Podcasts about wordfire press

How do you juggle multiple book projects, a university teaching role, Kickstarter campaigns, and rock albums—all without burning out? What does it take to build a writing career that spans decades, through industry upheavals and personal setbacks? Kevin J. Anderson shares hard-won lessons from his 40+ year career writing over 190 books. In the intro, Draft2Digital partners with Bookshop.org for ebooks; Spotify announces PageMatch and print partnership with Bookshop.org; Eleven Audiobooks; Indie author non-fiction books Kickstarter; Bones of the Deep – J.F. Penn This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Kevin J. Anderson is the multi-award-winning and internationally bestselling author of over 190 books across different genres, with over 24 million copies in print across 34 languages. He's also the director of publishing at Western Colorado University, as well as a publisher at WordFire Press, an editor and rock album lyricist, and he's co-written Dune books and worked on the recent Dune movies and TV show. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights, and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Managing multiple projects at different stages to maximise productivity without burning out Building financial buffers and multiple income streams for a sustainable long-term career Adapting when life disrupts your creative process, from illness to injury Lessons learned from transitioning between traditional publishing, indie, and Kickstarter Why realistic expectations and continuously reinventing yourself are essential for longevity The hands-on publishing master's program at Western Colorado University You can find Kevin at WordFire.com and buy his books direct at WordFireShop.com. Transcript of Interview with Kevin J. Anderson Jo: Kevin J. Anderson is the multi award-winning and internationally bestselling author of over 190 books across different genres, with over 24 million copies in print across 34 languages. He's also the Director of Publishing at Western Colorado University, as well as a publisher at WordFire Press, an editor, a rock album lyricist, and he's co-written Dune books and worked on the recent Dune movies and TV show. Welcome back to the show, Kevin. Kevin: Well, thanks, Joanna. I always love being on the show. Jo: And we're probably on like 200 books and like 50 million copies in print. I mean, how hard is it to keep up with all that? Kevin: Well, it was one of those where we actually did have to do a list because my wife was like, we really should know the exact number. And I said, well, who can keep track because that one went out of print and that's an omnibus. So does it count as something else? Well, she counted them. But that was a while ago and I didn't keep track, so… Jo: Right. Kevin: I'm busy and I like to write. That's how I've had a long-term career. It's because I don't hate what I'm doing. I've got the best job in the world. I love it. Jo: So that is where I wanted to start. You've been on the show multiple times. People can go back and have a listen to some of the other things we've talked about. I did want to talk to you today about managing multiple priorities. You are a director of publishing at Western Colorado University. I am currently doing a full-time master's degree as well as writing a novel, doing this podcast, my Patreon, all the admin of running a business, and I feel like I'm busy. Then I look at what you do and I'm like, this is crazy. People listening are also busy. We're all busy, right. But I feel like it can't just be writing and one job—you do so much. So how do you manage your time, juggle priorities, your calendar, and all that? Kevin: I do it brilliantly. Is that the answer you want? I do it brilliantly. It is all different things. If I were just working on one project at a time, like, okay, I'm going to start a new novel today and I've got nothing else on my plate. Well, that would take me however long to do the research and the plot. I'm a full-on plotter outliner, so it would take me all the while to do—say it's a medieval fantasy set during the Crusades. Well, then I'd have to spend months reading about the Crusades and researching them and maybe doing some travel. Then get to the point where I know the characters enough that I can outline the book and then I start writing the book, and then I start editing the book, which is a part that I hate. I love doing the writing, I hate doing the editing. Then you edit a whole bunch. To me, there are parts of that that are like going to the dentist—I don't like it—and other parts of it are fun. So by having numerous different projects at different stages, all of which require different skill sets or different levels of intensity— I can be constantly switching from one thing to another and basically be working at a hundred percent capacity on everything all the time. And I love doing this. So I'll be maybe writing a presentation, which is what I was doing before we got on this call this morning, because I'm giving a new keynote presentation at Superstars, which is in a couple of weeks. That's another thing that was on our list—I helped run Superstars. I founded that 15 years ago and it's been going on. So I'll be giving that talk. Then we just started classes for my publishing grad students last week. So I'm running those classes, which meant I had to write all of the classes before they started, and I did that. I've got a Kickstarter that will launch in about a month. I'm getting the cover art for that new book and I've got to write up the Kickstarter campaign. And I have to write the book. I like to have the book at least drafted before I run a Kickstarter for it. So I'm working on that. A Kickstarter pre-launch page should be up a month before the Kickstarter launches, and the Kickstarter has to launch in early March, so that means early February I have to get the pre-launch page up. So there's all these dominoes. One thing has to go before the next thing can go. During the semester break between fall semester—we had about a month off—I had a book for Blackstone Publishing and Weird Tales Presents that I had to write, and I had plotted it and I thought if I don't get this written during the break, I'm going to get distracted and I won't finish it. So I just buckled down and I wrote the 80,000-word book during the month of break. This is like Little House on the Prairie with dinosaurs. It's an Amish community that wants to go to simpler times. So they go back to the Pleistocene era where they're setting up farms and the brontosaurus gets into the cornfield all the time. Jo: That sounds like a lot of fun. Kevin: That's fun. So with the grad students that I have every week, we do all kinds of lectures. Just to reassure people, I am not at all an academic. I could not stand my English classes where you had to write papers analysing this and that. My grad program is all hands-on, pragmatic. You actually learn how to be a publisher when you go through it. You learn how to design covers, you learn how to lay things out, you learn how to edit, you learn how to do fonts. One of the things that I do among the lectures every week or every other week, I just give them something that I call the real world updates. Like, okay, this is the stuff that I, Kevin, am working on in my real world career because the academic career isn't like the real world. So I just go listing about, oh, I designed these covers this week, and I wrote the draft of this dinosaur homestead book, and then I did two comic scripts, and then I had to edit two comic scripts. We just released my third rock album that's based on my fantasy trilogy. And I have to write a keynote speech for Superstars. And I was on Joanna Penn's podcast. And here's what I'm doing. Sometimes it's a little scary because I read it and I go, holy crap, I did a lot of stuff this week. Jo: So I manage everything on Google Calendar. Do you have systems for managing all this? Because you also have external publishers, you have actual dates when things actually have to happen. Do you manage that yourself or does Rebecca, your wife and business partner, do that? How do you manage your calendar? Kevin: Well, Rebecca does most of the business stuff, like right now we have to do a bunch of taxes stuff because it's the new year and things. She does that and I do the social interaction and the creating and the writing and stuff. My assistant Marie Whittaker, she's a big project management person and she's got all these apps on how to do project managing and all these sorts of things. She tried to teach me how to use these apps, but it takes so much time and organisation to fill the damn things out. So it's all in my head. I just sort of know what I have to do. I just put it together and work on it and just sort of know this thing happens next and this thing happens next. I guess one of the ways is when I was in college, I put myself through the university by being a waiter and a bartender. As a waiter and a bartender, you have to juggle a million different things at once. This guy wants a beer and that lady wants a martini, and that person needs to pay, and this person's dinner is up on the hot shelf so you've got to deliver it before it gets cold. It's like I learned how to do millions of things and keep them all organised, and that's the way it worked. And I've kept that as a skill all the way through and it has done me good, I think. Jo: I think that there is a difference between people's brains, right? So I'm pretty chaotic in terms of my creative process. I'm not a plotter like you. I'm pretty chaotic, basically. But I come across— Kevin: I've met you. Yes. Jo: I know. But I'm also extremely organised and I plan everything. That's part of, I think, being an introvert and part of dealing with the anxiety of the world is having a plan or a schedule. So I think the first thing to say to people listening is they don't have to be like you, and they don't have to be like me. It's kind of a personal thing. I guess one thing that goes beyond both of us is, earlier you said you basically work at a hundred percent capacity. So let's say there's somebody listening and they're like, well, I'm at a hundred percent capacity too, and it might be kids, it might be a day job, as well as writing and all that. And then something happens, right? You mentioned the real world. I seem to remember that you broke your leg or something. Kevin: Yes. Jo: And the world comes crashing down through all your plans, whether they're written or in your head. So how do you deal with a buffer of something happening, or you're sick, or Rebecca's sick, or the cat needs to go to the vet? Real life—how do you deal with that? Kevin: Well, that really does cause problems. We had, in fact, just recently—so I'm always working at, well, let's be realistic, like 95% of Kevin capacity. Well, my wife, who does some of the stuff here around the house and she does the business things, she just went through 15 days of the worst crippling migraine string that she's had in 30 years. So she was curled up in a foetal position on the bed for 15 days and she couldn't do any of her normal things. I mean, even unloading the dishwasher and stuff like that. So if I'm at 95% capacity and suddenly I have to pick up an extra 50%, that causes real problems. So I drink lots of coffee, and I get less sleep, and you try to bring in some help. I mean, we have Rebecca's assistant and the assistant has a 20-year-old daughter who came in to help us do some of the dishes and laundry and housework stuff. You mentioned before, it was a year ago. I always go out hiking and mountain climbing and that's where I write. I dictate. I have a digital recorder that I go off of, and that's how I'm so productive. I go out, I walk in the forest and I come home with 5,000 words done in a couple of hours, and I always do that. That's how I write. Well, I was out on a mountain and I fell off the mountain and I broke my ankle and had to limp a mile back to my car. So that sort of put a damper on me hiking. I had a book that I had to write and I couldn't go walking while I was dictating it. It has been a very long time since I had to sit at a keyboard and create chapters that way. Jo: Mm-hmm. Kevin: And my brain doesn't really work like that. It works in an audio—I speak this stuff instead. So I ended up