Pros Talking Prose

Pros Talking Prose

By Stacey SmekofskeBusinessEntrepreneurshipArtsBooksCareers
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Pros Talking Prose episodes

  • Your Story Came to You in a Dream? SAME!: The Mystical Side of Writing You Can’t Explain

    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: 

    The science and spirituality behind where ideas come from 
    Writing rituals that work (even if you don’t believe in crystals) 
    Flow state, gut writing, and other weirdly effective methods 
    What it really means to “channel” a character 
    Why your best ideas come in the shower (and what to do about it) 

    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

    1 hr 11 min
  • Your Characters Aren't Traumatized, They're Going Through Some Stuff

    Tired of every protagonist having a tragic backstory, a clinical diagnosis, and a mountain of unresolved childhood trauma? SAME.

    In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy sit down with licensed therapist and voracious reader Jeanne Anderson to dismantle the overuse of trauma tropes in fiction. We’re talking big T vs. little t trauma, emotional growth without catastrophe, and how to avoid turning your book into a DSM highlight reel.

    What real emotional arcs look like

    Why “research” means more than scrolling Instagram
    How to write psychological depth without clinical crutches
    When diagnosis drops and psychobabble kill your character’s vibe
    What to do instead (hint: it's all about self-awareness, not suffering)

    If you’re an author who wants to write deeper, more resonant characters without turning every arc into a therapy session, this one’s for you.

    Plus: We drop book recs, storytelling tips, and even rant about footnotes in fiction (yes, really).

    Craft & Writing Books
        Story Genius by Lisa Cron
        The Story Equation by Susan May Warren
        The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi
         Activate by Angela Ackerman
         Verbalize by Angela Ackerman
     Psychology, Trauma & Emotional Health
        The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
        Grow Yourself Up by Jenny Brown
        The Mask of Sanity by Hervey Cleckley
     Fiction Examples Referenced
        A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
        The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
        The People We Keep by Allison Larkin
        Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
        Books by Catherine Steadman (e.g., Something in the Water)
        Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz
        Books by Brad Thor (e.g., Scot Harvath series)

    Find us on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full replay on YouTube.

     For writing resources and character development help, visit:

    PrintToPro.com
    ThePlotAbides.com

    1 hr 23 min
  • Chasing Bookstore Sales - The Truth About Book Sales and How Authors Make Money

    Think getting your book "in bookstores" guarantees big sales? Think again.

    In this brutally honest episode of Pros Talking Prose, publishing coach Stacey Smekofske and author strategist Troy Lambert break down the myths about bookstore distribution, author royalties, and what really moves books. From Amazon algorithms to the truth about IngramSpark and KDP, we're exposing the industry's best-kept secrets—and saving you from strategies that drain your wallet and your will to write.

    Whether you're self-publishing or traditionally published, you'll learn:

       Why bookstore placement doesn’t equal book sales
       Reasons Amazon buries your KDP listing
       What bookstores actually want before they'll stock your book
       How to make more money by selling less conventionally
       Why going “wide” might be the smartest move for your author business

    If you’ve ever wondered where your royalties go, how much you should price your book, or why being “available everywhere” still means “nowhere,” this episode is your wake-up call.

    Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes truths about the publishing world, and don’t forget to hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

    #AuthorBusiness #SelfPublishingTips #BookMarketing #IndieAuthorLife #PublishingMyths #InBookstores #KDP #IngramSpark #BookRoyalties #WideDistribution

    1 hr 9 min
  • Publishing Math: The True Cost of Becoming an Author

    Think publishing is just writing a book and hitting “upload”? Think again. In this raw and real episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy break down the true financial equation of getting your book into the world, whether you’re self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or chasing that traditional dream.

    This is a long one, and I am sort of sorry about that but there was a lot to cover. 

    We get into:

        What trad publishing really covers (hint: not much)
        Why hybrid publishers double dip and what it costs you
        How self-publishing can eat your budget if you’re not careful
        And the biggest expense authors never plan for (spoiler: it’s not your cover)

    We’re not here to scare you—we’re here to keep you from signing away your rights and your savings. Buckle up, grab the free Publishing Budget Worksheet, and let’s do the math together.

    🎧 Listen now.
    Download the worksheet: 
    https://ebs.printtopro.com/get-author-business-starter-kit
    Learn your best path: https://editsbystacey.thrivecart.com/paper-trail/
    And yes, we do name names. (Kind of.)

