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. 3h ago

    How to Be an Anonymous Author and Still Sell Books

    A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Can you build an author career without putting your face, real name, and personal life all over the internet? Absolutely—but anonymity takes more than choosing a pen name. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I break down practical ways authors can market their books while protecting their identity. We’ll talk about building a brand around your pen name, keeping your author life separate from your personal life, creating ways for readers to connect with you without revealing who you are, and treating anonymity as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time setup. You can still build an audience. You can still run ads, use social media, appear on podcasts, create videos, grow an email list, and sell books. You just need to be deliberate about how you do it. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 Can an author really stay anonymous?01:44 Build your brand around your pen name02:43 Separate your author accounts from your personal accounts03:45 How anonymous authors can connect with readers04:42 Avatars, author photos, and faceless branding05:39 Websites, domains, and anonymous email06:43 Treat anonymity as an ongoing practice07:25 How to market books without showing your face08:03 Ads, interviews, TikTok, and faceless content09:06 Why separating your personal and professional lives matters09:54 Final thoughts for anonymous authors If you're a writer trying to build a career, publish better books, grow an audience, and navigate the business side of being an author, subscribe to the channel. Wordslinger is here to give you practical, experience-based guidance for every stage of your writing and publishing journey. 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 Author Anchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How to Be an Anonymous Author and Still Sell Books

  2. 17h ago

    When Should an Author Hire a Virtual Assistant?

    A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT What if the thing keeping you from writing more books isn’t the writing—it’s everything else that comes with being an author? In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin talks about working with a virtual assistant, or author assistant, to take some of the business of being a writer off your shoulders. Marketing, social media, video editing, graphic design, administrative work, Kickstarter campaigns, online stores, and more can potentially be delegated—giving you more time and energy for the work only you can do. But hiring help isn’t just about getting rid of tasks. Kevin breaks down how to decide whether an assistant makes financial sense, what you should expect to pay, how to choose the right person, and how to avoid some of the biggest mistakes authors make when they start outsourcing. You’ll also learn a simple way to onboard an assistant, test your communication and workflow, document repeatable processes, and gradually build a working relationship that can grow along with your author business. If the business of being an author is starting to take more time than the writing, this episode will help you figure out what you can hand off—and when. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES 00:00 Writing anywhere—and why authors need help00:32 What is a virtual assistant or author assistant?01:13 What does an author assistant cost?03:20 What can an author assistant do?04:04 Why Author Anchor was created04:51 Tasks authors can delegate06:11 How to know when you’re ready to hire help07:14 Think in terms of return on investment08:20 How to start working with an assistant09:30 Why small test projects matter10:03 Document your processes11:08 Don’t overload your assistant11:53 Match the assistant to the skills you actually need12:46 One assistant doesn’t have to do everything14:06 How to prepare for a discovery call15:31 Interviewing and choosing an assistant16:32 When outsourcing can help you break through17:31 Final thoughts and author assistant advice SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER If you’re a writer trying to write better books, publish smarter, build an audience, and create a sustainable career around your work, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where writers come for practical, experience-driven guidance on the writing and publishing journey. 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 Author Anchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    When Should an Author Hire a Virtual Assistant?

  3. 4d ago

    The Weird Way I Start Writing a Novel

    A WORDSLINGER PODCAST Most writers start with a character, a premise, a scene, or maybe an ending. I often start with the title. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I talk about the weird way I begin many of my novels, why a good title can sometimes unlock an entire story, and what happens when the title changes halfway through the book. I also get into what I’m working on right now, including a commissioned historical novel, the Wordslinger book, short fiction, and the challenge of keeping multiple creative projects moving at once. Along the way, we talk about discovery writing, research, productivity, batching content, building repeatable workflows, marketing your books, growing an audience, and finding ways to make a creative career sustainable. If you’re a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to produce more work without letting everything else fall apart, there’s plenty here you can put to work. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES 00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast01:38 Rapid-Fire Newsflash with Dale Roberts04:01 Franklin, Tennessee and what I’m working toward06:36 Why environment affects my productivity07:38 Writing a fictionalized story from real history09:20 When research needs to end and writing needs to begin09:59 Why I love “having written”11:19 The weird way I start writing a novel11:58 How thriller titles can create the story13:38 Why titles matter so much14:37 What happens when a book changes titles15:26 Writing the Wordslinger book18:19 Why I’m experimenting with short fiction21:35 Batching videos, podcasts, and creative work23:02 Building templates and repeatable workflows24:16 Why systems make creative work easier25:20 What marketing really means for writers26:10 Why marketing is more than advertising27:20 The value of building a local readership28:24 Turning readers into your best marketing29:29 How I balance multiple projects30:20 What I’m reading right now RAPID-FIRE NEWSFLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS Dale Roberts joins the show with a quick roundup of important developments in self-publishing, including changes to KDP title creation limits, identity verification problems, KDP account termination and reinstatement, and free audiobook creation tools available through Spotify for Authors. KDP Community: Update on KDP Title Creation Limitshttps://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/KDP-Title-Creation-Limits-Update?language=en_US KDP Help: Troubleshoot Identity Verification Errorshttps://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GFN5MYGPJ4MV7PSP Amazon Terminated My KDP Account. Here’s How I Got It Back.https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/amazon-terminated-kdp-account-how-to-get-it-back/ Spotify for Authors: Draft2Digital authors: your audiobook starts here.https://authors.spotify.com/draft2digital The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcasthttps://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale Subscribe to Dale Roberts:https://www.youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale SUBSCRIBE TO THE WORDSLINGER SHOW If you’re serious about becoming a better writer, publishing smarter, reaching more readers, and building a creative career that lasts, subscribe to the channel. The Wordslinger Show is about practical, experience-tested guidance for writers at every stage of the writing and publishing journey. 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 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 Start Writing a Novel

