PODCAST · business
Most Writers Are Fans
by Terry Bartley
Join host, Terry Bartley, as he talks to writers, songwriters, and game designers about what got them interested in storytelling, the successes and struggles of being an indie creative, and their thoughts of mainstream writing tropes. Most Writers Are Fans is a support group and idea workshop for independent creatives.
Episodes
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Stepping Away (And Not Apologizing for It)
Terry gets real about why the podcast has been quiet and why he's not sorry about it. For the past several months, he's been navigating his grandmother's medical crisis, the labyrinthine nightmare of American elder care, and the financial brutality of a system designed to strip elderly people of...
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Content Without Context: What Girls Told Us About the World We'd Become
Episode Summary Terry revisits HBO's Girls as a long-overdue cultural blind spot and comes away with something more interesting than a hot take. This minisode unpacks what the show did and didn't do well, why Lena Dunham's approach was genuinely ahead of its time, and what Girls accidentally...
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Not a Token: What It Really Takes to Write Outside Your Experience
What does it actually mean to write diverse characters, and who gets to do it? In this conversation, Terry sits down with Black romance author Rae Shawn to dig into one of the messiest, most necessary questions in contemporary fiction: when writers reach beyond their own experience, what…
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When Did We Stop Believing In Magic?
We've been told that "main character energy" is a symptom of a screen-addicted generation that can't tell reality from performance. But what if the real problem isn't that we see ourselves as protagonists? It's that we've lost the understanding of what fiction is actually for. Using Megan…
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Special: The Article That Started It All — Rose Horowitch on Reading, Education, and What's at Stake
In this special minisode, a kind of proto-episode of the Ink Over AI series, Terry sits down with Rose Horowitch, staff writer at The Atlantic, to discuss her widely-read article "The Elite College Students Who Can't Read Books." What begins as a conversation about struggling college readers...
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The ‘Move Fast and Break Things’ Scam
In this solo minisode of Ink Over AI, Terry starts where a lot of good rabbit holes begin: a personal frustration. While working with Claude to spec out a new gaming PC capable of running Dragon Age: The Veilguard, he noticed that RAM and storage prices were dramatically inflated, a direct...
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How to Crowdfund as an Indie Author
In this episode of Most Writers Are Fans, Terry sits down with old friend and fellow teacher-author Cody Walker to talk about one of the most practical and often intimidating tools in the indie author's toolkit: crowdfunding. The conversation starts at the beginning, Cody's first campaign for a...
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The Lost Generation Problem
In this minisode of Most Writers Are Fans, Terry steps back from writing craft to dig into something that's been on his mind as a lifelong comics fan: a phenomenon he's calling the Lost Generation Problem. It starts personally. Terry came to comics in college through Geoff Johns' Teen Titans —…
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AI Can Mimic Writing. But It Can’t Mimic Voice
In this episode of Ink Over AI, Terry steps outside the usual solo format to welcome educator and author Patty McGee, whose book Not Your Granny's Grammar connects directly to a theory he's been developing: that teaching students to find and own their individual writing voice is one of the most...
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Where Do Short Story Collections Come From?
In this episode of Most Writers Are Fans, Terry sits down with Brent Lambert, Black queer writer, founding member of the Hugo Award-winning FIYAH Literary Magazine, and author of Necessary Chaos, to talk about community building, creative collaboration, and what it actually takes to put a short...
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How to Comission A Cover As An Indie Author
We know we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but we also know everyone does. Getting a great cover is an important part of the publishing process. Terry shares his experiences getting covers designed, and he also reveals the cover for his newest book, Destined for Greater Things.
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Keep Writing in Hard Times!
I've been having some thoughts about how it often feels difficult to create things when the world is what it is right now. Big line message: Keep creating. We have to tell the story of this world is right now. (00:00) - Intro (00:34) - How do you write with all that's going on in the U.S.? (3:26)…
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Writers Need to Be Adaptable
Whenever most people dream about being a published author, they don’t often dream about writing tie-in fiction, journalism, or working inside someone else’s world. But for a lot of writers, especially early in their careers, flexibility is what actually keeps the lights on. That’s why I invited…
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Writing with ADHD (minisode)
In this video, I discuss how I learned about my ADHD diagnosis as an adult and how I have used writing as a way to manage it.Tyranny of the Fey by Terry Bartley is now available for hardcover, eBook, and audiobook. Read my stories now on terrybartley.com. Send requests to collab or comments about...
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Is AI Making Us All Sound the Same?
In this episode of Ink Over AI, Terry reflects on a small but unsettling moment: asking AI to polish an email, only to realize the result, while technically “better," no longer sounded like him. That experience opens a deeper conversation about what AI is quietly teaching us about writing,...
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How Do You Promote Your Book On Social Media?
Whenever most people dream about being a published author, they don’t picture constantly posting about their book on social media. But the reality is that whether you’re traditionally published, indie, or self-published, a lot of promotion still falls on you. That’s why I invited YA fantasy…
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Authors Need to Use AI (hey, I know)
In this episode of Ink Over AI, Terry dives into why serious creatives can’t afford to ignore AI ,even if it feels uncomfortable or unnecessary. If only people looking for shortcuts use AI, developers will optimize it for laziness and outsourcing, not creativity. Terry argues that by using AI as…
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Is It Possible to Be a Full-Time Author?
