Writing and marketing don’t have to feel overwhelming. In this conversation with E.J. Kitchens, I dig into how simplifying your approach can create more momentum and consistency. We’ll talk about breaking projects into manageable steps, leaning on community support, and making the process fun so you actually want to keep going.

* Simplify your process to stay consistent

* Use the skills you’ve already built in challenging seasons

* Make it fun so you actually want to keep going

Progress doesn’t come from giant leaps—it comes from showing up, one step at a time.

Connect with Janeen - jiauthor.com

Connect with E.J. Kitchens - https://www.ejkitchens.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

Tired of one-size-fits-all marketing advice? Same. That’s why in this Author Culture episode, I’m cutting through the noise and showing you how to filter your marketing strategy through your unique motivations - your reason and your why.

We’ll talk about balancing profit goals, reader impact, and personal expression so you can stop stressing about what you “should” do and start leaning into what works for you.

You’ll leave with a better sense of balance—and permission to pursue your unique success.

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

Hey there,

Being an author isn’t easy—and no, it doesn’t magically get easier with your 5th or 15th book. In this episode, I get honest about my own struggles and why failure doesn’t mean you’re done—it means you’re learning and growing.

Includes:

* How to process feelings without getting stuck

* Why every author faces struggles—yes, even the pros

* The true value of kind, slightly brutal author friends

Tune in and remind yourself: your writing journey is worth it.

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 paid subscriber on Substack and get sneak peeks on my latest books and toolkits for authors.

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

Info-dumps don’t kill stories. Bad info-dumps do.

In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito discusses the concept of info dumping in writing, particularly in the genres of science fiction and fantasy. She emphasizes the importance of world building and how to effectively incorporate large chunks of information into a narrative without losing reader engagement. Ippolito provides practical tips for authors on how to earn their readers' attention and interest through thoughtful exposition and character perspective.

Mentioned in Episode:

Writing Mistakes Writers Make Info-Dumping: https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/writing-mistakes-writers-make-info-dumping

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 and get sneak peeks on my latest books and toolkits for authors.

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

Superheroes… but make it cozy.

In this episode of Author Culture, I explore the Fantastic Four as a surprising model for cozy storytelling.

Inside:

* How world-building makes or breaks cozy vibes

* Why “flat arcs” still keep readers hooked

* Why coziness is about style as much as setting

* Reader perception is everything

If you’re writing cozy sci-fi or fantasy and want Four Great Tips – plus my informed take on how this adaptation measures up to the 2005 Fantastic Four - this one’s for you.

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

Writing doesn’t have to be a grind! In this episode of Author Culture, I sit down with E.J. Kitchens—author of fantasy, fairytale, and steampunk adventure with romance—to talk about her journey from reluctant writer to joyful storyteller.

Elizabeth shares:

* How to make writing fun again (yes, even during deadlines)

* The “three Rs” every writer needs for a sustainable career

* Writing in layers to reduce overwhelm and spark new ideas

* Why honest, hard feedback makes your stories shineWhether you’re stuck in writer’s block or just looking for ways to refresh your process, this conversation will leave you ready to create with joy.

Whether you’re stuck in writer’s block or just looking for ways to refresh your process, this conversation will leave you ready to go forth, be awesome, and take on your next book.Don’t forget to grab Elizabeth’s free PDF with 15 tips for overcoming writer’s block and check out her fantastic books.

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

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