Writers, Ink: The Business of Writing

Q&A Episode – November 2021

In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

Join us on Patreon and ask your question LIVE on the podcast!

https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast

Questions asked:

• I’ve been writing some short stories lately as a way to sharpen my skills with story structures. I’m thinking some of them might work well as full-length novels. I like that the short story provides a solid outline to develop a longer character in a more involved plot line. My question for you is, have you ever taken a short story and expanded it into a novel? And what was your experience?
• How do you weigh administrative costs vs potential returns? You are each building things outside of just writing books (Zach just started a Discord, J’s doing NFTs, and JD is has real estate investments). Knowing that with each of these things there is a cost of time and effort, how do you decide if something is worth it? Also, how do you think about the term limit on that investment (discord groups or NFTs could potentially go on forever)? Does that weigh into your decision-making?
• Hey J, Zach, and JD… how do you view the holiday season–a time to get away from writing, or a time to double-down when everyone else is busy?
• When should you start shopping for a book cover-before, in the middle, or after you’re finished writing your manuscript?
• What are your go-to’s for podcasts and blogs?
• Perhaps you could each answer this. Ignore cover, blurb, title, marketing etc. What one writing skill would you like to improve for your own writing, and how could you gain that skill?

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Finding Co-Writing Chemistry with Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller

Bestsellers Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller know the importance of good co-writing chemistry. In their award-winning thriller series, Red Hotel, Gary combines his knowledge of the entertainment industry with Ed’s captivating true stories to create novels that feel fascinatingly real. Gary has worked with popular media for many years and has produced for over 27 cable networks, while Ed served as president of Marriott for several decades and served as a captain in the U.S. army. To order their latest novel, Red Deception, follow the link below.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Gary met Ed
• The specifics of their collaboration process
• Why you should utilize real stories in your writing
• How to handle disagreements with your co-writer
• The fiction writing process vs. the nonfiction writing process

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Gary Grossman – https://www.garygrossman.com/

Ed Fuller – https://edwinfuller.com/

Red Deception – https://mybook.to/RedDeception

Written Word Media 2021 Survey – https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/the-state-of-indie-authorship-in-2021/ 

Creatokia – https://www.creatokia.com/en 

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Led Zeppelin: The Biography with NYT Bestseller Bob Spitz

In his latest book, Led Zeppelin: The Biography, legendary biographer and journalist Bob Spitz documents the secret life of one of rock and roll’s biggest bands. Through his excellent use of storytelling combined with credibly sourced information, he’s able to write nonfiction that’s both gripping and true. Bob is a bestselling author well known for retelling the lives of many popular figures, including Ronald Reagan and The Beatles. To order Led Zeppelin: The Biography, follow the link below.

From BobSpitz.com:

Bob Spitz is the award-winning author of the biographies Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child and The Beatles, both New York Times bestsellers, as well as six other nonfiction books and a screenplay. He has represented Bruce Springsteen and Elton John in several capacities. His articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What it’s like touring with Bruce Springsteen and Elton John
• The importance of drawing your own conclusions
• The process of writing a biography
• Why main characters are the most unreliable narrators
• The importance of correct, transparent sourcing

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Bob Spitz – https://bobspitz.com/

Led Zeppelin: The Biography – https://mybook.to/LedZeppelinBio

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Special Episode: WOOL Update with NYT Bestseller Hugh Howey

Join returning guest Hugh Howey in this special episode as he shares an update on the WOOL adaptation from bestselling serial to streaming sensation.

Hugh is a NYT bestselling author who has published his work in over 40 countries and has won critical acclaim for his three serialized works: Wool, Silo, and Sand. For news on the Wool show, visit Hugh’s website using the link below.

From Amazon.com:

Hugh Howey is the author of the award-winning Molly Fyde saga and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling WOOL series. The WOOL OMNIBUS won Kindle Book Review’s 2012 Indie Book of the Year Award — it has been as high as #1 on Amazon — and 40 countries have picked up the work for translation. Ridley Scott and Steve Zaillian are adapting the work for 20th Century Fox.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Hugh Howey – https://hughhowey.com/

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet with NYT Editor Pamela Paul

In her latest book, 100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet, Pamela Paul urges her readers to take a step back and contemplate just how much the internet has shaped society. From its influence on the very basis of social interaction to the way authors think about and write stories, she seeks to capture all the ways new tech has changed our world and “memorialize the very recent past”. Pamela is the editor of The New York Times Book Review, host of the Book Review podcast, and has written seven books in her free time. To order 100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet, follow the link below.

From Amazon.com:

Pamela Paul is the editor of The New York Times Book Review, which she joined as the children’s books editor in 2011, and oversees books coverage at The New York Times, where she hosts the weekly Book Review podcast. She is the author of seven books: ” The Starter Marriage and the Future of Matrimony” was named one of the best books of 2002 by The Washington Post; her second book, “Pornified,” was named one of the best books of 2005 by The San Francisco Chronicle. She is also the author of “Parenting, Inc.”, “By the Book: Writers on Literature and the Literary Life from The New York Times Book Review,” “My Life with Bob: Flawed Heroine Keeps Book of Books, Plot Ensues” and most recently, “How to Raise a Reader,” co-written with Maria Russo. Her first picture book for children, “Rectangle Time,” came out in February 2021.Paul’s next book, “100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet,” will be published by Crown on October 26th, 2021 (and can be preordered now!). Paul has been a contributor to Time magazine and The Economist, and a columnist for The New York Times Sunday Styles section and Worth magazine. Her work has also appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times Magazine, The Economist, Vogue, and other publications.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why J likes interviewing other podcasters
• COVID-19’s effect on the writing process
• How to switch from op-eds to traditional book writing
• How to deal with writer’s block
• How to write while commuting

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Creator Dad Podcast – http://creatordad.life/

Pamela Paul – https://www.pamelapaul.com/

100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet – https://mybook.to/100Things

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Facing Your Challenges with NYT Bestseller Andrew Child

Andrew Child never backs down from a challenge. Whether it’s leaving a stable corporate job to pursue a writing career or picking up the reins of his brother’s legendary Jack Reacher series, his willingness to take risks and put himself out there have helped him become the successful writer he is today. Child has been writing full-time since 2008 and is most known for his David Trevellyan and Paul McGrath series. His latest release, Better Off Dead, is available below.

From Amazon.com:

Andrew Grant was born in Birmingham, England in May 1968. He went to school in St Albans, Hertfordshire and later attended the University of Sheffield where he studied English Literature and Drama. After graduation Andrew set up and ran a small independent theatre company which showcased a range of original material to local, regional and national audiences. Following a critically successful but financially challenging appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Andrew moved into the telecommunications industry as a ‘temporary’ solution to a short-term cash crisis. Fifteen years later, after carrying out a variety of roles including several which were covered by the UK’s Official Secrets Act, Andrew became the victim / beneficiary of a widespread redundancy programme. Freed once again from the straight jacket of corporate life, he took the opportunity to answer the question, what if … ?

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to co-write with your brother
• When to pursue an agent vs. self-publish
• Why to market a persona during conferences and events
• The benefits of a pen name
• Why remote teamwork can be effective

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Andrew Child – https://andrewgrantbooks.com/

Better Off Dead – https://mybook.to/BetterOff

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Q&A Episode – October 2021

In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

Join us on Patreon and ask your question LIVE on the podcast!

https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast

Questions asked:

• Hey guys, this is Rebekah Bryan, or Bek. My question is, what are different considerations, if any, for writing, publishing, and marketing nonfiction compared to fiction? And do you have any tips for someone who is looking to dabble in nonfiction? Thanks!
• How would each of you describe “show, don’t tell?”
• Besides writing, what would you recommend to do to grow in the craft when in person events are not feasible?
• What are each of you going to dress up as for Halloween?
• Do you think Tolkein would be able to get Lord of the Rings (not The Hobbit) accepted for traditional publication today? Why?
• How would you go about inventing a religion for a fantasy/horror story? Where would you start?
• I’m curious what Stephen King collection JD asks his mentees to read, and what questions are on the character sheet he uses before he starts writing a character.
• With J. recently finishing Save the Cat Writes a Novel, I’m wondering how each of you use it when you’re writing fiction.
• What % of fiction books do you think are bought and never read? I ask this because I often buy a book based on a logline alone but never get around to reading it. It is something you never hear writers talk about and shows the value of a great logline.

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Finishing What You Start with MJ Preston

MJ Preston knows the importance of returning to unfinished work. After sitting with a manuscript for over two decades, he made the decision to revise and release it as The Equinox in 2011. Little did he know, the novel would reach the quarterfinals of Amazon’s Breakthrough Awards and win critical acclaim from various authors, even being compared to the likes of Stephen King. MJ has released ten novels and also pursues art in his free time. His latest publication, Four is available below.

From Amazon.com:

To my neighbors, I am a quiet and assuming guy who works blue-collar. What they don’t know is that I also write dark speculative fiction. My work has been printed all over the world. I have four novels on the market and a fifth and sixth in production. My short fiction is available with numerous pubs, including magazines and anthologies. I have my own writing style but would say I was influenced by authors like Robert R. McCammon, Joe R. Lansdale, and John Sandford.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The power of word-of-mouth
• Why the scariest monsters are real ones
• How to write yourself into your story
• How to write with a day job
• How music inspires writing

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

MJ Preston – https://www.amazon.com/MJ-Preston/e/B005JTQMZY?ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vu00_tkin_p1_i0

Four – https://mybook.to/FourMJ

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

I Am Not Who You Think I Am with NYT Bestseller Eric Rickstad

One secret. Eight cryptic words. Lifetimes of ruin. In his latest novel, I Am Not Who You Think I Am, Eric Rickstad uses vivid personal memories and intentionally constructed settings to create a gripping thriller tale. Rickstad is a NYT and international bestseller well known for his Canaan series, which includes stories like The Names of Dead Girls and Lie in Wait. To order I Am Not Who You Think I Am, follow the link below.

From Amazon.com:

Eric Rickstad is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Canaan Crime Series novels, which includes THE NAMES OF DEAD GIRLS, THE SILENT GIRLS, and LIE IN WAIT. These dark, psychological page-turners with a dash of the Gothic are set in remote, northern Vermont, and have been heralded as masterful, disturbing, profound and heartbreaking. Rickstad’s first novel, REAP, was a New York Times Noteworthy Novel. His latest novel WHAT REMAINS OF HER will be published July 24, 2018. Rickstad lives in Vermont with his wife, son, and daughter, and writes all his first drafts with a pencil in notebooks, often outside in the Vermont woods.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why Eric doesn’t outline
• How to employ personal memories in writing
• Why to draft on paper
• Why setting is character
• How to find a good agent

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Eric Rickstad – https://rickstad.com/

I Am Not Who You Think I Am – https://mybook.to/IAmNotWho

Story Origin beta read program – https://storyoriginapp.com/blog/how-to-find-beta-readers-and-collect-feedback 

Top of the Horror charts – https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/entertainment/whats-on/3515883/aberdeen-authors-new-collection-of-horror-stories-vies-with-stephen-king-at-top-of-book-chart/ 

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Necessary Sacrifices with #1 NY Times bestseller, Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks has become one of the most prolific and successful authors of our generation. Beginning with The Notebook, Sparks has had multiple New York Times Bestsellers and countless film adaptations. He has generated legions of adoring fans who delight in his version of the modern love story, which he discusses in this bonus episode of Writers, Ink.

From Amazon.com:

Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 105 million copies sold worldwide, in more than 50 languages, including over 75 million copies in the United States alone.

Sparks wrote one of his best-known stories, The Notebook, over a period of six months at age 28. It was published in 1996 and he followed with the novels Message in a Bottle (1998), A Walk to Remember (1999), The Rescue (2000), A Bend in the Road (2001), Nights in Rodanthe (2002), The Guardian (2003), The Wedding (2003), True Believer (2005) and its sequel, At First Sight (2005), Dear John (2006), The Choice (2007), The Lucky One (2008), The Last Song (2009), Safe Haven (2010), The Best of Me (2011), The Longest Ride (2013), See Me (2015), Two by Two (2016), Every Breath (2018) and The Return (2020) as well as the 2004 non-fiction memoir Three Weeks With My Brother, co-written with his brother Micah. His twenty-second novel, The Wish, was published on September 28, 2021.

Film adaptations of Nicholas Sparks novels, including The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven (on all of which he served as a producer), The Lucky One, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John and The Last Song, have had a cumulative worldwide gross of over three-quarters of a billion dollars. The Notebook is also being adapted into a musical, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.

Sparks lives in North Carolina. He contributes to a variety of local and national charities, and is a major contributor to the Creative Writing Program (MFA) at the University of Notre Dame, where he provides scholarships, internships, and a fellowship annually. He co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina in 2006. As a former full scholarship athlete (he still holds a track and field record at the University of Notre Dame) he also spent four years coaching track and field athletes at the local public high school. In 2009, the team he coached at New Bern High School set a World Junior Indoor Record in the 4×400 meter, in New York. The record still stands.

The Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to improving cultural and international understanding through global education experiences for students of all ages was launched in 2011. Between the foundation, and the personal gifts of the Sparks family, more than $15 million dollars have been distributed to deserving charities, scholarship programs, and projects. Because the Sparks family covers all operational expenses of the foundation, 100% of donations are devoted to programs.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Nicholas Sparks – https://nicholassparks.com/

The Wish – https://books2read.com/u/mgEnLX

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

How to Dictate a Novel with Kevin J Anderson

Writing icon Kevin J Anderson creates his stories through a unique medium: dictation. By drafting through dictation instead of typing, he both produces ideas naturally without the stress of grammatically picking apart each sentence and easily comes up with casual, believable dialogue. Anderson has been in the writing industry for over thirty years and has written with all kinds of artistic legends, from Brian Herbert to Rush’s Neil Peart. To order Dune: The Lady of Caladan, his latest release, follow the link below.

From Amazon.com:

I have written more than 165 books, including 56 national or international bestsellers. I have over 23 million books in print worldwide in thirty languages. I’ve been nominated for the Nebula Award, Hugo Award, Bram Stoker Award, Shamus Award, and Silver Falchion Award, and I’ve won the SFX Readers’ Choice Award, Golden Duck Award, Scribe Award, and New York Times Notable Book; in 2012 at San Diego Comic Con I received the Faust Grand Master Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Kevin befriended Neil Peart
• Why to dictate your dialogue
• How to outline your dictation
• Why “stealing” ideas can be helpful
• The importance of a writing community

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Kevin J Anderson – https://www.wordfire.com/

Dune: The Lady of Caladan – https://mybook.to/Caladan

The Relaxed Author (Books For Writers Book 13) Kindle Edition by Joanna Penn  (Author), Mark Leslie Lefebvre – https://books2read.com/u/4jo7Xv 

J.’s NFT Experiment – https://theauthorlife.com/sharing-royalties-with-readers-everyone-wins/

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

100th Episode Special: Q&A – September 2021

In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

Join us on Patreon and ask your question LIVE on the podcast!

https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Understanding the Collaborative Process with NYT Bestsellers Jon and Jesse Kellerman

Father-and-son team Jon and Jesse Kellerman know a few things about the collaborative writing process. By discussing story ideas months in advance, creating long, detailed outlines, and regularly scheduling time to meet in-person or on Zoom, the two are able to work together to masterfully craft stories. The Kellermans are both bestselling authors who have been in the industry for many years. Jon is well-known for writing novels like Double Homicide and Capital Crimes with his wife, bestseller Faye Kellerman, and Jesse is well-known for working with his father on the Clay Edison series. To order The Burning, their latest release, follow the link below.

From Amazon.com:

Jonathan Kellerman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than three dozen bestselling crime novels, including the Alex Delaware series, The Butcher’s Theater, Billy Straight, The Conspiracy Club, Twisted, True Detectives, and The Murderer’s Daughter. With his wife, bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman, he co-authored Double Homicide and Capital Crimes. With his son, bestselling novelist Jesse Kellerman, he co-authored The Golem of Hollywood and The Golem of Paris. He is also the author of two children’s books and numerous nonfiction works, including Savage Spawn: Reflections on Violent Children and With Strings Attached: The Art and Beauty of Vintage Guitars. He has won the Goldwyn, Edgar, and Anthony awards and has been nominated for a Shamus Award. Jonathan and Faye Kellerman live in California, New Mexico, and New York.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What Jon and Jesse talk about at Thanksgiving
• When to put your characters in dire situations
• How to circumvent writer’s block
• The importance of writing every day
• How physical, non-verbal creative pursuits affect your writing

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Jon Kellerman – https://jonathankellerman.com

Jesse Kellerman – https://www.jessekellerman.com/

The Burning – https://mybook.to/TheBurning

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Adapting Wool for TV with NYT Bestseller Hugh Howey

Join returning guest Hugh Howey as he talks about the complex, multifaceted process of having his bestselling sci-fi novel, Wool, adapted for TV and addresses the concerns and realizations he’s had along the way. Hugh is a NYT bestselling author who has published his work in over 40 countries and has won critical acclaim for his three serialized works: Wool, Silo, and Sand. For news on the Wool show, visit Hugh’s website using the link below.

From Amazon.com:

Hugh Howey is the author of the award-winning Molly Fyde saga and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling WOOL series. The WOOL OMNIBUS won Kindle Book Review’s 2012 Indie Book of the Year Award — it has been as high as #1 on Amazon — and 40 countries have picked up the work for translation. Ridley Scott and Steve Zaillian are adapting the work for 20th Century Fox.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to manage expectations for adaptations
• The importance of humbling yourself as an author
• Why we reward pessimistic thinking
• How to deal with imposter syndrome
• Why creativity can be mechanical

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Hugh Howey – https://hughhowey.com/

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Blending the Lines of Genre with Joyce Carol Oates

Legendary writer Joyce Carol Oates is a master of blending the lines of genre. In her most recent anthology, Night Neon, she employs eerily multidimensional characters, elements of hallucination and memory loss, and a unique blend of literary and genre fiction to develop gripping, unsuspecting horror stories. Oates, a staple in the writing industry, released her first short story, Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been? in 1966 and has since published over 70 books and received multiple Pulitzer nominations. To order Night Neon and Breathe, her latest release, follow the link below.

From Amazon.com:

Joyce Carol Oates is the author of more than 70 books, including novels, short story collections, poetry volumes, plays, essays, and criticism, including the national bestsellers We Were the Mulvaneys and Blonde. Among her many honors are the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction and the National Book Award. Oates is the Roger S. Berlind Distinguished Professor of the Humanities at Princeton University, and has been a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters since 1978.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to create multidimensional characters
• The difference between literary fiction and genre fiction
• What makes a ghost
• How physical activity influences creativity
• The benefits of outlining on paper

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Joyce Carol Oates – https://twitter.com/JoyceCarolOates?s=20

Night Neon – https://mybook.to/NightNeon

Breathe – https://mybook.to/BreatheNovel

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Q&A Episode – August 2021

In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

Join us on Patreon and ask your question LIVE on the podcast!

https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast

Questions asked:

• Will malevolent construction workers who infiltrate homes and never leave be incorporated into JD’s next horror novel?
• JD… have you considered approaching HGTV about your own show?
• How do you protect your work legally?
• Where can you find beta readers?
• J, re:  your short story experiment, do you stockpile concepts or write whatever strikes you when you sit down to write that week’s story?
• Zach… if someone only has a half day of extra time when they attend the Career Author Summit in September, what are a few Nashville must-do’s?
• What do you think improves the chance of a novel being film optioned? Ignore author name, sales and marketing.

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Adapting Stephen King for Television with Peter and Jason Filardi

Adapted from Stephen King’s “Jerusalem’s Lot”, Chapelwaite is a true gothic horror tale. Throughout the television series, the Filardi brothers use elements of slow-burning suspense, specific dialogue choices, and world-changing decisions to bring Captain Charles Boone and the strange town of Preacher’s Corners, Maine to life. Peter and Jason Filardi are both accomplished screenwriters who’ve worked on the likes of Bringing Down the House, 17 Again, The Craft, and more. To catch season one of Chapelwaite, follow the link below.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to adapt stories for different mediums
• How to co-write remotely
• Why not to be too precious with an idea
• How to raise suspense past the limit
• The behind-the-scenes of screenwriting

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Peter Filardi – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0276823/

Jason Filardi – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0276821/

Chapelwaite – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11525188/

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Chasing the Boogeyman with NYT Bestseller Richard Chizmar

A thrilling blend of fiction, true crime, and memoir– in his latest novel, Chasing the Boogeyman, NYT bestseller Richard Chizmar utilizes real childhood memories, urban legends, and cleverly constructed add-ons and external media to craft a story so intense and believable it has readers thinking the crimes legitimately took place. Richard has been published in over fifteen languages and is well known for cowriting Gwendy’s Button Box with Stephen King and for his iconic magazine, Cemetery Dance. To preorder Chasing the Boogeyman, which releases tomorrow, follow the link below.

