Writers, Ink: Your backstage pass to the world's most prolific authors

By J.D. Barker, Christine DaigleBusiness

Favorites
21
Followers
Typical duration
57 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Writers, Ink: Your backstage pass to the world's most prolific authors episodes

May 02, 2022How to Tell a Story with Meg Bowles of The Moth
Meg Bowles of The Moth knows the secrets to telling a good story. The Moth is an international organization that helps everyday people master storytelling through public speaking by focusing on authenticity, vulnerability, and confidence. They host public speaking events and workshops all over the world, and community events like The Moth Education Program. To purchase How to Tell a Story, follow the link below.
From Amazon.com:
THE MOTH is an acclaimed nonprofit organization dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. Since launching in 1997, The Moth has presented over 40,000 stories, told live and without notes to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. The Moth’s fourth book will be released in the Spring of 2022.
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
What makes a Moth story

Why people fear public speaking

How memorization ruins a story

The power of a supportive audience
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
The Author Life Summit 2022 - https://theauthorlife.com/summit2022/
The Moth - https://themoth.org/
How to Tell a Story - https://mybook.to/HowToStory
Best of BookTook - https://bestofbooktok.com/
The Carbon Almanac - https://books2read.com/carbonalmanac
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.com
Scene Rubric - http://scenerubric.com
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
51 min
April 25, 2022Question and Answer Episode - April 2022
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions.
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
Join New York Times best-seller, J.D. Barker, and indie powerhouses J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon as they pull back the curtain on some of the world's most prolific authors. Where did they start? What is their process? The biggest names in publishing all have origin stories, all have a process, all have tips and secrets... What does it take to consistently top the bestseller lists? Get your notepad out. School's in session. This, is Writers, Ink.
Join us on Patreon and ask a question guaranteed to be answered on the podcast!
https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast
Questions asked:
Just wondering how much your children are involved in your writing business and/or how much you plan to get them involved in the future. Would you discourage them from pursuing writing full-time?

A question for each of you today: What one writing skill would you like to improve about your own fiction writing?

Is there something you’ve been wanting that represents a level up investment for your writing life (e.g. joining an exclusive mastermind, going to a new conference, buying a new computer, etc.) that you’d like to do by the end of the year?

I’m going to a conference that has a ‘pitch fest’ where you have 5 minutes (3 minutes to speak and 2 minutes for editor to respond) to pitch your project to editors and agents. Have any of you taken part in a pitch session? The conference organizers have provided some guidelines but would love to hear any tips. I’m pitching a non fiction book proposal. Thanks!

Having talked with so many authors at this point, what seems to be the same thing or advice all of them say/do (besides that they write books)?
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Free Writing Challenge from AutoCrit - https://autocrit.com/challenge2022
The Author Life Summit 2022 - https://theauthorlife.com/summit2022/
Death of the Black Widow - https://amzn.to/3rsA97v
Curse of the Spiral - https://books2read.com/cursespiral
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
39 min
April 18, 2022Kingdom of Bones with #1 NYT Bestseller James Rollins
Kingdom of Bones, the sixteenth book in James Rollins’ Sigma Force series, put the bestselling author to the test. From drafting the book during the rise of COVID-19 to managing the complexities of maintaining a long-standing series, he used decades of marketing and storybuilding experience to overcome the difficulties of writing and publishing a novel during the pandemic. James is the #1 NYT bestseller of international thrillers, best known for writing Sigma Force and six standalone thrillers. To preorder Kingdom of Bones, follow the link below.
From Amazon.com:
James Rollins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers. His writing has been translated into more than forty languages and has sold more than 20 million books. The New York Times says, “Rollins is what you might wind up with if you tossed Michael Crichton and Dan Brown into a particle accelerator together.” NPR calls his work, “Adventurous and enormously engrossing.” Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets matched with stunning suspense. As a veterinarian, he had a practice in Sacramento for over a decade and still volunteers at local shelters. Nowadays, Rollins shares his home up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with his two golden retrievers, Echo and Duncan. He also enjoys scuba diving, spelunking, kayaking, and hiking. Of course, he loves to travel and experience new places around the world, which often inspire his next globe-trotting adventure.
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
What did James’ research process look like during the pandemic?

The importance of a good author’s note

The pros and cons of writing a long series

How to prioritize different projects
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
The Author Life Summit 2022 - https://theauthorlife.com/summit2022/
Death of the Black Widow - https://amzn.to/3rsA97v
James Rollins - https://jamesrollins.com/
Kingdom of Bones - https://mybook.to/KofB
Best of BookTook - https://bestofbooktok.com/
The Carbon Almanac - https://books2read.com/carbonalmanac
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
53 min
April 10, 2022Sticking with Standalones with Carter Wilson
Bestseller Carter Wilson never writes the same book twice. By choosing to write standalone novels instead of series, he keeps his worldbuilding skills sharp, forcing himself to write new, unique characters in new settings for each book. Carter is a bestselling author of eight standalone psychological thrillers, including The Dead Girl in 2A and Revelation. To preorder his latest book, The New Neighbor, follow the link below.
From Amazon.com:
USA Today bestselling author Carter Wilson has written eight critically acclaimed, standalone psychological thrillers, as well as numerous short stories. He is an ITW Thriller Award finalist, a four-time winner of the Colorado Book Award, and his works have been optioned for television and film. Carter lives in Erie, Colorado in a Victorian house that is spooky but isn’t haunted…yet. To check Carter’s appearance calendar, subscribe to his irreverent monthly newsletter, or to inquire about his availability for speaking events, book clubs, or media requests, please visit www.carterwilson.com.
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How to write a good author newsletter

How to write a book from one scene

How to avoid stereotypical characters

How your character’s gender affects your writing voice

Why Carter prefers consistent writing over binge writing

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 4 min
April 04, 2022Staying on Schedule with Elissa Sussman
Elissa Sussman knows how to keep her writing on schedule. Drawing from her past experience as a ghost writer and manager, she maintains a strict working regimen with set writing hours each day to maximize her productivity and availability. Elissa was a ghost writer of 15 young adult novels before writing adult novels under her own name. To preorder her latest book, Funny You Should Ask, follow the link below.
From Amazon.com:
Elissa Sussman is the author of the novel, FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK, as well as the young adult novels, DRAWN THAT WAY, STRAY, and BURN. She has a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, a MFA from Pacific University, and in a previous life managed animators and organized spreadsheets at some of the best animation studios in the world, including Nickelodeon, Disney, Dreamworks and Sony Imageworks. You can see her name in the credits of THE CROODS, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG and TANGLED. She lives in her hometown of Los Angeles with her husband and their two dogs, Basil and Mozzarella.
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How to choose your audience

What the ghostwriting process looks like

Why being a ghost writer is the best writing education

Why the romance genre isn’t respected
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
The Author Life Summit 2022 - https://theauthorlife.com/summit2022/
Elissa Sussman - https://elissasussman.com/
Funny You Should Ask - https://mybook.to/FunnyYouShouldAsk
Best of BookTook - https://bestofbooktok.com/
The Carbon Almanac - https://books2read.com/carbonalmanac
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.com
Scene Rubric - http://scenerubric.com
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://kobowritinglife.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
54 min
March 28, 2022Question and Answer Episode - March 2022
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions.
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
Join New York Times best-seller, J.D. Barker, and indie powerhouses J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon as they pull back the curtain on some of the world's most prolific authors. Where did they start? What is their process? The biggest names in publishing all have origin stories, all have a process, all have tips and secrets... What does it take to consistently top the bestseller lists? Get your notepad out. School's in session. This, is Writers, Ink.
Join us on Patreon and ask a question guaranteed to be answered on the podcast!
https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast
Questions asked:
Probably one for JD; Do you think it is easier to sell a completed manuscript or screenplay assuming the same quality and all other things being equal?

What are the arguments you check when deciding to pitch to a publisher versus publishing yourself?

Curiosity question: Are you writing in silence or do you listen to music or sounds? If you listen to something, is it the same all the time or do you vary? And what are you listening to?

How do you choose the right editor?

How do you decide your WIP is done and ready to publish?

How does a new author determine who their target reader is?

If you provide author services and run an author business, as well as author books, what is a good ratio of time spent on either endeavor?

For Zach: You've mentioned that the past two or three years have been your most successful. What are you doing to reach readers? How many books do you have out now?

What are the best first steps for a FT indie author looking to branch out into the trad-pub world? What are the things that traditional publishers would be looking at in terms of platform and prior sales?
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
45 min
March 21, 2022The one where #1 NYT Bestseller Gillian Flynn explains why Gone Girl shouldn't have worked.
Gillian Flynn never expected GONE GIRL to become an international bestseller, or for the movie directed by David Fincher to become a Hollywood blockbuster. Instead of chasing trends or trying to anticipate the market, Flynn wrote the kind of story she wanted to read. It wasn’t supposed to work. And yet it did. Gillian writes with a cinematic flair, which translates well to adaptations. She fuels her passion for movies inherited from her father, and now passed along to her son. She’s going to need a bigger boat.
From Amazon.com:
Gillian Flynn was the chief TV critic for ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY and now writes full-time. Her first novel SHARP OBJECTS was the winner of two CWA DAGGERS and was shortlisted for the GOLD DAGGER. Her latest novel, GONE GIRL, is a massive No.1 bestseller. The film adaptation of GONE GIRL, directed by David Fincher and starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, won the Hollywood Film Award 2014.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why visualizing movies can improve your writing

