Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Author's Mind
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book Marketing for Authors: Is AuthorsXP Worth It? | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:25:40 | |
Book marketing for authors doesn't have to be a guessing game — and AuthorsXP might be the most underrated tool in your author marketing arsenal. In this video, Shilo Creed (42 novels, 1.4M copies sold) gives you an honest, experience-based breakdown of how it actually works. In this video: ✅ How AuthorsXP helps you build a targeted reader email list ✅ Getting genuine book reviews without chasing readers down ✅ The author marketing tips and tricks that professional authors use to sell more books ✅ Whether AuthorsXP is worth your time and money — no fluff, just real results f you're figuring out how to market a book — whether you're indie or traditionally published — this is the hands-on breakdown most writing channels won't give you. No theory. Just what works. 🔗 Learn more about AuthorsXP: https://www.authorsxp.com 📌 New here? Subscribe for direct access to the thinking, process, and craft of today's professional authors. | |||
| How to Write a Novel with Confidence: The Author Mindset No One Teaches | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:43:54 | |
What if the biggest obstacle between you and a finished novel isn’t your plot, your characters, or your writing skills—but your own mindset? In this episode of The Author’s Mind, I’m talking with award-winning suspense author S.R. Fabrico about the real inner game of writing fiction. Stacey went from secretly printing her first 80,000-word manuscript on a copy machine as a Christmas gift for her husband… to becoming a multi-published author. She’s sharing the mindset shifts, habits, and hard-won truths that helped her keep writing when fear, doubt, and perfectionism told her to stop. In this conversation, you’ll discover: · The counterintuitive secret to finishing your first draft (why your first draft is supposed to be “crap”) · How to write suspense and build tension that keeps readers turning pages · Why even experienced authors still struggle with perfectionism—and practical ways to push through it · How to separate your self-worth from your writing so critiques don’t destroy your confidence · What to do when you feel like quitting your novel, and how to give yourself a real chance to succeed Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro If you’re a fiction writer who wants to finish your novel, grow your confidence, and develop a resilient author mindset, this episode is for you. Connect with S.R. Fabrico: Subscribe to The Author’s Mind for more real conversations with working authors about author mindset, novel writing, fiction writing tips, suspense writing, and the craft of telling powerful stories. #AuthorMindset #NovelWriting #FictionWritingTips #FinishYourNovel #WritingTips #SuspenseWriting #OvercomingPerfectionism #WritingMindset #FirstDraft #WritingCommunity Find Shilo's books here: | |||
| How to Turn Real Tech & Conspiracy Headlines into Gripping Thrillers | Guy Morris | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:42:24 | |
Want to write page-turning thrillers that feel too real—the kind readers binge like Dan Brown or Robert Ludlum? In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Shilo Creed interviews Guy Morris— the award-winning author behind the SNOW Chronicles. Find more about Guy Morris here: https://www.guymorrisbooks.com/ Find Shilo's books here: | |||
| Write the Novel in Your Head First + Use Short Stories to Level Up Your Craft | Laura Hunter | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:31:38 | |
In this episode of The Author’s Mind, bestselling author Shilo Creed interviews award-winning novelist Laura Hunter, author of Beloved Mother—winner of the Indie Book Awards Best Fictional Book of the Year and a novel with over 800 Amazon reviews. Laura shares one of the most unique writing processes you’ll ever hear: she does the majority of her writing in her head before she ever touches the keyboard. Characters, scenes, and story turns live in her imagination first—until they demand to be written down. Then Laura reveals the surprising craft tool that keeps her writing sharp: short stories, including extreme word-count challenges like 53-word fiction. She explains how short story constraints force writers to choose stronger verbs, cut filler, and write cleaner, tighter prose—skills that directly strengthen novels. This episode is packed with craft lessons for fiction writers, including:
If you’re a fiction writer looking for a better process, stronger prose, and practical craft tools you can apply immediately, this episode will give you both inspiration and real techniques. Want to read Laura's books? Find them here... https://www.amazon.com/stores/Laura-Hunter/author/B07PDZ2S12?ref Find Shilo's books here: | |||
| How to Write Mystery Fiction with Clues, Red Herrings & Unforgettable Characters | K.A. Oliver | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:45:37 | |
Want practical writing advice for fiction authors—especially if you’re writing a mystery novel or thriller and want readers to say “I couldn’t put it down”? In this episode of The Author’s Mind, K.A. Oliver shares hard-won craft lessons from her career in radio, TV, film, and screenwriting—and what she had to unlearn to gain full creative freedom as a novelist. We dive into:
If you’re a fiction writer looking to improve your story openings, pacing, character development, or mystery structure, this conversation is packed with insight you can apply immediately. Connect with Kay at https://kayaoliver.com/ 📌 Subscribe for new episodes of The Author’s Mind Universal reader link: Elysian Hunt – Clean Romantic Comedies Quinn Knightly – Medieval Action Adventure C.R. Fulton – Wholesome Middle Grade Fiction A Book’s Journey is a clear, 71-minute course designed to prepare you to publish your first book with confidence: | |||
| When Plot Isn’t Enough: Making Character-Driven Stories Readers Never Forget | Teri M Brown | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:56:48 | |
What makes readers fall in love with a story—and stay with it long after the final page? In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Teri M Brown shares a deeply honest look at character-driven fiction, the creative writing process, and why trusting your way of writing matters more than following every rule. Known for emotionally rich historical novels with tight timelines, high stakes, and unforgettable characters, Teri breaks down how her characters are born, why she lets them lead the story, and how real emotional experiences—love, anger, fear, hunger, resilience—become powerful fiction on the page. We talk about:
This conversation is essential listening for fiction writers who want to:
If you love character development, writing craft, and honest conversations about how novels are actually made—this episode will feel like sitting down for coffee with a professional author who tells the truth. 🎧 Listen now and rediscover why character-driven storytelling works. Find Teri at https://www.terimbrown.com/ | |||
| Kindle Unlimited & Cozy Mystery Series: How Amy Vansant Writes 40+ Books | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:41:52 | |
In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Amy Vansant and Shilo Creed break down how to build a thriving fiction career with 40+ books, long-running cozy mystery series, and a business model powered by Kindle Unlimited. We dive deep into how Amy created and sustained the 26-book Pineapple Port cozy mystery series, how she connects multiple series into a shared author universe, and why writing in series is one of the most effective ways for authors to grow readership and income. She also shares how she balances plotting vs pantsing, writes faster without burning out, and decides what to write based on both passion and market demand. This episode is packed with practical writing advice for authors who want to:
Whether you’re writing your first novel or managing a growing backlist, this conversation offers real, tested insight from an author who’s done it—consistently, profitably, and creatively. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to build a sustainable author career—one series at a time. | |||
| How to Build Believable Worlds with an Engineer’s Mindset | Peter Last | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:50:15 | |
How do you build a fantasy world that actually works—one readers believe in, even when you don’t explain everything? In this episode of The Author’s Mind, I sit down with Peter Last, author of the Shadow for Hire series, to explore worldbuilding, character design, and story craft through a uniquely analytical lens. With a background in engineering and over two decades of writing experience, Peter breaks down how great stories are built from the inside out—much like a well-designed structure. We discuss:
This is a deep, thoughtful conversation for fiction writers who care about structure, consistency, theme, and long-term craft growth—especially those working in fantasy, sci-fi, or complex story worlds. If you want your stories to feel solid, immersive, and intentional—without info-dumping—this episode will change how you think about writing. 🎧 Listen now and step inside The Author’s Mind. Find Peter Last at : https://peterlast.com/ Grab his books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Peter-Last/author/B00L4KJJY8?ref Grab Shilo's: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shilo-Creed/author/B0DFV7LZ9G?ref Shilo's other pen names: Elysian Hunt (clean rom com's): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian-Hunt/author/B0DGJ9V3TD?ref Quinn Knightly (medieval action adventure): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-Knightly/author/B0DTJ7LSKC?ref C.R. Fulton (middle grade chapter books): https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-R.-Fulton/author/B01LGEO81K?ref | |||
| Aaron Ryan, Pace, Passion, and Creative Energy | 10 Jan 2026 | 00:46:22 | |
What does it take to write with speed and heart—without burning out? In this episode of The Author’s Mind, I’m joined by Aaron Ryan, a bestselling sci-fi author whose work spans alien-invasion survival, post-apocalyptic dystopian fiction, and high-concept sci-fi thrillers. Aaron is best known for the Dissonance alien invasion saga and The End Christian dystopian end-times series, and he’s also written thrillers like Forecast and The Slide (plus more). We talk about what fuels Aaron’s creative momentum—how he keeps his storytelling pace high, how passion drives the work forward, and how to harness “creative energy” in a way that actually leads to finished books. Along the way, we dive into the mindset behind prolific output, staying emotionally connected to the page, and building stories that blend big sci-fi concepts with human stakes. If you’re a fiction writer who wants to write faster, stay inspired longer, and keep your creativity alive across multiple projects—you need this conversation. Mentioned / featured work includes:
📌 Subscribe for more conversations with professional fiction authors about craft, mindset, and the real thinking behind great stories. Want the books? Here are links to Aaron Ryan and Shilo Creed's works. Grab Aaron Ryan's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CRC2775Q?tag=ustxtaddt-20&ccs_id=147c0a34-bcda-4f1f-a295-65194f9a42e3 Grab Shilo's: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shilo-Creed/author/B0DFV7LZ9G?ref Shilo's other pen names: Elysian Hunt (clean rom com's): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian-Hunt/author/B0DGJ9V3TD?ref Quinn Knightly (medieval action adventure): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-Knightly/author/B0DTJ7LSKC?ref C.R. Fulton (middle grade chapter books): https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-R.-Fulton/author/B01LGEO81K?ref | |||
| Shilo Creed, Welcome to the Author's Mind! | 10 Jan 2026 | 00:10:19 | |
Learn fiction writing from professional authors. The Author’s Mind explores the craft, mindset, and creative process behind today’s best fiction—so you can gain skill, inspiration, and practical tools for your own writing. | |||
| She Published 22 Books Before Graduating High School (How she does it) | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:38:45 | |
She published her first book at 12 years old — by accident. Now she's 22 books in, working on book #39, and writing 1,000 words every single day. Shanti Hershenson is a teenage YA author whose prolific output challenges every excuse writers make about time, age, and readiness. In this conversation, she breaks down exactly how she does it — the daily writing habit, the discipline behind self-publishing on KDP, the risk of writing an 800-page young adult novel, and why she writes her books to be timeless rather than trend-chasing. What you'll learn:
Whether you're a young writer figuring out where to start, or an experienced author looking to rethink your process — Shanti's story is proof that discipline beats talent, and publishing is more accessible than you think. 🔔 Subscribe for direct access to the thinking and process of professional writers. Connect with Shanti: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shanti-Hershenson/author/B08QRF5LP4?ref And Here: https://www.shantihershenson.com/ Find Shilo's books here: #WritingTips #CharacterDevelopment #HowToWriteAVillain #FictionWriting #StoryStructure #WritingTips | |||
| Writing Villains and Damaged Characters: Secrets From a Crime Thriller Author | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:41:28 | |
