Deadline City's Podcast artwork

Deadline City's Podcast

94 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 132 ratings

Welcome to Deadline City: a podcast and a destination. We are two New York City-based authors who share an office and work on multiple books at a time. Between us, we have 40 books published and under contract, and we’re just getting started. If you’ve seen us on the road, you know how we cut up. We like to have fun and talk about the one thing that is always on our minds: creating books. Publishing is a big scary world to many of us, and our goal is to pull back the curtain on some of the mystery by simply talking about it. In our first season, we want to dig into subjects like YA fiction, editing, reading reviews, burnout. Most of the time, you publish a book and then you’re at a loss for what comes next. How do you navigate the industry and then still manage to write more books? That’s a journey we’re on and know that so many others are on the same road. We hope you come along for the ride.

Arts Fiction writing author publishing writers fiction novels writer's block deadlines authors zoraida cordova
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Episodes

S6 - Episode 6: Big Idea Barn

March 29, 2023 07:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MB

Welcome back to Deadline City! This week we are talking about the "Big Idea." But what is a "Big Idea" and who gets to decide that? We pull from our vast publishing experience plus trends we've seen come and go, and do a deep dive into a topic everyone seems to be chasing.  Support the show

S6: Episode 5 - Remix Row

February 01, 2023 08:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MB

This week on Deadline City, we break down retellings and remixes. When it comes to writing, IS there anything new under the sun? We talk about our own experiences with tropes, reimaginings, classics, and WHO gets to tell these stories. Buckle in and join us.  Support the show

S6: Episode 4 - Myth Buster Manor

December 07, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MB

This week we head to "Myth Buster Manor" where we asked the internet for publishing myths and rumors that are spread through the industry streets. Based on our experience, we tackle one by one. Is your career over if you don't hit the elusive NYT list? Are you relegated to a single genre? Does jumping agents make you less desirable? You asked, we answered.  Support the show

S6: Episode 4 - Myth Buster Manor

December 07, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MB

This week we head to "Myth Buster Manor" where we asked the internet for publishing myths and rumors that are spread through the industry streets. Based on our experience, we tackle one by one. Is your career over if you don't hit the elusive NYT list? Are you relegated to a single genre? Does jumping agents make you less desirable? You asked, we answered.  Support the show

S6: Episode 3 - The Political Playground w/ Samira Ahmed

October 12, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 51.3 MB

This week's episode features Samira Ahmed, New York Times bestseller and activist! It's a deep dive into the politics of being an author. What risks do we take? What do we have to consider when we're writing about people from the real world, or fantasy worlds? We interrogate ourselves and the way we approach social media, as well as the decisions other creatives make when they're voicing their political views online. We hope you love this honest, and at times ridiculous (thanks Zoraida), con...

S6: Episode 2 - Burnout Borough Pt. II (Extra Crispy)

September 21, 2022 19:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MB

What's up Deadline City?! We're back to Burn Out Borough. This week we're having an honest conversation about how to identify burnout, working through COVID, what we're doing to cope with the times, and how we can be better.  No matter what, we're still creating. We're in this together, and hope this episode lets you know that you're not alone in Burnout Borough.  Support the show

Season 6: Episode 1 - Where In The World Is Deadline City?

September 07, 2022 09:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MB

We're back and more tired than ever! But first, we need to catch up on all that's happened in our lives since the start of the year. So much has happened in the publishing industry this summer, and we go through our own version of "the state of the union." From Barnes & Noble's new policies to book bannings to the DOJ v PRH, we have a lot of opinions. Welcome back to Deadline City and we hope you stay a while!  Support the show

S5: Episode 10 - Resolution Blvd. Pt 3

December 28, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MB

It's that time again. RESOLUTION BLVD, we meet again. Dhonielle and Zoraida break down the peaks and pits of our year and lay out what we want to do better or try next year.  What are your resolutions?  We're also launching a small Deadline City shop! We've got mugs and tshirts and stickers, oh my! Check it out here: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/deadline-city Support the show

S5: Episode 8 - TikTok Tavern w/ Alex Aster

December 08, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MB

This year, TikTok has become the new publishing buzzword. Publishers and authors have tried to crack the code of virality. What makes a book take off? Does crying online sell books? One thing is certain: when it works it works. Critically acclaimed author, Alex Aster, stops by Deadline City to talk about her first-hand experience with the platform, and how she leveraged her success into the biggest deal of her career so far. Listen in to what Alex has to say! Support the show

S5: Episode 9 - Pen Name Palace

December 08, 2021 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MB

This week on Deadline City, we discuss the subject of pen names. Why start your career with one? Why start a new one for a different genre? And what are the pros and cons of anonymity? Tune in to dive into another side of writer life on Deadline City.  Support the show

S5: Episode 8 - TikTok Tavern w/ Alex Aster

December 08, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MB

This year, TikTok has become the new publishing buzzword. Publishers and authors have tried to crack the code of virality. What makes a book take off? Does crying online sell books? One thing is certain: when it works it works. Critically acclaimed author, Alex Aster, stops by Deadline City to talk about her first-hand experience with the platform, and how she leveraged her success into the biggest deal of her career so far. Listen in to what Alex has to say! Support the show (http://Ko-fi.c...

S5: Episode 7 - From a Certain Point of View

December 01, 2021 08:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MB

This week on Deadline City we talk about POV. From a certain POV, that is. No, it's not a Star Wars episode, BUT we do dig into what makes us write the way we write. How do we choose the way we tell stories? All that and more on this week's episode of Deadline City.  Support the show

S5: Episode 6 - Publicity Parlor w/ Saraciea J. Fennell

October 20, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 45.9 MB

This week Deadline City has a special guest! Publicity manager, editor, and festival founder, Saraciea J. Fennell knows the ins and outs of the publishing industry. She stops by the Publicity Parlor to give us her insights into author-publisher relationships and how we can feel a little less helpless in this big wide career.  Support the show

S5: Episode 5 - The Theme Park

October 14, 2021 07:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

This week on Deadline City we are digging deep into theme! We break down some of our recent reads and figure out how we build themes and make our stories stronger.  Dhonielle is very organized, and Zoraida is not.  Support the show

S5: Episode 4 - The Query Quarter

October 06, 2021 18:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

This week on Deadline City we head to the Query Quarter. We have an honest discussion about how we got our agents, when you know you need to move on, and how to keep going. Whether you're polishing your first letter or an author thinking of making a change, this episode is for you.  Support the show

S3: Episode 3 - Self-Pub Parlor w/ Sierra Simone

September 29, 2021 17:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MB

USA Today Bestselling author, Sierra Simone, stops by Deadline City to talk all things self-publishing. Sierra Simone is a bestselling author of angsty and dark romance. She's been in the game for years and we are so lucky to have her share her experience, her process, and her journey overall. Tune in to find out more! Support the show (http://Ko-fi.com/deadlinecity)

S5: Episode 3 - Self-Pub Parlor w/ Sierra Simone

September 29, 2021 17:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MB

USA Today Bestselling author, Sierra Simone, stops by Deadline City to talk all things self-publishing. Sierra Simone is a bestselling author of angsty and dark romance. She's been in the game for years and we are so lucky to have her share her experience, her process, and her journey overall. Tune in to find out more! Support the show

S5: Episode 3 - Self-Pub Parlor w/ Sierra Simone

September 29, 2021 17:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MB

USA Today Bestselling author, Sierra Simone, stops by Deadline City to talk all things self-publishing. Sierra Simone is a bestselling author of angsty and dark romance. She's been in the game for years and we are so lucky to have her share her experience, her process, and her journey overall. Tune in to find out more! Support the show (http://Ko-fi.com/deadlinecity)

S5: Episode 5 - The Future of Publishing

September 22, 2021 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

This week on Deadline City we're talking about the future of the publishing industry from our perspectives. What are the changes we're reading out? How do we see buying trends changing, and how is this affecting the way we are personally going to keep creating. As always, let us know your thoughts!  Support the show (http://Ko-fi.com/deadlinecity)

