This week's episode is gold!
We dive into how Jenna organizes her massive series, surpasses her goals, and chases what she wants.
Check out the links below to order her book and follow her on social media.
Website:
www.jennaraineswrites.com
Signed Copies with Art Prints:
https://www.jennaraineswrites.com/product-page/the-measure-of-strength
Amazon – The Measure of Strength: Book One of the Temperforged Trilogy:
https://a.co/d/eTHZzR6
Surprise Christmas Special – Tangled in Tinsel: Three Knots Deep:
https://a.co/d/dFBd2r7
You can also find Jenna on social media:
TikTok: @jennaraines
Instagram: @jennaraineswrites
Threads: @jennaraineswrites
*** I know there is an echo, I AM SORRY! I tried to fix it in editing and technology can only do so much ***
xoxo Caitlyn
Whether you are planning to self-publish or explore the traditional route, this episode is for you!
Allison and I chat through her journey to becoming a book editor, how the trad publishing landscape is changing, best practices to do before reaching out to your editor, and sooooo much more! Buckle up and get ready to be entertained and learn a lot!
Find Allison on TikTok here!
Check out her website here!
Check out my website here!
Join the Revision Roadmap waitlist!
https://chatsandchapters.myflodesk.com/revisionroadmap
In this episode of Chats and Chapters, we dive into the essentials of self-editing your manuscript! Learn why self-editing makes you a better writer, how to read through your work without making any changes, and the importance of focusing on pacing, structure, and character development.
Discover tips on info distribution, scene transitions, and the vital role of themes in your story. Plus, get an overview of the full Revision Roadmap course, designed to help you save on professional edits and enhance your writing skills.
Join us to turn your manuscript into something readers can't put down!00:00 Introduction to Self-Editing
01:51 Why Self-Editing Matters
03:18 First Steps in Self-Editing
05:00 Pacing and Structure
06:14 Character Development
07:16 Info Distribution and Flashbacks
08:36 Scene Transitions
09:39 Themes and Final Thoughts
10:49 Course Details and Conclusion
Today's episode was 100% meant to be a YouTube video, but it was too good to not share on the pod as well!
Need editing? Let's chat!
00:00 Introduction and Purpose
00:36 The Myth of Balance
03:00 Harmony Over Balance
04:22 Personal Experiences and Sacrifices
06:23 Examples from Famous Authors
09:33 The Unique Value of Your Story
11:15 The Writing Process
15:05 Embrace the Imbalance
15:42 Conclusion
The Journey and Inspirations of Sasha Preston: From Childhood Scribbles to Women's Fiction Capers
In this episode of the Chats and Chapters podcast, host Caitlyn Howarth sits down with women's fiction author Sasha Preston. Sasha shares her fascinating origin story, from her childhood obsession with writing to rediscovering her passion for creative fiction in adulthood.
She discusses her books, 'The Sweetest Getaway' and 'A Sweet Scheme', which are crime capers aimed at giving women a sense of adventure, joy, and financial empowerment. The conversation delves into her writing process, the challenges of self-publishing, and her unique inspiration from her background in women's economic empowerment and microfinance. Sasha also reveals insights into her characters, the importance of creativity, and the evolving landscape of publishing. The episode ends with details on how to find Sasha's books and connect with her on social media.
00:00 Welcome to Chats and Chapters
00:12 Sasha Preston's Writing Journey
05:15 Balancing Writing with Life
06:46 Women's Economic Empowerment
09:34 Character Development and Inspirations
16:26 The Writing and Editing Process
19:34 Self-Publishing Insights
25:54 Book Summaries and Future Plans
30:06 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Want to be a guest on the pod? Email me.
caitlyn@chatsandchaptersllc.com
Check out The Sweetest Getaway here.
In this special episode of the Chats and Chapters podcast, Caitlyn Howarth celebrates the one-year anniversary of Chats and Chapters, reflects on her journey from various jobs to becoming a professional book editor. Caitlyn shares her personal story of experiencing multiple career changes, and finally finding her passion in editing. She discusses the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and offers advice for aspiring editors. Caitlyn also extends her support to new authors and editors, providing a glimpse into her life and work over the past year.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Anniversary
01:13 Journey to Becoming an Editor
02:17 Early Career Struggles
03:59 Exploring Various Jobs
05:14 Transition from Coaching to Corporate Life
09:14 Discovering a Passion for Editing
14:13 Starting Chats and Chapters
15:46 Reflections and Lessons Learned
19:51 Conclusion and Contact Information
Apply to work with Caitlyn HERE
Welcome back for another author interview!
In this episode of the Chats and Chapters podcast, Caitlyn reconnects with a returning author who is pursuing writing and publishing full-time. The conversation covers updates on the author's life, and insights into her writing process. They discuss the challenges of handling feedback and reviews, the themes and progression of the author's book series, and the evolving landscape of the publishing world. The episode also hints at upcoming projects and reflects on the continuous journey of personal and creative growth.
