The Wordslinger Podcast

It's all about the story here.
  • 4.8 (58)
  • Arts
  • 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. 3h ago

    Writing while the World Falls Apart

    A WORDSLINGER PODCAST How do you keep writing when the world seems to be falling apart around you? Life gets chaotic. Deadlines loom. Social media demands your attention. Politics, family problems, financial pressures, and everyday distractions compete for the time and energy you need to create. But here's the thing: The world isn't going to stop spinning just so you can finish your novel. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm talking about how I keep writing when life gets overwhelming, why I've decided to stop feeding the chaos, and how I'm reclaiming my time and creative energy. I'll share my personal "looping" technique for maintaining writing momentum when producing new words feels impossible, how I use AI to help polish my manuscripts without surrendering creative control, and why writing better books sometimes means writing them more slowly. We'll also talk about something that's become increasingly important to me: Creating more than we consume. Because the world doesn't need more anger, division, and negativity. It needs more people creating things that matter. Whether you're a novelist, an indie author, an artist, or a creative entrepreneur, I hope this conversation encourages you to protect your creative time, keep making progress, and put something good into the world. PLUS: Dale L. Roberts joins us with this week's Rapid Fire News Flash, covering KDP reporting changes, Draft2Digital holiday deadlines, library distribution through Hoopla, and the BookVault/Beventi integration. QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you keep writing or creating when life gets overwhelming? Share your strategies in the comments. Your advice might be exactly what another creator needs to hear. SUBSCRIBE to the Wordslinger Podcast for practical writing advice, self-publishing strategies, author marketing insights, and honest conversations about building a creative career. If you're serious about becoming a better writer and succeeding as an author, you're in the right place! Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast00:40 Writing when life gets chaotic01:50 My looping technique for maintaining momentum03:17 Using AI to proofread and improve your manuscript05:00 Why you should never blindly accept AI suggestions06:16 How looping helps you get back into your story07:27 Rapid Fire News Flash with Dale Roberts07:27 KDP reporting changes and missing page reads08:23 Draft2Digital holiday deadlines and Hoopla distribution09:09 BookVault and Beventi direct sales integration09:51 Back to Wordslinger: Writing through life's distractions10:42 Deadlines, writing pressure, and slowing down11:38 Why experienced writers sometimes write more slowly12:29 Create more than you consume13:51 Walking away from political distractions16:00 Reclaiming creative power17:51 Creating art instead of contributing to negativity19:49 Why the world needs more creators23:44 Creating work that reflects your values25:14 Putting more hope into the world27:20 Why slowing down can improve your writing29:21 The value of authenticity in creative work30:50 Join the Wordslinger community RAPID FIRE NEWS FLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS: 07:27 — KDP Reporting Updates and Missing Page Readshttps://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/KDP-Reporting-Updates-FAQ?language=en_US 08:23 — Draft2Digital Holiday Print Deadlineshttps://DaleLinks.com/D2D(Referral link) 08:23 — Hoopla Library Distribution and LicensingJane Friedman's The Bottom Line (paid subscription required):https://janefriedman.com/subscribe-paid-newsletter/ 09:09 — BookVault and Beventi Direct Sales IntegrationJane Friedman's coverage:https://janefriedman.com/beventi-and-bookvault-integrate-for-easier-direct-sales/ How BookVault Printing and Shipping Works with Beventi:https://intercom.help/beventi/en/articles/17764050-how-bookvault-printing-and-shipping-works BookVault Community Feedback Form:https://survey.hsforms.com/160G6TpIFRfuN9owCiY2SVwc62wy Find Dale Roberts and the Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDale FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing #WritingMotivation #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Writing while the World Falls Apart