training myself because I had a big boot on my foot. I would sit on the back porch and I would look out at the mountains here in Colorado and I would put my foot up on another chair and I'd sit in the lawn chair and I'd kind of close my eyes and I would dictate my chapters that way. It was not as effective, but it was plan B. So that's how I got it done. I did want to mention something. When I'm telling the students this every week—this is what I did and here's the million different things—one of the students just yesterday made a comment that she summarised what I'm doing and it kind of crystallised things for me. She said that to get so much done requires, and I'm quoting now, “a balance of planning, sprinting, and being flexible, while also making incremental forward progress to keep everything moving together.” So there's short-term projects like fires and emergencies that have to be done. You've got to keep moving forward on the novel, which is a long-term project, but that short story is due in a week. So I've got to spend some time doing that one. Like I said, this Kickstarter's coming up, so I have to put in the order for the cover art, because the cover art needs to be done so I can put it on the pre-launch page for the Kickstarter. It is a balance of the long-term projects and the short-term projects. And I'm a workaholic, I guess, and you are too. Jo: Yes. Kevin: You totally are. Yes. Jo: I get that you're a workaholic, but as you said before, you enjoy it too. So you enjoy doing all these things. It's just sometimes life just gets in the way, as you said. One of the other things that I think is interesting—so sometimes physical stuff gets in the way, but in your many decades now of the successful author business, there's also the business side. You've had massive success with some of your books, and I'm sure that some of them have just kind of shrivelled into nothing. There have been good years and bad years. So how do we, as people who want a long-term career, think about making sure we have a buffer in the business for bad years and then making the most of good years? Kevin: Well, that's one thing—to realise that if you're having a great year, you might not always have a great year. That's kind of like the rockstar mentality—I've got a big hit now, so I'm always going to have a big hit. So I buy mansions and jets, and then of course the next album flops. So when you do have a good year, you plan for the long term. You set money aside. You build up plan B and you do other things. I have long been a big advocate for making sure that you have multiple income streams. You don't just write romantic epic fantasies and that's all you do. That might be what makes your money now, but the reading taste could change next year. They might want something entirely different. So while one thing is really riding high, make sure that you're planting a bunch of other stuff, because that might be the thing that goes really, really well the next year. I made my big stuff back in the early nineties—that was when I started writing for Star Wars and X-Files, and that's when I had my New York Times bestselling run. I had 11 New York Times bestsellers in one year, and I was selling like millions of copies. Now, to be honest, when you have a Star Wars bestseller, George Lucas keeps almost all of that. You don't keep that much of it. But little bits add up when you're selling millions of copies. So it opened a lot of doors for me. So I kept writing my own books and I built up my own fans who liked the Star Wars books and they read some of my other things. If you were a bestselling trad author, you could keep writing the same kind of book and they would keep throwing big advances at you. It was great. And then that whole world changed and they stopped paying those big advances, and paperback, mass market paperback books just kind of went away. A lot of people probably remember that there was a time for almost every movie that came out, every big movie that came out, you could go into the store and buy a paperback book of it—whether it was an Avengers movie or a Star Trek movie or whatever, there was a paperback book. I did a bunch of those and that was really good work. They would pay me like $15,000 to take the script and turn it into a book, and it was done in three weeks. They don't do that anymore. I remember I was on a panel at some point, like, what would you tell your younger self? What advice would you give your younger self? I remember when I was in the nineties, I was turning down all kinds of stuff because I had too many book projects and I was never going to quit writing. I was a bestselling author, so I had it made. Well, never, ever assume you have it made because the world changes under you. They might not like what you're doing or publishing goes in a completely different direction. So I always try to keep my radar up and look at new things coming up. I still write some novels for trad publishers. This dinosaur homestead one is for Blackstone and Weird Tales. They're a trad publisher. I still publish all kinds of stuff as an indie for WordFire Press. I'm reissuing a bunch of my trad books that I got the rights back and now they're getting brand new life as I run Kickstarters. One of my favourite series is “Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I.” It's like the Addams Family meets The Naked Gun. It's very funny. It's a private detective who solves crimes with monsters and mummies and werewolves and things. I sold the first one to a trad publisher, and actually, they bought three. I said, okay, these are fast, they're fun, they're like 65,000 words. You laugh all the way through it, and you want the next one right away. So let's get these out like every six months, which is like lightning speed for trad publishing. They just didn't think that was a good idea. They brought them out a year and a half apart. It was impossible to build up momentum that way. They wanted to drop the series after the third book, and I just begged them—please give it one more chance. So they bought one more book for half as much money and they brought it out again a year and a half later. And also, it was a trad paperback at $15. And the ebook was—Joanna, can you guess what their ebook was priced at? Jo: $15. Kevin: $15. And they said, gee, your ebook sales are disappointing. I said, well, no, duh. I mean, I am jumping around—I'm going like, but you should have brought these out six months apart. You should have had the ebook, like the first one at $4. Jo: But you're still working with traditional publishers, Kevin? Kevin: I'm still working with them on some, and I'm a hybrid. There are some projects that I feel are better served as trad books, like the big Dune books and stuff. I want those all over the place and they can cash in on the movie momentum and stuff. But I got the rights back to the Dan Shamble stuff. The fans kept wanting me to do more, and so I published a couple of story collections and they did fine. But I was making way more money writing Dune books and things. Then they wanted a new novel. So I went, oh, okay. I did a new novel, which I just published at WordFire. But again, it did okay, but it wasn't great. I thought, well, I better just focus on writing these big ticket things. But I really liked writing Dan Shamble. Somebody suggested, well, if the fans want it so much, why don't you run a Kickstarter? I had never run a Kickstarter before, and I kind of had this wrong attitude. I thought Kickstarters were for, “I'm a starving author, please give me money.” And that's not it at all. It's like, hey, if you're a fan, why don't you join the VIP club and you get the books faster than anybody else? So I ran a Kickstarter for my first Dan Shamble book, and it made three times what the trad publisher was paying me. And I went, oh, I kind of like this model. So I have since done like four other Dan Shamble novels through Kickstarters, made way more money that way. And we just sold—we can't give any details yet—but we have just sold it. It will be a TV show. There's a European studio that is developing it as a TV show, and I'm writing the pilot and I will be the executive producer. Jo: Fantastic. Kevin: So I kept that zombie detective alive because I loved it so much. Jo: And it's going to be all over the place years later, I guess. Just in terms of—given I've been in this now, I guess 2008 really was when I got into indie—and over the time I've been doing this, I've seen people rise and then disappear. A lot of people have disappeared. There are reasons, burnout or maybe they were just done. Kevin: Yes. Jo: But in terms of the people that you've seen, the characteristics, I guess, of people who don't make it versus people who do make it for years. And we are not saying that everyone should be a writer for decades at all. Some people do just have maybe one or two books. What do you think are the characteristics of those people who do make it long-term? Kevin: Well, I think it's realistic expectations. Like, again, this was trad, but my first book I sold for $4,000, and I thought, well, that's just $4,000, but we're going to sell book club rights, and we're goingn to sell foreign rights, and it's going to be optioned for movies. And the $4,000 will be like, that's just the start. I was planning out all this extra money coming from it, and it didn't even earn its $4,000 advance back and nothing else happened with it. Well, it has since, because I've since reissued it myself, pushed it and I made more money that way. But it's a slow burn. You build your career. You start building your fan base and then your next one will sell maybe better than the first one did. Then you keep writing it, and then you make connections, and then you get more readers and you learn how to expand your stuff better. You've got to prepare for the long haul. I would suggest that if you publish your very first book on KU, don't quit your day job the next day. Not everybody can or should be a full-time writer. We here in America need to have something that pays our health insurance. That is one of the big reasons why I am running this graduate program at Western Colorado University—because as a university professor, I get wonderful healthcare. I'm teaching something that I love, and I'm frankly doing a very good job at it because our graduates—something like 60% of them are now working as writers or publishers or working in the publishing world. So that's another thing. I guess what I do when I'm working on it is I kind of always say yes to the stuff that's coming in. If an opportunity comes—hey, would you like a graphic novel on this?—and I go, yes, I'd love to do that. Could you write a short story for this anthology? Sure, I'd love to do that. I always say yes, and I get overloaded sometimes. But I learned my lesson. It was quite a few years ago where I was really busy. I had all kinds of book deadlines and I was turning down books that they were offering me. Again, this was trad—book contracts that had big advances on them. And anthology editors were asking me. I was really busy and everybody was nagging me—Kevin, you work too hard. And my wife Rebecca was saying, Kevin, you work too hard. So I thought, I had it made. I had all these bestsellers, everything was going on. So I thought, alright, I've got a lot of books under contract. I'll just take a sabbatical. I'll say no for a year. I'll just catch up. I'll finish all these things that I've got. I'll just take a breather and finish things. So for that year, anybody who asked me—hey, do you want to do this book project?