Book Career Network

020 - Ergonomic Tools with Melinda Kucera [Ink & Effort]

Today we have a fantastic discussion lined up with special guest Melinda Kucera. Melinda is here to share some indispensable advice for writers, focusing on the essentials of creating an ergonomic workspace and navigating the challenges of writing in various environments.
In this episode, we dive into the importance of starting with the basics, from ergonomic keyboards and mice to finding the right chair—especially for those of us not built like tall men. Melinda also shares her excitement for her recently completed Rogue Gods trilogy on Kickstarter and offers tips for staying productive even in chaotic settings like trains or coffee shops.
We explore how to thrive creatively by personalizing your writing space and reducing distractions, as well as the pros and cons of dictation tools versus traditional typing. Additionally, we discuss unique approaches to storytelling through dialogue and the balance between following a plot outline and letting characters lead the way.
Melinda provides insights into avoiding the physical toll of unsustainable writing habits, especially in non-ergonomic spaces, and emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself within the expensive U.S. healthcare system. Whether you're struggling with distractions or finding inspiration in unusual places, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you keep pushing and bring your stories to life.
So, grab your favorite ergonomic chair, sit back, and join us for a deep dive into optimizing your writing process and thriving amid the chaos on the Book Career Network.

019 - No Matter What He Says, Size Matters [Author Intelligence]

In today's episode, No Matter What He Says, Size Matters, hosts Stacy and Elizabeth dive deep into the rapidly advancing world of AI prompting methodologies and capabilities. They'll explore how authors can either stick to familiar techniques or embrace advanced approaches to stay competitive.
Tune in as they discuss the revolutionary "Go with God" methodology, emphasizing both the advantages and the crucial human element in the creative process. Discover the expanding role of AI in publishing beyond writing, including translations, audiobooks, and marketing. Stacy and Elizabeth will also shed light on the technical intricacies of context windows and the potential future directions of AI models.
In this episode, they’ll confront the implications for the global economy and job market, the influence of big corporations like Amazon, and the necessity of community and collaboration among authors. Plus, they’ll touch on the accessibility and evolution of foundational models like GPT-4. Join us for an insightful conversation on the past, present, and future of AI in the publishing industry, right here on "Book Career Network."

018 - Breaking Down Mastermind [Romancing Like Swift]

Today, we dive deep into the magic of Taylor Swift’s songwriting, focusing on her compelling track "Mastermind." We'll explore how Swift masterfully crafts an emotional arc, blending competency, confidence, and vulnerability to create relatable and impactful stories.
We’ll also discuss how these techniques translate into writing strong female characters in romance novels. From balancing strength with vulnerability to utilizing twist endings effectively, we explore every facet needed to create compelling transformations in characters. Expect some intriguing examples from our own books, including a surprising scene from "HeartSmart," and iconic pop culture moments from shows like "Friends" and Taylor Swift's memorable lyrics.
Additionally, we delve into the strategic use of portmanteaus and humor in romance writing, and how shared experiences through music and storytelling bring us closer to readers. Whether you’re a seasoned author or an aspiring writer, this episode is packed with expert tips and inspiring discussions on crafting emotionally rich, relatable characters.
Don't miss our closing segment where we’ll share our favorite songs of the week, and invite you to join our conversation by sharing yours too. So, get comfy, grab your favorite snack, and let’s embark on this literary journey together!

017 - Katie Cross, The One With Chaos Part 2 [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, 
 

016 - Five Ways To Increase Your Value Today [Becoming A Household Name]

Recognizing rarity and passion can transform your dreams into reality.
I'll share personal anecdotes and simple strategies to help you boost your worth—whether it's through creating scarcity, coining new terms, or aligning your vision with market trends.
We'll journey through real-life examples, from limiting signed book copies to Marvel's strategic scarcity in movie releases, and even touch on a personal story involving Tom Brady that shifted my perspective on hard work and dedication. Together, we'll understand the power of showing up, taking ownership, and the ever-subjective nature of value. Plus, I'll reveal the specifics that can drive audience engagement and how you can strategically influence others' preferences.
If you're ready to maximize your potential, align your goals with your market, and elevate your career in the book industry, this is the episode for you! So, get comfortable, tune in, and let's unlock the secrets to increasing your value today. And don't forget to share this podcast with fellow dreamers who would also benefit from our insights—because word-of-mouth is powerful, and together, we can make a real difference.
Let's get started!

015 - Overcoming Writer’s Block [Ink & Effort]

In this installment of Ink and Effort, James and special guest Kevin Ikenberry dive deep into the world of writing productivity and overcoming common challenges that all writers face. Ever wondered how changing your environment can boost your creative output? Or how setting realistic and adjustable writing goals can make a huge difference? Join us as we explore these topics and more with insights from our own experiences.
James shares his unique method of escaping to his car in the woods for overnight writing sessions, while Kevin reveals his evolving word count targets to balance life’s demands. They also discuss the crucial role of community, collaboration, and connecting with fellow authors to find inspiration and tackle writer’s block.
Experiencing fear, frustration, and the pursuit of perfection? You're not alone. We'll dive into these emotions and offer practical coping mechanisms, from writing in different genres to taking breaks and even playing video games.
This episode will redefine writer's block and dispel the myths around it. Special guest Kevin Eikenberry joins us to provide additional insights, reminding us that everyone faces writing challenges and that there’s no competition—just a collective pursuit of storytelling. So, grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired to adjust, adapt and keep those words flowing!

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!