  2. 1d ago

    The Weird Way I Create My Best Characters

    A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT The best fictional characters might be people you've already met. In fact, you could be surrounded by inspiration for your next novel right now, and not even realize it. How do you write characters who feel so real that readers forget they're fictional? In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, I share some of my favorite tricks for creating believable, memorable characters. And one of my most effective character development techniques is probably a little weird: I pay attention to strangers. A chance encounter while walking my dog, an overheard conversation in a coffee shop, or an unusual personality quirk can become the foundation for a character who practically writes themselves. We'll talk about how to borrow inspiration from real people without copying them, why knowing details about your characters that NEVER appear in your novel can make them more believable, and how to build a personal library of character traits you can draw from whenever you need them. I'll also share some simple character development exercises you can try anywhere, whether you're writing your first novel or your hundredth. Because great characters aren't just collections of personality traits. They're people with histories, motivations, contradictions, and lives that extend beyond the page. And sometimes the secret to writing better characters is simply paying attention. What's YOUR favorite method for developing fictional characters? Do you use character sheets, borrow traits from people you know, or let your characters reveal themselves as you write? Tell me in the comments! If you're a writer looking for practical, experience-tested advice on writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a successful author career, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel! This is where we talk about what actually works, what doesn't, and how to make your writing and publishing journey a little easier. CHAPTERS:00:00 - The secret to writing strong fictional characters01:04 - Finding character inspiration in everyday life02:07 - Using character development sheets02:51 - Why the smallest character details matter04:08 - Creating characters who feel alive04:59 - The power of backstories readers never see06:20 - Learning to observe people like a writer07:08 - A simple exercise for creating better characters08:18 - Why copying real people can backfire09:03 - Building your personal library of character traits09:59 - Creating stories by starting with characters10:42 - Turning random observations into fictional people11:48 - Making characters more human and relatable12:41 - Final thoughts and your character development tips Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #CharacterDevelopment #CreativeWriting #WritingFiction #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Weird Way I Create My Best Characters

  3. 3d ago

    The Writing Habit That's Making You Miserable

    A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Are your writing goals making you miserable? Are you constantly feeling guilty about not writing enough, falling behind on your word count, or failing to meet your own expectations? You might be making one of the biggest mistakes writers make: expecting too much of yourself. As writers, we put enormous pressure on ourselves. We want to write every day, hit our word counts, finish our books, and build successful writing careers. But when life gets in the way, we start beating ourselves up. And that guilt can become a bigger obstacle to our creativity than anything else. In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, I talk about the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves as writers, how those expectations can lead to anxiety and burnout, and why giving yourself a little grace might actually make you a more productive and successful author. Here's something I believe: Missing your writing goal yesterday doesn't mean you have to write twice as much today. Writing a book isn't about getting everything done at once. It's about making consistent progress, one word, one page, and one day at a time. We'll talk about managing expectations, overcoming writing guilt, setting realistic goals, and learning to enjoy the creative process again. Whether you're writing your first novel or your fiftieth, remember that building a writing career is a marathon, not a sprint. WHAT ABOUT YOU? How do you handle missing your writing goals? Do you punish yourself for falling behind, or do you give yourself permission to start fresh? Tell me in the comments. I'd love to hear how you manage your writing expectations! And if you're a writer looking for practical advice, encouragement, and real-world guidance on writing, publishing, and building a successful author career, SUBSCRIBE to Wordslinger! This is where writers come to get the honest advice, useful strategies, and encouragement they need to keep moving forward on their writing and publishing journey. CHAPTERS:00:00 - Are Your Writing Expectations Making You Miserable?00:52 - Balancing Writing With Real Life01:47 - Why Writers Set Unrealistic Expectations02:27 - The Problem With Expecting Too Much03:12 - How to Write a Book One Step at a Time04:13 - Why Writers Demand Perfection05:23 - Give Yourself Permission to Take Your Time05:52 - When Deadlines and Pressure Are Useful06:36 - Stop Punishing Yourself for Missing Word Counts07:08 - Why You Shouldn't Try to Catch Up08:09 - Focus on the Story, Not Just the Numbers08:41 - Building a Writing Career One Day at a Time09:28 - Deadlines vs. Unnecessary Pressure10:17 - Managing Expectations and Finding Your Balance Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com ABOUT WORDSLINGER: Hosted by bestselling and award-winning author J. Kevin Tumlinson, Wordslinger delivers practical writing advice, publishing insights, author marketing strategies, and honest conversations about the creative life. With more than 90 books published worldwide, Kevin shares lessons from his own writing career to help authors and creative entrepreneurs write better books, reach more readers, and build sustainable careers doing what they love. Subscribe for more writing tips, indie publishing advice, book marketing strategies, and encouragement for your creative journey. #WritingAdvice #WritingMotivation #AuthorLife #WritingGoals #IndieAuthors #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Writing Habit That's Making You Miserable

