Podcasts about fiction author

Matt Hill is a Philip K. Dick nominated author, having published 6 books over the last 13 years. 'Lamb', 'The Breach', 'Zero Bomb', 'Graft' and 'Folded Man', have all be acclaimed for their prose, innovation and invention... he descibes them as 'getting a little weird'. He's also published novels as MT Hill. Matt's new novel is 'Wrecks'. It tells the story of mechanic Jim Sorrel, who is dismissed by his rally team for his part in a life-changing crash. When he is offered a second chance, he discovers his punishment has only just begun.It's inspired by Matt's childhood spent in a motor-racing loving family, and we discuss how he's used that for a speculative, noirish thriller. You can hear how he keeps the pace of a car-focused book going across the novel, why he's very open to learning things, and what he's done with a new dedicated writing space.We chat about the challenge of sticking the landing, his big editing change, and why his method and routine has changed over the last few years.Get a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineSign up to the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.comSupport the show - patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can content marketing in a tight niche build the audience that launches your book? And how do you decide whether to hand your self-published bestseller to a traditional publisher. Suzanne Smith shares what she learned in four years of going from blog to book deal. In the intro, how to stand out as a writer in the age of AI [Nathan Barry Show; Interview with Nathan Barry]; thoughts on asset maintenance; Goodreads giveaway on Bones of the Deep (Aug 5-20, 2026) This episode is sponsored by Publisher Rocket, which will help you get your book in front of more Amazon readers so you can spend less time marketing and more time writing. I use Publisher Rocket for researching book titles, categories, and keywords — for new books and for updating my backlist. Check it out at www.PublisherRocket.com This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Suzanne Smith is the founder of The Independent Landlord, and the bestselling author of The Good Landlord Handbook. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes How a free blog in a tight niche built the audience for the book Rewriting the book from scratch when the law changed Why speed made self-publishing the only option Building a paid membership after one audience member asked for it Negotiating a Penguin Random House deal with no agent Using AI as a business sidekick, with a control room and an engine room You can find Suzanne at TheIndependentLandlord.com. Transcript of the interview with Suzanne Smith Jo: Suzanne Smith is the founder of The Independent Landlord, and the bestselling author of The Good Landlord Handbook. So welcome to the show, Suzanne. Suzanne: Thank you. Jo: Oh, there's so much to talk about today. But first up— Tell us a bit more about you and your background, and how you got into property and writing after a legal career. Suzanne: Well, I've always loved reading books. In fact, I recently did a French literature degree as a mature student. Being an author was never in the game plan at all. It's not something that I even thought about. I was brought up in New Zealand, so shout out to all the Kiwis and those across the pond in Australia. The thing about it is, Jo, you've lived there yourself. Kiwis are independent, self-reliant and have this great sense of fair play. So that was a very formative experience for me. We moved back to England when I was 16, and I have become thoroughly anglicised since then, but a Kiwi at heart. I always wanted to become a lawyer. New Zealand in some ways on television is quite American, and there was this American programme called The Paper Chase. It was about all of these students at Harvard studying law, and the professor said, “You come here with a skull full of mush and you leave thinking like a lawyer.” I thought, “Oh, I like the sound of that.” I didn't really know what a lawyer was, but everyone seemed to be very happy that I wanted to become one, and then that was it. Jo: So you went into law, and then how did you get into property? Suzanne: So I worked for 25 years as a solicitor. That's like an attorney if you're American. Started off in a law firm, and then I went into pharmaceuticals and I worked for big companies like what is now GSK, GlaxoSmithKline, and small companies as well. When I started out, it was before the internet, before Google. When you're in house, you're very much a generalist. You do a bit of everything. So you help companies grow their business. You're not business prevention, but you're still bound by the code of conduct for solicitors. You've got this role of keeping the company on the right side of the law. Then I had twins, who were born about five years after I became a lawyer, and I decided to work part-time for a while and did an MBA when they were little, part-time through the Open University. I know Jonathan is doing one at the moment. Jo: Yes. He's finished, so that's exciting. Suzanne: That was transformational for me, because I had probably been thinking a bit too much as a lawyer, and it helped me to broaden my view of the world and understand all sorts of things. Sso I continued going up the greasy pole, and then for my last job, in 2015, I joined a biotech company in Cambridge, England, as general counsel and company secretary. It was a long way from home, about two, three hours' drive from home. So I decided to buy a flat, an apartment, and to stay there in the week. I thought to myself, “Well, when I leave this company, I can let it out as a buy-to-let,” but actually as a landlord. So I stayed there for five years, and then when I left, I let out the property. The reason why I decided to leave law after 25 years, I had what I call a sliding doors moment, like in the film. I was 50. I was on holiday with my husband, and we'd probably had one too many rum cocktails. And he said to me, “Well, what do you want to be doing with your life? What would you do if you could do anything?” I was thinking, “Well, I've done law. I want to do something else now.” I didn't really know what that was, and I'd always been thinking about studying French properly, and that's when I left. So I decided, 18 months later, I left to do a French degree at King's College London, full-time. I was the only old person there with lots of 18-year-olds. When I did that, I was able to cash in my share options because I was a good leaver. I retired, and so I started buying properties to let out and became a landlord, without really thinking too much about it, and I used letting agents. They were fine to begin with, but I didn't really have a game plan or anything like that. What I realised is that when I tried to research things online, I couldn't really find anything that was terribly helpful. It was either quite general or it was very legal. So after a while… I became a landlord in 2019. I had the idea, why don't I set up a blog? And this is August 2022, so just four years ago. My husband came up with the idea of the name, The Independent Landlord, because it's that Kiwi spirit, being very independent. I thought, “Right, I'm not going to charge anyone for it. It's a hobby. It's not a business. I'm going to pay it forward and help, use my legal training, practical legal approach, and practical common sense, by doing this blog.” Almost exactly four years ago, I sent my first newsletter to 13 people. Jo: Woo-hoo. Suzanne: And I sent one last week to over 18,000. So it's been quite a journey. Jo: Wow, this is so great. I love this. There's so much in there. The turning 50 and then doing a degree. My master's in death is a little different to your French literature, but I like it. So I love this, and buying properties, starting it on the side, not a business at first, and growing the audience, and obviously you've put so much work in. Then you decide to write a book. So talk about that, because an online blog, although I'm sure your articles and everything were super useful, it's very different to write a blog than a book. So talk about your challenges in writing. Why did you decide to do a book in the first place? Suzanne: Again, I was an accidental landlord, is what they call it when you let a property when you didn't intend to buy it as a buy-to-let, which I did with my Cambridge flat. And I became, in many respects, an accidental author. So I was having a conversation with my husband again and I was saying I'd done this lead magnet to get people to sign up to my newsletter, and a big new law was going through Parliament at the time, called the Renters Reform Bill, that was going to completely transform the way landlords operate. I was saying to my husband, “Oh, I need to update my lead magnet, a little ebook, to explain the new law.” He looked at me and said, “Well, why don't you do a proper book? Write a book.” This was on the 29th of September, 2023. The reason why I mention that is that I thought, “Wow, what a great idea,” and my head was bursting. I went onto Google, and guess what I downloaded on the 1st of October? Jo: My blueprint? Suzanne: Exactly. I found you immediately, the Author Blueprint, and I downloaded it. I checked: on the 1st of October, 2023. Then I listened to almost… well, I think I went back several years on your podcast, just trying to understand. I'm like that. When I try and do something, I just try and learn everything that there is to know about it. So I started writing the book, and I guess the first challenge was I write quickly, and I'm used to writing for people who aren't lawyers, being in-house. So I thought I needed to have a structure. The structure was easy in many respects because, a bit of business at the end, and then you can go through a tenancy. I thought it was important to have a narrative thread all the way through it, just to bring it together. This is the literature degree coming in here. I thought that the mission for everything I do, the reason why I started doing this, is to help landlords, but also to help the experience of renting that people have in England. It's very specific for English law. And to help improve the private rented sector. So that's why I originally set up my blog for free, and I wanted, when people went onto Google, they could find something sensible and very detailed from me. My blog posts were… Well, I've now got over 400,000 words on my blog, so it's a substantial piece of work that is out there free of charge. So what I decided to do was to bring this narrative thread, I call it the good landlord ethos, to the book. Then I wrote very quickly, and I had a pretty good draft by April 2024, because we were all thinking that the law was going to change very soon. But then there was an election, and in the end the government changed and the legislation changed completely, so I had to rewrite the book and start again. So I think that my biggest challenge was that my subject matter, the new law, changed. Because I wanted to publish this book that explained to people practically what they have to do, and make it really straightforward, keeping out of politics, because it is a very politically charged area. I wanted to write it so it's a manual, somebody could literally follow it. So I used an editor, and I did write the book twice. I had a beta reader who is another lawyer, and a landlord as well. Then I got to the get-the-damn-thing-done stage. The really tedious bit of all the typos at the end. Jo: Yes, the finishing energy to get it out there. So at that point, obviously you'd found my blueprint, so you were learning about the indie way of doing things. Did you always decide to self-publish? How did you think about publishing? What were your challenges in publishing? Suzanne: It never occurred to me not to self-publish, because the new law came into effect on the 1st of May, 2026. The law and the details that I needed for the book were finalised in January, and I published on Amazon on the 5th of March, so I had to go so quickly. Even though I'd got a lot of it written, the last bit came in January, and so I needed speed. I knew that for landlords to be able to have something that they can use straightaway to help get them ready for it, and then use as a manual afterwards, I had to be first. Jo: Sorry, just on the year. Was it '24? You said '26. You meant May— Suzanne: 2024? No, no, because I actually published it this year. What happened in 2024, I had the first draft ready, but then I had to do another draft because the law changed when the Labour government came in. Jo: Right. Suzanne: The Renters Reform Bill turned into the Renters' Rights Bill. So I had to rewrite the book. So I finished however many drafts at the end of January 2026. Then it went to an editor, et cetera, et cetera, and I managed to get the book ready for a proof, to get the proof printed, towards the end of February. So it was really quick to go from the law being sufficiently finalised for me to write a book in January, and then having it ready in just over a month. There is no way that I could have done that if I'd gone to a traditional publisher. It didn't even occur to me to go, because I didn't want to be going touting around my book and, “Please publish me,” et cetera. It's just not me. I'm the independent landlord, and that moved very easily to being the independent publisher. So I learnt how to do all the publishing. And a huge thanks: I joined your Patreon and I was a very good student. I went through everything systematically and followed your playbook, and used Vellum and BookFunnel and all the other tools. So I decided to go on Amazon as well as have my own Shopify store, which just about killed me. Jo: I was going to say, you are an excellent student. You really like learning, but you also put this into practice, which is why I also wanted to talk to you. You haven't just talked about all this. You've literally done everything. Suzanne: Sometimes it was like my head was going to burst. Luckily, Claude upped his game earlier this year when we got the Opus 4.5. I didn't use AI really until this year. I decided I need to do exercise all the time, and have that as a have-to-do, because my head was spinning all the time with all these different things. So I would go to the gym, go to a spin class, and then I would walk out with my phone on, with the Claude app, and dictate a stream of consciousness into it. “Oh, I need to do this, or what about that? Oh, I just remembered about this. Oh, I've had this idea, blah.” And then said, “Make sense of it for me, Claude.” So it was very much as a thinking partner, because when you're writing your first book, it's bad enough, but when you're learning how to publish… Even, like, when I got the first proof of the book back from BookVault, I realised that all the footnotes—I have 114 footnotes in my book, and that, again, is the recent degree there—and the formatting had gone skew-whiff. Apparently it was an issue with Vellum, and they were really lovely and they sorted it straight out for me. So it shows: always get a proof of the book. They were able to sort that out very quickly, and BookVault were very quick in getting me another proof, because you can shortcut it and just pay to get a very quick delivery. Amazon, on the other hand, was really slow. It took a week. So I actually published earlier on my Shopify store for my members, of my membership, and I gave them a discount. Then I finally got it onto Amazon on the 5th of March. There are all these different skills you're having to learn. The Shopify store I found very hard, and there was all the tax, because I'm VAT registered. So I think I'm still recovering. Jo: You're still recovering. I wouldn't normally recommend a Shopify store for someone with their first book, doing first of everything. But, as you say, you're someone who learns a lot, puts it into practice, and— I think you were pretty determined to do that because you had a community as well, right? Suzanne: Exactly, yes. The big subscriber list. I think that's why the book did so well. So in the first week, because I met you at the Indie Author Lab put on by— Jo: Yes, London Book Fair, yes. Suzanne: Yes, the Alliance of Independent Authors. I met you there, and it was just my first week, and I had 1,000 sales in the first week. That was because of my audience. I'd been going on about the fact that I'm writing this book for two and a half years, because that's how long it took me to do. So I had a wait list for it, and I had a thing on my website, a landing page on my website, saying how good the book was and why it's the best thing for the Renters' Rights Act. Then I went onto Google, and I think I sent you a screenshot of this at the time. I put into Google, “What's the best book for the Renters' Rights Act for landlords in England?” And it came up with me as a featured snippet, and I hadn't even published it at that time. It was just about there. So the blog really helped, because I'd become an authority on the Renters' Rights Act. Even though I'm not a practising solicitor any more, I spent all my time reading the damn thing, and it is a very complicated bit of legislation. Funnily enough, I have ruffled a lot of feathers. People have even said about me behind my back, “What does she know? She's only got four properties.” But I just took no notice. I thought, “I'm going to try and use my legal brain and my understanding of what it's like being a landlord, there with the rubber gloves cleaning an oven when people have moved out, and try and write something that's not trying to sell anything else, and to help people.” And then it got picked up. Jo: Yes. Wait, let's just slow down. Slow down, because we will get onto that in a minute. But let's just come back to that launch. So as we talked about, you've had a blog for five years— Suzanne: It was three and a half by then. Jo: Three and a half years you've been blogging, but hundreds of thousands of words of useful information. So you've essentially done content marketing. You've attracted people. You had a lead magnet. You got them on your email list. You told them that you were writing a book. You got a sort of pre-sales list up. So that's an email list. You've got a blog. Did you do anything else in terms of marketing? Suzanne: I had YouTube, a big YouTube channel. I'd only set it up at the end of 2024, and I'd had half a million views. And again, just very straightforward advice, and without all the scaremongering and politics. I deliberately keep out of it all. A lot of people joined my newsletter as a result of that. Also a year ago, exactly today, I was running a Facebook group, which was a lot of hard work. There were a few thousand people in it, but there are often a lot of people going in there trying to sell things: insurance, eviction specialists and things. And there was also a lot of people just being unpleasant to other people. I was getting fed up with it. It was taking me a lot of time, and I was doing a lot of speaking events and trying to explain what this new law was doing, and wearing myself out. I'm an extrovert, but even I find speaking events absolutely exhausting, because it's like everything gets sucked out of you. It's strange. Then somebody came up to me in July last year and said, “Suzanne, can you set up a membership?” I said, “Well, landlords aren't going to pay for that.” And they said, “Yes, they will. You build it and they will come.” I asked ChatGPT and thought about it. I asked ChatGPT, who I was dating at the time, now exclusively with Claude, but I know Claude has other people in his life. But I'm very much set with Claude Fable at the moment. So I asked ChatGPT, how can I go about setting up a membership? And I mentioned your one and said, “Should I do it on Patreon?” And then he came back with: go for Circle. So I set up a membership on Circle, exactly a year ago. In fact, it's the anniversary of my first member yesterday. hTe rules I had were, no selling. So I don't sell, no affiliate links, no one else can sell anything, and we have to be supportive. No negativity, no politics. So what it's become, it's like the senior common room of the private rented sector, with landlords, lawyers, letting agents. There's a fantastic forum in there. It's not me doing it, it's peer-to-peer. I have twice-monthly live streams where people can ask me questions. I wonder where I got that from. No, I very much modelled it on your Patreon, but on a different platform. I have courses in there as well. So that has really grown. I launched it in July, and by September, October, I'd gone past the VAT threshold, which has complicated everything, but it means my business now is this membership. I really enjoy doing it, and there hasn't been all the negativity that you have in a Facebook group. So I had them as… talk about your thousand fans. There are about 1,500 in the membership, and their support really helped the launch of my book, as well as the wider people who get my free newsletter. Jo: Yes. Suzanne: So it's all different types of content marketing. Jo: Y, but I do love this. And of course, if people are wondering, I joined Patreon back in 2014, I think it might have even been before that, and there weren't too many places back then to run communities. It wasn't even really a community at the time, it was a sort of, almost a “give me a bit of support for the podcast.” So things have changed a lot in terms of communities, and obviously you went with Circle, which is great. Patreon is slightly different now, and some people are using Substack for something similar. So that's just on the platform, but on the business: early on in our conversation you said, “I wasn't going to have a business. It wasn't a business. It was just putting stuff out there, helping other people,” and then your audience asked for this membership. And so now it is a business, right? Suzanne: Yes, it is. Jo: And you've got a book and all of this. So are you happy with the change to a business? Because obviously you have to treat it quite differently. Suzanne: Yes, I am, because I think to begin with, I was just doing it one or two days a week. I was actually studying a master's in French literature part-time, and I then found that I was enjoying the blog more than the master's, so I dumped the master's