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

By J.D. Barker, Christine DaigleBusiness

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

December 13, 2021The Art of Simplicity with Derek Sivers
Derek Sivers is a master of keeping it simple. Whether he’s drafting in an ancient 70s terminal, writing concise newsletters, or living with a single minifridge, he uses simplicity as a method to stay calm, collected, and down-to-earth in his writing. Derek is well known as the founder of independent music website CD Baby. He was a musician for many years and currently publishes books independently. To purchase his latest book, How to Live, follow the link below.
From Amazon.com:
After making a living as a professional musician, Derek Sivers went looking for ways to sell his own CD online and ended up creating CD Baby, once the largest seller of independent music on the web with over $100M in sales for over 150,000 musician clients. Since 2008, Derek has traveled the world and stayed busy creating and nurturing creative endeavors, like Muckwork, his newest company where teams of efficient assistants help musicians do their “uncreative dirty work.” Derek writes regularly on creativity, entrepreneurship, and music on his blog: http://sivers.org/.
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 stop getting angry

Why How to Live is the best book Derek’s ever written

How to cut 1,200 pages from your rough draft

How Derek developed his minimalistic writing style

Why brevity is key
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Derek Sivers - https://sive.rs/
J.’s ZIGGURAT by Mike Shinoda - https://ziggurats.xyz/#/gallery/90
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.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.
1 hr 1 min
December 06, 2021Writing About the Pandemic with NYT Bestseller Jodi Picoult
Bestseller Jodi Picoult didn’t back down from the challenge of writing a story set during the pandemic. In her latest novel, Wish You Were Here, she uses her excellent character writing skills and days of research and interview material to compel readers to relive the relatable confusion and chaos of early lockdown through the lens of two lovers separated by travel restrictions. Jodi is well known for bestselling novels like My Sister’s Keeper and Small Great Things. She has published 26 books, selling over 40 million copies worldwide. To purchase Wish You Were Here, follow the link below.
From Amazon.com:
Jodi Picoult is the author of twenty five internationally bestselling novels, including MY SISTER'S KEEPER, HOUSE RULES and SMALL GREAT THINGS, and has also co-written two YA books with her daughter Samantha van Leer, BETWEEN THE LINES and OFF THE PAGE. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children. Her most recent adult novel, A SPARK OF LIGHT first published in the UK on 30th October 2018, and was a #1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller.
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.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How Jodi got through a 16-month quarantine

How the pandemic changed her writing process

How to settle on a setting for your story

Why now is the best time to write about the pandemic

The importance of writing yourself into your characters
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Dragons of a Different Tail: 17 Unusual Dragon Tales - https://books2read.com/dragonantho
Jodi Picoult - https://www.garygrossman.com/
Wish You Were Here - https://mybook.to/WishUWereHere
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.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.
50 min
November 29, 2021Q&A Episode - November 2021
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions.
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.
Join us on Patreon and ask your question LIVE on the podcast!
https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast
Questions asked:
I’ve been writing some short stories lately as a way to sharpen my skills with story structures. I’m thinking some of them might work well as full-length novels. I like that the short story provides a solid outline to develop a longer character in a more involved plot line. My question for you is, have you ever taken a short story and expanded it into a novel? And what was your experience?

How do you weigh administrative costs vs potential returns? You are each building things outside of just writing books (Zach just started a Discord, J's doing NFTs, and JD is has real estate investments). Knowing that with each of these things there is a cost of time and effort, how do you decide if something is worth it? Also, how do you think about the term limit on that investment (discord groups or NFTs could potentially go on forever)? Does that weigh into your decision-making?

Hey J, Zach, and JD... how do you view the holiday season--a time to get away from writing, or a time to double-down when everyone else is busy?

When should you start shopping for a book cover-before, in the middle, or after you’re finished writing your manuscript?

What are your go-to’s for podcasts and blogs?

Perhaps you could each answer this. Ignore cover, blurb, title, marketing etc. What one writing skill would you like to improve for your own writing, and how could you gain that skill?
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.
25 min
November 22, 2021Finding Co-Writing Chemistry with Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller
Bestsellers Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller know the importance of good co-writing chemistry. In their award-winning thriller series, Red Hotel, Gary combines his knowledge of the entertainment industry with Ed’s captivating true stories to create novels that feel fascinatingly real. Gary has worked with popular media for many years and has produced for over 27 cable networks, while Ed served as president of Marriott for several decades and served as a captain in the U.S. army. To order their latest novel, Red Deception, follow the link below.
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 Gary met Ed

The specifics of their collaboration process

Why you should utilize real stories in your writing

How to handle disagreements with your co-writer

The fiction writing process vs. the nonfiction writing process
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Gary Grossman - https://www.garygrossman.com/
Ed Fuller - https://edwinfuller.com/
Red Deception - https://mybook.to/RedDeception
Written Word Media 2021 Survey - https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/the-state-of-indie-authorship-in-2021/
Creatokia - https://www.creatokia.com/en
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.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
November 15, 2021Led Zeppelin: The Biography with NYT Bestseller Bob Spitz
In his latest book, Led Zeppelin: The Biography, legendary biographer and journalist Bob Spitz documents the secret life of one of rock and roll’s biggest bands. Through his excellent use of storytelling combined with credibly sourced information, he’s able to write nonfiction that’s both gripping and true. Bob is a bestselling author well known for retelling the lives of many popular figures, including Ronald Reagan and The Beatles. To order Led Zeppelin: The Biography, follow the link below.
From BobSpitz.com:
Bob Spitz is the award-winning author of the biographies Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child and The Beatles, both New York Times bestsellers, as well as six other nonfiction books and a screenplay. He has represented Bruce Springsteen and Elton John in several capacities. His articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers.
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 it’s like touring with Bruce Springsteen and Elton John

The importance of drawing your own conclusions

The process of writing a biography

Why main characters are the most unreliable narrators

The importance of correct, transparent sourcing
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Bob Spitz - https://bobspitz.com/
Led Zeppelin: The Biography - https://mybook.to/LedZeppelinBio
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.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.
50 min
November 10, 2021 Special Episode: WOOL Update with NYT Bestseller Hugh Howey
Join returning guest Hugh Howey in this special episode as he shares an update on the WOOL adaptation from bestselling serial to streaming sensation.
Hugh is a NYT bestselling author who has published his work in over 40 countries and has won critical acclaim for his three serialized works: Wool, Silo, and Sand. For news on the Wool show, visit Hugh’s website using the link below.
From Amazon.com:
Hugh Howey is the author of the award-winning Molly Fyde saga and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling WOOL series. The WOOL OMNIBUS won Kindle Book Review's 2012 Indie Book of the Year Award — it has been as high as #1 on Amazon — and 40 countries have picked up the work for translation. Ridley Scott and Steve Zaillian are adapting the work for 20th Century Fox.
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.
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Hugh Howey - https://hughhowey.com/
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.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.
31 min
November 08, 2021100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet with NYT Editor Pamela Paul
In her latest book, 100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet, Pamela Paul urges her readers to take a step back and contemplate just how much the internet has shaped society. From its influence on the very basis of social interaction to the way authors think about and write stories, she seeks to capture all the ways new tech has changed our world and “memorialize the very recent past”. Pamela is the editor of The New York Times Book Review, host of the Book Review podcast, and has written seven books in her free time. To order 100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet, follow the link below.
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:
Why J likes interviewing other podcasters

COVID-19’s effect on the writing process

How to switch from op-eds to traditional book writing

How to deal with writer’s block

How to write while commuting
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Creator Dad Podcast - http://creatordad.life/
Pamela Paul - https://www.pamelapaul.com/
100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet - https://mybook.to/100Things
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.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.
50 min
November 01, 2021Facing Your Challenges with NYT Bestseller Andrew Child
Andrew Child never backs down from a challenge. Whether it’s leaving a stable corporate job to pursue a writing career or picking up the reins of his brother’s legendary Jack Reacher series, his willingness to take risks and put himself out there have helped him become the successful writer he is today. Child has been writing full-time since 2008 and is most known for his David Trevellyan and Paul McGrath series. His latest release, Better Off Dead, is available below.
From Amazon.com:
Andrew Grant was born in Birmingham, England in May 1968. He went to school in St Albans, Hertfordshire and later attended the University of Sheffield where he studied English Literature and Drama. After graduation Andrew set up and ran a small independent theatre company which showcased a range of original material to local, regional and national audiences. Following a critically successful but financially challenging appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Andrew moved into the telecommunications industry as a 'temporary' solution to a short-term cash crisis. Fifteen years later, after carrying out a variety of roles including several which were covered by the UK's Official Secrets Act, Andrew became the victim / beneficiary of a widespread redundancy programme. Freed once again from the straight jacket of corporate life, he took the opportunity to answer the question, what if ... ?
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 co-write with your brother

When to pursue an agent vs. self-publish

Why to market a persona during conferences and events

The benefits of a pen name

Why remote teamwork can be effective
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Andrew Child - https://andrewgrantbooks.com/
Better Off Dead - https://mybook.to/BetterOff
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.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.
59 min
October 25, 2021Q&A Episode - October 2021
In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions.
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.
Join us on Patreon and ask your question LIVE on the podcast!
https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast
Questions asked:
Hey guys, this is Rebekah Bryan, or Bek. My question is, what are different considerations, if any, for writing, publishing, and marketing nonfiction compared to fiction? And do you have any tips for someone who is looking to dabble in nonfiction? Thanks!

How would each of you describe “show, don’t tell?”

Besides writing, what would you recommend to do to grow in the craft when in person events are not feasible?

What are each of you going to dress up as for Halloween?

Do you think Tolkein would be able to get Lord of the Rings (not The Hobbit) accepted for traditional publication today? Why?

How would you go about inventing a religion for a fantasy/horror story? Where would you start?

I’m curious what Stephen King collection JD asks his mentees to read, and what questions are on the character sheet he uses before he starts writing a character.

With J. recently finishing Save the Cat Writes a Novel, I’m wondering how each of you use it when you’re writing fiction.

What % of fiction books do you think are bought and never read? I ask this because I often buy a book based on a logline alone but never get around to reading it. It is something you never hear writers talk about and shows the value of a great logline.
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.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.
23 min
October 18, 2021Finishing What You Start with MJ Preston
MJ Preston knows the importance of returning to unfinished work. After sitting with a manuscript for over two decades, he made the decision to revise and release it as The Equinox in 2011. Little did he know, the novel would reach the quarterfinals of Amazon’s Breakthrough Awards and win critical acclaim from various authors, even being compared to the likes of Stephen King. MJ has released ten novels and also pursues art in his free time. His latest publication, Four is available below.
From Amazon.com:
To my neighbors, I am a quiet and assuming guy who works blue-collar. What they don’t know is that I also write dark speculative fiction. My work has been printed all over the world. I have four novels on the market and a fifth and sixth in production. My short fiction is available with numerous pubs, including magazines and anthologies. I have my own writing style but would say I was influenced by authors like Robert R. McCammon, Joe R. Lansdale, and John Sandford.
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:
The power of word-of-mouth

Why the scariest monsters are real ones

How to write yourself into your story

How to write with a day job

How music inspires writing
Links:
J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/
MJ Preston - https://www.amazon.com/MJ-Preston/e/B005JTQMZY?ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vu00_tkin_p1_i0
Four - https://mybook.to/FourMJ
Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.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.
41 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…