Let’s just face that dragon head-on: one is obligated to buy our books.

Not our friends. Not our families. Not random internet strangers. Not even that one person who “said they would.”

And while that truth can sting a little… it can also set us free.

Because now the question isn’t “How do I convince people to care?”It’s “How can I have the most fun & satisfaction creating something so good they’ll want to say yes?”

This is your encouragement in the trenches, friends. Yes, it’s hard. But it’s also so worth it. Go forth and be awesome.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

World building isn’t just about the fun, nerdy stuff (though I’m always here for that). It can also be strategic—the part where your dragons, space stations, or magic moose help you actually reach your readers.

🎙️In this Author Culture episode, I’m digging into five key world building areas where your passions and world building excitement can help you connect with readers who love those same things.

This isn’t about selling out or dumbing things down. It’s about aligning the cool stuff in your head with the people who’ll love it most.

If you want to build awesome worlds and make sure the right readers find them?This one’s for you.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

In this epic Author Culture episode, Janeen sits down with her husband Stephen Ippolito (superhero super-nerd and cinematic sidekick) to tackle the newest Superman movie—and they’re both psyched and impressed by how much they liked it.

In this fun, nerdy breakdown, they dig into:

* A Superman portrayal that doesn’t feel flat or forced

* Why the dog deserves an Oscar (or at least a cape)

* How the film balances humor, stakes, and humanity

* Gorgeous cinematography and immersive action

* How character actions can speak louder than words

If you’re a fan of superhero films, Superman, and combining fun storytelling and action with a great vibe of kindness and humility, tune in!

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber (paid subscribers get bonus current event episodes, live chat, and can request topics).

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

Writers’ conferences are amazing... and also A LOT. 😅Sensory overload, tight schedules, nonstop networking—it’s a full-on experience, especially if you're neurodivergent or prone to overwhelm.

In this episode of Author Culture, I share my personal strategies for staying grounded, connected, and fully present at conferences—without melting down. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or heading to your very first event, these tips will help you pack for both professionalism and personal comfort.

This episode isn’t just about surviving conferences. It’s about showing up as your best self—with practical tools to help you manage your energy, advocate for your needs, and fully engage with your writing community.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

Don’t be afraid to rebel—just do it wisely.

Too often, writers stick to the “safe” path when it comes to marketing—social posts, newsletter swaps, maybe a hopeful BookTok attempt, and then wonder why no one’s noticing. The truth? In an overcrowded market, sometimes you need to step a little outside the lines to get seen.

This livestream of the Author Culture Podcast with special guest J.J. Johnson is all about low-risk, high-creativity marketing moves that help authors stand out without burning out—or breaking the bank.

Think: experimental fiction drops on nontraditional platforms, story-first marketing on Substack, Royal Road, small-scale stunts that get people talking, and ways to build a reputation that doesn’t rely on chasing algorithms.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber (paid subscribers get bonus current event episodes, live chat, and can request topics).

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

This one’s personal: what I’m reading, what I’m writing, and how I’m navigating the creative chaos.

In this episode, I share a peek inside my current author life—including how community, covers, and conferences are playing a big part in my process right now.

You’ll hear:

-My upcoming release – The Veracin Blade (aka, “the book that just. WOUDN’T. END”)-My TBR stack and reading habits – including fave book features-Why I’m building journals to pair with my books-The joy of showing up and connecting at events

If you love bookish chaos and creative process talk—this one’s for you.

Sign up for my newsletter and get a free book! https://jiauthor.com/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

You are not behind.

You are not too late.

You are not a failure because another author just hit 100K in sales.

🎙️ In this episode of Author Culture, I get raw about mindset, marketing, and the hard-but-true fact that your worth isn’t measured by someone else’s metrics.

Takeaways

* A healthy mindset is key to effective book marketing.

* Jealousy and envy can disrupt an author's journey.

* Success is subjective and varies for each author.

* One author's success does not diminish another's potential.

* Focus on what you can control in your author journey.

* Celebrate others' successes without feeling inadequate.

* Navigating disappointment is part of the author experience.

* Adjusting goals can lead to a healthier mindset.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber (paid subscribers get bonus current event episodes, live chat, and can request topics).

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Janeen Ippolito explores the ongoing debate of book versus movie adaptations, discussing the challenges and successes of translating beloved stories to the big screen. She reflects on various adaptations, including the recent live-action version of 'How to Train Your Dragon,' and considers the perspectives of authors regarding creative control in adaptations. The conversation delves into how adaptations can impact the original narrative and the audience's reception, ultimately questioning the value of adaptations in preserving or transforming the original story.

Mentioned in episode: How to Tame Your Dragon - Early Reviews

Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber (paid subscribers get bonus current event episodes, live chat, and can request topics).

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

Need help writing stories that are as emotionally deep as they are action-packed? In this episode, Janeen and A.C. Williams explore how to bring humor, mental health, and character growth into the heat of sci-fi and fantasy plots. They offer practical tips for authors who want to write with more heart, without losing momentum or reader engagement. Plus, they break down what the Marvel movie Thunderbolts teaches us about group dynamics, healing from trauma in a group, and ensemble casts.

Key Topics Covered:

* Using worldbuilding as a metaphor for internal battles

* Blending genres and finding the right reader expectations

* Tips for writing humor that supports (not undercuts) emotional arcs

* What you can take from the big screen and apply to your novel

Plus, there is some gushing over Thunderbolts (because it is an awesome movie).Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber (paid subscribers get bonus current event episodes, live chat, and can request topics).

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I discuss the decision-making process for authors considering whether to write a standalone book or a series. Rather than just giving you hard and fast answers, I offer three key questions that you can answer to figure out your next best step.

These questions emphasize the importance of understanding one's creative process, genre expectations, and writing speed.

* Consider if your book idea can expand into a series.

* Binge reading is popular; think about reader preferences.

* Commitment to a series is a long-term decision.

* Explore different book formats like duologies or standalone series.

* Life circumstances can impact your writing commitments.

* Assess reader interest before expanding a standalone into a series.

* Creative ideas should sustain a series beyond the first book.

For more fun, check out my episode on Genre Research:Watch HereRead HerePrefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber (paid subscribers get bonus current event episodes, live chat, and can request topics).

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe