Writing doesn’t happen in a vacuum — readers are a huge part of the experience. But when it comes to reader feedback, not all of it carries the same weight.In this episode of Reality Writes, I’m talking honestly about reader feedback: when it’s genuinely helpful, when it’s not, and how writers can learn to tell the difference without spiraling.This episode is for writers navigating feedback at any stage and for readers who want to engage thoughtfully with the authors they love.✨ A Very Novel Murder, the first book in my new Novel Detectives series, is out now!

How does a cozy mystery series last for dozens of books—and what causes one to end early? Ellie Alexander and Tech Guy go behind the scenes to talk series writing, subplots, reader expectations, publishers, and the real-world happenings that shape long-running cozy mystery series.

Ellie Alexander is facing her most intense writing year yet—10+ books, multiple series, overlapping deadlines, and an endless stream of rewrites, page proofs, edits, and launches.

In this candid kickoff to Season 3 of Reality Writes, she and the Tech Guy break down the real-life logistics of being a full-time working author in 2026. They talk about managing burnout, the reality of saying no, how Ellie plans her schedule (and when it falls apart), and what it takes to stay creative under pressure.

Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or just someone trying to make your passion a career, this one pulls back the curtain.