Let’s talk second acts—and what it really takes to walk away from the job that looks good on paper. Maybe it was your dream job once. Or maybe it never was—but it’s comfortable, it pays the bills, and it’s what people expect you to stick with.

But what if it doesn’t fit anymore? What if your priorities have shifted? What if you're craving something more creative, more fulfilling, more aligned with who you are now? What if what you really want is to build a life—and a career—on your own terms?

This week, I’m joined by Shannon Russell—former Hollywood TV producer turned franchise owner, coach, podcaster, and now author of Start Your Second Act. Shannon left a career in entertainment to raise her kids, reclaim her time and build a business that actually felt aligned with her life. And she did it all without a roadmap—until she built one for other women to follow.

We talked about:

• Letting go of what “success” is supposed to look like

• Shifting from a job that no longer serves you to a life that lights you up

• How to create time for writing and your creative business—even with a full schedule

• Shannon’s journey to self-publishing her first nonfiction book

• Why confidence (and a plan) are your secret weapons

• What Hollywood taught her about storytelling—and how that shaped her writing

Shannon didn’t just quit a job—she made a conscious choice to produce her own life. To take all the skills she honed in a fast-paced industry and use them to build a second act full of impact, creativity and empowerment.

If you’ve ever looked around and thought, “This isn’t it,” but felt too overwhelmed to pivot— this conversation is for you. (That has definitely been me!!)

What I loved most about Shannon’s story is how honest she is about the in-between: the messy, unglamorous, often-overlooked middle ground between the old life and the new one. The part where you're still working the day job, still raising the kids, still squeezing in writing after bedtime—but starting to believe that change is possible.

This episode is your reminder that:

• You don’t need to wait for permission to start over

• Big life changes begin in small pockets of time

• There is no wrong time to become the next version of you

And if writing is part of your second act? There’s never been a better time to start.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward producing your own life.

About Shannon:

Shannon Russell is a former television producer who spent over 16 years working in Hollywood and New York before making the leap into entrepreneurship. She is now a career transition coach, host of the Second Act Success Podcast, and author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life. Her mission is to help women design lives they actually want—whether that means starting a business, writing a book, or simply choosing themselves.

Find Shannon:

📚 Start Your Second Act (book): secondactsuccess.co [http://secondactsuccess.co]

🎙 Second Act Success Podcast

📸 Instagram: @secondactsuccess [https://www.instagram.com/secondactsuccess]

Connect with Liz:

🌟 Join The Creativity Lab membership (doors are open now!): getwritingwithliz.com [http://getwritingwithliz.com]

📸 Instagram: @lizmugavero [https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero]

💻 Website: cateconte.com [http://cateconte.com]

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.



Chapters



04:03 From Television to Entrepreneurship

07:35 Mindset and Confidence in Career Transitions

17:26 Coaching and Supporting Others

21:30 The Journey of Writi

Episode 121: Producing Your Own Life—with Shannon Russell

Let’s get real honest for a minute: Are you living a double life?

Not in a scandalous way—but creatively. Are you the person who writes in secret before dawn and doesn’t tell your spouse? Who has notebooks full of story ideas hidden in desk drawers?

Who practices "acceptable" career small talk while your heart yearns to discuss character development and plot twists?

If so, you're not alone. And this week's podcast guest proves there's hope for creative closet- dwellers.

Meet Michael Isaac Shokrian—attorney by day, secret novelist by night... for 30 years.

Michael's story fascinated me because it reveals something I suspect many of us experience: the exhausting split between who we are and who we think we're supposed to be.

Here's the thing about hidden writers—they're everywhere:

• The accountant who writes poetry on lunch breaks

• The teacher crafting a memoir during summer vacation

• The doctor with three finished novels in a filing cabinet

• The parent scribbling story ideas while kids are at practice

• The retiree finally admitting they've "always wanted to write"

Michael spent decades as what he calls a "closeted writer"—too ashamed to tell even friends and colleagues about his real passion. His immigrant parents wanted him in business. Society told him writing wasn't "substantial." So he became a lawyer and wrote in the shadows.

But here's what happens when you deny your creative self for too long:

"I think I was really a frustrated lawyer who was sour and angry a lot, unfulfilled," Michael told me. "And I think the only person who knew that really well was my wife."

Sound familiar? That creative energy doesn't just disappear when we ignore it. It festers. It makes us irritable. It creates this low-level dissatisfaction that colors everything else we do.

The turning point came when Michael's wife gave him permission to stop hiding:

She told him to go pursue it—not instead of everything else, but alongside it. And that's when something magical happened: he realized he could structure his time to honor both sides of himself.

His secret? Military-level time management:

• 7:30-10:15 AM: Writing (his creative currency)

• 10:30 AM-4:00 PM: Law practice (paying the bills)

• 4:00-8:00 PM: Family time (staying connected)

• 8:00-10:00 PM: Reading/creative input

"Your time is your currency," he said. "I'm going to spend two hours on this. I'm going to spend four hours on that."

But the real breakthrough came at age 60 when he decided to stop asking for permission to be who he was.

His debut novel "American Playground" is now published. He runs a literary magazine called The Thieving Magpie. He openly calls himself a writer. The creative closet door is wide open.

What I found most moving about Michael's story:

He started The Thieving Magpie to publish his own rejected work—but ended up championing other hidden voices instead. He discovered there's a whole community of talented people who felt shut out of traditional publishing. Writers with day jobs. Artists with mortgages. Poets with practical responsibilities.

People just like you. Just like me.

Here's what Michael's journey teaches us about creative courage:

1. You can't hide who you are forever. That creative identity will keep demanding expression until you honor it.

2. Permission comes from within. Stop waiting for someone else to validate your creative dreams.

3. Time isn't the enemy—priorities are. If it matters to you, you'll find the time. If it doesn't, you'll find excuses.

4. Community matters. Other hidden writers are out there, waiting to connect and support each other.

5. It's never too late. Mic

Episode 120: Coming out of the creative closet with Michael Isaac Shokrian

For the past twenty years, I've been obsessed with trying spiritual tools—anything to help me balance my mind, boost my mindset, heal all those inner wounds and get and keep me focused.

Meditation apps, energy healing sessions, therapy modalities I can barely pronounce—if it promised to help me understand myself better or unlock some creative potential, I was all in.

But here's what I never expected: all of that inner work would become absolutely essential to my writing career.

When I started writing seriously, I hit wall after wall. The voice in my head was relentless: Who do you think you are? You're not a real writer. This is garbage. Sound familiar? I'd sit down to write and immediately get hijacked by that internal critic, or I'd pour myself into work projects instead—anything to avoid the vulnerability of putting my own words on the page.

It took me years to realize that my writing wasn't blocked by lack of talent or time—it was blocked by all the old stories I believed about myself. The meditation practices, the mindset work, the spiritual tools I'd been gathering? They weren't just nice-to-haves. They were the keys that unlocked everything.

That's why this conversation with Clementine Moss hit me so deeply. She's living proof that creativity and spirituality aren't separate paths—they're two sides of the same coin.

Clementine is a professional drummer who makes her living in a Led Zeppelin tribute band, but she's also a contemplative writer, meditation practitioner, and spiritual counselor. Her memoir From Bonham to Buddha and Back explores how drumming and meditation became parallel doorways to the same destination: healing those deep patterns of unworthiness that keep so many of us from fully stepping into our creative power.

In this conversation, Clementine shares:

• How she discovered that drumming and meditation were seeking the same healing—connection to that "invincible, infinite part" of herself

• Why creative people seem to carry such deep feelings of unworthiness (spoiler: she thinks it's universal, but artists feel it more acutely)

• Her journey from identifying as a writer to letting music take over for a decade—and how that "detour" gave her exactly the material she needed

• The synchronistic way she found her writing coach (hint: it involved a pug and a garden)

• How studying to become a spiritual counselor unexpectedly unleashed a flood of creative output

• Her unique healing practice called depth hypnosis, which combines shamanism, Buddhism, and Western psychology

• Why she believes you must follow your creative life force, even when it doesn't match your logical plans

What struck me most about Clementine's story is how she learned to trust the process—both in creativity and in healing. She talks about showing up to write or make music even when she felt like she had nothing, calling it "running the dirty tap" to clear the way for what wants to come through.

Her latest album Clem and Clear Light is literally a love letter to the parts of herself she had to release in order to grow. As someone who's also had to say goodbye to old versions of myself that weren't serving my creative path, I found this incredibly moving.

This isn't just a conversation about balancing different creative pursuits. It's about recognizing that all the work we do on ourselves—the meditation, the therapy, the spiritual seeking—isn't separate from our art. It IS our art. It's what gives us access to the authentic voice that's been waiting underneath all our conditioning and fear.

If you've ever felt torn between your practical responsibilities and your creative calling, or if you've wondered whether all that inner work you're doing actually matters for your art—please take the time to listen to t

Episode 119: Creativity Isn’t the Goal, It’s the Way Back to You—with author Clementine Moss

Today’s conversation is one I will not forget—and I don’t think you will either.

Lately, I’ve been down the rabbit hole of wrongful convictions for research I’m doing on a new book project. I’ve been listening to a ton of podcasts, talking to Innocence Project investigators and reading accounts—story after story of people who lost everything because the system failed them. And I’ve been struck not just by the sheer number of these cases, but by how eerily similar so many of them are.

The patterns are horrifying—and they’re not rare.

But nothing compares to hearing the story directly from someone who lived it.

That’s why I’m honored to share this episode with Deon Patrick, one of the co-authors of The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men, and a survivor of a wrongful conviction that stole more than 21 years of his life. At 20 years old, Deon was arrested for a double murder he had no involvement in. What followed was a terrifying journey through a justice system more interested in closing cases than getting it right.

In this conversation, Deon shares:

• How he and three others were coerced into false confessions

• What it was like to live through more than two decades in prison for something he didn’t do

• The emotional process of writing The Hazel Boyz with his co-defendants

• How storytelling helped him reclaim his voice—and his sense of power

• His ongoing advocacy work and hopes for real change in the justice system

I’ve read about cases like Deon’s. I’ve studied the mechanics. But hearing it firsthand brings an entirely different weight. It’s personal. It’s devastating. And it’s also a reminder: stories like his must be told.

This is not your typical writing story. It’s one of survival, justice, resilience—and ultimately, storytelling as a means of reclaiming identity and fighting back.

Please take the time to listen to this one. It’s not easy—but it’s necessary.

About Deon:

Deon Patrick is a Chicago native, musician, and justice advocate who spent more than 21 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Raised by a hardworking single mother, Deon grew up in a home rooted in love, discipline, and resilience. His early passion for music and education was shaped by his mother’s guidance—until her sudden passing left him reeling with grief and responsibility at a young age.

In 1992, at just 20 years old, Deon was wrongfully convicted—alongside three other young men —of a double murder in Chicago. The case, built on coerced confessions and systemic failures, changed the course of his life. But Deon never stopped fighting for the truth.

Today, Deon is the co-author of The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men, a powerful memoir that chronicles their wrongful imprisonment and hard-won exoneration. Through his advocacy, storytelling, and ongoing work to expose injustice, Deon is a powerful voice for reform and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Connect with Deon:

Grab a copy of The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men here [https://www.amazon.com/Hazel-Boyz-Trails-Four-Innocent/dp/195256140X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LTO1FD0HKOK8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.O0iTEfBrI4ShaaG8sbEBzL1ehkKeZY1Axfanm0msrTLKEYBLeQgc_i37o629c5FQW3UODWneE1orXBq2KB1xQZYKX5S3h0p2DyARWEq4RPtzoMX_Q3vBDbLQKp1frnM-fyfWB0FYM0R8kjhIe7i9zl5Qkdupm1dSHDA2nK1KyvqvhPT4_niVl33gMjyQv-Im8Eo0vKkM4z6pZwKkaJGY0o-Q3JKIYNnSpnjQ3Zf-LIo.nef2FnjRU_uc6VMl7o6ekrsWNSKefCCFBgvxNhbfK3A&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+hazel+boyz&qid=1738121524&sprefix=the+haz%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1]:

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehazelboyz/

Stay updated on Deon’s work here: https://www.thehazelboyzbook.com/

Find out more about the Innocence Project:

Episode 118: He Lost 21 Years—Then Took the Mic Back. Deon Patrick on The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men

If you’re into art heists, historical thrillers and all things Italy, this episode is for you.

My guest today is Margaret Philbrick— and if you're a writer who loves diving into history, character and craft, you're in for a treat. Margaret’s latest novel is inspired by none other than Caravaggio, the infamous artist whose life was as chaotic and dramatic as his paintings. We talked about how she turned that inspiration into a gripping story that blends art history, emotional depth, and suspense — and what it takes to write fiction that’s rooted in real-life people and events.

But this episode isn’t just about art heists and brooding painters. Margaret and I also dug into the writing life itself — the messy, beautiful, behind-the-scenes stuff. We talked about how she protects her creative time, the rituals that keep her grounded, what it’s like working with multiple agents across genres and how research can actually become one of the most energizing parts of your process (when you let it be an adventure instead of a checklist).

Margaret’s approach to writing is honest, thoughtful, and full of wisdom — the kind that reminds you why you fell in love with writing in the first place.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• How Caravaggio’s life and work inspired Margaret’s new novel

• The challenges (and joys) of writing fiction based on real historical figures

• What themes like guilt and identity add to character development

• How cinematic storytelling influences her work

• The value of research — and how to make it fun and immersive

• Why she has multiple agents for different genres — and what that’s taught her

• The daily writing habits that help her stay consistent and inspired

• How she protects her creative space in a world full of distractions

• Patience, persistence, and the long game of building a writing life

About Margaret:

Connect with Margaret:

Website: https://margaretphilbrick.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretannphilbrick

Check out her latest novel, House of Honor -The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity: https://margaretphilbrick.com/books/

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero [https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero]

Website: cateconte.com [http://cateconte.com]

If you enjoyed this episode:

Make sure to hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you’ve got a minute, leaving a quick review helps other writers find the show — and keeps the conversations going.

Share this one with a fellow writer or art lover who needs a little inspiration today.

Thanks for listening — and keep writing. Your words matter.

Episode 117: Inside the Heist: Writing Caravaggio and the Art of Historical Fiction with Author Margaret Philbrick

“It’s all about getting out of your own way.”

Well. Isn’t that the truest thing anyone’s ever said?

If there were a degree in getting in my own way, I’d have a double Ph.D. with honors, a tassel and a commemorative mug. I am so good at overthinking, second-guessing, perfectionism-ing (yes, that’s a word now), and generally making things harder than they need to be. And I know I’m not alone.

That’s why this episode is so special.

When I connected with today’s guest, Bonnie Garvin—a screenwriter, teacher, and creativity coach—I knew immediately I’d found a kindred spirit with a mission to bring people back to their creative selves.

Bonnie’s journey into writing wasn’t linear or obvious, and her experiences navigating

Hollywood have given her a ton of insight into what it really means to live and breathe creativity.

And she’s super honest and funny about her experiences, and she just has the best vibe! You’ll definitely love her.

We talk about:

• Why so many of us bury our creative spark—and how to dig it back up

• How writing and storytelling can reconnect us to who we really are

• The power of just enjoying the creative process without chasing outside approval

• Why success looks different for everyone (and why that’s a good thing)

• And how to finally stop letting self-doubt call the shots

This convo felt like the creative pep talk I didn’t know I needed. If you’re feeling stuck, hesitant, or unsure if your creativity still “counts,” I promise this episode will remind you: it does. You do.

And it’s time to get writing (or painting, or dancing, or building that weird little project that makes you happy).

Key Takeaways:

• Creativity shows up when you stop trying to do it “right.”

• You don’t need permission to call yourself a writer—or a creative.

• Reconnecting with your inner child can lead to big creative breakthroughs.

• Your voice matters—and no one else can tell your story the way you can.

• Joy is a perfectly valid creative goal (actually, it’s the best one).

So grab your notebook, your coffee, or your favorite fuzzy blanket, and settle in for this feel- good, soul-nourishing conversation with the one and only Bonnie Garvin.

🎧 Press play—and let’s get out of our own damn way.

About Bonnie:

Bonnie Garvin has written and produced movies for television and film in the United States in Europe. In addition to writing for the three major American broadcast networks, she’s worked for Showtime, Lifetime and USA, as well. Her first feature, The Killing Yard, was optioned by Warner Brothers, and later made as film for Showtime. It garnered several award nominations including an Edgar for Best Written Television/Miniseries. Bonnie received a special Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association, the largest professional legal organization in the world, for her “accurate portrayal of the criminal justice system.” She’s a produced playwright and her personal essays appear in three book anthologies. Bonnie's Storytelling Lab embodies her philosophy that we’re born writers. She specializes in getting you out of your own way.

