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

Blake Crouch excels at crafting cinematic scenes. Through the manipulation of memory and reality along with the infusion of self-experience, Crouch creates scenes that feel both surreal and believable. He is well known for his bestselling Wayward Pines Trilogy, which became a top-rated TV series. He has published more than a dozen other novels and has had work in various publications, including Ellery Queen and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. Blake is currently adapting his bestselling thriller, Dark Matter, for the big screen while Shonda Rimes and Matt Reeves are bringing Recursion to Netflix.From Amazon.com:Blake Crouch is a bestselling novelist and screenwriter. His novels include the New York Times bestseller Dark Matter, and the internationally bestselling Wayward Pines trilogy, which was adapted into a television series for FOX. Crouch also created the TNT show Good Behavior, based on his Letty Dobesh novellas. His latest book is Recursion, a sci-fi thriller about memory, and will be published in June 2019. He lives in Colorado.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 nostalgia in your storyHow to integrate self-experience into a sceneHow to rethink a saturated genreWhy to save cut scenesHow to balanced planned and improvised writingLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Blake Crouch - http://blakecrouch.com/Recursion by Blake Crouch - https://books2read.com/RecursionNovelPines (Book 1 of Wayward Pines) by Blake Crouch - https://books2read.com/PinesThree Story Method by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon - https://books2read.com/threestorymethodThree Story Method Workbook by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon - https://amzn.to/37SAR1aMusic 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.

Chuck Palahniuk is a master at tapping into his readers’ emotions. Whether through sympathetic attachment, comedic relief, or intense realism, Palahniuk manipulates emotion to create breathtaking novels that engage his readers throughout the entire story. He is most well-known for his debut novel, Fight Club, a dark satire following the thrilling story of an office worker with insomnia as he falls into insanity. After Fight Club’s success, Chuck continued creating captivating and award-winning stories, including Choke, Lullaby, and Guts. His most recent work of nonfiction, Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life after Which Everything Was Different, is available now.From Amazon.com:Chuck Palahniuk's novels are the bestselling Fight Club, which was made into a film by director David Fincher, Diary, Lullaby, Survivor, Haunted, and Invisible Monsters. Portions of Choke have appeared in Playboy, and Palahniuk's nonfiction work has been published by Gear, Black Book, The Stranger, and the Los Angeles Times. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.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 capture your reader’s emotionsHow to make your characters liked or respectedHow to employ cognitive reframing in your writingHow to transition well between scenesWhy to join a writing workshopLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Chuck Palahniuk - https://chuckpalahniuk.net/Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk - https://books2read.com/FightClubConsider This: Moments in My Writing Life after Which Everything Was Different by Chuck Palahniuk - https://books2read.com/ConsiderThisThree Story Method by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon - https://books2read.com/threestorymethodThree Story Method Workbook by J. Thorn and Zack Bohannon - https://amzn.to/37SAR1aMusic 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/ *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.

Mercedes Yardley knows how to become a successful author as a stay-at-home mom. With a husband working and a child requiring special needs, Yardley took up writing as an emotional outlet, and her thrilling style soon became recognized. She won the Bram Stoker Award in 2015 for her psychological horror novella, Little Dead Red, and wrote the Stabby Award-winning Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love. She is also a member of the Horror Writers Association and co-chair of the Las Vegas HWA Chapter. Mercedes currently lives in Las Vegas with her family and rescue animals.From Amazon.com:Mercedes M. Yardley is a whimsical dark fantasist who wears poisonous flowers in her hair. She is the author of many diverse works, including Beautiful Sorrows, Pretty Little Dead Girls: A Novel of Murder and Whimsy, and the Stabby Award-winning Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love.She recently won the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for her realistic horror story Little Dead Red and was a Bram Stoker finalist for her short story "Loving You Darkly." Mercedes lives and creates in Las Vegas with her family and menagerie of battle-scarred, rescued animal familiars. She is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin and Fountain Literary Management.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 Mercedes writes while taking care of her childWhy writing is a great emotional outletHow to adapt to an irregular work dayIf hiring an administrative team is right for youHow to achieve the optimal writer’s headspaceLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Mercedes Yardley - https://mercedesmyardley.com/Little Dead Red by Mercedes Yardley - https://books2read.com/littledeadredApocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love by Mercedes Yardley - https://books2read.com/atomicloveMusic 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/ *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.

