What happens when a lawyer with a lifelong dream of writing finally decides to take the leap?
In this episode bestselling author Lida Sideris, creator of the Southern California mystery series, talks about overcoming self-doubt, finding the confidence to write, and building a successful author career one book at a time.
Lida shares her fascinating transition from entertainment law to fiction, how writing contests changed the course of her life, and why even six books into a successful mystery series, that little voice of doubt still shows up.
This episode is packed with encouragement and practical advice for writers, especially those who waited years to begin.
In this episode, we discuss:
✍️ How Lida transitioned from law to fiction writing
🎬 Why working in entertainment surrounded her with the creatives she admired
🏆 How winning a writers conference scholarship gave her the confidence to believe in her writing
📚 Why her first manuscript wasn’t ready—and what rejection taught her
🔄 The power of rewriting—again and again
🕵️ Creating a mystery series with recurring characters readers love
💡 The surprising comfort of writing familiar characters in a long-running series
📖 Moving from one publisher to another while continuing the same series
🧒 Writing outside her genre, including a children’s picture book inspired by her son’s stuffed Dalmatian
🎤 Teaching authors how to become their own publicists
📣 Why even traditionally published authors must market their own books
🤖 Smart ways authors use AI for book marketing, especially back cover copy and promotional materials
🎭 Creative promotion ideas like dramatic book readings
🎧 Why reading your work aloud improves your writing
😬 Marketing tips for introverted authors
📍 Why local libraries, festivals, and book fairs are ideal starting points for promotion
Key Takeaways
Confidence often comes after you start
Lida spent years wanting to write but doubted herself.
After she entered a writing contest and won a scholarship she realized everyone else believed in her talent before she did.
Lesson: Don’t wait until you feel ready.
Rejection is part of the process
One agent told Lida:
“The only thing I liked about your book was the title.”
Ouch.
But instead of quitting, she rewrote the manuscript, improved it, entered another contest, and ultimately got published.
Series writing creates a special relationship
Writing multiple books with the same protagonist offers:
- familiarity
- continuity
- creative freedom within a trusted world
Lida describes returning to her recurring characters almost like reconnecting with old friends.
Traditional publishing doesn’t mean hands-off marketing
Publishers may help with:
- review outreach
- NetGalley
- Goodreads giveaways
But beyond that?
Much of the marketing falls on the author.
Practical Advice for Writers
1. Finish the book
Lida’s advice is simple and powerful:
Write from beginning to end.
Ignore the inner critic until the draft exists.
2. Read your work aloud
Hearing your words spoken reveals:
- awkward phrasing
- pacing problems
- unnecessary exposition
- weak dialog
A fantastic editing tool.
3. Start marketing small
If promotion feels intimidating:
Try:
- local library author events
- small book signings
- community festivals
- group booths at book fairs
You don’t have to jump straight into keynote speaking.
4. AI is only the assistant, not the author
Lida shares thoughtful insights about AI as a tool for:
- back cover copy
- promotional descriptions
- brainstorming marketing language
But she emphasizes:
Your authentic voice still matters.
5. Think creatively about book promotion
Some of Lida’s outside-the-box ideas include:
🎭 Dramatic readings with fellow authors
🍷 Book events in unexpected venues
🎪 Festival appearances
📚 Anthology participation
Readers remember experiences.
A Writer’s Journey Worth Hearing
Lida’s story is especially inspiring for writers who:
- started late
- struggle with confidence
- worry they’ve “missed their chance”
- feel overwhelmed by publishing or marketing
Her message?
Start anyway.
About Lida Sideris
Lida Sideris is the author of the Southern California mystery series featuring a witty, sharp amateur sleuth navigating danger, intrigue, and plenty of entertaining trouble. A former attorney in the entertainment industry, Lida brings humor, insider perspective, and sharp plotting to her mysteries. She also writes short fiction and children’s books. She’ll teach her workshop Be Your Own Best Publicist with Melinda Palacio at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference.
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