  4. 5d ago

    Why Do You Write? This Answer Changes Everything

    A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Why do you write? It sounds like a simple question, but your answer may be the thing that keeps you going when the words aren’t coming, the sales aren’t happening, and nobody seems to notice the work you’re putting in. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I talk about an unexpected encounter with a reader that reminded me of something every writer needs to remember: there’s a real human being on the other side of the book. Someone is reading your words, entering the worlds you create, learning from you, laughing with you, or seeing something differently because you decided to sit down and write. Your income can be part of your why. Your ambition can be part of it. Your need to tell stories can absolutely be part of it. But when the work gets difficult, it helps to remember who you’re doing it for. Figure out your why. Remember your reader. Then keep writing. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 An unexpected encounter with one of my readers01:13 Being recognized as a writer02:01 Remember the person on the other side of the book02:58 Stephen King and the idea of the ideal reader04:47 You may already be reaching readers without realizing it05:36 Writing is about more than fame or money06:15 Who are you really writing for?07:20 Recognition isn’t what makes your writing worthwhile08:11 Why every writer needs a strong “why”10:04 The human being on the other side of your work10:32 What’s your why? If you’re a writer trying to build a career, publish better books, grow your audience, and navigate the writing and publishing world without all the noise, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where writers come for practical, experience-driven guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, and building a creative career. And leave a comment: Why do YOU write? What keeps you going when the work gets hard? 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why Do You Write? This Answer Changes Everything

  5. 6d ago

    This SECRET makes writers successful

    A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT What do successful writers have in common? They surround themselves with writing. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I talk about one of the most useful habits I’ve developed over the years: reading books by writers about the writing life, learning from other authors, attending conferences, listening to interviews and podcasts, and immersing yourself in the experiences of people who understand what it means to do this work. I’ve recently been reading Larry McMurtry’s Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen, and I’m moving on to Ray Bradbury’s Zen in the Art of Writing. Books like these aren’t necessarily about teaching you how to construct a plot or write better dialogue. They give you something different: perspective. And perspective matters. Every writer struggles. Every writer wonders whether they’re doing it wrong. Every writer hits periods when motivation disappears and the work gets harder. Hearing how other writers think, work, struggle, and keep going can remind you that there are a million different ways to build a writing career—and help you discover your own. We’ll also talk about why you should read outside your genre, why writers’ conferences can be transformative, why you shouldn’t compare your career to someone else’s, and why you should take every writer’s success story with at least a small grain of salt. Because writers are storytellers. And storytellers sometimes polish the story. If you’re building a life around writing, publishing, creativity, and storytelling, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is the place for practical, experience-driven guidance to help you become a better writer, navigate publishing, build your career, and keep going when the work gets difficult. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at http://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 Why I’m reading books by writers about writing00:52 Larry McMurtry and Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen01:33 Writers should read far and wide02:14 What different genres can teach you03:38 Why successful writers are worth studying04:23 Don’t compare yourself to other writers04:53 Why writers need other writers06:00 How writers’ conferences can reignite your creativity07:02 You’re probably not doing writing wrong08:11 Surround yourself with writers and writing08:51 Writers are liars09:51 Learn from the lesson, not just the success story11:16 Build an environment that keeps you inspired 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 ProWriting Aid: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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    This SECRET makes writers successful

  6. Sep 21

    Hate Marketing? Here’s What I Do Instead.

