The Wordslinger Podcast

It's all about the story here.
  • 4.8 (57)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

From award-winning and bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson, this weekly podcast explores the stories that shape us into who we are, and shape the world into what it can become. There are interviews with authors and non-authors, deep dives into useful ideas, and solo-slinger episodes that are authentic and real, aimed at giving you the best, most honest advice about life as a writer, creator, and creative entrereneur. Every episode is a story. It's all about the story here.

  1. 1d ago

    Why Bad AI Writing Might Make You a Better Writer

    Can bad AI writing actually make you a better writer? In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, Kevin talks through what he’s working on right now as an author, including the launch of his new Alex Kayne thriller, *Echo*, the messy reality of book promotion, rebuilding his author platform, updating his book links, and experimenting with AI as a writing-adjacent tool. But the big idea here is this: AI may be useful for writers precisely because it often gets the writing wrong. Kevin shares how using AI for critique, structural feedback, and scene ideas can sometimes produce weak, soulless results—but those results can challenge a real writer to think harder, write better, and bring more humanity to the page. AI can be training wheels. It can be a sparring partner. It can even be a bad example. But it should not replace the one thing that matters most: the writer doing the writing. If you’re a novelist, indie author, creative entrepreneur, or creator trying to build a stronger writing life, this episode is about practical book promotion, author platforms, direct sales, AI, and the discipline of protecting your creative work. Subscribe to the channel for honest, practical guidance on writing, publishing, book marketing, author business, creative discipline, and building a long-term career as a working writer. ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 — What I’m working on this week 00:24 — Introducing *Echo*, the new Alex Kayne thriller 01:04 — The challenge of practical book promotion 02:17 — Why your author platform still matters 03:54 — The frustrating reality of print preorders 06:26 — Podcasting, YouTube, and reader interaction 07:23 — Rebuilding my book links and direct sales setup 10:04 — Using BookFunnel universal book links 13:03 — The rule: never let platform work stop the writing 14:31 — Refreshing book covers and promotion graphics 15:49 — When an author should hire a virtual assistant 17:28 — The right time to get help with your author business 19:09 — Returning to unfinished books and old projects 20:47 — Feeding feedback into AI tools 21:37 — Why I don’t use AI to write my books 22:12 — AI as grammar check, critique tool, and developmental editor 23:02 — Why bad AI writing can make you better 24:10 — The caveat: writers still need real skills 25:28 — AI as training wheels for writers 26:28 — Why you can’t outsource the writing and still call it writing 27:47 — AI books, copyright questions, and the future of publishing 29:50 — AI slop vs. human storytelling 30:41 — Making art instead of feeding the machine 31:39 — Final thoughts and invitation to comment Links mentioned: Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Question for you: How are you using AI in your writing life? Is it helping you think more clearly, or are you worried it’s getting in the way of the real work? Leave a comment and let’s talk about it. #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #AIWriting #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing #BookMarketing #AuthorPlatform #WritingTips #WordslingerPodcast #KevinTumlinson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min

  2. May 28

    The Future of Writing Is Human + AI

    What happens when you let AI touch your novel? In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, I talk honestly about experimenting with AI during a major novel rewrite — what completely failed, what surprisingly worked, and why I believe the future of writing still belongs to humans… just humans using better tools. I tested Claude as a rewrite partner on a full manuscript, and the results were eye-opening. The AI rewrite itself? A mess. But the outlining, continuity tracking, scene planning, and editorial assistance? That changed the game. This episode is for writers, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs trying to figure out where AI fits into the creative process without sacrificing originality, voice, or soul. We talk about: * Why AI-generated fiction often feels flat * The difference between “writing with AI” and “letting AI write” * How I’m using AI during rewrites and outlining * Why storytelling still depends on human intuition * The publishing industry’s changing relationship with AI * How writers can adapt without losing themselves in the process If you’re trying to navigate the future of publishing, storytelling, and creativity, this channel is built for you. 👉 Subscribe for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, and building a sustainable author career: [https://www.youtube.com/@WordslingerPodcast](https://www.youtube.com/@WordslingerPodcast) ⏱️ TIMECODES 00:00 – Welcome & what’s been happening this week 02:30 – Testing AI on a full novel rewrite 03:40 – Why the AI rewrite completely failed 04:30 – The surprising way AI actually helped 06:30 – AI as an outlining partner 08:20 – Why AI-generated stories feel formulaic 10:30 – Concerns about AI training & publishing 12:10 – Why writers must adapt 13:30 – The reality of major rewrites 15:15 – Rebuilding a novel from existing parts 16:40 – Why setting books aside can help 18:40 – A new writing strategy going forward 21:10 – Using story structures with AI assistance 23:20 – The “writer’s room” approach 24:20 – AI as a prosthetic, not a replacement 25:40 – Why human beta readers still matter 28:10 – Publishers already using AI internally 29:00 – Final thoughts on the future of writing LINKS & RESOURCES 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast [https://wordslingerpodcast.com](https://wordslingerpodcast.com) ✍️ ProWritingAid [https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5](https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5) 📚 Draft2Digital [https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger](https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger) ⚓ Author Anchor [https://authoranchor.com](https://authoranchor.com) 📖 Find Kevin and his books [https://kevintumlinson.com](https://kevintumlinson.com) 📰 Join Kevin on Substack [https://kevintumlinson.substack.com](https://kevintumlinson.substack.com) #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AIWriting #Publishing #WritingTips #CreativeEntrepreneur #SelfPublishing #Authors #WritersLife #ArtificialIntelligence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min

