Book Career Network

Introducing WorldCraft Club! This week we’re excited to bring you all something a little different. That’s right, it’s a crossover week. We had the opportunity to sit down with author Seth Ring and James Horton of the WorldCraft Club. They’ve created a community dedicated to building resources for game masters, novelists, and worldbuilders of all kinds. James and Seth release regular videos on a huge range of story and worldbuilding topics. Forget everything we’ve ever told you about worldbuilder syndrome and icebergs and pacing yourselves. This week is all about the reasons we love worldbuilding–what about it captivates us, pushes writers and other creatives to delve into new, unexplored universes. We’ll discuss inspiration, trends, cultural shifts, and our favorite things about fantasy and science fiction. Resources and Guest Links: Go check out the WorldCraft Club’s awesome videos: https://worldcraftclub.com/ Our hosts: https://worldcraftclub.com/about/ Shoutout to Seth and James! It was an honor to be hosted on their podcast and get the chance to geek out about all things worldbuilding. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

Another excellent week with Mel Todd! With over 44 titles released in urban fantasy and science fiction, she’s also the owner of Bad Ash Publishing, where she works to create a place for excellent stories and great authors. Mel’s Kaylid Chronicles, the Blood War series, and the Twisted Luck series offer great new twists to her genres. Join us in part one of this great episode with Mel, where we discuss her process, inspirations, and her four cats, who tolerate her. In Part Four, We Discuss: Broadening your horizons through research, writing, and reading Don’t worry about retelling the same story–Shakespeare did them all, and he did them better than you Writing what you love, and making it real Style guides and consistency within your manuscript Language in worldbuilding Social media platforms and where to find Mel online! Resources and Guest Links: get your hands on the brand-new Noble’s Luck trilogy! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQVHS64P Bad Ash Publishing: https://badashpublishing.com/ Mel Todd’s site: https://meltodd.com/ Mel’s Books: https://badashpublishing.com/books/ Andy Weir (The Martian, Project Hail Mary): https://andyweirauthor.com/ Thank Mel With Us! While we’re used to hanging out with her in the real world, but we’re so grateful she joined us on the internet streets to bring her expert insight to Worlds Asunder. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

Another excellent week with Mel Todd! With over 44 titles released in urban fantasy and science fiction, she’s also the owner of Bad Ash Publishing, where she works to create a place for excellent stories and great authors. Mel’s Kaylid Chronicles, the Blood War series, and the Twisted Luck series offer great new twists to her genres. Join us in part one of this great episode with Mel, where we discuss her process, inspirations, and her four cats, who tolerate her. In Part Three, We Discuss: The hamster wheel of writing and marketing Bad Ash Publishing and time discipline Finding and protecting your writing time Worldbuilding pitfalls Submissions and engaging storytelling; same, same, but different Engaging with readers in person and online Resources and Guest Links: Pre-Order the brand-new Noble’s Luck trilogy! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQVHS64P Bad Ash Publishing: https://badashpublishing.com/ Mel Todd’s site: https://meltodd.com/ Mel’s Books: https://badashpublishing.com/books/ Iron Widow: https://www.amazon.com/Iron-Widow-Xiran-Jay-Zhao/dp/0735269939 Thank Mel With Us! While we’re used to hanging out with her in the real world, but we’re so grateful she joined us on the internet streets to bring her expert insight to Worlds Asunder. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

Another excellent week with Mel Todd! With over 44 titles released in urban fantasy and science fiction, she’s also the owner of Bad Ash Publishing, where she works to create a place for excellent stories and great authors. Mel’s Kaylid Chronicles, the Blood War series, and the Twisted Luck series offer great new twists to her genres. Join us in part one of this great episode with Mel, where we discuss her process, inspirations, and her four cats, who tolerate her. In Part One, We Discuss: Practical worldbuilding Research deep-dives and balancing research and writing time Blurring reality and accuracy in speculative fiction Relationships between worldbuilding and character Historical realism and suspension of disbelief The Assassin’s Creed franchise Resources and Guest Links: Pre-Order the brand-new Noble’s Luck trilogy! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQVHS64P Bad Ash Publishing: https://badashpublishing.com/ Mel Todd’s site: https://meltodd.com/ Mel’s Books: https://badashpublishing.com/books/ Terry Maggert’s books (as we’ve learned, he does lots of research!): https://terrymaggert.com/ Thank Mel With Us! While we’re used to hanging out with her in the real world, but we’re so grateful she joined us on the internet streets to bring her expert insight to Worlds Asunder. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

Links can be found on Substack podcast feed for Becoming A Household Name.

This week on Worlds Asunder, we’re pleased to introduce you to Mel Todd! With over 44 titles released in urban fantasy and science fiction, she’s also the owner of Bad Ash Publishing, where she works to create a place for excellent stories and great authors. Mel’s Kaylid Chronicles, the Blood War series, and the Twisted Luck series offer great new twists to her genres. Join us in part one of this great episode with Mel, where we discuss her process, inspirations, and her four cats, who tolerate her. In Part One, We Discuss: New approaches to old genres Integrating science and magic Handwavium Showing conflict on a global scale in urban settings Advantages and disadvantages to certain POVs in writing Genre tropes, marketing, and reader expectations Resources and Guest Links: Pre-Order the brand-new Noble’s Luck trilogy! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQVHS64P Bad Ash Publishing: https://badashpublishing.com/ Mel Todd’s site: https://meltodd.com/ Mel’s Books: https://badashpublishing.com/books/ Thank Mel With Us! While we’re used to hanging out with her in the real world, but we’re so grateful she joined us on the internet streets to bring her expert insight to Worlds Asunder. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

Join your Worlds co-hosts as we recap the most recent 17 episodes of Worlds Asunder! We’ll go over our incredible guests, the things we’ve learned, and the most important tidbits we hope our listeners take away from the great insights we’ve received over the last five months. We’ll also give a sneak peek at future episodes and interviews. Like the show? Have a topic or guest suggestion? Find us through our websites (or on Facebook) and let us know! Like, comment, subscribe wherever you listen or watch! We’ve had a blast recording these interviews and hope you’ll continue to join us in breaking down worlds to give you the bricks to build your own. Resources and Guest Links: Gail Carriger: https://gailcarriger.com/ James Fox: https://thejamesfox.com/ Steve Ruskin: https://www.steveruskin.com/ Tim Akers: https://www.timakers.net/ J.T. Evans: https://jtevans.net/ Kacey Ezell: https://kaceyezell.net/ Mia Kleve: http://www.mrkdup.com/index.php/author/mrkleve/ Heather and Jacob Holo: https://holowriting.com/ Edie Skye: https://edieskye.com/ Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim,