    A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Hate marketing your books? You’re probably thinking about marketing the wrong way. A lot of writers hear “book marketing” and immediately think about running ads, posting constantly on social media, chasing TikTok trends, finding reviewers, testing campaigns, and spending money they may never earn back. No wonder authors get exhausted. But marketing doesn’t have to mean any of that. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I talk about a simpler way to think about marketing: reaching the right reader at the moment they’re most ready to discover your work. That can mean email. It can mean social media. It can mean a local book signing, a farmers market, your library, or simply asking your existing readers to tell someone else about your books. If you wrote something you believe matters, then part of the job is helping people find it. 00:00 Can I just write my books?00:37 Why authors feel buried by marketing01:11 What writers usually mean by “marketing”02:02 What marketing actually is03:16 Why your email list matters so much04:04 Start local and find readers nearby04:51 Creative ways to sell books in your community05:52 Libraries, farmers markets, and local events06:34 Ask your readers to help spread the word07:26 Marketing is really a conversation08:34 Why writers have an obligation to share their work09:26 What are your biggest marketing pain points? Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at http://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS If you’re a writer looking for practical, experience-tested guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, and building a sustainable creative career, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where we talk honestly about the work, the business, and the long game of becoming the writer you want to be. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Hate Marketing? Here’s What I Do Instead.

  7. Sep 17

    How I Keep Multiple Writing Projects Moving at Once

    A WORDSLINGER PODCAST How do you keep multiple writing projects moving without losing momentum—or your mind? In this episode, I’m breaking down the systems I use to manage several creative projects at once, including nonfiction, historical fiction, novels, short stories, YouTube, research, and everything else competing for attention. The key isn’t working harder. It’s building systems that reduce friction and make it easier to sit down, do the work, and keep moving. I talk about how I break larger books into manageable daily pieces, why historical fiction requires a different approach to outlining, how I’m experimenting with short fiction as part of my publishing strategy, and why reading, journaling, notebooks, reminders, and even AI have become important parts of my creative workflow. If you’re a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to balance multiple projects while still producing meaningful work, this episode is for you. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIME CODES: 00:00 Multiple projects, travel, and making time to create01:55 Turning years of Wordslinger topics into a nonfiction book03:46 Breaking books into manageable daily conversations04:47 Researching and writing historical fiction06:59 Why timelines can become your outline07:57 My Kindle Short Reads strategy09:58 Using short fiction to attract new readers11:34 Writing short stories between novels12:48 Filling the income gap between book launches13:41 The secret is building systems14:22 My morning reading and writing routine15:07 Why I’m deliberately reading more16:59 Using reminders to build habits17:54 Journaling as a tool for creative strategy19:05 Why physical books may help us remember more20:50 Building a “second brain”22:35 Why I carry a notebook everywhere23:37 Stop trying to organize your creative notebook24:46 Capturing ideas with audio and AI25:32 Building your own writer-business systems26:49 How do you keep your projects moving? If you’re serious about becoming a better writer, publishing smarter, building an author career, and creating work that matters, subscribe to the channel. Wordslinger is here to give writers practical, experience-based guidance for every stage of the writing and publishing journey. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How I Keep Multiple Writing Projects Moving at Once

  8. Sep 16

    Way too busy for writing

    A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Way too busy for writing? Travel, work, family, deadlines, vacations, and plain old life can wreck even the best writing routine. But staying productive doesn’t always mean forcing yourself to sit down for a full writing session every single day. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I share some of the ways I keep my writing moving even when I’m traveling or my normal routine gets disrupted. That might mean getting up early, writing ahead, shifting from drafting to outlining or editing, carrying portable writing tools, or taking advantage of those little gaps in the day that would otherwise disappear. The important thing is forward progress. But there’s another side to this: Don’t let the writing interfere with the living. Your life is where the material comes from. Sometimes taking the trip, enjoying the moment, and looking up from the screen is exactly what your writing needs. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES 00:00 Writing when life gets busy01:19 Keeping your normal routine while traveling02:25 Why you don’t have to write every single day03:02 Writing ahead when you know life will get busy04:03 Double-timing your writing before a trip04:59 Outline, edit, or revise when drafting isn’t practical06:05 Portable tools for writing anywhere06:49 Turning your phone into a writing setup07:40 Finding spare moments to write08:58 All forward progress is good progress09:09 Don’t let writing interfere with living09:51 Simple ways to keep writing on the go If you’re a writer looking for practical, experience-based guidance on writing, publishing, building an author career, and navigating the creative life, subscribe to Wordslinger. This is the place for straight talk and useful advice to help you keep moving forward on your writing and publishing journey. And leave a comment: How do you keep writing when you’re traveling, overloaded, or completely out of your normal routine? 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 ProWriting Aid: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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Way too busy for writing
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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
    341
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © J. Kevin Tumlinson
  • Show Website
    The Wordslinger Podcast

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