Episode 108: Author Lori Gold on Craft, Resilience, and Finding Your Path in Publishing

Acclaimed author Lori Gold returns to discuss her new novel, Kiss, Mary, Kill, and shares how rejection fueled her success, why she writes across genres, and the craft secrets behind her latest speculative novel.

Lori is the author of the ZIbby Media Summer Read pick and NPR Book of the Day Romantic Friction. She is also the author of an adult historical and four novels for young adults (all under Lori Goldstein). Her latest novel, Kiss, Mary, Kill, is out April 7th. She currently lives outside of Boston, where she fosters a writing community through her creative writing classes, book coaching, and writing retreats.

In this episode, Lori talks about the three-year journey of writing her most challenging novel yet—a speculative fiction story about three women who wake up living out the consequences of a party game. She reveals her process for managing multiple timelines and points of view, offers practical advice on novel planning, and shares how she navigated publishing setbacks by channeling rejection into "revenge writing." Plus, we talk about teaching writing, running retreats, and the reality of promoting books in today's demanding landscape.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to intertwine character arcs with plot to create emotionally resonant stories

• Why planning your ending first saves time and creates more satisfying novels

• Strategies for balancing multiple projects without creative burnout

• How to develop fearlessness in the face of rejection and keep writing

• What aspiring authors should know about the publishing industry before signing a deal

• Practical tips for overcoming public speaking anxiety as an author