WriterCon

Hosted by William Bernhardt

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211

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt, with audiobook producer Jesse Ulrich, discuss the latest news from publishing, offer writing tips, and interview major authors, agents, editors, and other book-world professionals.

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 21252 min

Up, Up & Away with William Bernhardt

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview...William Bernhardt, whose 67th published book is The Superman Wars, the true story of Superman's creator, Jerry Siegel, and his fight to create, then recover, his iconic character.0:00 Opening ThoughtsThe Superman Wars, WriterCon 2026, and the host steps into the interview chair!4:25 News1) Protest Filed Over AI Audiobooks—Including One from John Grisham2) New Literary Scout Program Wants to Send Your Work to Hollywood15:21 Interview with William BernhardtThe guest would like you to know that when he talked about Jerry Siegel serving his "company," he of course actually meant "country," but he just gets so excited when he talks about Siegel and Superman that his stutter returns and he trips over his own tongue. Which Superman would never do. 47:34 Parting WordsWriterCon 2026 will take place in Oklahoma City on Sept 4-7 with over sixty presenters headlined by #1 NYTimes bestselling author William Martin, and Edgar Award-winner Lou Berney. Visit the website for more info: www.writercon.comIf you want a small-group enviroment and a chance to workshop your work-in-progress, consider the WriterCon Retreat, at Canebrake Resort near Tulsa on July 15-19. More info on the website: www.writercon.com/retreat/Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

May 20, 2026Episode 21138 min

Genre-Smashing with Rick London

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Rick London, author of The Dancing Wolfeman.Opening ThoughtsWilliam Bernhardt's new book, The Superman Wars, is ON SALE NOW! The book has already garnered rave reviews and a host of interviews, plus the #1 New Release flag on Amazon. This is the story of Jerry Siegel, the man who came up with the idea for Superman—only to find himself jobless and penniless. This is a story of interest not just to comic fans, but to anyone who cares about creator rights and protecting creative work from the predators who sadly still exist. Get your copy today!News1) Trad Wife Fiction Has Become the Year's Most Talked-About Genre2) Sacha Black Has Her Own Fulfillment ServiceCraft CornerBetsey Kulakowski (The Veritas Codex) explains how writers can protect themsleves from the pervasive scams and spam.Interview with Rick LondonParting WordsUp, up and way! Get your copy of The Superman Wars today!Only a few spots left in the WriterCon Retreat (July 15-19). Join us and workshop your work-in-progress!Register for WriterCon 2026 before the Early Bird pricing ends! Visit

May 6, 2026Episode 21049 min

Writing in Successful Spirts with Eloisa James

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Eloisa James, the reigning queen of romance, who has over 7 million books in print, about her new novel The Last Lady B, which has been called "Jane Austen Meets The White Lotus."0:00 Opening ThoughtsBill wants everyone to know that his new book The Superman Wars is finally on sale. This is the story of Jerry Siegel, the man who came up with the idea for Superman only to lose control and see his character taken from him and his name stripped from the credits. This is a story about art vs commerce, still very relevant, and a cautionary tale for creatives working today.7:45 News1) Character AI Lets People Enter Book Worlds2) Stolen Rare Books Recovered after 40 Years15:48 Craft CornerLauren Smith, USA Today-bestselling author, discusses the Five Essential Ingrdients for a Romantasy Novel25:14 Interview with Eloisa James45:55 Parting WordsThe Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice and an American Icon is NOW ON SALE!!!The WriterCon Small-Group Retreat is July 15-19 at Canebrake Resort near Tulsa OK, Spend five days workshopping your work-in-progress and inproving your writing skills. You'll be glad you did.The WriterCon Annual Convention is Labor Day weekend, September 4-7, at the historic Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. Register now to take advantage of the Early Bird prices!For more info about both WriterCon programs, visit www.writercon.com.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

April 22, 2026Episode 20938 min

Never-Ending Battles with David L Robbins

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview David L Robbins, author of many novels involving 20th Century military history, including War of the Rats, a bestseller set during a critical WWII battle between Germany and Russia. He also helped launch The Mighty Pen Project, an intensive writing program for Virginia's military veterans and their families.0:00 Opening ThoughtsThe Superman Wars hits the stands on April 28. Order now to read this history/biography of Jerry Siegel, originator of Superman, the first American writer to sue his publisher, and the price he paid for standing up to power. This is a story still very relevant in today's creative world. Order your copy today!5:16 News1) Guess How Many Books Were Published Last Year. FOUR MILLION!2) BookTok Gets Its Own Bestseller List13:55 Interview with David L Robbins36:09 Parting WordsThe Superman Wars is now on sale. Tell your friends!The WriterCon Small-Group Retreat takes place July 15-19 at the Canebrake Resort outside Tulsa.The annual WriterCon conference is Labor Day weekend (Sept 4-7) in Oklahoma City.For more infor about WriterCon programs, visit: www.writercon.comUntil next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

