Your backstage pass to the world’s most prolific authors

JD Barker
Christine Daigle
Kevin Tumlinson
Jena Brown

What does it take to succeed as a writer? Join hosts J.D. Barker, Christine Daigle, Kevin Tumlinson and Jena Brown as they pull back the curtain and gain rare insight from the household names found on bookshelves worldwide.

Want to ask your favorite author a question? Click here!

Dreaming and Writing with the President of the H.W.A., John Palisano

John Palisano is a master of using dreams to write. Ever since his childhood, he has struggled with frequent and vivid nightmares. However, by preserving his dreams through notes or sketches, John incorporates their wacky contents into his scenes and plot points to create thrilling and unique stories. Palisano is an accomplished horror author and president of the Horror Writers Association. He was awarded the Bram Stoker Award in 2016 and is well known for Nerves and Dust of the Dead, two sci-fi horror novels with unique twists. His latest publication, All That Withers, is available now.

From Amazon.com:

Bram Stoker Award® winner John Palisano’s short fiction has appeared in many places. Check out: Dark Discoveries, Horror Library, Darkness On The Edge, Lovecraft eZine, Phobophobias, Terror Tales, Harvest Hill, Halloween Spirits, Chiral Mad, Midnight Walk, Halloween Tales, and many other publications… John’s had a colorful history. He began writing at an early age, with his first publications in college fanzines and newspapers at Emerson in Boston. He’s worked for over a decade in Hollywood for people like Ridley Scott and Marcus Nispel. He’s recently been working as a ghost-screenwriter and has seen much success with over two dozen short story sales and his novels and short fiction continue gaining critical and reader acclaim.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 effectively record dreams
  • How to employ dreams in your writing
  • How to write while on-the-go
  • The importance of knowing your characters
  • The rise of elevated horror

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

John Palisano – https://johnpalisano.wordpress.com/

All That Withers by John Palisano – https://books2read.com/AllThatWithers

Nerves by John Palisano – https://books2read.com/Nerves

Dust of the Dead by John Palisano – https://books2read.com/DustoftheDead

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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Marketing on Amazon with Dave Chesson

Through dissecting the website’s algorithms, understanding the relationship between keywords and sales, and applying an entrepreneurial mindset, master coder Dave Chesson has gained a solid understanding of how to market a book on Amazon. Chesson is the mastermind behind Kindlepreneur, an online blog and podcast that shares his extensive marketing knowledge with authors around the world. He is also the creator of Rocket, a self-publishing software that provides authors with useful analytics and keyword suggestions for their books. Links to Kindlepreneur and Rocket can be found below.

From Kindlepreneur.com:

When I’m not lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, or sipping tea with princesses, I’m testing new book marketing tactics, and helping authors improve their book sales. I’m also the creator of Publisher Rocket, a software that helps authors see what’s really going on in the Kindle marketing, and thus pick better keywords and categories to help them sell more books. I’ve worked with multiple New York Times bestselling authors like Ted Dekker and the marketing team behind L.Ron Hubbard, as well as top writers like Pat Flynn and Jeff Goins. To help all writers learn the art of book marketing, I created Kindlepreneur as a free source for authors with the sole goal of giving you everything you need to take action, and see results.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 Amazon ads require effort to maintain
  • Why keywords matter
  • When to use a subtitle
  • How to understand the buyer’s process
  • The importance of making consistent sales over time

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Dave Chesson – https://kindlepreneur.com/who-is-dave-chesson/

Kindlepreneur – https://kindlepreneur.com/

Rocket – https://publisherrocket.com/

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

The Secrets to Writing Nonfiction with Honorée Corder

Honorée Corder is a master of nonfiction writing who has shown that, through structuring writing time, conducting in-person research, gaining experience co-writing and managing projects, and making connections across different industries, writing in the genre can serve as a profitable and sustainable career choice. Corder is an established author with over fifty books released and over four million sales worldwide. She is most known for her Miracle Morning and Successful Single Mom series, which discuss proper morning routines and give advice to struggling single moms. Her most recent publication, You MUST Write a Book, is available now.

