The Author's Mind – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Author's Mind

Shilo Creed

Fiction

Frequency: 1 episode/6d. Total Eps: 18

The Author’s Mind takes you behind the scenes of bestselling fiction—one author at a time. From plotting secrets to productivity hacks, industry truths to creative breakthroughs, this show gives writers the tools, inspiration, and insider access you can’t find anywhere else.
No fluff. No surface-level chatter. Real conversations with real authors doing the work.
If you want to write better stories, stay motivated, and understand how successful writers think, you’re in the right place.

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🇫🇷 France - fiction
29/04/2026
#90

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Score global : 53%

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Book Marketing for Authors: Is AuthorsXP Worth It?

Season 1 · Episode 15

Monday, April 27, 2026 • Duration 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.

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How to Write a Novel with Confidence: The Author Mindset No One Teaches

Season 1 · Episode 14

Monday, April 20, 2026 • Duration 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
02:30 – How S.R. Fabrico accidentally became a novelist
08:45 – “Your first product is going to be crap”: the truth about first drafts
15:20 – Using dance and choreography principles to build suspense on the page
22:10 – Perfectionism, failure, and why not finishing is the only guaranteed loss
28:00 – “What you do is what you do. It’s not who you are”: protecting your self-worth
32:45 – Practical mindset tools to keep writing when you’re scared
38:00 – Final advice for writers who are afraid to start—or finish—their book

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:
Website: SRFabrico.com
Social: @SRFabrico_author

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How to Turn Real Tech & Conspiracy Headlines into Gripping Thrillers | Guy Morris

Season 1 · Episode 8

Monday, February 16, 2026 • Duration 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:
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalb ...

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian ...

Quinn Knightly ~ Medieval action adventure
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-K ...C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome

Write the Novel in Your Head First + Use Short Stories to Level Up Your Craft | Laura Hunter

Season 1 · Episode 7

Monday, February 9, 2026 • Duration 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:

How to write stories “mentally” before drafting
Why characters sometimes take over (and what that means for your scenes)
How short stories train you to write tighter, stronger sentences
Why structure is the #1 lesson Laura wishes she learned earlier
How music can shape pacing, rhythm, and emotional tone while writing
Encouragement for writers at every stage: make time, don’t quit, keep going

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:
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/2f53e61a-dc1c-11f0-956f-5b035d8faa6fLooking for her other pen names? Check them out!Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom ComsQuinn Knightly ~ Medival action adventureC.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesomeA Book's Journey is an easy 71 minute course that will prep you to publish your first book! Find it here...#fictionwriting #authorinterviews #writingcraft #storytelling #writingpodcast

How to Write Mystery Fiction with Clues, Red Herrings & Unforgettable Characters | K.A. Oliver

Monday, February 2, 2026 • Duration 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:

Writing strong female characters with intelligence, flaws, and heart
Translating screenwriting skills into page-turning fiction
Crafting believable character dynamics
Keeping stories fast-paced without losing emotional depth
Why creative freedom matters for long-term author growth

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
🌐 Connect with Shilo: https://shilocreed.com
📩 Guest inquiries & questions: shilo@shilocreed.com

📚 Find Shilo’s Books

Universal reader link:
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalb...

✍️ Shilo’s Pen Names

Elysian Hunt – Clean Romantic Comedies
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian...

Quinn Knightly – Medieval Action Adventure
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-K...

C.R. Fulton – Wholesome Middle Grade Fiction
...

🎓 New Authors: Start Here

When Plot Isn’t Enough: Making Character-Driven Stories Readers Never Forget | Teri M Brown

Season 1 · Episode 4

Monday, January 26, 2026 • Duration 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:

How to write characters that feel real
Character vs plot—and why character usually wins
Pantsing vs plotting (and why neither is “wrong”)
Why first drafts are supposed to be messy
The creative mind vs the intellectual mind in writing
Editing as discovery, not punishment
How confidence accelerates your writing career

This conversation is essential listening for fiction writers who want to:

Write deeper, more human stories
Stop second-guessing their process
Build stronger emotional connection with readers
Create novels that feel lived in, not manufactured

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/Connect with Shilo at Sign up for her newsletter to get the first chapter of Plunged for free, along with her award winning short story, Soul of a Griffin!

Kindle Unlimited & Cozy Mystery Series: How Amy Vansant Writes 40+ Books

Season 1 · Episode 3

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 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:

Understand how Kindle Unlimited actually works
Build a long-running fiction series
Write across genres while keeping voice consistent
Increase writing speed and productivity
Turn readers into loyal fans book after book

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.

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How to Build Believable Worlds with an Engineer’s Mindset | Peter Last

Season 1 · Episode 2

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 • Duration 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:

Worldbuilding as a foundation, not exposition
The “iceberg rule” of storytelling and why less explanation creates stronger immersion
How engineers and analytical thinkers approach fantasy writing
Why short stories sharpen novel-writing skills
How critical book reviews can dramatically improve your craft
Writing blurbs that sell the truth of your story
When to accept critique—and when to protect your voice
Why new writers should avoid starting with their “big epic series”

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.
📌 Subscribe for more conversations with professional fiction authors on craft, mindset, and storytelling mechanics.

Find Peter Last at : https://peterlast.com/

Grab his books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Peter-Last/author/B00L4KJJY8?ref

Grab Shilo's:

Aaron Ryan, Pace, Passion, and Creative Energy

Saturday, January 10, 2026 • Duration 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:

Dissonance (alien invasion / post-apocalyptic saga)
The End (dystopian Christian end-times series)
Forecast and The Slide (sci-fi thrillers)

📌 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

Shilo Creed, Welcome to the Author's Mind!

Saturday, January 10, 2026 • Duration 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.

The Author’s Mind is a podcast for writers and readers who want to understand how stories are really made. Each episode features honest, in-depth conversations with professional fiction authors about story structure, character creation, creativity, consistency, and the thinking behind great storytelling.

On this channel, you’ll learn:

How professional authors develop and structure their stories

Techniques for creating compelling characters and plots

How writers stay inspired and finish books

What separates strong fiction from forgettable stories

Real insights from authors producing today’s best fiction

Guests include published fiction authors across genres, sharing real experience—not theory.

📌 Subscribe for new episodes and connect with Shilo at shilocreed.com
📩 Guest inquiries & questions: shilo@shilocreed.com

Find Shilo's books here:
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/2f53e61a-dc1c-11f0-956f-5b035d8faa6f

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian-Hunt/author/B0DGJ9V3TD?ref

Quinn Knightly ~ Medival action adventure
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-Knightly/author/B0DTJ7LSKC?ref

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome
https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-R.-Fulton/author/B01LGEO81K?refA Book's Journey is an easy 71 minute course that will prep you to publish your first book! Find it here...#fictionwriting #authorinterviews #writingcraft #storytelling #writingpodcast

The Author's Mind – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Author's Mind – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Amazon15

Other27

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Amazon15

Other27