The Wordslinger Podcast

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

WRITE WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW

They say, "Write what you know." But what happens when your story takes you somewhere you've never been, into a time period you've never experienced, or into the mind of someone with skills you don't have?

The truth is, you don't have to know everything to write about anything.

In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson shares practical tips for writing convincingly about things you know little or nothing about. Whether you're writing a historical thriller, science fiction, fantasy, or contemporary fiction, learning how to research unfamiliar subjects and draw from your own experiences can make your stories more believable and immersive.

We'll explore how tools like Google Maps, Google Earth, YouTube, and AI can help you research unfamiliar locations, historical settings, professions, and technologies. We'll also talk about using your own life experiences to bring authenticity and emotional depth to situations you've never personally encountered.

And what happens when you get something wrong? Because sooner or later, every writer does!

Don't let gaps in your knowledge stop you from telling a great story. The world is full of resources, and your imagination is one of the most powerful tools you've got.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
How to research places you've never visited
How to use Google Maps and Google Earth for fiction research
How AI can help with historical settings and unfamiliar subjects
How to draw on personal experiences to write the unfamiliar
Why fact-checking matters (especially when readers know more than you)
How YouTube can help bring your settings and characters to life

QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you research something you've never experienced? What tools or tricks do you use to make your fiction feel authentic? Share your tips in the comments!

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Why Writers Must Write What They Don't Know
00:46 - Writing About Unfamiliar Places, Times, and Professions
01:38 - Researching Locations with Google Maps and Google Earth
03:31 - Using AI to Research Historical Settings
05:09 - Using Your Own Experiences to Write the Unknown
07:53 - Getting the Details Wrong (and Hearing About It!)
08:42 - Fact-Checking and Research Resources
09:23 - Using YouTube to Explore Places and Learn New Skills
11:09 - Share Your Best Writing Research Tips

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!
Whether you're writing your first novel or publishing your fiftieth, Wordslinger is here to help you become a better writer and build a successful author career. Get practical writing advice, publishing insights, book marketing strategies, and encouragement from an author who's been there. Subscribe and join a community of writers who are serious about their craft and their careers!

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

FIND KEVIN:
Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com
Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com
Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:
Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5
Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger
Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com

#WritingTips #CreativeWriting #WritingAdvice #FictionWriting #NovelWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger

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A WORDSLINGER PODCAST

In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing some of my own experiences with bad book reviews, internet trolls, review bombing, and public criticism. Including a few stories that are so ridiculous you almost have to laugh.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER

Writing a book is only part of the journey. Publishing it, marketing it, building an audience, and navigating the challenges of a creative career are where things get interesting.

Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical writing advice, honest conversations about publishing, book marketing strategies, and lessons learned from more than a decade of helping independent authors succeed. If you're serious about becoming a better writer and building a sustainable author career, you're in the right place.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to Wordslinger: Internet trolls and negative comments
01:48 Why every writer will face negative criticism
02:56 The ridiculous book review that got everything wrong
04:44 Why some people just want to tear creators down
06:06 Rapid-Fire Newsflash with Dale Roberts
06:14 KDP permafree pricing problems and what authors should know
06:47 Could YouTube launch an audiobook service in 2027?
07:13 Barnes & Noble Press and Apple Books holiday publishing deadlines
07:44 Voices by INaudio adds Curios for audiobook distribution
08:57 Dealing with bad reviews and one-star ratings
10:02 Why I sometimes promote my worst reviews
10:47 Should authors even read their reviews?
11:19 Review bombing, online mobs, and personal attacks
15:30 Why you should never respond to a negative review
17:41 Lessons from handling public relations controversies
19:18 When should you apologize publicly?
21:23 The golden rule for responding to book reviews
22:29 Why ignoring trolls is usually your best option
24:24 Learning to handle criticism without getting defensive
26:26 When an apology really is appropriate
29:25 Final advice for authors dealing with bad reviews
30:22 Closing thoughts and supporting the writing community

THIS WEEK'S RAPID-FIRE NEWSFLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS

06:14 — Is KDP Ending Permafree Books?
Some authors have reported problems with permanently free ebooks reverting to paid pricing. Dale shares what KDP has said about the issue and what authors can do.
https://youtu.be/Hg_PZt3JdQc?si=h_NrEoIw26o7qJkY

06:47 — YouTube Might Offer Audiobooks in 2027
YouTube is reportedly exploring the possibility of adding audiobooks to its platform, potentially through YouTube Premium. Could this mean a new opportunity for indie authors?

Good e-Reader:
https://goodereader.com/blog/audiobooks/youtube-might-offer-audiobooks-in-2027

9to5Google:
https://9to5google.com/2026/10/15/youtube-may-add-audiobooks-to-app/

07:13 — Holiday Publishing Deadlines for Barnes & Noble Press and Apple Books
Planning a holiday book release? Allow extra time for print orders, ebook uploads, and publishing updates.

Barnes & Noble Press:
https://help-press.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5359210768667-Receiving-My-Print-Book

Apple Books for Authors:
https://authors.apple.com

07:44 — Voices by INaudio Adds Curios as a Distribution Partner
A new audiobook retail partnership gives authors another potential way to reach listeners. Dale explains what authors should know about participation and royalties.

Voices by INaudio:
https://voicesbyinaudio.com

Curios:
https://www.curios.com/

Find more self-publishing news, updates, and advice from Dale Roberts:
https://youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDale

FIND KEVIN:

Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com
Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com
Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:

Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:
https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:
https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:
https://authoranchor.com

#WritingAdvice #SelfPublishing #BookReviews #IndieAuthors #WordslingerPodcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

WRITERS ARE READING THE WRONG BOOKS

Want to become a better writer? You might need to change what you're reading.

Most writers know they should read more books. But what should you actually be reading? Books in your genre? Classic literature? Books about writing? Or something completely different?

In this episode of Wordslinger, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson explores why reading is one of the most important skills a writer can develop—and why limiting yourself to your favorite genre might be holding back your writing.

We'll talk about how reading shapes your writing voice, why readers want stories that feel familiar but different, and how reading outside your comfort zone can make you a stronger storyteller. Plus, I'll share a simple daily reading habit—just 20 pages a day—that has transformed my own reading routine.

Whether you're writing your first novel, building a career as an indie author, or simply looking to improve your storytelling, the books you choose to read can make all the difference.

What are you reading right now? Do you deliberately read outside your favorite genres? Tell me in the comments! I'd love to hear what's on your reading list.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Why Writers Need to Read
00:33 What Should Writers Be Reading?
01:15 Finding Your Voice Through Genre Fiction
02:18 Why Readers Want the Same but Different
03:12 The Value of Reading Outside Your Genre
04:05 Why You Should Read the Classics
04:54 Challenging Books Make You a Stronger Reader
06:10 How Reading Resets Your Expectations
07:09 Learning the Rhythm of Great Storytelling
08:07 Finding Your Own Unique Writing Voice
09:22 Why Every Writer Needs a Daily Reading Habit
09:49 The Power of Reading 20 Pages a Day
10:29 What I'm Reading Right Now
11:57 Keep Your Reading Streak Going
12:29 Why Reading Is Essential to Writing

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!

Whether you're just starting your first book or you've already published a dozen, Wordslinger is your home for practical, honest advice on writing, storytelling, publishing, and building a successful author career.

Subscribe for regular Wordslinger 10-Shots, podcast conversations, and insights from a working author who's been through the ups and downs of the publishing business. No hype, no shortcuts—just the guidance, encouragement, and tools to help you become the writer you want to be.

Subscribe today and let's keep writing!

FIND KEVIN:

Find Kevin and his books:
https://kevintumlinson.com

Join Kevin on Substack:
https://kevintumlinson.substack.com

Wordslinger Podcast home page:
https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:

Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:
https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:
https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:
https://authoranchor.com

#WritingTips #WritingAdvice #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

How do you keep writing when anxiety takes over? What happens when you love writing, but stress, deadlines, competing priorities, and the pressure to succeed make it almost impossible to sit down and do the work?

Even experienced, successful writers struggle with anxiety. And sometimes the biggest obstacle to finishing your book isn't writer's block, a lack of discipline, or a shortage of ideas. It's what's happening inside your own head.

In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson gets personal about his own struggles with anxiety and shares the practical strategies he's learned to manage stress, quiet his mind, and keep creating even when life feels overwhelming.

We'll talk about why worrying about tomorrow can sabotage your productivity today, how to give yourself permission to redefine success, and why sometimes the most productive thing a writer can do is take a nap.

You'll also discover how journaling, simple relaxation techniques, and focusing on one task at a time can help you regain control of your creative life.

Whether you're working on your first novel, building an author career, or juggling writing with a dozen other responsibilities, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to do everything at once. And you don't have to be perfect to make progress.

Anxiety doesn't have to have the final word in your writing career.

QUESTION FOR YOU: Do you struggle with anxiety when it comes to writing or creative work? What strategies have helped you manage it? Share your experiences in the comments. I'd love to hear what works for you, and your advice might help another writer!

SUBSCRIBE to Wordslinger for honest, practical advice on writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a sustainable creative career. Whether you're just starting your first book or working toward becoming a full-time author, this is your home for guidance, encouragement, and real-world strategies to help you succeed.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Welcome to Wordslinger: Let's Talk About Anxiety
00:38 - When Anxiety Gets in the Way of Writing
01:35 - Why Living in the Future Creates Stress
02:29 - Focus on What's Important Right Now
03:10 - Redefining Success and Giving Yourself Grace
05:18 - One Task at a Time: Managing Competing Priorities
06:03 - Front-Loading Work to Reduce Stress
06:34 - A Simple Breathing and Relaxation Technique
07:29 - Releasing Physical Tension and Anxiety
08:04 - How Journaling Helps Writers Manage Stress
09:42 - Getting Anxious Thoughts Out of Your Head
10:09 - When Anxiety Becomes Overwhelming
10:47 - Why a Nap Might Be Your Best Productivity Tool
11:26 - Sleep, Self-Care, and Supporting Each Other
12:18 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

FIND KEVIN:
Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com
Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com
Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com
Watch Wordslinger on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@wordslingershow

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:
Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5
Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger
Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com

#WritingAdvice #WritingAnxiety #WritersLife #AuthorLife #CreativeWriting

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

When is the best time to start marketing your book? Before you finish writing it? Before you publish? Or should you wait until you actually have something to sell?

Here's the answer most authors don't want to hear: The best time to start marketing your book is RIGHT NOW.

In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson explains why waiting until publication day to start marketing could be one of the biggest mistakes you make as an author. Whether you're working on your first novel or your fiftieth, building an audience early can make all the difference.

But here's the good news: Book marketing doesn't have to mean becoming a salesperson, spending a fortune on advertising, or dancing on TikTok. It's about making connections with readers, building relationships, and making sure your books are discoverable when someone is ready to read them.

We'll talk about building your author platform, why your email newsletter is one of your most valuable marketing tools, how to choose the right social media platforms, and why consistency matters more than chasing trends.

You don't need a finished book to start finding your readers. You just need to start.

What's holding you back from marketing your books? Share your biggest challenge or your favorite marketing strategy in the comments. I read and respond to every comment!

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

CHAPTERS:
00:00 When Is the Best Time to Market Your Book?
00:30 Why You Should Start Marketing Right Now
01:24 Why Waiting Until Publication Is a Mistake
02:11 What Book Marketing Really Means
03:02 Why Your Book Launch Matters
03:50 Building Your Author Platform Before Launch
04:44 Why Your Email Newsletter Is Essential
05:25 Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms
06:01 Why Consistency Beats Chasing Trends
07:06 Building an Audience by Doing What You Love
08:05 Websites, Substack, and Your Author Platform
08:42 Start Telling People About Your Books
09:29 Turning Your Audience Into a Community
10:02 Building Relationships With Readers
10:40 What's Stopping You From Marketing Today?
11:21 Final Thoughts

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER:
Whether you're writing your first book, building an author career, or trying to make a living from your words, Wordslinger is here to help you along the way. Subscribe for practical, honest advice on writing, publishing, book marketing, and the business of being an author. No hype, no gimmicks. Just real-world guidance from a fellow writer who's been there.

Subscribe and join the Wordslinger community:
https://youtube.com/@wordslingershow

FIND KEVIN:
Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com
Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com
Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:
Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com

#BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #AuthorMarketing #WritingTips #Wordslinger

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST

Should you REALLY become a full-time writer? For many authors, quitting the day job to write books for a living is the ultimate dream. But what if becoming a full-time author isn't actually the best thing for your writing career?

I've written more than 90 books, spent years working full-time jobs while building my author career, and experienced the freedom—and unexpected challenges—of writing full-time. Here's something that might surprise you: Sometimes I was MORE productive as a writer when I had a day job.

