Episodes

In This Episode Beyond the Pen presents an essential episode on understanding contracts in the publishing industry. Maccabee and Chelsea share their experiences, insights, and cautionary tales to help indie authors protect their creative work. Learn the art of negotiating terms, deciphering legal jargon, and standing up for your rights. Discover the hidden loopholes in contracts, the impact of non-compete clauses and non-disclosure agreements, and the financial intricacies, especially concerning...

In this episode of "Beyond the Pen," hosts Maccabee and Chelsea unravel the mysteries of book blurbs. Learn why your book blurb is your first pitch to potential readers and why taking shortcuts or relying on AI is a recipe for disaster. Get actionable tips for crafting book blurbs that align with your book's genre and attract readers like a magnet. Discover overcoming the challenge of condensing your masterpiece into a few compelling sentences. Discover why managing your expectations and mental ...

Join us in this captivating episode of "Beyond the Pen" as we sit down with indie author Shirley Novak. Discover her incredible journey through the world of hybrid publishing, her success with The Fulton Press, and valuable insights into the challenges she faced during her book's research process. Explore the emotional rollercoaster of unveiling hidden family struggles and her unique approach to exposing evil characters. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on indie publishing. Learn more ab...

In This Episode Calling all indie authors! In this episode of "Beyond the Pen," hosts Maccabee and Chelsea deep-dive into the art of genre-specific marketing. From horror to dark fantasy and tragic romance, learn how to effectively promote your indie book across different genres. Uncover the pitfalls of ad scams and the importance of genuine reviews and feedback. Don't miss this valuable discussion on how to captivate your audience, promote various book formats, and build a long-term indie autho...

In This Episode Join hosts Maccabee and Chelsea in this captivating "Beyond the Pen" episode as they delve into the intricate world of author branding and marketing platforms. Discover the secrets to crafting a cohesive brand that perfectly mirrors your literary work while reaching the right audience and platforms for maximum impact. Uncover the art of selling books at conventions strategically tailored to genre and themes. In a lighthearted twist, the hosts pay homage to their trusted editor, ...

In This Episode In this captivating episode, hosts Maccabee Griffin and Chelsea sit down with acclaimed author, Diane Bergner, diving deep into her spicy romance novel, "The Royal Coconut Beach Lunch Club." Shifting from nonfiction to a vivid world of romance, mystery, and workplace drama, Diane unravels her unique approach to blending genres, revealing tidbits from the book's glamorous, chaotic world. We uncover the protagonist's moral compass, get insights into the changing definition of an in...

In This Episode Dive deep with Maccabee Griffin and C.R. Rice as they unravel the intricate tapestry of romance novels in this episode of "Beyond the Pen." From the allure of dual and third-person perspectives to the enthralling mystery of storytelling, we examine the cliches that pull our heartstrings and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. Discover the diverse voices within romance, including the LGBTQ+ community, and delve into the misconceptions and subgenres that often confuse re...

In this Episode In this captivating podcast episode, Maccabee and Chelsea unveil a special guest: Ryan Estrada, the brilliant co-author behind the groundbreaking graphic novel "Banned Book Club." Prepare to be transported into the tumultuous world of Hyung Sook Kim as she navigates the treacherous landscape of South Korea during a time of political repression. Join them as they delve into the power of storytelling and the relentless fight for freedom of expression. Discover the fascinating reas...

In This Episode Dive into the debut episode of "Beyond the Pen" as Maccabee and Chelsea delve deep into the intricate relationship between society and literature. From the curious journey of hot topics like Ryan Estrada's graphic novel "Banned Book Club" to the historical and modern-day implications of banned books, we shed light on age-appropriate content, censorship, and the nuances of the book-banning phenomena. Texas takes the spotlight as the leader in book bans. At the same time, classics ...

In This Episode Join Maccabee and Chelsea on a captivating journey with Jeff Hoffman, the pioneering force behind innovations like Booking.com and UBet.Com. From the genesis of "Scale" to the intricacies of marrying business with personal relationships, this episode offers a comprehensive blueprint for entrepreneurs and authors alike. Dive into the art of time management, the value of diverse feedback, and the transformative power behind scaling ambitions. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur o...

In This Episode Delve into the captivating realm of the publishing industry in this must-watch episode! Unravel the art of author branding, from crafting a distinct logo to honing in on your target audience. Dive into the intricate world of copyrighting names, and join the heated discussion on book covers versus cosplay. Have you ever pondered the secrets behind bestselling authors' time management and their ascent to stardom? Discover the hurdles in book sales, the value of appreciating one's o...

In this Episode Dive deep with Lauren Erickson, acclaimed publishing strategist and author of "The Finer Things Club," as she reveals the transformative power of journaling in memoir writing. Uncover the mysteries of the chameleon effect, the allure of international markets, and the pulse of the publishing industry – from bestseller lists to the Nielson BookScan. Whether you're a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in-between, Lauren's insights on self-awareness, the fear of writing, and the bal...

In This Episode Dive into the enigmatic world of publishing with "Exposed: The Surprising Truth About Bestseller Lists, Publishing Mishaps, and the Realities of Bookstore Success." Unravel the secrets behind bestseller lists and discover why getting a book into physical bookstores might be tougher than you think. Ever heard of Nielsen BookScan? We break down its significance for authors and how it's become a game-changer in the industry. Plus, ever wondered about the rumors of buying a spot on t...

In This Episode Join Maccabee and Chelsea on this spellbinding episode of Beyond the Pen as we delve into the imaginative mind of renowned fantasy author Travis Sivart. From the enigmatic energy exchange in his mesmerizing 'Portals' series to the influences of South Florida and global cultures in his storytelling, Sivart takes us on a masterclass journey of fantasy worldbuilding. We discuss how to walk the fine line between embracing existing lore and introducing startling originality, a must-li...

In This Episode Join hosts Mack and Chelsea in this eye-opening episode of "Beyond the Pen" as they debunk common misconceptions about the publishing industry. Discover the reality of author marketing, the impact of trends, and the rise of self-publishing. Gain valuable insights into understanding traditional publishing contracts and why some authors take longer to finish their books. Don't miss this engaging discussion, packed with actionable tips for aspiring and established authors alike to i...

In this episode Calling all book enthusiasts and literary aficionados! Prepare for an engaging and thought-provoking podcast episode that will expand your storytelling horizons and inspire your creative pursuits. In this riveting conversation, hosts Maccabee and Chelsea take you through the fascinating worlds of literature, social media, and personal growth. Join the playful banter as Maccabee and Chelsea explore the intriguing realms of their social media presence, teasing upcoming podcast epi...

Join Maccabee and Chelsea in this captivating episode of the "Beyond the Pen" podcast as they dive into their passion for voice acting, anime, and favorite voice actors, offering a glimpse into their fascinating world. But this episode is more than just geeking out—it delves into the profound impact of media portrayals on reality, specifically focusing on the intricacies of high school experiences. With candid discussions and personal anecdotes, the hosts explore the blurred line between teasin...

In This Episode Join Maccabee, the charismatic podcast host of Beyond the Pen, as he introduces listeners to the captivating author Kelly Vincent and her thought-provoking book, "Ugly." In this episode, Kelly opens up about her personal journey of self-discovery as a non-binary individual, delving into the impact it had on her writing process. Explore the profound themes of bullying and sexual orientation portrayed in "Ugly" as Kelly shares her own experiences and inspirations behind the book. D...

In This Episode Join hosts Maccabee Griffin and Miss C.R. Rice in this captivating podcast episode as they dive deep into the fascinating world of young adult novels. Unleashing their signature humor and wit, they embark on an enlightening discussion about the ever-changing landscape of this genre and the thought-provoking issues it tackles. No topic is off-limits, from the timeless question of when authors should stop writing about high school settings to the portrayal of bullying and the impac...

In This Episode... Join hosts Mack and Chelsea in an exciting episode of "Beyond the Pen," where they embrace their rebel spirits and dive headfirst into the captivating realm of literature. The episode starts with Mack and Chelsea's contagious excitement as they introduce themselves and share their love for their literary endeavors. The duo wastes no time revealing their latest obsession, "Surrender," by the imaginative wordsmith Mr. Lee Schneider. With a delightful twist on the sci-fi genre ...

In This Episode... Join hosts Mack and Chelsea in an exciting episode of "Beyond the Pen," where they embrace their rebel spirits and dive headfirst into the captivating realm of literature. The episode starts with Mack and Chelsea's contagious excitement as they introduce themselves and share their love for their literary endeavors. The duo wastes no time revealing their latest obsession, "Surrender," by the imaginative wordsmith Mr. Lee Schneider. With a delightful twist on the sci-fi genre ...

In This Episode... We talk about Science Fiction and how it's shaped our imagination while positively impacting our society. Tune in to this exhilarating Beyond the Pen Podcast episode as we traverse the expansive realm of science fiction. Brace yourself as we navigate through the pros and cons of flying cars, pondering their feasibility and the potential hazards they might pose. Our speakers inject humor into the discussion, reminding us that while the idea is exciting, perhaps keeping our fee...

In This Episode... Dive into the enthralling world of historical fiction as hosts Maccabee and Chelsea sit down with acclaimed author Deirdre Sinnott in this captivating episode of Beyond the Pen. Join the thought-provoking conversation about the challenges authors face, the art of researching historical context, and the importance of inclusivity in storytelling. Explore the intriguing journey of Deirdre's book, The Third Mrs. Galway, as it uncovers hidden narratives of abolitionism, the Un...

In This Episode... Join Maccabee and Chelsea as they delve into the captivating world of historical fiction. Discover the significance of modern thinking and historical accuracy in crafting compelling novels that shed light on forgotten aspects of history. From the enduring presence of slavery to the confined roles of women in society, they explore how authors like Deirdre Sinnott in "The Third Mrs. Galway" strike a delicate balance between storytelling and incorporating factual elements. Learn...