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

    Make Them Suffer (and other Writing Craft Tips)

    What makes a story impossible to put down? It usually starts with one uncomfortable truth: You have to make your characters suffer. In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, I dig into several practical writing craft principles that can help you create stronger characters, sharper scenes, more natural dialogue, and stories that keep readers turning pages. We’ll talk about why change is the engine of story, how consequences create momentum, why “and then” can quietly kill your plot, and how to build tension without exhausting your reader. I’ll also explore dialogue as a form of action, the value of leaving some questions unanswered, and how to recognize when a story is truly finished. Whether you’re writing your first novel or your fiftieth, these are the kinds of craft fundamentals that can help you tell more compelling stories. What writing craft topic would you like me to cover next? Leave your question in the comments. I may turn it into a future episode.   TIMECODES 00:00 – Why writers should talk more about craft 01:44 – Why your characters need to suffer 03:36 – Suffering doesn’t have to mean physical danger 07:38 – Every scene must create change 10:13 – Creating discomfort and escalating tension 10:54 – “And then” versus “because” storytelling 12:18 – Giving readers moments of hope and relief 14:31 – Why everything in a story must serve a purpose 18:11 – Building tension in peaks and valleys 18:55 – Understanding three-act structure 21:30 – Change as the purpose of scenes 23:20 – Dialogue as action, not exposition 27:37 – Why explanatory dialogue stops a story cold 29:32 – Suspense as the distance between knowledge and action 30:52 – How to know when your story is over 34:03 – Leaving some questions unanswered 37:30 – Using A, B, and C plots across a series 40:17 – Why craft remains a writer’s primary tool   Subscribe to the channel for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, and building a sustainable creative career. Whether you’re just getting started or working toward your next breakthrough, this is the place to find useful advice for every stage of your writing and publishing journey. Visit the Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com Improve your writing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish and distribute your books with Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Get professional support for your author career with AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com #WritingCraft #WritingTips #Authors #CreativeWriting #Storytelling #IndieAuthors #WritingAdvice #NovelWriting #CharacterDevelopment #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Make Them Suffer (and other Writing Craft Tips)

  2. Jul 9

    5 Scams Targeting Writers Right Now

    Writers are dreamers — and unfortunately, scammers know it. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I’m breaking down 5 scams targeting writers right now, especially indie authors, self-published authors, and creative entrepreneurs trying to build a real career around their work. From fake awards and vanity publishers to bogus film deals, fake agents, and “guaranteed bestseller” packages, these scams all have one thing in common: they prey on your desire to be discovered. The good news? You can protect yourself with a little skepticism, a few common-sense checks, and one simple rule: if someone approaches you out of nowhere, flatters your book heavily, creates urgency, and asks for money up front — stop and verify first. If you’re a writer trying to build a publishing career without getting taken advantage of, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the channel for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, and building a sustainable author career. ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 – Why writers are targeted by scammers 00:46 – Common scam warning signs 02:50 – Scam #5: Fake awards and contest scams 05:44 – Scam #4: Predatory review and bestseller packages 09:07 – Scam #3: Vanity publishers in disguise 13:21 – Scam #2: Fake film, TV, and foreign rights deals 18:35 – Scam #1: Impersonation scams 22:16 – How to verify agents, publishers, and big-name offers 24:03 – The simple rule every author should remember 24:52 – Why scams aimed at writers make me angry 25:16 – Courses, gurus, and bad publishing advice 29:07 – Avoiding the trap of the “quick win” 34:14 – Final thoughts and how to join the conversation   Links mentioned and recommended: 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: Have you ever been approached by a suspicious “publisher,” “agent,” contest, or media company? Drop a comment and share the red flags you spotted — it might help another writer avoid the same trap. #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #AuthorTube #WritingAdvice #PublishingTips #CreativeEntrepreneur #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    5 Scams Targeting Writers Right Now

  3. Jul 2

    3 Things Writers Should Stop Worrying About

    Writers waste a lot of energy worrying about the wrong things.   In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin talks about finishing a story that started nearly 30 years ago, why your unfinished drafts may still have life in them, and why the “perfect” writing tool probably is not what’s standing between you and the work.   We also get into the ongoing AI debate for writers: where the line is, how AI can be useful, and why using tools to improve your writing is not the same thing as letting something else do the writing for you.   If you’ve ever abandoned a story, obsessed over which software or device to use, or wondered whether AI has a place in your writing process, this one is for you.   Subscribe to the channel for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, and building a sustainable author career. This is where writers come to get unstuck, get encouraged, and keep moving forward.   ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 — Recording from the virtual studio 00:39 — Finishing a draft that took 30 years to complete 01:26 — Why short fiction can be a smart creative strategy 02:37 — Building readers of your voice, not just your genre 04:37 — When a short story becomes a novella 05:10 — Revisiting an old idea that finally clicked 07:56 — How to know when an unfinished story is worth returning to 08:44 — Why writers should keep their old drafts 09:25 — How old story fragments helped launch the Dan Kotler series 10:31 — Returning to abandoned books years later 12:35 — The “perfect camera” lesson for writers 15:10 — Choosing the right writing software or device 16:12 — Handwriting, dictation, typewriters, Freewrite, AlphaSmart, Scrivener, and more 20:16 — The best writing tool is the one you already have 23:29 — The AI debate among writers 24:18 — Using AI as a writing aid versus using it to write for you 26:34 — Why every writer needs help improving 28:11 — Why passion still matters in the writing life 30:10 — The danger of AI witch hunts 32:43 — The line Kevin won’t cross with AI writing 33:29 — The Silence Between Signals is coming soon 34:11 — Share your thoughts: old drafts, writing tools, and AI   Links mentioned and recommended:   Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com   ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5   Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger   Author Anchor: https://authoranchor.com   Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com   Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com   What are you worrying about most right now as a writer: unfinished stories, finding the right tools, or navigating AI? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it.   Like, subscribe, and share this with a writer who needs to stop waiting and start writing.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    3 Things Writers Should Stop Worrying About

