Wiley Cash, author of The Last Ballad (out Oct. 3), A Land More Kind Than Home, and This Dark Road of Mercy, talks to Daniel Ford about establishing his storytelling work ethic, chasing Ella May's ghost while writing The Last Ballad, what he's learned from his writing students, and why writers need to be really honest with themselves about why they want to write.

To learn more about Wiley Cash, visit his official website, like his Facebook page, or follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Also read an excerpt of The Last Ballad.

Today's episode is sponsored by Novelize, Headline Heroes, and Sid Sanford Lives!