Shows
The Bestseller's Beginning08. Stupid Sexy Nasir - Ch 3 DSIn this episode we cover chapter 3 of Dakota's WIP, get more of an introduction to Nasir (Lianna is already a big fan as you can probably tell from the title of this episode), talk about writing in secrets into the plot and the pay off needed for reveals, clear up character ages, and talk about how to reflect or not reflect real-world patriarchy in fantasy.Follow the podcast on Instagram @thebestsellers_beginning or tag along for the ride with Lianna and Dakota on Instagram and Threads @lifeng.stories and @locodakoko.writes.Patreon in progress! Stay...
2025-11-3036 min
The Bestseller's Beginning07. What's In a Name? - Ch 3 LFIn this episode we're diving into Lianna's Ch 3 and talking all things characters from Lianna's deep frustration with naming vs Dakota's alignment with Team Name Sluts (and that's the tea!) to character deep dives where we analyze actions and dialogue. Follow the podcast on Instagram @thebestsellers_beginning or tag along for the ride with Lianna and Dakota on Instagram and Threads @lifeng.stories and @locodakoko.writes.Patreon in progress! Stay tuned!Co-hosted, edited, and produced by: Lianna Feng and Dakota S.Artwork by: Rachel MehusMusic by: Dakota via...
2025-11-1639 min
The Bestseller's Beginning06. Bonus - Plotting vs Summoning!Welcome to Pantsers Anonymous! In our second bonus episode we breakdown challenges we're currently facing with our writing, from writer's block and stagnation, to self-made plot holes, and pushing through it all to get those words on the page. And once again we bring up K-Pop Demon Hunters, which seems like it's going to happen every other episode...you've been warned!Follow the podcast on Instagram @thebestsellers_beginning or tag along for the ride with Lianna and Dakota on Instagram and Threads @lifeng.stories and @locodakoko.writes.Patreon in progress! Stay tuned!Co-hosted...
2025-11-0223 min
The Bestseller's Beginning05. You're Being So Extra! (Past) - Ch 2 DSIn this episode we cover feedback for Dakota's Chapter 2 of The Bay of Barakat. We're herding up sheep (a million different plot threads) and trying to get 'em back in the pen! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thebestsellers_beginning or tag along for the ride with Lianna and Dakota on Instagram and Threads @lifeng.stories and @locodakoko.writes.Patreon in progress! Stay tuned!Co-hosted, edited, and produced by: Lianna Feng and Dakota S.Artwork by: Rachel MehusMusic by: Dakota via the magic of GarageBandDisclaimer: Concepts...
2025-10-1931 min
The Bestseller's Beginning04. Skimmers and Spaghetti Stickers - Ch 2 LFIn this episode we cover feedback for Lianna's Chapter 2 - Sweaty and Drunk of her mystery WIP. We brainstorm and troubleshoot character interactions and motivations, talk chapter word counts, and talk about being our own inner critics....and we talk about wadi dogs! What's not to love!Follow the podcast on Instagram @thebestsellers_beginning or tag along for the ride with Lianna and Dakota on Instagram and Threads @lifeng.stories and @locodakoko.writes.Patreon in progress! Stay tuned!Co-hosted, edited, and produced by: Lianna Feng and Dakota S.Artwork by: Rachel...
2025-10-1432 min
The Bestseller's Beginning03. Bonus - Enemies, Memories, and Deep Dark SecretsJust kidding! In this inaugural bonus episode, we're talking Inkheart, Eragon, and Warriors fanfiction (because let's be real, who among us didn't daydream about becoming a medicine cat for Thunderclan?), The Quest for Camelot, elaborate Beanie Baby wars, and other early creative influences on our storytelling. We also talk about our experiences sharing our writing, the importance (as well as the challenges) of writing groups, and the growing pains along the way. Follow the podcast on Instagram @thebestsellers_beginning or tag along for the ride with Lianna and Dakota on Instagram and Threads @lifeng.stories and @locodakoko...
2025-10-0532 min
The Bestseller's Beginning02. Super Cool Untitled Mystery Novel - Ch 1 LFF*ck the Americans! What a way to start a first chapter! In this episode Dakota gives her feedback for Chapter 1 of Lianna's international feminist rage mystery WIP (currently untitled). In this episode we talk about scene-setting, building tension, we dig into Olivia's (the FMC) psyche, discuss feminist undertones, and talk about the bane that is describing facial expressions!Follow the podcast on Instagram @thebestsellers_beginning or tag along for the ride with Lianna and Dakota on Instagram and Threads @lifeng.stories and @locodakoko.writes.Patreon in progress! Stay tuned!Co-hosted, edited, and...
2025-09-2843 min
The Bestseller's Beginning01. Kill Your Darlings - Ch 1 DSForgive us for our audio sins and nerves in our first episode and buckle up for a swashbuckling introduction, starting with Lianna's feedback for Chapter 1 of Dakota's SWANA-inspired pirate fantasy WIP: The Bay of Barakat. In this episode we talk about what makes a successful introduction to a story and (what will become a recurring theme for Dakota >.
2025-09-2237 min
The Bestseller's BeginningTrailer: The Bestseller's BeginningTrailer for The Bestseller's Beginning podcast with your hosts Lianna and Dakota!Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts! Or visit the home website at https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bestsellers-beginning to listen online and get transcripts for every episode.Follow the pod on socials @thebestsellers_beginning on Instagram for the latest updates! Or check us out on Instagram and Threads to follow along our writing journey @locodakoko.writes and @lifeng.stories.
2025-09-2200 min