    #PublishingTips #IndieAuthor #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #HybridPublishing #WritingCommunity #BookMarketing #AmWriting #BookBusiness #AuthorEntrepreneur

    1 hr 50 min
  • Book Marketing Shenanigans: Can Kickstarter Actually Work?

    Can Kickstarter actually help you market your book, or is it just a time-consuming gimmick wrapped in fancy rewards? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert wade into the wild world of book marketing to unpack what Kickstarter really offers authors.

    They discuss:
        The real definition of marketing (and why most authors hate it)
        Whether Kickstarter is a marketing tool, a funding platform, or both
        What kind of authors and books are a good fit for Kickstarter
        Why ad campaigns and email lists still matter (even with a killer Kickstarter page)
        The dangers of cookie-cutter strategies and comparison traps

    From plushie rewards to print runs in Canada, this episode is packed with real talk, insider tips, and the occasional publishing rant.

    Resources, tools, and recommended experts are in the description below!
    🗓️ New episodes drop every Saturday
    🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay in the loop
    💬 Got questions or Kickstarter horror stories? Drop them in the comments—we might feature them in a future episode!
    Do you have any suggestions for future episodes? Let us know if you want us to chime in on a topic you want more information about. 
    #BookMarketingTips #KickstarterForAuthors #IndieAuthorLife 
    #AuthorMarketing #SelfPublishingJourney #CrowdfundingBooks 
    #WritersOfInstagram #AmWritingBooks #PublishingAdvice 
    #ProsTalkingProse

    57 min
  • Nobody Knows What They’re Doing (And That’s Okay); The Chaos of Building an Author Business

    In this brutally honest and wildly relatable episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert unpack everything from conference chaos to business pivots—and the surprising comfort in realizing that none of us have it all figured out.

    Fresh from the Storymakers conference in Utah, Stacey shares real talk about fear of failure and why marketing still sends most authors into a full-body cringe. Troy chimes in with his signature snark and seasoned wisdom on why bad advice spreads like glitter, and what indie authors actually need to hear.

    Why “nobody knows what they’re doing” might be the most comforting truth you’ll hear all week. Self-publishing stigma, imposter syndrome, and how to stop chasing the wrong readers.

    Publishing contracts with shocking social media clauses. 

    And why your first draft is just for you (thank you, Terry Pratchett)

    Plus: We tease what’s next—Kickstarter strategy, author-focused marketing timelines, and a powerful new platform being built by writers, for writers.

    This episode is your permission slip to be scared, show up anyway, and keep going—because nobody knows what they’re doing, and that’s okay.

    #ProsTalkingProse #NobodyKnowsWhatTheyreDoing #AuthorLife #CreativeMeltdown #SelfPublishingTips #ConferenceHangover #RealTalkForWriters #BookMarketing

    1 hr 36 min
  • How to Keep Time From Wrecking Your Novel: The Magic and Mayhem of Timelines Revealed

    Think writing a book with one timeline is hard? Try two. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dive headfirst into the chaotic brilliance of dual timelines—the literary device that can elevate your story or leave your readers hopelessly confused.

    They’ll spill all the tea on:

        Why your timelines must be in sync (yes, even fantasy ones)
        What genres love a layered timeline (thrillers, we’re looking at you)
        Tools, tricks, and tech to keep your timelines from imploding
        Revision tips for the brave—and why dual timelines are not for the faint of draft
        Anchoring readers without spoon-feeding them
        Breadcrumbs, Easter eggs, and the sacred art of reader misdirection

    Plus, Stacey powers through a migraine with sunglasses and sass, proving once again that publishing pros are nothing if not determined (and slightly unhinged).

    Whether you're plotting a psychological thriller, epic fantasy, or dual-POV romance, this episode will help you master the timeline madness. 

    📍 Mentioned tools & sites:

    ThePlotAbides.com
    PrinttoPro.com
    Novelio (early access: beta link below)
    https://novelio.app/

    Scrivener, Plottr, Campfire, and more

    Subscribe for weekly publishing wisdom, caffeinated rants, and brutally honest author advice.

    Got a dual timeline that worked? A favorite film or book with time-bending brilliance? Drop it in the comments—we might dissect it next!

