The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

Boris Bacic, a bestselling horror author from Serbia with over 30 works, dives into the evolution of horror subgenres and shares his unique publishing journey. He discusses finding inspiration from personal experiences and the importance of setting. Bacic elaborates on whether ideas suit short stories or novels and explores the various income streams for authors in the genre. He also addresses the impact of platforms like creepypasta on horror narratives and highlights the challenges indie authors face in marketing their work.

Rachel McLean, an award-winning crime author and publisher, shares her journey in scaling her author business after selling over 2 million copies. She discusses the importance of hiring freelancers with diverse skills and balancing writing with business duties. The conversation touches on moving readers from Kindle Unlimited to direct sales and the surge of audiobooks. McLean also explores leveraging AI tools to enhance creativity while maintaining an authentic voice, ultimately emphasizing reader engagement and innovative marketing strategies.

Jim Kukral, a professional speaker and nonfiction self-help author, joins the discussion around hitting 10 million downloads. He shares seven insightful lessons for creatives, emphasizing the importance of starting where you are and improving over time. Building genuine relationships is key, as is establishing boundaries for personal sharing. The episode dives into the role of patronage and the emotional challenges faced by independent creators. Persistence is highlighted as essential for long-term success while enjoying the creative journey remains paramount.

Emily E K Murdoch, a USA Today bestselling author with over 100 historical romances and a nonfiction history book, dives into the world of writing across genres. She discusses the differences between traditional and indie publishing, emphasizing the importance of personal branding and financial security for authors. Emily also shares insights on navigating contracts, diversifying income streams, and the creative process of researching historical fiction. Her journey from fiction to nonfiction illustrates the complexities of publishing and the necessity of enjoying one's work.

Ariel Curry, a writer, editor, and book coach, shares her insights on the ‘hungry author’ mindset essential for nonfiction success. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your audience and creating a robust book map. Ariel discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and leveraging AI for marketing and cover design. Discover practical strategies for pitching your work and building a strong author platform beyond social media. Dive into the complexities of nonfiction and learn how to navigate these challenges with a resilient mindset.

Dave Cohen, an award-winning BBC comedy writer known for shows like Horrible Histories, shares his insights on incorporating humor into all genres. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from TV writing to self-publishing novels and why comedy is vital for writers. Cohen emphasizes the balance between originality and clichés in humor, as well as the importance of perseverance in storytelling. He also reflects on the role of community in marketing books and the joy of engaging readers through laughter.

Mark Lefebvre, an expert in reader engagement and selling books at events, shares invaluable insights on making genuine connections at live signings. He discusses the importance of technology and the right mindset in boosting sales. Highlighting the benefits of in-person interactions, Mark offers practical strategies to overcome marketing challenges and embrace AI as a tool rather than a threat. Listeners will discover how fostering authentic relationships can lead to long-term success in the ever-evolving publishing landscape.

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.