WriterDojo S6 Ep9: Your Job is to Entertain
Recently on author on Twitter/X had some thoughts about the true responsibility of writers. This week our hosts, authors Steve Diamond & Larry Correia sat down for a philosophical discussion about the duties and obligations of working as a professional author. (The original title of this episode was going to be 'Your Job is to Entertain, Not Lecture People About Your Personal Beliefs, Dummy' but we decided to go with a more concise version.)
If you would like to join the ranks of our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*In Defense of the Second Amendment* is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QreDvd (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S6 Ep8: Money
After last week's episode about First Steps, several folks in the WriterDojo Facebook group had some questions about money for our hosts authors/accountants Steve Diamond and Larry Correia. How do you know when you're ready to quit the day job? At what point do you need to start paying taxes on your writing income? Can you write off your motorcycle as a business expense? How best to keep your business and personal finances straight? And what IS Larry's equivalent to being hit by a bus? All this and more on this week's exciting episode!
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*Monster Hunter Memoirs: Fever* is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49Py0ab (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S6 Ep7: Next Steps
Hooray! My book got published! Ummm so what now?
This week, hosts/authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia tackle this question submitted from members of the WriterDojo Facebook group. Artistically, what do you do after your first book is finally pushed out of the nest? Do you need to try to recapture the magic of the first one? What are the 'do's and 'don't's for new writers? All this and more on this week's episode of the WriterDojo!
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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This week's episode is sponsored by *Son of SilverCon 2* (Las Vegas Jun 19-21, 2024) For more details visit: https://sonofsilvercon.wordpress.com/
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com
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WriterDojo S6 EP6: Setting the Scene
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." So how do you make sure the players in your story have a stage to play on? This week, hosts/authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia do another 'nuts and bolts' episode to help listeners better craft a scene. How do they each go about starting a chapter? How do you avoid repetition? How do you choose more evocative language to enhance the action? What tips and tricks can you use to pull your readers along for the ride? All this and more in this week's episode!
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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This week's episode is sponsored by *Texas in the Med: Republic of Texas Navy Book 3* (by D.A.Brock)- available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48yPvKq (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com
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WriterDojo S6 Ep5: Musings on the Industry
This week, host/authors Steve Diamond & Larry Correia discuss some projects they're working on, including the rationale behind them and how the publishing industry has changed, and also weigh in with some personal opinions on some current events. (I believe the term is 'Spilling the tea' as the youngsters say.)
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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This week's episode is sponsored by *Texas at the Coronation: Republic of Texas Navy Book 1* (by D.A.Brock)- available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xEnz8g (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com
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WriterDojo S6 Ep4: Writing to Your Audience
Some topics are bigger than the Tweet Bashing format allows. This week, our hosts authors Steve Diamond & Larry Correia tackle one such topic as they unpack a recent tweet. What qualifications should be required when you are handed the keys to one of the most profitable and (formerly) popular IPs in history? What is your responsibility to the Customer? Is it more important to preach or entertain? And why would you want to make the majority of your target audience "uncomfortable"?
If you would like to join the ranks of our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*Cry Havoc* by Julie Frost is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ueUhPf (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S6 Ep3: Tweet Bashing (round 7)
Just when we thought we were out, they pull us back in! Why is Xwitter so very full of bad writing advice? There's a lot of other things hosts Steve Diamond & Larry Correia could be doing, but the just awful advice keeps piling up and SOMEONE has to mock it.
If you would like to join the ranks of our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*Benregesh: Volume I of the Cocoon Chronicles* by J.C. Chambers III is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3O7nodU (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S6 Ep2: Interview w/ Steve Beaulieu
The lost episode from the 2023 20BooksTo50K convention in Las Vegas! At said convention, Steve Diamond and Larry Correia sat down with Steve Beaulieu, co-founder of Aethon books to chat about starting and running a small publishing house.
If you would like to join the ranks of our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*Residue* by Steve Diamond (the revised, definitive Author's edition) is available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3smHCbQ (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S6 Ep1: the State of the Dojo Address 2024
We're back, baby! It's time once again for everyone's favorite writing based podcast that focuses on the fun (& profit) of writing. This week, hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia reflect on the year just past, discuss what's currently going on, as well as what we're planning for Season Six of the WriterDojo. (Spoiler alert: it's gonna be a fun season!)