S5: Episode 2 - The Future of Publishing

September 22, 2021 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

This week on Deadline City we're talking about the future of the publishing industry from our perspectives. What are the changes we're reading out? How do we see buying trends changing, and how is this affecting the way we are personally going to keep creating. As always, let us know your thoughts!  Support the show

S5: Episode 1 - Pandemic Book Babies

September 15, 2021 05:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB

Season 5 of Deadline City is here, and we are back on our bullsh*t! We catch up on this episode and go over our pandemic releases and well as discuss how we are staying sane during author promotion. Join us for our first episode back.  Support the show

S4: Episode 13 - The Idea Factory

June 09, 2021 19:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MB

Welcome to the season finale of Deadline City! For our final episode, we've decided to talk about ideas and trends. We're often asked, "where do you get your ideas from?" Well, here it is. We discuss organic ideas and how they take shape. How trends might not be such a bad thing to write to if you do the work! And how publishing changes ideas for authors. We're also thrilled to be partnering with Libro.fm for a Deadline City exclusive discount code. Create a new account and you can get **2...

S4: Episode 12 - The Arena Pt 2 - YA vs. Adult

June 02, 2021 05:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MB

YA versus Adult! We get these questions quite a bit. Why write YA? Why write adult? What is the difference? Zoraida is making the move to adult in September 2021, and Dhonielle is so close to finishing her first adult novel. But why the change? And how was the process different than when they wrote Labyrinth Lost or The Belles? How would those books look like if they had written them with an older audience in mind? Support the show (http://Ko-fi.com/deadlinecity)

S4: Episode 12 - The Arena Pt 2 - YA vs. Adult

June 02, 2021 05:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MB

YA versus Adult! We get these questions quite a bit. Why write YA? Why write adult? What is the difference? Zoraida is making the move to adult in September 2021, and Dhonielle is so close to finishing her first adult novel. But why the change? And how was the process different than when they wrote Labyrinth Lost or The Belles? How would those books look like if they had written them with an older audience in mind? Support the show

S4: Episode 11 - The Champagne Room w/ Sarah E. Younger

May 19, 2021 17:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MB

This week on Deadline City we talk about sex and intimacy in adult romance novels! Sarah E. Younger is a literary agent who specializes in adult romance. She's part of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency and represents authors like Alexis Daria, Kit Rocha, and many more. We explore the different heat levels (chili peppers, if you will) and what makes for convincing chemistry.  Support the show

S4: Episode 10 - Fantasy Fields w/ Rebecca Roanhorse

May 05, 2021 08:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

Welcome to the Fantasy Fields! New York Times best-selling author Rebecca Roanhorse joins us in Deadline City for a deep dive on fantasy world-building. How do we create fantasy novels that have distinct cultures? How do we go beyond the generic European fantasy? Rebecca is a master world-builder--just read Black Sun! Listen in for her expert advice on how to write with intention.  Support the show

S4: Episode 10 - Fantasy Fields w/ Rebecca Roanhorse

May 05, 2021 08:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

Welcome to the Fantasy Fields! New York Times best-selling author Rebecca Roanhorse joins us in Deadline City for a deep dive on fantasy world-building. How do we create fantasy novels that have distinct cultures? How do we go beyond the generic European fantasy? Rebecca is a master world-builder--just read Black Sun! Listen in for her expert advice on how to write with intention.  Support the show

S4 Episode 9 - Destination City Hall

April 28, 2021 11:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MB

One of the ongoing conversations in the Book World is the politics of being a writer! Can authors take an a-political stance? What are the expectations? Dhonielle and Zoraida discuss the politics of being an author in times like these.  Support the show

S4 Episode 9 - Destination City Hall

April 28, 2021 11:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MB

One of the ongoing conversations in the Book World is the politics of being a writer! Can authors take an a-political stance? What are the expectations? Dhonielle and Zoraida discuss the politics of being an author in times like these.  Support the show