Bonnie’s enabled and empowered hundreds of writers around the globe. In addition to creating her international online Storytelling Lab, she’s a professor at the University of Southern California in the School of Cinema Arts where she’s taught screenwriting for two decades.

Connect with Bonnie: https://substack.com/@storytellinglab

Website: https://www.storytellinglab.online/about

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero [https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero]

Website: cateconte.com [http://cateconte.com]

🎧 Like what you hea

Episode 116: Getting Out of Your Own Way with Creativity Coach Bonnie Garvin

Who would you be without your memories?

That’s the question at the heart of The Mechanics of Memory, the fabulous debut psychological thriller by Audrey Lee.

And I have to tell you—this book is a MUST READ.

I first met Audrey earlier this year at the New Author’s Breakfast at Left Coast Crime. I sat at her table at the New Author’s Breakfast and out of all the pitches we heard that day, her’s was by far the most captivating—and we’ll also talk about this during the episode. But it inspired me to grab her book, and I’m so glad I did. It was so good.

It’s a genre bender too—definitely psychological thriller/suspense, with sci fi and a little romance weaved in. It explores the power—and fragility—of memory, weaving real psychological research and new technology into a fast-paced, thought-provoking plot.

🎧 In this episode:

Audrey and I dive deep into the story behind her book, from the inspiration she drew from psychologist Dr. Julia Shaw’s research on false memories, to the creative challenges of blending genres and building believable characters. We talk about her transition from a 20-year career in public education to the writing world, and the nerve-wracking yet exciting process of pitching, finding an agent, and building her author brand. Audrey also shares what’s next for her—ghosts, sci-fi, and more psychological twists.

📝 Takeaways:

• The Mechanics of Memory is a psychological thriller that explores memory loss and psychological manipulation.

• Audrey was inspired by Dr. Julia Shaw’s research on false memories.

• A compelling pitch can make or break a publishing opportunity.

• Genre-blending stories are increasingly embraced in publishing.

• Research in psychology and technology can elevate story realism.

• Character depth drives reader connection and engagement.

• Every writer finds their own balance between plotting and pantsing.

• Discovering the right structure is part of the creative process.

• Condensing a novel into a short pitch is often one of the hardest tasks for authors.

• Research and brainstorming breaks fuel creative momentum.

• She always wrote for pleasure—this was her first foray into long-form fiction.

• The pandemic gave her the time and space to focus on her book.

• Attending writing conferences helped her build essential connections.

• Learning how to build a personal author brand was a steep learning curve.

• Her publisher has been hands-on and supportive throughout her journey.

• Persistence and patience are vital to a writer’s success.

• Writing communities and peer support are crucial.

About Audrey:

Audrey Lee started writing fiction at the young age of eleven, when she and her best friend co-authored a masterpiece about gallivanting around London with the members of Depeche Mode, Wham!, and Duran Duran. Unfortunately, these spiral notebooks have yet to find a publisher evolved enough to understand the genius buried within.

As a result, The Mechanics of Memory is her first work of published fiction.

Audrey lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, son, and Maltipoo, Luna. She spends her free time compulsively organizing and cheering for the Golden State Warriors with a dirty martini in hand.

Connect with Audrey: https://www.instagram.com/audreyleeauthor/

Website: https://audreyleeauthor.com/

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero [https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero]

Website: cateconte.com [http://cateconte.com]

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

—

Chapters

04:10 Introduction to

Episode 115: What if you couldn’t trust your own memories? A conversation with Author Audrey Lee

One of the things I love most about hosting this podcast is reconnecting with writers who have not only built lasting careers, but who have done it so gracefully, relentlessly and joyfully. This week’s guest, Nancy Coco - also known as Nancy Parra/Nell Hampton is one of those writers.

Today’s guest is someone I’ve known and admired for a long time. I met Nancy Parra—also Nancy Coco as well as other alter egos - we’ll talk about that - a long time ago - when we were both starting out, and I was always inspired by her. We’ve been publishing for roughly the same number of years and damn is she prolific.

She’s published over 40 books across several genres (yes, really!), and in this episode, we dive into what it’s like to sustain that kind of creative output over time—through shifting trends, evolving processes, new agents and life’s curveballs.

We talk about everything from how she got her start writing fan fiction and dystopian stories, to her pivot into cozy mysteries (with recipes!), to how she juggled writing multiple series at once.

We also explore the very real challenges of the publishing world, why finding the right literary agent matters, and what community and conferences have meant to both of us over the years.

If you’ve ever wondered how prolific writers keep going—or how they find joy in the process— this one’s for you.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• How it started for Nancy - and how it’s going

• The vital role a supportive literary agent plays in an author’s career

• Nancy’s process for writing a book in as little as six weeks

• The balance between plotting and discovery writing

• Tips for writing multiple series at once

• Why editing is as important as drafting

• The power of writing community and conferences

• Insight into Nancy’s teaching approach and how she shares the craft

• A peek into her current and upcoming projects—including genre experimentation!

📝 Key Takeaways:

• Everyone’s writing process is unique—find what works for you.

• Having an agent who truly works for you makes a difference.

• Community, conferences, and peer support are vital to growth.

• Drafting can be linear or modular—both are valid approaches.

• It’s okay to explore other genres—even after publishing success.

💬 Quotes to Remember:

“Writing can be both fun and challenging—and it’s okay to evolve.”

“There’s no one right way to draft. Just keep writing.”

About Nancy:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Nancy Coco AKA Nell Hampton AKA Nancy Parra is the author of over 40 published novels which include five mystery series: The Oregon Honey-comb Mystery Series (Kensington), The Candy-Coated Mysteries (Kensington), The Kensington Palace Mystery Series (Crooked Lane), The Wine Country Tours Mystery Series (Crooked Lane)

The Gluten-free Baker’s Treat Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), and The Perfect Proposal Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime). Her writing has been called witty and her protagonists plucky by reviewers around the world. Nancy is a member of Sisters in Crime, and loves to hear from readers.

Connect with Nancy:

Website: https://www.nancyjcoco.com/

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero [https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero]

Website: cateconte.com [http://cateconte.com]

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.



Chapters:

03:45 Introduction to Nancy Parra's Literary Journey

13:08 Navigating the Publishing World

15:32 The Role of Agents in an Author's Success

19:45 Transitioning Between Genres

23:24 Writing Process and Productivity

26:14 Plotting vs. Pantsing: Finding Your Method

3

Episode 114: Plot Twists, Publishing, and the Writer’s Life with Mystery Author Nancy Coco

If you've been following the news, you know our state parks are in trouble. Across the country, budget cuts, understaffing, and shifting priorities are threatening to shutter these sacred spaces.

It’s not just about hiking trails and campgrounds—it’s about preserving places of beauty, history, and community connection. Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type (full disclosure: the beach is my version of nature), what’s happening to our parks deserves our attention.

Which brings me to this week’s guest on the Get Writing Podcast—Eloise Corvo, whose debut cozy mystery Off the Beaten Path couldn’t be more timely. Set in a Lake Michigan state park, this book blends mystery with a heartfelt look at what it means to fight for the spaces—and the peace—we love. I had the chance to read an early copy (and even blurb it!), and I can tell you: this one’s a gem.

The book blends murder, quirky characters, and environmental themes into a smart, heartfelt mystery.

Eloise opens up about her whirlwind writing process—completing the first draft in just six weeks —and the unexpected journey from writing for herself to pursuing publication. She discusses the challenge of querying agents, ultimately partnering with an independent press and the pivotal role her husband played in encouraging her to share her work.

This conversation dives deep into the world of cozy mystery writing, from character development and cathartic storytelling to the gritty realities of editing, marketing, and building community. Whether you’re a cozy fan, aspiring author, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and heart.

Join me for a conversation about writing, resilience, and why cozy mysteries set in unexpected places can shine a light on issues we all need to care about.

✨ Takeaways:

• Off the Beaten Path was inspired by her love for Northern Michigan’s landscapes.

• The first draft was completed in just six weeks.

• She never initially intended to publish the book—her husband encouraged her to take the leap.

• The process of querying agents was overwhelming, but ultimately led her to an indie

press.

• Her background in environmental policy shaped the story’s setting and themes.

• Real-life people inspire many of her characters’ quirks and traits.

• Her protagonist is grounded and relatable, surrounded by an eccentric cast.

• Fast drafting often leads to a tougher editing process.

• Independent publishers offer valuable opportunities to debut authors.

• Researching careers and settings brings authenticity to fiction.

• Marketing is an essential part of the author journey—especially for debuts.

