The Casual Author

Writing our passions takes a whole new turn when we leverage research and knowledge from random topics outside of writing itself. In this case, Whit McClendon merges his passion for practicing and teaching martial arts with his passion for writing. When we use what we know to write what we like, whole new realms of possibility open up. SHOW NOTES: Find out more about Whit at www.whitmcclendon.com

It's incredible to think that every author has different experiences and journeys to becoming the author they are today. Understanding and learning from not only our own journeys, but the journeys of others can help us with our mindset today and looking to the future. Join me and Brian as we discuss his journey into writing cozy mysteries and more! SHOW NOTES: Find out more about B.T. Polcari...

One of the most important things in writing is getting the pacing right for a story. The wrong pacing could make a really good story terrible for readers. Join me and Danielle Harrington as we discuss how to write fast-paced chapters with real stakes.  SHOW NOTES: Find out more about Danielle and her books at https://www.djharringtonbooks.com/

Jenn has been working with creatives for over 20 years to help them get their creative work in the hands of the right people. With a shift in the music industry, and with her passion for reading, Jenn has been helping authors reach their readers in as effective of ways as possible. Join us as we discuss the simple ways to start marketing as authors, regardless of how they've chosen to publish...

It can be hard to find the right kind of support as authors, but there are ways we can give back by helping our fellow authors. Join E.S. Barrison and me as we talk about how we can support one another, and in turn find a greater satisfaction in our work. SHOW NOTES: Check out E.S. Barrison's work at her website: https://esbarrison-author.com/

One of the most surprising things that I learned as an author is how isolating and lonely it can feel. It seems ironic, yet I know there are a lot of authors that feel the same way. Join me and Natalie (YA Dystopian author of The Falling and Uprising Series) as we discuss making author connections and how they can bolster our productivity and positivity. SHOW NOTES: Find more about Natalie and her...

One of the greatest feelings when writing fiction can be immersing yourself in the world you've created. Join me as I discuss Molly and Marcia's experience as they created their universe with poetry and art combined in an immersive way. SHOW NOTES: Find their books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Myth-Molly-Likovich/dp/B097FDJ3TP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3K0EWNVXSQ13I&keywords=not+a+myt...

If you know anything about me, you know that I do not plot very much when it comes to writing. Jason Dorough, independent author of his own epic fantasy starter, Akithar's Greatest Trick, talks to me about his process of plotting and planning with his writing. If you're looking to get started writing, or haven't had a lot of success with pantsing your book, join us as we break down...

I talk a lot about the indie publishing route on this podcast since that's the path I've chosen, but what about the other side of the process? Rebecca Danzenbaker, YA author, has opted to take the traditional route and has a lot of insight on how it has worked for her. Join us as she shares the ins and outs of the traditional process of publishing! SHOW NOTES:

Many of us read books because they take us to a new place, a fantastical world where we can set aside troubles of the real world and just enjoy something new. Reading these worlds and creating them are two different things. Join David Trotter and  me as we discuss how we go about crafting a world that can be both an escape and a wonder to readers of fantasy. SHOW NOTES: Find David on Tiktok: https...

I think we can all agree that being an author is far from the easiest thing in this world. That doesn't mean we don't have anything to be grateful for! Join me and Ali (aka AK Mulford) as we talk about her journey and success as an author and how much she attributes that to her focus on gratitude throughout the journey. SHOW NOTES: Check out Ali's books and more at https://akmulford...

One thing that's so challenging as an author, is knowing if what you are writing is any good! The craft has a somewhat steep learning curve, especially for new authors, but what if you can help flatten that curve by getting real feedback from another author? Kerri has amazing experience working with a critique partner, as well as being one herself. Join us as we talk about the ins and outs of...

Marketing has and probably will always been known as the most painful part of being an author, but what happens if you have the proper mindset as you approach marketing? Join Rachael and me as we talk about her unique experience and outlook on marketing, and how an author's mindset can make or break their success in getting their books out there and reaching readers. SHOW NOTES: Sign up for R...

As authors, one of the things we want most is to make sure that our books are available in all formats in every place possible around the world. That included audiobooks! But what if it costs way too much to get your audiobook created by a professional? Join Andrea and me as we discuss the very real possibility of recording your own audiobook and just how to go about doing it. SHOW NOTES: Andrea&a...

If you're like me, posting anything on social media is a huge burden in and of itself. Now you want me to figure out hashtags to get a better reach? Join me and Dave Chesson as we talk about one of his most recent author tools, the hashtag generator.  Need a place to write that syncs across all your devices, even to the cloud? What about a software for editing and formatting? Atticus has all...

As an author, we are lucky that we can make the decisions about what we want to write and when we want to do it. Jared Gulian, bestselling author of his memoir, Moon Over Martinborough (a.k.a. An Olive Grove at the Edge of the World in North America), chose to swap genres and write the starter to a sci-fi thriller series. Join us as we discuss the challenges and benefits of swapping genres! SHOW N...

An author can have so many reasons to write, and honestly any reason is a good one, but sometimes knowing what reason is helps you be more realistic and open with yourself about your goals. Join me and Mandy Harker as we discuss her mantra, pleasure, passion purpose, and what it could mean for you as an author. SHOW NOTES: Check out Mandy's (and her coworker Preston's) work at https://ha...

Writing, as most things in life, will never be free from troubles and challenges. In the end, it's how we deal with those challenges that defines who we are and can become as authors. Join me and fantasy/sci-fi author Brittany Oldroyd as we discuss some of the challenges she faced and how it shaped her as an indie author. SHOW NOTES: Brittany's Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/@brittanyol...

It's amazing to see all the options independent authors have when it comes to publishing! In this case, join me as I discuss Javier's journey in creating and publishing children's stories to help teach STEM subjects. SHOW NOTES: Get his book digitally for FREE at: https://javiertheauthor.gumroad.com/ Find more information about Javier at: https://gilharpbooks.com/

Authors worldwide are finding freedom in independent publishing when it comes to their content. Whether you are Traditionally published, Independently published, or just interested in hearing authors discuss the freedom of their writing, join Derek and myself as we talk about the decisions we've made to write clean books appropriate for younger audiences. Notes from Episode: Find more about D...

Finding and working with professional editors doesn't have to be so hard! Jenny Hubert, a professional editor who's been providing editing services to indie authors for years has a lot of insight into how authors can work effectively and proactively with editors. 

It's hard to remember all the things that go into indie publishing until you're right in the throng of it. One of the most most important thing for selling books is how the front of it looks. The saying 'judge a book by its cover' is even more potent for those of us trying to sell books. Join me as I discuss the process of creating cover art with Kim Monson.

All writers have differently methods and processes when it comes to creating their books. I, for one, have always been a pantser (writing by the seat of my pants), and that works for me. Join me as I discuss my method for writing, what works, what doesn't and what it might mean for you.

One of the most frustrating thing in life is having dreams and plans, only to be thwarted by life and its unkindness. Join me as I discuss how Sarah Hill has become so passionate about encouraging others to chase their dreams as we talk about her journey into independent publishing.

One thing that's constantly on my mind, as it is for other authors, is figuring out the best way to write and publish books more quickly. Heather Carson seems to have cracked that code. As a Dystopian author and mother of two, she has managed to publish ten books in the course of two year! Hear us discuss her methods and progress in this episode.