Podcast: Write Or Die Podcast

The Write or Die Podcast shares the real stories about what it takes to become an author – the gritty, infuriating, pull your hair out because it’s been years – stories of writers who didn’t give up despite it all, and are now living out their dream. It’s hosted by authors Claribel A. Ortega and Kat Cho and releases every other Monday!

S4 E15: Deborah Falaye & Put Yourself Out There

Claribel & Kat discuss their thoughts on jumping back into promoting their new books! Then they interview their PitchWars mentee about her upcoming seering fantasy debut, BLOOD SCION! ABOUT DEBORAH: Deborah Falaye is a Nigerian Canadian young adult author. She grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where she spent her time devouring African Literature, pestering her…

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S4 E14: Malinda Lo & I Just Do Gay Things

Claribel & Kat discuss how they decide on what project to work on next. And then they interview Award Winning and NYT Bestselling author, Malinda Lo, about her experience in the industry, her advocacy for diversity in kidlit, and what it was like going back to a shelved project and revising it years later for…

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S4 E13: Write or Die Live

This is a bonus episode of Write or Die! Originally recorded live as part of DVCon (a free virtual writing conference for diverse creators), Claribel & Kat read your anonymously submitted publishing stories and questions! MENTIONS: • DVCon • Watch DVCon panels • FOLLOW CLARIBEL: Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | TikTok • www.claribelortega.com •…

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S4 E12: Wendy Xu & Shut Up, Do Your Work, & Stay Off Goodreads

Claribel & Kat interview illustrator Wendy Xu about how she first got into illustrating comics, how her work in publishing prepared her for her publication journey, and advice on properly crediting artists for their work! ABOUT WENDY: Wendy Xu is an award-nominated Brooklyn-based illustrator and comics artist with three upcoming graphic novels from Harper Collins….

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S4 E11: Sarah Raughley & Even Heroes Aren’t Perfect

Claribel & Kat catch up with each other and talk about the emotional ups and downs of building an author career. (CW: brief discussion of trauma) Then they interview Sarah Raughley about what it was like to get published in the before-times, differences she’s felt releasing her newest series during the pandemic, and how she…

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S4 E10: Akshaya Raman & A Bed Full of Snakes

Happy New Year! Claribel & Kat discuss some fun news in their author careers and chat about new year and resolutions. Then they interview debut author, Akshaya Raman about her highly anticipated Fantasy, The Ivory Key. How she dealt with doubt during her query journey and how she made writing friends. ABOUT AKSHAYA: Akshaya Raman…

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S4 E9: Claribel & Kat & WorD’s Last Holiday Episode!

This week, Claribel & Kat discuss what they learned about their writing and author journeys in 2021. Then they answer listener questions about how to survive querying, Self-publishing, how they first got into writing, when to change agents, and more. Plus bonus chat about K-Dramas and K-pop! MENTIONS: WRITING PODCASTS • The Writing Show with…

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S4 E8: Maisie Chan & Danny Chung Has Two Titles

Claribel & Kat discuss mentorship programs, both formal and informal! Then they chat with Maisie Chan about her experience publishing her debut Middle Grade and the differences between the UK and US publishing market. ABOUT MAISIE: Maisie Chan is a British Chinese children’s author from Birmingham. She loves dim sum, yoga and travelling. She has…

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S4 E7: Emiko Jean & We Don’t Need Permission to Write

Claribel & Kat talk about how to prepare for panels & some quick tips on how to answer interview questions. Then they interview NYT Bestselling author Emiko Jean about her publishing journey, how publishing has changed since she first queried in 2011, and what it’s been like building an author career. Emiko’s BIO: When Emiko…

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S4 E6: Alex Aster & Cursed Islands Are My Brand

Claribel and Kat answer a listener’s question about publishing events, what it’s like to organize events like DVPit/DVCon, and some tips about attending events. Then they chat with Alex Aster about her author journey, discuss going viral on TikTok and whether it’s worthwhile for authors to join. Plus Alex gives us some Authortok tips! ALEX’S…

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