The Author's Mind

Shilo Creed
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Fiction

The Author’s Mind takes you behind the scenes of bestselling fiction—one author at a time. From plotting secrets to productivity hacks, industry truths to creative breakthroughs, this show gives writers the tools, inspiration, and insider access you can’t find anywhere else. No fluff. No surface-level chatter. Real conversations with real authors doing the work. If you want to write better stories, stay motivated, and understand how successful writers think, you’re in the right place.

  1. 4d ago

    How to Write a Novel Based on a True Story | Shirley B. Novack

    How do you turn a true story into a novel readers can't put down? Author Shirley B. Novack published her first novel at 75 after discovering a devastating secret about her father's childhood. In this episode of The Author's Mind, she shares how she transformed real family history into gripping historical fiction, writes suspense without an outline, and creates characters readers care about. Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual assault (rape) and human trafficking. Some listeners may find these topics distressing. After her father's death, Shirley discovered the painful truth about the childhood trauma he had carried in silence for decades. Inspired by his experiences as a young immigrant, she wrote The Story Of..., a historical novel combining real family history with fictional elements of crime, revenge, and suspense. Now approaching 80, Shirley joins author Shilo Creed to share her remarkable writing journey, the lessons she's learned about writing fiction, and why it's never too late to become a published author. Shirley also has synesthesia, a fascinating neurological trait that causes her to experience numbers as specific colors and shapes. She shares how she processes information differently, how this relates to her experience with mathematics and interior design, and what it's like to have a mind that sees the world in such an unusual way. Whether you're working on your first novel, exploring historical fiction, writing a story inspired by real events, or simply trying to become a better storyteller, this conversation offers practical writing advice and inspiration from an author who began her publishing journey at 75. CONNECT WITH SHIRLEY B. NOVACK The Story Of...: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Shirley_B_Novack_The_Story_Of?id=XARhEAAAQBAJ Stolen Lives: https://booklocker.com/books/13946.html Shirley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirley-novack-81912412 GET CHAPTER ONE OF PLUNGED FREE A Navy SEAL trained to survive anything is forced into a military experiment that sends him into a terrifying spiritual world. Read Chapter One of Plunged by Shilo Creed: https://shilocreed.kit.com/124edee192 LISTEN TO THE AUTHOR'S MIND YouTube / YouTube Music: https://www.youtube.com/@theauthorsmind-shilocreed Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-authors-mind/id1868039094 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1f1JTYxWUIMJZMwHGBxw9z Connect with Shilo Creed: https://shilocreed.com Subscribe to The Author's Mind for conversations about fiction writing, storytelling techniques, publishing, character development, and the creative minds behind unforgettable novels. Have you ever considered turning a real experience or family story into a novel? Share your thoughts in the comments! #HowToWriteANovel #WritingTips #FictionWriting #CreativeWriting #HistoricalFiction

    How to Write a Novel Based on a True Story | Shirley B. Novack

  2. Oct 19

    How to Write a Dangerous Hero Readers Still Root For | Jared Maxwell

    A hero can be dangerous, damaged, and dangerously close to becoming the villain. The challenge for fiction writers is making readers care about him enough to keep turning pages. Combat veteran and thriller author Jared Maxwell joins Shilo Creed on The Author's Mind to explore how to write flawed heroes, believable action scenes, and character arcs that connect emotionally with readers. Jared spent nine years in the U.S. Army, including 35 months in combat, followed by 11 years in law enforcement. Now he draws on those experiences to create intense, character-driven fiction in The Last Gunfighter, Wolfhound Dawn, and Code of Vengeance. We dig into the psychology of dangerous protagonists, the surprising appeal of competence, and the fine line between a troubled hero and a character readers can no longer root for. IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 How to write a dangerous but genuine hero 04:29 Writing realistic action from combat experience 06:17 Building characters around emotional wounds 09:08 When your characters surprise you 11:03 Putting your hero through the worst possible situation 12:37 Why military thrillers can become too technical 14:48 The character trait readers find irresistible 15:53 Writing PTSD and psychological struggles 17:45 How to write strong, silent protagonists 19:32 Creating fictional characters from real people 22:21 Choosing character flaws before developing the plot 24:22 Balancing darkness with humor 26:13 Writing with your reader in mind 30:05 Keeping your flawed hero worth rooting for ABOUT JARED MAXWELL Jared Maxwell is a former Army paratrooper, combat veteran, law enforcement officer, and author of character-driven thrillers. His books include The Last Gunfighter, a neo-Western exploring PTSD and the consequences of a life spent in conflict; Wolfhound Dawn, a military survival thriller set in Afghanistan; and Code of Vengeance, a darkly comedic crime novel set in Florida. CONNECT WITH JARED MAXWELL Amazon author page and books: https://www.amazon.com/author/jaredmaxwell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorJaredMaxwell Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7627956.Jared_Maxwell GET CHAPTER ONE OF PLUNGED FREE A Navy SEAL trained to survive anything is forced into a military experiment that sends him into a terrifying spiritual world. Read Chapter One of Plunged by Shilo Creed: https://shilocreed.kit.com/124edee192 LISTEN TO THE AUTHOR'S MIND YouTube / YouTube Music: https://www.youtube.com/@theauthorsmind-shilocreed Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-authors-mind/id1868039094 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1f1JTYxWUIMJZMwHGBxw9z Connect with Shilo Creed: https://shilocreed.com Subscribe to The Author's Mind for conversations with working fiction authors about storytelling, character development, writing craft, and the creative decisions behind memorable novels. #WritingTips #CharacterDevelopment #FictionWriting #CreativeWriting #WritingAdvice

