Shows
Write AwayOne Month Break AnnouncementCrys and JP announce that they are taking a break to refuel and reset. Crys: Hello, friends. It’s the Write Away Podcast with Crys and JP. JP: Hello. Crys: I screwed you up by doing it differently. I knew I would. JP: You did. You ruined everything. Crys: I ruined everything. But as our listeners […]
2022-10-2702 minWrite AwayEpisode 114: Writing with Marketing in MindThis week, Crys and JP continue their Season of Marketing by discussing the different methods they use to keep marketing in mind while writing. Question of the week: What do you struggle with in marketing? And how can we help you? Share your answer here. Show Notes Support us on Patreon! Transcript Crys: Hello, friends. Welcome […]
2022-10-2027 minWrite AwayEpisode 112: How to use tarot with intuitive writing?This week, Crys and JP discuss what intuitive writing is and how they use tarot to guide their writing process. Question of the week: What have you used for writing inspiration? Share your answer here. Show Notes Support us on Patreon! Transcript Crys: Hello friends, and welcome to the Write Away Podcast. It is October 1st, […]
2022-10-0620 min
The Author Life Podcast81: An AnnouncementThis week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain make a big announcement about the podcast.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/81-announcement
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-09-2010 minThe Author Life Podcast80: When might I need a line editor?This week author Crys Cain is joined by special guest VE Griffith. They discuss what line editors do and how authors can utilize them effectively.
Question of the week: have you used a line editor before and what was your experience?
References:
VEgriffith.com
Revision Wizards Podcast
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/80-line-editor/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-09-1314 minThe Author Life Podcast79: How do you decide to not continue with a project?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss how they decide to not continue with a project and the factors influence their decisions.
Question of the week: Have you had projects that you have decided to set aside that were no longer a fit for where you wanted to go?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/79-ditch-project
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-09-0607 minThe Author Life Podcast78: How can you use beta readers to help with expert knowledge?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss different ways you can utilize beta readers to help with expert knowledge and the different processes involved in doing so.
Question of the week: how do you solicit expert advice?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/78-expert-knowledge
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-08-3006 minThe Author Life Podcast77: How do you cut costs but not quality?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss different ways you can cut the costs of creating a book without sacrificing the quality.
Question of the week: what ways have you used to cut costs without qualities that we haven't mentioned?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/77-cut-costs
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-08-2308 minThe Author Life Podcast76: Top Three Myths of Writing MemoirThis week author Crys Cain is joined by special guest Valerie Ihsan. They discuss the top myths of writing memoir and some tips and tricks to help you write yours.
Question of the week: have you thought about writing memoir?
References:
ValerieIhsan.com
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/76-memoir/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-08-1610 minThe Author Life Podcast75: Which matters more for you--income or influence?This week, authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss what drives them, and how that has changed throughout their publishing career.
Question of the week: Are you focused more on income or influence right now?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/75-income-or-influence
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-08-0907 minThe Author Life Podcast74: Why have you chosen Wide or KU?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss what why they've chosen to go wide or opt in to KU (Amazon exclusive) for different projects or different phases of their career.
Question of the week: Are you leaning Wide or KU for your next project?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/74-wide-or-KU
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-08-0209 minThe Author Life Podcast73: Subscriptions for AuthorsThis week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss the different subscription platforms available, how and when they can be valuable to authors, and what an author will be expected to provide to their subscribers.
Question of the week: does the subscription model intrigue you?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/73-subscriptions
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-07-2612 minThe Author Life Podcast72: How is writing serials different than novels?This week author Crys Cain is joined by special guest Christine Daigle. They discuss what goes into writing serials and how it differs from writing novels.
Question of the week: have ever considered writing a serial?
References:
christinedaiglebooks.com
The Serial Fiction Show
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/72-serials/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-07-1910 minThe Author Life Podcast71: What is a Story Hypothesis?This week author Crys Cain is joined by special guest JP Rindfleisch. They discuss what a story hypothesis is and how you can use this tool to improve your writing process.
Question of the week: have you ever used a story hypothesis or similar method to guide your writing?
References:
JPRindfleischix.com
Write Away Podcast
The Serial Fiction Show
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/71-hypothesis/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-07-1212 min
The Author Life Podcast70: Your Novel's First Chapter: How can you evaluate your story's hook?This week author Crys Cain is joined by special guest Kathrese McKee. They discuss the process that goes into creating your story's hook and why it is so important in attracting your readers.
