Book Career Network

060 - From Zero to Thousands: Tracking My Instagram Progress [Becoming A Household Name]

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

059 - James Fox: Only Writers Into Worldbuilding [Worlds Asunder]

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

058 - Lessons From The Tortured Poet Department [Romancing Like Swift]

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

057 - Gail Carriger: Archeology and Treacle Tarts Part 2 [Worlds Asunder]

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

056 - A Sure Way To Failure [Becoming A Household Name]

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

055 - Sustainable Artistry with Becca Syme [Romancing Like Swift]

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

054 - Archeology and Treacle Tarts Part 1 [Worlds Asunder]

What do shoes, cephalopods, and tea have in common? They’re all some of today’s guest’s favorite things. We’re pleased to introduce the one and only Gail Carriger: multiple NYT bestselling author of urban fantasy, steampunk, supernatural, science fiction, and non-fiction. Gail’s background as an archaeologist has helped shape her worldbuilding, and her insights to crafting character and setting are uniquely insightful.
How do you write a hug, make readers laugh, and keep them tearing through the pages? What makes a long-running joke or a character feel like your best friend? Get ready to take notes as Gail’s gives us tips and tales ranging from witty banter in fiction, Firefly stories, and author business advice.
 
In Part One, We Discuss: 
Objects in fiction: opportunities and implications for using the inanimate in both world and character development  
Considerations for making realistic, unique changes to your world based on the injection of fantasy elements 
Steampunk, paranormal romance, humor writing, and Gail’s inspiration for the Parasol Protectorate 
Considerations for cross-genre writing, and why it’s a hard sell in the modern market 
Setting as character
Creating a sense of comfort and familiarity for readers 
Writers as fans and author behavior 
 
Resources and Guest Links: 
Gail’s upcoming events: https://gailcarriger.com/upcoming-events/ 
The Heroine’s Journey: https://gailcarriger.com/books/hj/
Gail’s fiction: https://gailcarriger.com/books/ 
Pre-order for The Dratsie Dilemma, the latest book in the San Andrea Shifters series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DG9CWGPL 
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree: https://www.travisbaldree.com/books
Becky Chambers books: https://www.otherscribbles.com/#/thelongway/ 
Reading Glasses Podcast: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/reading-glasses/ 
 
Gail was such a phenomenal guest! We’re so grateful she gave us her time for this awesome interview. We had so much fun recording, and we hope you got as much out of this episode as we did. 
 
Host Links: 
H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/
David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ 
Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)
Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 
Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim
 

053 - Creating Through Depression Without Losing Passion [Becoming A Household Name]

A true account of the journey. You might find it takes a long time to get where you're going, and there are no promises you'll ever arrive. I wish I could say otherwise…

052 - Connections Beyond Pages: The Power of Writing Communities [Ink & Effort]

Host James Fox is joined by guests HY Gregor and Shady (David) for an engaging discussion on the significance of in-person interactions and community-building within the writing and publishing industry. They delve into the benefits of attending conferences, networking events, and conventions, emphasizing how these face-to-face opportunities can foster professional relationships and provide essential support for both extroverts and introverts. The episode also highlights the collaborative and supportive nature of writing communities, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences to underline the importance of establishing strong connections. Additionally, they touch upon the challenges of self-publishing, the role of social media, and the value of constructive feedback from peers. With insights on balancing the demands of writing and marketing, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to leveraging community and in-person connections for career growth and development in the writing world.

051 - Community with Michael Evans [Romancing Like Swift]

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane sit down with guest Michael Evans to explore the art of building strong author communities by drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift's fan engagement strategies. They analyze Taylor Swift’s authenticity and how she connects with her fans through personal interactions, exclusive content, and social media. Michael shares actionable insights for authors on fostering similar connections with their readers through methods like offering early access, polls, and bonus content.
The conversation also delves into the practicalities of subscription models for authors. Morgana, Emily, and Michael discuss various types of subscription tiers, from early access and exclusive content to merchandise, and how to balance free and paid offerings to serve both the author's financial goals and their fanbase. The episode emphasizes the importance of evolving and relaunching subscription content to keep fans engaged over time. They also highlight the significance of creating a genuine sense of community and deepening fan engagement through personal interactions and long-term relationship building.
Key Takeaways:
Taylor Swift’s community-building success comes from her authenticity and genuine connection with fans.
Authors can engage their readers by involving them in the creative process through polls, exclusive content, and early access to works in progress.
Responding to fans and making them feel heard fosters a loyal and supportive community.
Participating in fandoms related to your genre can help authors connect with a broader audience and grow their communities.
Authors should explore different subscription models, such as offering early access, exclusive content, and merchandise, while balancing free and paid perks.
Evolving and relaunching subscription projects over time helps maintain fan interest and engagement.
Building a community through genuine connections is crucial to long-term success for authors.
Consider the discoverability and growth potential of a subscription model before launching it to ensure it's sustainable and valuable.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift Podcast
00:34 – Special Guest: Michael Evans on Community Building
02:24 – The Importance of Authenticity for Authors
04:35 – Taylor Swift’s Social Media Strategy
08:05 – Engaging with Fans: Lessons from Taylor Swift
13:57 – Actionable Tips for Authors
23:43 – Subscription Models for Authors
35:06 – Creating Immersive Subscription Tiers
35:42 – Simplifying Your Subscription Strategy
37:38 – Multiple Revenue Streams for Authors
39:52 – Evolving Your Subscription Content
44:31 – Balancing Free and Paid Content
52:21 – Building Community and Loyalty
01:01:01 – Final Thoughts and Taylor Swift