    How to Write a Dangerous Hero Readers Still Root For | Jared Maxwell

  3. Oct 12

    How to Write a Novel Readers Can't Put Down | Lana McAra

    Why do readers abandon novels that are beautifully written? The problem may be your story's pacing, opening hook, or chapter endings. In this episode of The Author's Mind, bestselling author Shilo Creed talks with Christy Award-winning author, ghostwriter, and fiction writing coach Lana McAra about how to write a novel readers can't put down. With more than 40 published and ghostwritten books and over one million copies sold, Lana shares practical fiction writing techniques for creating compelling characters, stronger story openings, and page-turning chapter endings. Discover why polishing every sentence can actually hurt your novel, how to keep readers turning pages, and the simple editing technique Lana uses to create irresistible cliffhangers. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: Why beautiful prose isn't enough to keep readers readingHow to write faster by separating drafting from editingThe chapter-ending technique that creates page-turning momentumHow to find the strongest opening hook in your manuscriptWhy your novel might actually begin in Chapter ThreeHow personality tests can help you develop believable fictional charactersThe difference between plot-driven and character-driven fictionWhat makes a satisfying ending stay with readersHow to stop overediting and finally finish your novelWhether you're writing your first book, editing a completed manuscript, or trying to improve your fiction writing skills, this conversation offers techniques you can put to work immediately. ABOUT OUR GUEST: LANA McARA Lana McAra is an award-winning bestselling author, ghostwriter, editor, and book coach. She won the Christy Award for Reaping the Whirlwind, published under her pen name Rosey Dow. Through her writing courses and live writing labs, she helps aspiring and experienced authors develop fiction readers love. LINKS & RESOURCES Lana McAra's official website: https://www.lanamcara.com/ How to Write a Novel That Sells, Lana's fiction writing course: https://howtowriteanovelthatsells.com/ How to Write a Novel That Sells, writing guide: https://ileanamcara.systeme.io/how-book Free Novel Notebook: Visit Lana's website to find her free novel planning resource and newsletter signup.

    How to Write a Novel Readers Can't Put Down | Lana McAra

  4. Oct 5

    What Makes Fiction Feel Real? Writing Alternate History with Jeff Kildow

    What makes a novel feel real when the history inside it never actually happened? Jeff Kildow writes alternate-history thrillers where war, aviation, espionage, and technology collide with frighteningly believable possibilities. An Air Force veteran and retired aerospace engineer, Jeff brings firsthand knowledge, deep research, and a love of history to stories built around one of fiction’s most compelling questions: What if history had turned out just a little differently? Pasted text In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Shilo Creed and Jeff dig into the craft behind believable fiction, including writing first person versus third person, creating characters who feel human, developing the right villain for your protagonist, writing clean thrillers, and knowing how much research actually needs to make it onto the page. Jeff also explains why historical accuracy matters even when you are intentionally changing history. His research has included period road maps, wartime gasoline rationing, aircraft manuals, military technology, and the small everyday details that convince readers an author knows what he is talking about. Pasted text They also talk about: Why Jeff spent six years researching his first novelHow to keep technical knowledge from overwhelming the storyBuilding character biographies before writingCarrying character arcs across an entire seriesPlotters versus pantsersWriting strong villains who are specifically suited to the heroResearching military and aviation scenes accuratelyWhy content editing can be worth far more than basic proofreadingJeff’s advice to new writers: write what you know Pasted text Pasted text Pasted textIf you want your fiction to feel convincing enough that readers stop questioning the world and simply enter the story, this conversation is packed with practical lessons from two experienced novelists. Guest: Jeff Kildow Author of the Joel Knight Menace series Host: Shilo Creed The Author’s Mind Podcast If you enjoy conversations about writing stronger fiction, building unforgettable characters, publishing, and the working life of an author, subscribe to The Author’s Mind.