How the right mentor can make all the difference

Where you can find storytelling inspiration
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Gillian Flynn - https://www.gillian-flynn.com/
Best of BookTook - https://bestofbooktok.com/
The Carbon Almanac - https://books2read.com/carbonalmanac
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.com
Scene Rubric - http://scenerubric.com
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
56 min
March 14, 2022History, Thrillers, and the Secret Underground with #1 NYT Bestseller Brad Meltzer
Book bans, terrorist plots, and topping the New York Times Bestseller lists. Brad Meltzer has seen it all. His newest book, “The Lightning Rod” explodes onto the page with thrilling action and complex characters, exactly what readers of the Zig and Nola Escape Artist series expect. Meltzer goes deep on his research, lending an unmistakable authenticity to his novels. In addition, Brad’s work for the History Channel has turned up artifacts believed to be lost forever. Get “The Lightning Rod” now from the link below.
From Amazon.com:
Brad Meltzer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Inner Circle, The Book of Fate, and nine other bestselling thrillers including The Tenth Justice, The First Counsel, The Millionaires, and The President’s Shadow. His most recent book, The Escape Artist, debuted at #1 on the bestseller list. His non-fiction book, The First Conspiracy, is about a real life secret plot to kill George Washington and is out now. And his upcoming book is The Lincoln Conspiracy, about a FIRST secret plot to kill Abraham Lincoln.
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
Join New York Times best-seller, J.D. Barker, and indie powerhouses J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon as they pull back the curtain on some of the world's most prolific authors. Where did they start? What is their process? The biggest names in publishing all have origin stories, all have a process, all have tips and secrets... What does it take to consistently top the bestseller lists? Get your notepad out. School's in session. This, is Writers, Ink.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Ways to respond to book banning

Why the Department of Homeland Security needed Brad’s help

When your kids might think you’re cool

Where the 9/11 flag was found, and how
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Best of BookTook - https://bestofbooktok.com/
The Carbon Almanac - https://books2read.com/carbonalmanac
Brad Meltzer - https://bradmeltzer.com
The Lightning Rod: A Zig and Nola Novel (Escape Artist Book 2) - https://books2read.com/escapeartistbook2
J.’s “Subtle Art” NFTs (and others) on OpenSea - https://opensea.io/jthorn
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.com
Scene Rubric - http://scenerubric.com
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
56 min
March 07, 2022Emotion is Everything with Film/TV Producer Scott Steindorff
Producer Scott Steindorff knows that emotion is everything to any good book, show, or movie. By writing characters that are round, relatable, and emotionally involved, he commands the attention of his audience and keeps them coming back for more. Scott is a TV and film producer well known for projects like “The Lincoln Lawyer," “Las Vegas," and “Station Eleven." To watch “Station Eleven” now, follow the link below.
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How the pandemic affected Station Eleven’s production

Why TV production can take years

What power authors have in the production of their books

How to create characters that people want to watch

Why to be careful of writing too much of yourself in your characters
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Best of BookTook - https://bestofbooktok.com/
The Carbon Almanac - https://books2read.com/carbonalmanac
Scott Steindorff - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0825877/
“Station Eleven” - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10574236/
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.com
Scene Rubric - http://scenerubric.com
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
55 min
February 28, 2022Q&A Episode - February 2022
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions.
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
Join New York Times best-seller, J.D. Barker, and indie powerhouses J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon as they pull back the curtain on some of the world's most prolific authors. Where did they start? What is their process? The biggest names in publishing all have origin stories, all have a process, all have tips and secrets... What does it take to consistently top the bestseller lists? Get your notepad out. School's in session. This, is Writers, Ink.
Join us on Patreon and ask a question guaranteed to be answered on the podcast!
https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast
Questions asked:
What steps do you take to try to even out your cash flow over the course of the year?

Do you think the idea of a solo writer in a cabin in the woods is outdated in this hyperconnected day and age?

How do you structure your days and working times when you work on multiple books at the same time? What works well, what didn‘t work well in this regard?

How would you recommend going about setting up an author website?

Name at least one book which has influenced some of your writing and say what you got or learned from this book.
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.

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

About Writers, Ink: Your backstage pass to the world's most prolific authors

From the publisher's feed

What does it take to succeed as a writer? Join host J.D. Barker and a panel of industry experts as they pull back the curtain and offer rare insights from the household names found on bookshelves…