Shows
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceElevating Your Prose: The Craft Shift from Commercial to Literary FictionHow do you elevate your prose without rewriting your entire story?In this craft-focused discussion, I’m joined by editors, AJ Volante and Margie Libling from The Wednesday Refinery to talk about sentence-level revision, literary voice, and the difference between commercial and literary fiction. If you’re revising a manuscript, preparing a query package, or trying to refine your prose, this episode breaks down what actually strengthens fiction at the line level.After a chance class on prose refinement with them, I saw a shift in my own thriller, not in the...
2026-02-2431 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceWriting a Killer Psychological Thriller with Nicole AnnburyIn this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and thriller author Nicole Annbury to talk about what it really takes to write a psychological thriller that kills. (all puns intended!) We take a deep dive into the craft behind her newest novel, The Signature Line, and explore why the psychology is the story.This is a must-listen for writers interested in psychological thriller writing, and character-driven storytelling, as well as readers who love dark, emotionally layered thrillers.We also discuss:Her latest release, The Signature Line (out February 13th, 2026)How to...
2026-02-1037 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceThe Voice Behind the Bestsellers: A Conversation with Robb MoreiraIn this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, we sit down with professional audiobook narrator Robb Moreira to talk about what it really takes to bring stories to life in audio—and what authors and aspiring narrators need to know before stepping behind the mic. Robb has recorded for authors like Rebecca Yarros, James Patterson, Megan Lally, Frieda McFadden, Mica Merrill Rice, and so many more!Robb shares how he got started in audiobook narration, the project that helped define his career, and why audiobook narration is about far more than having a good voice. We also di...
2026-01-201h 03
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceCreating the Rules with Ania Ray: Why Women Writers Thrive in CommunityIn this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, we discuss Creating the Rules, a women's fiction novel by Ania Ray, and explore why women writers thrive when they choose community over isolation.Ania shares the inspiration behind the book, her journey as an indie author, and how building intentional writing spaces changes the creative process.We Discuss:Her latest release, Creating the Rules, the 3rd and final book in the Cromwell Rules seriesHer process for writing the craftThe Quill and Cup Writing group and the importance of community in this industryWe conclude...
2026-01-0654 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceWriting Historical Fiction with Truth and Tradition: A Conversation with Catherine AstlIn this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, I sit down with historical fiction author and English Literature teacher Catherine Astl to talk about her novel Christmas Serenades—a deeply rooted Smoky Mountain Christmas story filled with truth, tradition, and meticulously researched history.Catherine shares how her lifelong connection to the Great Smoky Mountains shaped her storytelling, why she stays fiercely committed to historical accuracy, and how she weaves real events and family stories into engaging fiction. We discuss the simple but meaningful holiday traditions of Cades Cove, the importance of preserving the truth even when it’s un...
2025-12-1634 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceMallary Tenore Tarpley on SLIP: How to Write Memoir with Truth, Empathy, and VulnerabilityIn this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, I sit down with memoirist and journalist Mallary Tenore Tarpley to talk about her new book, SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery, and the craft of writing memoir with honesty and care.We discussed:What inspired SLIP and what it means to write from the “middle place” of recoveryHow to tell the truth with empathy — especially when writing about loved onesWhy contradictions belong in memoir and how Mallary holds multiple truthsHer winding journey to a Big Five publishing deal Practical tips for mem...
2025-12-021h 01
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceWhat Authors Must Know About Indie Bookstores with Tombolo Books’ Alsace Walentine“Independent bookstores are the heart of the industry. We move books through real conversations, not algorithms. That grassroots passion is irreplaceable.” - Alsace WalentineIn this episode, I chat with Alsace Walentine, co-owner of Tombolo Books, about how indie bookstores choose what goes on their shelves and what makes an author stand out. Alsace shares what really sells, the production mistakes that get books rejected, how to approach a bookseller the right way, and why community matters more than ever.In this conversation, we dive into:How indie bookstores decide which books to s...
2025-11-1841 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceBlurring the Lines: Crafting Truth Through Fiction“Every single word has to earn its place.” - Jayne MarshallIn this episode, literary fiction author and developmental editor Jayne Marshall joins me again to talk about crafting literary fiction and how to blend fact with fiction in an engaging way. In this conversation, we dive into:Her latest release, A Line Drawn or Printed: Six Routes Through Madrid, a literary fiction.How she crafts a story blending fact and fiction without losing her authorial voiceHer advice for making sure every word and every character count.Her best tips for authors on writing liter...
