Podcast appearances and mentions of ming tsu

 It's episode 201 and time for us to discuss the genre of Weird West! (Just in time for Halloween!). We talk about the potential temporal and geographic restrictions on western fiction, folklore, tall tales, and more! You can download the podcast directly, find it on Libsyn, or get it through Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast delivery system. In this episode Anna Ferri | Meghan Whyte | Matthew Murray

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with books by AAPI authors! It's one of the prompts on the Winter-Spring 2024 Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge. Our suggestions include an action-packed adventure tale, a YA romance, and a comic but realistic immigration story. Michael's PickThe Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin begins with Ming Tsu traversing the salt flats of the Utah Territory, making his way to a Union Pacific camp to kill a man. The past couple years, Ming Tsu had been serving his sentence laboring for the railroad, all because he made the mistake of falling in love and marrying the daughter of a railroad baron.This is an action-packed, cinematic adventure tale full of brawls, gunfights, showdowns, betrayal, and ambushes. It also gives a peek at the xenophobia and racism experienced in the Old West by Chinese immigrants and marginalized folks.   Pairing: Pit Beans is a hearty dish that's perfect for any cowboy.Jacqueline's PickEmergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi is about two young people, Penny and Sam, whose awkward meeting results in them exchanging numbers and promising to be each other's emergency contacts because neither of them has a reliable parent. Their friendship grows via text as they find themselves texting one another non-stop.Fans of Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before will enjoy this novel. Both novels have fresh Asian American voices and similar story arcs.Pairing: A flat white espresso.Carrie's PickIn The Chinese Groove by Kathryn Ma, main character Shelley is an 18 year old Chinese student eager to seek his fortune in the United States, where he plans to win back his girlfriend by becoming a famous poet. His "foolproof plan" hits some snags as soon as his flight lands in San Francisco.Though the characters, including Shelley, are all grieving, his comic and somewhat satirical voice keep the tone hopeful. Fans of The Wangs vs. the World will appreciate this character-driven and intricately plotted book.Pairing: Steamed Sea Bass with Ginger and Spring Onion, a recipe from Every Grain of Rice: Simple Chinese Home Cooking by Fuschia Dunlop.

This week, Liberty talks about a couple of amazing books related to the week's new releases! Subscribe to All the Books! using RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify and never miss a beat book. Sign up for the weekly New Books! newsletter for even more new book news. 2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We'll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Visit bookriot.com/readharder to sign up. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Books Discussed Radiant Heat by Sarah-Jane Collins The Lost Man by Jane Harper The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jennifer discusses The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu with author Tom Lin, finally giving her the opportunity to find out just how Tom was able to tackle such a broad scope of landscapes and characters in his writing that takes the reader on a poetic journey of epic proportions. Tom reveals how his novel began with an idea to feature an Asian protagonist within a traditional western, and resulted in his debut novel about a young, orphaned boy trained to become a deadly assassin in The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu. The Bookshelf with Jennifer Morrison is brought to you by Apartment 3C Productions.

"When I was growing up, it was all about representation. I think that was the thing that was being championed: we need more people of color in books, movies, across all media. And then I think what we saw was an extremely cynical and capitalistic-minded ruthless optimization of that, where someone said: Oh, you want representation? Then we'll just throw in token people of color into projects. And then we'll check that box. And I think that became so prevalent in so many pieces of media that that became what we thought of as representation. I think it's a salvageable concept because, I mean, when I encountered books growing up, they were all with white people in them. Front to back, start to finish. It was just white characters. And so when I started writing stories of my own in school as a middle schooler they - surprise - they had white people in them, right? There were just white people talking about other white people. I went to public school in Queens. I knew very few white people. And so I think what representation does at its best is that it informs the boundaries of possibility. By seeing yourself represented in media, you become able to imagine your own stories transpiring in media and being made available for everybody else to witness.And so I think the point of representation is not just if we do a checklist of this piece of media, can we find a person of color. But I think the idea of representation is more that we want to be expanding the realm of storytelling, expanding what's possible by telling these stories that are not normally told.”How can we retell the story of America? In the United States of Amnesia, why does the Western celebrate cowboys but not all people who built this country? What does a Chinese-American hero look like in the 21st Century?Tom Lin is an American writer whose 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu chronicles the story of a Chinese American outlaw seeking revenge during America's railroad boom. The book won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, making Lin the youngest Carnegie winner in the prize's history. Tom Lin is currently pursuing an English doctorate at the University of California Davis.https://twotreeforest.comwww.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tom-lin/the-thousand-crimes-of-ming-tsu/9780316542173/?lens=little-brownwww.creativeprocess.info www.oneplanetpodcast.org IG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcastImage courtesy of Little, Brown and Company & Tom Lin

How can we retell the story of America? In the United States of Amnesia, why does the Western celebrate cowboys but not all people who built this country? What does a Chinese-American hero look like in the 21st Century?Tom Lin is an American writer whose 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu chronicles the story of a Chinese American outlaw seeking revenge during America's railroad boom. The book won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, making Lin the youngest Carnegie winner in the prize's history. Tom Lin is currently pursuing an English doctorate at the University of California Davis."When I was growing up, it was all about representation. I think that was the thing that was being championed: we need more people of color in books, movies, across all media. And then I think what we saw was an extremely cynical and capitalistic-minded ruthless optimization of that, where someone said: Oh, you want representation? Then we'll just throw in token people of color into projects. And then we'll check that box. And I think that became so prevalent in so many pieces of media that that became what we thought of as representation. I think it's a salvageable concept because, I mean, when I encountered books growing up, they were all with white people in them. Front to back, start to finish. It was just white characters. And so when I started writing stories of my own in school as a middle schooler they - surprise - they had white people in them, right? There were just white people talking about other white people. I went to public school in Queens. I knew very few white people. And so I think what representation does at its best is that it informs the boundaries of possibility. By seeing yourself represented in media, you become able to imagine your own stories transpiring in media and being made available for everybody else to witness.And so I think the point of representation is not just if we do a checklist of this piece of media, can we find a person of color. But I think the idea of representation is more that we want to be expanding the realm of storytelling, expanding what's possible by telling these stories that are not normally told.”https://twotreeforest.comwww.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tom-lin/the-thousand-crimes-of-ming-tsu/9780316542173/?lens=little-brownwww.creativeprocess.info www.oneplanetpodcast.org IG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcastImage courtesy of Little, Brown and Company & Tom Lin

"And so I did research to avoid writing. And what I would do is I would take these drives out into the desert, and I'd take notes. I went along the route of the Transcontinental Railroad east to west, west to east a bunch of times. And I went to all these history books and all these historical recovery projects that are being run.There's the project of Chinese and America and all these history books and synthesizing this sense of being in a place and time where I was not. And I think some of the things and some of the experiences that I felt while doing that research, I felt was necessary to preserve in the text because I think the text is always produced out of confluence with the body.And so in order to portray something in text, you have to pass it through the body and through the senses. And as a result, it was really important for me to go to these places and have that physical experience with the body in order that I would be able to put it down in the book and have it be true."How can we retell the story of America? In the United States of Amnesia, why does the Western celebrate cowboys but not all people who built this country? What does a Chinese-American hero look like in the 21st Century?Tom Lin is an American writer whose 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu chronicles the story of a Chinese American outlaw seeking revenge during America's railroad boom. The book won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, making Lin the youngest Carnegie winner in the prize's history. Tom Lin is currently pursuing an English doctorate at the University of California Davis.https://twotreeforest.comwww.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tom-lin/the-thousand-crimes-of-ming-tsu/9780316542173/?lens=little-brownwww.creativeprocess.info www.oneplanetpodcast.org IG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcastImage courtesy of Little, Brown and Company & Tom Lin

How can we retell the story of America? In the United States of Amnesia, why does the Western celebrate cowboys but not all people who built this country? What does a Chinese-American hero look like in the 21st Century?Tom Lin is an American writer whose 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu chronicles the story of a Chinese American outlaw seeking revenge during America's railroad boom. The book won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, making Lin the youngest Carnegie winner in the prize's history. Tom Lin is currently pursuing an English doctorate at the University of California Davis."And so I did research to avoid writing. And what I would do is I would take these drives out into the desert, and I'd take notes. I went along the route of the Transcontinental Railroad east to west, west to east a bunch of times. And I went to all these history books and all these historical recovery projects that are being run.There's the project of Chinese and America and all these history books and synthesizing this sense of being in a place and time where I was not. And I think some of the things and some of the experiences that I felt while doing that research, I felt was necessary to preserve in the text because I think the text is always produced out of confluence with the body.And so in order to portray something in text, you have to pass it through the body and through the senses. And as a result, it was really important for me to go to these places and have that physical experience with the body in order that I would be able to put it down in the book and have it be true."https://twotreeforest.comwww.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tom-lin/the-thousand-crimes-of-ming-tsu/9780316542173/?lens=little-brownwww.creativeprocess.info www.oneplanetpodcast.org IG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcastImage courtesy of Little, Brown and Company & Tom Lin

How can we retell the story of America? In the United States of Amnesia, why does the Western celebrate cowboys but not all people who built this country? What does a Chinese-American hero look like in the 21st Century?Tom Lin is an American writer whose 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu chronicles the story of a Chinese American outlaw seeking revenge during America's railroad boom. The book won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, making Lin the youngest Carnegie winner in the prize's history. Tom Lin is currently pursuing an English doctorate at the University of California Davis."And for instance, something like climate change and this anthropogenic mass extinction that we're seeing going on, and we're losing enormous fractions of our biodiversity with every passing year. That's bleak. And it does feel like the end of the world is upon us. And we're entering into an unsurvivable planet. And it's okay to know that and to think that and to still strive for something because I think at its extremes, hope becomes insane. And you have to do something to fight it because otherwise, we are going into the apocalypse, I think there's no question. And to preserve hope against that possibility, I think that's difficult. And so that's what I strive to do."https://twotreeforest.comwww.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tom-lin/the-thousand-crimes-of-ming-tsu/9780316542173/?lens=little-brownwww.creativeprocess.info www.oneplanetpodcast.org IG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcastImage courtesy of Little, Brown and Company & Tom Lin

How can we retell the story of America? In the United States of Amnesia, why does the Western celebrate cowboys but not all people who built this country? What does a Chinese-American hero look like in the 21st Century?Tom Lin is an American writer whose 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu chronicles the story of a Chinese American outlaw seeking revenge during America's railroad boom. The book won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, making Lin the youngest Carnegie winner in the prize's history. Tom Lin is currently pursuing an English doctorate at the University of California Davis."I think so much of acceptance by foreign countries as immigrants, I think, lies with this ideal of assimilation. And assimilation in one respect, it's the negation of your own heritage and your own identity. Because it requires this kind of knowing adoption of a different set of standards and cultural practices, which are alien to you. And in order to assimilate, you have to make them feel as though they're your own. And I think that as a society we're trying to move past assimilation as an ideal for acceptance and moving into a more heterogeneous understanding of a culture that is able to absorb and tolerate different cultural practices and still preserve a common sense of identity that doesn't require necessarily assimilation.My parents used to say, 'You keep your head down, and you just try to do better than anyone else. And that'll be enough.'"https://twotreeforest.comwww.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tom-lin/the-thousand-crimes-of-ming-tsu/9780316542173/?lens=little-brownwww.creativeprocess.info www.oneplanetpodcast.org IG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcastImage courtesy of Little, Brown and Company & Tom Lin

"I think so much of acceptance by foreign countries as immigrants, I think, lies with this ideal of assimilation. And assimilation in one respect, it's the negation of your own heritage and your own identity. Because it requires this kind of knowing adoption of a different set of standards and cultural practices, which are alien to you. And in order to assimilate, you have to make them feel as though they're your own. And I think that as a society we're trying to move past assimilation as an ideal for acceptance and moving into a more heterogeneous understanding of a culture that is able to absorb and tolerate different cultural practices and still preserve a common sense of identity that doesn't require necessarily assimilation.My parents used to say, 'You keep your head down, and you just try to do better than anyone else. And that'll be enough.'"How can we retell the story of America? In the United States of Amnesia, why does the Western celebrate cowboys but not all people who built this country? What does a Chinese-American hero look like in the 21st Century?Tom Lin is an American writer whose 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu chronicles the story of a Chinese American outlaw seeking revenge during America's railroad boom. The book won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, making Lin the youngest Carnegie winner in the prize's history. Tom Lin is currently pursuing an English doctorate at the University of California Davis.https://twotreeforest.comwww.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tom-lin/the-thousand-crimes-of-ming-tsu/9780316542173/?lens=little-brownwww.creativeprocess.info www.oneplanetpodcast.org IG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcastImage courtesy of Little, Brown and Company & Tom Lin

"And for instance, something like climate change and this anthropogenic mass extinction that we're seeing going on, and we're losing enormous fractions of our biodiversity with every passing year. That's bleak. And it does feel like the end of the world is upon us. And we're entering into an unsurvivable planet. And it's okay to know that and to think that and to still strive for something because I think at its extremes, hope becomes insane. And you have to do something to fight it because otherwise, we are going into the apocalypse, I think there's no question. And to preserve hope against that possibility, I think that's difficult. And so that's what I strive to do."How can we retell the story of America? In the United States of Amnesia, why does the Western celebrate cowboys but not all people who built this country? What does a Chinese-American hero look like in the 21st Century?Tom Lin is an American writer whose 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu chronicles the story of a Chinese American outlaw seeking revenge during America's railroad boom. The book won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, making Lin the youngest Carnegie winner in the prize's history. Tom Lin is currently pursuing an English doctorate at the University of California Davis.https://twotreeforest.comwww.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tom-lin/the-thousand-crimes-of-ming-tsu/9780316542173/?lens=little-brownwww.creativeprocess.info www.oneplanetpodcast.org IG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcastImage courtesy of Little, Brown and Company & Tom Lin

"When I was growing up, it was all about representation. I think that was the thing that was being championed: we need more people of color in books, movies, across all media. And then I think what we saw was an extremely cynical and capitalistic-minded ruthless optimization of that, where someone said: Oh, you want representation? Then we'll just throw in token people of color into projects. And then we'll check that box. And I think that became so prevalent in so many pieces of media that that became what we thought of as representation. I think it's a salvageable concept because, I mean, when I encountered books growing up, they were all with white people in them. Front to back, start to finish. It was just white characters. And so when I started writing stories of my own in school as a middle schooler they - surprise - they had white people in them, right? There were just white people talking about other white people. I went to public school in Queens. I knew very few white people. And so I think what representation does at its best is that it informs the boundaries of possibility. By seeing yourself represented in media, you become able to imagine your own stories transpiring in media and being made available for everybody else to witness.And so I think the point of representation is not just if we do a checklist of this piece of media, can we find a person of color. But I think the idea of representation is more that we want to be expanding the realm of storytelling, expanding what's possible by telling these stories that are not normally told.”How can we retell the story of America? In the United States of Amnesia, why does the Western celebrate cowboys but not all people who built this country? What does a Chinese-American hero look like in the 21st Century?Tom Lin is an American writer whose 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu chronicles the story of a Chinese American outlaw seeking revenge during America's railroad boom. The book won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, making Lin the youngest Carnegie winner in the prize's history. Tom Lin is currently pursuing an English doctorate at the University of California Davis.https://twotreeforest.comwww.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tom-lin/the-thousand-crimes-of-ming-tsu/9780316542173/?lens=little-brownwww.creativeprocess.info www.oneplanetpodcast.org IG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcastImage courtesy of Little, Brown and Company & Tom Lin

