
Hosted by Zoey Michaels · EN
The Molten Truth podcast is about people who have faced daunting, traumatic, and/or life changing episodes in their lives. They have figuratively gone through trial by fire and been broken down to their truest core to rebuild and come back stronger - often taking their life in a direction they never before imagined. Zoey Michaels is a writer and the host of The Molten Truth. For more information visit zoeymichaels.com RSSVERIFY

What does it really take to write and publish a book today? Zoey Michaels chats with author Brad Anderson about everything from sci-fi storytelling and creative inspiration to the realities of indie vs. traditional publishing. They explore how writers use fictional worlds to tackle real-life issues, why genres don’t have to box you in, and the unexpected challenges of getting your work seen. Along the way, expect humor, honesty, and a few surprising insights into the writing life.

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.

The conversation explores the idea of finding inspiration in frustration and the ubiquity of stories in everyday life.TakeawaysInspiration from frustrationStories are everywhereChapters00:00 Finding Inspiration in Frustration

The conversation delves into the importance of letting go of negative self-beliefs and challenging them, as well as the idea of exploring new experiences to create the best possible life experience.TakeawaysLetting go of negative self-beliefsExploring new experiencesChapters00:00 Letting Go of Self-Beliefs

Liisa Kovala shares information about the upcoming event 'Write On 2026' and its registration details. She provides the website name and encourages participation.TakeawaysWrite On 2026 event details sharedEncouragement to participate and registerChapters00:00 Right On 2026 Event Details

The conversation explores the idea that inspiration can be found in anything, and stories are everywhere if we are open to noticing them.TakeawaysInspiration can come from anythingStories are everywhereChapters00:00 Finding Inspiration Everywhere

The author discusses the realization of her own midlife experience through writing and the inspiration drawn from personal life events and observations.TakeawaysSelf-realization through writingDrawing inspiration from personal experiencesChapters00:00 Midlife Epiphany

The conversation delves into the unexpected outcome of a book that was intended to be a love story but turned out to be something else entirely. It explores the theme of self-love and the humor in the author's attempt at writing a romance.TakeawaysSelf-loveUnexpected outcomesChapters00:00 The Unintended Love Story

The conversation explores the practice of making a daily list of accomplishments, regardless of their size, and the impact of acknowledging small achievements on one's sense of productivity and fulfillment.TakeawaysDaily list of accomplishmentsRecognizing small achievementsChapters00:00 Recognizing Achievements

D.C. Gomez's book was initially intended to be a love story but turned out to be something else entirely. The journey of self-love and the unexpected genre shift are the main takeaways from the conversation.TakeawaysSelf-loveUnexpected genreChapters00:00 The Misunderstood Love Story