Book Career Network

Blow Jobs and Torture Scenes. That’s It. Size, Cost & Performance Foundational Models like to clutch their pearls. What’s an author to do when they need to write sex and violence? Go opensource. See the full show notes here: https://shy-jackrabbit-e9e.notion.site/Episode-6-7-8-NSFW-44d1bc5394fd484ba16d6f94ed1db535

Today we're diving into something truly special—how Taylor Swift has mastered the art of building a loyal, engaged community and what we as authors can learn from her success. In this episode we'll unpack Taylor's standout fan engagement strategies, from her social media teases and Easter eggs in music videos to her real-life interactions like "Swiftmas" and exclusive listening parties. We'll talk...

The fantasy we all know and love falls under a vast umbrella of subgenres and niche markets. Enter urban fantasy: magic and wonder that happens right out your front door. This subgenre layers classic fantasy tropes like magic and mythical creatures onto real-world settings you’re probably already familiar with.  We had the privilege to interview Jon R. Osborne, science fiction and fantasy author a...

In this episode, Jody and Steven Pressfield (yes, that one!) delve deep into the emotional and creative struggles that often accompany a writer's journey. They start off by discussing personal experiences with grief and how this universal emotion can impact creativity—a poignant topic that resonates with both hosts as they reflect on their bonds with beloved pets. The discussion then moves to the...

I'm your host, James Fox, and today, we have a fascinating discussion lined up with science fiction author E.W. Barnes. In this episode, we'll unravel the secrets behind E.W.'s unique writing schedule, her use of dictation and needlepoint to boost creativity, and the power of the Pomodoro technique to maximize productivity. We'll delve into the challenges of balancing writing with daily life, tack...

Today we dive into a topic every author using AI needs to understand: the costs of AI models. In this episode of Author Intelligence — No Matter What They Say, Price Matters — we unravel the complex world of AI pricing, context windows, and token usage. We'll dissect the cost implications of using advanced models like Chat 4, Claude, Gemini 1.5 Pro, and Llama 3, and explore how authors can take co...

We’re gearing up to dive deep into the fascinating world of storytelling, drawing inspiration from none other than Taylor Swift herself. Today we'll start by exploring Taylor and Katy Perry's infamous feud, which all began over backup dancers and escalated into a full-blown conflict, only to be resolved beautifully in the "You Need to Calm Down" video. What can this teach us about crafting engagin...

The fantasy we all know and love falls under a vast umbrella of subgenres and niche markets. Enter urban fantasy: magic and wonder that happens right out your front door. This subgenre layers classic fantasy tropes like magic and mythical creatures onto real-world settings you’re probably already familiar with.  We had the privilege to interview Jon R. Osborne, science fiction and fantasy author a...

Jody delves deep into the powerful notion that the ideas we've been toying with for years might just be the key to unlocking our greatest potential. Jody shares personal anecdotes and reflections about his lifelong dream to become a household name, and how he's navigated the fears and uncertainties that come with chasing big, sometimes polarizing ideas. From teenage whims to hitchhiking adventures...

Today we have a fantastic discussion lined up with special guest Melinda Kucera. Melinda is here to share some indispensable advice for writers, focusing on the essentials of creating an ergonomic workspace and navigating the challenges of writing in various environments. In this episode, we dive into the importance of starting with the basics, from ergonomic keyboards and mice to finding the righ...

In today's episode, No Matter What He Says, Size Matters, hosts Stacy and Elizabeth dive deep into the rapidly advancing world of AI prompting methodologies and capabilities. They'll explore how authors can either stick to familiar techniques or embrace advanced approaches to stay competitive. Tune in as they discuss the revolutionary "Go with God" methodology, emphasizing both the advantages and...

Today, we dive deep into the magic of Taylor Swift’s songwriting, focusing on her compelling track "Mastermind." We'll explore how Swift masterfully crafts an emotional arc, blending competency, confidence, and vulnerability to create relatable and impactful stories. We’ll also discuss how these techniques translate into writing strong female characters in romance novels. From balancing strength w...

