Writers, Ink: Your backstage pass to the world's most prolific authors

J.D. Barker, Christine Daigle
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Jun 8, 2020 • 48min

Maximizing Your Reach as an Indie Author with Lindsay Buroker

Lindsay Buroker knows how to maximize her reach as an indie author. By writing under multiple pen names across multiple genres, following a rapid release model to generate interest, and running a podcast to help uphold her brand, she continues to expand her audience and influence across the writing landscape. Buroker is a full-time independent author who focuses primarily on the genres of science fiction and fantasy. Among her impressive number of successful series are Death Before Dragons, Dragon Blood, and Star Kingdom. She is also known for co-hosting Six Figure Authors, a podcast dedicated to providing writers with tactical knowledge to help improve their careers. Lindsay’s latest release, Elven Doom, is available now.From Amazon.com:Lindsay is a full-time independent fantasy and science fiction author who loves travel, hiking, tennis, and vizslas. She's written over sixty novels, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list, and has been twice nominated for a Goodreads Readers' Choice Award. She grew up in the Seattle area but has itchy feet and moves every couple of years. She's currently living in Bend, Oregon, and working on the next book.Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:How to utilize the rapid release modelWhen to commit to a genreWhen to use a pen nameHow to approach cowritingHow to structure a day of writingLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Lindsay Buroker - https://lindsayburoker.com/Elven Doom by Lindsay Buroker - https://books2read.com/ElvenDoomSix Figure Authors Podcast - https://6figureauthors.com/Supercharge Your Scene - http://superchargeyourscene.comSave Indie Bookstores - https://www.saveindiebookstores.comMusic by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.comContact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ “Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen - https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/*Full disclosure: Some of Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Jun 1, 2020 • 47min

Write What You Know with James Blatch

First-time author James Blatch is already a perfect example of the “write what you know” mentality. While drafting his debut novel, The Last Flight, he has employed his genuine love of aircraft and his father’s personal experiences as a pilot to create both a story that feels authentically him and a brand that will undoubtedly lead him to success. Blatch is currently a director of the Self Publishing Formula, an online course for aspiring authors. He also co-hosts the SPF Podcast with Mark Dawson. James’ debut novel will be available this year.From JamesBlatch.com:James Blatch is a former BBC Defence Reporter and a former BBFC Film Examiner. He reported for the BBC on the UK military from, among other places, HMS Invincible (Operation Desert Fox build up), Kuwait (Ali Al Salem allied air base), the Arctic Circle as well as covering the UK air offensive during the Kosovo Conflict in 1999... Blatch is a director of the Self Publishing Formula Limited, an online course provider for independent authors. He co-hosts the weekly SPF Podcast.Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:How to write authenticallyThe importance of brandingWhy to have several people edit a draftHow to bring in extra revenue as a podcasterHow the industry is shifting from traditional to indie publishingLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/James Blatch - https://www.jamesblatch.com/The Last Flight by James Blatch - https://www.jamesblatch.com/booksSupercharge Your Scene - http://superchargeyourscene.comSave Indie Bookstores - https://www.saveindiebookstores.comMusic by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.comContact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ “Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen - https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. See acast.com/privacy for p Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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May 25, 2020 • 38min

Using StoryOrigin to Grow Your Platform with Evan Gow

Entrepreneur Evan Gow is the mastermind behind StoryOrigin. Fueled by a love of technology and writing, he created an all-in-one platform for authors to connect, team up for group promos, build and swap mailing lists, upload reader magnets, and more. With the unique opportunities StoryOrigin provides, Evan has helped thousands of authors get discovered, build communities, and become successful. StoryOrigin is currently in open beta and can be used for free at storyoriginapp.com.Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why you need to use StoryOriginHow to build a writing communityThe importance of mailing swapsThe importance of a reader magnetHow to send out review copiesLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Evan Gow - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evangow/StoryOrigin - https://storyoriginapp.com/Supercharge Your Scene - http://superchargeyourscene.comSave Indie Bookstores - https://www.saveindiebookstores.comMusic by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.comContact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ “Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen - https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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May 18, 2020 • 50min

Pushing Your Writing Limits with Jon Land

Jon Land has been pushing his writing limits for years. By forcing himself to take ownership of his work, refusing to write what he knows, and giving every project his all, he has greatly expanded his writing skill set and has overcome the uncertainties of being an author to find success. Land is a bestselling author of over 50 books. He is most known for his Caitlin Strong series and for recently overtaking the Murder, She Wrote series, both of which have become iconic in the mystery-thriller genre. His most recent addition to the Murder, She Wrote series, The Murder of Twelve, will be available later this month. From Amazon.com:Since his first book was published in 1983, Jon Land has written twenty-eight novels, seventeen of which have appeared on national bestseller lists. He began writing technothrillers before Tom Clancy put them in vogue, and his strong prose, easy characterization, and commitment to technical accuracy have made him a pillar of the genre.Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why to have fun while writingWhy to say yes to everythingThe importance of writing organizations to early authorsWhy all authors should be able to give an elevator pitchThe importance of staying ambitiousLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Jon Land - https://www.jonlandbooks.com/The Murder of Twelve by Jon Land - https://www.amazon.com/Murder-She-Wrote-Twelve-Book-ebook/dp/B07X6S13Z5/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=murder%2C+she+wrote&qid=1589650774&s=digital-text&sr=1-1Strong from the Heart by Jon Land - https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Heart-Caitlin-Novel-Novels-ebook/dp/B07WPNFP54/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Supercharge Your Scene - http://superchargeyourscene.comSecret Powers of the Author Mastermind: How to Transform from Struggling Writer to Career Author - https://books2read.com/authormastermindCo-writing a Book Mini Course with Joanna Penn - https://creative-penn-courses.teachable.com/p/co-writing-a-bookSave Indie Bookstores - https://www.s Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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May 11, 2020 • 39min

