Calling all Lizzie fans! The next Lizzie book is with the editor. Toot toot! In more writing news, TB has started the Vella project with Miranda MacLeod, and it’s set in London. TB is also working on a London novella. It’s like she misses being in London or something. Clare learned something about TB that might threaten their friendship. Change of Heart is coming out next week! This story made Clare’s wife cry not once but twice. In translation news, Clare has signed a few more contracts. And, more bookshops are requesting Clare to send books. She’s conquering the book world! They crash on to the main topic: what’s their favorite season. TB grew up in Southern California where there weren’t seasons, so she absolutely loves when a new season arrives, but she tries to narrow down her favorite. Clare shares something she learned in her 40s that blows TB’s mind. It’s like Clare never understood seasons until then. Is it possible the duo agrees when it comes to seasons? What season do you love? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next time, they’ll answer your questions. Happy listening! Clare and TB Link: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

Lesbians Who Write Podcast

LWW 132: Our Favorite Seasons

Programming note: They’ve delayed the ask us anything episode because they need more questions, so please send them in. Beware: TB woke up extremely grumpy. While publishing the last episode, TB thought she uploaded the wrong file. In non-heart attack news, The AM Show, the cowrite with Miranda MacLeod, is number 1 on the charts. Toot, toot! In more good news, the Friday Feels feature on I Heart Lesfic has officially launched. Clare had a fab holiday in Portugal and is planning on becoming a golfing lesbian in retirement. Clare discovered Portugal has lovely cheap, cold beers, but the best find was a custard dessert. Clare, who named her publishing business Custard Books, is a big fan of the treat. In book news, Clare is prepping Change of Heart for publication in a couple of weeks! They crash on to the main topic: what they hate about their author businesses. TB doesn’t start off following the rules because she lists something she doesn’t necessarily hate, but it’s one thing that stresses her out. As they both list their things, it becomes apparent how differently they tackle every subject because TB shares overarching concepts about the author business, while Clare zeroed in on certain tasks. They both hate taxes, though, because… taxes. What things do you hate in your daily life? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next time, they’ll dish about their favorite season. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite The AM Show: iheartlesfic.com/the-am-show/

LWW 131: Things We Hate About Our Author Businesses

Programming note: There won’t be an episode on October 4, 2021, but they’ll return on the 11th with an ask us anything episode, so please, send in your questions. TB woke up late, and now she’s completely off. However, she can’t blame waking late on something she effed up recently with the Girl Love Happens series. On the cowriting front, TB is in a mad dash to get the book ready for publication. In intimidating news, TB is considering dipping her toes into A+ Content, but unlike Clare, who dives in, TB is baby-stepping her way to actually doing it. Clare is hoping to go away for a much-needed break as long as she doesn’t catch COVID. If she’s successful, she’ll be sitting by a pool when this episode goes live. In writing news, she’s started a new project that begins with a breakup, but she’s not sure where the story is going from there, aside from an HEA, obviously. Change of Heart has gone to the early readers, and the story is full of damsels, drama, drams, and desire. Sounds like a winning formula! They crash on to the main topic: favorite birthday memories. In an effort to keep the episode shorter than normal, TB suggested they share one each. Clare shares three. Before they dive in, they chat about how birthdays play a role in their fiction. Have a listen to learn all about their best birthdays and more proof they are the exact opposite of each other. What’s your favorite birthday memory? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. They’ll be back on October 11, and don’t forget to send the duo questions they can answer on air. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

