The Career Author Podcast

Collaboration and coffee fueled an amazing Sci Fi world building event in Seattle this past weekend and the Career Authors were excited to invite the attendees on the podcast for a candid and fascinating conversation.

Exhilarated and exhausted from hosting Sci Fi Seattle, the guys reflect on an amazing time in an incredible city, Seattle, Washington. The iconic Space Needle inspired a space opera anthology project that will be published by Molten Universe Media in early 2020.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How collaboration works when you’ve never worked with anyone before.
• Why pushing beyond your comfort zone can be a good thing.
• What Zach and J. do when trying to decide how to come up with a story idea.
• Where you can find the best coffee in Seattle.
• What happens when co-authors disagree on a story idea.
• How collaboration can develop a skill set that can be used on solo projects.

Also, discover why orange zest in a latte can change your life.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ 

Have you ever collaborated? If so, how? Comment at thecareerauthor.com.

Thanks to all our Patrons.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Sign up for Dianna Gunn’s newsletter! - “This newsletter offers biweekly business tips based on my years of experience in SEO and digital marketing, with a focus on how these lessons apply to author careers.” - http://www.authordiannagunn.com/for-authors

The September Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Choosing a title for your novel can be incredibly difficult. Although we want our book titles to be unique and clever, this isn’t necessarily the best way to sell books. The title of your book shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s one of the most important aspects of your book if you want to sell copies to the right readers. Today, we’ll talk about what makes a good title, what you should avoid, and offer some tips on how to get there.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• That your title should say what your story is about, but also needs to sell your book.
• That your title shouldn’t be vague and/or artistic.
• That your title should indicate genre.
• How to make your title recognizable and unique using Google word cloud searches and Publisher Rocket.
• How less can be more when it comes to titles.
• Why word choice matters and how those words can convey genre and tone.
• The way you can create double-meaning on theme.
• Why your cover, title, and synopsis are so critical to selling books.

Also, discover why Zach and J. think Ryan Holiday’s book is a must-read.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ 

How do you come up with your titles? Comment at thecareerauthor.com.

Thanks to all our Patrons.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

The September Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIYVcr1UdWgSvYpb3Ol3xg 

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What should I put in my email broadcast? This question is one we all face on a regular basis. You have an email list, but what do you do with it? This week, J. breaks down a recent email broadcast and explains why it was one of the most effective he’s ever sent.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Options available for sending an email broadcast to your list.
• How to connect with your specific audience.
• Why “being yourself” means more than “looking professional.”
• Examples of authors doing email broadcasts extremely well.

Types of email broadcasts:

• Sales
• Recommendations
• Requests (like surveys)
• Announcements (like cover reveals)
• Personal stories
• Free swag (like sample chapters)
• Reminders or follow-up emails (sending via re: or fwd:)
• Contests and giveaways

J.’s actual email

Subject: That's what she said.

Did you immediately hear Michael Scott's voice from The Office? That stupid gag always made me chuckle.

In all seriousness, I've worked with hundreds of authors, and I tend to hear the same thing again and again. There's no shortage of writing advice available on the internet. Good advice. Great advice. But filtering it and then executing on those ideas is insurmountable for many of us.

When I hear a client tell me, "I don't know where to begin," I immediately want to say, "That's what she said." I've heard it so many times.

In the next few months, I want to create and build things that will help you become a career author, to live the author life. But I need your help. I need to know what you need.

No catch, nothing for sale. Just hoping you'll take 5 minutes and fill out this anonymous survey.

[link removed]

Thanks for the help. I can't do this alone.

And...that's what she said.

Later,

J.

Also, discover how to fit more podcast listening into your week. And, don’t miss out on Dianna Gunn’s free newsletter on SEO and digital marketing.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ 

What was the subject of your best-performing email broadcast and why do you think it resonated with your audience? Comment at thecareerauthor.com.

Thanks to all our Patrons.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Sign up for Dianna Gunn’s newsletter! - “This newsletter offers biweekly business tips based on my years of experience in SEO and digital marketing, with a focus on how these lessons apply to author careers.” - http://www.authordiannagunn.com/for-authors 

Carter Wilson (thriller) - http://carterwilson.com/

Dean Koontz’s ACTUAL newsletter (thriller) - https://deankoontz.com/

Ryan Holiday (non-fiction) - https://dailystoic.com/</

Getting the support of your spouse or significant other can make the difference between success and failure when becoming a career author. Discover how to set expectations and boundaries while honoring the relationship.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to determine what kind of support you need.
• Options for having the conversation with your significant other or loved one.
• Ways to be reasonable when you ask for support.
• Why you should take your ego out of the equation when deciding the kind of support you need.
• How to barter for time or compromise in ways when everybody wins.
• How supporting your partner’s passions or hobbies can be beneficial to you.
• Why it’s important to check in periodically to make sure the arrangement is still working for everyone.
• Ways to appreciate the people in your life who support your creativity.

Also, discover why writing your first draft quickly is the best approach when working on your novel.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ 

When faced with an opportunity, how do you decide to take it or not? Comment at thecareerauthor.com.

Thanks to new Patrons - Seth Rain, James S. Aaron (upped pledge)

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

The September Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIYVcr1UdWgSvYpb3Ol3xg 

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

Every opportunity comes with a cost. We must decide what’s critical to our business and what isn’t, and then what to do about it.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What it means to pay an “opportunity cost.”
• How to decide what is worth it and what isn’t.
• Why Zach and J. are pivoting with Story Levels, including a new approach with ancient roots.

Also, learn how success breeds motivation, not the other way around in The Motivation Myth.

When faced with an opportunity, how do you decide to take it or not? Comment at thecareerauthor.com.

Thanks to all our Patrons.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Stolen Things by R.H. Herron - https://amzn.to/2KVrXaN 

The Motivation Myth by Jeff Haden - https://amzn.to/2ZoVg9J

The August Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIYVcr1UdWgSvYpb3Ol3xg 

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

“We all want to write better dialogue,” Zach screamed irritably. Ugh. Clunky dialogue can be the first thing that turns a reader off. Listen in as the guys discuss ways to improve yours.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to use names in a realistic way.
• Why perfect grammar doesn’t always result in perfect dialogue.
• How to use your dialogue as a tool to drive the narrative.

Also, learn how a documentary film and podcast can help you declutter your life.

How do you write and/or revise your dialogue? Comment at thecareerauthor.com.

Thanks to all our new Patrons: Ricky Robbins and Dianna Gunn

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Minimalism - https://minimalismfilm.com/

Minimalism (the podcast) - https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/

Zach’s new 1-on-1 mentoring service - http://zachbohannon.com/mentoring

The August Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIYVcr1UdWgSvYpb3Ol3xg 

Story Levels - http://www.storylevels.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

We’re all striving for work/life balance. Or are we? Discover how you can have it all as J. and Zach discuss how a career can intersect a fulfilling home life.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to define work in a day job or as an entrepreneur/freelancer.
• Ways to integrate different aspects of your life.
• How to become a blender.

Also, learn Draft 2 Digital’s Universal Book Links can save you time and make things easier for your readers.

How do you balance or blend work/life? Comment at thecareerauthor.com.

Thanks to all our new Patrons: Chad Boyer (upped pledge), Åse Ulriksen Rørmark

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Zach Banana - http://thecareerauthor.com/zachbanana.jpg

Universal Book Links - https://books2read.com

Free Agent Nation by Daniel Pink - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0446678791

Zach’s new 1-on-1 mentoring service - http://zachbohannon.com/mentoring

The August Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIYVcr1UdWgSvYpb3Ol3xg 

Story Levels - http://www.storylevels.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Choosing to use a pen name can be a difficult decision. Make sure you look at the issue from all angles before deciding.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The reasons authors use pen names:

• Privacy
• Name too similar to another celebrity
• You’re writing in multiple genres

The reasons authors don’t use pen names:

• No validation or recognition
• Multiple website maintenance
• Multiple personalities on social media

Also, learn how a timer can make you more productive.

Thanks to all our Patrons!

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Desktop timer - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XS5L73J/

Zach’s new 1-on-1 mentoring service - http://zachbohannon.com/mentoring

The August Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIYVcr1UdWgSvYpb3Ol3xg 

Story Levels - http://www.storylevels.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s getting hard to find an audience these days so leveraging multi-author box sets and anthologies might be one solution.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The ways you can reach new audiences with:

• Multi-author box sets
• Anthologies

Things to consider when going to market:

• Distribution
• Marketing
• Promotion
• Revenue Management
• Pricing

Also, learn how you can use text-to-speech software to improve your revisions.

Thanks to all our Patrons!

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Zach’s new 1-on-1 mentoring service - http://zachbohannon.com/mentoring

Great Writers Share (new podcast from Dan Willcocks)

• iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/great-writers-share-with-daniel-willcocks/id1473869415 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1wEc74LNYVauDG3v02tUPH?si=x2vs-mCMTmS_cw9NL6-WGQ 
• Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/greatwritersshare 
• RSS: https://rss.acast.com/greatwritersshare 
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatwritersshare 

The August Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIYVcr1UdWgSvYpb3Ol3xg 

Story Levels - http://www.storylevels.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE! Get our analysis of the pilot episode from Breaking Bad including the worksheet!

https://thecareerauthor.com/thecareerauthordownloads/movie019.pdf

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.