We discuss Kate’s journey from science teacher to bestselling historical mystery author, why writing communities and group chats matter more than ever, and how conferences like the Historical Novel Society conference can change your career. We also get into the pressure modern authors face online, the importance of social media for discoverability and book sales, and why so many writers are feeling burned out right now.

Whether you’re querying, publishing, marketing your books online, or trying to recover your creativity after burnout, this episode is packed with candid publishing conversations, author advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into the modern writing life.

Topics discussed:

• Going viral on Threads as an author
• Querying in today’s publishing industry
• Author burnout and taking creative breaks
• Building a writing community online
• Historical mystery writing and the appeal of the 1920s
• The pressure of social media for authors
• Writing conferences and networking
• Balancing productivity, creativity, and rest
• Transitioning from teaching to publishing

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To have your pages critiqued on the podcast, just email 1-10 pages and a synopsis of the read to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com.

The podcast episode features a live and anonymous critique of a historical crime mystery called 'The Sinners of Shoreline Drive.' The hosts also discuss their writing updates, life experiences, and the challenges of rewriting and refining their stories. They share insights on the process of self-critique, the importance of marketability, and the evolving nature of story setup. The conversation revolves around a detailed critique of two chapters from a book, focusing on what worked and what didn't work. The discussion covers the tone, suspense, character development, and storytelling techniques. The hosts also share their reading preferences and methods for coping with stress.

Takeaways

• Rewriting and refining a story can be a challenging and iterative process.
• The setup of a story is crucial and often evolves over time, requiring flexibility and adaptation. Suspense and tension need to build gradually to create an engaging reading experience.
• Character development and relatable protagonists are essential for reader engagement.

The conversation dives into favorite romantic comedies, beloved romance tropes, story structure, pacing, character chemistry, and why community is essential for aspiring authors. Whether you write romance, fantasy with romantic elements, literary fiction, or you simply love behind-the-scenes conversations about publishing and storytelling, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement for writers at every stage.

Topics include:
• Writing romance and romantic tension
• How critique groups improve your writing
• Story structure and crafting compelling characters
• Favorite rom-com books and movies
• Writers retreats and creative inspiration
• Advice for aspiring authors and new writers
• Finding your voice as a storyteller
• The importance of writing community

Chapters:
00:00 – The Writing Journey
07:53 – How Workshops Shape Better Writers
13:26 – Favorite Rom-Coms and Romance Tropes
29:34 – Advice for New Romance Writers

In this episode of Witches of Workshop with award-winning Young Adult Author Leslie Lutz, we’re unpacking the real writing process: the chaos, the critique, and the moments that force you to start over. From defining literary fiction to surviving workshop feedback, we talk about what it means to be interesting on the page and why that matters more than being perfect.

We explore writing habits, creative burnout, character motivation, and why your first book might not be the one that “makes it.”

Whether you’re deep in revisions, stuck in perfectionism, or questioning your entire draft, this episode is for writers navigating the messy middle.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to make your writing more interesting (not just “better”)
• The role of workshops and constructive criticism in revision
• Why character motivation can make or break your story
• Letting go of perfectionism and the sunk cost fallacy
• Knowing when to move on from a project
• Writing habits, productivity, and creative community

✨ Perfect for fiction writers, aspiring authors, and anyone trying to finish (or fix) a novel.

Remember, if you WANT to be critiqued on the podcast, just send 1-10 pages and a synopsis to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com

A major focus of the episode is the writing process—particularly the difficulty of rewriting chapters, navigating self-doubt, and responding to critique. The discussion highlights how feedback shapes revision, how personal experience influences character development, and why storytelling often requires multiple rounds of restructuring to find the right balance.

Want to have your episode critiqued on the podcast? Just send 1-10 pages and synopsis to witcheofworkshop@gmail.com.

Guest Mark Dye, an English teacher, author, and illustrator, joins to discuss his path to publication, including being signed by a literary agent after pitching at a writing conference. He shares how teaching informs his storytelling, balancing humor in fiction, and developing character-driven narratives.

Mark introduces his adult fiction novel Schoolhouse Madhouse, reads a synopsis, and participates in a live first chapter workshop with feedback focused on structure, characterization, and interiority. The group also discusses writing humor, managing ensemble scenes, and revising opening chapters for stronger impact.

Remember, to have your writing critiqued on the podcast, send 1-10 pages and a synopsis to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com!

Chapters

• 00:00 Life Cauldron Updates
• 08:13 Introduction of A. Lee Martinez
• 14:23 Impactful Critique and Writing Advice
• 19:23 AI in Writing and Publishing
• 27:12 Character Dynamics and Conflict
• 37:00 Navigating the Publishing Industry

Takeaways

• Workshops provide invaluable varied critique and a sense of community for writers.
• The freedom to 'tell' in addition to 'show' in writing can enhance the emotional depth of a story.
• YA fiction offers a platform to explore the heightened emotions and experiences of teenage life, making it an engaging genre for both readers and writers.

Email 1-10 pages and a synopsis of your writing to be critiqued on the pod! witchesofworkshop@gmail.com, all reads kept anonymous.

In this episode, we cover:

• How community and workshops fuel writing growth
• The power of feedback and diverse perspectives in storytelling
• Navigating narrative perspective and the challenges it brings
• Using satire and humor to create engaging, memorable stories
• The ongoing debate: audiobooks vs. reading
• and much more fun!

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a book lover, or just curious about the creative process, this episode is packed with insights, practical tips, and laughs.

Want your writing critiqued on the podcast? Send 1–10 pages and a synopsis of your story to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com. Writers always remain anonymous!

Lauren shares her best writing advice, the hardest feedback she’s ever received, and how to overcome fear in writing. We dive into her writing routine, reading habits, and the mindset that helped her treat writing like a job. Plus, she gives a sneak peek into her upcoming projects and how she approaches growth as a writer.

Whether you’re an aspiring author, part of a writing workshop, or just looking for practical writing tips and inspiration, this episode is packed with insights on writing, critique, publishing, and creative confidence.

In this episode, we expose our early writing, dissecting what would have made our stories stronger. We also dive into what makes a compelling narrative voice, how dialogue shapes unforgettable characters, and why your first chapter can make or break your story.

Along the way, we share life updates (including thoughts on Wicked: For Good), reflect on past writing lessons, and talk honestly about rejection, growth, and the creative process.

Whether you’re an aspiring author or deep into your current manuscript, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you write stronger, more engaging stories.

To have your writing critiqued on the pod, don't forget to submit to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com! We always keep submissions anonymous.