Question of the week: what is the hook for your current book that you're writing?
References:
Writing Pursuits
First Chapter Rubric
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/70-hook/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-07-0514 minThe Author Life Podcast69: When should I start translating my work?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss when it is beneficial for authors to start translating their work and the process that it involves.
Question of the week: what are your thoughts on translation?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/69-translating/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-06-2814 minThe Author Life Podcast68: How can authors use podcasting more effectively?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss when it is beneficial for authors to host a podcast and the differences between a fiction and non-fiction audience.
Question of the week: if you started a podcast, what would it be?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/68-podcasting/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-06-2113 minThe Author Life PodcastEpisode 67: Is it worth it for indie authors to attend trad focused events?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss J's experience at ThrillerFest and the pros and cons of attending trad focused events as an indie author.
Question of the week: can indie authors still benefit from going to more traditional publishing events?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/67-events/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-06-1410 minThe Author Life Podcast66: How do you build a series bible?This week Crys Cain is joined by special guest, Miss Catherine, to discuss how to create a series bible and the benefits of doing so.
Question of the week: do you use a series bible when world-building?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/66-bible/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-06-0709 minThe Author Life Podcast65: What are J's takeaways from CEX?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss J's experience at The Creator Economy Expo and what this emerging tech means for authors.
Question of the week: do you find yourself more comfortable with audience building or community building as you're building your author career?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/65-cex/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-05-3108 minThe Author Life Podcast64: How can anthologies be useful to my author career?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss the process of being involved in an anthology and why it can be useful for your author career.
Question of the week: Have you participated in an anthology and what was your experience?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/64-anthology/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-05-2408 minWrite AwayBonus Business Episode: How do you start new projects?In this week’s episode, JP and Crys the use the tarot card, The Fool, to answer the business question: how do you come into new projects and set yourself up for success? Show Notes Fast-Draft Your Memoir by Rachael Herron Support us on Patreon! Transcript Crys: Hello, friends. Welcome to the Write Away Podcast. This […]
2022-05-1917 minThe Author Life Podcast63: Why is The Author Life Community now free?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss why they made The Author Life Community free and what they'd like to see from the change.
Question of the week: What thoughts or questions do you have about the new direction that we're going?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/63-free/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-05-1718 minThe Author Life Podcast62: How has becoming the Dialogue Doctor changed how you enjoy media?This week author Crys Cain is joined by special guest Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor. They discuss how digging deeper into dialogue has changed how they enjoy books and movies.
Question of the week: How has getting deeper into writing changed your relationship with consuming stories?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/62-dialogue/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-05-1024 minThe Author Life Podcast61: Emerging Tech - when to adopt new things?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss when to adopt new technology for yourself or for your business based on where you fall on the Rogers Curve of Innovation.
Question of the week: Where do you think you fall along the Rogers Curve of Innovation?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/61-adopt/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-05-0313 minThe Author Life Podcast60: Does word count matter in indie publishing?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss if word count matters when you're indie publishing based on readers' expectations and genre conventions.
Question of the week: Are you an underwriter or an overwriter?
References:
The Author Life Summit
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/60-wordcount/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-04-2607 minThe Author Life Podcast59: Struggling with the guilt of not doingThis week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss how they deal with the guilt of not doing, both in their work and in their personal lives.
Question of the week: Do you feel the guilt of not doing? About what?
References:
How-to Book Challenge
The Author Life Summit
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/59-guilt/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-04-1910 minThe Author Life Podcast58: How can a 5 day challenge help me?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss the benefits of participating in five-day challenges as an author.
Question of the week: Is there a how-to idea or non-fiction idea that you've been tossing around, and what is it?
References:
https://howtobookchallenge.com/
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/58-fiveday/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-04-1212 minThe Author Life Podcast57: The process of working with a brand agencyThis week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss the ins and outs of working with a brand agency and their personal experience with the process.
Question of the week: What's the most difficult part of branding for you?
References:
The Author Life Summit 2022
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/57-brand/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-04-0516 minThe Author Life Podcast56: Why the name change?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss their new name change to "The Author Life" and all the work that went into it.
