No One Cares You Wrote a Book

C.J. Kael
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No One Cares You Wrote a Book is about everything that happens before and after you type “The End.” Fantasy and sci-fi writers C.J. Kael and Chris Wards share the reality of writing, editing, publishing and trying to find readers. We follow our own journeys in real time, including the mistakes, small wins, questionable decisions and lessons we wish someone had shared with us earlier. Expect honest conversations about worldbuilding, first drafts, working with editors, traditional versus indie publishing, book marketing, social media, BookTok trends and what it actually takes to get a book into the world. Two writers. Honest takes. Questionable decisions.

Episodes

  1. 10h ago

    Episode 7 - What Makes a Good Villain?

    In this podcast episode, Chris Wards and C.J. Kael discuss the intricacies of villainy in storytelling, exploring what makes a villain memorable and compelling. They share personal insights on their favorite villains from literature and media, while also delving into the moral complexities that define these characters. The conversation delves into the complexities of villain archetypes in storytelling, exploring various types of villains and their motivations. The discussion also critiques modern storytelling trends that humanize villains, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear moral distinctions in narratives. Takeaways Villains reflect moral complexitiesMemorable villains have presence Villain archetypes enrich storytellingHumanizing villains can dilute moral clarity Chapters 00:00 Exploring Villainy in Storytelling13:17 What Makes a Villain Compelling?19:35 The Complexity of Villains24:20 Villains in Literature and Media28:09 Exploring Villain Archetypes29:50 The Complexity of Villain Motivations34:42 The Impact of Modern Storytelling Trends52:46 Redemption Arcs and Their Significance

  2. Oct 16

    Episode 6 - Writing the Middle Without Losing Your Mind

    In this episode, Chris Wards and C.J. Kael engage with author JL Storm to discuss the challenges of writing the middle of a book, the creative process, and the emotional journey of sharing one's work. They explore the differences between plotters and panzers, the importance of setting goals, and the vulnerability that comes with writing and publishing. The conversation delves into the creative process of writing, focusing on themes of interconnected dimensions, character development, and the challenges of editing and self-doubt. The speakers share personal experiences with writing momentum, inspiration from dreams, and the complexities of managing side characters and writer's block, culminating in discussions about future projects and publishing. Takeaways Writing the middle is challengingEmbrace vulnerability in sharing work Embrace self-doubt as part of writingEditing is crucial for clarity Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:03 Exploring the Crown Key and Its Themes02:59 JL Storm's Journey into Writing06:37 The Writing Process: From Idea to Manuscript08:43 The Difference Between Plotters and Panzers10:36 Navigating Corners in Writing12:56 The Emotional Journey of Writing16:47 Finding Joy in the Middle of Writing19:20 The Vulnerability of Sharing Your Work22:22 Goals and Themes in Storytelling27:31 Exploring Interconnected Dimensions29:27 Character Development and Themes30:52 The Editing Process and Self-Doubt32:30 Stripping Away Excess: The Art of Editing34:56 Writing Momentum and Obsession36:46 Dreams as Inspiration for Writing39:03 Navigating Side Characters and POVs42:45 Writer's Block and Overcoming Challenges47:45 Future Plans and Publishing Journey

  3. Oct 5

    Episode 5 - Why Is Writing Advice So Contradictory?

    In this episode, C.J. Kael and Chris Wards discuss the often contradictory nature of writing advice with their guest, Chantel Burnham. They explore the importance of trusting one's instincts, the role of critique partners, and the challenges of navigating reader expectations and social media presence. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the nuances of writing, the importance of understanding and sometimes breaking the rules, and the challenges of receiving feedback. They also explore the differences between traditional and indie publishing, as well as effective marketing strategies for authors. Takeaways Trust your gut in writingContradictory advice is common Learn rules before breaking themFeedback can improve writing Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Writing Advice02:55 Chantel's Writing Journey05:59 The Role of Critique Partners09:04 Navigating Contradictory Advice12:07 The Challenge of Reader Expectations14:54 Social Media and Author Presence18:03 Understanding Writing Rules20:47 The Importance of Confidence in Writing38:08 The Importance of Writing Rules41:55 Navigating Feedback and Criticism48:06 Finding Readers and Marketing Strategies55:51 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing Choices01:02:13 Valuable Writing Advice and Insights

  4. Sep 21

    Episode 4 - Are We Writing the Book We Want to Read, or the Book We Think Will Sell?

    The conversation explores the tension between writing a book for personal fulfillment and writing for commercial success. It delves into the evolution of the authors' perspectives on writing for readers and marketability, as well as the impact of generational expectations and trends in the publishing industry. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on writers, the evolving trends in fantasy literature, and the influence of cultural fragmentation on reader preferences. It also explores the tension between writing for oneself and writing for commercial success. Takeaways Writing for readers vs. writing for marketabilityThe impact of generational expectations and trends in the publishing industry Social media presence is essential for writers in today's publishing landscape.The evolution of fantasy literature reflects the changing cultural and generational influences. Chapters 00:00 Writing for Personal Fulfillment vs. Commercial Success03:06 Evolution of Writing Perspectives17:36 Impact of Generational Expectations and Trends20:27 The Impact of Social Media on Writers26:29 Evolving Trends in Fantasy Literature29:27 Cultural Fragmentation and Reader Preferences35:17 Writing for Oneself vs. Commercial Success

  5. Sep 15

    Episode 3 - How Much Worldbuilding Is Too Much?

    The podcast episode explores the art of world building in fantasy and science fiction writing. It delves into the role of maps, the depth of world building, meta world building, and the importance of language, characters, and culture in setting the scene for a fictional world. The conversation delves into the exploration of cultural settings in fantasy, the debate on understanding magic, the challenges of invented terminology and world building, the balance between world building and plot development, the strength of character and relationship in world building, and the payoff of world building in fantasy literature. Takeaways World building is a crucial aspect of fantasy and science fiction writing.Maps play a significant role in world building, providing a visual representation of the fictional world.Language, characters, and culture are essential elements in making a fictional world feel real. Cultural settings in fantasy literature provide fresh and intriguing world-building opportunities.The best world building in fantasy literature has a payoff and is woven into character moments. Chapters 00:00 The Art of World Building03:09 The Role of Maps in World Building07:41 The Depth of World Building15:26 Meta World Building and Language23:16 Setting the Scene with Characters and Culture24:16 Cultural Settings in Fantasy26:04 The Debate on Understanding Magic31:47 Invented Terminology and World Building35:14 Balancing World Building and Plot Development38:00 The Strength of Character and Relationship in World Building43:09 The Payoff of World Building

  6. Sep 11

    Episode 2 - Nobody Cares You Wrote a Book

    The conversation delves into the emotional journey of finishing a manuscript, seeking feedback, overcoming self-doubt, and the challenges of marketing and selling a new book. It explores the anxiety and uncertainty that follows the completion of a manuscript, the process of seeking feedback and improvement, and the challenges of engaging with writing groups and beta readers. It also addresses the pressure of making the first book a success and the challenges of marketing and selling a new book. The conversation delves into the challenges of building an online profile, marketing and promotion, the writer's dilemma, completing the manuscript, and the value of writing. It also looks ahead to the next topic of discussion. Takeaways The emotional journey of finishing a manuscriptChallenges of seeking feedback and overcoming self-doubt Navigating the online landscape is essential for authorsMarketing and promotion are crucial for book success Chapters 00:00 The Feeling of Finishing03:02 Post-Manuscript Anxiety04:24 Seeking Feedback and Improvement06:09 Sharing Manuscripts and Receiving Critiques08:53 Challenges of Seeking Feedback from Friends and Family11:49 Engaging with Writing Groups and Beta Readers17:06 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear of Publishing20:23 The Pressure of Making the First Book a Success23:23 Challenges of Marketing and Selling a New Book25:43 Navigating the Online Landscape27:12 Building an Online Profile29:04 Marketing and Promotion32:37 Challenges of Publishing33:09 The Writer's Dilemma36:09 Completing the Manuscript39:40 The Value of Writing44:09 Looking Ahead

  7. Sep 10

    Episode 1 - Why Did We Think Writing a Book Was a Good Idea?

    The first episode of the podcast delves into the journey of writing a book, exploring the motivations, struggles, and support systems of the hosts. It highlights the evolution of their creative process and the impact of personal relationships on their writing endeavors. Takeaways Motivations for writing a book are deeply personal and often driven by a desire for self-expression and personal fulfillment.The support and encouragement of a trusted friend or partner can be instrumental in overcoming self-doubt and navigating the challenges of the writing process. Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins02:55 The Evolution of Ideas and World Building11:00 Motivations and Ambitions16:05 Struggles and Self-Doubt26:08 Support and Validation

  • 7 Episodes

About

No One Cares You Wrote a Book is about everything that happens before and after you type “The End.” Fantasy and sci-fi writers C.J. Kael and Chris Wards share the reality of writing, editing, publishing and trying to find readers. We follow our own journeys in real time, including the mistakes, small wins, questionable decisions and lessons we wish someone had shared with us earlier. Expect honest conversations about worldbuilding, first drafts, working with editors, traditional versus indie publishing, book marketing, social media, BookTok trends and what it actually takes to get a book into the world. Two writers. Honest takes. Questionable decisions.

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