
WriterCon
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 22, 2023 • 35min
The End of the World According to Susy Smith
Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Susy Smith, author of the new dystopian novel, Ascendant.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsA few times a year we will release interviews from previous episodes—WriterCon Classics.Chapter 2: Newsa) Open AI Sued for Copyright Infringement Based On Data-Scarpingb) Scale AI and Appen are Hiring Poets to Compose Original Work to Train AIChapter 3: Interview with Susy SmithDuring this chat, you will learn:a) the importance of perserverance;b) the appeal of the apocalypse;c) how writing retreats improved her work;d) why she outlines; ande) why authors must be involved in marketing.Chapter 4: Parting WordsLara Bernhardt's Wantland Files series is perfect for Halloween. Check them out!William Bernhardt's new novel is Partners in Crime, a legal thriller teaming his two most famous fictional attorneys, Daniel Pike and Ben Kincaid. On sale now!William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Oct 18, 2023 • 49min
Sophisticated Suspense with Gary Braver
Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Gary Braver, author of many intelligent thrillers and a new novel, Rumor of Evil.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsJoin the excitement and subscribe to the all-new WriterCon Magazine. Eight times a year you will receive this digital zine filled with articles on writing and the writing world. The first issue features an interview with Lisa Gardner, a terrific article on AI from Tamara Grantham, and much more. To subscribe: https://writerconmag.substack.com/subscribeChapter 2: Newsa) Scammers Masquerade as BookEnds to Rip-off Writersb) Amazon Allows Limited AI Content but Ends "Look Inside"Chapter 3: Interview with Gary BraverDuring this chat with the author, you will learn about:a) the importance of the first sentence;b) how a physics major became a bestselling writer;c) teaming with Tess Geritson;d) teaching as learning; ande) how to survive in the crazy world of writing.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWilliam Bernhardt's new book, Partners in Crime, is now on sale everywherel. In 1991, Ben Kincaid hit the literary scene in Primary Justice, which sold more than half a million copies and led to a series of 19 novels. In 2018, Daniel Pike arrived in The Last Chance Lawyer, which was a #1 bestseller before release and led to a series of six novels. Readers have been begging Bernhardt to team up his two male lawyer characters—and now, it's HAPPENING! Partners in Crime: https://www.amazon.com/Partners-Crime-Daniel-Legal-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0CGK8SD5Q/And stay up-to-date on the writing world info you need with WriterCon Magazine: https://writerconmag.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 8, 2023 • 38min
Mining History for Thrills with Boyd & Beth Morrison
Bestselling authors William & Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Boyd & Beth Morrison, authors of The Last True Templar. William would like to state that he does know the difference between "present" and "prevent," although often his tongue does not.Chapter 1: IntroductionWilliam Benrhardt's new thriller, Partners in Crime, has just been released. This novel teams Bernhardt's two series lawyers, Ben Kincaid and Daniel Pike, on a cross-country road trip terminating in the court case of their lifetimes—which might just end their lifetimes. Available at Amazon and everywhere else.Chapter 2: Newsa) FTC files antitrust action against Amazon;b) Amazon KDP limits number of books uploadable daily; andc) Texas judge blocks Texas book rating lawChapter 3: Interview with the MorrisonsDuring this chat, the Morrisons discuss:a) how they collaborate;b) how Beth researches;c) how Boyd writes; d) why the Templars fascinate; ande) why they chose the 14th century for Last True Templar.Chapter 4: Parting WordsDid I mention that I have a new legal thriller out? Of course I did.Read Partners in CrimeUntil next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Oct 1, 2023 • 39min
Writing Books and TV with Lee Goldberg
Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Lee Goldberg, author of Malibu Burning.Chapter 1: IntroThe WriterCon Wrap-UpWilliam Bernhardt's new novel, Partners in CrimeChapter 2: Newsa) Writing Programs Used as Therapy in Prisonb) FairyLoot Charms Readers with Elegant EditionsChapter 3: Interview with Lee GoldbergDuring this chat, Goldberg discusses:a) writing for Hallmark;b) writing thrillers;c) incorporating real events—like wildfires;d) researching obscure topics—like wildfires; ande) juggling projects to stay alive in the writing world.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWIlliam Bernhardt's new book, Partners in Crime, is now on sale everywhere in paper and eBook formats. Just to give you the quick explanation of this novel—in 1991, Ben Kincaid hit the literary scene in Primary Justice, which sold more than half a million copies and led to a series of 19 novels. In 2018, Daniel Pike hit the scene in The Last Chance Lawyer, which became a #1 bestseller before the book was released and led to a series of six novels. Readers have been begging Bernhardt to team up his two lawyer characters—and now, it's HAPPENING! Check out the book here.https://www.amazon.com/Partners-Crime-Daniel-Legal-Thriller/dp/B0CGL7R2D7/Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Sep 17, 2023 • 36min
LIVE from WriterCon: Lisa Gardner, Tosca Lee, John Wooley & Barry Friedman
LIVE from WriterCon 2023! Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview New York Times-bestselling authors Lisa Gardner and Tosca Lee, plus freinds of the podcast John Wooley (Old Fears) and Barry Friedman (Jack S***).Chapter 1: IntroductionWriterCon Wrap-up! This is the biggest WriterCon yet, with over 250 people coming from 14 different states and four different countries. This is a gathering of the warmest, most generous poeple on earth, joining together to help one another achieve their writing dreams.Chapter 2: WriterCon TestimonialsChapter 3: News1) BookTok Senation Becomes Hit Film2) AI Used to Ban Books3) The Surge in Hockey Romance BooksChapter 4: Interview PanelIn this lively (and hilarious) discussion, panelists Tosca Lee, Lisa Gardner, Barry Ffriedman, and John Wooley discuss:1) how they broke into publishing;2) their writing process;3) mistakes made along the way;4) lessons learned along the way; and5) the future of publishing.Chapter 5: Parting WordsIf you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it today and join this wonderful community of writers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273To subscribe to the free WriterCon e-newsletter, send me an email or sign up at my website: willbern@gmail.com and www.williambernhardt.comIf you’re enjoying this podcast, please subscribe, then rate or review it wherever you get podcasts. It makes it easier for new listeners to discover us.You can find the video versions of these podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@writerconpodcast1307Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Aug 27, 2023 • 40min
True Crime Thrills with Sara DiVello
Bestselling authors William Bernhardt, Lara Bernhardt, and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Sara DiVello, author of a new book based on an true historical incident—Broadway Butterfly.Chapter 1: IntroductionWriterCon is Sept 1-3 in OKC for writers and aspiring writers. Come join us.ReaderCon is Sept 4 in OKC, free and open to the public. Come celebrate your favorite books and authors!www.writercon.comChapter 2: News1) Prosecraft Shut Down After Author Backlash2) FTC Preparing Lawsuit against AmazonChapter 3: Interview with Sara DiVelloIn this interview, the author discusses:1) her Mystery & Thriller Mavens Facebook group;2) researching a 100-year-old unsolved mystery;3) using social media; 4) mining history for material; and5) finding a workable writing process.Chapter 4: Parting WordsJoin us at WriterCon! Then come to ReaderCon, completely free, Sept 4.www.writercon.com/readercon/Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Aug 20, 2023 • 37min
Editing and Discovering Books with Janene MacIvor
Bestselling authors William Bernhardt, Lara Bernhardt, and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interviewsenior editor with Thomas Nelson Publishers, HarperCollins Christian Publishing. For fifteen years, before taking an in-house position, she did freelance management, editing and proofreading.Chatper 1: IntroductionReaderCon is fast approaching—and we are ready! It's completely free and open to the public on Sept 4 (Labor Day) in Oklahoma City. You’ll have a chance to hear many authors talk about their work and autograph books, including Lisa Gardner and Tosca Lee. Plus so much fun stuff! Book-themed costume contest. A mystery to solve. Puzzles. Spelling Bee. Jeopardy! Did I mention food trucks? And best of all—rescue animals! And so many chances to buy books!www.writercon.comChapter 2: News1) KKR is Buying Simon & Schuster2) Authors Fued Over AI Book CoverChapter 3: InterviewLara and William interview Janene MacIvor, senior editor at Thomas Nelson/Harper. In the interview, Janene discusses:1) why writers must read;2) what editors are looking for; 3) how she handles an imperfect manuscript with potential;4) the key to professional editing, and5) why she's proud of her work.Chapter 4: Parting WordsDon't forget! WriterCon on Sept 1-3 and ReaderCon on Sept 4!Do Yourself a Big Favor. Be there!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Aug 14, 2023 • 33min
