The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

Joe Walters, author of The Truth About Book Reviews and founder of IndependentBookReview.com, shares his insights on securing more book reviews. He breaks down the three types of reviews—customer, editorial, and media—and how each can impact an author’s visibility. Walters delves into the complexities of memoir writing, discussing the balance between truth and emotion. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability when facing setbacks, both in writing and life, while offering practical strategies for indie authors to enhance their readership through authentic engagement.

Ines Johnson, a prolific romance author with over a hundred books to her name, dives into the art of storytelling and author branding. She shares her journey from screenwriter to self-published success and discusses practical marketing strategies, especially the AIDA framework. Ines emphasizes staying true to one's niche while building an audience and highlights the significance of community in the ever-changing publishing landscape. She encourages aspiring writers to embrace their passion and explore innovative ways to connect with readers.

This week features Jules Horne, a Scottish playwright and radio dramatist known for her insightful nonfiction on audiobooks. She discusses the impact of AI on the audiobook industry, debating whether synthetic voices can capture human nuance. Jules shares tips on adapting writing for audio formats, emphasizing the balance between innovation and authenticity. The conversation also touches on her upcoming short story collection, 'The Buried and the Drowned,' and the importance of community in marketing. Tune in for invaluable insights into the future of storytelling!

Join Simon Patrick, the founder of Ten Times Better Books and an innovator in AI audiobook solutions, as he reveals how independent authors can produce high-quality audiobooks affordably. He discusses the benefits of ElevenLabs' AI narration, including voice cloning and emotional tagging, and shares practical tips for authors looking to navigate this new landscape. Plus, Simon emphasizes the importance of owning your audio files and offers insights into monetizing voice technology, making audiobook production accessible to everyone.

Matty Dalrymple, an author of mysteries and host of The Indy Author Podcast, shares invaluable insights on using podcasts to connect with readers. She dives into the art of pitching effectively, emphasizing the importance of personalization and relationship-building. Matty also discusses how podcasting can enhance an author’s marketing strategy and foster authenticity. With her expertise, she offers actionable advice for turning conversations into lasting connections and building a strong community around your work.

Betsy Lerner, an award-winning editor and author, shares her decades of wisdom in the publishing world. She discusses the exploration of finding a unique writing voice across genres and the emotional nuances of book marketing. Lerner emphasizes the shift towards indie authors as entrepreneurial figures, navigating in-person sales, and the transformative journey of writing later in life. She also highlights the importance of community connections and the innovative strategies authors can adopt to thrive in today’s evolving landscape.

Thomas Umstattd Jr., CEO of AuthorMedia.com and an award-winning speaker, dives into the transformative effects of AI on book discoverability. He discusses Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), which could replace traditional SEO practices. Thomas explains how authors can adapt their websites to be AI-friendly and offers insights on utilizing platforms like Goodreads for greater visibility. He emphasizes staying positive in this changing landscape, while exploring the future of AI agents in book buying and how they can benefit authors.

JD Barker, a New York Times bestselling author known for his thrillers and collaboration with James Patterson, discusses how to broaden an author's reach and navigate the publishing landscape. He shares insights on the importance of personal fulfillment in writing and the emotional undercurrents of creativity. The conversation also covers the benefits of indie publishing, collaborative branding, and strategic networking within the writing community. Barker emphasizes the need for versatile marketing techniques to build a successful author brand.

Jennifer Roig-Francoli, an international prize-winning violinist and certified Alexander Technique teacher, shares insights on the synergy between music and writing. She discusses how mindfulness of the body can unlock creativity and reduce performance anxiety. Roig-Francoli explores her journey from music to writing, emphasizing the importance of self-care and physical well-being for creatives. Listeners will find inspiration in her holistic approach to transformation, which connects confidence in performance to mental awareness and personal growth.

Dave Morris, an accomplished author and comic book writer with over 40 years in publishing, shares insights from his extensive career. He explains why maintaining creative control and owning intellectual property is vital for long-term success. Morris discusses how AI tools can enhance creativity and assist authors in world-building, brainstorming, and maintaining narrative continuity. He emphasizes the balance between traditional writing and modern technology, urging emerging writers to embrace adaptability and confidence in their craft.