From Amazon.com:

Honorée Corder is the author of dozens of books including Stop Trying So F*cking Hard, You Must Write a Book, The Prosperous Writer’s, Like a Boss, and Successful Single Mom series, Vision to Reality, Business Dating, and more. She is Hal Elrod’s business partner and co-creator of The Miracle Morning book series. Her You Must Write a Book LIVE Coaching Course is a fan favorite. She does all sorts of other magical things, and her badassery is legendary. Find out more about her at http://www.HonoreeCorder.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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 to structure writing time
  • Why writer’s block doesn’t exist
  • How nonfiction supplements speaking careers, etc.
  • Why setting a word goal is distracting
  • The importance of mastering a craft

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Honorée Corder – https://honoreecorder.com/

The Miracle Morning for Teachers by Hal Elrod and Honorée Corder – https://books2read.com/MiracleMorning

The Successful Single Mom Series by Honorée Corder – https://books2read.com/SuccessfulSingleMom

You MUST Write a Book by Hal Elrod and Honorée Corder – https://books2read.com/YouMustWrite

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Finding Time to Write with Tim Ryan

Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan has proven that, no matter how hectic life can get, anyone can find time to write. As a hard-working, travel-inclined politician and father of three, his schedule is always full. However, by taking short writing retreats and working out a chapter or two over the course of three or four days, he has managed to publish two books and has plans for a third one. Congressman Ryan has served in the House of Representatives for seventeen years and, while he certainly has a love for politics, Healing America and The Real Food Revolution shine light on two of his personal interests: meditation and healthy eating. When he is not working or writing, Tim spends time with his family at their home in Howland, Ohio.

From Amazon.com:

Tim Ryan was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, at the age of 29, and is currently serving in his fifth term representing Ohio’s 17th Congressional District. He maintains a strong commitment to the economic and social well-being of his constituents in northeast Ohio. He serves as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, as well as its Subcommittees on Readiness and on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. He also serves as a member of the House Budget Committee and co-chairman of the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 importance of health and wellness
  • The negative impacts of stress and poor diets
  • How Ryan discovered meditation
  • How to schedule a personal writing retreat
  • How to document ideas during non-writing time

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Tim Ryan – https://timryan.house.gov/

Healing America by Tim Ryan – https://books2read.com/HealingAmerica

The Real Food Revolution by Tim Ryan – https://books2read.com/RealFoodRev

Supercharge Your Scene – http://superchargeyourscene.com

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Maximizing Your Reach as an Indie Author with Lindsay Buroker

Lindsay Buroker knows how to maximize her reach as an indie author. By writing under multiple pen names across multiple genres, following a rapid release model to generate interest, and running a podcast to help uphold her brand, she continues to expand her audience and influence across the writing landscape. Buroker is a full-time independent author who focuses primarily on the genres of science fiction and fantasy. Among her impressive number of successful series are Death Before Dragons, Dragon Blood, and Star Kingdom. She is also known for co-hosting Six Figure Authors, a podcast dedicated to providing writers with tactical knowledge to help improve their careers. Lindsay’s latest release, Elven Doom, is available now.

From Amazon.com:

Lindsay is a full-time independent fantasy and science fiction author who loves travel, hiking, tennis, and vizslas. She’s written over sixty novels, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list, and has been twice nominated for a Goodreads Readers’ Choice Award. She grew up in the Seattle area but has itchy feet and moves every couple of years. She’s currently living in Bend, Oregon, and working on the next book.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 utilize the rapid release model
  • When to commit to a genre
  • When to use a pen name
  • How to approach cowriting
  • How to structure a day of writing

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Lindsay Buroker – https://lindsayburoker.com/

Elven Doom by Lindsay Buroker – https://books2read.com/ElvenDoom

Six Figure Authors Podcast – https://6figureauthors.com/

Supercharge Your Scene – http://superchargeyourscene.com

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Write What You Know with James Blatch

First-time author James Blatch is already a perfect example of the “write what you know” mentality. While drafting his debut novel, The Last Flight, he has employed his genuine love of aircraft and his father’s personal experiences as a pilot to create both a story that feels authentically him and a brand that will undoubtedly lead him to success. Blatch is currently a director of the Self Publishing Formula, an online course for aspiring authors. He also co-hosts the SPF Podcast with Mark Dawson. James’ debut novel will be available this year.

