The Wordslinger Podcast

Practical, surprising ways writers use AI to enrich scene descriptions and research places they cannot visit. Tricks for transcribing handwriting and speeding up dictation. Tips for AI-driven copy editing, manuscript analysis, and spotting plot inconsistencies. Creative strategies for subverting AI predictions to avoid formulaic storytelling and using AI-generated art as raw material for covers.

Explore the thrilling intersection of creativity and technology as the host tackles how AI is reshaping storytelling. Discover the struggle against formulaic writing and the importance of authenticity in a world where machines replicate patterns. Hear about personal experiences with packing and moving, while reflecting on the evolving publishing landscape. The podcast encourages artists to embrace innovation, reject competition with AI, and create emotionally genuine work that resonates with the human experience.

Discover the rise of the 'Analog Rebellion' as creators turn away from digital dominance. Kevin shares his poignant story of losing a vinyl collection, paving the way for a resurgence in tactile media like records and journals. Dive into the pitfalls of digital ownership versus convenience, and explore the joys of handwritten notes and typewriters. Learn why people are escaping algorithms and subscription fatigue, and how building personal media servers empowers true ownership. Join the movement toward a more authentic creative life!

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

In this festive discussion, the host shares transformative lessons on the art of writing. He explores the balance between outlining and creative spontaneity, introducing a method that drives scenes through cause-and-effect. Drawing wisdom from Murakami, he contrasts artistic prose with logical structure. Insights from James Patterson reveal the joys of a writing routine. The concept of continual writing promotes spreading sessions throughout the day for sustained creativity. It's a treasure trove of advice for anyone seeking to enhance their writing journey!

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