  4. Oct 29

    Writers - The hard truth no one tells you

    A WORDSLINGER PODCAST WRITERS: THE HARD TRUTH NO ONE TELLS YOU Writing doesn't necessarily get easier the longer you do it. In fact, sometimes it gets harder. Even after writing more than 90 books, I still have days when I'm exhausted, uninspired, and struggling to get words on the page. And here's something every writer needs to hear: That's normal. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing some hard truths about the writing life, including why experienced authors still struggle, why becoming a better writer can actually make writing more difficult, and what to do when your motivation disappears. I'll walk you through my personal writing process, including a technique I call "looping" that helps me regain momentum, improve my manuscripts, and keep working even when I don't feel particularly inspired. We'll also talk about the importance of rewriting, finding encouragement in creative communities, reading outside your genre, and gaining fresh perspectives that make you a stronger storyteller. Whether you're working on your first novel, your fiftieth book, or building a creative business, you're going to face days when the work feels impossible. But your stories matter. And the world needs them. IN THIS EPISODE: Why writing doesn't get easier with experienceHow to keep writing when you're exhausted or uninspiredMy "looping" technique for regaining writing momentumWhy rewriting makes you a better storytellerHow to use AI as an editing assistant without surrendering creative controlFinding motivation through other writers and creative entrepreneursWhy reading widely makes your writing strongerRemembering why your stories are worth the effortPLUS: Dale L. Roberts joins us for a Rapid-Fire News Flash covering major changes to Kindle Unlimited, now called Kindle+, concerns about KDP royalty reporting, and an important ACX deadline for audiobook authors. QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you keep writing when you're exhausted, frustrated, or simply don't feel motivated? Share your strategies in the comments. I could use the encouragement, and I know other writers could, too! If you're serious about writing better books, navigating self-publishing, and building a successful author career, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where writers come for practical advice, honest conversations, publishing insights, and encouragement from someone who's been doing the work for decades. Subscribe, turn on notifications, and join the Wordslinger community! Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Welcome to Wordslinger: When writing gets hard00:37 - How to keep writing when you're exhausted01:36 - My looping technique for maintaining writing momentum03:34 - Using rewriting to overcome creative resistance04:17 - Working on other projects without losing focus06:34 - Dale Roberts: Rapid-Fire Publishing News Flash06:34 - Kindle Unlimited becomes Kindle+ and adds audiobooks07:20 - KDP reporting problems and royalty concerns07:50 - ACX deadline: What audiobook authors need to know08:30 - Why keeping up with publishing news matters09:16 - The hard truth: Writing never gets easier10:52 - Why improving your writing skills creates new challenges11:39 - Learning to embrace editing and rewriting12:33 - Using AI to catch errors and improve your manuscript13:34 - Why writers must retain creative control14:27 - Editing makes you a better storyteller16:23 - Why writers need community and encouragement17:43 - Finding inspiration outside the writing world19:38 - Why writers should read widely21:46 - How life experience enriches your storytelling22:50 - Returning to your manuscript with fresh perspective23:38 - A personal message to every struggling writer25:33 - How do YOU keep writing when life gets hard?26:12 - Final thoughts and encouragement RAPID-FIRE NEWS FLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS Keep up with the latest developments in self-publishing with Dale L. Roberts of Self-Publishing with Dale. Subscribe to Dale's channel:https://www.youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDale 06:34 - Kindle Unlimited becomes Kindle+ and adds audiobooks Amazon's KDP is making significant changes to its subscription program, including adding eligible audiobooks and changing how participating authors are compensated. Dale's breaking news coverage:https://www.youtube.com/live/-mKOqB0pvgI?si=gX1KJY8SwXS41jgk KDP Community announcement:https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/Kindle-Unlimited-is-now-Kindle-KDP-audiobooks-now-included 07:20 - KDP authors report royalty and page-read discrepancies Authors are reporting unexpected changes to their KENP page reads and royalty estimates. Are these reporting glitches or something more serious? Dale discusses the concerns and what authors should do. KDP Community discussion:https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/question/0D5at00000zGxxkCAC/major-kenp-and-royalty-estimator-reductions-after-october-21-reporting-update-anyone-else?language=en_US Reddit discussion:https://www.reddit.com/r/KDP/comments/1xblsob/amazon_took_away_about_25_of_my_page_reads_for/?rdt=35176 07:50 - Important ACX deadline for audiobook authors Authors still using ACX's legacy royalty model have until December 31, 2026, to accept the new terms. Failing to do so could result in audiobooks being removed from distribution beginning January 1, 2027. Audiobook Creation Exchange:https://ACX.com Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) coverage:https://selfpublishingadvice.org/acx-and-audibles-new-payment-model-what-you-need-to-decide-before-31-december/ FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com ABOUT THE WORDSLINGER PODCAST: Hosted by bestselling and award-winning author J. Kevin Tumlinson, the Wordslinger Podcast offers honest advice, practical strategies, and encouragement for writers, indie authors, self-publishers, and creative entrepreneurs. From writing your first book to building a sustainable author business, Wordslinger helps you navigate the challenges of writing, publishing, book marketing, and the creative life. Write more. Write better. Keep going. #WritingMotivation #WritingAdvice #Authors #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Writers - The hard truth no one tells you

