The Authors' Dilemma

In this candid and unfiltered episode of The Author’s Dilemma, J.E. Jack dive into the chaos of writing and publishing while juggling real life. They discuss outlining vs. pantsing, author fatigue after a launch, building your author brand, lessons from cover redesigns, and how to actually make ads work (finally!). Jack shares exciting updates about audiobooks and future projects, while Jennifer o...

In this episode of The Author’s Dilemma, J.E.Jack and Jennifer dive into the reality of treating writing as a business, the highs and lows of self-publishing, and the stress (and joy!) of launching new books. Jennifer shares exciting details about her upcoming release, Let Me Love You, while J.E. Jack discusses the pressure of writing a sequel. They also chat about lessons from a recent writers' c...

After a three-month hiatus, The Author’s Dilemma Show is back with a fresh start and exciting updates! Hosts J.E. Jack (paranormal thrillers and urban fantasy) and Jennifer Carr (Christian romantic suspense and clean contemporary romance) catch up on everything that’s happened during the break, including book launches, TikTok drama, and the challenges of balancing creativity with business. In this...

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma Show, J.E. Jack and Jennifer Carr delve into the nitty-gritty of self-publishing as a business. They explore everything from editing and cover design expenses to the nuances of advertising on platforms like Facebook and BookBub. Jennifer shares her unique editing process, using both digital and printed formats, while Jack reflects on the challenges of effect...

In this week’s episode of The Author Dilemma Show, we dive into the real, raw challenges and triumphs of the writing journey. Our hosts, J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr, share insights on overcoming the dreaded “muddle in the middle” of book drafts, the unique pressures of writing a series, and how each story idea competes for precious writing time. They also tackle the realities of buil...

In this lively episode of The Author's Dilemma, join hosts J.E. Jack (paranormal thrillers and urban fantasy), Hyrum Hawks (hard sci-fi and sci-fantasy), and Jennifer Carr (Christian romantic suspense and clean contemporary romance) as they dive into the ups and downs of the writing world. They candidly discuss the challenges of blending genres—from sci-fi to romance—and the struggle of balancing...

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, hosts J.E. Jack and Jennifer Carr discuss the intricacies of writing standalones versus book series, offering insights from their personal experiences. J.E. shares exciting news about his upcoming urban fantasy release and the challenges of navigating the world of cover design. Jennifer reflects on the unique journey of releasing book two in her series, and...

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, we welcome special guest Caitee Cooper, an indie author of paranormal suspense and romantic thrillers. Join hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr as they dive into Caitee’s journey of turning inner struggles into compelling stories. Caitee shares her personal experience of overcoming postpartum depression through writing, the power of confronting...

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, we welcome fantasy author Brady Hunsaker to discuss a wide range of topics affecting authors today. From the ongoing debate over AI in the publishing world to navigating self-publishing through platforms like Kickstarter, Brady shares insights from his journey as a writer. We dive deep into the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, how to build a dedic...

In this week's episode, we’re joined by Martin Tracey, a talented UK author with a versatile background in writing both fiction and nonfiction. From his early days in music to his current journey as a novelist, Martin shares how he transitioned from songwriting to creating stories, blending genres like football and vampires in his book Beneath the Floodlights. We dive into the challenges of indie...

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, we sit down with N.L. Blanford, author of psychological and comedic thrillers. Join us as we explore her journey into the world of writing, including her passion for addressing heavy topics like human trafficking and her experience balancing the darkness with humor. We discuss the emotional challenges of writing intense subject matter, her approach to story...

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, we're diving deep into the art of character development. Our hosts, J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr, explore the different approaches to creating compelling characters, from careful planning to discovering characters as you write. They discuss how to give your characters unique voices, how their personal flaws shape the story, and the delicate bal...

Join us on this episode of The Author's Dilemma as we sit down with horror and fantasy author William J. Burkhart. We explore William's unique journey from musician to author, delving into his creative process and the inspirations behind his eclectic works. From discussing the shifting landscape of self-publishing to the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in the literary world, this episode is packed wi...

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr dive into the art of building a successful author newsletter. They discuss how to connect with readers, balance personal stories and promotions, and effectively manage a growing subscriber list. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of author life while maintaining authenticity and building meaning...

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma Show, hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr dive into the often-overlooked but crucial topic of author etiquette. From navigating the fine line between self-promotion and spamming to maintaining professionalism while staying true to your authentic self, this episode is packed with practical advice for authors at every stage of their career. The hos...

The Perils of Publishing In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, we sit down with special guest Stephen Brayton, a seasoned author with a passion for mystery, horror, and sci-fi. Stephen shares his incredible journey through the often treacherous waters of the publishing world, including the unexpected challenges he's faced—like publishers closing or even passing away. Despite these setbacks, Ste...

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr dive into the week's latest challenges and developments in their writing lives. They discuss imposter syndrome, a common struggle among writers, and how to overcome it. The team also explores the importance of blogging as a tool for connecting with readers and building an online presence. Additionally, they de...

Edit** apologies everyone, the first twelve minutes, there were issues with the service we use to livestream. The audio evens out after that. Join hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr as they dive into the intricacies of launching a book successfully. In this episode, the trio discusses essential strategies for both new and seasoned authors, from planning your release six months in adva...

Join hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr in this week's episode of The Author's Dilemma as they delve into the complex world of book pricing. The hosts then explore various strategies and philosophies behind pricing books, both eBooks and paperbacks, and how perceived value can impact sales. Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, this episode offers valuable insights o...

In this 26th episode of "The Author's Dilemma," Hyrum Hawks and Jennifer Carr delve into the challenges and rewards of writing outside one's primary genre. While missing their co-host J.E. Jack, the duo discusses how to tackle the common dilemma faced by many authors: staying in your genre or branching out. Hyrum seeks advice on writing romance from Jennifer, who shares valuable insights into char...

In this milestone 25th episode of "The Author's Dilemma," your favorite hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr celebrate with a truly special guest: Kay Ross, a talented author who has written fantasy and romance novels. The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing exciting updates on their latest writing endeavors, setting the stage for a deep dive into the fascinating world of Kay Ross....

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr dive into the murky waters of author scams and how to avoid them. From vanity publishers to suspicious service solicitations, they share personal stories and offer practical advice for writers at all stages. The trio also discusses their current writing projects, editing challenges, and the latest debates in t...

In this episode of The Author’s Dilemma, J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr delve into the art of writing and the intriguing interplay between traditional writing methods and modern AI tools. We explore Hyrum's theory that the more words you write, the better you get, comparing it to the idea of needing to make a million mistakes to become fluent in a language. The hosts share their persona...

Join us for this week’s episode of The Author's Dilemma Show, where hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr welcome a special guest, Anne Bartolucci, also known by her pen name Cecilia Dominic. In this engaging discussion, Anne shares her multifaceted journey as an author of urban fantasy, steampunk, and nonfiction. She delves into her experiences transitioning from traditional publishing...

In this 21st episode of The Author's Dilemma, your hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr dive into the essential topic of research for writers. They share personal experiences and humorous anecdotes about their writing processes, including Hiram's skunk-inspired middle-grade story, Jennifer's Kickstarter success, and J.E.'s travelogue project. The hosts discuss the importance of accurate...