Writing Quest

Writing Quest

By Brenden PughEducation
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Writing Quest episodes

  • Creating Comics: Inside Aaron Jordan's Creative Process

    Welcome to another episode of the Writing Quest Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Jordan, the creative mind behind Wulfsbane Comics. Join us as we explore Aaron’s journey from an avid comic book reader to a self-published indie comic creator. 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 Aaron Jordan.
    • [00:30] Meet Aaron Jordan: Learn about Aaron’s background and what inspired him to start Wulfsbane Comics.
    • [01:31] Creative Influences: Discover the key influences that have shaped Aaron’s work .
    • [02:36] Writing Process: Get insights into Aaron’s approach to writing and how he develops his stories .
    • [04:23] Pendragon: The Legend Foretold: The inspiration and creation process behind Aaron’s latest project .
    • [41:56] Challenges and Triumphs: Hear about the obstacles Aaron has overcome and the victories that have defined his career .
    • [42:54] Tips for Aspiring Creators: Valuable advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in indie comics .
    • [43:21] Closing Thoughts: Final thoughts and what's next for Aaron Jordan .
    • Connect with Aaron Jordan:

      • Website: https://beacons.ai/wulfsbanecomics
      • Read Wulfsbane Comics on Global Comics: https://globalcomix.com
      • 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 #IndieComics

          44 min
        • From Art to Author: The artform of writing a novel - Brina Williamson

          Welcome to another episode of the Writing Quest Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Brina Williamson, the author of "Merona Grant and the Lost Tomb of Golgotha." Join us as we explore Brina's journey from an artist 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 Brina Williamson .
          [00:15] Background: Brina shares how her passion for art evolved into storytelling and writing .
          [08:14] Creative Process: Discussion on Brina's approach to plotting and how she handles rewriting and editing .
          [10:26] Self-Publishing Decision: Why Brina chose self-publishing for the creative freedom it offers .
          [44:20] Current Projects: Updates on Brina’s upcoming projects, including an audio drama adaptation of her work .
          [46:01] Advice for Writers: Brina’s advice on writing with passion and maintaining heart in your work .
          [50:00] Closing Thoughts: Final thoughts and what's next for Brina Williamson .

          Connect with Brina Williamson:

          Website: https://brinawilliamson.com/
          Purchase "Merona Grant and the Lost Tomb of Golgotha" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/g2C9fRY
          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brina_williamson/
          X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/BrinaWilliamson

          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 #SelfPublishing

          48 min
        • Creating The Dragon Legion with Isaac Hill!
          Welcome to another episode of the Writing Quest Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Isaac Hill, the talented author of “The Dragon Legion.” Join us as we explore Isaac’s journey from an avid reader to a successful self-published author. We dive into his creative influences, writing process, and the unique challenges he has faced along the way.
          Chapters:
          [00:00] Introduction: Introduction to the episode and Isaac Hill.
          [00:22] Meet Isaac Hill: Learn about Isaac’s background and what inspired him to start writing.
          [12:30] Creative Influences: Discover the key influences that have shaped Isaac’s work.
          [29:36] Writing Process: Get insights into Isaac’s approach to writing and how he develops his stories.
          [41:31] Challenges and Triumphs: Hear about the obstacles Isaac has overcome and the victories that have defined his career.
          [55:24] Tips for Aspiring Writers: Valuable advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in writing.
          [56:56] Closing Thoughts: Final thoughts and what’s next for Isaac Hill.
          Connect with Isaac Hill:
          Website: https://www.isaachillauthor.com/
          Purchase “The Dragon Legion”: https://a.co/d/ccd6vTn
          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaachillauthor/
          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 #IsaacHill #DragonLegion #IndieAuthors #PodcastEpisode
          58 min
        • The Creative Mind of Jonathan Weiss: Building Sci-Fi Universes

          Welcome to another episode of the Writing Quest Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Weiss, the author of "The Flux Catastrophe" series. Join us as we explore Jonathan's journey from experimenting with stop-motion animation to becoming 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 Jonathan Weiss.

          [01:32] Meet Jonathan Weiss: Learn about Jonathan's background and what inspired him to start writing. He shares how his early interest in stop-motion animation evolved into a passion for storytelling .

          [17:34] Creative Influences: Discover the key influences that have shaped Jonathan's work, including his love for sci-fi and post-apocalyptic themes .

          [27:50] Writing Process: Get insights into Jonathan's approach to writing, including his unique method of world-building across multiple time periods and how his characters often take the lead in his plots .

          [38:03] Challenges and Triumphs: Hear about the obstacles Jonathan has overcome, such as his diagnosis of ADHD, and how he has leveraged his hyperfocus to enhance his writing productivity .

