Finding Time to Write with NYT Bestseller Jonathan Kellerman
Bestseller Jonathan Kellerman knows how to find time to write. From raising children for almost thirty-two years to practicing psychology professionally to maintaining a dedication to playing and collecting guitars, he still finds time in his schedule to pursue his love of writing. Jonathan wrote his first book, When the Bough Breaks, in 1985 and has published a bestseller every year since. His latest novel, City of the Dead, is available below.
Continue reading “Writers, Ink Podcast: Episode 122 – Finding Time to Write with NYT Bestseller Jonathan Kellerman”
Writing Complicated Characters with NYT Bestseller Gregg Hurwitz
Bestseller Gregg Hurwitz knows the importance of writing complicated characters. By blurring the lines of good and evil, choosing to write protagonists and antagonists rather than heroes and villains, and incorporating complex moral dilemmas into his plots, he creates characters whose moral vagueness is both interesting and relatable. Gregg is an international bestselling author well known for his Orphan X thriller series and for his role as co-president of International Thriller Writers. To order his latest Orphan X novel, Dark Horse, follow the link below.
Continue reading “Writers, Ink Podcast: Episode 121 – Writing Complicated Characters with NYT Bestseller Gregg Hurwitz”
The Secrets to Success with #1 NYT Bestseller Dean Koontz
In this episode, legendary author Dean Koontz shares his secrets to success; from sticking to a rigorous daily writing routine to writing across genres, he shares his tried and tested tips and techniques for becoming a better author. One of the most well known authors in the world, Dean has been writing for over fifty years and has sold over 500 million copies worldwide. To order his latest novel, Quicksilver, follow the link below.
Continue reading “Writers, Ink Podcast: Episode 120 – The Secrets to Success with #1 NYT Bestseller Dean Koontz”
Drawing Inspiration From Real Life with NYT Bestseller Lisa Gardner
Lisa Gardner loves to draw inspiration from real life when writing her books. Whether she’s using her favorite hiking trail as a setting, reading a fascinating true crime article, or interviewing field experts for accurate information, her commitment to the realistic and plausible makes her stories all the more thrilling. Lisa is a NYT bestselling author who is published in thirty countries and is well known for books like The Neighbor and Before She Disappeared. To order her latest novel, One Step Too Far, follow the link below.
From Amazon.com:
New York Times #1 bestselling crime novelist Lisa Gardner began her career in food service, but after catching her hair on fire numerous times, she took the hint and focused on writing instead. A self-described research junkie, she has parlayed her interest in police procedure, criminal minds and twisted plots into a streak of bestselling suspense novels. Her 2010 novel, THE NEIGHBOR, won Best Thriller from the International Thriller Writers. Most recently, she was honored with the Silver Bullet Award for her work with at-risk kids and homeless animals. Lisa loves to hike, travel the world, and yes, read, read, read!
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
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 write everyday characters
- How physical activity can impact your writing
- The craft of writing a non-human character
- How to maximize danger within your setting
- The importance of excellent research
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/
Lisa Gardner – https://www.lisagardner.com/
One Step Too Far – https://mybook.to/OneStep
Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com
Scene Rubric – http://scenerubric.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/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Keeping Yourself Going with NYT Bestseller Wendy Corsi Staub
Wendy Corsi Staub knows how to keep things interesting after writing so many novels. By switching up her writing routine and process, branching out into areas like screenwriting, and reminding herself of why she’s writing in the first place, she maintains her enthusiasm for her work and always looks forward to conquering a new challenge. Wendy is a NYT bestselling author who has written over ninety novels and is well known for her Lily Dale mystery series. To preorder her upcoming novel, The Other Family, follow the link below.
Continue reading “Writers, Ink Podcast: Episode 118 – Keeping Yourself Going with NYT Bestseller Wendy Corsi Staub”
Supporting Local Bookstores with Elle McKenzie of Bookshop.org
Bookshop.org is an amazing way to support local bookstores through COVID-19 and beyond. By providing store owners with a unique way to market their books online and paying them 30% of each sale, Bookshop has raised millions to help support these small businesses through the pandemic. Elle McKenzie has been with Bookshop since its early days in May 2020 and has worked closely with the company as they’ve expanded across the states and into Spain and the UK. To visit Bookshop.org or contact Elle, follow the links below.
Continue reading “Writers, Ink Podcast: Episode 117 – Supporting Local Bookstores with Elle McKenzie of Bookshop.org”
Behind the Scenes of WOOL with NYT Bestseller Hugh Howey
Bestseller Hugh Howey is fascinated by the behind-the-scenes production of the Wool TV series. With actors reshooting scene after scene, putting themselves on the line for stunts and fight scenes, and whole teams of designers and other specialists working to enhance the show, he’s gotten to see his writing adapted into something just as spectacular. 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.
Continue reading “Writers, Ink Podcast: Episode 116 – Behind the Scenes of WOOL with NYT Bestseller Hugh Howey”
Q&A Episode – December 2021
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions.
