Iron Age Marketing

Fair warning: I recorded this episode half-dead with a throat full of lozenges. Luke said it felt like I was about to break into Freddie Mercury. He's not wrong. The show must go on. Luke Tatum is my business partner, longtime friend, and co-host over at Between the Lies - a financial podcast for people who are tired of every headline being the end of the world. He runs Perfect Spiral Capital, wrote a book called Between the Lies: How to Reclaim Your Future from the Banks and Wall Street (subtitle courtesy of yours truly, he admits), and has been in my orbit long enough that I've watched him struggle through an interview, decide he needed to fix it, and then actually fix it. That's rare. We've been trying to get this episode on the books for six months. We have weekly meetings. Still couldn't get it scheduled until today. Nobody is immune to the booking problem, folks. Here's what we get into: The interview show that didn't work. Luke launched The Price of Time - a show about transformative entrepreneurial moments. Great concept, terrible for his workflow. Inconsistent guests, time zones, audio quality issues, and zero predictability killed the momentum. He shut it down. The show we built together. We stripped out all the variables. Same people, same time, same format every week. Luke and his team cover one financial topic - current events filtered through Austrian economics - in 20-30 minutes. Commute-sized, bite-sized, no prep hell required. The parasocial sales funnel. Luke's had clients come to their first phone call having already watched 20-30 hours of his content. They know him. He doesn't know them yet. That's the relationship math podcasting enables that no cold email ever will. The 2008 problem. Every headline is "2008 all over again." Luke's whole mission at Perfect Spiral Capital is cutting through financial noise and handing people a few actual principles they can actually use. That's it. Simple. Hard to find elsewhere. Why I pushed him to be weirder. Luke was so focused on being taken seriously as a financial guy that the gamer, the economics nerd, the kooky dude who makes YouTube videos about whether Valve is a monopoly - that version of him wasn't getting airtime. The podcast gave us a foundation to build on so we could start letting that stuff out. Ready, fire, aim. Luke's best advice for anyone thinking about starting a podcast: just do it. Your first episode is going to be bad. That's fine. The only way to get to episode 30 is to get episode 1 out of the way. The big thing I want you to take from this episode: podcasting is a content machine. One episode becomes highlight clips, emails, social posts, YouTube content. It keeps you top of mind on a schedule instead of whenever you can "get to it." Luke's got 30 episodes up. That's 15 hours of him talking, thinking, and demonstrating expertise before a stranger has ever dialed his number. If you're a financial advisor, a coach, a consultant - anyone in a relationship-driven business - this is the episode to send to your skeptical business partner. Find Luke at Perfect Spiral Capital and his book Between the Lies on Amazon. If podcasting still feels like a leap you're not ready to take, you know where to find me.

Welcome to Episode 005. Stephanie Bloom runs Walk With Me Conversations - a podcast that's absolutely not about small talk. She's going into season three with about 130 guests under her belt, and she just published a book today. (Literally today, as we're recording this.) Here's what makes Stephanie's story different: She grew up downwind of a nuclear munitions plant that didn't dispose of waste properly. Streams, creeks, playgrounds, flower beds - all contaminated. Families succumbing to illness. Brain tumors. Sudden death. She lost nearly three dozen people in her life to suicide. That's not a light origin story for a business podcast. But here's the thing - people who've actually dealt with and resolved their big stuff come out the other side with wisdom and a wicked sense of humor. That's what Stephanie discovered after 130 conversations. Her format: First 15 minutes, childhood and family structure. Next 15, the big trauma or theme. Next 15, how they overcame it and what they learned. Last 15, they share whatever they want - their content, their work, their way to connect. Here's what we dig into: The unexpected business impact. Stephanie started the podcast and landed a 35-hour-a-week sales role a few months later. Podcasting prepared her for being on video constantly. Now it's second nature. The dopamine hit of novelty. Her brain is wired so that every new conversation gives her a dopamine reward. That's what keeps her coming back for 130+ episodes. The worldview expansion. She talks to people worldwide. Struggles vary from culture to culture. It's broadened her perspective in ways she couldn't have predicted. Single serving friends. If you know Fight Club, you know the reference. One opportunity with each guest. She's not talking about the weather - she wants to know what moved them, what changed them, what they struggled through and overcame. From podcast to book. Time and time again, different methods worked for different people. Healing isn't linear or one-size-fits-all. The book isn't recycled content - it's a jumping off point, backed by studies and clinical trials, accessible for both laypeople and professionals. The financial reality. It pays the mortgage. Not retirement money, but better than nothing. And when you're doing work that matters to you, that's enough to keep going. What stuck with me: Stephanie doesn't get starstruck easily, but she's interviewed doctors, lawyers, paraplegics, people who've been set on fire. What they've overcome amazes her every single time. She's finally at the point where she feels it's good enough to scale. Three years in, 130 guests, ironclad processes - now she's ready to grow. Oh, and she owns like 80 URLs but doesn't have one for the book yet. That's the marketing conversation we need to have. Website Referenced: WalkWithMeConversations.com

Welcome to Episode 004. Lance Cayko has been podcasting longer than almost anyone I know in the business space. Almost nine years now with Inside the Firm. That's not a typo. He's an architect with F9 Productions out in Denver-Boulder, running a vertically integrated empire: architecture company, contracting company, real estate development. His wife's a realtor. It's like everyone in the ecosystem gets paid for every part of the building process. But here's what makes Lance's story hit different: He grew up in a town of 500 people in Northwest North Dakota. First person in his entire family to graduate with a bachelor's degree. Native American heritage. And when the media started pushing this defeatism narrative that the American Dream is dead, he looked around at what he built and said, "I am the American Dream." That's why he started the podcast. Here's what we dig into: The seven-year mark. Lance hit year seven in his architecture business - the point where you've officially survived the incubator period. Most businesses fail before that. He looked around and thought, "We gotta tell our story." The slog that pays. Lance calls it a "beautiful slog" - like a deep hike with a reward at the end. Started with one Friday show, then added Monday Morning Coffee inspired by Bill Burr. Now he's turning away more guests than he accepts. Pod Match changed everything. Real monetization. Dell sponsored them for two years and bought their entire staff laptops. Corporate sponsors pay their office mortgage. They sell courses like Revit Rocketship and the Architect to Builder course. Now they're considering appearance fees because demand is so high. The authority effect. When potential clients Google him, there are hours of content showing exactly who they're getting in bed with. In an industry where people move to Colorado and don't know anybody, that transparency wins. The network leverage play. Bring on local engineers, realtors, people you want to network with. Give them a spotlight. Pick their brain. They feel like celebrities and remember you when referrals come their way. Competitors as collaborators. Lance met a competitor who beat him for an award, took her to lunch, realized they were complementary not competitive, and got three big jobs from her referrals this year. What stuck with me: The more positivity, openness, and truth you put out there, the more the universe reciprocates. Call it God, call it the universe, call it whatever noun you need. But it seems to work. Oh, and Lance has a fishing YouTube channel. Colorado's number one fishing content. Because of course he does. Websites Referenced: - https://www.insidethefirmpodcast.com/ - https://f9productions.com/ - https://revitrocketship.teachable.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/@fishingwithlance - https://podmatch.com/

Welcome to Episode 003 Dave Gulas runs a logistics company. Third-party fulfillment, warehousing, transportation - the kind of business you'd never guess could use a podcast. That's exactly why I wanted to talk to him. Dave's the president and co-founder of EZDC 3PL. When he started his founder journey, the biggest help came from conversations with other entrepreneurs going through the same thing. So he thought: what if those conversations were public? The audience benefits, the guest gets exposure, and it creates evergreen content. From idea to first published episode? Less than 30 days. No equipment. No background. Just started. Two years later, his show Beyond Fulfillment is ranked in the top 2% globally with over 200 episodes. He went from a 5% acceptance rate (asking 20 people for every yes) to having a waiting list of 5-10 people weekly asking to be on. Here's what we dig into: The logistics puzzle. In an industry with 10,000+ faceless, nameless three PLs, having the founder out there interviewing successful entrepreneurs and providing value changes everything. When your clients are trusting you with their entire inventory - their livelihood - that visibility builds credibility before you ever have a sales conversation. The digital handshake. People know, like, and trust you before you've done any work. That parasocial relationship puts you three steps ahead in sales because the trust is already built. Broad beats narrow. Dave interviews founders across all industries - pre-launch to multiple exits. The best business lessons often come from industries you'd never expect. You don't have to be in the same space to learn something valuable. The bond of storytelling. Everyone wants to be heard. When guests share their journey - the dark nights, the failures, the pivots - something happens. Dave's had guests tell stories they've never shared on any other podcast. That creates a friendship that lasts beyond the episode. Celebrate your own progress. One of the best lessons from 200+ conversations: don't compare yourself to someone 20 steps ahead on social media. Stories of people going to the depths of despair and coming back through perseverance and resilience - those hit different than Instagram highlights. The messenger matters as much as the message. Clichés are clichés because they're true. But 30 people can tell you the same thing, and only one will make it stick because that's the person you resonate with. What stuck with me: Dave's the last person you'd expect to start a podcast. No knowledge, no equipment, no background. Just started. Kept doing it. The world's a mucky place sometimes. Podcasting builds relationships that leave you walking away thinking "that was an awesome person, my life is enriched for knowing them." That positivity compounds. Want to check out what Dave's doing? Beyond Fulfillment is available everywhere podcasts live. Website Referenced: Beyond Fulfillment Podcast & EZDC 3PL @ https://davegulas.com/

Welcome to Episode 002 of the reboot. Last week I had my competitor on. This week? One of my actual clients. Susie St. Angelo runs SOS for Your Life - a health and wellness podcast that's been going strong for over a year now. She's a recovering banker turned health coach, and six years ago when her daughter-in-law and niece suggested she start a podcast, she was terrified. Now she's knocking out episodes quarterly, building relationships that matter, and doing it all without ever watching her own content. (Neither do I, for the record. Ain't nobody got time for that.) Here's what we dig into: The expectation versus reality problem. Susie thought podcasting would attract hundreds of thousands of listeners and flood her health coaching business with clients. Instead? It became a creative outlet for sharing knowledge and building genuine relationships. The goal shifted from mass appeal to meaningful impact. The Circle of Life approach. Her podcast covers everything from hypnotherapy to spirituality to finances - all the things that affect health beyond just diet and exercise. That broad approach attracts different people at different times, which is exactly the point. Why being on camera is scarier than talking to clients. Even as a coach who talks to people for a living, Susie was nervous about recording. The difference? Permanence. But once she committed, she just let it evolve organically. The generational divide on podcasting. Her traditional family doesn't quite get it. Her younger relatives and friends are all in. But here's the thing - her friends toot her horn better than she does herself. (Note to Susie: toot more.) The joy factor. This isn't a moneymaker for her. It's fun. It's joyful. She bulk records quarterly, has a system that works, and doesn't overthink it. That's sustainability right there. Why over-preparation kills conversations. She mentioned the shortest podcast conversation that never made it to air - bored out of her mind because she'd already read everything about the guest. Now she keeps some standard questions but lets things flow organically. What stuck with me most: She's starting year two and never would've guessed she'd make it this far. That's real growth. Not the "I hit 100K downloads" kind, but the "I built something sustainable that brings me joy and serves people" kind. The relationships she's built through podcasting - bringing guests back for second and third conversations, making referrals, staying connected - that's the actual ROI nobody talks about when they're selling you on podcasting as a business strategy. Life's too short to work with clients you don't like. Find your people, build something real, and stop worrying about whether your hair looks perfect on camera. Want to check out what Susie's doing? SOS for Your Life is available everywhere podcasts live. Websites Referenced: SOS for Your Life Podcast (available on all major platforms) Susan St. Angelo Coaching LLC (Facebook)

Welcome to the reboot. After two years talking to authors, I'm shifting Iron Age Marketing toward the people I actually want to work with: coaches, creatives, and business owners using podcasting to build authority and generate real leads. And what better way to kick off Season 2 than by bringing on the competition? Vince Quinn runs SBX Productions. He does exactly what I do - podcast production for small businesses. Sports talk radio background, national shows, the whole nine yards. Meanwhile, I come from music, Dungeons & Dragons, and Magic: The Gathering. We could not be more different. And that's exactly the point. The word gets overused, but there's no escaping it right now: authenticity. It's the only thing that matters when you can't compete with Pepsi's billion-dollar advertising budget. When Vince talks sports radio, my eyes glaze over. When I mention Magic: The Gathering, he's probably thinking "what kind of weird person does the exact same job I do?" But that's why we both have businesses. My people aren't his people. His background attracts a completely different client than mine does. Here's what we dig into: The signal to noise ratio. The best thing podcasting gives you is the ability to put out an honest signal. Not the polished corporate BS. Not the Walmart version of your personality. The real you, with all the nuances and failures and things that make you human. Why pop music is designed to make you like it. Heavy rotation triggers familiarity in your brain. Familiarity breeds fondness. That's the Pepsi model - play it until people accept it. But when you're a small business? You can't afford that. You need the 10,000 true fans who find you authentic and stick around forever. The depth problem. Most people aren't pushed to examine why they think what they think. Vince's example: you need to explain what the letter A is in detail when you're a true expert. The most basic thing to you is mind-blowing for someone else. Marketing has flipped. The old model was surface-level - smile, wave, sell, move on. That only works when you have a war chest. Now? You need to be everywhere organically. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify. The only way to cut through is genuine voice. Both of us came from dying industries. Radio was hemorrhaging jobs when we got into it. We both saw the writing on the wall and jumped into something we barely understood - running an actual business. Five years later? The podcast production space is getting crowded because more people see the value. But there's room for all of us because we're all attracting different clients based on who we actually are. If you have any personality and willingness to market yourself, saying no to podcasting is nuts. Want to check out what Vince is doing? FreePodcastHelp.com - best URL I've ever seen. Otherwise, welcome to Season 2. Let's build something real. Website Referenced: FreePodcastHelp.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Melissa J Cave, author of the fantasy novel Traitor's Son. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Melissa J Cave Melissa J Cave is a project manager and a veteran who has spent most of her life traveling, first as a military brat and then in the Air Force and Department of Defense. She has always been fascinated by new places, cultures, languages, and history, and there is no better place to indulge that interest than in fantasy writing. She currently lives in Virginia, where she is failing to grow strawberries for the third year running. Exploring Fantasy Writing with Military Veteran Melissa J Cave In this first of three segments of episode 51 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with guest Melissa J Cave, a military veteran and debut author, to discuss her new fantasy series 'Traitor Son: First Book of the Empire of the Stars.' Melissa shares her background as a 'military brat' and soldier, and how these experiences have informed her writing. They delve into the misconception that military discipline stifles creativity and discuss the importance of diverse life experiences in storytelling. Melissa also talks about the themes in her series, such as post-war promises and hope, in contrast to the grimdark genre. With six books written before publishing the first, Melissa explains the advantages of completing an entire series ahead of time for tighter storytelling. The Intersection of Romance, Family, and Marketing: An Author's Journey In this second of three segments of episode 51 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P & author Melissa J Cave dive into the writing and marketing journey of an experienced author who has been crafting stories since childhood. Beginning with a simple romance idea in 2019, the story expanded into a multi-book family saga, including elements of action and politics. The author discusses the importance of romance in storytelling, particularly in appealing to male readers. She shares insights on marketing strategies, using platforms like Net Galley and Book Sirens to gather feedback and generate buzz. The episode also covers building an audience through email lists and maintaining an online presence, focusing on marketing primarily to romance readers. Navigating Self-Publishing and Gender Dynamics in Historical Fantasy Literature with Melissa J Cave In this third and final segment of episode 51 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest Melissa J Cave., who discusses her unique approach to writing fantasy literature, focusing on realistic character development and gender roles in historical contexts. The conversation explores Melissa's decision to self-publish her books, driven by a desire to maintain creative control and effectively target different audiences on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Melissa further delves into how she handles negative reviews, the limitations of traditional publishing, and the importance of showcasing the complementary roles of men and women in her medieval city-building narrative. Hopefully, today's episode with Melissa J Cave serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Melissa J Cave Resources & Extra Media https://melissajcave.com/ https://geni.us/traitorson-global (Amazon link) Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to C S Johnson, genre-defying novelist of multiple young adult series'. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator C S Johnson C. S. Johnson is the award-winning, genre-hopping author of several novels, including young adult sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, and the Divine Space Pirates trilogy. With a gift for sarcasm and an apologetic heart, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family. Navigating Indie Publishing with Author C. S. Johnson In this first of three segments of episode 50 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with guest C. S. Johnson as she shares her extensive experience in writing, discussing her journey from vanity press beginnings in 2007 to crafting a vast collection of 40 books and multiple audiobooks. She delves into her strategies for maintaining creative control, her perspectives on traditional versus indie publishing, and the importance of genres in making money as a writer. The conversation also touches on balancing being a homeschool mom with writing, the challenges of staying disciplined, and the need for hopeful characters in fiction. Don't miss insights into her favorite genres, particularly romance, and her views on the evolving landscape of modern storytelling. The Power of Independent Writing & Crowdfunding: A Conversation on Creativity In this second of three segments of episode 50 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P & author C S Johnson discuss the significance of the "Iron Age" ethos coined by RazörFist and how it benefits all writers, regardless of political leanings. The dialogue touches upon the downsides of the 'story by committee' approach and why individual creativity matters. The conversation highlights Brandon Sanderson's remarkable Kickstarter success, underscoring the potential of self-publishing. They delve into the importance of character connection in storytelling and the emerging popularity of graphic novels among younger readers. The discussion wraps up with insights on the critical role of family support and the value of investing in one's creative vision, despite the associated financial risks. Navigating Your First Book Release: Insights for Aspiring Authors In this third and final segment of episode 50 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest C S Johnson her advice for authors who are gearing up to release their first book. They discuss common pitfalls to avoid, such as lack of passion and poor character development, emphasizing the importance of writing what you believe in. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by new authors, comparisons with established names like Stephen King, and the significance of creating relatable protagonists. The speaker also reflects on their own journey, including lessons learned from their initial publication and the influence of cultural phenomena like Marvel and Harry Potter on their writing. The discussion concludes with thoughts on staying true to oneself and engaging with social media in the post-COVID era. Hopefully, today's episode with C S Johnson serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. C S Johnson Resources & Extra Media https://www.csjohnson.me https://www.substack.com/@writercsjohnson https://www.x.com/writercsjohnson https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/writercsjohnson/slumbering-the-starlight-chronicles-1-the-graphic-novel Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Joseph Battaglia, novelist, IT professional and writer of The Dunce Whisperer. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Joseph Battaglia Joseph Battaglia started writing shortly after being medically discharged from the Marine Corps for a vascular disorder resulting from lifting too many weights and being entirely too swole. His normal human body wasn't capable of withstanding the weight that his soul was capable of lifting. This condition led to the removal of one of his ribs. It's interesting to think that Adam the first person had also been removed of a single rib. Adam was created in the image of God which is just something interesting to think about, not drawing any conclusions. Joseph's first book was Planet of Babel: Dawn Edge. Perhaps the most intelligent Sci-Fi book ever penned. Some individuals claim it's the book Einstein wished he'd wrote. Fun fact, Albert Einstein was a late talker and didn't say his first word till he was three. Joseph was four when he started talking. Some people may draw the conclusion that talking late correlates to intelligence. Who knows? Probably though. Joseph Battaglia has worked in the I.T. field since 2011. Dealing with customers has always been painful for him to say the least. Now his horror for the past ten-plus years has been converted into the perfect story for you to be able to experience the same pain. An Interview with Jarhead, Author and IT Professional, Joseph Battaglia In this first of three segments of episode 48 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with guest, writer, Joseph Battaglia, an Italian-American from New Jersey with a background in the Marine Corps and over a decade of IT experience. Joseph discusses his transition to civilian life, his work in the government sector, and his passion for writing. He shares insights into his creative process, the role his wife plays as a co-author, and the humorous approach he takes to promote his books. The episode delves into the making of his latest book trailer and the persona he adopted for marketing purposes. Joseph also touches on the differences between his previous works in sci-fi grim dark and his current project in comedy fantasy. Exploring Fantasy Comedy Writing with Author Joseph Battaglia In this second of three segments of episode 48 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P & Joseph Battaglia talk about the unique approach in writing comedy within a fantasy setting. Battaglia shares insights into the premise of his new book, describing it as 'Harry Potter meets Office Space,' and how it integrates magical tools in a bureaucratic fantasy world. They touch upon the importance of audience connection, relatable character experiences, and the balance of humor and narrative in writing. The discussion also highlights the target audience, the impact of customer service experiences on character development, and the importance of research, especially in genres like sci-fi. Embracing Humor and Self-Awareness: An Interview with AuthorJoseph Battaglia In this third and final segment of episode 48 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest, Joseph Battaglia, his approach to creating a character that embodies self-awareness and stupidity. Joseph elaborates on the importance of being able to laugh at oneself, his YouTube persona, and the significance of developing a strong author identity to connect with the audience. They touch on the evolving nature of publishing and marketing in the digital age, the role of social media in building a following. The conversation concludes with reflections on the charm of being 'lovably stupid' and the journey of character development. Hopefully, today's episode with Joseph Battaglia serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Joseph Battaglia Resources & Extra Media https://mailchi.mp/7ad1665776e0/tale-of-the-dunce-whisperer https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeDktB7GM6ok8tmWuzO73FA More when I get the book live Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Hannah Parry, a trained pediatric nurse and thriller writer. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Hannah Parry Hannah Parry trained as a pediatric nurse and then did a master's in creative writing at Birkbeck College, University of London. She has had four short stories published. Farrukh and the Matchmaker made the longlist of the BBC Short Story Award 2021. The Chrysalis was awarded a Pushcart Prize nomination in 2021. She does beta reading for established authors and was part of the editorial team on Mechanics' Institute Review Short Story Anthology in 2018. Hannah has written two middle-grade historical thrillers - Winter's Bite and Fever Quest - and two commercial fiction novels which she will publish as H.P. Parry. She developed Breathing for Both of Us, a psychological thriller, on the Curtis Brown Creative course in London and it was published in December 2023. The Baby Exchange, an upmarket fiction manuscript will be published in December 2024. An Insight into Self-Publishing with Hannah Parry In this first of three segments of episode 48 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with guest, writer, Hannah Parry, who has self-published multiple books, including middle-grade historical fiction thrillers and adult commercial psychological fiction. Hannah discusses her journey from attempting the traditional publishing routes to embracing self-publishing, the advantages of faster release times and higher royalties, and shares some of her personal and professional background, including her experiences as a nurse and her process of finding her readers. The conversation highlights the challenges and nuances of both traditional and self-publishing in today's literary landscape. Writing, Editing, and Horror: A Conversation with Author H P Parry In this second of three segments of episode 48 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P & Hannah Parry discuss her previous output as well as current projects including her upcoming release 'The Baby Exchange,' scheduled for this month. The conversation explores the themes of her new book, including reality TV and the challenges of young adulthood but shifts quickly to the importance of appropriate endings in horror storytelling, with Nicky P referencing some of his favorites like 'The Mist' and authors such as Clive Barker. The author also lets us into her transition from writing for younger audiences to commercial women's thrillers. We're all pretty sure this is the first guest to describe what they do as commercial anything. Navigating Personal Writing and Cancel Culture With Hanna Parry In this third and final segment of episode 48 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest, Hannah Parry, how personal experiences have shaped her writing. They muse over the balance between sharing personal elements in writing and the constraints of maintaining a public persona, particularly in light of the current political climate and cancel culture. The dialogue explores the use of pen names to protect identity, the role of honesty in connecting with audiences, and creative ways to market oneself while staying true to one's values. Hannah weighs in with her opinion on some of the strategies employed by previous guests including email marketing and the creative use of character personas to engage with readers. Hopefully, today's episode with Hannah Parry serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Hannah Parry Resources & Extra Media hannahparry.com amazon.com/stores/Hannah-Parry/author/B008ZNCZ3Y goodreads.com/author/show/6550520.Hannah_Parry Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Brian Menard, owner and lead writer for Dojo Kun Comics. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Brian Menard Brian Menard, is the owner and lead writer for Dojo Kun Comics, as well as a Certified Fraud Examiner, a Certified Internal Auditor, a Certified Internal Controls Auditor, Certified in Risk Management Assurance and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist. He is additionally a member of the civilian arm of the FBI (InfraGARD) and a frequent contributor to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). He has been collecting comics for over 50 years and has been writing them since 2012. Navigate the Comic Book Industry with Fraud Examiner Brian Menard: CG Controversy and Indie Success In this first of three segments from episode 47 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P interviews Brian Menard, owner of Dojo Kun Comics and a professional fraud examiner. Brian shares his journey balancing a day job with his passion for publishing comic books, an interest rooted in classics from the silver and bronze age of comics. The conversation covers the intersection of his fraud examination career with comic book storytelling, intriguing crime narratives, and the challenges faced in the comic book industry. Brian also talks about his involvement with the controversial group ComicsGate, his experiences with crowdfunding, and the importance of maintaining an independent stance in the indie comic community. He concludes with insights into the stigmas and rewards of being part of the CG community. Navigating NewPub: The ComicsGate Challenge and The Golden Handcuffs of Indie Comics In this second of three segments from episode 47 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P & guest Brian Menard dive into the complexities and dynamics of the ComicsGate (CG) community, discussing the challenges faced by indie comic creators outside the CG 'club.' The conversation highlights the disparity in reach and support between core CG members and others, emphasizing the importance of owning one's audience through email lists. The guest shares personal experiences with well-known CG figures, the struggle of balancing a day job with comic creation, and reflections on the industry's drama and sustainability. Insightful commentary on the economic realities of crowdfunding and market pricing in the comic book industry round out the discussion. Sustainability Challenges to Crowdfunding: Indie Comic Book Publishing's Future With Brian Menard In this third and final segment of episode 47 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest Brian Menard delve into the sustainability issues surrounding crowdfunding comic books. They discuss the economic challenges tied to production costs, irregular release schedules, and the high prices of crowdfunded comics, which often include additional and unnecessary items like stickers and posters. As the nation faces an economic downturn, both Brian & Nicky P emphasize the importance of building an organic audience and developing alternative strategies for distribution and where they fit into the evolution of the comic book ecosystem, the importance of marketing and the complexities creators face in balancing multiple roles. Hopefully, today's episode with Brian Menard serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Brian Menard Resources & Extra Media dojokuncomics.wixsite.com/dojokuncomics indiegogo.com/projects/dojo-kun-chronicles/x/11628866# Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Aaron Ryan, bestselling author of the Dissonance, sci-fi series. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Aaron Ryan Aaron Ryan lives in Washington with his wife and two sons, along with Macy the dog, Winston the cat, and Merry & Pippin, the finches. He is the author of the bestselling "Dissonance" sci-fi alien invasion saga, the sci-fi thriller "Forecast", the business reference books "How to Successfully Self-Publish & Promote Your Self-Published Book" and "The Superhero Anomaly", several business books on voiceovers penned under his former stage name (Joshua Alexander), as well as a previous fictional novel, "The Omega Room." He enjoys the arts, media, music, performing, poetry, and being a daddy. In his lifetime he has been an author, voiceover artist, wedding videographer, stage performer, musician, producer, rock/pop artist, executive assistant, service manager, paperboy, CSR, poet, tech support, worship leader, and more. The diversity of his life experiences gives him a unique approach to business, life, ministry, faith, and entertainment. Aaron's favorite author by far is J.R.R. Tolkien, but he also enjoys Suzanne Collins, James S.A. Corey, Marie Lu, Madeleine L'Engle, C.S. Lewis, and Stephen King. The Journey of a Voiceover Artist and Self-Published Author: Featuring Aaron Ryan In this first of three segments of episode 46 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with guest Aaron Ryan, a voiceover artist and successful self-published author. Aaron discusses his dual career, his best-selling science fiction series, the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and offers insights on effective marketing strategies for independent authors. He emphasizes the importance of enthusiasm in both marketing and storytelling, sharing his personal experiences and tips for engaging with potential readers both online and offline. Interview with the Author: Dissonance Series and the Journey to the Screen In this second of three segments of episode 46 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P & Aaron Ryan delve into the world of the Dissonance series, a gripping sci-fi saga by an incredibly enthusiastic author. Set in a post-alien invasion Earth of 2042, the story follows Army Sergeant Cameron Shipley and his brother Ruddy as they navigate survival and resistance against the deadly Gorgons. The author shares his inspiration, writing process, and the challenges of balancing creativity with daily life. Additionally, we discuss the exciting news of the series being pitched to major streaming networks and the author's collaboration to stay true to the source material. Learn about the perseverance needed in the face of failures and rejections, and how maintaining enthusiasm fuels the journey. Why Traditional Influencer Marketing Doesn't Sell Books: Educating The Post-Corporate Marketer In this third and final segment of episode 45 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest Aaron Ryan the world of book marketing with a seasoned post-corporate marketer who sheds light on why traditional influencer marketing tactics are not as effective in selling books. The discussion includes insights on the importance of authenticity, the drawbacks of book fairs, and the benefits of appearing at craft fairs. The guest also shares successful investment strategies, such as Amazon ads, and stresses the importance of a captivating cover and description. Key takeaways include developing focus-driven marketing and avoiding the innumerable scammers in the authoring industry. Hopefully, today's episode with Aaron Ryan serves as both inspiration and education on your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Aaron Ryan Resources & Extra Media Author Website: https://authoraaronryan.com Dissonance Website: https://www.dissonancetheseries.com Social: https://dot.cards/authoraaronryan Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Stephen Hudler, a super hero fan with a novelist heart. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Stephen Hudler Stephen Hudler is the author of the superhero fiction EVOREALM book series, which includes DEADLOCK, FALLOUT, and SHATTERED. For years, Stephen dreamed of writing for comic book companies like Marvel or DC. His love of comics and action-adventure movies ignited his imagination to the point where he couldn't contain it and he used that to create his own super heroic universe (the EVOREALM) filled with powerful and courageous heroes fighting malevolent villains bent on evil. Stephen lives in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with his wife, daughter, and rescue cat. When he's not working on his next book, Stephen likes to flip through the comics at his local comic shop, catch up on his reading, and watch classic episodes of Doctor Who. Inspiring Heroism: A Writer's Journey In this first of three segments of episode 45 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with guest Steven Huddler, a writer who transitioned from aspiring comic book creator to novelist. Steven shares his journey, fueled by his love for superheroes and support from his wife. They discuss the cultural importance of heroism and the challenges of integrating creative pursuits with family life. Steven emphasizes the ongoing relevance of inspiring fictional characters in a world often depicted as gritty and dark. Unveiling a Superhero Universe: Behind the Pages In this second of three segments of episode 45 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P & Stephen Hudler's discussion shifts toward his literary works, including his four published books: the 'Deadlock' series—comprising 'Deadlock,' 'Fallout,' and 'Shattered'—and his latest novella, 'Wrath and Blaze.' The conversation delves into the interconnected superhero universe the author has created, focusing on key characters like Eddie Solomon, a former LA detective turned superhero. The guest shares insights into his process of releasing chapters on his website and using social media for engagement. Themes of strong character development, inspired by 80s and 90s comic books, are highlighted as essential components of his storytelling. Navigating the Challenges of Self-Publishing and Marketing In this third and final segment of episode 45 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest Stephen Hudler the challenges of self-publishing, particularly the financial and marketing aspects. He shares his journey from initially promoting his first book on social media to creating a YouTube channel for better outreach. Stephen highlights the struggle of balancing writing with marketing efforts and the internal and external stigmas surrounding self-promotion. He also offers insights on his marketing strategies, the effectiveness of different platforms, and the importance of believing in one's work. Hopefully, today's episode with Stephen Hudler serves as both inspiration and education on your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Stephen Hudler Resources & Extra Media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNERDWay1 X: https://twitter.com/TheNERDWay1 Website: http://stephenhudler.com Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Michael Castleman about the history of publishing and it's state today. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Michael Castleman Award-winning San Francisco journalist Michael Castleman has written 3,000 magazine and web articles, and 19 books, 15 nonfiction books, and four mystery novels. Most of his titles deal with health or sexuality. His latest release is a departure from that. It's The Untold Story of Books: A Writer's History of Book Publishing, which he researched for 44 years. The Evolution of Book Publishing with Michael Castleman In this first of three segments of episode 44 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with Michael Castleman, author of 'The Untold Story of Books: A Writer's History of Book Publishing'. Castleman discusses the history and evolution of book publishing from Gutenberg's press to Amazon and digital publishing. They explore myths about the industry, including the impact of technological changes and the lack of conspiratorial actions in publishing. The conversation also covers the dramatic increase in book titles since 2000, the economics of eBooks, and practical advice for modern authors navigating a saturated market. Navigating the Complex World of Book Publishing and Genre Fiction In this second of three segments of episode 44 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest Michael Castleman the realities of the book publishing industry, focusing on the phenomenon of 'book scammers' and authors who publish for SEO rather than sales. The conversation explores the vast number of books published annually, with many aiming for a mass audience, yet few achieving bestseller status. Specific attention is given to genre fiction, particularly romance and its market dynamics, and the competitive challenges authors face. The dialogue also touches on the digital revolution's impact on publishing, where books no longer go out of print, posing both opportunities and heightened competition for authors. Additionally, it discusses the gender-based preferences in reading and the perception that mainstream publishing has shifted towards a female audience, prompting men to seek alternative genres and historical works. Navigating the Modern Book Publishing Landscape: An Author's Guide In this third and final segment of episode 44 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest Michael Castleman strategies that authors can employ to successfully market their books and the variety of publishing routes available. Topics include the importance of professional editing, the traditional publishing route versus self-publishing, the significance of building relationships and a large email list for marketing, and the challenges faced by minority authors in the publishing industry. Practical advice is also offered on targeting niche audiences and the realities of book sales and marketing effectiveness. Hopefully, today's episode with Michael Castleman serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Michael Castleman Resources & Extra Media mcastleman.com Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Randall Harris, founder of Backpack Universe Games and TTRPG Aalam. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Randall Harris Randall Harris, created Backpack Universe because as an extension of his passion for Table Top roleplaying games. Randall's goal, though ambitious, was simple: expand the fanbase of TTRPGs by creating games that are inviting, easy to learn, fun to play, and engaging for EVERYONE. The games should provide the tools needed to entice new players to venture out and into other games in the TTRPG genre. From a person who's played these types of games for years, the rules and world-building can be intimidating, confusing, and often feel long-winded. By combining simple mechanics, easy character creation, and dynamic gameplay, we can create a system where players will enjoy playing and become more immersed in the world surrounding their character. With Aalam we believe we have created a bridge between seasoned players and those who want to become players with all the quality-of-life items needed to play any TTRPG. Feel free to pack up your universe and take it wherever you want to go. RPG Expert Makes Games Easier: From Vampire to New Player Success | Randall Harris Interview In this first of four segments of episode 43 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P interviews Randall Harris, who shares his journey into the world of tabletop RPGs, particularly focusing on his experiences with Vampire the Masquerade and the challenges of making RPGs accessible to new players. They discuss the complexities of RPG mechanics, the importance of storytelling, and the need for user-friendly game design. Randall's passion for creating an easy-to-learn RPG led him to start his own company, aiming to bridge the gap for newcomers in the gaming community. Inside a New RPG's Creation: Making Character Creation Fun | Randall Harris on Aalam Design In this second of four segments of episode 43 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P and Randall Harris discuss the creation of his tabletop RPG, Aalam, detailing his journey from initial game concepts to the unique mechanics and character dynamics that define the game. He emphasizes the importance of user-friendly gameplay, diverse character options, and the flexibility of roles within the game, aiming to create an engaging experience for players. Building RPG Combat That Players Love | Team Attacks & Marketing Your Game In this third of four segments of episode 43 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses the intricate mechanics of his tabletop game, focusing on character creation, team attacks, and the importance of communication among players. He also shares insights into his marketing strategies, emphasizing the need to build a fanbase early and utilize various platforms to promote his game effectively. The discussion highlights the challenges of marketing in the gaming industry and the significance of maintaining visibility in a crowded market. From Gatekeeping to Game Success: RPG's Post-2020 | Randall Harris on Community Building In this final of four segments of episode 43 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P and Randall Harris discuss their experiences in the tabletop RPG community, the importance of connecting with other game creators, and the niche nature of the industry. They reflect on the impact of 2020 on tabletop gaming's popularity and the challenges of gatekeeping within the community. The discussion also delves into game mechanics, character development, and the excitement of promoting new games. Hopefully, today's episode with Randall Harris serves as both inspiration and education on your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Randall Harris Resources & Extra Media https://www.backpackuniversegames.com Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Jane Sharpe, homeschool mother and veteran self-publisher. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Jane Sharpe Jane Sharpe is a homeschooling mother of five, and has been married for 26 years. She has written 14 books on niche topics for a variety of age groups in the last few years, self-publishing them all herself. She prefers reading to housekeeping and somehow thrives in a family of sci-fi and DnD nerds. Homeschool Mom Turns Kids' Book Empire Builder | Jane Sharp on Writing & Teaching Success In this first of three segments of episode 42 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P interviews Jane Sharp, a homeschooling mother of five who has transitioned into writing children's books. Jane shares her journey from homeschooling to self-publishing, discussing her themed alphabet books and her upcoming chapter book series. The conversation also touches on the importance of community in education and Jane's aspirations to build a supportive environment for young writers. Turn Haters Into Sales: Self-Published Author's Marketing Secrets | Jane Sharp on Niche Success In this second of three segments of episode 42 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P & Jane Sharpe discuss the challenges and insights related to marketing, particularly in the context of self-publishing and niche markets. He reflects on his personal journey with marketing, the importance of embracing one's interests, and how to effectively reach specific audiences. The discussion also touches on the value of turning criticism into a marketing strategy and the significance of creating quality content that resonates with targeted readers. Master Your Elevator Pitch: Kids' Book Author's Marketing Formula | Jane Sharp on Audience & Action In this third and final segment of episode 42 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P. & Jane Sharpe discuss the essential elements of marketing, focusing on the importance of understanding your audience, building confidence in your product, and navigating feedback. Jane emphasizes the need for a clear target audience and the power of persuasion in marketing strategies. Jane also shares her personal experiences with criticism and the significance of crafting an effective elevator pitch to communicate your message succinctly. Hopefully, today's episode with Jane Sharpe serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Jane Sharpe Resources & Extra Media janesharpe.com Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Dicebag creator of the forthcoming TTRPG Crytures. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Dicebag Dicebag describes themself as an artist, world builder, game designer, and occasional cryborg-lich vtuber. They are currently working on Crytures, a monster-collecting TTRPG. VTuber Reveals Game Design Secrets | Dicebag on Creating 'Crytures' & Digital Identity In this first of three segments of episode 40 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P interviews Dicebag from Dicebag Games, exploring the world of VTubing, the importance of anonymity, and the journey into game design. They discuss the differences between tabletop and video games, the influences of Magic the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons, and the mechanics behind Dicebag's game 'Crytures'. Game Design Meets Marketing: Why Most Creators Fail | Dicebag on World Building & Promotion In this second of three segments of episode 40 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P & Dicebag discuss the intricate relationship between game design and world-building, emphasizing how mechanics can shape the narrative and feel of a game. The pair also delve into the stigma surrounding marketing, particularly among creatives, and the necessity of promoting one's work in a crowded marketplace. Is YouTube Dying? VTuber Speaks Out | Dicebag on Creator Burnout & Solo Gaming In this third and final segment of episode 41 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P discusses with guest Calvin Gulotta the importance of making wise financial decisions in creative projects, emphasizing the need to balance passion with practicality. Calvin shares insights on how to stay motivated as a creator, the challenges of navigating social media, and the significance of connecting with the audience. The discussion also touches on the value of self-investment and the impact of algorithms on visibility in social media. Hopefully, today's episode with Dicebag serves as both inspiration and education on your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Dicebag's Resources & Extra Media Crytures Accounts: https://www.crytures.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_8UV__wdKCHg_EaaGQiElw https://x.com/CryturesRPG Personal Accounts Twitter: https://twitter.com/dicebaggery Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjkbImOUhSeN0KN0X0tGSyQ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/dicebaggery Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/Dicebaggery Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Calvin Gulotta, the creator behind the comic series, Underworld Don. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Calvin Gulotta Calvin Gulotta is, in many ways, nobody and everyone emerging in today's media landscape. A true grey man in the comic creator's world, Calvin has created the comic series Underworld Don. As under-the-radar as he has opted to be as a creator his creation makes no claim to the same ambition. Drawing on classic mob movies & manga and blending all the above in a blender set to hell. Mobsters turned demons vying for a place to reach the top and become something far worse sets the stage for a truly original comic offering. Comic Creator Exposes Industry's Hidden Struggles | Calvin Gulotta on Authentic Storytelling In this first of three segments of episode 41 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P interviews Calvin Gulotta, a comic book creator who shares his journey into the world of comics. They discuss Calvins motivations for writing, the impact of storytelling, and the importance of character authenticity. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in the comic book industry, particularly regarding agenda-driven narratives and the need for compelling character development. From Script to Page: The Real Cost of Making Comics | Calvin Gulotta on Art Direction & Violence In this second of three segments of episode 41 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P discusses with guest Calvin Gulotta the artistic choices and budgeting challenges faced while creating his comic, 'Underworld Don.' He emphasizes the importance of selecting an appropriate art style that aligns with the narrative's tone and the financial implications of these choices. Calvin also shares insights from his creative journey, including the lessons learned about budgeting, promotional strategies, and the pacing of storytelling, particularly in relation to graphic violence and character development. Creator's Guide to Social Media Success | Calvin Gulotta on Money, Motivation & Marketing In this third and final segment of episode 41 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P discusses with guest Calvin Gulotta the importance of making wise financial decisions in creative projects, emphasizing the need to balance passion with practicality. Calvin shares insights on how to stay motivated as a creator, the challenges of navigating social media, and the significance of connecting with the audience. The discussion also touches on the value of self-investment and the impact of algorithms on visibility in social media. Hopefully, today's episode with Calvin Gulotta serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Calvin Gulotta Resources & Extra Media https://www.underworlddon.net/ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/underworld-don/underworld-don https://x.com/CalvinGulotta Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Christine Eriksen, marketing partner with Devon Eriksen, author of Theft Of Fire. Let's Meet Iron Age Marketer Christine Eriksen Christine Eriksen is a wife of Devon Eriksen, author of Theft of Fire: Orbital Space #1. You've possibly seen her around Twitter, honking about how amazing his book is, because he is allergic to marketing. From Code to Novels: Mastering Marketing for Tech-Savvy Authors In this first of three clips from episode 39 of Iron Age Marketing, host Nicky P sits down with Christine Erickson, a software engineer turned marketing maven. Christine shares her unique journey from the world of tech to the realm of book publishing, as she supports her husband Devon Erickson's authorial debut. With her background in software engineering and sales, Christine brings a fresh perspective to the often-daunting task of marketing a novel in today's digital landscape. The episode dives deep into the creation and promotion of Devon's novel, 'Theft of Fire.' Christine offers insights into the writing process and the book's themes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creative journey. But the real meat of the conversation focuses on the marketing strategies employed to capture readers' attention. Christine emphasizes the critical role of SEO in book promotion and discusses how engaging storytelling can be leveraged not just within the pages of a novel, but also in its marketing campaign. This episode is a must-listen for tech-savvy creatives looking to bridge the gap between their analytical skills and the art of promotion in the publishing world. Balancing Politics and Profits: Digital Strategies for Author Success In part 2 of 3 of episode 39 of Iron Age Marketing, host Nicky P I Christine Eriksen delve into the intricate world of political themes in literature, using the popular Expanse series as a prime example. The discussion highlights the delicate balance authors must strike when presenting diverse political views without losing readers, a skill crucial for creating engaging and thought-provoking narratives. This segment offers valuable insights for writers aiming to tackle complex societal issues in their work while maintaining broad appeal. The conversation then shifts gears to focus on the nuts and bolts of building an author's digital presence. Using Devin's experience on Twitter as a case study, Nicky P & Christine explore the impact of social media on book sales and author visibility. The episode also unpacks various monetization strategies for writers in the digital age, including the potential of platforms like Substack. For the tech-savvy audience, this part of the podcast offers a deep dive into the long-term planning required for content creation and potential book publishing, providing a roadmap for turning writing passion into a sustainable career in the online world. Long-Term Content Strategies: Podcasting, Storytelling, and Audiobook Marketing for Authors In the third & final segment of episode 39 of Iron Age Marketing, Nicky P and Christine Eriksen dive into the intricacies of podcast engagement and long-term content strategy. They explore effective techniques for keeping an audience engaged and emphasize the critical importance of maintaining relevance in the fast-paced digital landscape. This discussion is particularly valuable for tech-savvy content creators looking to build a loyal following over time. The conversation then shifts to the upcoming Kickstarter campaign for an audiobook version of Devon's novel, highlighting the growing importance of audio content in the publishing world. Nicky and Christine stress the significance of character-driven storytelling in audio production, offering insights that bridge the gap between traditional writing and modern audio formats. This segment provides a forward-looking perspective on content creation, emphasizing the need for authors to be intentional and strategic in their marketing efforts across various media platforms. For the podcast's nerd-oriented audience, this final part ties together technical marketing know-how with creative storytelling techniques, offering a holistic view of modern author marketing. Hopefully, today's episode with Christine Eriksen serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Christine Eriksen Resources & Extra Media On Twitter: @AnEriksenWife http://www.devoneriksen.com On Amazon at amazon.com/Theft-Fire-Orbital-Space-1-ebook/dp/B0CJHQ4LZN Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Arvid Nelson, writer of the forthcoming comic series Band Of Crows. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Arvid Nelson Arvid Nelson has written for numerous outlets, including DC, Marvel, and Dark Horse, but he's best known his original series, Rex Mundi. His latest venture, The Band of the Crow, is a fantasy story inspired by his love of Edwardian fairy tales, Japanese cartoons from the 1980s, and heavy metal music. In his spare time he likes to write about himself in the third person. From Rejection to Success: Arvid's 20-Year Journey in Comics & Fantasy Writing In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, host Nicky P chats with guest Arvid Nelson about his journey from music to comics and ultimately to fantasy writing. Arvid shares his experiences, getting kicked out of a band in college, forming a comic book club, and diving into the world of publishing. He reflects on the highs and lows of creating the comic Rex Mundy, including a crushing rejection from Image Comics that led to a breakdown in an airport, followed by eventual success. Arvid talks about his passion for history, mythology, and world-building, which has shaped his current project, The Band of the Crow. This fantasy novel, rooted in Indo-European linguistics and pre-Christian traditions, has been 20 years in the making, and Arvid's dedication to the story remains as strong as ever. Adapting to Creative Shifts: Writing, Marketing & Audience Tips Nicky P & Arvid reflect on the dramatic changes in the creative landscape over the past two decades, noting how career paths that seemed viable in 2005 are now quite different. Arvid discusses his journey in writing, emphasizing the significant difference between comic book writing and novel writing finding that having a novel ready to be published meant it needed to be fully edited beforehand, a process he found both challenging and enlightening. The conversation shifts to the marketing challenges faced by creators. Nicky & Arvid note the increasing burden on writers to manage their own marketing and the frustrations of balancing creative work with promotional efforts. Arvid reflects on his experiences with crowdfunding and the complexities of handling various marketing tasks, such as designing packaging and creating promotional materials. For Arvid, effective marketing means standing out in a crowded field and interrupting the constant barrage of information that people are bombarded with daily. "Dunking people's heads into toilets" is how he characterizes it, pointing out the difficulty of competing not just with other creators but with the overwhelming amount of content people are exposed to. How to Market Your Creative Project: Insights from Arvid & Nicky P Nicky P and Arvid continue by diving into the intricacies of marketing for creative projects and the intersection of art and commerce. Nicky P emphasizes the importance of having a solid system in place highlighting the need for an effective lead magnet to attract and retain the right audience, noting that it's more beneficial to focus on engaged followers rather than a large, uninterested crowd. Arvid shares insights from his experience with webcomics, specifically discussing the success of "Brother Matthew" as a lead magnet that built a loyal audience for "Rex Mundy." He reflects on the value of consistent content creation, even when it involves working for free, as it helps keep creators relevant and engaged with their audience. Arvid even recounts a pivotal moment when he discovered his comic had sold out in a New York City store, attributing this success to the free content strategy. The conversation naturally touches on the importance of building a network and audience well before a project is complete. Both Nicky P & Arvid appear to agree that waiting until a project is finished to start marketing is a big issue, as maintaining visibility and regular communication with your audience is crucial. Arvid discusses how brand recognition and high-profile endorsements, such as interest from Johnny Depp's production company, can significantly boost a project's success. Hopefully, today's episode with Arvid Nelson serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Arvid Nelson Resources & Extra Media Xitter: @arvidthetwit My artist's twitter: @chlorenology Our YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7cQ7CApO8FPMRTFJQCZpIA Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Kristin McTiernan, author of a fantastic book on making money as a writer, Paid By The Word. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Kristin McTiernan Kristin McTiernan has been a full-time editor and ghostwriter for close to fifteen years, founding The Nonsense-Free Editor after years of being an underpaid gig worker. She is also the author of paranormal mysteries and time travel dystopias, where her love of the supernatural and the captive woman trope shines through. Creating a Side Hustle in Writing In this segment of Iron Age Marketing, host Nicky P is joined by Kristen McTiernan, founder of The Nonsense Free Editor, for an insightful discussion on the intersection of art, business, and marketing. Kristen, originally a fiction author, shares her unique journey from military service to becoming a successful freelance editor and ghostwriter. Her experience highlights the challenges many authors face when transitioning from creative writing to the practicalities of publishing and marketing. Kristen's story is particularly relevant for those balancing creative aspirations with the need for financial stability. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of writing, including the role of AI in content creation and the reality of self-publishing. Kristen also discusses her recent non-fiction book, which aims to provide practical advice for authors who want to make extra income without sacrificing their creative passions. Copywriting: A Gateway to Making Money as a Writer In this segment, Nicky P dives into the modern marketing landscape from an anarcho-capitalist perspective, exploring how intellectual property and patronage models have evolved. He critiques the romanticized views of historical systems and emphasizes the importance of validation and effective marketing for creators in today's saturated market. Nicky P shares his personal experiences with marketing strategies, including copywriting, social media, and crowdfunding, and offers advice on client acquisition through platforms like Fiverr and YouTube. He also discusses the utility of various online tools and networks for building visibility and attracting clients. Hooking Readers with a Compelling Pitch In this segment, Nicky P discusses the challenges of marketing a book effectively, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what makes the book unique rather than leading with the title alone. Drawing from his own experiences and mistakes, Nicky highlights the need to hook potential readers with compelling ideas or themes that resonate with current conversations or issues, such as human trafficking in fiction. He also touches on the risk of burnout for creative professionals, sharing how he managed to balance his workload by hiring additional writers to handle various projects. Nicky advises on the value of pricing services appropriately to reflect one's expertise and the importance of setting realistic deadlines to avoid overwork. He concludes by discussing the ideal client avatar for copywriting and editing services, emphasizing the need for a strong portfolio and understanding of market rates. Hopefully, today's episode with Kristin McTiernan serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Kristin McTiernan Resources & Extra Media Buy Paid by the Word: https://amzn.to/3VSzs5M For Editing, Ghostwriting, and Self-Publishing Services: https://nonsensefreeeditor.com Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Fabrizio Aiello, the creator of Horace H Hoover comic books. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Fabrizio Aiello Fabrizio Aiello is a multi-disciplined artist, including 3d, comics, and illustration. Bringing a bronze age style to indie comics in 2019, he introduced the title, Horace H. Hoover, bringing a new type of occult detective combined with a traditional superhero. Fabrizio is the sole creator of H.H. Hoover, with several titles planned under his imprint Gloomy Wood Comics. Behind the Scenes of Horace H. Hoover: From Superheroes to Occult Mysteries In this episode, Nicky P interviews Fabrizio, a multi-talented comic book creator and programmer, who discusses his work on Horace H. Hoover, a unique 1920s occult detective series. Fabrizio shares his creative process, including writing, drawing, inking, and coloring the comic, which blends elements of horror, pulp fiction, and a dash of humor reminiscent of Mr. Bean or Douglas Adams. Currently a five-issue mini-series, Fabrizio is deep into the production of issue four. Fabrizio's journey into comics is explored, noting his divergence from traditional superhero themes in favor of more eclectic and narrative-driven storytelling, influenced by works like Sin City and Hellboy. He highlights the importance of hope in his stories, offering an antidote to the dark, nihilistic trends that have dominated modern comics and media. The conversation delves into the psychological effects of consuming dark and horror-themed content, with Nicky P sharing his personal experiences from a 105-night horror movie marathon. Fabrizio reflects on the impact such content has on creators, leading him to embrace a more optimistic tone in Horace H. Hoover. Fabrizio also touches on his career as a game developer, where he combines programming with creative storytelling, although he notes the differences between the game development industry and comic book creation. The episode concludes with a discussion on the artistic value of video games, recognizing their potential as a medium for profound storytelling. Game Narratives & Artistic Influences: Unpacking the Creative Process Diving deeper into the evolution of storytelling within video games and its impact on the broader media landscape. Nicky P reflects on how video game narratives have grown into some of the most compelling stories in mass media today, highlighting the shift of talented writers into the gaming industry. However, Nicky P also shares his personal experience of moving away from modern games, noting a shift towards MMORPGs and open-world formats that offer less directed narratives. He contrasts this with older, more cohesive games like Bioshock Infinite, which he praises for its incredible storytelling and artistry. The conversation then shifts to the intersection of music, visual art, and gaming. Nicky P discusses how album art and imagery from his Catholic upbringing influenced his creative journey. He delves into the psychological impact of grand narratives found in religious iconography and classic rock and metal album covers, which shaped his appreciation for storytelling in various media. The discussion also touches on the transition from physical to digital media and its effect on how stories and artwork are consumed. Nicky P reminisces about the tactile experience of exploring album covers and liner notes, expressing concern that future generations may miss out on this formative experience. Finally, the conversation turns to the world of comics and crowdfunding. Nicky P discusses his own experience with crowdfunding for his comic book projects, weighing the benefits of creating a storefront versus launching a traditional crowdfunding campaign. He explores the psychology behind crowdfunding, emphasizing the importance of creating a sense of community and urgency around supporting creative projects. Transforming Gigs into Events: Creative Vision & Comic Book Insights In this episode, Nicky P and Fabrizio discuss some experiences and insights on the evolution of marketing for musicians and how it parallels with comic book creation. He emphasizes the importance of treating every gig as an event rather than just a performance, noting that creating a sense of occasion can make people more inclined to invest their time and attention. Reflecting on Kiss's first show, he highlights how their commitment and high-value approach impacted the perception of their work. Fabrizio also delves into the significance of maintaining a singular vision in creative projects, balancing collaboration with staying true to core ideas to ensure authenticity. He critiques the lack of authenticity in corporate marketing compared to the genuine connections found in independent creative fields. Discussing his comic book, Fabrizio explains his choice of a vintage color palette inspired by the Bronze Age, contrasting it with modern trends that wouldn't suit his project. He shares his diverse artisti

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Timothy Imholt, a scientist, author, and founder of disruptive technology. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Timothy Imholt Timothy has a PhD in Physics. He spent more than a decade working with the fine folks at the MIT Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies. Additionally, he holds 23 US Patents, is a tech company founder, and is a science fiction enthusiast. The Importance Of Data Analysis In Marketing Nicky P and guest Timothy Imholt, a physicist and author, discuss his career journey and how he has applied predictive analytics to social media marketing. Timothy shares his insight on the importance of data analysis, engagement, and using hashtags effectively. In addition Tim also talks about his experience as an indie author and the challenges he has experienced marketing books himself. These experiences, combined with his background in tech, pushed him to develop an affordable tool to help creators with social media marketing. As a bonus, he shares his tips for building an engaged following over time. Your Marketing Strategy Can't Just Be "Buy My Book" Nicky P & Timothy Imholt continue their conversation covering topics ranging from marketing to creativity and everywhere they overlap. It's difficult to talk about creators who have built things right without discussing the philanthropic efforts of Mr. Beast. Additionally, the conversation jumps to a whole host of topics. The importance of building relationships in marketing and finding your target audience tops the list, but Timothy also brings up the value of quality in creative work and the challenges of self-promotion. The role of beta readers, dealing with negative reviews, and the impact of politics on social media also arise during the conversation. Timothy emphasizes the importance of having the right tools, being persistent, and maintaining the right presence for you on social media. Expanding Your Marketing Beyond Writers Nicky P. and Timothy Imholt conclude their conversation by imparting the importance of knowing your audience and leveraging your personal interests to connect with them. They both emphasize the need to go beyond marketing to other writers and instead focus on reaching people with similar interests. Timothy also highlights the value of word-of-mouth marketing and the impact it can have on the success of a book or movie. He reminds us of his app, 04A, which helps authors with marketing and provides professional-grade, user-friendly features at an affordable price. Hopefully, today's episode with Timothy Imholt inspires and educates you on your journey to bring your creation to the world. Timothy Imholt Resources & Extra Media - o4a.com - timothyimholt.com Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Christy McKenzie, part of the brain trust behind the satire magazine Flip City Mag. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Christy McKenzie Christy McKenzie, along with her husband Scott, are the fearless super straight editors of FLIP CITY Mag. They put their lives on the line to bring you the free world's most based shits and/or giggles. Flip City Mag describes itself as America's premiere (albeit only) satirically correct magazine bringing you a hefty dose of humor and sass brought to you four times a year in print. Christy, as her online personality Kitty Filips, describes herself as a Public Relations novice and radical constitutionalist who loves Jesus and is simultaneously Salty&Sweet. Expanding Reach and Attracting New Customers Nicky P discusses with Christy from Flip City Mag's marketing strategies and the importance of expanding their reach beyond their current audience. Christy shares how Flip City Mag started and their mission to push back on mainstream narratives. She also places the magazine into the broader Truth and Freedom movement and explains how they found their way into it. Christy mentions her podcast, Creative Chaos, and its approach to featuring creators outside the mainstream, as well as discusses Flip City Mag's distribution model and a foray into crowdfunding. Addressing The Marketing Challenges For Creatives Nicky P and Christy continue their conversation around marketing a crowdfunding campaign for Flip City Mag. The discussion moves between relationship building, marketing strategies, the benefits of crowdfunding, the content of Flip City Magazine, and the challenges of marketing for creatives. Nicky P and Christy also touche on the importance of mindset and self-confidence in marketing and the need for creatives to step out of their comfort zones. Strategies For Expanding Your Audience In this conversation, Nicky P interviews Christie from Flip City Magazine about finding confidence and expanding the audience for creative endeavors. They discuss strategies for overcoming social media anxiety, creating a persona online, and dealing with the challenges of working with multiple contributors. They also touch on the importance of building relationships and finding the right platforms to reach the target audience. The conversation concludes with Christie offering advice for indie creators and promoting her marketing services. Hopefully, today's episode with Christy McKenzie serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Christy McKenzie Resources & Extra Media flipcitymag.com Twitter: @kittyflipcity Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com Takeaways Creating a character can help overcome social media anxiety and connect with the audience. Building relationships and networking within a specific movement can help expand the audience. Working with multiple contributors can be challenging but requires trust and communication. Being active on social media and honing down the platforms that work best for your audience is important for audience growth. Crowdfunding can be a valuable strategy for funding and building hype for a project. Sound Bites "I have social media anxiety. I freaking hate social media. I don't know how to be on it as me, Kristy from Flip City Mag. So what I did is I created a character and made that her social media." "That is my main focus right now, is just kind of making friends in the iron age of doing the crowdfunding." "We just need to have trust it's going to get done. Because this is like, oh, that's the thing, because we don't even know how many pages he's doing." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Marketing Strategies 03:23 Expanding Reach with Physical Media and Comics 04:49 Empowering Individuals to Release Their Own Stuff 06:11 Political Activations and Pushing Back on Insanity 09:07 Creative Chaos: Featuring Fascinating People 10:32 Magazine Distribution and Crowdfunding 11:21 Introduction and Relationship Building 13:10 Strategies for Crowdfunding Campaigns 14:35 Exploring Flip City Magazine 17:49 Challenges of Marketing for Creatives 20:44 The Role of Mindset and Self-Confidence in Marketing 22:26 Finding Confidence and Overcoming Social Media Anxiety 25:18 Navigating the Challenges of Working with Contributors 28:42 Strategies for Expanding the Audience 32:03 Advice for Indie Creators

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to A.C. Pritchard, the writer behind "A Saga Of Sunsets." Let's Meet Iron Age Creator A.C. Pritchard A. C. Pritchard has been writing his entire life. His literary career officially started in high school as a movie review columnist. From there, he spent a decade in music refining his craft before rediscovering his love for prose. He lives with his wife Kathryn and son Alexander in Minnesota. The Road To "A Saga Of Sunsets" Nicky P & AC Pritchard discuss his collaboration with Luke Stone on their book 'A Saga of Sunsets', a story inspired by a prompt on ironage.media that combines elements of fantasy with Viking history. Pritchard talks about the world-building process and the steps he took to escalate the scale of the project. What began as a short story collection on Amazon was adapted into a comic concept which drew the attention of Luke Stone as an artist. The pair published a 15-page preview in Anvil Magazine and got to work on a full issue of the graphic novel. The section ends with a little bit on Pritchard's background in writing, tabletop games, and music. The Punk Rock DIY Ethos Takes On The Iron Age Nicky P & AC Pritchard explore the connection between musicianship and artistry and ideology, particularly those with a libertarian background. Pritchard emphasizes the importance of a DIY (do-it-yourself) ethos in the art world and how it contributes to success. The discussion touches on the concept of overnight success and the role of record labels in the music industry using Tim Henson of Polyphia as an example. Managing production costs and expenses is highlighted, along with the significance of building awareness through merchandise. If you need more music talk the conversation also draws parallels between the impact of Napster on the music industry and the current changes happening in the publishing world. Mistakes Artists Make and How to Avoid Them Nicky P. and AC Pritchard discuss various topics related to art, marketing, and building relationships in the creative industry. They emphasize the importance of creating boutique art and catering to a niche audience. Pritchard discusses the value of extras and additional content in attracting and retaining fans. He also touches on the mistakes that artists make, such as not focusing on their audience and not taking risks. The conversation highlights the need for artists to be proactive, learn new skills, and build relationships to succeed in the industry. Niche Markets & Special Interests Nicky P. and AC Pritchard's conversation revolves around the importance of engaging with the right audience and understanding their interests. It emphasizes the need to focus on niche markets and create content that resonates with specific groups. Pritchard laments 'tourists' in fandom and the challenges of appealing to a broad audience. The segment also touches on the impact of external events on marketing and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. The Importance of Passion and Care in Creative Projects Nicky P. and AC Pritchard cover various topics including Hollywood, promoting a book, collaboration, education, and investing in oneself. Pritchard discusses the importance of passion and care in creative projects, using examples like the Avatar movie and the work of certain Hollywood figures. The conversation transitions to discussing collaboration and the importance of finding one's niche in the crowded market. In the end, Pritchard reiterates the significance of education and learning in order to build one's own audience by investing in oneself and being undeniable in one's creative pursuits. Hopefully, today's episode with A.C. Pritchard serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. A.C. Pritchard Resources & Extra Media PritchardPub.substack.com fundmycomic.com/asos X: @a_c_pritchard YouTube: @PritchardPub Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Jesse Blaze Snider creator of Fucking For Our Future now funding on Kickstarter. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Jesse Blaze Snider Jesse was hired out of university by MTV Networks at 19 years old, and has maintained a steady career in broadcasting, as a host, voiceover artist & music producer ever since. His first professional work as a comic book scriptwriter was published by Marvel Comics before the age of 25. Since then, he has gone on to work with every major publisher and become a pillar of the convention circuit, hosting "Hall A" panels, judging "cosplay" contests & acting as master of ceremonies for Clutter Magazine's "Designer Toy Awards". At 26, Jesse became a national champion playing with the Brooklyn Mariners semi-pro football team. He is also an award-winning producer who worked with his talented family on two short films, "All That Remains" and "Fool's Day." In addition, Jesse has appeared on HBO, VH1, Travel Chanel, and a host of online platforms. His fourth child's surprise birth on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles, became a viral video now been seen by billions. Now, a 40 year old, father-of-four, Jesse has created music for the likes of Fox, Toyota, ESPN & others, written comic book scripts for Disney*Pixar, Deadpool, The Muppets & more, while continuing to produce original content for vendors like A&E Channel, DC Entertainment, Juvenile Diabetes & then some. Playing to the Market: The Key to Crowdfunding Success With Jesse Blaze Snider & Nicky P Nicky P and Jesse Blaze Snyder discuss the importance of playing to the market when launching a crowdfunding campaign. Jesse highlights the need for kind-hearted and talented creators to take control of the comic book industry and support each other. They also emphasize the importance of marketing and understanding the audience when creating art. The conversation touches on the challenges of independent publishing and the need for quality and collectability in comics. Overall, the episode encourages artists to focus on creating stories that resonate with the audience and deliver satisfying endings. Finding a Niche and Connecting with Actual Fans With Jesse Blaze Snider & Nicky P Nicky P and Jesse Blaze Snyder explore the importance of building relationships in marketing and storytelling. The pair discuss the concept of permaculture and how it can be applied to marketing and comic book creation. They also touch on the significance of titles and covers in attracting an audience. Jesse highlights the need to find a niche and connect with the actual fans who are willing to buy and engage with the content. The segment concludes with a discussion on the reading numbers in the comic book industry and the importance of quality control. The Tyranny of DEI Rules in Entertainment With Jesse Blaze Snider & Nicky P Nicky P and Jesse Blaze Snyder explore the downfall of the media industry and the impact of woke culture. Jesse discusses their experience in the entertainment business and witnessing the changes and challenges firsthand. He expresses his frustration with the current state of the social justice movement and the division it now creates. He also touches on the need for centrist leadership and the negative effects of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) rules in entertainment. Both Jesse and Nicky discuss the changes in the portrayal of strong female characters in comics and the disconnect between fans and creators. Exploring Nudity on Comic Book Covers With Jesse Blaze Snider & Nicky P Nicky P and Jesse Blaze Snider discuss his comic book 'Fucking for the Future' and his thoughts on nudity on comic book covers. Jesse explains how he wanted to create a book where nudity is built into the concept, rather than being used as a tool to sell the book. He shares the premise of the comic, which takes place on Planet Glonn where men and women have separated and evolved in different ways. The women, who live in a matriarchal paradise, need the men's sperm and send a princess to collect samples in a hypersexualized mech suit. Jesse also lets us in on his plans for future issues of the comic. Hopefully, today's episode with Jesse Blaze Snider inspires and educates you on your journey to bring your creation to the world. Jesse Blaze Snider Resources & Extra Media https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/boobies/fucking-for-our-future-adult-sci-fi-waifu-comics-and-cards/description Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Bryan Baugh, the creator of the vintage-flavored Wulf And Batsy comic series. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Bryan Baugh Bryan Baugh is the creator of the "Wulf and Batsy" comic book series. TV Animation Storyboard Artist by day, Horror Comics artist by night. Igniting A Passion For Horror For some, the journey into the realm of horror begins in childhood, where fascination intertwines with innocence, shaping perceptions and igniting a lifelong passion. Brian Baugh, creator of the comic book series "Wulf And Batsy," traces his love for horror back to his earliest memories. He recalls his father sharing with him the wonders of classic black-and-white monster movies. Through the lens of his father's guidance, Brian discovered not only the allure of the supernatural but also the artistry behind the creation of cinematic illusions. Driven by an innate fascination with monsters and a keen understanding of the boundary between fantasy and reality, Brian's journey into the world of horror was inevitable. From the chilling tales of werewolves to the haunting specters of vampires, he found his place in the macabre, embracing it as a foundational element of his interests in life. Horror In The Age Of VHS & Wulf & Batsy 10, 11, & 12 When I begin talking horror, it's difficult to get me to change topics, as you know from my previous episode with Ali Sanguis. This conversation was no different. While we discussed Bryan's inspirations and how they have changed over time, we found our way to the topic of "video stores." More than video stores though, we reminisced on what it was like finding a video store with "that section" where the one employee would talk your ear off about whatever the weirdest stuff they had was. Having fully geeked out about video stores and my jealousy over Bryan's having actual original print EC comics, we finally get to Bryan's current campaign on fundmycomic.com. Bryan is continuing on with issues 10, 11, and 12 of his formerly Alterna Comics series Wulf And Batsy and recounts how the campaign was fully funded in under three days. Not without some sadness, we do begin exploring the reasons for leaving his publisher for the current run of Wulf And Batsy The Tumult Of Small Publishers And Deals Souring Diving deeper into Bryan's exit from his most recent publishing arrangement, we see that what some people dream about isn't always roses, even when we think it is. Even in the best of times, small publishers have a tendency to shut down. These aren't the best of times; now add that to the market, is a fickle mistress, and physical media goes out of vogue, and you've got a recipe for disappointment. An important factor to keep in mind is that relationships can change just as quickly. This all leads us to the conclusion that if you can make self-publishing work, you should. We tried our best to be honest about this part of the interview, but Bryan is a very nice guy who didn't feel comfortable going into too much detail about the departure. Still, I think we captured enough of the event to be useful to other creators considering the small publisher route. Learning Crowdfunding And Passing On IndieGoGo For FundMyComic As we wrap up our conversation Bryan and I get into more of the logistics and changes from his 20+ years in publishing. Luckily for people interested in self-publishing the quality of services available to small creators has improved dramatically and stabilized considerably in that time period. There is always a little angst in opening that first box of product, wondering what minute imperfection you're going to have to live with, but is that all that will be wrong? Since the production part of the process has improved, Bryan's real change has been learning the ropes of crowdfunding, which a publisher would have handled in the past. For Bryan, picking his crowdfund platform literally came down to the customer service he needed while learning. It was IndieGoGo's lack of customer service that led Bryan to choose FundMyComic for his crowdfunding campaign. Luke and the other staff did their best to help where needed but also created a platform that is easy enough to navigate on its face. Hopefully, today's episode with Bryan Baugh serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Bryan Baugh Resources & Extra Media bryanbaugh.net https://www.fundmycomic.com/campaign/398/wulf-and-batsy-issues-10-11-and-12 https://cryptlogic.bigcartel.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJjhjJPjtDNn7-B1KEsQdVg https://twitter.com/BryanBaugh Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Daniel P. Riley, owner of whimsyland.org, as well as the creator of the sci-fi series Jisedai. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Daniel Riley "Writing is a passion and Daniel writes about the hundreds of wild worlds that reside in his head. Each novel he creates is a doorway into the strange and fantastical lands of his subconscious. Come, stay a while, and listen to his tales." A former teacher and avid lover of written works, Daniel lives in Pennsylvania with his daughter and writes tales of fantasy and science fiction. His favorite authors are Roger Zelazny and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The Responsibility Of The Artist Parent & Writing Multiple Genres In this discussion, Daniel P Reilly, the proprietor of Whimsyland.org literary Coaching and Services, provides insight into his evolution as a writer. Despite harboring a lifelong passion for storytelling, Daniel embarked on his creative journey later in life, having put aside his ambitions to play it safe and raise his daughter. As a single parent balancing personal aspirations with raising a child often meant setting aside his dreams to prioritize his daughter's well-being. However, fueled by a desire to instill a sense of ambition in his growing child, Daniel embraced his creative calling. Reflecting on his journey as a parent and an author, Daniel underscores the transformative power of pursuing one's passions. As he navigated the complexities of single parenthood, he discovered that embracing his creative calling not only enriched his own life but also served as a source of inspiration for his daughter's aspirations. In a poignant testament to the rewards of independence and entrepreneurship, Daniel shares his journey of self-reliance in the face of professional uncertainty, by carving his path as an author and literary coach. Moving past the parenthood topic we discuss Daniel's literary repertoire, specifically how it encompasses a diverse array of genres, with a primary focus on science fiction and fantasy. Within these genres, he masterfully intertwines elements of adventure, horror, and futuristic technologies attempting to captivate readers of whatever genre he finds himself writing. We spend some time covering two of Daniel's most prominent works. His Jisedai series featuring a katana-wielding cybernetically enhanced assassin turned protector has expanded beyond the initial series of novels into the graphic novel space. Daniel also has begun expanding his Legacy Of Heroes world with a second novel on the way. The LOH world explores a young man trying to bring back the symbol of a hero long lost. Crafting A Sci-Fi Samurai Saga & A Goodnight Kiss To Subverted Superheroes What if we could infuse the ethos of a samurai into a futuristic setting? This was the intriguing premise that sparked the creation of "Gabriel" in Jisedai. His journey encapsulates the essence of samurai honor and duty set against the backdrop of a society grappling with the aftermath of technological upheaval. Gabriel emerges as the peak of a breed of cyber-enhanced assassins bred by mega-corporations vying for supremacy in a world where traditional firearms have been outlawed. The resurgence of feudal-style warfare becomes the arena for power struggles among these corporate entities. In many ways, the series is Daniel's love-letter to Kurosawa. Ever the romantic, Legacy of Heroes is Daniel's goodnight kiss to the modern subverted (often perverted) superhero. Modern writers seem to hate superheroes even more than the idea of good and evil itself. They have twisted every tale into a morally ambiguous exploration of how all the bad guys are misunderstood and the heroes are just dickheads with capes hiding behind charm and superpowers. The idea of a symbol of hope and virtue is a quaint remnant of a bygone era. Creators, like Daniel, are beginning to ask if maybe hope and virtue wouldn't be so bygone if we hadn't given up on the cornerstones of our modern mythology. Exploring The Post-Post-Modern Superhero In contemplating the trajectory of comic book superheroes over the past four decades, one cannot overlook the profound shifts in narrative and characterization that have unfolded. Daniel digs into how he constructed the characters in the world of Legacy Of Heroes. He uses the story of a young man affected by a single event of trauma where he was saved by the superhero Paragon. Daniel cites the plights Superman went through as the inspiration for so much of the adversity the character faced. Nick asks Daniel how he deals with the elements of realism when it comes to their costumes. Citing the example of Amy in the book, Daniel mentions how he addressed a female character feeling embarrassed by the form-fitting costumes that were customary for a female superhero. Ultimately, she chose a full jacket over her outfit, which brought characters like Rogue of the X-Men to mind. Nick asks if this undermines the essence of superheroes being perfec

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Jack Lloyd, libertarian personality and creator of the Voluntaryist comic series. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Jack Lloyd Jack Lloyd is a producer for liberty, creating content for The Pholosopher, Voluntaryist – The Comic Series, and The Honest Teacher, among others. His works span a variety of mediums, from comic books, to music, to events, to his non-fiction books, The Definitive Guide to Libertarian Voluntaryism, A Vision for a Libertarian Future, and Philosophical Voluntaryism. Some of his most popular videos include the multi-million viewed "3 Common Gun Controlled Myths Debunked" and the music video "Mask Order" with over 120,000 plays on YouTube alone. Before becoming a full-time producer, he worked as a juvenile defense and entertainment lawyer and later, as a government schoolteacher. 2023: A Year Of Wins And Rethinking Modern Marketing The conversation begins with Jack reflecting back on the past year. It was a good year for Jack. From headlining musical performances at porcfest to the successful completion of his nonfiction libertarian philosophy trilogy. He rounds things off with the acclaimed music video "Break the Great Reset" and the continuation of the Voluntaryist comic book with the campaign for it's newest arc the Suit Saga. Amidst the successes, Jack acknowledges the evolving landscape of marketing and the necessity for adaptation. He candidly discusses the shifts in his approach, emphasizing the importance of proactive outreach and direct engagement with potential supporters. In a world inundated with digital noise, Jack's strategy of personalized messaging stands out as a beacon of authenticity and connection that underscores the value of building meaningful relationships in a digital age dominated by algorithms and algorithms. Navigating Social Media Algorithms And Balancing Presence and Trust In the ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms, creators often find themselves grappling with the complexities of algorithms and audience engagement. Nicky P laments his infrequent interaction with Facebook due to algorithmic frustrations. He questions the authenticity of follower counts and highlights the erosion of trust caused by algorithmic manipulations, particularly evident during politically charged periods like elections. Jack Lloyd echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the frustration felt by creators whose content is overshadowed by algorithmic whims. Amidst the tumult of algorithmic uncertainties, Jack emphasizes the importance of purposeful curation for creators. Whether it's cultivating a fan base or maintaining authenticity amidst diverse interests, Jack Lloyd advocates for a strategic approach to content creation. He underscores the need for creators to adapt to evolving audience preferences while staying true to their core message. As the discussion unfolds, Jack Lloyd reflects on the evolution of content creation and the inherent challenges of diversification. He shares insights into navigating transitions between content genres and acknowledges the inevitable shifts in audience engagement. Citing Eric July as an example, he illustrates the frustrations some have had in the wake of Eric's transitioning from critiquing mainstream culture to venturing into business-oriented content. Jack also emphasizes the need for adaptability in an ever-changing digital landscape despite the fickle nature of some fans. The Suit Saga Unveiled And Liberty And Christianity As the conversation continues, Jack lets us in on what we can expect in this new Arc of his Voluntaryist comic series. The Suit Saga is, as the name would suggest, the story of how the titular character dons his costume. However, the story doesn't stop there. We can expect new villains and plenty of other new elements to be presented. In a thought-provoking exchange, Nicky P. and Jack Lloyd delve into the intersection of libertarian ideals and religious affiliations. Drawing from personal experiences and historical contexts, they explore the nuanced relationship between liberty and faith. From Protestant resistance to Catholic doctrine, the conversation navigates through intricate landscapes of belief and ideology. Despite ideological differences, there exists a common ground between libertarianism and certain strands of Christianity. Jack elucidates the parallels between Austrian economics and faith-based principles, highlighting shared assertions and foundational beliefs. Through a lens of mutual understanding, the dialogue transcends barriers, fostering an appreciation for diverse perspectives. The Pitfalls of Short-Term Controversy And Nurturing Relationships in Marketing In the dialogue between Nicky P and Jack Lloyd, the convergence of politics and marketing is a necessary bridge to cross given Jack's ideologically based brand. As an individual rooted in politics, he acknowledges the challenge of marketing to demographics with strong ideological inclinations. Nic

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to James Krake, a science fiction and fantasy author as well as YouTuber not afraid to call the indie community on it's BS. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator James Krake James is an independently published author of speculative fiction and a reluctant YouTuber. You can check out his epic fantasy web novel for free in the links or pick up his science-fiction on all major book retailers. The Indie Creator's Struggle & Entertainment's Cost of Entry The discussion kicks off with Nicky P highlighting the dual identity of James Krake as both a YouTuber and an author. James, known for his candid and incendiary takes on Twitter (at least by Nicky P,) sheds light on the struggles of wearing multiple hats in the business. He emphasizes the inherent difficulties faced by indie authors who must navigate the realms of marketing, networking, running a YouTube channel, and even critiquing fellow YouTubers' books. James unveils how a global catastrophe reminded him he wanted to be more than just an engineer. He wanted to be an author and began doing what engineers do: researching. Today he finds himself the creator of both an online fantasy series and a running science fiction series. Nicky P and James touch upon the accessibility of indie publishing, noting its low cost of entry as well as discussing the affordability of e-books for consumers, allowing them to access hours of entertainment at a reasonable price. James advocates for reasonable pricing and emphasizes the importance of investing time to hone one's craft before expecting success, especially when acknowledging the challenges of the developing indie system, which lacks the layers of support that traditional publishing has historically provided. Ending the first segment of the interview, James reflects on the biggest hurdle he faces in self-publishing—the danger of toxic positivity. He warns against surrounding oneself with individuals who provide unwarranted praise without constructive criticism. James shares his personal experience of launching his first book and acknowledges that seeking critical feedback could have led to a stronger initial launch. The Complexity of Value & Pricing in Indie Publishing & Cyberpunk Reimagined The discussion kicks off with Nicky P sharing his insights on commissioning art and the challenges associated with assigning value to creative work. Both speakers agree that the worth of art is subjective and varies based on individual perceptions. Nicky P emphasizes the role of creators in communicating the value of their work to potential consumers. James Krake chimes in, detailing his experience with pricing his books, shedding light on the complexities of determining the optimal cost. They discuss the pitfalls of underpricing, which may lead potential readers to question the quality of a book, and overpricing, which might deter buyers. The duo even touches upon the strategy of using the first book in a series as a "loss leader" to attract readers, acknowledging the need to balance affordability with perceived value. The dialogue shifts briefly towards audiobooks, with their gaining prominence, but Nicky P expresses surprise at the minimal earnings authors receive for their efforts in producing audiobooks. James Krake provides insights into the suitability of audiobooks for different genres, emphasizing that certain genres benefit more from the audio format. James Krake ends the segment with his perspective on the cyberpunk genre, and his feelings that it has been trapped in the 1980s and struggles to resonate with contemporary audiences. He critiques the themes and concerns of traditional cyberpunk, highlighting its outdated portrayal of technology and the disconnect with the current era of the internet and advanced technologies like Neuralink. James Krake's cyberpunk series aims to break free from the aesthetics and constraints of the past, offering a more relevant and nuanced exploration of the intersection between humanity and technology. A Tech Noir Protagonist & Balancing Politics & Entertainment in Fiction In this segment, James Krake details his cyberpunk series: Bastion, featuring Detective Blackstone, a character navigating a highly urbanized society with tech-noir elements. The series focuses on stories and crimes existing in the cracks of the system, examining how individuals intentionally subvert technology. The protagonist, Detective Blackstone, emerges as the one cop striving to do the right thing in a broken society. With this type of setting and character it's hard not to touch on political themes within the series. James emphasizes that the narrative prioritizes entertainment. While addressing social-political aspects, the series aims to maintain an engaging and entertaining storytelling experience without leaning into controversial third-rail issues that pull readers out of the narrative. The discussion concludes with a poignant exploration of the elephant in any room when d

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Joseph Knowles, one of the men behind Silence And Starsong magazine. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Joseph Knowles Joseph Knowles is a lawyer by training, but got into writing when he first attempted "National Novel Writing Month" in 2017. He grew up in Florida, but now lives in Virginia with his wife and three children. He talks to us today about Silence And Starsong magazine. From NaNoWriMo To Silence And Starsong Magazine Like so many people these days, Joseph Knowles begins his story with the National Novel Writing Month challenge. A lawyer by trade, he "made it work" but kept going until he was eventually able to sell some of his short stories. With this background behind him, he began making friends with other like-minded creators. In one of those groups, they started throwing around the idea of publishing a volume of the stories they were pitching each other. Fearing they might not have enough for a full release, they opened the doors to other authors to homage the type of stories in C.S. Lewis' space trilogy. Christian Values In Writing And Working From Home Joseph tells me that the key to differentiating themselves from other magazines out there is their adherence to Christian themes and not denigrating Christianity in their works. They don't adhere to any specific sect but treat each other as fellow travelers, much like Lewis & Tolkien. It's also exciting that Joseph acknowledges that too many creators put message before art. As Joseph tells me about the plans for a second edition, we turn the discussion towards his personal work/life balance. Nicky P is a bit taken aback at anyone who can find the time to put out a magazine and manage a career as a lawyer. The secret he says is being able to work from home. Marriage & The Creative And Growing A Magazine Audience Discussing relationships is a staple of this show. Healthy interpersonal relationships are the health and backbone of being successful as a creative. Nicky P asks Joseph how his marriage affects the creative process. As with many others, the support of a partner is a huge boon regarding stability and finding the time to work. As well as the marriage relationships we follow up by getting into all the different cliches online to grow the audience. These can include conservative pundits or Christian organizations. Joseph walks us through how Silence And Star Song's process progressed. Conservatives, Economics & Supporting The Arts With Your Dollars As the conversation wraps up, Joseph and Nicky P get into some of the deep economic concepts that are preventing conservatives from taking over the arts as they want to. They complain as they allow their own money to prop up left-wing art in both the public and private sectors. If economics isn't your bag, I understand, but stick around to find out what big plans Joseph & the gents at Silence And Starsong in store for us. Hopefully, today's episode with Joseph Knowles serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Joseph Knowles Resources & Extra Media silenceandstarsong.com Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to JD Cowan, writer and proud extoller of the pulp revolution. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator JD Cowan JD Cowan is a writer with an obsession for stories and Truth. He takes pleasure in looking for Light in the places where darkness grips the tightest. His works include "Grey Cat Blues," "Y Signal," the Gemini Man trilogy, and short stories in Cirsova, Storyhack Magazine, the PulpRev Sampler, as well as the Planetary Anthology. He blogs about stories and entertainment at wastelandandsky.blogspot.ca and can be found on Twitter @wastelandJD for those interested. Beginning A Writing Career & Discovering The PulpRev Today's conversation between JD Cowan and Nicky P begins by digging into our guest's roots and journey as an author. The story, from a birds-eye view, is a journey of learning and meeting the right guides along the way. The big turn for JD and his writing career comes when he discovers and becomes a part of the PulpRev community. The introduction to this often glossed-over era of fiction didn't strike him as an honest burial. From here, his own research led him to want to put out more traditional adventure literature. The Gemini Man Series & Short Fiction Magazines In the second part of our conversation, JD Cowan & Nicky P. get into The Gemini Man Series. The books were previously released under a now-defunct publisher, and JD managed to secure his rights to publish the books on his own. This is where his current output was at the time. In addition to what he is currently up to, the discussion shifted toward his overall content, consisting of ten novels and between twenty and thirty short stories. JD has released many short stories in the current crop of magazines for such things, including Story Hack, Cirsova, and Iron Age magazines. Monster Of The Week Vs A Grand Narrative & Communicating With Your Audience The next section of the conversation between JD Cowan & Nicky P gets into some of the very visible failures of properties that turned from monster-of-the-week stories into grand narrative examples. The two big ones that come to mind are Fringe and The X Files. Both shows fail to keep interest in later seasons, whereas Stephen King managed to create an overarching universe that didn't demand slavish adherence to a single story. Turning back to the marketing questions, Nicky P attempts to dig into how JD manages to interact with his community effectively. Nicky P discovered JD on X/Twitter because of his interesting takes on music. The moral of the story bolsters, once again, that the strategy is always relationship-building. Twitter & Substack Are The Kings Of Social Media For Writers Digging into the specific choices JD Cowan has made for his own work, he surprises us with some of the places he finds his best communication exists. For growing his audience and reaching other writers, he finds X/Twitter to be the current king. He has also eschewed Mailchimp, as it declines, for Substack. Nicky P notes that he has found discoverability to be a great feather in Substacks cap. Hopefully, today's episode with JD Cowan serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. JD Cowan Resources & Extra Media http://wastelandandsky.blogspot.ca https://www.amazon.com/stores/JD-Cowan/author/B00LACWG04 Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Ali Sanguis, creator extraordinaire and the brainchild behind Eggbeater, the comic. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Ali Sanguis Ali is an author, editor, and voice actress. She grew up in Colorado and has been writing and reading most of her life. As a child, she wrote books on Post-it notes and shared them around her grandmother's office. She read books under the covers with a flashlight when she should have been asleep. Now, she lives in Florida, self-publishes novels and comics, and is still a night owl. Writing Prolificly and Giving Up On Trad Pub Our interview starts out with Ali giving Nicky P a quick rundown on her writing output up until this point. Her works have included everything from books of poetry to guided sketchbooks for children. Given the breadth of her background, it seems odd that she wouldn't have found a home on some small publisher. Nick's curiosity into the matter is met with an all too familiar tale of being stymied for not being diverse enough for the greater publishing world to care about. Eggbeater, Classic Horror, And Local Printers In the second part of our conversation, Ali gives Nicky P the ten thousand-foot view of her forthcoming horror comic Eggbeater. The book is an homage to different types of horror tome before it. From EC comics to Troma & The Crow, she lays her influences Bare. To end this portion of the conversation, Ali gives Nicky P a small glimpse into the fulfillment side of her project. This includes her decision to print the book locally instead of with an overseas printer. Bringing Readers Into The Story And Being Prolific Getting deeper into the conversation with Ali, we discuss the little ways in which she draws her audience into the story and success of Eggbeater. Referring to her backers as "bakers" is such a small but uniquely effective way to increase her signal-to-noise ratio. Continuing on, we get into whether or not her decision not to specialize in a specific genre or type of writing holds her back in her branding. The way she sees it, it only opens her up to other new and different opportunities every time she proves she can accomplish something new. Dracula, Hemlock Grove, And Horror Pop Culture Nicky P isn't often gifted with a fellow horror fan, and for a few minutes, he takes the opportunity to geek out about some of their favorite stories and the ones they think are overrated. The consensus is that Dracula is an overhyped imitation of Frankenstein and that Hemlock Grove gave us two genius seasons before losing its way. Meanwhile, shots are fired at Stephanie Meyer for her created werewolf lore. Dean Koontz & Not Wasting Your Energy As An Author As we approach the end of the interview, Nicky P brings out his favorite author Clive Barker, while Ali thanks him for not saying Steven King. She then takes some time to school Nicky on some of Dean Koontz's catalog he apparently missed. In a final recommendation to our listeners, Ali recommends saving your energy for creation and avoiding being sucked into online drama. Watch the drama if you like. Debate people if you must, but avoid the drama because it's demeaning to your fans. Much like George RR Martin's fans seeing him avoid finishing their story, they see you not working on what they love. Hopefully, today's episode with Ali Sanguis serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Ali Sanguis Resources & Extra Media http://www.sanguislibris.net Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Daniel P Riley, author and literary coach at whimsyland.org. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Daniel P Riley Daniel is a former teacher, an avid lover of written works, and a literary coach at whimsyland.org where he helps other writers realize their dream of publication. Daniel lives in Pennsylvania with his daughter and writes tales of fantasy and science fiction. His favorite authors are Roger Zelazny and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. "Writing is a passion and Daniel writes about the hundreds of wild worlds that reside in his head. Each novel he creates is a doorway into the strange and fantastical lands of his subconscious. Come, stay a while, and listen to his tales." Whimsyland.org And The Authors Journey Our interview begins with Daniel laying out exactly what he does at whimsyland.org. Currently, his company handles everything up until the physical production of a book. He does expect to grow into a position to actually publish as well though. Following up on what whimsyland.org does Daniel gets into his background and how his service is unique in a world with no shortage of companies helping you create your book. One of the biggest differences is his expertise in fiction. While he cut his teeth with "business Twitter," his passion is in helping other science fiction and fantasy authors reach what he has already achieved. The Joys Of Coaching, Macro Storytelling & Power Creep Digging deeper into the joys of coaching Nicky P and Daniel share some of their most eye-opening moments with clients. Nicky relays a tale about digging into who the true customer is for a former client of his' business. For Daniel he sees authors getting so lost in their own world that they forget their trying to introduce a stranger to this world. Nicky draws a parallel to modern television series' and their overuse of macro storytelling in place of the episodic monster-of-the-week fare that initially drew fans to their shows. This leads to a discussion on power creep in storytelling. Both Nicky P and Daniel examine the places where storytellers find ways to take stories to interesting places without needing to escalate the power fantasy. Marketing Timelines, Character-Driven Marketing & Blue-Collar Writers While Nicky P stands steadfast that marketing needs to begin months in advance of the release of a project, Daniel gets into some of the struggles Iron Age creators uniquely face in this regard. Nicky P brings up the over-emphasis of writers on story for marketing when the richer connections for potential readers are in the characters. Daniel retorts with the shortened release schedules and blue-collar ethos of Iron Age creators. When creators expect to put in their day's work, it often doesn't include marketing. Nicky follows up with how focusing on a character-driven marketing campaign can create an ever-evolving and ever-present campaign that requires minor tweaks as new books come out. Maintaining the emotional core of the story with new struggles for the protagonist to build against. Daniel talks about the retooling needed for most Iron Age creators to reach the place where this is possible. Imposter Syndrome, The Power Of Goal Setting, And Persistent Action While there are hurdles for Iron Age creatives to overcome, they aren't entirely alone. Nicky P and Daniel get into how important goal setting and setting expectations is to moving past imposter syndrome. Much of Daniels work is helping establish positive reinforcement for his clients. Along with this he also helps to unlock the gems overlooked by being too close to the work. Digging deeper into the importance of goals, Daniel walks us through his process. He lets us into how he looks at everything as a project. Things don't become books til they are complete. Finishing up, Daniel gives us his own goals to establish how he practices what he preaches. The Parent Author And What Makes A Successful Creative Wrapping up the conversation Nicky P and Daniel start out talking about being a parent while trying to chase down your dream of being a writer. Daniel tells his own story of being a young, single father. He's proof positive that if you want to be a writer you can be. Daniel's final insight is what he finds all his most successful clients have in common. A desire to tell stories seems to be the most important factor in success. The passion to tell a story seems to be enough to propel you past the struggle to your goal. Hopefully, today's episode with Daniel P Riley serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Daniel P Riley Resources & Extra Media https://whimsyland.org https://twitter.com/Misterdpriley https://www.amazon.com/author/danielpriley Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Cirsova, a thrilling adventure magazine publisher and pulp fiction enthusiast. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Cirsova Cirsova Publishing has been putting out its flagship magazine since 2016. Their quarterly magazine pays homage to the classic sci-fi and adventure pulps of the 1940s. In addition to their critically acclaimed magazine, Cirsova is home to Michael Tierney's Wild Stars, Jim Breyfogle's Tales of the Mongoose and Meerkat, plus a boatload of short fiction from Misha Burnett. The Mighty Sons Of Hercules & More Product Means More Sales I open my interview with the editor of Cirsova magazine with a brief aside about the Iron Age movement and ask what The Mighty Sons Of Hercules is. The answer is a value-added volume featuring some of the best authors from the Cirsova magazine stable. Our discussion lays out the financial benefits of having an extensive catalog of titles to sell as a means to create a reasonable monthly income. In this manner, even minor celebrity can pay dividends because your best customer is always the person who's already made a purchase. How A D&D Blog Takes On Pulp Magazine Publishing In the next part of my discussion with Cirsova, I ask how somebody finds their way to creating a magazine for adventure fiction. The tale that unfolds is one of a Dungeons and Dragons blog during the "sad puppies" era. As our editor discovered and dove deeper into pulp fiction he got to wondering where he could find this type of fiction today. With an ambition of reading more of the content he wanted, he created an incentive for creators to make more of the adventure stories he desired. From there it quickly cascaded into a quarterly endeavor. The next question that comes up is what made you think you could do this? Was your background in publishing? The answer sounds like "not really with a stop at my grandpa edited a journal back in the day." Lack of experience shouldn't slow anyone down and Cirsove tells us about the never-ending learning process as both the market and landscape change around them. Adventure Doesn't Include Eggheads Talking Around Tables Having published the magazine since 2016 it seems obvious that things would change. True to form, things did change at the magazine. In an effort to really nail down the audience they were appealing to and differentiate themselves from other offerings in the market, Cirsova changed its name and content to reflect the focus on action and adventure they wanted to see. The conversation takes a wild turn when my guest lets out his true feelings on the fiction of legendary sci-fi writer Isaak Asimov. While his comments about eggheads talking around tables might draw the ire of some, my guest offers up some alternative names with a focus on more action-filled stories. Pick A Favorite Child Then Tell Me How To Grow An Audience In an unfair cornering, I put Cirsova on the spot and make them play favorites. While I don't get favorites necessarily, they are happy to gush about some of the more interesting works they have published. New installments to Adrian Cole's Dreamlord stories, a lost Edgar Rice Burroughs story, and serializations of Michael Tierneys Wild Stars novels all make the shortlist. Having let them gush about some of the more cool entries into their publication, I move into the more direct marketing territory, and ask what they think is most important to growing a readership? There is no splitting hairs when they answer how the nature of being an anthology makes advertising a team effort as there are more people hoping for a return on their investment. Keeping Connected With An Audience As Movements Shift And Dissolve Bringing the interview to a close we get into the types of communication and content Cirsova relies on to keep connected with its readership. The big outlets seem to be their blog and Twitter interaction. Some of the types of content Cirsova relies on are gaming content and book reviews. Considering their history I feel obligated to ask how much the shift from games to fiction has affected them. By their estimations, the audience changed but never went away. The Pulp Rev movement and Sad Puppies era affected the audience in broader ways. In response, I get on my pedestal about what I see as limiting factors with other movements like ComicsGate. Hopefully, today's episode with Cirsova serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Cirsova Resources & Extra Media https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cirsova/the-mighty-sons-of-hercules http://cirsova.wordpress.com/ Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Jacob Calta, mastermind behind the quarterly magazine 365 Infantry and YouTube channel Quality Candor. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Jacob Calta Filmmaker, writer, and composer Jacob Calta is a newcomer and tour de force in the modern indie scene. Born and raised in upstate New York, Calta's a film buff with a knack for filmmaking, and a massive knowledge of the medium that he puts to use editing for review site A Fistful of Film and on his video review channel Quality Candor. His rampant imagination has also given birth to hours of vintage-styled electronic music released on his Bandcamp and his pulp sci-fi project 365 Infantry, a quarterly magazine that's equal parts "Blade Runner," "Mad Max," and "Heavy Metal" and is on track to becoming a multimedia juggernaut. Living Your Own Post-Apocalyptic Aesthetic Jacob Calta appears in aviator sunglasses and a Hawaiian shirt with a vibe reminiscent of Hunter S. Thompson. Jacob explains his unique look as part of his own personal brand. "There is usually someone in a Hawaiian shirt running around somewhere in the space." Following this up he reminisces about some of the more eccentric embellishments to his garb and the responses they have elicited amongst the general population. Clothing aside the twenty-one-year-old Jacob lets us in on his upbringing in upstate New York. A life I know all too well. Though Film is where he originated, experimental creative pursuits of all kinds have built up to Jacob becoming a creator on his own terms. 365Infantry is a story told principly through a quarterly pulp magazine but his multimedia approach to the post-apocalyptic remnant of Pheonix AZ flush with anthropomorphic wolves, lasers and hotrods sets him apart. 365 Infantry And Anvil Magazine Since so much of Jacob's time is spent working on his one property 365 Infantry, it seems fair to assume that he might feel creatively stifled. I'd suspect he doesn't get to stretch his legs into other worlds, but he assures me that despite its specificity, the world of 365 Infantry is diverse enough to let him create whatever he likes. In addition, he spends plenty of time working in other genres, we just don't get to see them as of yet. From 365 Infantry we drift to another big project Jacob has been a part of, Anvil Magazine. Anvil is a quarterly speculative fiction magazine put out by Rich at ironage.media. The magazine is an independent approach to releasing poetry, short story, and art much like the magazines of the past such as Heavy Metal and Strange Tales. The first issue is currently shipping and the second crowdfunding campaign is just around the corner. A New Age Of Old Style And Multimedia Storytelling Describing himself as "the oldest twenty-one-year-old on the face of the earth," Jacob Calta talks about the pulp magazine scene of the past and how happy he is to be involved with reviving the medium. He looks romantically at Manhunt, Astounding Stories, EC Comics, etc. He laments that the market in its current state can't support the creators looking to take part. He sees Anvil Magazine as a first step in the evolution of this modern scene or Iron Age. Beginning the really in-depth marketing discussion I try to get to the core of Jacob's multimedia approach to his world. Jacob Calta tells us a bit about always exploring and evolving as a creative by using many different methods to tell his stories. He calls out projects like Wolves of Steel, and Alan Firedale; musical creations which play on the edges of the world he's created. No matter the medium however Jacob aims for all of his creations to feed back into the building of his world. Alienation And The Relationship With Your Audience While I question Jacob about some of the marketing he uses to keep contact with his audience, I managed to spark a bigger conversation about the nature of the relationship between creator and audience today. Jacob finds that his most passionate fans have become more like friends than fans and relationships like these make him consider Discord as a communication platform. But, while he has these relationships he also has what he calls a 'silent readership' of people who enjoy his creations but don't have much personal interaction with him. This leads us down a road discussing how alienating working in this field can be. Historically you used to have agents editors and publishers to hand off manuscripts to directly. Those days are gone thanks to the modern digital age. The lack of interaction and feedback can feel a lot like apathy from the market. Value Your Work Or No One Else Will I lament how little creatives seem to value when they put their work out into the market. Some creatives barely cover costs and you can see them becoming jaded as time goes on. Jacob follows by giving me some insight into how he sets the value of his creations. I've seen creatives so desperate to have eyes on their projects that they are afraid to place a fair price o

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to comic artist, Donal DeLay, and get into his apprehensions with marketing his work. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Donal DeLay Donal DeLay is a comic and concept artist that has worked on books like Death Of Love, Vestige and Cash Grab. He has also released two volumes of his own Lobo-esque book Brutas The Badass. Becoming A Cartoonist And Brutas The Badass Cartoonist Donal DeLay spins the tale for me of how he became a cartoonist. His tale is one of posting fan art online and eventually catching the eye of Justin Jordan. The encounter culminates in DeLay working with Jordan on Death of Love for Image comics. The comic tells the story of a man who suddenly sees Cupid after taking a drug at a club. That's some good ol' fashioned fun there. Asking DeLay about drawing for hire versus drawing for his own work, he says he doesn't really have a preference but likes paying his bills. This leads to a discussion of some of the work he's done. No Cover is a post-apocalyptic story about a man searching for his missing Dale Keown comic book cover. Dracula is an adaptation of the classic tale written by Clint Stoker. There is also DeLay's own creation Brutas the Badass, a comic about a bounty hunter who awakens one day with no memory and travels the galaxy with a robot sidekick in a space-adapted 1950s Bellaire. Decentralization Of Comics And The Crowdfunding Process Next Donal and I talk about cancel culture's effect on the comic book space and whether or not it mirrors what has happened in other creative spaces. Both of us see radical decentralization like the music industry endured twenty years ago as a good thing for creatives. The lack of quality mainstream options due to politics and cultural trends tends to promote independent efforts. Moving along from the CC issue DeLay explains a bit about the economics and process of crowdfunding a book to me. DeLay prefers to have a finished project when he moves into the crowdfunding stage to try to reduce the time to delivery for the consumer. I've never considered this but I'd be lying if my inner consumer didn't like being catered to at the expense of risk on the creators side. Benefits Not Features And When To Sell Vs Brand While talking about the crowdfunding process Donal triggers my inner marketer when discussing his spiel for his crowdfunding campaign. Donal mentions how much the book means to him as a creator and while I love this as part of an overall branding campaign, I shudder at its use as a sales point. It's a great point if this were a gofundme but we're trying to sell entertainment. I don't usually give big monologues but this particular episode brought them out of me. The first of which is me talking about how I taught my daughter about the difference between features and benefits and their importance to sales. Especially in the online world where most of our advertising is interrupting, we need to be sure to make our product hits the core desires of our audience. Don't Be Afraid Of Your List In our last little bit of conversation, we cross into the email list question and how Donal is communicating with his. To my dismay, he hits me with the classic "I don't want to bother my audience by contacting them too much." This is a far too common response. In what is probably my second full monologue on the show I take apart the idea that a list can be contacted too much. Dispelling this fear allows creators to keep themselves everpresent in their audience's minds. Hopefully, today's episode with Donal DeLay serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Donal DeLay Resources & Extra Media https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/no-cover https://twitter.com/DonalTDeLay Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Luke Stone, creator of the comic Hybrids and founder of fundmycomic.com. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Luke Stone Luke Stone is a husband, father, and Pastor who loves art and comics. He is the creator of Hybrids: The Sons of Gods as well as several other titles. He has worked in comics at many different levels and is involved in advocacy for new creators. Currently Luke is working to produce a number of IPs to be published with Arrow Comics and launching new tools for creators such as fundmycomic.com. Waking From A Coma & Starting An Online Comic Shop I asked Luke Stone how he got into the Iron Age space. Luke tells us about the years leading up to the founding of Fund My Comic. Put into a coma during the pandemic, Luke says he woke up in what felt like a bizarro world. It wasn't long before he realized that being canceled was inevitable for someone with his principles. On top of the creation of FMC, Luke is also the creator of Hybrids, a comic series about superheroes based on classical Greek myths and tales of the Nephilim. After noting a particular campaign, in which Indiegogo withheld a creator's funding for "trust and safety' violations; Luke threw himself into seeking a platform to make himself cancel proof as a comic book creator. Eventually, the pieces came together and FundMyComic.com was launched in 2022 with an eye to marketing "anything you can find at a comic book shop." It hosts Luke's own comic creation, Hybrids as well as those of other creators. Where Ancient Religions Meet Corporate Greed Getting deeper into the specifics of the plot of Hybrids, Luke's superhero comic, he explains the origins of its creation. Based on the idea of the Nephilim, Luke weaves a tale of part-divine part-human creatures, inspired by the demi-gods of Greek myths being kidnapped by a nefarious corporation to harvest their unique adrenochrome to create a dangerous street drug. More than a comic, however, the world of Hybrids includes a tabletop roll playing game using a new mechanic system called Base+2 created by Luke's partner Nick Tockert. The game originated from trading cards of the characters Luke had created. Nick easily turned these into a game utilizing a mechanic he pulled straight from the cards. A Neutral Ecosystem And Freedom For Everyone Moving along Luke and I finally begin our discussion on marketing. To Luke, as well as myself, marketing begins well before you have a finished product. A product's success depends on connecting with your fans and this means connecting with them immediately after its creation. This became harder as platforms like Kickstarter And Indiegogo started to put up walls around certain creators. Fundmycomic.com was Luke's way around this, as he tries to create an ecosystem like Tim Pools or Ethan Van Skivers. For Luke freedom isn't freedom unless it's for everyone. Though politics and the culture war are always part of the conversation, we don't have to fight to the death by silencing others' voices. Luke is hoping to keep the focus in his platform on the art. Good comics for and by anyone who wants them. Credibility The Corporations Can't Have Luke Stone and I dive into the big media of the world we live in. We've witnessed corporations buying their media coverage and telling directing reviewers on how to review their products. Because independent creators can't buy reviews they can have the credibility that corporations never will but this puts the marketing into their hands. If they don't feel capable more and more people like myself are here to help them get their product out to people. It was this DIY mentality and pushing cultural ownership on the early adopters that helped fundmycomic.com take off so quickly, surprising even Luke himself. If creating a space that caters specifically to the niche wasn't enough, the platform has also managed to undercut its competitors on price as well. For me, the growth of the platform seems like a no-brainer to me. "On A Mission" or A Missionary Luke Stone wasn't looking to be just a competitor to the mainstream funding sites. During this part of the conversation, he lays out his two missions. Mission one was to create a place specifically for geek culture; from comics to miniatures to RPGs, segments that usually make up 5% of a site's traffic. Luke's longer-term mission is to utilize the site to take care of his family's base needs freeing him up to handle the spiritual needs of the people within nerd culture. His near-death experience and continuing health issues have made him mindful of his purpose on earth and pushed him to try and connect geek culture to something greater than fandom. Luke describes spending time at conventions giving "pastoral care" to other attendees; helping them to feel "seen." Hopefully, today's episode with Luke Stone serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Luke Stone Resources & Extra Media https://l

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Tiara Brown author of the fantasy book "The Tales of Alexandria Stecklar: The Locket." Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Tiara Brown Tiara J Brown is an Ohio native and first-time author with her book "The Tales of Alexandria Stecklar: The Locket." She describes herself as "a nerdy, quirky, and adventurous mid-western girl with a love affair with writing, animations, and musicals! I have been writing stories since I was twelve years old." Two Living Your Childhood Dream & Publishers Blackspectations Beginning our conversation Tiara J Brown tells us how she finally pulled the trigger on her dream of being a writer, after rereading a story she'd written as a child. Tiara felt inspired to revive her story as an adult and began shopping it around to publishers. This turned out to not be the most fruitful path of course for a burgeoning fantasy novelist. With some prompting Tiara confirms some of my worst suspicions about the publishing industry for Black creators. She describes some notes that she got from some publishers upon discovering it was a Fantasy story and not a book that focused on her race. Tiara says she's writing the kind of story that she likes. Period. The Strengths Of YA Fiction & Magic Vs Technology Tiara Brown gets into what drew her to write in the YA genre. The stories tend to have more innocent relationships and incorporate more of the family dynamic into the world-building. Tiara appreciates being able to explore the relationships between a teen and her family in the midst of a dramatic setting. Giving us a glimpse of the world she created, Tiana goes in deep about her heroine, Alexandria Stecklar, a teen with telekinetic powers who literally lives underground with her family. The story turns around the interactions with neighboring lands with different views on magic and technology, a dichotomy I always enjoy exploring. Creative Engagement: Maximizing Your List Carrying on Tiara shares a bit of her journey from finishing her book to where she starts marketing to people. Tiara researched self-published authors to see what they did to devise her own marketing strategy. Her strategy included using social media to do a cover art reveal, a release countdown, and podcasts to spread the word online. In-person she spoke to a local high school English class and at her local library. Talking about book two, Tiara said she would include a link in the book as an easy way for readers to leave reviews. As always I can't help grilling our guests about their email marketing and thankfully Tiara is no slouch. She has an email list and continues to keep in touch with her readers, making sure her readers are sharing what they like about the story and anticipating the next book. I bring up my idea of contests for marketing as a capstone to this section of the conversation. Is YA Fantasy For Girls, Are Series Scary, And Can Book Trailers Work Talking about the YA Fantasy genre in general, Speculates that she believes more of her readers are young women. I tend to like more killing in a book than my wife does for instance so this checks out as far as my own anecdotal research. I remember YA fiction feeling juvenile even when I was of the appropriate. Tiara just thinks it's to do with the type of story itself. Women are just more drawn to fantasy for whatever reason. Since Tales of Alexandria Stecklar is an ongoing series, I have to ask Tiara if she thinks buyers will be gun-shy about starting a book series since the GOT debacle. Tiara has been watching the ongoing Nerdrotic coverage of the long-anticipated (but not really expected) end of the GOT book series herself and thinks we might be holding onto false hope. In one last gasp, we talk about book trailers. Tiara received so many mixed messages about them that she didn't bother. I wonder if a testimonial-type trailer might not work better than the movie trailer model. I know Storm Young got some traction with mysterious reels of her character ideas. Only time and experimentation will tell. Hopefully, today's episode with Tiara Brown serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Tiara Brown Resources & Extra Media https://www.tiarajbrown.com/ Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Jason McCuiston, author of "The Brotherhood of Secret Darkness: Cults, Cabals, and Conspiracy Theories." Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Jason McCuiston Jason J. McCuiston was born in the wilds of southeast Tennessee, where he was raised on a carnivorous diet of old monster movies, westerns, comic books, horror magazines, sci-fi and fantasy novels, and, of course, Dungeons & Dragons. He attended the finest state school that would have him with the intention of becoming a comic-book artist. Following his matriculation and a whirlwind tour of spectacularly underpaid and uninspired career paths, he finally realized he was meant to be a professional storyteller. Vampirella, King And The Brotherhood Of Secret Darkness We begin our conversation with Jason McCuiston and have him tell us what drew him into the nerd world in the first place. He regales us with a tale about starting with whatever he stumbled upon at home: Vampirella, his dad's pulp comics, and his mom's Stephen King novels. Mom was the more voracious reader though his tastes come more from his father. When asked what he's working on now, Jason tells me about his upcoming book, The Brotherhood of Secret Darkness: Cults, Cabals, and Conspiracy Theories. It's a collection of pulp stories with a common thread where he works through the past few years' events, be it aliens or pagan gods. Lovecraft, The Ritual And Coming Up In The Sad Puppies Era As the conversation carries on, we talk about H.P. Lovecraft and what drew Jason into his world. Jason was a late bloomer, discovering Lovecraft after years of playing The Call Of Cthulhu RPG by Chaosium. Lamenting how few modern horror writers seem to understand what Lovecraft did, we spend some time nerding out about the movie The Ritual, one of the few modern horror flicks to capture that Lovecraftian feel. After a quick chat about stories in general, Jason digs into the circumstances that led him to begin writing his own. Over several years and a missed start or two, Jason honed his craft and began submitting to publishers. Unfortunately, Jason came up in the Sad Puppies drama and quickly recognized a need to look outside the mainstream system to find his market. Growing Past Short Stories Into Novels Next, Jason and I have a brief discussion about story craft. I bring up my struggles writing anything longer than a short story presenting a cool concept or setting. Jason reiterates his position on the importance of craft and gives us a couple of resources for improving. Story Engineering by Larry Brooks is Jason's manual of choice for novels, but he recommends the Lester Dent formula for building a short story. This gives us a moment to talk about rules in creativity and how established rules are necessary to subvert and break in creative ways. You must know the rules and expectations so you can know how and when to break them. Sell Your Books With Trust As An Author To satisfy my curiosity, Jason explains how he would choose to engage with an audience. His marketing of choice is the book signing at cons or local libraries and even farmer's markets. Direct sales in favor of marketing. This leads to a lament about the fall of comic shops. Jason gets into his experience being a long-standing fan, suddenly finding himself on the outside of a fandom that seemingly began openly rejecting its audience. Does this have anything to do with corporations buying up IP? Can making the nerd culture personal with things like the Iron Age Movement create a situation that allows audiences to trust authors again? Hopefully, today's episode with Jason McCuiston serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Jason McCuiston Resources & Extra Media Jason On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07RN8HT98 Link To Book: https://www.darkowlpublishing.com/the-brotherhood-of-secret-darkness Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Declan Finn, author of over thirty books in the "genre fiction" category. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Declan Finn Declan Finn, in his own words, "writes in any genre that isn't nailed down, and sometimes brings a claw hammer just in case." He has written over 30 books in genres including Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Murder Mystery, Thriller, Horror, and "Vampire Romance." Declan has self-published as well as having worked with four different publishers. Small Publishers, Catholicism And Exorcist Cops As we begin our interview, Declan Finn explains how starting as a self-published author informed his eventual decision to work with small publishers. Largely it boils down to better covers. Publishers have better resources and a built-in infrastructure for artwork and marketing, in other words. Declan expresses that while a small publisher won't do all your marketing for you, they are more likely to be committed to the book's success. Unfortunately, they have their own issues and can also fold, as more than one of Declan's did during Coov shutdowns. This leads to a brief discussion of how that time period was for authors in general. Since it's such a rarity, I can't help but ask Declan about his Catholicism shirt and how much his faith informs his writing. For Declan, he says it slips into his writing whether he likes it or not. In "It was Only on Stun," a bodyguard ends up with his charge at Sunday Mass. In another book, Saint Tommy NYPD, a cop fights demons. I can't help but mention the similarities to Clive Barker's Harry Damour. Declan makes no bones about the extensive writings of the Catholic Church to draw from for his creations. He also mentions Father Amoris, an Italian exorcist, who is the subject of a current film starring Russel Crowe. Tradpub, The Pre-#IronAge And Vampire Romances With Explosions A little confused and embarrassed, I begin this clip by asking Declan what Tradpub is. I feel silly in retrospect. As Declan explains, it is a buzzword for traditional publishing. Four or five companies used to distribute all the big-name authors like George R.R. Martin to the Barnes & Noble level bookstores. This created a small Cabal of gatekeepers that seemed to not be choosing books based on whether they were good or not. They instead seemed to be relying more on their appeal to a particular political view or the author's classification as a member of particular gender or ideological group. I point out that this is a reasonable type of marketing until you expect it to appeal to the mass market. It is part of the appeal of the internet age that we can each find books tailored to our interests. The possibility is part of what drew him tome the Iron Age Movement. Declan goes on to share the pre-#IronAge history before it took off as a movement. Not wanting to dwell too much on the politics, I steer the conversation back toward Declan's own writing and the ground he's covered creatively over the years. The short answer is a lot. Declan then gives us the lowdown on the many genres of some of his 30+ books. There are murder mysteries, urban fantasy, action, and horror. Sometimes they occur in separate books, and sometimes there's a vampire romance with explosions! Vatican Ninjas, Satan, And Self-Publishing In response to Declan's running gag of Vatican Ninjas, I can't resist bringing up Lucy Daughter of the Devil, an animated show about the second coming of Christ created by Louren Brouchard of Bob's Burgers fame and starring H Jon Benjamin as the voice of Satan. The show features the "Special Fathers" two priests and a nun who work as the Vatican's special forces. The show portrays them as bumbling idiots, which isn't a stretch for either of us. This leads to a deeper discussion of Satan as a literary character. Beyond our discussion of Declan's work, he is more than happy to give some real talk about what new creators should really be concerned with. Declan shares his tips to succeed in self-publishing, including never scrimping on the editing or the cover art. Declan also details how self-publishing means you have to work on the marketing, and for him, that often means more than half the time allotted to the book. Closing out this clip, we touch on the pros and cons of conventions as a You Are Your Brand As An Author In our final segment, Declan shares his insights and ideas about marketing ones self online. Some individuals are better than others at this, and some people willingly take on antagonistic personas. You find this more and more these days with the ideologically possessed and politically motivated. Simply put, know what you are preparing yourself for when you are your brand in a world of cancel culture. Declan's big rule is to try not to piss people off online. Hopefully, today's episode with Declan Finn serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world. Declan Finn Resources & Extra Media Declan's Link

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Joe Ball creator of the genre-bending comic, Death Death Death. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Joe Ball Joe ball is a comic creator out of Ohio and the founder of King Toad Comics. He is currently working to complete and fulfill Death Death Death, a 300 page first installment to what he hopes to make a multivolume sci-fi/fantasy/manga crossover. Superjail, Hellraiser And The X-Men The interview begins with Joe giving a detailed explanation of the world in which Death Death Death takes place. Nicky's initial impulse from the artwork is Superjail meets Hellraiser but Joe let's him in on some of the true inspirations like Berserk & Transformer and Bible lore. Joe name drops He-Man and is brought to mind the savage lands of the X-Men. Joe's Origins And The Hidden Time Suck Next, Joe and Nicky P get into what inspired Joe's love of anime in the first place. Turns out it was the gifts his military family would bring back from overseas. While we had plenty of good cartoons here in the US, something always stuck with him. As he grew as an artist, he found himself needing something more challenging than superheroes and found himself tiptoeing back into manga. With Joe's creative origins out of the way, we are allowed to dive further into the actual creative process and the Indiegogo experience. Here, we discover the reality of producing a complete book when you're used to being the artist. We learn how easy it is to misjudge fulfillment when the process usually ends for you before editors. While he has been taken aback a little by the experience, he's enjoying the lesson and still getting the work done. What's Success? And The Simplicity Of A Cover Band Given some of the struggles of the crowdfunding process Joe has gone through, it makes sense to take a bit of a meta-analysis of the process and determine what exactly defines success for a creator these days. The truth is it's going to be different depending on your goals. While Joe, like myself, is worried about keeping food on the table and cash is the objective whereas, a loss might make sense to build your core audience for a newer creative. Moving along, Joe tells me about his time running a comic book shop as the industry really began to decline. Struggling to do what you love sometimes doesn't pan out like you hope. Sometimes the bills just need to be paid. From here, we begin a conversation about weighing out Walmart Vs. a comic book shop and lusting over the lack of stress that Walmart employee has. I bring up how some musicians look down on cover bands when I think getting paid to practice your instrument while drinking sure beats factory work. Decentralization, #Comicsgate & No More Superstars Detailing his adventure in the decline of the retail comics industry, Joe shares with us what came next. He discovered a YouTube channel, Diversity In Comics, which was airing the frustrations of what he calls a consumer revolt. This movement went on to be called #Comicsgate and became maligned in much the same way Gamergate already had. What it really is looks to me more like the growing pains of the radical decentralization of an industry. I'd witnessed much the same thing happen to music almost twenty years earlier, leaving a space void of superstars but full of more specialized content than you could ever dream possible. Relationship Building And Realistic Expectations To round out this episode, Joe goes into detail about his life situation. It didn't make sense to pour his time into a YouTube channel. He took to building relationships with the influencers by becoming a friend in the scene. Who knew being a rad dude for others could pay off so well (I would.) The one drawback to Joe's grassroots approach is that it's not quick. It can take years to become a trusted fixture in any group. This becomes even more challenging when we watch our fandoms splinter because corporations have made trust so hard to come by. Hopefully, our conversation today will give you some realistic framing on building industry relationships and utilizing them to grow your audience. Joe Ball Resources & Extra Media https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/death-death-death#/ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/swarm/coming_soon Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Adam Gaffen, creator of the Cassidy Chronicles world of books. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Adam Gaffen Adam Gaffen is an Amazon bestselling author of the award-winning Cassidy Chronicles series. His stories have appeared in multiple bestselling anthologies. His other accolades include a Drunken Druid Literary Award Finalist and an Honorable Mention by the Writers of the Future Contest. In addition, he has published "Spice and Steam," an anthology of fantasy, urban fantasy, and science fiction stories with AC Adams. He is an active member of the Heinlein Society, the Colorado Authors League, the Science Fiction Writers of America, and a frequent guest on the science fiction convention circuit. When he's not writing, he is probably editing for other independent authors or supporting them by publishing interviews on his website. The Hybrid Author, Anthologies And World Building The word anthologies keeps coming up as the interview begins. While having been featured in some anthologies with publishers, Adam has also been publishing an anthology of his own with sapphic fantasy romance author A.C. Adams. These anthologies are where the hybrid really comes from in Adams's world. Besides the anthologies, he is a primarily self-published author. Moving along, we get into how fits and starts in the creation of the near future world in which Geffen's characters populate, making self-publishing the only real route open to him. When a seven-year gap crept into the writing of the four novellas slated to be the Cassidy Chronicles series, it became clear he had lost the plot. Rather than chase the dragon of the lost book, he simply took things as they were and released a novel. Finding Freedom In Your Own "-Verse" While world-building sounds incredibly daunting to most of us, it turned out to be the natural answer to Adam's problem of what's next after the initial arc of The Cassidy Chronicles. He had never intended to build a whole "-verse," but when he struggled to place his newest concept, he found his own characters talking to him, "Put it in my world." Suddenly the dam broke, and the story began filling itself in. More than that, in a world that is so varied, it only made sense that the type of stories would be. This has allowed Gaffen to write many different flavors of sci-fi, from noir-tinged to Star Trek inspired. The Expanse, Asimov, Heinlein And The "What If" Nick is never one to hold in his passions, and The Expanse is one of his big ones. He will rave about how perfectly the series handled macro politics honestly and nuancedly to anyone who will listen. But, the conversation moves on to include gushing about how great both Asimov and Heinlein are and how they affected Adam and his writing growing up. Gaffen mentions that the first sci-fi books he ever got were The Foundation trilogy, and Heinlein has mesmerized him as a wordsmith forever. Having geeked out thoroughly, Nicky P asks Adam what he has next on his release docket and opens up a can of worms discussing marketing cycles. It quickly becomes clear that Adam is more interested in brand marketing in lieu of book marketing. He releases them too fast to give each book a proper cycle. He has opted to focus his marketing on himself as an author, building a personal relationship with his audience. Building A Back-Catalogue For Legitimacy And Sales Since Adam has broken with the idea of book cycles, he lets us in on why. In his estimation, he sees how easy it is for household names like Stephen King to sell books with their name. When you don't have a back catalogue and name recognition, the question "Who are you?" becomes a hurdle. Adam has chosen to fill up his back catalogue with a surprising number of books. He has used these as lead magnet content to begin building personal relationships with his audience. Once you open up that communication, it's imperative to keep your audience engaged before they forget about you for the next shiny thing. The Newsletter: Email Is Relationship Marketing Getting toward the end of the episode, Nicky P and Adam get into two of the show's evergreen topics: email marketing & relationship marketing. For Adam, this works out in the form of a newsletter he releases "in character" as one of the characters from his stories. He uses content from all the media he creates, including interviews, to give his character a reason to reach out to his audience weekly. Adam understands owning his list and how even 500 die-hard fans can take pretty good care of you. Hopefully, in today's episode, you got a glimpse at some of the more creative ways writers can utilize their email lists to grow their brands. Adam Gaffen Resources & Extra Media - https://www.cassidychronicles.com/ Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com or nickypcopywriter.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Storm Young, wife, mother, and author of two mystery novels set in her beloved West Virginia. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Storm Young Storm is the award-winning author of The Penpal: A West Virginia Mystery & The Final Secret: A West Virginia Mystery. On top of being a college student and wife of a service member, Storm is also a mother. She has remarkably found time to balance all this while putting in some serious elbow grease toward selling her book. Storm Young Has Cultivated Her Brand In The Iron Age During my conversation with Storm, I was routinely surprised by the guerrilla tactics she employed toward making her novels a reality. From her story of dictating her novels into her AirPods while doing laundry to looking up contact info for every newspaper in West Virginia, she found ways to make it happen. On top of this I find the idea of a fairly tradition wife and mother chasing her dream of being a writer while still putting family first a breath of fresh air today. Outside of writing, Storm and I shared a love of rural life and a passion for the environment. Hopefully, you can learn from Storm and find creative ways to turn even small things into big marketing leverage. Storm Young Resources & Extra Media stormyoung.com Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com or nickypcopywriter.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Daniel McCarthy, the brainchild behind The Story Of Nowhere Project. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Daniel McCarthy Daniel McCarthy is an expert on Utopian history and the author of The Story Of Nowhere. His book and podcast of the same name are part of his greater The Story Of Nowhere Project, where he has sought to disentangle the web of Utopian ideology at play throughout history. As part of his efforts, he has also sought to preserve, in physical form, books that continue to disappear from online visibility either entirely or behind costly paywalls. The love of reading and exploration are behind so much of Danny's efforts. If this wasn't a large enough project for someone under thirty to take on, Danny has a second podcast with Yours Truly, applying his expertise to science fiction film analysis. Daniel McCarthy Is Fighting The New Burning Of The Library Of Alexandria In The Iron Age My conversation with Daniel gets a little blue, which is what I expect of a 3rd shift factory worker with an eye toward documenting shadowy, powerful organizations and their propaganda efforts, so be warned. In our conversation, we discuss Danny's desire to preserve as much content as possible from disappearing down the internet wormhole. While we are primarily concerned with creating art that we see being ignored by the market in an effort to memory-hole ideas that are unpalatable to some, there is also an effort to bury old, outdated parts of historical cannon for "non-experts." These people might otherwise be known as non-sanctioned thinkers. Hopefully, in today's episode, Danny can inspire you to love physical books as much as he does and take a greater interest in preserving them in the wake of the great digitization. Daniel McCarthy Resources & Extra Media storyofnowhere.com http://storyofnowhere.com/book http://storyofnowhere.com/library roadtohellfilmreviews.com Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com or nickypcopywriter.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Richie Billing, author, as well as the host of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Richie Billing Richie Billing first came to my attention as the host of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast. I assumed he would be a fine guest off of nothing more than that. But as we prepped for the episode it became clear that he had far more to offer. On top of being a knowledgeable podcaster it came to light that Richie is an author himself as well as a marketer by trade. Richie Billing And Getting Comfortable With Email In The Iron Age As Richie and I talked I was astounded at his dept of knowledge specifically in the field of marketing. Our conversation included a plethora of tips and tricks Richie himself uses as an author despite a love/hate relationship with many of the aspects of marketing. The bulk of the episodes end was spent specifically on the topic of email marketing to build relationships with your fans to build your tribe. Hopefully you walk away from today's episode with a few ideas on how to build your tribe. If it still seems like too much both Richie and I have resources to help. Richie Billing Resources & Extra Media https://richiebilling.com/ Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com or nickypcopywriter.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Brett Hoffstadt, engineer, author, and now the owner of boostwithabook.com Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Brett Hoffstadt Brett has long been an engineer, and he would have been considered successful if that was all he ever did. But Brett is not someone to rest on his laurels, he went on to start writing books as a way to establish himself as an expert in new fields and change jobs. This was just the beginning, though. He then moved on to writing children's books like "Good Night Moonbase" as a way to share his love of STEM with the next generation. Not knowing when to quit, he has moved on to sharing his knowledge through boostwithabook.com. Brett Hoffstadt Is Helping Creators Reach Their Vision In The Iron Age In today's episode, Brett and I go through his past experiences in publishing, which includes a cancellation from Amazon. We go over how he found a workaround and what his current publishing method entails. Lastly, we go over Brett's passion for helping people reap their own rewards from self-publishing as he has. Hopefully, today's episode leaves you with a clearer picture of what self-publishing can offer you. If you need some help realizing your vision, Brett's boostwithabook.com has resources I know can help. Brett Hoffstadt Resources & Extra Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretthoffstadtpmp https://twitter.com/BrettRocketSci https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDU076Il6eBkTi7KqqJIXlw https://open.spotify.com/artist/2E8mZ8QP7JrAxo9NmcMXmb https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10787033.Brett_Hoffstadt Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com or nickypcopywriter.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Will G, creator of the comic Reactive Weaponized Armor. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Will G Will G is the creator and writer of the comic Reactive Weaponized Armor as well as a screenwriter out of Texas. Reactive Weaponized Armor is highly influenced by Japanese Manga as well as franchises like The Guyver and The Power Rangers. Original Just Means Lots Of Influences In The Iron Age With Will G Today's discussion with Will G was a fun look at how influences amalgamate into a new idea. We spent a fair bit of time going over how Will found his way to comic writing in the first place, as well as the art that pushed him to get involved in the first place. In addition to Will's influences, we also discussed his general marketing strategy, which includes social media as well as pressing the flesh at cons. Hopefully, my conversation with today's guest Will G has inspired you to start telling the story you want to tell and have fun with it. Will G Resources & Extra Media https://www.reactiveweaponizedarmor.com/ https://www.instagram.com/r.w.armor/ https://www.facebook.com/R.W.Armor/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-g-07/ Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com or nickypcopywriter.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Sci-Fi novelist and stand-up comedian Jeremiah Ukponrefe about two halves making a whole. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Jeremiah Ukponrefe Jeremiah Ukponrefe released his debut science fiction novel, The Hive, in 2001. On top of being a novelist, Jeremiah also has the distinction of being a stand-up comic working out of Toronto. The Hive is the first of a series of books he's calling The Arcane Volumes Series. On top of this, he has written articles for The Runner, The Reel Anna, and Envie Magazine, as well as being a founder of the comedy production company Punching Sideways Productions. Being Two Things In The Iron Age With Jeremiah Ukponrefe In today's conversation with Jeremiah Ukponrefe, we explore the unique position of having two seemingly contradictory careers. We look at the ways in which each side of his artistic expression informs the other, but more importantly, we discuss the ways in which each part builds up to a whole. This whole being the singular brand of Jeremiah Ukponrefe. Whether as a comic selling books or as an author touting his comedy gigs, Jeremiah has discovered that he doesn't need to be pigeonholed into one art form but can use his relationships in each world to build an audience that is exclusively his. I know I harp on it a lot, but with each episode, my assumption that relationships are the core of growth is proven out. Jeremiah shares how true this is with stories from his own life, and I urge you to start taking steps for your own projects. Jeremiah Ukponrefe Resources & Extra Media https://www.jeremiahu.com/ Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com or nickypcopywriter.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to John Leister, Canadian author of over eighty books since 2019. Let's Meet Iron Age Creator John Leister John Leister is one of the most interesting guests to date and while his approach to writing might be controversial, the joy it brings him seems genuine. For John, the writing is part of a broader story weaving its way through depression, health, and religion. John describes his old life like so many of us out there lazy and voyeuristic filled with appreciation of others' hard work but missing the spark that makes us take interest in our own lives. His writing career hasn't done away with his need for a day job as a security guard but it has been an integral part of his radical personal growth. It's Never Too Late To Become The Creative You Want To Be With John Leister My first encounter with john was an unsolicited email I woke my wife up to discuss. It was one of the best sales emails I'd ever gotten from a perspective guest. I immediately wrote him back to set up a recording. Most of today's episode is honestly John telling us his story of inspiration after finding god. Whatever your religious inclinations are, however, there is no doubt the defining moment of John's life has made him a better and more joyful individual. I hope that today's episode makes you look at your own life and decide to live it to its fullest. Find the joy John has found, for yourself. John Leister Resources & Extra Media https://www.facebook.com/groups/497054801130251 Shill Need help connecting with your audience for your book, comic, or other creative endeavors? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com or nickypcopywriter.com