Shows
The Grumpy Sunshine PodcastSlow Burn vs. Insta Love with Jess McFarlaneIn episode 9, Australian indie author Jess McFarlane joins Laura and Kate to talk about slow burn versus fast burn/insta-love romances. The trio talks about their preferences and processes as authors and an editor, as well as readers of romance. Jess discusses how she developed the slow burn in her series, Arasgain Rule (Woman of Wolves and Man of Bears are the first two books), and Kate explains how she approached the relationships in her first two books, and how she's trying something new with her upcoming novel, Wing Woman.In-depth conversation, book recs, helpful a...2025-08-0330 minThe Grumpy Sunshine PodcastThe Importance of Character Art with Brittany CarsonIn episode 8, Kate and Laura are joined by Brittany Carson to discuss the importance of character art. Brittany and Kate take listeners through their process for both finding and commissioning art. Laura gives a large list of her favourite artists accompanied by a stunning list of books to add to your TBREnjoy this fun, light and entertaining chat with the girls!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates! Stay connected: @thegrumpysunshinepodcast @kate_louise_author @hummingbird.editing G...2025-07-2029 minThe Grumpy Sunshine PodcastEditor Chats: What is developmental editing?In episode 7, Kate and Laura are joined by Britt from BLD Editing to discuss the benefits and intricacies of developmental editing.Britt and Laura guide listeners through their process and how they support authors in developing their plot, character arcs, conflict, tension, and other 'big picture' aspects of their manuscript. Kate shares her experience gaining developmental feedback from alpha and beta readers.Book recs, helpful advice, listener feedback, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out today!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates! Stay co...2025-07-0638 minThe Grumpy Sunshine PodcastManaging Burnout: Stories of burnout from an indie editor and authorIn this episode, Laura and Kate discuss the complexities of burnout as both an indie author and editor, alongside listener feedback and fellow community members' signs and symptoms. Laura and Kate share their personal stories with burnout and how they were able to recognise the signs in themselves, along with working through and coming out the other side. Listeners shared their very real feedback on how they feel the onset of burnout and also how they overcame it. Please be careful with yourself when listening to this episode. If you need to take a b...2025-06-2231 minThe Grumpy Sunshine PodcastThe Independent FMC vs. The Damsel: Who will win?In episode five, Kate and Laura have fun discussing female main characters in their favourite books and sub-genres of romance, focusing on The Maiden and The Huntress archetypes. Kate explains how she goes about writing a FMC, and Laura shares how she helps authors develop strong female characters. Book recs, helpful advice, listener feedback, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out today!Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates! Stay connected: @thegrumpysunshinepodcast @kate_louise_author @hummingbird.editing G...2025-06-0824 minThe Grumpy Sunshine PodcastSelf-Editing & Drafting: How to ensure your manuscript is ready for professional editingIn episode four, Kate and Laura discuss the benefits of self-editing your manuscript and how it can improve the quality of your story. They look at this from Kate’s perspective and as an author, and discuss her process in the lead up to professional editing. That’s where Laura comes in and gives some advice on self-editing before, during, and after the professional editing process. Book recs, helpful advice, listener feedback, and our signature grumpy/sunshine segment—check this episode out today!Enjoy the next episode in this new and exciting podcast that will delve into topics...2025-05-2536 minThe Grumpy Sunshine PodcastFinding an Editor vs. Dating: What's the difference?In episode three, Kate and Laura discuss how to find an editor for your manuscript. Finding an editor is similar to dating—you need to 'shop around' until you find the right fit. Laura shares what to look for and look out for, as well as questions you can ask potential editors and what editors should and shouldn't do with your manuscript. Kate shares her experiences with different editors as an indie author and what she's learnt along the way. This is an info-packed episode, so have your pens and paper or notetaking apps ready!Please su...2025-05-1138 minThe Grumpy Sunshine PodcastRomance Novel Covers: Cutesy vs. Model vs. DiscreetIn episode two, Kate and Laura discuss the age-old debate over book covers: model, discreet, or illustrated? They look at this from a reader's perspective, but also from Kate’s perspective as a self-published author. Book recs, favourite covers, buddy reads, author and artist shoutouts, and new segments—this episode has it all!Enjoy the newest episode of this new and exciting podcast that will delve into topics about reading, writing, editing, publishing, and social media.Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates! Stay connected: @thegrumpysunshinepodcast 2025-04-2732 minThe Grumpy Sunshine PodcastWelcome to The Grumpy Sunshine PodcastIn episode one, Kate and Laura welcome listeners to The Grumpy Sunshine Podcast. They talk about being an indie author and an indie editor, as well as how they met and how the podcast came to be.Enjoy this short intro to a new and exciting podcast that will delve into topics about reading, writing, editing, publishing, and social media.Please subscribe for the latest episodes and updates! Stay connected: @thegrumpysunshinepodcast @kate_louise_author @hummingbird.editing Get in touch:2025-04-1210 min