Wood on Words: Recent Episodes
David Wood
Author David Wood and guests talk about the writing life, the craft, and how to succeed in publishing.
My thoughts relating to the starving artist cliche and a particular ranty post that's been making the rounds of social media.
Discussing the strategies I used that helped my book, Loch, hit the USA Today bestseller list!
Urban Fantasy and Horror author Alan Baxter discusses cultivating relationships with other authors.
Summarizing the thoughts of a variety of indie authors on the realities of the current market and the challenges we face.
What are the implications of readers waiting for a series to be completed before giving it a try?
This week I chat with William Meikle, author of a host of titles in the horror and speculative fiction. We discuss the craft of writing horror, short stories vs longer works, and how publishing through indie presses can fit into your professional goals. We also talk about his fascinating new book, The Ghost Club.
What role can writing longhand play in writing fiction? What are the potential benefits and pitfalls?
Joanna Penn (aka author JF Penn) discusses the indie writing and publishing life and the importance of determination, commitment, and patience.
Terry Mixon discusses writing in the science fiction genre and the benefits of collaboration.
Chatting with Paul E. Cooley, Parsec Award-winning podcaster and hybrid author of dark fiction and science fiction.
It's easy to criticize Dan Brown, but what is he doing right? What can authors potentially learn from the way Brown hooks his readers?
What are the challenges an author faces when trying to write characters from diverse and marginalized groups? What steps should we take? How can a sensitivity reader help?
We discuss how to start a publishing career on a limited budget. What corners can and should we cut?
Bestselling author Brian D. Anderson talks fantasy writing, indie work habits, and success in the audiobook market.
New York Times bestselling author Russell Blake discusses balancing the art and business aspects of the indie author life.
USA Today bestselling author Karpov Kinrade discusses writing fantastic fiction and connecting with readers.
USA Today bestselling author Karpov Kinrade discusses writing fantastic fiction and connecting with readers.
Talking thrillers and indie publishing success with USA Today bestselling author Toby Neal!
Book awards are everywhere and many of them charge a fee to enter, but which are scams? And of the legitimate contests, are any of them worthwhile?
Why do so many writers abandon works in progress for the sake of new ideas and what can they do about it?
Examining issues surrounding the suppression of fiction and backlash to subject matter or to the author of a given story.
Chat with action-adventure authors Sean Ellis and Nick Thacker regarding collaboration and life as an indie author.
Analyzing my 2016 earnings. How much income did I derive from each channel? Looking ahead.
What are some paid advertising strategies that can help an indie author reach new readers?
How to reach beyond your current reader base. This week, we focus on free strategies and practices.
Discussing the new Amazon Charts, plus Amazon sales rankings, and hitting the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
When publishing a new book, what steps should you take prior to launch, on launch day, and immediately after publication to make your launch as effective as it can be?>
Kindle Unlimited or "go wide?" Paperback version? Which vendor? How about audio? We discuss your various options and the choices you'll make when you're ready to publish your book.
Overview of the practices that will improve your chances of enjoying commercial success in independent publishing.
Bitter authors come in many shapes and sizes. Don't let them bring you down or derail you on your path to publishing success.
Better your chances of success by taking a realistic look at what the writing life is and isn't.
As someone who was once a young "wannabe" writer, and who later taught young writers, here's what I would say to offer encouragement and advice.
Words are powerful things, and our word choices when we talk about our writing lives can either empower or cripple us.
What are some steps a writer suffering from depression can take to head off potential problems brought on by the nature of the full-time writing life?
All about mailing lists and newsletters. Why they're important, how to gain subscribers, and how to use them effectively.
The importance and benefits of prioritizing direct, active engagement with your readership.
What are the two character traits that are essential for success in independent publishing?
The most important first step a new author takes is to begin learning the craft of writing. David discusses the importance of craft and how an author can continually hone her or his writing skills.