Orlando Author Mindy Killgrove on Cozy Mysteries, Indie Publishing, KU vs Wide, and Writing Life | Jolene’s Books & Writer’s Talk

Host Jolene MacFadden interviews Orlando, Florida author Mindy Killgrove, who writes cozy mystery series and romance and is finishing the final book in her Buena Ventura Beach Mystery series set in a fictional Florida beach town. Mindy discusses creating a community-focused cozy setting with varied mysteries, her influences (Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and Shakespeare), and her experience with the Orange County Library System through book fairs, local collection requests, and the OCLS Writers Group. The conversation covers indie publishing trends, Mindy’s preference for self-publishing after an earlier small-press experience, and the KU/Kindle Select exclusivity tradeoff; she keeps most of her catalog in Kindle Unlimited due to stronger results, while her first trilogy is available wide. Jolene shares her own wide strategy using Draft2Digital and IngramSpark to reach libraries and ebook services. They compare production tools (IngramSpark print quality, Draft2Digital conversions, and Ingram’s sprayed edges), discuss social media choices (Mindy uses Facebook, Instagram, occasional X, and a YouTube channel with children’s book read-alouds), and newsletter building via BookFunnel. Mindy explains what she likes about writing (growth, reader engagement) and dislikes (marketing/advertising), her organized plotter approach using Microsoft Word, maintaining a series “world bible,” and tips for new writers to start with the story in their head and outline it. They address AI, with Mindy using it for promotional images via Canva while opposing AI-written stories, and they discuss cover design expectations for cozy mysteries and the need to refresh covers over time. Jolene also mentions republishing backlists, copyright registration, and long-term rights planning (including trusts). Mindy closes by sharing that she travels around Florida to attend book festivals and connect with readers and authors. Visit the authors website: https://www.mindykillgrove.com

00:00 Welcome & Show Intro (Jolene’s Books and Writer’s Talk)

00:40 Meet Mindy Killgrove + The Buena Ventura Beach Mysteries

01:43 Favorite Influences & Reading Habits (Austen, Christie, Shakespeare)

02:37 Libraries & Supporting Indie Authors (OCLS and beyond)

04:35 Indie vs Traditional Publishing + Community Support

05:54 Kindle Unlimited Exclusivity vs Going Wide (What Works for Sales)

08:20 Print & Distribution Tools: IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Smashwords Sales

10:32 Author Platform & Social Media Choices (Website, YouTube, Newsletters)

13:48 What Mindy Loves (and Hates) About the Writing Career

16:24 Process & Organization: Plotter Mindset, Outlines, and Series Bible

18:42 Advice for New Writers + Where AI Fits (and Doesn’t)

21:56 Cover Design Trends, Refreshing Backlists & Copyright/Legacy Planning

25:11 Events, Florida Book Fests & Final Wrap-Up

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In this episode of Jolene's Books and Writer's Talk, host Jolene MacFadden sits down with author Pamela D. Marshall, a former television journalist turned children’s book author. They discuss Pamela's journey from journalism to writing, her books on forgiveness and environmental awareness, and the importance of connecting with other authors and utilizing social media to reach audiences. Pamela also shares insights into her writing process, the significance of forgiveness, and her future projects, all amidst reflections on personal and environmental wellness. Visit the author's website: https://www.pameladmarshall.com/

00:00 Introduction to Jolene's Books and Writer's Talk

00:41 Guest Author's Journey to Writing

01:12 Children's Books and Environmental Themes

02:43 Self-Publishing and Networking

03:41 Social Media and Writing

05:10 Developing Plots and Characters

11:52 Writing Schedules and Habits

16:18 Common Traps for New Authors

26:45 Literary Success and Inspirations

32:39 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

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In this episode of Jolene's Books and Writer's Talk, host Jolene MacFadden sits down with Kerry Kriseman, author of 'Accidental First Lady'. Kriseman shares her unique experiences as a political spouse, navigating life, marriage, and motherhood in the public eye. She talks about her writing journey, challenges faced, and how she transitioned into author marketing. The conversation also delves into Kriseman's potential future projects including a children's book and a memoir about raising guide dogs. Tune in for an insightful discussion on resilience, storytelling, and the life behind the scenes of local politics. Visit the authors website: https://www.kerrykriseman.com/

00:00 Introduction to Jolene's Books and Writer's Talk

00:40 Meet the Author: Kerry Kreisman

01:48 Navigating the World of Publishing

02:33 Marketing Your Book: Lessons Learned

04:05 Current and Future Writing Projects

07:02 Challenging Perceptions and Personal Growth

13:22 The Writing Process and Inspirations

19:31 Dream Dinner Guests and Final Thoughts

22:24 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

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This episode is for anyone navigating major life transitions and wondering if renewal is still possible.

I’m joined by Georgette Beck, author of Junk to Jewels: A Journey from Brokenness and Despair to Beauty and Delight. Georgette shares her deeply personal story of divorce, faith, healing, and rebuilding a life rooted in purpose and self-worth.

We talk about vulnerability in nonfiction, writing through trauma, the power of community, and why it’s never too late to pursue education, creativity, or a calling that’s been waiting for years. Georgette also reflects on second-chance love, blended families, podcasting, and how life’s hardest seasons often produce the richest growth.

This conversation will resonate with readers and writers interested in memoir, faith-based nonfiction, personal transformation, and stories of hope that emerge from real-world struggle. Visit the Authors website: https://www.georgettebeck.com/

Junk to Jewels: A Journey From Brokenness & Despair to Beauty & Delight

https://amzn.to/4qn1u7j

00:00 Introduction to Jolene's Books and Writer's Talk

00:40 Georgette Beck's Journey: From Brokenness to Beauty

01:29 The Healing Power of Community and Faith

03:43 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose

09:11 The Writing Process and Inspirations

15:04 Podcasting Tips and Community Building

18:11 Networking and Future Projects

21:12 Final Thoughts and Inspirations

OUR SPONSOR:

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This episode is for writers and readers interested in speculative fiction that reflects the world we’re living in now.

