Book Career Network

010 - Achieving Big Dreams through Small Targets with Dano Colon [Ink & Effort]

James and Dano dive deep into the common struggles that plague many creatives, including the overburdening of ideas and the collapse of inspiration. They explore the pros and cons of writing routines, setting realistic goals, and the importance of daily word counts. Join us as they discuss their own experiences with ADHD, distractions, and the challenges of building vast universes filled with complex characters and intricate plot arcs.
Dano shares invaluable advice on establishing creative routines and trying different approaches when feeling stuck, while James highlights the significance of accountability and data tracking in writing progress. Together, they emphasize perseverance, breaking down tasks, and maintaining flexibility in creativity. This episode also delves into their collaborative storytelling process, the synergy in merging multiple ideas, and overcoming the obstacles of creative misalignments. If you're a writer seeking inspiration, tips, and a candid look into the creative process, this episode is not to be missed. Subscribe and follow for more insights straight from the writing trenches!

009 - The AI Mystique: Stop Giving the Calculator So Much Credit [Author Intelligence]

Welcome back to Author Intelligence on the Book Career Network! In this episode, your hosts Elizabeth Ann West and Stacy Anderson from the Future Fiction Academy dive deep into the world of AI and its ever-evolving role in writing and publishing.
We'll explore how both hosts leverage AI tools for their own writing—sharing expenses, usage, and the impact of hyperparameters on generating quality content. Discover insights into how major publishers are employing AI for translations, audiobooks, and marketing efforts, potentially even replacing authors and agents in some areas.
Elizabeth and Stacy demystify various AI models, breaking down their operational mechanisms, like the OpenAI Playground and model 3.5, while discussing cost-effective ways to utilize these tools. They'll walk us through the intricacies of completion mode and highlight the significance of settings like temperature control in shaping AI outputs.
Get ready to unravel common misconceptions about AI in authorship, hear real-world usage scenarios, and prepare for a fascinating walkthrough of the future of AI-assisted writing. Plus, stay tuned for a sneak peek into their plans for making AI a productivity powerhouse in the next episode. Join us for an enlightening conversation that promises to amplify your writing career with the power of AI.

008 - Emotional Connections and Reader Ownership [Romancing Like Swift]

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Romancing Like Swift podcast on the Book Career Network, titled Emotional Connections and Reader Ownership. In today's episode, your hosts Morgana and Emily dive deep into the intricate web of emotional connections that romance novels and Taylor Swift's music create.
They begin with a chat about popular movies like the Barbie movie and "The Killers of the Flower Moon," leading into a thoughtful discussion on how men often perceive and misjudge the romance genre. As they explore the idea of questioning the motives behind everything, they shift focus to Taylor Swift’s evolving storytelling techniques and her profound ability to express universal female experiences through her lyrics.
The discussion navigates through the complexities of body image, particularly the pressure to be thin, and how Taylor’s songs resonate with women of all ages. Morgana and Emily share personal stories about parental approval and body image, emphasizing the influence of media representation.
Dive into how romance novels, like Taylor Swift's songs, provide emotional scaffolding for modern women, guiding them through love, heartbreak, and friendships. They highlight the significance of addressing topics such as safe sex and contraception in romance novels, aiming for a more realistic portrayal and promoting crucial discussions.
The hosts draw parallels between the emotional engagement of Taylor Swift's extended songs like "All Too Well" and the longing for more from beloved books. Tune in as they navigate the shared desire for deeper connections, personal growth through stories, and the ever-evolving relationship between reader ownership and emotional storytelling.
Plus, they'll share their current favorite Taylor Swift songs, book recommendations, and invite listeners to do the same. Join Morgana and Emily for an insightful episode filled with heart, resonance, and the power of storytelling.
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In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jayne delve into the emotional power of Taylor Swift's lyrics and how authors can harness similar techniques in their writing. 
The discussion centers on 'cognitive dissonance' in Swift's music, using examples like 'Mad Woman' and 'All Too Well' to illustrate how unexpected lyrical twists drive deeper listener engagement. 
The hosts also touch on the importance of reader ownership and the power of withholding intriguing details to create engagement. The conversation expands to critiques of romance novels' evolution regarding real-life issues, like safe sex, providing a broader context of how Taylor Swift and romance authors shape modern women's experiences.
00:27 Emotional Connections and Cognitive Dissonance in Taylor Swift's Lyrics
02:34 Reader Engagement and Ownership
04:05 Newsletter Strategies for Authors
09:42 Romance Novels - Safe Sex and Changing Norms
14:42 Female Experiences and Societal Expectations
19:57 Universal Themes in Taylor Swift's Music
23:22 Personal Reflections on Body Image and Disordered Eating

007 - The One Where We Start, Part 2 [Worlds Asunder]

From Marvel to Star Wars, shared universe content is taking over the world. We interviewed Chris Kennedy, publisher, author, and one of the co-founders of the Four Horseman Universe (4HU). Today Chris Kennedy Publishing is made up of six imprints that publish everything from non-fiction to military fiction to fantasy. 
From CKP’s Seventh Seal Press, the Four Horseman Universe is an action-packed, sweeping military science fiction series. It all started in 2016 with Cartwright’s Cavaliers by Mark Wandrey (https://www.worldmaker.us/home/). Now the 4HU has expanded to 8 different series, approaching 100 titles from over 50 authors. Its dedicated fan club has 25 companies across the country. 
We’ll discuss: 
Advantages of shared worlds and co-writing: stepping out of the author cave and working with others to ping-pong ideas and build your writing community 
The worldbuilding process: how much is done in advance of writing your novel, and how does this vary from author to author? 
The iceberg approach: how to determine which worldbuilding details are going to further your story 
Joining a shared world as a new author: where do you start?
The editing process: how developmental editing looks different in a shared world 
Resources and Guest Links: 
Chris Kennedy Publishing: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/
Mark Wandrey Author: https://www.worldmaker.us/home/ 
World Building for Novices: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/book/world-building-for-novices/ 
Quillcraft Press, CKP: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/quillcraft-press/ 
4HU Fan Club, the Mercenary Guild: https://themercenaryguild.org/index.html
Host Links: 
H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/

006 - Hard Work Is A Lie [Becoming A Household Name]

Hard Work Is A Lie of Becoming A Household Name.
I'm your host, Jody, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the paradox of hard work and success. I'll share my personal journey and the powerful lessons learned along the way, exploring why hard work isn't always the straightforward key to achieving dreams, but rather a complex interplay of passion, perseverance, joy, and serendipity.
We'll discuss the critical role of fans in an artist's journey, relate it to my experiences as a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, and unpack how joy in the process can be more fulfilling than any outcome.
Whether you're an aspiring household name or simply curious about what drives dreamers, this episode has insights that will inspire and challenge you.

005 - Finding Your Routine with A.K. Duboff [Ink & Effort]

In today's episode of Ink & Effort, Finding Your Routine with A.K. Duboff, we're diving deep into the art of mastering your writing routine to boost productivity and creativity.
I'm your host, James, from Ink & Effort, where we focus on turning your writing dreams into productive realities.
Today, we are thrilled to have the prolific writer A.K. Duboff join us. Despite her packed schedule, A.K. has crafted a dynamic routine that includes early morning writing sessions, "back of mind percolation," and even using bus rides as mental exercise. We'll explore how triggers like large headphones help her enter a focused state and how her use of focus mode and dark screen in Word blocks out distractions at night.
We'll talk about setting and meeting writing goals, overcoming writer’s block, and achieving that coveted flow state. Plus, learn how small rewards can fuel your writing journey. A.K. will also share insights on collaborating with other writers and maintaining discipline amidst various projects.
If you're struggling with routine, distractions, or simply want to up your writing game, this episode is packed with valuable advice and personal anecdotes that will resonate with writers of all levels. So grab your notebook, settle in, and let's get started on finding your perfect writing routine!

004 - I Have An Idea for A Novel, You Write it and We’ll Split the Profits [Author Intelligence]

In this premier edition of "Author Intelligence," Stacy Anderson, our host from the Future Fiction Academy, joins forces with co-hosts Elizabeth Ann West and our AI host to dive deep into the fascinating world of writing and publishing with AI assistance. Today, we'll explore how AI tools like OpenAI and Claude can revolutionize your writing process—from brainstorming and generating story outlines to refining scenes and creating compelling character arcs.
Elizabeth and Stacy bring their wealth of experience in both traditional and self-publishing, shedding light on how AI can accelerate content production and serve as a valuable brainstorming partner. They'll share personal anecdotes, such as Elizabeth's history with using dictation due to physical pain, and Stacy's experience leveraging AI for organizing ideas into coherent story arcs.
Listen in as they guide you through generating a 2,000-word scene, address common misconceptions about AI in the writing community, and demonstrate interactive tools for historical fiction set during Jack the Ripper's time. They'll also discuss the importance of an author's role in storytelling and validate the use of AI to enhance emotional depth in writing.
Don't miss this insightful discussion on how AI is shaping the future of writing, empowering authors to produce faster, richer narratives while keeping their unique creative touch. And remember, subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with a friend. Let's dive in!

003 - Harnessing Taylor Swift's Genius [Romancing Like Swift]

Harnessing Taylor Swift's Genius: Writing Craft and Business Strategy for Authors?
 
In this debut episode of the Romancing Like Swift podcast, hosts Emma-Lee Jayne and Morgana Bevan delve into what authors can learn from Taylor Swift's lyrics and business practices. 
 
The hosts introduce themselves and discuss their writing careers before focusing on Taylor Swift and the countless lessons authors can learn from her. They emphasize Swift's storytelling, marketing brilliance, and genuine authenticity as key lessons for writers. The episode touches on the concept of 'butter' in storytelling, the power of reader engagement through Easter eggs, and the importance of resilience and authenticity in building a loyal fan base. The episode also highlights favorite Taylor Swift songs, inviting listeners to share their own favorites.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts
02:56 The Genesis of the Podcast
05:05 Diving into Taylor Swift's Storytelling
07:22 Taylor Swift's Authenticity and Business Strategy
09:00 Crafting Engaging Stories: Lessons from Taylor Swift
11:40 Building a Loyal Fan Base: Insights from Taylor Swift
15:51 Taylor Swift's Genre Evolution and Consistency
17:15 The Concept of 'Butter' in Writing
22:44 Conclusion and Favorite Taylor Swift Songs
 
Disclaimer: Morgana and Emma-Lee began recording Romancing Like Swift in January 2024 before The Tortured Poets Department was announced or released.  

002 - The One Where We Start, Part 1 [Worlds Asunder]

From Marvel to Star Wars, shared universe content is taking over the world. We interviewed Chris Kennedy, publisher, author, and one of the co-founders of the Four Horseman Universe (4HU). Today Chris Kennedy Publishing is made up of six imprints that publish everything from non-fiction to military fiction to fantasy. 
From CKP’s Seventh Seal Press, the Four Horseman Universe is an action-packed, sweeping military science fiction series. It all started in 2016 with Cartwright’s Cavaliers by Mark Wandrey (https://www.worldmaker.us/home/). Now the 4HU has expanded to 8 different series, approaching 100 titles from over 50 authors. Its dedicated fan club has 25 companies across the country. 
We’ll discuss: 
The starting seeds of a massive shared universe: how do authors hatch a plan that spans such a widespread, beloved series? 
Submitting and participating in anthologies: how short stories help new authors get involved in established universes 
Worldbuilding continuity across space: dozens of alien races, countless planets, and mercenary companies means you need a good bible and even better continuity editors
Real-world inspiration for military science fiction and future tech
Suspension of disbelief: research and reality vs the “rule of cool” in far-future science fiction 
Resources and Guest Links: 
Chris Kennedy Publishing: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/
Mark Wandrey Author: https://www.worldmaker.us/home/ 
World Building for Novices: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/book/world-building-for-novices/ 
Quillcraft Press, CKP: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/quillcraft-press/ 
4HU Fan Club, the Mercenary Guild: https://themercenaryguild.org/index.html
Host Links: 
H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/

001 - Manifesting Your Goals Is Bullcrap If You Think It Is [Becoming A Household Name]

Welcome to another episode of Becoming A Household Name, on the Book Career Network. Today, we're diving deep into the intriguing world of success, goals, and manifesting dreams with your host, Jody Sperling.
Fresh off a personal journey with the carnivore diet—having shed 17 pounds and stabilizing at a leaner 225—Jody contemplates the intricate dance between belief, hard work, and the rituals we employ to fuel our ambitions.
He aspires to become a household name, dissecting the discipline behind writing giants like Stephen King and JK Rowling, and the public pressures they face.
Jody shares candid experiences, from motivational struggles to miraculous healing encounters, and we open the floor for community input on strategies for success. Whether you’re here for the literary insights, personal anecdotes, or a fresh take on goal-setting, this episode has something to keep you inspired and questioning.