after the first year. But after getting 88% for one of my dissertations, which interestingly was on the translation of a Simone de Beauvoir book into English, and the publisher who's got that now is Random House, but that's another thing. Anyway, so I decided to give up my master's and double down and work full-time on the blog. People were paying to help me with all the big fees and things, the big tech stack, Buy Me a Coffee. I was doing a little bit of consulting and things. I was working six, seven days a week. I was treating it like a business in terms of quality and my effort, but it wasn't a business in terms of revenue. Then it just all came together, and this person said, “Set up a membership,” and I thought, “That's what I'm going to do. I'm now going to put it on a business setting.” I've got an MBA, I know how to do it, and people thought I planned it, but I didn't. It just happened. So now I do very much treat it as a business, but I still don't advertise. I don't allow people to advertise with me, because I want to be independent. If I recommend something, I want people to believe it's me recommending it, not just because someone's paying me, which can be a big issue in the landlord area. Jo: Oh, in any industry. I get pitched every day with loads of random things that people are like, “Oh, a dollar a click or whatever, if you send this to your list.” And it's like, seriously? Just stop it already. I did just want to add there: somebody asked you, they said, “You should have a community,” and that sparked that idea. I just wanted to acknowledge that my Patreon came from Jim Kukral. Some of you will remember, who've been around a long time. Jim Kukral came on my blog around sort of 2013. Amanda Palmer had just put out a book called The Art of Asking, and I was doing a lot of unpaid work on the podcast at the time, and I was either going to give it up or I had to fund it somehow. Jim said, “You should do a Patreon.” And I was like, “Oh, no, I hate asking for money.” So at the time I just felt, oh, weird. Then I was like, “No, I do all this work,” as you were saying. Now the Patreon has changed so much in terms of what it is, but it is the backbone of my business, too. So I love that you listened to one of your fans who said what they wanted, and I love that I've listened as well. Sometimes we just have to listen to those urges, don't we, to take things on? Suzanne: Yes, absolutely. In some ways I didn't really back myself before. I thought, “No one's going to pay for this.” Then the more you give, the more they want. Jo: Yes. Suzanne: What I've been really working on now is having boundaries, because there were two big kind of mottos that I picked up when I was working in pharmaceuticals. One was from a head of the business. He was Canadian, and he was always saying, “You've got to skate to where the puck is heading.” Jo: That's Wayne Gretzky, is it? Suzanne: Exactly. Yes. He would always say it, and so that's what I've done with my blog and my book. When I write things, I don't pay for any tools. I don't do keyword searches and all that. I just think, I do one blog post per topic, and I'm going to guess what people are going to be searching for soon, and I build up all this content around it. That's why most of my blog pages are top five. I've had no advertising. I haven't asked for any backlinks. I don't do it. People backlink to it because it's useful. So that was the first thing, is skate to where the puck is heading, and that was my approach with the book. I knew people would need this book from around May, and they'll need it forever, because it is so complicated and regulated, the rules for being a landlord in England. So that was the first one. The second thing was: when you take something on, you've got to let something go. One in, one out. I found that I was taking on so many different things, and I've just been cutting back, because I can't be doing all the speaking, I can't be answering people's emails. So I now don't do emails. If people want my advice on something, they ask me in the hub, at the twice-monthly live streams. Sometimes I answer in the forums, but I don't have time. When there are 2.4 million landlords in the UK, and even with our 18,000 on my newsletter, I could spend, and I did, I used to spend all my time replying to emails. So anyway, there are the things. Oh, and there was a third one, which is: attract, don't chase. One of my friends gave me that advice and that's exactly what my approach has been. I just don't chase for anything. I just put the stuff there and then build it and they will come. Jo: Yes, and I think another thing is the power of the niche. It's so clear that what you write about, the people you are aiming at, you have an extremely tight target market. That is both a strength and obviously a weakness, because they're the only people. But as you say, there's more than enough of those people for a community, for the book you have. From my own perspective, that's the same for me, the power of the niche. That's how I have a successful podcast, for example, because of that reason. I think you're like a poster child of what a non-fiction author should do. What I like is that you didn't go, “Oh, where's a niche where I could make money?” and then jump in. You've gone about this in a kind of slightly accidental way, but now you're leaning in and this uses all your skills. So this really is a great example of the power of the niche and then making the most of it. But let's move on to what then happened, and— What happened with the book deal? Suzanne: Wow. So you and I met each other on whatever day that was in March at the Indie Author Lab, and the following day I got an email, via my website on a contact form, from Penguin Random House saying, “We love the book. We love the mission, its values,” all this kind of thing. And I was thinking, “Oh, it's another one of those. Must be an—” Jo: AI spam bot, right? Suzanne: Yes, and I remember I sent you a screenshot of it, and then I checked her out on LinkedIn and thought, “Okay, there is somebody with that name there.” You're always saying, and Orna Ross and everyone are always saying, “Watch out for scams.” And in fact, Penguin Random House even this weekend on Instagram put out something saying, “There are lots of people impersonating us.” So I didn't take it too seriously, and it was something like, “Oh, would you be interested in us publishing your book?” And I thought, and I laughed. It was like, no, this is too good to be true. So I replied and said… Oh, I said, “Well, thank you so much. The Renters' Rights Act…” And so this is like the second week in March. “The Renters' Rights Act comes into effect on the 1st of May. If you want to publish it, you're going to need to get your skates on.” I literally did say that. Then she arranged a meeting with me the next day, on the Friday. I still was very dubious about it, and I had a think about it. What helped me, and I have the little booklet here: at the Author Lab, we did some work at the beginning, and Orna said, “Put your phones away.” And it was like, “What? Put my phone away?” Then we had to do this definition of success, and our passion, and our mission, and our purpose. I wrote down things like, I want to help landlords, and in so doing, help improve the private rented sector. I get pleasure from helping people. I want to improve standards and use my legal and practical skills, et cetera. So I thought, “Okay, what is my purpose of doing this book?” It isn't really to make money, because going with Penguin, you wouldn't do that for financial reasons, because you'd make very little money. So I thought, what is my why? My why is I want as many people to read this book as possible. And I've managed to sell a few thousand copies, but there are 2.4 million landlords, and they all need to understand this book, and the only way that I can get it out there, apart from doing ads, is to get it out in bookstores. So I thought about it, and then said, “Yes, I will do it, because I want to get the book out there.” So it's distribution. It's going to be published on the 6th of August, which is really quick, bearing in mind they contacted me in the middle of March. It's exactly the same book, it's just got different copyright wording and different blurb, different paper. Same cover, because I managed to find a fantastic cover person to do it. So they've kept everything the same. So we negotiated that book. I have no agent. They came to me. It's the attract, don't chase. I just put my lawyer hat on, and because one licence is very much like another one… I did turn down their first offer. Jo: Well done. Good negotiation. Suzanne: My daughter said to me, who's an adult daughter, she said, “But it's Penguin.” And I said, “Well, no, but it doesn't work for me.” So I had a call with them, and then they came up with something that worked for me a bit more. I did have to concede on a few things, like I can't sell it in my Shopify store. But in some ways, that was a blessing in disguise, because it means I don't get any more “Where's my book?” emails. Jo: Yes, exactly. Pros and cons of everything, basically. Suzanne: I have very clear rights to get it back. If I want it back, I can get it back and I don't have to give a reason. They're lovely. They have been really very wonderful. When I went up there a month or so ago, they gave me this book bag, and it's got on it, “I'm published by Penguin,” and I burst into tears. Jo: Aw. That's nice. Suzanne: I don't know, it just seemed like such a big deal. Because up until then I was just being all very lawyerly and task-orientated. Then I thought, “Oh my goodness,” and then it dawned on me. So I'm now in this interim period where I've taken it off Amazon and off my Shopify store, and I feel very maternalistic towards the book because, you know, it took me two and a half years, which is longer than a pregnancy. Obviously it's not a child, but it's like my book child. I've sent it off with a backpack and a drink and some snacks, and I hope that they look after him, my book. The day I took it off Amazon it was still number one. And a big shout-out to Publisher Rocket, by the way. Jo: Yes. Very, very useful for niche publishing. Suzanne: Very. It helped me choose the right niche categories. So it was number one on at least one category, often six, all the way through. I thought, “Well, it's over to them now.” They're very lovely people. They've given me some marketing assets, as they call it, some swanky graphics and things to use. We'll have to see what we do in terms of marketing. I don't mind doing marketing. I'm on LinkedIn quite a bit, and my whole blog is marketing. What I've been doing is updating my blog to include one of these graphics and to mention the book, and I got Claude to help me draft the code so it looked right. So I've been going through all of my blog posts and sending people to Amazon rather than to my Shopify store. It is mixed feelings, because I care about my book. I put a lot of effort, a lot of love, a lot of tears. No, not tears, but I put a lot of effort into it, and it's out of my control now. Jo: Yes, you said it's over to them, but obviously you will still be creating content around this topic, so you'll probably still be the biggest driver of book sales. Suzanne: Yes. Jo: Are they also suggesting, for example, a podcast tour, like pitching for podcasts? Are they going to assign you some PR? Because, also if people don't know, as we are recording this, we have a new prime minister who wants to do various things. You said no politics, but this is obviously a political thing. So you have the potential to go on a lot of different podcasts, media, talking about this, becoming almost a talking head in this kind of area. So are you angling for all that, and is that in your contract, or is it literally just going to be whatever you want to do? Suzanne: That's not in the contract. What's in the contract is very minimal. I think I've already done what I'm supposed to do. They are pitching for me to go on podcasts and things. I'll tell you a really funny coincidence. So we now have a new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and when he was Mayor of Greater Manchester, he set up something called the Good Landlord Charter. I actually talk about it in the book, and I quote him in my book saying that good landlords mean people trying to do the right thing, or something like that. And I coincidentally came up with the same name, The Good Landlord Handbook. I'd already had the book title for a long time. So this idea of good and landlord coming together, the adjective good as opposed to criminal or rogue, and the cover being green. I'm wanting to change the narrative so it's the norm to have a good landlord, and to help people become good landlords. Or if they're good landlords, help them to understand the new rules, because the new rules are very complicated. So what I don't get involved in is this right or wrong. Is it right that landlords can't do this or have to do this? Because as an in-house lawyer, it doesn't really matter what I think about the law. GDPR, goodness me. Jo: Oh, dear. Let's not start on GDPR. Suzanne: No, exactly. Because we've just got to suck it up. I liken it to the grief cycle, that people have been going through so much change and you have the anger, the depression— Jo: Denial. Suzanne: Bargaining, the denial, and then you get to acceptance. For some people, the acceptance means they want to stop doing it. If you want to accept it and stay, you need to understand the rules. So I've deliberately just kept very practical and have kept out of all the politics of it. I have, funnily enough, become involved because I'm now seen as an expert on the Renters' Rights Act. I've worked behind the scenes with the government to help, and give comment on government guidance for landlords. I was even invited to a reception to mark the passing of the Renters' Rights Act at Downing Street with the previous prime minister, all whilst staying apolitical. I won't let anyone make me be a mouthpiece for their political view. It's more, we just have to do this if we want to continue doing it. I've been very clear on that. Jo: It's interesting you mention the grief cycle there, and you've also mentioned Claude and ChatGPT. I wonder if you might also just comment on use of AI for authors and for marketing and all this. Also with legal stuff, because for me now, if I'm looking at a particular legal thing, I tend to ask Claude. I'm like, “Can you just explain this?” or upload a contract or whatever. Although it is not legal advice, it can be quite useful. So give us your thoughts on using AI as a sidekick in your author business and also for wider life. Suzanne: I now struggle to think what life would be like without Claude. I don't use Claude to write, at all, because I have a very particular voice and a turn of phrase, and if ever Claude writes something for me, it doesn't sound like me. It flattens me, and it makes me sound a bit American. So I don't do that. I've used it in the back end of the business. For instance, my blog was down, and there was something called a recursive bot, which I don't even know what it was, and Claude helped me fix it for free. I went through, I did screenshots. When I did an ElevenLabs audiobook and did it all myself, I was literally, for every screenshot, showing it to Claude. Claude said, “Do this, press this, press that.” So I have all these different projects set up. One is the control room, where it's for my strategic thinking. If I have an idea, I want to think about something, I put it in there. I have the engine room, which is for everything techy. Like when I had the recursive bot, or if I'm wanting to have some code on the website to make it look a particular way. Then I have other things for different subjects, and I put all the resources in there, and I use it a lot as a thinking partner. I've noticed that Fable doesn't hallucinate as much, but the Opus used to. There's something called rental discrimination, and it was proofreading and said, “No, it's not rental discrimination, it's rental income discrimination,” and that was just a load of rubbish. So I would never let it go and change things without me looking at it. I went on one of your webinars a month or so ago about MCPs and all the connectors, which is fantastic. It can go into my community and pull out all the questions for one of my live streams and put it into a document in order, by theme, for instance. It can look at my MailerLite, because that's where my newsletter is with, and analyse the different open rates and click rates and things. It's so good for analysing everything, all the book sales. It helped me with my negotiation with Penguin, and it is pretty good on law. It has sometimes hallucinated things, but not so much now. I think with anything, you've always got to go back to the primary source, and this is what we learn in academia: you have to check the primary source yourself. I have a bit of a magpie brain. I'm very much a discovery writer, like you, and things occur to me as I'm doing it. I think that Claude, at the moment, is incredible. I've been quite open about it on social media that I have Claude as a business partner. I'm a solopreneur, or whatever the word is. I have quite a big business now, and lots of different things, and it's just me doing it, because I can ask Claude how to do this, and how to do that. Claude can go and check my emails and tell me, is there somebody I've not replied to, which helps a lot. Jo: Yes. I think it's empowering as a solopreneur as such. You talk there about the fixing the tech stuff. I have my web host come to me and say, “Look, you're getting so much traffic and bot stuff, and we need to put this thing in, and it's going to be $120 extra a month.” I was like, “Can you just give me an hour? I'll get back to you.” And then I just had Claude code up, and I was like, “Analyse this and tell me what we can do.” It was like, “No, you just need to flip this switch and do that.” And I'm like, “Okay, fair enough.” Then the guy said, “Oh, no, okay, actually you don't need it.” Just stuff like that. As a solopreneur, you're either going to pay somebody technically quite a lot of money, or you can get Claude or ChatGPT. We should say, the ChatGPT Sol is very good, like the Claude Fable, for example. So, yes, using it as a sidekick. I love your control room and your engine room projects as well. That's a great way of doing it. Suzanne: I wouldn't be without it now, and I would have published the book a lot later without Claude, because Claude was helping me with the Shopify store and all the many steps of things. It saved me real time. It is just fantastic. I think, like now when I'm updating my blog, I have a connection between Claude and my blog. Claude can go in, I can give it my Google Search Console results for the page: what should I change, are the headings right? All this kind of thing. And it will give me a view on every single page, which is incredible. Jo: And YouTube, and just everything. Just super useful for that business sidekick. That's what I want authors to think. I feel like authors get so obsessed with the creative side with AI, whereas actually, people like you and me, we're using it as that engine room for the solo business, which is what I love. So we're out of time. I did want to ask one more thing, which is, one of the biggest issues with a specific book like yours is when they change the law again. So do you have a plan in place for if, say, a new government changes the law again? Will you just be updating the book over time? Suzanne: I think that there'll need to be a new edition of the book in three years' time, and I've spoken to Penguin about it. Not all of this new law has been implemented, and there's going to be case law and things. So I expect that I will update the book every few years. I have some other ideas for books as well, but for the moment, I'm just taking a bit of a break. You always say we've got to refill our creative well. I really feel like that at the moment. Recently I've just got myself a personal mobile phone so that I can turn off my work one when I'm on holiday and actually take time off. Because for all the time that I was doing the book, basically from Christmas until May, I didn't have one day off. That is not good. So I'm just trying to be a bit more balanced. I had an idea to write another book for summer, but I've just decided not to, and I'm going to leave it until I feel the urge again. Jo: Oh, well done. Suzanne: Which will come. Jo: Yes, well done. Suzanne: I think there's nothing wrong with that. We just need to think what's right for us. I'm 58. So I want to be able to have time to enjoy things and not be working all the time. Jo: No, that's great. It's a sustainable business. So where can people find you and the book and your community online? Suzanne: The easiest way to find me is theindependentlandlord.com. Or if you put Suzanne Smith and landlord into Google, you'll find me as well, and there's a link on there to the book, The Good Landlord Handbook. In the community, there's a link to that on my website as well. Jo: Brilliant. Well, thanks so much for your time, Suzanne. That was great. Suzanne: Thank you.The post From Blog To Community To Book: A Non-Fiction Author's Journey With Suzanne Smith first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Eli McCann never planned to write a novel. He wrote one chapter kind of, maybe, to prove to himself he couldn't. But when he handed it to his husband, who both laughed and cried reading it, his curiosity and determination grew.That chapter became Stitched, his debut novel about competitive quilting, unlikely friendships, and found family. The story of how it got published is required listening for any first-time author who's ever been told to change their book to make it more marketable.We talk about the year Eli spent building a storytelling following before he had a book to sell, the agent who warned him publishing has a bias problem against older women (and how unfortunately correct she turned out to be), why he refused to rewrite his book into something it wasn't just to land a deal, and what it was actually like to narrate his own audiobook, complete with dialogue-heavy scenes from multiple distinct voices.

