The Art of Paying Attention

Matthew W. Quinn dreamed of writing since childhood. After getting a degree in journalism, and writing for a local newspaper, things went south. He lost his job, pivoted careers, and yet never gave up the pursuit of living his author dreams. Quinn has penned multiple short stories, a novel, and more on the way. Join Matthew and Ryan as they discuss his writing journey, secrets on writing fast, how...

Are you ready to take your writing to the next level? In this episode, Ryan shares his Two Page Publishing Business Plan for shifting from a hobbyist writer to building an empire with your words. Ryan walks through step-by-step the vital questions to ask when starting your publishing business. You can find more writing resources at: https://theprolificwriter.net Resources mentioned: Legal Zoom ( h...

Anne Perreault grew up moving  around the world from Germany to Dubai to Vermont. Despite her family moving multiple times she never gave up the dream of becoming a writer. After raising a family of her own, and working a variety of jobs, Anne is now living her author dreams. Join Ryan and Anne as they discuss her slow beginnings into writing, the importance of community, staying true to your core...

C. S. Johnson is the author of several young adult novels, including sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, and the Divine Space Pirates trilogy. Ryan and C.S. explore the pros and cons of genre-hopping, why some Y.A. are too cliche, process, and much more. Johnson currently lives in Atlanta with her family. Find her on Facebook and at...

Debut author Jay Sigler discusses his first book Train Thoughts. Jay chipped away for years on his morning commute for what would become his first novel. Ryan and Jay discuss the ways Jay bootstrapped his first novel with little knowledge of publishing, the role of a supportive community for finishing your work, early success, and much more. Find Jay on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TrainTho...

Nationally recognized author Maria Dismondy is dedicated to inspiring and empowering children. She has authored seven children’s books, made more than 400 speaking appearances, and is a presenter and publisher. Maria holds an M.A. in education, and served as an elementary school teacher and reading interventionist for ten years before transitioning into her current role as author, blogger and prof...

Featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Times, and The Chicago Tribune, Russell Blake is The NY Times, WSJ, and USA Today bestselling author of dozens of action/adventure, mystery, thriller, and Sci-Fi novels. After sixty books, Russell and Ryan discuss lessons learned on the writing craft, marketing, changing indie landscape, reader expectation, and much, much, more. You can find Blake Russell o...

In this episode, Ryan explores the use of pen names. Many voices in the writing community have divergent opinions on the subject. Ryan explains why he uses multiple pen names. What he's learning about "open" pen names. When pen names are necessary, and when they're not. He also discusses some exciting news coming down the line, and much, much, more.  Resources mentioned in the show: Rock House Pub...

Casey Cease is the Founder and CEO of Lucid Books. As an author, pastor, and speaker who has published his own book, Casey knows first-hand the importance of partnering with a team of experts to edit, publish, and market your book. He started Lucid Books ten years ago with the goal of putting together a skilled team passionate to help authors share their vision with the world. Casey is responsible...

Prolific writer Joe R. Lansdale, has written novels and stories in many genres, including Western, horror, science fiction, mystery, and suspense. He has also written for comics as well as "Batman: The Animated Series." As of 2018, he has written 45 novels and published 30 short-story collections along with many chapbooks and comic-book adaptations. He has much to teach us! Many of Joe's stories h...

He's back! Jake Bible, Mr. Prolific himself, the one who kicked off this podcast in 2016, is back with the writer goods. Jake and Ryan discuss his new book, Four Weeks to Finished, and how he writes a novel a month. Yeah, that's right! Bible also explains why quantity and quality are not enemies, how to prepare yourself to write, tips on editing, how to find ideas for stories, and much more. You c...

Alexander Grant, author of the popular King's Lion series leapt into writing and publishing, like many do: passionate, eager, and naive. Grant shares his experiences as he launched his first series into the world. The main point of contention being poor covers. Listen in as Ryan and Alexander discuss the keys to publishing success, the importance of good covers, how to find and work with cover art...

Joanna Penn is a prolific writer of bestselling fiction and nonfiction works. In this episode, Ryan and Joanna discuss her new book: The Healthy Writer . One of the most neglected aspects for writers is their mental, emotional, spiritual, and emotional health. Ryan and Joanna discuss the role of health for longevity as writers, how you can manage your workspace for decreasing risk of injury, diet,...

