PODCAST · fiction
Quilling It
by Paul Regnier and Lindsay A. Franklin
Speculative fiction authors Paul Regnier and Lindsay A. Franklin invite you to pull up a chair as we spill the ink on writing, publishing, and the wonderfully weird realities of being professional storytellers. We’re sharing all the hard-won wisdom of our combined twenty-five years in the publishing trenches so you don't have to wander alone. Whether you're new to writing or have been at it for years, we've saved you a seat at this table.
Episodes
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Episode 25: Writing Wizardry #1: The Art of Invisible Exposition
Exposition. Every story needs it, but one lengthy or poorly timed info dump could land your novel on readers’ DNF shelves. So how do we deliver essential information about character, worldbuilding, and backstory without dropping a Wiki article in the middle of our stories? Become storytelling...
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Episode 24: Fantasy Round Table with Guest S.D. Grimm, Part II
Join us again as we talk shop with speculative fiction author and freelance editor S.D. Grimm. We unpack our favorite fantasy tropes, those we thought we hated until someone changed our minds, and how we adjust our use of beloved fantasy conventions when writing for middle grade, young adult, and...
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Episode 23: Fantasy Round Table with Guest S.D. Grimm, Part I
Pull up a seat at our table as we chat with speculative fiction author and freelance editor S.D. Grimm. Together we explore the wide world(s) of fantasy fiction, unpacking some of the unique elements of writing in fantasy’s various subgenres. How can storytellers organically introduce readers to...
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Episode 22: Who Am I? Thoughts on Author Branding
Branding is so much more than logos and colors and carefully curated posts filling your social feed. It’s your essence as an author, the vibe that helps readers understand who you are and what they can expect from your work. But what happens when you like to write All The Things? How far can an...
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Episode 21: The Sequel Strikes Back
Ever wonder what makes a book series successful and why second installments so often fall flat? In this episode, we dive into the nuts and bolts of what makes a series work and why some sequels are amazing—and others not so much—using beloved movie franchises as examples. We explore the marketing...
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Episode 20: Fantastic Critique Groups and Where to Find Them
Most novelists have heard the advice to join a critique group. But why is that recommendation so universal? In this episode, we unpack the benefits of critique groups, from honing your story craft to finding your community—and potentially saving money. We also discuss what separates a cohesive...
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Episode 19: The Story Behind the Story
Where do story ideas come from? In this listener-requested episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the inspiration behind some of our books. From real-life relationships to striking mental images to titles that grew into entire novels, we’re exploring the surprising, sometimes winding journeys...
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Episode 18: What's the Deal with Writers' Conferences?
Are writers’ conferences magical, career-making opportunities or just expensive weekends fueled by caffeine and creative anxiety? In this episode, we’re setting realistic expectations to help you get the most out of your conference experience by capitalizing on the biggest benefits while avoiding...
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Episode 17: To Agent or Not to Agent
In this episode of Quilling It, we look at what literary agents do, when they’re helpful, and which authors may not need one. Whether you’re aiming for traditional publishing, a small press, or indie publishing, this episode will discuss the various ways an agent could help your writing career…
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Episode 16: Advice to Young Writers with Guest Jill Williamson
Join us as we sit down with multi-award-winning speculative fiction author Jill Williamson to talk about all the things we wish we'd known when we were younger—both chronologically and in our writing careers. Between Paul, Lindsay, and Jill, we bring a combined thousand years of publishing...
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Episode 15: Vanity, Vanity, All Is Vanity . . . Press?
We’re equal opportunists when it comes to publishing paths–traditional, independent, hybrid, you name it. But there’s one model that will never earn the Quilling It seal of approval: the vanity press. In this episode, we unpack how this “worst of all worlds” publishing model has been draining...
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Episode 14: Ads for Authors–Your Low-Drama Guide to Book Ads That Work
Book advertising can feel like an entirely separate career path hidden inside publishing–a path many writers don’t feel equipped to traverse. Luckily, Paul is here to help. Join us as he shares the fundamentals of his successful, headache-free approach to indie book ads, including his favorite...
