Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author Podcast

Have you ever considered what truly defines you beyond the highlights of your resume? This week on Fully Booked, we engage in an enlightening conversation with author and columnist Brent Olson, who regularly challenges authors to strip back the layers of accolades and academics and instead focus on the raw and personal experiences that shape their essence. Brent's own eclectic array of life experiences reads like a series of classic one-liner Chuck Norris jokes, such as "Of the ten most dangerous jobs in America I’ve dabbled in six." While most of us lead more mundane lives, we still harbor a treasure trove of defining moments waiting to be unearthed. These experiences, once recognized, serve as the bedrock for crafting stories that resonate deeply and authentically with our audience. As Brent explains, the trick is simply learning how to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Through the power of introspection and narrative, the tales most personal to you can become the ones that echo in the hearts and minds of readers everywhere, turning your own life into a legacy of adventure.   Brent Olson https://www.brentolson.online/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, we explore the concept of diversifying your income stream beyond traditional book sales with our guest, Kendra Q. Drawing on her background in HR consulting and her transition to authorship and speaking engagements, Kendra guides us through the maze of opportunities available for authors eager to transform their literary passion into multiple profitable ventures. An alternative to juggling a traditional job with writing on the side is for authors to bolster their income through avenues such as speaking engagements, workshops, or personalized consulting services. By leveraging their unique areas of expertise in a variety of ways, authors not only have an opportunity to enhance their financial stability but may find a broader audience for their writing. So if you're looking to expand your horizons and discover new ways to thrive in the competitive world of self-publishing, Kendra's tips can provide ideas and inspiration for monetizing your talents in ways you may never have imagined.   Kendra Q https://kendraqdodd.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In today's episode of Fully Booked, we dive deep into the human mind for a unique psychological spin on character development. Caroline Dunford, novelist, lecturer and forensic psychologist, takes us through the profound impact of using psychological principles to shape memorable and multi-dimensional characters. As the author of over 20 mystery novels and an expert in the psychological underpinnings of criminal behavior, Caroline provides a fascinating exploration of how an understanding of forensic psychology enriches the depth and authenticity of fictional characters. Her expertise offers a roadmap for authors seeking to elevate their characters through balancing both their strengths and vulnerabilities, building rich backstories that explain current behavior, and using empathy to bring readers closer to not only our heroes, but our darkest villains as well. Applying an understanding of the human psyche to your characters will help humanize them, burning them into the minds of your readers and keeping them alive long after they've read your final page.   Caroline Dunford https://caroline-dunford.squarespace.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In this week's episode of Fully Booked, we sit down with Jeanne Blasberg for an enthralling discussion on the transformative art of re-envisioning classic narratives for the contemporary reader. Blasberg is known for transforming age-old tales into contemporary narratives, such as in her novel "Daughter of Promise"—a modern retelling of a biblical tale. Through adapting and reimagining the classics, authors can refresh such stories to better reflect current societal norms and values. As Blasberg explains, it is possible to reshape familiar plots with sensitivity and creativity, ensuring they resonate powerfully with today's audiences while still preserving the essence of the original. Many classic stories maintain their relevance through the ages but often get forgotten, lost, or discounted due to cultural shifts. Modern retellings can add layered dimensions that build upon these timeless tales, creating new narratives that maintain the original themes while broadening their appeal to a contemporary audience.   Jeanne Blasberg https://jeanneblasberg.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, we delve into the murky waters of the publishing industry with a special focus on predatory publishing practices. Our conversation with Walter Broach, a spiritual and metaphysical author with a wealth of experience and insights, sheds light on a variety of traps that both emerging and established authors should be wary of. In attempt to help others avoid his mistakes, Walter shares his personal journey of navigating his way through a variety of questionable paid services that promised much more than they delivered. Walter's candid recounting serves as a cautionary tale, but also moves on to discuss the more viable self-publishing alternatives available to authors. It is an important reminder about how much misleading information is out there, and how not all authors are aware that they can do almost everything needed to publish their book completely for free. It's simply a matter of doing your due diligence and spending time in the writing community where many of the answers are freely available, with your peers often happy to help point you in the right direction.   Walter Broach https://aboutspiritualenergy.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

