Book Career Network

034 - Not Safe for Work Part 2 [Author Intelligence]

Welcome to another exciting episode of Author Intelligence, where we delve into the fascinating world of auto-writing tools and their impact on creative storytelling. I'm Stacy Anderson, joined by my co-host Elizabeth Ann West. In this episode, we explore how specific prompts shape the quality of AI-generated writing, review excerpts from military sci-fi scenes, and discuss the performance of different auto-writing models like Mistral and Wizard. Get ready as we push boundaries with darker themes, filled with blood and gore, and provide valuable insights on enhancing your writing through technology. Let's dive in!

033 - Every Villain Is A Hero Of Their Own Story [Romancing Like Swift]

Welcome to "Romancing Like Swift," the podcast where we dive deep into the world of romance writing, inspired by the lyrics and business savvy of Taylor Swift. I'm Emily Jane alongside my co-host Morgana Babin. Today, we're exploring the concept that "every villain is the hero of their own story." We'll be unpacking how revealing the motives and goals of your antagonists can create richer, more relatable stories, just as Taylor Swift masterfully does in her music. We'll also offer tips on how to develop multi-dimensional villains, discuss the impact of backstory and miscommunication, and provide a sneak peek into our own writing journeys. Stay tuned!

032 - C.R. Rowenson: Do You Believe in Magic Part 1 [Worlds Asunder]

Magic systems are the foundation of fantasy fiction. By design, removing magic from a core fantasy story means the world and the plot fall apart. From elemental manipulation, runes, wand work, and bending light into physical form, we’ve seen countless magic systems and spellcasters over centuries of fiction. As authors, how do we make our magic unique, believable, and captivating? 
 
Enter Clark Rowenson, aka the Magic Engineer. Clark turned his background in the sciences to creating a practical, analytical system. His methods break down magic systems, design new ones, and strengthen existing ones. 
 
Author of “The Magic Systems Blueprint: A Fiction Writer’s Guide to Building Magic Systems” and “Restrictions May Apply: Building Limits for Your Magic System”, Clark is an industry leader in magic systems. In addition to a wealth of free resources on his website, and his YouTube channel The Magic Engineer, Clark also offers one-on-one consultation services. 
 
In Part One, We Discuss: 
Arthur C. Clarke’s Third Law: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”
Clark’s background in engineering and chemistry 
The integration of magic in storytelling and making stories dependent on magic and fantasy themes
Getting started: finding intersections in worldbuilding and deciding on which core elements to include and how to connect them 
Implications of magic in the larger world: how does magic change or impact your characters lives, social and government structure, and environment?
Getting through the weeds: the art of presenting new terminology and concepts, and how to determine what to include in your manuscript and what’s a side quest 
Uses of magic to highlight and contrast different aspects of society, and how to get it to enhance  
Resources and Guest Links: 
 https://crrowenson.com/
https://www.patreon.com/crrowenson
The Magic Engineer on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4TcDjakQUUFyGXTm7ZF1Q 
 
Join us in thanking Clark! We met Clark through the writing conference circuit, and he’s a great friend, writer, teacher, and all-around person. Magic systems are so nuanced and exciting, and Clark was on our short-list for Worlds Asunder while the podcast was in its pre-recording phase. We hope everyone has enjoyed this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it. 
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,

031 - Sponsorships, Partnerships, Influencers, and Loans for Writers [Becoming A Household Name]

In this episode, we delve into practical strategies for writers to reach new audiences and potentially achieve full-time author status. Our speaker explores the intersection of art and business, providing insights on leveraging local business sponsorships, approaching influencers, and understanding the social media landscape. If you’re serious about staking your claim in the literary world, this guide offers a grassroots approach to transform your passion into a sustainable career. Let's dive in!

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!