Podcasts about big list

323 / Jami and I are on a summer break, so we're sharing guest episodes we did on other podcasts. This week, it's my discussion with Matty on the From Expertise to Authority podcast. 

322 / Jami and Sara are on a summer break, so we're sharing guest episodes we did on other podcasts. This week, it's our discussion with Richie on the Fantasy Writers Toolshed podcast.

321 / Sara and I are on a summer break, so we're sharing guest episodes we did on other podcasts. This week, it's my discussion with Doug and Nick on the Two Authors' Podcast

320 / Jami and I are on a summer break, so we're sharing guest episodes we did on other podcasts. This week, it's my discussion with Joanna on The Creative Penn Podcast about low-key marketing. 

319 / What marketing strategies are working for authors right now? Ferol from Written Word Media shares the lessons he's learned helping authors succeed, the mistakes to avoid, and actionable advice for building your own writing business.Transitioning from the music industry to serving indie authorsWhat sets successful long-term indie authors apartCommon marketing mistakes authors makeTrends in AI, audio, and global book promotionThe power of connection: conferences, community, and authenticity

318 / How do you craft a pitch that gets Hollywood's attention and translates your book to the screen—or just want to network and pitch yourself more effectively as an author? Story coach Lindsay Hughes shares insider strategies from the entertainment industry and lessons from Hollywood.Lindsey's "cocktail pitch" formula that grabs attentionHow to talk about your story in a way that intrigues (good for pitching or writing blurbs)Why authors should balance craft development with marketingUnderstanding how Hollywood evaluates books and storiesThe real-world impact (and limits) of social media on book salesTrends in AI, indie publishing, and what's next for authors and adaptations

317 /  Debut author Michelle Park Lazette shares how she's building a brand along with the lessons she's learned about writing, marketing, and connecting with readers as a debut author.Building buzz for your bookStarting a newsletter list and finding ARC readersHead hopping and point of view issuesChallenges with interiority and emotionUsing analytics for book promotion✨ May Pod-Pal Shout-Out: Two Authors' Podcast - Psychology of a Psychological Thriller with Robyn Harding*Don't miss our recent supporter episodes:What Asian Dramas Teach Writers About Conflict And Emotion More Truth about Book Marketing: 5 More Publishing MythsBecome a supporter to get all 20+ supporter episodes: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

316 / What does it take to trust your intuition as a writer—and how can you find true joy in the crazy unpredictability of publishing? Amy Robinson shares her path from medical editor to romance novelist  and the power of mental rest for authors.✨ May Pod-Pal Shout-Out: Two Authors' Podcast - Wheel of Life with Adrienne GiordanoTrusting your intuition instead of following all the writing “rules”Redefining success and making family a priorityLearning from (and letting go of) others' marketing formulasFinding joy with passion projects and creative freedomThe importance of mental rest and slowing down*Don't miss the Supporter Episode: What Asian Dramas Teach Writers About Conflict And Emotion. Become a supporter to get all 20+ supporter episodes: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode

315 / How can authors find their reader community on Substack while balancing life's big changes? Jolie Tunnell shares her transition from years of blogging and waiting for permission to publish to indie success and serializing mysteries.✨ This week's sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishBalancing writing with life changesWaiting for gatekeepers vs. giving yourself permissionUsing Substack for serialized fictionCreative marketing ideas, including membership drives and interactive reader experiencesIncorporating graphics and interactivityBuilding community and engagement on Substack

314 / Tee Harlowe, a fantasy romance author, shares tips for successful Kickstarters as well as how she's adapting to market shifts and why diversification is key to surviving income drops. ✨ This week's sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishRapid release publishing strategiesInstagram tips for authorsFallacies in assumptions about genre size equating to sales  Challenges with Kickstarter fulfillmentDiversifying author income streams, including through traditional publishing and direct salesRunning a successful Shopify store