Question of the week: What do you think of the name change?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorlife.com/56-name/
Learn more about The Author Life: https://theauthorlife.com
2022-03-2915 minThe Author Life Podcast55: What is your experience with audio?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss their experience with all things audio-related. From self-narrating to sourcing narrators, detailing the steps of publishing to deciding whether to publish, they cover it all.
Question of the week: What are your fears about audio publishing?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/55-audio/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2022-03-2217 min
The Author Life Podcast54: What is genre?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss the question "what is genre" and why it matters when writing, publishing, and marketing your books.
Question of the week: How do you define genre?
References:
VOHeroes
Story Grid Genres
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/54-genre/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2022-03-1516 minThe Author Life Podcast53: Emerging tech - what should authors be doing right now?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain talk about Web3 technology and NFTs, and how authors can set themselves up for success to use this tech in the book world.
Question of the week: How are you keeping up to date with tech?
References:
BookCoin
CryptoPunks
BoredApe
Royal.io
OpenSea
Subtle Art
Joanna Penn Episode
Readl
Bookchain
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/53-tech/
Learn m...
2022-03-0820 minThe Author Life Podcast52: A year in reviewThis week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain answer questions from their listeners to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the podcast.
Question of the week: How has the TASM community impacted you?
References:
Creator Dad
Write Away Podcast
Serial Fiction Podcast
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/52-year/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2022-03-0121 minThe Author Life Podcast51: How do you keep up to date on publishing news?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain talk about the different channels they use to stay up to date on publishing news.
Question of the week: How are you getting your publishing news?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/51-news/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2022-02-2215 minThe Author Life Podcast50: What are the different kinds of editing?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain talk all about the different types of editing. They discuss developmental editing, line editing, copy editing and proofreading, and dive into the differences and benefits of each.
Question of the week: What is your best or worst experience with an editor?
References:
Three Story Method Editors
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/50-editing/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2022-02-1522 minThe Author Life Podcast49: What if no one reads my book?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain talk all about the lies that authors tell themselves around publishing fears. They discuss different ways to handle tough questions like, what if no one reads my book?
Question of the week: Have you ever asked yourself the question, what if no one reads my book?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/49-noone/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2022-02-0816 minThe Author Life Podcast48: Why should authors care about NFTs?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain talk all about NFTs and the possibilities they are bringing to the publishing world.
Question of the week: How do you feel about NFTs and blockchain?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/48-NFTs/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2022-02-0115 minThe Author Life Podcast47: Should I do a pre-order?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain talk about the ins and outs of pre-orders and how they can be utilized effectively.
Question of the week: do you want to use pre-orders and in what way?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/47-preorder/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2022-01-2516 minThe Author Life Podcast46: How do you manage a pen name?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss why you might want a pen name and how to manage it.
Question of the week: Do you intend to write under a pen name? What has been your thinking around it?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/46-penname/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2022-01-1819 minWrite AwayEpisode 77: How do we get to the root of burnout?In this week’s episode, Crys and JP talk all about burnout, what can cause it, how to avoid it, and how to recover from it. Question of the week: Have you been dealing with burnout recently? Share your answer here! Show Notes Support us on Patreon! Transcript Crys: Hello, friends. Welcome to the Write Away Podcast. […]
2022-01-1329 minThe Author Life Podcast45: Where does a scene start and end?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss what a scene is, what a scene isn't, and how to decide where a scene should start and end.
Question of the week: Have you struggled with understanding where scenes end?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/45-scene/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2022-01-1114 minThe Author Life Podcast44: Looking Back at 2021 and Forward at 2022This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain reflect on their writing and business accomplishments of 2021 and look forward to what they have planned for 2022.
Question of the week: What are you looking forward to in 2022?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/44-newyear/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2022-01-0420 minThe Author Life Podcast43: Should you start a publishing imprint?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss why indie authors may be interested in starting a publishing imprint, what challenges they may face, and tips on how to get an idea of what it would be like.
Question of the week: For anyone who has played around with publishing other people, what has your experience has been?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/43-imprint/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-12-2818 minThe Author Life Podcast42: How do you write villains?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss how to write villains, what comes naturally to them when writing villains, and various examples of villains throughout different genres.
Question of the week: how do you write your villains?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/42-villains/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-12-2116 minThe Author Life Podcast41: How do you write an author bio?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss what an essential author bio needs, whether you're publishing your first book or twenty books in.
