The Darling Killers Podcast

Joan F. Smith
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Books

The Darling Killers Podcast is hosted by Joan F. Smith, Laura Taylor Namey, and Allison L. Bitz, three traditionally-published authors who met online and have maintained a daily DM for over eight years. Between them, this group of critique partners has fourteen book deals (and counting). Joan, Laura, and Allison talk the real-life realities of being working authors, highlighting everything from how to write a novel to navigating the publishing industry and everything in between, like gut-checking each other on what not to post online, persevering in this career, and how to roll with the painful moments. Join us in our DM. 

Episodes

  1. May 6

    Darlings AMA: Season 1 Edition

    You asked, we answered! Allison, Laura, and Joan collected listener questions and they answer many via Q+A in the season finale of The Darling Killers Podcast. The authors cover a range of topics including traditional vs. self-publishing, genre/audience considerations, how to get started, and their favorite tips on writing. The hosts address the common fear of idea theft and provide advice on navigating the traditional publishing industry, whether you're just getting started or already in the middle of a successful self-publishing career. The authors share individualized writing advice, discuss finding time to write, and emphasize the importance of choosing projects with passion. (S1 E10) They'll be back this fall with The Darling Killers Podcast Season 2. Stay tuned, and follow the pod to keep posted on our next season here: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/ Takeaways The importance of supportive friendshipsConsiderations for traditional vs. self-publishingGenre and audience preferences for self-publishing Navigating the publishing industry requires caution and due diligenceChoosing writing projects with passion and dedication is essential for long-term success Chapters 00:00 Genre and Audience Considerations23:52 Turning Ideas into Manuscripts29:55 Changing Expectations in Publishing34:54 Avoiding Negative Feedback41:19 Crafting and Editing47:42 Transition and Reflection56:24 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

    34 min

  2. Apr 29

    A Dialogue on Dialogue

    We talk about talking in the PENultimate episode of Season 1! Join Joan, Laura, and Allison as they chat all things on the impact of dialogue on reader experience. The co-hosts delve into the craft of effective dialogue, the role of nonverbal communication, and the importance of using it to drive the plot forward. As usual, they can't get through an episode without referencing a show. This time, they talk shows with great dialogue as well as the impact of screenplays on dialogue writing. Finally, the authors discuss their varied experience of writing scenes from different perspectives, including who visualizes scenes and who doesn't while writing. (S1 E9) Takeaways Dialogue is a crucial element in storytellingThe visualization of scenes varies among writers Chapters 00:00 Discussion on the Visualization of Scenes in Writing

    27 min

  3. Apr 22

    What's Literary Citizenship?

    Literary citizenship: What does it mean to be a good literary citizen, anyway? In this episode, Allison, Laura, and Joan chat about the concept of literary citizenship, what good support looks like, and the importance of community and collaboration in the literary world--along with its risks. The hosts also discuss the significance of book covers and the impact of small gestures of kindness in spreading positivity. (S1 E8) Takeaways Literary citizenship involves actively participating in the literary community, supporting other authors, and promoting their work.Authors can support each other by attending events, pre-ordering books, and engaging in positive interactions on social media.The significance of small gestures of kindness, such as spreading positivity through small gifts and acts of support, is highlighted in the conversation. Chapters 00:00 The Art of Literary Citizenship and Community Engagement

    28 min

  4. Apr 15

    3 Traits to Cultivate After the Book Deal

    Talent is only one part of the recipe for making it in traditional publishing. Join Allison, Laura, and Joan as they delve into three traits authors should foster to bolster their writing careers that go way beyond the book deal. Each host brings one personality trait with them to the chat, exploring the challenges and triumphs of having a working career in the publishing world. (S1 E7) Chapters 00:00 The Power of Resilience08:44 Navigating the Publishing Industry34:23 The Role of Support and Community

    28 min

  5. Apr 8

    Is Your Good Idea A Bad Book Concept?

    Sometimes, the best ideas don't become the best books. Join Allison, Laura, and Joan in good book idea versus good book concepts. The authors discuss the challenges of generating ideas, the importance of query writing, and the hard reality of writing execution. Additionally, they answer a listener question about whether it's okay to use AI to draft publishing materials, highlighting recent studies on prioritizing creativity over using AI. (S1 E6) Takeaways Outlining is beneficial for writing productivityReading back previous work helps with re-centering and avoiding repetitionThe importance of testing and refining ideas before committing to writingThe significance of execution in writing and the impact of AI on creative tasks Chapters 00:00 The Power of Outlining05:13 Idea vs. Concept: Navigating the Writing Process19:36 The Challenge of Generating Ideas26:36 The Importance of Query Writing and Execution

    27 min

  6. Apr 1

    Where Do You Get Your Book Ideas?

    The Darling Killers Podcast co-hosts discuss one of the most popular questions they get asked: "Where do you get your book ideas?" Their conversation explores the sources of inspiration for authors, particularly the influence of media like popular TV and movies. Joan, Laura, and Allison discuss their creative processes and the role of unique ideas in storytelling, providing insights into how to generate compelling fiction. They cap off the episode with a quick chat about whether they believe in love at first sight. (S1 E5) Takeaways Inspiration from Personal ExperienceInfluence of TV and Movies Chapters 00:00 Inspiration from Personal Experience10:00 Influence of TV and Movies

    31 min

  7. Mar 25

    Plotting vs. Pantsing vs. Plantsing

    The Darling Killers Podcast hosts explain what it means to plot fiction, "pants" it, and the hybrid of the two: plants it. Joan, Laura, and Allison discuss the pros and cons of the various methods, including sharing insights on the challenges and rewards of the writing process. As always, they agree you need to know the rules to break them. (S1E4) Takeaways The writing process involves a variety of methods and preferences, including plotting, pantsing, and dictation.Choosing a book genre can be a personal and creative decision, influenced by individual interests and storytelling styles.

    31 min

  8. Mar 18

    The Misconceptions of High Concept

    We all want it, but do you have it? High concept is a buzzphrase in the industry, and this episode of The Darling Killers tackles why. Here, Joan, Laura, and Allison provide a definition for high concept work, its characteristics, and methods to test out if your book idea is one that makes people sit up. The hosts chat stakes, fresh takes on familiar themes, and the need for a compelling and easily pitched idea, sharing their own experiences publishing high versus low concept work. They provide examples of high concept books and media, highlighting the impact of high concept ideas on reader engagement and interest. (S1E3) Takeaways High concept ideas are compelling and grab the reader's attention.High concept books often take a fresh take on something familiar and twist it in a way that is new and exciting.The stakes in high concept are obvious from the beginning, and the idea is easily pitched and sold.High concept ideas can be tested by running them by friends, family, or writing partners to gauge their reaction and interest. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to High Concept19:37 Defining High Concept38:11 Testing High Concept Ideas

    32 min

  9. Mar 11

    The Thing About Career Pivots

    In this episode of the Darling Killers, Joan, Laura, and Allison explore various themes surrounding writing, career pivots, and personal growth. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating market trends in the publishing industry, the balance between creativity and business, and the role of agents in making career decisions. The hosts discuss their personal experiences with pivoting, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the impact of those market trends on creative decisions. Takeaways Pivoting in writing careers involves switching audiences or genres, and can be driven by choice or market trends.Maintaining brand elements and reader recognition is important when pivoting to a new genre or age group. (S1E2) Chapters 00:00 Movie Recommendations and Favorite Scenes09:42 Pivoting in Writing Careers16:30 Challenges and Misconceptions of Pivoting22:08 Balancing Creativity and Business in Writing44:39 Rapid Fire Game and Host Personalities

    27 min

  10. Mar 4

    Not Like Other Girls

    The authors' conversation covers book discussions, writing and publishing excitement, TV shows and comfort viewing, unique critique group dynamics, and critique group safety and trust. The speakers share insights into their collaborative writing process and the dynamics of their critique group, emphasizing the importance of trust and safety in their interactions. Next week, they'll talk the quiet part out loud about whether it's a trend or a reality to pivot in author careers. Follow The Darling Killers podcast on Instagram to join your new writing besties! Comments and questions are encouraged and welcome. https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/ Takeaways Collaborative WritingCritique Group Dynamics Chapters 00:00 Critique Group Safety and Trust

    24 min

  11. Mar 3 ·  Bonus

    Our Inciting Incident

    New podcast alert! In this kickoff bonus episode, Joan, Laura, and Allison's chat revolves around the friendship and collaboration between three authors, their writing and publishing journey, and the birth of their podcast The Darling Killers. The authors discuss their virtual connection, the formation of their group, and introduce their author brands, backgrounds, future projects, and engagement with listeners in this bonus content prelude to a fun first season of author chat. (S1E0) Follow The Darling Killers podcast on Instagram to join your new writing besties! Comments and questions are encouraged and welcome. https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/ Takeaways Friendship and CollaborationWriting and Publishing Journey Chapters 00:00 Engaging with Each Other and Listeners

    12 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Darling Killers Podcast is hosted by Joan F. Smith, Laura Taylor Namey, and Allison L. Bitz, three traditionally-published authors who met online and have maintained a daily DM for over eight years. Between them, this group of critique partners has fourteen book deals (and counting). Joan, Laura, and Allison talk the real-life realities of being working authors, highlighting everything from how to write a novel to navigating the publishing industry and everything in between, like gut-checking each other on what not to post online, persevering in this career, and how to roll with the painful moments. Join us in our DM. 

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