Some authors became so focused on “being professional” that they forgot how to actually enjoy writing.

In this special bonus episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske sit down with powerhouse author coaches Becca Syme and Roland Denzel for an honest, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about author burnout, publishing disruption, mental health, creativity, resilience, and what it actually means to build a sustainable writing life.

From the realities of traditional publishing and indie pressure to social media overwhelm, writing retreats, productivity myths, and the importance of protecting your creative energy, this episode explores why the healthiest authors often approach success very differently than the industry expects.

Whether you're a full-time author, part-time creative, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a reminder that there is no single “right” way to build a writing career.

In This Episode:

Why publishing feels unstable for so many writers right now

The hidden mental health costs of modern author culture

The truth about traditional publishing vs indie publishing

Why resilience matters more than certainty

How different author brains process creativity

Why some writers should absolutely edit as they go

The danger of comparing your process to other authors

Social media burnout and protecting your creative focus

Writing as a business vs writing as a lifelong creative practice

Why writing retreats can reignite creativity and momentum

If you’re tired of hustle culture, burnout advice, and feeling like you’re “doing publishing wrong,” this conversation might be exactly what you need.

#ProsTalkingProse #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #PublishingIndustry #WritingRetreat #AuthorBurnout #BeccaSyme #RolandDenzel #WritingPodcast #AuthorBusiness #CreativeProcess #BookMarketing #WritingLife #SelfPublishing

Most authors are told to obsess over launches, bestseller rankings, and “making it” with their debut novel, but what if that mindset is exactly what’s destroying long-term author careers?

Most authors believe a simple idea: “If my book is good, it will sell.”

Just reading more isn’t making you a better writer, is it? Well, there is a reason. It’s because that is crappy advice. 

Pros Talking Prose

#WritingAdvice #StoryStructure #WritingTips #HowToWriteBetter #StoryAnalysis #WritingMyths #BadWritingAdvice #AuthorLife #CreativeWriting #WritersOfYouTube #PlotDevelopment #CharacterDevelopment #ProsTalkingProse #IndieAuthorTips #WritingCraft

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we’re tackling a growing problem in the writing world: authors who want to write books, but don’t want to study the craft, read, or do the research.

If you want to write books that sell, connect, and hold up under scrutiny, then this is a conversation you can’t skip. Cutting corners in research will not only show up in your manuscript, but it will also show up later… in your reviews.

Pros Talking Prose — Brutally Honest. Weirdly Helpful. Always Entertaining.

#WritingTips #AuthorLife #BookWriting #AmWriting #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #WritingAdvice #AIWriting #Storytelling #Authors #learntowrite #readbookseveryday #bookpublishing 

Let’s just say the quiet part out loud…

Most writers say they want honest feedback until they actually get it.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most uncomfortable (and necessary) parts of being an author: criticism. We aren’t talking about the fluffy kind of feedback; we aren’t giving you the “you’re doing amazing, sweetie” kind. We are addressing the real kind. You know, the kind that actually makes your book better.

Truth is, if feedback makes you angry, it’s probably doing its job.

We break down:

We’re also pulling back the curtain on real client experiences and what happens when authors lean in… and what happens when they walk away. Spoiler Alert: One path leads to growth. The other leads to a book that never reaches its potential.

And yeah… we talk about the ego. A lot. Because at the end of the day, resistance to growth and learning is stunting your progress. So, if you want to be a better writer, not just a published one, this is the conversation you need to hear.

Some Resources we mention:

✔️ Explore InPrint Academy – your full publishing roadmap https://learning.printtopro.com/inprint-academy-discount/

Join us at Fjeldheim Writers Retreat: https://fjeldheimwritersretreat.com

ABOUT THE PODCAST

#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #BookEditing #WritersOfYouTube #AuthorBusiness #CreativeProcess #WritersBlock #AIWriting #IndieAuthors #WritingTips #PublishingTips #Ego #Criticism

Everyone’s arguing about AI in publishing, but they’re missing the point.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we break down what’s actually happening when authors rely on AI and why so many books are starting to feel flat, predictable, and disconnected. More importantly, we walk you through how to use AI without losing your voice, your originality, or your readers.

Inside this episode:

If you’re using AI in your writing (or even thinking about it) this is the conversation you need to hear before you hit publish. 

#WritingTips #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #AIWriting #AmWriting #IndieAuthors #BookMarketing #WritingCommunity #Editors #PublishingTips

The internet is losing its mind over the “Shy Girl” controversy, but most authors are reacting instead of thinking.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we break down what’s actually happening beneath the surface of the debate. There are a lot of AI accusations, publishing decisions, reader reactions, and a bigger issue no one seems to be talking about.

This really matters to authors because it reveals some issues with the future of publishing, author responsibility, and trust in an AI-driven industry.

We’re not here to pile on or pick sides, but we are here to slow it down, strip out the noise, and talk about what this means for you as an author.

Inside this episode:

What really sparked the “Shy Girl” controversy

This episode is a reality check for authors navigating a rapidly shifting publishing landscape.

#ShyGirl #PublishingIndustry #AuthorLife #AIWriting #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #AuthorBusiness #BookPublishing #WritersOfYouTube #IndieAuthors

Are authors destroying their own brands without realizing it?

If this episode hits—like, subscribe, and share it with an author who needs to hear it.

#AuthorBusiness #IndiePublishing #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #AuthorLife #BookMarketing #WritingTips #PublishingIndustry #Authors #CreativeBusiness