Question of the week: what does your author bio look like?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/41-bio/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-12-1416 minThe Author Life Podcast40: How do I get to know my audience?This week, authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain turn the question of "how do I find my audience?" to a slightly different angle, and question, "How do I get to know my audience (existing or potential)?"
Question of the week: Where are you currently learning about your audience?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/40-audience/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-12-0713 minThe Author Life Podcast39: Do I need to niche down?This week authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain talk about the pros and cons of nicheing--what is it and when do you want to do it?
Question of the week: do you niche or not?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/39-niche/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-11-3016 minThe Author Life Podcast38: What is like being a parent who writes?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain talk about the biggest, strongest, most harmful stories they had to struggle through as parents who wanted to write books. (The lie their characters believed, if you will.)
Question of the week: What expectations have you had to fight against, or disregard, as a writer?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/38-parent/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-11-1612 minThe Author Life Podcast37: What is cohort learning?This week, J Thorn and Crys Cain talk about the new trend of "cohort learning" (spoiler... it's a new phrase for an old technique) and how it's useful, how they've participated in it, and how it might be helpful to you.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/37-cohort/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-11-0915 minThe Author Life Podcast36: How do I know if my cover is good enough?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain answer the question: How do you know if your cover is good enough? What does good enough mean, and how can you gauge it?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/36-covers/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-11-0217 minThe Author Life Podcast35: How do you have a "successful" NaNoWriMo?This week, authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss how to make November's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) or any intense writing-goal time frame successful (with a few of J's NaNoWriMo protests thrown in).
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/35-nanowrimo/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-10-2613 minThe Author Life Podcast34: When should you scrap a project?This week, authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss if you should scrap a project and how you might approach that. Do you ditch the whole thing and start something new? Do you try to re-write it?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/34-scrap/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-10-1916 minThe Author Life Podcast33: How do you make more money?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss the question everyone asks after they start making a little money from their books... how do I make more money? Rather than a list of short term, easy grabs for cash, they dig deep into the shifts they've gone through to build mindsets that build and accept the flow of money with an awareness of the opportunities they don't always know they're looking for.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/33-money/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https...
2021-10-1215 minThe Author Life Podcast32: How do you build characters?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss how they build characters now, how they used to build characters, and what tools have helped them along the way.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/32-characters/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-10-0513 minWrite AwayEpisode 62: How do you use Three Story Method?In this week’s episode, JP and Crys have another special guest! Zach Bohannon, author of the Dead South series and co-author of the craft book, Three Story Method, with J Thorn. As members of The Author Success Mastermind, JP and Crys have had plenty of opportunity to grill J and his personal approach, but this […]
2021-09-3024 minThe Author Life Podcast31: Should I provide author services?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss author services. Why would you offer them, and why might you decide that's not the best path for you?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/31-services/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-09-2815 minThe Author Life Podcast31: Should I provide author services?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss author services. Why would you offer them, and why might you decide that's not the best path for you?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/31-services/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-09-2800 minWrite AwayEpisode 61: How has travel influenced your writing?In this week’s episode, JP and Crys are joined by special guest Kevin Tumlinson from Draft2Digital to discuss all things travel and writing. Show Notes Patreon Draft2Digital Stuff That’s Real Podcast Take Off Your Pants by Libbie Hawker Transcript Crys: Hello friends. Welcome to the Write Away Podcast. This is episode 61 and it is […]
2021-09-2300 minThe Author Life Podcast30: What is a "pro" author?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain question what it means to be a pro author, and does it matter? This is a question that creatives struggle with constantly. Can I call myself an author? Do I "count"?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/30-pro/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-09-2115 minThe Author Life Podcast29: How do you deal with the murky middle?This week, authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss how they navigate the "murky middle" of writing a novel, and how that has changed through experience.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/29-middle/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-09-1411 minThe Author Life Podcast28: How do you price your books?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss what elements come into play when you're deciding how to price your book. Are you going exclusive with Amazon or wide? Are you a new author or are you established? What are your goals?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/28-pricing/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-09-0715 minThe Author Life Podcast27: How do you deal with the encroaching influence of Pay-to-Play?This week, authors Crys Cain and J Thorn discuss how they feel about advertising, what they're doing for advertising, and what other venues they're exploring outside of the pay-to-play game.
