Today's episode I am joined by New York Times and USA Today's bestselling author, Penn Cole. This episode was truly special to film because not only am I obviously a huge fan of Penn's Kindred's Curse Saga but I have spent a lot of my time listening to interviews Penn has given on her journey to where she is today. In this episode I continued to learn and be inspired by Penn's resilience, her heart for the life of an author and I know that you will too.Taryn's current read:Storyteller by Jodi PicoultPenn's current read:Blood Of Hercules by Jasmine ManWhere you can find more of Penn:Website: https://www.penncole.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AuthorPennCole/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@authorpenncole TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorpenncole?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
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31:46
The Journey, The Job And The Joy w/ Meg Rosenthal
Today’s episode I get to sit and chat with author, Meg Rosenthal. This author is celebrating the most recent release of her second novel, The Wingman. Meg is a contemporary romance author that has put years of effort into bettering her craft. Through the episode, we learn about the support she received from other authors and mentors, how she found her way to a hybrid publisher that has now published both her debut and sophomore novels and we get a peek into Meg’s writing routine with such a busy life outside of writing. Meg is a darling individual and I cannot wait for you to listen, learn and get to know her the way I was so lucky to.Taryn’s current read:Wild and Wrangled by Lyla SageStoryteller by Jodi PicoultMeg’s current read:Twisted Souls by Shannon McLellanWhere you can find Meg:Website: https://megrosenthal.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megrosenthalauthor/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megrosenthal.author?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
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45:14
From Self-Pub To Trad w/ Sydney Applegate
This episode was truly special to film. Sydney is one of the most genuinely inspiring authors I have had the privilege of meeting and learning from yet. Her passion for writing, her eagerness to succeed and her faith had such a profound influence on me. Sydney is a self-published author of the Deragon Duology and has recently signed with an agent to take one of her new projects on submission to publishing houses. Her story in finding an agent, the advice she offers and positive perspective is one you won't want to miss.Current Reads:Taryn's: The New York Charm by Riley WintersSydney's: Out On A Limb by Hannah Bonam-YoungWhere you can find Sydney:YouTube: @BooksBySydney (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCep4GrnXpEGcRxtVpxQnu4Q) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsydneyapplegate/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorsydneyapplegate?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcWebsite: https://www.sydneyapplegate.com
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56:17
Book Lovers Take The Mic w/ Lindsey
I was so lucky to sit down with reader influencer, Lindsey, to talk about books. This was a fun, chaotic, giggly episode that was too good of a time to record. Lindsey has some incredible insights for authors looking to hook readers like her. We discuss her Icks (🐰), her loves, what catches her attention and what she hopes to see more of in upcoming novels. Lindsey is a bright, kind soul in the bookish community, one I am very thankful to have gotten to know!Current reads:Taryn- Picture Perfect by Jodi PicoultLindsey- Lore Of The Tides by Analeigh SbranaWhere you can find more of Lindsey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literaturewithlindsey?igsh=bncxdWw2bnNlNTYwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@literaturewithlindsey?_t=ZP-8vb8jbGnHJf&_r=1Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/literaryferal?igsh=Y2N4Ym03ajI2MW9l
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45:42
Self-Publishing w/ Shandy Mandarino
This episode was such a blast to record. This was truly a full circle moment for me because Shandy was the first Indie author I ever read and befriended as I started my author journey. In this episode we get to hear about Shandy’s journey to self-publishing her first book, The Darkest Parts of Me. A cozy romance with a twist of sci-fi. She goes into the importance of having a community, learning marketing, putting yourself out there and attending events that lead to networking. Shandy’s story and the insight she had to share was truly inspiring.Taryn’s current read: The Dead Romantics by Ashley PostonOut Of The Woods by Hannah Bonam-YoungShandy’s current reads:Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne CollinsDark Age by Pierce BrownPlaces you can find Shandy:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@shandymandarino_author?si=bi9fx6WRlUq7pKGKInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shandy_thewriter/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shandymandarino_author?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Ever wonder what it really takes to go from zero to published? Join me, Taryn, as I navigate the messy, exhilarating and often frustrating journey of becoming an author— without any prior experience. Each episode dives into books, breaks down the craft of writing, explores mental health, and shares valuable lessons I’ve learned through trial and (so much) error. With interviews featuring authors, mental health professionals, and readers, The Wannabe Author offers fresh, unfiltered look at the world of storytelling and publishing. Tune in— it’s a damn good time!
New Zealand