Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Polly Holyoke, the brilliant mind behind the award-winning Neptune Trilogy (Disney/Hyperion), and the captivating new book Skyriders (Viking Children’s Books), where we discussed publishing middle-grade books.

Polly, who grew up in the beautiful state of Colorado, shares her journey from writing her first book with her best friend in fifth grade to becoming a beloved author and former seventh-grade teacher. With over 300 school visits under her belt, Polly has a knack for inspiring students to read, write, and embrace the power of daydreaming.

In this insightful interview, Polly reveals the inspirations behind her underwater adventures in the Neptune Trilogy and the thrilling tales in Skyriders. We delve into her creative process, discussing how her experiences in education have influenced her writing and the importance of encouraging kids to unplug and let their imaginations soar.

Polly also shares memorable moments from her school visits, advice for aspiring young writers, and how her love for the outdoors has influenced her storytelling. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming projects and offers a fantastic book recommendation for middle-grade fantasy enthusiasts.

Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, creativity, and the magic of storytelling. Whether you're a fan of Polly's books or looking for tips to ignite your own writing journey, this conversation is not to be missed.

Visit Polly's website at PollyHolyoke.com to learn more about her work and stay updated on her latest adventures.

Don't forget to rate our podcast and share it with fellow book lovers to help us bring more fantastic authors and stories to your ears. Thank you for listening!

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Links discussed in show:

• https://pollyholyoke.com

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy listening to my interview with…

If you are interested in being a guest on my episode, you may fill out the form on my website: http://authorsalcove.com/be-a-guest

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Patreon:

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This episode is about building a strategy for book marketing. We're joined by Clint Arthur, a remarkable individual boasting accolades as a Wharton Business School graduate, award-winning speaker, and info marketer. With appearances on esteemed platforms like The Today Show and major networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, Clint has shared the stage with icons like Martha Stewart, Dr. Oz, and even five U.S. Presidents.

Joining us from his diverse locales of New York City, Los Angeles, and Acapulco alongside his wife Ali and their beloved pet Nova, Clint is here to dive into his latest literary achievement, "Wisdom Of The Men," a book that soared to bestseller status and garnered a Pulitzer Prize nomination, marking his 21st successful publication. Today, we'll uncover Clint's journey from Hollywood underdog to multimillionaire celebrity entrepreneur, while delving into the intricate world of book marketing. Get ready for insights on leveraging your book for marketing purposes, along with valuable strategies for success. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, like, and subscribe.

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BUY THE WRITING PROGRAM SCRIVENER - $60! Scrivener won't tell you how to write—it simply provides everything you need to start writing and keep writing. It is by far my personal favorite writing app! https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=angela46

BECOME A PROOFREADER/EDITOR! Guaranteed work as a proofreader/editor, if you pass the exam with an 80% or higher!!: https://give.knowadays.com/6DcL9W

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If you are interested in being a guest on my episode, you may fill out the form on my website: http://authorsalcove.com/be-a-guest You can visit her website at: http://www.Clinttt.com

You can purchase his books and support Authors’ Alcove by purchasing through these links: https://a.co/d/5c1FMEy If you are interested in being a guest on my podcast, you may fill out the form on my website: http://authorsalcove.com/be-a-guest

You can also follow me on:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorsalcove

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVCbL470bDCgeg23kziYAg (affiliate links above)

My author interview with memoir writer Kevin O’Connor in the Writers on Their Writing Process series was very fascinating as we discussed his memoir that began as 700 letters written from family members. Kevin is an accomplished storyteller and genealogist dedicated to preserving family histories through writing and picture collections. His extensive career in education, spanning nearly five decades, included roles as a teacher, principal, professor, and curriculum coordinator in various states.

Kevin is also active in community theater and the SMART Ride, a charity bicycling event. He lives in Ft. Lauderdale with his husband, Leon, and their blended family of five sons and seven granddaughters. Today, we'll discuss his memoir, "Two Floors Above Grief," exploring lessons from his upbringing in a funeral home, balancing family life with business, and organizing ancestral letters. Please welcome Kevin O’Connor.

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BECOME A PROOFREADER/EDITOR! Guaranteed work as a proofreader/editor, if you pass the exam with an 80% or higher!!: https://give.knowadays.com/6DcL9W

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Links from Show

• Book: Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home - https://www.amazon.com/Two-Floors-Above-Grief-Families/dp/B0BMZ5P3RF

• Website: kevinoconnorauthor.com

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmoconnor/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.oconnor2

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefnavigator/

If you enjoyed this episode you might also enjoy my interview with

If you are interested in being a guest on my podcast, you may fill out the form on my website: http://authorsalcove.com/be-a-guest

You can also follow me on:

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In this Author Interview with Mystery Writer Fiona Ballard, we discuss the talented author behind "Taking The Bandage," "The Wedding Dress," "Look Both Ways," and the upcoming "Inscription,” in our Writers on the Writing Process series. Fiona shares her fascinating journey from a fulfilling NHS career to becoming a celebrated writer.

