Writing Quest

Writing Quest

By Brenden PughEducation
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Writing Quest episodes

  • From Query Trenches to Indie Success: Katee Stein’s Writing Journey

    ✍️ Indie vs Traditional Publishing with Katee Stein: The Journey to Earthbound ✍️

    Katee Stein’s Links:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katee.stein
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kateestein
    Website: https://www.kateestein.com
    Newsletter: https://substack.com/@kateestein?r=2iklku&utm_medium=ios
    Writing Quest’s Links:
    Storybook: Master Novelist - https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist
    X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
    Scrivener (Get 20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2
    Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn
    In this episode of Writing Quest, Canadian author Katee Stein discusses her latest book Earthbound and the transition from traditional to indie publishing. From starting her writing journey in 2018 to publishing multiple books, Katee shares the highs and lows of querying, rejections, and the creative freedom that comes with indie publishing. She also dives into the unique blend of science fiction and fantasy that defines her stories, including Glass Helix and Earthbound. Learn from Katee’s insights about marketing, crafting a unique writing process, and the power of authenticity in indie publishing.
    What’s Inside:
    🌎 Indie Publishing vs Traditional Publishing: Katee breaks down the pros and cons of each approach.
    💡 Creative Control: Discover why indie publishing gave Katee the freedom to fully express her vision in Earthbound.
    📚 Blending Genres: How Katee mixes sci-fi and fantasy to create unique worlds and stories.
    ✍️ Writing Process: Katee shares her discovery-writing approach and tips for letting characters drive the story.
    Thank you for watching! Don’t forget to subscribe to Writing Quest for more author insights and writing tips.
    #WritingQuest #KateeStein #Earthbound #IndiePublishing #AuthorJourney #WritingProcess #FantasySciFi #CreativeControl #GlassHelix #SelfPublishing

    49 min
  • Victorian Steampunk & Short Stories: Inside Emma Elias’ Creative Process

    ✍️ The Writing Journey of Emma Elias: From Anthologies to Novels ✍️

    Emma Elias’ Links:
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.t.writer
    • Upcoming Anthology: Dragon Dreams by Storm Dragon Publishing
    Writing Quest’s Links:
    • Storybook: Master Novelist - https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist
    • X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
    • Scrivener (Get 20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2
    • Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn
    In this episode of Writing Quest, **Emma Elias** shares her incredible writing journey from publishing short stories and poems in anthologies to working on her **Victorian Steampunk novel**. Based in Sydney, Australia, Emma opens up about her experiences navigating the world of literary magazines and anthologies while pursuing her dream of becoming a published novelist.
    What’s Inside:
    ✍️ **From Short Stories to Novels**: Emma talks about how she transitioned from writing short stories and poems to tackling the daunting task of completing a full-length novel.
    📜 **The Power of Anthologies**: Learn how submitting to anthologies helped Emma build her portfolio and gain recognition in the writing community.
    🤔 **Handling Rejection**: Emma shares the ups and downs of submitting to literary magazines and how rejection became part of her learning process.
    🖋️ **Steampunk Mystery**: Dive into the world of Emma’s **Victorian Steampunk novel**, which brings classic nursery rhyme characters into a new, mysterious setting.
    📚 **Writing Discipline**: Emma reveals how she stays disciplined, balancing her creative ideas while prioritizing the novel she’s determined to finish.
    🌍 **The Role of Community**: Discover how Instagram and online writing communities have helped Emma stay connected and find opportunities for growth.
    Thank you for joining us as we explore Emma’s creative process and the determination it takes to succeed as an author. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to **Writing Quest** for more interviews and writing tips!
    #WritingQuest #EmmaElias #Anthologies #ShortStories #VictorianSteampunk #AuthorJourney #WritingCommunity #SteampunkMystery #WriterLife

    53 min
  • From Half Marathon to Indie Author: Herman Steuernagel's Creative Journey

    🎙️ Exploring Sci-Fi & Cozy Fantasy with Herman Steuernagel on Writing Quest 🎙️

    Herman Steuernagel’s Links:
    Website: https://www.hermansteuernagel.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermansteuernagel
    The Bartender Between Worlds: https://books2read.com/u/b5Y6jA
    The Greatest Podcast in the Multiverse: https://www.youtube.com/@greatestpodcastinthemultiverse
    Writing Quest’s Links:
    Storybook: Master Novelist – https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist
    X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
    Scrivener (Get 20% off with code ‘QUEST’) – https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2
    Codex Archetypum E-Book – https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn
    Welcome to another exciting episode of Writing Quest! Today, we’re joined by Herman Steuernagel, author of The Bartender Between Worlds and the Fractured Orbit series, and host of The Greatest Podcast in the Multiverse. In this episode, Herman dives deep into his journey as a writer and podcaster, blending science fiction with cozy fantasy in his unique storytelling.
    What’s Inside:
    Meet Herman Steuernagel:
    Discover how a half marathon inspired Herman to reignite his writing passion, leading him to publish his first sci-fi novel and dive into the indie author world.
    Sci-Fi Meets Cozy Fantasy:
    Learn how Herman balances the high-stakes world of sci-fi in Fractured Orbit with the more lighthearted, multiverse-spanning adventures of The Bartender Between Worlds.
    Starting a Podcast:
    Herman shares how he launched The Greatest Podcast in the Multiverse and built connections in the indie author community, offering advice for those looking to start their own creative projects.
    Navigating Self-Publishing:
    Get insights into Herman’s self-publishing journey, from marketing his books to building an audience, and the trials and triumphs that come with being an indie author.
    Join the Conversation:
    Are you a fan of sci-fi, cozy fantasy, or indie authors? Have questions about writing, publishing, or starting a podcast? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
    Follow Writing Quest on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for more insightful author interviews, writing tips, and behind-the-scenes content.
    Thank you for tuning in to this fantastic conversation with Herman Steuernagel. Whether you’re a seasoned author, aspiring writer, or just a fan of creative storytelling, there’s always something new to discover on Writing Quest! See you next time!
    #WritingQuest #HermanSteuernagel #TheBartenderBetweenWorlds #FracturedOrbit #SelfPublishing #SciFiFantasy #IndieAuthor #AuthorInterview

    53 min
  • How E. Marie Robertson Overcame Publishing Challenges to Launch Her Novel

    🚀 Journey Through Self-Publishing with E. Marie Robertson on Writing Quest 🚀

    *SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR E. MARIES BOOK*: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?VE7QINjaPa6G8FpVoGuHoglNk1jaiYXU89lZRi01EsG
    E. Marie Robertson’s Links:
    Website: www.emarierobertson.com
    Where to Buy (most outlets): https://books2read.com/u/bO2dVN
    Exclusive Hardcover (not in stores): https://www.lulu.com/shop/e-marie-robertson/nothing-larger-than-these-stars/hardcover/product-95z6j88.html
    Newsletter Unreliable Narrator: https://www.emarierobertson.com/get-my-newsletter/
    Podcast Read Write Geek: https://readwritegeek.podbean.com/
    Writing Quest’s Links:
    Storybook: Master Novelist - https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist
    X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
    Scrivener (Get 20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2
    Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn
    Welcome to another episode of Writing Quest, where we explore the journey of writing and self-publishing with our special guest, E. Marie Robertson, author of the science fiction mystery Nothing Larger Than These Stars. In this interview, E. Marie shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the world of indie publishing.
    What’s Inside:
    Meet E. Marie Robertson:
    Discover how a lifelong love affair with storytelling led E. Marie to self-publish her debut novel, and how she carved her unique path in the world of fiction writing.
    A New Kind of Science Fiction:
    Learn about E. Marie’s distinctive approach to science fiction, where character-driven storytelling takes center stage over high-tech gadgets and space battles.
    Overcoming the Publishing Struggle:
    E. Marie dives into her journey through the ups and downs of both traditional and indie publishing, and how she found creative freedom in self-publishing.
    The Reality of Self-Publishing:
    From querying agents to marketing her own work, hear how E. Marie navigated the complex and often overwhelming tasks of being an indie author.
    Join the Community:
    Do you love science fiction with heart, or want insights into the world of self-publishing? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
    Follow Writing Quest on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for more in-depth author interviews and writing tips.
    Thank you for joining us for this fantastic conversation with E. Marie Robertson. Whether you're an aspiring author or a fan of character-driven sci-fi, there’s always something to learn here on Writing Quest. See you in the next episode!
    #WritingQuest #EMarieRobertson #NothingLargerThanTheseStars #SelfPublishing #ScienceFiction #AuthorInterview

    55 min
  • The Making of An Exile of Water & Gold: Josh Walker’s Creative Path

    Josh Walker on Crafting Epic Fantasy and Finding Balance in the Writing Process"

    Podcast Description:
    In this episode of Writing Quest, we’re joined by Josh Walker, author of An Exile of Water & Gold, who delves into his unique writing journey and process. From making the leap to self-publishing to balancing detailed plotting with creative freedom, Josh shares insights that every writer—novice or veteran—can learn from.