Author Marie Q. Rogers talks about writing young adult dystopian and climate-focused fiction, including Season of the Dove, a novel many readers describe as prophetic for Florida’s future. We discuss cli-fi, world-building that stays emotionally grounded, and why speculative stories don’t need sequels to leave a lasting impact.

Marie also shares her slow-burn writing process, the value of writing pods, and how her background in social work, gardening, and environmental awareness shapes her characters and themes. From abandoned Victorian houses to climate-altered futures, this conversation explores how stories grow when writers give them time to mature. Visit Marie Q Rogers website: https://marieqrogers.com/about/ and buy her books:

House of No When

https://amzn.to/3LiB47P

Season of the Dove

https://amzn.to/49CRYWD

00:00 Introduction to Jolene's Books and Writer's Talk

00:41 Meet the Author: Marie Q. Rogers

01:38 Exploring Marie's Dystopian Science Fiction

02:08 The Story Behind 'Notebooks Hidden in an Abandoned House'

06:27 Writing Process and Inspirations

15:06 Gardening and Environmental Advocacy

25:48 Advice for Aspiring Writers

26:27 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of Jolene’s Book & Writers Talk, I’m joined by author Sarah Bewley, who writes procedural mysteries rooted in the landscapes, weather, and rhythms of North Florida.

Sarah shares how her background in playwriting andinvestigation shaped her approach to crime fiction, why setting matters as much as character, and how real-world experience informs believable procedural storytelling. We also talk about writing authentic voices, crafting maleprotagonists, and the challenges—and rewards—of building a mystery series grounded in place.

This conversation is perfect for writers interested inmystery, crime fiction, regional storytelling, and the craft of creating immersive fictional worlds.

Visit Sarah's website: https://www.sarahbewley.com/

Burning Eden by Sarah Bewley

https://amzn.to/49DtDjD

Frozen Eden by Sarah Bewley

https://amzn.to/3LhFCv9

00:00 Introduction to Jolene's Books and Writer's Talk

00:40 Meet Sarah Bewley: Mystery Writer from North Florida

01:25 The Characters of Frozen Eden

01:33 The Setting of Eden County

03:28 Ryan Edwards and His Dog Bonehead

04:18 Discussion on Dog Breeds

05:13 Inspiration Behind Eden County

06:10 The Potential of Hemp Farming

07:22 Sarah Bewley's Current and Future Projects

08:20 Crafting Characters and Plot

09:05 Writing About North Florida

10:58 Sarah's Writing Workshops and Playwriting Background

12:12 The Importance of Character Voices

13:30 Challenges of Dictating Books

16:01 Audio Books and Full Cast Narration

18:04 Characters Based on Real People

19:49 Sarah's Writing Space

22:22 Staying Active with Arthritis

22:45 Rock Climbing Adventures

23:56 Writing Journey and Challenges

26:29 Inspiration from Favorite Authors

30:52 Private Investigator to Homeschool Teacher

33:54 Freelancing and Journalism

36:36 Dream Dinner Guests

39:47 Conclusion and Farewell

Our Sponsor:

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Exploring Faith Through Literature: Interview with Constance Hastings | Jolene's Books and Writers Talk

Join Jolene MacFadden on this episode of Jolene's Books andWriters Talk as she sits down with Jacksonville, Florida author Constance Hastings. They discuss her unique journey into faith and literature, her debut book 'The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away,' and thechallenges she faced throughout her writing process. Hastings shares insights on her creative nonfiction approach, the importance of wrestling with belief, and the support structures in her publishing journey. Whether steady or skeptical in your faith, this conversation promises thoughtful reflections and literary wisdom. Visit the author’s Website: https://www.constancehastings.com/

00:00 Introduction to Jolene's Books and Writers Talk

01:05 Meet Constance Hastings: A Journey of Faith andLiterature

01:49 The Publishing Journey: From Concept to Release

03:27 Marketing and Promotion Strategies

04:05 Current Projects and Future Plans

05:10 Creative Nonfiction and Writing Advice

08:23 Personal Preferences and Inspirations

13:12 Family Background and Early Influences

14:53 Dream Dinner Guests and Final Thoughts

16:40 Closing Remarks and Thank You

Southern Dragon Publishing Links

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Empowering Education with Matthew D. Hale: Black History, Financial Literacy, and Innovative Teaching

Welcome to Jolene's Books and Writers Talk podcast! In this episode, host Jolene MacFadden sits down with Matthew D. Hale, a visionary educator, retired US Marine, and award-winning self-published author. Hale discusses his innovative approach to teaching black history, civics, financial literacy, and coding through his unique activity workbook series that has garnered national attention. Learn how his work is transforming education and inspiring young minds across the country. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the power of representation, storytelling, and the importance of providing engaging educational resources. Tune in and discover how you can support Matthew’s mission and learn more about his impactful work at WeGonnaLearnToday.org.

00:00 Introduction to Jolene's Books and Writers Talk

01:15 Meet Matthew D. Hale: Visionary Educator and Author

01:34 The Journey of Creating Educational Workbooks

03:08 Expanding the Reach: Media and Technology

03:49 Interactive Learning and Community Engagement

05:13 Challenges and Innovations in Nonprofit Work

06:49 Exploring New Writing Ventures

12:55 The Writing Process and Overcoming Doubts

14:02 The Impact of Social Media on Learning

16:33 Advice for Aspiring Writers

17:49 Conclusion and Farewell

Southern Dragon Publishing Links

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LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southern-dragon-publishing/

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