  5. Oct 27

    Writers: Get Out

    A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Writers: Get Out! Feeling stuck in your writing routine? Struggling with motivation, creativity, or writer's block? Sometimes the best thing you can do for your writing is to get out of your usual workspace and change your surroundings. In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson takes the show on the road, recording from his Bronco in a local park. He's talking about how a simple change of scenery can refresh your creativity, improve your writing productivity, and help you break free from the routines that leave you feeling burned out. Whether you're writing your first novel, building an indie author career, or managing a creative business, your environment can make a surprising difference in how you think and work. Kevin shares how he writes from practically anywhere, why he sometimes changes his writing tools and routines, and how stepping away from your usual workspace can actually help you get MORE writing done. You don't always need a new writing strategy. Sometimes you just need a new view. Where's your favorite place to write? A coffee shop? A park? Your home office? Let me know in the comments! Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS:00:00 – Writers: Sometimes You Need to Get Out!01:23 – Why Changing Your Writing Environment Matters02:09 – How I Work and Write From Anywhere03:33 – Fresh Air, Exercise, and Creative Inspiration04:04 – How a Change of Scenery Sparks New Ideas05:06 – Breaking Out of a Writing Funk05:53 – Change Your Writing Tools, Change Your Thinking06:38 – When Writing Starts Feeling Like a Burden07:46 – Overcoming Writer's Guilt08:28 – Try Writing Something Completely Different09:40 – My Favorite Mobile Writing Office10:10 – How Do You Refresh Your Creativity? SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER! If you're a writer, aspiring author, or creative entrepreneur looking for practical, honest advice about writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a successful author career, you're in the right place! Subscribe to Wordslinger for regular conversations about the writing life, self-publishing, creative productivity, and making a living doing what you love. No gatekeeping. No magic formulas. Just useful advice from a fellow writer who's been doing this for decades. FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #WritingMotivation #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthors #Wordslinger #WritingProductivity Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Writers: Get Out