    Josh discusses the importance of community, how he approaches world-building in epic fantasy, and the benefits of handwriting drafts to slow down the creative process. We also explore the tools he uses, like Scrivener and Notion, and how they help him stay organized amidst the complexities of crafting multi-book series. If you're a fan of epic fantasy or looking for tips on managing large-scale writing projects, this episode is a must-listen!

    Show Notes:

    Guest:
    Josh Walker, author of An Exile of Water & Gold

    Key Topics:

    • Introduction to Josh Walker: Background, writing journey, and what inspired An Exile of Water & Gold.
    • The Writing Process: Josh's approach to balancing structure and discovery in writing, and how he integrates outlining with creative spontaneity.
    • World-Building Challenges: Insight into how Josh develops the lore and magic systems for his fantasy worlds.
    • Tools of the Trade: Discussion on Josh's use of Scrivener, Notion, and handwriting for different stages of the writing process.
    • Importance of Community: The role of peer support and feedback in Josh’s writing career.
    • Future Projects: Josh hints at potential future series and how he plans to continue expanding his fantasy universe.

      • Links:

      • Josh Walker’s Website: joshuawalkerauthor.com
      • Pre-order An Exile of Water & Gold: https://a.co/d/hUMfc4G
      • Instagram: instagram.com/jlw.author
      • X (Twitter): twitter.com/JWalkerWrites
      • Writing Quest’s Storybook: Master Novelist: writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist
      • Get 20% off Scrivener with code ‘QUEST’: literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2


        • #WritingQuest #JoshWalker #FantasyWriting #EpicFantasy #WorldBuilding #SelfPublishing #Scrivener #AuthorInterview

        1 hr 3 min
      • From Page to Software: Adam Bassett on Storytelling and Campfire

        🎙️ Exploring Storytelling and World-Building with Adam Bassett on Writing Quest 🎙️

        In this episode of Writing Quest, we dive into the fascinating world of storytelling and game design with our special guest, Adam Bassett. Adam is a talented author best known for his short story collection "Digital Extremities" and his innovative work at Campfire, a revolutionary writing software company. Join us as Adam shares his unique approach to world-building, the creative process behind his stories, and insights into the future of storytelling tools.

        Episode Highlights:

        • [00:01] - Introduction to Adam Bassett and his background in writing and game design.
        • [00:34] - Adam's journey into storytelling and the influences behind his work.
        • [27:11] - Discussion on "Digital Extremities," Adam's latest short story collection, and the themes explored within it.
        • [16:20] - Adam's role at Campfire and how the software supports writers in their creative endeavors.
        • [51:54] - The art of map design in world-building and its importance in storytelling.
        • [57:46] - Tips for aspiring writers and game designers from Adam's personal experiences.
        • [59:17] - Adam's upcoming projects and where to find more of his work.

          • Adam Bassett’s Links:

          • Website: https://www.adamcbassett.com
          • Purchase "Digital Extremities": https://a.co/d/7fIXZqf
          • Subscribe to Adam's Newsletter: https://adamcbassett.substack.com
          • Join Adam's Discord Server: https://discord.gg/VbBwKMMePf
          • Follow Adam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/adamcbassett
          • Follow Adam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamcbassett
          • Follow Adam on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@adamcbassett

            • Writing Quest’s Links:

            • Storybook: Master Novelist - https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist
            • X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
            • Scrivener (Get 20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2
            • Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn

              • Join the Community: Have questions or thoughts on storytelling, world-building, or Adam’s creative process? Leave a comment or reach out to us on social media! Your engagement helps us grow and continue bringing you insightful conversations with amazing authors and creators.