Tickets are still on sale for the Career Author Summit, September 18-19. Come join J, Crys, and a whole lot of other awesome writers geeking out about craft and business.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/27-pay-to-play/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-08-3118 minWrite AwayEpisode 57: What Do You Do When You Hit A Story Wall?In this week’s episode, Crys and JP talk about the different roads they take when they hit a story wall. Show Notes Patreon The Author Success Mastermind How to Write Manga: Your Complete Guide to the Secrets of Japanese Comic Book Storytelling by RA Paterson Story or Die by Lisa Cron Transcript Crys: Hello, friends […]
2021-08-2633 minThe Author Life Podcast26: How do you study a new genre?This week, authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain talk about studying a new genre, whether you want to dive into it completely or just bring elements of it into another work.
Tickets are still on sale for the Career Author Summit, September 18-19. Come join J, Crys, and a whole lot of other awesome writers geeking out about craft and business.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/26-genre/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
Resources:
K Tempest Bradford https...
2021-08-2413 minThe Author Life Podcast25: How do you work while traveling?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain talk about their tips, tricks and challenges working while on the road. From visiting family to living in a van, we writers can get the words down no matter where we are.
Tickets are still on sale for the Career Author Summit, September 18-19. Come join J, Crys, and a whole lot of other awesome writers geeking out about craft and business.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/25-travel/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind...
2021-08-1715 minThe Author Life Podcast24: How do I build my confidence muscle?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss building confidence. Is it possible? If so, how? And what do they think is even more important than confidence in the practice of writing and publishing books?
Tickets are still on sale for the Career Author Summit, September 18-19. Come join J, Crys, and a whole lot of other awesome writers geeking out about craft and business.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/24-confidence/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-08-1011 minThe Author Life Podcast23: When should you use present tense?This week, authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain discuss the benefits of defferent tenses and POVs, as well as what other elements influence your choice for your story.
Tickets are still on sale for the Career Author Summit, September 18-19. Come join J, Crys, and a whole lot of other awesome writers geeking out about craft and business.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/23-tense/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-08-0312 minThe Author Life Podcast22: How do you know who your ideal reader is?This week, authors J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss what an ideal reader is vs your most common reader, how to define your ideal reader, and how to utilize it.
Tickets are still on sale for the Career Author Summit, September 18-19. Come join J, Crys, and a whole lot of other awesome writers geeking out about craft and business.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/22-ideal-reader/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-07-2716 minThe Author Life Podcast21: How can authors take advantage of "batching?"This week, authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain talk about the productivity tool "batching," and what common and unique ways authors can take advantage of this tool.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/21-batching/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-07-2008 minWrite AwayEpisode 51: How do you recover from an author event?In this weeks episode, Crys and JP talk all about the recent author event that they attended. As introverts, they discuss how they prepare and recover from events. Show Notes Patreon The Career Author Transcript Crys: Hello, friends. Welcome to the Write Away Podcast. This is episode 51, and we are recording on a Saturday. […]
2021-07-1523 minThe Author Life Podcast20: How do you cope with perfectionist tendencies?This week, authors J. Thorn and Crys Cain talk about dealing with perfectionist tendencies: when are they helpful, when are they harmful, and how in dark night of the soul do we work with them?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/20-perfectionist/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-07-1309 minWrite AwayEpisode 49: What is work life balance?In this week’s episode, Crys and JP talk all about work life balance. From balancing day jobs, partners, kiddos, vacations, and everything in between, they discuss what methods they use to still find time to write. Show Notes Wide for the Win by Mark Leslie Lefebvre Patreon Transcript Crys: Hello, friends, and welcome to the […]
2021-07-0135 minThe Author Life Podcast19: What is a virtual writing room?In this week's episode, J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss one of the most used features of The Author Success Mastermind, the virtual writing room. What is it? How do you use it? And how might you create your own?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/19-writing-room/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-06-2913 minThe Author Life Podcast18: How do you make the most out of an in-person event?As the world truly starts opening up and we get to hang out with other people in real life again, J Thorn and Crys Cain talk about how to make the most out of in-person writer events, even as an introvert.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/18-live-event/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-06-2219 minThe Author Life Podcast17: How do you deal with decision fatigue?This week J. Thorn and Crys Cain talk about decision fatigue, an issue that plagues most of us, but especially those of us running our own one-person businesses. How does it happen, and what can we do to handle or prevent it?
