Writing and Editing

389. Stephen King Unlocked: Into the Vault of Infamous Horror Author, with Caroline Bicks

18 Jun 2026

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Send us Fan MailShakespeare scholar and author Caroline Bicks discusses her book, Monsters in the Archive, the insights she learned searching through ...

388. Hook, Line, and Sinker: Capturing an Audience, with A.A. Sekhon

11 Jun 2026

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Send us Fan MailAuthor and educator A.A. Sekhon stops by to discuss writing openings that grab readers' attention, the best way to avoid overwhel...

387. The Meaning of Justice, with April Reynolds

04 Jun 2026

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Send us Fan MailAuthor and educator April Reynolds stops by to talk about her book, The Shape of Dreams, how she tackled the nuanced concepts of just...

386. Reconstruction: A Story of Love Enduring Beyond Life, with Lori Carlson-Hijuelos

31 May 2026

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Send us Fan MailAuthor and educator Lori Carlson-Hijuelos stops by to talk about her new memoir, A Writing Marriage, the impacts of grief on her life...

385. Treasure Hunts and Secret Missions, with Connie Mann

28 May 2026

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Send us Fan MailAuthor and boat captain Connie Mann discusses creating daring adventures on the page, the allure of these treasure hunt narratives, an...

384. Blurring the Lines of Fact and Fiction, with Jean Burgess

21 May 2026

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Send us Fan MailReturning guest and author Jean Burgess is back to discuss drawing inspiration from real life for novels, when to research for accurac...

383. Discovering the Adventure of Authorship, with Marilyn McEntyre

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailAuthor and writing coach Marilyn McEntyre stops by to discuss the little ways that can kickstart your author journey, what allowing yo...

382. Uncovering Our True Selves, with Christine Hill Suntz

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailAuthor Christine Hill Suntz is back to discuss how stakes of survival can reveal our true selves, how this can present in romance-driv...

381. How High Stakes Settings Can Create High Stakes Situations, with Emily Listfield

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailAuthor and editor Emily Listfield discusses the cultural obsession with elite private schools, why this is the perfect setting to buil...

380. Starting from Rock Bottom: Writing Imperfect Characters, with T.I. Lowe

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailReturning guest and bestselling author T.I. Lowe discusses having a main character with major flaws, how to make audiences still root ...

379. How to Approach Agents and Mentors, with Mary Demuth

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailBestselling author and international speaker Mary Demuth talks about finding the right mentor and agent, the differences between the t...

378. Purpose in Prose: The Philosophy of Writing with David Arndt

09 Apr 2026

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Send us Fan MailProfessor and author David Arndt stops in to discuss the philosophy behind writing, why we find such comfort in the written word, and ...

377. The Appeal of Opposites Attract in Fiction, with Becca Kinzer

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailReturning guest and author Becca Kinzer discusses one of the most popular tropes in fiction, the perfect balance needed in writing opp...

376. A Family Affair: How to Portray Sibling Relationships, with Farah Naz Rishi

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailAuthor and voice actor Farah Naz Rishi stops by to discuss how different siblings can be even growing up in the same environment, the ...

375. The Only Thing to Fear Is a Blank Page . . . with Ginny Kubitz Moyer

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailAuthor and educator Ginny Kubitz Moyer discusses some common fears that surround new and seasoned writers alike, gives tips on how to ...

374. High Thrill and Low Body Count: The Hidden Genre, with Kristine Delano

12 Mar 2026

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Send a textAuthor and former executive Kristine Delano reveals the hidden layers of financial thrillers, how to portray suspense and tension without (...

373. The Future is Now: How Technology is Outpacing Fiction, with Lee Schneider

05 Mar 2026

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Send a textAuthor and producer Lee Schneider analyzes the use of technology in storytelling, how authors are trying to keep up with its rapid innovati...

372. Parables and Lessons in Plain Sight, with Bill Cates

26 Feb 2026

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Send a textAuthor and speaker Bill Cates (not to be confused with Bill Gates, he points out) discusses what exactly a parable is, why lessons in stori...

