The Wordslinger Podcast

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOTWhat’s the best way for an indie author to distribute their books?In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I break down the book distribution strategy I actually use—including why I go direct to Amazon and Kobo, use Draft2Digital to reach Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, libraries, and thousands of other outlets, and maintain my own direct storefront.We’ll also talk about KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited, the tradeoffs of Amazon exclusivity, the advantages of going wide, why I prefer having access to readers across multiple platforms, and how indie authors can build a simple distribution system without making things unnecessarily complicated.There are plenty of ways to distribute a book. This isn’t the only way. It’s the system that works for me after years of publishing books and working professionally in the indie publishing industry.If you’re an author trying to decide between Amazon exclusivity, wide distribution, Draft2Digital, Kobo, direct sales, or some combination of all of them, this episode should help you think through your options.00:00 How I distribute my books00:59 Why indie authors need a distribution strategy01:57 Using Draft2Digital to go wide03:01 Why I use D2D for some retailers but not others03:49 Why I distribute directly to Kobo04:58 Libraries, OverDrive, and wider distribution06:03 KDP vs. KDP Select06:44 Kindle Unlimited and Amazon exclusivity07:40 The upside and downside of Kindle Unlimited09:33 Other distribution options and Draft2Digital fees10:59 My complete book distribution setup11:59 Selling books directly through your own storefrontVisit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTSIf you’re a writer looking for practical, experience-based guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, building an author career, and navigating the creative life, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where writers come to get useful advice for every stage of the writing and publishing journey.Subscribe and join the conversation:https://youtube.com/@wordslingershowFIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.comSERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWriting Aid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOTIs AI really the reason your books aren’t selling?Writers have plenty of legitimate reasons to be concerned about artificial intelligence, AI-generated books, changing algorithms, publishing platforms, and an increasingly crowded marketplace. But blaming AI for a struggling writing career won’t help you build a better one.In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, J. Kevin Tumlinson talks about why writers should stop thinking in terms of competition and start building something far more valuable: a direct relationship with their readers.Instead of depending entirely on Amazon, advertising platforms, algorithms, or whatever marketing tactic happens to be working this month, writers can build their own ecosystem through mailing lists, direct sales, strong reader relationships, and a platform they control.AI may be an obstacle. But the obstacle can become the way forward.If you’re an author, indie publisher, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to build a sustainable career around your work, this episode is about focusing your energy on the things you can actually control.00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger 10-Shot00:41 Is AI responsible for writers struggling?01:29 Writers aren’t really competing with each other02:31 Marketing is much bigger than advertising03:22 Why marketing strategies stop working03:51 Stop blaming AI for your lack of success04:35 Quality, craft, and finding the marketing that fits you05:43 Build your own reader ecosystem06:44 Protect yourself from platform dependence07:27 Build your mailing list and direct reader relationships08:07 The obstacle is the way: turning AI into an advantage09:16 Final thoughts and the challenge for writersJoin Kevin’s mailing list and get a free book:https://kevintumlinson.com/joinmeVisit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTSIf you’re serious about writing better books, finding readers, navigating publishing, and building a sustainable creative career, subscribe to Wordslinger. This channel is dedicated to practical, experience-driven guidance for writers at every stage of the writing and publishing journey.Subscribe, leave a comment, and tell me: Has AI changed the way you approach your writing or publishing career? And what are you doing to build a relationship with readers that you control?FIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.comSERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books and more at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER STORY CUT Marvel spent more than a decade building toward Avengers: Endgame—and when it finally arrived, the movie gave its characters real consequences, real sacrifice, and real endings. So why does it feel like Marvel has spent the years since then undoing the very things that made Endgame matter? With Avengers: Endgame Encore bringing the film back to theaters and Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, Kevin Tumlinson takes another look at Endgame from a storyteller’s perspective: what Marvel got right, where the movie stumbled, and what writers and filmmakers can learn from one of the biggest franchise finales ever made. We’ll look at the incredible decade-long setup that made the Avengers work, the importance of the five-year Blip, why consequences give stories weight, what went wrong with Thor and Hulk, the incredibly convenient rat that saved the universe, and why time travel and the multiverse may have done more damage to Marvel storytelling than good. Most importantly: When you give a beloved character a satisfying ending, should you ever open that door again? Because if death can always be undone, timelines can always be rewritten, and another version of any character can simply walk in from another universe... what happens to the stakes? And what can Avengers: Doomsday learn from Endgame before it’s too late? Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 Welcome to Wordslinger Story Cuts 00:53 Avengers: Endgame Encore and why Endgame still matters 03:06 How Marvel spent 10 years earning the payoff 06:33 The importance of developing characters before the crisis 10:51 The Snap and the power of a great cliffhanger 11:52 Why the five-year Blip made Endgame stronger 14:28 Where Endgame went wrong with Thor 16:48 What happened to Hulk? 18:38 Hawkeye, Black Widow, and character sacrifice 19:31 The rat that accidentally saved the universe 20:36 Did time travel weaken Endgame? 22:03 What Endgame Encore could reveal 23:02 Why the multiverse makes death meaningless 24:27 Why satisfying character endings should stay ended 26:15 The Avengers story Marvel should have told 29:05 What writers can learn from Marvel’s shared universe 31:15 Marvel needs a new generation, not the old one 32:29 Final thoughts on Endgame Encore and Doomsday If you love great stories—or you’re a writer learning how to build better characters, stronger worlds, satisfying endings, and stories readers can’t put down—subscribe to the channel. Wordslinger is where writers and storytellers come for practical guidance on writing, publishing, storytelling, and building a creative career. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Kevin’s books:https://kevintumlinson.com/books The Dave Cullen Show and Computing Forever on YouTube FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER PODCASTWhat can JAWS teach you about writing better characters? More than you might think.In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, Kevin Tumlinson sits down with Donn King for another Kevin on Craft conversation, this time exploring what makes fictional characters feel real—and why writers may be describing far more than they need to.Just as Steven Spielberg discovered that the unseen shark in JAWS could be more frightening than the mechanical shark itself, writers can harness the reader’s imagination to make characters more vivid, personal, and powerful. Kevin and Donn dig into character creation, discovery writing, physical description, character consistency, planting details during revision, and what happens when fictional people begin making decisions the writer never planned.You’ll discover why Kevin rarely gives detailed physical descriptions of his characters, how readers unconsciously fill in missing details, why characterization should drive description, and how seemingly brilliant setups and payoffs are often created after the first draft is finished.They also explore what happens when characters become so developed that they seem to take on lives of their own—and why character may ultimately be the engine that drives the strongest stories.If you’re a writer, author, storyteller, creator, or creative entrepreneur looking to strengthen your craft and build stories readers actually care about, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where writers come for practical, experienced guidance on writing, publishing, storytelling, creativity, and building a sustainable creative career.CHAPTERS:00:00 Why character is the foundation of story04:52 Kevin on Craft begins11:39 Why characters can take over the story15:08 When fictional characters start making their own decisions17:25 Imaginary friends, tulpas, and creating people who feel real22:08 How writers visualize characters24:08 Why Kevin rarely describes what his characters look like26:41 Letting the reader create the character28:34 When physical description actually matters30:58 The JAWS trick: let the audience imagine it33:36 Why movie adaptations can clash with the reader’s imagination38:48 The dirty secret of planting details after the fact40:21 Why revision makes discovery writers look brilliant45:03 Keeping characters consistent across a long series51:48 What Kevin wishes he’d known about writing characters53:27 Using appearance to reveal character57:55 Character growth across a series59:32 How do you write a character smarter than you?Donn King also hosts The Alignment Show and can be found on Substack and YouTube. Those platforms are mentioned in the episode, though specific URLs were not provided in the recording.Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTSFIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.comSERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWriting Aid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Writers spend a surprising amount of money trying to build a writing career—but how much of that spending is actually helping the business? In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin shares the simple question he’s using to audit every expense in his own creative business: Does this help me make money, or increase my ability to make money? From AI tools and virtual assistants to software subscriptions, podcast production, and annual plans, it’s a practical way to decide what stays, what goes, and what’s actually worth the investment. If you’re treating your writing, publishing, YouTube channel, podcast, or creative work like a business, this is a financial habit worth adopting. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at http://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS Subscribe to the Wordslinger channel for practical, experience-driven guidance on writing, publishing, building an author career, and navigating the business of being a creative professional. TIMECODES 00:00 Why writers need to talk about money 00:43 The question to ask about every business expense 01:54 Does the expense increase your ability to earn? 03:07 Why Kevin pays for multiple AI tools 04:05 When hiring a virtual assistant makes financial sense 04:57 Buying back your time as a writer 06:02 When an expense actually helps you write more 07:15 Separating personal and business expenses 08:20 The hidden costs of running a creative business 08:55 When a monthly subscription is worth keeping 09:41 Monthly vs. annual plans—and buying outright 10:31 The bottom-line test for every expense FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWriting Aid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com #Writing #Writers #AuthorBusiness #SelfPublishing #CreativeEntrepreneur #WritingCareer #IndieAuthors #Publishing #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Take a look at the transcript for this Wordslinger episode. I need a YouTube video description that will attract and engage with writers, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs for episodes that are Wordslinger 10-Shots or Wordslinger Podcast. For Wordslinger Story Cuts, make the description attract and engage people who are interested in good stories, television and streaming shows, movies, and novels. In all cases the description should use YouTube engagement best practices, and include any links I mentioned in the video. Do not use Markdown or formatting. As the first line of all descriptions, in all-caps, label the episode as whatever segment it is: A Wordslinger Podcast, A Wordslinger 10-Shot, A Wordslinger Story Cut Include this CTA directly after the video description:   Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS   Include mentions to visit these sites:   FIND KEVIN: - Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com - Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com - Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com   SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: - Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWriting Aid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 - Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger - Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com   It should also include a call to action to subscribe to the channel, aimed at telling writers that this is the place for the best guidance on their writing and publishing journey. Include timecodes for key concepts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT How do you take more than 100 years of history, documents, photographs, handwritten notes, newspaper clippings, and real-life events—and turn all of it into ONE compelling novel? In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin shares the process he’s using to research a new historical fiction project, including the most important decision he made early on: Don’t try to tell all the history. Find the human story that everything else can hang from. Kevin talks about choosing the right character as the emotional center of a historical novel, deciding what research actually belongs in the story, and using AI as a research assistant to transcribe old documents, organize information, build timelines, and identify connections across more than a century of events. AI can make research dramatically faster—but it doesn’t replace the writer. You still have to understand the material, verify the facts, make creative decisions, and ultimately turn all that information into a story readers actually care about. If you’re writing historical fiction, creative nonfiction, researching a novel, or simply drowning in notes and wondering how any of it becomes a book, this episode is for you. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS Subscribe to the Wordslinger Show for practical, experience-driven guidance on writing, publishing, storytelling, creativity, and building a sustainable career as a writer. If you’re serious about your writing and publishing journey, you’re in the right place. TIMECODES 00:00 More than 100 years of history—and one novel 00:47 Finding the story inside all the research 01:44 Why writing the complete history doesn’t work 02:18 Finding the human character who carries the story 03:06 The first rule of writing historical fiction 04:16 How to turn enormous amounts of research into one story 05:21 Using AI to transcribe documents and build a timeline 06:22 Why writers still have to verify AI research 07:32 Where historical accuracy ends and fiction begins 08:57 The writer’s real job: conveying the emotion 09:50 Final thoughts on research, AI, and historical fiction FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com Visit the Wordslinger Show on YouTube:https://youtube.com/@wordslingershow SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWriting Aid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER STORY CUT What obligations does a writer have when stepping into an established universe—or writing characters an audience already knows and loves? In this Story Cut, I take a critical look at Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and the broader modern Star Trek catalog through the lens of character, continuity, and audience expectations. Strange New Worlds has never been afraid to experiment, but when does experimentation stop serving the story and start forcing established characters to serve the gimmick? Spock is one of the best examples. We know this character. We know his history, values, personality, relationships, and behavior across decades of storytelling. That creates a constraint for anyone writing him—but that constraint can also be one of a storyteller’s greatest strengths. And this isn't just a Star Trek problem. The same principle applies when authors write long-running novel series, inherit someone else's intellectual property, adapt existing characters, or write historical fiction about real people and events. Once an audience knows a character, you aren't starting from zero anymore. Character creates expectations. Expectations create trust. And breaking that trust without earning it can cost you the audience. So how much freedom should writers have with established characters? When does character development become character betrayal? And does respecting canon restrict creativity—or actually make better storytelling possible? Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 What do writers owe established characters? 01:04 Why Strange New Worlds initially worked for me 03:07 The gimmick must serve the character 04:35 Spock, character consistency, and audience trust 05:31 Why the Lower Decks crossover worked 06:17 When experimentation starts overpowering the story 08:41 Character is a constraint—and that's a good thing 11:56 What this means for novelists and historical fiction 13:29 Why inherited franchises can lose their audience 14:25 Surprise vs. breaking audience expectations 15:09 What should writers owe continuity and canon? If you're a writer looking for practical, experience-based guidance on writing, publishing, storytelling, building an author career, and navigating the creative life, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where we talk honestly about the craft and business of being a writer—and use books, movies, television, and pop culture to figure out what makes stories work. FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWriting Aid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com #StarTrek #StrangeNewWorlds #Storytelling Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST What does it actually take to build a bestselling author career—and turn writing into a sustainable business? In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker to talk about the business behind the books. J.D. has worked with James Patterson, built a career spanning traditional and independent publishing, developed an unusual partnership with Simon & Schuster, co-authored numerous books, and had multiple projects optioned for film and television. We get into the realities of traditional versus indie publishing, why J.D. believes writers need to think like business owners, what James Patterson has taught him about building a scalable author career, how Hollywood book options really work, and why branding matters far more than many authors realize. J.D. also shares his strategy for producing as many as 10–12 books per year through co-authoring, how he has streamlined his publishing operation to support that output, and the quality he believes matters most if you want to build a long-term writing career: tenacity. If you're a writer, author, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to build a career around your work instead of simply publishing one book at a time, there's a lot to learn from this conversation. J.D.'s newest novel, The First Scarlet Door, releases September 22. Subscribe to the channel for practical, experience-driven guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, creativity, and building a career as an author. If you're serious about your writing and publishing journey, this is the place to be. TIMECODES: 00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast 03:51 J.D. Barker joins the show 06:02 Sylvester Stallone and The Fourth Monkey 08:33 How Hollywood book options actually work 11:34 Can authors make money from options alone? 14:09 The First Scarlet Door 15:55 J.D.'s journey from indie to traditional publishing 18:38 Building a new publishing model with Simon & Schuster 20:35 Is traditional publishing changing? 22:14 Should new writers pursue traditional publishing first? 23:43 The danger of publishing a book before it's ready 24:39 Why authors must treat writing like a business 26:22 Building an author career over time 28:14 What publishing can learn from other industries 29:12 Why author branding matters 32:03 J.D.'s co-authoring strategy 33:14 Scaling to 10–12 books per year 35:44 What James Patterson taught J.D. Barker 36:55 The real secret to J.D.'s success Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWriting Aid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT What if the secret to original writing is to stop trying so hard to be original? Writers and creators often feel pressure to make everything completely unique—from book covers and story ideas to marketing and branding. But readers don’t necessarily want something they’ve never seen before. They’re often looking for something familiar enough to recognize, but different enough to feel fresh. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin explores the idea of being “original within constraints”—using genre expectations, familiar storytelling structures, and creative boundaries as a framework for doing something uniquely your own. You’ll learn why making your book look too different from others in its genre can actually hurt its chances, why “same but different” is such a powerful principle for writers, and how creative constraints can lead to some of your most original work. If you’re a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to stand out without confusing or alienating your audience, this episode is for you. What constraints have actually made you more creative? Tell me in the comments. Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical, experience-driven guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, marketing, and building a sustainable career as a writer. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 Stop trying to be original 00:43 The problem with chasing originality 01:24 Why book covers shouldn’t be too different 02:13 Readers want “same but different” 03:13 Originality within constraints 03:49 Using genre expectations creatively 05:02 Experimenting inside the boundaries of genre 05:58 Science fiction, fantasy, and The Worthing Saga 08:00 What expectations are you trying to meet? 08:48 How constraints create originality 09:28 Why boundaries can make you more creative FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWriting Aid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT You don’t need an agent, a publisher, an editor, or anyone else to give you permission to be a writer. For years, I waited for someone else to tell me it was okay to take writing seriously. I chased opportunities, worked jobs, paid bills, and kept telling myself that someday I’d finally have enough time to write. But someday doesn’t show up on its own. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, we’re talking about what it really means to give yourself permission to write, why so many aspiring authors get stuck waiting for validation, and the difference between wanting to be a writer and simply liking the idea of having written a book. We’ll also talk about making writing part of your actual life, Stephen King’s “open-door” approach to writing, why indie publishing has changed who gets to call themselves an author, and why the story that keeps nagging at you may be yours to tell. If you’ve been waiting for someone to tell you that you’re allowed to write the book, consider this your permission. Now go do the work. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 You don’t need permission to be a writer 00:51 Waiting for someone to validate your writing 01:37 Why “I’ll write someday” doesn’t work 02:22 Stephen King’s open-door approach to writing 03:02 You don’t need an agent or publisher’s blessing 03:28 What indie publishing changed for writers 04:17 Do you want to write—or just have written? 05:30 Why some stories won’t leave you alone 06:44 Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic and where ideas come from 07:41 What happens when you don’t pursue an idea 08:31 AI, authorship, and actually doing the creative work 09:11 Your official permission to write 09:34 Discipline, habits, and making consistent progress 10:16 What keeps you writing? If you’re a writer, aspiring author, indie publisher, or creative entrepreneur trying to build a sustainable creative life, subscribe to Wordslinger. This channel is here to give you practical, experience-tested guidance on writing better books, publishing intelligently, building your author career, and doing the work that moves you forward. FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books and more at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT What if you could build a powerful editing process for your novel without spending thousands of dollars on professional editing? In this episode, I break down what I call my “Edit Stack”—the layered system I use to catch typos, grammar problems, continuity issues, awkward passages, and other mistakes before a book goes out into the world. The key is not relying on one tool, one editor, or one pass. I use multiple layers: built-in spellcheck, ProWritingAid, AI-assisted proofreading, repeated manuscript passes, trusted human readers, and good old-fashioned human judgment. I’ll show you how I use each layer, why I never blindly accept an AI or editor suggestion, how my street team helps me catch errors I missed, and why reading your work aloud can reveal problems your brain simply refuses to see on the page. And here’s the bigger point: even traditionally published books from bestselling authors still contain mistakes. Perfection may not be possible. But a smart editing system can get your manuscript remarkably clean—and indie authors have the advantage of being able to fix errors quickly after publication. If you’re a writer trying to produce cleaner, more professional books without draining your publishing budget, build yourself an edit stack. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 What is an Edit Stack? 00:46 Layer 1: Spellcheck and ProWritingAid 01:54 Layer 2: Using AI to proofread your writing 02:46 Additional proofreading layers 03:16 Grammarly and optional editing tools 04:22 Using ARC readers and a street team 04:56 How I collect and evaluate reader corrections 06:29 Proofreading vs. developmental editing 07:03 Trusted readers vs. developmental editors 07:47 Why reading your manuscript aloud works 09:00 Creating distance from your writing 09:51 Why I rewrite the previous day’s work 10:47 Why you’ll probably never catch every typo 11:59 The indie author advantage 13:09 Updating ebooks and print editions strategically 13:43 The complete J. Kevin Tumlinson Edit Stack FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWriting Aid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com If you’re a writer, author, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to build a sustainable career around your work, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where we talk honestly about writing better books, publishing them professionally, reaching more readers, building your author business, and creating a career that lasts. Subscribe, leave a comment with your writing or publishing questions, and tell me what you use in your own editing stack. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER STORY CUT Spider-Man has been rebooted, reimagined, recast, and retold more times than most superheroes could survive. So how do you make him feel new again without losing what made people love him in the first place? In this Wordslinger Story Cuts, I break down Spider-Man: Brand New Day and why I think it may be the best Spider-Man franchise film yet. This movie does something especially smart: It doesn’t waste time explaining everything. We’re dropped directly into Peter Parker’s life, with relationships, history, conflicts, and mysteries already in motion. That use of in medias res and storytelling “open loops” gives the world depth while constantly giving us another reason to keep watching. We’ll talk about Spider-Man’s relationship with the Punisher, why unanswered questions can actually strengthen a story, the importance of clear character motivation, and how a long-running franchise can reinvent itself without abandoning decades of history. Whether you love Spider-Man, the MCU, movies, television, novels, or just great storytelling, there are some powerful lessons here about what keeps an audience invested. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS 🕷️ IN THIS STORY CUT: 00:00 — Is Brand New Day the best Spider-Man movie? 02:21 — Why Spider-Man’s origin story doesn’t need retelling 04:27 — A darker, grown-up Peter Parker 05:54 — Picking up after No Way Home 06:47 — Spider-Man and the Punisher: instant history 07:39 — Why great stories don’t always start at the beginning 08:35 — The storytelling power of “open loops” 09:29 — How unanswered questions keep audiences watching 10:45 — Paying off a character relationship without explaining everything 12:30 — Why you should leave the audience wanting more 13:04 — Black Widow, cameos, and setting up future stories 14:12 — The problem with unclear villain motivation 15:23 — Peter Parker’s choices, sacrifice, and transformation 17:04 — Reinventing Spider-Man without destroying his history 17:55 — When franchise continuity becomes dead weight 19:06 — Why Brand New Day earns its title 19:52 — Final verdict and lessons for storytellers 📚 FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com 🎙️ SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books—and more!—at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER If you’re a writer, author, creator, or storyteller building a career around your work, subscribe to Wordslinger. This is the place for practical guidance on writing, publishing, storytelling, marketing, and building a creative career that lasts. And if you love breaking down what makes movies, television, and novels work—or fail—check out more Wordslinger Story Cuts right here on the channel. #SpiderMan #SpiderManBrandNewDay #Storytelling #Marvel #MCU #WritingTips #Screenwriting #StoryAnalysis #Wordslinger #StoryCuts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST Why are more writers reconsidering traditional publishing—and could we be entering a second indie publishing renaissance? In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, Kevin Tumlinson looks at the changing landscape of publishing, from unreliable AI detection and increasingly restrictive publisher policies to the growing opportunities available to independent authors. Writers have more tools, more distribution options, and more ways to reach readers directly than ever before. At the same time, traditional publishing is adding new layers of risk and gatekeeping—including situations where authors can face serious consequences simply because software claims their work was generated by AI. Kevin explains why he has recommitted himself to indie publishing, why he believes quality will ultimately matter more than the tools used to produce a book, and why independent writers may be better positioned than ever to build sustainable careers on their own terms. The conversation also covers audience building, responding to readers and YouTube comments, dealing with trolls and bad reviews, using AI as an assistive tool rather than a replacement for creativity, and building a business flywheel where books, content, audience growth, and revenue reinforce each other. If you're a writer, author, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to navigate publishing, marketing, technology, and the business of making a living from your work, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is the place for practical, experience-driven guidance to help you write better, publish smarter, grow your audience, and build a career around your creativity. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES 00:00 The expanding Wordslinger universe 00:51 Wordslinger 10-Shots and Story Cuts 03:12 Building a simpler content-production system 05:06 Creating more reliable revenue streams 06:12 The Wordslinger business flywheel 08:36 Why writers should engage with their audience 09:39 Turning readers into lifelong fans 10:31 Responding to comments and reader email 11:33 Why Kevin stopped worrying about reviews 13:19 Dealing with trolls and negative comments 15:22 How Kevin actually uses AI 16:13 The Wordslinger edit stack 17:06 Being accused of using AI 18:35 Why the AI debate is changing publishing 20:11 Why writers are becoming afraid of traditional publishing 21:12 The danger of unreliable AI detection 21:57 How AI watermarking works 23:57 Rewriting AI-generated text 24:44 The guaranteed way to avoid AI-writing accusations 25:09 Using AI for proofreading and editing 27:39 The risks writers face in traditional publishing 30:33 Is self-publishing entering a new era? 31:47 The return of publishing gatekeepers 32:39 The second indie publishing renaissance 33:34 Why Kevin has recommitted to indie publishing 34:28 Why indie publishing may be the future 35:05 How traditional publishing could damage itself 37:06 Restrictive AI policies and publishing 38:11 Can you really self-publish for free? 38:50 Why publishing is a business 39:40 Quality as the ultimate differentiator 41:12 Why indie publishing methods may win 42:01 Final thoughts and audience discussion 43:05 Where to connect with Wordslinger 45:09 What's coming next FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com Wordslinger on YouTube:https://youtube.com/wordslingerpodcast Kevin is working to move the YouTube channel to:https://youtube.com/wordslingershow SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books and more at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Wordslinger 10-Shot! Bad reviews are inevitable. The real question is what you do after you get one. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I’m talking about the mistake authors make when a negative review gets under their skin—and why responding, arguing, or trying to “correct the record” usually makes things worse. I recently looked at my own book reviews for the first time in more than a year and found a 2-star review calling one of my books boring. That sent me down a rabbit hole about reviews, trolls, negative comments, and how much attention writers should really give any of them. We’ll talk about why you should almost never respond to a bad review, when reporting a review might actually make sense, why I once deliberately upvoted some of my worst reviews, and why one of the healthiest things you can do as a creator may be to stop reading reviews altogether. And there’s an important flip side: reviews still matter. They provide social proof and credibility for your books, which means authors should absolutely be asking readers to leave them—even if you decide not to read them yourself. If you’re a writer, author, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to build a career without letting criticism derail you, this one’s for you. What do you think? Do you read your reviews? Have you ever responded to a bad one? Tell me in the comments. And subscribe to Wordslinger for practical, experience-tested guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, building an audience, and creating a sustainable career around your work. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES 00:00 — The reality of negative reviews 01:05 — I found a 2-star review of my book 02:24 — Why I stopped leaving negative reviews 03:14 — Never respond to a bad book review 04:02 — When you should report a review 04:47 — Why I used to upvote bad reviews 05:33 — How 1-star reviews can actually help you 06:46 — Why some successful creators never read reviews 07:32 — Reviews vs. YouTube comments 08:54 — Why book reviews still matter 10:00 — How to get more reviews for your books 10:40 — The simplest review strategy for authors 11:26 — How should writers handle trolls and criticism? FIND KEVIN Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Kevin’s books:https://kevintumlinson.com/books Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books—and more—at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Ernest Dempsey:https://ernestdempsey.com #WritingAdvice #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthors #BookMarketing #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People love throwing around the phrase “AI slop.” But does using AI actually hurt your content—or are creators reacting to something that audiences barely notice? I decided to stop guessing and test it. For several weeks, I ran YouTube A/B/C tests comparing AI-generated thumbnails against thumbnails built from traditional photos and graphics. And the results were not what the loudest AI critics might expect. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I break down what happened, what the numbers actually showed, and why I think creators need a better definition of “AI slop.” I also talk about where I personally draw the line with AI. I do not use AI to write my books. I love writing too much for that. But I do use AI as a business tool for things like editing assistance, titles, descriptions, thumbnails, and other tasks that can save me time and energy. The question isn’t simply, “Did AI touch this?” The better question might be: Did the tool augment the creator—or replace the creator? If you're a writer, creator, publisher, or creative entrepreneur trying to figure out where AI fits into your work, this conversation is for you. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at http://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS ⏱️ TIMECODES 00:00 — Welcome to the Wordslinger 10-Shot01:14 — Why I wanted to talk about “AI slop”01:52 — The backlash writers get for using AI02:58 — I do NOT use AI to write my books03:24 — Where I actually use AI in my business04:43 — I put AI thumbnails through an A/B/C test05:39 — The surprising results06:36 — AI as augmentation instead of replacement07:17 — “Why don't you just hire someone?”08:04 — What “AI slop” should actually mean09:09 — The test results are in: Did AI win? 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER If you're building a life and career around writing, publishing, storytelling, and creative entrepreneurship, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where writers come for practical, experience-based guidance on becoming better writers, publishing smarter, building an audience, navigating new technology, and creating a sustainable career around their work. You can also explore the Wordslinger Podcast, Wordslinger 10-Shots, and Wordslinger Story Cuts playlists at: https://youtube.com/wordslingerpodcast FIND KEVIN Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com #Writing #Authors #AIForWriters #ArtificialIntelligence #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthors #CreativeEntrepreneur #Publishing #WritingCommunity #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“I can’t afford to self-publish.” I hear this from writers all the time—and I think it’s based on one of the biggest misconceptions about indie publishing. You can self-publish a book for $0. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I break down the real costs of independent publishing, including editing, formatting, cover design, distribution, and marketing—and show you where you can spend money, where you can save it, and where you may not need to spend anything at all. We’ll also talk about the important difference between legitimate indie publishing and expensive “publishing services” that charge authors thousands of dollars while taking control of their work. Because here’s the bigger point: You don’t need a huge budget to become an indie author. But if you want to build a sustainable writing career, you do need to start thinking like a publisher—and like a business owner. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS ☕ IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 — “I can’t afford to self-publish” 01:17 — Indie publishing vs. vanity publishing 02:19 — When publishing services become a scam 03:22 — Do you really need to pay for professional editing? 04:23 — Free and inexpensive book formatting options 05:52 — Scrivener, Vellum, and other formatting tools 06:24 — Draft2Digital and low-cost publishing tools 08:28 — Creating a book cover on a budget 10:33 — How little self-publishing can actually cost 11:11 — Free ebook and print distribution 11:58 — Can you really publish for $0–$100? 12:39 — Marketing your books without spending money 13:22 — Building your author platform for free 14:41 — The real cost of indie publishing 15:17 — Why writers need to think like business owners 16:41 — The huge advantage of ebooks and print-on-demand 17:38 — Traditional publishing won’t eliminate your expenses 19:34 — Give your book every chance to succeed 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER If you’re a writer trying to build a career—not just finish a manuscript—subscribe to Wordslinger. This is where we talk honestly about writing, publishing, book marketing, author business, creativity, technology, and what it actually takes to make a living with your words. Whether you’re indie publishing, traditionally publishing, or still figuring out which road to take, you’ll find practical guidance here for every stage of your writing and publishing journey. FIND KEVIN Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books—and more—at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com TOOLS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Draft2Digital Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Kobo Barnes & Noble Google Play Books Apple Books Canva Calibre LaTeX Scrivener Vellum Fiverr Substack 💬 YOUR TURN: What do you do to keep the cost of indie publishing down? What free or inexpensive tools have saved you money? Drop them in the comments—other writers may discover exactly the resource they need. #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #WritingAdvice #BookPublishing #AuthorBusiness #BookMarketing #WritingCommunity #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kevin on Kraft: EPISODE 1! **Kevin on Kraft** is an occasional conversation between writers Kevin Tumlinson and Donn King about the craft, process, and strange magic of writing. **Your first draft is supposed to be bad.** Seriously. One of the biggest mistakes writers make is expecting the first draft to look anything like the finished book. That pressure to get everything right—to nail the characters, plot, dialogue, pacing, and prose on the first try—can make finishing the book exponentially harder. In this first episode of **Kevin on Kraft**, Donn King and I dig into how stories actually get written: discovery writing, plotting versus pantsing, developing characters as you go, getting unstuck when the story stalls, and why sometimes the best solution to writer’s block is to **blow up the spaceship** and see what happens. We also get into where ideas come from, why originality may be overrated, how writers can borrow familiar storytelling patterns without copying, and one of my favorite principles of storytelling: **Same—but different.** If you're writing your first novel, your seventieth, or you're simply trying to make a living doing creative work, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to know everything before you begin. You just have to begin. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS ☕ **IN THIS EPISODE** 00:00 — Welcome to Kevin on Kraft 05:20 — Why we're talking about writing craft 09:25 — Kevin's path through writing and publishing 13:17 — Why persistence matters for creative careers 15:20 — Everyone is creative—even if they don't think they are 16:37 — How Kevin builds stories from a title 22:26 — What actually makes a story a story? 25:55 — Plotters, pantsers, and discovery writers 30:50 — Why trying to write a perfect first draft is a mistake 32:23 — What to do when your story gets stuck 32:49 — The “looping” technique for getting your momentum back 33:56 — Sometimes you should just blow up the spaceship 36:45 — Using rewriting to change the past 39:47 — How to create plot twists that make you look like a genius 40:30 — Kevin's “Ash Bin” trick for deleted scenes 43:16 — Inspiration, homage, and when it becomes copying 46:02 — Why every story uses the same ingredients 46:32 — The secret is “same but different” 47:30 — What's next for Kevin on Kraft? 🎙️ **FIND DONN KING** Donn King's website: https://donnking.com Donn King on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/daking2742 The Alignment Show: https://thealignmentshow.com King's Chronicles on Substack: https://kingschronicles.substack.com ✍️ **FIND Kevin** Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com 🛠️ **SERVICES FOR AUTHORS** **Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:** https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 **Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:** https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger **Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books—and more—at AuthorAnchor:** https://authoranchor.com 🔔 **SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER** If you're serious about writing better books, building a publishing career, growing your audience, and making a living from your creativity, **subscribe to the Wordslinger channel**. This is where writers come for practical, experience-driven guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, creativity, and building a sustainable career around the work you love. And leave a comment: **Are you a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between? And what do you do when your story gets stuck?