Collaborative writing can take many forms, and in this week's episode, we delve into the story of two authors who have defied the physical distance between them to co-author and self-publish an impressive array of novels. With a blend of romantic suspense, comedy, and second-chance romance, Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson have leveraged their distinct strengths and modern communication tools to become a cross-state writing powerhouse. Unique challenges are inherent in any writing partnership, but when these obstacles are seen as opportunities, they can enhance the creative process. Blending the spontaneous instincts of Judi's 'pantser' mentality with Charlene's more structured 'plotter' foresight, the sisters have developed a collaborative strategy that has flourished over a decade of publishing success.  To them, the essence of a fruitful writing partnership is in finding a balance in temperaments, honoring mutual creative freedom, and allowing your work process to evolve over time. Judi and Charlene are an inspiring model for collaboration that's both relatable and attainable, whether you're seasoned in co-writing or just starting out, and regardless of whether your writing partner is a family member or just a friend.   Charlene Tess & Judi Thompson https://sisterswritingcrime.blogspot.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

On this week's episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland welcome Jennifer Lewy to the podcast. Jennifer, a seasoned author with considerable AI experience, shares her insights and experiences on the many innovative ways authors can take advantage of Artificial Intelligence tools in their self-publishing career, while at the same time staying aware of the potential pitfalls and problems this new technology might pose in the future. Drawing on her extensive background in the tech industry, Jennifer provides a distinctive perspective on the role of AI in the writing and publishing process, with first-hand knowledge on a variety of tools such as Sudowrite and Novelcrafter. She advocates for the use of AI not as a replacement, but as a means of amplifying creativity, overcoming obstacles, and expanding reach. Whether you are already incorporating AI into your writing regimen or are simply intrigued by its prospective impact, today's discussion sheds light on the many ways authors can take advantage of everything AI has to offer.   Jennifer Lewy https://jenniferlewy.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

While many people complain that podcasting has become an oversaturated industry, there are millions of daily listeners who’d say something different. Podcasting still offers a powerful platform for those with specific and niche interests to build an audience, and getting featured on those podcasts is a wonderful opportunity for authors to reach new readers. But how does one get started making guest appearances on podcasts? That’s a question that Craig and Roland posed to this week’s guest, “THE Podcast Matchmaker” Michelle Glogovac. Michelle specializes in connecting authors with podcasts, and in this week’s episode of Fully Booked, she explains how that process works, offers advice on how to market yourself as an attractive podcast guest, and talks about the value of leveraging this popular form of entertainment. If you’re looking to expand your readership organically, you’re going to find this episode really valuable.    Michelle Glogovac https://michelleglogovac.com/ https://themlgcollective.com/     Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

The term “Space Lawyer” might sound like something out of science fiction, but that’s the real life career of attorney Laura Montgomery, whose practice “Ground Based Space Matters” specializes in regulatory space law and Outer Space Treaties. All of which provides ample inspiration for Laura’s other specialization - writing and self-publishing science fiction! Her knowledge of space, and the laws that govern it (or lack of them,) have enabled her to create incredible fictional universes rooted in believable science, set both in the near future and eons ahead of us. In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Laura talks to Craig and Roland about how to approach building a believable science fiction universe - and how to introduce it as the backdrop for your stories without giving readers a daunting exposition dump to plough through.  If you’re a science fiction or speculative fiction author, there’s a lot to learn from this discussion - mostly about writing, but also about the practice of “space law” itself!    Laura Montgomery https://groundbasedspacematters.com   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

On today's episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland explore the portrayal of disabilities in literature, with a focus on the often misunderstood realm of invisible disabilities. Invisible disabilities refer to conditions that aren't obvious when simply looking at a person, yet still deeply affect the lives of individuals that have them. To help them navigate these tricky waters, they’re joined by author Michael Coolwood, who shares his personal journey of writing with and about his own disabilities. Michael explains the intricate balance authors must strike between authenticity and the expectations of a market that may not fully grasp the realities of mental and neurological diversity. Invisible disabilities in particular are often uniquely experienced by the individuals they touch, challenging the cookie-cutter perceptions that often pervade popular fiction. Michael takes us through various approaches to handling these challenges, along with the potential pitfalls of each. While self-publishing offers the chance for a more authentic portrayal of the disabled experience, it must be handled with care to achieve a balance between genuine representation and commercial success.   Michael Coolwood https://coolwoodbooks.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In today's episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are joined by indie filmmaker and writer Andrew Schrader to explore the nuances of igniting and sustaining the creative spark. The source of creative inspiration is as individual to every writer as a fingerprint, and leveraging that inspiration often takes a variety of diverse techniques, habits, and intuitive actions that are unique to every author. Andrew explains how he employs an array of motivational tactics and personal rituals to fan the flames of his own creativity, and helps outline how to get started using many of these techniques. From accessing his subconscious to solve creative blocks, maintaining lists of inspiring ideas for freewriting sessions, and the importance of relying on your own intuition, there are so many approaches that authors can pick and choose from to find the ones that work best for them. Andrew credits literary icon Ray Bradbury for the inspiration behind his disciplined yet fluid daily creative routine, which involves a healthy dose of both reading and writing. This practice not only sharpened his prose, but established a habit that transformed him into a prolific writer, having now published four short story collections of his own. Regardless of one's unique lifestyle or passion, daily routines can be tailored to fit even the busiest of schedules, fostering increased inspiration and creativity—a boon for any author.   Andrew Schrader https://www.andrewjschrader.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, hosts Craig and Roland delve into the world of story structure with Mel Mattison, author of gripping financial thrillers that he builds using one of the most resilient story frameworks of modern literature - the three-act structure. Mel leads the discussion through the intricate art of crafting compelling narratives using this structure, dissecting the nuances of plot development, character arcs, and pacing within the context of self-publishing. From laying the groundwork in the setup phase to delivering satisfying resolutions in the final act, this episode offers a comprehensive roadmap for writers seeking to harness the power of the three-act structure in their creative endeavors.    Mel Mattison https://www.melmattison.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

As the dust settles on the initial awe and apprehension surrounding artificial intelligence, the discussion now turns to its practical role. But how can authors harness AI to enhance their craft? In today's episode of Fully Booked, we discuss this question with Patrick Greenwood, a writer and seasoned cybersecurity expert with 28 years in the field. Greenwood guides us through the evolution of AI from a simple data processing tool to the more sophisticated chatbots that we're more familiar with today, and outlines how major corporations are using it to shape the future of their industries. As AI has matured, we've already begun to see a tendency toward over-reliance as organizations rush to outpace competitors, occasionally at the cost of informed decision-making. As a result, Greenwood points to a growing "Crisis of Trust" around AI content creation, with questions arising around the authorship, authenticity and legalities of what is being produced. However, as the technology has become so widely entrenched in our lives, it seems increasingly unlikely that any of these concerns will make it go away. That's why continuing to ignore AI isn't the solution. Instead, authors should take a balanced approach, engaging with it as a collaborative tool or assistant rather than as a substitute to creativity. Not only will this strategy serve to preserve and invigorate their artistry, but it will also enable them to survive and flourish in this new era of digital integration.   Patrick Greenwood https://cyclewriterllc.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland delve into the detailed process of book editing and revision with special guest S.G. Blaise, a seasoned author with five novels and a decade of storytelling experience behind her.  Blaise helps lead the discussion through some of the essential steps that transform a rough draft into a literary masterpiece, including gathering feedback from beta readers, iterating through revisions and rewrites, and selecting an editor who understands both your genre and your personal writing style. If the first draft is step one of your publishing journey, and the finished, polished draft your final destination, then the revision process makes up the rest of the way. Blaise offers guidance on interpreting reader feedback, determining the right time to finally stop rewriting, and when to move forward with a professional edit. This final process can improve your story, enhance its finer details, and add a layer of polish that, with the right editor, can elevate a good book into an exceptional one.   SG Blaise https://sgblaise.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In the ever-evolving landscape of self-publishing, the rise of the subscription and serialization model has opened new opportunities for writers and readers alike. This week on Fully Booked, we delve into the intricacies of crafting compelling serialized stories with the insight of Kimboo York, a seasoned author and podcaster with extensive experience in the subject. Her latest book, "Become an Unstoppable Storyteller: How to Craft Compelling Serials," sheds light on the art of creating engaging serialized story arcs that keep readers hooked across multiple installments.  Our conversation explores the merits, challenges, and practicalities of serialized storytelling, along with strategies for maintaining reader interest even in stories that don’t have a definitive final installment in sight.  With details on some of the new and exciting platforms that have emerged in this space, along with their compensation models and limitations, this episode is essential listening for any author seeking to take control of their career and connect more directly with their audience through serialization.   Kimboo York https://houseofyork.info/ Kimboo's Serialization Outline Spreadsheet https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E6I6Z4TwKgVtUTaid28J2ng_tSxU0HjauV9OievkcTE/edit#gid=0 Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In today's special episode of Fully Booked, co-hosts Craig and Roland take a moment to step back and reflect on the journey of HiddenGemsBooks, a platform that offers a variety of services and resources for aspiring and established authors alike. They explore everything from the weekly author podcasts and blogs to the suite of practical tools and services designed to assist authors on their publishing journey from manuscript to market. Craig and Roland share insights from their own writing paths, shedding light on the passions that drive their work before delving into the array of services and tools that Hidden Gems has launched over the past decade. These include tailored one-on-one consultations, professional blurb writing, in-depth beta reading, and the pioneering industry-leading ARC review service. With a significant new update to the ARC service on the horizon, Craig provides a sneak peek at what's to come and discusses how the enhancements were thoughtfully crafted to improve both the author and reader experience, as well as to adapt to the ever-evolving literary landscape.   Hidden Gems Author Services Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In today's episode of Fully Booked, we delve into a topic that often goes unexplored because some find it uncomfortable to think about, but is crucial for any author: estate planning. With the expertise of estate planning attorney Sarah Marie Page, we unravel the intricate web of decisions and legalities surrounding the posthumous future of your literary assets. From understanding the rights of survivorship to the complexities of trusts and probate, this episode lays out the foundational knowledge every author should have to ensure their work is protected and passed on according to their wishes.   As we discuss with Sarah, the details matter as much as the broader strokes in estate planning. Whether it's choosing the right person to manage your publishing empire, knowing how to handle digital assets like KDP accounts and social media, or the importance of having your intentions (and passwords!) clearly documented, we cover it all. We dive into why it's vital to keep your estate plan updated amidst the fast-paced changes of the publishing industry and how to make these critical decisions in a way that honors your legacy and minimizes future burdens on your loved ones. For authors, your words live on; make sure they continue to tell the story you intended.   Sarah Marie Page https://www.sarahpagestories.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