EPISODE 743 - Luke K Wilson -  Science Fiction Author - Icewind and FalcataFalcataAuthor: Luke K. WilsonRelease Date: February  2026Description:Falcata is a science fiction epic from Luke K. WilsonThe Maran Ark contains the last of a shattered civilization. These last remaining bands of humans are all that survived the destruction of Mara, their beloved home world, and they've been on the run from their enigmatic, unsympathetic enemies ever since. Now, they wander through a devastated, desolate galaxy filled with the ruins and remnants of long-dead empires, as well as pirates and marauders out to prey on anything still living. Only one thing keeps the Marans going: the promise of a new world to call their own and the hope that one day their children will be born beneath and open sky, with soil beneath their feet.Leanette-14810 is a young girl born into the Ark long after Mara's destruction. She is raised listening to the horrors of their home world's fall, as well as the haunting rumors of what lurks outside the Ark's hull. Now, she must walk a rigid path which prioritizes the collective good, and society's survival against all odds. She approaches adulthood and a predetermined life as a Maran woman, to never leave the confines and relative safety of the Ark.But when Leanette is banished from the Ark's rigid caste system dictated by gender and aptitude, she is thrust into a terrifying world she never knew existed. She eventually realizes the greatest threats facing the Ark's survival are not outside its hull, but deep within them.Facebook Author Page:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576851991360My Listing on the Publisher's website:Falcata - Golden Storyline Bookshttps://goldenstorylinebooks.com/falcata/Amazon.com: Falcata eBook : K. Wilson, Luke: Kindle Storehttps://a.co/d/0erRobxFSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author Deborah Oswald. As a lover of history and historical fiction, Deborah has channeled her passion into a series of books featuring three generations of women from the fictional McKenna Family, which resides in Hudson Valley, New York. They were introduced to the world in the books The Girls of Haviland and Beyond Haviland, and we learn more about them and their bloodline in the books Netta's War, The McKenna Correspondent, and Liberation Twins. Learn more about Deborah and collect her books by clicking HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

Building a fiction author platform in 2026 is a fundamentally different game than it was a decade ago, evolving from basic promotion into a robust, data-driven ecosystem. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the modern author's toolkit, exploring how to leverage AI-assisted branding, targeted sales funnels, and strategic book launches to maximize reach without relying on outdated tactics. Whether you are a first-time novelist or a seasoned writer looking to modernize your promotion, you will learn the exact systems—from crafting effective landing pages and navigating algorithmic changes to executing high-converting book swaps—that turn an unknown manuscript into a sustainable, consistent business.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://superbrandpublishing.com/podcast/

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!In this episode, Elizabeth Lyons and Liz Lawson discuss Liz's journey from YA to adult fiction (It Happened One Murder, July 2026), the realities of book launches, and insights into the publishing industry. She shares personal experiences, misconceptions about launch days, and the evolving landscape of genre categories.TOPICS INCLUDE:- Transitioning from YA to Adult Fiction- Understanding Reader Expectations- The Differences in Writing YA vs. Adult- Navigating Genre and Audience- The Evolution of YA and Adult Fiction- The Challenge of Engaging Young Readers- The Complexity of Book Marketing

With our nation's 250th anniversary right around the corner, bestselling historical fiction author Sharon Virts from Leesburg has a new book series ("Fields Of Honor") available that focuses on the second generation after the American Revolution. Sharon talks about her love of blending historical research with psychological suspense and immersive storytelling. www.sharonvirts.com 

Ian Watson. Photo: Glenn Hall. Wikipedia Commons Ian Watson (1943-2026), unconventional British science fiction and fantasy writer, who died on April 13, 2026 at the age of 82, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff for the Probabilities radio program, recorded in Oakland at Westercon 40 on July 2, 1987. Ian Watson (1943-2026) who died on April 13, 2026 at the age of 82, was an unconventional author whose works brimmed with ideas and philosophical turnings. Author of over thirty one novels, not including several written in the world created by the Warhammer 40,000 game, there were also eleven collections of short stories, plus a catalogue of poems. An avowed socialist, he also stood in elections as a Labour Party candidate in the days before Tony Blair. His novel, The Power, discussed in the interview, was published later in 1987, and can now be found, along with many of his novels, as Kindle book through Amazon. In early 1990, Ian Watson received a call from the assistant to legendary film-maker Stanley Kubrick to work on a science fiction film based on a story about a robot boy written by Brian Aldiss. For the next several months, he and Kubrick hammered out a screenplay treatment until Kubrick, in December of that year, said it was what he wanted, barring some changes, but shortly thereafter began work on what would be his final film, Eyes Wide Shut. Kubrick died on March f7, 1999 at the age of seventy. Shortly afterward, Steven Spielberg, using Watson's treatment, wrote a screenplay which became his film, A.I. Artificial Intelligence. You can find Ian Watson's essay about his work with Kubrick by going to this link. This interview was digitized, remastered and edited on May 2, 2026. Sound quality (speed) is variable. The post Probabilities Archive: Ian Watson (1943-2026), Surrealist British Science Fiction Author appeared first on KPFA.

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Rachel Beanland has written three novels (her newest, The Half Life, releases on July 14, 2026 from Simon & Schuster), and she's still surprised by how much each book teaches her. In this episode, we talk about what it actually looks like to challenge yourself as a writer—specifically, her decision to write her latest novel, The Half-Life, in first person for the first time. (As I've recently learned while working on my own novel, it's harder than it sounds, and Rachel has the perfect explanation as to why.)We also get into how personal history shapes fiction (her first novel grew out of a family tragedy from nearly a century ago), why a strong sense of place isn't optional, and what happens when you trust your instincts even when the process feels messy as hell.

What happens when imagination meets the unexplained? In this captivating episode, Ric Wasley, a paranormal fiction author, takes us into a world where storytelling and the supernatural collide—blending creativity with the mysteries that have fascinated humanity for generations. Drawing from his work as a writer, Ric discusses how real-world paranormal themes—ghosts, unexplained phenomena, and the unknown—can inspire compelling fiction. He shares insights into his creative process, how ideas are developed into immersive narratives, and how fiction can explore possibilities that reality cannot easily explain. This episode goes beyond writing, exploring the power of storytelling itself. Why are we drawn to tales of the supernatural? How does fiction allow us to confront fear, curiosity, and wonder in a safe and engaging way? And what role does imagination play in shaping our perception of the unknown? Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation that celebrates the art of paranormal fiction—where creativity opens the door to endless possibilities, and where every story invites us to step into the extraordinary.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media

What if the stories you've been living aren't the ones you're meant to keep? In this powerful conversation, Christopher J. Wesley—fine artist, fiction author, and transformational advisor—shares how transformational storytelling can help people reframe trauma, rewrite identity, and reconnect with their true nature. Drawing from his own lived experiences, he introduces a framework of story, narrative, and mythology to help individuals understand the patterns shaping their lives. Through creative expression, emotional awareness, and intentional identity-building, this episode explores how to move beyond survival mode and create a future rooted in truth, resilience, and self-authorship.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join the On Your Mind Community today:journeysdream.orgTwitterInstagramFacebookYouTube

Lorraine Wilson writes speculative fiction, which she says is "writing in between folklore and the wilderness." Show notes: Lorraine Wilson We Are All Ghosts In The Forest The Salt Oracle Christopher Caldwell: Call and Response Learn more about Scrivener, and check out the ebook Take Control of Scrivener. If you like the podcast, please follow it on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. Leave a rating or review, and tell your friends. And check out past episodes of Write Now with Scrivener.

Tracy Kidder (1945-2026), Pulitzer Prize winning author of literary non-fiction, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA studios during the book tour for “Strength in What Remains: A Journey of Remembrance and Forgiveness, ” which focuses on the extraordinary true story of Deo, a young man who arrives in America from Burundi in search of a new life. Tracy Kidder, who died of lung cancer on March 24, 2026 at the age of eighty, was best known for his literary journalism, for turning non-fiction narratives into literary masterpieces. The author of eleven books, he won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction and the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 1982 for The Soul of A New Machine, which looked at the tech environment during the birth of the modern computer. His 1990 book, Among Schoolchildren, a close look at American education, focusing on twenty students in a Massachusetts elementary school, won several literary awards. In the years after the interview, Tracy Kidder went on to write three more non-fiction books. His final book to date, Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O'Connell's Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People was published in 2023. Paul Farmer, the subject of Tracy Kidder's 2003 book “Mountains Beyond Mountains”, died in February, 2022. The post Tracy Kidder (1945-2026), Pulitzer Prize Winning Non-Fiction Author appeared first on KPFA.

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Ever wonder what happens when an academic specializing in medieval women's visions suddenly writes her first novel? In this episode, Jennifer Brown shares her unexpected leap from dusty manuscripts to publishing with St. Martin's Press and how a canceled conference sparked her fiction journey—without a soul telling her she should.In this episode:How Jennifer's fascination with medieval women and their visions inspired her novel, The Lost Book of Elizabeth BartonThe serendipitous week in London that kickstarted her writing processScrapping outlines and embracing the messy, fun process of discoveryThe unexpected ease of her path to publicationInsights into marketing a traditionally published book when the house does some of the heavy lifting (emphases on "some")Her thoughts on the complexity of writing multiple timelines and switching points of viewThe importance of embracing revision as part of the creative process

Send a textAs Long As Rivers Run is a tale of lore, wisdom, and wonder; a story of hardship and healing in a rugged wilderness full of challenges and rewards. Protagonist Tom Dunagan was thrown into the role of a surgeon during the Civil War under conditions that yielded more sadness than success. The weight of the war is a cloak he struggles to shed. After the war, he and his 13 year-old daughter, Brooke, cross the Continental Divide and stumble upon a Ute father and son in their own tragic situation. Tom's heroic effort to save the Ute man's life after an intense encounter with a grizzly bear gives passage for Tom and his daughter to enter the mystic world of an Ute family band. They learn that the circle of the seasons is driven by the circle of water that drives the circle of life—a profound truth in a harsh land where water is not merely a resource, but the single, sacred thread that binds existence. The novel reiterates a lesson in survival that rings true to this day: the preciousness of water must never be forgotten.Taking place in a time when great riches for our Native Americans was measured in the number and quality of their horse herd, a time of strike-it-rich dreams in a rock's golden vein. While the story touches on greed, jealousy and violence common of that time, we also find moments of kindness, understanding and love, all cradled in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.Pick it up hereAbout the author, Larry Ray Rather:Larry Ray Rather is a rancher by day, and a weaver of words by night. A true 'Buddhist Cowboy,' Rather's deep connection to the land and the wisdom gleaned from a life spent outdoors resonate with his spiritual principles. Rather finds peace in the saddle and inspiration in the quiet contemplation of the mountains. His blend of Western heritage with the Eastern philosophies of Buddhism creates a unique perspective, one that emphasizes mindful observation, respect for all living things, and a deep appreciation for the present moment.A lifelong learner, Rather's curiosity extends beyond the written word. He is an avid student of history, archaeology, and the natural sciences, constantly seeking to understand the intricate web of life that surrounds us. Whether he's exploring the ancient ruins of the American West or simply observing the intricate dance of a hawk in the sky, Larry finds inspiration in every corner of the world.When he is not writing, he is often found with his horses and mules. Whether preparing for a day trip in the aspen-covered forests, or a weeks-long trip through rugged mountain terrain, you can expect him to return with documentation of arrowheads, wolf tracks, and things of that sort.  Support the show

Today on The Cameron Journal Podcast, we are speaking with Henry Sullivan. He is the author of Coliseum and runs a popular Substack where he presents his content in audio and in serialized form. We talk about the present political environment, Christian nationalism and much more through the lens of his fiction.

John Varley (1947-2025), Hugo and Nebula Award winning science fiction novelist, who died on December 10, 2025 at the age of 78, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA studios July 17, 1992 while on tour for the novel “Steel Beach.” John Varley hit the ground running with his first short story, “Picnic on Nearside,” published in 1974 in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. He was already considered the logical heir to Robert Heinlein by the time his novel, The Ophiuchi Hotline was published in 1977 and his short story collection, The Persistence of Vision a year later. He followed those books with a trilogy that included Titan, Wizard and Demon, then went to Hollywood for seven years. This Probabilities interview was recorded on July 17, 1992 when he returned to the field with his novel, Steel Dreams, first of two novels set in the Eight Worlds universe of his earlier work; the sequel, The Golden Globe, was published in 1998.. By the time of this interview, John Varley's history with Hollywood would be over. You can find a PBS version of Overdrawn at the Memory Bank on Pluto TV, and two episodes from the TV show Paradox on You Tube. The film Millennium is not streaming. After The Golden Globe, John Varley wrote seven novels, most in a new series titled Thunder and Lightning. He returned to the Eight Worlds for his final novel, Irontown Blues, published in 2018. There would also be The John Varley Reader in 2004 and another collection in 2013. The post John Varley (1947-2025), Hugo and Nebula Award-winning Science Fiction Author appeared first on KPFA.

Sam Mills is an innovative and wildly creative writer, who has always wanted to publish books. She's written non-fiction books, 'Uneven', 'The Fragments of my Father', and others, also crossover, genre-bending novels like 'Blackout', and 'The Quiddity of Will Self'. She's written for The Guardian, The Independent, the New Humanist and more, along with running 'Dodo Ink', a small indie press that publishes daring and difficult literary fiction.Her new novel is 'The Watermark'. Inspired by 'Inception', it tells the story of Rachel and Jaime, who become trapped by Augustus Fate, a once-lauded novelist, in his latest creation. They must find their way back home through a labyrinthine network of novels, flitting from a harsh Russian Winter, to Victorian Oxford, from a utopian metropolis to an AI-dominated future.We discuss why she likes the romance of being a writer, and that helps her deal with the instability of it. Also, you can hear how she creeps close to the line of burnout, yet knows exactly when to pull back. Sam shares pen opinions, and how she's developed the cafe-writer's sense of when to leave.Get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineThis week's episode is sponsored by the 'Quick Books Reviews Podcast', take a listen wherever you get your shows.Support 'Writer's Routine' -patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutineSubscribe to the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.com@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Keren Hulkower regals us with many stories of his days working in labs and into his career transition from biochemistry to becoming a medical fiction author. Dr. Hulkower discusses his new book 'Early Detection,' his experiences in both the scientific and writing communities, and how his scientific background influences his creative writing. He also shares personal anecdotes, offers insights into the publishing process, and talks about the challenges and rewards of balancing a scientific career with a passion for writing. Intriguingly, the episode includes mentions of gastrointestinal research and explores the competitive nature and politics of laboratory research.▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬Keren Hulkower: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keren-hulkower-37819710/Erick Mertz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickmertzwriting/https://www.isaakhulkowerllc.com/Great Stories Don't Write Themselves: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Stories-Dont-Write-Themselves/dp/1440300852Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemediaX: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLCYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskillSign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfTWant to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬00:00 Introduction to Transferable Skills00:07 Guest Introduction: Dr. Keren Hulkower00:24 Journey into Medical Fiction Writing00:52 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing02:15 Balancing Science and Writing03:41 Support Systems and Writing Process04:43 Publishing and Editing Insights08:48 Career in Biomedical Engineering09:42 Early Scientific Interests19:58 Competitive Nature of Scientific Research20:24 Challenging Research Methods21:36 Standardizing Cancer Diagnosis23:17 Data Manipulation Scandals24:29 Theranos and Proficiency Testing26:36 Navigating Lab Politics29:02 Adapting to New Research Fields34:55 Balancing Writing and Research41:51 Future Endeavors and Teaching

EPISODE 655 - David Boop - Speculative fiction author of sci-fi noir, historical, dark fantasy & the Weird WesternsDavid Boop is a Denver-based speculative fiction author & editor. He's also an award-winning essayist, and screenwriter. Before turning to fiction, David worked as a DJ, film critic, journalist, and actor.David's novels run the gambit, such as the sci-fi/noir She Murdered Me with Science; The Soul Changers, a historical, dark fantasy tie-in to Rippers Resurrected; and the Weird Western mosaic novel, The Drowned Horse Chronicle. He co-authored, with NYT Bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson, a near-future graphic novel series called Travailiant Rising.David edited the bestselling and award-nominated Weird Western anthology series, Straight Outta Tombstone, Straight Outta Deadwood and Straight Outta Dodge City. He's currently working on a trio of Space Western anthologies starting with Gunfight on Europa Station. He's editor on the forthcoming Jack L. Chalker Well World tribute anthology.David is prolific in short fiction with many short stories including media tie-ins for Predator (nominated for the 2018 Scribe Award), Deadlands, Kolchak the Night Stalker, The Green Hornet, and Veronica Mars.He's a summa cum laude Graduate from UC-Denver in the Creative Writing program. He temps, collects Funko Pops, and is a believer. His hobbies include film noir, anime, the Blues and the Old West.https://wolfpackpublishing.com/pages/about-david-boophttps://www.longshot-productions.net/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Today on The Cameron Journal Podcast we are joined by Diana Colleen the author of, "They Could Be Saviors." What if the solution to climate and everything was simply curing billionaires of greed? The novel asks a provocative question: what if the only way to save the planet was to kidnap the billionaires destroying it? On the surface, it's speculative fiction. But at its heart, it's a cultural and political commentary — an attempt to reframe billionaire-ism not as success, but as an illness.About the book and award winning author Diana Colleen: The book also draws on my own lived experience with psychedelic-assisted therapy, which not only saved my life but also inspired me to explore what happens when those in power are forced to confront their egos and blind spots. I believe climate change can be solved, but only if the right people put their power and resources toward it.You can visit Cameron online at CameronJournal.com Watch The Cameron Journal Newshour every Monday at 7 pm!Part of the SOOPcast Podcast Network

Have you ever met someone whose imagination reminds you that creativity can heal, teach, and connect us all?In this inspiring episode of Real Talk with Grace Redman, I sit down with Drew Robinson, dynamic author, screenwriter, and creative visionary whose stories blend fantasy, science fiction, and heartfelt human connection.Drew's journey is a testament to the power of storytelling not just as art, but as transformation. Living with autism, he has used writing to navigate emotion, build connection, and turn challenge into creativity. His books from Lexa and the Gordian Maze of Terror to Vampire Academia explore courage, identity, and empathy through strong, imaginative characters and powerful themes.Drew is one of the kindest humans I have connected with. His heart and soul touched me in a way that no one else has. What You'll Hear in This Episode:

TEATIME WITH MISS LIZ —Featuring: BRAD C. ANDERSONDecember 4th, 3 PM ESTScience Fiction Author & Explorer of Human ComplexityMiss Liz doesn't serve a beverage — she serves a real-life changemaker. She serves Brad C. Anderson, Canadian science fiction author, business educator, biotech veteran, and researcher of “organizational wisdom” — a term most say shouldn't exist in the same sentence, yet . Brad proves otherwise with every story he tells. Brad's writing explores deeply flawed characters thrust into harsh, imaginative realities — where growth isn't optional, and humanity is tested through experience, pressure, and possibility. His novels Duatero and Ashme's Song have captured readers through immersive worlds. His short story Naïve Gods earned a longlisting for the 2017 Sunburst Award and contributed to the Aurora-nominated anthology Lazarus Risen. From the classroom to the cosmos, Brad invites us to question systems, push boundaries, and explore how we grow through flow, experience, and adversity. Watch LIVE or catch the replay on all Miss Liz Teatime platforms. Miss Liz pours a cup of creativity, curiosity, and cosmic exploration with Brad C. Anderson — a science fiction author who dives deep into flawed characters and the messy, meaningful journeys they take through unpredictable worlds. Humour Brad brings a “chill” presence with a sharp, imaginative mind. He teaches undergraduate business in Vancouver, researches organizational wisdom, and once worked in biotech — legally making drugs for a living, as he loves to say. His blend of humor, intellect, and storytelling creates a unique lens on humanity, leadership, and resilience.His award-recognized short fiction, his acclaimed novels, and his bold approach to worldbuilding reflect his own T-E-E: Flow. Experience. Growth. Teatime will journey into worlds both real and imagined, and we will explore how adversity shapes identity, courage, and evolution. Brad will show us that flawed characters teach the greatest lessons, that impossible situations reveal our inner resilience, and that growth is often born from chaos, curiosity, and courage. His words, worlds, and wisdom leave us with new ways to think about leadership, life, and the stories we live every day. We will thank Brad for bringing his chill spirit, big imagination, and grounded insight to the Teatime table. And thank you to everyone who joined live or on replay, your presence continues the ripple. Brad C. Anderson is a Vancouver-based science fiction author, business educator, and former biotech professional. Known for exploring flawed characters in intense, imaginative worlds, his work includes two novels and award-winning short fiction. He researches organizational wisdom and blends humour, insight, and depth into every story he creates.#TeatimeWithMissLiz#ScienceFictionAuthor#CanadianWriters#StorytellingPower#MissLizTEE

Kay A. OliverFiction Author of THe Year - Author Kay A. OliverMy journey through Hollywood's glittering yet challenging landscape reignited my passion for storytelling. Despite facing rejection from studio executives who deemed my female-centric screenplays "unmarketable," I refused to be sidelined. Surviving breast cancer profoundly reshaped my priorities, reinforcing my determination to champion women's resilience and strength.With over 30 years in Hollywood, I boldly transitioned from the screen to the page, embracing the creative freedom that comes with writing novels. My debut novel, Disturbed Tombs, affirmed my place in the literary world, earning four prestigious awards. This success paved the way for Road to Elysium and seven other acclaimed novels, solidifying my reputation as a masterful storyteller.Now an inductee into Who's Who in America 2024, and my most recent honor as being name Fiction Author of the Year 2025 by the IAOTP, my stories celebrate triumph over adversity, weaving respectful relationships and life-affirming wisdom into every narrative—a reflection of lessons learned navigating a male-dominated industry.Readers often share how my stories transcend the page, resonating deeply and inspiring change. Drawing on my Hollywood expertise, I craft narratives that not only entertain but also champion women's voices, ensuring their strength and stories are celebrated. Whether writing novels or giving interviews, I remain committed to inspiring others and leaving an indelible mark on the world of storytelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Week:  Storytelling, With An Award-Winning Crime Fiction Author  Carl Vonderau has made many mistakes in his professional writing—and he wants you to learn from them. His savvy advice includes: Use the senses; evoke emotion; get your readers and viewers … Continue reading →

Michael Colon's journey to create the greatest science fiction comic book reflects his passion for fantasy and science fiction, blending elements of drama and psychological fiction. Michael's quest for validation and growth fueled his fearless pursuit of publication. What inspired him, and how did he achieve this remarkable journey? “The greatest comic book tale ever told” and “The Gift From Aelius” by Michael Colon.

Theme music by UNIVERSFIELD & background music by PodcastACInterview with Author Jessie JanowitzHer website which includes the book we discussed: All The Ways to GoA YouTube video of Paul LockhartPaul Lockhart's book referenced in the interviewIsaac Machado Interview - One dan in one year - r/baduk postTelegraphGo ConversationTelegraphGo's YouTube channelShow your support hereEmail: AllThingsGoGame@gmail.com

Ursula K. Le Guin in 2014. Ursula K. Le Guin, who broke the artificial wall between science fiction and literature, died on January 22nd, 2018 at the age of 88. An essayist and poet along with being a fiction writer, she transcended all genres with the quality of her prose and the allegorical nature of her work. Best known for her novels The Left Hand of Darkness, which dealt with gender; The Dispossessed, which dealt with a utopian civilization; her series of novels in the fantasy realm of Earthsea; and her short stories, especially “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas,” Ursula K. Le Guin broke ground in several directions over the course of her writing life. But she started in science fiction fantasy. On September 29th, 2000, Richard Wolinsky and his then co-host Richard A. Lupoff spoke with Ursula K. Le Guin about her career as a writer and about her latest novel, a political and social science fiction allegory, “The Telling.” This podcast is taken from that interview, with segments from a short 1983 interview conducted by Richard A. Lupoff. The official interview ends at around the 36 minute mark, and the final fifteen minutes consist of a free-form discussion about Ursula LeGuin's history in the science fiction field and her thoughts on several writers, including Philip K. Dick and James Tiptree Jr. This interview was first posted on January 19, 2018.   The post The Probabilities Archive: Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018) Visionary Science Fiction Author appeared first on KPFA.

Emma Cowell wrote her debut novel, 'One Last Letter from Greece', through the pandemic to come to terms with losing her mother. Since then, she's published more novels and been translated into 9 languages. They're inspired by Greece and its islands. We discuss how she gets the places right. Who does she speak to? How does she learn? Where does she travel to tell the island's story authentically?The new novel is 'Under the Lemon Tree'. Here's the blurb -Shattered by the sudden loss of her twin, Nik, Kat is lost in grief. The comfort of family feels both soothing and suffocating, but everything changes when she inherits a house on the breathtaking Greek island of Agistri from a mysterious uncle she's never met. Arriving on Agistri, Kat is mesmerized by its crystalline waters, lush pine forests, and the citrus-scented air. Among the white-washed houses and warm, welcoming locals, she begins to feel her heart heal. The island offers more than solace, sparking courage in Kat to face her loss ― and maybe even embrace the spark of unexpected love… But as she unearths her family's buried past, Kat must also confront her own fears of belonging, forgiveness ― and the possibility of rediscovering happiness in the shadow of heartbreak… We discuss her previous work as an actor and news presenter, and how they have impacted the way she tells stories. Also, you can hear how she knows when to stop, how she pulls herself through tricky writing times, and we run through Emma's path to publication.This episode might make you want to go on holiday.Get a copy - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineSupport us - patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frances Quinn is a journalist, copywriter and bestselling author. Her new novel, 'The Lost Passenger', tells the story of Elinor Coombes, who boards the Titanic trapped in an unhappy marriage to a controlling husband. When it starts to go down, she sees an opportunity to escape for a new life.Frances began writing after winning a place on the Curtis Brown Creative Novel Writing Course, which led through a meandering path toward publication in 2021. Her debut was 'The Smallest Man'. She followed that up with 'That Bonesetter Woman', which both sold well, yet didn't manage to secure international rights. You can hear what Frances did to learn about foreign markets, in order to get her newest novel sold overseas.As a journalist and copywriter, Frances has written for 'Good Housekeeping', 'Woman's Weekly', and 'Ideal Home', also producing words for Waitrose and Easyjet. We discuss how this has influenced the novels she writes, and why she's forever thankful to her editor.We discuss genre, research, and how Frances learns about her character while having decided exactly what they're up to.You can hear why she's a moany writer, why she likes to exercise early, and why she still keeps office hours.Support the show at - patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutineGet a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineIf you have science-mad kids, come and see my science-mad show this summer - funkidslive.com/tourSubscribe to the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.com@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn this interview with Nicole Glover, author of the Aviatrix Book Club discussion book for June 2025, The Improvisers, we talk about how she wove historical themes of aviation, race and civil rights, historically Black communities, music, family, and sisterhood into a magical fantasy fiction mystery set in the 1930s. Buy the Book: https://literaryaviatrix.com/book/the-improvisers-a-murder-and-magic-novel/Did you know you can support your local independent bookshop and me by shopping through my Bookshop.org affiliate links on my website? If a book is available on Bookshop.org, you'll find a link to it on the book page. By shopping through the Literary Aviatrix website a small portion of the sale goes to support the content you love, at no additional cost to you. https://literaryaviatrix.com/shop-all-books/Thanks so much for listening! Stay up to date on book releases, author events, and Aviatrix Book Club discussion dates with the Literary Aviatrix Newsletter. Visit the Literary Aviatrix website to find over 600 books featuring women in aviation in all genres for all ages. Become a Literary Aviatrix Patron and help amplify the voices of women in aviation. Follow me on social media, join the book club, and find all of the things on the Literary Aviatrix linkt.ree. Blue skies, happy reading, and happy listening!-Liz Booker

After taking early retirement, my guest in this episode, Julie Conrad decided to pull out an old manuscript she started over 30 years ago. This one step put her on the path to fulfilling her dream of becoming a published author. She has now written 7 books and her latest, To Everything There is a Season, although fiction, will resonate with many women 50+.Watch the VideoMeet Julie ConradJulie Conrad lives in Cheshire, UK. When she isn't writing novels, she enjoys painting with acrylics and is a member of the Altrincham Society of Artists. A retired social worker and Regulatory Inspector, BA (Hons) Social Science degree and a BA(Regulation and Inspection), Julie was also a Practice Teacher in the training of student Social Workers. Julie has featured in the Manchester Evening news and Wigan Observer, and has been interviewed a number of times on local radio station, Radio Alty. Julie loves nature and supports animal charities, RSPCA, PETA and other grass root charities, and believes in kindness to all.At the beginning of lockdown 2019, I decided to complete and publish a manuscript I had written in 1990, which I did, entitled High Places. What began as a one off project became so absorbing I have self published six novels whilst my seventh novel, To Everything There is a Season is published by Round fire, Collective Ink.Website: Home - Julie Conrad AuthorBook Link: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/roundfire-books/our-books/to-everything-there-is-season-novelThanks for reading Women Living Well After 50 with Sue Loncaric! Subscribe for free to receive new posts, podcast episodes and my free newsletter: Your Weekly Boost This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com

Today we're joined by Justin Branch, Director of Publishing Strategy at Greenleaf Book Group. Justin plays a pivotal role in guiding authors through the early stages of publishing by customizing proposal tailored to their books' unique needs. In this episode, he tackles the most common questions and misconceptions he encounters from authors in the early stages of publishing.   This interview will equip authors with the information they need to navigate the publishing world, talk to professionals, and make informed decisions about publishing contracts.    Have a question about Greenleaf or the publishing process? Email us at contact@greenleafbookgroup.com and we're happy to chat!   More about Greenleaf: Website: greenleafbookgroup.com Brochure: greenleafbookgroup.com/brochure  Have a book you want to publish? Submit your book to Greenleaf for review: greenleafbookgroup.com/submissions Looking into the different options for publishing your book? We have a quiz for that. Take our publishing options quiz to see which might be the right fit for you. https://greenleafbookgroup.com/publishing-options Connect with us on socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GreenleafBookGr/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GBGAustin/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenleaf-book-group 

This week's guest is the phenomenally bestselling author, Simon Scarrow. He mainly writes historical fiction, best known for his 'Eagles of the Empire' series, and has written about Ancient Rome and Nazi Germany too. He's also published futuristic sci-fi, and began writing dystopian fiction and comedy, before realising he should write what he wants to read, not what he thought might sell.Simon has sold more than 6 million books, and has been translated into 25 languages. His passion for storytelling was perfected at boarding school, learning how to engage class-mates, and keep them hooked with a daring cliff-hanger. He then expanded this passion as a teacher, before finally becoming the author he always wanted to be.His new novel is 'A Death in Berlin'. It's an Inspector Schenke book, with a tale about the exceptional investigator fighting to keep criminals off the streets of Nazi Berlin at a time of war. We discuss the inspiration for the novel, and what he does to pull together a threadbare skeleton to write with.You can hear why he's a stickler for the rules of historical fiction, also why he's inspired to write new series, and why the great illusion of writing is something you can fall prey to... instead, get on with it!Get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.org/writersroutineSupport the show at -patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 271 / Jennifer Marchman, who combines historical fiction and time travel in her books, joins us to discuss embracing your own writing process, dealing with the constant changes in publishing, and the importance of community in the indie author space. Topics:Writing time travel historical fictionInfluence of Texas history and OutlanderPersonal writing process and habitsSetting realistic writing and publishing goalsFounding Austin Indie Authors group

A Tale of Resistance... Based on a Real Story  Hannah longs for the days when she used to be free, but now, she is a Jewish prisoner at Theresienstadt, a model ghetto where the Nazis plan to make a propaganda film to convince the world that the Jewish people are living well in the camps. But Hannah will do anything to show the world the truth. Along with other young resistance members, they vow to disrupt the filming and derail the increasingly frequent deportations to death camps in the east. From the author of Cradles of the Reich comes a poignant and inspiring tale about resistance, friendship, and the dangers of propaganda, based on the real story of the Nazi "show camp" Theresienstadt. Jennifer Coburn is a celebrated historical fiction author. Her latest book, The Girls of the Glimmer Factory, is an illuminating tale of resistance and the dangers of propaganda. Her other novel, Cradles of the Reich, is a historical novel about three very different women living at a Nazi Lebensborn at the start of World War ll. She has also published a mother-daughter travel memoir, We'll Always Have Paris, as well as six contemporary women's novels. She has also contributed to five literary anthologies, including A Paris All Your Own. Jennifer lives in San Diego. When Jennifer is not going down historical research rabbit holes, she volunteers with So Say We All, a live storytelling organization, where she is a performer, producer, and performance coach. She is also an active volunteer with Reality Changers, a nonprofit that supports low-income high school students in becoming the first in their families to attend college. Interviewer Jane R. Wood is the author of six award-winning juvenile fiction books where she weaves history and science into stories filled with mystery, adventure, and humor for young readers ages 8-14. She has also written a nonfiction How-To book for authors called Schools: A Niche Market for Authors. (All of her books are available at Jacksonville Public Library.) Wood is a former teacher, newspaper reporter, and television producer, who often speaks at book festivals, conferences for writers and publishers, podcasts, webinars, and at education conferences. Wood has a BA from the University of Florida and an M.Ed from the University of North Florida. She is the past-president of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association and lives in Jacksonville. Her website is www.janewoodbooks.com. Read her books Check out Jennifer's books from the Library! For more books about the Holocaust, read our blog. Did you know that all of our Lit Chat authors' books count toward your Jax Stacks Reading Challenge completion? Find out what authors we're hosting this month and join in on the fun! --- Never miss an event! Sign up for email newsletters at https://bit.ly/JaxLibraryUpdates  Jacksonville Public LibraryWebsite: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaxlibrary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaxLibrary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxlibrary/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jaxpubliclibraryfl Contact Us: jplpromotions@coj.net 

From Addiction to Fiction Janey chats to marketing expertand author Dee Blick https://amzn.to/44rQH3FIs it time for you to break the cycle!Join us for a Family Constellations workshop Sat 10 May in Herts More info https://www.thesoberclub.com/family-constellations/Sign up for the free 14 days speaker series speakerseries.soberadventurecollective.com/janeyleegraceNew to Sobriety? Sober Curious?Check out The Sober Club, for low cost support, accountability, inspiration, connection and a whole host ofcontent on holistic living. Membership includes and online course Get the Buzz without the Booze, our private non judgemental community online and regularzoom meetings, plus a whole library of exclusive wellbeing contentIf you want to support the work goto www.buymeacoffee.com/janeyleegraceThank you for listening! Please share, rate and reviewIf you're struggling, always reachout, tell someone you're doing this! @janeyleegrace Ditched the Booze and want to inspire others? Janey offers holistic sober coachtraining, our next course starts October 18-19, email Janey for a chat tosee if its right for you – janey at janeyleegrace.com Supplements for recoveryThe BEST Magnesium blend ever is the blend from Clive – if you use this ⁠⁠link ⁠⁠for everything you buy, a bit goes into ourSober Club giveback fund If you can afford it, also get Vit D3, Amino Acids andIodine (if you're menopausal) Use this link for everything: ⁠?https://clivedecarle.ositracker.com/315625/11489?⁠ Check out my new Substack, youcan be a free subscriber or paid for some juicy extras Sobriety Rocks…& TheWoo WorksFollow Janey on social media@janeyleegrace You can get a copy of FromWham to Woo - A Life on the mic ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ or message meif you'd like a signed copy and I will add P * P   

Jordan Keller|Science Fiction Author|The story behind my newest book, Failing Gravity.Jordan S. Keller is a science fiction author from Cincinnati, Ohio. Her newest release, Failing Gravity, is her cyber punk love letter to the metal album THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND and is a story of kindness and forgiveness in a world that knows neither.Jordan S. Keller is the Cincinnati-based author of the Ashes Over Avalon trilogy and newest release, Failing Gravity.  Her love for stories started at a young age when she preferred to write in a spiral-bound notebook than play outside at recess.  ​Her thirst for stories grew in college where she majored in print and radio journalism sharing the lives of the incredible people who lived in Eastern Kentucky.  ​She sharpens her writing skills while recounting the heroics of her Dungeons and Dragons characters over dinner, and co-running The Queen City Fiction Writers group.She is the host of the Everyday Writers Podcast, a show designed to help new writers navigate their way through writing and publishing their first novel. ​Jordan S. Keller with her husband, their bearded dragon, cat and dog. While not writing, she manages college rental properties and plays children's card games.Link:https://www.jordanskellerauthor.com/books-1Support PEG by checking out our Sponsors:Download and use Newsly for free now from www.newsly.me or from the link in the description, and use promo code “GHOST” and receive a 1-month free premium subscription.The best tool for getting podcast guests:https://podmatch.com/signup/phantomelectricghostSubscribe to our Instagram for exclusive content:https://www.instagram.com/expansive_sound_experiments/Subscribe to our YouTube https://youtube.com/@phantomelectricghost?si=rEyT56WQvDsAoRprPEG uses StreamYard.com for our live podcastshttps://streamyard.com/pal/c/6290085463457792Get $10.00 Credit for using StreamYard.com when you sign up with our linkRSShttps://anchor.fm/s/3b31908/podcast/rss

Nicolas Binge is an author of four science fiction novels; his latest is Dissolution. Show notes: Nicholas Binge (https://www.nicholasbinge.com/) Dissolution (https://www.nicholasbinge.com/dissolution) Richard Powers: Playground (https://www.richardpowers.net/playground/) Learn more about Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview), and check out the ebook Take Control of Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/store). If you like the podcast, please follow it on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-now-with-scrivener/id1568550068) or your favorite podcast app. Leave a rating or review, and tell your friends. And check out past episodes of Write Now with Scrivener (https://podcast.scrivenerapp.com).

David Goodman's first novel, A Reluctant Spy, is a story about how a man makes a deal and gets more than he bargained for. Show notes: David Goodman (https://www.davidgoodman.net) A Reluctant Spy (https://www.davidgoodman.net/books/) The Americans (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Americans) Moscow X, David McCloskey (https://www.davidmccloskeybooks.com/moscow-x) Learn more about Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview), and check out the ebook Take Control of Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/store). If you like the podcast, please follow it on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-now-with-scrivener/id1568550068) or your favorite podcast app. Leave a rating or review, and tell your friends. And check out past episodes of Write Now with Scrivener (https://podcast.scrivenerapp.com).

This week, we chat to the historical fiction author and academic, Steven Veerapen. He's best known for his Anthony Blanke series, set in the Tudor period, about the son of a black trumpeter, John Blanke, who was a real figure in the court of King Henry VIII. There's 'Of Blood Descended' and 'Of Judgement Fallen', which are out in print and just released as audiobooks. He's also written 3 in the 'Simon Danforth' series, and a few about the playwright Christopher Marlowe as a spy.We talk about the balance of writing academia and finding time for novels. Also about the morbid curiosity which gives him ideas, and why we all love the Tudors.You can hear about his sparse writing environment, how he plans a busy year, and what Tudor fiction needs to have in it.Get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.com/shop/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a former British Army captain turns into a best-selling mystery and thriller author? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Steve Higgs, whose journey from the military to full-time writing is as compelling as his novels. We talk about his transformation from soldier to scribe, sharing how his initial lack of support only fueled his desire to write. Discover how his debut novel, "Paranormal Nonsense," became a reality and how Steve's story is a testament to the power of following your creative passions despite life's roadblocks.Get ready to recharge your writing habits as we unpack the secrets to maintaining a regular writing schedule. Learn why discipline, often honed in military settings, can be your greatest ally in keeping the creative juices flowing. With Steve's humorous anecdotes on character creation and genre-hopping—from urban fantasy to cozy mysteries—you'll be inspired to embrace your unique writing style. We also touch on the challenges of balancing your craft with personal commitments, and why motivation doesn't always come from where you expect.Finally, we tackle the myth of overnight success and share practical tips on navigating the path to author stardom. Discover how networking and learning from experienced authors can accelerate your journey. This episode is packed with insights on everything from marketing strategies to the unpredictable nature of success. Plus, we're excited to announce a series of fiction-focused episodes coming in November, just in time to boost your NaNoWriMo efforts. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, you're sure to find inspiration and practical advice to fuel your writing journey.Watch the free training: https://selfpublishing.com/freetrainingSchedule a no-cost call with our team: https://selfpublishing.com/schedule Here are some links that might come in handy: Apply for a free book consultation Register for our free on-demand training Must-watch episodes: SPS 044: Using A Free + Shipping Book Funnel with Anik Singal SPS 115: Using Atomic Habits To Write & Publish A Book with James Clear SPS 127: Traditional vs. Self Publishing: Which You Should Choose with Ruth Soukup SPS 095: The Five Love Languages: Selling 15 Million Copies with Gary Chapman SPS 056: How I Sold 46M Copies of My Self Published Book with Robert Kiyosaki

BONUS EPISODE:Danielle LaBue, is a dedicated member of the Moonlighting Community as a whole and, of course, a valued member of the Moonlighting The Podcast Community.She was one of the first to start a FanFic website called "Virtual Moonlighting" back in 1998.Danielle has all the scripts from the five seasons and shares some episodes with us today. She goes through minor and major script changes from "Big Man On Mulberry Street" and "The Son Also Rises" from Season 3, "The Flesh Was Made Word," & "Maddie Hayes Got Married" from Season 4.Grace reviews her first draft script of "Atomic Shakespeare" and explains various script changes.Thanks, Danielle for joining us and enlightening us with some explosive information!This is a must-listen!MOONLIGHTING THE TV SHOWThe show is all about the hit TV Show Moonlighting which aired from 1985 to 1989 starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd.Grace Chivell and Shawna Saari take a look at each episode in chronological order from the Pilot to the end of the fifth and final season.They discuss the direction, the production, the outfits, the lighting, the car chases, and the tumultuous relationship between Maddie Hayes and David Addison.FOR MORE INFORMATION:https://moonlightingthepodcast.comCo-Producer & Graphic Design Artist:Bob SuhMOONLIGHTING COMMUNITY:Join Our Facebook Group:Follow Our Facebook Page:Join Our Instagram Community:Follow us on Twitter/XPURCHASE:Moonlighting: An Episode Guide Bookon TuckerDS PressOR on Amazon:Moonlighting MerchandiseMoonlighting The Podcast YouTube Channel Learn more about Grace here:Learn more about Shawna here:Donate at Ko-fi.comPersonal Instagram:https://instagram.com/grace_chivellhttps://instagram.com/saari_not.saari Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS EPISODE:Danielle LaBue, a dedicated member of the Moonlighting Community as a whole and, of course, a valued member of the Moonlighting The Podcast Community.She was one of the first to start a FanFic website called "Virtual Moonlighting" back in 1998.Danielle has all the scripts from the five seasons, and shares some episodes with us today. She goes through minor and major script changes from the first draft to the final draft of a particular episode.Today, she talks about "Big Man On Mulberry Street" and "The Son Also Rises" from Season 3. Also "The Flesh Was Made Word," & "Maddie Hayes Got Married" from Season 4.Grace reviews her first draft script of "Atomic Shakespeare" and explains various script changes.Thanks, Danielle for joining us and enlightening us with some explosive information!This is a must-listen!MOONLIGHTING THE TV SHOWThe show is all about the hit TV Show Moonlighting which aired from 1985 to 1989 starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd.Grace Chivell and Shawna Saari take a look at each episode in chronological order from the Pilot to the end of the fifth and final season.They discuss the direction, the production, the outfits, the lighting, the car chases, and the tumultuous relationship between Maddie Hayes and David Addison.FOR MORE INFORMATION:https://moonlightingthepodcast.comCo-Producer & Graphic Design Artist:Bob SuhMOONLIGHTING COMMUNITY:Join Our Facebook Group:Follow Our Facebook Page:Join Our Instagram Community:Follow us on Twitter/XPURCHASE:Moonlighting: An Episode Guide Bookon TuckerDS PressOR on Amazon:Moonlighting MerchandiseMoonlighting The Podcast YouTube Channel Learn more about Grace here:Learn more about Shawna here:Donate at Ko-fi.comPersonal Instagram:https://instagram.com/grace_chivellhttps://instagram.com/saari_not.saari Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could transform a strict military career into a flourishing life as a bestselling author? That's exactly what Steve Higgs, a former British Army captain, accomplished. Join us on the Self-Publishing School Podcast, where Steve shares his incredible journey from the army to becoming a successful mystery and thriller author. Despite facing significant challenges and a lack of support from his family, he persisted and published his debut novel while still in the army. Steve's resilience and perseverance offer a powerful message to aspiring writers hesitant to take the first step in their own creative journeys.Balancing a demanding full-time job with a writing career is no small feat, yet Steve has mastered the art of maintaining momentum through disciplined writing habits. Our discussion uncovers practical strategies for fitting writing into a busy life, dispelling the myth that certain backgrounds are a prerequisite for writing success. By managing creative overflow and maintaining focus, Steve demonstrates how anyone can cultivate the discipline needed to achieve their writing goals. We also explore his transition from urban fantasy to cozy mystery, illustrating the spontaneity and creativity that fuel his storytelling.The importance of community and perseverance in the writing world cannot be overstated. From emotionally charged writing moments to navigating the author community, our episode highlights the value of connecting with fellow writers to overcome the isolation often felt in this profession. Steve's journey is a testament to the power of networking, strategic marketing, and relentless passion that can propel an author from obscurity to success. As we celebrate NaNoWriMo, we invite you to expand your fiction skills and join us for upcoming episodes filled with insights and inspiration.Watch the free training: https://selfpublishing.com/freetrainingSchedule a no-cost call with our team: https://selfpublishing.com/schedule Here are some links that might come in handy: Apply for a free book consultation Register for our free on-demand training Must-watch episodes: SPS 044: Using A Free + Shipping Book Funnel with Anik Singal SPS 115: Using Atomic Habits To Write & Publish A Book with James Clear SPS 127: Traditional vs. Self Publishing: Which You Should Choose with Ruth Soukup SPS 095: The Five Love Languages: Selling 15 Million Copies with Gary Chapman SPS 056: How I Sold 46M Copies of My Self Published Book with Robert Kiyosaki

In this episode, I sit down with Pete Robertucci, a retired firefighter and paramedic who has transitioned into the world of dystopian fiction. Pete shares his unique journey from working at the Kennedy Space Center to becoming a full-time author. We explore what drove him to get into emergency medical services, the impact of 9/11… The post Dystopian Fiction Author Pete Robertucci appeared first on Mind4Survival.

Historical Fiction Novelists Marjan Kamali, Ann Hood and Iris Mwanza live from Bryant Park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice podcast! Today, we're heading to Ontario, Canada, to chat with Lance Robinson. Lance is an environmental social scientist and a seasoned traveler, having lived in Ghana, the Gambia, Colombia, and Kenya. Additionally, he's an author, with his short story "Five Days Until Sunset" winning the quarterly Writers of the Future Contest and appearing in Writers of the Future. Find out more at lancerobinsonwriter.com