WriterCon

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview S.L. Dooley, fantasy author of The Cold Moon Carnival and many other books.

Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts
Everyone is getting ready for the 2024 WriterCon Cruise, departing April 21!

Chapter 2: News
1) Poetry Had Its Best Year Ever in 2024
2) Author Accused of "Creepy" PR Requests

Chapter 3: Interview with S.L. Dooley
During this chat, you will learn about:
1) whether dragons are required for fantasy;
2) integrating fantasy and faith and family;
3) how role-playing games influenced her work;
4) why she loves old books and journals; and
5) her unique process for sparking ideas.

Chapter 4: Parting Words
The 2024 WriterCon Conference is in OKC over Labor Day weekend. Register now to get the Early Bird prices!

Looking for something smaller where you can get direct feedback on your work? Come to the WriterCon Retreat in Branson MO.

William Bernhardt's latest novel is Partners in Crime, but his next novel, Justice For All (the 8th Daniel Pike legal thriller) will arrive in late May.

Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com 
www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Thomas Hauser, sports writer and author of the new momoir My Mother and Me.

Btw, the sad whining you hear during the interview is our dog, Baxter—sad because no one is paying attention to him while we record, but otherwise fine.

Chapter 1: Opening Thougbts
Jesse's fave, James Patterson, is publishing many more books, including legal thrillers. Jesse is not happy.

Chapter 2: News
1) Dead Celebrity Books Written by AI Flood Amazon
2) Brandon Sanderson Gets Better Deal at Audible—For Everyone

Chapter 3: Interview with Thomas Hauser
During this chat, you will learn:
1) why he wrote about his mother;
2) why he doesn't stick to a single genre;
3) the book-to-movie process;
4) knowing Muhammed Ali; and
5) the importance of social justice.

Chapter 4: Parting Words
WriterCon is coming! The conference is Labor Day weekend, August 30-September 2, in Oklahoma City. We have over 50 speakers lined up, authors, agents, publishers, marketers, assistants, and much more. The website has been revised and updated, so please check it out now, while you can still take advantage of the Early Bird prices! www.writercon.com

Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Bharati Sen, author of My War My Child.

Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts
Looking forward to the WriterCon Cruise...

Chapter 2: News
1) NY Pub Veterans Create a New Publishing House
2) Author Sues Amazon over Pirated Book Sales

Chapter 3: Interview with Bharati Sen
During this chat, you will learn:
1) how she wove history into her novel;
2) how she tells stories unique to women;
3) the difference between short stories and novels;
4) how to conduct historical research; and
5) the importance of finding your passion.

Chapter 4: Closing Thoughts
Cruise registration has closed, but we're still offering a small-group retreat in Branson in July, and of course, the big WriterCon conference in August/September over Labor Day weekend. Take advantage of the Early Bird prices and save $100 while you can!

Subscribe to WriterCon Magazine. The March issue comes out this week!

Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.
William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
www.writercon.com

Host William Bernhardt shares a special episode of a new podcast, Stories That Change Us, featuring a discussion of The Princess Bride. Enjoy this special interim installment! We'll be back with regular WriterCon programming next week.

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Steven Joseph, author of Cranky Superpowers.

Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts
This podcast is being released on Oscar Sunday, so the Crew make their predictions, including one involving a red carpet gown, and ponder why movies get so much attention when the books they are based upon do not.

Chapter 2: News
1) Romantasy Authors Reclaim "Smut"
2) AI-Narrated Audiobooks Available in Major Markets—Including Amazon

Chapter 3: Interview with Steven Joseph
During this chat, you will learn:
1) what are cranky superpowers;
2) what are your cranky superpowers;
3) how to give rise to the possibility of the unimaginable;
4) why arguments take away your power; and
5) where crankiness will take Steven next.

Chapter 4: Parting Words
LAST CALL for the WriterCon Cruise! Over 20 hours of instruction during a seven-day cruise through the Western Caribbean, focused on you and your writing goals. Join us!

Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.
William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Kelly Anne Manuel, a children's book author who is launching 31 books at the same time.

Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts
Only one week left to register for the WriterCon Cruise! Lara is already packing! Over 20+ hours of classroom, small-group, and private instruction. Plus we have fun! Seven days at sea writing in the most creativity-conducive environment imaginable. Join us!

Chapter 2: News
1) Critics Complain Hugo Awards Were Rigged
2) Reading is Sexy
William Bernhardt apologizes for his slip of the tongue. While reading, Kendall Jenner's book was covered in green Post-It notes, not her body!

Chapter 3: Interview with Kelly Anne Manuel
During this chat, you will learn:
1) how she stumbled into writing;
2) why she writes for children;
3) how she "meets the child in their journey;"
4) why she is "the good kind of contagious;" and
5) why she's releasing 31 books at once.

Chapter 4: Parting Words
Again, only one week left to join us for the WriterCon Cruise. Seven days at sea traveling down the Western Caribbean coastline, with seven WriterCon instructors ready to provide whatever you need to advance your writing career. Plus Game Night! Karaoke! Swag bags! The cost is low and the benefits are high. Join us!

Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Lauren Smith, bestselling romance author of many popular books, including Dukes & Diamonds.

Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts
Why don't we have the literary equivalent of a Taylor Swift?

Chapter 2: News
1. Florida Censors Goblin Butts—By Drawing Over Them
2. Random House Encourages Readers to Buy a Taylor Swift Book—That She Didn't Write

Chapter 3: Interview with Lauren Smith
During this chat, you will learn:
1) why she turned to romance;
2) how she navigates the current publishing world;
3) how she deals with foreign rights;
4) why Titanic made such an impression on her; and
5) why she plans her books before writing them.

Chapter 4: Parting Words
Only two more weeks to register for the WriterCon Cruise! Over 20 hours of instruction in the most relaxing, writer-conducive environment imaginable. Classes, small-group sessions, and one-on-one meetings with literary agent Katharine Sands or anyone else on the faculty. We will read your manuscript and give you direct specific feedback. This is a unique opportunity, extremely affordable, and lots of fun. Join us!

Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.
William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt interview the hosts of the new UnFreakingBelievable podcast, Betsey Kulakowski (The Veritas Codex series), Jennifer Labranche, and JB Caine, who will present incredible true stories each episode. They explain what the podcast is about and where it came from—then present a special episode for listeners to the WriterCon podcast.

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news in the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Katharine Sands, the highly-sought-after literary agent from the Sarah Jane Freymann Agency.

Opening Thoughts
Yes, Bill and Lara are married and live together, they just broadcast from different rooms. But it doesn't matter because there are books and superheroes in all of them.

News
1) AI Program Lets You Speak to the Dead
2) First-Time Author with Major Book Deal is Cancelled Due to Online Behavior

Interview
During this chat with Katharine Sands, you will learn:
1) how she became an agent;
2) what she's looking for:
3) hot trends she's seeing for 2024;
4) how to perfect your pitch; and
5) what she'll be doing on the WriterCon Cruise.

Closing Thoughts
Lara wants you to join her for the WriterCon Cruise. Lots of instruction, both large-group and small, guaranteed one-on-one meetings with the agent and others, chances to make new writer friends and learn new writer tricks. Plus we have a blast, and Lara is talking about wearing a swimsuit! Join the adventure: https://writercon.com/writercon-cruise/

Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.
William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Debbie Babitt, thriller author of First Victim and Saving Grace.

Opening Remarks
The WriterCon podcast is praised on social media...by Pirr.

News
Your hosts make prognostications for 2024 on critical book-world topics, like emerging genres, book banning, AI, and the FTC suit against Amazon.

Interview with Debbie Babitt
During this chat, you will learn:
1) why she writes thrillers;
2) how she broke into the business;
3) where she finds inspiration;
4) how she helps other writers; and
5) what happenjs next.

Parting Words
Lara wants everyone to join us on the WriterCon Cruise in April. We have negotiated excellent discounted prices you will not find anywhere else. The Cruise offers over 20+ hours of instruction, plus one-on-one meetings with a top-ranked agent and anyone else on our eight-person faculty. Plus, we have tons of fun! Join us!

Remember writers, you cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.

William Bernhardt
[email protected]
www.writercon.com
www.williambrnhardt.com