Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, then interviews Erin Hennicke, movie/tv book scout for Franklin & Siegal, about how to make your stories more appealing to Hollywood.Chapter1: IntroductionChapter 2: Newsa) Barnes & Noble reports a large spike in sales of romance novels.b) Harper Collins launches the Harper Horizons imprint to focus on positive-lifestyle nonfiction.c) Audible signs deal with Skybound to increase its audio-original content.d) Facebook Ads introduce new features.e) The New York Times reports on book piracy--unauthorized and poorly translated editions of books violating American copyright laws.Chapter 3: Writing TipsBernhardt discusses the recent article in The Atlantic on Amazon Publishing, which now publishes a significant share of the books sold at Amazon, including books by major authors such as Dean Koontz, Patricia Cornwell, and Robert Dugoni. Its "vertical integration" with the retailing branch of the parent company gives Amazon Publishing, Amazon's traditional publishing branch (not to be confused with self-publishing at KDP), many advantages and should considered by authors making sales plans.Chapter 4: Interview with Erin HennickeErin Hennicke is a movie/tv book scout for Franklin & Siegal, actively scouting projects for Universal Studios' film division and Paramount TV. She discusses her work and what makes books and stories more attractive to Hollywood producers.Chapter 5: Closing WordsRegister for WriterCon, the annual book conference in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend, with more than 50 presenters, 70 breakout sessions, contests, pitching opportunities, agents, editors, and much more.WriterCon: www.writercon.orgDavid Gaughran's Blog: https://davidgaughran.com/blog/

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, then interviews several writers at Litfest, a library literary festival in Oklahoma City.Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: NewsBernhardt provides more details on the multi-book contract signed by Dean Koontz with Amazon Publishing, the success of Amazon's ads program, and the breakout hit When the Crawdads Sing, a first novel published when the author (Delia Owens) was 69 years of age.Chapter 3: Writing TipsBernhardt interviews Staci Mauney about how she turned her blog into four successful inspirational books--and how what worked for her might work for you. He also chats with Sarah Brown, organizer of Litfest.Chapter 4: InterviewBernhardt interviews four highly successful middle-grade and young-adult writers: Kim Ventrella, author of Skeleton Tree, Wendy Spinale, author of the Everland series, Brad McLelland, author of Legends of the Lost Causes, and Sonia Gensler, author of The Revenant. They discuss what works in today's YA market, what kids are reading, how to pry them away from phones and televisions, and how to break into the market.Chapter 5: Parting WordsIt's not too late to attend WriterCon 2019! For more information, visit: writercon.org.

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news of interest to writers, then interviews several of the attendees at his current writing retreat about the benefits of retreats to authors and aspiring authors.NOTE: This is a special live recording from the Writers Colony at Dairy Hollow in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and thus subject to the imperfections attendant to any live presentation. You will hear background sounds (like a truck rolling by during the news segment, and people passing the microphone). Host Bernhardt has occasional slips of the tongue ("audiobook" instead of "ebook," "publisher" instead of "author"). We hope you agree that these imperfections enhance the spontaneous fun of a live recording.News:1) Audible announces a plan to add captions to its audiobooks--and a firestorm erupts in the writing world.2) The CASE Act--a small-claims court for copyright suits--nears passage.3) Wattpad announces two monetization programs, including a Paid Stories program that will pay writers for their work.4) Dean Koontz signs with Amazon Publishing.In the interview segment, Bernhardt interviews the attendees at his writing retreat, including Julio Pinera, Lynette Bennett, John Fulton (The Janitor Must Die), Maithili Fulton, Suzi Korzak, and Lara Bernhardt (The Wantland Files). Attendees explain what brought them to the writers conference and the benefits they have found there, focusing on their work-in-progress and receiving directed, personal instruction and editing to help them advance their skills and improve their work.Bernhardt's next writing retreat will take place December 8-12, 2019, in New Orleans. For more information, visit, www.williambernhardt.com.It is not too late to register to attend WriterCon, the annual Red Sneaker writers conference in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend (August 30-September 2, 2019). For more information, visit writercon.org

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the trends, topics, and news from the world of books, then interviews John Wooley, author of horror novels and much more.In this episode, Bernhardt combines the news and writing features to discuss how the content of books is changing in the digital era--for instance, romance novels that break barriers or read like romcoms, and literary novels that imploy horror tropes.In the interview segment, Bernhardt talks to John Wooley, a veteran of more than forty years as a professional novelist. He is best known as a horror writer, but has also written comic books, comic strips, biography, science fiction, and much more--and has gained much wisdom and insight along the way.It is not too late to register for WriterCon, the annual writers conference in Oklahoma City during Labor Day weekend, sponsored by the Red Sneaker Writers Center. For more info, visit: writercon.org.For more information about Bernhardt's writing retreats, including the December retreat in New Orleans, visit: www.williambernhardt.comBernhardt's latest novel, Court of Killers, Book 2 in the new Daniel Pike series, is not available for pre-order.

Bestselling author William Bernhardt (Court of Killers) discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, then interviews David Gaughran, author of many works of fiction and nonfiction, including Let's Get Digital.Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Newsa) Bernhardt reports on a recent discussion by literary agents and editors of current trends in adult fiction.b) A report from the Cannes Film Festival on what books scouts are seeking for movie/tv adaptations.c) New NBD Bookscan data provides the latest information on book sales, what's selling and what's not.Chapter 3: Writing Tips. Bernhardt discusses the Kathleen Hale controversy resulting from Hale's response to a negative review on Goodreads--and what it should tell you about handling reviews.Chapter 4: Interview with David Gaughran. Bernhardt interviews the acclaimed author of Let's Get Digital about what online book marketing is most effective, whether to go wide or be Amazon-exclusive, and many other related topics.Chapter 5: Parting Words. Bernhardt, Gaughran, and many others will be at WriterCon, the annual writers conference in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend. Bernhardt's newest novel, Court of Killers, is now available for pre-order on Amazon.For information about WriterCon: www.writer con.orgFor information about Bernhardt and the Red Sneaker Writers Center: www.william bernhardt.comTo pre-order Court of Killers: https://amazon.com/Court-Killers-Daniel-Pike-Book-ebook/dp/B07TN2ZQ31/

This episode was recorded live at the Red Sneaker Writing Retreat in Eureka Springs. Because it was recorded live and in one take, the sound quality is not quite up to our usual standards, and host William Bernhardt fears he tripped on his tongue a bit more than usual. We assume you will join us in feeling this makes the whole podcast experience more authentic.In this episode, bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, then interviews author and renowned writing instructor James Scott Bell.Chapters:1) Introduction2) Newsa) Barnes & Noble has two potential buyers, suggesting that the nation's only national bookstore chain may continue to operate for the foreseeable future.b) An author dropped by her publisher after igniting an online firestorm sues her former publisher.c) Amazon awards a series of grants to worthy nonprofit organizations promoting writers and literature.d) Amazon Publishing celebrates its tenth anniversary with a series of high-dollar acquisitions and an impressive sales record.4) Closing remarks. Bernhardt will host another writing retreat July 24-28. For more information, visit: https://www.williambernhardt.com/writing-retreats. James Scott Bell will be the keynote speaker at WriterCon in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend. For more information about the annual Red Sneaker writers conference, visit: www.writercon.org.

Bestselling author and host William Bernhardt interviews Rene Gutteridge, author of Christian novels, screenplays, novelizations, comedy, and much more. Gutteridge also (with Bernhardt) co-hosts WriterCon, one of the best writers conference in the nation. They discuss how to survive in the world of writing and how Gutteridge has managed to write in many genres successfully.William Bernhardt: www.williambernhardt.comWriterCon: www.writercon.org

Bestselling writer William Bernhardt (The Last Chance Lawyer) discusses the latest news from the world of books, then interviews Jeffrey Yamaguchi, marketing director for Blackstone Audio.Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Newsa) Several authors have had trouble with people on social media accusing them of racism, body shaming, or Islamophobia;b) The wholesaler Baker & Taylor discontinues distribution to bookstores; and c) The Self-e program for distributing indie titles to libraries adds a few options that could result in payment to writers.Chapter 3: Interview with Jeffrey YamaguchiThe marketing director for Blackstone Audio--which has recently expanded into print books--discusses audiobooks, his work with writers, and practical, step-by-step marketing advice for building an author platform based upon what he has seen work in the past.Chapter 4: Register now for WriterCon 2019 while the Early Bird price is still available and save yourself $50! Visit: www.writercon.org (WriterCon takes place in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend--August 30 to September 2).You cannot fail unless you quit!William [email protected]

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews editor Marcia Markland about the paths to writing and publishing success.Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: NewsThe Canadian bookstore chain Indigo opens its first store in the United States.Nora Roberts files a lawsuit against an alleged plagiarist in Brazil.Audiobooks sales have increased even more than people realized, and a survey suggests that the leading audio genre is mystery and the primary place people listen is in their cars.Chapter 3: Writing TipsBernhardt discusses the advantages of audiobooks, not only to increase the market for your work but also as a tool for improving your work.Chapter 4: Interview with Marcia MarklandMarcia Markland worked as an editor for decades at houses such as St. Martin's and Thomas Dunne, and now works as a writing coach. She offers her insights on publishing, the independent publishing boom, and which path might be best for you.Chapter 5: Closing WordsWriterCon 2019 (www.writercon.org) is the official Red Sneaker conference in Oklahoma City during Labor Day weekend (August 30-Sept 2). And there are many other Red Sneaker programs and offerings, including a free bi-weekly newsletter. When you sign up for the newsletter, you will receive the free Red Sneaker Handbook. Register at: www.williambernhardt.com

Bestselling writer William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Jane Friedman about her new book, The Business of Being a Writer.News:1) Tor introduces a new horror imprint.2) Scribd offers new short-form works to its subscribers.3) WattPad makes a deal with Sony to develop its stories into film.Writing Tips1) This may be the best time to publish your poetry--and start on Instagram.InterviewJane Friedman has been in the publishing world for more than twenty years, advising both writers and publishers. She is the co-founder of The Hot Sheet, an industry newsletter, and her new book is titled The Business of Being a Writer, in which she discusses how an author can integrate the creative and the business aspects to make both successful.William Bernhardt will be leading a small-group writing retreat in Eureka Springs AR in July. For more information, visit: william.bernhardt.comStart planning to attend WriterCon, the annual Red Sneaker writers conference in Oklahoma City. This year's conference will have the largest and most comprehensive lineup of guests and offerings yet, including three days of sessions, masterclasses, private consultations with authors and editors, private dining opportunities, contests, and much more. For information, visit writercon.org

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news of interest to writers, offers writing tips to make your work more appealing to movie/tv scouts, and interviews Danielle Norman, a romance writer who explains how she used dictation to increase her productivity and find her voice.News:1) Barnes & Noble opens a new "bookstore of the future."2) Amazon release a less expensive Kindle, increasing the viability of Kindle ads.3) Amazon explains that its "most favored nation" policy requiring competitive pricing still applies to KDP authors.4) The Second Circuit rules that digital files (like audiobooks) may not be resold.5) Bernhardt explains why Amazon is arguably the best place for a new or unknown author to build a following.Writing Tips:Bernhardt talks about TaleFlick, a new online platform that allows writers to get their work in front of movie/tv scouts, then discusses the elements that makes stories more appealing to those producing stories for visual media.Interview with Danielle Norman:This wildly successful romance author explains how, although she had never written before, she started dictating her early drafts and found a multi-book contract with Simin & Schuster in seven month. She says that dictation not only allowed her to increase her productivity but to find her voice. She provides details on how you can do the same.Want to join William Bernhardt's Patreon mentoring program? www.patreon.com/willbernThinking about attending WriterCon over Labor Day weekend? www.writercon.orgPlease post reviews and like this program at your favorite podcatcher. Email William Bernhardt at: [email protected]

