First Cup of Coffee with Jeffe Kennedy
Episodes
1136 episodes
First Cup of Coffee – May 12, 2026
What writing schedule works for you? I'm considering going to writing four days/week with a day for business - two days writing/business/two days writing or...? I'm also doing a deep dive into agents and busting a myth I loathe: that picking an...
First Cup of Coffee – May 7, 2026
I have finished copies of the NEVER THE ROSES trade paperback and the foil is so shiny! I have also finished BLADES, BOOKS, AND THE BANDIT, releasing a week from today!! I'm also talking publishing industry predictions and the "...
First Cup of Coffee – May 4, 2026
I'm off tomorrow to the Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Conference for a cameo appearance to talk to them. I'm almost done with BLADES, BOOKS, AND THE BANDIT. And I'm talking about authors being idiots on social media and making bu...
First Cup of Coffee – May 1, 2026
The magic of habit-building and why I find my routines so helpful - and dealing with the chaos when they're disrupted! Also, the saga of Killian's brush with death. (Or so I was panicking would be the case, but he's okay!)
First Cup of Coffee – April 28, 2026
I'm back from Apollycon and cranking hard on Blades, Books, and the Bandit for the next two weeks. Also, how I've fallen in love with Mark Rothko and Project Hail Mary (Amaze Amaze Amaze!), a visit from Mary Robinette Kowal and Elsie, and conti...
First Cup of Coffee – April 21, 2026
How living in the world with insane politicians is a macrocosm of having crazy and toxic relatives - we're all along for the ride and have to do our best to maintain our own balance. Related: Taoism, Ursula Le Guin, the ups and downs of the pub...
First Cup of Coffee – April 17, 2026
On story ideas, where they come from, how we make them our own - including a funny story about my lovely friend Lexi Ryan and her upcoming, absolutely delicious adult romantasy: NIGHT TIDE. Also, enough of this self-care sh*t, I need to get to ...
First Cup of Coffee – April 14, 2026
A recap of my weekend at the Jack Williamson Lectureship, including great conversations with Connie Willis and T. Kingfisher. I'm sharing some nuggets from our panels on leveling up craft, why we write retellings, what a pastiche really is, and...
First Cup of Coffee – April 10, 2026
A special podcast coming to you from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico, where I attended the Jack Williamson Lectureship. Steadfast podcast listener Jon Barr joins me for a conversation about teaching, voice acting, and audi...
First Cup of Coffee – April 6, 2026
A story about putting your work out in the world and how that can further your writing career, along with a few cautions in that direction. Also, how traditionally published authors aren't a monolith and the Jack Williamson Lectureship!<...
First Cup of Coffee – April 3, 2026
Lost toothbrushes and creative genius: are they linked? Yes, I have book brain so I'm babbling today on Romance, reader expectations, language, nuance, inflections, Equus, Now?, increasing word count and other Friday thoughts.
First Cup of Coffee – March 31, 2026
What makes something "good"? I seem to be always circling this question. Is entertainment enough or does a creative work have to change your life? And other thoughts on books as experiences. Also, a vague bit on events with poor business practi...
First Cup of Coffee – March 27, 2026
Showing off my new tattoo to celebrate AMONG THE THORNS! I'm also talking option books and how no one deserves - or should count on - having their traditional publishing contract renewed. My villain origin story on why I don't like standing at ...
First Cup of Coffee – March 23, 2026
I went on a bit of a rant today about writers using generative AI, along with a deepish dive into the Shy Girl controversy and why it really annoys me that I might have to declare I don't use that shite to write my books. SPOILER: I DON'T.<...
First Cup of Coffee – March 20, 2026
In which I mainly squee about Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and why I think it's THE BEST. Also, Jeaniene Frost's new book, increasing my wordcount gradually to build endurance and output, and yes, Virginia, there are jaguars in Arizona.T...
First Cup of Coffee – March 17, 2026
A wrap-up of my time at Tucson Festival of Books - along with a cautionary tale for authors of how to behave like a normal human being when other authors ask what you write.
First Cup of Coffee – March 10, 2026
Today is release day for the Italian translation of NEVER THE ROSES! Also, I'll be at Tucson Festival of Books this weekend. Thoughts on signing tables - standing or sitting? - and having...
First Cup of Coffee – March 6, 2026
I'm back to the old format! We wish Sydney well in her new job and now you get me unedited again, but also on video. Bug or feature. Also, AMONG THE THORNS ARCs are here!
The Year of the Fire Horse
I'm writing the next book for Love, Lies and Ley Lines! The preorder link will be available soon. I had so much fun being a guest at Books on the Bosque. Slowly embracing the year of the Fire Horse.
LoveLitCon Recap
Long time, so see ~ In case you missed it, I was in San Diego for LoveLitCon and moderated a Romantasy panel while I was there. I also discovered the view under the bridge is sometimes the more interesting story. I also drive uHauls now. <...
No Sparkle No Pussy
Is it your responsibility to make your morals known? Yes. Is it your responsibility to have an opinion on ethical issues? Also, yes. Pussy Sparkle Ribbon Inquiries can be made through the website! I'm super excited for you guys to get your very...
BookCon's Connection to ICE
Welcoming February with a moral quarry; to BookCon or to not? Obviously, the answer is to not, but the bigger concept is that can you always choose to not when it comes to the big corporations.
Make Pussy Sparkle Happen
Don't resist Pussy Sparkle because it's happening, and so is the Magic Reborn audio book. My take on the Taylor Swift leaked text messages and also female friendships in general. And my response to being ghosted. Join me for your Fi...
The Not Knowing When the Last Time Is the Last Time
Unfortunately, it is a devastating realization that we rarely know when we are doing something for the very last time.First Cup of Coffee will be up every Monday at 9:30AM. If you have a question or topic you'd love to hear o...