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Episode 13: Invaluable Websites for Authors
From craft help to marketing advice to business boosters, we explore some of our favorite websites for authors. Listen in as we reveal our go-to resources for writing and publishing—a curated list worthy of prime real estate in your bookmarks.
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Episode 12: The Plotter vs. Pantser Thunderdome
Paul and Lindsay step into the arena to settle the plotter vs. pantser debate once and for all, and only one author will emerge victorious. Just kidding. Instead, we break down our real-life processes—Paul as a pantser and Lindsay as a plotter—to explore where these approaches differ, overlap…
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Episode 11: Our Worst Rejections
Yep, we’re going there. We share the details of our worst rejections–the ones that sting, linger, and might make someone briefly consider abandoning publishing altogether for a new career in goat herding. But in those painful moments, we learned valuable lessons about resilience, growth, and...
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Episode 10: Finding Your Niche
In this episode, we tackle the ever-mysterious question of finding your niche as a writer. From choosing the right genre to honing your authentic author voice, we explore how authors can figure out where their personality, interests, and instincts fit most naturally in the marketplace–and how…
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Episode 9: Book Launch Tips
What actually works when launching a book? Paul interviews Lindsay about her recent launch campaign–managing a street team, setting expectations with ARC readers, and why she’s now a known entity at her local post office. We share what’s worked, what we’ve ditched, and how to build a launch plan...
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Episode 8: Best Books on Writing Craft
Not all writing advice resonates for the long haul, but some craft books truly earn their place on the shelf. In this episode, we share the writing craft books that most influenced our work–and why these are the ones we hand to fellow writers again and again.
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Episode 7: Introverted Writers in an Extroverted Industry
Gone are the days of the reclusive writer holed up in a cave with only a typewriter and a big idea for company. Today’s authors are expected to be savvy marketers, content creators, and social media charmers–often while silently screaming on the inside. For introverts, the pressure to show up...
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Episode 6: You Too Can Be a Speaker–No, Really!
Most writers feel far safer behind a keyboard than behind a podium. But speaking and teaching are powerful ways to support fellow writers, build community, and open new doors in your author career. In this episode, we’re unveiling how we transitioned from introverted authors to confident...
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Episode 5: Favorite Childhood Books
Lindsay and Paul dive into favorite childhood books, exploring why those stories were so special. These books shaped our young imaginations and helped mold us into the storytellers we are today, and guess what? Your stories have the potential to do that for the next generation.
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Episode 4: What Editors Wish Authors Knew
Paul asks Lindsay what editors wish their authors knew. Drawing on over a decade of experience as an editor, Lindsay shares tips and insights that will help save you time, money, and heartache as you prepare your manuscript for editorial feedback.
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Episode 3: Yikes, Critical Feedback
All writers are born with naturally thick skins, impervious to harsh words and immune to rejections that feel personal . . . right?? Ahem. Not so much. Join Paul and Lindsay as we discuss how we learned to manage criticism, rejection, and the one-stars that inevitably follow all writers who stay…
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Episode 2: Indie vs. Traditional Battle
Lindsay and Paul wage war in the most epic of publishing battles: indie vs. traditional publishing. Listen in as we duke it out! Spoiler alert: We are supportive of all publishing paths and seek to provide highlights and drawbacks of each to help you choose the right path for your goals and...
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Episode 1: What Are We Doing Here?
Meet Quilling It hosts Paul and Lindsay, discover how we got into this wild business, and learn what we hope you’ll gain from hanging out with us. No matter what stage of the writing journey you’re at, we’re here to help, your long-distance mentors on the mic.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Speculative fiction authors Paul Regnier and Lindsay A. Franklin invite you to pull up a chair as we spill the ink on writing, publishing, and the wonderfully weird realities of being professional storytellers. We’re sharing all the hard-won wisdom of our combined twenty-five years in the publishing trenches so you don't have to wander alone. Whether you're new to writing or have been at it for years, we've saved you a seat at this table.
HOSTED BY
Paul Regnier and Lindsay A. Franklin
CATEGORIES
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