—well, I'd love to, but I'm just saying no. And would you do this short story for an anthology? Well, I'd love to, but not right now. Thanks. And I just kind of put them off. So I had a year where I could catch up and catch my breath and finish the stuff. And after that, I went, okay, I am back in the game again. Let's start taking these book offers. And nothing. Just crickets. And I went, well, okay. Well, you were always asking before—where are all these book deals that you kept offering me? Oh, we gave them to somebody else. Jo: This is really difficult though, because on the one hand—well, first of all, it's difficult because I wanted to take a bit of a break. So I'm doing this full-time master's and you are also teaching people in a master's program, right. So I have had to say no to a lot of things in order to do this course. And I imagine the people on your course would have to do the same thing. There's a lot of rewards, but they're different rewards and it kind of represents almost a midlife pivot for many of us. So how do we balance that then—the stepping away with what might lead us into something new? I mean, obviously this is a big deal. I presume most of the people on your course, they're older like me. People have to give stuff up to do this kind of thing. So how do we manage saying yes and saying no? Kevin: Well, I hate to say this, but you just have to drink more coffee and work harder for that time. Yes, you can say no to some things. My thing was I kind of shut the door and I just said, I'm just going to take a break and I'm going to relax. I could have pushed my capacity and taken some things so that I wasn't completely off the game board. One of the things I talk about is to avoid burnout. If you want a long-term career, and if you're working at 120% of your capacity, then you're going to burn out. I actually want to mention something. Johnny B. Truant just has a new book out called The Artisan Author. I think you've had him on the show, have you? Jo: Yes, absolutely. Kevin: He says a whole bunch of the stuff in there that I've been saying for a long time. He's analysing these rapid release authors that are a book every three weeks. And they're writing every three weeks, every four weeks, and that's their business model. I'm just like, you can't do that for any length of time. I mean, I'm a prolific writer. I can't write that fast. That's a recipe for burnout, I think. I love everything that I'm doing, and even with this graduate program that I'm teaching, I love teaching it. I mean, I'm talking about subjects that I love, because I love publishing. I love writing. I love cover design. I love marketing. I love setting up your newsletters. I mean, this isn't like taking an engineering course for me. This is something that I really, really love doing. And quite honestly, it comes across with the students. They're all fired up too because they see how much I love doing it and they love doing it. One of the projects that they do—we get a grant from Draft2Digital every year for $5,000 so that we do an anthology, an original anthology that we pay professional rates for. So they put out their call for submissions. This year it was Into the Deep Dark Woods. And we commissioned a couple stories for it, but otherwise it was open to submissions. And because we're paying professional rates, they get a lot of submissions. I have 12 students in the program right now. They got 998 stories in that they had to read. Jo: Wow. Kevin: They were broken up into teams so they could go through it, but that's just overwhelming. They had to read, whatever that turns out to be, 50 stories a week that come in. Then they write the rejections, and then they argue over which ones they're going to accept, and then they send the contracts, and then they edit them. And they really love it. I guess that's the most important thing about a career—you've got to have an attitude that you love what you're doing. If you don't love this, please find a more stable career, because this is not something you would recommend for the faint of heart. Jo: Yes, indeed. I guess one of the other considerations, even if we love it, the industry can shift. Obviously you mentioned the nineties there—things were very different in the nineties in many, many ways. Especially, let's say, pre-internet times, and when trad pub was really the only way forward. But you mentioned the rapid release, the sort of book every month. Let's say we are now entering a time where AI is bringing positives and negatives in the same way that the internet brought positives and negatives. We're not going to talk about using it, but what is definitely happening is a change. Industry-wise—for example, people can do a book a day if they want to generate books. That is now possible. There are translations, you know. Our KDP dashboard in America, you have a button now to translate everything into Spanish if you want. You can do another button that makes it an audiobook. So we are definitely entering a time of challenge, but if you look back over your career, there have been many times of challenge. So is this time different? Or do you face the same challenges every time things shift? Kevin: It's always different. I've always had to take a breath and step back and then reinvent myself and come back as something else. One of the things with a long-term career is you can't have a long-term career being the hot new thing. You can start out that way—like, this is the brand new author and he gets a big boost as the best first novel or something like that—but that doesn't work for 20 years. I mean, you've got to do something else. If you're the sexy young actress, well, you don't have a 50-year career as the sexy young actress. One of the ones I'm loving right now is Linda Hamilton, who was the sexy young actress in Terminator, and then a little more mature in the TV show Beauty and the Beast, where she was this huge star. Then she's just come back now. I think she's in her mid-fifties. She's in Stranger Things and she was in Resident Alien and she's now this tough military lady who's getting parts all over the place. She's reinvented herself. So I like to say that for my career, I've crashed and burned and resurrected myself. You might as well call me the Doctor because I've just come back in so many different ways. You can't teach an old dog new tricks, but— If you want to stay around, no matter how old of a dog you are, you've got to learn new tricks. And you've got to keep learning, and you've got to keep trying new things. I started doing indie publishing probably around the time you did—2009, something like that. I was in one of these great positions where I was a trad author and I had a dozen books that I wrote that were all out of print. I got the rights back to them because back then they let books go out of print and they gave the rights back without a fight. So I suddenly found myself with like 12 titles that I could just put up. I went, oh, okay, let's try this. I was kind of blown away that that first novel that they paid me $4,000 for that never even earned it back—well, I just put it up on Kindle and within one year I made more than $4,000. I went, I like this, I've got to figure this out. That's how I launched WordFire Press. Then I learned how to do everything. I mean, back in those days, you could do a pretty clunky job and people would still buy it. Then I learned how to do it better. Jo: That time is gone. Kevin: Yes. I learned how to do it better, and then I learned how to market it. Then I learned how to do print on demand books. Then I learned how to do box sets and different kinds of marketing. I dove headfirst into my newsletter to build my fan base because I had all the Star Wars stuff and X-Files stuff and later it was the Dune stuff. I had this huge fan base, but I wanted that fan base to read the Kevin Anderson books, the Dan Shamble books and everything. The only way to get that is if you give them a personal touch to say, hey buddy, if you liked that one, try this one. And the way to do that is you have to have access to them. So I started doing social media stuff before most people were doing social media stuff. I killed it on MySpace. I can tell you that. I had a newsletter that we literally printed on paper and we stuck mailing labels on. It went out to 1,200 people that we put in the mailbox. Jo: Now you're doing that again with Kickstarter, I guess. But I guess for people listening, what are you learning now? How are you reinventing yourself now in this new phase we are entering? Kevin: Well, I guess the new thing that I'm doing now is expanding my Kickstarters into more. So last year, the biggest Kickstarter that I've ever had, I ran last year. It was this epic fantasy trilogy that I had trad published and I got the rights back. They had only published it in trade paperback. So, yes, I reissued the books in nice new hardcovers, but I also upped the game to do these fancy bespoke editions with leather embossed covers and end papers and tipped in ribbons and slip cases and all kinds of stuff and building that. I did three rock albums as companions to it, and just building that kind of fan base that will support that. Then I started a Patreon last year, which isn't as big as yours. I wish my Patreon would get bigger, but I'm pushing it and I'm still working on that. So it's trying new things. Because if I had really devoted myself and continued to keep my MySpace page up to date, I would be wasting my time. You have to figure out new things. Part of me is disappointed because I really liked in the nineties where they just kept throwing book contracts at me with big advances. And I wrote the book and sent it in and they did all the work. But that went away and I didn't want to go away. So I had to learn how to do it different. After a good extended career, one of the things you do is you pay it forward. I mentor a lot of writers and that evolved into me creating this master's program in publishing. I can gush about it because to my knowledge, it is the only master's degree that really focuses on indie publishing and new model publishing instead of just teaching you how to get a job as an assistant editor in Manhattan for one of the Big Five publishers. Jo: It's certainly a lot more practical than my master's in death. Kevin: Well, that's an acquired taste, I think. When they hired me to do this—and as I said earlier, I'm not an academic—and I said if I'm going to teach this, it's a one year program. They get done with it in one year. It's all online except for one week in person in the summer. They're going to learn how to do things. They're not going to get esoteric, analysing this poem for something. When they graduate from this program, they walk out with this anthology that they edited, that their name is on. The other project that they do is they reissue a really fancy, fine edition of some classic work, whether it's H.G. Wells or Jules Verne or something. They choose a book that they want to bring back and they do it all from start to finish. They come out of it—rather than just theoretical learning—they know how to do things. Surprise, I've been around in the business a long time, so I know everybody who works in the business. So the heads of publishing houses and the head of Draft2Digital or Audible—and we've got Blackstone Audio coming on in a couple weeks. We've got the head of Kickstarter coming on as guest speakers. I have all kinds of guest speakers. Joanna, I think you're coming on— Jo: I'm coming on as well, I think. Kevin: You're coming on as a guest speaker. It's just like they really get plugged in. I'm in my seventh cohort now and I just love doing it. The students love it and we've got a pretty high success rate. So there's your plug. We are open for applications now. It starts in July. And my own website is WordFire.com, and there's a section on there on the graduate program if anybody wants to take a look at it. Again, not everybody needs to have a master's degree to be an indie publisher, but there is something to be said for having all of this stuff put into an organised fashion so that you learn how to do all the things. It also gives you a resource and a support system so that they come out of it knowing a whole lot of people. Jo: Brilliant. Well, thanks so much for your time, Kevin. That was great. Kevin: Thanks. It's a great show. The post Managing Multiple Projects And The Art of the Long-Term Author Career with Kevin J. Anderson first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Kevin J. Anderson is one of the rarest of creatives. As a writer, he started from the bottom and worked his way up to become an internationally bestselling author of over 190 books, 58 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He then became a publisher – Wordfire Press. Following this, he co-created the Superstars Writing Workshop. He is now also the director of a Publishing Graduate Program at Western Colorado University—the subject of this interview. Kevin has also been a Writers of the Future judge for over 25 years and a very trusted partner helping with the growth of the Contest.

Kevin J. Anderson is one of the rarest of creatives. As a writer, he started from the bottom and worked his way up to become an internationally bestselling author of over 190 books, 58 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He then became a publisher – Wordfire Press. Following this, he co-created the Superstars Writing Workshop. He is now also the director of a Publishing Graduate Program at Western Colorado University—the subject of this interview. Kevin has also been a Writers of the Future judge for over 25 years and a very trusted partner helping with the growth of the Contest.

This week on Epic Realms, bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson joins Nick for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation. Known for his work on Dune, Star Wars, The X-Files, and DC Comics, Kevin shares stories from his incredible career and his creative process—from his early writing days in Wisconsin to collaborating with legends like Frank Herbert's son Brian Herbert and Rush drummer Neil Peart. They discuss Kevin's latest releases, including Nether Station, a chilling blend of science fiction and cosmic horror from the Weird Tales line, and the newly remastered Terra Incognita fantasy trilogy—complete with its companion rock albums from Roswell 6. Kevin opens up about balancing passion projects, running his publishing imprint WordFire Press, and teaching the next generation of writers. If you love sci-fi, fantasy, or behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most prolific authors in the genre, this episode is not to be missed. Listen now and explore more at EpicRealmsMedia.com Follow Kevin J. Anderson: WordFire.com | Patreon.com/KevinJAnderson

This week we chat with filmmaker, producer, composer, writer, author...this guy's done it all...John Harrison. From working with George Romero on everything from Creepshow and Dawn of the Dead to Tales from the Darkside to the Dune miniseries to his Netflix series Residue...he's done it all. He even directed Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, which was Andrew LaSane's Scarred for Life pick, which is one of Terry's favorite movies. We chat about his long history in cinema; about how he started working with Romero to some insights into Tales from the Darkside. And we discuss his latest work, the novel Residue: Paramentals Rising, which is a sequel to the Netflix show. After learning about his horror history--including a memorable viewing of Night of the Living Dead--we find out why The Haunting terrified him as a twelve year old. John references an article written by Anthony McKay in Little Shoppe of Horrors, which can be ordered here. You can find Residue: Paramentals Rising wherever you buy your books or at WordFire Press.You can follow John on his website or Instagram and Facebook.Follow Mary Beth, Terry and the Podcast on Bluesky. We're also on Twitter (sorta) with the same usernames. We also have a Letterboxd HQ account, so follow us there, too! Support us on Patreon!If you want to support our podcast, please please take a moment to go rate us on Spotify and give us a rating and review on iTunes. It really helps us out with the algorithms. We also have a YouTube channel! Ask us for our Discord server!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jen Finelli is a physician and injured adventurer. Her real-life adventures have ranged from the funny and silly (like getting herself locked in a German nunnery by accident) to the beautiful (like scuba diving with sharks) to the severe and tragic (like breaking her spirit as she held the dying and watched sexual assault victims suffer without justice). So she often writes fantastical science fiction with a real-life military, medical, or combat edge. When she is not doing that, she plays with trauma and pain and hope. Marie Whittaker, the Exec Dir of Superstars, reached out with what an amazing guest Jen would be. And so, please meet Jen Finelli, who just published her five-book series with WordFire Press.

Jen Finelli is a physician and injured adventurer. Her real-life adventures have ranged from the funny and silly (like getting herself locked in a German nunnery by accident) to the beautiful (like scuba diving with sharks) to the severe and tragic (like breaking her spirit as she held the dying and watched sexual assault victims suffer without justice). So she often writes fantastical science fiction with a real-life military, medical, or combat edge. When she is not doing that, she plays with trauma and pain and hope. Marie Whittaker, the Exec Dir of Superstars, reached out with what an amazing guest Jen would be. And so, please meet Jen Finelli, who just published her five-book series with WordFire Press. https://byjenfinelli.com/

Matty Dalrymple talks with Marie Whittaker about GETTING THE WORD OUT: MEDIA CAMPAIGNS FOR AUTHORS, including why press releases remain a valuable promotional tool, the five milestones that deserve a press release, how press releases compare with social media posting, media campaigns for crowdfunding, tips for approaching bookstores and libraries, whether authors can apply these tips to their backlists, and how to maximize the value of your website real estate.   Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist   Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Marie Whittaker enjoys teaching about publishing and project management for writers. She's Associate Publisher at WordFire Press and Executive Director of Superstars Writing. She started her career writing horror. Marie created The Adventures of Lola Hopscotch, is published in Weird Tales, and habitually adopts rescue animals.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.  

In this episode, Mark interviews Kevin J. Anderson about his writing and the new approach he is taking to incorporate Kickstarter into the launch strategies for some of his indie-published titles. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused cruise.   In their interview Mark and Kevin talk about: How Kickstarter has completely upended (in a good way), Kevin's book release strategies Kevin's first novel coming out in 1988 and all the various publishers he has worked with over the years The "Perfect Storm" that was brewing in the book industry when indie publishing became a realistic and viable option Starting to publish his own books (mostly backlist titles he got the rights back to) in 2009 after founding WordFire Press with his wife Rebecca Moesta Kevin's belief that this is the best time to be a writer How Kevin does a little bit of everything. He has a New York literary agent, he works with several major publishers, he indie publishes, and he continues to explore new opportunities that digital publishing offer The way that Kickstarter didn't just open a new door, it completely blew it down, along with a few walls too Dean Wesley Smith's perspective that helped to change Kevin's mind about what Kickstarter was all about Kevin's "Adams Family meets The Naked Gun" series of Dan Shamble Zombie PI novels, and the history of how it started off as a series with a major publisher, flopped, then Kevin got the rights back and did something truly stunning with it once he applied Kickstarter Kevin's first Dan Shamble Kickstarter which brought in 23 times the intial amount he was asking for, and that it paid him more than 6 times the advance he'd rec'd from a major publisher for the last Dan Shamble book he'd done with them The Dragon Business (The Princess Bride meets Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) Kickstarter that brought in 20 times what he'd been asking for The Persephone Kickstarter that Kevin did with Writer/Director Jeffrey Morris Kevin's latest Kickstarter which is a 7 Volume Set of over 130 of his published short stories published over 50 years Writing his first short story when he was 8 years old Publishing his very first short story when he was 14 The personal introductions that he wrote for every one of the stories in this 7 book collection The various levels and Kickstarter rewards he is planning for this Kickstarter The remarkable fact that, despite having published 180 novels with 58 of them being international bestsellers, no publisher would ever even consider publishing a 7 volume hardcover set of Kevin's complete short stories. That he can do this via Kickstarter is a significant paradigm shift How Kickstarter can replace the old "advance" model from traditional publishing The special thing Kevin is doing for all the backers of this latest Kickstarter The Kickstarter will be going live on April 30th for 3 weeks and 2 days And more . . .   After the interview Mark reflects on Kevin's use of short, effective and very clear log lines to describe two of his series.   Links of Interest: Kevin J. Anderson's Website Kevin's Short Story Kickstarter EP 130 - Grace Under Pressure with Kevin J. Anderson Mentions of Kevin in other podcast episodes EP 356 - The Midlist Indie Author Mindset with T. Thorn Coyle Thorn's Patreon Site EP 355 - Scribbling Pen Publishing with Melanie Gilbert and Heather Karn Writers of the Future - Blog Post Announcing Mark as a Judge Stark Publishing Support for Authors Via Margins Agency ScribeCount (Mark's Affiliate Link) Mark's YouTube Channel Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections How to Access Patreon RSS Feeds An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and Libraries The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City Only Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard   Kevin J. Anderson has published more than 180 books, 58 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Star Wars, X-Files, and Dune universes, as well as the unique Clockwork Angels steampunk trilogy with legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart. His original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series, the Wake the Dragon and Terra Incognita fantasy trilogies, and humorous Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series and The Dragon Business series. He has edited numerous anthologies, written comics and games, and the lyrics to two rock CDs. Anderson is the director of the graduate program in Publishing at Western Colorado University, and he and his wife Rebecca Moesta are the publishers or WordFire Press. He worked on the recent films Dune Part One and Part Two from Legendary Entertainment, as well as the forthcoming Dune TV series from MAX, and other films in development, including Persephone and Karousel. He has 24 million copies in print in 34 languages. His most recent novels are Bats in the Belfry, Skeleton in the Closet, Persephone, and Princess of Dune (with Brian Herbert).     The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

D.J. Butler (Dave) is a novelist living in the Rocky Mountains. He worked as a securities lawyer at a major international firm and in-house at two multinational semiconductor manufacturers before taking up writing fiction in 2010. He is a lover of language and languages, a guitarist and self-recorder, and a serious reader. He is married to a powerful and clever novelist and together, they have three devious children. Dave is published by Baen, Knopf, and WordFire Press. He writes adventure fiction for all ages. He writes for young readers under the name Dave Butler. Read about his writing projects at davidjohnbutler.com.

D.J. Butler (Dave) is a novelist living in the Rocky Mountains. He worked as a securities lawyer at a major international firm and in-house at two multinational semiconductor manufacturers before taking up writing fiction in 2010. He is a lover of language and languages, a guitarist and self-recorder, and a serious reader. He is married to a powerful and clever novelist and together, they have three devious children. Dave is published by Baen, Knopf, and WordFire Press. He writes adventure fiction for all ages. He writes for young readers under the name Dave Butler. Read about his writing projects at http://davidjohnbutler.com.

D.J. Butler (Dave) is a novelist living in the Rocky Mountains. He worked as a securities lawyer at a major international firm and in-house at two multinational semiconductor manufacturers before taking up writing fiction in 2010. He is a lover of language and languages, a guitarist and self-recorder, and a serious reader. He is married to a powerful and clever novelist and together, they have three devious children. Dave is published by Baen, Knopf, and WordFire Press. He writes adventure fiction for all ages. He writes for young readers under the name Dave Butler. Read about his writing projects at davidjohnbutler.com.

D.J. Butler (Dave) is a novelist living in the Rocky Mountains. He worked as a securities lawyer at a major international firm and in-house at two multinational semiconductor manufacturers before taking up writing fiction in 2010. He is a lover of language and languages, a guitarist and self-recorder, and a serious reader. He is married to a powerful and clever novelist and together, they have three devious children. Dave is published by Baen, Knopf, and WordFire Press. He writes adventure fiction for all ages. He writes for young readers under the name Dave Butler. Read about his writing projects at davidjohnbutler.com.

Today's guests are Marie Whittaker, Mark Stallings, Todd Fahnestock, and Quincy J. Allen, who co-create the Eldros Legacy fantasy series. Marie Whittaker enjoys teaching about publishing and project management for writers. She is Associate Publisher at WordFire Press and Director at Superstars Writing Seminars. She is the creator of The Adventures of Lola Hopscotch. In 2021, she co-founded the epic fantasy world of Eldrose Legacy – the subject of this podcast. Mark Stallings is an Amazon Best Selling author living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is a writer of Chinese martial arts fiction called Woo-Sha (Wuxia), Fantasy, Thrillers, and Military Sci-Fi. Mark released the first book in the Silver Coin Saga, The Elements, Eldrose Legacy, and the 4Horsemen Universes. Todd Fahnestock is a fantasy writer for all ages and winner of the New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age Award. His bestselling The Wishing World series began as bedtime stories for his children, and his other epic fantasy series include: Threadweavers, The Heartstone Trilogy, and The Whisper Prince Trilogy. Quincy J. Allen is a National Bestselling cross-genre author with a wide assortment of publications under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir sci-fi novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010.

Today's guests are Marie Whittaker, Mark Stallings, Todd Fahnestock, and Quincy J. Allen, who co-create the Eldros Legacy fantasy series. Marie Whittaker enjoys teaching about publishing and project management for writers. She is Associate Publisher at WordFire Press and Director at Superstars Writing Seminars. She is the creator of The Adventures of Lola Hopscotch. In 2021, she co-founded the epic fantasy world of Eldrose Legacy – the subject of this podcast. Mark Stallings is an Amazon Best Selling author living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is a writer of Chinese martial arts fiction called Woo-Sha (Wuxia), Fantasy, Thrillers, and Military Sci-Fi. Mark released the first book in the Silver Coin Saga, The Elements, Eldrose Legacy, and the 4Horsemen Universes. Todd Fahnestock is a fantasy writer for all ages and winner of the New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age Award. His bestselling The Wishing World series began as bedtime stories for his children, and his other epic fantasy series include: Threadweavers, The Heartstone Trilogy, and The Whisper Prince Trilogy. Quincy J. Allen is a National Bestselling cross-genre author with a wide assortment of publications under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir sci-fi novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010.

Today's guests are Marie Whittaker, Mark Stallings, Todd Fahnestock, and Quincy J. Allen, who co-create the Eldros Legacy fantasy series. Marie Whittaker enjoys teaching about publishing and project management for writers. She is Associate Publisher at WordFire Press and Director at Superstars Writing Seminars. She is the creator of The Adventures of Lola Hopscotch. In 2021, she co-founded the epic fantasy world of Eldrose Legacy – the subject of this podcast. Mark Stallings is an Amazon Best Selling author living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is a writer of Chinese martial arts fiction called Woo-Sha (Wuxia), Fantasy, Thrillers, and Military Sci-Fi. Mark released the first book in the Silver Coin Saga, The Elements, Eldrose Legacy, and the 4Horsemen Universes. Todd Fahnestock is a fantasy writer for all ages and winner of the New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age Award. His bestselling The Wishing World series began as bedtime stories for his children, and his other epic fantasy series include: Threadweavers, The Heartstone Trilogy, and The Whisper Prince Trilogy. Quincy J. Allen is a National Bestselling cross-genre author with a wide assortment of publications under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir sci-fi novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010.

Storm Humbert was a Writers of the Future Volume 36 winner and published in multiple magazines. Most recent is The Librarian, a collection with Air and Nothingness Press, and Of Wizards and Wolves, a tribute anthology for David Farland, published with WordFire Press. In this podcast, we discuss a Kickstarter for the "Inner Workings Anthology, A Calendar of Fools." The following description was provided by Storm: "Inner Workings" is an anthology filled with 16 stories from award-winning authors, but that's not all it is. "Each of these stories is accompanied by a craft essay meant to explore or explain a specific element of craft that was featured in that story. The goal here is to entertain and excite with our fiction, but also to educate with the essays--to help would-be writers grow in their craft by understanding things in a way that simply experiencing them on the page might not achieve. "Basically, we want to do as we've been taught to do and pay it forward. In winning Writers of the Future, we had the opportunity to learn from incredible authors, but we also got to meet each other. Since then, we've found each of us has something to teach the others, and that's what we want to do with 'Inner Workings.' We want to share with burgeoning writers the things we've been sharing between ourselves. "We want to open up this wonderful community we've found for everyone to enjoy."

Storm Humbert was a Writers of the Future Volume 36 winner and published in multiple magazines. Most recent is The Librarian, a collection with Air and Nothingness Press, and Of Wizards and Wolves, a tribute anthology for David Farland, published with WordFire Press. In this podcast, we discuss a Kickstarter for the "Inner Workings Anthology, A Calendar of Fools." The following description was provided by Storm: "Inner Workings" is an anthology filled with 16 stories from award-winning authors, but that's not all it is. "Each of these stories is accompanied by a craft essay meant to explore or explain a specific element of craft that was featured in that story. The goal here is to entertain and excite with our fiction, but also to educate with the essays--to help would-be writers grow in their craft by understanding things in a way that simply experiencing them on the page might not achieve. "Basically, we want to do as we've been taught to do and pay it forward. In winning Writers of the Future, we had the opportunity to learn from incredible authors, but we also got to meet each other. Since then, we've found each of us has something to teach the others, and that's what we want to do with 'Inner Workings.' We want to share with burgeoning writers the things we've been sharing between ourselves. "We want to open up this wonderful community we've found for everyone to enjoy."

Storm Humbert was a Writers of the Future Volume 36 winner and published in multiple magazines. Most recent is The Librarian, a collection with Air and Nothingness Press, and Of Wizards and Wolves, a tribute anthology for David Farland, published with WordFire Press. In this podcast, we discuss a Kickstarter for the "Inner Workings Anthology, A Calendar of Fools." Kickstarter link: https://bit.ly/IWFools The following description was provided by Storm: "Inner Workings" is an anthology filled with 16 stories from award-winning authors, but that's not all it is. "Each of these stories is accompanied by a craft essay meant to explore or explain a specific element of craft that was featured in that story. The goal here is to entertain and excite with our fiction, but also to educate with the essays--to help would-be writers grow in their craft by understanding things in a way that simply experiencing them on the page might not achieve. "Basically, we want to do as we've been taught to do and pay it forward. In winning Writers of the Future, we had the opportunity to learn from incredible authors, but we also got to meet each other. Since then, we've found each of us has something to teach the others, and that's what we want to do with 'Inner Workings.' We want to share with burgeoning writers the things we've been sharing between ourselves. "We want to open up this wonderful community we've found for everyone to enjoy."

Chatting With Sherri welcomes WOTF Published Finalist writer; Rebecca Treasure! Rebecca grew up reading science fiction and fantasy in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. After grad school and two children, she began writing fiction. Rebecca has lived many places, including the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Tokyo, Japan. She currently resides in Texas Hill Country with her husband, where she juggles two children, two corgis, a violin studio, and writing. She only drops the children occasionally. Rebecca discovered Writers of the Future shortly after she began writing fiction. She has entered every quarter since, making lifelong friends as a result. Rebecca's short fiction has been published by or is forthcoming from WordFire Press, Air and Nothingness Press, Flame Tree Publishing, The Dread Machine, and others. She is an associate editor at Apex Book Company and Magazine. “Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse” came about, as many of Rebecca's stories have, from a synthesis of ideas. Research for her sixth novel, a historical fantasy about Napoleonic magic users, combined with a fascination with the idea of animal magic and beloved memories of an “adopted” grandmother from her childhood. The real Emily lived in a cozy apartment across from Rebecca's family and collected dolls. Rebecca was a Published Finalist in the Writers of the Future contest with her story, "Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse," and her story is published in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38.   

Starting at age four, Peter showed advanced aptitudes for chess, the violin, Judo, and was cast in background and minor roles in several movies. For his own enjoyment, he began writing his first short stories. Peter was never just a writer. He also delighted in role playing games, video games, and collectible card games. He competed in numerous Magic the Gathering tournaments through 1995, always finishing in the top three with his own idiosyncratic deck builds. On Puzzle Pirates, an early massively multiplayer online game, his zanered character drove legendary exploits, including a player driven effort to work with the game staff to redesign part of the game (the Cnossos Restoration Project.)  His recent history includes rebuilding and rebranding Wordfire Press from a small independent press with only seventeen books in print to one of Publisher's Weekly top 50 science fiction presses globally. He also retooled the marketing strategy for the Writers of the Future Awards anthology in its 31st year, shepherding the series into its first year earning the title national bestseller (Volume 31).  Peter continues to write novels, graphic novels, and short stories, including a recent alternate history fantasy novel release published by Baen: Caller of Lightning. Right now he is restoring a 1964 Corvette Stingray, working on 5 new novels, producing his first album, and building 2 new games. His primary focus is on the launch of the world's first player driven hybrid NFT/Physical Trading Card Game. peterjwacks.net @peterjwacks everywhere! ***Head on over to Creatrix Compass and explore our many offerings from free inspiration to get your creative juices flowing to creativity classes to creativity coaching and life coaching for creatives.  It can all be found at: https://www.creatrixcompass.com Your donation helps us continue to spread creativity throughout the land.  Thank you! https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2PM3V82XDS7GA  Music: Good Friends Inc by Jonathan Boyle 

Chatting With Sherri welcomes back Jeff Sturgeon and Steven L Sears! Jeff Sturgeon a long time illustratorgame artist and designer. He is an avid outdoors-man and spend as much time in the mountains or on the coast and in the woods as much possible especially near my home in the foothills of the Cascades with his wife Leslie and twin sons Corwin and Duncan. He is an avid reader and collector of books and art.  He is joined by the always entertaining, fan favorite; Steven L Sears who is a Producer, screenwriter and author.  He produced/wrote TV shows; such as Xena and Sheena! He is also an author and he wrote stories for Last Cities of Earth . WordFire Inc & WordFire Press NioScvemtb7er8a 2u2g, re20i2c319 · Praise for Jeff Sturgeon's Last Cities of Earth, coming January 11 from WordFire Press! "World building aficionados will be eager for additional creative works set in this fascinating future."—Booklist "Every entry is top-notch, managing to balance creative imaginings with moments of true humanity. There are enough riches here to justify further explorations of this same future."—Publishers Weekly Edited by Jennifer Brozek and Jeff Sturgeon, with stories by Steven L. Sears, Danielle Ackley-Mcphail, Brenda Cooper, Jody Lynn Nye, Steve Perry, Mike Resnick & Andrea Stewart, David Gerrold, Jeff Sturgeon & Steven L. Sears, Mark Teppo, Jim Wright, Raven Oak, Cat Rambo, Kevin J. Anderson & Sam Knight James Sams https://wordfirepress.com/.../jeff-sturgeons-last-cities.../    

Today we'll be speaking to M. Elizabeth Ticknor and Rebecca E. Treasure the authors of "White Sails and Stormy Seas," our Print Edition for this month.  This story is a reprint from a memorial anthology and was Originally published in "Hold Your Fire", https://wordfirepress.com/books/hold-your-fire/ (WordFire Press, 2021). Liz and Becky are two friends who met through Writers of The Future, a writing contest that Liz has since won, along with the Baen Fantasy Adventure Award in 2021.  Two of the biggest short fiction contests on the planet! Becky is going to be a published finalist in the next Writers of the Future Anthology and she was also nominated for her story "https://nightshiftradio.com/storytellersprint/print-edition-vol-8-the-wizard-the-watcher-and-the-waif (The Wizard, The Watcher, and the Waif)," a story published by The Storyteller Series in January 2021,  on the Critters Readers' Poll. You can read Liz and Becky's story by heading to https://nightshiftradio.com/storytellersprint/episode-16-white-sails-and-stormy-seas (https://nightshiftradio.com/storytellersprint/episode-16-white-sails-and-stormy-seas) You can find more information about Liz by visiting their website: https://ticknortales.com/ (https://ticknortales.com/) And for updates on Becky, check out her site: https://www.rebeccaetreasure.com/ (https://www.rebeccaetreasure.com/) Help Fund Night Shift Radio's First Film: http://nightshiftradio.com/somnium (http://nightshiftradio.com/somnium) Sign up to our weekly newsletter! https://my.captivate.fm/NSRad.io/mailinglist (NSRad.io/mailinglist) For more stories, check out the Print Edition: https://nightshiftradio.com/storytellersprint (https://nightshiftradio.com/storytellersprint) And for more information on other Night Shift Radio shows: https://nightshiftradio.com/ (NightShiftRadio.com)

Mario Acevedo is the author of the bestselling Felix Gomez detective-vampire series, which includes Rescue From Planet Pleasure from WordFire Press. His debut novel, The Nymphos of Rocky Flats, was chosen by Barnes & Noble as one of the best Paranormal Fantasy Novels of the Decade and was a finalist for a Colorado Book Award. Mario cntributed two stories for the award-winning horror anthology, Nightmares Unhinged, by Hex Publishers. His novel, Good Money Gone, co-authored with Richard Kilborn, won a best novel International Latino Book Award in 2014. His new novel, just out, is Luther, Wyoming co-authored with Tomas Alamilla. Mario lives and writes in Denver, Colorado

Raymond Bolton lives near Portland, Oregon with his wife, Toni, and their cats, Max and Arthur. He has written award-winning poetry and has published five novels. His crossover epic fantasy/sci-fi quartet, The Ydron Saga, which consists of Awakening and it prequel trilogy, Thought Gazer, Foretellers and Triad, are published by WordFire Press, publisher of many...

On the show today I had the pleasure of talking to Cat Rambo. She is a very authentic author who loves to help others in the biz. Check out the Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers Critclub. http://www.kittywumpus.net/blog/join-the-chez-rambo-community-for-fsf-writers-critclub/ Also, she has the Tabat series which the 3rd book is coming out in 2021, Website http://www.kittywumpus.net/ Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Rambo/e/B002LFMXGG Social Media https://www.facebook.com/catrambo https://twitter.com/catrambo Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv9iUujAbeQ4G6QN1OSqgkg Cat Rambo lives, writes, and edits in the Pacific Northwest. Her work has appeared in such places as Asimov's, Weird Tales, and Strange Horizons. She was the fiction editor of award-winning Fantasy Magazine (http://www.fantasy-magazine.com) and appeared on the World Fantasy Award ballot in 2012 for that work. Her story "Five Ways to Fall in Love on Planet Porcelain" was a 2012 Nebula Award finalist. John Barth described Cat Rambo's writings as "works of urban mythopoeia" -- her stories take place in a universe where chickens aid the lovelorn, Death is just another face on the train, and Bigfoot gives interviews to the media on a daily basis. She has worked as a programmer-writer for Microsoft and a Tarot card reader, professions which, she claims, both involve a certain combination of technical knowledge and willingness to go with the flow. In 2005 she attended the Clarion West Writers' Workshop. In 2007, her collaboration with Jeff VanderMeer, The Surgeon's Tale and Other Stories, appeared, while her first solo collection, Eyes Like Sky and Coal and Moonlight, was published in August of 2009 and was an Endeavour Award finalist. In 2012, her collection Near + Far appeared from Hydra House as well as a novella, A Seed Upon the Wind, as part of the Fathomless Abyss collaborative project. Her first novel, Beasts of Tabat, appeared in early 2015 from Wordfire Press, and the sequel, Hearts of Tabat, as well as story collection Neither Here Nor There, will appear later this year. A frequent volunteer with the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, she is currently its president. Her most recent nonfiction work is Ad Astra: The SFWA 50th Anniversary Cookbook, co-edited with Fran Wilde.

Chatting With Sherri welcomes Best Selling author; Jody Lynn Nye! Jody Lynn Nye writes fantasy and science fiction books and short stories. Before breaking away from gainful employment to write full time, Jody worked as a file clerk, book-keeper at a small publishing house, freelance journalist and photographer, accounting assistant and costume maker. She is one of the judges for the Writers Of The Future Awards! Since 1987 she has published over 50 books and more than 170 short stories. Among the novels Jody has written are her epic fantasy series, The Dreamland, beginning with Waking In Dreamland, five contemporary humorous fantasies, Mythology 101, Mythology Abroad, Higher Mythology (the three collected by Meisha Merlin Publishing as Applied Mythology), Advanced Mythology, The Magic Touch, and three medical science fiction novels, Taylor’s Ark, Medicine Show and The Lady and the Tiger. Strong Arm Tactics, a humorous military science fiction novel, the first of The Wolfe Pack series. Jody also wrote The Dragonlover’s Guide to Pern, a non-fiction-style guide to the world of internationally best-selling author Anne McCaffrey’s popular world.  Her newest books are Moon Tracks (Baen), a young adult hard science fiction novel, the second in collaboration with Dr. Travis S. Taylor. Rhythm of the Imperium, third in the Lord Thomas Kinago series; Pros and Cons (WordFire Press), a nonfiction book about conventions in collaboration with Bill Fawcett; and the 20th novel in the Myth-Adventures series, Myth-Fits.    

Bestselling author and publisher Kevin J. Anderson joins us on this podcast this week to discuss his illustrious thirty year writing career and how the world of publishing has evolved, and continues to evolve, throughout. Kevin publishes both traditionally and with his own indie press, WordFire Press, he is an instructor at Superstars Writing Seminar, and he teaches a Masters in Publishing course at Western Colorado University, giving him unique and diverse insight into the world of publishing. 

Mario Acevedo is the author of the bestselling Felix Gomez detective-vampire series, which includes Rescue From Planet Pleasure from WordFire Press. His debut novel, The Nymphos of Rocky Flats, was chosen by Barnes & Noble as one of the best Paranormal Fantasy Novels of the Decade and was a finalist for a Colorado Book Award. His novel, Good Money Gone, co-authored with Richard Kilborn, won a best novel 2014 International Latino Book Award. Mario's latest short story, "Protectors of Atlantis," is included in the latest anthology, Psi Wars - Classified Tales of Psychic Phenomena, from Hex Publishers. Mario also contributed two stories for the award-winning horror anthology, Nightmares Unhinged, by Hex Publishers and he's the co-author of the forthcoming Luther, Wyoming from Five Star. A former Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Writer of the Year, Mario also edited the RMFW short story anthology Found, which won a Colorado Book Award in 2017. Mario Acevedo's website. Intro music by Moby Outro by Dan-o-Songs

In this episode Mark interviews author Kevin J. Anderson about dictating his first drafts, about adapting to change in the publishing industry and about writing through personal tragedy, grief, and trauma. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and goes into detail about the challenges he has faced with not being able to focus or write in the past several weeks, falling behind in several writing deadlines. But he talks about how he has continued to be creative, and that creators will always create. He shares a writing warm-up practice he has started again - writing parody lyrics to songs and poetry. He then shares the experience of doing that recently and collaborating with Liz, the opening and closing voice of the podcast, and his fiance. He shares the music video they created on Easter Sunday and how working on that project has reinvigorated his own creative spirit and energy; particularly as a reminder for the fact that the world needs writers, and the smiles this parody song and video have inspired is an example of why writers do what they do. Mark then shares the audio for the song as well as the fact he will be teaching an online class on April 22nd in a series from Jane Friedman. After the song, Mark shares listener comments from recent episodes and then offers a word from this episode's sponsor, Findaway Voices. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation, Mark and Kevin talk about: Finally getting around to this interview, as it's something they've been meaning to do for years, and are finally getting to How Kevin has always been a dictator when it comes to his writing, dictating while taking long walks or hikes in the Colorado mountains The fact that Kevin can still do his regular writing during these self-isolation times the same way he always has The importance of trying dictation for more than just a short time, or once or twice, paralleling it to the way writers have learned typing and keyboarding skills Tips for getting started in dictation, such as using dictation for a brainstorming session Keeping so many different book projects that are in different stages (as a hybrid author with multiple traditional and indie-publishing projects on the go) How Kevin's first published novel has much of the RUSH album "Grade Under Pressure" woven into it, and how that book is what ultimately connected Kevin to RUSH drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart The thirty-plus year relationship that Kevin had with Neil Peart and the co-authoring they have done together How the recent Drumbeats project of Kevin and Neil's first collaboration is being re-released in a special limited edition print run Managing writing through times of loss, grief, stress and anxiety How the new Dune film, and the paperback release of one of Kevin's traditionally published books are being affected and delayed by Covid-19 The masters in publishing program that Kevin is teaching for Western Colorado University and the publishing projects that the students are working on for that How Superstars Writing Seminars originated with Kevin, his wife Rebecca Moesta, Brandon Sanderson, David Farland, and Eric Flint getting together to figure out the changes in the publishing industry about twelve years ago And more . . . After the interview, Mark reflects on how he and Kevin had kept putting off doing this interview for years, and the parallel to how Kevin and Neil had always put the Drumbeats special edition project on the back burner. He talks about other projects and things he'd continued to put off, and what thinking about that inspires. Mark then shares an opportunity for listeners to win one of two copies of Kevin's book. A book for writers (On Being a Dictator) and the special limited edition book (Drumbeats). Commenters and Patrons will be entered in a draw for the prizes which will be done after midnight Eastern time on Friday May 1, 2020. Links of Interest: Kevin J. Anderson's Website WordFire Press Kevin in Twitter Superstars Writing Seminars Steve Otis - Artist Mark's Audiobooks (on sale) at Nook The 7 P's of Publishing Success Evasion Jane Friedman's Online Class: Creating Income and Connecting with Readers Using Short Fiction Episode 114 - Thanks for the Inspiration, Neil Peart Episode 125 -Simplifying, Streamlining, and Organizing with Janice Savage Episode 128 - Healthy Home Workspaces with Roland Denzel Episode 129 - Prepare for the Ultimate Gaslighting Findaway Voices Patreon for Stark Reflections   Kevin J. Anderson has published more than 165 books, 56 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Star Wars, X-Files, and Dune universes, as well as unique steampunk fantasy novels Clockwork Angels and Clockwork Lives, written with legendary rock drummer Neil Peart, based on the concept album by the band Rush. Kevin's original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series, the Terra Incognita fantasy trilogy, the Saga of Shadows trilogy, and his humorous horror series featuring Dan Shamble, Zombie PI. He has edited numerous anthologies, written comics and games, and the lyrics to two rock CDs. Anderson and his wife Rebecca Moesta are the publishers of WordFire Press. His most recent novels are Stake, Kill Zone, and Spine of the Dragon.   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Chatting With Sherri welcomes back author Jessica Brawner! The First Sin is the first book in an alternate history Steampunk adventure series set in 18th Century Europe. Including elements of Steampunk, political intrigue, action adventure and dark fantasy, it follows the adventures of Captain Jac and the crew of The Indiana. In this first book, the crew learns that there are some jobs you really shouldn't take, no matter how good the payout.    Jessica Brawner sprouted in the wilds of South Texas and plotted ways to spend her life traveling the world. She has been remarkably successful at that endeavor, and is now based in the Los Angeles area. In 2001 she discovered the wonders of Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions and has spent the years since working as a booth babe, volunteering for bands and vendors at conventions all over the country. She has taken those experiences and written a book: Charisma +1: The Guide to Convention Etiquette for Gamers, Geeks, and the Socially Awkward Published in 2014 by WordFire Press, followed by The Official Dragon Con Survival Guide also by WordFire Press, 2015.

Keith R.A. DeCandido is a prolific author known for his work with media tie-ins, including Alien, Star Trek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Doctor Who, and Dungeons & Dragons. His new urban fantasy novel, A Furnace Sealed, follows his character Bram Gold, a Bronx-based freelancer tasked with investigating and containing supernatural mishaps and malefactions. When his latest job wrangling a rogue unicorn cascades into a wave of dead immortals, Bram and his compatriots must find the murderer - before their actions summon something far worse. A Furnace Sealed is available now from Wordfire Press.

CONNECT Welcome to SciFi thoughts where for a few short minutes I’ll  tease and tantalize your mind with this genre from the future. Register your email address at LancerKind.com and you’ll get cool extras about science fiction such as convention schedules and other nifty stuff. ==>Lancer— Kind 035 Space Opera and Wolf Packs, with author editor […]

Cat Rambo‘s Hearts of Tabat (WordFire Press, 2018) is rich in emotions and description, though it revolves around a murder mystery as well. We experience the imaginary port city of Tabat through the eyes of four narrators, two merchants and two siblings from a poor household.  Adelina, the secret publisher of... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cat Rambo‘s Hearts of Tabat (WordFire Press, 2018) is rich in emotions and description, though it revolves around a murder mystery as well. We experience the imaginary port city of Tabat through the eyes of four narrators, two merchants and two siblings from a poor household.  Adelina, the secret publisher of a newspaper, and Sebastiano, a member of the Mages’ College who handles trade negotiations, both come from Merchant families with high expectations. Neither Sebastiano’s critical father, or Adelina’s overbearing mother, are pleased with the careers their offspring have chosen. Into their lives come two people from a very different background, Eloquence and his sister Obedience. Like most of the poor, they worship at the Moon Temples, and therefore receive names based on personality traits. While Eloquence, who has the good fortune to become a fresh-water pilot, does have a gift with words, Obedience doesn’t fit her name. She struggles to escape the miserable apprenticeship the Temple finds for her. As the novel begins, Adelina is still obsessed with her former lover, the famous female gladiator, Bella Canto. When she meets the charming Eloquence, it seems she might finally move on. But will Eloquence’s rigid ideas about his younger sister, Obedience, ruin their relationship? Though Hearts of Tabat has romantic elements, it offers suspense against a background of political unrest. The book plays out against a richly developed world, one in which mythical animals serve mankind and fuel machines. Revolutionary ideas about the magical beasts are developing; the murders that take place serve as a testament to that. Far from being mere “beasts”, the wonderful magical creatures that populate Cat Rambo’s world have feelings and needs that human society will ignore at its peril. Gabrielle Mathieu is the author of the historical fantasy Falcon series (The Falcon Flies Alone, and the upcoming The Falcon Strikes.) She blogs about travel and her books at http://gabriellemathieu.com/. You can also follow her on Twitter to get updates about new podcasts and more: @GabrielleAuthor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cat Rambo‘s Hearts of Tabat (WordFire Press, 2018) is rich in emotions and description, though it revolves around a murder mystery as well. We experience the imaginary port city of Tabat through the eyes of four narrators, two merchants and two siblings from a poor household.  Adelina, the secret publisher of a newspaper, and Sebastiano, a member of the Mages’ College who handles trade negotiations, both come from Merchant families with high expectations. Neither Sebastiano’s critical father, or Adelina’s overbearing mother, are pleased with the careers their offspring have chosen. Into their lives come two people from a very different background, Eloquence and his sister Obedience. Like most of the poor, they worship at the Moon Temples, and therefore receive names based on personality traits. While Eloquence, who has the good fortune to become a fresh-water pilot, does have a gift with words, Obedience doesn’t fit her name. She struggles to escape the miserable apprenticeship the Temple finds for her. As the novel begins, Adelina is still obsessed with her former lover, the famous female gladiator, Bella Canto. When she meets the charming Eloquence, it seems she might finally move on. But will Eloquence’s rigid ideas about his younger sister, Obedience, ruin their relationship? Though Hearts of Tabat has romantic elements, it offers suspense against a background of political unrest. The book plays out against a richly developed world, one in which mythical animals serve mankind and fuel machines. Revolutionary ideas about the magical beasts are developing; the murders that take place serve as a testament to that. Far from being mere “beasts”, the wonderful magical creatures that populate Cat Rambo’s world have feelings and needs that human society will ignore at its peril. Gabrielle Mathieu is the author of the historical fantasy Falcon series (The Falcon Flies Alone, and the upcoming The Falcon Strikes.) She blogs about travel and her books at http://gabriellemathieu.com/. You can also follow her on Twitter to get updates about new podcasts and more: @GabrielleAuthor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lullaby by John D. Payne.  Narrated by J.S. Arquin.  Featuring an afterword recorded by John D. Payne.  #fantasy #fiction #podcast #dragons #parenthood   "As plaintive cries from the nursery chamber intruded on the unconscious bliss of slumber, I curled up in a ball, wrapped my wings more tightly around myself, and squeezed my eyes shut.  'Go back to sleep,' I whispered to myself.  And to the children."   John D. Payne grew up in the American midwest watching lightning flash outside his window and imagining himself as everything from a leaf on the wind to the god of thunder.  Today, he lives with his wife and family at the foot of the Organ Mountains in New Mexico, where he focuses his weather-god powers on rustling up enough cloud cover for a little shade. His debut novel, The Crown and the Dragon, is a thrilling epic fantasy published by WordFire Press.  His short fiction has been published in anthologies like Tales of Ruma and magazines like Leading Edge.   For stories, exclusive bonus content, updates and more, please visit him at: patreon.com/johndpayne . Or tweet about how wrong he is about dragons @jdp_writes.   Please help support the Overcast.  Become a Patron today! Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher so you never miss an episode.  While you're there, please take a moment to leave a review!  

Join Chrissy Munroe as she interviews best-selling science-fiction author, Kevin J. Anderson. KJA gives listeners a peek into his life as he juggles writing, editing, and running his own publishing company, Wordfire Press. All while working towards completing his Master’s degree.

Michael Okon is the author of the new book MONSTERLAND from Wordfire Press, about a theme park called "the scariest place on Earth." With real werewolves, vampires and zombies as the main attractions, what could possibly go wrong?

Michael Okon is the author of the new book MONSTERLAND from Wordfire Press, about a theme park called "the scariest place on Earth." With real werewolves, vampires and zombies as the main attractions, what could possibly go wrong?

Michael Okon is the author of the new book MONSTERLAND from Wordfire Press, about a theme park called "the scariest place on Earth." With real werewolves, vampires and zombies as the main attractions, what could possibly go wrong?

Michael Okon is the author of the new book MONSTERLAND from Wordfire Press, about a theme park called "the scariest place on Earth." With real werewolves, vampires and zombies as the main attractions, what could possibly go wrong?

There are few writers as prolific and successful as Kevin J. Anderson, publisher at Wordfire Press and author of over 130 books, 54 of which have appeared on national or international bestseller lists. With lots of his own books as well as hit Star Wars, X-Files and Dune novels. Kevin has won or been nominated for the Bram Stoker, Shamus, Hugo, Nebula, Scribe, and Colorado Book Award. We chat about Kevin's new releases: Tales of Dune, an anthology in the Dune world, and the zombie-PI collection Zomnibus.

There are few writers as prolific and successful as Kevin J. Anderson, publisher at Wordfire Press and author of over 130 books, 54 of which have appeared on national or international bestseller lists. With lots of his own books as well as hit Star Wars, X-Files and Dune novels. Kevin has won or been nominated for the Bram Stoker, Shamus, Hugo, Nebula, Scribe, and Colorado Book Award. We chat about Kevin's new releases: Tales of Dune, an anthology in the Dune world, and the zombie-PI collection Zomnibus.

Aaron Michael Ritchey is the author of the Juniper Wars series from Wordfire Press, about the adventures of three gunslinging sisters in a toxic post-apocalypse in the territories of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. We talk about weird westerns, steampunk and the process of writing a series.

