
The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
Writing Craft and Creative Business
Latest episodes

Mar 11, 2024 • 1h
Dealing With Change And How To Build Resilience As An Author With Becca Syme
There are more options for publishing and reaching readers than ever before, and the indie author business models are splintering and diverging, so how do we know which path to follow? How do we deal with the changes due to generative AI, and how do we manage the grief and anxiety about these shifts? Becca […]
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Mar 4, 2024 • 1h 9min
How To Create Beautiful Print Books And Sell Direct With Alex Smith From Bookvault
Learn how BookVault can help authors create beautiful print books and boost sales. Explore AI trends in publishing, special edition options, and direct selling strategies. Discover the benefits of ProWritingAid for writing quality. Dive into unique features for print books, indie author support, and innovative strategies for publishers.

Feb 26, 2024 • 1h 6min
Tips On Writing Memoir With J.F. Penn
Tips on writing memoir with J.F. Penn: exploring emotional honesty, real places, and people in memoir, editing challenges, publishing choices, and marketing strategies. Discover the journey of writing a travel memoir, capturing experiences through writing and photos, and the importance of vulnerability and honesty in storytelling.

Feb 19, 2024 • 1h 7min
The Hard Joy Of Writing With Sharon Fagan McDermott and M.C. Benner Dixon
Award-winning poet Sharon Fagan McDermott and author M.C. Benner Dixon share insights on finding joy in writing, dealing with jealousy, and deepening writing with metaphor and sense of place. They discuss the challenges and rewards of writing, embracing playfulness, the power of descriptive writing, and the dynamics of collaborative book writing and promotion.

Feb 12, 2024 • 1h 6min
Writing And Producing A Micro-Budget Film With Jeffrey Crane Graham
Indie filmmaker Jeffrey Crane Graham shares tips for indie authors, including choosing yourself rather than waiting, creating a micro-budget feature, writing shootable screenplays, and the challenges of making an indie film. They also discuss the use of AI in the creative process and its impact on cultural conversation.

16 snips
Feb 5, 2024 • 1h
Your Author Brand With Isabelle Knight
The podcast discusses the importance of author brand in a saturated market and how to define one's author brand story. It also explores the process of transforming deeply personal stories into a version that resonates with readers, including the challenges of vulnerability and fear of backlash.

Jan 29, 2024 • 1h 7min
How To Be Successful On Kickstarter With Paddy Finn
What are the benefits — and the challenges — of crowdfunding on Kickstarter? How can you fund successfully, as well as make a profit with your campaign? Paddy Finn gives his tips. In the intro, you can find more selling direct resources here; Streaming due for a streamlining [FT]; Authors Guild explores AI licensing deal […]
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Jan 26, 2024 • 38min
A Creative Approach To Generative AI In Book Cover Design With James Helps
James Helps, a book cover designer at Go On Write, discusses the use of generative AI tools in the book cover design process. He talks about various AI-generated image tools, the benefits of using AI in design, and addresses misconceptions about AI. They also explore the rapid progress of AI development and its connection to server farms. Despite the efficiency of AI, they emphasize the importance of working with a designer for a personalized touch.

Jan 22, 2024 • 1h 5min
Direct Sales And Merchandising For Authors With Alex Kava
Bestselling author and expert in direct sales and merchandising, Alex Kava, discusses the struggles of traditional publishing, becoming an indie author, and the benefits of direct sales. She emphasizes the importance of merchandise as an extension of the reader experience and shares insights on personalized books and sourcing quality items. The chapter also touches on AI assistance in writing and upcoming developments, as well as marketing strategies for driving sales like newsletters and private Facebook pages.

4 snips
Jan 15, 2024 • 1h 13min
Facing Fears, And Writing Unique Characters With Barbara Nickless
Barbara Nickless, an award-winning author, discusses mindset and writing craft in this wide-ranging interview. Topics include moving past fears in writing, creating unique and compelling characters, writing as a form of healing, and the challenge of developing well-rounded characters in a series.