  6. Oct 26

    Write what you don't know

    A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT WRITE WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW They say, "Write what you know." But what happens when your story takes you somewhere you've never been, into a time period you've never experienced, or into the mind of someone with skills you don't have? The truth is, you don't have to know everything to write about anything. In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson shares practical tips for writing convincingly about things you know little or nothing about. Whether you're writing a historical thriller, science fiction, fantasy, or contemporary fiction, learning how to research unfamiliar subjects and draw from your own experiences can make your stories more believable and immersive. We'll explore how tools like Google Maps, Google Earth, YouTube, and AI can help you research unfamiliar locations, historical settings, professions, and technologies. We'll also talk about using your own life experiences to bring authenticity and emotional depth to situations you've never personally encountered. And what happens when you get something wrong? Because sooner or later, every writer does! Don't let gaps in your knowledge stop you from telling a great story. The world is full of resources, and your imagination is one of the most powerful tools you've got. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How to research places you've never visitedHow to use Google Maps and Google Earth for fiction researchHow AI can help with historical settings and unfamiliar subjectsHow to draw on personal experiences to write the unfamiliarWhy fact-checking matters (especially when readers know more than you)How YouTube can help bring your settings and characters to life QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you research something you've never experienced? What tools or tricks do you use to make your fiction feel authentic? Share your tips in the comments! CHAPTERS:00:00 - Why Writers Must Write What They Don't Know00:46 - Writing About Unfamiliar Places, Times, and Professions01:38 - Researching Locations with Google Maps and Google Earth03:31 - Using AI to Research Historical Settings05:09 - Using Your Own Experiences to Write the Unknown07:53 - Getting the Details Wrong (and Hearing About It!)08:42 - Fact-Checking and Research Resources09:23 - Using YouTube to Explore Places and Learn New Skills11:09 - Share Your Best Writing Research Tips SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!Whether you're writing your first novel or publishing your fiftieth, Wordslinger is here to help you become a better writer and build a successful author career. Get practical writing advice, publishing insights, book marketing strategies, and encouragement from an author who's been there. Subscribe and join a community of writers who are serious about their craft and their careers! Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS FIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #CreativeWriting #WritingAdvice #FictionWriting #NovelWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Write what you don't know