"I think I would like young people to preserve everything. I think so much of historical work is going back and trying to piece together the things that have not been preserved. And so even with biodiversity and the planet, I think we should try to have less impact on our surroundings and more impact on each other. There's less and less investment in the humanities, and that really saddens me. I think art is important because it's something that we do as humans that has no purpose beyond how it makes us feel.And something like that is valuable because it is hard and because it is directed at other people. The making of art, the consumption of art, I think is what makes us human as opposed to animals. If we are going to draw that line, I think that's where it is. And I think the purpose of artists is to preserve the feeling of being alive and to communicate that to others."How can we retell the story of America? In the United States of Amnesia, why does the Western celebrate cowboys but not all people who built this country? What does a Chinese-American hero look like in the 21st Century?Tom Lin is an American writer whose 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu chronicles the story of a Chinese American outlaw seeking revenge during America's railroad boom. The book won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, making Lin the youngest Carnegie winner in the prize's history. Tom Lin is currently pursuing an English doctorate at the University of California Davis.https://twotreeforest.comwww.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tom-lin/the-thousand-crimes-of-ming-tsu/9780316542173/?lens=little-brownwww.creativeprocess.info www.oneplanetpodcast.org IG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcastImage courtesy of Little, Brown and Company & Tom Lin

How can we retell the story of America? In the United States of Amnesia, why does the Western celebrate cowboys but not all people who built this country? What does a Chinese-American hero look like in the 21st Century?Tom Lin is an American writer whose 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu chronicles the story of a Chinese American outlaw seeking revenge during America's railroad boom. The book won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, making Lin the youngest Carnegie winner in the prize's history. Tom Lin is currently pursuing an English doctorate at the University of California Davis."I think I would like young people to preserve everything. I think so much of historical work is going back and trying to piece together the things that have not been preserved. And so even with biodiversity and the planet, I think we should try to have less impact on our surroundings and more impact on each other. There's less and less investment in the humanities, and that really saddens me. I think art is important because it's something that we do as humans that has no purpose beyond how it makes us feel.And something like that is valuable because it is hard and because it is directed at other people. The making of art, the consumption of art, I think is what makes us human as opposed to animals. If we are going to draw that line, I think that's where it is. And I think the purpose of artists is to preserve the feeling of being alive and to communicate that to others."https://twotreeforest.comwww.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tom-lin/the-thousand-crimes-of-ming-tsu/9780316542173/?lens=little-brownwww.creativeprocess.info www.oneplanetpodcast.org IG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcastImage courtesy of Little, Brown and Company & Tom Lin

For the last episode of 2022, Kayla and Taylor discuss their favorite reads of the year - podcast books and non-pod books! They also share their reading goals for 2023, reflect on this year's episodes, and more!Books discussed in this episode:Pride and Prejudice by Jane AustenThe School for Good Mothers by Jessamine ChanOnce There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghyLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottHow Beautiful We Were by Imbolo MbueThe Paris Bookseller by Kerri MaherVerity by Colleen HooverA Woman is No Man by Etaf RumThe Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah PekkanenDelilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring BlakeInfinite Country by Patricia EngelCarol by Patricia HighsmithThe Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom LinTranscendent Kingdom by Yaa GyasiThe Sentence by Louise ErdrichWhen We Lost Our Heads by Heather O'NeillSiren Queen by Nghi VoI Capture the Castle by Dodie SmithInto Every Generation a Slayer is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts by Evan Ross KatzHome Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen by Laurie ColwinBraiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall KimmererBook Lovers by Emily HenryThe Secr

  Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 94 of the podcast and it's December 7, 2022 (and a full moon) as we record this. Main Topic: How to Decide on Your Next Project PATREON: No new patrons this week,    A big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Comments: RE:Ep93: Mary says, enjoyed your conversation on a topic that plagues all of us. I believe that the notion (concept) of failing is the lie we have been told and swallowed very early on, by others. How we struggle throughout our lives to unravel and disarm the lie—is our Story. For me, at 69 I have come to understand that what people deem as failures are magnificent opportunities for learning and growing into who we become— Valerie, I received your postcard. The design is beautiful! Thank you. (We also had a planner conversation on Patreon.) Re92: Gratitude, Road to an Abundant Author Life said,   Why are the updates always the hardest to come up with? lol Every time I have to give an update I freeze! WE NEED NEW TOPIC SUGGESTIONS for 2023. Send them in to writercraftpodcast@gmail.com. A patron emailed to ask about a website domain question, which I answered to the best of my ability. All patrons (and listeners to the podcast) are encouraged to email with questions. writercraftpodcast@gmail.com.  Patron announcement: Barb Lachenbruch got THREE essays published recently.  Calyx (fall issue) “Every Day is a Data Day” Gold Man Review (2022 issue, which came out in December “Bi-Mart” Then the Los Altos Hills town paper, “Growing Up Lachenbruch” (which isn't peer-reviewed, but it's edited). I didn't write the first paragraph—you'll see the tone change!   I have my first essay in High Country News: “The Physics of Solitude and Connection” https://www.hcn.org/issues/52.9/north-essays-the-physics-of-connection-and-solitude   Announcements: Tickets for the Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop are live. Priced at $900.  1) New pricing tiers: Alumni and patron price is $775.  Early Bird price available from November - January. $800 Mid-Morning/Slept-In Bird price available from February - April. $850. Regular price starts in May. $900. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message Valerie@valerieihsan.com for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We'll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn't hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. 2) We want to celebrate our 100th episode with you. Please send in an audio clip via email to writercraftpodcast@gmail.com with a comment or testimonial about the podcast. What you like about it, why you listen, etc. On the 100th episode on January 18th, we'll play the clips on air. Please send in your audio clips by January 11th at the latest. Erick Surprise (Happy Anniversary!) December 7th. Thank you for joining me in this co-hosting experiment. I haven't done much collaborative work before, so this has been a pleasant journey for me. Mostly because you let me do whatever I want. ;-) You've made each week enjoyable and I look forward to seeing you each Wednesday morning. I learn from you, think about things in a different way, and become inspired be your knowledge and business sense. It's interesting that I consider you both a colleague, a friend, and a mentor. I don't know many people who fit that bill. Update:  Settled on a cover design. Patrons get the reveal now. Thinking (panicking) about taxes. Finishing up some client work. Got my new glasses.   Just finished:  A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny     I'M READING: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker,  Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton, Up Next:  Erick's Reading:  Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.  Poetry magazine   Show Notes:  Inspiration can mess with the production schedule. Follow the muse. Hybrid model! :-) Be open to the possibility that you can do more than you think you can. Have more ideas than the ones you execute. Library of ideas. Every boat needs an anchor. That idea might never be written. It's okay that the idea is your anchor. When you make the decision on the book project, now you have to stick with it. Now it's time for discipline. Decision making is different for every project. The salt of an idea.   Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.   Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber (magical realism) and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (literary mystery) Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black Dowery of Blood ST Gibson  Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  All Systems Red by Martha Wells (Murder Bot series) Artificial Condition (Book 2) Deserter by Junji Ito (graphic novel)  The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)  Wintering by Katherine May  The Nesting by CJ Cooke  Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft Skippy Dies  Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander and The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 92 of the podcast and it's November 23, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Gratitude for the Author Life (plus Covers and Cohesion)  PATREON:  No new patrons this week,    A big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Comments:  Update:  Got the Library of Congress number for my hardcover Updated the backlist files with updated links, and the first chapter of relevant books. Cover options came in; want to get feedback first before I respond. Announcements: Tickets for the Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop go live today. Priced at $900, but patron price is $825. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message Valerie@valerieihsan.com for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.   Just finished:  The Nesting by CJ Cooke  Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston   I'M READING: Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton,  Confessions of a Bookseller (memoir/diary) Up Next: The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin Erick's Reading:  All Systems Red by Martha Wells (Murder Bot series) Artificial Condition (Book 2) Deserter by Junji Ito (graphic novel) Show Notes: Relationships we make (camaraderie), learn about self (process) and other humans, anticipated gratitude, flexy schedule, doing what you love, get to be the cool/crazy person in the room, be your own Human Resources department, freedom, opportunity to "chart the course" of our careers,    Next Episode: Failing (to Suceeed)  Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber (magical realism) and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (literary mystery) Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black Dowery of Blood ST Gibson  Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes   The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)  Wintering by Katherine May    Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft Skippy Dies

  Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 91 of the podcast and it's November 16, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Nitty-gritty of self-publishing  PATREON:  No new patrons this week,    A big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Comments:  Update:  Stage one of formatting for the ARC and sent it to the book blubber and to Ali. Announcements: Tickets for the Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop go live today. Priced at $900, but patron price is $825. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message Valerie@valerieihsan.com for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.   Just finished:     I'M READING: Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton,  Confessions of a Bookseller (memoir/diary) Up Next: The Nesting by CJ Cooke  Erick's Reading:  All Systems Red by Martha Wells (Murder Bot series) Artificial Condition (Book 2) Skippy Dies Show Notes: Canva.com K-lytics.com Publisherrocket.com Bowker.com   Next Episode: gratitude for the author life   Resources:  The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber (magical realism) and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (literary mystery) Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black Dowery of Blood ST Gibson  Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes   The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)  Wintering by Katherine May    Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft  

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 90 of the podcast and it's November 9, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Receiving Feedback  PATREON:  No new patrons this week,    A big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Comments:  Update:  Nesting around the house. Bought some shoe racks. Did some house blessing WITH dusting. Had a budget meeting with Ali. Made a Dia de los Muertos altar.  Announcements: Tickets for the Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop are LIVE. Priced at $900, but patron price is $825. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message Valerie@valerieihsan.com for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.   Just finished:  South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber (magical realism) and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (literary mystery)   I'M READING: Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton,  Confessions of a Bookseller (memoir/diary) Up Next: The Nesting by CJ Cooke  Erick's Reading:  All Systems Red by Martha Wells (Murder Bot series) Skippy Dies Show Notes: Writer's group, editor, beta readers, reviews It will only increase, so learning how to receive it gracefully. Consider the source of feedback. Look for patterns when receiving feedback en masse.  Don't engage with reviewers. You don't have to take all the suggestions your editor gives you, especially during line edits. Next Episode: nitty-gritty of self-publishing Resources:  The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black Dowery of Blood ST Gibson  Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes   The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)  Wintering by Katherine May    Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft

I'M READING: South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber (magical realism) Erick's Reading:  Dowery of Blood ST Gibson When Skippy Dies Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft Resources:  The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black  Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes   The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)  Wintering by Katherine May 

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 88 of the podcast and it's October 19, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Submissions  PATREON:  No new patrons this weeks, but a big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Comments:  Re: Ep87: planning for and staying balanced during a busy season, Nicole says: Cool. I've been wanting to write a poem or essay about this, several part-time jobs, exercise, physical training, my neglected garden, housework, friends, etc. I have good hopes to write, exercise, spiritual study, etc.  Sometimes morning appointments too. Mary says: it was helpful to hear how you meet your goals, regardless of what else is going on in your lives. I'm envious (LOL), but working on this. Thank you Just finished:  ARC Weyward by Emilia Hart (out in March). Totally my jam. Strong woman. Different time lines. Hint of natural magic. I'M READING:  Confessions of a Bookseller Up Next::Wintering by Katherine May or Wildwood by Colin Meloy Erick's Reading:  Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft Update: Valerie's new author website is finished, if you want to take a look. Announcements:  Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.   Show Notes: 3-5% acceptance is a reasonable acceptance rate Poets and Writers DuoTrope Submission Grinder ralan's Solicited manuscripts vs Slush Pile What's your system to log? Where do you find submissions? (DuoTrope, Submission Grinder) Where do you log/track your submissions? Story title, summary, word count, date completed (of writing it), rejected, date submitted, publication, editor, contact name, what they said. ALWAYS follow the Submission guidelines. The whole thing. Even if you are a solicited submission. 30-40% are rejected without reading because they don't follow the guidelines. How many submissions a week/month? (Erick circulates nine at all time.) When get a rejection, resubmit to another place. New magazine or anthology is best chance to get in because they don't have a slush pile.  Some mags have windows for submission times. Next Episode: celebrating successes Resources:  Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black    Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:  The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 85 of the podcast and it's September 21, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Spousal/Partner Support  PATREON:  No new patrons this weeks, but a big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Just finished:   Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor I'M READING:  Confessions of a Bookseller Up Next:: The Cloisters and PriestDaddy Erick's Reading:  The Yard by Alex Grecian Joe Golem, the Occult Detective series graphic novels by Mike Mignola (Hell Boy guy)   Update: extra shifts at the bookstore, started working on new author website, and thinking about a short story for anthology Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now!  Passion Planner launched their new line of annual dated planners for 2023. I've already received mine. And I'm thinking of more ways to use it and decorate it. Use my referral link https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx and discount code VALERIEO866. Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Comments:  Show Notes: "Never question applause."~Nick Cage Resources:  Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.   Next Episode:  Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black    Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 84 of the podcast and it's September 14, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Production and Publication Schedules  PATREON:  No new patrons this weeks, but a big squeeze hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Just finished:   I'M READING:  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Being the First Jane Austen Mystery by Stephanie Barron Up Next::  Erick's Reading: Death Masks by Jim Butcher Joe Golem, the Occult Detective series graphic novels by Mike Mignola (Hell Boy guy)   Update: extra shifts at the bookstore, started working on new author website, and thinking about a short story for anthology Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now!  Passion Planner launched their new line of annual dated planners for 2023. I've already received mine. And I'm thinking of more ways to use it and decorate it. Use my referral link https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx and discount code VALERIEO866. Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Comments:  Show Notes: For Erick: Character voice comes first.  Needs the first line. Then golden. His plan: Three stories in two weeks, beta reader, line editor. Launch Patreon page in January. Treating the monthly stories (for the whole year) as the next writing project. (For January and February) He never writes to deadline; he finishes before.   Avoid comparing yourself to others UNTIL you know your process. Inside and out. (For instance: my plan for publishing two books a year didn't work and started off a spiral effect of "I can't" language. But then I learned to say, "I can, but not yet.")   Resources:  Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.   Next Episode:  spousal and partner receptivity to your work Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black    Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)   