  3. May 21

    How I Use AI Without Letting It Write My Books

    Writers are arguing about AI. But the better question is: how can we use the tools without giving up the work? In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, Kevin walks through his real-world writing and publishing process—from daily word counts and “looping” through a manuscript, to using AI as an editing and continuity tool, to working with a street team, setting up preorders, and getting a new book ready for launch. Kevin also digs into the bigger conversation around AI-written books, Barnes & Noble, copyright, publishing quality, and why human creativity still matters. AI can help spot typos, organize feedback, identify continuity issues, and make the workflow faster—but it should not replace the writer. For writers, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs, this episode is about building a process that helps you finish more work, publish smarter, and stay in control of your own voice. Subscribe to the channel for some of the best guidance on your writing and publishing journey—covering craft, creativity, publishing, author business, AI tools, indie publishing, and the mindset it takes to build a lasting creative career. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome back to the Wordslinger Podcast 00:27 New book update and upcoming announcement 01:22 Kevin’s writing and publishing process 02:31 Daily word count goals and creative problem-solving 03:28 Solving story problems by stepping away 04:05 The “looping” method for rewriting and momentum 05:29 Using AI to spot typos, errors, and continuity problems 07:06 What happens after the completed first draft 07:40 Street teams, beta readers, reviews, and launch prep 09:25 Moving from one finished book into the next project 10:13 Revisiting half-finished books and rewriting with fresh perspective 11:25 Using multiple AI tools to organize rewrite feedback 13:51 How every book improves the process 14:48 Numbered scenes, Scrivener, and better manuscript organization 17:20 How AI fits into Kevin’s workflow 18:05 Barnes & Noble, AI books, and quality control 21:38 Why bad AI books won’t replace real writers 22:29 AI as assistive technology for writers 25:54 Craft, technical skill, and the human difference 28:51 Why fully AI-generated writing still falls short 29:47 Amazon rules, AI disclosure, and editing tools 30:39 AI, copyright, and human creative control 34:21 Final thoughts and viewer comments LINKS MENTIONED & RESOURCES Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWriting Aid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #AIWriting #AuthorTube #CreativeEntrepreneur #WritingTips #AmWriting #Publishing #WritersLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  4. May 15

    I Put This Book Aside for Two Years. Here’s What Happened

    Sometimes the best thing you can do for a stuck book is stop forcing it. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I’m back from a two-day drive from Texas to Pennsylvania, and somewhere along those long highway hours, a stalled novel finally started working again. A book I had put aside nearly two years ago suddenly clicked into place—not because I was grinding harder, but because I’d given the story time, space, and enough life experience to come back to it with new perspective. This one is for writers, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs who have unfinished drafts, stalled projects, muddy middles, abandoned ideas, or old folders full of “someday” stories. Sometimes a book isn’t dead. Sometimes it just needs to wait until you’re ready to understand what it’s trying to become. I also talk about why thinking counts as writing, how road trips, showers, walks, and quiet time can unlock creative breakthroughs, how I use AI carefully in my own process, and why characters—not gimmicks, plot devices, or even cool technology—are the real heart of a story. If you’re on your writing and publishing journey, subscribe to the channel. This is the place for practical, honest, real-world guidance for writers who want to build better books, stronger creative habits, and sustainable author careers. In this episode: 00:00 – Back from Texas and the road trip that sparked new ideas 01:50 – Why driving alone can unlock creative breakthroughs 02:40 – Capturing ideas without killing them too early 04:02 – A practical tip for using AI without losing your voice 05:20 – Returning to a book after nearly two years away 06:46 – Why setting a stuck novel aside can be the right move 08:16 – How old unfinished drafts can become new books 09:08 – How pieces of abandoned novels helped create a bestseller 10:46 – Returning to the Quake Runner: Alex Kayne series 12:18 – What happens when reality catches up with your fiction 14:27 – Why character is the heart of every story 16:54 – Exploring dependence, paranoia, and moral gray areas in fiction 19:24 – Thinking time is writing time 20:22 – Protecting your writing time, even when no words come 22:20 – How the mind keeps creating when distractions disappear 23:24 – Join the conversation on YouTube 24:25 – Why I’m building this writing community 26:46 – Where to find me, my books, and more Links mentioned: Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com More from Kevin: Visit Knovelton Books: https://knoveltonbooks.com If this episode helps you rethink an abandoned draft, stalled project, or creative block, leave a comment and tell me what you’re working on. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with another writer who needs to hear that their unfinished book may not be finished with them yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min