In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, we're talking about what it really takes to become a full-time author, why having unlimited writing time isn't always an advantage, and how to know whether you're actually ready to quit your job and write for a living.

We'll explore the financial realities of making a living as an author, the hidden costs of leaving traditional employment, how isolation and relationships can affect your writing life, and why discipline matters more than having hours of free time. I'll also share my personal experience with creative burnout, how it nearly derailed my writing career, and what I've learned about finding a sustainable balance between writing, work, and life.

Whether you're an aspiring novelist, a self-published author working toward financial independence, or a creative entrepreneur trying to turn your passion into a career, this conversation might change how you think about success.

Because maybe the real goal isn't becoming a full-time writer. Maybe it's having the freedom to choose how you spend your time.

Are you working toward becoming a full-time author? Or have you found that keeping your day job actually helps your writing? Tell me in the comments. I'd love to hear how you're making it work.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!

If you're serious about writing better books, building a successful author career, and navigating the ever-changing world of publishing, you're in the right place. Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical, honest advice on writing, self-publishing, book marketing, and the creative life, from a fellow writer who's been there.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss an episode!

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Welcome to Wordslinger
01:52 – When Life Gets in the Way of Writing
05:19 – Should You Really Become a Full-Time Writer?
06:41 – The Hidden Danger of Having Unlimited Writing Time
08:20 – Rapid-Fire News Flash with Dale Roberts
10:42 – The Dream vs. the Reality of Writing Full-Time
12:50 – Finding Time to Write While Working a Day Job
16:34 – How Do You Know You're Ready to Quit Your Job?
17:03 – Can Your Writing Income Replace Your Salary and Benefits?
18:03 – The Loneliness of Being a Full-Time Author
20:01 – Writing, Health, and Unexpected Responsibilities
21:39 – Managing Relationships When You Work from Home
23:19 – Why Discipline Matters More Than Free Time
25:32 – How a Day Job Can Actually Make You More Productive
26:55 – Setting Goals and Avoiding Burnout
29:16 – Financial Freedom and Rethinking Your Day Job
32:10 – Why Having Options Is the Real Goal
33:36 – Is Full-Time Writing Right for You?

RAPID-FIRE NEWS FLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS

08:20 – ACX Reports Early Results from Audible's New Royalty Model
ACX reports that audiobook creators collectively earned more in royalties during the first months of Audible's new royalty model, though questions remain about how the changes affect individual authors.
https://acx.com

08:49 – Audible Plans International Expansion
Audible announces plans to expand into five additional countries in 2027, while new research highlights how audiobooks can help readers discover authors and purchase their other books.
Publishers Weekly: Frankfurt Book Fair 2026, Audible Wants to Turn Every Book into an Audiobook
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/Frankfurt-Book-Fair/article/101500-

09:17 – Spotify Offers 1,000 Free Audiobook Redemption Codes
Spotify for Authors now allows eligible account holders to generate up to 1,000 free audiobook redemption codes per title, opening new opportunities for review copies, giveaways, and audiobook promotion.
https://authors.spotify.com/blog/redemption-codes

For more self-publishing news, tips, and updates, subscribe to Self-Publishing with Dale:
https://youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDale

FIND KEVIN:

Find Kevin and his books:
https://kevintumlinson.com

Join Kevin on Substack:
https://kevintumlinson.substack.com

Wordslinger Podcast home page:
https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:

Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:
https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:
https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at Author Anchor:
https://authoranchor.com

#WritingAdvice #FullTimeWriter #SelfPublishing #AuthorLife #WritingCareer

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

Think you don't have enough time to write? What if the very thing holding you back is actually making you a better, more productive writer?

Building a writing career while juggling a full-time job, family responsibilities, and everyday life can feel impossible. But here's something I discovered after years of squeezing writing into lunch breaks, early mornings, and spare moments: I was sometimes MORE productive when I had less time to write!

In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, I'm sharing my advice for writers struggling to find time for their craft. We'll talk about embracing limitations, using deadlines to your advantage, building consistent writing habits, and why becoming a full-time author might not solve all your productivity problems.

Whether you're an aspiring novelist, an indie author working a day job, or a creative entrepreneur trying to balance your passion with your responsibilities, there's a lesson here: You don't need unlimited time to build a successful writing career. You need persistence, consistency, and a willingness to write even when life gets in the way.

What's your biggest obstacle to finding time to write? Tell me in the comments! And if you've figured out how to keep writing despite a busy schedule, share your success story. You might inspire another writer who's struggling.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com

GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!

If you're serious about becoming a better writer, publishing your books, and building a sustainable author career, you've found your people! Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical, experience-based advice on writing, self-publishing, book marketing, and making a living as a creative. No gimmicks, no shortcuts. Just honest guidance from a fellow writer who's been there.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Writing with Fences: Finding Time to Write
01:04 – When Two Hours a Week Was the Goal
01:44 – Why I Wrote More While Working a Full-Time Job
02:39 – Embrace the Deadline: Turn Obstacles into Advantages
03:33 – The Power of Small, Consistent Writing Sessions
04:14 – The Reality of Being a Full-Time Author
05:00 – Why Passion Matters More Than Money
05:58 – Even One Word Counts: Finding Time When Life Gets Hard
06:38 – Persistence, Consistency, and Your Writing Success
06:57 – Share Your Writing Challenges and Success Stories

FIND KEVIN:

Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com
Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com
Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:

Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com

#WritingTips #WritingMotivation #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #Wordslinger

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST

This One Habit Made Me a Successful Writer

What's the secret to writing more books, building an audience, and making a living as an author? It's not talent, luck, or the latest writing software. It's consistency.

After publishing more than 90 books and selling millions of copies worldwide, I've learned that showing up and doing the work, day after day, is one of the most powerful habits a writer can develop. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing how my daily 2,000-word writing goal helps me finish novels, why small efforts add up to big results, and how that same approach can transform your book marketing.

We'll also talk about building your author mailing list, using Substack and BookFunnel to connect with readers, finding your ideal audience, and promoting your books without feeling like a salesperson. Whether you're writing your first novel or building a full-time author career, there's something here you can put to work today.

PLUS: Dale Roberts joins us with his Rapid-Fire Newsflash, covering potential changes to Amazon KDP's perma-free pricing, new audiobook advertising tools from ACX, Spotify's massive audiobook expansion, and free publishing education from IngramSpark.

You don't have to do everything. You just have to keep doing something.

What's the one habit that's made the biggest difference in your writing career? Tell me in the comments!

SUBSCRIBE to Wordslinger for practical, experience-tested advice on writing better books, publishing independently, marketing your work, and building a sustainable creative career. If you're serious about your writing and publishing journey, you're in the right place.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com

GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast
01:33 AI, writing tools, and the author business
05:48 Dale Roberts' Rapid-Fire Publishing Newsflash
05:48 Amazon KDP and the future of perma-free books
06:15 New ACX audiobook advertising and promotion tools
06:49 Spotify expands audiobooks to 180+ markets
07:13 Free publishing courses from IngramSpark Academy
07:55 Why writers should consider Substack
13:13 BookFunnel promotions and author collaborations
15:31 Simple ways to grow your author mailing list
17:20 Why I advertise my mailing list instead of my books
18:14 Finding and targeting your ideal reader
21:42 Using your mailing list to sell more books
24:27 The secret weapon of successful writers: consistency
25:14 Why I write 2,000 words every day
27:28 Small daily word counts lead to finished novels
30:24 Using Scrivener to track writing goals
31:11 My looping and self-editing process
32:03 How to finish a novel one day at a time
32:54 Consistent book marketing without being salesy
35:43 Your favorite writing tools and habits
36:47 Final thoughts

RAPID-FIRE NEWSFLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS

05:48 — Is Amazon KDP changing its perma-free pricing policies?
The Self Publishing Show, Episode 467: Amazon KDP Is Changing — Are You Ready?
https://youtu.be/04kAmWZkBTE?si=JrmBSe_2ONqhFmmP

06:15 — ACX introduces new tools for audiobook promotion and Amazon advertising.
https://www.acx.com/mp/blog/promote-your-audiobook

06:49 — Spotify announces plans to expand audiobook availability to more than 180 markets.
Publishers Weekly:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/Frankfurt-Book-Fair/article/101440-frankfurt-book-fair-2026-spotify-expands-audiobooks-to-180-markets.html

07:13 — IngramSpark Academy offers free self-publishing courses, plus a limited-time promotional challenge.
Free publishing courses:
https://www.ingramspark.com/self-publishing-courses

IngramSpark Academy Challenge:
https://www.ingramspark.com/academy-promo

Get more self-publishing news and advice from Dale Roberts:
https://www.youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale

FIND KEVIN:

Find Kevin and his books:
https://kevintumlinson.com

Join Kevin on Substack:
https://kevintumlinson.substack.com

Wordslinger Podcast home page:
https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:

Polish your writing and get your manuscript ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:
https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your books to major online retailers, in print and ebook, with support from Draft2Digital:
https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

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#WritingTips #SelfPublishing #AuthorSuccess #WritingHabits #BookMarketing #IndieAuthors #WordslingerPodcast

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A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

Should authors use Substack?

