The Wordslinger Podcast

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Nov 2026

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From award-winning and bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson, this weekly podcast explores the stories that shape us into who we are, and shape the world into what it can become. There are interviews with authors and non-authors, deep dives into useful ideas, and solo-slinger episodes that are authentic and real, aimed at giving you the best, most honest advice about life as a writer, creator, and creative entrereneur. Every episode is a story. It's all about the story here.

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November 12, 202624 min

Want to Make Money Writing? Start Doing THIS

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST Want to make money writing? Then it's time to start treating your writing career like a business. I know, I know. You became a writer because you love telling stories, not because you wanted to become an entrepreneur. But here's the thing: If you want to earn a living from your writing, you have to understand the business behind it. And that doesn't mean sacrificing your creativity. In fact, it might be the very thing that sets your creativity free. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm talking about what it really means to run your writing career like a business, whether you're an indie author, traditionally published novelist, freelancer, or creative entrepreneur. We'll talk about finding your ideal readers, understanding book marketing, tracking sales and reader engagement, building your mailing list, and creating systems that help you grow without getting overwhelmed. And here's the good news: You don't have to figure it all out overnight. Just take the next step. Then the next. That's how you build a writing career that lasts. Plus, Dale L. Roberts joins us with the latest self-publishing news, including controversy surrounding Vellum and AI automation, missing Barnes & Noble Press royalty payments, new audiobook advertising opportunities, and some eye-opening research into how book metadata affects sales. If you're serious about making a living as a writer, this one's for you. What about you? Do you think of your writing as a business, or does that idea make you uncomfortable? Tell me in the comments! And SUBSCRIBE to the Wordslinger Show for practical writing advice, self-publishing strategies, industry news, and encouragement from someone who's spent decades navigating the writing and publishing world. If you're building a career as an author, you're in the right place. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast 00:31 Why writing is a business 01:28 Know your ideal reader 03:43 Why your author voice matters 05:45 Rapid Fire News Flash with Dale Roberts 08:10 Stay informed about the publishing industry 08:59 What kind of writing business are you building? 10:48 Your readers are your best marketing 11:30 Tracking data to improve your results 13:26 What book marketing really means 13:56 Sales, read-through, and mailing lists 15:47 Why building a business feels overwhelming 16:30 Take one step at a time 18:16 Why creativity needs structure 20:03 Writing for pleasure versus writing for profit 22:17 Why authors need a business mindset 22:59 Final thoughts and questions for writers RAPID FIRE NEWS FLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS: 05:45 — Vellum removes its optional AI Automation feature following author backlash. https://blog.vellum.pub/category/vellum-update/ 06:12 — Barnes & Noble Press faces questions about missing author royalty payments. https://selfpublishingadvice.org/unpaid-by-barnes-noble-press-help-us-count-the-cost/ 06:38 — Amazon introduces Sponsored Products audiobook ads inside Audible. https://advertising.amazon.com/resources/whats-new/sponsored-product-ads-on-audible 07:25 — NielsenIQ BookData research reveals how metadata can influence book discoverability and sales. https://nielseniq.com/global/en/landing-page/nielseniq-bookdata-metadata/ Get more self-publishing news from Dale Roberts: https://youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDale FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #AuthorBusiness Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

