

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.
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

Oct 26, 2022 • 10min
011 // Day 6 of the 21 Days of Storytelling Featuring The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel: Chapter 3
What happens when an ordinary teenager meets dragons from another dimension? In a captivating chapter, Javen faces Silver Spike, a dragon with a compelling backstory that intertwines with his own identity. As he navigates personal conflicts, he’s thrust into a thrilling adventure, confronting gigantic creatures and his own self-doubt. Author DK Drake shares intriguing insights about the dragons that aren't revealed in the book, sparking creativity and imagination. Prepare to be enchanted by this enchanting journey through the world of Xandador!

Oct 25, 2022 • 12min
010 // Day 5 of the 21 Days of Storytelling Featuring The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel: Chapter 2
Dive into the captivating world of Javen in Xandador as he grapples with destiny and identity. Discover emotional layers in a poignant reunion between Javen and his long-lost mother, unveiling secrets that intertwine their fates with dragons. Bonus scenes add extra depth, providing a glimpse into moments that enhance this thrilling narrative. Javen’s bold escape on his horse, Storm, sets the stage for more adventure and conflict, igniting a journey that promises excitement and discovery.

5 snips
Oct 24, 2022 • 5min
009 // Day 4 of the 21 Days of Storytelling Featuring The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel: Chapter 1
Discover the captivating journey of Javen, an ordinary teenager battling high school challenges, such as football pressures and bullying. Dive into a scene from chapter one where a football moment sets the stage for his transformation. Uncover the author's clever choice to begin with a relatable scenario instead of an action-packed start. Tune in for a reading that promises to ignite your imagination and offers insights into the creative process behind crafting fantasy adventures.

Oct 23, 2022 • 9min
008 // Day 3 of the 21 Days of Storytelling Featuring The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel: Prologue III
In this installment, the story dives into Esmeralda's struggle for freedom as she escapes the Dark King's grasp after 15 long years. From her unique perspective, we get a glimpse of her challenges and the looming conflict that ties her life to her son, Javen. The narrative reveals a critical prophecy that marks Javen as pivotal in a battle against tyranny. The author also discusses the significance of choosing a maternal voice, enriching the tone for the unfolding adventure.

Oct 22, 2022 • 8min
007 // Day 2 of the 21 Days of Storytelling Featuring The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel: Prologue II
Dive into the magical world of Zandador as Javen celebrates his seventh birthday, sparking memories of his childhood that beautifully develop his character. Discover a mysterious visitor who brings whispers of adventure to his life, alongside a special bond with a horse named Storm. What's behind that ordinary rock? Tune in for insights into storytelling and hear the captivating second part of the prologue that sets the stage for an epic journey.

6 snips
Oct 21, 2022 • 7min
006 // Day 1 of the 21 Days of Storytelling Featuring The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel: Prologue I
Dive into a magical world as the author reads the prologue of a thrilling YA fantasy. Meet Javan, an orphan whose destiny unfolds in a dimension of dragons and destiny. Experience his journey from mere mortal to chosen one, armed with an ancient weapon and wise mentors. The stakes climb as he faces threats to the throne and reunites with his long-lost mother. Plus, hear about the author's creative process and how reader feedback shaped the story. Buckle up for an adventure in the Land of Zandador!

Oct 20, 2022 • 11min
005 // Three Things Every Christian Author Needs to Know to Be a Great Storyteller
Great storytelling isn't just about writing skills; it's about building relationships and understanding your audience. Discover how knowing God and yourself enhances your narrative craft, using the classic tale of David and Goliath as inspiration. The importance of character development is also highlighted, emphasizing deep connections with readers. Embrace your creativity and engage with your audience through thoughtful storytelling initiatives, making your narratives truly captivating.

Oct 11, 2022 • 10min
004 // Why You Must Write This One Thing Before You Start or Continue Your Novel-Writing Journey
Exploring the power of clarity, this discussion emphasizes the importance of writing a personal author manifesto. A manifesto can solidify an author's intentions and beliefs, guiding their writing journey with confidence. It fosters boldness and conviction, essential traits for compelling storytelling. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their writing philosophies and share their manifestos to create community and inspiration. Tune in for insights that could inspire you to take a stand for your writing!

14 snips
Oct 8, 2022 • 11min
003 // Want to Write a Novel? Start With This Simple 3 Step Story Structure
Unravel the secrets of storytelling with a three-step structure that mirrors a seven-mile race. Discover how a compelling beginning sets the pace, a challenging middle drives tension, and a transformative ending brings everything together. The journey from a disastrous first draft to crafting engaging narratives is explored, offering insights for aspiring authors. Dive into community engagement while learning how to master your plot and character development!

Sep 26, 2022 • 19min
002 // Are Creative Writing Prompts Useless? How Someone Else’s Writing Idea Turned Into an Income-Producing Fantasy Series
This podcast dives into the surprising power of creative writing prompts, sparked by friends urging the narrator to tackle dragons and cops. It features a thrilling narrative where these seemingly random ideas merge into an engaging fantasy story. The discussion highlights the challenges of crafting unique plots, the tension of dragon encounters, and the evolution of a budding fantasy series. Tune in for a blend of humor, inspiration, and the unexpected magic that can arise from collaboration in storytelling.