LWW 130: Favorite Birthday Memories

Programming note: Clare and TB’s cowrite One Golden Summer is currently on sale for $2.99. After TB’s harrowing two weeks of deadline hell, she’s been able to relax and sleep to recoup for her next project. Miranda MacLeod and TB have started outlining the series they plan to publish on Vella. In I Heart Lesfic news, TB is sorting the requested categories for the 2022 IHL Reading Challenge. Clare stayed in a posh Marylebone hotel for her 50th and had a lovely birthday week. Now, Change of Heart is back from the editor, and she has one week to whip it into shape for the first readers before jetting out of London. Clare finally took her CliftonStrengths Test, but sadly her results weren’t sexy like she was hoping. They jump into the main topic: A+ Content. If you’re wondering what the heck that is, don’t fret. Clare not only defines it, but in order to prep for today’s episode, she uploaded content for a handful of her books to road test it. Have a listen to hear what she thinks and determine if you should hop onto the A+ Content Train. Have you tried out A+ Content? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, they’ll discuss birthday memories. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite I Heart Lesfic Reading Challenge Form: iheartlesfic.com/book-submission-form-for-2022-ihl-reading-challenge/ One Golden Summer: iheartlesfic.com/one-golden-summer/ Before You Say I Do (Brazilian edition): www.amazon.com.br/Antes-que-você-diga-sim-ebook/dp/B09BMDT83H/ Kindlepreneur A+ Content Article: kindlepreneur.com/amazon-a-content/

LWW 129: A+ Content

TB’s last two weeks were pure hell: two massive back-to-back deadlines, computer issues, another hurricane, and quick turnarounds for end-of-month tasks. The good news is she was able to fix a niggling problem with The Setup blurb on Audible, and Lizzie is with her beta readers. In her downtime, TB’s been watching tennis. It’s Clare’s birthday, and it’s a big one! In not fun news, she spent a week getting her accounts sorted. Clare’s squeezing out some new words in a shiny-new project because she’s got the itch to write a story in first person. In fab sports news, Clare saw two women’s football games. Ladies in shorts. What’s not to love? They dive into the main topic: how to find an editor. A listener requested the topic, and while on the surface is seems like an easy question, it’s anything but. The duo shares some resources with lists of editors (see links below) and suggest asking other authors as well as visiting writing Facebook groups. Finding the right editor for your project will take time and patience. There might be some bumps on the road, but it’s key to work with someone who understands your writing style and will help you grow as an author. How did you find your editor? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, they’ll discuss A+ content. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite LWW 20: lesbianswhowrite.com/lww20-lets-talk-about-editing/ iReadIndies: ireadindies.com/resources.html Reedsy: reedsy.com The Creative Penn: www.thecreativepenn.com/editors/ Alliance of Independent Authors: www.allianceindependentauthors.org

LWW 128: How to Find an Editor

Calling all Lizzie fans! Lizzie is TB’s current writing project, and it’s slated to go to the editor in October (fingers and toes double crossed!). Girl Love Happens: Season Three has officially launched, which is a huge relief since this one was long overdue. TB has been reading a Brandon Sanderson book that’s 1300 pages, and around page 700, she realized she’d already read it, but she’s crashing on to complete it for the second time. Finally, TB has a big car announcement! Clare’s book has gone to the editor. Can we get a resounding toot toot! If you can’t get enough of Clare’s dulcet tones, check out her latest Lesbian Book Club podcast episode. Fantabulous news for Big London Dreams fans, the audio version has been commissioned. She’s finally decided what coworking space she’s going with during her neighbor’s construction project. And, in sad news, a family friend has passed, and Clare wants to remind people that life is short, so if you want to finish that draft, don’t wait. They jump into the main topic: what are your strength and weakness? The idea for the episode came about when Clare rediscovered a CliftonStrengths test four months ago and hadn’t taken it. The duo breaks down their strengths and weakness, and interestingly, they have some of the same. It’s possible they spend too much time together, or it may be some of their strengths are the keys to how they’re able to support themselves as full-time authors. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, they’ll discuss how to find an editor. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite Girl Love Happens: Season Three: iheartlesfic.com/girl-love-happens-season-three/ Lesbian Book Club: www.clarelydon.co.uk/2021/08/the-lesbian-book-club-summer-special-2/

LWW 127: What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

TB has been swamped getting Girl Love Happens: Season Three ready to launch, and she uploaded the file early on KDP due to a hurricane warning. In more shiny-new-object news, the third box set of Lizzie is now available in audio. And, TB’s car-buying saga continues. In Clare’s world, she’s working on Change of Heart, but there was a brief scare when she thought the book wasn’t workable. After a walk along the Thames, she was in a better mind frame to whip it into shape to send it to the editor. In fab news, the Brazilian translation of Before You Say I Do launched and its number one! In love news, Clare attended a wedding. The duo has a first in LWW history and they’re both thrilled about it! They crash on to the main topic: what 3 things are you going to accomplish by the end of the year? They break down their goals into different categories, including writing, running their author businesses, and mental health. Both compare their goals to the previous year and why and when they had to pivot in 2021. Naturally, the pandemic, world events, and life in general are impacting them and it’s hard to stay positive these days. What do you want to accomplish before the end of the year? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite Girl Love Happens: Season Three: iheartlesfic.com/girl-love-happens-season-three/ IHL 2022 Reading Challenge: iheartlesfic.com/book-submission-form-for-2022-ihl-reading-challenge/ Friday Feels: iheartlesfic.com/introducing-friday-feels/ Before You Say I Do (Brazilian Edition): www.amazon.com.br/Antes-que-você-diga-sim-ebook/dp/B09BMDT83H/ A Woman Lost: Boxes Series Books 6-8: www.amazon.com/Woman-Lost-Box-Books-6-8/dp/B09D5HL2BB

LWW 126: What 3 Things Are You Going to Accomplish by the End of the Year?

TB is back from vacation and is feeling blue that it’s over much too soon. In fantabulous news: Girl Love Happens: Season Three is releasing August 27th, and it’s available for preorder right now. Toot toot! I Heart Lesfic is launching a new feature called Friday Feels to help TB recapture that Friday feeling. Clare suggests a Friday song by Cud, and not surprisingly, TB has never heard of the band or song. Clare’s new book is due with the editor fairly soon, so she’s plugging away like the pro she is. She’s got her fingers and toes crossed for a holiday away this autumn. Please send positive mojo. In “conquering the world” news, Clare’s books have been purchased in a handful of countries she hasn’t sold in before. Now that football has started, she has high hopes for her team, Tottenham, to have a smashing good season. Once again, please send positive mojo. They crash on to the main topic: if you died tomorrow, what would you be most proud of? When Clare proposed this topic, three things immediately came to TB’s mind, and Clare tried to come up with something funny but ended up being gushy (odd for a Brit!). While TB’s things revolve around fears she continually confronts, Clare went the profound route. What are you most proud of? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite Girl Love Happens: Season Three: iheartlesfic.com/girl-love-happens-season-three/ Friday Feels: iheartlesfic.com/introducing-friday-feels/

LWW 125: If You Died Tomorrow, What Would You Be Most Proud Of?

Programming note: there won’t be an episode on August 16, but the duo will return on August 23. TB hasn’t been up to much since she’s on vacation. She’s started reading her Brandon Sanderson novel (book 2 in the series) that weighs about 500 pounds, give or take. However, she learned there’s book 2.5 that she absolutely must have before starting book 3, which is also mammoth. TB is asking for listeners to recommend epic fantasy lesfic books. And, TB’s car buying saga continues… Clare is getting stuck in the next book she’s writing. She’s got a tight turnaround on this one, and she needs to get her head in the game. It’s hard, though, when also right in the midst of a new release. In big news, Clare won a Goldie for Before You Say I Do! Toot toot! Clare blows TB’s mind by mentioning fascinating things about The Champion pub, a place TB frequented when she lived in Bayswater. They move on to the main topic: second drafts. A listener asked the duo to do a deep dive into second drafts. TB struggles with the topic because her second drafts are more like first drafts for other writers, since her first drafts are probably technically considered detailed outlines. Clare, who happens to be right in the middle of a second draft, walks the listener through her process. In Clare’s words, second drafts are when a book really starts to come to life. How do you tackle second drafts? Got any tips? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, they’ll be back to discuss the question, if you died tomorrow, what would you be most proud of? Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite

LWW 124: Second Drafts

TB is so much less stressed this week because she’s on vacation. Toot toot! The cowrite with Miranda MacLeod is with the editor, allowing TB’s brain to recover from such a tight deadline. And, the ARCs of Girl Love Happens: Season Three are going out soon. This means, TB can actually enjoy two weeks of not working, although she wasn’t able to find a sitter for Grey, so she’s having a staycation with one goal in mind: keep away from her laptop. Big London Dreams is out, and it’s soaking up the sunshine! Clare is continuing her tradition of celebrating a new release by going out to dinner with her wife. So romantic. It’s like she’s a romance writer or something! That’s not all. Clare has started the second draft of her next blockbuster, plugging all those pesky plot holes like a true pro. The Long Weekend finally has a shiny new cover! Clare is smashing it out of the park this summer. They move on to the main topic: historical fiction. TB, the history nerd, suggested this topic because Clare just published her first historical romance, and TB wants to learn more about writing one. Clare outlines how she conducted her research and why she selected the 1950s. She offers advice on what to do and what to avoid. Most importantly, she cautions writers not to fall down research rabbit holes and to remember historical fiction is just that, fiction. Don’t beat the reader over the head with facts and dates. Is historical fiction something you would consider writing? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, they’ll be back to discuss something fresh and juicy. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite The Long Weekend: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/the-long-weekend/ Big London Dreams: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/big-london-dreams/

LWW 123: Historical Fiction

TB is having a stressful week, and all of her hair is standing straight up. Why is she more stressed than normal? Because it’s the final week before her editing deadline for the cowrite with Miranda MacLeod, and TB is foregoing sleep to meet it, making her very cranky. In Girl Love Happens news, it’s so close to being done, but all the words are blending together because TB has read it so many times. On the personal front, TB is in the process of buying a car and is encountering one roadblock after another, yet another reason why her hair is standing up. Clare is enjoying traveling by train these days since they’re not as full as normal. Now, prepare yourself for huge news. After talking about Big London Dreams for the past six months, it’s finally launch week! Cue the marching band. On the writing front, she has six chapters to go on the first draft of her new book. In reading news, Clare’s enjoying Casey McQuiston’s latest book, although TB is still baffled about one of the plot points of the story. They move on to the main topic: Kindle Vella. This is a sparkling new service available to readers and authors in the US. So, what the heck is Kindle Vella? It allows authors to publish serialized stories over a period of time. Since it’s so new and has only launched in the US, not everything is known quite yet, but TB researched the service and walks the listeners through what she’s learned so far, including what can be published on the service, what exclusivity means, and how authors are paid. Bear in mind Amazon has soft launched Kindle Vella, more than likely so they can work out the kinks before unleashing it on the rest of the world. Does Kindle Vella sound appealing to you? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, they’ll be back to dish about writing historical fictional. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite Big London Dreams: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/big-london-dreams/

LWW 122: Kindle Vella

Please note, due to a storm, TB’s mic cuts out occasionally. We apologize for the annoyance! TB only has two weeks to get the cowrite with Miranda MacLeod to the editor, and she’s starting to full-on panic. Mayday! Mayday! In Girl Love Happens news, she’s going through the final stage before publishing, but TB never determined a publication date, which is kinda important. She’s not sure how that fell through the cracks. And, TB finally announces what big project she’s cooked up for I Heart Lesfic in 2022. Clare has a new telly and eyeglasses, opening up a whole new world. Sadly, her knee is still effed. Big London Dreams is launching next week! Don’t miss her first foray into historical fiction. She’s also cracking on with her other book, but she feels a bit weird to be so far along in it since she normally doesn’t juggle two projects at the same time. And, the cover for the new book is in the works. Exciting times! Not surprisingly, Clare has experienced yet another printer fail. They move on to the main topic: translations. TB hasn’t had a chance to tackle translations yet since she would prefer signing with a publisher due to the cost and difficulties of finding an excellent translator. Clare has already ventured into translations. She walks the listener through the process, including which languages to consider, deciding whether to go with a publisher or indie, factors to consider when choosing a translator, and the biggest barrier of all, the costs if you go the indie route. Are you considering translating your books? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, they’ll be back to discuss something fresh and juicy. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite Translate Books Service: translatebooks.com Bablecube: www.babelcube.com

