Activated Authors

By Activated AuthorsArts

Activated Authors episodes

October 03, 2019#011: Kathrin Hutson – Building a career around story, award-nominated books, and critiquing films at 10-years-old.
Kathrin Hutson is an author of dark fantasy and sci-fi fiction, runs her own editing business, KLH CreateWorks, and is the fiction editor for the Mud Season Review, an international literary journal run by members of the Burlington Writers Workshop.
Kathrin’s book ‘Sleepwater Beat’ was a sci-fi finalist in the 2019 international book awards, and her new book, ’The Summoner Thief’, will be available on October 8th of this year.
In this episode we go deep into:
Kathrin’s journey from 10-year-old film critic to award-nominated author
Studying creative writing through school to college
Transitioning from writing to editing
When have you learned enough to become a ‘professional’?
How it’s possible to create a career from your creative passion
Advice for anyone who wants to get into editing as a career
Finding mentors to help you develop by putting aside your ego
Finding unique ways to create engagement online with your readers
Building the confidence to promote with video
Stephen King’s ‘Dark Tower’ series
Using your network to overcome your fears
Kathrin answers questions from Patrons:
Harley Christensen: What is your favourite place to write?
Harley Christensen: How do you reward yourself when you've completed a project?
Find out more about Kathrin:
kathrinhutsonfiction.com
Facebook page
Exquisite... wait, WHAT? (with Kathrin Hutson)
Kathrin’s Instagram
Kathrin’s Twitter
Links from the show:
Kathrin’s Dark Tower review video
Special thanks to:
Intro vocals: Persephone Rose
Show theme: Karl Hughes
Become a Patron of the show! Get exclusive bonus content, find your tribe, and get early access to all episodes.
Thank you to my patrons:
David Hines
Harley Christensen
Jon Cronshaw
Jenn Mitchell
Innes Richens
Ian J Middleton
PT Hylton
Michael Anderle
Jerry Evanoff
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
1 hr 8 min
September 26, 2019#010: Dakota Krout – Dominating LitRPG/GameLit fiction, switching from creator to publisher, and riding the waves of success.
Dakota Krout is a well-deserved king of LitRPG fiction. He has amassed literally thousands of 5 star reviews across his collective titles, and his latest release, ‘Raze’, part of the Completionist Chronicles, made it to #14 in the Amazon charts in July 2019.

Following his independent success, Dakota is now also the owner of Mountaindale Press – an independent publishing company specializing in fantasy and sci-fi fiction – and a highly sought-after public speaker in the independent author circuit.

In this episode we go deep into:
Dakota’s journey from full-time employment, to full-time writer
How to love learning and make it your superpower
Getting the right balance between work and play, particularly in a genre based around video games
Harnessing your tribe and helping others hit their goals
How to ride the wave of success and keep the momentum going
Bringing your partner into your work and complimenting each other’s skillsets
Living your personal brand
Building the infrastructure to expand your author business
How to know when you’re ready to publish other authors
How Dakota structures his working day
What Dakota’s morning routine looks
What the endgame is for Mountaindale Press

Dakota answers questions from Patrons:
Ian J Middleton: Who’s your favourite author and why?
Jennie Mitchell: What has been your biggest struggle and also your most pleasant surprise as you've worked to create Mountaindale Press?
Harley Christensen: Profession if you weren't a writer (or writing wasn't an option OR never existed)?
Harley Christensen: What is your top productivity tip or the "go-to" habit that keeps you on track?

Find out more about Dakota:
Divine Dungeon Facebook page
Dakota’s Patreon page
Dakota’s Amazon page

Links from the show:
Piers Anthony books
Margaret Weis’ Dragonlance Series
Brandon Sanderson books
Discord
Brainfood Playlist

Special thanks to:
Intro vocals: Persephone Rose
Show theme: Karl Hughes

Become a Patron of the show! Get exclusive bonus content, find your tribe, and get early access to all episodes.
Thank you to my patrons:
David Hines
Harley Christensen
Jon Cronshaw
Jenn Mitchell
Innes Richens
Ian J Middleton
P.T. Hylton
Michael Anderle

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
52 min
September 26, 2019#010: Dakota Krout – Dominating LitRPG/GameLit fiction, switching from creator to publisher, and riding the waves of success.
Dakota Krout is a well-deserved king of LitRPG fiction. He has amassed literally thousands of 5 star reviews across his collective titles, and his latest release, ‘Raze’, part of the Completionist Chronicles, made it to #14 in the Amazon charts in July 2019.
Following his independent success, Dakota is now also the owner of Mountaindale Press – an independent publishing company specializing in fantasy and sci-fi fiction – and a highly sought-after public speaker in the independent author circuit.
In this episode we go deep into:
Dakota’s journey from full-time employment, to full-time writer
How to love learning and make it your superpower
Getting the right balance between work and play, particularly in a genre based around video games
Harnessing your tribe and helping others hit their goals
How to ride the wave of success and keep the momentum going
Bringing your partner into your work and complimenting each other’s skillsets
Living your personal brand
Building the infrastructure to expand your author business
How to know when you’re ready to publish other authors
How Dakota structures his working day
What Dakota’s morning routine looks
What the endgame is for Mountaindale Press
Dakota answers questions from Patrons:
Ian J Middleton: Who’s your favourite author and why?
Jennie Mitchell: What has been your biggest struggle and also your most pleasant surprise as you've worked to create Mountaindale Press?
Harley Christensen: Profession if you weren't a writer (or writing wasn't an option OR never existed)?
Harley Christensen: What is your top productivity tip or the "go-to" habit that keeps you on track?
Find out more about Dakota:
Divine Dungeon Facebook page
Dakota’s Patreon page
Dakota’s Amazon page
Links from the show:
Piers Anthony books
Margaret Weis’ Dragonlance Series
Brandon Sanderson books
Discord
Brainfood Playlist
Special thanks to:
Intro vocals: Persephone Rose
Show theme: Karl Hughes
Become a Patron of the show! Get exclusive bonus content, find your tribe, and get early access to all episodes.
Thank you to my patrons:
David Hines
Harley Christensen
Jon Cronshaw
Jenn Mitchell
Innes Richens
Ian J Middleton
P.T. Hylton
Michael Anderle
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
52 min
September 19, 2019#009: Jon Freeman – Writing for film, taking every opportunity, and standing out on set.
Jon Freeman is a writer and filmmaker who has worked on a number of blockbuster film sets in a variety of roles. His credits include production assistant on the set of the adaptation of Adam Nevil’s ’The Ritual’, and the thriller ‘Welcome to Curiosity’. He has worked as a runner and extra on a number of sets and has taxied a-listers like Billy Boyd, and worked in close proximity with Danny DeVito and Michael Keaton while on the set of Disney's ‘Dumbo’.

Jon is now fiercely working on the editing and production of his brand new feature, ‘Whiskey Tears’, and has had his work heard by thousands of listeners on The Other Stories podcast, in collaboration with Daniel Willcocks.

In this episode we go deep into:
How Jon broke into film, and practical steps to start your journey
How to navigate the inconsistencies of paid work when from film to film
Trusting the process and persevering to make the dream happen
Building a network around yourself to keep you going
Tips to help you stand out while working on set
Why saying ‘yes’ is a superpower
What a ’typical’ day on set looks like
Transitioning from production to writing
Finding collaborators and sharing ideas
Tools and resources to improve film-writing

Jon answers questions from Patrons:
Harley Christensen What is your top productivity tip or the "go-to" habit that keeps you on track?
Harley Christensen: Favorite place to write (a coffee shop, a corner in the library, a cave, etc.)?
Harley Christensen: How do you reward yourself when you've completed a project?

Find out more about Jon:
Jon’s IMDB page

Links from the show:
In a Flash
One Last Drink
FB: London film group
Casting Collective

Special thanks to:
Intro vocals: Persephone Rose
Show theme: Karl Hughes

Become a Patron of the show! Get exclusive bonus content, find your tribe, and get early access to all episodes.
Thank you to my patrons:
David Hines
Harley Christensen
Jon Cronshaw
Jenn Mitchell
Innes Richens
Ian J Middleton
P.T. Hylton
Michael Anderle

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
53 min
September 19, 2019#009: Jon Freeman – Writing for film, taking every opportunity, and standing out on set.
Jon Freeman is a writer and filmmaker who has worked on a number of blockbuster film sets in a variety of roles. His credits include production assistant on the set of the adaptation of Adam Nevil’s ’The Ritual’, and the thriller ‘Welcome to Curiosity’. He has worked as a runner and extra on a number of sets and has taxied a-listers like Billy Boyd, and worked in close proximity with Danny DeVito and Michael Keaton while on the set of Disney's ‘Dumbo’.
Jon is now fiercely working on the editing and production of his brand new feature, ‘Whiskey Tears’, and has had his work heard by thousands of listeners on The Other Stories podcast, in collaboration with Daniel Willcocks.
In this episode we go deep into:
How Jon broke into film, and practical steps to start your journey
How to navigate the inconsistencies of paid work when from film to film
Trusting the process and persevering to make the dream happen
Building a network around yourself to keep you going
Tips to help you stand out while working on set
Why saying ‘yes’ is a superpower
What a ’typical’ day on set looks like
Transitioning from production to writing
Finding collaborators and sharing ideas
Tools and resources to improve film-writing
Jon answers questions from Patrons:
Harley Christensen What is your top productivity tip or the "go-to" habit that keeps you on track?
Harley Christensen: Favorite place to write (a coffee shop, a corner in the library, a cave, etc.)?
Harley Christensen: How do you reward yourself when you've completed a project?
Find out more about Jon:
Jon’s IMDB page
Links from the show:
In a Flash
One Last Drink
FB: London film group
Casting Collective
Special thanks to:
Intro vocals: Persephone Rose
Show theme: Karl Hughes
Become a Patron of the show! Get exclusive bonus content, find your tribe, and get early access to all episodes.
Thank you to my patrons:
David Hines
Harley Christensen
Jon Cronshaw
Jenn Mitchell
Innes Richens
Ian J Middleton
P.T. Hylton
Michael Anderle
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
53 min
September 12, 2019#008: Ramy Vance – Building a story from novel to series, lessons learned from teaching story, and targeting the right readers with ads.
Ramy Vance is a Canadian who lives in Edinburgh with his wife, three-year-old and imaginary dog. He writes kickass Urban Fantasy thrillers set in the GoneGod World (and elsewhere) and has recently dipped his toes into the LitRPG genre with the Midden3ard series, co-written with Michael Anderle.

Ramy was also the main events coordinator of the 20Books Edinburgh conference, and his greatest aspirations are writing more stories and finally get that real dog so he can have an excuse to go on longer walks.

In this episode we go deep into:
What kind of dog Ramy is looking at buying
What is Urban Fantasy, and why does he write in that genre?
Why it’s beneficial to have your Amazon page 'murder-boarded'
Growing your universe and letting others expand for you
Managing time around collaborators, creation, and the day job
Why readers can sometimes make the best collaborators
How Ramy approaches story creation
Ramy’s 5 milestones of story
Why Bookbub ads are working for Ramy
Testing your ads
Why Ramy writes

Ramy answers questions from Patrons:
David Hines: How do you craft an ending? Is it something you already know or does it develop organically?
Jon Cronshaw: You've got $100 to spend on marketing a new book. Where do you spend your cash?
Jennie Mitchell: Your Gone God World started out with 2 related series but I notice that you recently brought in S W Clarke as a coauthor for a 3rd series and that you've begun some collabration projects with LMBPN and others. Can you share a little bit about your decision to move your Universe and your career in that direction?

Find out more about Ramy:
Ramy Vance’s House of the GoneGod Damned!
Ramy’s Amazon page

Special thanks to:
Intro vocals: Persephone Rose
Show theme: Karl Hughes

Become a Patron of the show! Get exclusive bonus content, find your tribe, and get early access to all episodes.
Thank you to my patrons:
David Hines
Harley Christensen
Jon Cronshaw
Jenn Mitchell
Innes Richens
Ian J Middleton

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
56 min
September 12, 2019#008: Ramy Vance – Building a story from novel to series, lessons learned from teaching story, and targeting the right readers with ads.
Ramy Vance is a Canadian who lives in Edinburgh with his wife, three-year-old and imaginary dog. He writes kickass Urban Fantasy thrillers set in the GoneGod World (and elsewhere) and has recently dipped his toes into the LitRPG genre with the Midden3ard series, co-written with Michael Anderle.
Ramy was also the main events coordinator of the 20Books Edinburgh conference, and his greatest aspirations are writing more stories and finally get that real dog so he can have an excuse to go on longer walks.
In this episode we go deep into:
What kind of dog Ramy is looking at buying
What is Urban Fantasy, and why does he write in that genre?
Why it’s beneficial to have your Amazon page 'murder-boarded'
Growing your universe and letting others expand for you
Managing time around collaborators, creation, and the day job
Why readers can sometimes make the best collaborators
How Ramy approaches story creation
Ramy’s 5 milestones of story
Why Bookbub ads are working for Ramy
Testing your ads
Why Ramy writes
Ramy answers questions from Patrons:
David Hines: How do you craft an ending? Is it something you already know or does it develop organically?
Jon Cronshaw: You've got $100 to spend on marketing a new book. Where do you spend your cash?
Jennie Mitchell: Your Gone God World started out with 2 related series but I notice that you recently brought in S W Clarke as a coauthor for a 3rd series and that you've begun some collabration projects with LMBPN and others. Can you share a little bit about your decision to move your Universe and your career in that direction?
Find out more about Ramy:
Ramy Vance’s House of the GoneGod Damned!
Ramy’s Amazon page
Special thanks to:
Intro vocals: Persephone Rose
Show theme: Karl Hughes
Become a Patron of the show! Get exclusive bonus content, find your tribe, and get early access to all episodes.
Thank you to my patrons:
David Hines
Harley Christensen
Jon Cronshaw
Jenn Mitchell
Innes Richens
Ian J Middleton
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
56 min
September 05, 2019#007: J. Thorn – The ’Three Story Method’, systematisation, and finding what works for you.
J Thorn is a top 100 author in Horror, Sci-Fi, Action and Adventure and Fantasy. He’s one of the lead hosts of The Career Author Podcast, alongside Zach Bohannon, and the Writer’s Well podcast, alongside Rachel Herron, as well as a certified StoryGrid editor, writing coach, a part-time radio host and musician.

J is the indie king of collaboration, and now co-runs his publishing company, Molten Universe Media, alongside Zach. Through this company they publish post-apocalyptic fiction, and host events which have taken budding authors all across America. 2020 will also see their first writer’s conference as they take over the Sell More Book Show summit from indie superstars Jim Kukral and Bryan Cohen, and host the first ever Career Author Summit in Nashville.

In this episode we go deep into:
J Thorn & Zach Bohannon’s 'Three Story Method'
How to perfect your writing process
How to systematise your life to increase productivity
Choosing a collaborator and levelling up your fiction
The changing attitudes of collaboration
Pros and cons of organising events for writers
Taking over the Sell More Books Show
Pursuing traditional publishing at ThrillerFest
Choosing the right projects and managing opportunity costs
How best to divide your time as a full-time author

J answers questions from Patrons:
Jon Cronshaw: What's the value of podcasting? Do you find it's better for engaging readers or as a tool for networking and expanding author services?
Ian J Middleton: Any advice for writing horror in a series?
Jon Cronshaw: What tips do you have for marketing to am audience (such as post-apocalyptic) who just want to be left alone and have no interest in engaging with authors?

Find out more about J Thorn:
The Author Life
Molten Universe Media

Links from the show:
Three Story Method
Aristotle’s ‘Poetics'
R.L Stine’s Masterclass

Special thanks to:
Intro vocals: Persephone Rose
Show theme: Karl Hughes

Become a Patron of the show! Get exclusive bonus content, find your tribe, and get early access to all episodes.
Thank you to my patrons:
David Hines
Harley Christensen
Jon Cronshaw
Jenn Mitchell
Innes Richens
Ian J Middleton

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
58 min
September 05, 2019#007: J. Thorn – The ’Three Story Method’, systematisation, and finding what works for you.
J Thorn is a top 100 author in Horror, Sci-Fi, Action and Adventure and Fantasy. He’s one of the lead hosts of The Career Author Podcast, alongside Zach Bohannon, and the Writer’s Well podcast, alongside Rachel Herron, as well as a certified StoryGrid editor, writing coach, a part-time radio host and musician.
J is the indie king of collaboration, and now co-runs his publishing company, Molten Universe Media, alongside Zach. Through this company they publish post-apocalyptic fiction, and host events which have taken budding authors all across America. 2020 will also see their first writer’s conference as they take over the Sell More Book Show summit from indie superstars Jim Kukral and Bryan Cohen, and host the first ever Career Author Summit in Nashville.
In this episode we go deep into:
J Thorn & Zach Bohannon’s 'Three Story Method'
How to perfect your writing process
How to systematise your life to increase productivity
Choosing a collaborator and levelling up your fiction
The changing attitudes of collaboration
Pros and cons of organising events for writers
Taking over the Sell More Books Show
Pursuing traditional publishing at ThrillerFest
Choosing the right projects and managing opportunity costs
How best to divide your time as a full-time author
J answers questions from Patrons:
Jon Cronshaw: What's the value of podcasting? Do you find it's better for engaging readers or as a tool for networking and expanding author services?
Ian J Middleton: Any advice for writing horror in a series?
Jon Cronshaw: What tips do you have for marketing to am audience (such as post-apocalyptic) who just want to be left alone and have no interest in engaging with authors?
Find out more about J Thorn:
The Author Life
Molten Universe Media
Links from the show:
Three Story Method
Aristotle’s ‘Poetics'
R.L Stine’s Masterclass
Special thanks to:
Intro vocals: Persephone Rose
Show theme: Karl Hughes
Become a Patron of the show! Get exclusive bonus content, find your tribe, and get early access to all episodes.
Thank you to my patrons:
David Hines
Harley Christensen
Jon Cronshaw
Jenn Mitchell
Innes Richens
Ian J Middleton
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
58 min
August 29, 2019#006: John Crinan – Getting the words in, building the habit, and building a network through podcasting.
John Crinan is a writer and podcaster who hails from the rolling hills of Scotland and migrated down to the cobbled smoky streets of London. His work has regularly been featured on The Other Stories podcast, and his new show, The John Crinan podcast, sees John catting with new creators about their work, craft and the difficult business of making stuff and getting shit done.

In this episode we go deep into:
Why John switched up the rolling hills of Scotland for the smoky streets of London
Why it’s important to follow through on your word
Lessons learned from John’s first novel
The advantages of short writing courses
Why it’s important to surround yourself with other creatives
What’s the point in getting up early to work?
Finding the time to get the words down.
Why it’s beneficial to find an accountability partner
Rewarding yourself for the work you do
How John is tackling Patreon
Why choose podcasting?
Keeping up the daily writing habit

John answers questions from Patrons:
Jon Cronshaw: Have you found a way to make consistent money from short fiction?

Find out more about John:
Johncrinan.com
FB & Tw: @JohnCrinan

Links from the show:
John’s interview with Luke Kondor
John’s Patreon
Discipline Equals Freedom book

Special thanks to :
Intro vocals: Persephone Rose
Show theme: Karl Hughes

Become a Patron of the show! Get exclusive bonus content, find your tribe, and get early access to all episodes.
Thank you to my patrons of the show:
David Hines
Harley Christensen
Jon Cronshaw
Jenn Mitchell
Innes Richens
Ian J Middleton

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
1 hr 2 min

About Activated Authors

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Activated Authors is an online author community centered around principles of healthy productivity, community, and shared knowledge. Founded by international bestselling author, award-winning…

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Activated Authors episodes

About Activated Authors