Courtney Peppernell on Pillow Thoughts, Self-Publishing, and Her Debut Novel The Last Poem

Writes4Women host Pamela Cook chats with internationally bestselling author Courtney Peppernell,  about her path from early “lightning writing” and a supportive family to self-publishing novels and then poetry, and now her debut novel.

Courtney describes self-publishing, and creating Pillow Thoughts from blog-style reflections, her poems going viral and landing a deal with a traditional publisher. Her latest release is The Last Poem, a multi-POV small-town Colorado story about grief, friendship and love.

An inspiring episode for writers at all stages of their career.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

02:07 Early Writing Spark

03:54 Family Support and Creativity

05:41 Self Publishing Beginnings

08:05 Pillow Thoughts Goes Viral

13:25 Signing with a US Publisher

15:57 Series Strategy and Branding

21:15 Life Changing Success and Tours

25:26 Setting Up Poem Readings

26:18 Reading From Thinking Of You

26:58 Writing Poetry As Characters

29:17 Modern Versus Traditional Poetry

30:50 Why Online Poetry Boomed

31:58 Algorithm Changes And Reach

33:35 Turning To The Last Poem

35:27 Plot And Grief Group Setup

36:34 Crafting Multiple Viewpoints

40:37 Favorite Characters And Libraries

43:58 Why Wren Is A Poet

45:49 Traditional Publishing And Events

48:57 Upcoming Books And Music

SHOWNOTES:

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Courtney Peppernell

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Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women and recorded on unceded Dharawal land.