The ✨Mythical✨ Full-Time Author: Kell Woods on Writing, Money & Creativity
The Top 3 Takeaways from Jo's world-building episode with Kell Woods (and some truth-telling subscriber-only content!)
This week on Writes4Women, guest host Jo Riccioni sits down with the incredible Kell Woods—bestselling author of After the Forest—to discuss her upcoming novel, Upon a Starlit Tide. This lyrical, history-infused fairytale retelling blends elements of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, set against the breathtaking backdrop of 18th-century Brittany.
Kell shares her journey from librarian to bestselling author, the magic of mentorship, and the art of balancing history with fantasy. If you love lush, immersive storytelling and the power of folklore, this episode is for you!
🍿 For paid subscribers: Kell shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how she balances part-time work with writing, curates her life to support creativity, and the strategies she uses to stay disciplined. Plus, she reveals her top tips for writers navigating fear, self-doubt, and the publishing world.
Here are the top three takeaways from Jo’s conversation with Kell:
1. The Power of Mentorship in Writing ✍️
Kell’s path to publication wasn’t overnight—it was built on years of learning, refining, and working closely with mentors. She credits much of her success to her mentorship with renowned author Kate Forsyth, who helped her sharpen her craft and navigate the publishing industry.
Takeaway for Writers: Seek mentorships and writing workshops that align with your style. Learning from established authors can fast-track your growth and open doors to opportunities you may not have considered.
2. Researching Without Overloading Your Story 📝
Historical fiction requires deep research, but Kell believes that every detail must serve the story. In Upon a Starlit Tide, she cut pages of historical detail to keep the pacing tight while maintaining authenticity. Her research trips to France brought unexpected inspiration, such as the magical legend of a drowned city off the coast of Saint-Malo.
Takeaway for Writers: Over-researching can slow down your story. Start by immersing yourself in research, but be ruthless in edits—only keep the details that enrich your plot and deepen the reader’s connection.
3. Crafting a Hero Readers Will Fall For 💟
Kell’s latest book features the swoon-worthy Samuel—a rugged yet gentle seafarer who avoids the pitfalls of cliched heroes. His dynamic with the protagonist, Lucie, is built on mutual respect, chemistry, and tension, making him an unforgettable character.
Takeaway for Writers: A great love interest isn’t just “hot”—they need depth, flaws, and agency within the story. Avoid overused tropes by focusing on what makes them human, rather than just an idealised romantic lead.
Connect with Kell
✨ Subscriber Bonus: The Truth About Writing Full-Time 📅
Paid subscribers get an honest discussion with Kell on:
✨ The financial realities of being an author
✨ Why she doesn’t track sales figures
✨ Balancing part-time work with creativity
✨ The pressure of branding and the book-a-year model
Kell reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges of sustaining a writing career and why she’s careful about curating her work life to protect her creativity.
Want to know more? Subscribe as a paid member to unlock the full conversation and get all the insider insights! ✨
🎧 Get Inspired. Get Encouraged. Get Writing.
Happy writing! 🎉
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