Writers, Ink: Your backstage pass to the world's most prolific authors
Episodes
The one where NYT Bestseller Kimberly McCreight explains how she gets past the first page.
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Kimberly McCreight writes for her readers above all else. By avoiding genre stereotypes and unsolvable twists, and instead aiming for the e...
The one where NYT Bestseller Riley Sager explains the benefits of a messed up protagonist.
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Riley Sager’s new book, The House Across the Lake, puts an inventive spin on a classic. Dubbed “Rear Window on a lake” by Sager himse...
The one where #1 NYT Bestseller Catherine Coulter explains why you can't be tied to your outline.
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Catherine Coulter knows how to build a successful series. From creating strong foundational characters to keeping track of things as simple as physica...
The one where NYT Bestseller David Ellis explains why he builds characters before plot.
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
David Ellis knows how to write successful suspense into his novels. With twists and turns frequenting his pages, he puts forth special effort to make ...
The one where NYT Bestseller Tess Gerritsen explains why she writes her first draft by hand.
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tess Gerritsen has spent decades refining her craft. From handwritten first drafts to listening to her characters, she follows the Muse on her creativ...
The one where Vanessa Riley explains the power of a single sentence.
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Author Vanessa Riley talks about her latest piece of women’s historical fiction, Sister Mother Warrior. Through determination in navigating the chal...
The one where NYT Bestseller Blake Crouch talks Upgrade, Dark Matter, and other Big Ideas.
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Returning guest Blake Crouch explores the forefront of scientific discovery in his new novel, Upgrade. A gene-editing thriller, Blake pushed himself t...
The one where NYT Bestseller Barbara Graham explains the differences between writing plays and novels.
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Barbara Graham employed her unique spiritual writing process while crafting her debut novel, What Jonah Knew. Through mindful storytelling and a more ...
How to Deal with Rejection with NYT Bestseller Eva Lesko Natiello
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eva Lesko Natiello is no stranger to rejection. Despite being unable to secure an agent and having the manuscript of her first book, The Memory Box, r...
Approaching a Memoir with Hollywood Star Colton Haynes
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Colton Haynes understands the complexities of approaching a memoir. From learning to navigate difficult and personal life experiences to dealing with ...
Perseverance and Professionalism with NYT Bestseller Christopher Golden
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Perseverance and Professionalism with NYT Bestseller Christopher Golden After decades of consistent, high-quality work, Christopher Golden continues t...
Approaching a Story with Hollywood Legend and Screenwriter David Koepp
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
David Koepp knows the importance of correctly approaching a new story or project. By consistently outlining his thoughts, writing in a workspace that ...
Writing Science Fiction with NYT Bestseller Emily St. John Mandel
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Emily St. John Mandel is well versed in the realm of writing science fiction novels. Drawing upon decades of story elements from her favori...
Question and Answer Episode - May 2022
29 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephe...
Writing with Your Spouse with International Bestseller Lars Kepler
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling husband-wife team Lars Kepler knows a thing or two about writing with your spouse. In writing as in marriage, the Kepler duo must routinel...
Poetry and Persistence with NYT Bestseller Don Winslow
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Poetry and Persistence with NYT Bestseller Don Winslow Stephen King called Don Winslow, “one of America’s greatest storytellers,” and for good r...
Blueprint for a Book with Jennie Nash of Author Accelerator
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jennie Nash has a blueprint for any successful book. By focusing on the pure fundamentals of writing and gaining marketing experience through pitching...
How to Tell a Story with Meg Bowles of The Moth
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Meg Bowles of The Moth knows the secrets to telling a good story. The Moth is an international organization that helps everyday people master storytel...
Question and Answer Episode - April 2022
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephe...
Kingdom of Bones with #1 NYT Bestseller James Rollins
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kingdom of Bones, the sixteenth book in James Rollins’ Sigma Force series, put the bestselling author to the test. From drafting the book during the...
Sticking with Standalones with Carter Wilson
10 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Carter Wilson never writes the same book twice. By choosing to write standalone novels instead of series, he keeps his worldbuilding skills...
Staying on Schedule with Elissa Sussman
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Elissa Sussman knows how to keep her writing on schedule. Drawing from her past experience as a ghost writer and manager, she maintains a strict worki...
Question and Answer Episode - March 2022
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephe...
The one where #1 NYT Bestseller Gillian Flynn explains why Gone Girl shouldn't have worked.
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Gillian Flynn never expected GONE GIRL to become an international bestseller, or for the movie directed by David Fincher to become a Hollywood blockbu...