I’ve been using Substack for several years now, and I’ve come to see it as something more useful than just another social media platform. For writers, it can be a blog, newsletter, community, podcast platform, and—most importantly—a way to build an audience you actually own.

In this episode, I break down how I use Substack as an author, how recommendations and Notes can help grow your readership, how often I think writers should post, what kinds of content work, and how Substack can ultimately help you build an email list and sell more books.

You don’t need to master everything on day one. Start publishing, participate in the community, experiment with your content, and figure out what your readers respond to.

And remember: unlike your followers on most social platforms, your email list can go with you.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

TIMECODES:

00:00 Why I’m talking about Substack
00:59 What Substack actually is
02:31 Blogs, newsletters, Notes, video, and podcasts
03:28 How Substack helps grow your mailing list
04:51 Recommendations and sharing audiences with other writers
05:44 How often should authors post?
07:06 What should writers publish on Substack?
08:37 Writing for your readers—and for yourself
09:28 Fiction, paid subscriptions, and monetization
10:27 Podcasts, livestreams, and video
10:54 Why owning your mailing list matters
11:28 The posting schedule I recommend
12:12 My concern about Substack and AI
13:07 Can Substack actually help sell books?

If you’re a writer trying to navigate writing, publishing, book marketing, building an audience, and making a living from your work, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where we talk about the practical side of becoming a better writer, reaching more readers, and building a sustainable author career.

FIND KEVIN:

Find Kevin and his books:
https://kevintumlinson.com

Join Kevin on Substack:
https://kevintumlinson.substack.com

Wordslinger Podcast home page:
https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:

Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:
https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:
https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:
https://authoranchor.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

Should writers use AI to write their books? My answer is yes—but probably not in the way you think.

I don’t use AI to write the actual prose of my novels. That’s the part I love. But while working on a research-heavy historical novel, I’ve found some incredibly useful ways to make AI part of my writing process without handing over the creative work.

In this episode, I break down how I’m using AI as a research assistant, organizational tool, outlining partner, fact-checking aid, and even a way to immerse myself in the story before I sit down to write. I’ll show you how I’ve used tools like ChatGPT, Google’s NotebookLM, Plaud, and Castmagic to organize years of history, build timelines, process interviews, create story overviews, and keep an entire novel fresh in my head.

The key is simple: Let AI help you do the work. Don’t let it replace the work that makes you a writer.

If you’re a writer trying to figure out where AI fits into your creative process—or whether it belongs there at all—this one’s for you.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com

GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

TIMECODES:

00:00 You should use AI to write your book… sort of
00:41 Why I don’t use AI to write my prose
02:17 How I’m using AI on a historical novel
02:59 Managing massive amounts of research
03:48 Using ChatGPT to build and update timelines
04:35 Turning research into a workable novel outline
05:49 Using NotebookLM to turn research into podcasts
06:55 Listening to your own story over and over
07:41 Using AI-generated video overviews
08:30 Learning modalities and why they matter for writers
09:30 Using audio while traveling through story locations
10:18 Plaud, transcription, interviews, and Castmagic
10:59 AI as an assistant—not the author
11:42 My rules for writers using AI
12:28 Using AI for editing, continuity, and research
13:07 Why you still need to verify everything
14:04 Use AI to support the way you learn
14:50 How are YOU using AI as a writer?
15:35 Writers helping writers

If you’re serious about becoming a better writer, building a publishing career, and navigating the constantly changing world of books and creativity, subscribe to the channel. Wordslinger is where writers come for practical, experience-based guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, creativity, and building a sustainable career around their work.

FIND KEVIN:

Find Kevin and his books:
https://kevintumlinson.com

Join Kevin on Substack:
https://kevintumlinson.substack.com

Wordslinger Podcast home page:
https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:

Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:
https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:
https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:
https://authoranchor.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.