313 / How do you balance the demands of a full-time job with launching a romance writing career? Finley Daniels shares her lessons learned in writing and marketing.✨ This week's sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishBalancing writing with a full-time jobChallenges in marketing and adsImportance of book titles and tropesBuilding an email newsletterFinding editors and cover designersSuccess with TikTok and BookBub

312 / What are the creative lies writers tell themselves, and how can reframing your mindset lead to a long-lasting, resilient writing career? Katherine Collette shares her insights and lessons from both podcasting and publication.✨ This week's sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishWhy resilience matters more than talent or craftThe pitfalls of tying self-worth to external validationReframing the role of social media and visibilityThe archetypes of post-publication responseFinding joy and sustainability in your writing journey

311 / Think you need to be on every platform, spend big on ads, or release a book every month to succeed as an indie author? We're busting some of the most common publishing myths. ✨ This week's sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishBut first, we catch up on life after a writing retreat: the post-draft crash, newsletter plate-spinning, and the genuine weirdness of evaluating promos when the market keeps shifting Honest BookBub promo numbers and why results look different nowWhy discoverability matters more than "good enough" writingWhy you don't need every social media platform to succeedNewsletters, Goodreads, and BookFunnel as practical visibility toolsWhy direct sales and Kickstarter can work even with a small audienceWhy rapid release is optional and genre dependentWhy ads don't require huge spend, and how AI is changing targetingGenre zeitgeist: how trends like cozy and romantasy impact your strategy

310 / AI is getting better at producing words, audio, and even video, which raises the question for authors: how do readers know there's a real person behind the book?In this episode, we talk about how writers can stand out in a sea of AI content through leaning harder into trust, voice, and real connection. We share concrete ways to signal “I'm a real person” without forcing yourself to overshare or turn your life into content. ✨ This week's sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templatesWhy authenticity and connection matter more as AI output scales—and what history tells us about tech panic cyclesHow parasocial relationships work, where they go sideways, and how real-world interaction cuts through the noisePractical ways to show your humanity: imperfection, process sharing, physical objects, and curationProtecting your author voice and using credibility signals to build lasting reader trust

309 / Lona McCombie, social media marketer for authors, unpacks essential strategies for authors looking to promote their work, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.✨ This week's sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templatesStarting out in social media marketingPromo strategies for book releasesBest practices for TikTok marketingCross-posting content on social platformsResults of paid promo vs. organic reachTrends in book promo content

308 / Serial fiction expert, Kimboo York, joins us to discuss building long-term reader relationships, letting go of perfectionism and fan fiction, including insights on transitioning fan fiction to original works. We also talk about balancing productivity with kindness and allowing room for mistakes to set yourself up to have a resilient author career. ✨ This week's sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templatesSerial fiction business modelsTransitioning from fanfiction to original fictionProductivity and project management adviceCommunity and discoverability on SubstackMonetization methods for serialsLegal concerns with fanfiction writing

307 / How can automation, AI, and genuine relationships help you thrive as an author? Chelle Honaker shares her insights on blending creativity and business, building community, and navigating the ever-changing publishing world.✨ This week's sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templatesFlywheel marketing instead of funnel marketingBuilding community and collaborationSocial media burnout and challengesDiscoverability and reader relationshipsTrends in publishing and tech for authors

306 / How do you get your first reviews? And what do you do about collating feedback from multiple beta readers? Evan Gow, creator of StoryOrigin, has solutions to these author problems. Plus we explore why building your mailing list is the number-one way to connect with readers and future-proof your business as well as discussing direct sales options and the perennial topic of AI impact on publishing.  ✨ This week's sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishImportance of reviews for book salesCross-promotions and newsletter swapsBeta reader management with StoryOriginDirect sales trends and challengesAI's impact on the publishing landscape

305 / Ember Mae shares lessons learned about starting small with crowdfunding as well as managing fulfillment. We also talk about marketing without succumbing to the pressure of conventional social media wisdom.✨ This week's sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishTips on setting up your first Kickstarter campaign and keeping it manageableMaking marketing personal and connecting individually with readersWhy ditching social media is freeingIntuitive storytellingIn-person event strategiesNeurodivergence as a writing superpower

12 - We kick off the week with a litany of stories, including more ICE protests and walkouts, the Epstein files, and more. 1215 - Side - all time exclamation 1220 - Do less than 50 people actually run the world? Your calls. Has Hillary Clinton met her match in the Czech PM? 1230 - Will ICE agents be unmasked if college students are as well? 1235 - Congressman Jeff Van Drew joins us to kick off this week. What does Jeff think about the continued battles between immigration enforcement, agitators, and our elected officials? Why is it so hard for the Democrats to condemn illegal criminals who are rapists and murderers? Or to acknowledge the victims of those crimes? As one of the lead voices for the government to be transparent about the Epstein files, what does he think the next steps should be to ensure that all the files are released like Pam Bondi says? 1250 - Dom's Big List! The Worst 5 Presidents of all time.

12 - We kick off the week with a litany of stories, including more ICE protests and walkouts, the Epstein files, and more. 1215 - Side - all time exclamation 1220 - Do less than 50 people actually run the world? Your calls. Has Hillary Clinton met her match in the Czech PM? 1230 - Will ICE agents be unmasked if college students are as well? 1235 - Congressman Jeff Van Drew joins us to kick off this week. What does Jeff think about the continued battles between immigration enforcement, agitators, and our elected officials? Why is it so hard for the Democrats to condemn illegal criminals who are rapists and murderers? Or to acknowledge the victims of those crimes? As one of the lead voices for the government to be transparent about the Epstein files, what does he think the next steps should be to ensure that all the files are released like Pam Bondi says? 1250 - Dom's Big List! The Worst 5 Presidents of all time. 1 - Should we abolish ICE? Even Hakeem Jeffries isn't willing to go there… 105 - How was Pennsbury's student protest? Why is Meidas going after Stacy Garrity! 120 - Is Josh Shapiro abusing his office in this continued land dispute? New footage surfaces on the real land owners arguing with state troopers that Josh has sent to “defend his land” 135 - Your calls. What's going on in Bridgeton? 150 - Dom Giordano Presents: Progressive Women Gone Wild! 2 - Scott Presler joins us again this week after another big weekend for him. What was it like being on Fox News and getting such high praise from Kayleigh McEnany? What does Scott truly mean when he says he wants the SAVE Act to be discussed on the Senate floor? Who does Scott want the audience to put pressure on through writing letters? What was an older black gentleman's message to give to Chuck Schumer regarding his stance on minorities not being able to obtain ID? What is wrong with the system if nearly 85% Americans approve a measure and it still can't get done? 215 - Dom's Money Melody! 220 - They're going to teach about MOVE and the bombings in Philadelphia Public Schools? Dom reminisces. 225 - Is this immigrant tempting fate? 235 - Some contention over the side question. Your calls! 240 - The Atlantic recognizes the tide has gone out on transgender surgeries for minors. Will CHOP? Are Gavin Newsom's comments taking it too far? 250 - The Lightning Round!

304 / Are you curious how understanding grammar—not just as a set of rules but as a tool for creative expression—can transform your writing and help you find your unique author voice?✨ This week's sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishWe talked with Patty McGee, a literary consultant and author of Not Your Granny's Grammar to unpack why grammar isn't about memorizing rules, but about developing your unique voice. Patty shared tips on building foundational skills, using grammar to enhance your writing's rhythm, and why it's totally normal to make mistakes. Finding your writing voice through sentence rhythmOvercoming grammar embarrassment as an authorPractical resources for learning grammarEffective strategies for giving and receiving feedback  Trends in grammar and punctuation in modern writing

