Page Fright
Hosted by authors Sydney Kain (Our Love Language is Murder: coming Feb 2027), and Liza Petrov (Pre-Query). PAGE FRIGHT follows the journey of Sydney and Liza as they find their place in the literary world. Each week they offer a unique take on the ins and outs of the publishing industry, discuss craft and the vulnerability it takes to be a writer, and they answer questions from fans. New episodes every Tuesday.
Episodes
29 episodes
What Agents Are Looking For Right Now
Go behind the scenes of a publishing conference, and learn the kind of industry advice agents are actually giving writers right now. From contracts and the business side of publishing to how you can query a book that doesn't fit neatly on the g...
Genre Rules & Why You're Still Stuck In the Query Trenches
Sydney and Liza are back with a no-fluff episode that digs into the real rules behind bestselling genres—and why breaking them can make or break a book. If you’ve ever wondered what actually makes a thriller feel thrilling, why romance readers ...
Why Most Writers Get Rejected: And How to Bounce Back Stronger
Most writers face harsh rejections and industry surprises — but what happens after those low points? In this eye-opening episode, Sydney and Liza reveal their own struggles with doubt, delays, and even near quitting — and how they kept writing ...
From Almost Quitting to a Deal with a Big Five Publisher - Heather Frances Talks All Things "Catch Me If You Can"
Most authors dream of that perfect debut — a catchy premise, a passionate community, a major publisher, and instant bestseller status. Heather Frances just achieved a version of that dream with Chase Me If You Can, a hilarious and heartwarming ...
Should Authors Criticize Other Authors?
Most writers get trapped in the cycle of chasing the "perfect" advice, but what if the secret to authentic storytelling is actually ignoring all the so-called rules? In this episode, Liza and Sydney rip apart the myth that success come...
Writing Life Problems: Did You Share Your Draft Too Soon?
Uncover the hidden fears that hold writers back from sharing their work—and discover the simple mindset shift that can help you overcome them. Whether you're just starting to show your writing or struggling to share with the right people, this ...
Self-Publishing Like a Pro with Guest Erica Vipond
Most indie authors are held back by self-doubt and overwhelming industry noise. But one successful self-publisher reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets that turned her debut into a hit—and how you can do the same.In this episode, ...
Is it Okay to Want Fame as an Author?
Is it okay to chase fame as an author? This episode tackles that big question head-on. Join Sydney Kane and Liza Petrov as they chat about the allure of success and the pressure to conform to industry expectations. While fame can bring recognit...
Query Letters and In-Person Pitches
Most writers spend months—or even years—struggling over how to perfect their pitch. What if the secret to getting noticed by agents isn’t a polished paragraph, but a bold, one-sentence hook? In this episode, Sydney and Lisa uncover the truth ab...
The Lies We Tell for Writing Success
This week on Page Fright, dive into the myths and realities of being a writer with Sydney Kane and Liza Petrov. As creatives, we all have to "keep the faith" about our own inevitable success, right? But when does that necessary faith veer into ...
How the Messy Middle Controls Your Story's Success (And How to Master It)
Most writers stumble through the messy middle—yet mastering it can be the secret to writing stories that captivate and resonate on a whole new level. In this episode, Sydney and Liza peel back the curtain on the second act — the often overlooke...
What Is Voice and How Do I Get It?
Discover how the smallest details—like unique character quirks and surprising tropes—can transform a story from dull to dazzling. This episode dives into the magic of friction and contrast, revealing how they fuel your narrative and keep reader...
The Hidden Power of Gaze in Literature: How Female Perspective Shapes Our Stories
Most writers focus on plot or characters, but what if the secret to truly captivating stories is understanding the gaze behind the words? In this thought-provoking episode, Sydney and Liza explore the nuanced differences between the ma...
Professional Jealousy...What Do You Do About It?
Navigate the complex emotion of jealousy in your writing career with insights from seasoned authors. This episode explores how jealousy can impact your creative journey and professional relationships, offering strategies to transform it into a ...
What Happens AFTER You Get a Literary Agent?
Most authors believe the path to publishing success hinges solely on perfecting their manuscript — but what truly makes or breaks your writing career? In this episode, Sydney and Liza Petrov peel back the curtain on the hidden layers of the ind...
Why Does My Writing Feel...Off?
Most writers grapple with the relentless cycle of loving and hating their own work — but what if that inner critic is actually a form of "writing dysmorphia"? In this episode, Sydney and Liza explore why writers often see their ...
Does Book Fandom Hurt Writers?
Unlock the truth about originality in storytelling — is every idea truly new, or just a remix of what’s come before? Industry insiders reveal why chasing “completely original” concepts might be holding you back and how embracing familiar tropes...
Are Your Characters Offensive? Should You Care?
Ready to create characters that leap off the page and linger in your readers' minds? This episode is your ultimate guide to crafting complex, flawed characters that defy stereotypes and captivate audiences. In this episode of Page Fright, Sydne...
The Hidden Consequences of Censorship in Women’s Literature
Most women don't realize how much society has tried to silence and shame our natural desires — until a viral video claims women's fiction is pornography in disguise. Liza and I break down the shocking misinformation in
Will Trad-Pub Make Your Writing Worse
In this episode, Sydney and Liza dive into the nuances of storytelling, character development, pacing, and industry pressures. They explore practical tips for tightening your writing, balancing genre expectations, and maintaining sustainability...
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Is Your Favorite Genre Taboo?
Is Your Favorite Genre Taboo? Exploring Boundaries in Writing and SocietyIn this episode, Sydney and Liza dive into the social and artistic implications of writing in genres considered less serious or taboo, such as horror, romanc...
Is Self-Pub Just Trad-Pub Rejects?
In this episode, Sydney and Lisa delve into travel-inspired writing, the nuances of editing, and common stigmas surrounding self-publishing. They share personal journeys, discuss the realities of the publishing industry, and challenge common st...
Creative Writing Can't Be Taught
Liza and Sydney discuss the unpredictability of Texas weather, share humorous anecdotes about past snowstorms, and delve into the complexities of AI's role in creativity and writing. They explore whether creativity can be taught, the impo...
Your Writers Block Isn't Real
In this episode of PageFright, hosts Sydney Kain and Liza Petrov focus on writer's block. Is it holding you back from completing your first (or latest) manuscript? Is it even real? Listen for writing hacks and general advice on how to get past ...
How To Write Beyond Your Own Lived Experience
Sydney and Liza explore various aspects of writing, including the use of flashbacks, the significance of happy endings in romance, and the complexities of genre classification. They discuss the importance of empathy in character development and...
