“You have to earn readers”

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Maureen Paraventi

Daniel Coniff lives in Denver and writes short stories and novels. He is passionate about blending theories of psychology, sociology, and anthropology with brutal themes to create sobering yet transformative pieces. On Instagram, he describes himself as “Guy who writes goofy stories.” In addition to all that, Daniel writes fan fiction for the Netflix adaption of “Lord of the Flies.” (You can find it on Substack at the link below.)

Daniel’s episode of the Write Like a Badass podcast is: “You have to earn readers.”

Daniel writes on Substack: https://substack.com/@danieljconiff

Find his fanfic at: https://archiveofourown.org/users/Daniel_J_Coniff

Connect with him on social media: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.j.coniff_official/ and https://www.tiktok.com/@dc.writer_n_psych_nerd

“I just love the character”

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Maureen Paraventi

Matt Posner has been writing fiction and nonfiction since the 1980s. He writes in many genres of fiction, including urban fantasy, YA, literary fiction, horror, and romance (writing as MJ Post).

Matt’s latest novel, an adult urban fantasy series with Mrs. Moore #1: Queen of Doubts. It’s available at: https://a.co/d/0fS9eiLI

About Queen of Doubts:

Mrs. Moore is a wife, mother, diviner. Never perfect, always badass.

Mrs. Goldberry Moore’s secret magic school has closed, her husband is gravely ill, and she’s suddenly raising three children with a talent for trouble and adventure. A practical magician with the wit and resolve of a Jane Austen heroine, she’s not the type to hide and wait.

Instead, she takes on two highly inconvenient apprentices. Gia’s voice compels the truth from anyone who hears her. Preity is a fire‑loving, stone‑lifting magical being whom some people simply cannot see. With a streetwise nanny, a house full of volatile hearts, and trouble gathering at the edges, Mrs. Moore must rely on strategy, nerve, and her talent for staying several steps ahead.

Ruthless treasure hunters are closing in on the apprentices and the fallen school — each powerful enough to upend the magical world in the wrong hands.

The only safe place to end the chase may be the one place no one would dare follow: beneath Mount Denali.

Matt’s episode of the Write Like a Badass podcast is: “I just love the character.” And yes – he’s talking about Mrs. Moore!

Why Dan Bonser Doesn’t Use a Pen Name

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Maureen Paraventi

Dan Bonser writes adult fantasies about a 100+ year-old female elf who is a traveling bard. His stories has action adventure, music, poetry and at least one scene Dan concedes is “shocking.”

The Ballad of the Emerald Bard, Opus 1 is available at: https://a.co/d/034BoRur
Follow Dan on TikTok: Dan Bonser Author

More info at: Dan Bonser @ The Leap

Co-Founder of A Brainless Nod– A blog about life and love using poetry, serial webfiction, and personal posts: http://abrainlessnod.blogspot.com

“I Left the Game, But I Couldn’t Leave the Character Behind”

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Maureen Paraventi

Dan Bonser’s main character is a 100+ year old elfwhose origin story did NOT start on the pages of his books. Where did she come from? You’ll hear all about it in this episode. In the first book of his series, Dan wrote an opening scene with the specific intention to make himself uncomfortable, pushing the spice and discomfort further and further until it culminated in a scene, which he swore was too far. To this day, he silently judges readers who love THAT scene.

A note: Dan and I had so much to talk about that he’ll be the guest on the next episode of the Write Like a Badass podcast, as well!

The Ballad of the Emerald Bard, Opus 1 is available at: https://a.co/d/034BoRur
Follow Dan on TikTok: Dan Bonser Author

More info at: Dan Bonser @ The Leap

Co-Founder of A Brainless Nod– A blog about life and love using poetry, serial webfiction, and personal posts: http://abrainlessnod.blogspot.com

Ghostwriting for a Living

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Maureen Paraventi

Caroline Duggan, a novelist and copywriter, found a new outlet for her writing skill when she was asked to ghostwrite a book for a doctor. That initial experience turned into a career that she loves: transforming other people’s stories and ideas into books that the general public wants to read. Caroline still writes fiction, but she truly enjoys ghostwriting, and generously shares guidance about it in this episode.

Visit Caroline’s website at: carolinedugganwrites.com.

“I wanted to make it happen”

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Maureen Paraventi

Ian Tadashi Moore writes, illustrates, composes music for and records stories of joy, mindfulness, courage, and resilience for all ages. On this episode, he talks about what inspires him, how he wrote his first book to be a keepsake for his two sons and why he chooses and unusual (and costly) method of publishing his books. He also creates audiobook versions of his books – HIMSELF!

Ian’s website is: iantm.com (You can hear samples of his audiobooks and see samples of his illustrations on his website.)

Ian’s books and audiobooks are available at: https://www.iantm.com/books/shop

Facebook: iantm.books

Twitter: iantm_books

Instagram: iantm_books