From JamesBlatch.com:

James Blatch is a former BBC Defence Reporter and a former BBFC Film Examiner. He reported for the BBC on the UK military from, among other places, HMS Invincible (Operation Desert Fox build up), Kuwait (Ali Al Salem allied air base), the Arctic Circle as well as covering the UK air offensive during the Kosovo Conflict in 1999… Blatch is a director of the Self Publishing Formula Limited, an online course provider for independent authors. He co-hosts the weekly SPF Podcast.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 authentically
  • The importance of branding
  • Why to have several people edit a draft
  • How to bring in extra revenue as a podcaster
  • How the industry is shifting from traditional to indie publishing

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

James Blatch – https://www.jamesblatch.com/

The Last Flight by James Blatch – https://www.jamesblatch.com/books

Supercharge Your Scene – http://superchargeyourscene.com

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Using StoryOrigin to Grow Your Platform with Evan Gow

Entrepreneur Evan Gow is the mastermind behind StoryOrigin. Fueled by a love of technology and writing, he created an all-in-one platform for authors to connect, team up for group promos, build and swap mailing lists, upload reader magnets, and more. With the unique opportunities StoryOrigin provides, Evan has helped thousands of authors get discovered, build communities, and become successful. StoryOrigin is currently in open beta and can be used for free at storyoriginapp.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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 you need to use StoryOrigin
  • How to build a writing community
  • The importance of mailing swaps
  • The importance of a reader magnet
  • How to send out review copies

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Evan Gow – https://www.linkedin.com/in/evangow/

StoryOrigin – https://storyoriginapp.com/

Supercharge Your Scene – http://superchargeyourscene.com

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Pushing Your Writing Limits with Jon Land

Jon Land has been pushing his writing limits for years. By forcing himself to take ownership of his work, refusing to write what he knows, and giving every project his all, he has greatly expanded his writing skill set and has overcome the uncertainties of being an author to find success. Land is a bestselling author of over 50 books. He is most known for his Caitlin Strong series and for recently overtaking the Murder, She Wrote series, both of which have become iconic in the mystery-thriller genre. His most recent addition to the Murder, She Wrote series, The Murder of Twelve, will be available later this month. 

From Amazon.com:

Since his first book was published in 1983, Jon Land has written twenty-eight novels, seventeen of which have appeared on national bestseller lists. He began writing technothrillers before Tom Clancy put them in vogue, and his strong prose, easy characterization, and commitment to technical accuracy have made him a pillar of the genre.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 to have fun while writing
  • Why to say yes to everything
  • The importance of writing organizations to early authors
  • Why all authors should be able to give an elevator pitch
  • The importance of staying ambitious

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Jon Land – https://www.jonlandbooks.com/

The Murder of Twelve by Jon Land – https://www.amazon.com/Murder-She-Wrote-Twelve-Book-ebook/dp/B07X6S13Z5/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=murder%2C+she+wrote&qid=1589650774&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

Strong from the Heart by Jon Land – https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Heart-Caitlin-Novel-Novels-ebook/dp/B07WPNFP54/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Supercharge Your Scene – http://superchargeyourscene.com

Secret Powers of the Author Mastermind: How to Transform from Struggling Writer to Career Authorhttps://books2read.com/authormastermind

Co-writing a Book Mini Course with Joanna Penn – https://creative-penn-courses.teachable.com/p/co-writing-a-book

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Educating Authors with Bryan Cohen

Bryan Cohen is well-trained in the art of educating authors. With his forward-focused approach to teaching and emphasis on keeping students motivated, he has helped thousands of new authors understand the ins and outs of writing. In addition to teaching, Cohen has published a series of novels and dozens of writing guides. His most popular book, How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis, contains the secrets to attracting new readers and making a book sound good. His latest offering, “Amazon Ad School,” is available below.

From Amazon.com:

Bryan Cohen is an author, a podcaster, and a coach. He’s published over 40 books, which have been downloaded over half a million times. His books include How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis and five novels in The Viral Superhero Series. He’s the co-host of The Sell More Books Show and the head writer at Best Page Forward, a book description writing service.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 successful people aren’t necessarily good teachers
  • Why self-paced courses don’t work
  • The importance of a feedback loop
  • Why most writers have multiple revenue streams
  • When to write for an audience vs. for yourself

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Bryan Cohen – http://bryancohen.com/

Amazon Ad Challenge (July 2020) – https://bryancohen.lpages.co/amazon-ad-profit-challenge-landing-july-2020/

