meets your specific goals.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

DO NOW: Research some of the links we’ve provided, so you not only know what’s available to you but to curate a list of marketing strategies that meets your specific goals.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we provide brainstorming techniques you can use today to help spark ideas and methods to begin to flesh them out. From character-driven sparks to high-concept “what if” questions, we’ll show you how to move past creative paralysis and into momentum. Whether you’re starting your first novel, searching for your next project, or feeling stuck midway through a draft, this episode will help you unlock creativity with purpose — and walk away with ideas you’re excited to write.

SHOW NOTES:

Idea Generators (lots of them)

Methods of Brainstorming

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.well-storied.com/blog/three-powerful-ways-to-brainstorm-new-story-ideas

DO NOW: Choose an idea generator and combine it with a method. Repeat until you have have a strong premise for your next story.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you