  4. Jun 25

    5 Publishing Trends Writers Should Watch

    What publishing trends should writers be paying attention to right now?   In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin looks at five trends shaping the current writing and publishing landscape—especially for indie authors, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone building a long-term writing career.   From the rise of short fiction and novellas, to the “analog rebellion” bringing writers back to typewriters, notebooks, and distraction-free drafting tools, to the growing power of direct sales and special editions, this episode is all about paying attention to where readers, writers, and creative culture seem to be moving.   Publishing is always changing. The smart writer learns how to adapt without losing sight of the work itself.   If you’re a writer trying to build a sustainable creative life, subscribe to the channel. This is where writers come for honest, practical guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, and building a career that can survive the real world.   Get my newest novel, Echo: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/dmaxbi5aeh   Back the Parallel Truths graphic novel Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/authorventuresllc/parallel-truths-a-multi-genre-graphic-novel-anthology?ref=6upt4c   Visit the Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com   Try ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5   Publish with Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger   Get help from Author Anchor: https://authoranchor.com   Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com   Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com   TIME CODES 00:00 – Podcasting from the Pennsylvania countryside 01:33 – The trends Kevin is seeing in publishing 02:32 – Trend #1: The rise of short fiction 03:19 – Why short fiction gives writers more freedom 04:36 – Reader fatigue and escapist fiction 05:57 – Novellas, short stories, and creative experiments 06:38 – Trend #2: The analog rebellion 07:16 – Focus writing tools and distraction-free drafting 08:36 – Typewriters, handwriting, and old-school creativity 10:18 – Why handwriting can unlock focus and memory 13:05 – Physical media and slower consumption 14:35 – Trend #3: Experimental formats and unusual book design 16:31 – When experimentation becomes a gimmick 17:39 – Trend #4: Special editions and collector books 19:19 – Trend #5: Direct sales for authors 20:07 – Building stronger reader relationships 21:00 – Selling exclusive short fiction directly 22:46 – Why direct sales can benefit both authors and readers 23:51 – What trends are you seeing? 24:54 – Sometimes writers just have to improvise   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    5 Publishing Trends Writers Should Watch

  5. Jun 11

    The Pulp Fiction Strategy for Modern Authors

    What if the old pulp fiction model is exactly what modern authors need right now? In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin talks about using short stories as both a creative reset and a smart publishing strategy. If you’re feeling burned out on your novel, stuck in a long rewrite, or just craving a fresh creative project, short fiction can help refill the bucket while still moving your author business forward. Short stories can become ebooks, direct sales products, Substack exclusives, audiobooks, reader magnets, annual collections, anthology opportunities, and more. It’s not just about writing something shorter. It’s about creating more entry points for readers, building your catalog, strengthening your platform, and staying creatively energized. This is a practical strategy for writers, indie authors, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs who want to keep producing without burning out. If you’re serious about your writing and publishing journey, subscribe to this channel. Wordslinger is where writers come for clear, useful, real-world guidance on writing better books, building an author platform, publishing smarter, and creating a sustainable creative life. Mentioned in this episode: Preorder ECHO: https://bit.ly/qrecho Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Key moments: 00:00 — Welcome and the preorder announcement for ECHO 01:19 — Creative burnout, brain fry, and stepping back from the novel 02:10 — Refilling the creative bucket 03:36 — Why Kevin started writing a short story 04:06 — The short fiction strategy begins 04:45 — Direct sales, Substack, and reader-friendly pricing 05:20 — Why Kevin refuses to train readers to wait for discounts 06:20 — Loyalty discounts and rewarding newsletter subscribers 08:08 — Short stories as fast creative products 09:36 — Why stepping away from a novel can restore excitement 10:19 — The long-form/short-form writing rhythm 12:38 — Short fiction as a powerful income tool 13:20 — What modern authors can learn from the pulp fiction era 14:13 — Short story markets, magazines, contests, and anthologies 15:04 — Publishing short fiction as ebooks 15:50 — Budget-friendly covers and formatting options 16:37 — Wide distribution versus direct publishing 18:10 — How AuthorAnchor can help authors with support tasks 19:01 — Selling short fiction through your own storefront 20:10 — Using Substack as a paid fiction library 20:48 — Recording short audiobooks yourself 21:58 — Bundling short stories into annual collections 23:32 — Collections, anthologies, and working with other authors 25:20 — Why short fiction fits the current publishing era 26:22 — Reader loyalty, AI pushback, and owning your platform 29:04 — Why shorter fiction may matter more in the attention economy 31:25 — Competing with every other form of media 32:28 — Questions, comments, and building a writer community What do you think? Are short stories part of your writing or publishing strategy? Leave a comment and let’s talk about it. Subscribe for more practical writing and publishing guidance from Kevin Tumlinson and the Wordslinger Podcast. #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #ShortStories #CreativeEntrepreneur #AuthorPlatform #WritingTips #PublishingTips #WordslingerPodcast #KevinTumlinson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Pulp Fiction Strategy for Modern Authors

  6. Jun 4

    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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why Bad AI Writing Might Make You a Better Writer

  7. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Future of Writing Is Human + AI

  8. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How I Use AI Without Letting It Write My Books
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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
    307
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © J. Kevin Tumlinson
  • Show Website
    The Wordslinger Podcast

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