Educating Authors with Bryan Cohen

Bryan Cohen is well-trained in the art of educating authors. With his forward-focused approach to teaching and emphasis on keeping students motivated, he has helped thousands of new authors understand the ins and outs of writing. In addition to teaching, Cohen has published a series of novels and dozens of writing guides. His most popular book, How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis, contains the secrets to attracting new readers and making a book sound good. His latest offering, “Amazon Ad School,” is available below.From Amazon.com:Bryan Cohen is an author, a podcaster, and a coach. He's published over 40 books, which have been downloaded over half a million times. His books include How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis and five novels in The Viral Superhero Series. He's the co-host of The Sell More Books Show and the head writer at Best Page Forward, a book description writing service.Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why successful people aren’t necessarily good teachersWhy self-paced courses don’t workThe importance of a feedback loopWhy most writers have multiple revenue streamsWhen to write for an audience vs. for yourselfLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Bryan Cohen - http://bryancohen.com/Amazon Ad Challenge (July 2020) - https://bryancohen.lpages.co/amazon-ad-profit-challenge-landing-july-2020/How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis by Bryan Cohen - https://www.amazon.com/Write-Sizzling-Synopsis-Step-Step-ebook/dp/B01HYBWOF6/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Amazon Ad School - https://selling-for-authors.teachable.com/p/amazon-ads-made-easy Secret Powers of the Author Mastermind: How to Transform from Struggling Writer to Career Author - https://books2read.com/authormastermindCo-writing a Book Mini Course with Joanna Penn - https://creative-penn-courses.teachable.com/p/co-writing-a-bookSave Indie Bookstores - https://www.saveindiebookstores.comMusic by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Ri Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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May 4, 2020 • 46min

The Business of Writing with Scott Nicholson

International bestselling author Scott Nicholson knows a thing or two about the business of writing. With experience in both the traditional and independent publishing worlds as well as the overseas market, he is able to make his already thrilling reads even more appealing by clever use of advertising and market knowledge. Nicholson has written over a hundred thrillers and short stories and has sold millions of copies worldwide. He is most known for his Sheriff Littlefield series, centered around the chilling mystery of a haunted Appalachian church. Scott’s latest addition to the series, McFall, is available now.From Amazon.com:I've written more than 30 novels, about 80 short stories, four children's books, some comic books, screenplays, and a couple of non-fiction books, as well as five collaborations with J.R. Rain. Many of my tales are based on supernatural legends from the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and I also write mystery and suspense thrillers that are most often compared to the work of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I've branched into dark science fiction with my After, Next, and MIM*X series.Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:How to step into the self-publishing worldHow to build a sustainable career as an authorHow to advertise to foreign marketsThe philosophy behind paid advertisingThe importance of a newsletter or mailing listThe importance of retaining uniquenessLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Scott Nicholson - http://www.authorscottnicholson.com/McFall by Scott Nicholson - https://books2read.com/McFallThe Red Church by Scott Nicholson - https://books2read.com/RedChurchSave Indie Bookstores - https://www.saveindiebookstores.comMusic by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.comContact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ “Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen - https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Apr 27, 2020 • 45min

Mastering the Creative Process with #1 NY Times bestseller, David Baldacci

David Baldacci has mastered the creative process. By employing what he knows about plausible plot lines, character development, and field research, he can bring his ideas together into books that feel amazingly believable. Baldacci is a bestselling author who has sold more than 130 million books worldwide. He is most known for his political thriller, Absolute Power, which follows the captivating tale of a murder in the White House. David’s most recent publication, Walk the Wire, is available now.From Amazon.com:David published his first novel, ABSOLUTE POWER, in 1996. A feature film followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 37 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers and several have been adapted for film and television. His novels have been translated into more than 45 languages and sold in more than 80 countries, with over 130 million worldwide sales. David has also published six novels for younger readers.Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:How to develop a character throughout a seriesThe importance of constructive criticismHow to distill research into a storyHow to use the Writer’s PrismThe difference between probability and plausibilityLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/David Baldacci - https://www.davidbaldacci.com/Walk the Wire by David Baldacci - https://books2read.com/WalkTheWireAbsolute Power by David Baldacci - https://books2read.com/AbsolutePowerDavid Baldacci’s MasterClass - https://www.masterclass.com/classes/david-baldacci-teaches-mystery-and-thriller-writingSave Indie Bookstores - https://www.saveindiebookstores.comMusic by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.comContact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ “Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen - https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/&a Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Apr 20, 2020 • 45min

