

The Adventurous Author | How to Write a Book, Character Development, Write with Consistency, Creative Writing,Story Structure
Bonnie Jean Schaefer | Author & Coach, Founder of the League of Adventurous Authors
Hey, Time-Strapped Author!Wanna write great fiction?BUT writing is hard because you…- Have NO TIME because you work a full-time job or go to school full-time- Doubt your writing ability- Are unsure how to write the kind of captivating stories you love to read.Then welcome to The Adventurous Author, the podcast for underdog authors on a mission to achieve legendary feats in the publishing world but have to overcome impossible obstacles, limited time, and paralyzing inner skepticism along the way.Through these episodes, you will…- Gain confidence in your author identity.- Master the process and structure needed to write captivating stories EVEN WITH limited writing time.- Learn to use AI effectively and ethically to constantly improve your writing skills and story quality.I’m your host Bonnie Jean Schaefer. Under my pen name of fantasy author D.K. Drake, I write action-packed, wholesome adventures without the snooze-worthy fluff. But as your personal writing coach, I’m here to unlock YOUR narrative prowess, guide you in crafting spellbinding tales, and navigate the wild world of writing with AI.Adventure awaits, so ignite your imagination, latch on to that dragon swooping overhead, and let the storytelling quest begin. It’s time to play in our own fabulous fantasy worlds.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Dec 16, 2022 • 10min
034 // Fantasy Fiction Friday: Author DK Drake Reads Chapter 22 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel
Dive into a world of fantasy as Javan begins his dragon collecting training under the guidance of his grandfather. Unexpectedly, family dynamics shift when his grandmother recruits additional mentors, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments. The chapter highlights the complexities of mentorship and Javan's struggles with self-doubt as he tackles the challenge of catching an elusive octi. Tune in for magical adventures and family surprises!

5 snips
Dec 15, 2022 • 15min
033 // How Budgeting in High School Leads to Financial Freedom with Guest Host Kara Walker
Kara Walker, host of the Money and Mental Peace podcast, empowers young listeners to embark on their financial journey. She emphasizes the vital role of budgeting for high school students, sharing personal stories of achieving financial independence. The discussion also covers the magic of compound interest and how even small investments can grow over time. Kara reveals effective budgeting strategies, urging listeners to assign purpose to every dollar for financial peace. Tune in for insights that lay the foundation for future wealth and stability!

5 snips
Dec 9, 2022 • 7min
032 // Fantasy Fiction Friday: Author DK Drake Reads Chapter 21 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel
Dive into the captivating world of Javan's complex family tree in a young adult fantasy tale! Discover the intriguing connections to Zandador's royal heritage and the responsibility that weighs on Javan as he strives to save his mother and the dragon tied to their lineage. The chapter uncovers the historical significance of his ancestors while addressing reader feedback to clarify familial relationships. With long-lived relatives, it’s a web of legacy and duty that adds depth to the narrative!

9 snips
Dec 6, 2022 • 6min
031 // Are You a Young Author Struggling with Doubts About Being Good Enough?
Young authors often grapple with feelings of inadequacy about their writing abilities and story ideas. The podcast dives into personal anecdotes that illuminate the joy of writing while tackling those pesky self-doubts. Listeners are inspired to rediscover the thrill of their early writing experiences. A three-week mini-course is introduced, designed to cultivate a positive mindset for writers. Embracing individual journeys and silencing negativity becomes a central theme, empowering aspiring authors to pursue their creative passions without fear.

6 snips
Nov 25, 2022 • 11min
030 // Fantasy Fiction Friday: Author DK Drake Reads Chapter 20 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel
Dive into the world of Zandador as the author shares insights from chapter 20 of a thrilling YA fantasy novel. Discover the rich history behind the kingdom's kings and the complex factions that shape its politics. Delve into the motivations of the Collectors, Protectors, Hunters, and Destroyers amidst a leadership crisis. Listen as the author reflects on their writing journey, exploring the balance between narrative depth and action. Plus, catch a glimpse of upcoming sales for future novels in the series!

5 snips
Nov 22, 2022 • 6min
029 // Is Self-Publishing Cheating? Three Reasons Why I Chose to Ditch the Traditional Route and Self-Publish Instead
Discover a fascinating journey from aspiring author to self-publisher. The speaker challenges the misconception that self-publishing is a shortcut for lesser writers. Explore three compelling reasons for embracing self-publishing, including creative control and moral integrity. Gain insights into the empowerment that comes with owning your work, and find inspiration to pursue your own writing dreams through self-publishing.

5 snips
Nov 19, 2022 • 7min
028 // Fantasy Fiction Friday: Author DK Drake Reads Chapter 19 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel
Dive into a magical journey as Javan discovers the rich history of Zandador and his destiny as the Chosen One. Faced with challenges, he learns the significance of his role in the battle for the throne. The passage explores the balance between storytelling techniques, revealing the layers of the world of Dragon Stalkers. Insightful behind-the-scenes secrets shed light on the creative process, providing a glimpse into future adventures tied to Javan's fate. Get ready for a blend of excitement and introspection!

5 snips
Nov 15, 2022 • 7min
027 // How Long Should My Book Be? Three Ways to Determine the Word Count for Your First Book
Curious about book length? Discover how word count shapes your writing journey! Explore the significance of genre expectations and how they influence your book's ideal length. Learn three strategies to find your target word count based on page count, genre norms, and your own writing pace. Whether you're aiming for a quick read or an epic novel, this discussion offers practical insights to guide your writing adventure.

10 snips
Nov 10, 2022 • 13min
026 // Day 21 of the 21 Days of Storytelling Featuring The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel: Chapter 18
Dive into Javen's world as he explores the rich geography and history shaping his adventure. The discussion reveals the significance of heritage in storytelling, underscoring the author's growth. Javen's captivating lessons on dragons and humanity spark dreams of future adventures, blending myth and reality. Plus, there's a reflection on the writing process that embraces imperfection and encourages continuous improvement. Discover how a map inspires creativity, making every story a journey worth sharing.

Nov 9, 2022 • 11min
025 // Day 20 of the 21 Days of Storytelling Featuring The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel: Chapter 17
Dive into a gripping conflict as Micah grapples with his loyalty to his father, King Omri, over the fate of the captive Esmeralda. Discover the secrets of dragon collecting in an underground sanctuary, packed with weapons and knowledge. Experience the humorous chaos of Micah's takeover of the storytelling computer, offering a fresh perspective on his complex character. This engaging discussion ties in vital elements that set the stage for future adventures in the saga.