2025-11-0437 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceCover Stories: How to Make Your Book Stand Out with Miblart"Do your research." - Artem SahaidakIn this episode, we sit down with marketing lead Artem Sahaidak at Miblart/Get Covers to talk about all things cover art and what to look for when you’re ready to get one.We discussed: Who Miblart and Get Covers are and what they offerTips on how to work with a cover designer and get the best resultAdvice for authorsAnd then we concluded with the INK STARTER LIGHTNING ROUND and Miblart’s 5 best tips for indie authors!About MiblartMiblart is a creative design agenc...
2025-10-2129 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceFrom Killer Plots to Killer Marketing with Saleema Ishq“Treat marketing like storytelling instead of advertising…” - Saleema IshqIn this episode, thriller author and TikTok book marketing influencer Saleema Ishq joins me to talk about the craft of writing page-turning stories and how to grow your readership through BookTok.In this conversation, we dive into:Her latest release, Sisters Arcana, an edge-of-your-seat psychological thrillerHow she crafts a story that keep readers hookedWhat actually works when marketing books on social media (and what doesn’t)Her best tips for authors on writing and social media marketingAbout Saleema:Saleema Ishq is a for...
2025-10-0729 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceFrom Blank Page to Breakthroughs: Lessons from a Writing Coach“As long as we are making progress everyday toward that goal, we will get through the imposter syndrome…” - Edy HackettIn this episode, I sit down with Edy Hackett, an author and seasoned writing coach, to talk about what it really takes to keep going and build a solid habit that you can commit to for the long term.We discussed:The essentials of the writing craft every author should masterHow to stay motivated and build sustainable writing habitsThe benefits of working with a writing coachAnd we wrap up with Edy's 5 Best T...
2025-09-2328 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceBreaking Free: How One Writer Built Her Publishing Path with Maria Glymph“When the characters take over, let ‘em.” - Maria GlymphIn this episode, we sit down with author and indie press owner, Maria Glymph, to talk about her newest release Biography of Deception, her self-publishing journey, and the road to founding Modern Odyssey Books. She shares with us: - A look behind Biography of Deception, a literary mystery, and what inspired it- Why she chose the self-publishing route- What inspired her to go from self-published author to founder of her own indie press: Modern Odyssey Books.
2025-09-0738 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceBack-to-School 101: What Your Developmental Editor Really Wants You to Know with Nicole Meier"Don't let your plot happen to your character." In this episode, we are sitting down with a developmental editor to talk through developmental editing. By the end of this episode, you will understand who they are and their critical role in your self-publishing journey. We covered story structure, plot, pacing and character arc and ways for an indie author to get the various parts of editing done on a budget. At the end, Nicole leaves us with five actionable tips that you can do right now to help elevate your writing.Nicole Meier is a ce...
2025-09-0727 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceBack-to-School 101: Copyediting Basics Without the Shame Spiral with Jayne MarshallToday, we delve into the world of copyediting and how it applies to your self-publishing journey. In this episode, you will get a better understanding of the difference between the developmental editor and the copyeditor, when you might want to bring one onboard, common misunderstandings, preserving the author’s tone and so much more. By the end of this episode, you will have a solid grasp of what a copyeditor is and Jayne’s five best tips that you can put into play to give your manuscript a grade up.Jayne Marshall is an author and a deve...
2025-09-0739 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceWelcome to the Chaos: Why I Chose the Indie Publishing Path and Brought the Mic Along With Me"Self-Publishing is not a fallback plan. It is a tool in your toolbox."Hi! I'm Mica Merrill Rice, your podcast captain speaking, and I'm here to guide us through thoughtful discussions with authors and industry professionals so that you can confidently and professionally self-publish your book like a trad-author. In this episode, I share with you - a little bit about me- my journey to becoming a writer- the wins and woes of publishing my first book- and the why behind starting this podcast.
2025-09-0712 min
Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill RiceTRAILER: Welcome to Traditionally Self-PublishedLet's Be Bold. Write Smart. And Keep Readers Turing The Pages.Traditionally Self-Published is the podcast for authors who want to learn how to self-publish with the polish of traditional publishing but without giving up their creative freedom. Whether you are just starting your very first book or you are ready to hit publish on your tenth, this show gives you the all-access backstage pass to the strategies, tools, and plenty of inspiration to help you publish like the pros. Join host Mica Merrill Rice--author, indie publishing advocate, self-proclaimed "Plot Twister," and lifelong le...
2025-08-0901 min