In this episode of Beyond the Plot, I sit down with author Lulu Morris to talk about her writing journey, career pivots, and the realities of being a published author.

Lulu opens up about her transition from historical romance to contemporary rom-coms, sharing the creative challenges and rewards that came with changing genres. We discuss the importance of finding your voice, trusting your instincts, and building a sustainable writing career.

We also dive into the value of community and networking, particularly through the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA), as well as the challenges of balancing writing with family life and the growing need for self-promotion in today’s publishing landscape.

Lulu gives listeners a sneak peek into her upcoming novel, The Dating Pact, and shares how she develops story ideas, builds strong character arcs, and approaches writing without strict outlines.

This episode is a must-listen for writers at any stage and romance readers curious about what really goes on beyond the plot.

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✨ Key Takeaways

✍🏽 Treat writing like a profession🤝 Community & networking are essential📚 Strong character arcs drive great stories⏳ Balance is one of the biggest challenges📣 Self-promotion is part of the job📝 Finish the book before worrying about marketing

In this episode, we’re joined by Hannah Evans, an author from South Wales, who shares her journey from childhood writing to publishing her debut novel, The Mapmaker’s Wife. Hannah discusses how family history inspired her storytelling, the realities of balancing writing with a full-time job, and what it’s like navigating the modern publishing landscape. She also emphasizes the importance of community, perseverance, and authentic storytelling for aspiring authors.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• ​How Hannah began writing at a young age
• ​The personal inspiration behind The Mapmaker’s Wife
• ​Balancing creative work with a full-time career
• ​Insights into the publishing and editing process
• ​Why community support matters for writers
• ​Advice for aspiring and emerging authors

Key Takeaways:

• ​Writing takes discipline, patience, and passion
• ​Publishing is a collaborative, multi-draft process
• ​Community can play a vital role in creative growth
• ​Perseverance is essential on the writing journey

In this episode, author Becca Mascull shares her fascinating writing journey across multiple genres, from historical fiction and saga fiction to rom-coms. She discusses the realities of publishing, the importance of persistence, and how financial considerations influenced her genre choices. Becca also opens up about her writing process, working with a supportive agent, and her plans to explore self-publishing for greater creative control.

This conversation offers honest insights into the evolving publishing landscape and valuable advice for emerging writers looking to build sustainable writing careers.

Key Takeaways:
• Writing across multiple genres and pen names
• How financial realities shape creative decisions
• Why persistence is essential for writers
• Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing
• Planning, plotting, and adapting as a writer

Keywords:
Becca Mascull, writing journey, historical fiction, saga fiction, rom-coms, publishing, writing process, self-publishing, persistence, genre selection

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