If you would like to join the ranks of our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*Benregesh: Volume I of the Cocoon Chronicles* by J.C. Chambers III is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3O7nodU (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S5 Ep24: Tweet Bashing (round 6) w/ Jason Cordova
This week, hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia decided to that since they already had author/cohort/close friend Jason Cordova in the studio, they would let him join in making fun of the bad writing advice they recently saw online. This is the final episode of Season 5! We appreciate all of you and look forward to showing you what we have planned for Season 6!
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*Monster Hunter Memoirs: Fever* is available at
amzn.to/3LHzGsf (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S5 Ep23: Jason Cordova Exposé
Recently our hosts, authors Steve Diamond & Larry Correia, got the opportunity to sit down with our good friend (& one of Larry's co-authors) Jason Cordova to chat about the Pros & Cons of co-authoring.
If you would like to join our supporters and help support Steve's brisket habit, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*A Christmas Surprise* by Jason Cordova is available on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/3G6iPN9 (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S5 Ep22: Editing (with Christine Nielson)
At the 20Books Vegas 2023 conference our hosts, authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia, sat down to discuss something many authors have asked about and struggled with- editing. And who better to discuss the subject with than esteemed editor-for-hire Christine Nielson? What are the signs of a good editor, what should you look for, what should you avoid, how can you best work with one and much more in this week's episode!
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*The Gingerbread Cat* by Stephanie Osbourne is available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Gwc3zW (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com
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WriterDojo S5 EP21: Michael A Rothman Exposé (round 2)
(now with the correct audio)
At the 20Books Vegas 2023 conference our hosts, authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia, finally had the chance to sit down and record one of the more requested episodes- they got to talk about making it as an indy writer with Michael A. Rothman. The conversation went long enough that I split it into 2 episodes. This is part 2 (*Spoiler alert- it's not a smooth seamless break between the two. I kinda just had to pick a point and cut it.)
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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the entire *Twisted Luck* series by Mel Todd is available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/47wWVy5 (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com
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WriterDojo S5 EP20: Michael A Rothman Exposé (round 1)
At the 20Books Vegas 2023 conference our hosts, authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia, finally had the chance to sit down and record one of the more requested episodes- they got to talk about making it as an indy writer with Michael A. Rothman. The conversation went long enough that I split it into 2 episodes. (*Spoiler alert- it's not a smooth seamless break between the two. I kinda just had to pick a point and cut it. Fortunately we'll have part 2 for you next week.)
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*Residue* by Steve Diamond (the revised, definitive Author's edition) is available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3smHCbQ (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com
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WriterDojo S5 EP19: Rick Partlow Exposé
Recently our hosts Steve Diamond and Larry Correia attended the 20Books Vegas 2023 conference where they took the opportunity to do a live interview with Indy superstar Rick Partlow who currently has 154 books on Goodreads with 106049 ratings. How does he put out so many books so quickly? How does he delight his readers? Where did he get his start? All this and more in another exciting episode of the WriterDojo
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*Tour de Force* by Stephanie Osborne is available on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/40BPRgQ (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com
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WriterDojo S5 Ep18: Supporter Spectacular XI
This week, hosts/authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia valiantly try once again to empty the inbox of questions submitted by our beloved supporters.
If you would like to join the ranks of our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
*Residue* (the revised, definitive Author's edition) is available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3smHCbQ (affiliate link)
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WriterDojo S5 Ep17: the Characters of the Forbidden Topics
Over the past month hosts/authors Steve Diamond & Larry Correia have talked about 2 of the 3 big Forbidden topics. To close it off, this week they provide some examples and discuss various characters and how they relate to and are defined by Politics & Religion. (They're not talking about the third, though- maybe for April Fools Day some year...)
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*A Very UnCONventional Christmas* by Stephanie Osborne is available on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/49fwbDu (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com
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WriterDojo S5 Ep16: the Elements of Horror
'Tis the week before Halloween, so hosts/authors Steve Diamond & Larry Correia wanted to take some time to discuss the elements of horror. The 3 key elements of horror don't belong in just horror stories- most stories can benefit from their addition. The trick is learning how to effectively use them for maximum impact.