Transform your manuscript into a polished masterpiece with professional book editing HERE
Order Darkness Folding HERE
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:40 Life Updates and Career Changes
01:57 The Leap of Faith
03:54 Educational Pursuits and Writing Passion
06:17 Book Launch Reflections
11:47 Character Resonance and Reader Feedback
13:50 Navigating Reviews and Reader Expectations
15:27 The Etiquette of Tagging Authors
15:48 Dealing with Criticism as an Author
17:33 Writing for Yourself vs. Writing for Fame
18:35 Incorporating Political Themes in Fiction
19:36 Introducing the Third Book
21:18 The Healing Power of Writing
24:40 Shifts in the Publishing World
28:36 Expanding Genres and Audience
29:46 Wrapping Up and Future Plans
Understanding Plot Structure: A Fresh Approach
In this episode of the Chats and Chapters, Caitlyn introduces a different way to think about plot structure. She discusses classic story structures like the hero's journey, Save the Cat, and the three-act structure, and provides a detailed explanation of the universal story structure.
Using Harry Potter as an example, Caitlyn breaks down the key components: exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, and resolution.
She emphasizes the importance of mini arcs within the larger story structure to make plotting more manageable, especially for new authors.
Caitlyn also touches on the benefits of her Editing for Authors course. You can sign up for the waitlist here
Inquiry about editing here
00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome00:39 Overview of Classic Story Structures01:11 Exposition: Setting the Stage02:19 Inciting Incident: The Catalyst03:23 Rising Action: Building the Story04:07 Climax: The Turning Point04:40 Falling Action and Resolution06:08 Mini Arcs: Breaking Down the Story07:21 Practical Examples from Harry Potter09:34 Tips for New Authors11:20 Conclusion and Course Information
Five Reasons I Might Not Be the Editor for You
In this introductory episode of the revamped Chats and Chapters Podcast, host Caitlyn Howarth discusses five key reasons she might not be the right editor for certain writers.
She emphasizes the importance of finding an editor who aligns well with your needs and style. Caitlyn outlines that good editing takes time, requires openness to feedback, should be a collaborative process, may involve a higher cost, and benefits from a strong editor-author relationship.
She also shares her dedication to immersing herself deeply in her clients’ stories, ensuring the best possible outcome for their manuscripts.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:30 The Importance of Finding the Right Editor
00:51 Understanding Subjectivity in Editing
01:37 What Professional Editors Look For
03:12 Reason 1
07:56 Reason 2
11:21 Reason 3
13:34 Reason 4
15:56 Reason 5
18:03 Conclusion and Contact Information
Follow the Chats and Chapters YouTube Channel
Follow Chats and Chapters on TikTok
Thank you for listening!
The Journey of Debut Author AJ Chase: Writing, Editing, and Balancing LifeIn this episode of the Chats and Chapters podcast, host Caitlyn interviews AJ Chase, a debut author of the fantasy novel Sword and Veil. They discuss his intensive writing process, taking only seven weeks to write the initial draft, and the challenges of editing and marketing. AJ shares insights on balancing his career as a family medicine physician associate with writing and family life. They also delve into AJ's discovery writing process, his inspirations from authors like Brandon Sanderson and Ted Dekker, and his philosophies on storytelling and character development.
Caitlyn and AJ explore the importance of strong familial support and the collaborative power of writing buddies.
Tune in to learn more about AJ's upcoming projects, his self-publishing journey, and thoughtful advice for aspiring writers.04:04 Coordinated Recording and Podcast Introduction05:09 AJ Chase's Origin Story12:23 Balancing Writing with Life22:31 Writing Process and Discovery Writing31:23 Personal Reflections in Writing32:49 Challenges of Being a First-Time Author34:54 Navigating the Publishing Process35:28 The Importance of Beta Readers36:08 Creating a Guide for New Authors36:49 Advice for Aspiring Writers39:10 Influences and Inspirations43:17 Balancing Creativity and Criticism53:44 Traditional vs. Self-Publishing57:29 Future Writing Plans01:01:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Order Sword and Veil on Amazon
Follow AJ on TikTok
Check out his website
Check out my website if you need an editor!
Thank you for listening!
Welcome Back to Chats and Chapters: New Directions and Exciting AnnouncementsIn this episode of the Chats and Chapters podcast, host Caitlyn Howarth celebrates the return of the show with a new focus. Caitlyn shares insights into the podcast's hiatus, her busy life as a book editor, and an exciting announcement about an upcoming author interview. She also teases some of the upcoming content, including bringing on various editors to offer a range of services to writers, and details about her first course on editing for authors. Additionally, Caitlyn provides a personal update on rescuing a kitten and highlights her plans for more engaging and informative content on multiple platforms, including YouTube. Tune in next week for an exciting interview!
