

WriterCon
William Bernhardt
Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt, with audiobook producer Jesse Ulrich, discuss the latest news from publishing, offer writing tips, and interview major authors, agents, editors, and other book-world professionals.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 5, 2021 • 36min
Live from WriterCon: Reaching a Vast Audience with David Farland
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews David Farland, New York Times-bestselling author of the Runelords fantasy series, and mentor to many successful writers.Chapter 1: IntroductionWe are live-streaming live from WriterCon 2021!Chapter 2: News1) Book sales are up with traditional publishing, independent publishing, and at B&N.2) Amazon purchases Wondery and makes and big move in podcasts.Chapter 3: WriterCon ReporterTwo newcomers to WriterCon, Grady Wieczorek and Jessica Smith, share their enthusiasm about WriterCon and what they've learned at the conference.Chapter 4: Interview with David FarlandBernhardt interview bestselling author and writing mentor David Farland about;1) the best way to learn to write;2) his work with Brandon Sanderson, Stephanie Meyer, and others;3) His early advocacy of the Harry Potter series;4) the value of outlines;5) how he created a fantasy universe; and6) his next work, Love Among the Cannibals.Chapter 5: Parting WordsPlease rate or review this show wherever you get podcasts. It makes it easier for new listeners to discover us.You can follow this podcast so it is automatically downloaded for you each time we load a new episode, and if you prefer the video version, subscribe to the William Bernhardt YouTube channel. You’ll be alerted each time we livestream, or watch every episode after its completed.Next year, join us at WriterCon! www.writercon.org

Sep 1, 2021 • 41min
Lemony Snicket on Writing! A WriterCon Special
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler), bestselling author of the Series of Unfortunate Events books, which have sold more than 70 million copies worldwide. HIs new novel is Poison for Breakfast.Chapter 1: IntroductionWriterCon begins Friday, September 3, but it is not too late to register. Come in person or watch from home. Over 60 presenters. Over 80 sessions covering very aspect of writing and the business of writing. Download the conference app, WriterCon 2021, or visit our website for more information: www.writercon.org. This is the time to take the next step. Make your writing dreams come true.Chapter 2: InterviewDaniel Handler talks about the new Lemony Snicket novel, Poison from Breakfast, and also discusses:1) where he got the idea for A Series of Unfortunate Events;2) why he writes in longhand, on paper, with a pencil;3) why he likes to write in public places;4) the differences between Lemony Snicket and Daniel Handler; and5) the secret project he's tackling next.Chapter 3: Parting WordsCome to WriterCon: www.writercon.orgBooks sales are spiking. This is the time to break into the business. Take your writing career to the next level! www.writercon.orgKeep writing, and remember—you cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.

Aug 22, 2021 • 48min
Making Writing Dreams Come True with RJ Johnson
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews RJ Johnson, award-winning author of the fantasy thriller Dreamslinger.Chapter 1: Introduction"I’ve added two more publishers, another agent, and a writer to the WriterCon speaking roster. If you’d like to review the programming schedule for yourself, visit our website, writercon.org, or you can download the official WriterCon phone app. Just search for "WriterCon 2021" and download it. Costs nothing, and once you see all we have to offer, I think maybe you’ll realize this is where you need to be on Labor Day weekend. Remember you can come to the conference in OKC live—or you can stream it from home. You don’t even have to watch it live. The sessions will be online for a month after the conference, so you can watch it whenever you have time." www.writercon.orgChapter 2: News1) Hachette is buying Workman Pub for $240 million;2) Patterson and Parton Are Working Together; and3) Clanchy and RWA Battle Race-Sensitivity Conflicts.Chapter 2:In the interview segment, RJ Johnson discusses:1) How he squeezes writing into a busy life;2) How he picks his projects;3) How writing conferences changed his life;4) What he's learned about writing over the years, and5) Why he binge-watched The White Lotus.Chapter 4: Parting WordsDon't forget to register for WriterCon. Take your writing to the next level! www.writercon.orgNeed a writing coach? Like this podcast? Consider making a contribution. www.patreon.com/willbern

Aug 8, 2021 • 56min
Flexing the Writing Muscle with Brad Parks
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Brad Parks, award-winning and bestselling author of many mysteries and thrillers, including his latest novel, Unthinkable.Chapter 1: IntroConsider attending WriterCon, our annual writers conference held over Labor Day weekend, September 3-6. This year’s conference will be the biggest yet, with more speakers, agents, and editors. Even if you can’t come to OKC in person, you can stream the entire conference, and all sessions will be available to guests online for a month after the conference. www.writercon.orgChapter 2: Newsa) Amazon makes A+ advertising content available to everyone;b) Ingram says hardcover sales have sharply increased;c) Kensington launches a new cozy mystery line;d) Draft2Digital adds a poetry template; ande) The US Department of Labor says people are reading 21% more.Chapter 3: InterviewBernhardt interviews Bard Parks, bestselling thriller author. Parks talks about:a) how to flex the writing muscle;b) why you should write every day;c) productivity secrets he has learned; d) how to come up with great ideas; ande) seeing LeBron James naked.Chapter 4: Parting WordsTake this chance to boost your writing to the next level. Register for WriterCon! www.writercon.orgPlease rate or review this show wherever you get podcasts. It does make it easier for new listeners to discover us.You can follow this podcast so it is automatically downloaded for you each time we load a new episode, or if you like the video version, subscribe to the William Bernhardt YouTube channel. You’ll be alerted each time we livestream, or watch every episode after its completed.Keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.www.williambernhardt.comwillbern@gmail.com

Jul 28, 2021 • 44min
Keeping It Honest with Barry Friedman
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Barry Friedman, stand-up comedian and author of several books, including The Joke Was One Me.Chapter 1: IntroductionCome to WriterCon, our annual writers conference held over Labor Day weekend, September 3-6. This year’s conference will be the biggest yet, with more speakers, agents, and editors than we’ve ever had before. Remember, even if you can’t come to OKC in person, you can stream the entire program, and all sessions will be available to registered guests online for a month after the conference. You can attend over 80 sessions, meet privately with agents and editors, enter contests, and much more. www.writercon.orgChapter 2: Newsa) The Amazon Vella platform for serialized stories has launched—and William Bernhardt has a story on it called The Idea Man. https://amazon.com/The-Idea-Man/dp/B09466545V/b) Storyville Gardens is looking for investors, andc) Amazon cracks down on Chinese sellers violating rules prohibiting review manipulation.Chapter 3: InterviewBernhardt interviews Barry Friedman, comic and author of a collection of humorous essays, The Joke Was On Me, a memoir, Four Days and a Year Later, and other books. Friedman discusses:a) his writing process,b) why you should write stuff you don't care about,c) how to find emotional truth,d) how to know when you're ready to publish,and much more.Chapter 4: Parting WordsThis podcast is ad-free, supported by our patrons. Visit William Bernhardt's site at Patreon, where you can support this podcast. Even if you contribute a dollar or two, it makes a big difference. www.patreon.com/willbernPlease rate or review this show wherever you get podcasts. It makes it easier for other writers to discover us.www.williambernhardt.comwillbern@gmail.com

Jul 11, 2021 • 57min
Thrills and Collaboration with Tess Gerritsen and Gary Braver
Bestselling author William Bernhardt offers writing tips and interviews Tess Gerritsen and Gary Braver, authors of the #1 bestselling thriller Choose Me.Chapter 1: IntroductionDon't forget to register for WriterCon, the annual writers conference hosted by Bernhardt taking place over Labor Day weekend, September 3-6. We have over 60 presenters, writers, agents, publishers, and more attending. You can pitch, meet with people informally, have lunch with speakers, enter contests, and much more. Take your writing career to the next level! Visit: www.writercon.orgChapter 2: Interview with Tess Gerritsen and Gary BraverIn this interview Tess and Gary discuss:1) how this new novel came to be;2) how two bestselling authors with numerous solo novels managed to collaborate;3) how to find your voice;4) how to read like a writer;5) where great ideas come from;6) whether to outline;and much more!Chapter 3: Parting WordsThis podcast is ad-free, sponsored by our patrons. Even if you only contribute a small amount, it makes a big difference. Please visit our Patreson site: www.patreon.com/willbernPlease rate or review this show wherever you get podcasts. It makes it easier for new listeners to discover us.

Jun 27, 2021 • 37min
Exploring History and Setting with Sarah Loudin Thomas
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Sarah Loudin Thomas, author of Where Silence Sings and other inspirational novels set in the history and culture of Appalachia.Chapter 1: IntroductionRegister now for WriterCon, William Bernhardt's annual writers conference held over Labor Day weekend (September 3-6). Over 60 authors, agents, publishers, and experts will be presenting. Visit the website to learn more about the unique opportunities at WriterCon to improve your writing life: www.writercon.orgChapter 2: Newsa) Erin Hildebrand handles an internet storm over an Anne Frank reference in her latest novel;b) McGraw Hill was acquired by a private equity firm;c) Astra adds a new children's book line; andd) Draft2Digital increases distribution to libraries with BorrowBox.Chapter 3: InterviewAward-winning inspirational and historical novelist Sarah Loudin Thomas discusses:a) her writing process;b) where she gets ideas and how she develops them;c) why walking the dog is critical to her writing;d) how she researches the past; ande) why she has chosen Appalachia as the setting for her novels.Chapter 4: Parting WordsRemember there are now ten books in the Red Sneaker Writers Book Series offering practical, down-to-earth tips for improving your work: https://amazon.com/dp/B07DBGD644?This podcast is supported by our patrons. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider contributing to our Patreon site: www.patreon.com/willbernWilliam Bernhardtwillbern@gmail.comwww.williambernhardt.com

Jun 13, 2021 • 48min
Book Marketing Made Marvelous with Sharon Jenkins
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Sharon Jenkins, the Inspirational Principal for The Master Communicator’s Writing Services. Chapter 2: IntroductionRegister now for WriterCon, Bernhardt's annual writing conference held over Labor Day weekend. Use promo code RSW to reduce the price by $50.00 (good till June 20).Check out Bernhardt's new novel, Splitsville.Chapter 2: Newsa) Amazon begins distributing titles to libraries,b) Simon & Schuster sponsors a writing contest with a book deal prize, andc) Curious Fictions creates a "Patreon" site specializing in books and authors.Chapter 3: Interview with Sharon JenkinsKnown as "the Master Communicator," Jenkins specializes in helping authors find effective and manageable ways to market their work. In this interview, you will learn how to:a) find your social media niche,b) make and use a vision board,c) start thinking about marketing early,d) find an audience, ande) let your personality shine.Chapter 4: Parting ShotsRegister for WriterCon and use the promo code RSW (good title June 20).www.writercon.orgSubscribe to William Bernhardt's YouTube channel so you're alerted whenever we livestream and can find episodes you’ve missed. Or subscribe wherever you get audio podcasts.Supplemental materials from Sharon Jenkins:FREE AND ECONOMICALLY PRICED RESOURCEShttps://instructionsmith.com/professional-virtual-authors-assistants/https://artofnarrative.com/2020/04/23/best-websites-and-resources-for-writers-2020/https://www.authorsassistant.com/https://www.theauthorsassistants.com/https://collabwriters.com/free-resources-for-writers/Christian Writers Market Guide - 2021 Edition: Your Comprehensive Resource For Getting PublishedWriter's Market 2020: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published (2020)Christian Writers Market Guide - 2021 Edition: Your Comprehensive Resource For Getting Publishedwww.fiverr.comwww.upwork.com

May 29, 2021 • 54min
Think Before Your Write with Phillip Margolin
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Phillip Margolin, New York Times-bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including Gone But Not Forgotten.Chapter 1: IntroductionWilliam Bernhardt's latest thriller, Splitsville, is now on sale.https://amzn.to/3fTfd31Chapter 2: Newsa) Google uses AI "auto-voice" to record audiobooksb) Simon & Schuster adds Simon Element nonfiction linec) New York Times stirs up controversy over book salesd) Amazon KDP will add print-on-demand hardcoversChapter 3: Interview with Phillip MargolinIn this interview, this New York Times-bestselling author discussesa) his writing processb) why he outlinesc) how he got published and found an agentd) seeing his books adapted to film, ande) where he gets his ideasChapter 4: Parting WordsHelp support this podcast by joining the Patreon campaignwww.patreon.com/willbernSubscribe to the William Bernhardt YouTube channel so you never miss an episode.https://www.youtube.com/user/willbern100Get your copy of William Bernhardt's latest legal thriller—Splitsville!https://amzn.to/3fTfd31

May 17, 2021 • 37min
Creating Suspense with Kaira Rouda
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Kaira Rouda, author of the critically acclaimed thriller, The Next Wife.Chapter 1: IntroductionWilliam Bernhardt's new legal thriller Splitsville, can now be ordered!https://amzn.to/3fpPNcSChapter 2: Newsa) Harper's acquisition of Houghton Mifflin's trade line is completed.b) Facebook and Twitter are breaking into audio chat.c) Bookwire is creating a dedicated forum for book-related NFTs.d) Scammers create fake audiobooks for profit.e) Amazon removes billions of fake listings.f) Talkia creates an "almost real" AI voice.g) Studies indicate readers are more successful at romance.Chapter 3: InterviewKaira Rouda, author of ten books, including The Next Wife, discusses:a) her path to current major success,b) her writing process,c) how she found an agent,d) why she's a pantser,5) why she's written so many different genres,and much more.Chapter 4: Parting WordsDon't wait to register for WriterCon!www.writercon.orgOrder Splitsville today!https://amzn.to/3fpPNcS