S4: Episode 8 - Community Corner w/ Natalie C. Parker

April 07, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 51.5 MB

This week on Deadline City we are joined by an old friend and critically acclaimed author and anthologist, Natalie C. Parker.  We pick her brain about how she creates community through workshops and retreats at her company, Madcap Retreats, as well as other author events. The social aspect of being an author is a big part of #authorlife, and we talk about our own experiences navigating these waters.  Support the show

S4: Episode 7 - #OwnVoices Observatory

March 31, 2021 08:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MB

Let's talk about #OwnVoices! This term  coined by the writer Corinne Duyvis has changed a lot about the conversation about books. We go over what it means, what it means to us, and how it can be weaponized by the publishing industry. Is #OwnVoices over? Tune in to this week's Deadline City.  Support the show

S4: Episode 6: Genre Grove w/ Adam Silvera

March 24, 2021 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MB

A question we get often is "do I have to stay in one genre?" For us, the answer is no. But that's a big topic and a lot of factors go into that. We're joined by New York Times bestselling author, Adam Silvera, to talk about how we write our stories and why.  Support the show

S4 Episode 5 - Destination: Cancel Court

March 17, 2021 03:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

This week we talk about the controversial parts of publishing! As always we want to make sure we cover everything, even subjects that are a bit tricky to navigate. This is a huge discussion and we only cover a bit of it, but we have to start somewhere. The Deadline City court is in session! Support the show

S4: Episode 4 - Monsterville w/ Cassie Clare & Holly Black

March 10, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 52.6 MB

It's party time in Deadline City. A *monster mash* if you will. This week we have two powerhouse authors stopping by: Cassandra Clare and Holly Black. Cassandra Clare is the creator of the Shadowhunters universe and Holly Black is the author of over a dozen books, most recently The Folk of the Air trilogy. As a duo, they're the co-authors of The Magisterium Series. With expansive worlds, deliciously bad characters, and morally complex anti-heroes, we couldn't wait to have a candid conversati...

S4: Episode 3 - A Galaxy Far Far Away w/ Daniel José Older

March 03, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 46.3 MB

This week on Deadline City we have special guest Daniel José Older! We get down to the nitty-gritty of race and coding in science fiction and fantasy. Prepare for some conversation around Star Wars and all the things fantasy. How do writing and politics intersect? We don't have all the answers but we have a starting point to a larger conversation. Plus, Dhonielle renames Jabba the Hut. #Werepigeons  Support the show

S4: Episode 2 - Agent Avenue

February 24, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MB

This ween on Deadline City we talk all things agents! We've changed agents and agencies quite a few times and we wanted to share how it all went down, and the questions you need when searching for your forever agent-home. This is a big topic so we can't cover everything, but we always want to be as honest as possible when it comes to our experiences.  Support the show

S4: Episode 1 - Back in the Deadline City Groove

February 17, 2021 11:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MB

Zoraida and Dhonielle are back for season 4! That means more deadlines, more shenanigans, more loving drags of each other. For the kick-off episode, we cover everything from where we are in our forever deadlines, to the writing process, to how we are going to keep each other accountable in self-care. It's a new year but the game hasn't changed. We're just learning and going with the flow. Welcome back. We missed you! Support the show

S3: Episode 11 - Resolution Blvd. Part 2

December 30, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MB

We've made it to the end of 2020! We do a recap of our resolutions, the way 2020 body checked us into a new reality, and how we plan to reset into 2021 for a better, more productive writing year. We can do this together.  Happy New Year!  Love,  D + Z Support the show

S3: Episode 11 - Resolution Blvd. Part 2

December 30, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MB

We've made it to the end of 2020! We do a recap of our resolutions, the way 2020 body checked us into a new reality, and how we plan to reset into 2021 for a better, more productive writing year. We can do this together.  Happy New Year!  Love,  D + Z Support the show (http://Ko-fi.com/deadlinecity)

Episode 10: Fantasy Land w/ Tessa Gratton

December 23, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 54.7 MB

Welcome to the longest episode we've done on Deadline City yet! We invited Tessa Gratton, author of Queen of Innis Lear and Night Shine, to talk about big worldbuilding challenges. We talk about racial coding and queering the worlds we love to read about. What succeeds? How do some fail? Dhonielle has it out for The Witcher and Star Wars, and Zoraida tries to defend her faves. There is a lot of love, shouting, and serious advice on how to get down to business creating new and epic fantasy no...

S3: Episode 9 - Hollywood Blvd

December 16, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MB

To celebrate the release of Dhonielle's TINY PRETTY THINGS, we are talking Hollywood adaptions! We cover everything from how books get optioned to some of our favorite properties that have received the Hollywood treatment, and what are we excited to see up next! Make sure you stream TINY PRETTY THINGS on Netflix! Support the show

S3: Episode 8 - The Library

December 09, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MB

Deadline City goes to the Library! What books populate your shelves? What makes you love a story forever? What turns you away? This discussion is focused on recent industry conversations involving the place of classic novels and how that ties into a larger discussion about the state of YA, and beyond.   Support the show

S3: Episode 7 - Destination: Revision Dumpster

December 02, 2020 06:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MB

This week we do a deep dive into the revision process. Or as Dhonielle calls it, the Revision Dumpster. That's right, we live here. Revision can often feel like a huge mountain to climb. So how do you actually do it? What do you focus on? We go over our process, what has worked in the past, what is working now, and more bickering from your Deadline City aunties.  Support the show

S3: Episode 7 - Destination: Revision Dumpster

December 02, 2020 06:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MB

This week we do a deep dive into the revision process. Or as Dhonielle calls it, the Revision Dumpster. That's right, we live here. Revision can often feel like a huge mountain to climb. So how do you actually do it? What do you focus on? We go over our process, what has worked in the past, what is working now, and more bickering from your Deadline City aunties.  Support the show

S3: Episode 6 - Professional Jealousy Jungle

November 25, 2020 05:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

Welcome to the jungle! On this week's episode of Deadline City, we tackle all kinds of jealousy monsters. Each one has a character and purpose because we know that there are tons of forms of jealousy. The question is, which one are you and which have we been? This topic is tricky and sometimes hard to talk about. But as always, we strive to be as transparent as we can, and hope that these anecdotes can help you resolve some of your own publishing dilemmas--or even better--avoid them!  Suppor...

S3: Episode 5 - Love Triangle Lane

November 18, 2020 07:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

Love is in the air. Sort of. This week on Deadline City we do a deep dive into what makes for a compelling love triangle. What makes a love triangle versus a love tent? We look at the most popular books like the Twilight and Shadowhunters series, as well as discuss our tips to write our own versions, as well as what to steer away from.  Support the show

S3: Episode 4 - NaNoWriMo Town Redux

November 12, 2020 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

It's that time of the year again and we are in the trenches of deadlines, specifically NaNoWriMo. Whether you're new to National Novem Writing Month or you wait for November to roll around to get to work, this episode is for you! It focuses on how we write and how we prepare for the marathon. What's your NaNo novel this year?  Support the show

S3: Episode 4 - NaNoWriMo Town Redux

November 12, 2020 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

It's that time of the year again and we are in the trenches of deadlines, specifically NaNoWriMo. Whether you're new to National Novem Writing Month or you wait for November to roll around to get to work, this episode is for you! It focuses on how we write and how we prepare for the marathon. What's your NaNo novel this year?  Support the show

S3: Episode 3 - Oldville w/ Chloe Gong

October 28, 2020 05:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MB

Come with us on a journey to the past...ish. This section of Deadline City is called Oldville, where historical fiction waits for us. Our first special guest of the season is Chloe Gong, author of The Violent Delights. How much research is too much research? What books do we love that mix historical and fantasy? Get some tips and more on this week's episode of Deadline City.  Support the show

S3: Episode 2 - Burn Out Borough

October 21, 2020 10:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

We're living in Burn Out Borough this week on Deadline City. What does burn out look like for working authors? We talk about our biggest fears, our worst habits, and the things we do to get out of this part of Deadline City. Plus, every writing metaphor we can find!  Support the show

Guests

Tochi Onyebuchi
1 Episode