303 / Are you curious about how to find your writing voice, handle feedback without losing your vision, and thrive in today's ever-changing publishing world? Nicole Meier shares what she wishes she'd known as both an author and developmental editor, plus key insights for writers at every stage. ✨ This week's corporate sponsor:http://tryvellum.com/wishWhen to seek feedback and the stages of editingCommon mistakes authors make and how to avoid themAvoiding the trap of rushingFeedback as a listening device so you don't lose your voiceEmerging trends and the power of authenticity in storytellingHow to get over being stuck in your revisions

302 / We're talking about the power of tropes in storytelling with Jennifer Hilt, uncovering why elements like scars, secrets, and shame drive compelling mysteries and thrillers—and how they show up in every genre.  Jennifer shared insights from her Trope Thesaurus series, and both guests revealed how understanding and leveraging tropes isn't just a writing shortcut—it's a way to deepen character, amp up conflict, and even supercharge your marketing.Tips for handling co-writing and collaborationBreaking down “scars and secrets” as trope superstarsHow to make the tropes unique and memorable to your storyUsing tropes to analyze popular media with examples from Severance, The Housemade, and JustifiedThe storybeats of tropesPlus we brainstorm a story  with the armenia trope

301 / In this 301st episode, hear from listeners (thanks for the voicemails!) about their favorite topics and takeaways and another long-time supporter, Belinda Kroll joins us. Belinda is a cozy fantasy romance author and illustrator, and shares how she's streamlining her business to lean fully into her artisan side.Shifting from serial to artisan-focused publishing Leveraging Kickstarter and Shopify for book launches Balancing writing and business with family life Learning from setbacks and focusing on what works for you Adapting to industry changes and technology, including AI

300 / In this 300th episode, we take a walk down memory lane, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of the podcast and reflecting on how far we've come—with over 500,000 downloads and listeners tuning in from all around the world. We chat about the most popular episode, our sometimes dodgy sound, and the connections we've made with authors and vendors in the indie publishing community.Joining us is long-time listener and sports rom com author Parker Finch, who shares how staying reader-focused has helped her build a sustainable writing career. We discuss the ever-changing publishing landscape, creative fulfillment, and why mixing panic with positivity is totally normal for writers. In the next episode, we'll hear more from listeners (thank you for the voicemails!) and have another special author interview. 

Our very special KING joins the program with a few bonus names this week as Dan and Adam bring 9 players that you should be moving on (or off) immediately! The Old Man Squad has a PATREON now. It's $1 and doesn't get a single benefit. It is entirely to support the mission here but won't change anything we do. https://www.patreon.com/cw/oldmansquad Follow Dan Besbris on Twitter: https://x.com/danbesbris Find Dan on the brand new BlueSky social network: https://bit.ly/3Vo5M0N Check out Dan's Google Sheet with Ranks, Weekly Streaming Schedule Charts & Injury Replacement Adds FREE! https://bit.ly/3XrAdEW Listen and subscribe on iTunes: https://apple.co/3XiUzQK Listen and subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ACCHYe Float on over to the new Old Man Squad Sports Network YouTube page to watch videos from the network's top talent: https://bit.ly/46Z6fvb Join the Old Man Squad Discord to chat with Dan and all the other hosts: https://t.co/aY9cqDrgRY Follow Old Man Squad Fantasy on Instagram for all our short videos: https://bit.ly/3ZQbxrt Podcast logo by https://twitter.com/freekeepoints Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

298 / We continue our discussion about what's working in the indie author space. We join Douglas Pratt and Nicholas Harvey and share insights on navigating newsletter platforms, maximizing translations, and adapting to the changes in audiobooks and direct sales. This episode is full of practical nut-and-bolts tips and ideas. Newsletter platform pros, cons, and cost-saving tipsSubject lines, open rates, and optimizing reader engagementUsing AI and hybrid methods for international translationsSelling audiobooks direct, wide strategies, and the rise of AI narrationPlanning for balance, productivity, and sustainability in a changing market

297 / How are authors adapting in 2025's changing publishing world? Sara Rosett, Jami Albright, Nicholas Harvey, and Douglas Pratt share lessons learned, trends they're seeing, and practical strategies from their own writing careers.Sales trends and challenges in 2025Experimenting with book marketingSpecial editions and direct salesUsing Patreon and subscriptionsImpact of AI on publishingSocial media strategies for authorsFacebook ads and Amazon changesReader engagement and superfans

296 / Do you want to leverage your author website, use AI tools efficiently, and prune your tasks strategically so you can sell more books and focus your creative energy where it counts? Thomas Umstattd Jr. shares insights on optimizing your book pages, using AI wisely, and making tough choices to thrive in a crowded publishing world.Why your book page matters for both readers and AI discoveryTips to optimize book pages for GEO (generative engine optimization)Innovative uses of AI tools for marketing and productivityStrategies for pruning projects and focusing your effortsEvolving business model for nonfiction and why community matters now more than ever

The boys take a look at the list and how its warped and grown out of shape over the last 4 years to try to right some wrongs, with big rises and huge falls. Also includes listener comments and questions! Click here for the list!  SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://patreon.com/thebonuspoints [£3/$4 tier = TBP Discord, Extra Credit Podcast and behind the scenes content] [£5/$6 tier = Early access, name in video of podcast, TBP Discord, Extra Credit Podcast and behind the scenes content] Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebonuspoints.bsky.social Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@thebonuspointsyt

295 / Curious how authors can build thriving, sustainable careers—even without rapid releases or a huge backlist? Matthew J. Holmes shares how he transformed his wife's books into a six-figure business, the realities of book advertising, and the mindful strategies indie authors need now.Turning a single slow-release series into a profitable businessSimplicity vs. complexity in book marketing and adsImportance of advertising platform focusCommon mistakes in author advertising strategies

294 / Do you want to pitch your book to Hollywood? Screenwriter, playwright, and novelist Bart Baker shares how authors can position their books for adaptations. He also gives us the story behind Honeymoon With Harry, a movie deal twenty-plus years in the making, which will go into production in 2026, starring Kevin Costner and Jake Gyllenhaal for Amazon/MGM. Lessons from writing plays, scripts, and novelsWhat authors should know about adaptation and selling movie rightsWhen to get legal advice The business side: money management finding trusted advisorsWhy following trends is unhelpful—and what to do instead

293 / Curious about how conferences can spark inspiration, build connections, and transform your author business? We  recap our experiences at Author Nation, share some lessons learned, and highlight community connection possibilities.Panel insights: romance, rom-com, cozy, and moreDirect sales, Kickstarter, and translations for authorsNew tech for signed ebooks and social media marketing

292 / Are you curious about when to work with a developmental editor, how to get unstuck in your manuscript, and what actually helps authors succeed for the long haul? Editor and book coach Sarah Elle shares insights on the editing process, author mindset, and the strategies—plus pitfalls—every writer should know.When to bring in a developmental editor vs. a book coachThe most common manuscript mistakes—and how to fix themTips for breaking out of endless revision loopsMindset, habits, and routines of successful writersTrends in fiction and how author “voice” matters more than ever

291 / Are you struggling to navigate burnout, industry shifts, or simply want to future-proof your writing career? Becca Syme returns to share lessons from her own journey with burnout, sustainable author success, plus actionable advice for writers at every stage.Understanding and recovering from burnoutMaking mindset changes for autonomy and sustainabilityStreamlining your author business for joy (not just income)The real value of Strengths and Enneagram for writers and relationshipsWhat Becca is hopeful about with the future of publishing 

