WriterCon

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Alisa Lynn Valdes, author of The Dirty Girls Social Club and Hollow Beasts.Chapter 1: IntroductionHow a writing cruise could change your life.Chapter 2: News1) James Patterson Banned in Florida2) Publishing Exec Who Stole Manuscripts Pleads Guilty3) WGA Wants AI to be Allowed to Write Screenplays4) A TikTok Ban Would Hurt Many AuthorsChapter 3: InterviewAlisa Lynn Valdés is an award-winning print and broadcast journalist and a former staff writer for both The Los Angeles Times and The Boston Globe. With more than one million books in print in eleven languages, she was included on Time’s list of the twenty-five most influential Hispanics and was a Latina woman of the year as well as an Entertainment Weekly breakout literary star. She is the author of many novels, including The Dirty Girls Social Club and most recently, Hollow Beasts.In this interview, she will discuss:1) why she started a mystery series;2) how she journeyed from journalism to fiction;3) why she took a ten-year break from writing;4) the role of setting; and5) how she gravitated toward outlining.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWe’re taking registrations for the WriterCon small-group retreat, which is July 19-23 at the Stone Castle Convention Center in Branson MO. This is five days of intensive work with no more than eight writers, involving teaching, editing, feedback, and mentoring—and maybe some fun, too. Space is obviously limited, so register today. www.writercon.com/retreatAnd after the small-group retreat comes the large-group conference, WriterCon. That’s September 1-4 (Labor Day weekend) in Oklahoma City. We have more than sixty presenters lined up, plus the best roster of agents we’ve ever had, including movie/tv agents, and publishers and much more. And if you register now, you can take advantage of the Early Bird prices. Adding new features to improve pitching and adding a Monday ReaderCon. www.writercon.comUntil next time, keep writing, and remember, you cannot fail if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Cheryl McKay, who wrote the screenplay for the James Garner film The Ultimate Gift, based on Jim Stovall’s novel. The Ultimate Gift won a Crystal Heart Award at the Heartland Film Festival, received three MovieGuide Nominations, and was named one of the Ten Best Family Films of 2007. She’s also written How to Adapt Scripts Into Novels (with Rene Gutteridge).Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat Writers Do for April FoolsChapter 2: News1) Bowker Reports Huge Increase in eBooks2) AI Programs Enter the Writing World3) Roald Dahl is Being Edited/Altered/CensoredChapter 3: Interview with Cheryl McKayIn this interview, Cheryl discusses:1) the difference between an original vs. an adapted screenplay;2) the tricks you must know for writing screenplays;3) breaking into the screenplay market; 4) writing characters who pop;5) seeing the big picture; and6) writing nonfiction about fiction.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWe’re taking registrations for the WriterCon small-group retreat, which is July 19-23 at the Stone Castle Convention Center in Branson MO. This is five days of intensive work with no more than eight writers, involving teaching, editing, feedback, and mentoring—and maybe some fun, too. Space is obviously limited, so register today. www.writercon.com/retreat/And after the small-group retreat comes the large-group conference, WriterCon. That’s September 1-4 (Labor Day weekend in Oklahoma City. We have more than fifty presenters lined up, plus the best roster of agents we’ve ever had, including movie/tv agents, and publishers and much more. And if you register now, you can take advantage of the Early Bird prices. For more info, visit our website, www.writercon.comAnd if you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it now! Do it today and join this wonderful community of writers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273And to 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 does make it easier for new listeners to discover us.You can find the video version 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

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Tamara Grantham, author of more than twenty books and novellas, including multi-award-winning fantasy novels for middle-grade, YA, and adult readers. Many of her novels launched as #1 bestsellers. She’s won two first-place Rone awards, a Praiseworthy award, and an Indiefab book of the year award for fantasy. Her new book is The End of Never, which is the second book in her Chronicels of Ithical series.Chapter 1: IntroductionWhy Were There No Authors at the Oscars?Chapter 2: News1) Update on the Susan Meachen Story—Romance Author Thought Dead Emerges2) New Story on Faleena Hopkins—Author Disappears Then Misses Court DateChapter 3: Interview with Tamara GranthamIn this interview, Grantham discusses:1) Why she writes SF and Fantasy;2) How she creates new worlds;3) How she plans a book or series;4) How small-group classes advanced her career; and5) the best writing advice she ever received.Chapter 4: Parting WordsBernhardt's new novel, The Florentine Poet, is now on sale. This is a fun and fanciful story of what one man will do to pursue his passions—poetry and true love. "The Princess Bride for Literature Lovers."The WriterCon Small-Group Retreat will be in Branson MO from July 19-23 and there are still seats available. Tamara Grantham says attending these classes was a "life-changing exierience" for her. Could it do the same for your writing career?Rene has finished her screenplay and is working on a nonfiction book.