History, Thrillers, and the Secret Underground with #1 NYT Bestseller Brad Meltzer
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Book bans, terrorist plots, and topping the New York Times Bestseller lists. Brad Meltzer has seen it all. His newest book, “The Lightning Rod” ex...
Emotion is Everything with Film/TV Producer Scott Steindorff
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Producer Scott Steindorff knows that emotion is everything to any good book, show, or movie. By writing characters that are round, relatable, and emot...
Q&A Episode - February 2022
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephe...
How to Pivot Your Story with Eliza Jane Brazier
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eliza Jane Brazier knows the benefit of pivoting your story at the right time. When her latest book, Good Rich People, wasn’t living up to her expec...
Finding Time to Write with NYT Bestseller Jonathan Kellerman
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Jonathan Kellerman knows how to find time to write. From raising children for almost thirty-two years to practicing psychology professional...
Writing Complicated Characters with NYT Bestseller Gregg Hurwitz
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Gregg Hurwitz knows the importance of writing complicated characters. By blurring the lines of good and evil, choosing to write protagonist...
The Secrets to Success with #1 NYT Bestseller Dean Koontz
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, legendary author Dean Koontz shares his secrets to success; from sticking to a rigorous daily writing routine to writing across genre...
Drawing Inspiration From Real Life with NYT Bestseller Lisa Gardner
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Gardner loves to draw inspiration from real life when writing her books. Whether she’s using her favorite hiking trail as a setting, reading a ...
Keeping Yourself Going with NYT Bestseller Wendy Corsi Staub
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Wendy Corsi Staub knows how to keep things interesting after writing so many novels. By switching up her writing routine and process, branching out in...
Supporting Local Bookstores with Elle McKenzie of Bookshop.org
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bookshop.org is an amazing way to support local bookstores through COVID-19 and beyond. By providing store owners with a unique way to market their bo...
Behind the Scenes of WOOL with NYT Bestseller Hugh Howey
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Hugh Howey is fascinated by the behind-the-scenes production of the Wool TV series. With actors reshooting scene after scene, putting thems...
Q&A Episode - December 2021
27 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephe...
Reckless Road: Guns N’ Roses and the Making of Appetite for Destruction with Jason Porath
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In Reckless Road, author Jason Porath unveils the true stories behind Guns N’ Roses. Through a collaboration with Marc Canter, a close friend of the...
The Art of Simplicity with Derek Sivers
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Derek Sivers is a master of keeping it simple. Whether he’s drafting in an ancient 70s terminal, writing concise newsletters, or living with a singl...
Writing About the Pandemic with NYT Bestseller Jodi Picoult
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Jodi Picoult didn’t back down from the challenge of writing a story set during the pandemic. In her latest novel, Wish You Were Here, she...
Q&A Episode - November 2021
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the ...
Finding Co-Writing Chemistry with Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestsellers Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller know the importance of good co-writing chemistry. In their award-winning thriller series, Red Hotel, Gary comb...
Led Zeppelin: The Biography with NYT Bestseller Bob Spitz
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In his latest book, Led Zeppelin: The Biography, legendary biographer and journalist Bob Spitz documents the secret life of one of rock and roll’s b...
Special Episode: WOOL Update with NYT Bestseller Hugh Howey
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join returning guest Hugh Howey in this special episode as he shares an update on the WOOL adaptation from bestselling serial to streaming sensation. ...
100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet with NYT Editor Pamela Paul
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In her latest book, 100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet, Pamela Paul urges her readers to take a step back and contemplate just how much the inter...
Facing Your Challenges with NYT Bestseller Andrew Child
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Child never backs down from a challenge. Whether it’s leaving a stable corporate job to pursue a writing career or picking up the reins of hi...
Q&A Episode - October 2021
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the ...
Finishing What You Start with MJ Preston
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
MJ Preston knows the importance of returning to unfinished work. After sitting with a manuscript for over two decades, he made the decision to revise ...
I Am Not Who You Think I Am with NYT Bestseller Eric Rickstad
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One secret. Eight cryptic words. Lifetimes of ruin. In his latest novel, I Am Not Who You Think I Am, Eric Rickstad uses vivid personal memories and i...
Necessary Sacrifices with #1 NY Times bestseller, Nicholas Sparks
08 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Nicholas Sparks has become one of the most prolific and successful authors of our generation. Beginning with The Notebook, Sparks has had multiple New...
How to Dictate a Novel with Kevin J Anderson
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Writing icon Kevin J Anderson creates his stories through a unique medium: dictation. By drafting through dictation instead of typing, he both produce...
