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After a lighthearted opening on names, pronunciation quirks, and the surprising histories behind them, Zoey Michaels reconnects with returning guest Liisa Kovala for a deeper conversation about the writing life.

Liisa shares updates on her latest cozy mystery releases and offers an inside look at the fast-paced reality of publishing a series. The discussion expands into the often-overlooked side of being an author—book coaching, managing creative workloads, and navigating the complex path from manuscript to published book.

Together, they unpack the realities of self-publishing versus traditional routes, the challenges of building visibility through reviews and algorithms, and the importance of understanding the full lifecycle of a book launch.

The conversation also explores creativity more broadly—where ideas come from, how everyday experiences (like driving or walking in nature) spark inspiration, and why protecting personal time is essential for sustaining creative work.

With practical insights and relatable experiences, this episode offers encouragement for writers at any stage, while highlighting a simple truth: creativity thrives when we make space for it—and when we’re willing to keep trying, even when the path isn’t clear.