In this episode, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emily Jane explore the lessons authors can take away from Taylor Swift's latest album, Tortured Poets Department. They dive into the emotional depth of the album and its connection to storytelling, discussing how Swift balances market demands with her personal creative expression. The conversation highlights the differences between traditional and indie publishing, emphasizing the freedom and flexibility indie authors enjoy.

Morgana and Emily also delve into the anthology format of the album and how it allows for a wide range of emotions, similar to crafting layered characters in novels. Literary references and Easter eggs are explored as tools for engaging readers and fans on a deeper level. They wrap up with a fun "Kiss, Marry, Kill" segment, where they analyze their favorite songs from the album.

Takeaways:

Tortured Poets Department offers valuable insights for authors on emotional depth and creative freedom.
Indie publishing allows for more personal expression compared to the traditional route.
The anthology format mirrors the diverse emotional journeys of characters in storytelling.
Balancing market expectations with personal voice is key for authors.
Swift's use of Easter eggs and literary references creates an interconnected universe for listeners and readers.
Crafting powerful narratives takes time, experience, and emotional authenticity.

Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Romancing Like Swift

00:10 Meet Your Hosts: Morgana and Emily

00:14 Taylor Swift's Influence on Authors

00:34 Processing Tortured Poets Department

00:50 Lessons from Tortured Poets Department

01:05 Introduction of Hosts and Their Backgrounds

03:57 The Impact of Folklore Era

04:55 Trad Publishing vs Indie Publishing

09:15 Taylor Swift's Evolution in Music

15:01 The Freedom of Indie Publishing

15:42 Connecting with Readers and Markets

16:11 Taylor Swift's Emotional Journey

19:00 The Craft of Songwriting and Storytelling

25:14 Relating to Taylor Swift's Music

28:06 Taylor Swift's Work Ethic and Reworking the Show

29:32 Easter Eggs and Song Connections

30:27 Literary References and Educating a Generation

33:13 Creating Universes in Music and Literature

41:26 Kiss, Marry, Kill: Song Choices

46:59 Episode 13: Special Mentions and Wrap-Up