Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author Podcast

Hosted by Craig Tuch

Arts Books

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Author Craig Tuch has written a large number of books under a variety of pseudonyms, which have collectively sold hundreds of thousands of copies and had close to 100 million page reads. In 2016, he started HiddenGemsBooks.com as a way to help new and established self-published authors navigate the complex and often-changing world of self-publishing. Since then, Hidden Gems has become well known and respected for helping thousands of authors market their books more effectively and sell more copies through a variety of services, free tools, and a weekly blog. Roland Hulme’s 15+ years as an advertising executive in New York and London gave him an advantage when he turned his hand to writing, because no matter how good your stories are, you can’t sell any copies of a book that no one knows about. His targeted ads have led to his novels being bought and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of readers. If you’re interested in ways to improve as a writer, or in learning about new or better ways to market, advertise and sell your books, then join Craig and Roland every Thursday as they talk with each other and their guests about a wide range of topics relevant to self-publishing and writing.

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60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 23049 min

Fully Booked EP230: When Real Life Is Too Wild for Fiction

How do you turn real life into fiction when the truth is actually harder to believe than anything you could invent? This week we explore exactly that question with guest Sandy Malone, whose Caribbean wedding planning business provided an endless stream of unforgettable stories that eventually became both a reality television show and the inspiration for her novels. From real life bridezillas and wedding disasters to couples so outrageous that their stories had to be split across multiple fictional characters to seem believable, Sandy shares how lived experiences can be transformed into compelling fiction. Along the way, we discuss the balance between authenticity and storytelling, including when to create composite characters, when to simplify real events, and why preserving emotional truth often matters more than preserving every fact. Sandy offers a fascinating look at the challenges of adapting real life for the page while keeping stories engaging, relatable, and believable. For authors looking to draw inspiration from their own experiences, this episode is packed with practical insights, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Sandy Malone https://sandymalone.com Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

June 4, 2026Episode 22950 min

Fully Booked EP229: Turning True Crime Into Compelling Fiction

Where is the line between true crime and crime fiction? What can fiction reveal that the facts alone cannot? This week on Fully Booked, Craig and Roland speak with crime novelist and former barrister Simon Michael about drawing inspiration from real criminal cases and why the most compelling stories often emerge not from what happened, but from understanding the people behind the events. Drawing on nearly four decades in the courtroom, Simon shares stories from some of Britain's most intriguing criminal cases and explains why, despite having such remarkable source material, he chooses to fictionalize these events rather than simply recount them. Along the way, he offers valuable insight into authenticity, research, character development, and the unique ability of fiction to illuminate aspects of a story that the historical record can only hint at. Simon Michael https://www.suchangauthor.com/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

May 28, 2026Episode 22844 min

Fully Booked EP228: When Fiction Becomes Dangerous

This week on Fully Booked, we speak with author Su Chang about the personal and political risks of telling stories that challenge official history. Writing under a pen name and appearing masked to protect both herself and her family, Su discusses how fiction can preserve truths that institutions often try to reshape or erase entirely. Our discussion explores the realities of publishing politically sensitive work in today’s world, from self-censorship and historical memory to the emotional weight of writing about real trauma while protecting the people closest to you. As modern media, technology, and political influence continue to shape public understanding of history and truth, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at storytelling in the modern age, and the courage and responsibility some authors carry when fiction intersects with reality. Su Chang https://www.suchangauthor.com/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

May 21, 2026Episode 22743 min

Fully Booked EP227: Building Atmosphere Through Setting

This week on Fully Booked, Craig and Roland sit down with debut novelist Marc S. Perlman to explore how setting can become far more than a backdrop. Inspired by a real journey through an ancient forest on the border of Poland and Belarus, Marc discusses how the eerie landscape at the center of his thriller evolved into a living presence within the story itself. From hidden dangers in the woods to the tension of crossing political borders, the conversation dives into the power of atmosphere and the role setting plays in shaping suspense, emotion, and character. Marc explains how he used weather, isolation, borders, and the smallest sensory details to transform the emotional tone of his scenes, and how those elements can make a setting come alive on the page. The discussion explores why forests have traditionally carried an ominous presence throughout storytelling history, and more broadly how real world locations can inspire richer fiction. While a gripping plot and compelling characters may hook a reader, it is often atmosphere that keeps them turning pages long into the night. Marc Perlman https://marcsperlman.com/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

May 14, 2026Episode 22646 min

Fully Booked EP226: From Page To Stage

This week on Fully Booked, returning guest Jennifer Lieberman joins us for a fascinating conversation about playwriting, theater production, and what authors can learn from writing for the stage. From the differences between novels, screenplays, and plays to the realities of development readings, audience feedback, and workshop productions, Jennifer breaks down why theater remains one of the most collaborative and demanding storytelling mediums there is. Whether you're writing something from scratch or adapting an existing story for the stage, building a playwriting career is often a long game rather than a path to overnight success. Jennifer shares hard-earned insight into what it really takes to bring an idea from concept to performance, drawing on her experiences in stand-up comedy, television development, and Broadway workshops. Whether you're a novelist, playwright, or screenwriter, this discussion is packed with lessons about persistence, audience connection, creative evolution, and the courage to keep creating before anyone else believes in the vision. Jennifer Lieberman https://www.makeyourownbreak.com/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

