DIY MFA Radio

Hey there Word Nerds! Thanks for joining me for this episode of DIY MFA Radio. You're gonna love today's guest. Today I'm speaking with one of the most prolific writers working in modern fiction: Dean Wesley Smith. A USA Today bestselling author, Dean has published far over a hundred novels in forty years, and hundreds upon hundreds of short stories across many genres. In total, he has over seventeen million copies of his books in print.His monthly magazine called Smith's Monthly, consisting of only his own fiction, premiered in October 2013 and has not missed an issue yet. With over 60,000 words per issue, including a new and original novel every month, this magazine goes to show that consistency is king when it comes to modern publishing, especially indie publishing.

• How to get out of your own way and get writing.
• Killing the sacred cows of publishing
• Giving your creative voice permission to play and putting the critical voice away.
• Running a small publishing company.
• Training yourself to shift gears from creative work to business work.

Considered one of the most prolific writers working in modern fiction, USA Today bestselling writer, Dean Wesley Smith published far over a hundred novels in forty years, and hundreds and hundreds of short stories across many genres. He has over seventeen million of his books in print.At the moment he produces novels in four major series, including the time travel Thunder Mountain novels set in the old west, the galaxy-spanning Seeders Universe series, the urban fantasy Ghost of a Chance series, and the superhero series starring Poker Boy. His monthly magazine called Smith's Monthly, consisting of only his own fiction, premiered in October 2013 and has not missed an issue yet, with over 60,000 words per issue, including a new and original novel every month.During his career, Dean also wrote a couple dozen Star Trek novels, the only two original Men in Black novels, Spider-Man and X-Men novels, plus novels set in gaming and television worlds. Writing with his wife Kristine Kathryn Rusch under the name Kathryn Wesley, they wrote the novel for the NBC miniseries The Tenth Kingdom and other books for Hallmark Hall of Fame movies.He wrote novels under dozens of pen names in the worlds of comic books and movies, including novelizations of almost a dozen films, from The Final Fantasy to Steel to Rundown. Dean also worked as a fiction editor off and on, starting at Pulphouse Publishing, then at VB Tech Journal, then Pocket Books, and now at WMG Publishing where he and Kristine Kathryn Rusch serve as executive editors for the acclaimed Fiction River anthology series.

To learn more about Dean's books and ongoing projects, check out his website. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/113

Hey there Word Nerds! Thanks for joining me for this episode of DIY MFA Radio. You’re gonna love today’s guest. Today I’m speaking with one of the most prolific writers working in modern fiction: Dean Wesley Smith. A USA Today bestselling author, Dean has published far over a hundred novels in forty years, and hundreds upon hundreds of short stories across many genres. In total, he has over seventeen million copies of his books in print.

His monthly magazine called Smith’s Monthly, consisting of only his own fiction, premiered in October 2013 and has not missed an issue yet. With over 60,000 words per issue, including a new and original novel every month, this magazine goes to show that consistency is king when it comes to modern publishing, especially indie publishing.

• How to get out of your own way and get writing.
• Killing the sacred cows of publishing
• Giving your creative voice permission to play and putting the critical voice away.
• Running a small publishing company.
• Training yourself to shift gears from creative work to business work.

Considered one of the most prolific writers working in modern fiction, USA Today bestselling writer, Dean Wesley Smith published far over a hundred novels in forty years, and hundreds and hundreds of short stories across many genres. He has over seventeen million of his books in print.

At the moment he produces novels in four major series, including the time travel Thunder Mountain novels set in the old west, the galaxy-spanning Seeders Universe series, the urban fantasy Ghost of a Chance series, and the superhero series starring Poker Boy.

His monthly magazine called Smith’s Monthly, consisting of only his own fiction, premiered in October 2013 and has not missed an issue yet, with over 60,000 words per issue, including a new and original novel every month.

During his career, Dean also wrote a couple dozen Star Trek novels, the only two original Men in Black novels, Spider-Man and X-Men novels, plus novels set in gaming and television worlds. Writing with his wife Kristine Kathryn Rusch under the name Kathryn Wesley, they wrote the novel for the NBC miniseries The Tenth Kingdom and other books for Hallmark Hall of Fame movies.

He wrote novels under dozens of pen names in the worlds of comic books and movies, including novelizations of almost a dozen films, from The Final Fantasy to Steel to Rundown. Dean also worked as a fiction editor off and on, starting at Pulphouse Publishing, then at VB Tech Journal, then Pocket Books, and now at WMG Publishing where he and Kristine Kathryn Rusch serve as executive editors for the acclaimed Fiction River anthology series.

To learn more about Dean’s books and ongoing projects, check out his website. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/113

Hey there Word Nerds! Welcome back for another episode of DIY MFA Radio. Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Jerry Jenkins, author of 189 books with sales of more than 70 million copies. He's had 21 New York Times bestsellers, including the Left Behind series and he now shares his writing knowledge on his blog.

Earlier this year, he launched his brand new Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, a writing program that helps serious writers finish their book and get traditionally published. The Guild is already over 1500 members strong, and it is opening its doors to new members on September 19 for the final time this year.

• What inspired him to start writing
• Learning the business of publishing before you dive in
• Myths that come up about the process of writing and publishing
• The importance of editing for good writing and learning from the critique that others receive

Jerry Jenkins is the author of several novels, including both series and stand-alone. While most people know him as the author of the Left Behind series, Left Behind was actually his 125th book. His insatiable pursuit of great stories has also motivated him to write biographies of icons such as Hank Aaron, Orel Hershiser, Walter Payton, Meadowlark Lemon, Nolan Ryan, Mike Singletary, B.J. Thomas, and many other men and women. For the full list of his published books, click here.

To learn more about Jerry or to check out some of his resources for writers, visit his website, or follow him on Twitter or Facebook. His writer's guild--which we discussed on the show--will be opening for registration soon.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/112

Hey there Word Nerds! Welcome back for another episode of DIY MFA Radio. Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Jerry Jenkins, author of 189 books with sales of more than 70 million copies. He’s had 21 New York Times bestsellers, including the Left Behind series and he now shares his writing knowledge on his blog.

Earlier this year, he launched his brand new Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, a writing program that helps serious writers finish their book and get traditionally published. The Guild is already over 1500 members strong, and it is opening its doors to new members on September 19 for the final time this year.

• What inspired him to start writing
• Learning the business of publishing before you dive in
• Myths that come up about the process of writing and publishing
• The importance of editing for good writing and learning from the critique that others receive

Jerry Jenkins is the author of several novels, including both series and stand-alone. While most people know him as the author of the Left Behind series, Left Behind was actually his 125th book. His insatiable pursuit of great stories has also motivated him to write biographies of icons such as Hank Aaron, Orel Hershiser, Walter Payton, Meadowlark Lemon, Nolan Ryan, Mike Singletary, B.J. Thomas, and many other men and women. For the full list of his published books, click here.

To learn more about Jerry or to check out some of his resources for writers, visit his website, or follow him on Twitter or Facebook. His writer's guild--which we discussed on the show--will be opening for registration soon.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/112

Hey there Word Nerds! Thanks for joining me for this episode of DIY MFA Radio.

Today I'm talking with debut author Erin Petti. Her debut novel, The Peculiar Haunting of Thelma Bee, us out now and it just might be one of my new favorites.

Right away when I chatted with Erin, I felt like I had found a long-lost bestie. She lives in Massachusetts and loves to read about the same things I do: magic, dinosaurs, folklore, and ghosts. With a Masters in Education and a background in improv comedy, it's no wonder that her fiction debut is part magic, part science, and totally hilarious. If you are a fan of Middle Grade fiction or have young people in your life who love to read, I highly recommend this book.

• Writing characters' "coming of age" moments
• The importance of setting to the narrative
• Incorporating real-life details into your fictional settings
• Plotting your middle grade series
• Diversity in books for young people

The Peculiar Haunting of Thelma Bee is a fantastical adventure-mystery, where science and magic intertwine. Eleven-year-old Thelma Bee is never bored; in fact, she has curiosity and adventure in her blood. She spends her time running science experiments, practicing Spanish, and daydreaming about exotic landscapes.

But Thelma gets more than she bargained for when a strange woman sells a jewelry box at her father's antique shop. That night, a ghost kidnaps her father, and the only clue is the jewelry box and a word a ghost whispered in her ear: "Return". Now it's up to Thelma to get her dad back, and it might be harder than she thought because here's someone wielding dark magic, and Thelma is pretty sure they're coming after her next.

Erin Petti lives by the ocean in Massachusetts and loves to read about magic, dinosaurs, folklore, and ghosts. She has a Masters in Education and a background in improvisational comedy. Erin lives with her husband, excellent toddler, and cat (who she suspects likes her better than she's letting on). You can follow Erin on Twitter, or check out her website erinpetti.com for more information about her and her writing.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/111

Hey there Word Nerds! Thanks for joining me for this episode of DIY MFA Radio.

Today I’m talking with debut author Erin Petti. Her debut novel, The Peculiar Haunting of Thelma Bee, us out now and it just might be one of my new favorites.

Right away when I chatted with Erin, I felt like I had found a long-lost bestie. She lives in Massachusetts and loves to read about the same things I do: magic, dinosaurs, folklore, and ghosts. With a Masters in Education and a background in improv comedy, it’s no wonder that her fiction debut is part magic, part science, and totally hilarious. If you are a fan of Middle Grade fiction or have young people in your life who love to read, I highly recommend this book.

• Writing characters’ “coming of age” moments
• The importance of setting to the narrative
• Incorporating real-life details into your fictional settings
• Plotting your middle grade series
• Diversity in books for young people

The Peculiar Haunting of Thelma Bee is a fantastical adventure-mystery, where science and magic intertwine. Eleven-year-old Thelma Bee is never bored; in fact, she has curiosity and adventure in her blood. She spends her time running science experiments, practicing Spanish, and daydreaming about exotic landscapes.

But Thelma gets more than she bargained for when a strange woman sells a jewelry box at her father's antique shop. That night, a ghost kidnaps her father, and the only clue is the jewelry box and a word a ghost whispered in her ear: "Return". Now it's up to Thelma to get her dad back, and it might be harder than she thought because here's someone wielding dark magic, and Thelma is pretty sure they're coming after her next.

Erin Petti lives by the ocean in Massachusetts and loves to read about magic, dinosaurs, folklore, and ghosts. She has a Masters in Education and a background in improvisational comedy. Erin lives with her husband, excellent toddler, and cat (who she suspects likes her better than she's letting on).  You can follow Erin on Twitter, or check out her website erinpetti.com for more information about her and her writing.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/111

Hey there Word Nerds!

I'm so glad you've joined me for another episode of DIY MFA Radio. Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Delia Ephron, bestselling author and screenwriter. She's the writer behind the novel and movie Hanging Up, as well as the screenwriter for movies like You've Got Mail, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and Michael.

She's also a journalist and playwright, with her articles appearing in major markets like The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Vogue, and Vanity Fair, and her hit play Love, Loss, and What I Wore (co-written with Nora Ephron) running for more than two years off-Broadway and performed all over the world.

Her newest novel, Siracusa, is a haunting drama about two failing marriages and how the lives of these two couples (and one pre-teen girl) unravel on a trip to Italy.

• Keeping track of details when writing multiple points of view
• Getting into the heads of your characters and bringing that to the page.
• Knowing what details to share and what to withhold.
• Writing people who are real and complicated.
• Adapting stories versus creating new material.

