Host Edith welcomes returning guest and author Twila Mason to discuss Step by Step, book two in the interconnected-yet-standalone Desperate Hearts series. Twila explains that the novel follows Chrissy’s path to a “happily ever after” after the events of book one, beginning with her being chosen to paint a City of Chicago mural and meeting her charming boss, Adam Rochester, sparking a workplace romance where both their jobs are at risk. She shares how both characters confront past shame, insecurity, addiction recovery, and mental health struggles, and describes the research and personal observation that informed her portrayal. Twila also talks about the challenges of indie marketing, tracking continuity across multiple books, plans for books three and four (and possible novellas), her stance on avoiding AI tools, and where to follow her work online.
⏰ Timestamp
00:00 Welcome Back Twila
00:39 Step by Step Overview
03:25 Standalone Series Setup
04:20 Healing Past Trauma
05:23 Researching Addiction Recovery
08:58 Indie Marketing Reality
12:17 Series Plans and Lily
15:57 Continuity Tracking Tips
19:14 Book Four and Novellas
21:12 Writing Challenges and Joy
23:53 Characters Take the Lead
25:48 Supporting Cast Matters
31:02 Writing Heavy Topics
35:54 AI Temptations for Indies
37:29 Avoiding AI Artwork
38:52 Designing Standout Covers
42:20 Embracing Romance Writing
46:01 Romance vs Womens Fiction
50:03 Setting Reader Expectations
52:31 Heavy Themes and Growth
54:16 Planning Future Books
59:11 Liking Characters in Series
01:02:26 Wrap Up and Where to Follow
01:04:07 Final Goodbye
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Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny
Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E