371. Art Reflecting Life: Using Humor to Diffuse Intense Situations, with Richard Walter

19 Feb 2026

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Send a textScreenwriter and former professor Richard Walter stops by to discuss humor in fiction and real life, how we use it within story, and explai...

370. Ghost Are for Everyone: A Deep Dive into Ghost, with Daniel Braum

12 Feb 2026

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Send a textAuthor Daniel Braum returns to discuss ghost stories, how they have changed across the centuries, and how the genre has evolved beyond the ...

369. Keeping Your Audience Engaged, with Daniel Roth

05 Feb 2026

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Send us a textEditor, filmmaker, and author Daniel Roth swings by to discuss the importance of dialogue and credibility in keeping readers engaged wit...

368. Under the Surface: A Discussion of Theme, with Alida Winternheimer

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and editor Alida Winternheimer talks about what theme is (and isn't!), the importance of theme within story, and when you sh...

367. You're Stuck with Me: When Friendships Turn Toxic, with Robin Merle

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and executive coach Robin Merle talks about the dynamics of friendships, what can sour those bonds, and how she explored the dark...

366. Portrayals of Postpartum Motherhood and Why it Matters, with Jaime Parker Stickle

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWriter and podcaster Jaime Parker Stickle visits to talk about her book, Vicious Cycle, creating accurate portrayals of postpartum anxi...

365. Humor and Hard Truths, with Matthew Check

08 Jan 2026

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Send us a textMusician and debut author Matthew Check discusses his new memoir, What Would Philip Roth Do?, how he used humor to soften the harshness ...

364. Eco Thrillers and Inspiring Hope, with Dheepa R. Maturi

02 Jan 2026

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Send us a textAuthor and former lawyer Dheepa R. Maturi discusses eco-thrillers, the importance of balance in dystopian literature and hopeful endings...

363. Basing Stories on True Events, with Stephanie Landsem

28 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Stephanie Landsem talks about family history, incorporating it into your story, and all of the consequences that can follow in a ...

362. Subverting Expectations: The New Genre of Feminist Thriller, with Charlene Wang

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textSpecial guest and author Charlene Wang discusses the feminist thriller, how her novel, I'll Follow You, is a fresh take, and how t...

361. Division and Unity, with Chip Webster

11 Dec 2025

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Send us a textAuthor and executive coach Chip Webster discusses divisions in humanity, the healing properties of writing and poetry, and why it takes ...

360. Family Drama and Hidden Secrets, with Robin W. Pearson

04 Dec 2025

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Send us a textFormer editor and author Robin W. Pearson stops by to discuss fictional family drama, how to keep the age-old genre fresh, and the impor...

Going to Hollywood: Behind the Scenes, with Noël Stark

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and Hollywood-jack-of-all-trades Noël Stark stops by to talk about setting your book in Hollywood, gives a peak behind the curta...

358. Emotional Honesty for Younger Audiences, with Donna Galanti

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Donna Galanti discusses balancing deep emotional truths with childhood innocence in kid's fiction and how this could be impo...

357. Entertainment and Education: Writing for Kids, with Terri Lilga

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and former teacher Terri Lilga talks about striking the right balance while crafting a children's book, how to make the educ...

356. Messages of Hope in Hopeless Worlds, with Tim Weed

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Tim Weed swings by to discuss the inherent darkness of the dystopian genre, why he plants seeds of hope amidst it all, and how th...

355. Beyond Dystopian: Metaphysical Horror, with Ally Walker

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWith one last thrill from the season of horror, actress and author Ally Walker discusses metaphysical horror, how it's carved a nic...

354. Humor and Horror: The Magic of Genre Blending, with Grace Daly

30 Oct 2025

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Send us a textAuthor Grace Daly stops by to talk about the commonalities of horror and comedy, how she puts those to use in The Scald-Crow, and why b...

353. Two Eras, One Book, with Sarah Landenwich

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Sarah Landenwich talks about writing dual timelines in different centuries, walking the line of parallel stories, and why she lov...

352. An Investigation into Time, with Flavia Brunetti

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textHumanitarian and author Flavia Brunetti talks about time, how it is usually described in works of fiction, and finding new perspectives ...

351. Does Anyone Else Feel This Way? An Analyzation of Early Adulthood with Eli Rallo

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor, lifestyle expert, and creator Eli Rallo discusses her new book, Does Anyone Else Feel This Way?, the experience of imposter syn...

350. Writing With Respect: A Lesson in Historical Writing, with Wendy Holden

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and journalist Wendy Holden shares her book The Teacher of Auschwitz, discusses the importance of writing about historical events...

349. Finding Horror in the Familiar, with Brian Asman

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textSurprise guest and author, Brian Asman, talks about his process of finding horror in the familiar, how that can create some of the scari...

348. Tips and Tales from a Ghostwriter, with Alison McBain

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and editor Alison McBain discusses her experience ghostwriting, what goes into that job, and how that can even inform your own wr...

347. What is Autofiction and How to Write it, with Nick Berg

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Nick Berg stops by to talk about the concept of autofiction, how it offers different opportunities than memoir, and how you can t...

346. Humanizing Science Fiction with Brad C. Anderson

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and professor Brad C. Anderson discusses the importances of realistic characters in sci fi, the role of fear in the genre, and ho...

345. What are Techno Thrillers and How to Write Them with Charles Breakfield

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Charles Breakfield stops by to break down what techno thrillers are, how to create their unique high stakes, and gives some insig...

344. How Visuals Can Create Character Driven Stories with Stan Yan

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and illustrator Stan Yan talks about how the right balance of visuals and dialogue can create a strong story, what to consider wh...

343. History, Crime, and Fiction: Striking a Balance Between Genres with Joe McClean

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textScreenwriter and director-turned-author Joe McClean discusses blending genres, finding the right balance of historical accuracy and fict...

342. How to Add Myth and Folklore into Your Story with K.T. Anglehart

14 Aug 2025

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Send us a textAuthor K.T. Anglehart discusses Celtic mythology, how she incorporates them into her writing, and why you should consider blending fanta...

341. Writing About Making a Difference with Jeff Wenninger

07 Aug 2025

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Send us a textAuthor and former police officer Jeff Wenninger discusses his book, On Thin Ice, how he wrote about effective ways of change, and gives...

340. Finding Your Inner Creativity with Laura Munson

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and teacher Laura Munson talks about her book, The Wild Why, how everyone can be creative, and why wonder is the key to your wri...

339. Reclaiming Your Voice with Memoir, with Brenda Coffee

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textPhotographer, filmmaker, and author Brenda Coffee discusses her new memoir Maya Blue, how it has encouraged healing, and what exactly &...

338. Writing Unique Perspectives in Historical Fiction with Roseanna White

21 Jul 2025

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Send us a textAuthor and historian Roseanna White discusses fresh perspectives in oversaturated genres, how to write them, and gives tips on how to bl...

337. How Culture Influences Memoir with Rebe Huntman

17 Jul 2025

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Send us a textChoreographer and author Rebe Huntman discusses her memoir, how Afro-Cuban culture influenced her worldview, and how that translates int...

336. Packing a Punch: Writing Accurate Fight Scenes with Patrick Tumblety

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and self-defense instructor Patrick Tumblety gives insight on real-world fighting, how you can translate that to the page, and pr...

335. The Emotional Journey to Success with Randy Lyman

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textPhysicist and author Randy Lyman joins to talk about emotional disconnection and how unhealed emotions can disrupt success.▬Visit Rand...

334. It Was a Dark and Stormy Night . . . Using Setting as Story Structure with Daniel Braum

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Daniel Braum discusses setting, how it can unknowingly capture moments in time, and why it is necessary to immerse readers into t...

333. How to Write Romance with Opposing Characters with Jenelle Hovde

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Jenelle Hovde chats about writing enemies-to-lovers romances, creating believable characters, and balancing sparks with a healthy...