              Thank you for tuning in to Writing Quest. Whether you're a budding writer or an avid reader, there’s always something new to discover in the world of storytelling. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

              1 hr 11 min
            • Writing Fantasy: Rob Leigh’s Path to "Pathlighter"

              Welcome to another episode of the Writing Quest Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Rob Leigh, the author of "Pathlighter." Join us as we explore Rob's journey from an avid reader to a self-published author. We dive into his creative influences, writing process, and the unique challenges he's faced along the way.

              Chapters:

              • [00:00] Introduction: Introduction to the episode and Rob Leigh.
              • [01:04] Rob's Background: Rob discusses his background and journey into writing .
              • [12:35] Novella: Rob talks about his novella based on his favorite D&D character .
              • [13:14] Writing Process: Rob explains his writing process and how it evolved over time .
              • [22:24] Indie Publishing: Insights into indie publishing and balancing life as an author .
              • [32:54] Music Influence: Rob shares his love for heavy metal and its influence on his work .
              • [43:36] Community: The importance of the indie publishing community and its support .
              • [52:12] Connection: Feeling connected in the indie publishing community despite geographical distances .
              • [53:22] Final Thoughts: Final thoughts and closing remarks .

                • Connect with Rob Leigh:

                • Website: www.robleighauthor.com
                • Purchase "Pathlighter": www.robleighauthor.com/pathlighter
                • Follow Rob on Instagram: @robleighauthor
                • Follow Rob on Twitter: @ProblyRobWriter

                  • Follow Writing Quest:

                  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
                  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.quest/
                  • Storybook: Master Novelist: https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist

                    • Join the Conversation:

                    Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Have questions or comments? Reach out to us on social media or email us at [email protected].

                    Subscribe & Stay Tuned:

                    Don't forget to subscribe to Writing Quest on your preferred podcast platform for more inspiring interviews and writing tips.


                    #WritingQuestPodcast #WritingCommunity #AuthorInterviews #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing

                    1 hr 1 min
                  • From Data to Fiction: Amber Toro's Writing Journey

                    Welcome to another episode of the Writing Quest Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Amber Toro, the author of the thrilling sci-fi novel "Umbra." Join us as we explore Amber's journey from a data scientist to a published author, her creative influences, and the unique challenges she's faced along the way.

                    Chapters:

                    • [00:00] Introduction: Introduction to the episode and Amber Toro .
                    • [00:18] Meet Amber Toro: Learn about Amber's background and what inspired her to start writing .
                    • [01:55] Crafting "Umbra": Discover the key influences and research that shaped Amber's debut novel​​.
                    • [03:02] Writing Process: Amber shares her approach to writing, including her use of NaNoWriMo and how she balances her career with her passion for storytelling​​ .
                    • [10:57] Balancing Family and Writing: Insights into how Amber manages her writing alongside family responsibilities .
                    • [17:59] AI and Writing: Amber discusses the role of AI in writing and her thoughts on generative AI .
                    • [22:24] Series Development: Amber talks about the future of her book series and her approach to maintaining engaging, manageable-length novels .
                    • [52:32] Audience Engagement: The importance of reader feedback and dealing with reviews .
                    • [53:31] Final Advice: Amber's parting words of wisdom for aspiring writers .
                    • [54:18] Social Media and Contacts: Where to find Amber online .

                      • Connect with Amber Toro:

                      • Website: https://ambertoro.com
                      • Purchase "Umbra" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZVFVG3H
                      • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberraetoro
                      • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amberraetoro
                      • X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/amberraetoro
                      • Beacon Page: https://beacons.ai/amberraetoro

                        • Follow Writing Quest:

                        • X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
                        • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.quest/
                        • Storybook: Master Novelist: https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist

                          • Join the Conversation:

                          Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Have questions or comments? Reach out to us on social media or email us at [contact email].

                          Subscribe & Stay Tuned:

                          Don't forget to subscribe to Writing Quest on your preferred podcast platform for more inspiring interviews and writing tips.

                          #WritingQuestPodcast #WritingCommunity #AuthorInterviews #CreativeWriting #SciFiWriting #SelfPublishing #AmberToro

                          56 min
                        • Journey into Dark Fantasy: An Interview with Lucy McLaren

                          Welcome to another episode of the Writing Quest Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Lucy McLaren, the author of Awakening: The Commune’s Curse. Join us as we explore Lucy's journey from an avid reader to a self-published author. We dive into her creative influences, writing process, and the unique challenges she's faced along the way.

                          Chapters:

                          [00:00] Introduction: Introduction to the episode and Lucy McLaren.
                          [05:00] Meet Lucy McLaren: Learn about Lucy's background and what inspired her to start writing.
                          [12:30] Creative Influences: Discover the key influences that have shaped Lucy's work.
                          [20:00] Writing Process: Get insights into Lucy's approach to writing and how she develops her stories.
                          [30:00] Challenges and Triumphs: Hear about the obstacles Lucy has overcome and the victories that have defined her career.
                          [40:00] Tips for Aspiring Writers: Valuable advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in writing.
                          [50:00] Closing Thoughts: Final thoughts and what's next for Lucy McLaren.

                          Connect with Lucy McLaren:

                          Website: https://lucyamclarenauthor.com/
                          Purchase Awakening: The Commune’s Curse Book 1: https://mybook.to/ATCCB1
                          Purchase The King’s Decree (A Commune’s Curse Short Story): https://mybook.to/TKDtcc

                          Follow Writing Quest:

                          Twitter: https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
                          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.quest/
                          Storybook: Master Novelist: https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist

                          Join the Conversation:

                          Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!
                          Have questions or comments? Reach out to us on social media or email us at [contact email].

                          Subscribe & Stay Tuned:

                          Don't forget to subscribe to Writing Quest on your preferred podcast platform for more inspiring interviews and writing tips.


                          #WritingQuestPodcast #WritingCommunity #AuthorInterviews #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing

                          55 min
                        • Exploring "Mushroom Blues" with Adrian Gibson

                          Welcome to another episode of the Writing Quest Podcast! In this episode, host Brenden Pugh sits down with Adrian Gibson, the creative mind behind "Mushroom Blues" and co-host of the SFF Addicts podcast. Adrian takes us through his journey from an imaginative child to a published author, offering a deep dive into his writing process, genre-blending techniques, and the insights he has gained from his podcast.

                          Chapters:

                          [00:00] Introduction: Introduction to the episode and Adrian Gibson.

                          [00:20] Meet Adrian Gibson: Learn about Adrian’s background and his journey into writing.

                          [02:36] Artistic Evolution: Adrian’s transition from drawing fan comics to becoming a music journalist and tattoo artist.

                          [09:26] Pursuing Fulfillment: The importance of balancing personal fulfillment and creative work​​.

                          [15:32] Creating the Fungal People: Adrian’s world-building process for the fungal people in "Mushroom Blues"​​.

                          [17:28] Challenges in Writing: The hurdles Adrian faced while creating his novel and how he overcame them.

                          [29:48] Genre-Blending Techniques: Adrian discusses blending different genres and subverting reader expectations​​.

                          [47:22] Oral Storytelling Tradition: Adrian’s appreciation for the oral storytelling tradition and its impact on his writing​​.

                          [59:41] Traditional vs. Self-Publishing: Adrian compares traditional publishing to self-publishing and shares insights on choosing the right path​​.

                          [01:00:30] Insights from SFF Addicts: Adrian discusses his podcast, SFF Addicts, and its focus on interviews and masterclasses with authors​​.

                          Connect with Adrian Gibson:

                          • Website: https://adrianmgibson.com/
                          • Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/adrianmgibson
                          • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianmgibson/
                          • SFF Addicts Podcast: https://linktr.ee/SFFAddicts
                          • Mushroom Blues on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mushroom-Hofmann-Report-Adrian-Gibson/dp/9942453202
                          • Mushroom Blues Official Soundtrack: https://sporer.bandcamp.com/album/mushroom-blues

                            • Follow Writing Quest:

                            • Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
                            • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.quest/
                            • Storybook: Master Novelist: https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist

                              • Join the Conversation:

                              Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Have questions or comments? Reach out to us on social media or email us at [contact email].

                              Subscribe & Stay Tuned:

                              Don’t forget to subscribe to Writing Quest on your preferred podcast platform for more inspiring interviews and writing tips.


                              #WritingQuestPodcast #WritingCommunity #AuthorInterviews #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing

                              1 hr 13 min

                            About Writing Quest

                            From the publisher's feed

                            Writing Quest is me sharing my journey and everything I learn along the way to write and publish my epic fantasy novel.