Bestselling author Mary Carroll Moore has taught writing throughout the world, but this week she stops by to chat with us about the intricate craft of layering complexity into your scenes. The key to captivating and engaging readers is by transforming ideas into multidimensional experiences. As Mary explains, this can be done in a variety of ways, such as interlacing character arcs, plot twists and setting details together to enrich both your scenes and story as a whole. Her hybrid approach of writing like a pantser after creating storyboards like a plotter can be useful to authors of either style, and is beneficial for staying on track and keeping consistency within your work. So if you’re looking to enrich your writing with depth and surprise, this episode will provide you with all the tools needed to add dimension and nuance to your creative work.   Mary Carroll Moore https://www.marycarrollmoore.com/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In the competitive world of self-publishing, it's crucial for authors to embrace the role of entrepreneur, with each book representing a new and unique product. Attention to detail is key, as every aspect of your book must beckon to potential customers—your readers. Join us on this episode of Fully Booked, where we explore the intricacies of authorship with guest novelist Tyler Snure. Tyler takes us through his concept of the "Reader Roadmap", a strategic guide for understanding the decision-making process of avid readers in search of their next adventure.  While a captivating cover and a compelling blurb are key, it's the initial pages that often seal the deal. The opening lines are often where readers are won or lost. Tyler offers his expert insights on crafting those crucial first pages that ensure readers are not just hooked, but reeled in. Don't miss this exploration of the techniques that transform browsers into buyers, and writers into savvy authorpreneurs.   Tyler Snure https://www.snurestories.com/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

It's been 100 episodes, or almost 2 years since we began this podcast journey and many things have changed. Not only have Roland and I learned a lot, but with the rise of artificial intelligence and everything it threatens to upend, the self-publishing industry is facing some of the biggest changes since it first started. Today, we're looking back at why we started this podcast to begin with, and whether or not we've met the goals we had for it. We also discuss some of the episodes and guests that have really taught us something and changed the way we work and think about our craft. And then we wrap things up by examining where things are headed in the industry - both now and going forward; especially with AI now touching almost every aspect of the publishing process. So come have a listen, and join us in celebrating episode 100 of the Fully Booked Podcast!   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast