This week, we’re exploring what happens when creativity meets critique. My guest is Ashlyn Harmon — a talented romance author and a professional editor. Two roles that sound like natural allies, but sometimes end up in a quiet tug-of-war.

We’ll talk about how Ashlyn balances those sides of her brain — the writer who wants to let the story flow, and the editor who’s always ready with the red pen. How do those perspectives help or hinder each other? And when do you know which hat to wear?

Follow Ashlyn on her website (https://ashlynharmon.com) or instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ashwritesromance/)

Follow Unwritten Paths here: https://linktr.ee/unwrittenpaths

Music/podcast theme song by Yurii Semchyshyn

Welcome to the new and improved Unwritten Paths, where today we’re deploying some serious storytelling strategy. My guest is author Nick Nethery, who brings his military background into fiction with precision, honesty, and a healthy respect for what’s still classified. We’ll talk about building believable teams, writing from real relationships, and why research doesn’t stop just because you already know the terrain. Consider this your briefing on authentic military storytelling—no clearance required.

Follow Nick Nethery on his website: https://www.nicknethery.com/ or his substack: https://nicknethery.substack.com/

Follow Unwritten Paths here: https://linktr.ee/unwrittenpaths

Music/podcast theme song by Yurii Semchyshyn

Today’s guest is Maria Shield, a romance author from Omaha who’s bringing Greek mythology into the modern age. She blends timeless myths with heartfelt romance, creating stories that feel both ancient and new. We’re talking about what makes mythology retellings so compelling—why they matter, how they connect with readers today, and what draws her personally to these legendary tales.

Maria talks about the draw of Greek mythology retelling; combating and rewriting the misogynist aspect of Greek mythology; choosing the right character to focus on; adding happy endings to what is normally a tragedy; and her answers to some reader habits including one dicey item she admits to researching for one of her books.

Find Maria online at her website: https://www.mariashieldauthor.com/ or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariashield.author.

Find ALL the ways to follow Unwritten Paths in my linktree: https://linktr.ee/unwrittenpaths

Music/podcast theme song by Yurii Semchyshyn

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