Aaron Michael Ritchey is the author of the Juniper Wars series from Wordfire Press, about the adventures of three gunslinging sisters in a toxic post-apocalypse in the territories of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. We talk about weird westerns, steampunk and the process of writing a series.

John Pitts is the author of the Sarah Beauhall urban fantasy series including Black Blade Blues (2010), Honeyed Words (2011), Forged in Fire (2012), with the fourth book, Night Terrors (2016), coming out now from Wordfire Press. 

John Pitts is the author of the Sarah Beauhall urban fantasy series including Black Blade Blues (2010), Honeyed Words (2011), Forged in Fire (2012), with the fourth book, Night Terrors (2016), coming out now from Wordfire Press. 

Laura spoke with Kevin about building towards multiple NYT bestsellers, working with Hollywood, and book bundling. Kevin J. Anderson has published 140 books, 54 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Star Wars, X-Files, and Dune universes, as well as unique steampunk fantasy novels Clockwork Angels and Clockwork Lives, written with legendary rock drummer Neil Peart, based on the concept album by the band Rush. His original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series, the Terra Incognita fantasy trilogy, the Saga of Shadows trilogy, and his humorous horror series featuring Dan Shamble, Zombie PI. He has edited numerous anthologies, written comics and games, and the lyrics to two rock CDs. Anderson and his wife Rebecca Moesta are the publishers of WordFire Press. If you would like more information on Star Wars, Dune, and a New World of Publishing you can connect with Kevin J. Anderson the following ways: wordfire.com Twitter: @theKJA Facbook: Official Kevin J. Anderson Page. You can connect at www.laurapowers.net. You can also find her on facebook via Write Hot and follow her on twitter @thatlaurapowers. Laura’s new book Supernatural Survival Guide is now available, you can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Supernatural-Survival-Guide-Laura-Powers-ebook/dp/B01MQ5K0L8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8! Today's podcast is brought to you by audible.com - get a FREE audiobook download and 30-day free trial atwww.audibletrial.com/writehot. Over 180,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player.

Chatting With Sherri Welcomes Back author Jessica Brawner talks about her new book; A Baker's Dozen of Magic! A Baker's Dozen of Magic; Take a journey to the vacation destinations of tomorrow. Experience miracles and magic, the dirty side of science and the noble side of bandits. Discover what one man can accomplish with dedication and perseverance. Believe in the power of holiday legends and a woman's faith. A Baker's Dozen of Magic collects stories from thirteen authors, transporting you into worlds of adventure populated by mad scientists and magicians from across the globe.   Jessica Brawner sprouted in the wilds of South Texas and plotted ways to spend her life traveling the world. She has been remarkably successful at that endeavor, and is now based in the Los Angeles area. In 2001 she discovered the wonders of Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions and has spent the years since working as a booth babe, volunteering for bands and vendors at conventions all over the country. She has taken those experiences and written a book: Charisma +1: The Guide to Convention Etiquette for Gamers, Geeks, and the Socially Awkward Published in 2014 by WordFire Press, followed by The Official Dragon Con Survival Guide also by WordFire Press, 2015.  

We talk with cross-genre author Quincy J. Allen, writer of the recently released Blood Curse from WordFire Press. A western steampunk epic fantasy, Blood Curse is the second book in his Blood War Chronicles series. Quincy also creates the book layout design for all of WordFire’s print and digital offerings, manages their warehouse, and is constantly on the road, working their impressive displays at cons. We discuss juggling multiple aspects of a demanding career, realistic goal setting to guide his progress, and life on the road as an introvert who talks to hundreds of con-goers at every show.

Adron talks with author Todd McCaffrey, son of science fiction / fantasy legend Anne McCaffrey (Dragon Riders of Pern novels). Todd’s latest release is City of Angels, a near-future sci-fi thriller available now from WordFire Press. We’re also joined in this conversation by City of Angels editor Bryan Thomas Schmidt, who was an editor on the breakout Andy Weir novel The Martian. We discuss Todd’s new book, working with his mother and taking over the Pern legacy, and the many iterations a book takes before it finally lands at a publisher.

We chat with the incredibly prolific best-selling author Kevin J Anderson about his new projects, including 2113, stories based on the songs of RUSH-- and a brand-new HUMBLE BUNDLE of 18 Wordfire Press books.

We chat with the incredibly prolific best-selling author Kevin J Anderson about his new projects, including 2113, stories based on the songs of RUSH-- and a brand-new HUMBLE BUNDLE of 18 Wordfire Press books.

Patrick talks publishing with Jody Lynn Nye, Ramon Terrell and Josh Vogt

Coming Up… Bruce Drinkwater blueprint plans for ultrasonic tractor beam! Main Fiction: “Sensory Overload” by Julie Frost Originally published in Plasma Frequency Magazine. Julie Frost writes every shade of speculative fiction and lives in Utah with her family (wherein the pets outnumber the people) and a collection of anteaters and Oaxacan carvings, some of which intersect. Her fiction has appeared in Cosmos, Unlikely Story, Plasma Frequency, Stupefying Stories, and many other venues, and has been a Finalist at Writers of the Future and the Hidden Prize for Prose. Her first novel, “Pack Dynamics,” will be released at Salt Lake ComicCon by WordFire Press. She whines about writing, a lot, at

  The Dungeon Crawlers team is excited to welcome to the show for the very first time author, Julie Frost. Julie Frost writes every shade of speculative fiction and lives in Utah with her family and a collection of anteaters and Oaxacan carvings, some of which intersect. Her short fiction has appeared in Cosmos, Unlikely Story, Plasma Frequency, Stupefying Stories, and many other venues, and has been a Finalist at Writers of the Future and the Hidden Prize for Prose. Her first novel, Pack Dynamics was released at Salt Lake ComicCon 2015 by WordFire Press, and sold out of copies in the booth. You can find more information about Julie and her writing at http://agilebrit.livejournal.com/ Pack Dynamics - After seven horrific months as a POW, Army Ranger-turned-PI Ben Lockwood just wants a safe, boring life. With his boss on vacation, he takes what looks like an easy case of pharmaceutical espionage he can work from his desk. Now he's caught in a three-way collision course between a ruthless werewolf on the hunt for a cure for his dying vampire wife, a mad scientist whose multinational company doesn't even research supernatural medicine--and himself. Ben's nanotech-injected blood holds the key to the vampire's recovery, and the werewolf doesn't much care if he lives or dies in the harvesting. Ben thought he was done fighting wars when he got home from Afghanistan, but his hard-won sanity and his girlfriend's life are both at risk. He'd rather die than lose either. The battle lines are drawn in a billionaire's basement, and retreat isn't an option. No matter how outgunned he is.  

Wordfire Press Writers and Editors present their latest works; Aaron Michael Ritchey is the author of The Never Prayer and Long Live the Suicide King, both finalists in various contests. His latest novel,Elizabeth's Midnight.  Mario Acevedo is the author of the bestselling Felix Gomez detective-vampire series which includes Rescue From Planet Pleasure from WordFire Press. His debut novel,The Nymphos of Rocky Flats, was chosen by Barnes & Noble as one of the best Paranormal Fantasy Novels of the Decade.  Vivian Trask has studied under Rebecca Moesta, Kevin J.   Anderson, Dave Farland and Peter J. Wacks. She is a member of the Editorial Freelancer's Association. When not editing, Vivian writes across all genres of speculative fiction, and especially loves weird westerns and science fiction.      Chatting With Sherri is now sponsored by Atelier Leseine  http://atelierleseine.com/ 

At Emerald City ComiCon 2015, we talked with superstar author Kevin J. Anderson about his work, and his publishing imprint, WordFire Press. We also spoke with WordFire authors Peter J. Wacks and R.J. Terrell, and event manager Alexi Vandenberg.

Kevin J. Anderson joins Mike and Mike to talk about his newest novel, The Dark Between the Stars. It's the first of his new series, "Saga of Shadows", which takes place 20 years after the events of his "Saga of the Seven Suns" series, with reviewers calling it "Game of Thrones, with planets". He also talks about his writing process (dictation), and how he got started publishing ebooks through his own WordFire Press.   [Read more...] Source

N4AL's Adron Buske talks with Canadian author Rhiannon Paille, creator of the young adult paranormal romance series 'The Ferryman and the Flame', including currently available novels 'Surrender', 'Justice', and 'Vulture'. Rhi recently signed to Kevin J. Anderson's publishing imprint Wordfire Press. We talk about self-publishing, online promotion of your work, Rhi's process and work habits, the challenges facing indie authors in a saturated media landscape and juggling other careers with writing.

The Total Tutor will interview All Star and World Series Champion Jerry Reuss. He will discuss his book. One of only twenty-nine Major Leaguers to play in four different decades, Jerry Reuss pitched for eight teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates twice. So when Reuss tells his story, he covers about as much of baseball life as any player can.  Bring In the Right-Hander! puts us on the mound for the winning pitch in Game Five of the 1981 World Series, then takes us back to the schoolyards and ball fields of Overland, Missouri, where Reuss first dreamed of that scene. His baseball odyssey, dedicated to the mantra “work hard and play harder,” began in 1969 with his hometown team, the St. Louis Cardinals (who traded him three years later for mustache-related reasons). Reuss carries us through his winning seasons with the Dodgers, taking in a no-hitter and that World Series triumph, and introducing us to some of baseball's most colorful characters. Along the way, as the grizzled veteran faces injuries, releases, and trips to the Minors, then battling his way back into the Majors to finish his career with the Pirates, we get a glimpse of the real grit behind big league life, on and off the field. Also, The Total Tutor will interview Kevin and Kenneth Killiany, the nephews of #1 New York Times bestselling and Pulitzer Prize Winning author Allen Drury, who are working with me to get his books back.  My publishing company, WordFire Press, just released ADVISE AND CONSENT (120+ weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, like the original House of Cards…or the “Gone with the Wind” of political fiction. Last, The Total Tutor will interview Denise Malan is an avid runner who has worked as a reporter. She will discuss her book The Runner's Bucket List.