In this engaging conversation, Nancy Smay interviews bestselling author Kristan Higgins, exploring her journey from aspiring writer to successful novelist. Kristan shares her experiences in the publishing industry, her writing process, and the evolution of her work from romance to women's fiction. The discussion also delves into the importance of social media in connecting with readers and building a successful author brand. In this engaging conversation, Kristan and Nancy delve into the multifaceted world of writing, exploring the challenges authors face in balancing authenticity with branding, the importance of personal voice, and the necessity of thorough research when tackling sensitive topics. They discuss the evolving landscape of social media and its impact on authors, the significance of maintaining passion for writing amidst industry pressures, and the future of publishing in the age of AI. Kristan shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of listening to others' stories and the value of self-care in the writing process.

Cecelia Mecca, a full-time romance author, shares her journey from being an English teacher to becoming a successful author. She talks about how she transitioned to full-time writing and the challenges she faced along the way. Cecelia also discusses the importance of finding the right genre and niche, and how it has contributed to her success. She shares her experience with pen names and the need for separate websites, newsletters, and social media accounts for each pen name. Despite being a one-woman show, Cecelia enjoys the various tasks involved in running her author business. Cecelia Mecca discusses her writing process, including her book production schedule and how she plans and plots her books. She also talks about the importance of editing and the resources she uses to stay current in the industry. Cecelia emphasizes the value of professional development and building a supportive community of authors. She shares her upcoming projects and where listeners can find her online.