At least once a week, I find myself sitting at my desk at work thinking, “Is this my whole life?” The truth is, I love being an English teacher. But it’s exhausting to run an indie press, write a fantasy series, manage multiple social media accounts, produce and host a podcast, and still teach...
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How to Use ChatGPT Without Cheating
AI doesn’t have to be a shortcut or a threat. In this episode, Terry models how students and writers can responsibly use tools like ChatGPT to jump-start their thinking without outsourcing their creativity. By walking through an actual story brainstorm, he demonstrates how LLMs can prompt deeper...
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How Do You Plan A Fantasy Series?
So you want to write a multi-part fantasy series? How do you get started? We hear stories about ideas coming to authors while they're on a train or walking their dog, and we imagine it's fully formed. As authors, we know that's not how it works. In this episode, host Terry Bartley talks to Ryan...
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Ink Over AI - Don't Hand Your Worth to AI
In this episode, Terry shares a moment from a recent grad school meeting that hit a little deeper than expected. When his professor casually said, “Obviously, you’re a good writer,” it sparked an uncomfortable what-if: If AI had written that assignment, who was the compliment actually for? This...
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Research in Fiction
As a speculative fiction author, it's really easy to fall into the trap that research doesn't apply to me. Obviously, fiction set in our world may require some level of research, but I get to decide what happens in the fantasy world I'm building? Right? Right? When I interviewed this episode's...
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Dystopian Literature
In this episode of Most Writers Are Fans, host Terry Bartley interviewed queer YA sci-fi author, Michael Solís (This is Why They Hate Us). They talked about Michael's journey as an author, the opportunities presented by the expansion of self-publishing, and how to decide what path to take....
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Welcome to Ink Over AI
A Most Writers Are Fans Series In this kickoff episode, Terry Bartley introduces Ink Over AI, a new series about how writers can use AI tools without giving up the craft of writing itself. Terry lays out what this show is (and what it isn’t): not a shortcut for copy-pasting essays or cranking out...
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Bi Representation
In this episode of Most Writers Are Fans, host Terry Bartley interviewed queer YA author, Aaron Aceves (This is Why They Hate Us). They talked about Aaron's journey as an author, finding the right agent, and getting traditionally published. They also talked about bisexual representation, since…
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A New Era
Most Writers Are Fans is back! And we are entering a new era. After a conversation with a podcast consultant, we have decided to move towards a new problem-focused format. Intros will be shorter, and conversations with our guests will start sooner. Then we're going to try this new thing where we...
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Writing Queer Characters as a Queer Author (Live Episode)
Most Writers Are Fans is Live! This summer, host Terry Bartley went on tour across the country to record the fourth season live at a series of coffee shops and bookstores. In this episode, young adult and children's author Chris Clarkson talked to me in Miel Brewery and Taproom in New…
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I Want To Read Stories About Grief
I'm creating a short story collection through my publishing company, Starlight King Press. I'd love for you to be a part of it. Please send me your stories using the one word prompt: Loss. Send it to [email protected] with your name and contact info.Authors committed: Brent Lambert…
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From Fiction to Reality
In this episode, Terry Bartley is joined by author and journalist, Dylan Roche (The Tide and the Stars). They discuss his early passion for fiction writing, how it led him to a job as a freelance journalist, and how he reclaimed his passion as a novelist. Tyranny of the...
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Death of the Author (Minisode)
In this minisode, Terry Bartley discusses the concept of "Death of the Author" and the complicated nature of how we, as fans, should deal with the influx of allegations against creators. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in hardcover and paperback,...
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From Ghostwriting to Your Own Imprint
In this episode, Terry Bartley is joined by New York Times and international bestselling author, J.D. Barker (The Fourth Monkey, Something I Keep Upstairs). They discuss his winding path to publishing, ghostwriting, and the differences between thriller and horror.…
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Is the 1984 Dune Worth Watching Now?
In this minisode, Terry Bartley is joined by fellow author Arden Coutts to talk about whether you should watch the 1984 Dune starring Kyle Maclachlan. This was a fun rewatch! Tyranny of the Fey is now available in hardcover and paperback, eBook,...
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What To Do When Your Publisher Falls Apart
In this episode, is joined by speculative fiction writer, Jen Karner (Cinders of Yesterday). They discuss Jen's wild journey of working with an unreliable publisher and giving yourself permission to be selfish. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in hardcover...
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Is Wicked the Best Musical Movie of All Time? (Minisode)
In this minisode, Terry Bartley is joined by fantasy young adult, Ryan Gebhart (The Jewel of Life series), to talk about their picks for the Top 2 musicals. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in hardcover and paperback, eBook, and...
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How to Create an Elevator Pitch for Your Book
In this episode, Terry Bartley talks to fantasy author, Brooklyn Quintana (Nine of Swords, Blood in the Water). They discuss tips to create an effective elevator pitch for your book and how to best convince people to buy your book. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in...
