WriterCon

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

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview James Scott Bell, a former WriterCon keynote speaker, winner of the International Thriller Writers Award, and the author of Plot & Structure. He served as fiction columnist for Writer's Digest magazine and has written many bestselling craft books, including Conflict & Suspense, How to Write Dazzling Dialogue, and Write Your Novel From the Middle. A former trial lawyer, Jim lives and writes in Los Angeles. Chapter 1: IntroductionAre you ready for the holidays?Chapter 2: News1) Spotify's Audiobook Plan Hits a Snag2) BDMI Invests in Book.io, the First NFT Ebook Platform3) Adnan Syed Released from Prison Due to PodcastChapter 3: Interview with James Scott BellIn this interview, bestselling author Bell discusses:1) Why a Page Quota Will Make You a Happier Writer;2) Why He Invented Zombie Legal Thrillers3) Why He Lives in Hollywood4) His New Interactive Phone App for Writers5) Conducting Historical Research, and6) Developing Eccentric CharactersChapter 4: Parting WordsIf you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it now and join this wonderful community of writers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273To 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 makes 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

Note: This episode was delayed due to technical recording issues (hence the references to Thanksgiving), but rather than cheat you out of hearing Katie Side's wise words, we've decided to release it as is. Apologies for the audio squeak. We'll return to our usual audio standards next time and, as a special Christmas gift, we will present three more episodes this month, one every week during the holiday season.Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: News1) Self-Publishing Equals "Another Random House" in Sales2) Colleen Hoover is America's Bestselling AuthorChapter 3: InterviewKatie Sise is the bestselling author of six novels. Her books have been included on best-of lists by Good Morning America, The New York Post and Parade Magazine. Her current novel, The Break, is a Zibby's Book Club pick for November. She’s a former TV host and jewelry designer, and lives outside of New York City with her husband, four children, and a golden retriever. In this interview, she discusses:1) how she integrates serious issues into thrillers;2) the middle road between planning and pantsing;3) how her writing process has evolved over time; and4) writing tips she's learned along the way.Chapter 4: Parting WordsIf 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/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. Keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.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 Cory Edwards, a screenplay writer and filmmaker who has many impressive credits, including Hoodwinked, Escape from Planet Earth, and many Veggie Tales episodes. Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: News1) Penguin Random House & TikTok Partner Up2) Draft2Digital Expands International Print SupportChapter 3: Interview with Cory EdwardsIn this interview, Edwards discusses:1) the challenge of writing comedy;2) the challenge of writing for film;3) the writing process;4) what to do when you feel stuck; and5) advice for those hoping to break into film.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWe’re still taking registrations 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.com.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.comJoin the WriterCon Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273To subscribe to the WriterCon Newsletter, visit www.williambernhardt.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Leslie S. Klinger, editor of THE NEW ANNOTATED STRANGE CASE OF JEKYLL & HYDE, just released last week. This new edition gives the classic tale its most complete and illuminating presentation yet, heavily illustrated with over a hundred and fifty full color images―including reproductions of rare books, film stills, theatrical posters, and the true-life people associated with the adventure―extensively annotated by this Edgar Award winning author and editor. Publishers Weekly said, “this will instantly become the definitive edition of this complex and influential piece of literature." Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat are you doing for Halloween?Chapter 2: News1) Amazon Changes eBook Return Policy2) Spotify Acquires Findaway Voices—and its AudiobooksChapter 3: Interview with Leslie KlingerIn this interview, Leslie discusses:1) why he writes books about books;2) how he researches his books;3) the idea at the core of Jekyll & Hyde;4) the truth about Dracula & Frankenstein; 5) updating Sherlock Holmes; and6) how to find your passion project.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, 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.com.If you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it now and join this wonderful community of writers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.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 Cai Emmons, author of two new books this month, Livid and Unleashed.IntroductionReminiscing about WriterCon 2022The WriterCon Cruise sets sail April 9-16, 2023. Would you like to join us? Learn more here: www.writercon.comNews1) Rakuten Kobo announces an eco-friendly e-reader, and2) JK Rowling's new mystery seems inspired by her online woes.Interview with Cai EmmonsOn February 4 last year, Cai Emmons received some shattering news. She was diagnosed with bulbar-onset ALS accompanied with a complete loss of voice, which is why she’s speaking through a voice synthesizer. But instead of letting this interrupt her work, she pushed hard to get both novels finished while she could. She has also published a blog documenting her experience.In this interview, Cai Emmons discusses:1) the importance of a regular writing habit;2) why writing is an act of courage;3) her writing process;4) why she tackles important topics; and5) what she sees in her future.Parting WordsJoin us for the WriterCon Cruise! www.writercon.comAnd if you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, join this wonderful community of writers. 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. And you can find the video version of these podcasts on YouTube. William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.comJoin the WriterCon Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273To 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 Robert Dugoni, whose latest novel is What She Found (Tracy Crosswhite #9), and Yasmin Angoe, whose new book is They Come at Knight.IntroductionWe're recording this episode before a live audience at WriterCon 2022, where over 200 people have gathered to obtain the knowledge they need about writing and marketing books.www.writercon.comNews1) New Sales Report from AAP2) Walmart launches its own Book Club3) Amazon's orders from traditional publishers drop dramatically—and no one knows why.InterviewBestselling authors Robert Dugoni and Yasmin Angoe discuss their books and their craft, including:1) why you should follow your dreams, not money2) panthers being rebranded as "organic writers"3) finding writing time despite children and day jobs4) the advantages and disadvantages of series books, and5) what they thought about WriterConParting WordsIf you missed WriterCon this year, register for WriterCon 2023, which will take place in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend, September 1-4, 2023.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.comJoin the WriterCon Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273To subscribe to the WriterCon Newsletter, email willbern@gmail.com