WriterCon

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Bob Saenz, award-winning screenplay author.IntroductionFIVE DAYS TILL WRITERCON! But it's not too late for you to join us and over 60 authors, editors, agents, publishers, and PR experts in more than 70 breakout sessions and keynotes. Everything you need to succeed int he modern writing world, all in one location. Come to Oklahoma City on September 2-5, or watch the sessions after the conference online. www.writercon.comNews1) The Congressional investigation into a proposed Big Five merger reveals new details about "glam clauses" and the threat posed to traditional publishing by self-publishing.2) Subscription models soon may replace bookstores, according to some.3) Podium Audio acquires Bookstat, looking for more accurate sales data.InterviewDuring the interview, Bob Saenz discusses:1) how to break into the tv/movie world;2) how to create a marketable screenplay;3) tricks for making characters work onscreen;4) the importance of persistence, and5) why Bob loves WriterCon.Parting WordsIt's not too late to do yourself a big favor. Join us at WriterCon and take your career to the next level! www.writercon.comWilliam 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 mystery writer Mary Coley, romance author Callie Hutton, audiobook narrator Sierra Presada, and science fiction author RJ Johnson.IntroductionThere's still time to register for WriterCon. Do yourself a big favor. Make your writing dreams real. We have over 60 authors, agents, editors, book marketers, and author assistants, in over 70 sessions, and many chances for you to meet people, network, and get the connections and knowledge you need to build your writing career. www.writercon.comNews1) The congressional investigation into the Big Five merger continues, with some startling admissions from traditional publishing.2) Tom Doherty broadens its line.3) New scams are targeting authors. Beware!InterviewWe brought four WriterCon stars together to give you a taste of the experience and brilliance waiting for you at WriterCon. (Note: RJ Johnson had to leave early, and Sierra Presada had technical issues that resulted in some of her comments being edited.) You will learn:1) who plans and who "pants;"2) what an outline does for you;3) the challenge of hopping genres;4) the best way to research your settings and characters; and5) why audiobook represent the new frontier for publishing.ClosingWhat else are we going to say? Come to WriterCon and join the fun, the family, and the writers on the path to success! www.writercon.comWilliam 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 world of books, offer writing tips, and interview Steven James, bestselling thriller author and renowned writing instructor.IntroductionJoin us at WriterCon, our annual writers conference featuring more than 60 presenters in more than 70 breakout sessions, workshops, masterclasses, and roundtables. Enter contests! Pitch agents! Take your writing to the next level with keynote speaker Robert Dugoni and many other experts in their fields. If you can't come in person, online viewing is also available. www.writercon.comNews1) Crypto and Early Investment: A New Publishing Model?2) More Alternate Publishing Models: Writers Score Big with KickstarterInterviewSteven James, keynote speaker at WriterCon 2022, discusses:1) finding the pivot point in your fiction;2) keeping your plots fresh and exciting;3) the need for environmental research;4) why story trumps structure; and5) why he loves teaching writing.Parting WordsDid we mention that WriterCon is just around the corner? But it's not too late to register. Visit the website and see if this isn't exactly what you need to juice your writing life. www.writercon.comWilliam Bernhardt's new novel, Plot/Counterplot, is now on sale! What's it about? Dylan Taggert, thriller author, writes gunfights and ticking time bombs. But when he’s kidnapped and forced to plan a real-world crime, every plot twist will be explosive…Join the WriterCon Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273To subscribe to the WriterCon Newsletter, email willbern@gmail.comWilliam Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.comwillbern@gmail.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Rene Gutteridge discuss the latest news from the world of books, offer writing tips, and interview Dean Koontz, mega-bestselling author of The Big Dark Sky and many other fine novels.IntroductionWe are now the WriterCon podcast. New name, same great content. And the multi-talented author Rene Gutteridge joins as co-host.WriterCon is Labor Day weekend, September 2-5, and it is not too late to register. Learn what you need to know from over 60 writers and other industry experts. Pitch agents and publishers. Enter contests. Plan your novel and your marketing plan. Achieve your writing dreams. Learn more at www.writercon.com.News1) The government considers whether Random House should be permitted to acquire Simon & Schuster.2) A TikTok sensation scores a major traditional publishing contract by "building a community."InterviewDean Koontz, the master of imaginative fiction discusses:1) Why he is a pantser, not a planner;2) How to shape characters who will attract readers;3) The challenges he still faces when writing;4) The key role of his dogs in his life; and 5) When to listen to writing advice—and when to ignore it.Parting WordsBernhardt has a new novel out, Plot/Counterplot, a standalone thriller and, if the reviews can be believed, the best thing I’ve written in years. The story: a thriller writer is captured by someone