WriterCon

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the trends, topics, and news from the world of books, then interviews John Wooley, author of horror novels and much more.In this episode, Bernhardt combines the news and writing features to discuss how the content of books is changing in the digital era--for instance, romance novels that break barriers or read like romcoms, and literary novels that imploy horror tropes.In the interview segment, Bernhardt talks to John Wooley, a veteran of more than forty years as a professional novelist. He is best known as a horror writer, but has also written comic books, comic strips, biography, science fiction, and much more--and has gained much wisdom and insight along the way.It is not too late to register for WriterCon, the annual writers conference in Oklahoma City during Labor Day weekend, sponsored by the Red Sneaker Writers Center. For more info, visit: writercon.org.For more information about Bernhardt's writing retreats, including the December retreat in New Orleans, visit: www.williambernhardt.comBernhardt's latest novel, Court of Killers, Book 2 in the new Daniel Pike series, is not available for pre-order.

Bestselling author William Bernhardt (Court of Killers) discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, then interviews David Gaughran, author of many works of fiction and nonfiction, including Let's Get Digital.Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Newsa) Bernhardt reports on a recent discussion by literary agents and editors of current trends in adult fiction.b) A report from the Cannes Film Festival on what books scouts are seeking for movie/tv adaptations.c) New NBD Bookscan data provides the latest information on book sales, what's selling and what's not.Chapter 3: Writing Tips. Bernhardt discusses the Kathleen Hale controversy resulting from Hale's response to a negative review on Goodreads--and what it should tell you about handling reviews.Chapter 4: Interview with David Gaughran. Bernhardt interviews the acclaimed author of Let's Get Digital about what online book marketing is most effective, whether to go wide or be Amazon-exclusive, and many other related topics.Chapter 5: Parting Words. Bernhardt, Gaughran, and many others will be at WriterCon, the annual writers conference in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend. Bernhardt's newest novel, Court of Killers, is now available for pre-order on Amazon.For information about WriterCon: www.writer con.orgFor information about Bernhardt and the Red Sneaker Writers Center: www.william bernhardt.comTo pre-order Court of Killers: https://amazon.com/Court-Killers-Daniel-Pike-Book-ebook/dp/B07TN2ZQ31/

This episode was recorded live at the Red Sneaker Writing Retreat in Eureka Springs. Because it was recorded live and in one take, the sound quality is not quite up to our usual standards, and host William Bernhardt fears he tripped on his tongue a bit more than usual. We assume you will join us in feeling this makes the whole podcast experience more authentic.In this episode, bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, then interviews author and renowned writing instructor James Scott Bell.Chapters:1) Introduction2) Newsa) Barnes & Noble has two potential buyers, suggesting that the nation's only national bookstore chain may continue to operate for the foreseeable future.b) An author dropped by her publisher after igniting an online firestorm sues her former publisher.c) Amazon awards a series of grants to worthy nonprofit organizations promoting writers and literature.d) Amazon Publishing celebrates its tenth anniversary with a series of high-dollar acquisitions and an impressive sales record.4) Closing remarks. Bernhardt will host another writing retreat July 24-28. For more information, visit: https://www.williambernhardt.com/writing-retreats. James Scott Bell will be the keynote speaker at WriterCon in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend. For more information about the annual Red Sneaker writers conference, visit: www.writercon.org.

Bestselling author and host William Bernhardt interviews Rene Gutteridge, author of Christian novels, screenplays, novelizations, comedy, and much more. Gutteridge also (with Bernhardt) co-hosts WriterCon, one of the best writers conference in the nation. They discuss how to survive in the world of writing and how Gutteridge has managed to write in many genres successfully.William Bernhardt: www.williambernhardt.comWriterCon: www.writercon.org

Bestselling writer William Bernhardt (The Last Chance Lawyer) discusses the latest news from the world of books, then interviews Jeffrey Yamaguchi, marketing director for Blackstone Audio.Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Newsa) Several authors have had trouble with people on social media accusing them of racism, body shaming, or Islamophobia;b) The wholesaler Baker & Taylor discontinues distribution to bookstores; and c) The Self-e program for distributing indie titles to libraries adds a few options that could result in payment to writers.Chapter 3: Interview with Jeffrey YamaguchiThe marketing director for Blackstone Audio--which has recently expanded into print books--discusses audiobooks, his work with writers, and practical, step-by-step marketing advice for building an author platform based upon what he has seen work in the past.Chapter 4: Register now for WriterCon 2019 while the Early Bird price is still available and save yourself $50! Visit: www.writercon.org (WriterCon takes place in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend--August 30 to September 2).You cannot fail unless you quit!William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwillbern@gmail.com

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews editor Marcia Markland about the paths to writing and publishing success.Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: NewsThe Canadian bookstore chain Indigo opens its first store in the United States.Nora Roberts files a lawsuit against an alleged plagiarist in Brazil.Audiobooks sales have increased even more than people realized, and a survey suggests that the leading audio genre is mystery and the primary place people listen is in their cars.Chapter 3: Writing TipsBernhardt discusses the advantages of audiobooks, not only to increase the market for your work but also as a tool for improving your work.Chapter 4: Interview with Marcia MarklandMarcia Markland worked as an editor for decades at houses such as St. Martin's and Thomas Dunne, and now works as a writing coach. She offers her insights on publishing, the independent publishing boom, and which path might be best for you.Chapter 5: Closing WordsWriterCon 2019 (www.writercon.org) is the official Red Sneaker conference in Oklahoma City during Labor Day weekend (August 30-Sept 2). And there are many other Red Sneaker programs and offerings, including a free bi-weekly newsletter. When you sign up for the newsletter, you will receive the free Red Sneaker Handbook. Register at: www.williambernhardt.com