Weekly review show time! The long offseason nightmare is over, and we are at last back with our BIG LIST of adds, drops, holds, injury replacements, watch list guys, worries and more! Today, we cover all the stuff from the season's first three days! The Old Man Squad has a PATREON now. It's $1 and doesn't get a single benefit. It is entirely to support the mission here but won't change anything we do. https://www.patreon.com/cw/oldmansquad SIGN UP FOR A FREE ACCOUNT WITH THE BEST FANTASY SITE FOR COMMISSIONERS: https://fantrax.com/OldManSquad Get a 7-Day Free Trial + 50% Off your first month with code SQUAD. Just download the HOF app on iOS or Android, enter code SQUAD, and you're all set or go to hopapp.com Follow Dan Besbris on Twitter: https://x.com/danbesbris Follow Adam King on Twitter: https://x.com/Adamking91 Find Dan on the brand new BlueSky social network: https://bit.ly/3Vo5M0N Check out Dan's Buckets, Weekly Schedule Charts & Yahoo Rank Tracker Sheet FREE! https://bit.ly/3XrAdEW Listen and subscribe on iTunes: https://apple.co/3XiUzQK Listen and subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ACCHYe Float on over to the new Old Man Squad Sports Network YouTube page to watch videos from the network's top talent: https://bit.ly/46Z6fvb Join the Old Man Squad Discord to chat with Dan and all the other hosts: https://t.co/aY9cqDrgRY Follow Old Man Squad Fantasy on Instagram for all our short videos: https://bit.ly/3ZQbxrt Podcast logo by https://twitter.com/freekeepoints Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

290 / If you missed the first part of our interview with Lee and Russell, scroll back to the previous episode in your podcast feed and catch up. Part II of our conversation with Russell and Lee continues in this episode as we talk about money mindset, sustainability, collaboration, and more. Lee Savino, seven-figure romance author and mastermind founder, and Russell Nolte, USA Today bestselling fantasy author and co-host of the Six Figure Author Experiment podcast, discuss the realities of building and maintaining an author business.Redefining "hard" and "ease" in writing and businessChoosing the right kind of hard—and what to walk away fromLetting go of past successes and recalibrating your goalsCollaboration, co-creation, and building creative partnershipsStructuring your business for happiness and sustainability

Did you know we have a supporter episode out? This short highlight reel gives you a preview of our chat about symbolism. From Pride and Prejudice to Monk, we've got tons of insights and examples that show how symbols can deepen your stories.  Different typesHow we use it in our booksFavorite examples from television and movies. 

289 / Are you struggling to find ease, joy, and sustainability in your writing career as the industry keeps evolving? Lee Savino, seven-figure romance author and mastermind founder, and Russell Nolte, USA Today bestselling fantasy author and co-host of the Six Figure Author Experiment podcast, discuss the realities of building and maintaining an author business.Redefining "hard" and "ease" in writing and businessChoosing the right kind of hard—and what to walk away fromLetting go of past successes and recalibrating your goalsCollaboration, co-creation, and building creative partnershipsStructuring your business for happiness and sustainability

Some day when we close the book on A'ja Wilson's career - THIS might be the moment and the image that we put on page 1... A new city, a new uniform, and maybe… a new Big Three? We have the highlights from KD's Rockets debut and why it's who's AROUND him that might create the biggest threat in the west... A 51-point fourth quarter in the preseason? We'll show you what fueled Golden State's late surge and what we learned last night about the Warriors depth... Speaking of clutch... Perk's rolling out his Big List of Playoff Heroes, and there's 1 surprise pick on there you really do NOT want to miss.... The latest NBA GM survey is out, and just WAIT until you hear Big Perk's reaction to where Luka & Lebron's Lakers rank out West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

288 / Have you ever wondered how to build a writing career that's both creatively fulfilling and financially sustainable in today's fast-changing publishing world?Douglas Pratt shares the real markers of success, tips on seeking feedback,  and why he moved away from strictly following “write what you know.”The importance of letting go of your “darlings” Defining success beyond book sales and fame Mistakes and lessons in craft, marketing, and series building Building a supportive writing community and finding mentors Adapting to industry changes in publishing