From Amazon.com:

Richard Chizmar is the author of Gwendy’s Button Box (with Stephen King) and A Long December, which was nominated for numerous awards. His fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, including Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and multiple editions of The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories. He has won two World Fantasy awards, four International Horror Guild awards, and the HWA’s Board of Trustee’s award. His third short story collection, A Long December, was recently published to starred reviews in both Kirkus and Booklist, and was featured in Entertainment Weekly. Chizmar’s work has been translated into many languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, guest speaker, panelist, and guest of honor. Please visit the author’s website at RichardChizmar.com.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why Rich chose to blend fiction with reality
• How much of Chasing the Boogeyman is actually true
• His approach to writing a uniquely structured novel
• Why he chose to include photographs and other media
• Why modern childhoods are “less crazy”

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

J.’s Vella project – https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/product/B0994PXSP1 

Richard Chizmar – https://richardchizmar.com/

Chasing the Boogeyman – https://mybook.to/Boogeyman

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

The Career Author Summit 2021 – https://thecareerauthor.com/summit2021/ 

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Ditching Your Comfort Zone with NYT Bestseller Chuck Wendig

Whether he’s releasing a new book or a new blog post, bestseller Chuck Wendig pushes himself to “just do it.” By drafting each story using a different, unorthodox outlining process or resisting the urge to drop a current project to pursue a new one, he seeks to deviate away from what is most comfortable in favor of producing his best work. Chuck has been in the industry for over two decades and is well known for his blog “Terribleminds” and for massively popular releases like Wanderers. His latest publication, The Book of Accidents, is available now.

From Amazon.com:

Chuck Wendig is the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Aftermath, as well as the Miriam Black thrillers, the Atlanta Burns books, and the Heartland YA series, alongside other works across comics, games, film, and more. A finalist for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer and the cowriter of the Emmy-nominated digital narrative Collapsus, he is also known for his popular blog, terribleminds.com, and his books about writing. He lives in Pennsylvania with his family.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why Chuck killed Paul Tremblay
• How to generate framing aspects
• The importance of finishing what you start
• Why self publishing is a lot of work
• The power struggle between publishers and Amazon

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

LAST DAY FOR TICKETS IS AUGUST 15! The Career Author Summit 2021 – https://thecareerauthor.com/summit2021/ 

Chuck Wendig – https://terribleminds.com/ramble/

The Book of Accidents – https://mybook.to/BookOfAccidents

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Navigating Difficult Topics in Writing with NYT Bestseller Karin Slaughter

A tale of two sisters rediscovering a troubled past– in her latest novel, False Witness, international bestseller Karin Slaughter uses the real complexities of childhood trauma to develop rounder, more interesting characters while paying special attention to the accurate representation of traumatized individuals so that the story feels realistic and relatable. A bestseller of over 35 million copies in 120 countries, Slaughter is one of the best writers in the thriller genre and is known for captivating tales like Pretty Girls and The Good Daughter. To order False Witness, follow the link below.

From Amazon.com:

Karin Slaughter is one of the world’s most popular and acclaimed storytellers. Published in 120 countries with more than 35 million copies sold across the globe, her 21 novels include the Grant County and Will Trent books, as well as the Edgar-nominated COP TOWN and the instant NYT bestselling stand-alone novels PRETTY GIRLS, THE GOOD DAUGHTER, and PIECES OF HER. Slaughter is the founder of the Save the Libraries project–a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. A native of Georgia, she lives in Atlanta. Her stand-alone novel PIECES OF HER is in development with Netflix, starring Toni Collette, and the Grant County and Will Trent series are in development for television.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Karin’s Save the Libraries Project
• How to humanize “troubled” characters
• When to write authentically but mindfully
• How to fit writing into a work schedule
• The role of hardship in art

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

J.’s Vella project – https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/product/B0994PXSP1 

Karin Slaughter – https://www.karinslaughter.com/

Save the Libraries – http://www.savethelibraries.com/

False Witness – https://mybook.to/FalseWitness

Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com  

Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com  

The Career Author Summit 2021 – https://thecareerauthor.com/summit2021/ 

Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/

Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep 

Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com

Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ 

*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.