Kerry J. Donovan has quietly built a raving fan base across the world. His police procedurals, and action thrillers, are flying off the shelves, with no end in sight. But Kerry's success was not always in slinging words. He spent the bulk of his life traveling as a citizen of the world. Listen in as Ryan explores his rise to success, what he learned traveling and working around the globe, how to w...

Steven K. Smith loved telling stories to his three boys. He had no idea these stories would allow him to become an author. Smith hails from Virginia, and writes middle grade fiction set in his hometown. His Virginia Mysteries allowed him to quit his job and write full time. In this interview, Ryan and Steven discuss the strategy of writing for children, how to get your work in front of kid's and f...

Micheal Anderle is a Sci-Fi and Fantasy author who never dreamed of the success come his way. His runaway hit series Kutherian Gambit exceeded his humble expectations to put it lightly. In this episode Ryan and Michael discuss what makes a book worth reading, what are whale readers, myths for beginning writers and publishers, true success, and much, much more. You can find Michael Anderle and his...

Michael Bunker is a prolific Sci-Fi writer living off-off grid in Central Texas. After a successful book on living off grid Bunker tried his hand at fiction. As they say, the rest is history. In this interview Ryan and Michael discuss the ups and downs of indie publishing, why he chooses to live a "plain" or off-grid lifestyle, the best advice for getting your work in front of readers, and much mo...

In this episode Ryan explores the role of faith in writing. Can Christians and people of faith write only "family friendly" books? Are people of faith supposed to only write for the church? What's the deal with Amish Romance? Listen in, as Ryan gives advice, tips, and direction for any person of faith considering writing books in any genre. You can find Ryan and other writer resources at: https://...

Anna Sabino left the 9-5 on Wall Street to pursue her creative dreams. She not only did it, but wrote a book on how you can do it too. Anna and Ryan explore the balance of creativity and business, why keeping the day job is good, and much, much, more. You can find Anna Sabino and her latest book and resources: annasabino.com Sign up for The Prolific Creator+ and get full access to the archives and...

Tim Spykstra is the founder and president of Oceans Ministries. A nonprofit with a mission to bring the Father's love to spiritual and physical orphans in Africa and around the world. Ryan and Tim discuss his entry into writing books and the challenges of breaking into the Christian publishing market. They also discuss how Tim never wanted to write but what he learned despite his resistance. You c...

We're back! In the first episode of 2018, Ryan discusses a writing goal most writers neglect. Instead of agonizing over word counts, books published, newsletter subscribes, fans, or royalties in the bank. Get back to what motivated your writing in the beginning: fun.  David Foster Wallace quote Sign up for The Prolific Creator+ and get full access to the archives and weekly bonus content! https://...

Ryan sits down with up and coming Hip Hop artist Jovan Mackenzy. They discuss Jovan's tough upbringing and his inspiration for music and art. Why art is one of the better mediums to communicate hard truth, writing process, role of faith in creating art, and much more. Check out Jovan's work at: www.jovanmackenzy.com . Sign up for The Prolific Creator+ and get full access to the archives and weekly...

Horror author Chuck Buda revisits the show to share his journey of the last year, from writing full time, to going back to the day job. One thing is for certain the writing dream is still alive as ever. Chuck and Ryan discuss writing with day jobs, why horror writers seem to be well adjusted people, writing conferences, marketing books, why we write, and much, much, more. Find Chuck's work at:  ht...

S.D. Smith has lived an interesting life. From growing up in rural West Virginia, to South Africa in the middle of apartheid, and back to West Virginia. Now, Smith writes for children and burst onto the scene with his Green Embers series. In this episode S.D. and Ryan discuss writing for children, cultivating imagination in kid's and adults, marketing without losing your soul, role of faith in wri...

Lindsay Buroker is a Sci-Fi and Fantasy author who burst on the scene in 2011. Some called it the hay-day of indie publishing and Ebook Revolution. Lindsay hasn't slowed down and has since published 30+ titles. In this episode Ryan and Lindsay discuss her humble beginnings from nonfiction and online marketing to fiction. What are the best forms of marketing for books (you'll be surprised)? What ha...