The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

Joanna Penn
  • 5.0 (12)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY
The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers Podcast

Information, inspiration and interviews on writing, self-publishing, book marketing and making a living with your writing. If you need help with writing your book, or you want to learn how to navigate the new world of publishing and book marketing, then join Joanna Penn and her guests every Monday. Also covers the business of being a writer and how to make money with your books.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Writing Horror And Selling Direct With David Viergutz

    How can you sell a fiction experience rather than just selling a story? How do our personal obsessions arise in our books, whatever the genre? David Viergutz shares his thoughts in this episode. In the intro, the best marketing investments for authors [Self Publishing Advice]; Abundance mindset for authors [KWL Podcast]; Written Word Media have now announced direct sales links in their email newsletters. Plus, Redefining a profession [Seth Godin]; Achieve more with Gen AI [Masterclass]; My thoughts on the Draft2Digital survey on AI licensing; My book, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Virtual Worlds; Spear of Destiny out now, and Blood Vintage: A Folk Horror Novel. Today's show is sponsored by ProWritingAid, writing and editing software that goes way beyond just grammar and typo checking. With its detailed reports on how to improve your writing and integration with writing software, ProWritingAid will help you improve your book before you send it to an editor, agent or publisher. Check it out for free or get 15% off the premium edition at www.ProWritingAid.com/joanna This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn  David Viergutz is a disabled army and law enforcement veteran and the author of over 20 horror, dark fantasy, and thriller novels. He also hosts The Nightmare Engine Podcast. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below.  Show Notes * The similarities and differences between dark fantasy and horror * Why horror is the genre of hope * Religious elements in horror * Multiple streams of income and selling wide * The mindset shift to selling direct * ScareMail — creating a unique fiction experience * The behind the scenes work involved in selling a physical product * Building your email list through your e-commerce store

    58 min

  2. 26 AUG

    Author Mindset Tips And Publishing In Germany With AD Wilk

    How can you move past your limiting beliefs to find success as an author? How can you successfully self-publish in Germany? Andrea Wilk shares her thoughts in this episode. In the intro, how to cope with writer conferences [Ink in Your Veins]; Author Nation schedule; Conde Nast signs a licensing deal with OpenAI [Hollywood Reporter]; Breaking down AI misconceptions [Brave New Bookshelf]; Blood Vintage Kickstarter. This episode is sponsored by Publisher Rocket, which will help you get your book in front of more Amazon readers so you can spend less time marketing and more time writing. I use Publisher Rocket for researching book titles, categories, and keywords — for new books and for updating my backlist. Check it out at www.PublisherRocket.com This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn  Andrea Wilk (AD Wilk) is the German author of more than 30 books across romance, thriller, and non-fiction. She's also the author of the book in English, 15 Keys to Set your Creative Mind for Success and Happiness. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below.  Show Notes * Germany's book culture * Why write a book in English? * How to take control of your author career * The impact limiting beliefs can have on your writing career — and how to shift them * Obstacles faced as an indie author * Common money blocks with authors and creatives * Tips for generating multiple streams of income and for selling direct via your own Shopify store * Using AI models as part of a translation process You can find Andrea at AndreaWilk.com. Transcript of Interview with AD Wilk Joanna: Andrea Wilk is the German author of more than 30 books across romance, thriller, and non-fiction. She's also the author of the book in English, 15 Keys to Set your Creative Mind for Success and Happiness. So welcome to the show, Andrea. Andrea: Thank you so much for letting me be here. I'm so excited. Joanna: I'm excited too. Obviously, we've been connected for years now, and you've shown us things on the Patreon, but for anyone else listening—

    1h 3m

  3. 19 AUG

    A Touch of the Madness: Creativity In Writing And Filmmaking With Larry Kasanoff

    How can you balance creativity with business when it comes to writing — and filmmaking? How can you access that ‘touch of madness' in everything you create? How can authors pitch their books for film? All this and more with Larry Kasanoff. In the intro, Paid ads with BookBub, Facebook and Amazon [BookBub]; Blood Vintage cover reveal; Unter dem Zoo out now in German; The entire ARKANE Thriller series is back on Audible, as well as Spotify, and you can get 50% off at JFPennBooks.com (65+ hours of thrillers!). This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn  Larry Kasanoff is the CEO of Threshold Entertainment and has made over 200 films as a producer or studio head. Some of his credits include Mortal Kombat, True Lies, Terminator 2, Dirty Dancing, and Academy Award-Winning Best Picture, Platoon. He's also worked in the music business with artists like Michael Jackson and The Rolling Stones. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below.  Show Notes * Why are creatives more scared to express themselves now? * Tips for starting out in the industry * The timeline differences between getting a book published vs. a movie published * How to state of play and positivity can help your creativity flow * Balancing creative decisions with business decisions * Tips for longevity in a creative career * How to pitch as an introverted author * Generative AI in the movie industry You can find Larry at LarryKasanoff.com and his new book at ATouchOfTheMadness.com Transcript of Interview with Larry Kasanoff Joanna: Larry Kasanoff is the CEO of Threshold Entertainment and has made over 200 films as a...

    1h 2m

  4. 12 AUG

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Publishing With Thad McIlroy

    How are publishers using AI and what are the potential use cases in the future? Why is this an exciting time in publishing for those who use the new tools to expand their creative possibilities? Thad McIlroy and I have a wonderful discussion about the current state of AI in publishing, and where we think it might be going next. In the intro, Audible tests AI-powered search [TechCrunch]; How to avoid book marketing overwhelm [Author Media]; Top 17 self-publishing companies [Nerdy Novelist]; How I professionally self-publish; 30% off ebooks & audio at CreativePennBooks.com, use discount code AUGUST24. Today's show is sponsored by Draft2Digital, self-publishing with support, where you can get free formatting, free distribution to multiple stores, and a host of other benefits. Just go to www.draft2digital.com to get started. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn  Thad McIlroy is a nonfiction author and contributing editor, writing at the intersection of AI and book publishing, as well as a publishing consultant. His latest book is The AI Revolution in Book Publishing: A Concise Guide to Navigating Artificial Intelligence for Writers and Publishers. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below.  Show Notes * Why is generative AI so controversial in publishing? * Ways in which traditional publishers are using AI tools * How platforms are monitoring and placing guidelines on AI work — and why Ingram blocked his book * The future of licensing — and synthetic data * The increasing importance of high-quality print books * Generative AI search and book discoverability * Why Thad thinks this is the most exciting time in his 50 year career in publishing You can find Thad at thefutureofpublishing.com and his new book at Leanpub.com Transcript of Interview with Thad McIlroy Joanna: Thad McIlroy is a nonfiction author and contributing editor, writing at the intersection of AI and book publishing,

    1h 10m

  5. 5 AUG

    Heart. Soul. Pen. Find Your Voice on the Page With Robin Finn

    How can you write freely and release any blocks that are holding you back? How can you focus on the strengths in your writing and avoid critical voice? Robin Finn gives plenty of writing tips in this interview. In the intro, KDP's identity verification; Why authors need platforms [Kathleen Schmidt]; Romance genre report from K-lytics; Canva has bought Leonardo AI image generator. Plus, join me and Orna Ross for a writing retreat near Dublin, Ireland 11-13 April 2025 [More details here; Kickstarter Rewards] Today’s show is sponsored by Findaway Voices by Spotify, the platform for independent authors who want to unlock the world’s largest audiobook platforms. Take your audiobook everywhere to earn everywhere with Findaway Voices by Spotify. Go to findawayvoices.com/penn to publish your next audiobook project. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn  Robin Finn is an award-winning writer, teacher, and coach, and the author of Heart. Soul. Pen.: Find Your Voice on the Page and In Your Life. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below.  Show Notes * Overcoming the fear of judgement and shame when writing * Uncovering the different layers of limiting beliefs * Valuing our writing across all genres and topics * Strengths-based feedback and how to use it * Using the TIDES principle in the critique process * Tapping into your curiosity to find your author voice * The magic that can come from timed writing * Practicing the art of discernment in your writing and sharing * Benefits of an in-person writing community You can find Robin at RobinFinn.com and on Instagram @RobinFinnAuthor. Transcript of Interview with Robin Finn Joanna: Robin Finn is an award-winning writer, teacher, and coach, and the author of Heart. Soul. Pen.: Find Your Voice on the Page and In Your Life. So welcome to the show, Robin.

    1h 1m

  6. 29 JULY

    Pivoting Genres And Writing Historical Fiction With Anna Sayburn Lane

    When is it time to leave an unsuccessful series behind and pivot into something new? What is the process of writing to market? Anna Sayburn Lane explores these topics and more. In the intro, help with Amazon KDP Account suspension [Kindlepreneur]; Selling direct to the EU? Thresholds coming in 2025; Some honest thoughts about the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival [Charlotte Duckworth]; OpenAI's SearchGPT; and Signing Spearof Destiny pics. Today's show is sponsored by ProWritingAid, writing and editing software that goes way beyond just grammar and typo checking. With its detailed reports on how to improve your writing and integration with writing software, ProWritingAid will help you improve your book before you send it to an editor, agent or publisher. Check it out for free or get 15% off the premium edition at www.ProWritingAid.com/joanna This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn  Anna Sayburn Lane writes 1920s murder mysteries and contemporary thrillers, and is an award-winning short story writer. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below.  Show Notes * Lessons learned from self-publishing your first book * The mindset shift when deciding to pivot * When the cost of production outweighs the profits — is it time to pivot? * Assessing the financial potential of a genre * How writing to market makes marketing easier * Researching and changing your branding when pivoting genre * Balancing research time with writing time * Historical accuracy vs. believability You can find Anna at AnnaSayburnLane.com. Transcript of Interview with Anna Sayburn Lane Joanna: Anna Sayburn Lane writes 1920s murder mysteries and contemporary thrillers and is an award-winning short story writer. So welcome to the show, Anna. Anna: Hello, thank you very much for having me. Joanna: Oh, it's great to have you on the show. So first up— Tell us a bit more about you and how you originally got into w...

    1h 2m

  7. 22 JULY

    Writing Emotion With Roz Morris

    Why is writing emotion so important in our books, whatever the genre? How can we create an emotional connection between our readers and our characters? Roz Morris gives her tips in this episode. In the intro, how to get your indie book into schools [Self-Publishing Advice]; Did my bestselling book turn out to be a financial failure? [Tiago Forte]; How to Build a World Class Substack; Why did The Atlantic sign a licensing deal with OpenAI? [The Verge]; Like It or Not, Publishers Are Licensing Books for AI Training—And Using AI Themselves [Jane Friedman]; and my personal update post-Covid. Write and format stunning books with Atticus. Create professional print books and eBooks easily with the all-in-one book writing software. Try it out at Atticus.io This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn  Roz Morris is an award-nominated literary fiction author, memoirist, and previously a bestselling ghostwriter. She writes writing craft books for authors under the Nail Your Novel brand, and is also an editor, speaker, and writing coach. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below.  Show Notes * Why is writing emotion is so important? * How can we create an emotional connection between our readers and our characters? * How to write layers of emotion * Using description and dialogue to evoke feelings in the reader * “Show, don't tell” when writing emotion * Learning to lean into our intuition and trust more * Using your own emotions and experiences in writing * How and when to use a beat sheet You can find Roz at RozMorris.org. Transcript of Interview with Roz Morris Joanna: Roz Morris is an award-nominated literary fiction author, memoirist, and previously a bestselling ghostwriter. She writes writing craft books for authors under the Nail Your Novel brand, and is also an editor, speaker, and writing coach. So welcome back to the show, Roz. Roz: Hi, Jo. It's so great to be here again. Joanna: Yes, and you have been on the show many times before over the last 14 years.

    1h 16m

  8. 15 JULY

    Intuitive Discovery Writing And Serial Fiction With KimBoo York

    How can you lean into intuition and curiosity to embrace discovery writing? How might serial fiction fit into your business model? KimBoo York gives her tips and more in this interview. In the intro, BookVault now has integration with PayHip; 7 lessons learned from 5 years writing full-time [Sacha Black, Rebel Author Podcast]; My author timeline; List of money books; Crowdfunding for Participation, Profit, and Payment [Self-Publishing Advice] This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn  KimBoo York is the author of romance, fantasy, and nonfiction, as well as a productivity coach, and a podcaster at The Author Alchemist and Around the Writer's Table. Her latest book for authors is By the Seat of Your Pants: Secrets of Discovery Writing. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below.  Show Notes * What is discovery writing and how does it differ from plotting and outlining? * How trust and intuition guide discovery writing * Where to begin the discovery writing process * Adding layers during the writing and editing process * The “penny drop” moment of discovery writing * Embracing the process that works for you * Differences between a serial, a series, and a novel * Platforms and marketing for different genres of serials * Building a business model based on ‘you' You can find KimBoo at HouseofYork.info. Transcript of Interview with KimBoo York Joanna: KimBoo York is the author of romance, fantasy and nonfiction, as well as a productivity coach, and a podcaster at The Author Alchemist and Around the Writer's Table. Her latest book for authors is By the Seat of Your Pants: Secrets of Discovery Writing. So welcome, KimBoo. KimBoo: Thank you so much, Joanna. You know I am thrilled to be here. I'm very excited.

    55 min
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Information, inspiration and interviews on writing, self-publishing, book marketing and making a living with your writing. If you need help with writing your book, or you want to learn how to navigate the new world of publishing and book marketing, then join Joanna Penn and her guests every Monday. Also covers the business of being a writer and how to make money with your books.

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