Writers, Ink: The Business of Writing

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.

Q&A Episode – July 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 know J. has tried doing a dialogue only first draft, and I’d love to know what you think now. Will this be part of your normal process going forward? I’m trying it myself now, after a conversation with Jeff Elkins. I can definitely

• Here’s a question that J. gets to ask everyone else, and I’m going to ask you…where do you see the publishing landscape in 5 years?
• I’m struggling to find my voice for my newsletter. Any advice or will it just take practice and trial and error?
• Do you think it’s worth the effort to create free stories to offer readers, especially prospective readers, as a marketing strategy? I don’t mean just a reader magnet, but stories offered in addition to that.
• What do each of you think are 3 necessary elements of a bestseller (100K+ sales) ignoring author name, sales and marketing. They could be 3 things that stood out for you from a bestseller you have read, or 3 things you suggest one might try to include in a novel.
• What’s the best piece of advice you have received or given in regards to writing?
• What are your recommendations for getting started in ghostwriting fiction?
• If you break it down in a rough estimate: How much of your working time on any day do you spend on writing versus publishing (incl. marketing, preparing the book pages on the platforms and such)? And what’s the first thing you’d outsource?
• When do you read? Or an expanded question: How does your typical day look like regarding Writing, Business, Reading?

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

The Serial Fiction Show Podcast – https://www.serialfictionshow.com/ 

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.

Simplicity Is Key with NYT Bestseller Riley Sager

A girl, a killer, a car– the premise for bestseller Riley Sager’s latest novel, Survive the Night, feels dauntingly simple, but by focusing on solid character development and intense dialogue while omitting needless setting changes and extra characters, he allows the simple brilliance of the story’s concept to shine through. Riley, a returning guest on the podcast, is the international bestseller of Final Girls and is known for other bestselling novels like The Last Time I Lied and Lock Every Door. To purchase Survive the Night, follow the link below.

From Amazon.com:

Riley Sager is the pseudonym of a former journalist, editor and graphic designer. Now a full-time author, Riley’s first thriller, FINAL GIRLS, became a national and international bestseller that’s been translated into more than 25 languages. His subsequent novels, THE LAST TIME I LIED, LOCK EVERY DOOR and HOME BEFORE DARK, were instant New York Times bestsellers. His newest thriller, SURVIVE THE NIGHT, will be released in June. A native of Pennsylvania, Riley now lives in Princeton, New Jersey. When he’s not working on his next novel, he enjoys reading, cooking and going to the movies as much as possible. His favorite film is “Rear Window.” Or maybe “Jaws.” But probably, if he’s being honest, “Mary Poppins.”

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 cons of using too much nostalgia
• Why different mediums impact the feel of a story
• How to pace yourself when writing
• How to keep your readers off balance
• The importance of a good title

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 

Riley Sager – https://www.rileysagerbooks.com/

Survive the Night – https://mybook.to/SurviveTheNight

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.

Writing Comedic Horror with NYT Bestseller Grady Hendrix

NYT Bestseller Grady Hendrix is a master of voicing his comedic ideas in an unexpected genre: horror. By focusing on timing and relevancy and making sure to meticulously revise, he’s able to write jokes that are appropriately placed and contribute to the feel of the story instead of subtracting from it. Hendrix is best known for Horrorstör, a thrilling haunted house story which is currently being produced for the big screen. His newest novel, The Final Girl Support Group, releases tomorrow.

From Amazon.com:

New York Times bestselling author Grady Hendrix makes up lies and sells them to people. His novels include HORRORSTÖR about a haunted IKEA, MY BEST FRIEND’S EXORCISM, which is basically “Beaches” meets “The Exorcist”, WE SOLD OUR SOULS, a heavy metal horror epic, THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB’S GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES, and THE FINAL GIRL SUPPORT GROUP, coming on July 13, 2021. He’s also the author of PAPERBACKS FROM HELL, an award-winning history of the horror paperback boom of the Seventies and Eighties. He wrote the screenplay for, MOHAWK, a horror flick about the War of 1812, and SATANIC PANIC about a pizza delivery woman fighting rich Satanists. You can discover more ridiculous facts about him at www.gradyhendrix.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 it’s ok to have a fluid writing process
• Why to explore writing short stories
• Approaches to writing in stigmatized genres
• How Grady transitioned from journalism to fiction
• The importance of accepting criticism

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Grady Hendrix – http://www.gradyhendrix.com/

The Final Girl Support Group – https://mybook.to/FinalGirl

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.

