Wireside Chat featuring Frank Sennett

In which Wireside Chat hosts Melissa Hart and Paul Witcover welcome instructor and author Frank Sennett, who talks about the pacing and structure of thrillers, his surprising favorite novel, how to develop your unique voice as a writer, and much more!

Wireside Chat featuring Jan Elizabeth Watson

In which Wireside Chat is joined by Online MFA instructor Jan Elizabeth Watson, author of the contemporary fiction novels "Asta in the Wings" and "What Has Become of You"! We discuss the appeal of pseudonyms, ambition as a creative goad, red flags writers should know before querying agents and editors, and more!

Wireside Chat featuring Kaitlyn Ballenger

In which Wireside Chat is joined by Online MFA instructor and award-winning author Kait Ballenger! Lovers of paranormal romance and dark romantasy will not want to miss this episode, as Kait shares an insider's view of romance publishing today and talks about her love of villainous heroes and spicy redemption arcs.

Wireside Chat Featuring Abigail Baia

In which Wireside Chat is joined by Abigail Baia, a writer who wears many hats: MFA instructor, author, editor, and publisher. She is also an alum of the Online MFA! Tune in to learn Abby's multitasking success secrets!

Wireside Chat Featuring Sidney Williams

In which Wireside Chat is joined by Online MFA instructor Sidney Williams, who reveals the secret behind the name of his website, 'Sidisalive,' shares the playlist for his funeral, and talks about his horror and offbeat detective novels and how to get along with editors.

Wireside Chat Featuring Peter Stenson

In which Instructor Peter Stenson joins Wireside Chat to talk about commas, writing while parenting, the joys of teaching, and how he got an agent despite himself.

Wireside Chat Featuring Dr. Courtney Watson

In which Wireside Chat is joined by instructor Dr. Courtney Watson, an award-winning fiction writer and scholar of literary travel and tourism. Learn from Courtney how to combine your passions for travel and writing to become a globe-trotting frequent-flier!

Wireside Chat Featuring Special Guest Tiffany Trent

Wireside Chat welcomes Online MFA instructor Tiffany Trent! Tiffany is the author of eight dark YA fantasy novels, including the award-winning The Unnaturalists duology (Simon & Schuster/Saga) and the Hallowmere series (Wizards of the Coast/Mirrorstone). Join us as Tiffany shares her publishing journey from traditional to indie to launching her own small press!

Wireside Chat: Patricia Lillie

Hosts Melissa Hart and Paul Witcover welcome Online MFA instructor Patricia Lillie to this month's Wireside Chat! As Patricia Lillie, she writes quiet horror and weird fiction. Her story collection, “The Cuckoo Girls,” was a 2020 Bram Stoker Award® finalist. As Kay Charles, her much nicer alter-ego, she writes cozy-ish mysteries with ghosts. Join us as we discuss Patricia's writing journey, her "nicer alter-ego," and haunted houses and ghosts in literature and real life!

Wireside Chat: Jason Morgan

Join host Paul Witcover as Wireside Chat welcomes longtime MFA instructor Jason Morgan! Writing as J. Lloyd Morgan, he is the bestselling author of Going Down the Far Well and the fantasy trilogy The Bariwon Chronicles, among other novels. We'll discuss Jason's writing journey and the importance of theme in his work and in fiction generally.