We all love a widespread, far-reaching fantasy universe that we as readers can get completely absorbed in. The only thing better than a great fantasy series is a whole collection of them that deep-dive into an immersive world. But how do you keep track of a timeline that spans over a thousand years? Where do you start when your cast of characters stretches into the hundreds?  We’re so pleased to r...

Recognizing rarity and passion can transform your dreams into reality. I'll share personal anecdotes and simple strategies to help you boost your worth—whether it's through creating scarcity, coining new terms, or aligning your vision with market trends. We'll journey through real-life examples, from limiting signed book copies to Marvel's strategic scarcity in movie releases, and even touch on a...

In this installment of Ink and Effort, James and special guest Kevin Ikenberry dive deep into the world of writing productivity and overcoming common challenges that all writers face. Ever wondered how changing your environment can boost your creative output? Or how setting realistic and adjustable writing goals can make a huge difference? Join us as we explore these topics and more with insights...

In today's episode, Keep Spending Most Our Lives Living in a Commuter Paradise, hosts Stacy Anderson and Elizabeth Ann West delve into their experiences using AI tools for writing and publishing. They discuss the captivating story of Zora and Zan, whose awkward encounter at Cafe Nebula comes about through the Galactic Dating Service, and explore how AI can help enrich storytelling with humor and d...

Morgana and Emily delve into the ingenious marketing strategies of Taylor Swift and how they can be applied to the world of book publishing. They spotlight authors Kat Baxter, Violet Ray, Fern Fraser, and Hope Ford, who are revolutionizing the "insta love" genre through quick, collaborative writing within shared world concepts. The hosts discuss the benefits of author collaboration in staying rele...

We all love a widespread, far-reaching fantasy universe that we as readers can get completely absorbed in. The only thing better than a great fantasy series is a whole collection of them that deep-dive into an immersive world. But how do you keep track of a timeline that spans over a thousand years? Where do you start when your cast of characters stretches into the hundreds?  We’re so pleased to r...

Today on Becoming A Household Name we're diving into the art of crafting the perfect book pitch. Ever struggled to succinctly sell your book or engage potential readers? You're not alone. In this episode, I share my personal journey – from fumbled pitches and missed opportunities to a transformative experience that revolutionized my approach. We'll explore why a compelling pitch is crucial, how fe...

James and Dano dive deep into the common struggles that plague many creatives, including the overburdening of ideas and the collapse of inspiration. They explore the pros and cons of writing routines, setting realistic goals, and the importance of daily word counts. Join us as they discuss their own experiences with ADHD, distractions, and the challenges of building vast universes filled with comp...

Welcome back to Author Intelligence on the Book Career Network! In this episode, your hosts Elizabeth Ann West and Stacy Anderson from the Future Fiction Academy dive deep into the world of AI and its ever-evolving role in writing and publishing. We'll explore how both hosts leverage AI tools for their own writing—sharing expenses, usage, and the impact of hyperparameters on generating quality con...

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Romancing Like Swift podcast on the Book Career Network, titled Emotional Connections and Reader Ownership. In today's episode, your hosts Morgana and Emily dive deep into the intricate web of emotional connections that romance novels and Taylor Swift's music create. They begin with a chat about popular movies like the Barbie movie and "The Killers of the Flower Moon,"...

From Marvel to Star Wars, shared universe content is taking over the world. We interviewed Chris Kennedy, publisher, author, and one of the co-founders of the Four Horseman Universe (4HU). Today Chris Kennedy Publishing is made up of six imprints that publish everything from non-fiction to military fiction to fantasy.  From CKP’s Seventh Seal Press, the Four Horseman Universe is an action-packed,...

Hard Work Is A Lie of Becoming A Household Name. I'm your host, Jody, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the paradox of hard work and success. I'll share my personal journey and the powerful lessons learned along the way, exploring why hard work isn't always the straightforward key to achieving dreams, but rather a complex interplay of passion, perseverance, joy, and serendipity. We'll...

In today's episode of Ink & Effort, Finding Your Routine with A.K. Duboff, we're diving deep into the art of mastering your writing routine to boost productivity and creativity. I'm your host, James, from Ink & Effort, where we focus on turning your writing dreams into productive realities. Today, we are thrilled to have the prolific writer A.K. Duboff join us. Despite her packed schedule,...