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 83 of the podcast and it's September 7, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: The Author Services Side Hustle   PATREON:  No new patrons this weeks, but a big squeeze hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Just finished:  A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.  I'M READING: an ARC of Drinking Games, a memoir by Sarah Levy (coming out January 3rd) Up Next: Either Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor: Being the First Jane Austen Mystery by Stephanie Barron, or A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny. Erick's Reading: Death Masks by Jim Butcher   Update: sent off my manuscript to my line editor, so I have the next few weeks open until I get my notes back from her and I'll be working on my author website--due for an over-haul, my Reader Magnet, and some publishing back-end stuff (updating the Library of Congress number and ordering a new cover). Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now!  Passion Planner launched their new line of annual dated planners for 2023. I've already received mine. And I'm thinking of more ways to use it and decorate it. Use my referral link https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx and discount code VALERIEO866. Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Comments: Re: Ep78: Finding the Core of Your Memoir, Mary says: The craft of writing Memoir is new to me. Your discussion was both informative and interesting. I had no idea how methodical and intuitive processes work together to create (write) Memoir. Show Notes: Types of author services: Ghostwriting (full length manuscripts) (screenplays); Copywriting and Marketing content for websites; Scripts for YT channels; Editing: Content edits (developmental edits), Manuscript assessment, Line editing/proof; Coaching One project starting, one re-writing, several in finishing stages (organized by most imp two projects per week); or one client at a time until the job is done. Marketing/Pricing: Look around at the market and see what the price ranges are. Choose on the lower end if you need experience or testimonials/reviews.   Resources:  Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.   Next Episode: Publication and Production Schedules   Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black    Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:  How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 82 of the podcast and it's August 31, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Email List Care and Onboarding Sequences  PATREON:  Thank you to new patron this week, Braxton Nagle. Thank you for believing in us and in the podcast. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    I'M READING: Becky Chambers' new Monk and Robot book, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. Up Next: an ARC of Drinking Games, a memoir by Sarah Levy (coming out January 3rd) Just finished:  How to be a Good Creature Erick's Reading: Billy Summers by Stephen King Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now!  Passion Planner launched their new line of annual dated planners for 2023 last week. I've already ordered mine and it's already shipped. Use my referral link https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx and discount code VALERIEO866. Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Comments: Re: solo episode last week on Focus and Productivity, Braxton says, Love it! Didn't know you were doing this.   Show Notes: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's version: 5 emails: 1) Need help? 2) Who I am... 3) The book I'm working on... 4) Books I like... 5) Review Request. Based on the source of email sign-ups, where do I get best results? Next Episode: The Author Services Side Hustle (what you can do, how to balance the time, setting realistic expectations.)     Resources:  Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black    Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

 No new patrons this week, but a big heartfelt jolly dance for existing patrons. You mean the world to me. Thank you for believing in me and in the podcast. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    I'M READING: The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki and listening to The Mountains We Carry by Zaid Brifkani.  Up Next: It's too early to start thinking of the next book. Though Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link, How to Be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery, and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers are all contenders at the present moment. Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now!  Passion Planner is launching their new line of annual dated planners for 2023 tomorrow, August 25 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time. I've already got mine picked out! I've been using my planner more and more to take the edge off my stress. Playing with stickers and markers in my planner gives me a wee bit of creative time each week that is separate from my Book Making Time. USE MY DISCOUNT CODE: VALERIEO866 Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.   Show Notes: What's your one thing for the month of September? Here's what I learned about accountability groups years ago.  They're awesome. And here's why: I have some mutated Wonder Woman glitch in my brain that makes me volunteer for jobs or writing projects or helping friends out at a rate that would stagger a cheetah. And it ends badly. I'm either stressed out so much that I start eating my weight in potato chips and chocolate bars (sometimes candy by the bag), crying, or I abandon everything. Jump ship and sleep. My sign that depression is looming. Overwhelm = Depression in my body and mind and spirit, so I need to be on guard. Which is difficult when my default setting is, "How hard could it be?" So, accountability groups. The biggest take-away from my group was this: If you have too much on your list, none of it gets done. Bam. I remember hearing, Three things. That's all you can do. If you get those three things done and you have time and energy left, great. Do more. But you can only pick three things to focus on this week. And I'd cry. In Barnes and Noble's Starbucks cafe. Cry because I could only choose three things to focus on when I KNEW in my cells I had 84 things to do. I remember hearing, I think you should not put anything else on your plate unless your house sells. And crying in Springfield's Public House because I couldn't bear the thought of not working forward on my dreams while I did this other humungous thing--fixing up and selling my rental house. I hate being told that I need to prioritize. I despise the perceived weakness in not being able to do it all. Sure, yes. Set a pomodoro timer for 25 minutes and focus on one thing at a time, but can't I do that 84 times? No. I'm too scattered. It's never the quality Deep Work that Cal Newport talks about, or The One Thing that Gary Keller writes about. And it's certainly not the Way of Essentialism that Greg McKeown talks about. Have you read this book? Here's a taste: (read pg. 7 with accompanying illustration). Scattershot and spaghetti on the walls do not get things done. And you're perpetually in Putting out Fires mode. At the end of the day, answering your emails isn't nearly as satisfying and productive as writing 500 words in your manuscript, or building another page on your coaching and editing website. I have to choose one thing so that I CAN get the other things done. I know it's counter-intuitive. Seriously. I know. But you know what else I do if left unchecked? Read ten books at the same time. And I don't retain any of it. I never read long enough in one book to sink into the meaning and message, or the character's lives. When that happens now (thankfully MUCH less frequently--like maybe once a year), I force myself to pick one book and finish it. And then I pick the next one and read it. And my pile diminishes. And then! I feel the glory of picking out a brand new book and reading it in its entirety, with no guilt, with no 'hurry up and get through this book because I have three others I'm half way through that I need to get to.' And so it is with the author life. We all have hopes and dreams and goals and projects and maybe even tasks and backlog. The coolest thing that happens when we focus on one thing at a time is getting to the end of the year and reviewing what you've accomplished. I spent most of last year running around higgledly-piggledly  and feeling way more stressed than normal, and I STILL managed to start a podcast, and a Patreon page, adopt another dog, make important business decisions, sell a house, retire from my massage practice, start a new job at a bookstore I love, and design a signature coaching program that I'm hoping with one day fund my husband's retirement and our move to Costa Rica. That's a lot for someone that doesn't think they can get anything done. Focus did that. Even the little I could scrape up in odd moments between depression-induced Netflix binges. Another thing to remember about focus is that it really can prevent burnout. If you can pick out one or two things to focus on for a month (knowing there are those 82 other things from your list taunting you), you can build the self-confidence and self-esteem to start treating yourself with compassion and respect that will enable and empower you to tell yourself, "Yes, I know you are still there Big Fat List, and I'll get to each and every one of you. But you need to wait in line like everyone else here." And that is power. That is space to breathe without beating yourself up. That is accomplishing what you set out to do. That is Focusing and Finishing something.  If you pick one thing at a time to work on, you can't get burnout or overwhelm, because you've only got one thing in front of you right now. Blinders are a beautiful thing. And why focus is so important to productivity. I hope you were able to take something out of this (solo show) blog post that resonated with you and inspired you to find that One (Essential) Thing that you can focus on this month. What is it? Leave a comment on the website or on YouTube or Patreon in the comments section and tell me what your one thing is this month. Resources:  Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black And the Kicker Is   Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 80 of the podcast and it's August 17, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Crowdfunding    PATREON:   Thank you to new patron Valerie Brooks for upping her pledge. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    I'M READING: The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki Up Next:  Just finished:   Erick's Reading:     Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now! Comments:    Show Notes: Tiers and Stretch goals keep people talking about your product.   Resources:  Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black And the Kicker Is   Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 79 of the podcast and it's August 10, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Planning Your Creative Path    PATREON:   Thank you to new patron Sean Sharp, and thanks to Mary Van Everbroeck for upping her pledge. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    I'M READING: The Dude and the Zen Master (The Many Daughters of Afong Moy) Up Next:  The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Just finished:  (Newsletter Ninja 2)  Erick's Reading: Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer Next episode: crowd-funding (kickstarter, indie go-go, Patreon)   Announcements: I'll be reading selections from the new memoir, along with Dante Zuniga-West, Rick Levine, and Jorah LaFluer on Sunday, August 14th at 4:00 p.m. at Tsunami Books in Eugene, OR. Comments: Fantastic Discussion. It's very nice to know that the feelings, thinking and experiences I have as a writer are shared by accomplished authors! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences! (Re: Erick Mertz, part one) Show Notes:   Resources:  Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black And the Kicker Is   Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:   How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black

An interview with Tom Lin, author of the novel, The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu. A twist on the classic western, it's a story of one man's quest for redemption in the face of a distinctly American brutality.