Dive into her creative process as she discusses her love for plotting, revising, and researching, and discover the inspirations behind her memorable characters. Fiona also opens up about her personal life, from balancing motherhood and writing to her hobbies like traveling, swimming, and singing in a community choir. Join us for a delightful conversation filled with insights, tips, and fun anecdotes that will inspire both aspiring and seasoned authors alike. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Fiona's unique experiences and discover the magic behind her storytelling.

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BUY THE WRITING PROGRAM SCRIVENER - $60! Scrivener won't tell you how to write—it simply provides everything you need to start writing and keep writing. It is by far my personal favorite writing app! https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=angela46

BECOME A PROOFREADER/EDITOR! Guaranteed work as a proofreader/editor, if you pass the exam with an 80% or higher!!: https://give.knowadays.com/6DcL9W

------------------------------------

Links from the show:

• Her website: www.ballardsbookshelf.com

• Book Inscription: https://www.amazon.com/Inscription-Fiona-Ballard-ebook/dp/B0CVNGPG9X?ref_=ast_author_mpb

If you are interested in being a guest on my episode, you may fill out the form on my website: http://authorsalcove.com/be-a-guest

You can also follow me on:

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Today, literary thriller’s author interview with Mary Carroll Moore in the writers on their writing process series. Mary is the Amazon-bestselling and award-winning author of three novels: the PEN/Faulkner-nominated young adult novel Qualities of Light (2009), A Woman's Guide to Search & Rescue, she published last year, and Last Bets which is the book we will be talking about today. Her writing has been featured on NPR and in the New York Times. She received her MFA from Goddard College and has taught throughout the US and abroad at various writing schools and universities since 1998. Her writing-craft book, Your Book Starts Here, won the New Hampshire Literary Awards “Reader’s Choice” award.

Before moving into fiction, she worked as a chef, a cooking school owner, a cookbook author, and a syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times. Her first cookbook won a Julia Child/IACP award. Over two hundred of her essays, stories, and articles have appeared in magazines and literary journals.

I also want to thank my listeners. If you have been listening for a while, please rate my podcast; this allows not only my podcast to get before more listeners but also my author's books to get before more readers! If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy my conversation with writer Melanie Murphy, author of The Extraordinary Anna Parke https://open.spotify.com/episode/4omX7Bu1FVCBGaHfgLE3r9?si=n4fAt1-rRwafQ3tOSjGEhQ .

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BUY THE WRITING PROGRAM SCRIVENER - $60! Scrivener won't tell you how to write—it simply provides everything you need to start writing and keep writing. It is by far my personal favorite writing app! https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=angela46

BECOME A PROOFREADER/EDITOR! Guaranteed work as a proofreader/editor, if you pass the exam with an 80% or higher!!: https://give.knowadays.com/6DcL9W

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You can also find them on their website, www.marycarrollmoore.com.

If you are interested in being a guest on my podcast, you may fill out the form on my website: http://www.authorsalcove.com/be-a-guest

You can also follow me on:

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVCbL470bDCgeg23kziYAg

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Today’s historical fiction romance author interview was with Cheryl L.G. Trent. She was my next on my writers on the writing process series. Cheryl is a neurodivergent historian and writer of historical fiction. Cheryl discusses her journey into writing, driven by a deep passion for uncovering lesser-known historical facts and bringing authenticity to her stories. Her book "Daughter's Fortune," set in 1688, features a female sea captain and a diverse crew, highlighting the lives of outsiders. Cheryl also introduces Kindle Vella, a platform for serial fiction, explaining its benefits for writers, including financial support, confidence boosts, and creative freedom. She emphasizes the importance of artistic integrity and how Kindle Vella has allowed her and other indie authors to reach new audiences and explore innovative storytelling ideas.

She also has a few other works on Kindle Vella, including one about Medusa, and we are going to talk a little bit about Vella and how it is accessible to the modern reader. You can purchase her book here: http://clgtrent.com or follow her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheryllgtrent?_t=8lkMBMcg4XD&_r=1

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy my talk with historical fiction writer Susan Furber, author of Essence in an Hour. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5vOJyxaxRIK2t50OLJLf5c?si=ac488834b8814c86

You can purchase her book through the shownotes, or visit her website at If you are interested in being a guest on my episode, you may fill out the form on my website: http://authorsalcove.com/be-a-guest

You can visit her website at: http://www.clgtrent.com

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BUY THE WRITING PROGRAM SCRIVENER - $60! Scrivener won't tell you how to write—it simply provides everything you need to start writing and keep writing. It is by far my personal favorite writing app! https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=angela46

BECOME A PROOFREADER/EDITOR! Guaranteed work as a proofreader/editor, if you pass the exam with an 80% or higher!!: https://give.knowadays.com/6DcL9W

------------------------------------

You can purchase his books and support Authors’ Alcove by purchasing through these links:

If you are interested in being a guest on my podcast, you may fill out the form on my website: http://authorsalcove.com/be-a-guest

You can also follow me on:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorsalcove

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsalcovepodcast/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVCbL470bDCgeg23kziYAg

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This World War 2 historical fiction book Private Cummings by Pete McGinty (purchase link– https://a.co/d/50uN4ig ) is not only a beautiful historical fiction, but deals with such issues as disfigurement, LGBTQ issues, and finding friendship against all odds.

Today I have Pete McGinty who I have on here to talk about his first novel, but he also has a vast career in marketing, branding, and advertising helping brands such as McDonald's Wendy's and White Castle and more! He also is an auto racing freelance photographer who has shot dozens of Indycar, NASCAR, and sportscar races! In this chapter of his life, he is now venturing into the storytelling and writing world. I am excited to talk today about his WWII historical fiction novel Private Cummings, which I am so bummed I only just received it yesterday, because I would have loved to have read it before now.

People/Companies we discussed:

• Pete McGinty - https://www.petemcginty.com/

• Polly Letofsky - https://www.mywordpublishing.com/our-team/polly-letofsky/

• Victoria Wolf - https://wolfdesignandmarketing.com/

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BUY THE WRITING PROGRAM SCRIVENER - $60! Scrivener won't tell you how to write—it simply provides everything you need to start writing and keep writing. It is by far my personal favorite writing app! https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=angela46

BECOME A PROOFREADER/EDITOR! Guaranteed work as a proofreader/editor, if you pass the exam with an 80% or higher!!: https://give.knowadays.com/6DcL9W

------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy my conversation with historical fiction writer Susan Furber author of The Essence of an Hour. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5vOJyxaxRIK2t50OLJLf5c?si=eQJy7mKmSKqli0zL3rUKPg

If you are interested in being a guest on my podcast, you may fill out the form on my website: http://authorsalcove.com/be-a-guest

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVCbL470bDCgeg23kziYAg

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In my author interview with romance writer Lolo Paige we discussed the difference between trad versus Indie Publishing. With accolades in both romantic comedy and romantic suspense, Lolo's journey spans traditional and self-publishing realms. From receiving prestigious awards for her works like "Hello Spain, Goodbye Heart" from The Wild Rose Press to dominating Amazon bestseller lists, Lolo brings a wealth of experience to the table. We'll explore the nuances of her transition from nonfiction journalism to fiction, and the intricacies of writing what you know. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the diverse landscapes of publishing and storytelling.

She has been honored with several awards, including an RWA chapter award for her romantic comedy, Hello Spain, Goodbye Heart, released by The Wild Rose Press. Her books have topped Amazon bestseller lists in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Alaska Spark is the recipient of several indie awards for best romance. Publishers Weekly has featured her books in their Booklife section. Her second book, Alaska Inferno, was a finalist for best indie romance in the 2022 Kindle Book Review Awards. She has experience in both the traditionally published world and the self-published world. In this episode we will be comparing her experience with both, talking about what it's like to switch from nonfiction, journalistic writing to fiction, as well as what it's like writing what you know.

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BECOME A PROOFREADER/EDITOR! Guaranteed work as a proofreader/editor, if you pass the exam with an 80% or higher!!: https://give.knowadays.com/6DcL9W

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You can sign up for her newsletter at lolopaige.com

or purchase her books at

Irish Thunder: https://a.co/d/ilv31dA

Blazing Hearts Wildfire: https://a.co/d/6usP8ll

Hello Spain, Goodbye Heart: https://a.co/d/imX1dt2

If you enjoyed this episode you might also enjoy my interview with chick-lit author Stacy Juba: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l9IFEQso6xW4yBqx35ie8?si=068000ed98f24006 or my interview with Cindy Hossain: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0dOzc5h2U73K5AmzrkxzUd?si=e5d8875028624995

If you are interested in being a guest on my podcast, you may fill out the form on my website: http://authorsalcove.com/be-a-guest

You can also follow me on:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorsalcove

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVCbL470bDCgeg23kziYAg

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