How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis by Bryan Cohen – https://www.amazon.com/Write-Sizzling-Synopsis-Step-Step-ebook/dp/B01HYBWOF6/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Amazon Ad School – https://selling-for-authors.teachable.com/p/amazon-ads-made-easy 

Secret Powers of the Author Mastermind: How to Transform from Struggling Writer to Career Authorhttps://books2read.com/authormastermind

Co-writing a Book Mini Course with Joanna Penn – https://creative-penn-courses.teachable.com/p/co-writing-a-book

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

The Business of Writing with Scott Nicholson

International bestselling author Scott Nicholson knows a thing or two about the business of writing. With experience in both the traditional and independent publishing worlds as well as the overseas market, he is able to make his already thrilling reads even more appealing by clever use of advertising and market knowledge. Nicholson has written over a hundred thrillers and short stories and has sold millions of copies worldwide. He is most known for his Sheriff Littlefield series, centered around the chilling mystery of a haunted Appalachian church. Scott’s latest addition to the series, McFall, is available now.

From Amazon.com:

I’ve written more than 30 novels, about 80 short stories, four children’s books, some comic books, screenplays, and a couple of non-fiction books, as well as five collaborations with J.R. Rain. Many of my tales are based on supernatural legends from the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and I also write mystery and suspense thrillers that are most often compared to the work of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I’ve branched into dark science fiction with my After, Next, and MIM*X series.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 step into the self-publishing world
  • How to build a sustainable career as an author
  • How to advertise to foreign markets
  • The philosophy behind paid advertising
  • The importance of a newsletter or mailing list
  • The importance of retaining uniqueness

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Scott Nicholson – http://www.authorscottnicholson.com/

McFall by Scott Nicholson – https://books2read.com/McFall

The Red Church by Scott Nicholson – https://books2read.com/RedChurch

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Mastering the Creative Process with David Baldacci

David Baldacci has mastered the creative process. By employing what he knows about plausible plot lines, character development, and field research, he can bring his ideas together into books that feel amazingly believable. Baldacci is a bestselling author who has sold more than 130 million books worldwide. He is most known for his political thriller, Absolute Power, which follows the captivating tale of a murder in the White House. David’s most recent publication, Walk the Wire, is available now.

From Amazon.com:

David published his first novel, ABSOLUTE POWER, in 1996. A feature film followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 37 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers and several have been adapted for film and television. His novels have been translated into more than 45 languages and sold in more than 80 countries, with over 130 million worldwide sales. David has also published six novels for younger readers.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 develop a character throughout a series
  • The importance of constructive criticism
  • How to distill research into a story
  • How to use the Writer’s Prism
  • The difference between probability and plausibility

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

David Baldacci – https://www.davidbaldacci.com/

Walk the Wire by David Baldacci – https://books2read.com/WalkTheWire

Absolute Power by David Baldacci – https://books2read.com/AbsolutePower

David Baldacci’s MasterClass – https://www.masterclass.com/classes/david-baldacci-teaches-mystery-and-thriller-writing

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Beating Resistance with Steven Pressfield and Shawn Coyne

Steven Pressfield and Shawn Coyne are strong believers in beating resistance and chasing crazy ideas. Whether it involves writing about something completely foreign to you or something too edgy for commercial readers, both agree that sticking with your most outlandish ideas will lead to better, more fulfilling writing. Pressfield and Coyne are both masterful bestselling authors. Pressfield is most-known for The Legend of Bagger Vance, a compelling sports mystery that was adapted into a film featuring Will Smith and Matt Damon. Coyne is most-known for Story Grid, a revolutionary editing tool and writing group that has helped writers around the world produce better content.

From Amazon.com:

Steven Pressfield is the author of The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, Tides of War, Last of the Amazons, Virtues of War, The Afghan Campaign, Killing Rommel, The Profession, The Lion’s Gate, The War of Art, Turning Pro, Do the Work, The Warrior Ethos, The Authentic Swing, An American Jew, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, The Knowledge, and The Artist’s Journey.

From StoryGrid.com:

I (Shawn Coyne) have been in the publishing industry for thirty years now, twenty-five of which were spent working as an editor at the Big Five publishing houses, as an independent publisher, as a literary agent both at a major Hollywood talent agency and as the head of Genre Management Inc. In early 2015, I published The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know, and later that year I started the Story Grid Podcast with writer, and book marketing expert, Tim Grahl. The rest is history. We now have 45 Certified Story Grid Editors, 3 podcasts, a blog rich with story resources, a suite of courses and a community that continues to grow. 

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 determine if an idea is crazy
  • Why to pick the idea you’re most afraid of
  • How to make difficult creative decisions
  • The importance of a day-by-day approach to projects
  • How to accept failure

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Steven Pressfield – https://stevenpressfield.com/

Black Irish Books – https://blackirishbooks.com/jabs/

The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield – https://books2read.com/BaggerVance

Shawn Coyne – https://storygrid.com/about/

The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know  by Shawn Coyne – https://books2read.com/SG

The Story Grid Guild – https://storygrid.com/guild

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Transitioning Between Careers with Romona Robinson

Romona Robinson knows a thing or two about successfully transitioning between careers. After working as one of Cleveland’s most respected news anchors for over thirty years, she took a leap of faith when she left her job to write full-time. Backed by passion, hard work, and smart marketing, Romona was able to publish two successful books in her first two years of writing and continues to inspire women and men everywhere to find their purpose. Her latest publication, Your Voice is Your Power, is available now.

From Amazon.com:

Romona Robinson is an eight time Emmy award winning anchor, speaker and author of A Dirt Road to Somewhere and Your Voice is Your Power. She is one of the most respected and admired journalists in northeast Ohio and was inducted into the Press Club of Cleveland’s Journalism Hall of Fame in 2016. She is winner of the prestigious Edward R Murrow Award along with her station, WOIO-TV 19, where she served as primary anchor. She received the 2017 Alpha Woman Award, given to women who exemplify power in their field and uses it to empower women.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 Romona found her passion for writing
  • How to start a career as an author
  • Why community engagement is important
  • The importance of timed advertising
  • How to overcome the fear of failure

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Romona Robinson – http://romonarobinson.com/

A Dirt Road to Somewhere by Romona Robinson – https://books2read.com/DirtRoadToSomewhere

Your Voice is Your Power by Romona Robinson – https://books2read.com/YourVoiceIsYourPower

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Author-Agent Relationships with Alec Shane

Alec Shane has been fostering authentic author-agent relationships since 2012. Whether he is mediating disputes between authors and editors or selling books to publishers, Alec and others like him serve as the backbone of the writing industry. During his time at Writers House, Shane has worked with many successful authors and groups, including Mark Stein, Mike Thomas, and the Horror Writers Association. For submissions and queries, Alec can be reached at ashane@writershouse.com.

From ManuscriptWishlist.com:

Alec Shane majored in English at Brown University, a degree he put to immediate use by moving to Los Angeles after graduation to become a professional stunt man. Realizing that he prefers books to breakaway glass, he moved to New York City in 2008 to pursue a career in publishing. Alec quickly found a home at Writers House Literary Agency and is now aggressively building his own list.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 Alec became an agent
  • What agents look for in authors
  • How to pitch your book to an agency or publisher
  • If traditional or independent publishing is right for you
  • Why horror is making a resurgence

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Alec Shane – https://twitter.com/alecdshane

Submissions and Queries – ashane@writershouse.com

Save Indie Bookstores – https://www.saveindiebookstores.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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Captivating Readers with James Rollins

James Rollins has been captivating readers for decades. By running ideas past his critique group, traveling to story locations and speaking to locals, and sticking to a ninety-day research plan, he attains enough knowledge to create settings and storylines that feel authentic. Rollins is well-known for his bestselling Sigma Force series, a thrilling collection of tales following the strange and somewhat otherworldly encounters of an elite covert operations force. His brand-new fantasy series, Moon Fall, will be released next year.

From Amazon.com:

James Rollins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers, translated into more than forty languages, with more than 20 million copies sold. The New York Times says, “Rollins is what you might wind up with if you tossed Michael Crichton and Dan Brown into a particle accelerator together,” and NPR calls his work “Adventurous and enormously engrossing.” Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets–and does it all at breakneck speed and with stunning suspense. A practicing veterinarian, Rollins has pursued scuba, spelunking, and other adventures around the world, and currently lives and writes in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 Rollins structures his research
  • Rollins’ story building tools
  • The importance of critique groups
  • How to employ sympathy builders
  • The magic formula to capture a reader

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

James Rollins – https://jamesrollins.com/

James Rollins’ Tips For Writers: https://jamesrollins.com/about/tips-for-writers/

Sandstorm by James Rollins – https://books2read.com/SandstormJamesRollins

The Last Odyssey by James Rollins – https://amzn.to/2QQjTe6 

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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Writing for an Audience with Jeffery Deaver

Jeffery Deaver knows how to write for an audience. By listening to comments, critiques, and making smart compromises, Deaver crafts the story he wants while appealing to his readers. As an international bestseller, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Novel of the Year, and Edgar Award, and author of over thirty-five novels, he is a respected member of the writing community. He is well-known for his Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhyme novels, two chilling mystery series. Jeffery’s next novel, The Goodbye Man, will be available this May.

