Author Carmella Lowkis joins Was It Chance to talk about the intentional path she built toward becoming a published novelist. From working in her childhood library to strategically entering the publishing industry, Carmella shares how every career decision was made with one goal in mind: writing the kinds of historical gothic novels she wanted to see on bookstore shelves. She also opens up about the eight-year journey of writing her debut, what she learned from being mentored by bestselling authors, and why understanding the publishing business can be just as important as mastering the craft of writing.

With Alan away covering the Cats: The Jellicle Ball red carpet, Heather is joined by special guest co-host Alesia Galati, founder of Gulati Media and host of Podcasting Unlocked and We Read Smut, for a lively conversation that wanders through queer representation in literature, historical fiction, gothic storytelling, publishing realities, BookTok, creative risk, and the importance of writing stories that entertain while leaving readers thinking long after the final page. Carmella also gives us a sneak peek at her next novel featuring rival alchemists in Renaissance Prague, proving she's continuing to stretch creatively while staying true to the stories she loves to tell.

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EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

• Sometimes the biggest creative risk is committing to a long-term plan and trusting it will eventually pay off.
• Learning the business side of your creative industry can be just as valuable as developing your artistic skills.
• Historical fiction gives forgotten and marginalized voices the opportunity to reclaim their place in history.
• Success in publishing, like many creative industries, is part craft, part strategy, and part timing.
• Understanding your audience doesn't diminish your creativity. It helps your work find the people who need it.
• Creative careers are built over time, not through a single breakthrough moment.
• Failure is easier to navigate when you stop treating every setback as a personal reflection of your worth.
• The best stories entertain first, then inspire readers to keep asking questions long after they've finished.
• Planning your creative work doesn't eliminate inspiration. It gives inspiration a stronger foundation.
• Following your curiosity often leads to the most meaningful creative work.