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In this conversation, Steve, Kian N. Ardalan, and Chris Mohan delve into the themes and intricacies of Ardalan's book, 'Eleventh Cycle.' They explore the emotional depth of the narrative, the significance of world-building, and the portrayal of complex characters dealing with trauma, disability, and identity. The discussion also touches on the representation of sexuality and gender, the philosophical implications of time, and the overarching narrative structure of the series. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of writing fantasy, focusing on character development, the challenges of multiple points of view, and the representation of disability. They discuss the balance between heavy themes and character arcs, the impact of dark narratives on readers, and the writing process behind the book. The conversation also touches on reader engagement and the anticipation for future installments in the series.

Find Kian: https://kiannardalan.com/

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In this episode, hosts and guests dive into Thomas J. Devans' new project, The Dregs - exploring the creative and logistical challenges of cover art, the themes in his book, and the complexities of the publishing world. They touch on the writing process, genre transitions, and how independent authors can maintain visibility. The episode is infused with humor and deep insights into both traditional and self-publishing.

Buy The Dregs: https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Thomas-J-Devens-ebook/dp/B0DHV3YBJX

Find Thomas: https://fallofemros.blogspot.com/

Find Fletcher: https://michaelrfletcher.com/

Find Chris: https://www.youtube.com/@chrismohan and https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicleofChris

Find Jarrod: https://www.youtube.com/@thefantasythinker

Key Takeaways:

• Cover Art & Marketing: Effective cover art is essential; stock image use presents unique challenges.
• Book Structure: Each book in Devans' series can stand alone, providing flexibility to readers.
• Writing & Experience: Personal experiences shape the writing process and influence content.
• Genre Transitions: Switching genres is challenging but can yield creative rewards.
• Visibility Strategies: Keeping a backlog of work helps sustain author visibility.
• Sales & Reviews: Independent authors often face challenges tracking sales; a single positive review can significantly boost book visibility.
• Humor & Dark Themes: Humor can be an effective tool, even within darker storylines.
• Publishing Realities: The path to publishing is full of surprises and requires resilience.
• Community & Collaboration: Authors benefit from critique, pre-sales strategies, and relationships within the writing community. Helping others is valuable but requires clear boundaries.
• Creative Dedication: Passion and dedication are vital in the creative process, as is recording ideas for future use.
• Self-Publishing Evolution: Modern tools have made self-publishing more accessible, offering creative freedom while demanding patience and strategic effort.
• Contract Literacy: Understanding publishing contracts is critical for authors.
• Launching a Book: Celebrating a launch is a distinct experience, varying widely among authors.
• Learning & Growth: Insights from experienced editors and constructive critique help writers develop their skills.

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PAGECHEWING: Comics & Manga Podcast

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 In this episode of Weekly Pulls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike, Steve, and Jared discuss various new comic book series, sharing their insights and reviews. They explore titles such as 'Something is Killing the Children', the latest DC All-In series featuring Batman, and the relaunch of the Justice Society of America. The conversation also touches on the humor in 'Babs' and the intriguing concept of 'Rome Eternal'. Throughout the discussion, the trio shares their thoughts on storytelling, artwork, and character development in the comics they review. In this episode, the hosts delve into various comic book series, discussing their latest reads and personal favorites. They explore the world of Conan comics, the clever storytelling in the Terminator series, and the emotional depth of 'The Sacrifices.' The conversation also touches on the origins of Violator, the intriguing narrative of 'One for Sorrow,' and the dual storytelling in 'Life.' They conclude with a discussion on 'Savage Sword of Conan' and the character-driven storytelling in 'Minor Arcana.'

Find Jarrod: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvXJrtBl0FP3P_CCcyaq51A

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In this conversation, Rodney Miles, a self-publishing consultant, shares his journey into the world of freelance writing and self-publishing. He discusses the evolution of self-publishing, the choice between using a real name or a pen name, and the essential steps for aspiring authors to prepare for their publishing journey. Rodney emphasizes the importance of managing expectations in the competitive publishing industry and outlines the potential investment required for self-publishing. He provides insights into the artistic and business aspects of publishing, highlighting the significance of professional editing and cover design. In this conversation, Rodney Miles discusses the critical aspects of cover design for books, emphasizing its role as a marketing tool that captures attention and sets expectations. He shares his views on AI in cover creation, expressing skepticism while acknowledging its potential benefits. The discussion transitions into marketing strategies for authors, highlighting the importance of direct sales and building an email list over relying solely on social media. Miles provides insights into effective marketing channels and the significance of maintaining control over one's audience.