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 77 of the podcast and it's July 27, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: a follow-up with Erick Mertz  PATREON: We have two new patrons this week. Thank you thank you thank you! We appreciate you! A big shout out and personal thanks to BARB LACHENBRUCH, and to MARY VAN EVERBROECK.   This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.      I'M READING: The Sixth Wicked Child Erick's Reading: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher Next episode: Finding the Core of Your Memoir   Announcements: I'll be reading selections from the new memoir, along with authors Joe Wilkins, Dante Zuniga-West, and other writers from the Stonecutter's Union on Sunday, August 14th at 4:00 p.m. at Tsunami Books in Eugene, OR. Resources:   Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Books We've Read This Year: Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

This episode we're talking about Beach Reads! We discuss what counts as a beach read, what doesn't count as a beach read, whether any of us has even been to a beach recently (yes!), and more. Plus: We play “two truths and a lie” with books! You can download the podcast directly, find it on Libsyn, or get it through Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or your favourite podcast delivery system. In this episode Anna Ferri | Meghan Whyte | Matthew Murray | RJ Edwards Two Real Books and One Fake Contemporary romance (RJ) Just Haven't Met You Yet Head Over Feet Call Me, Maybe Endurance Sports (Meghan) The Pain Cave: Pushing the Limits of Human Endurance Hell on Two Wheels: An Astonishing Story of Suffering, Triumph, and the Most Extreme Endurance Race in the World The Pursuit of Endurance: Harnessing the Record-Breaking Power of Strength and Resilience Domestic Thriller (Matthew) The Lady in Waiting: A Novel Her Dark Lies: A Novel The Girls Are All So Nice Here: A Novel Travel Memoir (Anna) Adventure Food Family Other Media We Mentioned Mostly Dead Things by Kristen Arnett Death on the Beach by Anna Johannsen Beach Read by Emily Henry That's a Christmas to Me #1  Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert Links, Articles, and Things What Makes a Book a Beach Read? Read it and keep: is it time to reassess the 'beach read'? What Is a Beach Read, and Why? Vancouver's comedic and controversial ‘Barge Chilling Beach' sign is no more Old-Timey Bathing Suit (TV Tropes) Call for Papers: Hallmark movies! Westerns by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour) Authors Every month Book Club for Masochists: A Readers' Advisory Podcasts chooses a genre at random and we read and discuss books from that genre. We also put together book lists for each episode/genre that feature works by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour) authors. All of the lists can be found here. Stone Song by Win Blevins Prize Money by Celeste Castro The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis Gabriel's Story by David Anthony Durham The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich Wounded by Percival Everett God's Country by Percival Everett Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine Book of the Little Axe by Lauren Francis-Sharma Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Hundred in the Hand by Joseph M. Marshall III The Devil's Revolver by V.S. McGrath The Righteous Revenge of Artemis Bonner by Walter Dean Myers Yellow Back Radio Broke-Down by Ishmael Reed That Deadman Dance by Kim Scott Dream Wheels by Richard Wagamese Fools Crow by James Welch The Death of Jim Loney by James Welch How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang Give us feedback! Fill out the form to ask for a recommendation or suggest a genre or title for us to read! Check out our Tumblr, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, join our Facebook Group, or send us an email! Join us again on Tuesday, July 5th we'll be discussing the genre of Humour Non-Fiction! Then on Tuesday, July 19th it's time for our “we all read the same book” book pitches! 

In this week's bonus episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss the history of the western and the emergence of the “weird western”. Also: Tom Lin himself, author of The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu, joins us for a conversation! (!!!!)Books, etc. discussed in this episode:Encyclopedia of Weird Westerns by Paul GreenThe Dark Tower series by Stephen KingBlood Meridian by Cormac McCarthyHow Much of These Hills Is Gold by C. Pam ZhangIn the Distance by Hernan DiazForgetting the Alamo, or Blood Memory by Emma PerezThe Drop Edge of Yonder by Rudolph WurlitzerHaints Stay by Colin WinnetteOutlawed by Anna NorthThe Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWittUpright Women Wanted by Sarah GaileyListen to the History of Literature podcast episode on westerns with author Anna North hereSources Kayla used for this episode:https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-western-novel-definition-of-the-western-genre-and-tips-for-writing-a-great-western-book#the-history-of-the-western-genrehttps://bookriot.com/weird-westerns-explained/ https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/where-begin-with-weird-west https://lithub.com/on-reimagining-the-limitless-potential-of-the-literary-western/ https://lithub.com/what-happened-to-the-classic-western-it-got-better/ Check out Tom Lin's blog: https://twotreeforest.com/fieldnotes and his Instagram: @tom_lin__Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com.Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!

This podcast features alumnus author Tom Lin class of 2014. Tom was born in Beijing, China, and immigrated to the United States when he was four years old. A graduate of Pomona College, he is currently in the PhD program in the English department at the University of California, Davis. The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu is his debut novel.

Kayla and Taylor discuss the themes and major beats of Tom Lin's 2021 debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu. Topics include the mystical nature of the desert, western tropes, and who would be a better ringmaster in the movie version: Tom Hanks or Christoph Waltz? (It's Christoph Waltz). This week's drink: Oolong Old Fashioned via Palais de ThésINGREDIENTS0.4 oz oolong tea leaves8.5 oz filtered water2 oz bourbon1 sugar cube3-4 drops angostura bitters1 orange zestIce cubesDIRECTIONSInfuse tea leaves in water at room temperature for 4 hours. Remove the infused leaves and place in a cool place.Place the sugar in the glass. Sprinkle a few drops of angostura and crush with a pestle (the sugar cube can be replaced with liquid cane sugar).Add a few ice cubes.Pour in the bourbon and add 3 oz of infused tea (adjust to suit your taste).Mix with a spoon.Squeeze the zest above the glass.Current Reads and Recommendations:I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness by Claire Vaye WatkinsFor many more modern/weird western recommendations, stay tuned for our bonus episode!Check out Tom Lin's blog: https://twotreeforest.com/fieldnotes Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com.Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid.Here is the cocktail recipe for next week's episode if you want to drink along with us!Malibu Sunset via Averie CooksINGREDIENTSIce cubesPineapple-orange juiceMalibu coconut rumGrenadineMaraschino cherriesPineapple and / or orange slices (for garnishing)DIRECTIONSAdd ice to a glass, followed by the juice and Malibu. Then, give it a good stir.Drizzle in the grenadine (use however much you'd like!) and garnish with cherries, pineapple, and orange slices.

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, and this is Episode 69 of the podcast and it's May 24, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Full-Time Writing This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. I'M READING: Once and Future Witches jumped the stack, so Seven Steeples will have to wait a bit more. Resources: How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Next episode: Passive Voice/Sentence Structure I wanted to announce that my friend, colleague, and mentor, J Thorn, just launched his new book, Writing Scenes. I'm especially excited about this because I contributed to the making of this book in several ways, and I feel quite proud of all I did. One of the example scenes in the book is one I submitted from my current work in progress (my memoir). I narrated that scene (in the Before and After example) in the audiobook. And I edited the book for J. It would tickle me if you picked up the book for yourself. Here's the link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account Writer Craft Facebook Group The Author Life Community Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link) Writing Retreat tix: https://valerieihsan.com/retreat

In this week's bonus episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss the “Lost Generation” -  American writers who came to Paris in the 1920s to dance, drink, and craft their novels. Topics include the origin of the label, the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and…the weather.Books, etc. discussed in this episode:The Paris Bookseller by Kerri MaherShakespeare and Company by Sylvia BeachSylvia Beach and the Lost Generation: A History of Literary Paris in the Twenties and Thirties by Noel Riley FitchThe Paris Wife by Paula McLainA Moveable Feast by Ernest HemingwayMidnight in Paris (2011, dir. Woody Allen)Hemingway (2021, documentary by Ken Burns)Check out the Sheakspeare and Company website HERE The Cafe de Flore and les Deux Magots in ParisResources Kayla used in this episode:https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lost-Generation   https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/the-parisian-artists-of-the-lost-generation/ https://lithub.com/the-boxer-and-the-professor-friendships-of-the-lost-generation/ https://shakespeareandcompany.com/35/history/95/sylvia-beachs-shakespeare-and-company-1919-1941 Follow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com.Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next week as we discuss The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin.Here is the cocktail recipe for next week's episode if you want to drink along with us!Oolong Old Fashioned via Palais de ThésINGREDIENTS0.4 oz oolong tea leaves8.5 oz filtered water2 oz bourbon1 sugar cube3-4 drops angostura bitters1 orange zestIce cubesDIRECTIONS

Kayla and Taylor discuss the themes and major beats of Ernest Hemingway's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1952 novella The Old Man and the Sea. Topics include shark punching, Hemingway as the original Insufferable Hipster, and whether symbolism does or does not exist in this story.This week's drink: Hemingway Daiquiri via winemag.comINGREDIENTS2 ounces white rum¾ ounce lime juice½ ounce Maraschino liqueur½ ounce ruby red grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)Lime wedge (for garnish)DIRECTIONSCombine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled. Double-strain into a coup glass. Garnish with lime wedge.Current Reads and Recommendations:My Salinger Year by Joanna RakoffA Moveable Feast by Ernest HemingwayThe Dropout (Hulu series)Articles Kayla discussed/used in her research for this episode:“How Hemingway's Bad Behavior Inspired a Generation” via LitHub“Finding Hemingway: Seeing the Self Behind the Self-Mythologizer” via LitHub“The Queerness of Ernest Hemingway” via LitHub“Marriage Story: On the Volatile Relationship Between Martha Gellhorn and Ernest Hemingway” via LitHub“A Farewell to Macho” via the New York Times“11 Facts About Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man And The Sea” via Mental FlossFollow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at literatureandlibationspod@gmail.com.Please leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we discuss The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin.Here is the cocktail recipe for next week's episode if you want to drink along with us!Oolong Old Fashioned via Palais de ThésINGREDIENTS0.4 oz oolong tea leaves8.5 oz filtered water2 oz bourbon1 sugar cube3-4 drops angostura bitters1 orange zestIce cubesDIREC

Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Writer Craft Facebook Group   Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link) Retreat tix: https://valerieihsan.com/retreat   Resources: 5-Day Challenge (How to Write ‘How To' Books), starts April 18, 2022: https://howtobookchallenge.com The Author Life Community: https://theauthorlife.com JP Rindfleisch is a writer of things dark, strange, and queer; a co-host of the Write Away Podcast and Serial Fiction Show; and a Three Story Method editor and coach. When they aren't spouting on about the importance of community or how theme can be an excellent tool for writers, they find themself wandering into nature with their Siberian husky, partner of 11 years, and a campervan aptly called Hank the Tank. Their works include several short stories, a serial called NRDS with Jeff Elkins, an upcoming Dark Urban Fantasy Series with AB Cohen, and an upcoming Three Story Method's Masterwork Analysis of the Road with J Thorn.   Resources: You are a Storyteller podcast Max Neef 9 needs:  subsistance, protection, affection, understanding, participation, recreation, creation, identity, freedom. Centered app   Books We Talked About: How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson Children of Blood and Bone by Tom Adeyemi Editing Your Novel's Structure by Bethany A. Tucker Ever After by F.T. Lukins The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin A Boy with a Bird in His Chest by Emme Lund The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa The Golden Theme by Brian Macdonald

What happens when an author takes a genre that's considered a bedrock of American culture and flips the wagon upside-down? As Tom Lin puts it, “I'm not following the rules of the American Western.” The author of the debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu, Tom subverts the “old, old notions of what makes an American” and redefines the classic genre by telling his story through the eyes of a Chinese American gunslinger assassin in the 1860s. Tom discusses with Eve and Julie how the American Western evolved into mythology, not only glorifying the westward expansion of the American people but also justifying the violence, colonialism, and genocide used to achieve it. He also shares why, almost 150 years later, Americans continue to return to the Western and the potential connection the genre has to the “consciousness of ourselves.” Tom Lin is an author based in Davis, California, where he is currently a PhD student in English at the University of California, Davis. The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu has been shortlisted for the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction. Find us on Twitter (@bookdreamspod) and Instagram (@bookdreamspodcast), or email us at contact@bookdreamspodcast.com. We encourage you to visit our website and sign up for our newsletter for information about our episodes, guests, and more. Book Dreams is a part of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate network, a company that produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. For more information on how The Podglomerate treats data, please see our Privacy Policy. Since you're listening to Book Dreams, we'd like to suggest you also try other Podglomerate shows about literature, writing, and storytelling like Storybound and The History of Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we discuss Left Behind by Tom LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin, and Endurance by Alfred Lansing. The remainder or the discussion revolves around the Knog Bilby 400, fly fishing for bluegill, Colorado, and running the Davis Mountains. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to and rate the podcast and tell your friends! This is the best way for us to grow. Also, don't forget to follow us on Instagram. Feel free to reach out to us anytime on Instagram or at contact@bourbonbookshelf.com, we make a genuine effort to reply to all inquiries. Lastly, after much adieu, our website is finally live! Go give it a look and tell us what you think. If you would like to read the books discussed in this episode, or any episode, please consider purchasing through the links provided on the website to help support the show. Patreon and merch coming soon! Enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bourbon-bookshelf/support

It's a common tale: a gunman out for revenge in the American West, whose six-shooter leaves a trail of bodies behind him. But The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu (Little, Brown and Company, 2021), the debut novel from Tom Lin, takes a novel twist on the genre by having its gunman be Ming Tsu: a Chinese man, orphaned in the United States, out on a journey to murder those who press-ganged him to work on the railroads. But The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu is more than that, as it delves into the supernatural, the mystical, and the philosophical as Ming continues his journey across the American West. In this interview, Tom and I talk about the setting of The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu, and his choices around its characters. We'll also talk about using a Chinese-American main character in a Western-type story: a traditionally “American” genre. Tom Lin was born in China and immigrated to the United States when he was four. A graduate of Pomona College, he is currently in the PhD program at the University of California, Davis. You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu. Follow on Facebook or on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an associate editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at @nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