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Andrea Nasfell, a screenwriter whose most recent credits include the Christmas movies Every Other Holiday (Lifetime) and Holiday for Heroes (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries). She’s also the writer of theatrical faith-based comedies The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (Blumhouse) and Moms’ Night Out (Sony Affirm), which won a Dove award for Inspirational Film of the Year.Chapter 1: IntroductionWhere is your writing place?Chapter 2: News1) There's a New Imprint at Hachette2) Audible Lowers Prices3) Amazon Streamlines Author Pages4) Amazon Drops Charitable "Smile" ProgramChapter 3: InterviewIn this interview, Andrea Nasfell discusses:1) how to write for the movies;2) how to break into writing for the movies; 3) how to work on assignment;4) how to develop ideas from scratch; and5) the importance of disciplineChapter 4: Parting WordsYou can pre-order The Florentine Poet, which has been called "The Princess Bride Meets The Alchemist," the journey of Pietro Begnini in Renaissance Italy. All he wants is to be a poet and to marry his beloved Sophia, but as you might imagine, there are problems. Dreamsofmanderley, an Instagram review site, wrote: “Nothing short of brilliant. This is the author's love letter to poetry, words, and writing. It is also a tribute to all of those who help us along the way, and the lessons they teach us.” https://www.amazon.com/Florentine-Poet-William-Bernhardt-ebook/dp/B0BRBMQGJL/Rene is writing another screenplay on the heels of last year’s hit movie Family Camp which won a MoiveGuide award. For more information on Rene, find her at ReneGutteridge.comUntil next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit._______If you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it now! Do it today and join this wonderful community of writers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273And to subscribe to the free WriterCon e-newsletter, send 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 does make it easier for new listeners to discover us.You can find the video version of these podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@writerconpodcast1307William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Lexie Elliott, who wrote The French Girl, which was published by Berkley in 2018, followed by The Missing Years and How to Kill Your Best Friend. Her fourth psychological thriller, BRIGHT AND DEADLY THINGS, was published on Valentine’s Day. Chapter 1: IntroductionRene has no plan, Bill overplans, and Jesse prefers the hot tub.Chapter 2: News1) Romance and TikTok drive Bookscan sales2) Harper Collins Reduces Staff by 5%3) Indie Author Faked Her Own Death—Then Rose AgainChapter 3: InterviewLexie Elliott grew up at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, attending a local high school and spending much of her teenage years writing stories, reading and swimming. She earned a doctorate in theoretical physics from Oxford while also on the swimming and water polo team. She worked for an investment bank, took up triathlons, got married and had two boys, swam the English Channel solo, ran marathons and ultramarathons, and, of yeah, found time to write a novel. Her fourth psychological thriller, BRIGHT AND DEADLY THINGS, was recently published by Berkley. In this interview, you will learn:1) what it means to be a professional writer;2) how to make time to write with the busiest of schedules;3) the value of outlining;4) the beauty of setting; and5) how a background in theoretical physics informs her writing.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWilliam Bernhardt has a new novel coming out! You can pre-order The Florentine Poet (which has been called The Princess Bride Meets The Alchemist), a fun and fanciful journey of Pietro Begnini in Renaissance Italy. All he wants is to be a poet and to marry his beloved Sophia, but as you might imagine, there are problems. Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior, wrote “This book sparkles like a jewel in a cosmic clockwork—an uplifting gift to readers everywhere.”Rene Gutteridge's film, Family Camp, won a major award. She has finished the screenplay for her next film.