November 10, 20269 min

Philosophical Pep Talk for Writers

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Why do you write? And what keeps you going when the motivation disappears? In this episode, "Philosophical Pep Talk for Writers," J. Kevin Tumlinson talks about one of the most important questions any writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur can ask: WHY am I doing this? Writing isn't always easy. Some days you're exhausted, distracted, discouraged, or wondering whether your work even matters. Maybe the book sales aren't coming. Maybe nobody's watching your videos, reading your posts, or responding to what you create. Maybe life just keeps getting in the way. So how do you keep going? Kevin shares his personal philosophy on creativity, purpose, and perseverance, including how his own mission statement helps him push through difficult days. He also talks about forgiving yourself when you fall short, resisting the temptation to abandon your work, and finding motivation in something deeper than productivity, recognition, or financial success. Because sometimes the most important thing you can do as a writer isn't to write more, sell more, or work harder. It's to remember why you started in the first place. Whether you're an indie author, aspiring novelist, content creator, or creative entrepreneur, consider this your reminder that what you create matters—even when nobody seems to notice. What's YOUR reason for writing or creating? Share your WHY in the comments. I'd love to hear it. And if you're a writer looking for practical advice, encouragement, publishing insights, and a little perspective from someone who's spent years in the trenches, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is a place to find guidance, inspiration, and support for every stage of your writing and publishing journey. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome to Wordslinger 10-Shots 01:02 Why Every Writer Needs a WHY 02:13 Finding Purpose in Your Creative Work 02:55 How a Personal Mission Statement Keeps You Going 03:43 Creating When Life Gets Difficult 04:43 Forgiving Yourself for Unproductive Days 05:18 How to Keep Going When Motivation Disappears 06:19 Finding Your Own Reason to Create 07:07 Does Your Writing Matter If Nobody Notices? 07:58 Creating Something That Makes the World Better 08:55 Final Thoughts FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingMotivation #WritingTips #IndieAuthors #CreativeMotivation #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

November 5, 202637 min

Writing while the World Falls Apart

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST How do you keep writing when the world seems to be falling apart around you? Life gets chaotic. Deadlines loom. Social media demands your attention. Politics, family problems, financial pressures, and everyday distractions compete for the time and energy you need to create. But here's the thing: The world isn't going to stop spinning just so you can finish your novel. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm talking about how I keep writing when life gets overwhelming, why I've decided to stop feeding the chaos, and how I'm reclaiming my time and creative energy. I'll share my personal "looping" technique for maintaining writing momentum when producing new words feels impossible, how I use AI to help polish my manuscripts without surrendering creative control, and why writing better books sometimes means writing them more slowly. We'll also talk about something that's become increasingly important to me: Creating more than we consume. Because the world doesn't need more anger, division, and negativity. It needs more people creating things that matter. Whether you're a novelist, an indie author, an artist, or a creative entrepreneur, I hope this conversation encourages you to protect your creative time, keep making progress, and put something good into the world. PLUS: Dale L. Roberts joins us with this week's Rapid Fire News Flash, covering KDP reporting changes, Draft2Digital holiday deadlines, library distribution through Hoopla, and the BookVault/Beventi integration. QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you keep writing or creating when life gets overwhelming? Share your strategies in the comments. Your advice might be exactly what another creator needs to hear. SUBSCRIBE to the Wordslinger Podcast for practical writing advice, self-publishing strategies, author marketing insights, and honest conversations about building a creative career. If you're serious about becoming a better writer and succeeding as an author, you're in the right place! Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast 00:40 Writing when life gets chaotic 01:50 My looping technique for maintaining momentum 03:17 Using AI to proofread and improve your manuscript 05:00 Why you should never blindly accept AI suggestions 06:16 How looping helps you get back into your story 07:27 Rapid Fire News Flash with Dale Roberts 07:27 KDP reporting changes and missing page reads 08:23 Draft2Digital holiday deadlines and Hoopla distribution 09:09 BookVault and Beventi direct sales integration 09:51 Back to Wordslinger: Writing through life's distractions 10:42 Deadlines, writing pressure, and slowing down 11:38 Why experienced writers sometimes write more slowly 12:29 Create more than you consume 13:51 Walking away from political distractions 16:00 Reclaiming creative power 17:51 Creating art instead of contributing to negativity 19:49 Why the world needs more creators 23:44 Creating work that reflects your values 25:14 Putting more hope into the world 27:20 Why slowing down can improve your writing 29:21 The value of authenticity in creative work 30:50 Join the Wordslinger community RAPID FIRE NEWS FLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS: 07:27 — KDP Reporting Updates and Missing Page Reads https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/KDP-Reporting-Updates-FAQ?language=en_US 08:23 — Draft2Digital Holiday Print Deadlines https://DaleLinks.com/D2D (Referral link) 08:23 — Hoopla Library Distribution and Licensing Jane Friedman's The Bottom Line (paid subscription required): https://janefriedman.com/subscribe-paid-newsletter/ 09:09 — BookVault and Beventi Direct Sales Integration Jane Friedman's coverage: https://janefriedman.com/beventi-and-bookvault-integrate-for-easier-direct-sales/ How BookVault Printing and Shipping Works with Beventi: https://intercom.help/beventi/en/articles/17764050-how-bookvault-printing-and-shipping-works BookVault Community Feedback Form: https://survey.hsforms.com/160G6TpIFRfuN9owCiY2SVwc62wy Find Dale Roberts and the Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDale FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing #WritingMotivation #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