"Every hero needs a villain to vanquish." — Steven Spielberg Crime thriller author Terry Weaver reveals how to write a villain readers can't look away from — and why damaged characters are the real secret to unforgettable fiction. Terry Weaver is the author of three tightly-paced Texas crime thrillers (A Dark Day in Texas, Whitewashed Tomb, A Long Night Cry) and the filmmaker behind The Beast of Trinity, Texas. In this episode, he shares the practical craft behind writing morally complex characters — including how he builds his protagonist Eli Ridge and the villains who push him to the edge. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How to write a villain readers understand — even when they shouldn't ✅ Why damaged characters need "just enough justification" to earn empathy ✅ The Robert McKee principle behind every great thriller: "The only way to move a story forward is through conflict" ✅ How short, choppy chapters create unbreakable tension ✅ Why every crime writer needs a subject matter expert (Terry used a homicide detective) ✅ What writing and directing have in common — and where they split apart Whether you're writing crime fiction, psychological thrillers, or any genre with moral complexity, this conversation delivers real villain-writing technique from someone who's lived both sides of the camera. 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
🎙️ ABOUT THE AUTHOR'S MIND Want to write better fiction? We give you direct access to the thinking, process, and craft of today's professional authors. No theory — just real experience. #WritingVillains #CharacterDevelopment #HowToWriteAVillain #CrimeFiction #ThrillerWriting #FictionWriting #StoryStructure #WritingTipsConnect with Terry: https://terryweaver.substack.com/ Get his books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B6BDM8S?binding=paperback&qid=1775319574&sr=8-1&ref Find Shilo's books here: | |||
| He Sold 15,000 Books Last Year Without Being Social Media Famous | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:42:45 | |
Want to know what actually gets a novel published? Not a better query letter. Not more connections. Not a bigger social media following. Just skill. In this episode, Kern Carter — an indie author who signed deals with Penguin and Scholastic and sold 15,000 books in the past year without being social media famous — breaks down the craft decisions that changed his career. He built a loyal readership through the quality of his work alone, and he's here to tell you exactly how. Whether you're trying to figure out how to write a novel that gets noticed, how to get a book deal, or how to move from self-publishing to traditional publishing, Kern gives you the real experience — not theory. In this episode:
🎙️ Guest: Kern Carter — traditionally published with Penguin & Scholastic, 15,000+ books sold The Author's Mind gives you direct access to the thinking, process, and craft of today's professional writers. No theory — just real experience. Find Kern at kerncarter.com Find Shilo's books here: | |||
| Hiring an Audiobook Narrator: Costs, Casting & Mistakes to Avoid-Liza Jacob | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:45:34 | |
Should you trust AI to narrate your book — or hire a human? Audiobook narrator Liza Jacobs (30+ titles, 10 accents) gives authors the unfiltered truth about audiobook production, costs, casting, and why the human voice still wins. In this episode of The Author's Mind, Liza breaks down everything authors need to know before turning their book into an audiobook — from how much it actually costs, to the one casting mistake that ruins listener experience. 🎧 What you'll learn:
👤 About Liza Jacobs: Liza Jacobs is a professional audiobook narrator with over 30 titles and 10 accents, specializing in cozy mysteries, romance, and fantasy. Find her resources for independent authors — including a free downloadable guide — at her website. 🔗 LizaJacobs.com 📌 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Liza Jacobs 02:00 – How Liza got into audiobook narration 06:00 – Is your book right for audio? 10:00 – How much does an audiobook cost? 16:00 – AI narration vs. human narrators 22:00 – How to hire and cast the right narrator 30:00 – Dual, duet & multicast narration explained 38:00 – Choosing your retail sample strategically 44:00 – Tips for authors submitting manuscripts 50:00 – Where to find Liza & her free author guide 🔎 Whether you're self-publishing your first novel or building a backlist, this episode gives you the roadmap for audiobook production done right. 👉 Subscribe for more craft and career insights from professional authors #audiobook #audiobooknarrator #selfpublishing #writingtips #indieauthor #audiobookproduction #howtowriteabook #selfpublishingadvice #fiction #authorlife Find Shilo's books here: | |||
| How to Get a Book Published: What Most Writers Get Wrong | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:47:33 | |