  5. Apr 30

    My Exact Publishing Process (After 70+ Books)

    If you’ve ever felt like publishing a book is more confusing than it should be… you’re not alone. After writing and publishing 70+ books, I realized something surprising: a lot of writers don’t actually know the full process. Not clearly. Not step-by-step. And that confusion can slow you down—or stop you entirely. In this video, I break down my exact publishing workflow—from first draft to finished book—so you can move forward with confidence and actually get your work into readers’ hands. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your process, this is the roadmap I wish more writers had from day one. 🔔 Subscribe for more no-fluff guidance on writing, publishing, and building your author career: 👉 This channel is built for writers who want to finish books, publish smarter, and grow a real creative business. ⏱️ TIMECODES 0:00 – Why most writers misunderstand the publishing process 0:36 – Step 1: Write the book (and why editing too early kills momentum) 1:05 – My “looping” method for drafting and editing 2:14 – Editing options (DIY, professional, and AI tools) 3:30 – What AI should and should NOT do in your editing process 4:32 – Step 3: Creating a professional book cover 5:35 – Cover design tips (and what NOT to do) 7:07 – Step 4: Writing a compelling book description 8:12 – Sell the experience, not the plot 9:51 – Step 5: Formatting your book (EPUB, tools, and options) 10:28 – Final thoughts on the full publishing workflow 🧰 TOOLS & RESOURCES 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast https://wordslingerpodcast.com ✍️ ProWritingAid (Editing Tool I Recommend) https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 📚 Draft2Digital (Formatting & Distribution) https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger 🚀 Author Anchor (Build Your Author Platform with Help) https://authoranchor.com 📖 My Books & More https://kevintumlinson.com 📝 Join Me on Substack (Deeper insights, behind-the-scenes, and more) https://kevintumlinson.substack.com 💬 LET’S TALK What part of the publishing process feels the most confusing or overwhelming right now? Drop a comment—I read them all, and I may cover your question in a future video. If you’re serious about writing and publishing your work, you’re in the right place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  6. Apr 16

    The Problem with Draft2Digital’s New Policy

    Draft2Digital just made a major change—and a lot of indie authors aren’t happy about it. In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, I break down the new Draft2Digital fees, what they actually mean, and why I believe this policy creates a serious problem for the very authors the platform was built to support. This isn’t outrage for the sake of outrage. It’s a real conversation about fairness, access, and the future of indie publishing in an era of AI-driven content overload. If you’re a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur, this directly impacts you. Let’s dig in. What Draft2Digital’s new fees actually are Why the $12 annual fee is sparking backlash The real issue: who pays (and who doesn’t) How this affects new and low-earning authors The AI “slop” problem—and why this is happening now Practical advice on what you should do next 00:00 – The big Draft2Digital announcement01:10 – Breaking down the new fees02:15 – Why the optics are a problem04:20 – Who really ends up paying06:45 – The “tax on low earners” issue09:00 – AI spam and the real reason behind the change12:30 – Why this could push authors away15:10 – My stance (and why it matters)18:00 – What authors should do right now20:30 – Final thoughts on the future of indie publishing 🌐 Wordslinger Podcasthttps://wordslingerpodcast.com ✍️ ProWriting Aid (my go-to editing tool)https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 📖 Draft2Digitalhttps://draft2digital.com/wordslinger ⚓ AuthorAnchorhttps://authoranchor.com 📘 My books & author sitehttps://kevintumlinson.com 📰 Join me on Substackhttps://kevintumlinson.substack.com If you're serious about building a career as a writer—whether indie, traditional, or hybrid—this channel is where you’ll get real talk, hard truths, and practical strategies to help you succeed. 👉 Subscribe now for guidance on writing, publishing, and building a sustainable author business. What do YOU think about Draft2Digital’s new policy?Fair move… or a step in the wrong direction? Drop your thoughts in the comments. I read them. #indieauthors #selfpublishing #writingcommunity #draft2digital #amwriting 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:⏱️ Timestamps:📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:🚀 Want More Like This?💬 Join the Conversation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min