It's a common tale: a gunman out for revenge in the American West, whose six-shooter leaves a trail of bodies behind him. But The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu (Little, Brown and Company, 2021), the debut novel from Tom Lin, takes a novel twist on the genre by having its gunman be Ming Tsu: a Chinese man, orphaned in the United States, out on a journey to murder those who press-ganged him to work on the railroads. But The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu is more than that, as it delves into the supernatural, the mystical, and the philosophical as Ming continues his journey across the American West. In this interview, Tom and I talk about the setting of The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu, and his choices around its characters. We'll also talk about using a Chinese-American main character in a Western-type story: a traditionally “American” genre. Tom Lin was born in China and immigrated to the United States when he was four. A graduate of Pomona College, he is currently in the PhD program at the University of California, Davis. You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu. Follow on Facebook or on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an associate editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at @nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

Narrator Feodor Chin beautifully performs Tom Lin's revenge story, set in the post-Civil War American West. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile's Alan Minskoff discuss Chin's masterful narration of this violent and vivid tale, capturing the lyrical flow of the text, and voicing authentic-sounding accents, while also building the mystery and tension. Ming Tsu was forcibly recruited by the Union Pacific Railroad as a manual worker, and after he escapes, he's determined to track down every man who tore him away from his wife. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile's website. Published by Hachette Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Support for AudioFile's Behind the Mic comes from PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE AUDIO, dedicated to producing top-quality fiction and nonfiction audiobooks written and read by the best in the business. Visit penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/audiofile now to start listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, host Jason Jefferies is joined by Tom Lin, author of The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu, which is published by our friends at Little, Brown and Company.  Topics of discussion include writing a novel as a college student, the outlaw western persona, living a traceless life, railroads, dangerous memories, Cormac McCarthy, magical realism, and much more.  Copies of The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu can be ordered here with FREE SHIPPING for members of Readers' Club +.  

It's a common tale: a gunman out for revenge in the American West, whose six-shooter leaves a trail of bodies behind him. But The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu (Little, Brown and Company, 2021), the debut novel from Tom Lin, takes a novel twist on the genre by having its gunman be Ming Tsu: a Chinese man, orphaned in the United States, out on a journey to murder those who press-ganged him to work on the railroads. But The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu is more than that, as it delves into the supernatural, the mystical, and the philosophical as Ming continues his journey across the American West. In this interview, Tom and I talk about the setting of The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu, and his choices around its characters. We'll also talk about using a Chinese-American main character in a Western-type story: a traditionally “American” genre. Tom Lin was born in China and immigrated to the United States when he was four. A graduate of Pomona College, he is currently in the PhD program at the University of California, Davis. You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu. Follow on Facebook or on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an associate editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at @nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/asian-review

When truth becomes legend, print the legend...Indian fighter, scout, world class horseman, Buffalo Bill was the greatest frontier showman of them all...Join co-hosts Paul Bishop and Richard Prosch as they bring to life the legend of Buffalo Bill in part one of a new episode of the Six-Gun Justice Podcast...02:35 — Rich clues us in on Sam Whiskey (1969) — a quirky heist with Burt Reynolds, Angie Dickinson, and Clint Walker 05:05 — Paul explores a few western novels which push the genre envelope, including The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin.07:45 — The Absolutely True and Genuine Tale of Buffalo Bill Cody11:00 — What is “Autobifictionalography?”12:25  — Rich and Paul share the high points of Bill's life.14:00 —  Bill Cody and the Pony Express17:46 — Cody during the Civil War and how he earned his name.19:44 — Buffalo Bill becomes a Cavalry Scout and sets up his first show22:00 — Enter Ned Buntline and the Dime Novels24:00 — Prentiss Ingraham, Western word machine for Buffalo Bill27:38 — Shoot-Outs and Shout-OutsThanks to sponsors, Wolfpack Publishing, Author Chris Enss, and the Western Writers of America. Thanks too to WWA's Roundup magazine for helping us get the word out about the Six-Gun Justice PodcastSupport us at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sixgunjusticePlease drop us an email at: sixgunjusticewesterns@gmail.comAs ever, thanks to all our friends and listeners. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=kRf2_NuEPxu37b9-4FZKmX0UAJ4ZdKVRhAgUrm-4gBj-CkNHowjeqW7Q4bYKdoyNoNgGhKTBK-OpQSh_)

This week, Liberty and Danika discuss One Last Stop, Somebody’s Daughter, Malibu Rising, and more great books. Pick up an All the Books! shirt, sticker, and more right here. Follow All the Books! using RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify and never miss a beat book. Sign up for the weekly New Books! newsletter for even more new book news. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. BOOKS DISCUSSED ON THE SHOW: One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston Somebody’s Daughter: A Memoir by Ashley C. Ford The Tea Dragon Tapestry (The Tea Dragon Society) by K. O’Neill The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag Bewilderness by Karen Tucker The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo Dead Dead Girls (A Harlem Renaissance Mystery) by Nekesa Afia  The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver Ace Of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé The Lucky List by Rachael Lippincott With Teeth by Kristen Arnett  Trouble Girls by Julia Lynn Rubin The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin The Kissing Bug: A True Story of a Family, an Insect, and a Nation’s Neglect of a Deadly Disease by Daisy Hernández Future Feeling by Joss Lake How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith III WHAT WE’RE READING: Middletown by Sarah Moon Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour MORE BOOKS OUT THIS WEEK: Hollow by B. Catling Americanon: An Unexpected U.S. History in Thirteen Bestselling Books by Jess McHugh A Lowcountry Bride by Preslaysa Williams  A Study in Crimson: Sherlock Holmes 1942 by Robert J. Harris We Are Inevitable by Gayle Forman Written in Bone: Hidden Stories in What We Leave Behind by Sue Black Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall and Hugo Martínez The Engagement: America’s Quarter-Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage by Sasha Issenberg  Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon Las Biuty Queens: Stories by Iván Monalisa Ojeda, Hannah Kauders (translator) The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu There Plant Eyes: A Personal and Cultural History of Blindness by M. Leona Godin Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams  Black Snake: Standing Rock, the Dakota Access Pipeline, and Environmental Justice by Katherine Wiltenburg Todrys House of Sticks: A Memoir by Ly Tran Double Blind by Edward St Aubyn Sunny Song Will Never Be Famous by Suzanne Park A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions by Sheena Boekweg  The Shape of Darkness by Laura Purcell Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand  A Chorus Rises (A Song Below Water) by Bethany C. Morrow  Pure Flame: A Legacy by Michelle Orange The (Un)Popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer Catch the Rabbit by Lana Bastašic A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi  Sisters of the Neversea by Cynthia L. Smith Field Study by Chet’la Sebree Girl One by Sara Flannery Murphy Walking on Cowrie Shells: Stories by Nana Nkweti Rememberings: Scenes from My Complicated Life by Sinéad O’Connor Simone Breaks All the Rules by Debbie Rigaud  The Ninth Metal (The Comet Cycle) by Benjamin Percy The Fires of Philadelphia: Citizen-Soldiers, Nativists, and the 1844 Riots Over the Soul of a Nation by Zachary M. Schrag Buy Me Love by Martha Cooley The 2000s Made Me Gay: Essays on Pop Culture by Grace Perry The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America by Carol Anderson Anne of Manhattan by Brina Starler Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization by Edward Slingerland The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris Shoko’s Smile: Stories by Choi Eunyoung, Sung Ryu (translator) The Portrait of a Mirror: A Novel by A. Natasha Joukovsky See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corene, Fiona, Liz, Sadie, and Virginia continue to gush about books they are looking forward to reading this summer. Be sure to check out Part One. Books mentioned in this episode: The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin, Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia, The Very Nice Box by Eve Gleichman and Laura Blackett, The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker, The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo, My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Grapham Jones, Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu, Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So, If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy, and Velvet was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/keepitfictional/message