100th Episode Special: Question and Answer - September 2021
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the ...
Understanding the Collaborative Process with NYT Bestsellers Jon and Jesse Kellerman
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Father-and-son team Jon and Jesse Kellerman know a few things about the collaborative writing process. By discussing story ideas months in advance, cr...
Adapting Wool for TV with NYT Bestseller Hugh Howey
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join returning guest Hugh Howey as he talks about the complex, multifaceted process of having his bestselling sci-fi novel, Wool, adapted for TV and a...
Blending the Lines of Genre with Joyce Carol Oates
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Legendary writer Joyce Carol Oates is a master of blending the lines of genre. In her most recent anthology, Night Neon, she employs eerily multidimen...
Question and Answer Episode - August 2021
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the ...
Adapting Stephen King for Television with Peter and Jason Filardi
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Adapted from Stephen King’s “Jerusalem’s Lot”, Chapelwaite is a true gothic horror tale. Throughout the television series, the Filardi brother...
Chasing the Boogeyman with NYT Bestseller Richard Chizmar
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A thrilling blend of fiction, true crime, and memoir-- in his latest novel, Chasing the Boogeyman, NYT bestseller Richard Chizmar utilizes real childh...
Ditching Your Comfort Zone with NYT Bestseller Chuck Wendig
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Whether he’s releasing a new book or a new blog post, bestseller Chuck Wendig pushes himself to “just do it.” By drafting each story using a dif...
The one where New York Times bestseller Karin Slaughter gives up all her secrets (and talks writing thrillers, too).
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A tale of two sisters rediscovering a troubled past-- in her latest novel, False Witness, international bestseller Karin Slaughter uses the real compl...
Question and Answer Episode - July 2021
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the ...
Simplicity Is Key with NYT Bestseller Riley Sager
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A girl, a killer, a car-- the premise for bestseller Riley Sager’s latest novel, Survive the Night, feels dauntingly simple, but by focusing on soli...
Writing Comedic Horror with NYT Bestseller Grady Hendrix
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
NYT Bestseller Grady Hendrix is a master of voicing his comedic ideas in an unexpected genre: horror. By focusing on timing and relevancy and making s...
Overcoming Rejection with Bestseller T.J. Newman
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller T.J. Newman has proven that you can write in any situation given enough dedication. Not only did she write her debut novel, Falling, on a n...
Question and Answer Episode - June 2021
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the ...
Finding a Writing Workshop with Bestseller Jasmin Darznik
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Jasmin Darznik knows there are few things more important to an author than finding the right group of people to bounce ideas off of. Especi...
Talking About Bill Clinton and The President’s Daughter with #1 NY Times bestseller, James Patterson
18 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
All-time great James Patterson knows how to make readers stop and think about what he’s put on the page. Whether he’s writing with former presiden...
Building Your Public Image with Dana Kaye of Kaye Publicity
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dana Kaye knows the importance of building your public image as an author. By maintaining a balance between publicity and marketing, presenting a cons...
How to Ghost Write with International Bestseller Kathrin Hutson
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kathrin Hutson is a master ghost writer. By sticking to a set writing schedule, learning to be comfortable with less creative control, and negotiating...
Question and Answer Episode - May 2021
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the ...
Rejecting Assumptions About Aging with Actor, Writer, Director, and Producer, Justine Bateman
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justine Bateman has done it all and doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. In her new book, Face: One Square Inch of Skin, she addresses irratio...
Writing a Novella Collection with Josh Malerman, NY Times Bestselling Author of Bird Box
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Josh Malerman makes his second appearance on the show to talk about writing his new novella collection, Goblin. With this format, he’s been able to ...
Writing Rounder Characters with Andy Weir, #1 NY Times Bestselling Author of The Martian
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Andy Weir has made a special effort to make the characters in his latest release, Project Hail Mary, as rounded out as possible. By working...
Writing in Different Mediums with the NY Times Bestselling author of YOU, Caroline Kepnes
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Caroline Kepnes is no stranger to writing in different mediums. Along with being an author, she uses her past experiences as a screenwriter...
Writing Spontaneously with the #1 NY Times creator of Jack Reacher, Lee Child
27 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Lee Child preaches the idea of writing spontaneously. By rejecting traditional outlining and instead drawing on decades of reading experien...
Question and Answer Episode - April 2021
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the ...
Rethinking the Writing Process with NY Times Bestselling author, Robert Dugoni
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Robert Dugoni has no problem veering from the beaten path when it comes to the writing process. From writing important scenes out o...
Navigating New Genres with former CIA spook turned author, Alma Katsu
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Returning guest Alma Katsu has recently gained valuable insight into navigating new genres. With the release of her new spy novel, Red Widow, she’s ...
The Power of Personal Branding with Jeniffer Thompson
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Authorpreneur Jeniffer Thompson knows how to harness the power of personal branding. Through various books and speaking events, she teaches authors ar...
Why You Need a Mailing List
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, J, J.D., and Zach talk about why every author needs a mailing list and how to build one from scratch, maintain expectations, and cont...
Keeping Bram Stoker Alive with Dacre Stoker
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dacre Stoker is committed to keeping his great great-uncle’s work alive and relevant. By writing Dracul, a prequel to Dracula, with JD, reproducing ...
Writing an Extended Series with #1 NY Times Bestselling author C.J. Box
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With twenty-one Joe Pickett books under his belt, New York Times bestseller C.J. Box knows how to write an extended series. By maintaining previous wo...
From Book to Screen with THE UNDOING author, Jean Hanff Korelitz
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jean Hanff Korelitz knows how to take a story from book to screen. By both working closely with producers but also understanding that adapted stories ...
Thinking Beyond Books
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, J, J.D., and Zach discuss the advantages of using different mediums, such as TV, film, video games, and comics, to tell stories and h...
"The Little Things" with writer/director John Lee Hancock
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
John Lee Hancock’s recent film, “The Little Things,” brings to life many key aspects of viewer engagement and character development that transla...
Greenlights with Academy Award winning actor turned author, Matthew McConaughey
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In his recent memoir, Greenlights, legendary actor Matthew McConaughey recounts the last fifty years of his life through gripping storytelling, offeri...
Writing Where You’ve Been with Ann Charles
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller Ann Charles knows how useful it can be to set your story in places from your life. Having spent many long summers in the old mining town of...
Retelling True Stories with Concert Promoter Danny Zelisko
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Legendary concert promoter Danny Zelisko gained experience putting old memories to paper while writing his autobiography, ALL EXCE$$. By working with ...
A Manuscript Diagnostic Tool: Story Rubric and Nonfic Rubric
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, J, J.D., and Zach talk about setting parameters for writing excellence using Story Rubric and Nonfic Rubric. Whether you’re traditi...
Taking Risks to Pursue Your Dreams with #1 NY Times bestseller, Lisa Gardner
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Gardner is no stranger to taking calculated risks as a writer. From leaving high-paying jobs to constantly letting go of agents and switching pub...
The Benefits of Writing in the Morning with H.M. Gooden
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As a mother of small children and a vivid lucid dreamer, H.M. Gooden needs to wake up early. Regardless, she knows early writing can be beneficial to ...
Overlooked Marketing Tips with International Thriller Writers’ Jeff Ayers
04 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
ThrillerFest Co-Executive Director Jeff Ayers is dedicated to exposing authors to useful but commonly avoided marketing techniques. Through ThrillerFe...
2020 Review and State of the Industry
28 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Zach returns alongside J and J.D. to recap 2020 and discuss how such a chaotic year has affected the writing industry. Whether you’...
Finding Successful Routines and Understanding LLCs with Attorney Jonathan Kirsch
21 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author and attorney Jonathan Kirsch is a master of many trades. As a columnist for the Los Angeles Times and bestseller of many biographies and histor...
How to Make It as a Solopreneur with Eddie Generous
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Solopreneur Eddie Generous has no problem finding success on his own. Using discipline, self-motivation, and market sense, he has grown substantially ...
Creating Professional Covers and Ads on BookBrush with Kathleen Sweeney
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kathleen Sweeney has helped authors create professional covers and ads on BookBrush for the past two years. One of the most innovative new author tool...
The Thinning Line Between Indie and Traditional Publishing
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, J. and J.D. welcome indie mastermind Zach Bohannon to the show to discuss the growing similarities between indie and traditional publ...
#audiblegate with Susan May
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
SPECIAL EPISODE: J.D. and J. are live with author Susan May to discuss #audiblegate, a breaking news story about the ongoing controversy surrounding A...
Pursuing Multiple Projects with Christopher Rice
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Christopher Rice knows how to pursue multiple projects at once. By working on each project in different physical spaces and balanci...
Gaining Exposure with Publicist Mickey Mikkelson
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Publicist Mickey Mikkelson specializes in gaining exposure and brand recognition. Using his independent firm, Creative Edge, he teaches indie authors ...
Designing the Perfect Cover with Books Covered's Stuart Bache
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stuart Bache has some tips for designing the perfect cover. As a professional cover artist, he helps traditional and indie authors around the world cr...