  7. Apr 9

    Traditional Publishing Is Breaking (why I chose Indie-first)

    Traditional publishing is shifting… fast. And if you're a writer trying to decide your path, the rules you’ve been told may already be outdated. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I break down the real differences between traditional and indie publishing—and why I’ve chosen an indie-first strategy in today’s market. This isn’t theory. This is based on hard lessons, real contracts, and what I’m seeing happen right now across the industry.  If you’re serious about building a writing career that actually works, this is a conversation you need to hear. 00:00 – Introduction & upcoming book launch01:00 – Writing without a “perfect” setup03:20 – The publishing industry is changing (AI, disruption, uncertainty)04:30 – Should you traditionally publish first?06:00 – The hidden benefits of traditional publishing07:30 – The validation trap (and why it matters)08:00 – The “Shy Girl” controversy & industry response10:00 – Why AI detection tools don’t work11:30 – Where traditional publishing is failing13:00 – Publishers that are adapting (and why it matters)15:00 – The real cost of traditional publishing18:30 – Marketing reality: it’s still on YOU21:30 – Indie success stories (The Martian, viral breakouts)23:30 – Why indie-first is a powerful strategy25:00 – Building your platform (your true leverage)27:00 – Contracts, leverage, and protecting your rights30:00 – Ethics clauses, AI clauses, and what to watch for32:30 – My personal strategy moving forward35:30 – Final thoughts: choosing your path 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com✍️ ProWriting Aid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5📚 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger🤝 Author Anchor: https://authoranchor.com📖 My books & website: https://kevintumlinson.com📝 Join me on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com The real pros and cons of traditional vs indie publishing Why “getting a deal” isn’t the finish line How to think about publishing as a long-term strategy The role of platform, leverage, and ownership in your career What most writers misunderstand about making money from books If you're a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur—and you want real, no-BS guidance on building a sustainable writing career—this channel is for you. 👉 Hit subscribe and join a community focused on writing smarter, publishing better, and building something that lasts. Which path are you on right now—indie, traditional, or hybrid?Drop a comment and tell me your strategy. ⏱️ Timecodes🚀 Resources & Links💡 What You’ll Learn🔔 Subscribe for More💬 Let’s Talk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  8. Mar 26

    Your Author Platform Matters More Than Your Book

    Your author platform isn’t optional anymore—it’s everything. In today’s shifting landscape of AI, social media uncertainty, and changing reader behavior, the writers who win aren’t just the ones with great books… they’re the ones with a direct connection to their audience. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin breaks down what an author platform really is, why it matters more than ever, and how you can start building one that actually works—without relying on platforms you don’t control. If you’re serious about writing, publishing, and building a long-term career, this is the conversation you need to hear. 🔑 What You’ll Learn What an author platform actually is (and what it isn’t) Why email lists still dominate everything else The hidden danger of relying on social media alone How AI is reshaping storytelling—and why that’s an opportunity Why authenticity and imperfection are your greatest assets The real goal: building an audience, not just selling books ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 – Welcome + Pennsylvania (pun intended) 01:10 – Why Wordslinger 10-Shots exist 04:58 – What is an author platform? 06:37 – Why email lists still win 07:25 – The future of social media (and why it’s risky) 10:26 – Is writing dying? (AI + readership myths) 13:03 – Why physical books are making a comeback 15:42 – The rise of authenticity in a digital world 18:38 – Why imperfection beats AI 20:21 – The future of storytelling 23:33 – AI-generated content vs human connection 25:52 – The real focus: build your audience 🚀 Resources & Links 👉 Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com 👉 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger 👉 Author Anchor: https://authoranchor.com 👉 Kevin’s books & website: https://kevintumlinson.com 👉 Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com 💡 Final Thought Your book is the product… but your platform is the engine. Build the connection first, and everything else gets easier. 🔔 Subscribe for More If you’re a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur looking to level up your craft, grow your audience, and build a sustainable career… 👉 Subscribe now—this channel is your hub for real-world, no-fluff guidance on writing, publishing, and thriving as a creator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min
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4.8
out of 5
57 Ratings

About

From award-winning and bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson, this weekly podcast explores the stories that shape us into who we are, and shape the world into what it can become. There are interviews with authors and non-authors, deep dives into useful ideas, and solo-slinger episodes that are authentic and real, aimed at giving you the best, most honest advice about life as a writer, creator, and creative entrereneur. Every episode is a story. It's all about the story here.

Information

  • Creator
    It's all about the story here.
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    302
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © J. Kevin Tumlinson
  • Show Website
    The Wordslinger Podcast

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