Find Rodney: https://rodneymiles.com/

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In this episode of Weekly Pulls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve delve into the world of comics, discussing various titles including 'Absolute Superman', 'Skin Police', and 'The Sacrificers'. They explore the nuances of spoiler-free reviews versus commentary, the artistic elements of the comics, and the character developments within the stories. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local comic shops and the community surrounding comic book culture.

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In this conversation, Steve, Kian N. Ardalan, and Chris discuss the intricacies of Kian's book, 'Eleventh Cycle.' They explore the inspirations behind the story, the unique storytelling methods employed, and the magic system that underpins the narrative. The discussion also delves into themes of disability representation, world-building, and the philosophical implications of cycles within the story. The conversation is rich with insights into the writing process, the challenges faced by the author, and the significance of epigraphs in enhancing the reader's understanding of the world.

Find Kian: https://kiannardalan.com/

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In this episode, Holly, Tim and Steve return to discuss various topics including their experiences with technical difficulties, the journey of author Tim Hardie, and his upcoming completion of the Brotherhood series. They delve into the emotional aspects of finishing a long-term project, explore character backstories, and consider the potential resurgence of serialized novels. The discussion also highlights the indie publishing scene, the impact of Kickstarter on authors, and the pressures faced by indie writers in a competitive market. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of crowdfunding for authors, particularly through platforms like Kickstarter. They discuss the emotional challenges, such as imposter syndrome, that authors face when launching projects. The conversation shifts to the importance of community support and the role of audio dramas in the evolving landscape of storytelling. As they explore the need for writers to diversify their creative outlets, they highlight recent projects and collaborations within the indie author community. The discussion concludes with reflections on future aspirations and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for writers.

Find Holly: https://www.hltinsley.co.uk/about

Find Tim: https://www.timhardieauthor.co.uk/

Chapters

00:00
Reconnecting and Technical Difficulties

01:52
Introducing Tim Hardie: Author and Reviewer

03:58
The Brotherhood Series: A Journey to Completion

08:01
The Emotional Landscape of Finishing a Series

11:59
Exploring Character Backstories and Short Fiction

13:51
The Case for Serialized Novels

16:55
Spotlighting Indie Authors and Discoveries

21:56
The Impact of Kickstarter on Indie Publishing

28:54
Navigating the Indie Landscape: Support and Pressure

30:10
The Challenges of Crowdfunding for Authors

33:41
Navigating the Kickstarter Community

35:40
The Rise of Audio Dramas

39:08
Diversifying as a Writer

44:37
Spotlight on Recent Projects

50:00
Future Plans and Aspirations

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In this episode, we dive deep into the dark and gritty world of grimdark literature with the authors behind the upcoming anthology No Happy Endings. Join us as we discuss the challenges of writing short stories, the submission process, and what defines grimdark as a genre. We explore influences ranging from classic literature to video games, delve into the role of dark rituals in storytelling, and reflect on the impact of societal issues on the themes of grimdark fiction.

The conversation also touches on the rise of cozy fantasy as a counterbalance to grimdark’s bleak settings, contrasting the grim with the lighthearted. Along the way, we share book recommendations, including works by Joe Abercrombie, The Black Company, and Michael Moorcock's Elric of Melniboné. Whether you’re a seasoned grimdark reader or new to the genre, this episode offers fresh perspectives on storytelling, writing challenges, and the evolution of modern fantasy.

Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging discussion on what makes grimdark literature resonate and why it’s more relevant than ever!

