Book Career Network

Book Career In A Year
Book Career Network

Book Career Network Podcast offers a daily exploration into the world of fiction writing, bringing together a diverse group of experts dedicated to helping authors succeed. Each show within the network is tailored to address different facets of the writing and publishing process, ensuring that no matter where you are in your author journey, there’s something valuable for you. Mondays feature ”Becoming A Household Name” with Jody Sperling, where listeners can follow the real-life documentation of an author’s journey out of obscurity. Jody shares personal experiences, triumphs, and setbacks, providing a roadmap for authors aspiring to make their mark in the literary world. On Tuesdays, ”Worlds Asunder” led by David Shadoin and H.Y. Gregor dives into the art of world-building and character creation. This show is perfect for writers who want to craft vivid, immersive worlds that captivate their readers, with expert advice from seasoned authors in fantasy and sci-fi genres. Wednesdays bring ”Romancing Like Swift” with Morgana Beven and Emma-Lee Jayne. This unique show examines Taylor Swift’s ingenious approach to marketing and storytelling, extracting lessons that authors can apply to engage and enchant their audience effectively. Thursdays are for ”Author Intelligence,” hosted by Elizabeth Ann West and Stacey Anderson. This interactive podcast focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence in the author community, discussing how emerging technologies can be leveraged to enhance storytelling and streamline the writing process. Ending the week on Fridays, ”Ink & Effort” with James Fox offers practical tips, expert interviews, and motivational strategies. It’s designed to keep authors productive and inspired, with a focus on maintaining the discipline needed to succeed in the highly competitive world of publishing. Each show in the Book Career Network is crafted to provide not just information but also motivation and community, helping authors feel connected and supported throughout their careers. Whether you’re drafting your first novel or looking to expand your reader base, our network is here to guide you every step of the way. Join us to transform your writing aspirations into tangible successes.

  1. -16 H

    070 - Tim Akers, You're Weird Enough For Us, Part 1 [Worlds Asunder]

    Our guest today is Tim Akers, author of more than ten (often genre-blending) fantasy novels and more short stories and novellas than we wanted to count. Tim was born in deeply rural North Carolina and is the last in a long line of telephony princes, tourist attraction barons, and gruff Scottish bankers. He moved to Chicago for college and stayed to pursue his lifelong obsession with apocalyptic winters.  Author of series including the Spiritbinder Sag, the Burn Cycle Archives, and the Hallowed War books, Tim loves to write fantasy that blends elements of his favorite genres. Join us in learning about how to write a fantasy story in cyberpunk clothes.    In Part One, We Discuss:  Tim’s background–how he got into writing and first learned how to sell books  Approaches to tackle blended genres  Originality and creating new spins on classic tropes  Incorporating themes into storytelling  The importance of cosmology in speculative fiction  The impacts of theology and personal beliefs on writing    Resources and Guest Links:  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/timakers.bsky.social  Twitter: https://twitter.com/TimAkers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.akers/  Reign of Dragons Kickstarter, featuring Tim’s short story Of the Wyrm: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jasmineyoungauthor/reign-of-dragons-illustrated-hardcover-anthology  Neuromancer by William Gibson: https://www.amazon.com/Neuromancer-William-Gibson/dp/0441569595  Huge thanks to Tim for joining us! He’s a great champion for writing stories you’re passionate about and bringing personal experiences and beliefs into speculative fiction. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!    Host Links:  H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/    Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios,  Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

    40 min
  2. 22 OCT.

    068 - Unlocking the Fan First Mindset with Michael Evans [Romancing Like Swift]

    In this insightful episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane sit down with guest Michael Evans to discuss the powerful "Fans First" mindset and how authors can learn from Taylor Swift's approach to building genuine, lasting relationships with fans. They explore how prioritizing fans can lead to greater success and how storytelling plays a critical role in creating emotional connections. Drawing parallels with creatives like Taylor Swift, Jesse Cole of Savannah Bananas, and YouTuber Mark Rober, the conversation highlights the importance of adapting strategies, experimenting, and staying authentic. Michael and the hosts dive into key principles authors can adopt, such as balancing creativity with business strategies, embracing experimentation, and learning from mistakes. They reflect on the benefits of data-driven decisions and the value of continuously evolving in both creative and business aspects. Practical tips on how authors can engage their readers, meet fan expectations, and create a fulfilling creative journey are also discussed. Key Takeaways: Adopting a “Fans First” mindset is crucial for long-term creative success. Taylor Swift exemplifies the power of prioritizing fans through emotional connections and storytelling. Building strong relationships with fans fosters deeper engagement and loyalty. Authors should embrace experimentation to discover what works best for their audience. Simplicity in strategy can make engagement more effective and authentic. Nurturing genuine connections with fans is more valuable than chasing viral fame. Balancing personal creativity with fan expectations can lead to more satisfying work. Data-driven learning can enhance an author’s ability to meet audience needs. Embracing a continuous cycle of reinvention helps foster both creative and business growth. Success is about creating joy in the process of experimentation and connection. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift Podcast 00:57 – Introducing Michael Evans 03:02 – Understanding the Fans First Concept 05:31 – Taylor Swift's Approach to Fans First 06:46 – Savannah Bananas and Fans First Strategy 07:46 – Mark Rober’s Approach with Crunch Labs 08:41 – Crafting Your Unique Fans First Strategy 12:29 – The Importance of Meta Story in Engaging Fans 19:35 – Planning vs. Doing: Finding a Creative Balance 22:50 – Experimentation and Adaptability for Creatives 26:20 – The Importance of Audience Connection 26:58 – Learning from Early Mistakes in Your Creative Career 28:05 – The Reality of Using Market Data for Creative Success 28:39 – The Role of Experimentation and Iteration in Growth 31:23 – The YouTube Revelation: Lessons from Video Creators 31:54 – A New Approach to Publishing for Authors 33:13 – Balancing Creativity and Business Success 40:49 – The Continuous Cycle of Reinvention for Artists 46:47 – Final Thoughts and Reflections

    51 min
  3. 22 OCT.

    067 - Steve Ruskin, the Maned Historian Part 2 [Worlds Asunder]

    Just what do you do with a PhD in the History of Science? Write novels–science fiction, urban fantasy, and thriller. Our guest today is Steve Ruskin, PhD. He’s the author of the nonfiction popular history novel America’s First Great Eclipse and countless academic writings, and also of the ExoRok Rebels science fiction series and Trina Piper magical thrillers.  Steve’s unique background in academics and fiction give him great insight to author resources, creativity, and bringing character-driven fiction to life.    In Part One, We Discuss:  Painting targets around the points you want to hit in your plots  On-location research and  Detail writing, and using the five senses to set a scene   Worldbuilding and story development in someone else’s shared universe  Pulling story inspiration from history and integrating it into other genres  Organization and juggling multiple projects    Resources and Guest Links:  Steve Ruskin: https://www.steveruskin.com/  Steve’s Newsletter: https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/f424f312-0fb9-11ee-938d-7f884ddf8bd0  America’s First Great Eclipse: https://www.amazon.com/Americas-First-Great-Eclipse-Scientists-ebook/dp/B0716GT8FH  ExoRok Rebels: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1BMNQQ1  Trina Piper Thrillers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9KGPCSS  Dean Wesley Smith workshops: https://deanwesleysmith.com/online-workshops/  Remnants of Empire anthology: https://www.amazon.com/Remnants-Empire-Ashes-Entecea-Book-ebook/dp/B0D52XCZ5D  The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers: https://www.amazon.com/The-Anubis-Gates-Tim-Powers-audiobook/dp/B019G334ZO    Huge thanks to Steve for coming over to record at our dining room table. We love being able to bring field specialists onto the show, and he’s no exception. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!    Host Links:  H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/    Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios,  Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

    39 min
  4. 16 OCT.

    066 - Harnessing Resilience: Lessons from Taylor Swift and Overcoming Criticism [Romancing Like Swift]

    In this episode of the Romancing Like Swift podcast, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane are joined by Becca Syme to dive into the challenges of handling criticism as an author and the impact it can have on emotional well-being. Drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s experiences, the conversation covers topics such as the influence of childhood trauma on handling criticism, the importance of self-acceptance, and the need to cultivate internal security and resilience. Morgana, Emma, and Becca explore how external criticism can affect an author’s internal peace, stressing the importance of distinguishing between content and the critic’s personal conditions. They also discuss the fallacy of equating success with external validation, encouraging authors to build careers grounded in emotional stability and personal fulfillment. Throughout the episode, Becca shares personal anecdotes, including her journey of embracing self-acceptance and processing grief through music. The conversation also addresses the role of parental influence, competition, and the myth of the “perfect product,” offering strategies for authors to navigate criticism with confidence. Key Takeaways: Criticism often reflects the internal struggles of the critic, rather than the content being criticized. Childhood trauma can influence how we respond to criticism, and addressing those wounds is key to building internal security. Self-acceptance and emotional resilience are essential for long-term success in the creative industry. Success in the writing industry is complex and can’t be reduced to external metrics; authors should focus on internal growth and fulfillment. Collaboration, community, and emotional growth play critical roles in handling criticism and competition. Processing grief through creative outlets like music can be a powerful form of healing. Learning to separate external opinions from personal worth is a vital step in achieving self-acceptance. Episode Breakdown: 00:42 Dealing with Criticism: Insights from Taylor Swift 02:56 Understanding the Source of Criticism 06:00 Personal Experiences with Criticism 14:30 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact 27:58 Navigating the Publishing Industry 51:45 The Futuristic Mindset 58:58 Using the Parental Voice 01:00:13 Separating Yourself from Futuristic 01:01:47 Deconstructing Fear and Embracing Hope 01:04:15 Applying Tools Across Different Life Areas 01:07:03 Criticism and Self-Regulation 01:17:25 Navigating Parental Influence and Self-Acceptance 01:27:40 The Role of Criticism in Artistic Growth 01:32:43 Music, Writing, and Personal Reflections