How to get a book published — and what most writers get wrong before they even start. In this episode, W. Terry Whalin — a veteran editor, literary agent, and author of over 60 books — reveals the insider secrets of the book publishing process that most aspiring authors never learn. From writing a book proposal that actually sells to building the author platform publishers want to see, Terry shares decades of real-world experience working with publishers like Simon & Schuster, Morgan James, and more. Whether you're pursuing traditional publishing or self-publishing, this conversation will change how you think about getting your book into the world. 🔑 In This Episode: • Why your book proposal matters more than your manuscript • How to publish a book through traditional publishing vs self-publishing • What literary agents and editors actually look for • The #1 mistake writers make when pitching publishers • How to build an author platform that gets you a book deal • Writing advice from someone who's been on every side of the industry 📚 Resources & Links Mentioned: ➤ Free ebook – "Book Proposals That Sell": http://bookproposals.ws ➤ "10 Publishing Myths" ($10 with free shipping): http://publishingoffer.com ➤ Terry Whalin's website: http://terrywhalin.com ➤ Submit to Morgan James Publishing: Terry@MorganJamesPublishing.com ➤ "The Success Principles" by Jack Canfield ➤ "101 Ways to Market Your Book" by John Kramer 📖 ] #HowToGetABookPublished #BookPublishing #WritingAdvice #BookProposal #TraditionalPublishing #LiteraryAgent #AuthorTube #WritingABook #BookPublishingProcess #PublishingIndustry Find Shilo's books here: | |||
| How I Wrote a 10-Book Fantasy Series After Beating Cancer – Air Force Veteran Author’s Process | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:34:47 | |
What happens when a retired Air Force veteran gets a cancer diagnosis, prays for more time, and then feels called to write a 10-book fantasy series? In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Terrence L. Rotering shares how a cancer scare, “Godwinks,” and military discipline led him to create a sweeping, clean fantasy saga—and how he wrote 8 of those books in a single year. If you’re an aspiring author wondering how to actually finish your book, build a series, or stay productive while juggling real life, this conversation is packed with practical insights and an unforgettable story. In this episode, you’ll learn:
If you’re searching for how to improve your writing process, how to write a book or novel, or how to stay motivated through hard seasons, this episode will give you both craft tools and serious encouragement. Hit subscribe for more weekly conversations with working authors about fiction writing, story structure, character development, and the realities of a long-term writing career. Resources & Links: Find Shilo's books here: | |||
| How to Write a Mystery Novel with Real Police Experience ft. Rodney Carpentier | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:32:00 | |
Can an 18-year cop teach you how to write a better mystery novel? In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Rodney Carpentier breaks down exactly how he turns real police experience into small-town crime fiction set in the Catskills. You’ll learn how he structures his Overlook trilogy, why “cops are natural storytellers,” and how the save the cat method helped him finally finish his books instead of fizzling out at the halfway point. If you’re trying to figure out how to write a mystery novel , build suspense, or use real-world law enforcement details without overwhelming the story, this conversation is for you. TIMESTAMPS: 🔍 What you’ll learn: 📚 Find Rodney Carpentier online: https://www.rlcarpentierwriter.com/ Find Shilo's books here: | |||
| Why Your Characters Feel Flat (and the Interview Technique That Fixes It) | Rod Berger | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:55:47 | |
Do you really know your characters, or are you just moving them around the page? Real character depth doesn't come from a bio sheet—it comes from treating your characters like real people and finding their breaking point. In this episode of The Author's Mind, I sit down with Dr. Rod Berger to discuss how to "interview" your characters to find their hidden truths. We explore the critical technique of establishing a character's "normal" specifically to shatter it, and the mindset shift every author needs to build confidence and survive the editing process. Inside this episode:
Special Guest: Dr. Rod Berger Communication expert and author of The Narrative Edge, Rod has conducted over 4,000 interviews with global leaders and storytellers. Connect with Rod Burger here: https://www.drrodberger.com/book Find Shilo's books here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFZ4P281?binding=kindle_edition&ref https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT4YMGZL?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771885958&sr=8-1&ref https://bakkenbooks.com/collections/the-campground-kids-collection | |||