Join us in welcoming Jacob and H.P. Holo, with special guest alter-ego/pen name Edie Skye. Jacob is the author of over fifteen books, including the bestselling Gordian Division series (with David Weber), YA urban fantasy Time Reavers, and fantasy adventure Monster Punk Horizon (with H.P. Holo). H.P.’s catalogue boasts Monster Punk Horizon, Monster Girl Tamer, and a mountain of harem fantasy adventure novels under (joint) pen name Edie Skye. Tropes are critical factors in genre fiction. Writers who ignore them sometimes do so at their own risk. Where’s the line between subverting reader expectations, being original, and honoring genre tropes that readers crave? Together we explore reader expectations, setting up plausible twists, honoring tropes, and tips and tricks for writing profitable commercial fiction. In Part Three, We Discuss: Jacob and Heather’s top genre tropes in harem and science fiction Heroism and responsibility Power progression in fantasy and litrpg The role of different POVs in narratives Writing for male vs female audiences Resources and Guest Links: Jacob and H.P. Holo: https://holowriting.com/ Edie Skye: https://edieskye.com/ The Gordian Division: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5YL5P87 Titan Mage: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2ZXK1Z1 Blood Knight: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLKVKXGS MarsCon: https://www.marscon.net/wp/ SC Comic Con: https://www.sccomicon.com/ Thanks to Jacob and H.P! We’re glad we were able to bring their wealth of experience across genres to Worlds Asunder. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

Join us in welcoming Jacob and H.P. Holo, with special guest alter-ego/pen name Edie Skye. Jacob is the author of over fifteen books, including the bestselling Gordian Division series (with David Weber), YA urban fantasy Time Reavers, and fantasy adventure Monster Punk Horizon (with H.P. Holo). H.P.’s catalogue boasts Monster Punk Horizon, Monster Girl Tamer, and a mountain of harem fantasy adventure novels under (joint) pen name Edie Skye. Tropes are critical factors in genre fiction. Writers who ignore them sometimes do so at their own risk. Where’s the line between subverting reader expectations, being original, and honoring genre tropes that readers crave? Together we explore reader expectations, setting up plausible twists, honoring tropes, and tips and tricks for writing profitable commercial fiction. In Part One, We Discuss: Different ways to connect with your audience Grilled cheese and cherry coke Researching tropes - “also boughts” and reading across genres Writing tropes and themes that you’re excited about Learning from your editing process Resources and Guest Links: Jacob and H.P. Holo: https://holowriting.com/ Edie Skye: https://edieskye.com/ Thanks to Jacob and H.P! We’re glad we were able to bring their wealth of experience across genres to Worlds Asunder. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

Join us in welcoming Jacob and H.P. Holo, with special guest alter-ego/pen name Edie Skye. Jacob is the author of over fifteen books, including the bestselling Gordian Division series (with David Weber), YA urban fantasy Time Reavers, and fantasy adventure Monster Punk Horizon (with H.P. Holo). H.P.’s catalogue boasts Monster Punk Horizon, Monster Girl Tamer, and a mountain of harem fantasy adventure novels under (joint) pen name Edie Skye. Tropes are critical factors in genre fiction. Writers who ignore them do so at their own risk. Where’s the line between subverting reader expectations, being original, and honoring genre tropes that readers crave? Together we explore reader expectations, setting up plausible twists, honoring tropes, and tips and tricks for writing profitable commercial fiction. In Part One, We Discuss: The importance of understanding tropes in your writing Reader expectations in different genre Genre and subgenre identification Star Wars. All the Star Wars. How to subvert expectations in a way that honors genre Resources and Guest Links: Jacob and H.P. Holo: https://holowriting.com/ Edie Skye: https://edieskye.com/ Thanks to Jacob and H.P! We’re glad we were able to bring their wealth of experience across genres to Worlds Asunder. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

How's it going with Instagram and conventions selling books? Find out in this episode. Omnibus on JodyJSperling.com

This week we’re excited to give listeners a new spin on worldbuilding, building bibles, and keeping your stories straight. Today’s guest is Mia Kleve, avid reader of science fiction, fantasy, and just about everything in between. Mia has been proofreading and editing for more than ten years and has experience with developmental edits, copy edits, world bibles, and more. Join us in learning more about how your editors tick, what they can do for your writing process, and how you can help smooth the path for them before you submit your manuscript. In Part Two, We Discuss: Dialects and accents Tools for world bibles: Word, Excel, Access, Notion, World Anvil Character tracking and character sheets Learning tropes, and deciding when and how to use them Tracking characters (for pantsers) Making character and place names unique Resources and Guest Links: Mia’s site: http://www.mrkdup.com/ MRK’d Up Editing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrkdup Remarkable tablet: https://remarkable.com/ Notion: https://www.notion.com/ Chicago Manual of Style: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html Shunn’s modern manuscript formatting: https://www.shunn.net/format/story/ World Anvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/ Casey “Moops” Moores: https://www.caseymoores.net/ We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to work with a good editor. We’re grateful to Mia for lending us her expertise and digging into the technical side of worldbuilding and storycraft. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

This week, we're talking with E.H. Drake, author and sometimes podcaster. She's published three books including Blood Herring and The Vampire's Cold Case.

This week we’re excited to give listeners a new spin on worldbuilding, building bibles, and keeping your stories straight. Today’s guest is Mia Kleve, avid reader of science fiction, fantasy, and just about everything in between. Mia has been proofreading and editing for more than ten years and has experience with developmental edits, copy edits, world bibles, and more. Join us in learning more about how your editors tick, what they can do for your writing process, and how you can help smooth the path for them before you submit your manuscript. In Part One, We Discuss: Mia’s developmental editing process Tools and tricks of the editing trade The difference between world bibles and style guides The Chicago Manual of Style Steps authors can do to help their editors Manuscript formatting Adjusting your writing and editing process to suit personal needs (habits and ergonomics) Watching for common grammar and punctuation errors or overused words Resources and Guest Links: Mia’s site: http://www.mrkdup.com/ Remarkable tablet: https://remarkable.com/ Notion: https://www.notion.com/ Chicago Manual of Style: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html Shunn’s modern manuscript formatting: https://www.shunn.net/format/story/ We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to work with a good editor. We’re grateful to Mia for lending us her expertise and digging into the technical side of worldbuilding and storycraft. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

In this episode, I’ve got something very special for you. Podcast Host Andy J. Pizza shared the first episode in his True Fan Series. It’s number 476, and you can find it here. I encourage you to listen to all of Creative Pep Talk. It’s stellar. If you got excited about the Luke In Time Mysteries Audiobook Omnibus, you can join the project here: https://www.jodyjsperling.com/products/the-luke-in-time-mysteries-audiobook-omni. Contribute what you want, and you’ll get three audiobooks right now.

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane welcome steamy contemporary romance author Darby Fox to discuss how Taylor Swift's music inspires writers and enhances storytelling. Together, they explore the concept of micro tropes—those small but impactful moments in stories—universal fantasies that captivate readers, and the emotional connections that make romance novels resonate. Darby shares her experiences crafting stories about rock stars and billionaires, emphasizing the importance of specificity and character development in creating compelling narratives. The discussion also highlights the challenges romance authors face, including misconceptions about the genre, and strategies for blending craft with emotional resonance. The trio reflects on Taylor Swift’s lyrics, albums, and their influence on character development and storytelling. The episode concludes with a lighthearted "Kiss, Marry, Kill" segment featuring Swift's songs, showcasing how personal connections shape storytelling preferences. Key Takeaways: Darby Fox writes contemporary romance featuring rock stars and billionaires, blending craft with emotional intensity. Micro tropes are small, specific moments that enhance storytelling and deepen reader engagement. Universal fantasies tap into core desires and are central to captivating romance readers. Romance novels offer readers an emotional escape and explore desires in a safe and imaginative way. Taylor Swift's lyrics provide inspiration for writers through their depth and relatability. Character development is crucial, and authors can use their 'id lists'—personalized ideas of what excites them—to enhance storytelling. Music, including Taylor Swift’s albums, serves as a powerful source of creative inspiration for writers. Romance novels often face undue criticism but play a vital role in exploring emotional connections and universal fantasies. Tropes and character-specific moments are tools to create unforgettable scenes. Writing requires revisions, patience, and strategies for building characters readers love. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift Podcast 00:31 – Guest Introduction: Darby Fox 02:05 – Darby’s Writing Journey and Inspirations 03:01 – Swiftie Era and Album Discussions 05:21 – Microtropes and Universal Fantasies in Romance Writing 07:41 – Crafting Stories with Emotional Appeal 18:39 – The Importance of Specificity in Storytelling 22:42 – Real-Life Parallels in Romance Writing 32:40 – Building Character Scenes with Microtropes 33:26 – The Role of Tropes in Crafting Stories 34:22 – Taylor Swift's Influence on Storytelling 36:09 – Gilmore Girls as Character Inspiration 41:37 – Challenges in Writing Distinct Characters 45:55 – Revisions and the Writing Process 55:44 – Kiss, Marry, Kill: Taylor Swift Song Choices 01:02:39 – Final Thoughts and Farewell Titles Referenced: 7 Figure Fiction by T Taylor Story Genius by Lisa Cron

Today’s guest, Kacey Ezell, was born in South Dakota and grew up around the world on various military bases. When she was seven, her mother gave her a copy of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragondrums, and shortly thereafter, Kacey decided that she wanted to be a dragonrider when she grew up. From the time she was a small child, Kacey made up stories to tell to her friends and family. Kacey’s emotionally-fueled fiction includes alternate history, fantasy, noir, and science fiction. She’s a master in emotional resonance and character building! Join us in learning the tips and tricks to build characters with believable emotional arcs. In Part One, We Discuss: Saving character details for reference Background information: what do you need to tell the story? Choosing where to focus your background development Tropes and genre Character motivation Using character flaws and strengths and plot points Resources and Guest Links: https://kaceyezell.net/ Newsletter and free short stories: https://kaceyezell.net/the-dragons-horde/ Psyche of War: https://kaceyezell.net/book-series/the-psyche-of-war/ World Anvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/ Notion: https://www.notion.com/ Join us in thanking Kacey! She’s a great author and an even better friend, and we’re grateful she took time out of her relaxicon to interview and give us the inside scoop on how she crafts excellent characters. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

All the things I'm doing to grow the reader base.

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane welcome author and marketing expert Natalie Knight to explore the world of e-commerce email marketing for authors. Natalie shares her expertise on crafting impactful email strategies tailored for direct sales, explaining the key differences between traditional author newsletters and e-commerce-focused campaigns. The discussion covers topics like segmentation, creating effective email flows, and optimizing book bundles to drive engagement and sales. The conversation also highlights how Taylor Swift’s business acumen, from exclusive product offerings to strategic pricing, can inspire authors in their marketing efforts. Natalie dives into the importance of maintaining separate email lists for marketing and newsletters, retargeting potential buyers, and leveraging special editions and exclusive content to entice readers. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about favorite Taylor Swift songs and the emotional connection they foster. Key Takeaways: Direct sales newsletters should focus on product promotion rather than personal stories. Traditional author newsletters and e-commerce marketing emails serve distinct purposes and require tailored strategies. Segmentation is essential for targeted and effective communication with readers. Maintaining separate email lists for newsletters and direct marketing enhances organization and effectiveness. Retargeting flows can help convert potential buyers and maximize sales. Bundling books or products can boost sales and attract reader interest. Exclusive editions and limited-time offerings create urgency and drive sales. Pricing strategies should reflect the value of the content while appealing to readers. Automating email flows simplifies marketing efforts and improves engagement. Authors can repurpose older works or create special editions to rejuvenate reader interest. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift Podcast 00:31 – Guest Introduction: Natalie Knight 01:14 – Natalie’s Journey as an Author 01:47 – Exploring Direct Sales for Authors 02:13 – Taylor Swift’s Email Marketing Strategies 03:41 – Differences Between Author Newsletters and Marketing Emails 06:46 – Managing Email Lists and Effective Segmentation 13:33 – Setting Up Essential Email Flows 17:27 – Crafting Campaign Strategies for Authors 20:43 – Optimizing Book Bundles and Pricing Strategies 28:12 – Pricing Approaches for Authors 29:35 – Effective Drip Campaigns for Book Sales 32:19 – Preparing for Black Friday and Seasonal Sales 34:08 – Creating Special Editions and Product Variations 42:50 – Leveraging Exclusive Content and Bundles 44:44 – Repackaging Older Works for New Audiences 46:48 – Concluding Thoughts and Current Music Obsessions Links & Resources Natalie’s website: https://nkcopywriting.com/ Find Natalie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenatalieknight Some Klaviyo Black Friday sessions (you may need to be logged into Klaviyo to access) Land in the inbox on Black Friday Cyber Monday: https://academy.klaviyo.com/en-us/courses/land-in-the-inbox-on-black-friday-cyber-monday Last minute BFCM checklist: https://academy.klaviyo.com/last-minute-bfcm-checklist Black Friday Cyber Monday campaign best practices: https://academy.klaviyo.com/en-us/courses/black-friday-cyber-monday-campaign-best-practices/1725924 Prepare your flows for BFCM: https://academy.klaviyo.com/en-us/courses/prepare-your-flows-for-bfcm/1745915 Turn BFCM shoppers into repeat customers: https://academy.klaviyo.com/en-us/courses/turn-bfcm-shoppers-into-repeat-customers/1807379

Today’s guest, Kacey Ezell, was born in South Dakota and grew up around the world on various military bases. When she was seven, her mother gave her a copy of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragondrums, and shortly thereafter, Kacey decided that she wanted to be a dragonrider when she grew up. From the time she was a small child, Kacey made up stories to tell to her friends and family. Kacey’s emotionally-fueled fiction includes alternate history, fantasy, noir, and science fiction. She’s a master in emotional resonance and character building! Join us in learning the tips and tricks to build characters with believable emotional arcs. In Part One, We Discuss: Every villain is the hero of their own story; writing unpopular characters Every hero is probably the villain of someone else’s story Redemption arcs Characters we love to hate How worldbuilding impacts characters and vice versa Tools to track details Resources and Guest Links: https://kaceyezell.net/ Newsletter and free short stories: https://kaceyezell.net/the-dragons-horde/ Psyche of War: https://kaceyezell.net/book-series/the-psyche-of-war/ World Anvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/ Notion: https://www.notion.com/ Join us in thanking Kacey! She’s a great author and an even better friend, and we’re grateful she took time out of her relaxicon to interview and give us the inside scoop on how she crafts excellent characters. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

How often do we hear an author say, “I just want to write books”? If only it were that simple. In this lesson, we discuss ensuring that your writing goals, like what, how, and how much you want to write, also align with what you want from a writing career. In other words, how you define success. Join Jana, CJ, and Troy of the Plot Geek Academy as they break down this deep topic to help you decide what success means to you and how you can get there.

Curious about building your author brand? In this episode, we explore the value of social media, traditional publishing, and much more with Kathleen Schmidt. She’s the founder of Publishing Confidential, and you can subscribe on Substack.

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee are joined by returning guest Holly Darling to discuss the art of email marketing for authors. Drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s mastery of storytelling and fan engagement, the conversation explores how authors can use newsletters to connect with their audience, build anticipation, and foster a loyal community of readers. Holly shares practical strategies, including how to gamify reader engagement, personalize content through segmentation, and reward superfans with exclusive perks. The discussion also tackles overcoming imposter syndrome, using automation to streamline communication, and collaborating with other authors to expand reach. Packed with actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for authors looking to take their email marketing to the next level. Key Takeaways: Email marketing is a powerful tool for authors to build a community and deepen connections with readers. Storytelling within newsletters enhances reader engagement and loyalty. Overcoming imposter syndrome is key to creating authentic and effective communication. Personal stories make newsletters relatable and foster a sense of connection. Gamifying reader engagement can boost interaction and excitement. Rewarding superfans with exclusive content or perks strengthens community bonds. Collaborative newsletters among authors can increase reach and engagement. Polls and surveys help authors understand reader preferences and tailor content. Segmenting audiences allows for targeted, personalized communication. Consistency in sending newsletters is vital for maintaining reader interest and trust. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift 01:18 – Guest Introduction: Holly Darling Returns 04:54 – The Power of Storytelling in Emails 06:09 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 08:33 – Engaging Readers with Personal Stories 12:48 – Using Newsletters for Book Marketing 18:56 – Preparing for Book Launches 27:57 – Building Effective Marketing Systems 30:06 – Understanding the Audience 30:32 – Rewarding Your Superfans 31:19 – Creative Reward Systems 37:45 – Collaborative Newsletters 47:48 – Advanced Newsletter Strategies 51:59 – Kiss, Marry, Kill: Music Edition Resources Mentioned: Connect with Holly Darling Website - https://hollydarlinghq.com/ Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/181189192674935 Courses - https://hollydarlinghq.com/courses/

Our latest guest is J.T. Evans, fantasy, science fiction, and horror author and former president of Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group and Pikes Peak Writers. Today he brings his expertise and experience in both writing and gaming to help us dig into the nitty gritty of fantasy city building. When not writing, he keeps computers secure at the Day Job, spends time with his family, and plays way too many tabletop games. J.T. joined the Gnome Stew Crew in March of 2016. Since that time, he has written dozens of articles for the site and has earned three Gold ENnie awards (2016, 2017, and 2018) as part of the team at Gnome Stew. He is the author of the Modern Mythology and Flashing Blades series and is hastily working on more right now. In Part Two, We Discuss: Reasons and implications for city locations and environments City resources and the role of standardization and Natural disasters and character reactions to their surroundings Governing bodies, including some of their flaws Maps! Resources and Guest Links: https://jtevans.net/ The Flashing Blades series: https://jtevans.net/publications/flashing-blades/ Modern Mythology series: https://jtevans.net/publications/modern-mythology/ Newsletter subscription: https://jtevans.net/about/contact/ Gnome Stew: https://gnomestew.com/ Stay tuned for links to JT’s maps and other photo resources! Join us in thanking JT! We’re fortunate to claim him as a writing colleague and a friend. We’re seriously grateful he lent us his expertise for this episode and loved digging into the nitty-gritty of city building with him. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

One of the most important things you as a writer can do for yourself is determine your why. In this episode of The Plot Geek Academy, we’ll tackle how to determine what you want from your author career, what those things might be, and how knowing your why can set you up for success. Join Troy, CJ, and Jana as they share their journey, and how you can find your own path to author success, however you define it.

Curious about building your author brand? In this episode, we explore how I’ve grown my Instagram to 740 followers, hit a 3,000-view milestone on my latest reel, and prepped for my showing at Twin Cities Con. I’ll share strategies on leveraging social media, boosting in-person book sales, and creating attention-driven marketing for authors eager to connect with readers and expand their reach. Join me for insights on turning your passion into a growing, engaged audience!

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane interview Chelle Honiker, co-founder of Indie Author Magazine, to discuss the parallels between Taylor Swift’s approach to her career and the world of indie authorship. The conversation dives into the transformative power of authenticity, setting boundaries, and building a supportive community for creatives. Chelle shares personal stories, including the importance of Taylor Swift’s music in her life, especially during challenging times, and reflects on the role of creativity as a means of connection and resilience. The discussion highlights how indie authors, like Swift, can take control of their narratives, embrace their unique voices, and cultivate a genuine relationship with their audience. Themes of mental health, constructive criticism, and navigating the demands of a creative career are woven throughout the episode, offering practical advice for authors. The episode underscores the value of indie publishing, community building, and the ever-evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital age. Key Takeaways: Personal challenges, such as family health issues, can influence and deepen an author's creative journey. Indie Author Magazine is dedicated to supporting writers in building successful careers. Taylor Swift’s music holds a powerful connection for Chelle and her family. The pandemic shifted how artists like Taylor Swift approached creative control and independence. Authenticity and vulnerability are essential in building a loyal audience as an author. Setting boundaries is key to protecting mental health within a demanding creative industry. Romance literature plays an essential role in connecting communities through storytelling. Constructive criticism can aid growth when approached with the right mindset. Building a supportive network and community is critical for indie authors’ long-term success. Indie authors today have more opportunities than ever to share their stories and connect with readers. Episode Breakdown: Harnessing Creativity: Lessons from Taylor Swift for Indie Authors Hosts Morgana Bevan and Emily Jane discuss the impact of Taylor Swift's lyrics and business strategies on authors' careers in the Romancing Like Swift podcast. They are joined by Shell Honaker, co-founder of IndieAuthorMagazine and other initiatives, to explore the profound influence of Taylor Swift on personal and professional growth. The episode covers themes of authenticity, collaboration, and creative control while touching on Swift's various eras and her strategic navigation of fame. They also delve into maintaining boundaries, handling criticism, and embracing the evolving landscape of independent storytelling. 00:31 Guest Introduction: Shell Honaker 01:12 Shell's Background and Achievements 01:44 Author Nation Conference Details 03:34 Taylor Swift's Influence and Eras 06:50 Taylor Swift's Collaborations and Creativity 12:18 Taylor Swift's Political Stance and Impact 20:08 The Power of Romance and Empathy 20:53 Men Reading Romance: Breaking Stereotypes 23:04 Legal Fun with Literary Questions 24:17 Challenges of Marketing Romance on TikTok 25:21 Taylor Swift's Balanced Approach to Advocacy 26:28 Lessons Authors Can Learn from Taylor Swift 27:19 The Importance of Owning Your Intellectual Property 27:36 Building a Trustworthy Team 28:58 Handling Criticism and Authenticity 31:35 Navigating Fame and Setting Boundaries 33:29 The Impact of Negative Reviews 36:06 Protecting Your Mental Health as an Author 48:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Our latest guest is J.T. Evans, fantasy, science fiction, and horror author and former president of Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group and Pikes Peak Writers. Today he brings his expertise and experience in both writing and gaming to help us dig into the nitty gritty of fantasy city building. When not writing, he keeps computers secure at the Day Job, spends time with his family, and plays way too many tabletop games. J.T. joined the Gnome Stew Crew in March of 2016. Since that time, he has written dozens of articles for the site and has earned three Gold ENnie awards (2016, 2017, and 2018) as part of the team at Gnome Stew. He is the author of the Modern Mythology and Flashing Blades series and is hastily working on more right now. In Part One, We Discuss: Writing fictional vs real-world cities and landmarks Establishing “anchor locations” and set points in your city Keeping it all straight - numbering and listing locations Map building Treating cities and setting as character Using history and real-world examples as inspiration Creating realism and giving fictional cities a soul Influences of economics, geography, and politics Resources and Guest Links: https://jtevans.net/ The Flashing Blades series: https://jtevans.net/publications/flashing-blades/ Modern Mythology series: https://jtevans.net/publications/modern-mythology/ Newsletter subscription: https://jtevans.net/about/contact/ Gnome Stew: https://gnomestew.com/ Join us in thanking JT! We’re fortunate to claim him as a writing colleague and a friend. We’re seriously grateful he lent us his expertise for this episode and loved digging into the nitty-gritty of city building with him. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

In this debut episode of the Plot Geek Academy Podcast, hosts Troy, Jenna, and CJ tackle a crucial question for aspiring authors: Who are you as a writer? As they introduce themselves and share personal stories, they discuss the foundational elements of their philosophy, built around the "Three C's"—Craft, Create, and Career. These pillars encompass everything from writing technique to production, publishing, and building a sustainable author career. The episode dives deep into the right-to-market approach, a strategy that encourages writers to find a balance between their creative passions and audience expectations, aiming for a fulfilling, market-savvy career without compromising authenticity. Each host shares their own journey of discovering preferred genres, evolving their voices, and navigating life changes—such as health challenges, family commitments, and balancing other careers—while remaining dedicated to their writing goals. This candid conversation highlights the importance of understanding your personal motivations, setting realistic goals, and making intentional career decisions. Whether you're a hobbyist or aiming to write full-time, the hosts encourage you to define success on your terms and offer insights on balancing passion with practical market demands. This episode is an inspiring start to exploring the complexities and rewards of a sustainable writing career.

Breakdown of social media and in person book sales for the week of October 28th.

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jayne sit down with returning guest Michael Evans to discuss the growing impact of the creator economy on authors. They explore how shifts in technology and social platforms are transforming traditional publishing models, empowering authors to become creator-entrepreneurs. Michael explains the journey from platform economies to creator-focused models, underscoring the importance of authors owning their audience data and fostering direct relationships with readers. The conversation provides actionable steps for authors to embrace this evolving landscape, like using direct sales and building an engaged email list to establish a sustainable, independent future. Michael also offers insights into emerging tools such as blockchain, generative AI, and their potential to redefine how books are distributed and monetized. The episode highlights the value of networks and communities, showing how authors can build stronger connections with readers, inspired by strategies used by figures like Taylor Swift and Jesse Cole. The hosts conclude with reflections on cultivating a creative career centered on both freedom and longevity. Key Takeaways: Embracing the creator economy can lead to a sustainable, independent author career. Direct sales and owning audience data empower authors and reduce reliance on platforms. Generative AI and blockchain technology may reshape future publishing. Building a network of readers is increasingly valuable, exemplified by Taylor Swift’s fanbase strategy. Authors should think beyond traditional publishing and consider themselves as creators. TikTok and social media algorithms heavily influence book sales, especially among younger readers. Audience demographics are shifting, with the fastest-growing reading demographic now over 50. Creative careers in the creator economy require a mindset shift toward ownership and sustainability. Building community and a strong author brand helps combat industry changes and platform fluctuations. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Romancing Like Swift 00:31 - Understanding the Creator Economy 01:30 - The Evolution of the Creator Economy 08:50 - Platform Economy vs. Creator Economy 15:19 - Direct Sales and Customer Behavior 19:40 - Future of Publishing and Blockchain 33:48 - The Power of Networks and Communities 36:56 - Taylor Swift: The Ultimate Network Queen 40:06 - The Power of Reader Recommendations 40:46 - TikTok’s Influence on Book Sales 41:51 - Social Media Algorithms’ Impact 44:22 - Reaching and Engaging Older Audiences 45:07 - Demographic Shifts in Reading Habits 48:01 - Technology’s Role in Reader Engagement 56:28 - Sustainable Careers in the Creator Economy 01:01:33 - Shifting the Author Mindset 01:09:45 - Balancing Success and Well-being 01:12:17 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

Our guest today is Tim Akers, author of more than ten (often genre-blending) fantasy novels and more short stories and novellas than we wanted to count. Tim was born in deeply rural North Carolina and is the last in a long line of telephony princes, tourist attraction barons, and gruff Scottish bankers. He moved to Chicago for college and stayed to pursue his lifelong obsession with apocalyptic winters. Author of series including the Spiritbinder Sag, the Burn Cycle Archives, and the Hallowed War books, Tim loves to write fantasy that blends elements of his favorite genres. Join us in learning about how to write a fantasy story in cyberpunk clothes. In Part Two, We Discuss: “Writing the other” and respecting varied viewpoints in your writing Defining and determining genre Viewing genre as a marketing tool Looking at tropes as parts already explored, vs strict guardrails Layering genre as world/setting and pacing/plot Writing to market vs writing what you love Writing stories that last Resources and Guest Links: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/timakers.bsky.social Twitter: https://twitter.com/TimAkers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.akers/ Reign of Dragons Kickstarter, featuring Tim’s short story Of the Wyrm: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jasmineyoungauthor/reign-of-dragons-illustrated-hardcover-anthology Neuromancer by William Gibson: https://www.amazon.com/Neuromancer-William-Gibson/dp/0441569595 Malifaux: https://www.wyrd-games.net/malifaux Huge thanks to Tim for joining us! He’s a great champion for writing stories you’re passionate about and bringing personal experiences and beliefs into speculative fiction. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

3 weeks into my social media growth journey, here are the results.

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane sit down with Damon Courtney from BookFunnel to explore the art of building a dedicated fanbase as an indie author, drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s remarkable connection with her superfans. Damon shares insights into creating a strong author brand, using direct sales to foster loyalty, and building meaningful connections with readers at every stage of their journey—from new readers to die-hard fans. Through relatable examples, Morgana, Emily, and Damon discuss tools like mailing lists, bonus content, and social media for deepening fan engagement, as well as collaborating with other authors to expand reach. The episode covers how to turn readers into loyal superfans through genuine interactions, exclusive rewards, and consistent communication. Damon also emphasizes the importance of indie publishing as a pathway for authors to take ownership of their intellectual property and brand, while learning to navigate both praise and criticism. The conversation wraps up with personal reflections on Taylor Swift’s ability to make fans feel special and a lighthearted discussion of favorite Swift songs and impactful song bridges. Key Takeaways: Building a fanbase starts with connecting with readers at various stages, from new fans to superfans. Direct sales and fostering community around your work are powerful tools for creating a dedicated audience. Indie publishing empowers authors to control their brand, share authentic stories, and take ownership of their work. Developing a genuine brand requires authors to connect with readers on a personal level. Mailing lists, social media, and bonus content help authors engage fans more deeply and make them feel valued. Collaborative efforts with other authors can help grow a collective fanbase. Embrace criticism constructively and focus on the positive impact of building a loyal community. Taylor Swift excels at making her fans feel special and brings joy through her performances, especially in her song bridges. Approach your work with authenticity and joy to resonate deeply with readers. Episode Breakdown: 00:31 – Meet Damon Courtney 01:28 – The Reader's Journey and Direct Sales 03:12 – Becoming a Superfan: A Personal Journey 11:16 – The Power of Community and Speculation 12:30 – The Indie Author Experience 21:15 – Building Your Author Brand 34:19 – The Importance of Owning Your Platform 34:27 – Building and Managing Your Mailing List 34:42 – Organic vs. Promotional Signups 37:29 – Engaging with Your Superfans 40:53 – Creating Bonus Content for Fans 49:09 – Collaborative Promotions and Kickstarters 52:29 – Handling Criticism and Building a Community 56:14 – Lessons from Taylor Swift’s Career 01:04:57 – Final Thoughts and Farewell

Our guest today is Tim Akers, author of more than ten (often genre-blending) fantasy novels and more short stories and novellas than we wanted to count. Tim was born in deeply rural North Carolina and is the last in a long line of telephony princes, tourist attraction barons, and gruff Scottish bankers. He moved to Chicago for college and stayed to pursue his lifelong obsession with apocalyptic winters. Author of series including the Spiritbinder Sag, the Burn Cycle Archives, and the Hallowed War books, Tim loves to write fantasy that blends elements of his favorite genres. Join us in learning about how to write a fantasy story in cyberpunk clothes. In Part One, We Discuss: Tim’s background–how he got into writing and first learned how to sell books Approaches to tackle blended genres Originality and creating new spins on classic tropes Incorporating themes into storytelling The importance of cosmology in speculative fiction The impacts of theology and personal beliefs on writing Resources and Guest Links: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/timakers.bsky.social Twitter: https://twitter.com/TimAkers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.akers/ Reign of Dragons Kickstarter, featuring Tim’s short story Of the Wyrm: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jasmineyoungauthor/reign-of-dragons-illustrated-hardcover-anthology Neuromancer by William Gibson: https://www.amazon.com/Neuromancer-William-Gibson/dp/0441569595 Huge thanks to Tim for joining us! He’s a great champion for writing stories you’re passionate about and bringing personal experiences and beliefs into speculative fiction. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

We look at faith and its impact on marketing. Spoiler: what you believe informs everything you do, and marketing is about translating what you believe into what other people do about you.

In this insightful episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane sit down with guest Michael Evans to discuss the powerful "Fans First" mindset and how authors can learn from Taylor Swift's approach to building genuine, lasting relationships with fans. They explore how prioritizing fans can lead to greater success and how storytelling plays a critical role in creating emotional connections. Drawing parallels with creatives like Taylor Swift, Jesse Cole of Savannah Bananas, and YouTuber Mark Rober, the conversation highlights the importance of adapting strategies, experimenting, and staying authentic. Michael and the hosts dive into key principles authors can adopt, such as balancing creativity with business strategies, embracing experimentation, and learning from mistakes. They reflect on the benefits of data-driven decisions and the value of continuously evolving in both creative and business aspects. Practical tips on how authors can engage their readers, meet fan expectations, and create a fulfilling creative journey are also discussed. Key Takeaways: Adopting a “Fans First” mindset is crucial for long-term creative success. Taylor Swift exemplifies the power of prioritizing fans through emotional connections and storytelling. Building strong relationships with fans fosters deeper engagement and loyalty. Authors should embrace experimentation to discover what works best for their audience. Simplicity in strategy can make engagement more effective and authentic. Nurturing genuine connections with fans is more valuable than chasing viral fame. Balancing personal creativity with fan expectations can lead to more satisfying work. Data-driven learning can enhance an author’s ability to meet audience needs. Embracing a continuous cycle of reinvention helps foster both creative and business growth. Success is about creating joy in the process of experimentation and connection. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift Podcast 00:57 – Introducing Michael Evans 03:02 – Understanding the Fans First Concept 05:31 – Taylor Swift's Approach to Fans First 06:46 – Savannah Bananas and Fans First Strategy 07:46 – Mark Rober’s Approach with Crunch Labs 08:41 – Crafting Your Unique Fans First Strategy 12:29 – The Importance of Meta Story in Engaging Fans 19:35 – Planning vs. Doing: Finding a Creative Balance 22:50 – Experimentation and Adaptability for Creatives 26:20 – The Importance of Audience Connection 26:58 – Learning from Early Mistakes in Your Creative Career 28:05 – The Reality of Using Market Data for Creative Success 28:39 – The Role of Experimentation and Iteration in Growth 31:23 – The YouTube Revelation: Lessons from Video Creators 31:54 – A New Approach to Publishing for Authors 33:13 – Balancing Creativity and Business Success 40:49 – The Continuous Cycle of Reinvention for Artists 46:47 – Final Thoughts and Reflections

Just what do you do with a PhD in the History of Science? Write novels–science fiction, urban fantasy, and thriller. Our guest today is Steve Ruskin, PhD. He’s the author of the nonfiction popular history novel America’s First Great Eclipse and countless academic writings, and also of the ExoRok Rebels science fiction series and Trina Piper magical thrillers. Steve’s unique background in academics and fiction give him great insight to author resources, creativity, and bringing character-driven fiction to life. In Part One, We Discuss: Painting targets around the points you want to hit in your plots On-location research and Detail writing, and using the five senses to set a scene Worldbuilding and story development in someone else’s shared universe Pulling story inspiration from history and integrating it into other genres Organization and juggling multiple projects Resources and Guest Links: Steve Ruskin: https://www.steveruskin.com/ Steve’s Newsletter: https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/f424f312-0fb9-11ee-938d-7f884ddf8bd0 America’s First Great Eclipse: https://www.amazon.com/Americas-First-Great-Eclipse-Scientists-ebook/dp/B0716GT8FH ExoRok Rebels: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1BMNQQ1 Trina Piper Thrillers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9KGPCSS Dean Wesley Smith workshops: https://deanwesleysmith.com/online-workshops/ Remnants of Empire anthology: https://www.amazon.com/Remnants-Empire-Ashes-Entecea-Book-ebook/dp/B0D52XCZ5D The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers: https://www.amazon.com/The-Anubis-Gates-Tim-Powers-audiobook/dp/B019G334ZO Huge thanks to Steve for coming over to record at our dining room table. We love being able to bring field specialists onto the show, and he’s no exception. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

In this episode of the Romancing Like Swift podcast, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane are joined by Becca Syme to dive into the challenges of handling criticism as an author and the impact it can have on emotional well-being. Drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s experiences, the conversation covers topics such as the influence of childhood trauma on handling criticism, the importance of self-acceptance, and the need to cultivate internal security and resilience. Morgana, Emma, and Becca explore how external criticism can affect an author’s internal peace, stressing the importance of distinguishing between content and the critic’s personal conditions. They also discuss the fallacy of equating success with external validation, encouraging authors to build careers grounded in emotional stability and personal fulfillment. Throughout the episode, Becca shares personal anecdotes, including her journey of embracing self-acceptance and processing grief through music. The conversation also addresses the role of parental influence, competition, and the myth of the “perfect product,” offering strategies for authors to navigate criticism with confidence. Key Takeaways: Criticism often reflects the internal struggles of the critic, rather than the content being criticized. Childhood trauma can influence how we respond to criticism, and addressing those wounds is key to building internal security. Self-acceptance and emotional resilience are essential for long-term success in the creative industry. Success in the writing industry is complex and can’t be reduced to external metrics; authors should focus on internal growth and fulfillment. Collaboration, community, and emotional growth play critical roles in handling criticism and competition. Processing grief through creative outlets like music can be a powerful form of healing. Learning to separate external opinions from personal worth is a vital step in achieving self-acceptance. Episode Breakdown: 00:42 Dealing with Criticism: Insights from Taylor Swift 02:56 Understanding the Source of Criticism 06:00 Personal Experiences with Criticism 14:30 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact 27:58 Navigating the Publishing Industry 51:45 The Futuristic Mindset 58:58 Using the Parental Voice 01:00:13 Separating Yourself from Futuristic 01:01:47 Deconstructing Fear and Embracing Hope 01:04:15 Applying Tools Across Different Life Areas 01:07:03 Criticism and Self-Regulation 01:17:25 Navigating Parental Influence and Self-Acceptance 01:27:40 The Role of Criticism in Artistic Growth 01:32:43 Music, Writing, and Personal Reflections

Just what do you do with a PhD in the History of Science? Write novels–science fiction, urban fantasy, and thriller. Our guest today is Steve Ruskin, PhD. He’s the author of the nonfiction popular history novel America’s First Great Eclipse and countless academic writings, and also of the ExoRok Rebels science fiction series and Trina Piper magical thrillers. Steve’s unique background in academics and fiction give him great insight to author resources, creativity, and bringing character-driven fiction to life. In Part One, We Discuss: Worldbuilding in historical and popular history writings Nonfiction worldbuilding and research Writing character-driven nonfiction Where to start historical research and how to reach out to professionals “Secret histories”: Finding the balance between historical accuracy and fictional liberties Maintaining a timeline and the differences between historical fiction and alternate history The Village Idiot Approach Resources and Guest Links: Steve Ruskin: https://www.steveruskin.com/ Steve’s Newsletter: https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/f424f312-0fb9-11ee-938d-7f884ddf8bd0 America’s First Great Eclipse: https://www.amazon.com/Americas-First-Great-Eclipse-Scientists-ebook/dp/B0716GT8FH ExoRok Rebels: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1BMNQQ1 Trina Piper Thrillers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9KGPCSS Extinction by Douglas Preston: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Extinction-A-Novel/dp/B0C31M5X6V Huge thanks to Steve for coming over to record at our dining room table. We love being able to bring field specialists onto the show, and he’s no exception. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

Elizabeth Lyons is the author of WRITE THE DAMN BOOK ALREADY, and host of a podcast by the same name. She offers a course for new and emerging authors called PUBLISH THE DAMN BOOK ALREADY, and for all my listeners, she's offering a 25% discount when you use the code AUTHOR25. Check it out here: https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/publish

No matter how good you are, if you can't figure out how to be everywhere all the time, you can't do amazing things. That's why I've gone all in on using Instagram to promote my novels. In this episode, I'm continuing to look at how I'm driving new follows, likes, shares, and comments on Instagram. I share what's worked, what's failed, and all the in between.

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emily Jane explore the creative and practical benefits of collaboration in the writing world, inspired by Taylor Swift’s selective partnerships on her album Tortured Poets Department. They dive into how collaborations, whether it’s co-writing books, creating shared worlds, or working with editors and cover designers, can fuel creativity, expand skill sets, and increase visibility for authors. Morgana and Emily discuss how important it is to find the right collaborators and establish clear expectations to foster strong, long-lasting creative relationships. They highlight the parallels between collaborations in the music industry and the writing world, showing how both can benefit from shared projects and cross-promotions. Additionally, they touch on strategies such as name-dropping and Easter eggs to engage readers and build a sense of community. The conversation wraps up with a fun “Kiss, Marry, Kill” segment, where the hosts reflect on some of their favorite Taylor Swift tracks and their personal resonance. Key Takeaways: Collaborations can fuel creativity, expand skill sets, and provide practical benefits such as increased visibility and shared workloads. Finding the right collaborators is crucial for successful partnerships, and relationships may evolve over time. Revisit themes and work with professionals like editors and cover designers to enhance the creative process. Collaborations in the music industry, such as co-writing and featuring artists, can be applied to the writing world through co-authorship and shared worlds. Establishing clear expectations and communication is vital when collaborating on creative projects. Cross-promotion strategies like name-dropping and Easter eggs can build a sense of community and expand an author’s readership. Collaborations require trust, flexibility, and the ability to handle feedback and criticism. Different types of collaborations bring unique perspectives and styles to a project, enriching the final outcome. Episode Breakdown: 00:31 – Taylor Swift’s Selective Collaborations 02:14 – The Benefits of Author Collaborations 04:45 – Creative Synergy and Skill Sharing 07:00 – The Emotional Support of Collaboration 11:23 – Mentorship and Learning from Others 19:48 – The Evolving Role of Editors and Producers 23:01 – Navigating the Writing Industry 27:20 – The Importance of Chemistry in Writing 28:03 – Choosing the Right Editor and Designer 29:47 – Collaborations and Co-Writing 31:54 – Shared Worlds and Cameos 44:34 – Cross-Promotion and Name Drops 46:23 – Tips for Finding a Co-Author 48:34 – Fun with Kiss, Marry, Kill 50:52 – Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Every novelist wants to see their writing on the silver screen. Too easy. Step one, convert your book into a screenplay… Today’s guest is James Fox. He’s been in the film industry for over 22 years and has worked just about every role you can imagine in the industry. We’ll discuss his unique entry point into novel writing. He wrote his first book, Sol Saga: Revolution after pitching the same series as a screenplay. So what’s the difference between building a script and world for the screen vs the page? Join us as we dig into the details of screenwriting, writing characters, and even a little bit about pitching a show or movie. In Part Two, We Discuss: Character-driven vs plot-driven narratives Why writing relatable characters bring audiences in and builds rapport Character motivation Character internalizations on the screen vs the page Escapism as an author and a reader Writing plots and character arcs that satisfy readers Pitch decks and a few basic steps for writers interested in starting screenplays Resources and Guest Links: James Fox: https://thejamesfox.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thejamesbfoxx/ The Sol Saga trilogy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRZ7QXW7?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_sirpi In Darkness Dwells: https://www.amazon.com/d/B0969MBHV2 We’re privileged to share a publishing company and friendship with James. When we found out he was also hosting a Book Career Network podcast, we knew we had to do a collaboration! Check out his show, Ink & Effort, that releases every Friday! Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

An authentic look at how to use Instagram to gain attention for your art.

Every novelist wants to see their writing on the silver screen. Too easy. Step one, convert your book into a screenplay… Today’s guest is James Fox. He’s been in the film industry for over 22 years and has worked just about every role you can imagine in the industry. We’ll discuss his unique entry point into novel writing. He wrote his first book, Sol Saga: Revolution after pitching the same series as a screenplay. So what’s the difference between building a script and world for the screen vs the page? In Part One, We Discuss: The main differences in screenplay and novel expectations Expectation vs reality in writing your first novel Working in a writers room vs co-writing vs solo writing experiences Balancing creativity with more business-minded goals and benchmarks Worldbuilding focus and motivating concepts for writing In-depth research, handwavium, and their roles in science fiction Utilizing field professionals for research The seven degrees of Kevin Bacon Resources and Guest Links: James Fox: https://thejamesfox.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thejamesbfoxx/ The Sol Saga trilogy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRZ7QXW7?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_sirpi In Darkness Dwells: https://www.amazon.com/d/B0969MBHV2 We’re privileged to share a publishing company and friendship with James. When we found out he was also hosting a Book Career Network podcast, we knew we had to do a collaboration! Check out his show, Ink & Effort, that releases every Friday! Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

In this episode, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emily Jane explore the lessons authors can take away from Taylor Swift's latest album, Tortured Poets Department. They dive into the emotional depth of the album and its connection to storytelling, discussing how Swift balances market demands with her personal creative expression. The conversation highlights the differences between traditional and indie publishing, emphasizing the freedom and flexibility indie authors enjoy. Morgana and Emily also delve into the anthology format of the album and how it allows for a wide range of emotions, similar to crafting layered characters in novels. Literary references and Easter eggs are explored as tools for engaging readers and fans on a deeper level. They wrap up with a fun "Kiss, Marry, Kill" segment, where they analyze their favorite songs from the album. Takeaways: Tortured Poets Department offers valuable insights for authors on emotional depth and creative freedom. Indie publishing allows for more personal expression compared to the traditional route. The anthology format mirrors the diverse emotional journeys of characters in storytelling. Balancing market expectations with personal voice is key for authors. Swift's use of Easter eggs and literary references creates an interconnected universe for listeners and readers. Crafting powerful narratives takes time, experience, and emotional authenticity. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Romancing Like Swift 00:10 Meet Your Hosts: Morgana and Emily 00:14 Taylor Swift's Influence on Authors 00:34 Processing Tortured Poets Department 00:50 Lessons from Tortured Poets Department 01:05 Introduction of Hosts and Their Backgrounds 03:57 The Impact of Folklore Era 04:55 Trad Publishing vs Indie Publishing 09:15 Taylor Swift's Evolution in Music 15:01 The Freedom of Indie Publishing 15:42 Connecting with Readers and Markets 16:11 Taylor Swift's Emotional Journey 19:00 The Craft of Songwriting and Storytelling 25:14 Relating to Taylor Swift's Music 28:06 Taylor Swift's Work Ethic and Reworking the Show 29:32 Easter Eggs and Song Connections 30:27 Literary References and Educating a Generation 33:13 Creating Universes in Music and Literature 41:26 Kiss, Marry, Kill: Song Choices 46:59 Episode 13: Special Mentions and Wrap-Up

What do shoes, cephalopods, and tea have in common? They’re all some of today’s guest’s favorite things. We’re pleased to introduce the one and only Gail Carriger: multiple NYT bestselling author of urban fantasy, steampunk, supernatural, science fiction, and non-fiction. Gail’s background as an archaeologist has helped shape her worldbuilding, and her insights to crafting character and setting are uniquely insightful. How do you write a hug, make readers laugh, and keep them tearing through the pages? What makes a long-running joke or a character feel like your best friend? Get ready to take notes as Gail’s gives us tips and tales ranging from witty banter in fiction, Firefly stories, and author business advice. In Part Two, We Discuss: Writers as fans and author behavior The evolution of worldbuilding across a series, and using worldbuilding as a pacing tool Using food in SFF genres Giving new functions to existing forms in alternate history and steampunk: historical customs, fashion, and technology The Heroine’s Journey Building your worlds and stories around personal passions Resources and Guest Links: Gail’s upcoming events: https://gailcarriger.com/upcoming-events/ The Heroine’s Journey: https://gailcarriger.com/books/hj/ Gail’s fiction: https://gailcarriger.com/books/ Pre-order for The Dratsie Dilemma, the latest book in the San Andrea Shifters series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DG9CWGPL 20 Minute Delay Podcast: https://gailcarriger.com/books/20mindelay/ Reading Glasses Podcast: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/reading-glasses/ Gail was such a phenomenal guest! We’re so grateful she gave us her time for this awesome interview. We had so much fun recording, and we hope you got as much out of this episode as we did. Host Links: H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

The Magic Bullet to success exists, and if you don't work hard, you are sure to never find it.

In this episode of the Romancing Like Swift podcast, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane are joined by Becca Syme to discuss the valuable lessons authors can draw from Taylor Swift’s career. The conversation centers around emotional regulation, sustaining a long-term creative career, and building meaningful relationships with readers. Becca offers insights on how authors can reduce burnout, create supportive environments, and focus on internal joy rather than external pressures. The hosts and Becca explore the difference between temporary relief and true happiness, emphasizing the need to cultivate emotional well-being throughout an author’s career. They also discuss how Taylor Swift’s emotional intelligence, ability to connect with her fans, and capacity to navigate the challenges of a high-profile creative career can serve as inspiration for authors looking to create a sustainable writing journey. Key Takeaways: Emotional Regulation: Taylor Swift exemplifies emotional regulation, and authors can learn from her ability to manage stress and stay grounded. Burnout Prevention: Authors need to develop strategies to prevent burnout and sustain their careers over the long term. Fan Connection: Like Taylor Swift, authors should build deep, lasting relationships with their readers, creating “super fans.” Quality Over Quantity: In a saturated market, focusing on quality and authenticity will help authors stand out. Sustainability: Finding a balance between creative work and emotional health is essential for career longevity. Community & Belonging: Creating a sense of community is crucial for authors, both in terms of reader engagement and personal support networks. Joy in Writing: Finding joy in the writing process should be a priority for all authors, fostering creativity and resilience. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift Podcast 00:31 – Guest Introduction: Becca Syme 02:57 – Understanding Author Burnout 05:21 – Taylor Swift’s Emotional Regulation and Lessons for Authors 09:36 – Taylor Swift as a Creative Trailblazer 21:05 – The Importance of Foundational Relationships 26:27 – Navigating the Saturated Book Market 33:12 – The Reality of Author Sustainability 48:20 – The Need for Belonging and Community 50:14 – Creating Super Fans and Reader Loyalty 50:36 – Exploring the Archetypes Continuum 52:08 – Superstar vs. Sandbox Platforms 55:24 – Identifying Your Unique Platform 01:01:35 – Sustainability and Burnout in the Writing Industry 01:10:24 – Questioning Expectations as an Author 01:21:22 – Finding Joy in Writing and Creativity 01:23:32 – Emotional Regulation and Lasting Happiness 01:26:54 – Hosts' Favorite Taylor Swift Songs