Acclaimed author Lori Gold returns to discuss her new novel, KISS, MARY, KILL, and shares how rejection fueled her success, why she writes across genres, and the craft secrets behind her latest speculative novel.

In this episode, Lori talks about the three-year journey of writing her most challenging novel yet—a speculative fiction story about three women who wake up living out the consequences of a party game. She reveals her process for managing multiple timelines and points of view, offers practical advice on novel planning, and shares how she navigated publishing setbacks by channeling rejection into "revenge writing." Plus, we talk about teaching writing, running retreats, and the reality of promoting books in today's demanding landscape.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• How to intertwine character arcs with plot to create emotionally resonant stories
• Why planning your ending first saves time and creates more satisfying novels
• Strategies for balancing multiple projects without creative burnout
• How to develop fearlessness in the face of rejection and keep writing
• What aspiring authors should know about the publishing industry before signing a deal
• Practical tips for overcoming public speaking anxiety as an author

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Topics Covered:
• 2:09 - The Premise of Kiss Marry Kill
• 3:16 - How watching the teen TV show The Society sparked the idea for the book
• 4:51 - The Appeal of Alternate Universes
• 5:56 - Female Friendship as a Through-Line in Lori’s work
• 7:02 - Making the leap from YA fantasy to grounded adult speculative
• 10:35 - The Craft Challenge - Managing three POVs, multiple timelines, flashbacks, speculative elements, AND a mystery with a dead body
• 12:17 - Lori's Writing Process - high-concept premises, building character arcs, plotting the twist
• 15:42 - Publishing Two Books in One Year
• 19:28 - Avoiding Burnout
• 22:17 - The Other Kiss Marry Kill - turning a title conflict into an opportunity
• 25:19 - Novel Planning Essentials - The two most important things
• 28:22 - Teaching as a Social Outlet - How instructing makes Lori a better writer by
• 29:35 - Revenge Writing - Using rejection to your advantage
• 31:18 - Cultivating Fearlessness
• 32:46 - Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety
• 34:19 - Writing Retreats - Building community through weekend retreats
• 37:17 - Industry Advice for Aspiring Authors
• 39:08 - Theme Song Selection for KISS, MARY, KILL

Author Lori Gold on Craft, Resilience, and Finding Your Path in Publishing