who wants to use his ingenious plotting skills to help them steal an "unobtainable" weapon that could permanently change the balance of world power. Check it out! https://amazon.com/Plot-Counterplot-William-Bernhardt-ebook/dp/B0B53P4LNF/Don't forget to register for WriterCon. We have authors, agents, editors, book marketers, author assistants, over 70 sessions, and many chances for you to meet people, network, and get the connections and knowledge you need to build your writing career. www.writercon.comWilliam Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comRene Gutteridgewww.renegutteridge.comJoin our Facebook page!www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Mary Laura Philpott, author of Bomb Shelter: Love, Time and Other Explosions.Chapter 1: IntroductionThe Early Bird pricing ends on May 15, so this is the time to register for WriterCon, our annual writers conference that takes place during Labor Day weekend (Sept 2-5). Learn from over 60 speakers and 70 sessions on writing, all genres, and the business of writing, for people at all stages of their writing career. Get the knowledge you need to succeed!www.writercon.comChapter 2: News1) Writers Coffeehouse Won't Let You Leave Till You've Met Your Goal, and2) Amazon Will Allow Authors Selling From Their Websites to Use Prime ShippingChapter 3: Interview with Mary Laura PhilpottIn this interview, she discusses:1) the importance of deletion;2) how she turns horrific events into literature;3) how she researches her subjects;4) the secret of writing a killer essay; and5) her unique approach to outlining.Chapter 4: Parting WordsCheck out Bernhardt's new novel, Shameless, Book 3 in the Splitsville legal thriller series: https://amazon.com/Shameless-Splitsville-Legal-Thriller-Book-ebook/dp/B09T7ZFTZ5/If you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273Bernhardt also has a free Red Sneaker e-newsletter. Send me (willbern@gmail.com) your email address and I’ll add you to the list.WriterCon will have authors, agents, editors, book marketers, author assistants, over 70 sessions, and many chances for you to meet people, network, and get the connections and knowledge you need to build your writing career. The Early Bird pricing ends May 15, so if you’re interested, please check out the website: www.writercon.comUntil next time (start extro music), Keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to 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 Julia Brewer Daily, author of No Names to Be Given.Chapter 1: IntroductionJoin us next time for our 100th episode!WriterCon Update: You still have time to register for WriterCon and get the sharply reduced Early Bird pricing. Our annual writers conference focuses on helping you achieve your writing dreams. Sessions will focus on how to be a better writer, how to improve your art and craft, and navigating the increasingly complex world of publishing. The conference is Labor Day weekend, Sept 2-5. Please check out our website: www.writercon.com.Chapter 2: News1) Self-published author lands deal for Syfy TV series;2) Petition circulated to protest Amazon's eBook-return policy; https://www.change.org/p/change-amazon-return-policies-for-completed-e-books-protect-authors-from-theft3) Brandon Sanderson's Kickstarter makes over $41 million.Chapter 3: Interview with Julia Brewer DailyIn this interview, the author of No Names to Be Given discusses:1) how she mined her past to create compelling fiction;2) why adoption is a controversial subject;3) why she used multiple viewpoints;4) how she creates compelling characters; and 5) keeping a fast pace in a serious novel.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWriterCon will have authors, agents, editors, book marketers, author assistants, over 70 sessions, and many chances for you to meet people, network, and get the connections and knowledge you need to build your writing career. www.writercon.comIf you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates. https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273I also have a free Red Sneaker newsletter that goes out every other week. Send me your email address (willbern@gmail.com) and I’ll add you to the list.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. Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to 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 Deborah Falaye, author of the new young-adult novel, Blood Scion.IntroductionWilliam Bernhardt's new novel, Shameless, the third book in the Kenzi Rivera legal thriller series, is now on sale. https://amazon.com/Shameless-Splitsville-Legal-Thriller-Book-ebook/dp/B09T7ZFTZ5/It's not too late to register for WriterCon and get the Early Bird pricing. WriterCon is Sept 2-5, 2020 in Oklahoma City. We have speakers covering every imaginable genre, plus agents, editors, publishers, pitch sessions, Night Owl roundtables, and much more. www.writercon.comNews1) Author Loses Lambda Prize Nomination After Online Controversy; and2) Writer Beware has a new URL: https://writerbeware.blogInterviewOur guest is Deborah Falaye, whose first novel, Blood Scion, is based on the legends and mythologies rooted in her Nigerian Yoruba culture. In this interview, you will learn:1) why writing is a journey, not a race;2) how she researched her novel;3) how she incorporated Nigerian myths and legends;4) why she writes hundreds of pages of outlines; 5) how she treated dark subjects like child soldiers; and6) why she chose to write for young adults.Parting WordsOur annual writers conference, WriterCon, will have authors, agents, editors, book marketers, author