Reality Writes

Hey, Darlings! 🎉 We're back with a special release week episode all about "Killing Me Souffle," the 20th book in the Bakeshop Mystery series. 🎂 Join us as we reminisce about our journey, from launch parties filled with delectable pastries to the creative process that brings these stories to life. What's your favorite Bakeshop Mystery moment so far? 🍰

Watch or listen now and share with a friend who loves a good culinary whodunit!

Hello, Cozy Mystery Fans! 🔎📖 We're buzzing with excitement in this episode as we reveal the all-star lineup for the 2025 Ashland Mystery Fest! This festival brings readers and authors together in the most immersive and community-focused way possible. Imagine being part of a real-life cozy mystery!

Join us as we discuss all the juicy details about the events, including an interactive crime scene, cooking demos, and panels h...

Hello, Darlings! 🎉 I’m thrilled to welcome you back to Reality Writes for our special Valentine’s episode! Love is in the air, and I’m celebrating the release of my latest book, "A Victim at Valentine's." This episode is all about the irresistible charm of books and the immersive worlds they create—just like in my fifth book of the Secret Bookcase Mysteries. 📚💕 Join us as we discuss the inspiration behind the serie...

Hey there, Darlings! 📖 This week, The Tech Guy and I are untangling the mystery of book blurbs. Did you know these little lines of text from fellow authors or publications are a key part of a book's marketing strategy? In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of getting and giving blurbs, plus the stress and excitement they bring. Ever wonder if authors are paid for this? Spoiler alert: they aren't! 🙅‍♀️ I even share...

Hello, Darlings! 🌟 In our latest episode of Reality Writes, The Tech Guy and I are diving into the controversial and intriguing world of AI in writing! 🤖📝 In this episode, we explore the diverse ways authors can use AI to enhance their writing process. From saving time on menial tasks like creating spreadsheets to using AI as a brainstorming partner, the possibilities are endless. I even share my personal experiences on how AI...

Welcome back, darlings, to another exciting episode of Reality Writes! In today’s episode, “Slide into My DMs,” we’re braving the crisp January air and taking our conversation outdoors. This week, we’re diving into some of the best questions you’ve sent me via social media DMs. From crafting floor plans for fictional settings to the nitty-gritty of private investigation research, we’re covering it all. Ever wondered what it’s like...

Hello, darlings! Welcome to another road trip edition of Reality Writes, the podcast where we dive deep into the book world. I’m your host, author Ellie Alexander, joined by my trusty co-host, The Tech Guy. In today's episode, we tackle the work that follows the launch of a book. We’ll share insights on crucial post-launch activities, including updating pre-order links, leveraging social media, managing ad campaigns, and mainta...

Hey there, Darlings! Come along on our special road trip edition of Reality Writes. In this episode, we're headed home from the LA area to the South Bay, sharing our secrets on achieving work-life balance while soaking in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. 🚗🌊

Discover how road trips have fueled our creativity, leading to exciting new projects and book ideas. Learn why it's okay not to do everything at once and how prioritizing ha...

Hello, Darlings! 📚 It’s the year-end wrap-up in Episode 20 of "Reality Writes," where The Tech Guy and I reflect on an incredible 2024 and look forward to 2025. We give you a peek into our whirlwind year, including trips to iconic places like Costa Rica and Seattle, all while juggling book research and writing deadlines. ✈️🌎 The picturesque landscapes of Costa Rica and its rich coffee culture heavily influenced my upcoming releas...

The holiday season is here, and in this cozy episode of Reality Writes, the Tech Guy and I dive into tips for staying inspired and productive during the busiest time of the year. 🖋️🎁 Whether you’re navigating self-imposed deadlines or embracing a creative break, we’ve got insights and encouragement for every writer.

We’re also sharing snippets of our favorite holiday activities—think Christmas markets, holiday plays, and hilariou...

Hello, fellow cozy mystery buffs and pun aficionados! 🕵️‍♂️💕 It’s time for another cozy episode of "Reality Writes." This week, The Tech Guy and I dive deep into the art of title creation in Episode 01.18. Ever wonder why some books grab your attention right from the shelf? It’s all in the title! From the agony and ecstasy of brainstorming to the final publisher edits, titles are a huge part of a book's success. We even whipped ...

Hello, Darlings! Welcome to Episode 17 of Reality Writes! 🎙️ In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of series writing and the challenges of balancing multiple books at once. 📚 I also share insights into my writing schedule and a sneak peek into the setting of my latest Bakeshop Mystery, which may or may not involve coffee research in Costa Rica! 🌴 Listen in as the Tech Guy and I explore the fascinating worlds of traditi...

Hello, Darlings! 🎧 Episode 16 of Reality Writes is live and filled with all kinds of inspiration straight from real life! 📚 Join me and the Tech Guy as we chat about how the rich history and quirky local events in Ashland weave their way into my stories. Did you know the “Downhill Dummy” competition on Mt. Ashland sparked the idea for a murder method in one of my books? We also talk about the hilarious (and sometimes awkward) mom...

Hello, Darlings! 😍 Ready for a delicious adventure? Episode 15 of Reality Writes is live, and we’re diving into the irresistible world of culinary mysteries. 🍰🔍 Join me and The Tech Guy as we chat about how I choose the perfect recipes for the Bakeshop Mystery series—spoiler alert, coffee is always involved! ☕

We’ll also talk about some of my family’s treasured recipes, like raspberry Danish and mocha almond buttercream torte. T...

Hello, Writers! 🌟 Welcome to Episode 14 of "Reality Writes!" I'm here with The Tech Guy, and this week, we're busting the myth that professional creatives are disorganized. This episode reveals how essential structured writing and editorial calendars are for success. We share tips on experimenting with your writing schedule, from late-night sips of wine to early-morning tea sessions, because finding what works f...

Hello, Darlings! Welcome to Episode 13 of "Reality Writes!" I'm here with The Tech Guy, and in this episode, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world. We discuss the limited control some authors have over covers and distribution, why you should contact booksellers instead of authors about damaged copies, and how indie authors are shaking things up in the digital space. We also share some personal st...

In this episode of Reality Writes, we dive into Ashland, Oregon, the real-life inspiration behind my Bakeshop Mystery series. Join me and The Tech Guy as we explore Ashland's historic buildings, quirky local events, and the captivating Oregon Shakespeare Festival. We'll share behind-the-scenes stories, talk about character development in a long-running series, and even touch on some memorable real-life incidents that made t...