    1 h 40 min
  5. 15 OCT.

    065 - Steve Ruskin, the Maned Historian Part 1 [Worlds Asunder]

    Just what do you do with a PhD in the History of Science? Write novels–science fiction, urban fantasy, and thriller. Our guest today is Steve Ruskin, PhD. He’s the author of the nonfiction popular history novel America’s First Great Eclipse and countless academic writings, and also of the ExoRok Rebels science fiction series and Trina Piper magical thrillers.  Steve’s unique background in academics and fiction give him great insight to author resources, creativity, and bringing character-driven fiction to life.    In Part One, We Discuss:  Worldbuilding in historical and popular history writings   Nonfiction worldbuilding and research  Writing character-driven nonfiction  Where to start historical research and how to reach out to professionals “Secret histories”: Finding the balance between historical accuracy and fictional liberties  Maintaining a timeline and the differences between historical fiction and alternate history  The Village Idiot Approach    Resources and Guest Links:  Steve Ruskin: https://www.steveruskin.com/  Steve’s Newsletter: https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/f424f312-0fb9-11ee-938d-7f884ddf8bd0  America’s First Great Eclipse: https://www.amazon.com/Americas-First-Great-Eclipse-Scientists-ebook/dp/B0716GT8FH  ExoRok Rebels: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1BMNQQ1  Trina Piper Thrillers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9KGPCSS  Extinction by Douglas Preston: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Extinction-A-Novel/dp/B0C31M5X6V    Huge thanks to Steve for coming over to record at our dining room table. We love being able to bring field specialists onto the show, and he’s no exception. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!    Host Links:  H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/ David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/    Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed) Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios,  Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

    37 min

À propos

Book Career Network Podcast offers a daily exploration into the world of fiction writing, bringing together a diverse group of experts dedicated to helping authors succeed. Each show within the network is tailored to address different facets of the writing and publishing process, ensuring that no matter where you are in your author journey, there’s something valuable for you. Mondays feature ”Becoming A Household Name” with Jody Sperling, where listeners can follow the real-life documentation of an author’s journey out of obscurity. Jody shares personal experiences, triumphs, and setbacks, providing a roadmap for authors aspiring to make their mark in the literary world. On Tuesdays, ”Worlds Asunder” led by David Shadoin and H.Y. Gregor dives into the art of world-building and character creation. This show is perfect for writers who want to craft vivid, immersive worlds that captivate their readers, with expert advice from seasoned authors in fantasy and sci-fi genres. Wednesdays bring ”Romancing Like Swift” with Morgana Beven and Emma-Lee Jayne. This unique show examines Taylor Swift’s ingenious approach to marketing and storytelling, extracting lessons that authors can apply to engage and enchant their audience effectively. Thursdays are for ”Author Intelligence,” hosted by Elizabeth Ann West and Stacey Anderson. This interactive podcast focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence in the author community, discussing how emerging technologies can be leveraged to enhance storytelling and streamline the writing process. Ending the week on Fridays, ”Ink & Effort” with James Fox offers practical tips, expert interviews, and motivational strategies. It’s designed to keep authors productive and inspired, with a focus on maintaining the discipline needed to succeed in the highly competitive world of publishing. Each show in the Book Career Network is crafted to provide not just information but also motivation and community, helping authors feel connected and supported throughout their careers. Whether you’re drafting your first novel or looking to expand your reader base, our network is here to guide you every step of the way. Join us to transform your writing aspirations into tangible successes.

Vous aimeriez peut‑être aussi

Pour écouter des épisodes au contenu explicite, connectez‑vous.

Recevez les dernières actualités sur cette émission

Connectez‑vous ou inscrivez‑vous pour suivre des émissions, enregistrer des épisodes et recevoir les dernières actualités.

Choisissez un pays ou une région

Afrique, Moyen‑Orient et Inde

Asie‑Pacifique

Europe

Amérique latine et Caraïbes

États‑Unis et Canada