Problematic Publishing: Red Flags To Watch Out For

August 31st, 2026  |  Season 10  |  10 mins 54 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, publishing, writers, writing, writing tips

Most publishers are in it for the love of books. Yes, even the acquiring editors, the marketing team, and the contract specialists. It's a labor of love that hopefully breaks even. But! That doesn't mean there aren't some problematic publishing companies out there. Whether you go with traditional publishing or small press, you need to be careful.

Writers, Are You Using Your Beta Readers Wrong?

August 24th, 2026  |  Season 10  |  8 mins 54 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

As writers, we're always refining and adjusting our processes, trying to figure out what works best for this novel, today. Me? I finished up a round of revisions this weekend, and tossed them off to beta readers -- but I might have been too hasty. Of course, no two writers work the same and the best process is what works for you. But, here are some of the mistakes I've made, and a few I've managed to avoid.

Should You Blog, YouTube, and/or Podcast?

August 17th, 2026  |  Season 10  |  5 mins 51 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Everyone is putting out content these days. Should you join the masses?

Getting Started with Audiobook Narration

August 10th, 2026  |  Season 10  |  11 mins 28 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

With a mother who was a children's librarian and did the best bedtime stories, I've always been fascinated with audiobook narration. As an adult, I've dabbled in voice acting with the fairytale podcast, Anansi Storytime (Anansi, like the spider). So, how do you get started with audiobook narration, how do authors find a narrator for their works, and should you ever record your own stories?

We're #2, So We Try Harder

August 3rd, 2026  |  Season 10  |  7 mins 1 sec

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Heroes and villains step aside: We're here to talk about your lieutenants, your seconds in command, your BFF, your life partners. What is the purpose of these characters? What are their demographics and what are the characteristics of the best ones?

Family Structures in Science Fiction and Fantasy

July 27th, 2026  |  Season 10  |  8 mins 46 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

From werewolf clans to alien hives, authors shared the most imaginative and thought-provoking examples of family structures in genre works.

Writing the Sex Scene in Non-Erotic Works

July 20th, 2026  |  Season 10  |  9 mins 5 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

The good, the bad, and the bumping uglies. Writing a compelling sex scene that moves the plot forward without turning your work into erotica is a balancing act. Where you fade to black depends on your audience and your own writing style. Authors share how to depict "the act" in your writing.

Building a SubPlot

July 13th, 2026  |  Season 10  |  3 mins 56 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

The more issues the characters face in a novel, the bigger the story feels. Yet the subplot can’t take over the book. Here are 5 tips for writing better subplots.

Balancing Story and Scientific Authenticity

July 6th, 2026  |  Season 10  |  4 mins 48 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

How getting the science right improves a story, types of science you can use, and aiming your story for the right audience.

Reluctant Heroes

June 29th, 2026  |  Season 10  |  6 mins 2 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

The reluctant hero: Not every protagonist wants to be the hero of the story. How do doubt and hesitation develop heroic characters, and how does reluctance change over the course of a narrative?

Here are tips on:

• motivations to demur
• ways they're relatable
• favorite tropes