Book Career Network

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.

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!