assistants, over 70 sessions, and many chances for you to meet people, network, and get the connections and knowledge you need to build your writing career. Right now, you can take advantage of the Early Bird price, but we are getting close to the cutoff date, so if you’re interested, please check out the website: www.writercon.comUntil next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to 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 Erica Ferencik, author of many outstanding, critically acclaimed thrillers, most recently, Girl in Ice.Chapter 1—IntroductionWilliam Bernhardt's new legal thriller, Shameless, is now on sale! This is the third novel in his Kenzi Rivera series.https://amazon.com/Shameless-Splitsville-Legal-Thriller-Book-ebook/dp/B09T7ZFTZ5/WriterCon 2022 offers presentations and guidance on a wide range of author issues and genres, as well as author assistance for those working in traditional or independent presses.For more info or to register, visit: www.writercon.comChapter 2—Newsa) Amazon Opens AMS Ads to All Authors—Even Traditionally Published; andb) Amazon Launches Clubhouse-Like Audio Service—with Music StreamingChapter 3—Interview with Erica FerencikThe author of Girl in Ice discusses her journey to completing this and her other novels, discussing:a) where she gets her unique and original premises;b) her writing process;c) why her initial outline is just a starting place;d) researching faraway locations; e) creating imaginary languages; andf) creating strong, adventurous female protagonists.Chapter 4—Parting WordsBernhardt's annual writers conference, WriterCon, will have authors, agents, editors, book marketers, author assistants, over 70 sessions, and many chances for you to meet people, network, and get the connections and knowledge you need to build your writing career. Right now, you can take advantage of the Early Bird price, but that will not last much longer.www.writercon.comIf you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates. https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273Bernhardt also has a free Red Sneaker Writers e-newsletter that goes out every other week. To be added to the mailing list, email: willbern@gmail.com.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwillbern@gmail.com

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Erika Lewis, critically acclaimed author of Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts.Chapter 1: IntroductionWilliam Bernhardt is hosting a small-group writing retreat in Eureka Springs on June 15-19, 2022. This immersive experience will give you feedback on your work-in-progress, writing advice, specific critique, discussion on topics relevant to your work, and a great group of new writing friends. For more information about Bernhardt's small-group writing retreat, visit: https://williambernhardt.com/writing-retreats/Chapter 2: Newsa) Amazon is closing its brick-and-mortar bookstores, andb) Brandon Sanderson is taking a deep dive into self-publishing with a hugely successful Kickstarter.Chapter 3: Interview with Erika LewisIn this interview, the author of this new fantasy series for young readers discusses:a) writing for young audiences;b) creating an immersive fantasy world;c) researching Celtic mythology;d) having the patience to write;e) how revision is key to successful writing; and much more!Chapter 4: Parting WordsWilliam Bernhardt's new novel, Shameless (Kenzi Rivera Legal Thriller #3) is now available for pre-order:https://amazon.com/Shameless-Splitsville-Legal-Thriller-Book-ebook/dp/B09T7ZFTZ5/Mark your calendar for WriterCon, the annual writing conference hosted by William Bernhardt in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend (Sept 2-5) with more than 50 presenters, including writers, agents, and publishers, and over 70 sessions covering all realms of publishing. Take your writing career to the next level!www.writercon.comJoin the RedSneaker Writers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwillbern@gmail.com

Host William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips and, for the first time, discusses his thirty years in the book world, starting with his first bestselling novel, Primary Justice, in 1991.Chapter 1: Introductiona) Cover Reveal for Bernhardt's next novel, Shamelessb) Update on WriterCon, the writers conference held over Labor Day weekend, Sept 2-5Chapter 2: Newsa) Draft2Digital Acquires Smashwordsb) The Booming Creator EconomyChapter 3: InterviewJesse Ulrich interviews host William Bernhardt about his thirty-year career as a bestselling writer. He discusses:a) why it is so important to write every day;b) why he outlines, and how;c) his influences, like Tony Hillerman and Sue Grafton;d) how to make a writing schedule; ande) why mentoring and teaching are so important to him...and led to WriterCon.Chapter 4: Parting WordsIf you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates. www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273I also have a free Red Sneaker e-newsletter that goes out every other week. Send me your email address (willbern@gmail.com) and I’ll add you to the list.Our annual writers conference, WriterCon, has authors, agents, editors, book marketers, author assistants, over 70 sessions, including night owl roundtable sessions, and many chances for you to meet people, network, and get the connections and knowledge you need to build your writing career. Right now, you can take advantage of the Early Bird price, but that will not last forever. www.writercon.comWilliam Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.com