November 4, 202613 min

The Weird Way I Create My Best Characters

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT The best fictional characters might be people you've already met. In fact, you could be surrounded by inspiration for your next novel right now, and not even realize it. How do you write characters who feel so real that readers forget they're fictional? In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, I share some of my favorite tricks for creating believable, memorable characters. And one of my most effective character development techniques is probably a little weird: I pay attention to strangers. A chance encounter while walking my dog, an overheard conversation in a coffee shop, or an unusual personality quirk can become the foundation for a character who practically writes themselves. We'll talk about how to borrow inspiration from real people without copying them, why knowing details about your characters that NEVER appear in your novel can make them more believable, and how to build a personal library of character traits you can draw from whenever you need them. I'll also share some simple character development exercises you can try anywhere, whether you're writing your first novel or your hundredth. Because great characters aren't just collections of personality traits. They're people with histories, motivations, contradictions, and lives that extend beyond the page. And sometimes the secret to writing better characters is simply paying attention. What's YOUR favorite method for developing fictional characters? Do you use character sheets, borrow traits from people you know, or let your characters reveal themselves as you write? Tell me in the comments! If you're a writer looking for practical, experience-tested advice on writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a successful author career, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel! This is where we talk about what actually works, what doesn't, and how to make your writing and publishing journey a little easier. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - The secret to writing strong fictional characters 01:04 - Finding character inspiration in everyday life 02:07 - Using character development sheets 02:51 - Why the smallest character details matter 04:08 - Creating characters who feel alive 04:59 - The power of backstories readers never see 06:20 - Learning to observe people like a writer 07:08 - A simple exercise for creating better characters 08:18 - Why copying real people can backfire 09:03 - Building your personal library of character traits 09:59 - Creating stories by starting with characters 10:42 - Turning random observations into fictional people 11:48 - Making characters more human and relatable 12:41 - Final thoughts and your character development tips Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #CharacterDevelopment #CreativeWriting #WritingFiction #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

November 2, 202611 min

The Writing Habit That's Making You Miserable

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Are your writing goals making you miserable? Are you constantly feeling guilty about not writing enough, falling behind on your word count, or failing to meet your own expectations? You might be making one of the biggest mistakes writers make: expecting too much of yourself. As writers, we put enormous pressure on ourselves. We want to write every day, hit our word counts, finish our books, and build successful writing careers. But when life gets in the way, we start beating ourselves up. And that guilt can become a bigger obstacle to our creativity than anything else. In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, I talk about the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves as writers, how those expectations can lead to anxiety and burnout, and why giving yourself a little grace might actually make you a more productive and successful author. Here's something I believe: Missing your writing goal yesterday doesn't mean you have to write twice as much today. Writing a book isn't about getting everything done at once. It's about making consistent progress, one word, one page, and one day at a time. We'll talk about managing expectations, overcoming writing guilt, setting realistic goals, and learning to enjoy the creative process again. Whether you're writing your first novel or your fiftieth, remember that building a writing career is a marathon, not a sprint. WHAT ABOUT YOU? How do you handle missing your writing goals? Do you punish yourself for falling behind, or do you give yourself permission to start fresh? Tell me in the comments. I'd love to hear how you manage your writing expectations! And if you're a writer looking for practical advice, encouragement, and real-world guidance on writing, publishing, and building a successful author career, SUBSCRIBE to Wordslinger! This is where writers come to get the honest advice, useful strategies, and encouragement they need to keep moving forward on their writing and publishing journey. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Are Your Writing Expectations Making You Miserable? 00:52 - Balancing Writing With Real Life 01:47 - Why Writers Set Unrealistic Expectations 02:27 - The Problem With Expecting Too Much 03:12 - How to Write a Book One Step at a Time 04:13 - Why Writers Demand Perfection 05:23 - Give Yourself Permission to Take Your Time 05:52 - When Deadlines and Pressure Are Useful 06:36 - Stop Punishing Yourself for Missing Word Counts 07:08 - Why You Shouldn't Try to Catch Up 08:09 - Focus on the Story, Not Just the Numbers 08:41 - Building a Writing Career One Day at a Time 09:28 - Deadlines vs. Unnecessary Pressure 10:17 - Managing Expectations and Finding Your Balance Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com ABOUT WORDSLINGER: Hosted by bestselling and award-winning author J. Kevin Tumlinson, Wordslinger delivers practical writing advice, publishing insights, author marketing strategies, and honest conversations about the creative life. With more than 90 books published worldwide, Kevin shares lessons from his own writing career to help authors and creative entrepreneurs write better books, reach more readers, and build sustainable careers doing what they love. Subscribe for more writing tips, indie publishing advice, book marketing strategies, and encouragement for your creative journey. #WritingAdvice #WritingMotivation #AuthorLife #WritingGoals #IndieAuthors #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 29, 202626 min