From Amazon.com:

The author of thirty-four novels, Deaver has been nominated for seven Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America, an Anthony award, a Gumshoe Award, and is a three-time recipient of the Ellery Queen Reader’s Award for Best Short Story of the Year. In 2001, he won the W.H. Smith Thumping Good Read Award for his Lincoln Rhyme novel The Empty Chair. In 2004, he was awarded the Crime Writers Association of Great Britain’s Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for Garden Of Beasts and the Short Story Dagger for “The Weekender.” Translated into 35 languages, his novels have appeared on a number of bestseller lists around the world, including the New York Times, the London Times and the Los Angeles Times. The Bone Collector was a feature release from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington as Lincoln Rhyme. A Maiden’s Grave was made into an HBO film retitled Dead Silence, starring James Garner and Marlee Matlin.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 utilize the “Mint Toothpaste” test
  • How to reuse old characters
  • Why to outline a book
  • How to keep a reader engaged
  • How to grow in today’s writing climate

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Jeffery Deaver – https://www.jefferydeaver.com/

The Goodbye Man by Jeffery Deaver – https://www.jefferydeaver.com/novel/the-goodbye-man/

The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver – https://books2read.com/thenevergame 

Three Story Method by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon – https://books2read.com/threestorymethod

Three Story Method Workbook by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon – https://amzn.to/37SAR1a

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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Fostering Positive Change with Kathy Reichs

Kathy Reichs is a master of fostering positive change in her life. Whether she’s balancing forensics cases with teaching at university or completely reinventing a series, Reichs never misses an opportunity to better her writing through growth-oriented experiences. She is well known for her bestselling Temperance Brennan novels, a series following the chilling experiences of a forensic anthropologist. Her novels were adapted into the popular crime drama, Bones, which aired on FOX for twelve seasons. Kathy’s newest book, A Conspiracy of Bones, is to be published this week.

From Amazon.com:

Kathy Reichs’s first novel Déjà Dead catapulted her to fame when it became a New York Times bestseller and won the 1997 Ellis Award for Best First Novel. Her other Temperance Brennan novels include Death du Jour, Deadly Décisions, Fatal Voyage, Grave Secrets, Bare Bones, Monday Mourning, Cross Bones, Break No Bones, Bones to Ashes, Devil Bones, 206 Bones, Spider Bones, Flash and Bones, Bones Are Forever, Bones of the Lost, Bones Never Lie, Speaking in Bones and the Temperance Brennan short story collection, The Bone Collection. In addition, Kathy co-authors the Virals young adult series with her son, Brendan Reichs. The best-selling titles are: Virals, Seizure, Code, Exposure, and Terminal along with two Virals e-novellas, Shift and Swipe. These books follow the adventures of Temperance Brennan’s great niece, Tory Brennan. Dr. Reichs is also a producer of the hit Fox TV series, Bones, which is based on her work and her novels.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 importance of growth-oriented change
  • How to find unique ways to reintroduce characters
  • How to craft stories from career experiences
  • Why to write for yourself
  • How to write with kids or a job

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Kathy Reichs – https://kathyreichs.com/

A Conspiracy of Bones by Kathy Reichs – https://books2read.com/ConspiracyOfBones

Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs – https://www.amazon.com/Deja-Dead-Novel-Temperance-Brennan/dp/1501122118

Three Story Method by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon – https://books2read.com/threestorymethod

Three Story Method Workbook by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon – https://amzn.to/37SAR1a

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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Crafting Cinematic Scenes with Blake Crouch

Blake Crouch excels at crafting cinematic scenes. Through the manipulation of memory and reality along with the infusion of self-experience, Crouch creates scenes that feel both surreal and believable. He is well known for his bestselling Wayward Pines Trilogy, which became a top-rated TV series. He has published more than a dozen other novels and has had work in various publications, including Ellery Queen and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. Blake is currently adapting his bestselling thriller, Dark Matter, for the big screen while Shonda Rimes and Matt Reeves are bringing Recursion to Netflix.

