The Author's Mind

Want to write page-turning thrillers that feel too real—the kind readers binge like Dan Brown or Robert Ludlum?

In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Shilo Creed interviews Guy Morris— the award-winning author behind the SNOW Chronicles.

Find more about Guy Morris here: https://www.guymorrisbooks.com/

Find Shilo's books here:
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalb...

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian...

Quinn Knightly ~ Medieval action adventure
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-K...

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome
https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-R.-F...

In this episode of The Author’s Mind, bestselling author Shilo Creed interviews award-winning novelist Laura Hunter, author of Beloved Mother—winner of the Indie Book Awards Best Fictional Book of the Year and a novel with over 800 Amazon reviews.

Laura shares one of the most unique writing processes you’ll ever hear: she does the majority of her writing in her head before she ever touches the keyboard. Characters, scenes, and story turns live in her imagination first—until they demand to be written down.

Then Laura reveals the surprising craft tool that keeps her writing sharp: short stories, including extreme word-count challenges like 53-word fiction. She explains how short story constraints force writers to choose stronger verbs, cut filler, and write cleaner, tighter prose—skills that directly strengthen novels.

This episode is packed with craft lessons for fiction writers, including:

• How to write stories “mentally” before drafting
• Why characters sometimes take over (and what that means for your scenes)
• How short stories train you to write tighter, stronger sentences
• Why structure is the #1 lesson Laura wishes she learned earlier
• How music can shape pacing, rhythm, and emotional tone while writing
• Encouragement for writers at every stage: make time, don’t quit, keep going

If you’re a fiction writer looking for a better process, stronger prose, and practical craft tools you can apply immediately, this episode will give you both inspiration and real techniques.

Want to read Laura's books? Find them here... https://www.amazon.com/stores/Laura-Hunter/author/B07PDZ2S12?ref

Find Shilo's books here:
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/2f53e61a-dc1c-11f0-956f-5b035d8faa6f

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian-Hunt/author/B0DGJ9V3TD?ref

Quinn Knightly ~ Medival action adventure
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-Knightly/author/B0DTJ7LSKC?ref

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome
https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-R.-Fulton/author/B01LGEO81K?ref

A Book's Journey is an easy 71 minute course that will prep you to publish your first book! Find it here...
https://www.tactical-press.com/a-book-s-journey--d8fc0

#fictionwriting #authorinterviews #writingcraft #storytelling #writingpodcast

Want practical writing advice for fiction authors—especially if you’re writing a mystery novel or thriller and want readers to say “I couldn’t put it down”?

In this episode of The Author’s Mind, K.A. Oliver shares hard-won craft lessons from her career in radio, TV, film, and screenwriting—and what she had to unlearn to gain full creative freedom as a novelist.

We dive into:

• Writing strong female characters with intelligence, flaws, and heart
• Translating screenwriting skills into page-turning fiction
• Crafting believable character dynamics
• Keeping stories fast-paced without losing emotional depth
• Why creative freedom matters for long-term author growth

If you’re a fiction writer looking to improve your story openings, pacing, character development, or mystery structure, this conversation is packed with insight you can apply immediately.

Connect with Kay at https://kayaoliver.com/

📌 Subscribe for new episodes of The Author’s Mind
🌐 Connect with Shilo: https://shilocreed.com
📩 Guest inquiries & questions: [email protected]

Universal reader link:
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalb...

Elysian Hunt – Clean Romantic Comedies
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian...

Quinn Knightly – Medieval Action Adventure
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-K...

C.R. Fulton – Wholesome Middle Grade Fiction
https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-R.-F...

A Book’s Journey is a clear, 71-minute course designed to prepare you to publish your first book with confidence:
https://www.tactical-press.com/a-book

What makes readers fall in love with a story—and stay with it long after the final page?

In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Teri M Brown shares a deeply honest look at character-driven fiction, the creative writing process, and why trusting your way of writing matters more than following every rule.

Known for emotionally rich historical novels with tight timelines, high stakes, and unforgettable characters, Teri breaks down how her characters are born, why she lets them lead the story, and how real emotional experiences—love, anger, fear, hunger, resilience—become powerful fiction on the page.

We talk about:

• How to write characters that feel real
• Character vs plot—and why character usually wins
• Pantsing vs plotting (and why neither is “wrong”)
• Why first drafts are supposed to be messy
• The creative mind vs the intellectual mind in writing
• Editing as discovery, not punishment
• How confidence accelerates your writing career

This conversation is essential listening for fiction writers who want to:

• Write deeper, more human stories
• Stop second-guessing their process
• Build stronger emotional connection with readers
• Create novels that feel lived in, not manufactured

If you love character development, writing craft, and honest conversations about how novels are actually made—this episode will feel like sitting down for coffee with a professional author who tells the truth.

🎧 Listen now and rediscover why character-driven storytelling works.

Find Teri at https://www.terimbrown.com/

Connect with Shilo at https://www.shilocreed.com
Sign up for her newsletter to get the first chapter of Plunged for free, along with her award winning short story, Soul of a Griffin!

In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Amy Vansant and Shilo Creed break down how to build a thriving fiction career with 40+ books, long-running cozy mystery series, and a business model powered by Kindle Unlimited.

We dive deep into how Amy created and sustained the 26-book Pineapple Port cozy mystery series, how she connects multiple series into a shared author universe, and why writing in series is one of the most effective ways for authors to grow readership and income. She also shares how she balances plotting vs pantsing, writes faster without burning out, and decides what to write based on both passion and market demand.

This episode is packed with practical writing advice for authors who want to:

• Understand how Kindle Unlimited actually works
• Build a long-running fiction series
• Write across genres while keeping voice consistent
• Increase writing speed and productivity
• Turn readers into loyal fans book after book

Whether you’re writing your first novel or managing a growing backlist, this conversation offers real, tested insight from an author who’s done it—consistently, profitably, and creatively.

🎧 Listen now to learn how to build a sustainable author career—one series at a time.

How do you build a fantasy world that actually works—one readers believe in, even when you don’t explain everything?

In this episode of The Author’s Mind, I sit down with Peter Last, author of the Shadow for Hire series, to explore worldbuilding, character design, and story craft through a uniquely analytical lens. With a background in engineering and over two decades of writing experience, Peter breaks down how great stories are built from the inside out—much like a well-designed structure.

We discuss:

• Worldbuilding as a foundation, not exposition
• The “iceberg rule” of storytelling and why less explanation creates stronger immersion
• How engineers and analytical thinkers approach fantasy writing
• Why short stories sharpen novel-writing skills
• How critical book reviews can dramatically improve your craft
• Writing blurbs that sell the truth of your story
• When to accept critique—and when to protect your voice
• Why new writers should avoid starting with their “big epic series”

This is a deep, thoughtful conversation for fiction writers who care about structure, consistency, theme, and long-term craft growth—especially those working in fantasy, sci-fi, or complex story worlds.

If you want your stories to feel solid, immersive, and intentional—without info-dumping—this episode will change how you think about writing.

🎧 Listen now and step inside The Author’s Mind.
📌 Subscribe for more conversations with professional fiction authors on craft, mindset, and storytelling mechanics.

Find Peter Last at : https://peterlast.com/

Grab his books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Peter-Last/author/B00L4KJJY8?ref

Grab Shilo's: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shilo-Creed/author/B0DFV7LZ9G?ref

Shilo's other pen names:

Elysian Hunt (clean rom com's): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian-Hunt/author/B0DGJ9V3TD?ref

Quinn Knightly (medieval action adventure): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-Knightly/author/B0DTJ7LSKC?ref

C.R. Fulton (middle grade chapter books): https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-R.-Fulton/author/B01LGEO81K?ref

What does it take to write with speed and heart—without burning out?

In this episode of The Author’s Mind, I’m joined by Aaron Ryan, a bestselling sci-fi author whose work spans alien-invasion survival, post-apocalyptic dystopian fiction, and high-concept sci-fi thrillers. Aaron is best known for the Dissonance alien invasion saga and The End Christian dystopian end-times series, and he’s also written thrillers like Forecast and The Slide (plus more).

We talk about what fuels Aaron’s creative momentum—how he keeps his storytelling pace high, how passion drives the work forward, and how to harness “creative energy” in a way that actually leads to finished books. Along the way, we dive into the mindset behind prolific output, staying emotionally connected to the page, and building stories that blend big sci-fi concepts with human stakes.

If you’re a fiction writer who wants to write faster, stay inspired longer, and keep your creativity alive across multiple projects—you need this conversation.

Mentioned / featured work includes:

• Dissonance (alien invasion / post-apocalyptic saga)
• The End (dystopian Christian end-times series)
• Forecast and The Slide (sci-fi thrillers)

📌 Subscribe for more conversations with professional fiction authors about craft, mindset, and the real thinking behind great stories.

Want the books? Here are links to Aaron Ryan and Shilo Creed's works.

Grab Aaron Ryan's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CRC2775Q?tag=ustxtaddt-20&ccs_id=147c0a34-bcda-4f1f-a295-65194f9a42e3

Grab Shilo's: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shilo-Creed/author/B0DFV7LZ9G?ref

Shilo's other pen names:

Elysian Hunt (clean rom com's): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian-Hunt/author/B0DGJ9V3TD?ref

Quinn Knightly (medieval action adventure): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-Knightly/author/B0DTJ7LSKC?ref

C.R. Fulton (middle grade chapter books): https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-R.-Fulton/author/B01LGEO81K?ref

Learn fiction writing from professional authors. The Author’s Mind explores the craft, mindset, and creative process behind today’s best fiction—so you can gain skill, inspiration, and practical tools for your own writing.

The Author’s Mind is a podcast for writers and readers who want to understand how stories are really made. Each episode features honest, in-depth conversations with professional fiction authors about story structure, character creation, creativity, consistency, and the thinking behind great storytelling.

On this channel, you’ll learn:

How professional authors develop and structure their stories

Techniques for creating compelling characters and plots

How writers stay inspired and finish books

What separates strong fiction from forgettable stories

Real insights from authors producing today’s best fiction

Guests include published fiction authors across genres, sharing real experience—not theory.

📌 Subscribe for new episodes and connect with Shilo at shilocreed.com
📩 Guest inquiries & questions: [email protected]

Find Shilo's books here:
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/2f53e61a-dc1c-11f0-956f-5b035d8faa6f

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian-Hunt/author/B0DGJ9V3TD?ref

Quinn Knightly ~ Medival action adventure
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-Knightly/author/B0DTJ7LSKC?ref

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome
https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-R.-Fulton/author/B01LGEO81K?ref

A Book's Journey is an easy 71 minute course that will prep you to publish your first book! Find it here...
https://www.tactical-press.com/a-book-s-journey--d8fc0

#fictionwriting #authorinterviews #writingcraft #storytelling #writingpodcast