Writers - The hard truth no one tells you

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST WRITERS: THE HARD TRUTH NO ONE TELLS YOU Writing doesn't necessarily get easier the longer you do it. In fact, sometimes it gets harder. Even after writing more than 90 books, I still have days when I'm exhausted, uninspired, and struggling to get words on the page. And here's something every writer needs to hear: That's normal. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing some hard truths about the writing life, including why experienced authors still struggle, why becoming a better writer can actually make writing more difficult, and what to do when your motivation disappears. I'll walk you through my personal writing process, including a technique I call "looping" that helps me regain momentum, improve my manuscripts, and keep working even when I don't feel particularly inspired. We'll also talk about the importance of rewriting, finding encouragement in creative communities, reading outside your genre, and gaining fresh perspectives that make you a stronger storyteller. Whether you're working on your first novel, your fiftieth book, or building a creative business, you're going to face days when the work feels impossible. But your stories matter. And the world needs them. IN THIS EPISODE: Why writing doesn't get easier with experience How to keep writing when you're exhausted or uninspired My "looping" technique for regaining writing momentum Why rewriting makes you a better storyteller How to use AI as an editing assistant without surrendering creative control Finding motivation through other writers and creative entrepreneurs Why reading widely makes your writing stronger Remembering why your stories are worth the effort PLUS: Dale L. Roberts joins us for a Rapid-Fire News Flash covering major changes to Kindle Unlimited, now called Kindle+, concerns about KDP royalty reporting, and an important ACX deadline for audiobook authors. QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you keep writing when you're exhausted, frustrated, or simply don't feel motivated? Share your strategies in the comments. I could use the encouragement, and I know other writers could, too! If you're serious about writing better books, navigating self-publishing, and building a successful author career, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where writers come for practical advice, honest conversations, publishing insights, and encouragement from someone who's been doing the work for decades. Subscribe, turn on notifications, and join the Wordslinger community! Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Welcome to Wordslinger: When writing gets hard 00:37 - How to keep writing when you're exhausted 01:36 - My looping technique for maintaining writing momentum 03:34 - Using rewriting to overcome creative resistance 04:17 - Working on other projects without losing focus 06:34 - Dale Roberts: Rapid-Fire Publishing News Flash 06:34 - Kindle Unlimited becomes Kindle+ and adds audiobooks 07:20 - KDP reporting problems and royalty concerns 07:50 - ACX deadline: What audiobook authors need to know 08:30 - Why keeping up with publishing news matters 09:16 - The hard truth: Writing never gets easier 10:52 - Why improving your writing skills creates new challenges 11:39 - Learning to embrace editing and rewriting 12:33 - Using AI to catch errors and improve your manuscript 13:34 - Why writers must retain creative control 14:27 - Editing makes you a better storyteller 16:23 - Why writers need community and encouragement 17:43 - Finding inspiration outside the writing world 19:38 - Why writers should read widely 21:46 - How life experience enriches your storytelling 22:50 - Returning to your manuscript with fresh perspective 23:38 - A personal message to every struggling writer 25:33 - How do YOU keep writing when life gets hard? 26:12 - Final thoughts and encouragement RAPID-FIRE NEWS FLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS Keep up with the latest developments in self-publishing with Dale L. Roberts of Self-Publishing with Dale. Subscribe to Dale's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDale 06:34 - Kindle Unlimited becomes Kindle+ and adds audiobooks Amazon's KDP is making significant changes to its subscription program, including adding eligible audiobooks and changing how participating authors are compensated. Dale's breaking news coverage: https://www.youtube.com/live/-mKOqB0pvgI?si=gX1KJY8SwXS41jgk KDP Community announcement: https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/Kindle-Unlimited-is-now-Kindle-KDP-audiobooks-now-included 07:20 - KDP authors report royalty and page-read discrepancies Authors are reporting unexpected changes to their KENP page reads and royalty estimates. Are these reporting glitches or something more serious? Dale discusses the concerns and what authors should do. KDP Community discussion: https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/question/0D5at00000zGxxkCAC/major-kenp-and-royalty-estimator-reductions-after-october-21-reporting-update-anyone-else?language=en_US Reddit discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/KDP/comments/1xblsob/amazon_took_away_about_25_of_my_page_reads_for/?rdt=35176 07:50 - Important ACX deadline for audiobook authors Authors still using ACX's legacy royalty model have until December 31, 2026, to accept the new terms. Failing to do so could result in audiobooks being removed from distribution beginning January 1, 2027. Audiobook Creation Exchange: https://ACX.com Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) coverage: https://selfpublishingadvice.org/acx-and-audibles-new-payment-model-what-you-need-to-decide-before-31-december/ FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com ABOUT THE WORDSLINGER PODCAST: Hosted by bestselling and award-winning author J. Kevin Tumlinson, the Wordslinger Podcast offers honest advice, practical strategies, and encouragement for writers, indie authors, self-publishers, and creative entrepreneurs. From writing your first book to building a sustainable author business, Wordslinger helps you navigate the challenges of writing, publishing, book marketing, and the creative life. Write more. Write better. Keep going. #WritingMotivation #WritingAdvice #Authors #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 27, 202610 min

Writers: Get Out

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Writers: Get Out! Feeling stuck in your writing routine? Struggling with motivation, creativity, or writer's block? Sometimes the best thing you can do for your writing is to get out of your usual workspace and change your surroundings. In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson takes the show on the road, recording from his Bronco in a local park. He's talking about how a simple change of scenery can refresh your creativity, improve your writing productivity, and help you break free from the routines that leave you feeling burned out. Whether you're writing your first novel, building an indie author career, or managing a creative business, your environment can make a surprising difference in how you think and work. Kevin shares how he writes from practically anywhere, why he sometimes changes his writing tools and routines, and how stepping away from your usual workspace can actually help you get MORE writing done. You don't always need a new writing strategy. Sometimes you just need a new view. Where's your favorite place to write? A coffee shop? A park? Your home office? Let me know in the comments! Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Writers: Sometimes You Need to Get Out! 01:23 – Why Changing Your Writing Environment Matters 02:09 – How I Work and Write From Anywhere 03:33 – Fresh Air, Exercise, and Creative Inspiration 04:04 – How a Change of Scenery Sparks New Ideas 05:06 – Breaking Out of a Writing Funk 05:53 – Change Your Writing Tools, Change Your Thinking 06:38 – When Writing Starts Feeling Like a Burden 07:46 – Overcoming Writer's Guilt 08:28 – Try Writing Something Completely Different 09:40 – My Favorite Mobile Writing Office 10:10 – How Do You Refresh Your Creativity? SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER! If you're a writer, aspiring author, or creative entrepreneur looking for practical, honest advice about writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a successful author career, you're in the right place! Subscribe to Wordslinger for regular conversations about the writing life, self-publishing, creative productivity, and making a living doing what you love. No gatekeeping. No magic formulas. Just useful advice from a fellow writer who's been doing this for decades. FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #WritingMotivation #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthors #Wordslinger #WritingProductivity Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 26, 202611 min

Write what you don't know

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT WRITE WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW They say, "Write what you know." But what happens when your story takes you somewhere you've never been, into a time period you've never experienced, or into the mind of someone with skills you don't have? The truth is, you don't have to know everything to write about anything. In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson shares practical tips for writing convincingly about things you know little or nothing about. Whether you're writing a historical thriller, science fiction, fantasy, or contemporary fiction, learning how to research unfamiliar subjects and draw from your own experiences can make your stories more believable and immersive. We'll explore how tools like Google Maps, Google Earth, YouTube, and AI can help you research unfamiliar locations, historical settings, professions, and technologies. We'll also talk about using your own life experiences to bring authenticity and emotional depth to situations you've never personally encountered. And what happens when you get something wrong? Because sooner or later, every writer does! Don't let gaps in your knowledge stop you from telling a great story. The world is full of resources, and your imagination is one of the most powerful tools you've got. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How to research places you've never visited How to use Google Maps and Google Earth for fiction research How AI can help with historical settings and unfamiliar subjects How to draw on personal experiences to write the unfamiliar Why fact-checking matters (especially when readers know more than you) How YouTube can help bring your settings and characters to life QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you research something you've never experienced? What tools or tricks do you use to make your fiction feel authentic? Share your tips in the comments! CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Why Writers Must Write What They Don't Know 00:46 - Writing About Unfamiliar Places, Times, and Professions 01:38 - Researching Locations with Google Maps and Google Earth 03:31 - Using AI to Research Historical Settings 05:09 - Using Your Own Experiences to Write the Unknown 07:53 - Getting the Details Wrong (and Hearing About It!) 08:42 - Fact-Checking and Research Resources 09:23 - Using YouTube to Explore Places and Learn New Skills 11:09 - Share Your Best Writing Research Tips SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER! Whether you're writing your first novel or publishing your fiftieth, Wordslinger is here to help you become a better writer and build a successful author career. Get practical writing advice, publishing insights, book marketing strategies, and encouragement from an author who's been there. Subscribe and join a community of writers who are serious about their craft and their careers! Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #CreativeWriting #WritingAdvice #FictionWriting #NovelWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 22, 202631 min

Never Respond to a Bad Book Review

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing some of my own experiences with bad book reviews, internet trolls, review bombing, and public criticism. Including a few stories that are so ridiculous you almost have to laugh. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER Writing a book is only part of the journey. Publishing it, marketing it, building an audience, and navigating the challenges of a creative career are where things get interesting. Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical writing advice, honest conversations about publishing, book marketing strategies, and lessons learned from more than a decade of helping independent authors succeed. If you're serious about becoming a better writer and building a sustainable author career, you're in the right place. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Wordslinger: Internet trolls and negative comments 01:48 Why every writer will face negative criticism 02:56 The ridiculous book review that got everything wrong 04:44 Why some people just want to tear creators down 06:06 Rapid-Fire Newsflash with Dale Roberts 06:14 KDP permafree pricing problems and what authors should know 06:47 Could YouTube launch an audiobook service in 2027? 07:13 Barnes & Noble Press and Apple Books holiday publishing deadlines 07:44 Voices by INaudio adds Curios for audiobook distribution 08:57 Dealing with bad reviews and one-star ratings 10:02 Why I sometimes promote my worst reviews 10:47 Should authors even read their reviews? 11:19 Review bombing, online mobs, and personal attacks 15:30 Why you should never respond to a negative review 17:41 Lessons from handling public relations controversies 19:18 When should you apologize publicly? 21:23 The golden rule for responding to book reviews 22:29 Why ignoring trolls is usually your best option 24:24 Learning to handle criticism without getting defensive 26:26 When an apology really is appropriate 29:25 Final advice for authors dealing with bad reviews 30:22 Closing thoughts and supporting the writing community THIS WEEK'S RAPID-FIRE NEWSFLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS 06:14 — Is KDP Ending Permafree Books? Some authors have reported problems with permanently free ebooks reverting to paid pricing. Dale shares what KDP has said about the issue and what authors can do. https://youtu.be/Hg_PZt3JdQc?si=h_NrEoIw26o7qJkY 06:47 — YouTube Might Offer Audiobooks in 2027 YouTube is reportedly exploring the possibility of adding audiobooks to its platform, potentially through YouTube Premium. Could this mean a new opportunity for indie authors? Good e-Reader: https://goodereader.com/blog/audiobooks/youtube-might-offer-audiobooks-in-2027 9to5Google: https://9to5google.com/2026/10/15/youtube-may-add-audiobooks-to-app/ 07:13 — Holiday Publishing Deadlines for Barnes & Noble Press and Apple Books Planning a holiday book release? Allow extra time for print orders, ebook uploads, and publishing updates. Barnes & Noble Press: https://help-press.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5359210768667-Receiving-My-Print-Book Apple Books for Authors: https://authors.apple.com 07:44 — Voices by INaudio Adds Curios as a Distribution Partner A new audiobook retail partnership gives authors another potential way to reach listeners. Dale explains what authors should know about participation and royalties. Voices by INaudio: https://voicesbyinaudio.com Curios: https://www.curios.com/ Find more self-publishing news, updates, and advice from Dale Roberts: https://youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDale FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingAdvice #SelfPublishing #BookReviews #IndieAuthors #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 21, 202613 min

Writers are Reading the Wrong Books

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT WRITERS ARE READING THE WRONG BOOKS Want to become a better writer? You might need to change what you're reading. Most writers know they should read more books. But what should you actually be reading? Books in your genre? Classic literature? Books about writing? Or something completely different? In this episode of Wordslinger, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson explores why reading is one of the most important skills a writer can develop—and why limiting yourself to your favorite genre might be holding back your writing. We'll talk about how reading shapes your writing voice, why readers want stories that feel familiar but different, and how reading outside your comfort zone can make you a stronger storyteller. Plus, I'll share a simple daily reading habit—just 20 pages a day—that has transformed my own reading routine. Whether you're writing your first novel, building a career as an indie author, or simply looking to improve your storytelling, the books you choose to read can make all the difference. What are you reading right now? Do you deliberately read outside your favorite genres? Tell me in the comments! I'd love to hear what's on your reading list. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS: 00:00 Why Writers Need to Read 00:33 What Should Writers Be Reading? 01:15 Finding Your Voice Through Genre Fiction 02:18 Why Readers Want the Same but Different 03:12 The Value of Reading Outside Your Genre 04:05 Why You Should Read the Classics 04:54 Challenging Books Make You a Stronger Reader 06:10 How Reading Resets Your Expectations 07:09 Learning the Rhythm of Great Storytelling 08:07 Finding Your Own Unique Writing Voice 09:22 Why Every Writer Needs a Daily Reading Habit 09:49 The Power of Reading 20 Pages a Day 10:29 What I'm Reading Right Now 11:57 Keep Your Reading Streak Going 12:29 Why Reading Is Essential to Writing SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER! Whether you're just starting your first book or you've already published a dozen, Wordslinger is your home for practical, honest advice on writing, storytelling, publishing, and building a successful author career. Subscribe for regular Wordslinger 10-Shots, podcast conversations, and insights from a working author who's been through the ups and downs of the publishing business. No hype, no shortcuts—just the guidance, encouragement, and tools to help you become the writer you want to be. Subscribe today and let's keep writing! FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #WritingAdvice #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.