April 8, 2026Episode 20833 min

New Takes on Mystery with Erica Wright

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Erica Wright, the author of the "psychic mystery" The Museum of Unusual Occurence.0:00 Opening ThoughtsDon't fall for scams targeting authors!5:13 News1) Shy Girl is Cancelled by Hachette Due to AI Use2) Tracy Wolff is Found Not Liable for Plagiarism15:18 Craft CornerLara Bernhardt explains the importance of imagery in your work.18:18 Interview with Erica Wright31.23 Parting WordsThe WriterCon small-group retreat is July 15-19 at the Canebrake Resort near Tulsa OKThe annual WriterCon conference is Sept 4-7 (Labor Day weekend) in OKC.Learn more about both events at www.writercon.comUntil next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

March 25, 2026Episode 20741 min

This is a Job for...Superman Writer Elliot S! Maggin

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Elliot S! Maggin, author of novels and comic book stories, including now-classic tales for Superman.0:00 Opening ThoughtsLara updates us on her recent acitvities2:50 News1) DNF Rating Added to Goodreads2) Solarpunk Genre Presents Positive Futures That Address Climate Change11:51 Craft CornerLara Bernhardt (The Wantland Files) explians how to Get to the Heart of Your Story16:54 Interview with Elliot S! Maggin38:40 Parting WordsBill explains a moment in the Maggin interview, then invites you to the WriterCon Retreat, a small-group workshop to help improve your work-in-progress.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

March 11, 2026Episode 20631 min

Writing to Build Empathy with Carol Van Den Hande

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Carol Van Den Hande, author of the Goodbye Orchid series.0:00 Opening ThoughtsBill got his first review for The Superman Wars! And it's good (or he would'nt have mentioned it). Jesse is just back from the Star Trek Cruise. He has been assimilated.3:47 News1) Bookstreaming Comes to Twitch2) Bindery Books Lets Book Influencers Become Acquiring Editors11:56 Craft CornerBetsey Kulakowski, author of the Veritas Codex series of paranormal adventures, talks about how to create dread.16:18 Interview with Carol Van Den Hande28:51 Parting WordsThe cruise ship has sailded, but you can still participate in the WriterCon Small-Group Retreat (July 15-19 at the Canbrake Resort near Tulsa, and the WriterCon Main Even—the Writer's conference, Labor Day weekend, Sept 4-7, at the historic Skirvin Plaza Hotel in Oklahoma City.Until next time, keep writing, and remember:You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

February 25, 2026Episode 20541 min

Up Up and Away with Nonfiction Author Steve Younis

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Steve Younis, host of the Superman Homepage and author of a new book, Man of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: A Calendar of Significant Birthdays, Premieres, and Milestones in Superman's History.0:00 Opening ThoughtsWe chat about hockey romances and why they are having their moment.6:44 News1) BookSpot Offers Unique Reading Challenge2) Spotify Offers PodMatch for Audiobooks13:35 Craft CornerTamara Grantham, author of many fantasy novels, including Never Call Me Vampire, explains the differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing and the advantages and disdvantages of both.17:36 Interview with Steve Younis37:56 Parting WordsMake plans now to attend the WriterCon Retreat (July 15-19) and the WriterCon Conference (Sept 4-7). Take your writing to the next level!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

February 12, 2026Episode 20437 min

Writing for Children with Mark McCraw

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Mark McCraw, acclaimed author of twelve children's books.0:00 Opening ThoughtsThere's still time to file a claim in the Anthorpic lawsuit.3:48 News1) Substack is Coming to Television2) "Autofiction" takes off in Scandinavia14:00 Craft CornerJD Caine, co-author of the Manifest Destiny series, explains how to scare your readers.17:58 Interview with Mark McCraw33:57 Parting WordsFINAL CALL for the WriterCon Cruise, March 7-15, Eastern Caribbena itinerary leaving from Ft. Lauderdale. Over twenty hours of writing instruction specifically tailored to the needs of the particpants. You'll have opporunities to interact, make friends, and meet individually with all the writers plus a top literary agent. Seas the Day!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

January 28, 2026Episode 20332 min

The Intersection of Music and Writing with Heather Snodgrass

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Heather Snidgrass about her new book, A Love Letter to Reading, a thriller that incorporates music throughout. She also discusses how listening to music improves her writing.Opening ThoughtsBill, Lara, and Jesse make their predictions for 2026 and the world of writing.News1) Spotify is Producing Dramatized Audiobooks Based on Original Material2) Publishers Are Using AI to Review Submissions and Pick Books to PublishCraft CornerMarty Ludlum (At First I Was Afraid) talks about words to avoid.Interview with Heather SnodgrassClosing WordsDon't forget the WriterCon Cruise, March 7-17. We leave from Ft. Lauderdale and cruise through beautiful locations, plus you get over 20 hours of writing instruction, personalized to meet the needs of the group, while the boat is at sea (we won't bother you when the boat is in port). Have some fun and take your writing skills to the next level. For more info, visit www.writercon.com.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com