** #WritingAdvice #WritingTips #Authors #Writers #WritingCraft #FirstDraft #NovelWriting #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthors #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sold more than 10 million books over the course of my writing career—and somehow I’m still spending my time talking about AI witch hunts. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I dig into the growing problem of AI detection tools, false accusations, and platforms giving users new ways to report writers for supposedly creating “AI slop.” These tools are producing false positives, damaging reputations, costing writers subscribers, and potentially putting publishing contracts and careers at risk. And the deeper problem is that writers are increasingly being treated as guilty before they’ve had any opportunity to defend their work. But this episode isn’t only about AI. I also talk about what selling 10 million books has taught me about long-term success, why your career may look very different when you view it in aggregate, and why writers should spend less time obsessing over goals and more time building a reliable creative process. We’ll also explore: • Why AI detection software is dangerous for writers • How false accusations can create real financial damage • Why outrage-driven content is tempting—but creatively limiting • What 20 years of book sales taught me about success • Why consistency matters more than ambitious daily goals • How to build a writing habit without burning yourself out • Why your backlist is one of your greatest career assets • How the “same but different” principle applies to books, covers, and branding • Why writers, creators, and entrepreneurs need a unified platform Your writing career will not be built by one viral moment, one massive launch, or one perfect book. It will be built by showing up, improving your process, and creating work consistently over time. If you’re a writer looking for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, creative business, and building a sustainable author career, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is the place for writers who want real-world advice for every stage of the writing and publishing journey. TIMECODES 00:00 – Welcome to Wordslinger 00:50 – The AI detection witch hunt 02:10 – Why AI detectors generate false positives 03:03 – Writers losing contracts over AI accusations 03:59 – The financial consequences for Substack writers 05:23 – Could AI detection become automated defamation? 06:29 – LinkedIn introduces AI-slop reporting 07:56 – How trolls weaponize reporting tools 08:54 – Why outrage content gets more views 09:59 – Refusing to become the AI witch-hunt show 10:51 – Selling 10 million books and earning $2.4 million 12:08 – What long-term success actually looks like 13:41 – How one book can suddenly change a career 14:47 – The power of a breakout book 15:16 – Why process matters more than goals 16:46 – What happens after you reach the goal 17:41 – Building consistency like a muscle 18:30 – Why starting too big leads to failure 19:05 – How to create a sustainable writing habit 20:42 – Turning consistency into finished books 21:10 – Writing lucrative commissioned fiction 21:58 – Why your backlist is where the real money lives 22:58 – Expanding and tightening the Wordslinger brand 24:01 – The “same but different” principle 25:28 – Using genre expectations in covers and branding 26:49 – Building a consistent author platform 27:43 – Why subscribing helps support the show 29:06 – Final thoughts VISIT AND CONNECT Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com Improve your writing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish and distribute your books with Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Get virtual assistant support through AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Subscribe to the Wordslinger YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/wordslingerpodcast QUESTION FOR YOU Do you think AI detection tools protect writers—or create an even greater threat to their careers? Leave your answer in the comments. I read and respond to every comment. #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #AIDetection #ArtificialIntelligence #AuthorBusiness #WritingCommunity #CreativeEntrepreneur #BookPublishing #AuthorBranding #WritingProcess #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI detectors are accusing real writers of using artificial intelligence—and people are losing grades, contracts, opportunities, and reputations because of unreliable software. Meanwhile, writers are still wrestling with another difficult question: How do you actually build a sustainable writing career when book sales alone may not provide a dependable living? In this episode of Wordslinger, J. Kevin Tumlinson examines the growing AI-detection witch hunt, the difference between using AI as a creative tool and allowing it to replace creativity, and the unfair consequences writers face when flawed technology is treated as proof. Kevin also explores the changing economics of the writing life. A successful writing career may not look like the romantic version many of us imagined. It may require multiple income streams, smarter financial planning, a larger platform, and enough runway to keep creating without constantly worrying about the next paycheck. In this episode: 00:00 — Welcome to Wordslinger 01:11 — Why AI detection software is a scam 02:13 — Writers and students facing false accusations 03:29 — Why good writing can trigger AI detectors 04:21 — The hypocrisy of feeding writers’ work into AI 05:15 — Legitimate and accessible uses of AI 06:18 — How disabled writers can use AI as assistive technology 07:23 — Translation and language tools for authors 08:20 — When technology supports creativity 09:32 — Leonardo da Vinci, Stan Lee, and outsourced creation 11:46 — AI companies destroying rare books 14:11 — Are we responsible stewards of AI? 15:42 — How writers can actually make a living 17:13 — The fantasy versus reality of the writing life 19:22 — Building multiple streams of writing income 21:31 — Stop laying track directly in front of the train 24:29 — Creating financial runway before leaving your job 26:35 — The two financial tracks every writer needs 28:48 — Keeping writing at the center of your career 30:57 — Where to connect with Kevin Whether you are an author, freelance writer, artist, podcaster, publisher, or creative entrepreneur, the real question is not whether technology or the publishing industry will change. They will. The question is whether you can use the tools available, diversify your income, protect your creative identity, and build a career capable of surviving those changes. What do you think? Are AI detectors protecting writers—or creating a modern witch hunt? And can authors still expect to earn a living primarily from book sales? Share your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, creative business, technology, and the mindset required to build a lasting writing career. This is the place for writers who want informed, experience-driven help throughout every stage of their writing and publishing journey. VISIT AND CONNECT: Wordslinger Podcast [https://wordslingerpodcast.com](https://wordslingerpodcast.com) Improve your writing with ProWritingAid [https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5](https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5) Publish wide with Draft2Digital [https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger](https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger) Get professional support with AuthorAnchor [https://authoranchor.com](https://authoranchor.com) Find Kevin and his books [https://kevintumlinson.com](https://kevintumlinson.com) Join Kevin on Substack [https://kevintumlinson.substack.com](https://kevintumlinson.substack.com) #WritingCommunity #AuthorTube #ArtificialIntelligence #AIDetection #WritingCareer #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #CreativeEntrepreneur #PublishingAdvice #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I came this close to walking away from writing forever. After a traditional publishing deal went sideways, I paid back the advance, lost the rights for a stretch, and seriously believed my career was over before it started. What saved me wasn’t “just write every day.” It was building a deliberate system around the chaos of multiple projects, side hustles, and creative energy. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot I break down the exact approach I still use today so I can keep finishing books while running a podcast, YouTube channel, coaching, and other ventures without burning out or falling into shiny-object syndrome. You’ll learn:   How I use directed intensity instead of forcing myself to grind on one thing Why strategic “side quests” actually help me finish more fiction The simple scheduling trick that keeps everything moving How secondary skills and businesses can feed (not steal from) your main writing career   Whether you’re a novelist, indie author, content creator, or multi-passionate entrepreneur, this system is designed for people who refuse to choose just one lane. Timestamps 00:00 – The deal that almost ended my writing career 01:12 – Why “just write more” wasn’t the answer 02:45 – Directed intensity: my core rule for juggling projects 04:20 – Side quests vs. shiny object syndrome 06:10 – How I schedule production days and recovery 07:55 – Secondary “encodings” that actually support your writing 09:15 – Final thoughts + invitation Resources & Links Wordslinger Podcast → https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWritingAid (my go-to editing tool) → https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital → https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor → https://authoranchor.com Find all my books & more → https://kevintumlinson.com Join me on Substack → https://kevintumlinson.substack.com If you’re a writer or creative entrepreneur looking for practical, no-fluff guidance on building a sustainable writing and publishing career, this is the channel for you. Hit subscribe, turn on notifications, and let’s keep growing together. Drop a comment and tell me: What’s the biggest “chaos” you’re trying to organize in your creative life right now?#Wordslinger #IndieAuthor #WritingLife #CreativeEntrepreneur #AuthorTips Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What makes a story impossible to put down? It usually starts with one uncomfortable truth: You have to make your characters suffer. In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, I dig into several practical writing craft principles that can help you create stronger characters, sharper scenes, more natural dialogue, and stories that keep readers turning pages. We’ll talk about why change is the engine of story, how consequences create momentum, why “and then” can quietly kill your plot, and how to build tension without exhausting your reader. I’ll also explore dialogue as a form of action, the value of leaving some questions unanswered, and how to recognize when a story is truly finished. Whether you’re writing your first novel or your fiftieth, these are the kinds of craft fundamentals that can help you tell more compelling stories. What writing craft topic would you like me to cover next? Leave your question in the comments. I may turn it into a future episode.   TIMECODES 00:00 – Why writers should talk more about craft 01:44 – Why your characters need to suffer 03:36 – Suffering doesn’t have to mean physical danger 07:38 – Every scene must create change 10:13 – Creating discomfort and escalating tension 10:54 – “And then” versus “because” storytelling 12:18 – Giving readers moments of hope and relief 14:31 – Why everything in a story must serve a purpose 18:11 – Building tension in peaks and valleys 18:55 – Understanding three-act structure 21:30 – Change as the purpose of scenes 23:20 – Dialogue as action, not exposition 27:37 – Why explanatory dialogue stops a story cold 29:32 – Suspense as the distance between knowledge and action 30:52 – How to know when your story is over 34:03 – Leaving some questions unanswered 37:30 – Using A, B, and C plots across a series 40:17 – Why craft remains a writer’s primary tool   Subscribe to the channel for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, and building a sustainable creative career. Whether you’re just getting started or working toward your next breakthrough, this is the place to find useful advice for every stage of your writing and publishing journey. Visit the Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com Improve your writing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish and distribute your books with Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Get professional support for your author career with AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com #WritingCraft #WritingTips #Authors #CreativeWriting #Storytelling #IndieAuthors #WritingAdvice #NovelWriting #CharacterDevelopment #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Writers are dreamers — and unfortunately, scammers know it. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I’m breaking down 5 scams targeting writers right now, especially indie authors, self-published authors, and creative entrepreneurs trying to build a real career around their work. From fake awards and vanity publishers to bogus film deals, fake agents, and “guaranteed bestseller” packages, these scams all have one thing in common: they prey on your desire to be discovered. The good news? You can protect yourself with a little skepticism, a few common-sense checks, and one simple rule: if someone approaches you out of nowhere, flatters your book heavily, creates urgency, and asks for money up front — stop and verify first. If you’re a writer trying to build a publishing career without getting taken advantage of, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the channel for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, and building a sustainable author career. ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 – Why writers are targeted by scammers 00:46 – Common scam warning signs 02:50 – Scam #5: Fake awards and contest scams 05:44 – Scam #4: Predatory review and bestseller packages 09:07 – Scam #3: Vanity publishers in disguise 13:21 – Scam #2: Fake film, TV, and foreign rights deals 18:35 – Scam #1: Impersonation scams 22:16 – How to verify agents, publishers, and big-name offers 24:03 – The simple rule every author should remember 24:52 – Why scams aimed at writers make me angry 25:16 – Courses, gurus, and bad publishing advice 29:07 – Avoiding the trap of the “quick win” 34:14 – Final thoughts and how to join the conversation   Links mentioned and recommended: Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Question for you: Have you ever been approached by a suspicious “publisher,” “agent,” contest, or media company? Drop a comment and share the red flags you spotted — it might help another writer avoid the same trap. #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #AuthorTube #WritingAdvice #PublishingTips #CreativeEntrepreneur #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Writers waste a lot of energy worrying about the wrong things.   In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin talks about finishing a story that started nearly 30 years ago, why your unfinished drafts may still have life in them, and why the “perfect” writing tool probably is not what’s standing between you and the work.   We also get into the ongoing AI debate for writers: where the line is, how AI can be useful, and why using tools to improve your writing is not the same thing as letting something else do the writing for you.   If you’ve ever abandoned a story, obsessed over which software or device to use, or wondered whether AI has a place in your writing process, this one is for you.   Subscribe to the channel for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, and building a sustainable author career. This is where writers come to get unstuck, get encouraged, and keep moving forward.   ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 — Recording from the virtual studio 00:39 — Finishing a draft that took 30 years to complete 01:26 — Why short fiction can be a smart creative strategy 02:37 — Building readers of your voice, not just your genre 04:37 — When a short story becomes a novella 05:10 — Revisiting an old idea that finally clicked 07:56 — How to know when an unfinished story is worth returning to 08:44 — Why writers should keep their old drafts 09:25 — How old story fragments helped launch the Dan Kotler series 10:31 — Returning to abandoned books years later 12:35 — The “perfect camera” lesson for writers 15:10 — Choosing the right writing software or device 16:12 — Handwriting, dictation, typewriters, Freewrite, AlphaSmart, Scrivener, and more 20:16 — The best writing tool is the one you already have 23:29 — The AI debate among writers 24:18 — Using AI as a writing aid versus using it to write for you 26:34 — Why every writer needs help improving 28:11 — Why passion still matters in the writing life 30:10 — The danger of AI witch hunts 32:43 — The line Kevin won’t cross with AI writing 33:29 — The Silence Between Signals is coming soon 34:11 — Share your thoughts: old drafts, writing tools, and AI   Links mentioned and recommended:   Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com   ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5   Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger   Author Anchor: https://authoranchor.com   Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com   Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com   What are you worrying about most right now as a writer: unfinished stories, finding the right tools, or navigating AI? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it.   Like, subscribe, and share this with a writer who needs to stop waiting and start writing.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What publishing trends should writers be paying attention to right now?   In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin looks at five trends shaping the current writing and publishing landscape—especially for indie authors, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone building a long-term writing career.   From the rise of short fiction and novellas, to the “analog rebellion” bringing writers back to typewriters, notebooks, and distraction-free drafting tools, to the growing power of direct sales and special editions, this episode is all about paying attention to where readers, writers, and creative culture seem to be moving.   Publishing is always changing. The smart writer learns how to adapt without losing sight of the work itself.   If you’re a writer trying to build a sustainable creative life, subscribe to the channel. This is where writers come for honest, practical guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, and building a career that can survive the real world.   Get my newest novel, Echo: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/dmaxbi5aeh   Back the Parallel Truths graphic novel Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/authorventuresllc/parallel-truths-a-multi-genre-graphic-novel-anthology?ref=6upt4c   Visit the Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com   Try ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5   Publish with Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger   Get help from Author Anchor: https://authoranchor.com   Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com   Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com   TIME CODES 00:00 – Podcasting from the Pennsylvania countryside 01:33 – The trends Kevin is seeing in publishing 02:32 – Trend #1: The rise of short fiction 03:19 – Why short fiction gives writers more freedom 04:36 – Reader fatigue and escapist fiction 05:57 – Novellas, short stories, and creative experiments 06:38 – Trend #2: The analog rebellion 07:16 – Focus writing tools and distraction-free drafting 08:36 – Typewriters, handwriting, and old-school creativity 10:18 – Why handwriting can unlock focus and memory 13:05 – Physical media and slower consumption 14:35 – Trend #3: Experimental formats and unusual book design 16:31 – When experimentation becomes a gimmick 17:39 – Trend #4: Special editions and collector books 19:19 – Trend #5: Direct sales for authors 20:07 – Building stronger reader relationships 21:00 – Selling exclusive short fiction directly 22:46 – Why direct sales can benefit both authors and readers 23:51 – What trends are you seeing? 24:54 – Sometimes writers just have to improvise   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the old pulp fiction model is exactly what modern authors need right now? In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin talks about using short stories as both a creative reset and a smart publishing strategy. If you’re feeling burned out on your novel, stuck in a long rewrite, or just craving a fresh creative project, short fiction can help refill the bucket while still moving your author business forward. Short stories can become ebooks, direct sales products, Substack exclusives, audiobooks, reader magnets, annual collections, anthology opportunities, and more. It’s not just about writing something shorter. It’s about creating more entry points for readers, building your catalog, strengthening your platform, and staying creatively energized. This is a practical strategy for writers, indie authors, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs who want to keep producing without burning out. If you’re serious about your writing and publishing journey, subscribe to this channel. Wordslinger is where writers come for clear, useful, real-world guidance on writing better books, building an author platform, publishing smarter, and creating a sustainable creative life. Mentioned in this episode: Preorder ECHO: https://bit.ly/qrecho Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Key moments: 00:00 — Welcome and the preorder announcement for ECHO 01:19 — Creative burnout, brain fry, and stepping back from the novel 02:10 — Refilling the creative bucket 03:36 — Why Kevin started writing a short story 04:06 — The short fiction strategy begins 04:45 — Direct sales, Substack, and reader-friendly pricing 05:20 — Why Kevin refuses to train readers to wait for discounts 06:20 — Loyalty discounts and rewarding newsletter subscribers 08:08 — Short stories as fast creative products 09:36 — Why stepping away from a novel can restore excitement 10:19 — The long-form/short-form writing rhythm 12:38 — Short fiction as a powerful income tool 13:20 — What modern authors can learn from the pulp fiction era 14:13 — Short story markets, magazines, contests, and anthologies 15:04 — Publishing short fiction as ebooks 15:50 — Budget-friendly covers and formatting options 16:37 — Wide distribution versus direct publishing 18:10 — How AuthorAnchor can help authors with support tasks 19:01 — Selling short fiction through your own storefront 20:10 — Using Substack as a paid fiction library 20:48 — Recording short audiobooks yourself 21:58 — Bundling short stories into annual collections 23:32 — Collections, anthologies, and working with other authors 25:20 — Why short fiction fits the current publishing era 26:22 — Reader loyalty, AI pushback, and owning your platform 29:04 — Why shorter fiction may matter more in the attention economy 31:25 — Competing with every other form of media 32:28 — Questions, comments, and building a writer community What do you think? Are