• Online writing communities provide meaningful support and feedback.

• Attending conferences helps writers network and stay inspired.

• She’s currently working on a Halloween-themed sequel.

About Eloise:

Connect with Eloise:

Instagram: @eloisecorvo [https://www.instagram.com/eloisecorvo/]

Website: https://eloisecorvo.com/

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero [https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero]

Website: cateconte.com [http://cateconte.com]

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

Episode 113: Off the Beaten Path with Author Eloise Corvo: Celebrating a Debut Cozy Mystery!

Hot Take: Confusion isn't the enemy—it’s a compass.

I’ve got to tell you, when I first heard my guest today’s take on confusion, I was skeptical.

Especially because I was, once again, in one of those periods where I felt completely lacking in clarity, not sure what to do next and basically like every day was a slog.

Anyone else ever feel like that? I’m guessing yes.

And confusion isn’t really a word we associate positively with, right? I never did, at least. But I was intrigued, so I checked out Giovanna’s story. And came away with a whole new outlook on the concept of being confused.

See, we often think clarity is the goal, but confusion is a signal that something is shifting. It asks you to stop running on autopilot and start listening to your intuition, your gut, more closely.

Because when we allow ourselves to be uncomfortable, ask different questions and release the pressure—mostly our own—to "have it all figured out," confusion turns into creativity. When we have to get scrappy and figure out what we really want, that’s when we can get down to the real clarity.

This week I’m sitting down with Giovanna Silvestre—creative entrepreneur, yoga wear designer, author, and spiritual seeker—to explore the powerful, and often misunderstood, role of confusion in the journey of self-discovery. We take a deep dive into how uncertainty isn’t a sign of failure but a sacred invitation to get curious, slow down, and align with your truest self.

Giovanna opens up about her personal evolution—from blogging and building a crystal-inspired fashion brand to navigating grief and writing a book. Along the way, she shares how leaning into the unknown, trusting the universe, and embracing life’s messiness led to her most creative breakthroughs.

Oh - and she loves crystals too, which made me immediately decide she was my people.

But seriously, like she says: “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”

Top Takeaways:

• Confusion is a natural and essential part of transformation.

• Joy, creativity, and clarity often arise after periods of disorientation.

• Trusting the universe means balancing inspired action with surrender.

• Self-worth must come from within, not from what you produce or achieve.

• Grief can crack us open to new perspectives and creative depth.

• Creativity thrives when we give ourselves permission to slow down and play.

• Embracing the unknown leads to unexpected, beautiful possibilities.

• Healing often begins when we stop resisting what we feel.

• Life doesn’t require perfection—it asks for presence.

About Giovanna:

Giovanna Silvestre is the creator of Confused Girl in the City, an international activewear brand inspired by unique healing crystals, blending beauty and spirituality. Featured on NBC and in Forbes and LA Yoga, she’s a graduate of the University of Southern California. Transitioning from the entertainment industry, Giovanna embarked on a journey of self-discovery, emerging as a leading lifestyle and wellness influencer, entrepreneur, and writer.

Connect with Giovanna:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confusedgirlla/

Website: https://confusedgirlinthecity.com/

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lizmugavero [https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero]

Website: cateconte.com [https://cateconte.com/podcast/com]

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

Episode 112: Embracing Confusion, Creativity and the Magic of the Unknown with author Giovanna Silvestre

Ever wish you had someone to coach you through all things writing and publishing, from activating your creative voice to committing to a practice that sticks, to getting your work out into the world?

Well, now you do—just tune into the Get Writing podcast with host Liz Mugavero. Liz (and her alter ego Cate Conte) is the bestselling author of three mystery series, a creativity and writing coach, and a lifelong lover of words who has also used her skills in the worlds of journalism, nonprofits, and corporate America. 

This isn’t just any writing podcast. Liz’s specialty is helping you bring your whole self to the page. The inner work drives the creative output, always—and this is about uncovering who you truly are so you can tell YOUR stories in YOUR voice. And these conversations run the gamut from the nuts and bolts of writing and publishing to the most effective spiritual practices to help you tune in (crystals, anyone?). 

So if you’re into writing with a little woo behind it, this is the place for you. Through guest interviews and solo sessions, Liz shares the strategies to get you living your best creative life.

Find out more at www.cateconte.com.