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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Servants of War by Steve Diamond and Larry Correia is available on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/3OaWznG (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com
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WriterDojo S5 Ep15: Politics
After recently tackling one of the three forbidden topics (Religion)
WriterDojo hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia decided to tackle another one of them- Politics. How important is it to inject politics into your work? Are politics important or should they be avoided? How do you go about creating fictional politics and should you bother doing so? All this and more in this week's WriterDojo!
If you would like to join the ranks of our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*The Revenant & the Tomb* by Herman Hunter is available on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3IZYWsN (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S5 Ep14: Outlining
We've discussed Outlining vs Discovery writing in the past, but how exactly do you go about Outlining? What's the best method of creating an outline, how flexible can you be, and how do our author hosts Steve Diamond and Larry Correia work together with their differences in approaches?
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*A Small Medium at Large *
Book 2 in the Division One series by Stephanie Osborne is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3trba8u (affiliate link)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S5 Ep13: Religion
In polite conversation there are 3.5 topics you just don't discuss. This week hosts/Authors Steve Diamond & Larry Correia tackle one of the big ones- religion. How to write about existing religions and how to create your own fictional ones are 2 of the big topics.
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*Author Media's 2024 Novel Marketing Conference *
Austin, Texas, on January 26th and 27th, 2024
Tickets on sale now:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/authormedia/2024-novel-marketing-conference/
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S5 Ep12: Short Story Nuts & Bolts
Here in the dojo we've discussed writing short stories before, but there's way too much to the topic to cover in just one episode. This week hosts/Authors Steve Diamond & Larry Correia take some time to get into the nuts & bolts of how to actually write a compelling short story that has impact and leaves the readers (and the editors) eager for your next one.
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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*Author Media's 2024 Novel Marketing Conference *
Austin, Texas, on January 26th and 27th, 2024
Tickets on sale now:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/authormedia/2024-novel-marketing-conference/
____________________________________
"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S5 Ep11: Tweet Bashing (round 5) The Return of the Nitwits
Can you believe our long-suffering Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia haven't waded into the muck of the Twitterverse to unearth even more bad writing advice to mock and ridicule for your amusement and edification since early in Season 3? Time flies when you're having fun...
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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The Electronic Advanced Reader Copy of *Monster Hunter Memoirs: Fever* is available at https://www.baen.com/monster-hunter-memoirs-fever-earc.html
(The physical book drops next month)
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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WriterDojo S5 Ep10: Supporter Spectacular (Round X)
Although we've been enjoying all the interviews and live episodes, it has put us a bit behind on answering questions from our beloved Supporters so host/authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia took the time to answer some of the backlog (that don't require an entire episode to answer.)
(There's an unwritten law in Marketing that 'X' is objectively better than '10')
If you would like to join the ranks of our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
*Alpha & Omega* is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aPOmGk (affiliate link)
04:42 How to better craft an infodump
11:35 How to stop writing trilogies
15:35 Software for Writers
21:02 Hosts are Supporters too
25:35 Duologies vs Trilogies
32:40 How to approach publishers about an internship
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WriterDojo S5 Ep9: Live from the Writer's Cantina
Back in July hosts/authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia did a live Q&A session with attendees at the Writer's Cantina. Attendees were all writers and they asked some great questions.
(*This episode was recorded live Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Writers Cantina in Utah)
If you would like to join the ranks of our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/
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This week's episode is sponsored by *Minds of Men* (by Kacey Ezell)- available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/47Y3p9L (affiliate link)
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02:53.172 If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
03:56.119 Any plans for future virtual events?
10:01.001 When do you stop outlining and start writing?
12:33.909 How do you get the word out?
19:50 Any tips on filing off the serial numbers?
22:58.577 How do you fix a character after you finish the story?
27:17.217 What's the best way to learn from other's mistakes?
30:49.111 What are your thoughts on Artificial Intelligence and writing?
38:40.014 Justified Retcons
42:42.492 In a query letter, how much is too much?
44:28.897 Questions about Audible
46:44.427 Anything you regret NOT writing?
51:54.782 Write what you know vs. self-insert
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