In this episode of the BackStory podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews bestselling author Trisha Levenseller, known for her popular YA romantic fantasy novels. They discuss Trisha's journey as a writer, her breakthrough with 'Daughter of the Pirate King', and the emergence of the 'romantasy' genre. Trisha shares insights into her writing process, the importance of writing for younger readers, and the healing power of romance in literature. The conversation also touches on overcoming writer's block, the challenges of standing out in a crowded genre, and her upcoming projects, including her first adult novel. Trisha emphasizes the importance of perseverance for aspiring authors and shares memorable fan interactions that have impacted her career.

0:00

Introduction to Trisha Levenseller

02:22
The Impact of 'Daughter of the Pirate King'

05:13
Teenage Trisha: A Journey of Self-Discovery

08:12
The Emergence of Romantasy

10:49
Escapism Through Reading

13:28
The Accidental Writer

16:22
Advice for Aspiring Authors

19:14
The Reality of Writing as a Career

20:59
Navigating Writer's Block

25:03
The Journey to Publication

29:39
The Dream of Adaptation

31:04
Standing Out in YA Fantasy

32:35
World Building Strategies

35:04
Encouragement for Aspiring Writers

35:22
Memorable Fan Interactions

37:06
Exploring New Genres

Tricia hated reading. If all writers loved books growing up, then there was no way she would ever be an author. Books are just sad stories about a boy and his dog who die... right?

Jennifer Neilsen explores the backstory that changed Tricia's life and put her on the path to becoming a bestselling author.

Summary

In this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Moses Ose Utomi, a Nigerian-American author known for his young adult fantasy novels. They discuss Moses's journey as a writer, the fluidity of identity, the impact of travel on self-discovery, and the importance of empathy in storytelling. Moses shares insights from his experiences as an educator, his early love for reading and writing, and the significance of his cultural heritage. The conversation also touches on his martial arts journey, the publishing process of his debut novel 'Daughters of Oduma', and his upcoming releases.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Moses Ose Utomi

01:54
The Fluidity of Identity

05:46
Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

07:08
The Role of Teaching in Identity

09:33
Reflections on Student Relationships

10:53
Early Reading and Writing Journey

13:14
The Impact of Fantasy Literature

15:18
Travel as a Catalyst for Growth

17:27
Martial Arts and Personal Resilience

19:41
Forgiveness and Self-Acceptance

21:21
The Publishing Journey of Daughters of Oduma

23:25
Navigating Dual Identities: Nigerian and American

27:37
The Importance of Name and Identity in Storytelling

27:44
The Essence of Story: Empathy and Connection

30:57
Writing Process: Fast or Slow?

35:46
Advice for Aspiring Writers

36:07
Upcoming Releases and Future Projects

38:34
Themes of Empathy in Writing