The Wordslinger Podcast

Explore the fascinating journey of writing by hand as a means to combat burnout and boost creativity. Discover how switching from digital to analog transformed one author's connection to his stories. Learn about innovative workflows that blend handwriting with AI tools for transcription and editing. Delve into practical insights on building creative habits and rediscovering the joy of writing without deadlines. Hear about the changing landscape of publishing and the unique flavor that handwriting brings to storytelling.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing, admin, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at authoranchor.com.Episode Overview:As 2025 comes to a close, Kevin Tumlinson opens up about his intentions for 2026—both as a writer and as a human seeking more meaning, joy, and flexibility in his craft. In this reflective solo episode, you'll discover how continual writing, true work-life integration, and conscious choices about happiness can revitalize not only your career, but your life. Whether you're a writer, creative, entrepreneur, or dreamer, this episode is packed with insights to inspire your year ahead.Tune in to learn:- Why productivity can be a double-edged sword—and how to keep your creativity alive- How Kevin Tumlinson is rethinking his writing process for maximum adaptability- The importance of letting life fuel your creative work- How to consciously choose joy, even during dark times- The value of pursuing passion over just chasing profit- Powerful stories and actionable wisdom for making 2026 your most intentional year yetLinks & Resources Mentioned:Author Anchor – Virtual assistants for authors; book your free discovery callKevin's Substack – Essays, insights, and creative updates from KevinKevin's Books & Main Site – Find all Kevin’s novels, podcasts, and moreWordslingerPodcast.com – Archive of all back episodesKevin's YouTube Channel – Walking Kev shorts & more video contentWatch (and subscribe!) on YouTube:Key Topics & Timestamps:[00:00:00] – End of year reflections & new beginnings[00:02:12] – Relocation, flexibility, and new tech for creative work[00:02:43] – Embracing continual writing throughout the day[00:04:04] – The power of thinking as part of the writing process[00:06:08] – Letting go of toxic productivity & finding balance[00:07:56] – Career as integrated with life, not just a job[00:10:23] – The work must nourish your soul and others[00:11:43] – Taking risks, reigniting old passions, and being boldly creative[00:14:18] – Pursuing art, music, and new experiences[00:16:45] – Letting life fuel artistic output[00:18:43] – Committing to joy & the choice of happiness[00:21:01] – Story: Finding laughter during sorrow[00:26:12] – Redefining success for a portable, flexible career[00:29:02] – Community, connection, and call for listener interactionLooking for inspiration and practical guidance as you shape your writing—and your life—for 2026? Subscribe and join the Wordslinger community, and don’t forget to check out Author Anchor to level up your author business! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing and promotion, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.Merry Christmas, slingers! In this special holiday episode, Kevin Tumlinson shares what he learned in 2025 as a writer and creative. Tune in for real-world advice on creativity, outlining, maintaining momentum, avoiding burnout, and finding joy in continual writing. Whether you’re an indie author or just looking for inspiration for your creative career, these insights can help make 2026 your best year yet!Show links:WordslingerPodcast.com — Official site for episodes and commentsKevinTumlinson.com/books — Browse Kevin’s books and support his workAuthorAnchor.com — Author assistant service (sponsor; book a discovery call!)Watch (and subscribe!) on YouTube:Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:00] — Holiday greetings & intro[00:01:20] — Lessons learned on outlining, pantsing, and finding your process[00:05:22] — “Because that happened, then this happened” method for propelling story[00:11:10] — Learning from Haruki Murakami: art vs. logic in storytelling[00:12:46] — James Patterson’s writing routine and overcoming burnout[00:15:21] — Embracing continual writing & making it a joyful habit[00:21:18] — Outlining as a creative sharpening stone[00:22:26] — Advice for nonfiction writers and integrating writing with life[00:24:02] — Why looking for blessings is key to winning at life[00:25:18] — Call to action: share what you’ve learned, support Kevin’s booksLooking for honest, practical writing advice and indie publishing inspiration? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe

Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 285Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor connects you with a skilled author assistant for just $7.50/hour—let them handle marketing, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson dives deep into one of the hardest parts of the creative journey: keeping yourself motivated when it feels like your work isn’t having an impact. He shares hard-earned lessons from his own career, talks about reframing discouragement, and explores the difference between being “productive” and being “fruitful.” Plus, Kevin Tumlinson reflects on building real connections, benefiting from the unseen ripple effects of creative effort, and finding meaning in your work even when the rewards seem slow in coming.If you’re a writer, creator, or anyone struggling to push through the silence between feedback, this episode is for you.Show links::* Author Anchor (https://authoranchor.com) – VA service matching authors with reliable virtual assistants* Joanna Penn’s Creative Penn Podcast (https://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/) – Inspiration and advice for writers* Kevin’s Substack (https://kevintumlinson.substack.com) – Articles, updates, and personal insightsWatch on YouTube (and subscribe!)Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:06] - “Keep Going”—Why impact matters, and why it’s hard[00:01:33] - Shifting podcast landscape and long-term value[00:02:07] - How connection and community pay off[00:03:31] - Battling discouragement and the reality of creative work[00:05:09] - Why feedback and financial returns can be slow[00:08:12] - Changing your attitude: purpose beyond quick success[00:09:59] - The power of consistency and fighting for long-term success[00:12:10] - “Fruitful vs. Productive”: A better way to frame your efforts[00:16:18] - Avoiding burnout and rebuilding with better foundations[00:18:38] - Growth, regret, and seeing how your work evolves[00:20:03] - Outlining vs. pantsing—finding what works for you[00:22:04] - Christmas message and gratitudeLooking for more inspiration for your writer’s journey? Subscribe, leave a review, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe

In this insightful discussion, Alessandra Torre, an author and co-founder of Authors.ai, and JD Lasica, also a co-founder, dive into the role of AI in publishing. They explain the innovative Marlowe tool that provides developmental feedback for manuscripts. The duo debates the ethics of using AI, clarifying the differences between analytical and generative AI. They also explore the industry’s reaction to AI-generated content and discuss the need for transparency when incorporating AI in the creative process.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing and promotion, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson sits down with thriller author Luke Richardson for an energizing discussion on writing adventure fiction, weaving travel experiences into stories, and mastering the art of sensory detail. Tune in for practical tips on engaging readers, finding work-life balance as a writer, and the inside scoop on plotting vs. pantsing your next book. Plus, hear more about Luke’s Eden Black series and exciting podcast and travel plans!Show links:* Luke Richardson Official Site (https://lukerichardsonauthor.com) — Explore Luke’s adventure books and podcast.* Author Anchor (https://authoranchor.com) — VA service connecting authors with skilled virtual assistants.* Writers Ink Podcast (https://writersinkpodcast.com) — Roundtable writing advice from pro authors.* Kevin’s Substack (https://kevintumlinson.substack.com) — Updates and writing insights from Kevin Tumlinson.WATCH (AND SUBSCRIBE) ON YOUTUBE:Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:04] - Introduction: Garage sale shenanigans & Wordslinger welcome [00:03:32] - Luke Richardson on travel, adventure writing, and series updates [00:07:14] - Inspirations: Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, and Dan Brown [00:09:17] - Travel as creative fuel & using local experiences in fiction [00:13:07] - How to integrate all five senses into your storytelling [00:17:19] - Writing tips: Avoiding info dumps and engaging reader modalities [00:19:43] - Staying focused: Productivity, work habits, and burnout [00:22:16] - Word count targets vs. process-based writing routines [00:26:01] - Plotter vs. Pantser: The eternal writer’s debate [00:31:33] - Luke’s podcast: The Adventure Story Podcast and upcoming projects [00:33:25] - Writing fiction that becomes real: The “zeitgeist” phenomenon [00:35:47] - Personal notes: Repurposing, decision fatigue, and creative repurposingLooking for more writing and publishing insights? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Thanksgiving, slingers.This week’s Wordslinger Podcast is all about gratitude, found family, creative recovery, and some big updates for writers and entrepreneurs. I’m sharing what this year has really been like—personally and professionally—and what’s coming next for the podcast, my books, and this growing community.If you’re a writer, creative, or entrepreneur working your way through burnout, rebuilding your momentum, or trying to find your people… this one’s for you.✨ Links Mentioned in the EpisodeMy personal YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/kevintumlinsonThe Kevin Show (playlist): https://youtube.com/kevintumlinson (see playlists section)My Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.comMy books: https://kevinTumlinson.com/booksCurated Shop (product stories + affiliates): https://kevintumlinson.com/curatedWordslinger Podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/wordslingerpodcastWriters, Ink Podcast: https://writersinkpodcast.comWatch on YouTube:🕒 TimestampsUse these as chapters so viewers can jump exactly where they want:00:00 — Welcome to the Thanksgiving Episode00:29 — Why this episode dropped early01:00 — My personal YouTube channel & Substack workflow02:00 — Should Substack be my website?03:20 — The “Curated” Shop and how it works06:11 — Thanksgiving plans & found family07:36 — Family, siblings, and what “family” really means08:58 — Gratitude for a year of growth (and grief)09:45 — This year in writing: books, burnout, and rebuilding10:20 — Film & streaming interest in Kotler and Evergreen11:39 — A career opportunity I can’t announce… yet12:14 — Writers, Ink news & simulcasting plans14:00 — My idea for a writers’ podcast network16:43 — The value of outside perspectives for writers18:19 — Why I build things: tools, platforms, opportunities19:26 — A look ahead at 2026 changes20:33 — How Word Slinger and Writers, Ink will fit together21:43 — A personal message: gratitude, hope, and found family22:29 — Final thoughts & Thanksgiving wishes Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing, admin, editing, advertising, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson dives deep into the world of scams targeting authors, artists, and creatives. From predatory legal firms to shady “publishers” with AI-generated websites and offers too good to be true, Kevin shares personal stories, red flags to watch for, and practical strategies to keep your money—and your work—safe. Whether you’re a new writer hoping to be discovered or a seasoned pro, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the publishing and creative landscape as scams become more sophisticated and pervasive.Show links:* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com) — Virtual assistant service for authors* Draft2Digital (draft2digital.com) — Ebook distribution platform* PublishDrive (publishdrive.com) — Ebook publishing & distribution* Reedsy (reedsy.com) — Find trusted editors, designers, and book professionals* 99designs (99designs.com) — Professional cover design and more* LegalShield (legalshield.com) — Affordable legal services for contracts/review* LegalZoom (legalzoom.com) — Legal support and contract review online* Writer’s Digest (writersdigest.com) — Publishing news, Writer’s Market guides and agent info* Wordslinger Podcast (wordslingerpodcast.com) — More episodes, contact, and resourcesWatch on YouTubeImportant Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:05] – Welcome & episode overview[00:00:25] – Why scams are a growing threat[00:01:14] – Fake publishers & scam tactics[00:01:59] – Kevin’s personal experience falling for a book scam[00:03:33] – IRS debt scam: emotional manipulation explained[00:06:04] – How scammers exploit dreams and fears[00:08:56] – AI-powered scams: cloned voices, fake Zoom calls, and impersonations[00:10:23] – How legitimate publishing works vs. scam warning signs[00:13:16] – Everyday scam attempts targeting authors[00:16:03] – Fake websites, hijacked business names, and AI-generated “staff”[00:18:46] – Myth of “being discovered”—real path to success[00:19:59] – Why contracts and legal reviews matter[00:21:09] – Solar panel scam and red flags to look for[00:22:19] – Actionable advice: Avoid scams, invest in trusted guides & services[00:23:59] – Resource recommendations: where your money should go[00:24:44] – Protecting your creative work and passion from predators[00:25:27] – How to reach out to Kevin for scam advice[00:26:15] – Legitimate service recommendations (Reedsy, 99designs, etc.)