The lighter side of dragons and wizards.

Episode 21: The Sequel Strikes Back

Paul Regnier — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Ever wonder what makes a book series successful and why second installments so often fall flat? In this episode, we dive into the nuts and bolts of what makes a series work and why some sequels are amazing—and others not so much—using beloved movie franchises as examples. We explore the marketing advantages of writing a series, but also why writing a standalone may sometimes be the best choice. Join us as we share practical advice for keeping readers invested from the first page to the final installment.

Episode 20: Fantastic Critique Groups and Where to Find Them

Paul Regnier — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 22:48:58 GMT

Most novelists have heard the advice to join a critique group. But why is that recommendation so universal? In this episode, we unpack the benefits of critique groups, from honing your story craft to finding your community—and potentially saving money. We also discuss what separates a cohesive group from a frustrating one and how to hunt for a group that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for your first critique group or wondering if your current group is the best fit, this episode shares practical advice on finding (or creating) a supportive circle of storytellers that helps you take your writing to the next level.

Episode 19: The Story Behind the Story

Paul Regnier — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:13:10 GMT

Where do story ideas come from? In this listener-requested episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the inspiration behind some of our books. From real-life relationships to striking mental images to titles that grew into entire novels, we’re exploring the surprising, sometimes winding journeys our stories took from Once Upon a Time to The End. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just curious about the creative process of two storytellers, we hope you’ll come away with one simple truth: Inspiration is everywhere, and the human imagination has a remarkable way of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary stories.

Episode 18: What's the Deal with Writers' Conferences?

Paul Regnier — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 23:22:21 GMT

Are writers’ conferences magical, career-making opportunities or just expensive weekends fueled by caffeine and creative anxiety? In this episode, we’re setting realistic expectations to help you get the most out of your conference experience by capitalizing on the biggest benefits while avoiding the pitfalls that can lead to disappointment. Whether you’re attending your first conference or your fifteenth, we’ll walk you through planning with intention while staying open to the unexpected–because sometimes the most valuable part of the weekend is the plot twist you never saw coming.

Episode 17: To Agent or Not to Agent

Paul Regnier — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:51:20 GMT

In this episode of Quilling It, we look at what literary agents do, when they’re helpful, and which authors may not need one. Whether you’re aiming for traditional publishing, a small press, or indie publishing, this episode will discuss the various ways an agent could help your writing career and what you should expect from their efforts.

Episode 16: Advice to Young Writers with Guest Jill Williamson

Paul Regnier — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:19:57 GMT

Join us as we sit down with multi-award-winning speculative fiction author Jill Williamson to talk about all the things we wish we'd known when we were younger—both chronologically and in our writing careers. Between Paul, Lindsay, and Jill, we bring a combined thousand years of publishing experience (give or take a century), and we're sharing the hard-earned lessons, practical advice, and encouragement we wish someone had given us sooner. So grab a chair, pour yourself a cup of tea, and consider us your Gandalf, your Obi-Wan, your Uncle Iroh, reporting for duty.

Episode 15: Vanity, Vanity, All Is Vanity . . . Press?

Paul Regnier — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:53:57 GMT

We’re equal opportunists when it comes to publishing paths–traditional, independent, hybrid, you name it. But there’s one model that will never earn the Quilling It seal of approval: the vanity press. In this episode, we unpack how this “worst of all worlds” publishing model has been draining hopeful authors’ wallets for decades. Join us as we break down the biggest red flags, the misleading promises, and the one very small exception to our otherwise hard-and-fast rule: beware of vanity presses.

Episode 14: Ads for Authors–Your Low-Drama Guide to Book Ads That Work

Paul Regnier — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:07:54 GMT

Book advertising can feel like an entirely separate career path hidden inside publishing–a path many writers don’t feel equipped to traverse. Luckily, Paul is here to help. Join us as he shares the fundamentals of his successful, headache-free approach to indie book ads, including his favorite platforms, the tools he recommends, and how he keeps campaigns profitable without disappearing into a spreadsheet dungeon.

Episode 13: Invaluable Websites for Authors

Paul Regnier — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:57:55 GMT

From craft help to marketing advice to business boosters, we explore some of our favorite websites for authors. Listen in as we reveal our go-to resources for writing and publishing—a curated list worthy of prime real estate in your bookmarks.

Episode 12: The Plotter vs. Pantser Thunderdome

Paul Regnier — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:26:14 GMT

Paul and Lindsay step into the arena to settle the plotter vs. pantser debate once and for all, and only one author will emerge victorious. Just kidding. Instead, we break down our real-life processes—Paul as a pantser and Lindsay as a plotter—to explore where these approaches differ, overlap, and surprisingly align, helping you discover what might work best for you.

Episode 11: Our Worst Rejections

Paul Regnier — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:57:21 GMT

Yep, we’re going there. We share the details of our worst rejections–the ones that sting, linger, and might make someone briefly consider abandoning publishing altogether for a new career in goat herding. But in those painful moments, we learned valuable lessons about resilience, growth, and keeping focused on the long game. We unpack how rejection can sharpen your work, clarify your goals, and even become something you laugh about (eventually). Ever gotten a “no” that felt a little too personal? You’re in the right place.

New Book Launch!

Paul Regnier — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:22:33 GMT

The day a new book goes live is a wonderfully strange day. Months of work and planning and then bam! Your new story is out there in the world. You’ve stepped through the doorway of no return (see what I did there?)

See it on Amazon

Launch day is exciting and stressful all at once. I’m feeling a little dizzy right now. Almost like I’m dreaming about launch day and it hasn’t actually happened yet. But the overwhelming thought is, I feel so lucky to be able to write and publish books.

30 years ago Indie publishing wasn’t a thing. Even 20 years ago it was just emerging. The old guard of the big New York publishers were the gatekeepers and if you couldn’t get your book past them, it probably would never see the light of day. What a great time it is to be an author. Of course, there’s always give and take, right? Lots more competition on the digital shelves these days. But hey, at least we get to take a shot and send our books out to readers.

Today, my new middle grade fantasy book, The Most Dangerous Pet Shop, went live on Amazon. It’s available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. Not to mention it’s available on Kindle Unlimited. I hope you’ll take a moment and give it a look. It’s been a true labor of love to write and I’m excited to present it to the world.

Here’s the back of the book summary:

Some guys get video games and cake for their birthday. Tristin inherits a magical pet shop in another world.

On the night of his thirteenth birthday, Tristin is pulled through an enchanted mirror into a medieval fantasy realm with no way home. Stranded in the magical town of Springhaven, the fate of his family’s otherworldly pet shop is in his hands. But dealing with snapping dragons, talking animals, and mischievous pixies is a lot to handle.

While Tristin struggles with the magical mishaps of fantastic creatures, disaster strikes. A priceless crystal vanishes from the royal treasury, and all fingers point to him. With the king’s guards closing in, Tristin makes a desperate deal with a shadowy enchanter—complete a series of impossible tasks to earn his passage home.

But the clock is ticking...

A talking kitten with mysterious powers joins Tristin as he races to clear his name and fulfill the enchanter’s dangerous contract. In the process, he discovers his connection to this world might be deeper than he ever imagined.

Between outsmarting magical creatures, unraveling ancient family secrets, and trying not to get eaten by his own merchandise, Tristin must find the courage to embrace his unexpected destiny.

Packed with adventure, humor, and heart, this middle-grade fantasy will sweep readers into a world where courage shines brighter than magic itself!

Episode 10: Finding Your Niche

Paul Regnier — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we tackle the ever-mysterious question of finding your niche as a writer. From choosing the right genre to honing your authentic author voice, we explore how authors can figure out where their personality, interests, and instincts fit most naturally in the marketplace–and how that sweet spot is often where your most compelling work and enthusiastic readers live. If you’ve ever wondered where you “belong” as a writer, this conversation is for you.

Episode 9: Book Launch Tips

Paul Regnier — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:25:57 GMT

What actually works when launching a book? Paul interviews Lindsay about her recent launch campaign–managing a street team, setting expectations with ARC readers, and why she’s now a known entity at her local post office. We share what’s worked, what we’ve ditched, and how to build a launch plan that’s both sustainable and effective.

Episode 8: Best Books on Writing Craft

Paul Regnier — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:22:08 GMT

Not all writing advice resonates for the long haul, but some craft books truly earn their place on the shelf. In this episode, we share the writing craft books that most influenced our work–and why these are the ones we hand to fellow writers again and again.

Episode 7: Introverted Writers in an Extroverted Industry

Paul Regnier — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:10:38 GMT

Gone are the days of the reclusive writer holed up in a cave with only a typewriter and a big idea for company. Today’s authors are expected to be savvy marketers, content creators, and social media charmers–often while silently screaming on the inside. For introverts, the pressure to show up everywhere online can feel overwhelming and utterly draining. In this episode, two self-professed introverts compare notes on navigating the extroverted demands of the publishing industry while staying true to who we are.

Episode 6: You Too Can Be a Speaker–No, Really!

Paul Regnier — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:52:01 GMT

Most writers feel far safer behind a keyboard than behind a podium. But speaking and teaching are powerful ways to support fellow writers, build community, and open new doors in your author career. In this episode, we’re unveiling how we transitioned from introverted authors to confident speakers–and how you can do it too.

Episode 5: Favorite Childhood Books

Paul Regnier — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:41:24 GMT

Lindsay and Paul dive into favorite childhood books, exploring why those stories were so special. These books shaped our young imaginations and helped mold us into the storytellers we are today, and guess what? Your stories have the potential to do that for the next generation.

Merry Christmas to All

Paul Regnier — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:10:59 GMT

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Snow and cold weather are great excuses to curl up by the fireplace and read (or write if you’re feeling ambitious). I’ll be doing a bit of both over the next couple weeks.

I hope all of you have a nice break from work to spend time with family, friends, and a good book. And, of course, diving into your latest writing project.

The Full Tale of Almost the Chosen One is free to read on my Substack

I hope you’ve all enjoyed my humorous fantasy story. It was such a blast to write. It’s always strange to type the words “THE END” as a story comes to a close. I like to think that one day I’ll revisit those characters on another journey.

The episodic format of Substack is right up my alley. In the future, I may write another story but for now, I’ve got a couple books in the process of editing and publishing. If you enjoyed Almost the Chosen One, please check out my other books available on Amazon.

My New Writing Podcast - Quilling It!

I recently launched a new collaborative project with talented author and editor Lindsay Franklin.

Here’s our pitch:

Speculative fiction authors Paul Regnier and Lindsay A. Franklin invite you to pull up a chair as we spill the ink on writing, publishing, and the wonderfully weird realities of being professional storytellers. We’re sharing all the hard-won wisdom of our combined twenty-five years in the publishing trenches so you don’t have to wander alone. Whether you’re new to writing or have been at it for years, we’ve saved you a seat at this table.

If you’re interested, give it a listen!

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

That about wraps it up for 2025. Thanks for subscribing to my Substack, I hope my stories have provided an enjoyable break from a stressful and busy world.

See you in 2026!

Subscribe now

Episode 4: What Editors Wish Authors Knew

Paul Regnier — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:50:07 GMT

Paul asks Lindsay what editors wish their authors knew. Drawing on over a decade of experience as an editor, Lindsay shares tips and insights that will help save you time, money, and heartache as you prepare your manuscript for editorial feedback.