    #DualTimelineWriting #PlotStructureTips #WritersOnWriting #AuthorPodcast #WritingTips #MysteryWriters #ThrillerWriters #FantasyWriters #RomanceWriting #StoryStructure #WritingCommunity #ProsTalkingProse

    1 hr 9 min
  • Your Brain Called - It Wants a Day Off: How Authors Can Protect their Mental Health

    Feeling fried, frazzled, or just one rejection away from a creative meltdown? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive into the mental health side of writing — the part no one talks about, but everyone struggles with.

    From managing expectations and protecting your creative energy, to setting boundaries and celebrating small wins, this episode is your reminder that your brain deserves rest, respect, and maybe a snack or two.

    Whether you're deep in edits, querying like a maniac, or just trying to remember why you started writing in the first place, this one's for you.

    Get more help with InPrint Academy – Your roadmap for a sustainable, empowering publishing journey. 

    https://ebs.printtopro.com/get-inprint-academy
    Print to Pro and Edits by Stacey – Coaching, courses, and real support for real authors. EditsByStacey.com - PrintToPro.com
    ThePlotAbides.com - Get coaching on your plot with Troy Lambert

    🎙️ Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes truths, marketing know-how, and writing wisdom, with a side of sass.

    Find Pros Talking Prose Podcast on platforms everywhere now.

    #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AuthorMentalHealth #CreativeBurnout  

    #WritersOfInstagram #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishingSupport #WritingTips  
    #WritingJourney #WriterStruggles #AuthorBurnout #ProsTalkingProse #InPrintAcademy  
    #WritersWellness #WritingPodcast #WriterMotivation #CreativeSelfCare

    1 hr 4 min
  • Pivot or Perish: Survival Skills for Every Author: Navigate Market Shifts, Trends, & Personal Pivots

    In Episode 19 of Pros Talking Prose, we dive deep into a crucial topic every author must face: pivoting in your author career. If you're feeling the shifting winds of the publishing world—declining sales, changing markets, new technologies—you’re not alone. Pivot or perish isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s the survival skillset every serious author needs.

    Join Stacey Smekofske of Edits by Stacey and Print to Pro along with Troy Lambert, The Plot Dude, as they walk you through how to recognize when it’s time to pivot, how to plan your next move without losing momentum, and the biggest mistakes authors make when trying to shift gears.

    👉 Looking to strengthen your foundation and build a resilient, professional author business?

    Check out InPrint Academy, Stacey’s comprehensive course that teaches you how to publish like a pro, protect your rights, and grow your author career sustainably. https://ebs.printtopro.com/get-inprint-academy

    Don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if you have a topic you'd love us to cover in an upcoming episode!

    #authorbusiness #publishingtips #authorcareer #writingcommunity #indieauthors #indiepublishing #selfpublishing

    56 min
  • What No One Tells You Until It’s Too Late: The Unspoken Rules of Publishing

    Think publishing is all about getting that book deal and watching the royalties roll in? Think again. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert are pulling back the curtain on the unspoken (and often uncomfortable) truths about traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing.

    We’re talking:

        The real reason your book might never get picked up 📉
        Why publishers aren’t your fairy godmothers 🧚‍♀️
        The “advance” trap (spoiler: it’s not free money) 💸
        What actually happens after you hit "publish" 🚨
        And why nobody will ever care about your book as much as you do ❤️‍🔥

    This episode is equal parts truth serum and tough love, perfect for anyone who’s ever thought, “Why didn’t anyone tell me this before?”

    👀 Mentioned in this episode:

    📚 [FREE] Find your best-fit publishing path → https://editsbystacey.thrivecart.com/paper-trail/
    🎓 Enroll in the InPrint Academy → https://ebs.printtopro.com/get-inprint-academy
    📅 Register for the next live webinar: “Author to Authorpreneur” → https://ebs.printtopro.com/authorpreneur-signup

    💬 What’s one publishing truth you wish you had learned sooner? Drop it in the comments!

    👍 Like this episode? Give us a thumbs up, subscribe, and ring the bell so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

    #PublishingTruths #SelfPublishingTips #TraditionalPublishing #HybridPublishing #AuthorAdvice #WritersLife #InPrintAcademy #ProsTalkingProse #BookMarketing #Authorpreneur

    1 hr 13 min

About Pros Talking Prose

From the publisher's feed

Writing a book is hard. Publishing it is even harder. Succeeding as an author? That’s practically wizardry.