[00:27:48] – Closing thoughts, support, and a call to subscribeLooking for more creative protection and publishing wisdom? Like, share, and subscribe here on YouTube, and hit the notification bell to stay informed on future episodes! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing, admin tasks, promotion, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson sits down with accountant and author advocate Seth Norris to demystify the “business” side of the author journey. They dive into common money mistakes, why most authors avoid talking taxes, and how to turn scary finances into manageable habits. Whether you’re new to direct sales, seeking smarter tax strategies, or need systems to manage your indie career, this episode is packed with practical advice—plus an inside look at Author Unlimited and resources for building a sustainable author business!Show links:* Author CPA – Main hub for Seth’s services, newsletter signup, and YouTube channel* Author Unlimited Community – Community & resources for authors on finances & systems* Profit First (Book) – The money-management method discussed in this episode* Seth’s Substack – Mindset, creative business tips, and the “week in Seth’s head”* School (Community Platform) – Platform used by Author Unlimited* Author Anchor – Author task and marketing assistant service (sponsor link)Watch on YouTubeI Asked a CPA Why Authors Struggle With Money—His Answer Shocked MeImportant Topics & Timestamps:[00:01:05] – Seth’s journey into author conferences[00:02:05] – Turning accounting skills into author niche (Author CPA)[00:03:09] – What does an “Author CPA” actually do?[00:04:53] – Trends & money mistakes indie authors make[00:07:00] – Hidden costs of direct sales & royalty comparisons[00:09:44] – Helping authors set up bookkeeping and automations[00:11:38] – The surprising power of authentic, low-fuss YouTube videos[00:15:42] – What “Profit First” means for authors[00:22:16] – Simple formula for setting aside tax money[00:24:46] – Building Author Unlimited (community for author business systems & finances)[00:27:31] – Getting the most out of community, templates, and automation[00:30:11] – Seth’s Substack: creativity, mindset, and life as an author CPALooking for more no-nonsense business tips for your author career? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay up on the latest strategies! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with a personal assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can delegate marketing, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this special solo episode, Kevin Tumlinson broadcasts from Las Vegas during the Author Nation 2025 conference! With a raspy conference voice and coffee in hand, Kevin shares insights on the true value of attending author conferences—from networking and forming meaningful industry connections, to serving your community and embracing discomfort for personal growth. He offers actionable advice for writers hoping to make the most out of conference experiences, discusses the art of being a connector, and reflects on how kindness can generate unexpected opportunities.Show links:* Author Nation (authornation.live) – Event and ticket info for conferences* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com) – VA service connecting authors with skilled virtual assistants* Dave Cullen YouTube (youtube.com/@computingforever) – Computing Forever channel* Wordslinger Podcast YouTube (youtube.com/wordslingerpodcast) – Subscribe for exclusive video episodes* Wordslinger Podcast Archive (wordslingerpodcast.com) – Listen to all past episodesSUBSCRIBE AND WATCH ON YOUTUBEWhy Every Writer Needs to Attend Conferences (Even When It Feels Useless)Important Topics & Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Conference intro & Vegas updates[00:01:16] – Details on Author Nation events and book signing[00:03:33] – The benefits of conference attendance[00:05:04] – Networking and refining your professional circle[00:09:26] – The value of connecting others[00:13:45] – Embracing discomfort and change of scenery[00:15:02] – Doing something kind for a friend[00:22:09] – Immersing yourself while traveling[00:23:43] – Community and collaboration at conferences[00:26:10] – Importance of serving the author community[00:27:53] – Sponsor plug: Author Anchor[00:30:24] – YouTube subscriber call-to-action & show supportLooking for more inspiration and insight for your writing career? Subscribe and hit the notification bell on YouTube—help us reach 1,000 subscribers and keep Wordslinger going strong! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe