Episodes

In Episode 8 of the Publishing Cousins podcast, Melissa and Nikki share how to identify your most productive hours, implement batch working strategies, and use time blocking to make consistent progress on your writing or illustration career. Whether you’re juggling a full-time job, a family, or just a packed schedule, this episode delivers practical tools to protect your creative time and keep your publishing goals moving forward.

Feeling stuck in your author or illustrator career? In Episode 7 of the Publishing Cousins podcast, Melissa and Nikki tackle the most common publishing roadblocks head-on. They share honest, actionable advice on handling rejection letters, beating the excuse habit, managing your time like a professional, and juggling multiple creative projects at once. Whether you’re an indie author, a children’s book illustrator, or just starting your publishing journey, this episode delivers practical strategies you can use today. Listen now and start making real progress toward your publishing goals.

In Episode 5 of the Publishing Cousins podcast, author Melissa Lasher and illustrator Nikki Becker share
practical strategies for building your author-illustrator community, finding the best writing and illustration
conferences, and identifying go-to experts for your publishing journey. Learn how to create your own critique
group, discover resources like SCBWI, ACFW, the Highlights Foundation, and the Authors Conservatory, and
find out why embracing slow growth in publishing may be the key to long-term success. Perfect for aspiring and
established children’s book writers and illustrators.

Episode 4 How Authors and Illustrators Learn from Failure — Building Your Platform, Handling Rejection & Growing Your Creative CareerAuthors Melissa & Nikki get real about failure — from launching with no platform to wasting years on the wrong illustration...

Episode 3 What We Learned From Our First Published Projects (And What We'd Do Differently)Nikki and Melissa get real about their very first published projects — the flops, the lessons, and the marketing mistakes that changed everything. Tune in for honest, practical...

Ever wondered where to start if you’re dreaming of becoming an author or illustrator? Find out how to start your publishing career with these author and illustrator training resources.