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How to Meet Your New Year Writing Goals
In this New Year's episode, Terry Bartley is joined by his friend and pseudo-agent, Dustin Whitman, to make publishing plans for the new year. Be a fly on the wall while they discuss Terry's goals and what steps he'll take to meet them. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in...
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Indie Book Marketing
In this episode, Terry Bartley talks to cozy urban fantasy author, Lou Wilham (Home is Where the Hex Is, The Hex Next Door). They discuss tips to successfully market indie books and how to consistently produce multiple books a year. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in...
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Best Reads of 2024 (Minisode)
In this minisode, Terry Bartley is joined by young adult and children's author, Chris Clarkson (That Summer Night on Frenchman Street, Chloe and the Fireflies), to talk about their favorite reads of 2024 Tyranny of the Fey is now available in hardcover and paperback,...
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How Do You Get Your Book in a Bookstore?
We've been pretty overwhelmed getting ready for the holidays, but here's a great throwback episode to our live tour! Terry Bartley talked to romance author and bookstore owner, Angela (Trigg) Quarles in her shop, The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, AL. They talked about what it's like being an...
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Can Anyone Write Diverse Books?
In this episode, Terry Bartley talks to author Rae Shawn (Uncovering the Passion and Big City, Small World). They discuss being an independent author, Own Voices, and if anyone can write diverse books. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in hardcover and...
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Should You Be Reading X-Men?
In this minisode, Terry Bartley is joined by his best friend and comic book expert, Dustin Whitman, to talk about the three main books for X-Men: From the Ashes. They also try to decide if these books are worth the fall of Krakoa. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in hardcover and...
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Trans Representation
In this episode, Terry Bartley talks to author Arden Coutts (Before We Fall and A Nightclub for the Holidays). They discuss writing books that are basically gay 80s movies, how to tell new stories, and how to write trans characters authentically. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in...
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Minisode: Top Five - Disney Channel Original Movies
In this minisode, Terry Bartley is joined by indie pop artist Zach Benson to discuss their Top Five Disney Channel Original Movies. They also discuss queer representation in Disney properties and why DCOMs would be such a good venue for a queer-specific story. Tyranny of the Fey is now available...
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Romantasy
In this episode, Terry Bartley talks to sci-fi/fantasy author Kit Vincent (Of Feathers and Thorns and Love Immortal). They discuss our shrinking attention spans, why calling something a middle-grade book is a compliment and the genre of Romantasy. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in...
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Minisode - What Do We Do Now?
In this minisode, Terry Bartley has an honest and vulnerable conversation with listeners about his feelings on the 2024 Presidential Election and ways he has identified to regain a bit of agency and figure out how to live in this new reality. We'll be back with a fun one in two weeks. Tyranny of...
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Reluctant Heroes
In this episode, Terry Bartley talks to fantasy author David R. Slayton (Adam Binder Trilogy and Dark Moon Shallow Sea). They discuss how to build a career as a traditionally published author and writing about reluctant heroes. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in hardcover and...
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Minisode: I Ship It - Frodo and Sam
In this inaugural minisode, Terry Bartley is joined by fellow fantasy author Kirsha Fox, and they talk about whether or not Sam and Frodo are a couple in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. They also discuss developing character relationships and making characters kiss. Tyranny of the Fey is now...
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Building a Following
In this episode, Terry Bartley talks to writer (How to Piss Off Men: 109 Things to Say to Shatter the Male Ego), content creator, and actor (Rabbit) Kyle Prue. They discuss how to capitalize on viral success and ways to promote your work on social media as an indie creative. Tyranny of the Fey is...
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Writing by Hand
In this episode, Terry Bartley talks to Fantasy and Young Adult Author (Jewel of Life series) Ryan Gebhart. They discuss how self-pub vs. trad-pub and writing drafts by hand. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in hardcover and paperback, eBook, and...
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How to Write Monsters
In this episode, Terry Bartley talks to Author (Monstersona, Haunting Melody) and Game Designer, Chloe Spencer. They discuss how to write characters that are typically considered monstrous as main characters. Tyranny of the Fey is now available in hardcover and paperback,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join host, Terry Bartley, as he talks to writers, songwriters, and game designers about what got them interested in storytelling, the successes and struggles of being an indie creative, and their thoughts of mainstream writing tropes. Most Writers Are Fans is a support group and idea workshop for independent creatives.
HOSTED BY
Terry Bartley
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Most Writers Are Fans have?
Most Writers Are Fans currently has 86 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Most Writers Are Fans about?
Join host, Terry Bartley, as he talks to writers, songwriters, and game designers about what got them interested in storytelling, the successes and struggles of being an indie creative, and their thoughts of mainstream writing tropes. Most Writers Are Fans is a support group and idea workshop for...
How often does Most Writers Are Fans release new episodes?
Most Writers Are Fans has 86 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Most Writers Are Fans?
You can listen to Most Writers Are Fans on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Most Writers Are Fans?
Most Writers Are Fans is created and hosted by Terry Bartley.
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