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
Join New York Times best-seller, J.D. Barker, and indie powerhouses J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon as they pull back the curtain on some of the world’s most prolific authors. Where did they start? What is their process? The biggest names in publishing all have origin stories, all have a process, all have tips and secrets… What does it take to consistently top the bestseller lists? Get your notepad out. School’s in session. This, is Writers, Ink.
Join us on Patreon and ask a question guaranteed to be answered on the podcast!
https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast
Questions asked:
- How does someone begin an email list when they don’t have any books written or any content on their website?
- Out of the 3 of you, who would be on Santa’s naughty list?
- Marvel movie fans or not marvel movie fans? If fans, to what level?
- What is the best way to rejuvenate your backlist?
- Travel back in time: What advice would you give your younger self about working on your very first book?
- Getting into NFTs for books early: is J crazy or brilliant?
- Given that FB is going into the metaverse, do you think that in the near future, your Avatar will walk along a metaverse road, see an advertising hoarding advert for a book, go into a metaverse bookshop and then buy the ebook version of the book you saw advertised? Discuss.
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/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Reckless Road: Guns N’ Roses and the Making of Appetite for Destruction with Jason Porath
In Reckless Road, author Jason Porath unveils the true stories behind Guns N’ Roses. Through a collaboration with Marc Canter, a close friend of the band for many years, he used his writing expertise to turn an archive of photos, videos, and interviews into a captivating narrative history of the early days of one of rock and roll’s biggest bands. To check out Reckless Road, follow the link below.
Jason is the author of Reckless Road: Guns N’ Roses and the Making of Appetite for Destruction as well as Mugshots: A Celebration of the Journey from Ruin to Redemption. He’s won multiple achievement awards for his work and his writing has been translated into eight languages. Jason’s background with multimedia storytelling spans a wide array of mediums including documentary films, photojournalism, mobile apps and technology startups. He was a pioneer with some of the first iOS storytelling apps to hit the market and founded Storycode, a storytelling mobile app development agency, which he sold in 2015.
Marc has entrusted Jason with his vast archive of photographs, recordings and stories to create entertaining and engaging products for generations of Guns N’ Roses fans around the world.
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:
- If Jason ever predicted a GNR reunion
- How his collaboration with Marc came about
- How to internally deal with a pivot
- The Hero’s Journey of Guns n’ Roses
- How he built a narrative from Marc’s archive of content
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/
Reckless Road – https://mybook.to/RecklessRoad
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/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
The Art of Simplicity with Derek Sivers
Derek Sivers is a master of keeping it simple. Whether he’s drafting in an ancient 70s terminal, writing concise newsletters, or living with a single minifridge, he uses simplicity as a method to stay calm, collected, and down-to-earth in his writing. Derek is well known as the founder of independent music website CD Baby. He was a musician for many years and currently publishes books independently. To purchase his latest book, How to Live, follow the link below.
From Amazon.com:
After making a living as a professional musician, Derek Sivers went looking for ways to sell his own CD online and ended up creating CD Baby, once the largest seller of independent music on the web with over $100M in sales for over 150,000 musician clients. Since 2008, Derek has traveled the world and stayed busy creating and nurturing creative endeavors, like Muckwork, his newest company where teams of efficient assistants help musicians do their “uncreative dirty work.” Derek writes regularly on creativity, entrepreneurship, and music on his blog: http://sivers.org/.
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 stop getting angry
- Why How to Live is the best book Derek’s ever written
- How to cut 1,200 pages from your rough draft
- How Derek developed his minimalistic writing style
- Why brevity is key
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/
Derek Sivers – https://sive.rs/
J.’s ZIGGURAT by Mike Shinoda – https://ziggurats.xyz/#/gallery/90
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/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Writing About the Pandemic with NYT Bestseller Jodi Picoult
Bestseller Jodi Picoult didn’t back down from the challenge of writing a story set during the pandemic. In her latest novel, Wish You Were Here, she uses her excellent character writing skills and days of research and interview material to compel readers to relive the relatable confusion and chaos of early lockdown through the lens of two lovers separated by travel restrictions. Jodi is well known for bestselling novels like My Sister’s Keeper and Small Great Things. She has published 26 books, selling over 40 million copies worldwide. To purchase Wish You Were Here, follow the link below.
From Amazon.com:
Jodi Picoult is the author of twenty five internationally bestselling novels, including MY SISTER’S KEEPER, HOUSE RULES and SMALL GREAT THINGS, and has also co-written two YA books with her daughter Samantha van Leer, BETWEEN THE LINES and OFF THE PAGE. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children. Her most recent adult novel, A SPARK OF LIGHT first published in the UK on 30th October 2018, and was a #1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller.
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 Jodi got through a 16-month quarantine
- How the pandemic changed her writing process
- How to settle on a setting for your story
- Why now is the best time to write about the pandemic
- The importance of writing yourself into your characters
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/
Dragons of a Different Tail: 17 Unusual Dragon Tales – https://books2read.com/dragonantho
Jodi Picoult – https://www.garygrossman.com/
Wish You Were Here – https://mybook.to/WishUWereHere
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/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
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/dev/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/dev/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/dev/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/dev/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/dev/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/dev/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/dev/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/dev/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/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.