Taking Big Risks That Pay Off & Breaking the Rules With Intentionality

About this episode

Debut authors share their unique journeys and insights into writing and marketing their novels.

Debut author Alessandra Ranelli joins the show to share the wild, real-life story behind Murder at the Hotel Orient — from a disastrous week that sparked the idea, to turning a legendary Vienna love hotel into the setting for a spicy, modern whodunit. She breaks down her full journey: writing her first novel, querying highs and lows, the “aha” craft moment that changed everything, and how strategic pitching led to multiple agent offers. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the bold, author-driven marketing strategy that built buzz before the book even hit shelves. In part two of this week’s episode, author Mikki Brammer, author Good Joy, Bad Joy , shares her unconventional path from journalist to bestselling novelist—and how a fear of death sparked her debut ‘ The Collected Regrets of Clover .’ The interview dives into the reality of two-book deals (creative constraints, multiple editors, and market pressure), writing under deadlines, and why success doesn’t always mean less stress. Mikki also breaks down her craft choices—from slow, contemplative openings to immersive sensory descriptions—and how she builds deeply human, frustrating, and evolving characters. Note: CeCe Lyra is a…

People in this episode

Host: Bianca Marais

Guests: Alessandra Ranelli, Mikki Brammer

Topics covered

• writing journey
• debut authors
• marketing strategies
• craft of writing
• literary agents
• two-book deals

Keywords

• debut author
• writing process
• agent offers
• marketing strategy
• two-book deals
• character development
• craft choices

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wendy Sherman Associates, P.S. Literary Agency

Books & works: Murder at the Hotel Orient, Good Joy, Bad Joy, The Collected Regrets of Clover

Places: Vienna

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