332. Preserving a Legacy with Beau L'Amour

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and editor Beau L'Amour discusses his father Louis L'Amour's work, how he carries his legacy, and some behind the ...

331. Different Forms of Art: A Conversation with Michael DiMartino

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAnimator and author Michael DiMartino discusses his beginnings as a creator and the nuances of working within different art mediums in a...

330. A Marriage of Convenience with Christine Hill Suntz

29 May 2025

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Send us a textThe marriage of convenience trope is discussed, dissected, and broken down by author Christine Hill Suntz as this week's episode di...

329. Writing Fictional Moral Dilemmas with Lauren Stientsra

24 May 2025

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Send us a textAuthor Lauren Stientsra discusses the nuances of moral dilemmas, why they're not always black and white, and how they can elevate y...

328. Writing About True Crime with Janice Cantore

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and former police officer Janice Cantore discusses writing about cold cases, what media often gets wrong, and about the recent ri...

327. Uncovering the Good Mother Myth with Nancy Reddy

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textProfessor and poet Nancy Reddy discusses "the good mother myth," how that can negatively impact your writing, and how moving a...

326. How to Use Fiction to Explore Real Life with Paul Vecchiet

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textVeteran and author Paul Vecchiet discusses basing stories on real events, people and places, and how his book, The Disclosure Paradox, ...

325. Overcoming Adversity with Jeff Heggie

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEntrepreneur and success coach Jeff Heggie discusses how his book showcases adversity, gives advice on how to overcome it, how this can ...

324. Blending Magical Realism and Contemporary Events with Angela Brown

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Angela Brown discusses adding a touch of magical realism to contemporary fiction, the fine line of blending genres, and how she k...

323. Making Science Accessible in Fiction with Sara Winokur

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and geneticist Sara Winokur explains how to write science in a way that is digestible for readers while maintaining its integrity...

322. How to Balance Sensitive Topics in Your Writing with Becca Kinzer

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and nurse Becca Kinzer talks about her experience in writing heavy topics, gives tips on creating a light-hearted subplot, and di...

321. How to Write Strong Female Characters with Shaylin Gandhi

10 Apr 2025

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Send us a textAuthor Shaylin Gandhi discusses the nuances of strong female characters, how their stories have changed over time, and details how you c...

320. Enhancing Your Book's Packaging with Marrielle Myers

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and educator Marrielle Myers talks about picture books, how she makes her packages stand out, and how you can also find success i...

319. Using Loss to Build Connections with Jessica Fein

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and advocate Jessica Fein speaks about loss, using it to rebuild, and tips for how you can balance heavy topics in your manuscrip...

318. How Writing Can Be Part of Your Healing Journey with Francesca Lia Block

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and educator Francesca Lia Block discusses how writing can be healing, the ways to channel the past into story, and why that mean...

317. Unmasking Hybrid Publishing with J.D. Barker

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textInternational bestselling author J.D. Barker talks about the different types of publishing, current industry trends, and why hybrid publ...

316. Bringing Historical Fiction to Life with Samantha Greene Woodruff

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Samantha Greene Woodruff discusses the stereotypes of the 1920s, how she navigated them in her writing, and how you can bring you...

315. Taking Your First Step as a Writer with Paula Whyman

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEditor, author, and new plant enthusiast Paula Whyman discusses the first few steps of how to begin writing your story, including the hi...

314. Busting the Social Media Myth with Annie Sklaver Orenstein

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textResearcher and author Annie Sklaver Orenstein talks about her publishing journey, the urban legend of social media followings, and why y...

313. Beyond the Hero's Journey with Stacey Simmons

20 Feb 2025

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Send us a textPsychotherapist and author Stacey Simmons talks about hero's journey versus the queen's path, their impacts on modern-day lite...

312. How I Became a Traditionally Published Author with Suja Sukumar

13 Feb 2025

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Send us a textAuthor and physician Suja Sukumar talks about her experiences being traditionally published, what the journey entailed, and gives tips o...

311. The Art of Subtext with Sue Mell

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAward-winning author Sue Mell joins the podcast to discuss the how she has used subtext in her writing, why it's important, and how...

310. Using Your Own Platform to Sell Your Books with L.C. Son

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAward-winning and bestselling author L.C. Son discusses using your own platform to sell your books versus Amazon, the pros and cons, and...

309. Pace and Don't Race Your Story with Lola Reid Allin

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and pilot Lola Reid Allin discusses writing the story of your life, how to and not to structure it, and the importance of pacing ...

308. Memoirs and the Principles You Should Know with Wendy Dale

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and memoir writing teacher Wendy Dale discusses the important steps in writing a memoir, the exceptions to "show don't ...

307. Worldbuilding, Why You Should Do it, and How, with D.J. Williams

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and producer D.J. Williams discusses worldbuilding, how he has implemented it into his books, and why you should put it in yours,...

306. Your Guide to Getting Your Books in Libraries with Eric Simmons

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and ESE CEO Eric Simmons discusses the importance of getting your books into libraries, the steps to take in this pursuit, and ti...

305. How to Add Humor to Your Writing with C.J. Spataro

29 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and professor C.J. Spataro discusses how to create a book that's funny, including how not to write characters, where the hum...

304. How to Write Historical Thrillers with Sarah Raughley

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Sarah Raughley discusses all things historical thriller, from creating compelling narratives to keeping suspense, and just how hi...

303. Writing With Honesty with Anna Moore

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Anna Moore shares the importance of writing with honesty, what exactly that means, and how it can enhance your story.▬Check out...

302. Experimental Prose in Memoir with Jennifer Lang

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and yogi Jennifer Lang talks about experimental prose, how to use it in memoir, and why it gives you more freedom in telling your...

301. How to Conduct Research for Your Historical Fiction with Leah Lindeman

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and self-described historian Leah Lindeman discusses what to research, what resources to use, and what not to do when writing his...

300. How to Nourish Your Body for Productivity with Molly Lupo

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDr. Molly Lupo talks about the importance of nutrition, how it can vary based on our daily activities, and what you can begin doing to k...

299. What to Look for When Hiring a Cover Designer with Rachel Rosen

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and cover designer Rachel Rosen discusses the importance of a good cover design, the dos and don'ts when it comes to covers,...

298. How to Write a Fairy Tale Retelling with Kalynn Bayron

21 Nov 2024

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Send us a textBestselling author Kalynn Bayron discusses fairy tale retellings, how they are different from reimaginings, and what is most important f...

297. How to Find Work Life Balance as an Author with Alyssa Hazel

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Alyssa Hazel is here to give you tips on how to create work-life balance as an author and how your goals will impact your writing...

296. How to Plan a Successful Book Launch with Danielle Mendoza

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textBestselling author and podcast host Danielle Mendoza talks about the best places for a book launch, the details you need to consider, an...

295. Why You Should Join an Online Writing Community with Ian Craven

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and publicist Ian Craven discusses online writing communities, networking within the industry, and how you can improve your own w...

294. Are Book Tours Worth It? With Richie Billing

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and podcaster Richie Billing is back talking about book tours, what they involve, how much they cost, and what you could possibly...

293. How to Write a Second Chance Romance with T.I. Lowe

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textBestselling author T.I. Lowe talks all things second chance romance, from establishing the characters, to balancing heavy plotlines with...

292. When Life Imitates Art with Bryan VanDyke

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and digital strategist Bryan VanDyke discusses what it's like when real life resembles plot, how that can change readers&apo...

291. Writing About Family Secrets with Ava Morgyn

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor Ava Morgyn discusses writing family secrets into the plot of your story, how they take on new life, and why readers love them.▬...

290. Music Industry Tips for Book Marketing with Ari Rosenschein

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor and musician Ari Rosenschein is back to talk about the parallels between publishing and the music industry, and gives unique tips...