Beyond the Pen

In This Episode Delve into the captivating realm of the publishing industry in this must-watch episode! Unravel the art of author branding, from crafting a distinct logo to honing in on your target audience. Dive into the intricate world of copyrighting names, and join the heated discussion on book covers versus cosplay. Have you ever pondered the secrets behind bestselling authors' time managemen...

In This Episode Join Maccabee and Chelsea on a captivating journey with Jeff Hoffman, the pioneering force behind innovations like Booking.com and UBid. Com. From the genesis of "Scale" to the intricacies of marrying business with personal relationships, this episode offers a comprehensive blueprint for entrepreneurs and authors alike. Dive into the art of time management, the value of diverse fee...

In This Episode Dive into the debut episode of "Beyond the Pen" as Maccabee and Chelsea delve deep into the intricate relationship between society and literature. From the curious journey of hot topics like Ryan Estrada's graphic novel "Banned Book Club" to the historical and modern-day implications of banned books, we shed light on age-appropriate content, censorship, and the nuances of the book-...

In this Episode In this captivating podcast episode, Maccabee and Chelsea unveil a special guest: Ryan Estrada, the brilliant co-author behind the groundbreaking graphic novel "Banned Book Club." Prepare to be transported into the tumultuous world of Hyung Sook Kim as she navigates the treacherous landscape of South Korea during a time of political repression. Join them as they delve into the powe...

In This Episode Dive deep with Maccabee Griffin and C.R. Rice as they unravel the intricate tapestry of romance novels in this episode of "Beyond the Pen." From the allure of dual and third-person perspectives to the enthralling mystery of storytelling, we examine the cliches that pull our heartstrings and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. Discover the diverse voices within romance, i...

In this episode of "Beyond the Pen," hosts Maccabee and Chelse take you on a journey into the fascinating world of character creation in storytelling. Dive deep into the craft of building characters that readers will remember long after the final page is turned. We discuss the vital role of foils in character development and how they can enhance your storytelling. Drawing from beloved literature a...

Join hosts Maccabee and Chelse as they delve into the fascinating world of character perception with the acclaimed author A.K. Ramirez. Discover how understanding a character's perspective can transform your writing. Dive deep into the complexities of the Marissa Ambrose Witness Series and its portrayal of characters and their worlds. Learn how to create compelling connections in your thriller wri...

Join Maccabee and Chelsea as they share invaluable tips and tricks to unlock your creative potential as an indie author. Discover how to make the most of your time at conventions, like Nightmare Weekend Richmond, to connect with fans and boost your sales. Plus, delve into the art of character development and perspective in your narrative. Dive deep into the world of character development with Macc...

In This Episode In this two-part episode of Beyond the Pen, we're joined by Publishing Agent and Contracting Negotiator Cory Rice to unravel the mysteries of book publishing contracts. Discover the key elements every indie author should insist upon, protect your copyright rights, and gain insights into the evolving landscape of publishing agreements. Learn about the hidden clauses publishers often...

In This Episode Beyond the Pen presents an essential episode on understanding contracts in the publishing industry. Maccabee and Chelsea share their experiences, insights, and cautionary tales to help indie authors protect their creative work. Learn the art of negotiating terms, deciphering legal jargon, and standing up for your rights. Discover the hidden loopholes in contracts, the impact of non...

In this episode of "Beyond the Pen," hosts Maccabee and Chelsea unravel the mysteries of book blurbs. Learn why your book blurb is your first pitch to potential readers and why taking shortcuts or relying on AI is a recipe for disaster. Get actionable tips for crafting book blurbs that align with your book's genre and attract readers like a magnet. Discover overcoming the challenge of condensing y...

Join us in this captivating episode of "Beyond the Pen" as we sit down with indie author Shirley Novak. Discover her incredible journey through the world of hybrid publishing, her success with The Fulton Press, and valuable insights into the challenges she faced during her book's research process. Explore the emotional rollercoaster of unveiling hidden family struggles and her unique approach to e...

In This Episode Calling all indie authors! In this episode of "Beyond the Pen," hosts Maccabee and Chelsea deep-dive into the art of genre-specific marketing. From horror to dark fantasy and tragic romance, learn how to effectively promote your indie book across different genres. Uncover the pitfalls of ad scams and the importance of genuine reviews and feedback. Don't miss this valuable discussio...

In This Episode Join hosts Maccabee and Chelsea in this captivating "Beyond the Pen" episode as they delve into the intricate world of author branding and marketing platforms. Discover the secrets to crafting a cohesive brand that perfectly mirrors your literary work while reaching the right audience and platforms for maximum impact. Uncover the art of selling books at conventions strategically ta...

In This Episode In this captivating episode, hosts Maccabee Griffin and Chelsea sit down with acclaimed author, Diane Bergner, diving deep into her spicy romance novel, "The Royal Coconut Beach Lunch Club." Shifting from nonfiction to a vivid world of romance, mystery, and workplace drama, Diane unravels her unique approach to blending genres, revealing tidbits from the book's glamorous, chaotic w...

In This Episode In this two-part episode of Beyond the Pen, we're joined by Publishing Agent and Contracting Negotiator Cory Rice to unravel the mysteries of book publishing contracts. Discover the key elements every indie author should insist upon, protect your copyright rights, and gain insights into the evolving landscape of publishing agreements. Learn about the hidden clauses publishers often...

In this Episode  Dive deep with Lauren Erickson, acclaimed publishing strategist and author of "The Finer Things Club," as she reveals the transformative power of journaling in memoir writing. Uncover the mysteries of the chameleon effect, the allure of international markets, and the pulse of the publishing industry – from bestseller lists to the Nielson BookScan. Whether you're a plotter, a...

In This Episode Dive into the enigmatic world of publishing with "Exposed: The Surprising Truth About Bestseller Lists, Publishing Mishaps, and the Realities of Bookstore Success." Unravel the secrets behind bestseller lists and discover why getting a book into physical bookstores might be tougher than you think. Ever heard of Nielsen BookScan? We break down its significance for authors and how it...

In This Episode Join Maccabee and Chelsea on this spellbinding episode of Beyond the Pen as we delve into the imaginative mind of renowned fantasy author Travis Sivart. From the enigmatic energy exchange in his mesmerizing 'Portals' series to the influences of South Florida and global cultures in his storytelling, Sivart takes us on a masterclass journey of fantasy worldbuilding. We discuss how to...

In This Episode Join hosts Mack and Chelsea in this eye-opening episode of "Beyond the Pen" as they debunk common misconceptions about the publishing industry. Discover the reality of author marketing, the impact of trends, and the rise of self-publishing. Gain valuable insights into understanding traditional publishing contracts and why some authors take longer to finish their books. Don't miss t...

In this episode Calling all book enthusiasts and literary aficionados! Prepare for an engaging and thought-provoking podcast episode that will expand your storytelling horizons and inspire your creative pursuits. In this riveting conversation, hosts Maccabee and Chelsea take you through the fascinating worlds of literature, social media, and personal growth. Join the playful banter as Maccabee and...

Join Maccabee and Chelsea in this captivating episode of the "Beyond the Pen" podcast as they dive into their passion for voice acting, anime, and favorite voice actors, offering a glimpse into their fascinating world. But this episode is more than just geeking out—it delves into the profound impact of media portrayals on reality, specifically focusing on the intricacies of high school experiences...

In This Episode Join Maccabee, the charismatic podcast host of Beyond the Pen, as he introduces listeners to the captivating author Kelly Vincent and her thought-provoking book, "Ugly." In this episode, Kelly opens up about her personal journey of self-discovery as a non-binary individual, delving into the impact it had on her writing process. Explore the profound themes of bullying and sexual ori...

In This Episode Join hosts Maccabee Griffin and Miss C.R. Rice in this captivating podcast episode as they dive deep into the fascinating world of young adult novels. Unleashing their signature humor and wit, they embark on an enlightening discussion about the ever-changing landscape of this genre and the thought-provoking issues it tackles. No topic is off-limits, from the timeless question of wh...

In This Episode... Join hosts Mack and Chelsea in an exciting episode of "Beyond the Pen," where they embrace their rebel spirits and dive headfirst into the captivating realm of literature. The episode starts with Mack and Chelsea's contagious excitement as they introduce themselves and share their love for their literary endeavors. The duo wastes no time revealing their latest obsession, " Surre...