Bone Up on Writing with Kathy Reichs
Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview the author of the bestselling Temperance Brennan series which, of course, was the basis for the Bones television series. To date, she has written twenty-two novels featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. Dr. Reichs is a Ph.D. anthropologist herself with several scholarly articles ont eh subject to her credit. She is one of very few forensic anthropologists certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology.Chapter 1: IntroductionWriterCon is only three weeks away! Join us and take your writing to the next level!www.writercon.comChapter 2: News1) Draft2Digital Adds "Author Success" Division2) Book Sales Update: Romance Booms Even Bigger!3) Author Claims AI-Generated Books Sold Under Her NameChapter 3: Interview with Kathy ReichsDuring this talk, Dr. Reichs disucsses:1) where she found her series character;2) how she blends real forensics with fiction;3) why she uses "ripped-from-the-headlines" plot elements;4) her combo of planning/pantsing; and5) the best advice for writers.Chapter 4: Parting WordsCongratulations to Rene on the continuing success of Family Camp!Remember: WriterCon is Sept 1-4 in Oklahoma City. It is NOT too late to register!And ReaderCon is Sept 4. It's FREE and OPEN to the public. Hear authors talk about their work, get autographs, attend book-related events, and have FUN!www.writercon.comUntil next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Aug 11, 2023 • 42min
Baking a Book with Aimee Runyan
Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Aimee Runyan, author of the new historical novel A BAKERY IN PARIS (August 1, 2023; William Morrow). She has previously enthralled readers with many other historical novels, including last year’s THE SCHOOL FOR GERMAN BRIDES (2022; William Morrow). She has been honored as a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice selection, and as a three-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards. She is also a passionate amateur baker.Chapter 1: IntroductionWriterCon is Coming! And It Is Not Too Late to Registerwww.writercon.comChapter 2: News1) Draft2Digital Acquires SeflPubBookCovers.com2) New York Times Profiles Journey From Heroin Addict to Author & AgentChapter 3: Interview with Aimee RunaynDuring this talk, Runyan discusses:1) writing for women;2) resesarching historical settings;3) writing dual timelines;4) creating memorable characters; and5) how she uses baking in a book.Chapter 4: Parting WordsLara Bernhardt's most recent novel Red Rain is available everywhere:https://www.amazon.com/Red-Rain-Lara-Bernhardt-ebook/dp/B0B6KVW9F2/Join us at WriterCon in OKC Sept 1-4, 2023! We have dozens of bestselling authors, a terrific roster of agents and publishers and much more. Contests, manuscript reviews, private consultations—you can even get a great author photo—for free! At WriterCon, we do it all. www.writercon.com.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Aug 8, 2023 • 37min
Kill a Friend with Lisa Gardner
Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Lisa Gardner, the #! New York Times-bestselling author of One Step Too Far and many other great novels.Chapter 1: IntroductionWriterCon Keynote SpeakersChapter 2: News1) Harlequin Launches "Spicy" TikTok-Inspired Line: Afterglow2) AP makes Deal with ChatGPTChapter 3: Interview with Lisa GardnerIn this talk, the author discusses:1) why she turned to writing;2) "Kill a Friend, Main a Buddy;"3) writing suspense;4) using fewer words with more impact; and5) writing series characters.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWriting Momentum provides a pre-conference webinar!WriterCon is coming! We have dozens of bestselling authors, a terrific roster of agents including movie/tv agents, and publishers and editors and authors and much more. Contests, manuscript reviews, private consultations—you can even get a great author photo—for free! For more info, visit our website, writercon.com.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com