

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

Oct 17, 2021 • 53min
Commitment and Perseverance with Tamara Grantham
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Tamara Grantham, award-winning fantasy author of Never Call Me Vampire and The 7th Lie.Chapter 1: IntroductionOrder William Bernhardt's new thriller, Exposed. This is the second book in his new series featuring lawyer Kenzi Rivera.Chapter 2: News1) Supply Chain Issues and Paper Shortages Plague the Book World;2) Reader Reach Helps with Facebook Ads;3) Sue Grafton Heirs Sell Kinsey Milhone to TV—Against Her Wishes;4) Story Origin Helps Writers Find Beta Readers;5) Amazon Adds Performance-Based Advertising; and 6) Colleen Hoover Scores Huge Hybrid-Author Success.Chapter 3: InterviewBernhardt interviews Tamara Grantham, the award-winning fantasy author of bestseller Never Call Me Vampire and The 7th Lie and many others. She discusses:a) how she committed to writing—and stuck to it;b) how she makes time for writing in her busy life;c) where she finds her stories;d) why she likes writing series;e) why she outlines; andf) how writing retreats and workshops jumpstarted her career.Chapter 4: Parting WordsPlease help spread the word about Bernhardt's new novel, Exposed, Book 2 in the Splitsville Legal Thriller series. https://amzn.to/3APeMPqThis podcast is ad-free, supported by our patrons. Visit www.patreon.com/willbern, where you can support this podcast. Bernhardt also handles writer mentoring through that site, so if you’re looking for some help with your writing career, please check it out.Please rate or review this show wherever you get podcasts. It makes it easier for new listeners to discover us.Keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwillbern@gmail.com

Oct 3, 2021 • 41min
Finding the Courage to Write with Betsey Kulakowski
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Betsey Kulakowski, the acclaimed author of The Veritas Codex book series, including The Alien Accord.Chapter 1: IntroductionWilliam Bernhardt's next novel, Exposed (Splitsville #2) can now be ordered!https://amzn.to/3mksiFDChapter 2: Newsa) Paper and Supply Shortages impact the Book Industryb) Written Word Media adds Reader Reach service for book promotionChapter 3: InterviewBetsey Kulakowski discusses her whirlwind book career and the hit Veritas Codex series, includinga) why she loves the unexplained,b) how she researches mysterious subjects,c) why she created a strong female heroine—with a family,d) how she maintains her writing schedule, ande) how her career has been defined by pushing herself toward attainable goals.Chapter 4: Parting WordsPlease rate or review this podcast wherever you get podcasts. It makes it easier for new listeners to discover us.We’re in the planning stages for next year’s conference, WriterCon 2022, so if you have suggestions about how to make the next conference even better, please share them.You can follow this podcast so it is automatically downloaded each time we load a new episode, and if you like the video version, subscribe to the William Bernhardt YouTube channel. You’ll be alerted each time we livestream, or you can watch every episode after it's completed.Keep writing, and remember: you cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.Don't forget to order Exposed, William Bernhardt's 2nd Kenzi Rivera novel!https://amzn.to/3mksiFDWilliam Bernhardtwillbern@gmail.comwww.williambernhardt.com

Sep 19, 2021 • 54min
Understanding Your Story with Robert Dugoni
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews New York Times-bestselling author Robert Dugoni about his new novel, The World Played Chess.Chapter 1: IntroductionReflections on WriterCon 2021Chapter 2: Newsa) TikTok revives backlist titles and puts them on the bestseller list.b) Thriller sales decline—but it may be a matter of classification.Chapter 3: InterviewRobert Dugoni discusses his blockbuster writing career, and explains:a) the importance of learning the craft of writing;b) how to understand your story;c) the value of series novels;d) the genesis of this mainstream novel; ande) the importance of regular work habits.Chapter 4: Parting WordsIf you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates.This podcast is ad-free, supported by our patrons. I have a site at Patreon, www.patreon.com/willbern, where you can support this podcast. I also handle writer mentoring through that site, so if you’re looking for some help with your writing career, please check it out.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwillbern@gmail.com

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