Taking Advantage of Opportunity with Meg GardinerMeg Gardiner knows how to take advantage of opportunity. After reading Stephen King’s column in Entertainment Weekly, Meg saw her name in his recommendation and her career has soared since but not without hard work and strong writing. Gardiner’s newest book in the UNSUB series has been acquired by Amazon and she is attached as a producer. Her latest book in the series, The Dark Corners of the Night, is out now and it is the story that will be created for Amazon’s streaming service.From Amazon.com:Meg Gardiner is the author of fifteen thrillers. Her latest is The Dark Corners of the Night, the third novel in the UNSUB series featuring FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix. Stephen King says, "Don't miss it. This is a great one." It's been bought by Amazon Studios for development as a television series. The first novel in the series, UNSUB, won the 2018 Barry Award for Best Thriller.Meg was born in Oklahoma and raised in Santa Barbara, California. A graduate of Stanford Law School, she practiced law in Los Angeles and taught writing at the University of California Santa Barbara. She's also a three-time Jeopardy! champion. She lives in Austin, Texas.Meg is the author of the Evan Delaney series, the Jo Beckett novels, and several stand alones. China Lake won the 2009 Edgar award for Best Paperback Original. The Nightmare Thief won the 2012 Audie Award for Thriller/Suspense audiobook of the year. Phantom Instinct was one of O, the Oprah magazine's "Best Books of Summer."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 persistence pays offHow to be ready when opportunity arisesWhy there are many paths to publicationLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Meg Gardiner - http://meggardiner.com/ Dark Corners of the Night by Meg Gardiner - https://books2read.com/darkcorners Music 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/ *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.

Greatly influenced by his DIY attitude, Richard Chizmar built a successful magazine and brand from scratch. Chizmar is a bestselling author and founder of Cemetery Dance magazine. He has written various novels, screenplays, and teleplays, including Gwendy’s Button Box, a bestselling novella, with Stephen King. Richard also works as an editor, with his work appearing in over thirty-five anthologies.From Amazon.com:Richard Chizmar is the author of Gwendy's Button Box (with Stephen King) and A Long December, which was nominated for numerous awards. His fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, including Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine and multiple editions of The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories. He has won two World Fantasy awards, four International Horror Guild awards, and the HWA's Board of Trustee's award. His third short story collection, A Long December, was recently published to starred reviews in both Kirkus and Booklist, and was featured in Entertainment Weekly. Chizmar's work has been translated into many languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, guest speaker, panelist, and guest of honor. Please visit the author's website at RichardChizmar.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:How to start a DIY magazineWhy every magazine needs a VIP list and a mailing listWhich authors to publish in your magazineHow to create work that stands outHow to run a business as a non-businesspersonLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Richard Chizmar - https://richardchizmar.comCemetery Dance Magazine - https://www.cemeterydance.comGwendy’s Button Box by Richard Chizmar and Stephen King - https://books2read.com/GwendysNovellaMusic 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/ *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.

Despite being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome as a young man, J.D. continues to thrive while challenging all stereotypes and stigmas. In fact, Barker has become an international bestselling author and millionaire. The emphasis AS puts on structure has given him a unique approach to outlining his writing and creating interesting character backstories. By pursuing a career that compliments a disorder, J.D shows that anyone can be successful. In the second half of the episode, J. talks through the next steps of his manuscript with J.D.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 J.D. uses Asperger’s to his advantageWhich careers suit a disorderThe importance of getting a correct diagnosisWhy good stories have outlinesHow J.D. creates lifelike charactersAn update on J.’s manuscript projectLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Music 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/ *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.