Beating Resistance with Steven Pressfield and Shawn Coyne

Steven Pressfield and Shawn Coyne are strong believers in beating resistance and chasing crazy ideas. Whether it involves writing about something completely foreign to you or something too edgy for commercial readers, both agree that sticking with your most outlandish ideas will lead to better, more fulfilling writing. Pressfield and Coyne are both masterful bestselling authors. Pressfield is most-known for The Legend of Bagger Vance, a compelling sports mystery that was adapted into a film featuring Will Smith and Matt Damon. Coyne is most-known for Story Grid, a revolutionary editing tool and writing group that has helped writers around the world produce better content.From Amazon.com:Steven Pressfield is the author of The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, Tides of War, Last of the Amazons, Virtues of War, The Afghan Campaign, Killing Rommel, The Profession, The Lion's Gate, The War of Art, Turning Pro, Do the Work, The Warrior Ethos, The Authentic Swing, An American Jew, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, The Knowledge, and The Artist's Journey.From StoryGrid.com:I (Shawn Coyne) have been in the publishing industry for thirty years now, twenty-five of which were spent working as an editor at the Big Five publishing houses, as an independent publisher, as a literary agent both at a major Hollywood talent agency and as the head of Genre Management Inc. In early 2015, I published The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know, and later that year I started the Story Grid Podcast with writer, and book marketing expert, Tim Grahl. The rest is history. We now have 45 Certified Story Grid Editors, 3 podcasts, a blog rich with story resources, a suite of courses and a community that continues to grow. Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:How to determine if an idea is crazyWhy to pick the idea you’re most afraid ofHow to make difficult creative decisionsThe importance of a day-by-day approach to projectsHow to accept failureLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Steven Pressfield - https://stevenpressfield.com/Black Irish Books - https://blackirishbooks.com/jabs/The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield - https://books2read.com/BaggerVanceShawn Coyne - https://storygrid.com/about/The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know by Shawn Coyne - https://books2read.com/SGThe Story Grid Guild - https://storygrid.com/guildSave Indie Bookstores - Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Apr 13, 2020 • 53min

Transitioning Between Careers with Romona Robinson

Romona Robinson knows a thing or two about successfully transitioning between careers. After working as one of Cleveland’s most respected news anchors for over thirty years, she took a leap of faith when she left her job to write full-time. Backed by passion, hard work, and smart marketing, Romona was able to publish two successful books in her first two years of writing and continues to inspire women and men everywhere to find their purpose. Her latest publication, Your Voice is Your Power, is available now.From Amazon.com:Romona Robinson is an eight time Emmy award winning anchor, speaker and author of A Dirt Road to Somewhere and Your Voice is Your Power. She is one of the most respected and admired journalists in northeast Ohio and was inducted into the Press Club of Cleveland's Journalism Hall of Fame in 2016. She is winner of the prestigious Edward R Murrow Award along with her station, WOIO-TV 19, where she served as primary anchor. She received the 2017 Alpha Woman Award, given to women who exemplify power in their field and uses it to empower women.Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:How Romona found her passion for writingHow to start a career as an authorWhy community engagement is importantThe importance of timed advertisingHow to overcome the fear of failureLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Romona Robinson - http://romonarobinson.com/A Dirt Road to Somewhere by Romona Robinson - https://books2read.com/DirtRoadToSomewhereYour Voice is Your Power by Romona Robinson - https://books2read.com/YourVoiceIsYourPowerSave Indie Bookstores - https://www.saveindiebookstores.comMusic by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.comContact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ “Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen - https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. See Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Apr 6, 2020 • 42min

Author-Agent Relationships with Alec Shane

Alec Shane has been fostering authentic author-agent relationships since 2012. Whether he is mediating disputes between authors and editors or selling books to publishers, Alec and others like him serve as the backbone of the writing industry. During his time at Writers House, Shane has worked with many successful authors and groups, including Mark Stein, Mike Thomas, and the Horror Writers Association. For submissions and queries, Alec can be reached at ashane@writershouse.com.From ManuscriptWishlist.com:Alec Shane majored in English at Brown University, a degree he put to immediate use by moving to Los Angeles after graduation to become a professional stunt man. Realizing that he prefers books to breakaway glass, he moved to New York City in 2008 to pursue a career in publishing. Alec quickly found a home at Writers House Literary Agency and is now aggressively building his own list.Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:How Alec became an agentWhat agents look for in authorsHow to pitch your book to an agency or publisherIf traditional or independent publishing is right for youWhy horror is making a resurgenceLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Alec Shane - https://twitter.com/alecdshaneSubmissions and Queries - ashane@writershouse.comSave Indie Bookstores - https://www.saveindiebookstores.comMusic by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.comContact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ “Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen - https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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