The Career Author Podcast

Zach and J. are back with a new podcast called "Men in Black Shirts" with T.W. Piperbrook!

Knowing When to Walk AwayAs The Career Author podcast winds down, we’re reminded of how difficult it can be to avoid sunk cost fallacy and remove things that have been a big part of our lives for so long. Whether it's a relationship, business deal, friendship, or podcast, walking away is never easy but sometimes necessary and inevitable.In this candid conversation, J. and Zach discuss reasons why you might want to walk away from a project and suggestions on how to move through what can be an emotional and stressful transition.The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.Also, J. recommends a little book to help you know when to walk away.Leave us a comment: How do you know when it’s time to walk away from a project?Thanks to all of our patrons! Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) - https://amzn.to/3lrvPzT The Horror Writers Podcast Episode #77 - https://thehorrorwriterspodcast.libsyn.com/the-horror-writers-podcast-77-crossroads Join us for the final episode on Oct 26, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAoduuprjMqHtA8OLyzdJMVTDI8lC8nE4Qs   After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.New Dialogue Doctor course - https://dialoguedoctor.com/edit-a-book-with-me/ 2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ Chapter Check service - https://chaptercheck.com/ The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Golden Age of Independent PublishingHas there ever been a better time to be an independent author or publisher? The guys don’t think so. Whether it's the tools available to publish books or the ease of finding readers, there’s never been so many literate people on the planet.J. and Zach discuss the reasons why, despite J.’s pessimistic outlook on AI, this is the golden age of independent publishing. Put on your rosy glasses and a smile as the career authors get happy on your ass.The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.In this episode, you’ll discover:How technology favors the independent authorWhy it’s easy to learn from the mastersHow diversity in storytelling is making the world a better placeThe difference between micro niche and mass marketsAlso, J. shares an interesting announcement about Kindle Create.Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ Leave us a comment: Are we in the golden age of independent publishing? Why or why not?Thanks to all of our patrons! Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:Kindle Create - https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Create/b?ie=UTF8&node=18292298011 2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ Chapter Check service - https://chaptercheck.com/ The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Relief from Your Writing RutDo you feel a dip in your enthusiasm for that WIP? Are you procrastinating by working on another project instead? Sometimes it's hard to diagnose the problem, to tell if you’re burnt out or in a writing rut. Spoiler alert: They’re not the same thing.In this conversation, J. and Zach talk about the difference between burn-out and a writing rut by examining questions you can ask yourself. Although it’s good to build habits and routines, it’s also possible to coast along the learning plateau producing average stories that lack enthusiasm.The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.In this episode, you’ll discover:The difference between a writing rut and being burnt outHow you can determine if you’re in a writing rutWays you can climb out and re-energize your writingAlso, J. recommends a new course (shout to Diann Gunn for sending it along).Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ Leave us a comment: How do you get relief from your writing rut?Thanks to all of our patrons! Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:Feed the Obsession Kickstarter by Mark Leslie - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/markleslie/feed-the-obsessionYoast Academy - https://academy.yoast.com/ 2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ Chapter Check service - https://chaptercheck.com/ The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Dialogue Doctor: Jeff ElkinsDo you suffer from mono-mouth? Are you experiencing side effects such as decreased reader engagement, poor sales, and a lack of energy? If so, it might be time for a house call from the Dialogue Doctor, Jeff Elkins.In a rare interview on The Career Author Podcast, J. talks to Jeff about his most recent manuscript, how Jeff helped J. regain the joy of writing, and why every writer needs to pay attention to what characters say and how they say it.The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.In this episode, you’ll discover:The problem with most dialogueWhy readers will bail on your story without sharp dialogueWhat the Dialogue Doctor does and how he can help writersWhy J. was thrilled when he had to convert a first draft into a screenplayAlso, J. recommends a new service for tracking your book’s rank and reviews.Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ Leave us a comment: What book or movie has your favorite lines of dialogue?Thanks to all of our patrons! Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:Best Sellers Rank - https://bestsellersrank.me/ The Dialogue Doctor - https://dialoguedoctor.com/ 2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ Chapter Check service - https://chaptercheck.com/ The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is a Career Author (August 2020)?What does it mean to be a career author? This is not an easy question to answer and one that involves a deeper discussion on how we define this elusive creature. Every writer with aspirations of making money from their words has a different definition of success. For some, it’s all about the “x-figure author,” but for others lifestyle matters more than revenue. Also, is financial gain the only way to define a career author? The guys answer with a resounding “no” while exploring alternative ways of measuring your own success in the publishing industry.The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.In this episode, you’ll discover:The ways authors measure financial successWhy independence is hard to quantify but might ultimately be more important than revenueHow some authors define success by their level of skill, experience, or statusWhy it's difficult to arrive at a consensus on what makes a “career author” or “indie writer.”Also, J. recommends a new podcast about technology and culture.Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ Leave us a comment: What is your definition of a career author?Thanks to all of our patrons! Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:Wild Wild Tech Podcast = https://pod.casts.io/podcasts/wild-wild-tech 2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ Chapter Check service - https://chaptercheck.com/ The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hooking the Reader with Your First ChapterIf you’re walking through the grocery store and an employee offers you a free sample of a new brand of cheese. You’re likely to taste it. If you like the cheese, you might buy some. But if it tastes terrible, you won’t buy the product.Reading behaviors aren’t any different. Hooking the reader with your first chapter is a critical and yet overlooked element of being an independent author or publisher. A snazzy cover and singing blurb only gets you so far. If the story doesn’t deliver, you’ll lose the sale. Lucky for us, we know readers always start the book with chapter one.Join J. and Zach as they discuss the anatomy of a strong first chapter so you’ll know what to do and what to avoid in yours.The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.In this episode, you’ll discover:The mindset you need for that first chapterWhich logistics to considerElements of characterization that are importantHow form and style can set your writing apartAlso, J. recommends an outline and productivity tool. Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ Leave us a comment: What are your tricks or tips for writing your first chapter?Thanks to our new Patron, Stephanie Bond. Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:Workflowy - https://workflowy.com/ 2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ Chapter Check service - https://chaptercheck.com/The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sharpening the Saw: Doing the Things We Hate DoingAs career authors or even part-time writers, we all have to do things we hate. In a perfect world, authors could sit in a cabin in the woods, happily slapping the typewriter without a care or concern. But that’s not reality, and with the exception of a few authors, it’s never been how the industry works.“Sharpening the saw” is an important routine in any writer’s life. Or it should be. Like a craftsman, sometimes you have to stop working and maintain the tools that allow you to create whether those are analog or digital. Join the fellas as they discuss some of those pesky tasks that need to be done with suggestions on how to make it just a little less painful.The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why you can’t neglect your digital filesThe consequences of ignoring your email listThe less-painful approach to creating book linksWhy you need to keep track of your author bioWhy even social media accounts need a little attention every now and thenAlso, J. recommends Athletic Greens as a replacement for green juices and supplements.&nbsp;Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/&nbsp;Leave us a comment: What’s the thing you hate doing the most?Thanks to our new Patrons, Marianne Hansen Rencher and Jon Svenson!Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com&nbsp;Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:Athletic Greens - https://athleticgreens.com&nbsp;Episode 109 - Accounting for Authors - https://thecareerauthor.com/accounting-for-authors/Episode 97 - Optimizing SEO with Dianna Gunn - https://thecareerauthor.com/optimizing-seo-with-dianna-gunn/Episode 69 - Tag! You’re it! Opt-in forms and Tagging Your List - https://thecareerauthor.com/ep069/Episode 60 – Nerd Alert! Implementing a Backup System - https://thecareerauthor.com/the-career-author-podcast-episode-60-nerd-alert-implementing-a-backup-system/Episode 50 – List Building Fundamentals (List Building Part 1) - https://thecareerauthor.com/the-career-author-podcast-episode-50-list-building-fundamentals-list-building-part-1/Episode 56 – Content Marketing for Fiction (List Building Part 2) - <a href="htt

Talking with Tara from KoboThere’s value in “going wide” and one of the most trusted and thriving marketplaces is Kobo Writing Life. J. and Zach invite Tara Cremin on the show to discuss everything Kobo has to offer the independent author.We all know what Amazon can offer but exclusivity isn’t the only choice. As an indie, we have the ability to test and adapt quickly, reaching readers in different places and in different ways. Kobo can help you take your writing to the next level with exclusive promotions, international reach, and personalized support services.Also, J. and Zach announce their 2021 events!http://thecareerauthor.com/events/&nbsp;&nbsp;The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.In this episode, you’ll discover:The problems with exclusivityWhy it’s important to focus on the international marketWhat Kobo is doing in the audiobook spaceAlso, J. discusses the Kobo promotions tab - https://writinglife.kobo.com/promotions.&nbsp;Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/&nbsp;Leave us a comment: How do you plan to take advantage of everything KWL has to offer?Thanks to new Patron, Brent Golembiewski!Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com&nbsp;Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobo.com/J.’s monthly mastermind membership - https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/join/The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod&nbsp;Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a&nbsp;Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.comEvents - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nailing Your Amazon Book PageBeing a Career Author in 2020 requires more than simply writing words and finishing books. You’re running a business. And there’s perhaps no place that demonstrates that more than your book’s Amazon page. This is where readers will likely come to buy your book, and if you want to convert sales, it’s important to know how to maximize the space Amazon has given us and to make your page as professional as possible.The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why a professional book cover is crucialWhat makes up a good book titleHow to craft a reader-hooking product descriptionHow readers shop on AmazonWhy keywords are the most important part of your book’s metadataWhen it’s time to make changes to your book’s Amazon pageAlso, Zach explains why it’s okay, and often necessary, to slow down and hit pause in the wake of tragedy.Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/&nbsp;Leave us a comment: When shopping for books online, what most often leads you to click the ‘buy’ button?Thanks to our Patrons.Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com&nbsp;Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:J.’s monthly mastermind membership - https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/join/The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod&nbsp;Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a&nbsp;Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.comEvents - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sticking with a Series Until the EndYou’ve probably heard it all the time. If you want to make money selling books, you need to write a series. But planning a series isn’t the same as a standalone novel. And how do you prevent yourself from burning out halfway through a series? More than that, how do you keep readers engaged and what do you do if readers aren’t buying?The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.In this episode, you’ll discover:The difference between writing a serialized series and a standalone series, and the pros and cons of eachWhy you need to consider how to market your book before you write itWhat questions you need to ask before plotting your seriesWhy knowing the end of your series is crucialHow good characters make sticking with a series easierHow to determine whether or not you should give up on your seriesAlso, Zach shares what made him finally move all his tasks and scheduling to Google Calendar.Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/&nbsp;Leave us a comment: Do you struggle to finish a series? Why or why not?Thanks to our Patrons.Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com&nbsp;Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:The Career Author Podcast: Episode 68 - What Makes a Good Character Great? - https://thecareerauthor.com/ep068/The Career Author Podcast: Episode 78 - Don’t start a series until you answer these 2 questions - https://thecareerauthor.com/ep078/The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod&nbsp;Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a&nbsp;Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.comEvents - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

An Hour with Draft2DigitalDan Wood, Kevin Tumlinson, and Mark Lefebvre recently joined J., Zach, and the attendees of The Career Author Summit to answer questions and discuss some of the awesome tools available for authors at Draft2Digital. Please enjoy a replay of this informative and entertaining presentation.The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/&nbsp;Leave us a comment: Which takeaway most resonated with you?Thanks to our Patrons.Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com&nbsp;Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:Supercharge Your Scene 5-Day Writing Challenge (free) - http://superchargeyourscene.com&nbsp;The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod&nbsp;Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a&nbsp;Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.comEvents - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Career Author Summit RecapAfter a fantastic weekend (and week-long) at The Career Author Summit, the guys are here to share a recap of the event as well as the most pertinent takeaways from all of the presentations.J. and Zach also share some details about the forced pivot to a virtual event and how they’re thinking about the future of live events.The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.In this episode:Making (More) Money as a Writer! with Honorée CorderCareer Author Alternatives: Unique Ways to Live as a Full Time CreativeThe Future of Publishing: An Industry PanelMyths &amp; Legends of Amazon Advertising with Bryan CohenMastering Amazon's A9 Algorithm and Your Book's Rankings in the Market with Dave ChessonHow Many P's Are There in Publishing Success? with Mark Leslie LefebvreYou Are Not Broken with J. ThornAudio for Authors: Audiobooks, Podcasting and Voice Technologies with Joanna PennFind the Right Mentor to Fast Track Your Author Career with Tim GrahlCan I do this? Revision Made Easy (Okay, Easier) with Rachael HerronHow to Write a Series That Keeps Readers Buying with Lindsay BurokerAlso in this episode, a preliminary look at 2021 events.Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/&nbsp;Leave us a comment: Which takeaway most resonated with you?Thanks to our Patrons.Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com&nbsp;Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:Supercharge Your Scene 5-Day Writing Challenge (free) - http://superchargeyourscene.com&nbsp;Honorée Corder - http://honoreecorder.com/Bryan Cohen - http://bryancohen.com/Dave Chesson - https://kindlepreneur.com/Mark Leslie Lefebvre - http://markleslie.ca/Joanna Penn - https://www.thecreativepenn.com/Tim Grahl - https://booklaunch.com/Rachael Herron - https://rachaelherron.com/Lindsay Buroker - https://lindsayburoker.com/The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - <a href="https://books2read.com/threestorymethod" r