James Patterson knows the importance of passion and perseverance when it comes to a career as a writer. He is the bestselling author with 147 published novels, 114 of which made the New York Times bestsellers list, and he holds the Guinness World Record for most #1 New York Times bestsellers. His classic thriller, Along Came a Spider, inspired twenty-five sequels and a film adaptation starring Morgan Freeman. James also runs The Patterson Family Foundation and the James Patterson Teacher Education Scholarships.From Amazon.com:James Patterson is the world's bestselling author, best known for his many enduring fictional characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women's Murder Club, Michael Bennett, Maximum Ride, Middle School, I Funny, and Jacky Ha-Ha. Patterson's writing career is characterized by a single mission: to prove to everyone, from children to adults, that there is no such thing as a person who "doesn't like to read," only people who haven't found the right book. He's given over a million books to schoolkids and over forty million dollars to support education, and endowed over five thousand college scholarships for teachers. He writes full-time and lives in Florida with his family. Learn more at jamespatterson.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:How James Patterson structures his storiesWhy every story needs an outlineWhy successful authors are innovatorsWhy a great book is its own best adHow to be more aware of your readers’ needsThe amazing work of The Patterson Family FoundationLinks:James Patterson - https://www.jamespatterson.com/James Patterson Masterclass - https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=963720&u=2285884&m=62509&urllink=&afftrack=Along Came a Spider by James Patterson - https://books2read.com/AlongCameASpiderThe Patterson Family Foundation - https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Music 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/ *Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. See acast.com/privacy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joanna Penn spent the last ten years designing a career as an authorpreneur. As a self-published author, business owner, and podcaster, she thrives on self-investment and brand recognition. Penn is most known for her international and award-winning podcast, The Creative Penn. She has written many titles for independent writers including How To Market a Book and Successful Self-Publishing. In addition, Joanna publishes a unique brand of dark fiction under the name J.F. Penn. When she isn’t writing, she runs Curl Up Press and speaks professionally around the world.From Amazon.com:Joanna Penn is a bestselling author, international speaker and award-winning entrepreneur based in Bath, England. Her site, www.TheCreativePenn.com helps authors with creativity, writing, publishing, book marketing and creative entrepreneurship. It has been voted one of the top 100 sites for authors by Writers Digest. Joanna has a popular podcast, The Creative Penn, and a YouTube Channel.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 find an enjoyable careerHow to establish a brandWhy time comes before moneyHow to scale a productWhy to invest in yourselfLinks:Joanna Penn - https://jfpenn.com/The Creative Penn Podcast - https://www.thecreativepenn.com/Books and Travel Podcast - https://www.booksandtravel.page/listen/Successful Self-Publishing by Joanna Penn - https://books2read.com/PennSelfPublishingHow To Market a Book by Joanna Penn - https://books2read.com/HowToMarketABookJ. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Music 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/ *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.

Chris Brogan has discovered an authentic business mindset. With his strong work ethic and low-stakes attitude, Brogan reaches his fullest potential as both an author and marketing consultant. He is known around the world for Trust Agents, a masterfully written guide to building a business. When he isn’t writing, Chris runs Owner Media Group, a business consulting agency.From Amazon.com:Chris Brogan is CEO of Owner Media Group , providing strategy and skills for the modern business. He is also a highly sought after professional speaker and the New York Times bestselling author of nine books and counting. His latest is called Find Your Writing Voice. Chris has spoken for or consulted with the biggest brands you know, including Disney, Coke, Google, GM, Microsoft, Coldwell Banker, Titleist, Scotts, Humana Health, Cisco, Sony USA, and many more. Forbes listed Chris as one of the Must Follow Marketing Minds of 2014, plus listed his website as one of the 100 best websites for entrepreneurs. Statsocial rated Chris the #3 power influencer online.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 build a brand as an authorWhy to value failureHow work ethic makes or breaks authorsWhen to republish a bookThe importance of a tidy newsletterWhy YouTube is great for writersLinks:Chris Brogan - https://chrisbrogan.com/Trust Agents by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith - https://books2read.com/TrustAgentsOwner Media Group - https://owner.media/J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Music 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/ *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.

Paul Tremblay has mastered work-life balance as an educator and published author. Through his day-to-day outlook and strong drive for self-advocating, Tremblay always finds what’s best for his career. His best-known novels include The Cabin at the End of the World and A Head Full of Ghosts, and many of his works have appeared in Year’s Best. When he is not writing, Paul teaches AP Calculus in Massachusetts.From Amazon.com:Paul Tremblay is the author of the Bram Stoker Award and Locus Award winning THE CABIN AT THE END OF THE WORLD, winner of the British Fantasy Award DISAPPEARANCE AT DEVIL'S ROCK, and Bram Stoker Award/Massachusetts Book Award winning A HEAD FULL OF GHOSTS. A HEAD FULL OF GHOSTS is in development with Focus Features. He's also the author of the novels The Little Sleep, No Sleep till Wonderland, Swallowing a Donkey's Eye, and Floating Boy and the Girl Who Couldn't Fly (co-written with Stephen Graham Jones).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:The value of self-advocatingHow to write while working a day jobHow to reach a foreign marketWhen to self-investWhy to write for yourself, not for moneyLinks:Paul Tremblay - https://www.paultremblay.net/The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay - https://books2read.com/TheCabinA Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay - https://books2read.com/HeadFullofGhostsShe Has A Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be by J.D. Barker - https://books2read.com/brokenthingbarker J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Music 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/ *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.