Publishing Details
About This Podcast
The Bestseller’s Beginning is a writing podcast started by two friends and aspiring authors, Lianna and Dakota, who wanted to share the often unseen part of the novel writing process. Behind the scenes, you’ll hear our feedback shared with one another during critiques of draft chapters, as well as commentary and jokes on the struggles faced by new writers. Writing a first book is daunting, but we’re manifesting some bestsellers and taking you along for the ride!
Co-hosted, edited, and produced by: Lianna Feng and Dakota S.
Artwork by: Rachel Mehus
Disclaimer: Concepts and writing shared on this podcast are our own. While we hope to inspire our fellow writers, please don’t be a dick and plagiarize lol!
Podcasting 2.0 Features
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Recent Episodes
19. Payoff Good! Confusion Bad! Writing...Hard! - Ch 7 LF
In this episode we tackle Chapter 7 of Lianna's WIP: She Lies Along the Pearling Path and talk about what makes a slow or reflective chapter versus a chapter that is building up tension to big…
18. Bonus - The Writing Thunderbuddies Review 2025
In this special bonus episode Lianna shares some incredible news about her WIP - She Lies Along the Pearling Path, and we reflect on a year of supporting each other through the rollercoaster of novel…
17. Taking the Metaphorical Axe to My Book - Ch 6 DS
It's Christmas in May! Our backlog is crazy to give us flexibility when life goes off the rails, so today's episode was recorded back during the holidays when Lianna was very sleepy and surrounded by…
16. Yes, Period. - Ch 6 LF
Fair warning, THIS ONE'S A RAMBLER! What started out as a regular shmegular feedback episode for Chapter 6 of Lianna's WIP (ALERT ALERT! WHICH NOW HAS A WORKING TITLE: She Lies Along the Pearling…
15. Bonus - World Building, Inspiration, and Touching Grass
We started a little low-energy in this bonus episode, but as these chats always do, we end on a high note. THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP! This one is full of thoughts on research and balancing information…
14. Brainstorming and Breakthroughs - Ch 5 DS
In this episode we dissect Dakota's Chapter 5 - The Duality of Rest that follows the aftermath of Alora's true identity being revealed to the crew. We discuss cuts, character progression, whether or…
13. Bonus - Word Count and Making Big Cuts
Things are a little crazy so our deepest apologies for an out of order bonus episode, but hey, it works out because in this bonus we talk mainly about word count expectations for genres and making…
12. Every Chapter is a New Canon! - Ch 5 LF
MERMAIDS! There's mermaids guys! In this episode we dissect Lianna's chapter 5 when things start to heat up for our FMC Olivia as she takes matters into her own hands to go track down and question…
11. Bloody Fingers and Ctrl F for Keelhaul - Ch 4 DS
In this meaty episode (in more ways than one) we dive into Chapter 4 of Dakota's WIP. The first Nasir POV chapter! And Lianna is a little scared of Dakota's brain creations in this one! We talk gore,…
10. Tension, Tension, Tension (and Dogs)! - Ch 4 LF
Today's episode covers Chapter 4 of Lianna's WIP and in it we get a little distracted up front talking about potential comps for our books and different inspirations that have come into play in our…
09. Bonus - Fighting Writing Doubt and Fears of Social Media
Oops, we got carried away in this bonus episode and almost ran out of time (yes we use free Zoom calls because we're cheap) so that's how you know it's jam packed!Today we're talking all things doubt…
08. Stupid Sexy Nasir - Ch 3 DS
In this episode we cover chapter 3 of Dakota's WIP, get more of an introduction to Nasir (Lianna is already a big fan as you can probably tell from the title of this episode), talk about writing in…
07. What's In a Name? - Ch 3 LF
In this episode we're diving into Lianna's Ch 3 and talking all things characters from Lianna's deep frustration with naming vs Dakota's alignment with Team Name Sluts (and that's the tea!) to…
06. Bonus - Plotting vs Summoning!
Welcome to Pantsers Anonymous! In our second bonus episode we breakdown challenges we're currently facing with our writing, from writer's block and stagnation, to self-made plot holes, and pushing…
05. You're Being So Extra! (Past) - Ch 2 DS
In this episode we cover feedback for Dakota's Chapter 2 of The Bay of Barakat. We're herding up sheep (a million different plot threads) and trying to get 'em back in the pen! Follow the podcast on…
04. Skimmers and Spaghetti Stickers - Ch 2 LF
In this episode we cover feedback for Lianna's Chapter 2 - Sweaty and Drunk of her mystery WIP. We brainstorm and troubleshoot character interactions and motivations, talk chapter word counts, and…
03. Bonus - Enemies, Memories, and Deep Dark Secrets
Just kidding! In this inaugural bonus episode, we're talking Inkheart, Eragon, and Warriors fanfiction (because let's be real, who among us didn't daydream about becoming a medicine cat for…
02. Super Cool Untitled Mystery Novel - Ch 1 LF
F*ck the Americans! What a way to start a first chapter! In this episode Dakota gives her feedback for Chapter 1 of Lianna's international feminist rage mystery WIP (currently untitled). In this…
01. Kill Your Darlings - Ch 1 DS
Forgive us for our audio sins and nerves in our first episode and buckle up for a swashbuckling introduction, starting with Lianna's feedback for Chapter 1 of Dakota's SWANA-inspired pirate fantasy…
Trailer: The Bestseller's Beginning
Trailer for The Bestseller's Beginning podcast with your hosts Lianna and Dakota!Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts! Or visit the home website at…
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bestseller's Beginning has published 20 episodes since September 2025, covering topics in Arts, Books.
The Bestseller's Beginning is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 34m.
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