Why Plotting Beats Pantsing: How to Actually Finish Your Novel with Indie Author J.A. Merkel (Ep. 15)

How do you build a successful career as a self-published fiction author?For our first (but not last) episode on fiction, I’m joined by J.A. Merkel, a sci-fi/fantasy author with two series underway, one with a whopping 27 books planned. He shares the strategy that turned a string of rejection letters into a strategic indie launch that actually worked plus the framework that helped him finally finish the novel he’d been working on for 10 years.We dive into:why plotting is the key to writing complex novelshow structure can actually free your creativityhis step-by-step process for starting a new novel from scratchwriting with ADHD: time blindness, guardrails, and morning routines for the winwhy the best fiction reveals truth without forcing itthe role of curiosity, emotion, and reader connection in great storytellingFrom Story Grid to ADHD, this conversation explores what it really takes to finish a novel—and why sometimes the most creative thing you can do is give your brain exactly the structure it's been craving.Mentioned in this episode:Story Grid resourcesSave the Cat plotting methodDune by Frank HerbertHyperion by Dan SimmonsChange Your Brain, Change Your Life by Daniel G. Amen, M.D.Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn MuirJA Merkel is the author of The Fourth Portal and The Fall Gauntlet series, known for immersive world building, sustained emotional tension, and the way his stories pull readers into expansive fictional worlds while leaving lasting emotional and thematic impact.Learn more and connect at www.jamerkel.com.Send me a text message with your questions or comments!___________________________________Come join the discussion!InstagramTikTokThreadsSubstackAnd visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.