This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming.
We’re now well into our third year and on to episode 7 on Naming Your Characters after taking June and July off. Check our archive for episodes on indie publishing topics, agent searching, marketing, and much, much more.
So far this year, we’ve taken a deep dive into TikTok as Valerie finally set up her account with T.K.’s help in Season 3: Episode 1 & Episode 2. In Episode 3, our main topic was utilizing literary tropes in your work. Episode 4 covers how to build your fan base with an email subscriber list and a newsletter. And Episode 5 was all about audiobook production. PHEW!! Does it seem fitting that in Episode 6 we talked about work-life balance and how to reclaim control over your schedule?
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ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS:
Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com.
Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.
ABOUT SEASON THREE: EPISODE 7
In this episode, we talk about naming your characters including assets for finding great names along with a list of things you should do and others you probably should not!
Here are links to the things we mention in this podcast.
BOOKS MENTIONED:
* Laurie Buchanan’s Sean McPherson Crime Thriller series
* Sherrill Joseph’sBotanic Hill Detectives Mysteries
* All the Good by Dawn Catherine Marisch
Places / conferences mentioned:
* Untitled Town - Sept 25 - 28, Green Bay
* The Book Nook, Hartford WI - Grand Opening October 17
Links to assist with work/life balance (today’s topic):
* Val’s article: Eight Tips for Creating Brilliant Character Names
* How to Name Characters in a Fantasy Novel
* Behind the Name (historical reference/meaning)
* Reedsy - Character Name Generator
TIMING NOTES:
We discuss what we’re reading and writing and where we’re roaming first. The character naming topic starts at about 23:00.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing
Our most popular podcast of 2025: Hybrid Publishing: What Exactly Is It?
Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice
Send Us Your Questions in the Comments!
Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! And don’t forget to drop your TikTok handle in the comments so we can find you over there.
Happy Fall! See you in October! - Valerie & T.K.