Bestselling writer William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Jane Friedman about her new book, The Business of Being a Writer.News:1) Tor introduces a new horror imprint.2) Scribd offers new short-form works to its subscribers.3) WattPad makes a deal with Sony to develop its stories into film.Writing Tips1) This may be the best time to publish your poetry--and start on Instagram.InterviewJane Friedman has been in the publishing world for more than twenty years, advising both writers and publishers. She is the co-founder of The Hot Sheet, an industry newsletter, and her new book is titled The Business of Being a Writer, in which she discusses how an author can integrate the creative and the business aspects to make both successful.William Bernhardt will be leading a small-group writing retreat in Eureka Springs AR in July. For more information, visit: william.bernhardt.comStart planning to attend WriterCon, the annual Red Sneaker writers conference in Oklahoma City. This year's conference will have the largest and most comprehensive lineup of guests and offerings yet, including three days of sessions, masterclasses, private consultations with authors and editors, private dining opportunities, contests, and much more. For information, visit writercon.org

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news of interest to writers, offers writing tips to make your work more appealing to movie/tv scouts, and interviews Danielle Norman, a romance writer who explains how she used dictation to increase her productivity and find her voice.News:1) Barnes & Noble opens a new "bookstore of the future."2) Amazon release a less expensive Kindle, increasing the viability of Kindle ads.3) Amazon explains that its "most favored nation" policy requiring competitive pricing still applies to KDP authors.4) The Second Circuit rules that digital files (like audiobooks) may not be resold.5) Bernhardt explains why Amazon is arguably the best place for a new or unknown author to build a following.Writing Tips:Bernhardt talks about TaleFlick, a new online platform that allows writers to get their work in front of movie/tv scouts, then discusses the elements that makes stories more appealing to those producing stories for visual media.Interview with Danielle Norman:This wildly successful romance author explains how, although she had never written before, she started dictating her early drafts and found a multi-book contract with Simin & Schuster in seven month. She says that dictation not only allowed her to increase her productivity but to find her voice. She provides details on how you can do the same.Want to join William Bernhardt's Patreon mentoring program? www.patreon.com/willbernThinking about attending WriterCon over Labor Day weekend? www.writercon.orgPlease post reviews and like this program at your favorite podcatcher. Email William Bernhardt at: wb@williambeernhardt.com

Bestselling writer William Bernhardt (The Last Chance Lawyer) discusses the latest news from the world of books, then interviews Victoria Gerken of Podium Publishing, a pioneering audiobook specialty house.The Last Chance Lawyer, William's Bernhardt's new novel, the first in a series of legal thrillers featuring attorney Daniel Pike, is now on sale in ebook, paperback, large print, and audiobook editions. Bernhardt explains his overall plan for the series.News:1) A new report suggests that a large quantity of Amazon book reviews are "fake." But what constitutes fakeness?2) Publishers are reportedly losing millions by ignoring the exponential growth of voice-first technology (voice-activated devices like Amazon's Alexa).3) A new study explains when readers buy ebooks, when they buy print, in what quantities and in what circumstances.Interview: Victoria Gerken, author liaison with Podium Publishing, discusses the current surge in audiobook sales. She relates how Podium found Andy Weir's breakout novel The Martian while it was still a free giveaway on Weir's webpage and helped turn it into a bestseller. She also discusses what works in audio, what doesn't, and how authors can best take advantage of this increased interest in the spoken word.For more information about The Last Chance Lawyer, the Red Sneaker books on writing, or this podcast, visit: www.williambernhardt.com

Bestselling author William Bernhardt (The Last Chance Lawyer) discusses the latest news that writers need to know, offers writing tips, and interviews David Gaughran, author of BookBub Ads Expert and the blog Let's Get Digital.News:1) Barnes & Noble earnings are flat, Amazon closes pop-up stores, Draft2Digital adds Google Play, PublishDrive adds Amazon Ads, Reedsy adds the Discovery program, and BookBub adds Chirp, a service to help writers promote audiobooks.2) A plagiarism scandal erupts in the world of romance fiction. Is Amazon to blame?3) Quillbot is a web-based program that offers to improve your writing. Can artificial intelligence give you sizzling style?Writing Tips1) A Twitter-storm arises and a forthcoming debut young adult author accused of racial insensitivity withdraws her book. Given the hyperactive online ecosystem in today's world, how can a writer avoid problems like this? And how should you deal with it if it arises?Interview:David Gaughran is an Irish author of fiction and nonfiction and an expert on online book marketing. He discusses his new work, BoobBub Ads Expert and how you can use BookBub, Amazon Ads, and other online opportunities to effectively increase the sales of your books.William Bernhardt's new novel, The Last Chance Lawyer, can now be pre-ordered online in ebook, print, and audio. This is the first novel is a new series of legal thrillers featuring lawyer Daniel Pike. The book will be released March 19, 2019.David Gaughran will be one of the featured presenters this year at WriterCon 2019, an annual writers conference in Oklahoma City held over Labor Day weekend. For more information, visit writer con.org.