Find out guests:

Armanis:

Universal Booklink: No Happy Endings

Twitter: Armanis

Blusky:Armanis

Kieran:

Website: flying squirrels editing services | Flying Squirrels Editing Services (square.site)

I'm not really active on Twitter, but I may go on once in a blue moon. You can find me under the handle of: @zombiesrise

Facebook for Flying Squirrels Editing Services: https://www.facebook.com/flyingsquirrelsediting

Facebook for Kieran Ferrara: https://www.facebook.com/kieran.ferrara

Email: [email protected]

DB Rook:

Twitter

https://x.com/DB_Rook?t=I2XWdW_pAqenBbFWcKMiEg&s=09

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/bxEyXikKrMCuAnQT/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/db.rook/profilecard/?igsh=MWdjM2h0b3FkZTU1cA==

Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@db_rook?_t=8qhWcDKxZDc&_r=1

Blue sky

https://bsky.app/profile/dbrook.bsky.social

Fanfiaddict reviews

https://fanfiaddict.com/author/db-rook/

Website 

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In this episode of Weekly Polls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve discuss the rising costs of comics, reflecting on how prices have changed over the years and the implications for both consumers and the comic industry. They explore the value of comics in terms of entertainment versus cost, and the challenges of attracting new readers in a digital age filled with free content. The conversation then shifts to reviews of recent comic releases, where they share their thoughts on various titles, highlighting both the successes and disappointments in their reading experiences. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various comic book reviews, exploring themes of character development, storytelling techniques, and the impact of art in comics. They discuss the merits of one-shot stories versus ongoing series, the complexities of character arcs, and the unique narratives presented in recent releases. The conversation also touches on the marketing strategies behind comic book covers and the significance of thematic elements in storytelling, particularly in the context of family dynamics and horror.

Chapters

00:00
The Rising Cost of Comics

12:35
Comic Book Reviews and Recommendations

22:29
Exploring Knights vs Samurai: Art and Storytelling

25:11
The Appeal of One-Shot Stories in Comics

28:18
Character Development in Comics: A Deep Dive

31:33
The Intricacies of Comic Book Covers and Marketing

32:53
Family Dynamics and Dark Deals in Hexiles

34:44
The Magic Order: Building a Rich Narrative

35:49
The Trials of Hercules: A Modern Take

37:33
The Sacred Dand: A Unique Horror Concept

40:12
Lobo: The Chaotic Anti-Hero of DC

44:03
The Exorcism at 1600 Penn: Politics and Possession

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PAGECHEWING: Comics & Manga Podcast

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In this episode, the hosts discuss various recent comic book releases and adaptations, exploring themes of storytelling, artwork, and character development. They delve into specific titles such as Absolute Wonder Woman, Standstill, and Conan the Barbarian, sharing their thoughts on the quality and direction of these comics. The conversation also touches on the influence of popular culture on comic narratives and the importance of artistic expression in storytelling. In this episode, the hosts delve into various comic book reviews, discussing titles such as Batman, Titans, Convert, and more. They explore the quality of writing and artwork in these comics, the impact of editorial decisions, and the connections between different storylines in the DC universe. The conversation also touches on character development in ongoing series and the balance of dialogue and action in the sword and sorcery genre. The hosts share their picks of the week, highlighting standout graphic novels and series that showcase strong storytelling and artistic merit.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Comics Adaptations

03:05
Exploring Recent Comic Releases

05:52
Diving into Absolute Wonder Woman

08:56
Standstill: A Unique Narrative

12:14
Conan the Barbarian: A Classic Reimagined

14:55
Dark Nights of Steel: A Fantasy Twist

18:00
Damaged People: A Horror Exploration

21:00
Life: Merging Stories in a Unique Format

24:05
Anthology Series: Hello Darkness

26:59
DC All-Adventure: Classic Superhero Tales

31:49
Batman Reviews: A Mixed Bag

34:36
The Impact of Editorial Decisions

35:21
Exploring the DC All In Special

37:22
Character Development in Convert

40:17
The Body Trade: A Mixed Reception

43:31
Sword and Sorcery: Balancing Dialogue and Action

48:43
Pick of the Week: Houses of the Unholy

55:06
Grommets: Nostalgia and Character Dynamics

59:01
No Hunter: A Promising Start

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PAGECHEWING: Comics & Manga Podcast

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