Bestselling author Delia Ephron wields her keen understanding of the human psyche to mine the ruins of relationships in SIRACUSA, a thrilling emotional opus set in Italy and performed by a pitch-perfect choir of four voices.

New Yorkers Michael, a famous writer, and Lizzie, a journalist whose professional life is crumbling, travel in Italy with their friends from Maine – Finn, his wife Taylor and their daughter, Snow. "From the beginning," says Taylor, "it was a conspiracy between Lizzie and Finn to be together." Written Rashomon-style in alternating points of view, we see friendships and relationships bend and break as secrets are exposed and the couples careen toward Siracusa and disaster. "Couples collaborate," says Lizzie, "hiding even from each other who is calling the shots and who is along from the ride."

Snow--Taylor's lookalike daughter--drawn into the adult drama, moves to the center of the story and is the catalyst for conflict between the women (Taylor a mother, Lizzie not) as well as a pawn between Finn and Michael. She is the mystery at the heart of SIRACUSA. Is she shy or she is cunning? Do we want to protect her or should we fear her?

Ephron's masterful writing renders each adult character in stark detail--their inner monologue revealing darker truths about disappointments, envy and ambition. In a story that unfolds with the pacing of a psychological thriller, Ephron also delivers a powerful meditation on marriage, friendship, and the meaning of travel. As the vise tightens, Lizzie ponders: Is loyalty a more honorable pledge than love?

Pinging between multiple points of view and painting a detailed landscape of both the human heart and the Ionian seaside, SIRACUSA is an electrifying novel about marriage and deceit. As it spins to its shocking and unexpected end, Ephron effortlessly shape-shifts between personalities, offering insight from every character, infusing each chapter with equal parts wit and mystery, and leaving it up to the reader to untangle the truth from a wide net of lies.

Delia Ephron is a bestselling author and screenwriter. She has written novels, including The Lion Is In and Hanging Up; humor books for all ages, including How to Eat Like a Child and Do I Have to Say Hello?; and nonfiction, most recently Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc.). Her films include You've Got Mail, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Hanging Up (based on her novel), and Michael.

Her journalism has appeared in The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Vogue, and Vanity Fair. Her hit play Love, Loss, and What I Wore (co-written with her sister, Nora Ephron) ran for more than two years off-Broadway and has been performed all over the world. She lives in New York City. To learn more, follow her on Facebook and Twitter, or visit her website.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/110

Hey there Word Nerds!

I’m so glad you’ve joined me for another episode of DIY MFA Radio. Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Delia Ephron, bestselling author and screenwriter. She’s the writer behind the novel and movie Hanging Up, as well as the screenwriter for movies like You’ve Got Mail, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and Michael.

She’s also a journalist and playwright, with her articles appearing in major markets like The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Vogue, and Vanity Fair, and her hit play Love, Loss, and What I Wore (co-written with Nora Ephron) running for more than two years off-Broadway and performed all over the world.

Her newest novel, Siracusa, is a haunting drama about two failing marriages and how the lives of these two couples (and one pre-teen girl) unravel on a trip to Italy.

• Keeping track of details when writing multiple points of view
• Getting into the heads of your characters and bringing that to the page.
• Knowing what details to share and what to withhold.
• Writing people who are real and complicated.
• Adapting stories versus creating new material.

Bestselling author Delia Ephron wields her keen understanding of the human psyche to mine the ruins of relationships in SIRACUSA, a thrilling emotional opus set in Italy and performed by a pitch-perfect choir of four voices.

New Yorkers Michael, a famous writer, and Lizzie, a journalist whose professional life is crumbling, travel in Italy with their friends from Maine – Finn, his wife Taylor and their daughter, Snow. “From the beginning,” says Taylor, “it was a conspiracy between Lizzie and Finn to be together.” Written Rashomon-style in alternating points of view, we see friendships and relationships bend and break as secrets are exposed and the couples careen toward Siracusa and disaster. “Couples collaborate,” says Lizzie, “hiding even from each other who is calling the shots and who is along from the ride.”

Snow--Taylor’s lookalike daughter--drawn into the adult drama, moves to the center of the story and is the catalyst for conflict between the women (Taylor a mother, Lizzie not) as well as a pawn between Finn and Michael. She is the mystery at the heart of SIRACUSA. Is she shy or she is cunning? Do we want to protect her or should we fear her?

Ephron’s masterful writing renders each adult character in stark detail--their inner monologue revealing darker truths about disappointments, envy and ambition. In a story that unfolds with the pacing of a psychological thriller, Ephron also delivers a powerful meditation on marriage, friendship, and the meaning of travel. As the vise tightens, Lizzie ponders: Is loyalty a more honorable pledge than love?

Pinging between multiple points of view and painting a detailed landscape of both the human heart and the Ionian seaside, SIRACUSA is an electrifying novel about marriage and deceit. As it spins to its shocking and unexpected end, Ephron effortlessly shape-shifts between personalities, offering insight from every character, infusing each chapter with equal parts wit and mystery, and leaving it up to the reader to untangle the truth from a wide net of lies.

Delia Ephron is a bestselling author and screenwriter. She has written novels, including The Lion Is In and Hanging Up; humor books for all ages, including How to Eat Like a Child and Do I Have to Say Hello?; and nonfiction, most recently Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc.). Her films include You’ve Got Mail, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Hanging Up (based on her novel), and Michael.

Her journalism has appeared in The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Vogue, and Vanity Fair. Her hit play Love, Loss, and What I Wore (co-written with her sister, Nora Ephron) ran for more than two years off-Broadway and has been performed all over the world. She lives in New York City. To learn more, follow her on Facebook and Twitter, or visit her website.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/110

Hey there Word Nerds. I can't wait for you to hear today's interview with MJ Rose.

A fellow New-Yorker, MJ Rose grew up in NYC, exploring the labyrinthine galleries of the Met, wandering the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park, and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She's the author of over a dozen novels and co-president and founding board member of ITW (International Thriller Writers). She's also the founder of the first marketing company for authors (AuthorBuzz.com) and is a book marketing mastermind.

People throughout the book industry consider her an innovator and publishing pioneer. I had the pleasure of hearing her talk about book buzz and promotion at the most recent ThrillerFest and she most definitely knows her stuff. Today we'll be talking about her new book The Secret Language of Stones and how she has put her own marketing genius to work in promoting her latest book.

• The importance of buzz for your book in getting it published.
• Whether you should market your own book or hire an expert to market it for you.
• The best thing you can do to market your book.
• Interpersonal etiquette, or how best to approach other authors on social media and ask for help marketing your book.

You can follow MJ Rose on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads, or visit her website for more information about her and her books.

Watch the TED Talk that MJ mentions about figuring out your brand.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/109

Hey there Word Nerds. I can’t wait for you to hear today’s interview with MJ Rose.

A fellow New-Yorker, MJ Rose grew up in NYC, exploring the labyrinthine galleries of the Met, wandering the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park, and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed. She’s the author of over a dozen novels and co-president and founding board member of ITW (International Thriller Writers). She’s also the founder of the first marketing company for authors (AuthorBuzz.com) and is a book marketing mastermind.

People throughout the book industry consider her an innovator and publishing pioneer. I had the pleasure of hearing her talk about book buzz and promotion at the most recent ThrillerFest and she most definitely knows her stuff. Today we’ll be talking about her new book The Secret Language of Stones and how she has put her own marketing genius to work in promoting her latest book.

• The importance of buzz for your book in getting it published.
• Whether you should market your own book or hire an expert to market it for you.
• The best thing you can do to market your book.
• Interpersonal etiquette, or how best to approach other authors on social media and ask for help marketing your book.

You can follow MJ Rose on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads, or visit her website for more information about her and her books.

Watch the TED Talk that MJ mentions about figuring out your brand.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/109