Overcoming Rejection with Bestseller T.J. Newman

Bestseller T.J. Newman has proven that you can write in any situation given enough dedication. Not only did she write her debut novel, Falling, on a notepad while working long hours as a flight attendant, but also pushed through over forty rejections before landing a publishing deal. Falling, Newman’s first and only novel about a perilous mid-flight decision, has won critical acclaim from the likes of James Patterson and Lee Child for its suspense and original plot. To order Falling, which hits shelves tomorrow, follow the link below.

From Amazon.com:

T.J. Newman, a former bookseller turned flight attendant, worked for Virgin America and Alaska Airlines from 2011 to 2021. She wrote much of Falling on cross-country red-eye flights while her passengers were asleep. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

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 drink J would order on a plane
• How to write during a flight
• The importance of story beats
• How to title your book
• T.J.’s unique pre-writing process

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

T.J. Newman – https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/T-J-Newman/181729548

Falling – https://mybook.to/FallingBook

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.

Q&A Episode – June 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 know J. has tried doing a dialogue only first draft, and I’d love to know what you think now. Will this be part of your normal process going forward? I’m trying it myself now, after a conversation with Jeff Elkins. I can definitely see the benefit, but it’s taking me a lot longer. Any tips to share? Thank you!
• I will be releasing the final book in a trilogy soon, and I’m thinking about whether to start some paid advertising. I’d start with services like BookBub or The Fussy Librarian to test the waters. Since the trilogy will be complete and I can get read-through, is this a good idea? Or should I wait until I have a few more books out? Thanks!
• What aspect of the writing process have you recently changed or tweaked?
• My question is about chapters/episodes in serialized fiction. I have a space opera trilogy almost ready to go and have decided to release it in a serialized version first as an experiment (on Substack instead of Vella because I’m Canadian). Is a chapter a chapter regardless of how it’s released? Or should I reconsider the arc of my chapters for each format?
• What’s the best way to get started offering author services?
• Where might you be able to cut corners on editing?
• What writing achievement would you like to be remembered for?

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  

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.

Finding a Writing Workshop with Bestseller Jasmin Darznik

Bestseller Jasmin Darznik knows there are few things more important to an author than finding the right group of people to bounce ideas off of. Especially for newer writers, finding a good writing workshop is one of the quickest and most productive ways to uncover self confidence, improve story structure, and build a strong, supportive writing community. Jasmin has been a published author for over a decade and is well known for her bestselling debut novel, Song of a Captive Bird, which explores the life of iconic Iranian poet Forugh Farrokhzad. Her latest publication, The Bohemians, is available below.

From Amazon.com:

Jasmin Darznik is the author of The Bohemians (April 2021), a novel set in 1920s San Francisco. Her debut novel, Song of a Captive Bird, was a Los Angeles Times bestseller and a New York Times Book Review “Editors’ Choice” book. Darznik is also the author of the New York Times bestseller The Good Daughter: A Memoir of My Mother’s Hidden Life. Her books have been published in seventeen countries and her essays have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times, among others. She holds an MFA in fiction from Bennington College and a Ph.D. in English from Princeton University. Now a professor of English and creative writing at California College of the Arts, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her 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:

• What Oprah’s magazine said about The Bohemians
• How to conduct research when writing historical fiction
• Why writers are first-class noticers
• Why to forget about word count
• How to balance writing for yourself with writing for your audience

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Jasmin Darznik – https://jasmindarznik.com/

The Bohemians: A Novel – https://mybook.to/TheBohemians

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_on_the_Corner_of_Bitter_and_Sweet

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.