May 7, 2026Episode 22547 min

Fully Booked EP225: Telling Hard Stories the Right Way

In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are joined by author, speaker, and radio host Grace Sammon to discuss the emotional responsibility that comes with writing stories rooted in difficult truths. Drawing from her experience writing both fiction and non-fiction, Grace shares how she approaches themes like trauma, abuse, and identity in a way that keeps readers engaged and supported, while still maintaining the authenticity needed to deliver a meaningful message. As she explains, authors can balance honesty with care in a variety of ways, from using beta readers to navigate sensitive material to understanding how genre expectations shape reader reactions. The discussion also explores writing flawed characters, the role of truth in storytelling, and how authors can guide readers through heavy emotional moments without overwhelming them. For writers tackling complex subject matter, this episode offers both practical insight and a thoughtful perspective on how to write difficult material without losing your reader. Grace Sammon https://www.gracesammon.net/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

April 30, 2026Episode 22444 min

Fully Booked EP224: The Art of Grammar

In this episode of Fully Booked, we sit down with Patty McGee to rethink a fundamental yet often intimidating aspect of writing. While many authors see grammar as a strict set of rules to follow, Patty invites us to view it as an art form, something fluid, expressive, and deeply connected to a writer’s voice. By shifting this perspective, grammar becomes less of a constraint and more of a creative tool for clarity and connection, easing the anxiety so many writers feel around it. Patty builds on this idea by exploring how grammar shifts depending on audience and context, and why intentional choices should matter more than rigid correctness. She emphasizes that mastery of language is not about memorizing rules, but about developing a sense of rhythm, meaning, and impact on the reader. For authors seeking to balance technical precision with an authentic voice, today's conversation is a helpful reminder that grammar can be more than just structure, but expression as well. Patty McGee https://pattymcgee.org/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

April 23, 2026Episode 22348 min

Fully Booked EP223: The Long Game of a Working Writer

In this episode of Fully Booked, we sit down with veteran author Matt Hughes to explore what it really means to build a sustainable writing career beyond the glare of bestseller lists. Drawing on decades of experience across genres, markets, and industries, Matt shares how his unconventional path from crime fiction to science fiction and fantasy led to a deeply rewarding creative life. His experience demonstrates how craft, persistence, and adaptability can shape a lasting career in publishing. Today’s discussion challenges common assumptions about success, which doesn't always require an author to become a household name. Modern publishing allows for multiple income opportunities for writers looking to make a living on their own terms, from magazine publishing and newsletters to Patreon support and building direct relationships with readers. It is not about chasing trends or mass appeal, but about understanding your voice, your audience, and committing to the long game of storytelling. Matt Hughes https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APWEIQ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

April 16, 2026Episode 22247 min

Fully Booked EP222: One Book Two Markets

Marketing a cross-genre book can be challenging, but usually there’s at least some overlap between audiences. Romantic fantasy readers, for example, know exactly what they’re getting. But what happens when your book sits between two completely different markets? That’s the challenge facing this week’s guest, Charles E. Wallace Jr., whose story-driven book has the potential to appeal both to true crime readers and to those looking for practical guidance on protecting elderly parents from financial exploitation. Attempting to target two very different groups at once can dilute your core message, forcing tough decisions about positioning, audience focus, and how to present your book to the world. In today’s episode, Charles walks us through what he’s learned from navigating that challenge, as we discuss how to identify your primary audience, when to split your marketing versus unify it, and how to avoid getting lost between categories. At the same time, the conversation is driven by the gripping real-life story that led to the book in the first place. As compelling as that story is, it reinforces an important lesson: Even the strongest narrative won’t sell itself without a clear strategy behind it. So for authors working on unconventional or hard-to-categorize books, success comes down to clarity, focus, and making intentional marketing decisions from the start. Charles E. Wallace Jr. https://thecaregiversgame.com/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

April 9, 2026Episode 22145 min

Fully Booked EP221: True Crime Through the Lens of Time

This week on Fully Booked, we’re joined by true crime author and radio host Alan R. Warren for a fascinating discussion on the genre of true crime, and why he believes the most compelling stories are those told through the lens of their time. With nearly 40 books to his name, Alan shares how his work goes far beyond recounting events, focusing instead on the historical, cultural, and social forces that shape both the crime and the people involved. By placing context at the center of every story, his approach reframes true crime as something deeper than a simple sequence of events. Alan takes us through his process for building these narratives, showing how immersive research and firsthand interviews allow him to recreate the mindset of an era so readers can understand how people thought and behaved at the time. That perspective not only adds depth and authenticity, but often reveals how certain crimes were even possible in the first place. The result is a body of work that continues to resonate with readers, and a compelling reminder that the most powerful true crime stories are not just about what happened, but why they could only have happened when they did. Alan R. Warren https://www.alanrwarren.com/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

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