    What Makes Fiction Feel Real? Writing Alternate History with Jeff Kildow

  5. Sep 28

    How to Write Historical Romance Readers Can’t Put Down—Without Spice

    What makes a historical romance impossible to put down—without relying on spice? In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Shilo Creed talks with historical romance author Paula Panariello about writing clean, emotionally gripping Regency romance readers want to keep turning pages. Paula is the author of the Necklace Series, a collection of sweet historical romances built around emotionally meaningful objects, complicated relationships, marriage-of-convenience situations, guarded hearts, family expectations, and the social pressures of Regency England. Drawing on her years as a registered nurse, Paula brings a unique understanding of how people respond differently to love, loss, fear, anger, and adversity—and uses those emotional differences to create deeper fictional characters. In this conversation, we talk about: • How to write historical romance that feels emotionally alive • Creating romantic tension without explicit scenes • Why marriage of convenience works so well in historical romance • Using Regency social rules to create natural conflict • How to make familiar romance tropes feel fresh • Adding historical details without turning your novel into a history lesson • Using meaningful objects and symbols throughout a series • Creating believable conflict between characters who will eventually fall in love • Writing clean and wholesome romance for today’s market • Finding the audience that is already looking for the books you write • Balancing creative passion with the business of being an author • Why authors shouldn’t be afraid to rebrand books that aren’t selling • Starting a writing career later in life • And why sometimes the book that changes your career is still ahead of you One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: Readers may know your characters are going to fall in love—but they shouldn’t know how they’re ever going to overcome what stands between them. That tension is where the story lives. If you write historical romance, Regency romance, sweet romance, clean romance, Christian romance, or romantic fiction, this episode is packed with practical ideas for creating stronger characters, better conflict, and love stories that feel earned. 🔗 CONNECT WITH PAULA PANARIELLO https://PaulaPan.com 📚 Learn more about Shilo Creed: https://ShiloCreed.com

    How to Write Historical Romance Readers Can’t Put Down—Without Spice

  6. Sep 21

    Self-Publishing Scams: What Fiction Authors MUST Know Before Hiring a Publisher

    Thinking about self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or hiring a company to publish your novel? Before you spend thousands of dollars, learn the publishing red flags every fiction author should know. In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Shilo Creed sits down with Gordon McClellan, founder and publisher of Dart Frog Books, to talk about what actually helps authors reach readers—and what may simply be selling them an expensive dream. We dig into self-publishing, hybrid publishing, book marketing, author platforms, book covers, publishing contracts, bookstore distribution, Amazon rankings, and the warning signs authors should watch for before paying a publishing company. Gordon explains why phrases like “global distribution” may sound far more impressive than they really are, why genuine book marketing is different from simply producing a book, and why authors should be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed sales, rankings, or visibility. We also talk about: • Self-publishing vs. hybrid publishing • What a legitimate hybrid publisher should actually provide • Publishing scams and major red flags • Why “global distribution” does NOT mean readers will find your book • Why guaranteed Amazon rankings should make authors cautious • What book marketing can—and cannot—promise • Why your cover must communicate your genre immediately • How publishers position books for the right readers • Why author platform matters • Publishing contracts and getting your book rights back • Why authors need access to marketing and sales data • What to ask before paying someone to publish your book • Why a publisher willing to tell you “no” may actually be a good sign CONNECT WITH GORDON MCCLELLAN / DARTFROG BOOKS Learn more or submit your manuscript: https://dartfrogbooks.com Gordon explains that submissions through Dart Frog are free and that the company evaluates books before accepting them. CONTACT THE AUTHOR’S MIND Want to suggest an author or publishing professional for a future episode? Email Shilo Creed: shiloh@shilohcreed.com

    Self-Publishing Scams: What Fiction Authors MUST Know Before Hiring a Publisher

  7. Sep 14

    How to Write a First Chapter Readers Can’t Put Down | Ruth Douthitt

    How do you start a novel that hooks readers from page one—and makes them trust you enough to keep reading? Award-winning Christian fiction author, writing teacher, and A Writer’s Day podcast host Ruth A. Douthitt joins Shilo Creed to break down what makes a novel opening work—and the subtle mistakes that can make readers lose confidence in a writer before the story ever gets going. We dig into first chapters, exposition, deep point of view, character voice, genre expectations, emotional connection, flawed characters, suspense, backstory, and the small signals that tell a reader: this author knows how to tell a story. If your novel opening is technically “good” but readers still aren’t getting hooked, this conversation may show you why. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Why readers stop trusting a writer 05:09 The #1 mistake Ruth sees in novel openings 10:25 Backstory vs. action: what belongs in Chapter One? 14:45 The emotion that hooks suspense readers 19:00 Deep POV and the first pages of your novel 23:04 Creating “dopamine hits” through reader discovery 28:15 Character voice mistakes that break immersion 31:14 Why you MUST read the genre you write 35:17 Creating flawed characters readers root for 38:09 The story rule that keeps every scene moving 41:42 Where to connect with Ruth CONNECT WITH RUTH A. DOUTHITT Website, books & newsletter: https://www.artbyruth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_ra_douthitt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063202599768 Listen to Ruth’s A Writer’s Day podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-writers-day/id1472104073 GET CHAPTER ONE OF PLUNGED FREE What happens when a Navy SEAL trained to survive anything is thrown into a world where none of his training can save him? Read Chapter One of Plunged by Shilo Creed FREE: https://shilocreed.kit.com/124edee192 LISTEN TO THE AUTHOR’S MIND YouTube / YouTube Music: https://www.youtube.com/@theauthorsmind-shilocreed Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-authors-mind/id1868039094 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1f1JTYxWUIMJZMwHGBxw9z Connect with Shilo Creed: https://shilocreed.com #HowToWriteANovel #WritingTips #FictionWriting #FirstChapter #AuthorTube

    How to Write a First Chapter Readers Can’t Put Down | Ruth Douthitt

  8. Sep 7

    AI for Authors: What You Need to Know—Even If You Never Use It

    You don’t have to use AI to write your books. But authors can no longer afford not to understand what AI is doing to writing, publishing, copyright, marketing, and the author business. Registration is completely free: https://aiwritingsummit.com/?aff=81 In this special episode of The Author’s Mind, Shilo Creed tackles the AI conversation from a different angle: not “AI is amazing” and not “AI is destroying everything”—but what authors actually need to know to protect their work, preserve their voice, make informed decisions, and recognize the opportunities and dangers ahead. We’ll talk about: Why opting out of AI doesn’t mean you can opt out of being affected by itAI writing vs. AI-assisted writingHow authors should think about manuscripts, privacy, copyright, and intellectual propertyWhy AI can sound completely confident and still be wrongWhere AI can genuinely help authors without writing their books for themHow to decide what parts of your creative process should stay completely humanThe GUARD framework for using—or avoiding—AI intentionallyThe goal of this episode is not to convince you to use more AI. It’s to make sure you know enough about AI to decide for yourself. And if you want to go deeper, I’m speaking at the AI Writing Summit 2026, happening September 14–18. More than 40 speakers will be exploring AI, writing, publishing, marketing, author voice, business, and where AI may—or may not—belong in the creative process. Registration is completely free: https://aiwritingsummit.com/?aff=81 Whether you love AI, distrust it, or want nothing to do with it, this is a conversation authors can’t afford to ignore. Topics: AI writing, AI for authors, ChatGPT for authors, artificial intelligence and writing, AI and publishing, self-publishing, author marketing, AI copyright, AI writing tools, writing advice, author business

    AI for Authors: What You Need to Know—Even If You Never Use It
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Author’s Mind takes you behind the scenes of bestselling fiction—one author at a time. From plotting secrets to productivity hacks, industry truths to creative breakthroughs, this show gives writers the tools, inspiration, and insider access you can’t find anywhere else. No fluff. No surface-level chatter. Real conversations with real authors doing the work. If you want to write better stories, stay motivated, and understand how successful writers think, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Shilo Creed
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shilo Creed

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