No One Cares You Wrote a Book

In this episode, C.J. Kael and Chris Wards discuss the often contradictory nature of writing advice with their guest, Chantel Burnham. They explore the importance of trusting one's instincts, the role of critique partners, and the challenges of navigating reader expectations and social media presence. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the nuances of writing, the importance of understanding and sometimes breaking the rules, and the challenges of receiving feedback. They also explore the differences between traditional and indie publishing, as well as effective marketing strategies for authors.

Takeaways

• Trust your gut in writing
• Contradictory advice is common Learn rules before breaking them
• Feedback can improve writing

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Writing Advice
• 02:55 Chantel's Writing Journey
• 05:59 The Role of Critique Partners
• 09:04 Navigating Contradictory Advice
• 12:07 The Challenge of Reader Expectations
• 14:54 Social Media and Author Presence
• 18:03 Understanding Writing Rules
• 20:47 The Importance of Confidence in Writing
• 38:08 The Importance of Writing Rules
• 41:55 Navigating Feedback and Criticism
• 48:06 Finding Readers and Marketing Strategies
• 55:51 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing Choices
• 01:02:13 Valuable Writing Advice and Insights

The conversation explores the tension between writing a book for personal fulfillment and writing for commercial success. It delves into the evolution of the authors' perspectives on writing for readers and marketability, as well as the impact of generational expectations and trends in the publishing industry. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on writers, the evolving trends in fantasy literature, and the influence of cultural fragmentation on reader preferences. It also explores the tension between writing for oneself and writing for commercial success.

Takeaways

• Writing for readers vs. writing for marketability
• The impact of generational expectations and trends in the publishing industry Social media presence is essential for writers in today's publishing landscape.
• The evolution of fantasy literature reflects the changing cultural and generational influences.

Chapters

• 00:00 Writing for Personal Fulfillment vs. Commercial Success
• 03:06 Evolution of Writing Perspectives
• 17:36 Impact of Generational Expectations and Trends
• 20:27 The Impact of Social Media on Writers
• 26:29 Evolving Trends in Fantasy Literature
• 29:27 Cultural Fragmentation and Reader Preferences
• 35:17 Writing for Oneself vs. Commercial Success

The podcast episode explores the art of world building in fantasy and science fiction writing. It delves into the role of maps, the depth of world building, meta world building, and the importance of language, characters, and culture in setting the scene for a fictional world. The conversation delves into the exploration of cultural settings in fantasy, the debate on understanding magic, the challenges of invented terminology and world building, the balance between world building and plot development, the strength of character and relationship in world building, and the payoff of world building in fantasy literature.

Takeaways

• World building is a crucial aspect of fantasy and science fiction writing.
• Maps play a significant role in world building, providing a visual representation of the fictional world.
• Language, characters, and culture are essential elements in making a fictional world feel real. Cultural settings in fantasy literature provide fresh and intriguing world-building opportunities.
• The best world building in fantasy literature has a payoff and is woven into character moments.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Art of World Building
• 03:09 The Role of Maps in World Building
• 07:41 The Depth of World Building
• 15:26 Meta World Building and Language
• 23:16 Setting the Scene with Characters and Culture
• 24:16 Cultural Settings in Fantasy
• 26:04 The Debate on Understanding Magic
• 31:47 Invented Terminology and World Building
• 35:14 Balancing World Building and Plot Development
• 38:00 The Strength of Character and Relationship in World Building
• 43:09 The Payoff of World Building

The conversation delves into the emotional journey of finishing a manuscript, seeking feedback, overcoming self-doubt, and the challenges of marketing and selling a new book. It explores the anxiety and uncertainty that follows the completion of a manuscript, the process of seeking feedback and improvement, and the challenges of engaging with writing groups and beta readers. It also addresses the pressure of making the first book a success and the challenges of marketing and selling a new book. The conversation delves into the challenges of building an online profile, marketing and promotion, the writer's dilemma, completing the manuscript, and the value of writing. It also looks ahead to the next topic of discussion.

Takeaways

• The emotional journey of finishing a manuscript
• Challenges of seeking feedback and overcoming self-doubt Navigating the online landscape is essential for authors
• Marketing and promotion are crucial for book success

Chapters

• 00:00 The Feeling of Finishing
• 03:02 Post-Manuscript Anxiety
• 04:24 Seeking Feedback and Improvement
• 06:09 Sharing Manuscripts and Receiving Critiques
• 08:53 Challenges of Seeking Feedback from Friends and Family
• 11:49 Engaging with Writing Groups and Beta Readers
• 17:06 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear of Publishing
• 20:23 The Pressure of Making the First Book a Success
• 23:23 Challenges of Marketing and Selling a New Book
• 25:43 Navigating the Online Landscape
• 27:12 Building an Online Profile
• 29:04 Marketing and Promotion
• 32:37 Challenges of Publishing
• 33:09 The Writer's Dilemma
• 36:09 Completing the Manuscript
• 39:40 The Value of Writing
• 44:09 Looking Ahead

The first episode of the podcast delves into the journey of writing a book, exploring the motivations, struggles, and support systems of the hosts. It highlights the evolution of their creative process and the impact of personal relationships on their writing endeavors.

Takeaways

• Motivations for writing a book are deeply personal and often driven by a desire for self-expression and personal fulfillment.
• The support and encouragement of a trusted friend or partner can be instrumental in overcoming self-doubt and navigating the challenges of the writing process.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey Begins
• 02:55 The Evolution of Ideas and World Building
• 11:00 Motivations and Ambitions
• 16:05 Struggles and Self-Doubt
• 26:08 Support and Validation