The Wicked Authors are four New England writers who love to talk about books, reading, publishing and more. Join Edith Maxwell/Maddie Day, Liz Mugavero/Cate Conte, Jessica Ellicott/Jessica Estevao/Jessie Crockett, and J.A. Hennrikus/Julianne Holmes/Julia Henry for conversations, interviews, and discussions. We also love to host and highlight other authors.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/9/0/1d2b3ce4-4c35-47e9-9cc1-b0541008c6ab_daryl_-_liz_audio_.mp3

Writing Community InsightsCate Conte engages in a heartfelt conversation with fellow mystery author Daryl Wood Gerber, emphasizing the vital role of community in a writer&#39;s journey. They discuss how supportive groups—be it critique circles, online networks, or organizations like Sisters in Crime—can significantly influence a writer&#39;s career. Their dialogue sheds light on the importance of encouragement, honest feedback, and the sense of belonging that a community provides.​ Takeaways<ul><li>Writing communities offer essential support and motivation.​</li><li>Engagement in groups like Sisters in Crime can open professional doors.​</li><li>Both in-person and virtual networks have unique benefits.​</li><li>Shared experiences within a community can combat feelings of isolation.​</li><li>Networking fosters lifelong friendships and collaborations.​</li><li>Community involvement can boost confidence and perseverance.​</li><li>Writers at all stages benefit from communal support.​</li><li>Seeking out a writing community is a proactive step toward growth.​</li></ul> Watch the Full DiscussionFor an in-depth exploration of the power of writing communities, watch the conversation here:​ <a href="https://youtu.be/XySK2WF_Vz8" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/XySK2WF_Vz8</a> Connect with the Wicked AuthorsFacebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors</a>​Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/%E2%80%8B" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/​</a>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social</a>​YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors</a>​Visit Our Website: <a href="https://www.wickedauthors.com" rel="nofollow">https://www.wickedauthors.com</a>​#WritingCommunity #DarylWoodGerber #CateConte #SistersInCrime #WickedAuthors #WritingSupport #AuthorNetworking #MysteryWriters

Finding Your People: The Power of Writing Community with Daryl Wood Gerber

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/7/22/7fef7475-5c3b-47fd-a7ca-d4c6bba3111e_researching_history_with_jessica_and_maddie.mp3

Edith Maxwell and Jessica Ellicott, also known as Maddie Day and Jessie Crockett respectively, delve into the intricacies of researching historical mysteries in their latest collaboration. In a series of engaging discussions, they explore their research methodologies, favorite sources, field trips, and strategies for weaving historical accuracy into their narratives. Their conversation offers valuable insights into the meticulous process of bringing history to life in fiction.​ Takeaways<ul><li>Effective research is crucial for crafting authentic historical mysteries.​</li><li>Utilizing diverse sources enhances the depth of storytelling.​</li><li>Field trips and firsthand experiences enrich narrative authenticity.​</li><li>Balancing historical detail with engaging prose is essential.​</li><li>Organized documentation aids in managing extensive research.​</li><li>Deciding the extent of historical detail to include requires careful consideration.</li><li>Readers appreciate when history is vividly and accurately portrayed.​</li><li>The discussions are part of a series celebrating Women&#39;s History Month.​</li></ul> Watch the Full DiscussionFor an in-depth look at their conversation, watch the video here:​ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q--fQWHy1Gw" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q--fQWHy1Gw</a> Connect with the Wicked Authors<ul><li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors</a>​</li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/</a>​</li><li>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social</a>​<a href="https://wickedauthors.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow">wickedauthors.com+3wickedauthors.com+3wickedauthors.com+3</a></li><li>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors</a>​</li></ul> Visit Our Website: <a href="https://www.wickedauthors.com" rel="nofollow">https://www.wickedauthors.com</a>​#Research #HistoricalMystery #WritingTips #JessicaEllicott #EdithMaxwell #MaddieDay #JessieCrockett #WickedAuthors

Researching History with Jessica and Maddie

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/3/19/20/4f4b200f-b058-48b9-a62c-41f1428f804c_ulie_compressed-audio_wicked_authors_s_st_0001.mp3

Julie Hennrikus discusses her participation in a short story anthology inspired by the music of Stephen Sondheim, EVERY DAY A LITTLE DEATH: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE MUSIC OF STEPHEN SONDHEIM, edited by Josh Pachter. She shares her creative process, the challenges of writing short stories, and the influence of Sondheim&#39;s work, particularly focusing on the musical &#39;Merrily We Roll Along&#39; and the song &#39;Not a Day Goes By&#39;. Julie expresses her excitement about the anthology&#39;s release and the talented contributors involved.<h3>Takeaways</h3><ul><li>The anthology is inspired by Stephen Sondheim&#39;s music.</li><li>Writing short stories presents unique challenges.</li><li>Sondheim&#39;s work exemplifies artistic perseverance.</li><li>The song &#39;Not a Day Goes By&#39; inspired Julie&#39;s story.</li><li>Julie explored themes of love and heartbreak in her story.</li><li>The anthology will be released on March 22nd.</li><li>Julie encourages pre-orders and library requests.</li><li>The anthology features contributions from brilliant writers.</li></ul> <h3>Buy Links:</h3><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/every-day-a-little-death-crime-fiction-inspired-by-the-songs-of-stephen-sondheim/6c0ba2f4220b5bbc?ean=9781685128685&next=t" rel="nofollow">Bookshop.org</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/every-day-a-little-death-josh-pachter/1147096277" rel="nofollow">Barnes and Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Little-Death-Anthologies/dp/1685128688/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8jUBOa9JNbZX6TNzV53dKjEbBLt3SOAXwi-Pxdq4uRvGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.aOeZ5BnKnknPs4HBZFAijzih3ivChrddih0g-YnGFFs&dib_tag=se&qid=1742415136&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a><h3>Follow the Wicked Authors on:</h3>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/</a>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors</a> Visit our website: <a href="https://www.wickedauthors.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.wickedauthors.com</a>#shortstory #anthology #stephensondheim #MerrilyWeRollAlong #NotaDayGoesBy #creativeprocess #literaryinspiration #JAHennrikus #JHAuthors #WickedAuthors

J.A. Hennrikus Short Story News

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/1/25/22/91ffc801-c5d8-4f65-ac00-632de09fa52e_jsf_je_3.mp3

Jessica Ellicott and Julia Spencer-Fleming discuss fresh starts in part 3 of this three part series. <h2>Links for Julia Spencer-Fleming:</h2><a href="https://www.facebook.com/juliaspencerfleming" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/juliaspencerfleming</a><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jspencerfleming.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/jspencerfleming.bsky.social</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliaspencerfleming/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/juliaspencerfleming/</a> <h2>Follow the Wicked Authors on:</h2>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/</a>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors</a> Visit our website: <a href="https://www.wickedauthors.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.wickedauthors.com</a>

Jessica Ellicott and Julia Spencer-Fleming: Fresh Starts

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/1/25/22/47e141ac-3b2d-46d1-b442-97c9011aa1e0_jsf_je_2.mp3

Jessica Ellicott and Julia Spencer-Fleming discuss advice for writers.<h2>Links for Julia Spencer-Fleming:</h2><a href="https://www.facebook.com/juliaspencerfleming" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/juliaspencerfleming</a><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jspencerfleming.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/jspencerfleming.bsky.social</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliaspencerfleming/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/juliaspencerfleming/</a> <h2>Follow the Wicked Authors on:</h2>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/</a>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors</a> Visit our website: <a href="https://www.wickedauthors.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.wickedauthors.com</a>

Jessica Ellicott and Julia Spencer-Fleming: Advice for Writing

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/1/22/21/a551e616-1c21-43ed-b81c-20104c1331ec_jsf_je_1_v3.mp3

Jessica Ellicott and Julia Spencer-Fleming had a wonderful coversation about goal setting for themselves in the first part of this three part series. <h2>Links for Julia Spencer-Fleming:</h2><a href="https://www.facebook.com/juliaspencerfleming" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/juliaspencerfleming</a><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jspencerfleming.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/jspencerfleming.bsky.social</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliaspencerfleming/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/juliaspencerfleming/</a> <h2>Follow the Wicked Authors on:</h2>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/</a>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors</a> Visit our website: <a href="https://www.wickedauthors.com" rel="nofollow">https://www.wickedauthors.com</a>

Jessica Ellicott and Julia Spencer: Their Goal Processes

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/1/21/23/b0f95251-808f-4e74-af01-733da2af9eab_gmt20250121-223621_recording_separate1.m4a

Julie Hennrikus talks about tackling goals one step at a time. It&#39;s the third week of January. How are your goals doing? Julie believes in big, audacious goals. But she also believes in breaking them down so that you can accomplish this.<h2>Mentioned in this episode: </h2>The Sisters in Crime Writers&#39; podcast <a href="https://www.sistersincrime.org/page/podcast" rel="nofollow">https://www.sistersincrime.org/page/podcast</a><h2>Follow Julie on:</h2>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JHAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/JHAuthors</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jahenn/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/jahenn/</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jhauthors/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/jhauthors/</a>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jahennrikus.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/jahennrikus.bsky.social</a>Website: <a href="https://jhauthors.com/" rel="nofollow">https://jhauthors.com/</a><h2>Follow the Wicked Authors on:</h2>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/</a>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors</a>Visit our website: <a href="https://www.wickedauthors.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.wickedauthors.com</a>

One Step at a Time: Tackling Goals

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/1/21/23/235277c0-99f4-47b1-928d-88ff4f973a06_riverside_copy_of_carolyn___liz_-_audio.mp3

Author Carolyn Wilkins is a long-time friend of the Wickeds and she&#39;s here to share her memories of the original slate of Wicked Authors with Wicked Author Liz Mugavero/Cate Conte.Carolyn Marie Wilkins is the author of three mystery novels: Death at a Séance, Melody for Murder and Mojo for Murder, all available from Pen-L Publications. She is also the author of Tips for Singing (Hal Leonard Press) and two memoirs: Damn Near White: An African American Family’s Journey from Slavery to Bittersweet Success, and They Raised Me Up: A Black Single Mother and the Women Who Inspired Her, available from the University of Missouri Press.Murder At The Wham Bam Club, the first in Carolyn&#39;s new Psychics and Soul Food mystery series, is being released by Kensington Publishing in 2025.Carolyn is a Reiki master, a psychic medium and a Professor at Berklee College of Music Online. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and the Eastman School of Music, Carolyn has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony and represented her country as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department. An initiated priestess of Yemaya, the African goddess of motherhood, compassion and the ocean, Carolyn holds certificates of completion in mediumship from the JVP School of Mystical Arts, the British mediums Tony Stockwell and Mavis Pittilla. To find out more about Carolyn, visit her website: www.carolynwilkins.com Facebook Page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ResonantWisdomServices" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/ResonantWisdomServices</a>Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/Jemaya7" rel="nofollow">http://www.instagram.com/Jemaya7</a>Website <a href="http://www.CarolynWilkins.com" rel="nofollow">www.CarolynWilkins.com</a> <h2>Follow the Wicked Authors on:</h2>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/</a>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors</a> Visit our website: <a href="https://www.wickedauthors.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.wickedauthors.com</a>

Cate Conte/Liz Mugavero talks to Carolyn Wilkins

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/1/6/21/f3b0fe72-d9ea-4787-9724-925856521b1b_goalsjan25.m4a

What are the goals for the Wicked Authors in 2025? We are enjoying exploring new ways of distributing information, and building our community. This is the year we&#39;re all about trying something different!Ideas include:<ul><li>Learning something new</li><li>Being comfortable not being comfortable</li><li>Meeting new readers</li><li>Having robust conversations</li></ul><h2> </h2><h2>Follow us on:</h2>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/</a>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors</a> Visit our website: <a href="https://www.wickedauthors.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.wickedauthors.com</a>

Wicked Goals for 2025

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/12/31/19/22af56a8-e13a-4b03-866f-e5c6caa62d2f_happy_new_year.m4a

The Wicked Authors are <a href="https://edithmaxwell.com/press-kit-author-edith-maxwell/" rel="nofollow">Edith Maxwell/Maddie Day</a>, <a href="https://jhauthors.com/" rel="nofollow">J.A. Hennrikus/Julia Henry/Julianne Holmes</a>, <a href="https://jessicaellicott.com/" rel="nofollow">Jessica Ellicott</a>, and <a href="https://cateconte.com/about-cate/" rel="nofollow">Liz Mugavero/Cate Conte</a>. This year we&#39;re launching this podcast. The Wickeds will discuss writing, books, and life. And we&#39;ll host other writers.<h2>Follow us on:</h2>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/WickedAuthors</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/wickedauthors/</a>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/wickedauthors.bsky.social</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@WickedAuthors</a> Visit our website: <a href="https://www.wickedauthors.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.wickedauthors.com</a>

Happy New Year from the Wicked Authors

Four Writers talking about books, writing, publishing, and life

The Wicked Authors are four New England writers who love to talk about books, reading, publishing and more. Join Edith Maxwell/Maddie Day, Liz Mugavero/Cate Conte, Jessica Ellicott/Jessica Estevao/Jessie Crockett, and J.A. Hennrikus/Julianne Holmes/Julia Henry for conversations, interviews, and discussions. We also love to host and highlight other authors.