From Amazon.com:

Blake Crouch is a bestselling novelist and screenwriter. His novels include the New York Times bestseller Dark Matter, and the internationally bestselling Wayward Pines trilogy, which was adapted into a television series for FOX. Crouch also created the TNT show Good Behavior, based on his Letty Dobesh novellas. His latest book is Recursion, a sci-fi thriller about memory, and will be published in June 2019. He lives in Colorado.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 utilize nostalgia in your story
  • How to integrate self-experience into a scene
  • How to rethink a saturated genre
  • Why to save cut scenes
  • How to balanced planned and improvised writing

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Blake Crouch – http://blakecrouch.com/

Recursion by Blake Crouch – https://books2read.com/RecursionNovel

Pines (Book 1 of Wayward Pines) by Blake Crouch – https://books2read.com/Pines

Three Story Method by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon – https://books2read.com/threestorymethod

Three Story Method Workbook by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon – https://amzn.to/37SAR1a

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/ 

“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/

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

Tapping Into Your Reader’s Emotions with Chuck Palahniuk

Chuck Palahniuk is a master at tapping into his readers’ emotions. Whether through sympathetic attachment, comedic relief, or intense realism, Palahniuk manipulates emotion to create breathtaking novels that engage his readers throughout the entire story. He is most well-known for his debut novel, Fight Club, a dark satire following the thrilling story of an office worker with insomnia as he falls into insanity. After Fight Club’s success, Chuck continued creating captivating and award-winning stories, including Choke, Lullaby, and Guts. His most recent work of nonfiction, Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life after Which Everything Was Different, is available now.

From Amazon.com:

Chuck Palahniuk’s novels are the bestselling Fight Club, which was made into a film by director David Fincher, Diary, Lullaby, Survivor, Haunted, and Invisible Monsters. Portions of Choke have appeared in Playboy, and Palahniuk’s nonfiction work has been published by Gear, Black Book, The Stranger, and the Los Angeles Times. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.

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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 capture your reader’s emotions
  • How to make your characters liked or respected
  • How to employ cognitive reframing in your writing
  • How to transition well between scenes
  • Why to join a writing workshop

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Chuck Palahniuk – https://chuckpalahniuk.net/

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk – https://books2read.com/FightClub

Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life after Which Everything Was Different by Chuck Palahniuk – https://books2read.com/ConsiderThis

Three Story Method by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon – https://books2read.com/threestorymethod

Three Story Method Workbook by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon – https://amzn.to/37SAR1a

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.

Becoming a Successful Author as a Stay-at-Home Mom with Mercedes Yardley

Mercedes Yardley knows how to become a successful author as a stay-at-home mom. With a husband working and a child requiring special needs, Yardley took up writing as an emotional outlet, and her thrilling style soon became recognized. She won the Bram Stoker Award in 2015 for her psychological horror novella, Little Dead Red, and wrote the Stabby Award-winning Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love. She is also a member of the Horror Writers Association and co-chair of the Las Vegas HWA Chapter. Mercedes currently lives in Las Vegas with her family and rescue animals.

From Amazon.com:

Mercedes M. Yardley is a whimsical dark fantasist who wears poisonous flowers in her hair. She is the author of many diverse works, including Beautiful Sorrows, Pretty Little Dead Girls: A Novel of Murder and Whimsy, and the Stabby Award-winning Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love.

She recently won the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for her realistic horror story Little Dead Red and was a Bram Stoker finalist for her short story “Loving You Darkly.” Mercedes lives and creates in Las Vegas with her family and menagerie of battle-scarred, rescued animal familiars. She is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin and Fountain Literary 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 powerhouse, J. Thorn, 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 Mercedes writes while taking care of her child
  • Why writing is a great emotional outlet
  • How to adapt to an irregular work day
  • If hiring an administrative team is right for you
  • How to achieve the optimal writer’s headspace

Links:

J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/

J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/

Mercedes Yardley – https://mercedesmyardley.com/

Little Dead Red by Mercedes Yardley – https://books2read.com/littledeadred

Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love by Mercedes Yardley – https://books2read.com/atomiclove

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.