The Adventurous Author | How to Write a Book, Character Development, Beat Writer’s Block, Creative Writing, World Building

Whether you are 8 or 80, it’s never too early or too late to become a published author. Today’s guest proves that. I am chatting with Barbara Sweeney, who just happens to be my aunt. For her 80th birthday last year, I offered to compile her poems into a book and publish them for her. It took us almost a year of working together through emails and phone calls to collect the poems she wanted to share, format them, proofread them, create a cover, and finally hit that publish button. And we did so before she turned 81.

I’ve written some of my own poems, but I found that Aunt Barbara really is a master of the craft. I enjoyed getting to know this side of my aunt, reading her poems, and now sharing with you the opportunity to experience the comfort, companionship, and wonder these poems afford.

I encourage you to head over to Amazon to snag your own copy of Echoes of Grace today. Now listen in as Barbara Sweeney and I talk poetry!

Your friend,

Escape into the Land of Zandador:

Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.

“I love The Adventurous Author!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.

And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

Did you know that your novel writing success depends on what you believe about YOU? 

I believe you can master novel writing even if you have no experience, no credentials, and less than three hours a week to write. The secret lies in embracing your adventurous author identity.

That’s what I’ve been doing over this last year and why I’ve changed the name of this podcast to The Adventurous Author. I’ve decided that I get to adventurize novel writing, which allows me to enjoy the process even though the limited time I have to write makes progress slower than I would prefer. When I enjoy the process, I’m motivated to take writing action every day, even if it’s only for 15 minutes at a time.

I want you to feel motivated to write consistently, and it stars with your foundational beliefs. Need help believing? Then listen in and adopt The Adventurous Author Creed as Your own.

Your friend,

DK

Escape into the Land of Zandador:

Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

“I love The Adventurous Author!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.

And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

Javan comes soooo close to collecting his first dragon today...but then he makes a cocky mistake that lands him (literally) in a sticky situation.

Listen in and enjoy your visit to Zandador!

Your friend,

DK

Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library

Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

“I love The Adventurous Author!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.

And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

Enjoy Chapter 42 of The Dragon Collector!

Your Friend,

DK

Escape into the Land of Zandador:

Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library

Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

“I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.

And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

In Chapter 41 of The Dragon Collector, Javan opens his big mouth and starts the ticking time bomb that makes collecting his first dragon a near impossibility. 

But it’s that ticking time bomb that helps speed up the story and send it spinning toward its climax. 

Tune in to find out just how long he has to collect that elusive first dragon and what’s at stake if he fails.

Your friend,

DK

Escape into the Land of Zandador:

Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library

Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

“I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.

And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

Today I wanted to share a fun little story that will inspire you to write stories that are met with the silence of awe.

I love that phrase: the silence of awe. I wish I had thought of it. But I have to give credit where credit is due…which would be to AI. Actually, the story I’m sharing today was written by AI. I could have made it much better by adding some dialogue and action, but it’s interesting enough to share.

You can also read the story on the blog.

Enjoy!

Your friend,

DK

Next Steps:

Register for your FREE ticket to the Thriving Scribes Summit here. HURRY! The Summit runs from January 22-24.

You’ll be able to soak up innovative publishing models, writing methods, & strategies from incredible speakers like…

🎟️ Michael Evans, CEO of Ream, the subscription platform by fiction authors for fiction authors

🎟️ Emilia Rose, serialization and subscription queen

🎟️ Elle Beauregard, experienced co-author

🎟️ Ines Johnson, episodic publishing specialist

🎟️ Kyle Ann Robertson, creative writing coach

🎟️ Brit Poe, aligned publishing connoisseur

… and so, so many more, including yours truly!

This is an affiliate link, so if you choose to invest in the Scribe Pass that gives you extended access to the recordings from all the fabulous presentations, ways to connect with speakers & other attendees, and oodles of bonus gifts from speakers, I’ll get a small commission.

You don’t have to buy anything, though. It’s completely free to attend, and you are going to learn soooo much about the world of publishing!

**Register for the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass.** The On-Demand Virtual Experience shows you how to master the art of organizing your story ideas in Notion to set yourself up for fiction writing success.

Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library

Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

“I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.

And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

Today I am excited to share a poem with you that I wrote…the prompt for. That’s right. I asked AI to write a poem for the Christian author who wants to write a book but is scared to start.

Starting something new can be scary, especially when it’s a big of a dream as a book. But we’ve got God. He’s with us and gives us the ability to craft amazing stories. So listen in with an open heart and let these words inspire to you get your book started.

Your friend,

DK

Next Steps:

Register for your FREE ticket to the Thriving Scribes Summit here. HURRY! The Summit runs from January 22-24.

You’ll be able to soak up innovative publishing models, writing methods, & strategies from incredible speakers like…

🎟️ Michael Evans, CEO of Ream, the subscription platform by fiction authors for fiction authors

🎟️ Emilia Rose, serialization and subscription queen

🎟️ Elle Beauregard, experienced co-author

🎟️ Ines Johnson, episodic publishing specialist

🎟️ Kyle Ann Robertson, creative writing coach

🎟️ Brit Poe, aligned publishing connoisseur

… and so, so many more, including yours truly!

This is an affiliate link, so if you choose to invest in the Scribe Pass that gives you extended access to the recordings from all the fabulous presentations, ways to connect with speakers & other attendees, and oodles of bonus gifts from speakers, I’ll get a small commission.

You don’t have to buy anything, though. It’s completely free to attend, and you are going to learn soooo much about the world of publishing!

**Register for the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass.** The On-Demand Virtual Experience shows you how to master the art of organizing your story ideas in Notion to set yourself up for fiction writing success.

Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library

Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

“I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.

And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

2024 has gotten off to a weird start for me, probably because of the way 2023 ended.

But it’s a good weird. Listen in for details.

Your friend,

DK

Next Steps:

Register for your FREE ticket to the Thriving Scribes Summit here. HURRY! The Summit runs from January 22-24.

You’ll be able to soak up innovative publishing models, writing methods, & strategies from incredible speakers like…

🎟️ Michael Evans, CEO of Ream, the subscription platform by fiction authors for fiction authors

🎟️ Emilia Rose, serialization and subscription queen

🎟️ Elle Beauregard, experienced co-author

🎟️ Ines Johnson, episodic publishing specialist

🎟️ Kyle Ann Robertson, creative writing coach

🎟️ Brit Poe, aligned publishing connoisseur

… and so, so many more, including yours truly!

This is an affiliate link, so if you choose to invest in the Scribe Pass that gives you extended access to the recordings from all the fabulous presentations, ways to connect with speakers & other attendees, and oodles of bonus gifts from speakers, I’ll get a small commission.

You don’t have to buy anything, though. It’s completely free to attend, and you are going to learn soooo much about the world of publishing!

**Register for the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass.**

Escape into the Land of Zandador:

Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

“I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.

And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

It’s the final Fantasy Fiction Friday of 2023. I’ve got chapter 40 of the Dragon Collector cued up for you today.

In this chapter, Javan finally comes face to face with his greatest foe, King Omri. Throw in a few evil dragons, one of whom is about to eat his mother, and he finds himself in a world of trouble.

How is he going to handle these challenges? Tune in to find out.

Your friend,

DK

Next Steps:

APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE LEAGUE OF ADVENTUROUS AUTHORS:

I have opened up the League of Adventurous Authors to new members. We meet live on Zoom each Monday and Friday to share goals, wins, and our stories. One author steps into the spotlight each meeting to read a few chapters of a current writing project. Then we provide live feedback that is encouraging and helps you become a better author. And in the last 10-15 minutes of the meeting, we have a live Q & A time so you never have to feel stuck again.

To be considered for this opportunity, simply shoot an email to [email protected], and I will personally respond with application details.

Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library

Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

“I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.

And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

Merry Christmas!

Today I'm sharing the short program I wrote and performed in with the kids at my church entitled Receive. 

Enjoy!

Your friend,

D.K.

Next Steps:

Connect: The best way to get in touch with me is to shoot an email to [email protected].

APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE LEAGUE OF ADVENTUROUS AUTHORS:

I have opened up the League of Adventurous Authors to new members. We meet live on Zoom each Monday and Friday to share goals, wins, and our stories. One author steps into the spotlight each meeting to read a few chapters of a current writing project. Then we provide live feedback that is encouraging and helps you become a better author. And in the last 10-15 minutes of the meeting, we have a live Q & A time so you never have to feel stuck again.

To be considered for this opportunity, simply shoot an email to [email protected], and I will personally respond with application details.

Escape into the Land of Zandador:

Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

“I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.

And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!