  7. Oct 22

    Never Respond to a Bad Book Review

    A WORDSLINGER PODCAST In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing some of my own experiences with bad book reviews, internet trolls, review bombing, and public criticism. Including a few stories that are so ridiculous you almost have to laugh. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER Writing a book is only part of the journey. Publishing it, marketing it, building an audience, and navigating the challenges of a creative career are where things get interesting. Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical writing advice, honest conversations about publishing, book marketing strategies, and lessons learned from more than a decade of helping independent authors succeed. If you're serious about becoming a better writer and building a sustainable author career, you're in the right place. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Wordslinger: Internet trolls and negative comments01:48 Why every writer will face negative criticism02:56 The ridiculous book review that got everything wrong04:44 Why some people just want to tear creators down06:06 Rapid-Fire Newsflash with Dale Roberts06:14 KDP permafree pricing problems and what authors should know06:47 Could YouTube launch an audiobook service in 2027?07:13 Barnes & Noble Press and Apple Books holiday publishing deadlines07:44 Voices by INaudio adds Curios for audiobook distribution08:57 Dealing with bad reviews and one-star ratings10:02 Why I sometimes promote my worst reviews10:47 Should authors even read their reviews?11:19 Review bombing, online mobs, and personal attacks15:30 Why you should never respond to a negative review17:41 Lessons from handling public relations controversies19:18 When should you apologize publicly?21:23 The golden rule for responding to book reviews22:29 Why ignoring trolls is usually your best option24:24 Learning to handle criticism without getting defensive26:26 When an apology really is appropriate29:25 Final advice for authors dealing with bad reviews30:22 Closing thoughts and supporting the writing community THIS WEEK'S RAPID-FIRE NEWSFLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS 06:14 — Is KDP Ending Permafree Books?Some authors have reported problems with permanently free ebooks reverting to paid pricing. Dale shares what KDP has said about the issue and what authors can do.https://youtu.be/Hg_PZt3JdQc?si=h_NrEoIw26o7qJkY 06:47 — YouTube Might Offer Audiobooks in 2027YouTube is reportedly exploring the possibility of adding audiobooks to its platform, potentially through YouTube Premium. Could this mean a new opportunity for indie authors? Good e-Reader:https://goodereader.com/blog/audiobooks/youtube-might-offer-audiobooks-in-2027 9to5Google:https://9to5google.com/2026/10/15/youtube-may-add-audiobooks-to-app/ 07:13 — Holiday Publishing Deadlines for Barnes & Noble Press and Apple BooksPlanning a holiday book release? Allow extra time for print orders, ebook uploads, and publishing updates. Barnes & Noble Press:https://help-press.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5359210768667-Receiving-My-Print-Book Apple Books for Authors:https://authors.apple.com 07:44 — Voices by INaudio Adds Curios as a Distribution PartnerA new audiobook retail partnership gives authors another potential way to reach listeners. Dale explains what authors should know about participation and royalties. Voices by INaudio:https://voicesbyinaudio.com Curios:https://www.curios.com/ Find more self-publishing news, updates, and advice from Dale Roberts:https://youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDale FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com #WritingAdvice #SelfPublishing #BookReviews #IndieAuthors #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Never Respond to a Bad Book Review

  8. Oct 21

    Writers are Reading the Wrong Books

    A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT WRITERS ARE READING THE WRONG BOOKS Want to become a better writer? You might need to change what you're reading. Most writers know they should read more books. But what should you actually be reading? Books in your genre? Classic literature? Books about writing? Or something completely different? In this episode of Wordslinger, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson explores why reading is one of the most important skills a writer can develop—and why limiting yourself to your favorite genre might be holding back your writing. We'll talk about how reading shapes your writing voice, why readers want stories that feel familiar but different, and how reading outside your comfort zone can make you a stronger storyteller. Plus, I'll share a simple daily reading habit—just 20 pages a day—that has transformed my own reading routine. Whether you're writing your first novel, building a career as an indie author, or simply looking to improve your storytelling, the books you choose to read can make all the difference. What are you reading right now? Do you deliberately read outside your favorite genres? Tell me in the comments! I'd love to hear what's on your reading list. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS:00:00 Why Writers Need to Read00:33 What Should Writers Be Reading?01:15 Finding Your Voice Through Genre Fiction02:18 Why Readers Want the Same but Different03:12 The Value of Reading Outside Your Genre04:05 Why You Should Read the Classics04:54 Challenging Books Make You a Stronger Reader06:10 How Reading Resets Your Expectations07:09 Learning the Rhythm of Great Storytelling08:07 Finding Your Own Unique Writing Voice09:22 Why Every Writer Needs a Daily Reading Habit09:49 The Power of Reading 20 Pages a Day10:29 What I'm Reading Right Now11:57 Keep Your Reading Streak Going12:29 Why Reading Is Essential to Writing SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER! Whether you're just starting your first book or you've already published a dozen, Wordslinger is your home for practical, honest advice on writing, storytelling, publishing, and building a successful author career. Subscribe for regular Wordslinger 10-Shots, podcast conversations, and insights from a working author who's been through the ups and downs of the publishing business. No hype, no shortcuts—just the guidance, encouragement, and tools to help you become the writer you want to be. Subscribe today and let's keep writing! FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #WritingAdvice #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Writers are Reading the Wrong 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
    359
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © J. Kevin Tumlinson
  • Show Website
    The Wordslinger Podcast

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