Rushing to finish your draft? Racing to hit “publish” before your book is ready? Burning out trying to keep up with other authors? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (editor and publishing coach) and Troy Lambert (author, editor, and plot doctor) unpack why the real secret to success in publishing is simple: time.

We break down three key areas where slowing down pays off big:

This episode also dives into practical mental strength tips, from reframing delays to celebrating milestones, so you can protect your sanity while building a successful author career.

If you’re tired of hustle culture and quick-fix publishing schemes, this is your reminder to slow the $%^# down and let quality lead the way.

Don't forget to like and subscribe to help out the algorithm and also... Tell us in the comments what topics you want us to tackle. We are open to suggestions. 

#AuthorBusiness #IndiePublishing #WritingTips #SelfPublishing #AuthorJourney #BookMarketing #WriterLife #QualityOverQuantity

If your readers know how to open a door, they don’t need three paragraphs explaining it. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy tackle the infamous “show, don’t tell” debate, armed with examples from The Hunger Games, Twilight, Tolkien, Ernest Hemingway, A Quiet Place, and even Wheel of Time.

We dive deep into sensory writing, including how smell, taste, sound, touch, and sight can trigger powerful reader memories (yes, Jacob’s fur and sour milk included). We talk about why “and then” storytelling is killing modern fiction, how to make your setting a living, breathing character, and when to cut the fluff so your plot doesn’t die in a pile of adjectives.

From goat cheese and basil leaves to wind that hates you, we’ll show you how to layer emotion, backstory, and sensory detail without turning your chapters into padded filler. Whether you write fantasy epics, sizzling romance, or a small-town thriller, this episode will help you hook your readers and keep them turning pages.

Mentions in this episode:

#WritingTips #AmWriting #AuthorLife #WritersOfInstagram #WritersLife #ShowDontTell #AmEditing #BookMarketing #AmQuerying #BookTokAuthors #WritingCommunity #StorytellingTips

Amazon Strikes Again: Audible’s New Plan Could Gut Your Audiobook Royalties

Amazon’s Audible just pulled a move that could quietly slash indie author earnings, and they’re selling it like it’s a gift to creators. Spoiler: it’s not.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy rip the shiny wrapping off Audible’s “Premium Plus” rollout to reveal the fine print that could leave authors earning less than ever. Think Kindle Unlimited for audiobooks… but with even more ways for Amazon to keep the cash.

We’re exposing:

If you’re an author—or plan to become one—you can’t afford to miss this breakdown. Before you sign away exclusivity or cheer for Audible’s “creator-centric ethos,” you need to know whose pocket it’s really filling.

Hit play, subscribe, and make sure your audiobook profits don’t get swallowed whole.

We refer to the following references in this video: 

Audible's Article: Audible’s New Royalty Model: More Opportunities for Authors and Publishers

Midia: What Audible's New Royalty Model Means for its Audiobook Battle with Spotify:

Lean Media: The Truth About Audible's New Audible's New Pooled Royalty Scheme

#Amazon #Audible #Audiobooks #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #IndiePublishing #BookMarketing #AuthorTips #KindleUnlimited #ACX #SpotifyAudiobooks #AuthorLife #PublishingTips #WritersLife #BookTok #AuthorsOfInstagram #WritersOfInstagram #IndieAuthorLife #BookBusiness #NarratorLife

True crime fans and thriller writers, beware: your story might be committing a felony. In this hilariously unfiltered episode, Stacey and Troy dive into the crime-writing crimes that make editors weep and readers rage-quit.

From interrogations without Miranda rights to chairs jammed under hospital doorknobs (yes, that happened), we dissect the rookie mistakes authors make when writing police procedurals, murder mysteries, and true crime-inspired fiction. Whether you're spinning a serial killer saga or just tossing in a body for tension, we’ll help you avoid turning your plot into a cautionary tale.

If you write thrillers, mysteries, or crime fiction—or just binge Dateline and call it research—this episode is your alibi for better writing.

#CrimeWritingTips #TrueCrimeWriters #HowToWriteCrime #WritingThrillers #MysteryWriters #CrimeFictionWriters #WritersOfInstagram #SelfPublishingTips #AuthorLife #WritingPodcast 

Subscribe. Laugh. Learn. And stop breaking the literary law.

Are you writing for algorithms or for actual humans? In this refreshingly honest episode of Pros Talking Prose, we’re joined by indie author legend Johnny B. Truant to talk about his upcoming book, The Artisan Author, a rebellious, soul-restoring manifesto for authors who are done with burnout and ready to love writing again.

We dive into:

Whether you're drowning in marketing hacks or wondering if AI is about to replace your voice, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, find joy, and build a sustainable, art-first author career.

Are you ready to quit the rat race and write on your own terms? You’re not alone. Besides keeping Austin weird, Johnny helps Troy and Stacey discover why being an artisan author is the revolution we all need.

Grab Johnny’s book and learn more:

Follow:

#ArtisanAuthor #JohnnyBTruant #IndieAuthor #AuthorBusiness #ProsTalkingProse #WritingTips #SelfPublishing #TrueFans #SlowAuthoring #CreativeBurnout #AIandAuthors #IndiePublishing

Is AI the villain in the author’s downfall—or are readers, publishers, and even fellow writers part of the problem? In this fiery episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy and Stacey unpack the emotional, ethical, and legal minefield of AI-generated content in publishing. From TikTok's “100% Human” trend to copyright battles and the philosophical death of the author, we ask the hard questions:

Prepare to get fired up, challenged, and maybe just a little uncomfortable.

This isn’t just about AI. It’s about what readers demand, what creators surrender, and where the soul of storytelling really lives.

#Author #HumanCreated #DeathOfTheAuthor #PublishingEthics #BookTokDebate #SelfPublishing #WritersLife #ProsTalkingProse

Think your book is getting picked up for a Netflix deal out of the blue? Think again. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive headfirst into the glittery garbage fire of scams targeting indie authors. From fake PR packages and “guaranteed” bestsellers to shady Netflix pitches and vanity publishers masquerading as the real deal, we’re calling B.S. on the most common traps in your inbox.

What We Cover:

How scammers find your author info (hint: it’s not witchcraft, it’s public databases)

This episode is part cautionary tale, part scam-swatting workshop, and full of hard-earned insights that could save you thousands. Whether you're a newbie author or a seasoned pro, this one’s required listening if you want to market your book without getting mugged on Main Street.

Mentioned tools & tips:

 Why authors should Google everything and trust nothing that starts with “Dear Author…”

Subscribe and check out more at:

#AuthorScams #SelfPublishingTips #BookMarketingFails #VanityPress #PublishingScams #WritingPodcast #AuthorMarketing #IndieAuthorHelp #ProsTalkingProse #Scambaiting #authorbusiness #authorproblems

Haters gonna hate, and trolls gonna troll—but what does that mean for authors? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive into the dark, weird, and sometimes hilarious world of negative reviews, trolls, hate mail, and DM drama. From a grandma’s unexpected 3-star critique to a one-star reviewer who can’t spell "plagiarism," they share real-life stories (some absurd, some serious) and offer seasoned advice on how to handle criticism without spiraling.

You’ll hear:

Whether you're a debut novelist or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you build thicker skin, spot toxic feedback, and use real reader insight to become a better writer.

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop your weirdest review or troll story in the comments—we might feature it in a future episode!

#WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #BookReviews #TrollsBeGone #NegativeReviews #IndieAuthorTips #SelfPublishing #AuthorAdvice #WritersOfYouTube #ProsTalkingProse

Diversity in fiction doesn’t mean tossing in a rainbow cast like it’s a checklist. In this episode, Stacey and Troy tackle the awkward, over-the-top, and downright cringey ways authors attempt diversity—and how to actually write inclusive stories that don’t scream “I’m trying too hard.”

We break down:

Plus, we roast some “oops” moments we’ve seen in published books and celebrate examples like To Kill a Mockingbird that get it right without preaching.

If you’ve ever asked:

This episode is for you.

Like, subscribe, and drop your own examples of cringe or excellence in the comments!

#WritingTips #DiversityInBooks #InclusiveWriting #AmWriting #AuthorTube #SelfPublishing #WritersOfYouTube #RepresentationMatters #BookIndustry #CharacterDevelopment

Ever woken up at 3 AM with a plot twist so good you were convinced it wasn’t entirely your idea? Yeah—same. 

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy go full woo (but keep it grounded) as they explore the mysterious, magical, and mildly unhinged side of the creative process. From dream downloads to possessed plotlines, sacred rituals to intuitive writing, we’re pulling back the veil on the stuff authors don’t always admit out loud. Is it the muse? Is it your subconscious? Or are you just finally letting your brain breathe for five minutes? 

We discuss: 

Whether you're a full-on mystic or just mystified by your own imagination, this episode gives you permission to embrace the mystery and trust the process. No altar required. Just light a metaphorical candle and press play.

 #authorlife #CreativeFlow #WritingPodcast #IntuitiveWriting #WriterProblems #MuseMagic #WritingRituals #PlotTwistsFromTheVoid #WooWooWriters #ProsTalkingProse