Bestselling writer William Bernhardt (The Last Chance Lawyer) discusses the latest news from the world of books, then interviews Victoria Gerken of Podium Publishing, a pioneering audiobook specialty house.The Last Chance Lawyer, William's Bernhardt's new novel, the first in a series of legal thrillers featuring attorney Daniel Pike, is now on sale in ebook, paperback, large print, and audiobook editions. Bernhardt explains his overall plan for the series.News:1) A new report suggests that a large quantity of Amazon book reviews are "fake." But what constitutes fakeness?2) Publishers are reportedly losing millions by ignoring the exponential growth of voice-first technology (voice-activated devices like Amazon's Alexa).3) A new study explains when readers buy ebooks, when they buy print, in what quantities and in what circumstances.Interview: Victoria Gerken, author liaison with Podium Publishing, discusses the current surge in audiobook sales. She relates how Podium found Andy Weir's breakout novel The Martian while it was still a free giveaway on Weir's webpage and helped turn it into a bestseller. She also discusses what works in audio, what doesn't, and how authors can best take advantage of this increased interest in the spoken word.For more information about The Last Chance Lawyer, the Red Sneaker books on writing, or this podcast, visit: www.williambernhardt.com

Bestselling author William Bernhardt (The Last Chance Lawyer) discusses the latest news that writers need to know, offers writing tips, and interviews David Gaughran, author of BookBub Ads Expert and the blog Let's Get Digital.News:1) Barnes & Noble earnings are flat, Amazon closes pop-up stores, Draft2Digital adds Google Play, PublishDrive adds Amazon Ads, Reedsy adds the Discovery program, and BookBub adds Chirp, a service to help writers promote audiobooks.2) A plagiarism scandal erupts in the world of romance fiction. Is Amazon to blame?3) Quillbot is a web-based program that offers to improve your writing. Can artificial intelligence give you sizzling style?Writing Tips1) A Twitter-storm arises and a forthcoming debut young adult author accused of racial insensitivity withdraws her book. Given the hyperactive online ecosystem in today's world, how can a writer avoid problems like this? And how should you deal with it if it arises?Interview:David Gaughran is an Irish author of fiction and nonfiction and an expert on online book marketing. He discusses his new work, BoobBub Ads Expert and how you can use BookBub, Amazon Ads, and other online opportunities to effectively increase the sales of your books.William Bernhardt's new novel, The Last Chance Lawyer, can now be pre-ordered online in ebook, print, and audio. This is the first novel is a new series of legal thrillers featuring lawyer Daniel Pike. The book will be released March 19, 2019.David Gaughran will be one of the featured presenters this year at WriterCon 2019, an annual writers conference in Oklahoma City held over Labor Day weekend. For more information, visit writer con.org.

Bestselling author William Bernhardt (The Last Chance Lawyer) discusses the latest news from the publishing world, offers writing tips, and interviews Dave Chesson, the "Kindlepreneur" who offers educational classes, books, and the invaluable program KDP Rocket to help writers promote their work.Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Newsa) For the first time, Amazon Studios has purchased the media rights to a book published by Amazon Publishing, creating synergy that could make Amazon an even more desirable publishing choice.b) Stephen King becomes the first author to have his own Amazon skill (program), allowing people to find a King book through their home Alexa device. This will likely be the first of many such skills created by authors to market their books and audiobooks.Chapter 3: Writing TipsThe publishing world has been beset with scandal. Journalist Jill Abramson has been accused of plagiarism, and novelist Dan Mallory has been accused of borrowing the plot elements of his new novel from the work of others. Writers must be cautious not to use the words of others without giving proper attribution, and must be careful to distinguish their stories from previous ones, even though they may share the same genre or plot archetypes. Bernhardt offers tips to help writers ensure their work is distinctive rather than imitative.Chapter 4: Interview with Dave ChessonKDP Rocket has become an indispensable tool for the modern writer, allowing them to search for the best keywords to use in their advertising. Chesson also discusses his books, blog, and classes designed to help writers find success.Chapter 5: Parting WordsWilliam Bernhardt's new novel, The Last Chance Lawyer, is now available for pre-order at a reduced price on most online bookselling sites. He also has sworn to not use the word "forefront" again for at least the next five podcasts. He can be contacted at: [email protected]. Please spread the word about this podcast and post reviews on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the writing world, offers writing tips, and interviews Shawn Coyne, writer, editor, and creator of The Story Grid.News:1) Steven Spielberg options a story first published on Reddit.2) Wattpad announces the creation of Wattpad Books, a book publishing division to promote its authors and stories in print.3) Otto Pendler announces the creation of a new mystery imprint.4) Amazon's press release reveals that thousands of self-published authors are making more than $50,000 a year.In the interview, Shawn Coyne discusses The Story Grid, guidelines and checklists he created after years of editing for major New York publishers. Authors can use the Grid to diagnose their work-in-progress and make sure it contains all the essential ingredients. Coyne also discusses what makes a book stand out to readers, the advantages of outlining, and the truth about writer's block.Please post reviews and ratings wherever you get your podcast. You can email William Bernhardt at [email protected] and learn more about his work at www.williambernhardt.com.

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, then interviews RJ Johnson, author of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery novels, and an independent publishing pioneer.News: 1) Amazon Advertising becomes a $125 billion business by using the data collected from its customers to sell targeted marketing to advertisers. Are you using Amazon Ads yet?2) An Australian university has developed a new font--Sans Forgetica--which increases retention of what is read.3) American poet Mary Oliver, inspiration for many writers and author of the famous poem "Wild Geese," has passed.Interview:RJ Johnson was at the forefront of the independent publishing movement, skillfully using Amazon KDP, Bookbub, and other forms of marketing and advertising to build a following for his science fiction and fantasy novels. He offers wisdom and advice to writers and discusses the challenges of crossing and mixing genres.Please like or review this podcast. Send email to: [email protected]. For more information about the Red Sneaker books on writing, or William Bernhardt's writing retreats and annual conference, visit: www.williambernhardt.com

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the worlds of books and publishing, then interviews marketing expert Jim Kukral about smarter-author marketing techniques.News:1) Copyright issues: Because of the current American copyright law, many classic works entered the public domain on January 1, 2019. Authors are currently afforded 95 years of protection for their intellectual property. Are you building an income-earning estate for your heirs?2) Morality clauses: In the wake of so many public careers being crushed by inappropriate words or actions, the Big Five publishers are adding morality clauses to their contracts with authors. Be careful what you say and do!3) Author Earnings: According to a new study by the Authors Guild, author earnings have decreased by about 42% since 2009, requiring most "full-time" authors to hold additional income-generating jobs. Bernhardt discusses the ramifications of this for serious Red Sneaker Writers.Interview: Jim Kukral is an expert in online marketing. He founded the Author Marketing Club, and more recently launched SmarterAuthors, a personalized program designed to help authors launch their titles or to improve sales for existing titles. He discusses the importance of the title, the cover, the book description, key words, reviews, genre choice, online advertising, "social proof," and other key factors in successful marketing for authors.For more inför about Kukral's program, visit: www.smarter authors.comWilliam Bernhardt has added two intensive small-group writing retreats for 2019. Find more information about them at: https://www.williambernhardt.com/writing-retreatsIf you're enjoying this podcast, please rate it or leave a review wherever you find your podcasts. You can email the host at [email protected].

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the writing world, followed by an interview with James Scott Bell, author of bestselling thrillers and many books on writing, including Plot and Structure and Write Your Novel From the Middle.News:1) Kindle Direct Publishing adds or improves two features: Image Handling and Tables of Contents in your eBooks;2) The publishing industry experiences book shortages that curtail sales during the holiday season; and3) End-of-the-Year Report. Books sales rose in 2018, largely due to an increase in the sales of political nonfiction. Independent bookstore sales increased a bit. More than 1000 authors made over $100,000 self-publishing their work. And more.In the interview, Bell discusses how he structures his writing day, setting writing targets and tracking his productivity. He talks about creating an action plan to develop a writing career and keep it on track. He explains "the mirror moment," a mid-point scene in which the protagonist undergoes a moment of self-examination that leads to a transformative character arc, enriching the novel.James Scott Bell will be the keynote speaker at WriterCon 2019 in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend. Register now to take advantage of the Early Bird special. Just enter the promo code EARLYBIRD when you register at writercon.org.The support this podcast, visit: www.patreon.com/willbernEmail William Bernhardt at [email protected], or visit his website: www.williambernhardt.com

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the worlds of books and publishing, then interviews Jennifer Lynn Barnes, a young adult author and expert on the psychology of fiction.News Items:1) Controversy surrounding a poet accused of plagiarizing portions of a Pushcart-nominated poem--and why you must be careful that the words you publish are your own.2) Findaway Voices, which helps authors produce their own audiobooks, improves its royalty rates.3) The two leading book wholesalers may soon become one. Ingram contemplates the purchase of Baker & Taylor.4) Controversy fuels books sales. In the midst of the furor over the current presidential administration, political book sales are at an all-time high. Could you stimulate sales by courting controversy in your next novel?Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a multi-published young adult author (Little White Lies), a Fulbright scholar, and a Ph.D. in Psychology with degrees from Cambridge and Yale. Her work on the psychology of fiction has led to some fascinating and useful insights into why people read fiction and how to make your own fiction more appealing to readers. She discusses specific tropes that people love to find in fiction. She also advocates that writers develop an "Id List," specific plot lines, plot devices, settings, and other elements that make writing more joyful. If those items bring you joy they will likely do the same for readers, which will increase the appeal of your books.Jennifer Lynn Barnes is one of many experts invited (not invented, oops) to speak at WriterCon 2019. For more information about this annual writers conference, visit writercon.org. Register before the end of 2018 and use the promo code EARLYBIRD for a $50 discount.Please rate or post a review of this podcast!For more information about William Bernhardt, visit: www.williambernhardt.com

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the worlds of publishing and books, then interviews the amazing Genese Davis, author of thrillers (The Holder's Dominion), film-related books, games, podcasts, science fiction, and much more.News Items:1) We lost William Goldman, screenplay writer and novelist, whose book Adventures in the Screen Trade changed the way many people viewed storytelling. Goldman said, "Writing is structure," and always emphasized the importance of laying out the essential elements to compose a spellbinding story.2) Wattpad is huge and expanding into film adaptions based upon Wattpad stories. This webpage has been used by many authors to post their work, to get feedback on drafts, and to increase their visibility, which in some cases has led to deals in traditional publishing and film/tv adaptations.3) Draft2Digital has partnered with Findaway Voices to give independent authors a new avenue for producing and distributing audiobooks. Digital audiobooks are the fastest-growing segment of the current book market. In the interview, Genese Davis discusses writing, the importance of maintaining focus, and marketing approaches that lead to sales and success. She also talks about the importance of speaking the truth, of emotional honesty, both in the promotion of your books and the books themselves. Davis has appeared on more than 500 convention panels in the last five years, which gives her enormous insight into what's happening in today's publishing world. Links:WriterCon 2019, the annual writers convention co-sponsored by the Red Sneaker Writers Center: www.writercon.org.Genese Davis: www.genesedavis.comWilliam Bernhardt Email: [email protected], Webpage: www.williambernhardt.com

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the worlds of books and publishing, then interviews Joanna Penn, founder of The Creative Penn and host of The Creative Penn podcast.News Items: 1) Amazon appears to be diminishing the influence of the "Also Bought" book page feature in favor of paid advertising. Is it time for you to take the plunge into the world of Amazon ads?2) Big Five New York publishers are consolidating and eliminating many of their imprints. Is this a recognition that the book world has changed and brick-and-mortar stores are no longer the primary place where books are sold?3) We mourn the passing of Stan Lee, creative genius of Marvel Comics. What lessons can Red Sneaker Writers take from his fascinating life?In the interview, Joanna Penn explains content-based marketing and how writers--including fiction writers--can create promotional material that engages writers and increases the sales of their books. She discusses specifically what works--and what doesn't.For more information about the New Orleans Writers Retreat, visit: https://www.williambernhardt.com/writing-retreatsAbout WriterCon 2019--Did I say we were offering a 50% discount? Oops. I mean a $50-off discount, if you register before the end of 2018. For more information, visit: https://writercon.orgLinks:The Creative Penn: https://www.thecreativepenn.comWilliam Bernhardt: https://www.williambernhardt.comEmail: [email protected]

Bestselling author William Bernhardt provides a roundup of the latest news of interest to writers, followed by an interview with literary scouting agent for Franklin & Siegel, Erin Hennicke.In the news roundup, Bernhardt discusses:1) the results from PBS's Great American Read, and what writers can learn by studying the list of books selected by readers;2) the pricing scheme for John Grisham's latest novel, which suggests that the Big Five New York publishers are trying to drive readers away from digital books and back to print;3) the first American dwarsliggers, horizontal books about the size of a cellphone and no thicker than your thumb, designed to simulate the experience of reading on a phone but in a print format; and 4) a new Chinese bot that translated a 300-page English novel in thirty seconds with a 95% accuracy rate, requiring only a week of subsequent work by a translator, and the ramifications this innovation may have for writing enterpreneurs.In the interview segment, Bernhardt talks with Erin Hennicke, who is the Director of TV/Film for the largest literary scouting agency in New York, Franklin & Siegel. Hennicke explains what she looks for when she considers books and stories for adaptations, and how you can make your book more attractive to Hollywood. Hennicke will speak and hear pitch at the next Red Sneaker writers conference, now called WriterCon 2019. Early bird discounts are now available for early registrants at www.writercon.org. Bernhardt will also host a small-group seminar in New Orleans December 9-13. For more information, visit: https://www.williambernhardt.com/writing-retreats.

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, followed by an interview with Kevin Tumlinson, author and Director of Marketing for Draft2Digital. In the News segment, Bernhardt discusses:1) Announcements from Draft2Digital that in addition to helping authors self-publish eBooks, they are expanding into providing print editions for clients. They are also adding a "shared words" feature for various fan fiction franchises.2) Bernhardt visits an Amazon brick-and-mortar store in New York City.3) Barnes & Noble is entertaining buyers.Bernhardt interviews Kevin Tumlinson, who discusses his own writing, his podcast Wordslinger, and his work with Draft2Digital. Tumlinson has written many books, including 30 Day-Author: Develop a Daily Writing Habit and Write Your Book in 30 Days (or Less), which he says does not necessarily compromise the quality of the work, but simply requires diligence, professionalism, and experience. Tumlinson also discusses the services Draft2Digital provides authors, formatting and distribution and more, charging nothing up front, but only taking a 10% cut of profits that arise. For more information, visit: draft2digital.com.

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the worlds of books and publishing, then interviews husband-and-wife mystery writers Will and Julia Thomas.Chapter 1: Welcome and IntroductionChapter 2: The News. Amazon experiments with a new brick-and-mortar bookstore format. Why writers need a will to protect their intellectual property. A significant new deduction in the revised tax code that could significantly benefit writers.Chapter 3: Bernhardt interviews Will Thomas, author of the Barker & Llewellyn Victorian-era mysteries, the tenth of which, Blood is Blood, will be released in November. He also interviews Will's wife, Julia Thomas, also a mystery writer, most recently of Penhale Wood. They discuss how their dual writing life works, what inspires them, and what makes a great mystery story.Chapter 4: Please send your thoughts and comments on the podcast to: [email protected]. Bernhardt will host a five-day writing retreat in New Orleans on December 9-13, 2018. For more information, email Bernhardt or visit www.williambernhardt.com.