If you are an author or know an author, I am a book editor, the link to work with me is HERE.
Follow me on TikTok HERE. Let's connect!00:00 Welcome Back to Chats and Chapters00:46 Why We Took a Break01:45 New Direction for the Podcast03:19 Exciting Announcements and Updates06:05 The Journey of an Internship11:16 Rescuing a Kitten and Other Life Updates14:10 Editing for Authors Course17:59 Conclusion and Future Plans
Chats and Chapters: LA Tucker on "In The Line of Rebellion"
Join host Caitlyn Howarth as she sits down with author LA Tucker to discuss her highly anticipated new book "In The Line of Rebellion," releasing April 20th! Dive into LA's unique writing process, discover the inspiration behind this captivating story, and get exclusive insights on her exciting future projects.
Please follow, rate and share the podcast!
If you are an author or know an author, the link to work with Caitlyn is HERE.
Follow Caitlyn on TikTok HERE.
Order In The Line of Rebellion from Amazon on April 20th!
Thank you so much for being a part of the Chats and Chapters journey!
This week on Chats and Chapters is our first author interview of 2025, Zoe T Conley!
In this episode we talk about her upcoming book A Hold on Darkness, her writing process, the books she has in the works right now, how she healed through writing, and a little bit about how her self-publishing journey went.
A Hold on Darkness releases on APRIL 10th!
You can find it on Amazon
Follow Zoe on TikTok to stay up to date on all of her projects!
If you're an author or know an author who needs an editor, reach out and let's see if I am a good fit for your story. Fill out my inquiry form here!
As always, thank you for being a part of the Chats and Chapters journey!!
Grab your favorite beverage and get comfy for this one!
Torii and I dive deep into our experience reading ACOTAR and TOG earlier this year. We talk through our thoughts, theories and how we are NOT SATISFIED and NEED MORE of BOTH!
SPOILER WARNING - We touch on CC but I haven't read it so we don't go too far down the rabbit hole.
/!\ACOTAR AND TOG SPOILERS GALORE/!\
I am currently accepting editing clients for February 2025. Reach out HERE!
Follow me on TikTok HERE!
Please rate and review the podcast if you enjoy this episode or any others!
Thank you for being a part of the Chats and Chapters journey!
In today’s episode we are joined by Kelly Rickards who just self-published her first novel, Adventures of Angie Amazonite! It is available on Kindle Unlimited and paperback on Amazon. Spoiler - she is planning four more in the series!
We talk about her writing process, lessons she learned writing her first book and how you can’t aways know your path until you stumble onto it.
BOOK EDITING HERE.
Follow me on TIkTok HERE.
Please share the episode if you enjoy these discussions, rate and review the show as well. It all helps us grow!
Thank you for being a part of the Chats and Chapters journey!
In today's episode we are joined by the lovely new author K.T. Carpenter! Her debut novel released on November 8th and I am so excited to share our conversation with you!
In this episode we cover her inspiration for the book, her writing process, how she accomplished so much in a year and a lot more!
Follow K.T. on TikTok here!
Follow me on TikTok here!
Thank you for being a part of the Chats and Chapters journey!
Another short episode for you for easy reference!
In today's episode we go over the four types of editing, what they are, when you need them, and how they move your writing process along!
Let's work together on your manuscript!
Follow Chats and Chapters on TikTok!
I always say thank you for being a part of the Chats and Chapters journey, and I truly mean it.
Tune in to this very short episode to dive a little deeper into our mission and what you can expect from us going forward.
Follow along on TikTok for more.
Today we are joined by the lovely Emm Cole! This is my first author interview and I am very hopeful it will not be my last!
In this episode, Emm shares some of the inspiration behind The Short Life of Sparrows, her writing process, how we can use fantasy books as therapy and a little bit about her future book plans!
Tuck in for a whole lot of fun, prepare to feel inspired and ready to dive into the world of The Short Life of Sparrows!
The link for the paperback on Amazon is below!
It is also available on Kindle Unlimited!
Grab the paperback from Amazon here!
Follow the podcast and leave a review, if you can. It really helps out the show!
If you're an author or know an author who needs editing, let's chat about getting your book ready for your readers!
Follow me on TikTok and let me know what you think of this episode and if you have ideas for future episodes!
Thank you for being a part of Chats and Chapters journey!
In this episode, we wrap up The Secret History deep dive and finally figure out what happens with all of these characters!
2:07 - The Aftermath of Bunny's Death
10:30 - Unraveling Friendships and Guilt
19:50 - The Funeral and Its Consequences
29:39 - The Tension between Charles and Henry
39:30 - The Fallout of Secrets and Lies
49:30 - The Disintegration of the Group
57:25 - The Tragic Climax
1:00:15 - Epilogue: Reflections and Regrets
Thank you so much for being a part of the Chats and Chapters journey!