short stories part of your writing or publishing strategy? Leave a comment and let’s talk about it. Subscribe for more practical writing and publishing guidance from Kevin Tumlinson and the Wordslinger Podcast. #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #ShortStories #CreativeEntrepreneur #AuthorPlatform #WritingTips #PublishingTips #WordslingerPodcast #KevinTumlinson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the old pulp fiction model is exactly what modern authors need right now? In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin talks about using short stories as both a creative reset and a smart publishing strategy. If you’re feeling burned out on your novel, stuck in a long rewrite, or just craving a fresh creative project, short fiction can help refill the bucket while still moving your author business forward. Short stories can become ebooks, direct sales products, Substack exclusives, audiobooks, reader magnets, annual collections, anthology opportunities, and more. It’s not just about writing something shorter. It’s about creating more entry points for readers, building your catalog, strengthening your platform, and staying creatively energized. This is a practical strategy for writers, indie authors, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs who want to keep producing without burning out. If you’re serious about your writing and publishing journey, subscribe to this channel. Wordslinger is where writers come for clear, useful, real-world guidance on writing better books, building an author platform, publishing smarter, and creating a sustainable creative life. Mentioned in this episode: Preorder ECHO: https://bit.ly/qrecho Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Key moments: 00:00 — Welcome and the preorder announcement for ECHO 01:19 — Creative burnout, brain fry, and stepping back from the novel 02:10 — Refilling the creative bucket 03:36 — Why Kevin started writing a short story 04:06 — The short fiction strategy begins 04:45 — Direct sales, Substack, and reader-friendly pricing 05:20 — Why Kevin refuses to train readers to wait for discounts 06:20 — Loyalty discounts and rewarding newsletter subscribers 08:08 — Short stories as fast creative products 09:36 — Why stepping away from a novel can restore excitement 10:19 — The long-form/short-form writing rhythm 12:38 — Short fiction as a powerful income tool 13:20 — What modern authors can learn from the pulp fiction era 14:13 — Short story markets, magazines, contests, and anthologies 15:04 — Publishing short fiction as ebooks 15:50 — Budget-friendly covers and formatting options 16:37 — Wide distribution versus direct publishing 18:10 — How AuthorAnchor can help authors with support tasks 19:01 — Selling short fiction through your own storefront 20:10 — Using Substack as a paid fiction library 20:48 — Recording short audiobooks yourself 21:58 — Bundling short stories into annual collections 23:32 — Collections, anthologies, and working with other authors 25:20 — Why short fiction fits the current publishing era 26:22 — Reader loyalty, AI pushback, and owning your platform 29:04 — Why shorter fiction may matter more in the attention economy 31:25 — Competing with every other form of media 32:28 — Questions, comments, and building a writer community What do you think? Are short stories part of your writing or publishing strategy? Leave a comment and let’s talk about it. Subscribe for more practical writing and publishing guidance from Kevin Tumlinson and the Wordslinger Podcast. #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #ShortStories #CreativeEntrepreneur #AuthorPlatform #WritingTips #PublishingTips #WordslingerPodcast #KevinTumlinson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can bad AI writing actually make you a better writer? In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, Kevin talks through what he’s working on right now as an author, including the launch of his new Alex Kayne thriller, *Echo*, the messy reality of book promotion, rebuilding his author platform, updating his book links, and experimenting with AI as a writing-adjacent tool. But the big idea here is this: AI may be useful for writers precisely because it often gets the writing wrong. Kevin shares how using AI for critique, structural feedback, and scene ideas can sometimes produce weak, soulless results—but those results can challenge a real writer to think harder, write better, and bring more humanity to the page. AI can be training wheels. It can be a sparring partner. It can even be a bad example. But it should not replace the one thing that matters most: the writer doing the writing. If you’re a novelist, indie author, creative entrepreneur, or creator trying to build a stronger writing life, this episode is about practical book promotion, author platforms, direct sales, AI, and the discipline of protecting your creative work. Subscribe to the channel for honest, practical guidance on writing, publishing, book marketing, author business, creative discipline, and building a long-term career as a working writer. ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 — What I’m working on this week 00:24 — Introducing *Echo*, the new Alex Kayne thriller 01:04 — The challenge of practical book promotion 02:17 — Why your author platform still matters 03:54 — The frustrating reality of print preorders 06:26 — Podcasting, YouTube, and reader interaction 07:23 — Rebuilding my book links and direct sales setup 10:04 — Using BookFunnel universal book links 13:03 — The rule: never let platform work stop the writing 14:31 — Refreshing book covers and promotion graphics 15:49 — When an author should hire a virtual assistant 17:28 — The right time to get help with your author business 19:09 — Returning to unfinished books and old projects 20:47 — Feeding feedback into AI tools 21:37 — Why I don’t use AI to write my books 22:12 — AI as grammar check, critique tool, and developmental editor 23:02 — Why bad AI writing can make you better 24:10 — The caveat: writers still need real skills 25:28 — AI as training wheels for writers 26:28 — Why you can’t outsource the writing and still call it writing 27:47 — AI books, copyright questions, and the future of publishing 29:50 — AI slop vs. human storytelling 30:41 — Making art instead of feeding the machine 31:39 — Final thoughts and invitation to comment Links mentioned: Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Question for you: How are you using AI in your writing life? Is it helping you think more clearly, or are you worried it’s getting in the way of the real work? Leave a comment and let’s talk about it. #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #AIWriting #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing #BookMarketing #AuthorPlatform #WritingTips #WordslingerPodcast #KevinTumlinson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can bad AI writing actually make you a better writer? In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, Kevin talks through what he’s working on right now as an author, including the launch of his new Alex Kayne thriller, *Echo*, the messy reality of book promotion, rebuilding his author platform, updating his book links, and experimenting with AI as a writing-adjacent tool. But the big idea here is this: AI may be useful for writers precisely because it often gets the writing wrong. Kevin shares how using AI for critique, structural feedback, and scene ideas can sometimes produce weak, soulless results—but those results can challenge a real writer to think harder, write better, and bring more humanity to the page. AI can be training wheels. It can be a sparring partner. It can even be a bad example. But it should not replace the one thing that matters most: the writer doing the writing. If you’re a novelist, indie author, creative entrepreneur, or creator trying to build a stronger writing life, this episode is about practical book promotion, author platforms, direct sales, AI, and the discipline of protecting your creative work. Subscribe to the channel for honest, practical guidance on writing, publishing, book marketing, author business, creative discipline, and building a long-term career as a working writer. ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 — What I’m working on this week 00:24 — Introducing *Echo*, the new Alex Kayne thriller 01:04 — The challenge of practical book promotion 02:17 — Why your author platform still matters 03:54 — The frustrating reality of print preorders 06:26 — Podcasting, YouTube, and reader interaction 07:23 — Rebuilding my book links and direct sales setup 10:04 — Using BookFunnel universal book links 13:03 — The rule: never let platform work stop the writing 14:31 — Refreshing book covers and promotion graphics 15:49 — When an author should hire a virtual assistant 17:28 — The right time to get help with your author business 19:09 — Returning to unfinished books and old projects 20:47 — Feeding feedback into AI tools 21:37 — Why I don’t use AI to write my books 22:12 — AI as grammar check, critique tool, and developmental editor 23:02 — Why bad AI writing can make you better 24:10 — The caveat: writers still need real skills 25:28 — AI as training wheels for writers 26:28 — Why you can’t outsource the writing and still call it writing 27:47 — AI books, copyright questions, and the future of publishing 29:50 — AI slop vs. human storytelling 30:41 — Making art instead of feeding the machine 31:39 — Final thoughts and invitation to comment Links mentioned: Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Question for you: How are you using AI in your writing life? Is it helping you think more clearly, or are you worried it’s getting in the way of the real work? Leave a comment and let’s talk about it. #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #AIWriting #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishing #BookMarketing #AuthorPlatform #WritingTips #WordslingerPodcast #KevinTumlinson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when you let AI touch your novel? In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, I talk honestly about experimenting with AI during a major novel rewrite — what completely failed, what surprisingly worked, and why I believe the future of writing still belongs to humans… just humans using better tools. I tested Claude as a rewrite partner on a full manuscript, and the results were eye-opening. The AI rewrite itself? A mess. But the outlining, continuity tracking, scene planning, and editorial assistance? That changed the game. This episode is for writers, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs trying to figure out where AI fits into the creative process without sacrificing originality, voice, or soul. We talk about: * Why AI-generated fiction often feels flat * The difference between “writing with AI” and “letting AI write” * How I’m using AI during rewrites and outlining * Why storytelling still depends on human intuition * The publishing industry’s changing relationship with AI * How writers can adapt without losing themselves in the process If you’re trying to navigate the future of publishing, storytelling, and creativity, this channel is built for you. 