Writers, Ink Podcast: Episode 85 – Talking About Bill Clinton and The President’s Daughter with #1 NY Times bestseller, James Patterson

All-time great James Patterson knows how to make readers stop and think about what he’s put on the page. Whether he’s writing with former president Bill Clinton or JD, he uses personal experiences, relatable conflicts, and characters who are misunderstood or overlooked to turn ideas into stories that excite and challenge perspectives. Patterson is the bestselling author with 147 published novels, 114 of which made the New York Times bestsellers list, and he holds the Guinness World Record for most #1 New York Times bestsellers. His classic thriller, Along Came a Spider, inspired twenty-five sequels and a film adaptation starring Morgan Freeman. James also runs The Patterson Family Foundation and the James Patterson Teacher Education Scholarships. The Noise, which he co-wrote with JD, is available for preorder now.

From Amazon.com:

JAMES PATTERSON is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. His books have sold in excess of 375 million copies worldwide. He is the author of some of the most popular series of the past two decades – the Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club, Detective Michael Bennett and Private novels – and he has written many other number one bestsellers including romance novels and stand-alone thrillers.

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 to write with Bill Clinton
• How to spice up your covers
• Why great beginnings and endings are worth everything
• Why to accept that some stories just won’t turn out well
• Patterson’s progress boosting children’s reading rates

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

James Patterson – https://www.jamespatterson.com/

The Noise – https://mybook.to/TheNoise

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.

Building Your Public Image with Dana Kaye of Kaye Publicity

Dana Kaye knows the importance of building your public image as an author. By maintaining a balance between publicity and marketing, presenting a consistent brand or persona, and making an effort to establish oneself in their local community, authors can see a sizable increase in interested readers and new writing opportunities and connections. Dana has been in the industry for over a decade, working as a freelance writer for much of her early career before transitioning into PR help. Her firm, Kaye Publicity, specializes in generating public interest for authors around the world.

From DanaKaye.com:

Dana Kaye is a life-long entrepreneur who believes in the power of storytelling and authentic personal branding. In 2009, she founded Kaye Publicity, Inc., a boutique PR company specializing in publishing and entertainment. Known for her innovative ideas and knowledge of current trends, she coaches her clients on how to identify and establish their unique personal brands. In 2016, Dana launched Murder and Mayhem in Chicago, a one-day conference dedicated to crime fiction, with mystery author Lori Rader-Day. In 2020, she co-founded Bouquet Stock Photography, a curated library of diverse and inclusive stock photos, with Felton Kizer. She is also the author of two books – Your Book, Your Brand: The Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Book and Boosting Your Sales and The Personal Brand Workbook – and serves on the advisory board of Propel PR.

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 Dana got into PR work
• The three pillars of PR
• How to build a consistent brand or persona
• What authors can do to stay publicly active between book launches
• How to tell if a social media channel is effective or not

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Dana Kaye – https://danakaye.com/

Your Book, Your Brand: The Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Book and Boosting Your Sales – https://kayepublicity.com/your-book-your-brand/

‘The Lost Symbol’ News – https://www.vulture.com/2021/05/the-lost-symbol-tv-series-peacock-trailer.html

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.

How to Ghost Write with International Bestseller Kathrin Hutson

Kathrin Hutson is a master ghost writer. By sticking to a set writing schedule, learning to be comfortable with less creative control, and negotiating deals with clients and publishers, she’s able to pump out four books a month, earning income and valuable writing experience all while publishing her own books on the side. Kathrin has been in the industry for over two decades and is well known for her Accessory to Magic and Blue Helix series. Her upcoming novel, The Spellcast Gate, is available for preorder below.

From Amazon.com:

International Bestselling Author Kathrin Hutson has been writing Dark Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and LGBTQ Speculative Fiction since 2000. With her wildly messed-up heroes, excruciating circumstances, impossible decisions, and Happily Never Afters, she’s a firm believer in piling on the intense action, showing a little character skin, and never skimping on violent means to bloody ends. Kathrin is an active member of SFWA and HWA and lives in Colorado with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. For updates on new releases, exclusive deals, and dark surprises you won’t find anywhere else, sign up to Kathrin’s newsletter at kathrinhutsonfiction.com/newsletter.

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 happy endings are boring
• How to block out your day for maximum efficiency
• How to balance ghost writing with your own writing
• The importance of series branding
• Why to write “gray” characters

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Kathrin Hutson – https://www.kathrinhutsonfiction.com/

The Spellcast Gate – https://mybook.to/SpellcastGate

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.

Q&A Episode – May 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:

• Can you take us through your process of choosing a title for your books and/or series?
• If you had the opportunity to start your writing career again, maybe go back in time, what would you differently?
• How do you decide what marketing opportunities to say yes to and what to decline? I’m at the beginning of my publishing career and feel like I should say “yes” to most offers, and then be more discerning as things progress. I’m asking because I agreed to do something, and it’s taking up a lot more of my time than I had anticipated and that I would like!
• J, it’s been almost six months, how is the short story project going?
• How do you approach authors who are farther ahead in their careers than you? Like if you see them at a conference or if you want to reach out to them for something? How do you prefer people approaching you?
• What qualities are you looking for in collaborators? (writing partners, editors, cover designers, etc…) What qualities are you looking for in clients? (when you are offering an author service) 
• I know J is writing short stories, but what other projects are each of you working on at the moment that you’re willing to share?
• What kind of class would you pay for at this point in your career?
• Should I get some kind of liability protection, like from forming an S-Corp or LLC?

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  

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.

Rejecting Assumptions About Aging with Actor, Writer, Director, and Producer, Justine Bateman

Justine Bateman has done it all and doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. In her new book, Face: One Square Inch of Skin, she addresses irrational fear cycles, like the aging of one’s face leading to missed friendships or job opportunities, and instead introduces a healthy way of deconstructing and understanding these fears. Justine first gained popularity for her role as Mallory Keaton on 80s sitcom Family Ties and has since been involved in a number of other movies and TV shows. Her first book, Fame: The Hijacking of Reality, won acclaim for her honest evaluation of celebrity culture in today’s world. To order her latest book, follow the link below.

From Amazon.com:

Filmmaker and author Justine Bateman has an impressive, decades-long resume in film and TV that includes a Golden Globe nomination and two Emmy nominations. Bateman wrote and produced her directorial film short debut, FIVE MINUTES, which premiered at the 2017 Toronto Film Festival and was chosen by seven more festivals, including the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival. It was one of the winners of the 2019 Amazon Prime Video Direct Festival Stars Program and was chosen by both Short of the Week and Vimeo’s Staff Picks. VIOLET, Bateman’s directorial feature film debut of her own script, stars Olivia Munn, Luke Bracey, and Justin Theroux. It premiered at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival. Her best-selling first book, FAME, a non-fiction about society’s need for its presence, was published in 2018 by Akashic Books. Her second book, FACE, was released April, 2021 by Akashic. Justine holds a UCLA degree in Computer Science and Digital Media Management.

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 Justine’s writing next
• How to stop rationalizing
• Formats for writing nonfiction
• Why to keep a folder for your ideas
• The importance of being faithful to your work

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Justine Bateman – https://twitter.com/JustineBateman

Face: One Square Foot of Skin – https://mybook.to/FaceJustineBateman

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.

Writing a Novella Collection with Josh Malerman, NY Times Bestselling Author of Bird Box

Josh Malerman makes his second appearance on the show to talk about writing his new novella collection, Goblin. With this format, he’s been able to focus on exploring multiple tones and characterizing the setting itself through different characters while sticking to a central theme throughout the novellas. Malerman is a bestselling author who won international acclaim with his debut novel, Bird Box, which Netflix adapted into a film starring Sandra Bullock. In normal years, Josh also toured the country with his rock band, The High Strung. To preorder Goblin, follow the link below.

From Amazon.com:

Josh Malerman is an American author and also one of two singer/songwriters for the rock band The High Strung, whose song “The Luck You Got” can be heard as the theme song to the Showtime show “Shameless.” His book Bird Box is also currently being filmed as a feature film starring Sandra Bullock, John Malkovich, and Sarah Paulson. Bird Box was also nominated for the Stoker Award, the Shirley Jackson Award, and the James Herbert Award. His books Black Mad Wheel and Goblin have also been nominated for Stoker Awards.

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 Clive Barker said about Goblin
• How to characterize your setting
• How different tones/perspective help add to a central theme
• Why Malerman works on one project at a time
• News on Amazon’s new Vella Program

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/

Josh Malerman – https://joshmalerman.com/

Goblin: A Novel in Six Novellas – https://mybook.to/Goblin

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.