In this episode, we begin a two-part series comparing the publication processes for one traditionally published author (Taylor) with that of one indie published author (Steve.) Both processes start with the completion of a manuscript, but differences appear soon after the manuscript is finished. Our primary focus in part one of the series is the […]

Our focus this week is on how writers can keep their butts in the chair and why it’s so important to do so. Of course, it’s not just the simple act of sitting down that we discuss, we also get into the motivation behind sitting down to write and the fears that can keep us […]

It’s Q & A week where Taylor tackles listener questions. This week’s inquiries include: Has she considered using any of the great cast of secondary characters she’s developed in a future book? How has feedback from her agent, editor, publisher, and readers influenced the direction of her Munroe series? And, what do authors need to […]

This week’s show focuses on “writing rules” and when authors should consider breaking them. Taylor explains how these rules have evolved to smooth out the reading process for those who consume our books. We discuss several examples of breaking those rules, both in her books and others. Taylor’s Website www.taylorstevensbooks.com Taylor’s Hack the Craft website […]

Writers conferences are a little like shoes; there is no “one size fits all” strategy that works for everyone. In this episode, Taylor shares her thoughts on the biggest benefits of attending writers conferences and why her experience will likely be different from yours. Then she shares how her experience as an attendee of conferences has […]

In this episode, we consider the synopsis. For some, it’s a form of outlining, while for others, it’s a step in the process of getting the next contracted book approved by their publisher. Taylor shares the process she uses when writing a synopsis, and describes the proposal package she puts together for her agent when […]

In this episode, we consider the synopsis. For some, it’s a form of outlining, while for others, it’s a step in the process of getting the next contracted book approved by their publisher. Taylor shares the process she uses when writing a synopsis, and describes the proposal package she puts together for her agent when […]

Regardless of what your next project is, the time you’re committing to the project is considerable. Before you invest that time, take a step back to be sure you’re doing what you can to maximize the value of your investment. In part 3 of our 3 part series on choosing which ideas to develop, we […]

Regardless of what your next project is, the time you’re committing to the project is considerable. Before you invest that time, take a step back to be sure you’re doing what you can to maximize the value of your investment. In part 3 of our 3 part series on choosing which ideas to develop, we […]

In this episode, we discuss ideas for choosing projects that will achieve your goals as an author and help you meet reader expectations for your chosen genre. Whether your idea is a small cozy mystery, or a big, globetrotting thriller, it’s important to understand your genre. Then we answer a reader question on how to […]