What does it take to build a lasting career as a fiction author? In this episode, host Jen Graybeal sits down with Tobi Doyle—award-winning romance and cozy mystery author of over a dozen books.
Tobi shares her journey from first putting words on the page in 2007 to publishing her upcoming cozy mystery series Pour Decisions. The conversation covers essential topics for authors at every stage:
- Craft development: How critique groups, writing retreats, and contest judging (like the Daphne du Maurier Awards) sharpen your storytelling skills
- Writer community: Building connections through local groups, online networks, and virtual meetups
- Book marketing for introverts: Honest talk about marketing discomfort, staying authentic on social media, and avoiding burnout
- Mindset advice: Why comparing yourself to other authors stalls your progress, and how to stay focused on your own path
They also spotlight the IGW Genre Conference in Huntington, WV (with a virtual attendance option), its pitch workshops for querying authors, and Story Magic Cards—a teaching tool for understanding story structure and sparking creativity.
Whether you're drafting your first novel, querying agents, or looking to sustain momentum in a long-term writing career, this episode offers grounded advice from authors who've been in the trenches.
Tobi Doyle: https://tobidoyle.com/
Pour Decisions by Tobi Doyle: https://amzn.to/4lGduzn
Too Sweet to Die by Tobi Doyle: https://amzn.to/3PysqDD
Intensive Genre Workshops: https://askigw.com/
GenreCon July 25-26, 2026: https://askigw.com/
Story Magic Cards: https://storymagiccards.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTobiDoyle/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobi.doyle/
Substack: https://substack.com/@tobidoyle
The Widow File by S.G. Redling: https://amzn.to/4bDBzlR
Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense: https://rwakissofdeath.org/kodcontest/
Tor Publishing Group: https://torpublishinggroup.com/
Henlo Press: https://www.thehenlopress.com/
Rowan Prose Publishing: https://www.rowanprosepublishing.com/
Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes: https://amzn.to/3NwUQgQ
Rules of a Rebound by Julie Carver: https://amzn.to/4801dA6
Topics covered: author career advice, writing craft, critique partners, cozy mystery writing, romance writing, book marketing strategies, writing community, writer retreats, pitch workshops, querying agents, story structure tools, indie and traditional publishing mindset
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