Shows
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.com2022-09-2010 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.com2022-09-1314 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.com2022-09-0607 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.com2022-08-3006 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.com2022-08-2308 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.com2022-08-1610 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.com2022-08-0907 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.com2022-08-0209 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.com2022-07-2612 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.com2022-07-1910 min
Leftie Aube’s Writing PodcastTrailerRecorded March 3rd, 2022
In this introduction to the podcast, I share what the episodes are going to looking like, who this podcast is for, the podcasts that have inspired me, and why you should listen to my show—even if I’m still “trying to make it”! (I promise, there’s lots of reasons!)
Podcasts mentioned in this episode:
My Imaginary Friends with L. Penelope https://lpenelope.com/podcast/
How Do You Write by Rachael Herron https://shows.acast.com/5b19ba8fa08de5c2320c8bb8/episodes/292
The Creative Penn Podcast by Joanna Penn https...2022-07-1515 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.com2022-07-1212 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.com2022-07-0514 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.com2022-06-2814 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.com2022-06-2113 min
Write AwayEpisode 98: Book Club – Three Story Method: Writing ScenesThis month, Alicia, Janet, Valerie, Marianne, and Lon join Crys and JP for another book club, this time reading Three Story Method: Writing Scenes by J Thorn.They discuss hot takes, useful advice, and how they will incorporate this book’s lessons into their writing craft. Show Notes Three Story Method: Writing Scenes by J Thorn Craft […]2022-06-1625 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.com2022-06-1410 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.com2022-06-0709 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.com2022-05-3108 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.com2022-05-2408 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.com2022-05-1718 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.com2022-05-1024 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.com2022-05-0313 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.com2022-04-2607 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.com2022-04-1910 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.com2022-04-1212 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.com2022-04-0516 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.com2022-03-2915 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 min
Creator Dad PodcastLiving the Van Life with a Five Year Old with Crys CainCrys Cain is an author, editor, and podcaster. She has sold over 300,000 books, going from being homeless to a six-figure income. She is the co-host of two podcasts: Write Away with JP Rindfleisch IX, and The Author Success Mastermind Podcast with J. Thorn. Join us as we talk about switching genres when you have a successful series, running a mastermind group, and what it was like traveling the United States in a van for three months with a five year old and another adult!I’m Zach Bohannon—I make my living telling stories, but I’m also a...2022-02-0154 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 minWrite AwayEpisode 78: Book Club – How to Write Funny CharactersThis month, Crys is joined by Janet, Marianne, and J Thorn for another book club, this time reading How To Write Funny Characters by Scott Dikkers. They discuss hot takes, useful advice, and how they will incorporate this book’s lessons into their writing craft. Question of the week: What were your hot takes from How […]2022-01-2037 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 minThe Author Life PodcastBonus Crossover Episode: The Writer's WellAfter a long hiatus, J Thorn and Rachael Herron took a moment to record a lovely catch up episode to talk about what's happened in the year plus since they wrapped The Writer's Well, including Rachael's move to New Zealand and the projects they're working on these days.2022-01-1132 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 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 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 minWrite AwayEpisode 53: What is your editing process?In this weeks episode, Crys and JP talk all about the editing process. They discuss how their process changes depending on which genre they are writing and who they are writing with. Show Notes serialfictionshow.com Patreon Three Story Method: Foundations of Fiction by J. Thorn and Zach 5 Commandments of Storytelling on Story Grid The […]2021-07-2927 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 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 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 minWrite AwayEpisode 48: How do you write scenes and chapters?In this week’s episode, JP and Crys talk all about the difference between scenes and chapters and the methods they use to write both. Show Notes Next Level Authors Podcast The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan You are a Storyteller Podcast Three Story Method: Foundations of Fiction by J. Thorn and Zach 5 Commandments […]2021-06-2431 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 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 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 minWrite AwayEpisode 40: Tarot Story Part 2In this week’s episode, Crys and JP catch up on how their Tarot stories are coming along. They also talk about some other tools and techniques they use to help form their stories. Show Notes The Nutshell Technique by Jill Chamberlain Pixar Pitch Three Story Method: Foundations of Fiction by J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon The Emotional […]2021-04-2930 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 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 minThe Author Life Podcast5: Do I have to be a full-time author?For a long time, J and Crys assumed that everyone wanted to be a full-time author, but is that actually true? This week, they discuss industry and and indie author community expectations, and how that's filtered down to the individual level. They also talk about what it means to be a full-time author, and why you might not want to be one.
Read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/5-full-time/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
References:
The Creative Penn Podcast with Joanna...2021-03-2321 minThe Author Life Podcast4: What is The Author Success Mastermind?This week, J and Crys talk about The Author Success Mastermind family and what a mastermind is (and how TASM's branding is confusing!) They also talk about the kinds of benefits you get from different kinds of communities such as Facebook groups, writing groups, and masterminds.
Read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/4-tasm/
Learn more about The Author Success Mastermind: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/
References:
Secret Powers of the Author Mastermind by J. Thorn
2021-03-1619 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 Podcast1: Should I continue my current series or start a new one?This week we answer a question posed inside our community Slack group:
I'm putting out the third book of a trilogy in March, and I have a small group of loyal and non-family readers who would like to see this series continue. And I would like to keep writing it. However, I'm a better writer now than in the first book. Would starting a new series with a stronger first book be a better idea from a marketing and time management perspective?
Read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/1-series/...2021-03-0917 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 minThe Author Life Podcast3: How many books should I write a year?This week, TASM member Angela heard an author on The Rebel Author Podcast mention that they'd slowed down to three books a year, and that prompted her question:
What's normal? How many books do you complete in a year?
J and Crys dig into the definition of "normal" (spoiler, there isn't one definitive definition), what the root concern of this question is, and how to turn it around and use it to create better systems for your writing life.
Read the full transcript or comment on the episode: https://theauthorsuccessmastermind...2021-03-0918 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 minWrite AwayEpisode 21: Book Club–Invisible InkThis week, we talk about Invisible Ink by Brian McDonald. What we loved about it, what we hated (there’s a few rants), and what we’re going to be using moving forward. Show Notes Invisible Ink by Brian McDonald The Story Spine/Pixar Pitch Three Story Method by J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon You Are a Storyteller […]2020-12-1728 min
Write AwayEpisode 21: Book Club–Invisible InkListen now (28 min) | This week, we talk about Invisible Ink by Brian McDonald. What we loved about it, what we hated (there’s a few rants), and what we’re going to be using moving forward. Show Notes Invisible Ink by Brian McDonald The Story Spine/Pixar Pitch Three Story Method by J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon You Are a Storyteller […] This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at writeaway.substack.com/subscribe2020-12-1728 min
The Career Author PodcastThe Editing ProcessThe Editing ProcessFinishing the first draft of a novel is an amazing accomplishment. If you’ve done that, then you’ve done something that most people will never have the discipline or drive to do. But you can’t sit back and relax too long because the real work begins when your draft is complete.Between the two of them, Zach and J. have published dozens of books. They’ve gone through the process of self-editing and working with professional editors with every project. Listen as they take a deep dive into their individu...2020-05-0752 min
The Writer's Well - Conversations about writing from craft to wellness.The Writer’s Well Episode 174: How do you give and take reviews?Reviews can be polarizing on many levels. Rachael asks J. how gives and takes reviews and they discuss the differences between reviews for fiction and nonfiction.Secret Powers of the Author Mastermind: How to Transform from Struggling Writer to Career Author - https://books2read.com/authormastermind Co-writing a Book Mini Course with Joanna Penn - https://creative-penn-courses.teachable.com/p/co-writing-a-bookWrite Away Podcast with Crys Cain - https://writeawaypodcast.com/ Rachael’s Query Letter Service - http://rachaelherron.com/query/ ...2020-05-0600 minWrite AwayEpisode 2: J Thorn on Building Freedom with SystemsNotes Atomic Habits by James Clear https://amzn.to/3eVanRo Three Story Method by J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon https://amzn.to/3cWgYt8 The Career Author https://thecareerauthor.com/ The Writers Well https://thewriterswell.org/ The Author Life https://theauthorlife.com/ Writers, Ink https://writersinkpodcast.com/ This post contains affiliate links.2020-04-2928 minThe Writer's Well - Conversations about writing from craft to wellness.The Writer’s Well Episode 146: How do you approach genre?With Rachael away on vacation, J. asks friend, full-time author, and frequent commenter, Crys Cain on the show to discuss how genre affects her writing and marketing.Rachael’s Query Letter Service - http://rachaelherron.com/query/ J.’s Author Services - https://theauthorlife.com/editing/ What’s your answer to our question? Leave one in the comments…Rate & subscribe on iTunes and then share with other writers.Support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thewriterswell More i...2019-10-2300 min