Book Career Network

014 - Keep Spending Most Our Lives Living in a Commuter Paradise [Author Intelligence]

In today's episode, Keep Spending Most Our Lives Living in a Commuter Paradise, hosts Stacy Anderson and Elizabeth Ann West delve into their experiences using AI tools for writing and publishing. They discuss the captivating story of Zora and Zan, whose awkward encounter at Cafe Nebula comes about through the Galactic Dating Service, and explore how AI can help enrich storytelling with humor and depth.
Tune in as they demonstrate the practical uses of the Chat GPT app for enhancing writing productivity during long commutes. They introduce Omni, the chatbot assisting them with real-time writing on the go, showcasing its ability to adapt and personalize interactions.
You'll hear their tips on controlling story pace, setting up effective prompts, and adding engaging character dialogues. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion about integrating AI into the creative process, filled with expert advice and practical examples from their science fiction romance project. Join us for an episode packed with innovation, creativity, and a touch of futuristic technology!

013 - Why Taylor is a Marketing Genius [Romancing Like Swift]

Morgana and Emily delve into the ingenious marketing strategies of Taylor Swift and how they can be applied to the world of book publishing. They spotlight authors Kat Baxter, Violet Ray, Fern Fraser, and Hope Ford, who are revolutionizing the "insta love" genre through quick, collaborative writing within shared world concepts. The hosts discuss the benefits of author collaboration in staying relevant and thriving in the industry. Drawing parallels to Taylor Swift's evolution from country to pop music, they emphasize the importance of adaptability, taking calculated risks, and retaining core storytelling elements.
The episode covers engaging readers with special editions, merchandise, and launch events, while also exploring the potential of Kickstarter as a tool for creating momentum, particularly for special edition items. Morgana and Emily share their Kickstarter experiences, including a noteworthy campaign by Penny Reid for a knitting book, and highlight the power of community among romance readers.
Throughout the episode, the hosts provide actionable tips on maintaining a strong personal brand, using “Easter eggs” to connect standalone books into a series, and the significance of direct reader engagement through social media, live Q&A sessions, and virtual events. They draw inspiration from Taylor Swift's genuine artist collaborations and strategic fan interactions, encouraging authors to create meaningful connections with their readers and fellow writers.
Packed with personal anecdotes and practical advice, this episode is a treasure trove for authors looking to elevate their marketing game and build lasting relationships with their audience. Tune in and learn how to romance like Swift!

012 - Katie Cross, The One With Chaos Part 1 [Worlds Asunder]

We all love a widespread, far-reaching fantasy universe that we as readers can get completely absorbed in. The only thing better than a great fantasy series is a whole collection of them that deep-dive into an immersive world. But how do you keep track of a timeline that spans over a thousand years? Where do you start when your cast of characters stretches into the hundreds? 
We’re so pleased to release this interview with Katie Cross, author of more than 50 novels in her award-winning Alkarra universe. Katie drives down to the bedrock and gives us an inside look at her own spreadsheets and world bible. Join us and get practical tips and tools to keep your worlds organized. Bonus author mental health checks included ;) 
 
In Part Two, We Discuss: 
Avoiding the urge for perfection and focusing on moving forward 
Drafting processes and tips to make your writing more efficient 
Learning from our failures 
Maps and their purposes and utility in fantasy 
Katie’s recommended series for worldbuilding 
Addressing and conquering mental roadblocks 
 
Resources and Guest Links: 
https://katiecrossbooks.com/ 
 
Katie’s Book Recommendations for Great Worldbuilding!
Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie: https://littlehousebooks.com/
Lydia Sherrer, Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: https://www.lydiasherrer.com/books/love-lies-and-hocus-pocus/
 
Thanks again to Katie! Getting such a detailed look behind the curtain of this kind of world tracking and story management is a rare opportunity. We’re honored she agreed to hang out with us. 
 
Host Links: 
H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/
David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ 
 
Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)
For Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 
For Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim, 
 

011 - Crafting the Perfect Book Pitch [Becoming A Household Name]

Today on Becoming A Household Name we're diving into the art of crafting the perfect book pitch. Ever struggled to succinctly sell your book or engage potential readers? You're not alone. In this episode, I share my personal journey – from fumbled pitches and missed opportunities to a transformative experience that revolutionized my approach.
We'll explore why a compelling pitch is crucial, how feedback and observation can dramatically improve your strategy, and the importance of creating moments that ignite curiosity. Plus, I'll recount invaluable lessons learned from my interactions with pitching pros like David Joel Stevenson and insights gained at conventions.
Get ready to hear an example pitch for my book, Luke and Time Mysteries, and discover tips on refining your own pitch to boost your book sales. Whether you’re selling at a market, mingling at a party, or just want to elevate your pitch game, this episode is packed with actionable advice. So tune in, and let’s start transforming your book pitch from good to irresistible!

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!