In today's episode, we're diving into the power of storytelling shaped by identity, the emotional weight of writing through grief, and what it means to grow as a writer from a young age while navigating life's challenges.

Author Max Moreno Sastre joins the podcast to share his journey from publishing his first book at just 16 to winning the Literary Titan Silver Book Award for Ain't No Way This Is Real. We talk about how his multicultural identity influences his storytelling, the evolution of his voice over time, and the deeply personal experiences that shaped his most recent work. He opens up about writing through loss, honoring real-life emotions in fiction, and the balance between vulnerability and creative freedom. We also explore his current work-in-progress and how his passion for storytelling connects with his future goals in mental health.

In this episode, we cover:

• When his dream of becoming a writer began and how his journey has evolved
• How his cultural identity influences the stories he tells
• Publishing his first book, My Little Hannah-Marie, at just 16
• The inspiration behind Ain't No Way This Is Real and winning the Literary Titan Silver Book Award
• Writing through grief and processing the loss of a best friend
• Moments in the writing process that surprised him emotionally
• Balancing real-life experiences with creative storytelling
• The biggest challenges he faced while writing and publishing—and how he overcame them
• A look into his work-in-progress, What We Did To Survive
• How studying English Literature and pursuing a future in therapy shape his perspective
• Advice for writers struggling with self-doubt, writer's block, or telling difficult stories
• What he would tell his younger self about writing and publishing

Max's Links:

Website: https://maxmorenosastre.my.canva.site/

Facebook: Facebook Page

Instagram: Instagram Page

Don't forget to rate and review the show so I can continue bringing on amazing guests! If you'd like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com.

Follow me for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates:

https://instagram.com/authorcatdean

https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellingsirenspod

In today's episode, we're diving into the realities of indie publishing, breaking genre expectations in fantasy, and what it looks like to build a creative career while balancing motherhood and storytelling.

Fantasy author Cassie Evans joins the podcast to share her journey from first discovering her love of writing to publishing her novel Blood and Pixies. We talk about creating a fantasy world filled with original creatures, why she chose to center a 32-year-old mother as her main character, and how she blends escapism with deeply relatable, real-life emotions. She also opens up about documenting her writing journey online, navigating indie publishing, and using Kickstarter as a launch platform—all while raising and homeschooling three kids.

In this episode, we cover:

• When she first realized she wanted to be a writer
• An introduction to Blood and Pixies and the fantasy world readers can expect
• Why she chose a mother in her 30's as her FMC and how readers have responded
• Her process for creating unique creatures and non-human characters
• What surprised her most about sharing her writing journey publicly on Bookstagram
• What a realistic writing schedule looks like as a homeschooling mom of three
• The biggest challenges and rewards of indie publishing
• Why she chose Kickstarter for her book launch and tips for other indie authors
• How ADHD influences her creativity and the systems that help her stay focused
• Encouragement for writers who feel overwhelmed, behind, or stuck

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassieevansbooks

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@cassieevansbooks

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CassieEvansBooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cassie-Evans-Books/61579777217194/#

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show so I can continue bringing on amazing guests! If you'd like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com.

Follow me for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates:

https://instagram.com/authorcatdean

https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellingsirenspod

In today's episode, we're diving into the creative freedom of indie publishing, the darker themes of storytelling, and how character-driven narratives shape powerful stories.

Dark fantasy and romance author J.C. Murphey joins the podcast to talk about her journey as a storyteller, her love for crafting haunting worlds, and how indie authors build careers through passion, persistence, and community. We also explore how stories evolve through the drafting process, the influence of anime and manga on darker storytelling, and how crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter allow authors to bring special projects directly to their readers.

In this episode, we cover:

• • How J.C.'s love for storytelling and dark fantasy first began
  • Writing character-driven stories and why characters are the heart of her worlds
  • The influence of anime and manga on darker storytelling elements
  • The creative freedom that comes with choosing the indie publishing path
  • Busting common myths about writing and the publishing industry
  • How stories can evolve during the drafting process
  • Overcoming writer's block and staying consistent through a long creative journey
  • Running a Kickstarter campaign and using crowdfunding to create special edition books
  • Winning the 2024 Indieverse Awards for Don't Fear the Reaper
  • Her upcoming dark romance release Fox Hunt and what readers can expect next
  
  

J.C.'s Website: https://www.authorjcmurphey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorj.c.murphey

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@authorj.c.murphey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.j.c.murphey

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@j_c_murphey

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show so I can continue bringing on amazing guests! If you'd like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com.

🔗 Follow me for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates:

https://instagram.com/authorcatdean

https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellingsirenspod

In today's episode, we're diving into the fantasy writing process, from building immersive worlds to developing unforgettable characters and what it really takes to write a fantasy series while balancing a full-time career.

Fantasy author Tanya Hadzic, creator of Path of the Silverbane, joins the show to share her journey to becoming a writer and how her epic fantasy series came to life. We talk about her approach to world-building without burnout, how she develops characters who sometimes refuse to follow the outline, and what surprised her most about writing a multi-book series.

In this episode, we cover:

• Tanya's journey to becoming a fantasy author
• The inspiration behind Path of the Silverbane
• Her fantasy world-building process
• Character development and when characters take control
• Writing a fantasy series while working as a full-time nurse
• Staying consistent when motivation dips
• Common writing advice that didn't work for her
• Overcoming imposter syndrome as a writer
• Why writing for passion matters more than publishing
• Redefining success as an author
• Advice for new writers who feel "not good enough"
• What's next in the world of Path of The Silverbane

Tanya's Social Media Link: https://www.instagram.com/author_tanyahadzic

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show! Follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for a chance to get a siren fan shout-out in future episodes! If you'd like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com.

🔗 Follow me for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates: https://instagram.com/authorcatdean

https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellingsirenspod

In today's episode, we're diving into what it means to write instinctively, break the "rules," and trust your creative process....especially as a debut author stepping into the spotlight!!

Kaylee J. Allensworth is an adult semi-dystopian scifi author who is joining the podcast to talk about her path to writing and the creation of her debut series, Zones. We explore how the story took shape, the risks she knowingly took, the fine details that made her world-building so immersive for readers, and why she chose to avoid reading or watching within her genre while drafting. She also shares her thought-provoking perspectives on slow drafting, rejecting productivity pressure, why stories matter so much right now in our current climate and SO MUCH MORE!!!

In this episode, we cover:

• What Kaylee's path to writing looked like
• How the idea for Zones came to life
• Taking creative risks in a debut novel
• Choosing not to consume media within her genre
• The perks of being a slow drafter
• Rejecting the "write every day" pressure
• Avoiding tropes and marketing expectations
• Preparing yourself emotionally when publishing a debut
• Advice for writers feeling stuck or uncertain
• Why stories matter so much right now
• What's next and what readers can expect

Kaylee's Social Links:

https://www.instagram.com/kayleej_writes

https://substack.com/@authorkayleejallensworth

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show! Follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for a chance to get a siren fan shout out in future episodes. If you'd like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com

Follow me for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates:
https://instagram.com/authorcatdean
https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellingsirenspod

In today's episode, we're diving into what it means to write freely, stay indie, and create without apology in today's publishing scene.

Urban fantasy author and podcaster Stephanie Storm joins the show to talk about writing morally gray characters, embracing nostalgic 2000s TV influences, and choosing the indie publishing path over chasing trends. We also dig into how personal challenges have shaped her voice, her approach to online visibility and marketing, and why protecting the darker edges of her stories matters.

In this episode, we cover:

• When Stephanie's dream of becoming a writer began
• Writing morally gray and unredeemable characters in urban fantasy
• Infusing stories with nostalgic 2000s TV inspiration
• Choosing indie publishing and the creative freedom it offers
• Writing from the heart vs. chasing BookTok trends
• Online visibility, marketing advice, and what's hurting authors
• Protecting creative integrity in potential adaptations
• What's next and what readers can expect

Stephanie's Webiste: https://www.thestephaniestorm.com/

Stephanie's Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thestephaniestorm

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show! Follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for a chance to get a siren fan shout out in future episodes! If you'd like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com.

🔗 Follow me for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates: https://instagram.com/authorcatdean

https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellingsirenspod

In today's episode, we're diving into the journey of returning to creativity when you thought that chapter of your life was already closed.

Lorin Coffler shares what it really looked like to come back to writing while working full time and raising two kids—and how Sun, Moon and Shadow went from a dream to a published romantasy novel. We talk about carving out time in the margins of everyday life, choosing romantasy as a genre, crafting characters like Nova and Callan without giving away any spoilers, and SO MUCH MORE!

In this episode, we cover:

• Answering the call back to writing after stepping away
• Writing a debut novel while juggling motherhood and a full-time job
• Why romantasy—and what matters most when writing it
• Character growth, surprises, and falling in love with your cast
• Overcoming doubt, creative blocks, and resistance
• The emotional highs of publishing your first book
• Building community on Instagram as a debut author
• What's next in the sequel—and what readers can look forward to

Lorin's Website: www.lorincofflerauthor.com

Lorin's Social Media Links:

https://instagram.com/lorincofflerauthor

https://www.threads.com/@lorincofflerauthor

https://youtube.com/@lorincofflerauthor

Whether you're a writer, a reader, or someone quietly holding onto a creative dream—this episode is your reminder that it's never too late to begin again.

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show! Follow this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for a chance to get a siren fan shout-out in future episodes! If you'd like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com.

🔗 Follow me for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates:

https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellingsirenspod

https://instagram.com/authorcatdean

Welcome to the Siren's Coven!!

Season 2 is almost here! If you've been rocking with me since Season 1, you already know the vibe. And if you're new....this is the perfect time to dive in and join in on all the magic.

The first episode of season 2 will debut Tuesday, March 3rd!