The Authors' Dilemma

In this candid and unfiltered episode of The Author’s Dilemma, J.E. Jack dive into the chaos of writing and publishing while juggling real life. They discuss outlining vs. pantsing, author fatigue after a launch, building your author brand, lessons from cover redesigns, and how to actually make ads work (finally!).

Jack shares exciting updates about audiobooks and future projects, while Jennifer offers fresh insights into Facebook ad strategy and what actually bumped up her sales. Whether you're a seasoned indie author or just getting started, this episode is a raw, real reminder that you're not alone in the hustle—and that growth comes with grit, grace, and a lot of trial and error.

Takeaways:

Why creative crashes happen after big launches

What makes a book cover actually sell

How AI can help refine your ad targeting

The joys and pains of the audiobook process

Tune in, laugh with us, learn with us—and remember: don’t let “Dear [Name]” emails get you down.

E-mail us:

[email protected]

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

In this episode of The Author’s Dilemma, J.E.Jack and Jennifer dive into the reality of treating writing as a business, the highs and lows of self-publishing, and the stress (and joy!) of launching new books. Jennifer shares exciting details about her upcoming release, Let Me Love You, while J.E. Jack discusses the pressure of writing a sequel.

They also chat about lessons from a recent writers' conference, the ongoing Kindle Unlimited controversy, and the unexpected challenges that come with success.

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk about the writing life.

📩 Have a question or thought? Email us at [email protected]

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more author discussions!

https://www.jejack.com/

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

After a three-month hiatus, The Author’s Dilemma Show is back with a fresh start and exciting updates! Hosts J.E. Jack (paranormal thrillers and urban fantasy) and Jennifer Carr (Christian romantic suspense and clean contemporary romance) catch up on everything that’s happened during the break, including book launches, TikTok drama, and the challenges of balancing creativity with business.

In this episode, they discuss:

Updates on their latest writing projects and the realities of publishing.

Why having multiple platforms and a solid email list is essential for authors.

Reflections on the impact of success, frustrations, and how to celebrate wins without comparison.

Lessons learned from writing series versus standalones and how to keep continuity intact.

Big news in the writing community—and what it means for authors today.

This season premiere is packed with insight, laughter, and relatable moments for writers and creatives. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your journey, there’s something here for everyone.

 Tune in now and be part of the conversation!

E-mail us:

[email protected]

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma Show, J.E. Jack and Jennifer Carr delve into the nitty-gritty of self-publishing as a business. They explore everything from editing and cover design expenses to the nuances of advertising on platforms like Facebook and BookBub. Jennifer shares her unique editing process, using both digital and printed formats, while Jack reflects on the challenges of effective ad copy and the delicate balance of valuing one’s work without breaking the bank. The hosts also tackle misconceptions around "writing for the love of it" versus treating writing as a business, emphasizing the importance of budgeting, responsible spending, and the power of persistence. Tune in to learn about making smart, impactful investments in your writing career and how each book you publish builds a stronger foundation for future success.

E-mail us:

[email protected]

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks:

https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

In this week’s episode of The Author Dilemma Show, we dive into the real, raw challenges and triumphs of the writing journey. Our hosts, J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr, share insights on overcoming the dreaded “muddle in the middle” of book drafts, the unique pressures of writing a series, and how each story idea competes for precious writing time. They also tackle the realities of building a readership and finding the delicate balance between creativity and effective marketing.

The conversation turns candid as they address the impact of social media on author communities, especially in a divisive climate. Hear their perspectives on using platforms constructively, respecting diverse viewpoints, and the discipline required to think twice before posting. If you’re a writer looking for guidance on finishing your projects or just curious about the emotional highs and lows of an author’s world, this episode is packed with honest advice and encouragement.

E-mail us: [email protected]

J.E. Jack: https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks: https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr: https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

In this lively episode of The Author's Dilemma, join hosts J.E. Jack (paranormal thrillers and urban fantasy), Hyrum Hawks (hard sci-fi and sci-fantasy), and Jennifer Carr (Christian romantic suspense and clean contemporary romance) as they dive into the ups and downs of the writing world. They candidly discuss the challenges of blending genres—from sci-fi to romance—and the struggle of balancing creative passion with financial goals. Hear Hyrum’s existential crisis over writing for profit, the team’s frustrations with book piracy and how it impacts authors, and their experiences dealing with unexpected obstacles. They also offer tips on handling pirated books, the importance of library access, and navigating marketing difficulties.

Tune in for honest conversations, a dash of humor, and a peek behind the curtain at the triumphs and struggles of life as an author.

E-mail us:

[email protected]

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks:

https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, hosts J.E. Jack and Jennifer Carr discuss the intricacies of writing standalones versus book series, offering insights from their personal experiences. J.E. shares exciting news about his upcoming urban fantasy release and the challenges of navigating the world of cover design. Jennifer reflects on the unique journey of releasing book two in her series, and how interacting directly with readers has impacted her marketing strategy. They explore what it takes to keep readers hooked across multiple books, how to manage character timelines, and tips for crafting engaging narratives in different genres. Whether you’re writing your first book or your fifteenth, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your writing journey!

E-mail us:

[email protected]

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks:

https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, we welcome special guest Caitee Cooper, an indie author of paranormal suspense and romantic thrillers. Join hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr as they dive into Caitee’s journey of turning inner struggles into compelling stories. Caitee shares her personal experience of overcoming postpartum depression through writing, the power of confronting intrusive thoughts, and how her characters reflect these battles. Tune in for an engaging conversation on balancing life as a writer, insights into Kickstarter campaigns, and the rollercoaster of managing reviews as an indie author. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and a healthy dose of writing inspiration!

E-mail us: [email protected]

J.E. Jack: https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks: https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr: https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

Caitee Cooper https://www.caiteecooper.com/

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, we welcome fantasy author Brady Hunsaker to discuss a wide range of topics affecting authors today. From the ongoing debate over AI in the publishing world to navigating self-publishing through platforms like Kickstarter, Brady shares insights from his journey as a writer. We dive deep into the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, how to build a dedicated fanbase, and the creative process behind writing fantasy novels. Plus, Brady opens up about the strategies behind his successful Kickstarter campaigns and offers advice for new and struggling authors. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to guide you on your author journey. Tune in and join the conversation!

E-mail us:

[email protected]

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks:

https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/real-american-country-series

http://www.bradyhunsaker.com

In this week's episode, we’re joined by Martin Tracey, a talented UK author with a versatile background in writing both fiction and nonfiction. From his early days in music to his current journey as a novelist, Martin shares how he transitioned from songwriting to creating stories, blending genres like football and vampires in his book Beneath the Floodlights. We dive into the challenges of indie publishing, writing series versus standalones, and his exploration into film production. Plus, he discusses his upcoming biographies on iconic musicians and his ongoing Judd Stone series. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on creativity, perseverance, and the ever-evolving journey of a storyteller.

E-mail us:

[email protected]

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks:

https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/real-american-country-series

Martin Tracey:

https://martintracey.co.uk/