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Rebecca Kelley, author of the new thriller No One Knows Us Here.Chapter 1: IntroductionBill, Rene, and Jesse discuss how Valentines Day affects readers and writers.Chapter 2: News (4:01)1) Brandon Sanderson Distributes His Audiobooks Through Spotify (not Amazon/ACX)2) Fiction Sales Reports Focus on Romance and TikTokChapter 3: Interview with Rebecca Kelley (12:10)Rebecca Kelley is a fiction writer from Portland, Oregon. Her first novel, Broken Homes & Gardens, was published in 2015. She also coauthored The Eco-nomical Baby Guide with Joy Hatch. When Rebecca isn’t writing, she is conducting elaborate baking experiments, designing book covers, and keeping up her thousand-plus-day streak in Duolingo. Her new novel is No One Knows Us Here (https://amazon.com/No-One-Knows-Us-Here-ebook/dp/B09VGK5697/)In this interview, you will learn about:1) why Kelley wrote a female antagonist;2) the "gifrlfriend experience;"3) the dangers of defying gender expectations;4) the value of outlining; and5) the critical importance of persistance.Chapter 4: Parting Words (30:24)We’re still taking registration for the WriterCon Cruise, which will sail on April 9 from Galveston and hit several Western Caribbean ports like Cozumel and Honduras. And we’ll provide more than 20 hours of instruction in between ports of call, some group instruction, some small-group, and some one-on-one, instruction specifically tailored to the people in our group, providing what you need most to advance your writing aspirations. If you’d like to learn more about it, please visit our website: www.writercon.comIf you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it now! 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.comand www.williambernhardt.comYou can find the video version of these podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@writerconpodcast1307For more information on Rene, find her at www.ReneGutteridge.com, or on social media, or as a senior contributor at Writing Momentum.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Barry Friedman, top-tier professional standup comic for decades and author of six books, including a new one, the title of which we can’t say on the podcast because then I'd have to check the Adults Only distribution box. "Jack Sh*t" is a collection of anecdotes about Friedman's late father. This book is warm, wonderfully written, and uproariously funny.Chapter 1: IntroductionPredictions for Publishing in 2023 from Bill, Rene, and JesseChapter 2: News2022 in Review:Biggest Authors of the Year: Brandon Sanderson and Colleen HooverBiggest Tech Development: ChatGPT writing stories and AI-narrated audiobooksBiggest Event of the Year: PRH's Failed Attempt to Acquire S&SBiggest Winner of the Year: TikTokBiggest Loser of the Year: Big Five Pub (Though Amazon Didn’t Do Great Either)Chapter 3: InterviewBarry Friedman has millions of fans and followers and there’s a reason—because his work is not only funny, not only insightful, but also, he’s a terrific writer, as he has shown before in a beautifully wrought memoir, Four Days and a Year Later, and his account of life on the road, The Joke Was On Me. His new book, Jack Sh*t, is about his late father. In this interview, you will learn:1) how to integrate humor in memoir (when the events aren't always funny); 2) mining life for art;3) the value of revision and good feedback;4) how to portray the complexity of human relationships, and5) the importance of voluptuous bagels and flamboyant toupees.Chapter 4: 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.If you’re enjoying this podcast, please subscribe, then rate or review it wherever you get podcasts. It does make it easier for new listeners to discover us.You can find the video versions of these podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@writerconpodcast1307Learn more about Rene Gutteridge at her website or by following her on social media. She is also a contributor to Writing Momentum.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Chris K. Jones, enterpreneur and author of the new novel Headcase, who gave up a lucrative career to pursue his dream of writing.Chapter 1: IntroductionLooking Back on 2022Chapter 2: News1) Written Word Media Shows That the Most Successful Authors Market2) Witness Says Bookstore "Bestseller List" Placements are Bought3) Large Literary Agent Took on Few New Clients in 2022Chapter 3: InterviewChris K. Jones calls himself a recovering serial entrepreneur who quit at the peak of his career to honor the promise he made to himself at 19 that he would become a writer. Chris splits his time between Tarrytown, NY and Barbados, where he finds time to swim with turtles and observe cloud animals. He is an extrovert who has decided to work in the world’s loneliest profession. Writing his first novel, Headcase, has been the best form of therapy he has ever had. In this interview, you will learn:1) why he dramatically changed his career course;2) how he finds his characters;3) the difference between writing for tv and books;4) his unique approach to outlining; 5) focusing on product rather than result; and6) how you can possibly focus on writing when you live in Barbados.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWe’re still taking registration for the WriterCon Cruise, which will sail on April 9 from Galveston and hit several Western Caribbean ports like Cozumel and Honduras. And we’ll provide more than 20 hours of instruction in between ports of call, some group instruction, some small-group, and some one-on-one, instruction specifically tailored to the people in our group, providing what you need most to advance your writing aspirations. If you’d like to learn more about it, please visit our website: writercon.com.if you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it now! 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.comand www.williambernhardt.comIf you’re enjoying this podcast, please subscribe, then rate or review it wherever you get podcasts. It does make it easier for new listeners to discover us.You can find the video version of these podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@writerconpodcast1307You can find more info about Rene at ReneGutteridge.com, on social media, and as a senior contributor at Writing Momentum.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Happy holidays!Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Sonali Dev, who writes Bollywood-style love stories that explore universal themes. She's a USA Today bestselling author and her novels have been named Best Books of the Year by Library Journal, NPR, and The Washington Post. Her new book is The Vibrant Years, which has been praised by many, including by Mindy Kaling, who called it “a joyful and fun read…about a group of underestimated women demanding respect and embracing their most authentic selves.”Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat do you give writers for Christmas? And should you write on Christmas Day?Chapter 2: News1) Tor will publish print editions of Brandon Sanderson’s Kickstarter Novels2) FBI seizes one of the largest sites for pirated workChapter 3: InterviewSonali Dev is a bestselling author of many heartwarming books, but her new novel, The Vibrant Years, is her first book from the new imprint from Mindy Kaling. Mindy’s Book Studio publishes fresh, vibrant, and binge-worthy reads from emerging and established diverse voices.In this interview, Dev discusses:1) the importance of perseverance for writers,2) how Jane Austen influences her work,3) providing insight without slowing the story,4) creating characters that matter, and5) balancing planning and inspiration.Chapter 4: Parting WordsBernhardt has written a Christmas story featuring Kenzi Rivera, the series character from the Splitsville novels. https://amazon.com/Yuletide-Splitsville-Legal-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0BLZR7YZ5/That story is also in the anthology, Christmas Tapestry. https://amazon.com/Christmas-Tapestry-Collection-Holiday-Tales-ebook/dp/B09LMRP5MS/If you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it now! https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273If you’re enjoying this podcast, please subscribe, then rate or review it wherever you get podcasts. And you can find the video version of these podcasts on YouTube. Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.com; www.writercon.comTo subscribe to the WriterCon Newsletter, email willbern@gmail.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Henriette Lazaridis, the author of Terra Nova, a novel relating to the story of doomed British explorer Robert Falcon Scott in Antarctica in 1910. Hollywood? Did he mean "holiday?" See it's those little slips of the tongue that remind you that this is recorded live, which makes it more exciting, right? It could be a drinking game, where you take a drink every time Bernhardt drops another malaprop...Chapter 1: IntroductionColleen Hoover is the bestselling American author—even in EgyptChapter 2: News1) TikTok Will Sell Books Directly to Readers2) The Random House/Simon & Schuster Merger is Not HappeningChapter 3: InterviewHenriette Lazaridis' novel TERRA NOVA was just released by Pegasus Books and relates to the tragic effort by British explorer Robert Scott trying to be the first person to reach the South Pole. She is also the author of the best-selling novel THE CLOVER HOUSE, a historical novel set during WWII largely in Greece, the home of her ancestors. Her short work has appeared or is forthcoming in publications including ELLE, Forge, and The New York Times, and has earned her a Massachusetts Cultural Council Artists Grant. In this interview, she will discuss:1) plumbing history for fictional fodder;2) getting to the heart of your characters;3) the imprtance of mentoring;4) balancing outlining and imagination; and5) the value of taking risks.Chapter 4: Parting WordsBernhardt wrote a Christmas story, "Yuletide Splitsville," and you can download the story or listen to the audiobook.If you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it today and join this wonderful community of writers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273If you’re enjoying this podcast, please subscribe, then rate or review it wherever you get podcasts. You can find the video version of these podcasts on YouTube. To subscribe to the WriterCon Newsletter, email willbern@gmail.comWilliam Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com