287 / Bestselling rom-com author Jeré Anthony shares about embracing your unique voice, the power of niche marketing, and why your book shouldn't be for everyone. We tackled topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of taking risks, and making peace with the messiness of the creative process. Finding your niche and accepting your book isn't for everyoneLeaning into your book's uniqueness and “repelling” the wrong readersManaging ADHD and the myth of writing “ease”The value of taking risks and revising boldlyStrategies for covers, newsletters, and marketing that fit your readers

286 / What happens when a fantasy author brings a soundtrack to storytelling—and what can writers and readers learn from merging music, world-building, and social themes? Richie Billing shares his innovative journey blending original soundtracks with fiction, the challenges of marketing across genres, and the lessons learned from a decade of writing.✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmoreTopics discussed in interview:Writing social justice and controversial themes and underdog stories in fantasyWhen to get feedback on your draftsSubscription model using novelettes and connecting directly with readersIncorporating soundtracks into fantasy booksWhere to start with wordbuilding in fantasy

285 / Are you curious about how to move to a new genre? Fiona Marin shares her experiences switching from traditionally published middle grade to indie contemporary romance and the marketing strategies that have helped grow her readership.✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmoreTopics discussed in interview:Biggest differences between writing for middle grade and contemporary romanceGroup texts, podcasts, and other mixed media storytelling techniquesGrowing a newsletter from scratch and connecting with readersLessons learned about craft, revision, and adapting writing routines to fit life stages—especially juggling creativity with parenthood and ADHDFinding editors and cover artists as an indie author

283 / Curious about how to create a one-of-a-kind book that only you can write? John Gaspard joins the show to discuss his latest passion project, a photo-rich, locally inspired book, and sharing lessons learned.✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmoreTopics discussed in interview:Behind-the-scenes of researching a 50-year-old story, including tracking down interview sources, online resources, and family archivesIssues related to licensing photosOrganizing research with tools like ScrivenerCreative and technical considerations when bringing a photo-heavy coffee table book to life—rights, layout, and design choices Leveraging local interest for book marketing

 283 / Have you ever wondered how to have a joy-filled writing career, especially when the publishing landscape is always changing? Jill Shalvis discusses her transition from traditional publishing to indie, what success means to her, and the writing and marketing lessons she wishes she'd known earlier. ✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmoreTopics discussed in interview:Why writing “rules” held Jill backTrusting your instincts over rigid craft adviceExperimenting with first person POVOvercoming the anxiety of switching from trad to indieHow shifting from trad to indie opened new opportunities The importance of writing what you love, not just to market

The Warriors have been *eerily* quiet this offseason, but is that patience or a problem? Shams joins with a *major* update to the Kuminga standoff with Golden State. It's extension season, but not everyone's signing off....yet... Which teams are risking regret by NOT signing now? Who's got next? Big Perk's back with his Big List of MVP candidates and if ya *think* SGA's still on top, you might want to stick around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch clips on YouTube! Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPEAK YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠ (00:00) Lionel Messi's latest accomplishment / Will the Cowboys be the surprise team of 2025? / Agree with Steve Spagnuolo about Joe Burrow? / Chiefs still need Travis Kelce to be #1 option? (20:54) Speak Up! / Are the Lakers Luka Doncic's team now? / How good does Bradley Beal make the Clippers? / Devin Booker extension (40:51) Key's Big List (47:28) Social Life / Deion Sanders wants a cap in CFB / How much will the 49ers miss Deebo Samuel? / Falcons potential with Michael Penix Jr. at QB (1:02:18) Speak Up! / Worried about expectations for the Chargers this season? (1:13:11) Social Life / Do the Commanders need to give Terry McLaurin a new deal? (1:22:07) Speak Up! / Are the Celtics trying to do too much? (1:27:46) Final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices