The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

T.L. Whalan, an Australian author known for her short stories and contributions to family history, delves into the fascinating world of genealogy. She shares the motivations behind researching family history and the importance of interviewing living relatives. Whalan discusses the emotional journey of uncovering ancestral stories, using historical records and DNA testing to trace lineage. Her anecdotes highlight the challenges and triumphs of publishing a family history book, illustrating how these stories can transform dusty records into compelling narratives.

In this engaging discussion, Alison Haselden, an author, screenwriter, and actor known for her historical fiction audio drama 'Wicked Dames,' shares insights on transforming big-budget TV ideas into self-produced audio dramas. She dives into the challenges of crafting immersive narratives with extensive casts and budget constraints. Haselden discusses creative marketing tactics, including guerrilla strategies in airport bookstores, and emphasizes the blend of emotional depth and commercial appeal in storytelling. Additionally, she reflects on the unique journey of young women during WWII, exploring themes of seduction and morality.

Johnny B Truant, an accomplished author with over 150 books in various genres, presents a refreshing take on the creative journey. He emphasizes the artisan author approach, advocating for prioritizing artistic quality and genuine fan connections over the relentless pressure of the publishing industry. Truant discusses the transformative role of AI in managing sales data, the importance of self-care practices for nurturing creativity, and the value of community support for independent authors. His insights offer a path to a sustainable and fulfilling author career.

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.