Check out the Write Publish Profit bundle for a deal on The Author Success Mastermind subscription! June 15, 2021 is your last day to take advantage of this offer.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/17-fatigue/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-06-1516 minWrite AwayEpisode 46: What is a cash grab?In this weeks episode, Crys and JP talk all about cash grabs, what they are, when you might want to use them, and how to successfully use them to make some extra cash fast. Show Notes Wide for the Win by Mark Leslie Lefebvre Write Away Podcast Patreon Transcript Crys: Welcome to the Write Away […]
2021-06-1020 minThe Author Life Podcast16: How do you deal with burnout?This week, J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss their experiences with burnout. They share how it looked differently for them, what caused it, and ways they learned to address it.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/16-burnout/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-06-0816 minThe Author Life Podcast15: How do you deal with feeling as though you're spinning your wheels?This week, Crys Cain and J. Thorn discuss "The Dip." That feeling everyone gets when they've been pushing long and hard, they know they're doing the right things, the system is working, but it feels as though they're churning and not going anywhere. How do you get out of that feeling?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/15-the-dip/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
Resources
The Dip by Seth Godin
The Pareto Principle
2021-06-0113 minWrite AwayEpisode 44: How do you worldbuild?In this week’s episode, Crys and JP talk all about how they worldbuild, including what tools they find helpful to begin worldbuilding and tips to help along the way. Show Notes Patreon Azgaar’s Fantasy Map Generator Dungeons and Dragons Invisible Sun Numanera Cypher System Transcript Crys: Hello friends. Welcome to Write Away. It is May […]
2021-05-2723 minThe Author Life Podcast14: How do I support other writers when I have low energy?This week, J Thorn and Crys Cain talk about how to engage in and support your writing community when you have low energy or you are in need of support yourself without overextending?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/14-energy/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-05-2516 minThe Author Life Podcast13: How do I get over my fear of publishing?Have you written a manuscript--or several--but can't bring yourself to actually hit the publish button? This week, J Thorn and Crys Cain dig into the roots of that fear and give actionable steps to help address it.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/13-fear/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-05-1814 minThe Author Life Podcast12: Where should writers be focusing time and creative energy?This week J. Thorn and Crys Cain take a question directly from The Author Success Mastermind community: "where should writers, new to advanced, be focusing time and creative energy?" They define and discuss the focus of the three "levels" of authorhood and what challenges and priorities each level faces.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/12-focus/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
References:
Becca Symes
2021-05-1120 minThe Author Life Podcast11: What is the difference between writing short stories vs novels?This week, J Thorn and Crys Cain delve into the practical differences and approaches between writing different lengths and forms of stories, as well as the challenges authors face switching between the two.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/11-short-stories/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
References:
Writers, Ink podcast
Lee Child interview
Three Story Method by J Thorn and Zach Bohannon
Kindle Vella
2021-05-0417 minThe Author Life Podcast10: How do you approach new opportunities?This week, prompted by Amazon's announcement of their new serial platform, Kindle Vella, J Thorn and Crys Cain talk about evaluating new opportunities in the industry: whether they're worth it, how to test them, and whether it's right for you.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/10-new-opportunities/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
References:
Kindle Vella
Writer's Well
Findaway Voices
Authors Direct
BookFunnel
2021-04-2714 minWrite AwayEpisode 39: How Do You Write Trauma?Content Warning: JP and Crys do discuss sexual assault in the context of writing trauma in this episode. In this week’s episode, Crys and JP talk about how they incorporate trauma into their writing and the challenges that come along with it. They discuss big and little trauma, different types of traumatic events, and the […]
2021-04-2252 minThe Author Life Podcast9: Do I have to learn craft and structure to write a good story?This week, J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss whether structured learning is necessary to learning to write good stories, and the strengths and weaknesses of different ways of learning.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/9-learn/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
References
Three Story Method by J. Thorn
The Heroine's Journey by Gail Carriger
The Virgin's Promise by Kim Hudson
2021-04-2019 minThe Author Life Podcast8: How much can I do alone?Turning the oft-asked question: "What should I hire someone else to do?" on its head, J Thorn and Crys Cain talk about doing everything, being a one-man show--when is it useful, and when is it not? And how do you negotiate the transitions?
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/8-alone/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-04-1319 minThe Author Life Podcast7: How do I beat "Shiny Object Syndrome?"How many times have you reached a rough spot on your current project and a new idea pops into your head? It's way better than what you're currently working on. All you want to do is work on this new idea! But... how many times has this happened? How many manuscripts have been abandoned for the new shiny? This week, J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss how they deal with "Shiny Object Syndrome," and hopefully share some tactics that you can try out.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/7-shiny-object-syndrome/
2021-04-0619 minThe Author Life Podcast6: How do I figure out my system?Prompted by a question in the TASM Slack group, J Thorn and Crys Cain discuss writing systems, analyzing your pain points, and how to tell when something is not working for you or you're letting Resistance win, and how to address it.
To read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/6-system/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
References
Dean Wesley Smith, Writing Into The Dark
2021-03-3023 minWrite AwayEpisode 33: How To Write a Story With Tarot Part 1In this week’s episode, Crys and JP pull the tarot cards they will use to write their stories. They discuss the meaning of different cards and how to apply them to your story. Show Notes How to Write a Scene course with J. Thorn Biddy Tarot Galaxy Tarot Transcript Crys: Hello, friends. This is episode […]
2021-03-1526 minWrite AwayEpisode 33: How To Write a Story With Tarot Part 1In this week’s episode, Crys and JP pull the tarot cards they will use to write their stories. They discuss the meaning of different cards and how to apply them to your story. Show Notes How to Write a Scene course with J. Thorn Biddy Tarot Galaxy Tarot Transcript Crys: Hello, friends. This is episode […]
2021-03-1100 minThe Author Life Podcast2: How do I get started dictating?This week, J and Crys dig into a conversation the TASM community has been having for a while on dictation. Both Crys and J have had some experience with dictation. They dig into why you might want to dictate, services and tools they've used, differences between non-fiction and fiction, and Crys shares her #1 tip that allowed her to write 18,000 words in two days to meet a deadline.
Read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/2-dictation/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-03-0916 minWrite AwayEpisode 31: Do you journal?In this week’s episode, Crys and JP talk about their relationship with journaling. They discuss when they journal, why they journal, what they journal about, and their favorite types of journals. Show Notes Leave your comments at www.writeawaypodcast.com Subscribe to Substack at writeaway.substack.com Panda Planner The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod Transcript Crys: Hello, friends. This is […]
2021-02-2521 minThe Author Life PodcastIntro: The Author Success Mastermind PodcastWhat are we doing here? Authors J Thorn and Crys Cain introduce The Author Success Mastermind Podcast.
Read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/0-introduction/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
2021-02-1901 min
Write AwayA Year of Tarot: OverviewCrys: Okay. So this is exciting. This is something special we've decided to do for our Substack, and JP and I are tarot witchy nerds. So I, for the last two years, this could be counted as the third year have pulled a spread for my entire year. And that's I pull a card per month. And a card that is the theme of the year.And I asked JP, have you pulled a year spread? And he said no. And then five minutes later he was like, yes... JP: I'm like one of those w...
2021-01-1911 minWrite AwayEpisode 25: How do I Gender Map my Characters?Last weekend, we were invited to take part of a great conversation on gender, sexuality, and exploring diversity in our writing. Dr. Paz Galupo introduced us to a gender map, which JP and Crys discuss in this episode. We highly recommend you go listen to or watch the entire conversation here: https://dialoguedoctor.com/2021/01/10/episode-24-gender-mapping-and-understanding-gender-diversity/ Show Notes Many […]
2021-01-1426 min
Write AwayEpisode 19: How do I write different genders?This week, Crys and JP talk about writing characters along the gender spectrum and give examples to familiarize yourself with them. Crys: Hello, friends. This is Episode 19 of the Write Away podcast and it is December 8th, 2020, as we are recording. I’m Crys Cain with my cohost… JP: JP Rindfleisch. Crys: So how […] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writeaway.substack.com/subscribe
2020-12-1023 minWrite AwayEpisode 19: How do I write different genders?This week, Crys and JP talk about writing characters along the gender spectrum and give examples to familiarize yourself with them. Crys: Hello, friends. This is Episode 19 of the Write Away podcast and it is December 8th, 2020, as we are recording. I’m Crys Cain with my cohost… JP: JP Rindfleisch. Crys: So how […]
2020-12-1023 minWrite AwayEpisode 11: JP Douglas Interviews Crys CainNotes Join the Grow Your Writing Business Bookclub! https://writeawaypodcast.com/bookclub/ JP Douglas http://www.jpdouglas.org
2020-09-1647 min