Book Career Network

030 - Leveraging Technology for Creative Writing with Mark Stallings [Ink & Effort]

Welcome to episode six of "Ink and Effort," where we explore the intersection of creativity and technology in the writing world. I’m your host, James Fox, and today we’re joined by a special guest, Mark Stallings. Mark is not just a technology expert at DEFCON but also a seasoned writer who’s skillfully navigated the evolving landscape of writing tools and techniques. In this episode, we delve into how technology is transforming the creative process, focusing on Mark's use of various tools to streamline his writing workflow. From ProWritingAid and Scrivener to generative AI and social media scheduling platforms, Mark shares his strategies and insights that have helped him refine his craft efficiently. We also tackle the ethical considerations and common fears around AI, shedding light on how these technologies can enhance rather than threaten our creative endeavors. Whether you’re a new writer looking to get a foothold or a seasoned author curious about tech innovations, this episode offers valuable takeaways to enhance your writing journey.

029 - Not Safe for Work Part 1 [Author Intelligence]

Blow Jobs and Torture Scenes. That’s It. Size, Cost & Performance
Foundational Models like to clutch their pearls.
What’s an author to do when they need to write sex and violence? Go opensource.
See the full show notes here: https://shy-jackrabbit-e9e.notion.site/Episode-6-7-8-NSFW-44d1bc5394fd484ba16d6f94ed1db535

028 - How Taylor Created A Community [Romancing Like Swift]

Today we're diving into something truly special—how Taylor Swift has mastered the art of building a loyal, engaged community and what we as authors can learn from her success.
In this episode we'll unpack Taylor's standout fan engagement strategies, from her social media teases and Easter eggs in music videos to her real-life interactions like "Swiftmas" and exclusive listening parties.
We'll talk about how these tactics can be translated into the author-reader relationship, emphasizing the importance of making readers feel special and valued. From reader magnets and annual giveaways to immersive virtual experiences and authentic engagements, we've got a treasure trove of insights to help you build your own thriving community.
So, get ready to take plenty of notes and feel inspired—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Let's get started!

027 - Jon R. Osborne, #BringOzBeer Part 2 [Worlds Asunder]

The fantasy we all know and love falls under a vast umbrella of subgenres and niche markets. Enter urban fantasy: magic and wonder that happens right out your front door. This subgenre layers classic fantasy tropes like magic and mythical creatures onto real-world settings you’re probably already familiar with. 
We had the privilege to interview Jon R. Osborne, science fiction and fantasy author and creator of the urban fantasy series the Milesian Accords. Jon has such a great mind for worldbuilding, he literally wrote the book on it.  
In Part Two, We Discuss: 
Tips and tools for developing real-world settings 
Integrating magic, science, information technology, and popular culture 
How to navigate pitfalls when writing modern religion and belief systems
Layering different cultures, mythos, and folklore into a cohesive universe 
Tips for tracking worldbuilding details across genres and topics 
#bringOzbeer
Resources and Guest Links: 
Worldbuilding for Novices: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/book/world-building-for-novices/
Jon R. Osborne’s Milesian Accords: https://jonrosborne.com/book-series/the-milesian-accords/
Paladins of Valor, featuring Milesian Accords stories from Jon R. Osborne, H.Y. Gregor, and David Shadoin: https://www.amazon.com/Paladins-Valor-Libri-Valoris-Book-ebook/dp/B0CY9T4DHG
Folklore 101 by Dr. Jeana Jorgensen https://www.amazon.com/Folklore-101-Accessible-Introduction-Studies/dp/B09KN9YF2Q
Follow Oz Here! 
https://www.facebook.com/jonrosborne 
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B073PKR8GS/about
Enormous Thanks to Jon R. Osborne! The Milesian Accords are near and dear to Shady and H.Y.’s hearts since “Oz” opened up his universe to new authors. We’ve been so fortunate to have him as a mentor, editor, and friend in our writing careers. We’re seriously excited to share his series and non-fiction with you to aid your author journeys. 
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, 
 

026 - In Conversation with Steven Pressfield [Becoming A Household Name]

In this episode, Jody and Steven Pressfield (yes, that one!) delve deep into the emotional and creative struggles that often accompany a writer's journey. They start off by discussing personal experiences with grief and how this universal emotion can impact creativity—a poignant topic that resonates with both hosts as they reflect on their bonds with beloved pets.
The discussion then moves to the concept of "resistance," a powerful force that often stops creators in their tracks. Steven and Jody explore various forms of resistance, including illness and grief, and share strategies for overcoming these obstacles. They touch on the immense challenges faced by self-published authors in promoting their work and making meaningful connections, shedding light on the competitive nature of the literary world.
Steven offers valuable insights into managing creative output, the importance of self-discipline, and the role of ego in the creative process. They also discuss Steven's innovative marketing strategy for his book "The Daily Press Field," which includes a premium package to provide added value to readers.
Throughout the episode, Steven and Jody emphasize the importance of perseverance, self-validation, and staying true to one's creative vision while navigating the complexities of the publishing world. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice.
So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join us for an inspiring episode that promises to reignite your passion for storytelling and creative pursuits. And don't forget to share this podcast with fellow dreamers who could use a bit of motivation. Let's dive in!

025 - E. W. Barnes on Writing and Life Management [Ink & Effort]

I'm your host, James Fox, and today, we have a fascinating discussion lined up with science fiction author E.W. Barnes. In this episode, we'll unravel the secrets behind E.W.'s unique writing schedule, her use of dictation and needlepoint to boost creativity, and the power of the Pomodoro technique to maximize productivity.
We'll delve into the challenges of balancing writing with daily life, tackling issues like burnout, setting high priority tasks, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. E.W. shares her insights on finding time to write amidst busy schedules and emphasizes the importance of self-care and emotional well-being.
Join us as we explore practical strategies, personal experiences, and heartfelt advice that every writer can relate to. Whether you're juggling multiple projects or yearning to transition into a full-time writing career, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you navigate the journey.
Get ready to be inspired and motivated to take your writing to new heights. Let's dive in!

024 - No Matter What They Say, Price Matters [Author Intelligence]

Today we dive into a topic every author using AI needs to understand: the costs of AI models. In this episode of Author Intelligence — No Matter What They Say, Price Matters — we unravel the complex world of AI pricing, context windows, and token usage.
We'll dissect the cost implications of using advanced models like Chat 4, Claude, Gemini 1.5 Pro, and Llama 3, and explore how authors can take control of their spending using APIs and a budget-savvy approach.
We’ll also touch on the innovative tools and tiers launched by Google and how different author types—whether you're a gardener, weaver, baker, or architect—can maximize efficiency while keeping costs down. Plus, we’ll share personal insights into the pricing strategies and the evolving landscape of AI in writing and publishing.
So, grab your notebooks and let's get started—because no matter what they say, price truly matters in the realm of AI!
Full show notes can be found here: https://shy-jackrabbit-e9e.notion.site/Episode-5-No-Matter-What-They-Say-Price-Matters-Author-Intelligence-Podcast-e3c288e6d86940f88e97a5c3ed2c2b7f

023 - Arc Of Fiction - Every Character Gets What They Deserve [Romancing Like Swift]

We’re gearing up to dive deep into the fascinating world of storytelling, drawing inspiration from none other than Taylor Swift herself.
Today we'll start by exploring Taylor and Katy Perry's infamous feud, which all began over backup dancers and escalated into a full-blown conflict, only to be resolved beautifully in the "You Need to Calm Down" video. What can this teach us about crafting engaging conflicts and resolutions in our writing?
We’ll also break down Swift's song "Nobody, No Crime" to understand how genre fiction delivers soul-soothing justice, a crucial element for reader satisfaction. From crime fiction to romantic fantasy, we'll discuss why characters getting what they deserve is not just satisfying but essential for a complete narrative arc.
Of course, we can’t talk about Swift without mentioning some of our favorite songs and the anticipation building up for her new album. Her mastery of narrative arcs and emotionally charged lyrics offers a treasure trove of insights for us writers—whether you’re a plotter or a pantser.
In this episode, we’ll touch on the importance of balancing narrative arcs in genre fiction, assuring readers of a guaranteed outcome. And if you’re a steamy romance author like me or a craft nerd, there’s something here for you as well.
So grab your favorite writing notebook, settle in, and stay tuned for a riveting episode where we promise every character—and listener—will get what they deserve.

022 - Jon R. Osborne, #BringOzBeer Part 1 [Worlds Asunder]

The fantasy we all know and love falls under a vast umbrella of subgenres and niche markets. Enter urban fantasy: magic and wonder that happens right out your front door. This subgenre layers classic fantasy tropes like magic and mythical creatures onto real-world settings you’re probably already familiar with. 
We had the privilege to interview Jon R. Osborne, science fiction and fantasy author and creator of the urban fantasy series the Milesian Accords. Jon has such a great mind for worldbuilding, he literally wrote the book on it.  
 
In Part One, We Discuss: 
The necessity of different approaches in worldbuilding for Science Fiction vs Urban Fantasy 
Real-world inspiration for Urban Fantasy: how to balance reality and fiction. Where do you take your creative liberties? 
Jon’s novella, Worldbuilding for Novices, from CKP’s Quillcraft Press 
Historical research for mythology and folklore, and the differences between the two 
Special considerations for shared world sandboxes 
Paladins of Valor, and the first contributing short story to the Milesian Accords
 
Resources and Guest Links: 
Worldbuilding for Novices: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/book/world-building-for-novices/
Jon R. Osborne’s Milesian Accords: https://jonrosborne.com/book-series/the-milesian-accords/
Paladins of Valor, featuring Milesian Accords short stories from Jon R. Osborne, H.Y. Gregor, and David Shadoin: https://www.amazon.com/Paladins-Valor-Libri-Valoris-Book-ebook/dp/B0CY9T4DHG 
Follow Oz Here! https://www.facebook.com/jonrosborne 
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B073PKR8GS/about
 
Enormous Thanks to Jon R. Osborne! The Milesian Accords are near and dear to Shady and H.Y.’s hearts since “Oz” opened up his universe to new authors. We’ve been so fortunate to have him as a mentor, editor, and friend in our writing careers. We’re seriously excited to share his series and non-fiction with you to aid your author journeys. 
 
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, 

021 - That Crazy Idea - Straight From The Heart [Becoming A Household Name]

Jody delves deep into the powerful notion that the ideas we've been toying with for years might just be the key to unlocking our greatest potential.
Jody shares personal anecdotes and reflections about his lifelong dream to become a household name, and how he's navigated the fears and uncertainties that come with chasing big, sometimes polarizing ideas. From teenage whims to hitchhiking adventures and lessons learned from business influencers, Jody emphasizes the importance of stepping into the scary unknown and staying committed to your core passion.
Whether you're an aspiring novelist, a creative dreamer, or someone curious about what drives us to pursue our wildest ideas, this episode is for you.
Tune in and get inspired to start now, persist, and build bridges toward your dreams, even if you don’t yet see where they’ll converge.