          [53:58] Tips for Aspiring Writers: Valuable advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in writing, including Jonathan's tips on balancing creativity with the demands of self-publishing .

          [57:21] Closing Thoughts: Final thoughts and what's next for Jonathan Weiss.

          Connect with Jonathan Weiss:

          Website: https://www.jonathanweiss.com.au/ Series Guide/Reading Order: https://jonathanweiss.com.au/series-guide-and-roadmap Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanw_author/

          Purchase "Molten Flux": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C42GXVWR Purchase "Blazing Flux": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRD1T6MZ Purchase "The Hytharo Redux": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CG59TJ9F

          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

          1 hr
        • Writing, Publishing, and Perseverance with Rachel Tilley

          Welcome to another episode of the Writing Quest Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Tilley, the author of Upon the Darkest Mountain. Join us as we explore Rachel'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 Rachel Tilley.
          [00:15] Meet Rachel Tilley: Learn about Rachel's background and what inspired her to start writing.
          [12:30] Creative Influences: Discover the key influences that have shaped Rachel's work.
          [14:01] Writing Process: Get insights into Rachel's approach to writing and how she develops her stories.
          [17:03] Challenges and Triumphs: Hear about the obstacles Rachel has overcome and the victories that have defined her career.
          [29:57] Tips for Aspiring Writers: Valuable advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in writing.
          [44:05] Closing Thoughts: Final thoughts and what's next for Rachel Tilley.

          Connect with Rachel Tilley:


          Purchase Upon the Darkest Mountain: http://mybook.to/DarkestMountain
          Follow Rachel on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/RachelLtilley
          Follow Rachel on Instagram/Threads: https://www.instagram.com/rachel_l_tilley/

          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

          46 min
        • Discovering Dino Dames: A Chat with Chase Amyot

          📚 Exploring Writing and Dino Adventures with Chase Amyot 📚

          Welcome to Writing Quest! I'm Brenden Pugh, and in today’s episode, we're joined by Chase Amyot, the creative mind behind the captivating series "Dino Dames." We delve into Chase's journey as an author, his inspiration behind the dino-themed adventures, and his unique experiences with self-publishing. Join us as Chase shares valuable insights into his creative process and the challenges and triumphs of writing in the fantasy genre. Huzzah!
          What's Inside:
          Meet Chase Amyot: Introduction to Chase, his works, and the background behind "Dino Dames."
          Self-Publishing Journey: Chase discusses his decision to self-publish and the creative freedom it provides. Learn about his approach to marketing and his experiences with the publishing process.
          Creative Process: Explore Chase’s method of writing, including his inspirations, story development, and character creation.
          Influences and Inspirations: Chase shares how his favorite authors and personal experiences have shaped his writing.
          Join the Community:
          Are you fascinated by dinosaurs and imaginative storytelling? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below, and let’s discuss the exciting world of "Dino Dames" and the broader path to writing success!
          Follow Writing Quest for more discussions and insights into the writing journey.
          Chase Amyot’s Links:
          Purchase "Dino Dames" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW18M8CV?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1712133808&sr=1-1&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tkin
          Visit Dino Dames' Website: https://www.dinodames.com
          Follow on X: https://twitter.com/dinoDames
          Writing Quest’s Links:
          Storybook: Master Novelist: https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist
          Twitter: https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
          Thank you for joining us as we explore Chase Amyot’s incredible journey with "Dino Dames." Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, there’s always more to learn from each other’s experiences. See you next time on Writing Quest!
          #WritingCommunity #AuthorTube #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing #FantasyWriting #DinoAdventures #WritingQuest

          48 min
        • Unveiling New Worlds: A Sit-Down with Sci-Fi Author Bryan Wilson

          🚀 Journey to the Stars with Bryan Wilson on Writing Quest 🚀

          In this conversation, Brenden Pugh interviews Bryan Wilson, a self-published author, about his writing process and his book series. Bryan shares that he has been an avid reader of sci-fi and fantasy since a young age and that his love for reading eventually led to a desire to write. He outlines his journey of writing and publishing his debut book, 'The Forsaken Planet,' and the positive reception it has received. They also discuss their shared love for fantasy and sci-fi books and the influence of popular series like 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Wheel of Time.' Bryan explains that his book is a mix of sci-fi and fantasy and discusses his process of world-building and character development. They also touch on the balance between telling and showing in storytelling and the importance of planning in the writing process. The conversation covers the challenges of mapping out a story, dealing with negative feedback, and finding a balance between writing and family life. Bryan Wilson discusses his experience as a self-published author and the challenges of balancing writing with a full-time job and family responsibilities. He shares how he managed to find time to write during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of setting his own schedule. Wilson explains why he chose to self-publish his books instead of pursuing traditional publishing and the advantages of having creative control and the ability to build his own audience. He also discusses the pitfalls of adaptations and the importance of staying true to the original story.

          Takeaways


          Bryan Wilson's love for reading sci-fi and fantasy books from a young age eventually led to his desire to write his own book series.

          He outlines his journey of writing and publishing his debut book, 'The Forsaken Planet,' and the positive reception it has received.

          Bryan's book is a mix of sci-fi and fantasy, with a focus on world-building and character development.

          The balance between telling and showing in storytelling is discussed, with the understanding that some telling is necessary, especially in the early stages of a story.

          Planning plays a crucial role in Bryan's writing process, allowing him to have a clear story arc and develop his characters effectively. Mapping out the middle of a story can be challenging for many authors

          Negative feedback is inevitable, but it's important to focus on the positive and learn from constructive criticism

          Finding a balance between writing and family life can be difficult, but setting aside dedicated writing time and being flexible can help

          Different people have different preferences and opinions, and that's okay Balancing writing with a full-time job and family responsibilities can be challenging, but setting a schedule and finding pockets of time can help

          Self-publishing offers creative control and the ability to build an audience, while traditional publishing may involve giving up control and facing slim odds of success

          Adaptations of popular books often face criticism when they deviate too much from the original story

          Successful self-published authors may attract the attention of traditional publishers, leading to potential collaborations


          Chapters


          00:00 Introduction and Background

          02:02 Publishing 'The Forsaken Planet'

          03:21 Balancing Sci-Fi and Fantasy

          13:08 The Importance of Planning

          28:59 Chapter 2: Dealing with Negative Feedback: Finding the Balance

          33:30 Chapter 3: Finding Balance: Juggling Writing and Family Life

          36:48 Chapter 4: Different Strokes for Different Folks: Embracing Diverse Opinions

          46:35 Finding Time to Write: Balancing Responsibilities

          51:48 The Advantages of Self-Publishing: Creative Control and Audience Building

          59:38 The Pitfalls of Adaptations: Staying True to the Original Story

          Bryan Wilson’s Links:
          Website: https://bryanwilsonauthor.com
          Purchase "The Forsaken Planet": https://cl.gy/KGVnl
          Purchase "The Son of the Prophets": https://cl.gy/AThMa
          Writing Quest’s Links:
          Storybook: Master Novelist - https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist
          X: https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.quest/
          #ScienceFiction #WritingCommunity #AuthorTube #CreativeWriting #BookTube #WritingQuest

          1 hr 8 min
        • How a Branding Expert Became a Fantasy Author: The Phil Davis Story

          📚 Exploring Branding and Fantasy Writing with Phil Davis 📚

          Welcome to Writing Quest! I'm Brenden Pugh, and in today’s episode, we're joined by Phil Davis, author of "Nemesis and the Vault of Lost Time." We delve into his journey from a branding expert to a fantasy author, his influences, and his unique experiences with his novel projects. Join us as Phil shares valuable insights into navigating the literary world with a focus on creativity and naming iconic products. Huzzah!
          What's Inside:
          Meet Phil Davis: Introduction to Phil, his works, and his background in branding and writing. Discover his journey from naming the well-known Pods containers to penning his fantasy novel.
          Self-Publishing Journey: Phil discusses his decision to self-publish and the creative freedom and challenges it entails. Learn about his approach to marketing and the insights gained from his branding career.
          Creative Process: Explore Phil’s approach to writing, emphasizing spontaneity and the flow of ideas that drive his narrative style.
          Influences and Inspirations: Phil shares how authors like Roald Dahl and adventures from his own life have shaped his writing. He also discusses the importance of creating engaging, imaginative works for young readers.
          Join the Community:
          Are you interested in the overlap between branding and writing? Or curious about transitioning from a commercial career to creative writing? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below, and let’s discuss the diverse paths to publishing success!
          Follow Writing Quest on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for more discussions and insights into the writing journey.
          Phil Davis’s Links:
          Website: http://www.pjdavisauthor.com/
          Purchase "Nemesis and the Vault of Lost Time": Available on Amazon
          Writing Quest’s Links:
          Storybook: Master Novelist - https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist
          Twitter: https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
          Thank you for joining us as we explore the unique journey of Phil Davis from branding guru to fantasy novelist. Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned scribe, there's always more to learn from each other’s experiences. See you next time on Writing Quest!
          #WritingCommunity #AuthorTube #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing #FantasyWriting #Branding #LiteraryInfluences #WritingProcess #WritingInspiration #WritingQuest

          1 hr
        • The Journey of a Self-Published Author: Kaden Love's Story

          📚 Exploring Self-Publishing and Creative Influences with Kaden Love 📚

          Welcome to Writing Quest! I'm Brenden Pugh, and in today’s episode, we're joined by Kaden Love, author of "Elegy of a Fragmented Vineyard" and "Beast Call." We delve into his journey through self-publishing, his influences, and his experiences with novel projects. Join us as Kaden shares valuable insights into navigating the literary world as an indie author. Huzzah!
          What's Inside:
          - Meet Kaden Love: Introduction to Kaden, his works, and his background in writing. Discover his passion for authors like Brandon Sanderson, George R. R. Martin, and Joe Abercrombie and how they've shaped his writing.
          - Self-Publishing Journey: Kaden discusses his decision to self-publish and the freedom and challenges it entails. Learn about the stigma historically associated with self-publishing and how perceptions are changing in the literary community.
          - Kickstarter Success: Insight into Kaden’s successful use of Kickstarter to fund his books, highlighting the advantages and hurdles of crowdfunding literary projects.
          - Creative Process: Explore Kaden’s approach to writing, including his planning stages, dealing with writer’s block, and how he balances structure with spontaneous creativity.
          - Influences and Inspirations: Kaden shares the story of how he gave a copy of his book to his inspiration, Brandon Sanderson, and the impact of mentorship and community support in his writing career.
          Join the Community:
          - Have you considered self-publishing? Or are you curious about crowdfunding for your projects? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below, and let’s discuss the diverse paths to publishing success!
          Kaden Love’s Links:
          - Website: https://www.kadenrlove.com
          - Purchase "Elegy of a Fragmented Vineyard": https://www.amazon.com/Elegy-Fragmented-Vineyard-Paladins-Harvest-ebook/dp/B0C9SP12YW
          - Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kadenloveauthor
          - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadenloveauthor/
          Writing Quest’s Links:
          - Twitter: https://twitter.com/WritingQuest
          - Notion Template Storybook: Master Novelist: https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist
          Thank you for joining us as we uncover the intricacies of the indie publishing world with Kaden Love. Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned scribe, there's always more to learn from each other’s experiences. See you next time on Writing Quest!
          #WritingCommunity #AuthorTube #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing #IndiePublishing #Kickstarter #LiteraryInfluences #WritingProcess #WritingInspiration #WritingQuest

          32 min
        • Trey McIntosh on Writing Speculative Fiction and Indie Manga

          📚 Exploring the Art of Writing and Storytelling with Trey McIntosh 📚

          Welcome to Writing Quest! I'm Brenden Pugh. In today's episode, we dive deep into the creative process with Trey McIntosh, a seasoned writer known for his work in indie manga and his diverse narrative projects. Trey shares his journey in freelance writing, his current endeavors in the realm of speculative fiction, and his unique approach to crafting stories.

          What's Inside:

          Career Journey: Trey discusses his 15-year freelance career and his transition to pursuing an MFA in writing.

          Current Projects: Get insights into Trey's ongoing projects like his dragon story collaboration with his wife, the urban fantasy "Arcana Craft," and his thesis novel—a unique aquatic epic fantasy.

          Writing Process: Learn about Trey's dynamic and evolving approach to storytelling, from initial idea brainstorming to the detailed construction of worlds and characters.

          Creative Challenges: Explore the intricacies and challenges of writing with no prior digital footprint, a requirement for Trey's MFA thesis.

          Speculative Fiction: Trey shares his perspective on speculative fiction, emphasizing the "what ifs" that drive the genre.

          Join the Community:

          What's your approach to developing stories? Do you prefer crafting detailed plots upfront or letting the story evolve organically? Share your methods and thoughts in the comments below!

          Follow Writing Quest on Instagram, Twitter, and Wattpad for more behind-the-scenes looks and discussions about the writing process.

          Trey McIntosh’s Links:

          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somecallmetrey

          Writing Quest’s Links:

          Twitter: https://twitter.com/WritingQuest

          Notion Template Storybook: Master Novelist: https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist

          Thank you for joining us for this insightful conversation with Trey McIntosh. Be sure to check out our full episode for a deeper exploration of Trey's projects and insights. Catch you next time on Writing Quest!


          #WritingCommunity #AuthorTube #CreativeWriting #IndieManga #Storytelling #FantasyWriting #WritingProcess #WritingQuest

          42 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.