LWW 121: Translations

TB just returned from a trip and is exhausted and slightly upset. For the third time this summer, TB’s weekend away was plagued with rain. Lots and lots of rain. But it was nice to catch up with friends. On the work front, TB is still getting words down in the cowrite with Miranda MacLeod. Also, TB is rebranding the Girl Love Happens series, which is a tedious and thankless task. And, Lizzie fans will be happy to hear progress is being made on the next book in the series. Clare’s life is manic at the moment. Big London Dreams will be published later this month! She’s in the process of finessing the blurb and doing the front and back matter. In techy news, her laptop had a major meltdown, but she walked away, and when she came back, lo and behold, it was working again! Her current WIP has been put on hold due to getting Big London Dreams pubbed. While cheering on the English football team, Clare had an epiphany that can be applied to writing. They move on to the main topic: their favorite summer reads. TB breaks her deep, dark, and brooding brand when summer hits and is quite cheerful for three months. This is reflected in her reading choices. Unlike TB, Clare’s reading habits don’t change with the seasons (rom-coms all year round), although she thinks it’s a brilliant plan for authors to include a summer book in their backlist because many people love the idea of summer twelve months out of the year. Clare does mention one book in particular that she’s recommended to all of her friends for the perfect summer read. Have a listen to hear what it is and what magnus opus TB is tackling this summer. In addition, Clare took a poll of her readers for fantastic lesfic summer reads. Book fans won’t want to miss out on this gem of an episode! What’s your favorite summer read? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, they’ll be back to dish about translations. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite The Village Romance Series: lesbianromancesbytbm.com/books/the-village-romance-series/ Big London Dreams: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/big-london-dreams/

LWW 120: Favorite Summer Reads

TB’s chugging along on the cowrite with Miranda MacLeod and is halfway through the next Lizzie book. However, she’s worried (What else is new?) about messing up Lizzie’s backstory, but TB shares when she heard one of her favorite authors address this very issue and how the author also got things wrong. The audio version of The Date is live! In shocking news, TB actually ate inside a restaurant. Clare had a couple of blue days after returning from her trip and sitting back at the laptop, which is the worst part of taking time off, getting back into the groove. However, her trip has inspired a new book that she’s motoring along on. And, it has a title already, which is fab news because the cover designer is booked for July. Big London Dreams is with the ARC team! Due to an upcoming construction project, Clare’s shopping around for a shared work space for peace and quiet. She has her eye on a posh one, but the cheaper option is closer to home. Stay tuned for her decision. They move on to the main topic: half-year check-in. How have they done? After pushing herself last year, TB didn’t set too many 2021 goals. Saying that, TB is having an extremely productive year in certain areas but falling down in others. Clare framed certain goals, and while she’s had to juggle family issues and a change in plans, so far she’s had a solid six months. However, not everything has been smooth sailing for the duo. How’s your year going so far? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, they’ll be back to dish about their favorite summer reads. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite The Date audiobook: lesbianromancesbytbm.com/books/the-date/ Big London Dreams: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/big-london-dreams/ Clare’s Website: www.clarelydon.co.uk

LWW 119: Half-Year Check-In

TB is flustered, per usual. In fab audio news, A Woman Trapped, the 8th book in the Lizzie series, is now live and only took 8 days to go through ACX. A true miracle! In more miraculous news, TB’s writing resistance has finally ebbed, and she’s making amazing progress on the cowrite with Miranda MacLeod. Not everything is rosy, though, and TB suffered through a disastrous kitchen flood over their two-week break. Unlike TB, Clare had an epic hiatus exploring the Scottish Highlands, experiencing stunning scenery, fantastic food, incredible beaches, and perfect weather, which is a rarity in Scotland. And, the trip inspired a couple of stories, a fantabulous bonus. Big London Dreams is back from the editor, meaning Clare is in the final push for publication. In sports news, Euro 2020 is filling Clare’s heart with joy. They move on to the main topic: favorite Pride memories. There’s been a lot of chatter about Pride this week. Some of the news has been terrible, like the restrictions in Hungary, and some has been encouraging, such as Carl Nassib coming out. Both examples highlight how necessary Pride still is. The duo shares their favorite Pride memories because this is a time to remember the happy moments. What are your favorite Pride memories? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, they’ll be back to break down how their years are going at the halfway mark. Happy listening! Clare and TB Links: Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/LesWhoWrite A Woman Trapped audiobook: lesbianromancesbytbm.com/books/a-woman-lost-series/ German Translation of A Taste of Love: www.amazon.de/Das-Gefühl-Liebe-Clare-Lydon-ebook/dp/B097DN4QNT Big London Dreams: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/big-london-dreams/

LWW 118: Pride Memories

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