The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

Sacha Black, a full-time author entrepreneur known for her spicy sapphic fantasy romance under the pen name Ruby Roe, shares her journey and insights. She discusses the challenges of pivoting genres and the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout. Sacha reveals innovative marketing strategies, including leveraging TikTok for growth. She highlights the evolution of audiobooks with AI technology, emphasizing how authors can adapt to changing business models. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to creative freedom and balanced well-being in the author world.

Joanna Penn, an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author and podcaster, shares insights from her 13-year journey as an author entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of pivoting your author brand, the role of AI in enhancing creativity, and embracing community support through platforms like Patreon. Joanna reveals how a small paywall has positively impacted her mental health and discusses prioritizing physical fitness, especially for women post-menopause. Join her as she reflects on growth, creativity, and the joy of creating beautiful books.

Guy Windsor, a consulting swordsman and author specializing in medieval swordsmanship, shares his insights on crafting effective training manuals for teaching physical skills. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on true fans while balancing creative freedom with financial goals. Topics include trends in indie authorship, the benefits of Findaway Voices for audiobook distribution, and the significance of building genuine relationships with readers. Windsor also discusses navigating the evolving publishing landscape, allowing authors to thrive creatively and financially.

David Viergutz, a disabled army and law enforcement veteran turned horror author, dives into strategies for selling fiction beyond just storytelling. He emphasizes the power of personal passions in writing and highlights the shift towards direct sales models, including engaging readers through physical letters. The discussion also covers innovative approaches to marketing, the impact of AI on writing, and the importance of maintaining cultural accuracy in storytelling. Tune in for insights on transforming creative passions into successful ventures!

AD Wilk, an accomplished German author of over 30 books, discusses the intricacies of self-publishing in Germany. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs to unlock creative potential and the unique challenges indie authors face. Wilk also shares insights on navigating the German book market, touching on reader preferences and effective marketing strategies. Additionally, she reflects on the transformative power of authenticity and the significance of community engagement in building a successful author career.

Larry Kasanoff, a creative powerhouse behind hits like Mortal Kombat and Terminator 2, discusses the delicate balance between creativity and business in writing and filmmaking. He shares insights on accessing a ‘touch of madness’ to fuel creativity and emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s voice in the face of industry pressures. Kasanoff also provides tips for authors looking to pitch their works for film and explores how a playful attitude can enhance the creative process. Finally, he reflects on the rapid timelines of book publishing compared to the film industry.

Thad McIlroy, an expert in the intersection of AI and publishing, delves into the current landscape of generative AI in the publishing industry. He discusses why AI tools are controversial yet essential for traditional publishers. The conversation highlights how these advancements can enhance creativity and streamline processes, from editorial tasks to audiobook production. McIlroy also emphasizes the importance of adapting to these technologies while maintaining the unique voices of authors, showcasing the transformative potential of AI in shaping the future of publishing.

Robin Finn, an award-winning writer and coach, shares invaluable insights on overcoming writing blocks and embracing one's unique voice. She discusses the fear of judgment and how to dismantle limiting beliefs that stifle creativity. Finn emphasizes the importance of strengths-based feedback and the TIDES principle for effective critiques. She encourages writers to tap into their curiosity and harness community support, aiming to create a positive environment for exploration and connection in the writing process.

Anna Sayburn Lane, an author of 1920s murder mysteries and contemporary thrillers, shares her journey through the challenges of pivoting genres. She discusses when to leave an unsuccessful series behind, the financial aspects of genre selection, and the benefits of writing to market for easier promotion. Lane also delves into the emotional highs and lows of attending author conventions, the intricacies of writing historical fiction, and the importance of rebranding and effective marketing strategies to connect with readers.

Award-nominated author Roz Morris discusses the importance of writing emotions in books and creating connections with readers. Topics include writing layers of emotion, using description and dialogue to evoke feelings, and the debate on likable characters.