

WriterCon
William Bernhardt
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 8, 2022 • 43min
Creating Art From Experience with Mary Laura Philpott
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

Apr 17, 2022 • 38min
Mining the Past for Fiction with Julia Brewer Daily
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

Apr 3, 2022 • 40min
The Writing Journey with Deborah Falaye
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

Mar 27, 2022 • 47min
Respecting the Writing Process with Erica Ferencik
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

Mar 13, 2022 • 46min
Sharing the Fantasy with Erika Lewis
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

Feb 20, 2022 • 53min
Write Every Day with William Bernhardt
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

Feb 6, 2022 • 53min
Creating New Fictional Worlds with Lara Elena Donnelly
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Lara Elena Donnelly, author of The Amberlough Dossier and her new novel, Base Notes.Chapter 1: IntroductionWriterCon is our annual writers conference designed for YOU, people who are serious about writing and becoming successful writers. The conference is in OKC over Labor Day weekend, Sept 2-5. The sessions are recorded so you can participate even if you don’t come in person. At WriterCon you’ll have a chance to pitch leading agents and editors, consult with a wide variety of experts, and meet some wonderful people. Headliners this year include NYT-bestselling thriller writer Robert Dugoni and former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins. Learn more at: www.writercon.com.Chapter 2: Newsq) Nelson Literary Agency releases annual statistics on queries received and authors signed; andb) Different sources provide different information about print and eBook sales in 2021.Chapter 2: Interview with Lara Elena DonnellyIn this interview, the Nebula, Locus, and Lambda-nominated author discusses:a) where she gets her unique ideas;b) how she researches her books; c) how she handles gender norms;d) whether artists must make sacrifices for their work;e) character sympathy versus character empathy; andf) creating an evolving outline.Chapter 4: Parting WordsJoin us over Labor Day weekend for WriterCon 2022!www.writercon.comJoin the RedSneaker Writers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwillbern@gmail.com

Feb 1, 2022 • 57min
Creating Challenging Characters with Jacquelyn Mitchard
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Jacquelyn Mitchard, the New York Times-bestselling author and Oprah's Book Club author of The Good Son.Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Newsa) New Survey from the Alliance of Independent Authorshttps://selfpublishingadvice.org/what-readers-want-2022/b) Gallup Poll Suggests People Are Reading Fewer Bookshttps://news.gallup.com/poll/388541/americans-reading-fewer-books-past.aspxc) Harlequin launches a subscription serviceChapter 3: Interview with Jacquelyn MitchardIn this interview, this multi-bestselling author discusses:a) where she gets her ideas;b) how to create unsympathetic characters without losing readers;c) writing and revision;d) modern-day book marketing; ande) writing in many genres.Chapter 4: Parting WordsOur annual writers conference, WriterCon, just posted its 2022 webpage. This year, the conference takes place in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend, Sept 2-5. Headline guests include NYT bestselling novelist Robert Dugoni and US Poet Laureate Billy Collins. This year we will have all the familiar features and many new ones, all designed to help you take your writing career to the next level. Right now, you can take advantage of the Early Bird price, but that will not last forever. Join us!www.writercon.comWilliam Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwillbern@gmail.com

Jan 16, 2022 • 41min
Finding Your Writing Space with Lara Bernhardt
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Lara Bernhardt, author of The Wantland Files series and Shadow of the Taj.Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Newsa) Simon & Schuster employee charged with manuscript theft; andb) Findaway Voices adds narrator search.Chapter 3: InterviewBernhardt interviews award-winning author (also his wife) Lara Bernhardt, author of The Wantland Files supernatural suspense series.In this interview, she discusses:a) finding her writing space;b) living with another author;c) what she's learned during the journey; andd) charting a course for series characters.Chapter 4: Parting WordsIf you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates and follow the ongoing discussion. Bernhardt also issues a free Red Sneaker newsletter that goes out every other week. Send your email address to willbern@gmail.com to be added to the list. Or visit www.williambernhardt.comWilliam Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwillbern@gmail.com

Jan 9, 2022 • 34min
Building Your Story with Tanya Gough
Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Tanya Gough, creator of the online writing tool StoryBilder.Chapter 1: IntroductionHappy New Year!Chapter 2: NewsBernhardt assesses the book world trends and development of 2021 and makes predictions about 2022.a) Social media platforms will change and TikTok will dominante;b) More indie authors will obtain movie/tv deals;c) More indie authors will go "wide for the win;" andd) Authors will increasingly use AI and other forms of digital tech.Chapter 3: InterviewBernhardt interviews Tanya Gough, creator of a new online writing tool called StoryBilder which launches in February. Register now to be an early adopter. In this interview, Gough discusses:a) how she built this tool on her own;b) what StoryBilder can do for you;c) the importance of simplifying a monumental task;d) the advantages of "writing live," ande) how to push past obstacles and get your writing done.For a free six-month subscription, visit: storybilder.com/redsneakerChapter 4: Parting WordsIf you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates. I 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.You can follow this podcast so it is automatically downloaded for you each time we load a new episode, or if you prefer the video version, subscribe to the William Bernhardt YouTube channel.Join the RedSneaker Writers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273Until next time (start extro music), Keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwillbern@gmail.com