👉 Subscribe for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, and building a sustainable author career: [https://www.youtube.com/@WordslingerPodcast](https://www.youtube.com/@WordslingerPodcast) ⏱️ TIMECODES 00:00 – Welcome & what’s been happening this week 02:30 – Testing AI on a full novel rewrite 03:40 – Why the AI rewrite completely failed 04:30 – The surprising way AI actually helped 06:30 – AI as an outlining partner 08:20 – Why AI-generated stories feel formulaic 10:30 – Concerns about AI training & publishing 12:10 – Why writers must adapt 13:30 – The reality of major rewrites 15:15 – Rebuilding a novel from existing parts 16:40 – Why setting books aside can help 18:40 – A new writing strategy going forward 21:10 – Using story structures with AI assistance 23:20 – The “writer’s room” approach 24:20 – AI as a prosthetic, not a replacement 25:40 – Why human beta readers still matter 28:10 – Publishers already using AI internally 29:00 – Final thoughts on the future of writing LINKS & RESOURCES 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast [https://wordslingerpodcast.com](https://wordslingerpodcast.com) ✍️ ProWritingAid [https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5](https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5) 📚 Draft2Digital [https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger](https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger) ⚓ Author Anchor [https://authoranchor.com](https://authoranchor.com) 📖 Find Kevin and his books [https://kevintumlinson.com](https://kevintumlinson.com) 📰 Join Kevin on Substack [https://kevintumlinson.substack.com](https://kevintumlinson.substack.com) #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AIWriting #Publishing #WritingTips #CreativeEntrepreneur #SelfPublishing #Authors #WritersLife #ArtificialIntelligence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you let AI touch your novel? In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, I talk honestly about experimenting with AI during a major novel rewrite — what completely failed, what surprisingly worked, and why I believe the future of writing still belongs to humans… just humans using better tools. I tested Claude as a rewrite partner on a full manuscript, and the results were eye-opening. The AI rewrite itself? A mess. But the outlining, continuity tracking, scene planning, and editorial assistance? That changed the game. This episode is for writers, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs trying to figure out where AI fits into the creative process without sacrificing originality, voice, or soul. We talk about: * Why AI-generated fiction often feels flat * The difference between “writing with AI” and “letting AI write” * How I’m using AI during rewrites and outlining * Why storytelling still depends on human intuition * The publishing industry’s changing relationship with AI * How writers can adapt without losing themselves in the process If you’re trying to navigate the future of publishing, storytelling, and creativity, this channel is built for you. 👉 Subscribe for practical, honest guidance on writing, publishing, creativity, and building a sustainable author career: [https://www.youtube.com/@WordslingerPodcast](https://www.youtube.com/@WordslingerPodcast) ⏱️ TIMECODES 00:00 – Welcome & what’s been happening this week 02:30 – Testing AI on a full novel rewrite 03:40 – Why the AI rewrite completely failed 04:30 – The surprising way AI actually helped 06:30 – AI as an outlining partner 08:20 – Why AI-generated stories feel formulaic 10:30 – Concerns about AI training & publishing 12:10 – Why writers must adapt 13:30 – The reality of major rewrites 15:15 – Rebuilding a novel from existing parts 16:40 – Why setting books aside can help 18:40 – A new writing strategy going forward 21:10 – Using story structures with AI assistance 23:20 – The “writer’s room” approach 24:20 – AI as a prosthetic, not a replacement 25:40 – Why human beta readers still matter 28:10 – Publishers already using AI internally 29:00 – Final thoughts on the future of writing LINKS & RESOURCES 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast [https://wordslingerpodcast.com](https://wordslingerpodcast.com) ✍️ ProWritingAid [https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5](https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5) 📚 Draft2Digital [https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger](https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger) ⚓ Author Anchor [https://authoranchor.com](https://authoranchor.com) 📖 Find Kevin and his books [https://kevintumlinson.com](https://kevintumlinson.com) 📰 Join Kevin on Substack [https://kevintumlinson.substack.com](https://kevintumlinson.substack.com) #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AIWriting #Publishing #WritingTips #CreativeEntrepreneur #SelfPublishing #Authors #WritersLife #ArtificialIntelligence Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Writers are arguing about AI. But the better question is: how can we use the tools without giving up the work? In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, Kevin walks through his real-world writing and publishing process—from daily word counts and “looping” through a manuscript, to using AI as an editing and continuity tool, to working with a street team, setting up preorders, and getting a new book ready for launch. Kevin also digs into the bigger conversation around AI-written books, Barnes & Noble, copyright, publishing quality, and why human creativity still matters. AI can help spot typos, organize feedback, identify continuity issues, and make the workflow faster—but it should not replace the writer. For writers, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs, this episode is about building a process that helps you finish more work, publish smarter, and stay in control of your own voice. Subscribe to the channel for some of the best guidance on your writing and publishing journey—covering craft, creativity, publishing, author business, AI tools, indie publishing, and the mindset it takes to build a lasting creative career. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome back to the Wordslinger Podcast 00:27 New book update and upcoming announcement 01:22 Kevin’s writing and publishing process 02:31 Daily word count goals and creative problem-solving 03:28 Solving story problems by stepping away 04:05 The “looping” method for rewriting and momentum 05:29 Using AI to spot typos, errors, and continuity problems 07:06 What happens after the completed first draft 07:40 Street teams, beta readers, reviews, and launch prep 09:25 Moving from one finished book into the next project 10:13 Revisiting half-finished books and rewriting with fresh perspective 11:25 Using multiple AI tools to organize rewrite feedback 13:51 How every book improves the process 14:48 Numbered scenes, Scrivener, and better manuscript organization 17:20 How AI fits into Kevin’s workflow 18:05 Barnes & Noble, AI books, and quality control 21:38 Why bad AI books won’t replace real writers 22:29 AI as assistive technology for writers 25:54 Craft, technical skill, and the human difference 28:51 Why fully AI-generated writing still falls short 29:47 Amazon rules, AI disclosure, and editing tools 30:39 AI, copyright, and human creative control 34:21 Final thoughts and viewer comments LINKS MENTIONED & RESOURCES Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWriting Aid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #AIWriting #AuthorTube #CreativeEntrepreneur #WritingTips #AmWriting #Publishing #WritersLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writers are arguing about AI. But the better question is: how can we use the tools without giving up the work? In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, Kevin walks through his real-world writing and publishing process—from daily word counts and “looping” through a manuscript, to using AI as an editing and continuity tool, to working with a street team, setting up preorders, and getting a new book ready for launch. Kevin also digs into the bigger conversation around AI-written books, Barnes & Noble, copyright, publishing quality, and why human creativity still matters. AI can help spot typos, organize feedback, identify continuity issues, and make the workflow faster—but it should not replace the writer. For writers, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs, this episode is about building a process that helps you finish more work, publish smarter, and stay in control of your own voice. Subscribe to the channel for some of the best guidance on your writing and publishing journey—covering craft, creativity, publishing, author business, AI tools, indie publishing, and the mindset it takes to build a lasting creative career. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome back to the Wordslinger Podcast 00:27 New book update and upcoming announcement 01:22 Kevin’s writing and publishing process 02:31 Daily word count goals and creative problem-solving 03:28 Solving story problems by stepping away 04:05 The “looping” method for rewriting and momentum 05:29 Using AI to spot typos, errors, and continuity problems 07:06 What happens after the completed first draft 07:40 Street teams, beta readers, reviews, and launch prep 09:25 Moving from one finished book into the next project 10:13 Revisiting half-finished books and rewriting with fresh perspective 11:25 Using multiple AI tools to organize rewrite feedback 13:51 How every book improves the process 14:48 Numbered scenes, Scrivener, and better manuscript organization 17:20 How AI fits into Kevin’s workflow 18:05 Barnes & Noble, AI books, and quality control 21:38 Why bad AI books won’t replace real writers 22:29 AI as assistive technology for writers 25:54 Craft, technical skill, and the human difference 28:51 Why fully AI-generated writing still falls short 29:47 Amazon rules, AI disclosure, and editing tools 30:39 AI, copyright, and human creative control 34:21 Final thoughts and viewer comments LINKS MENTIONED & RESOURCES Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWriting Aid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #AIWriting #AuthorTube #CreativeEntrepreneur #WritingTips #AmWriting #Publishing #WritersLife Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sometimes the best thing you can do for a stuck book is stop forcing it. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I’m back from a two-day drive from Texas to Pennsylvania, and somewhere along those long highway hours, a stalled novel finally started working again. A book I had put aside nearly two years ago suddenly clicked into place—not because I was grinding harder, but because I’d given the story time, space, and enough life experience to come back to it with new perspective. This one is for writers, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs who have unfinished drafts, stalled projects, muddy middles, abandoned ideas, or old folders full of “someday” stories. Sometimes a book isn’t dead. Sometimes it just needs to wait until you’re ready to understand what it’s trying to become. I also talk about why thinking counts as writing, how road trips, showers, walks, and quiet time can unlock creative breakthroughs, how I use AI carefully in my own process, and why characters—not gimmicks, plot devices, or even cool technology—are the real heart of a story. If you’re on your writing and publishing journey, subscribe to the channel. This is the place for practical, honest, real-world guidance for writers who want to build better books, stronger creative habits, and sustainable author careers. In this episode: 00:00 – Back from Texas and the road trip that sparked new ideas 01:50 – Why driving alone can unlock creative breakthroughs 02:40 – Capturing ideas without killing them too early 04:02 – A practical tip for using AI without losing your voice 05:20 – Returning to a book after nearly two years away 06:46 – Why setting a stuck novel aside can be the right move 08:16 – How old unfinished drafts can become new books 09:08 – How pieces of abandoned novels helped create a bestseller 10:46 – Returning to the Quake Runner: Alex Kayne series 12:18 – What happens when reality catches up with your fiction 14:27 – Why character is the heart of every story 16:54 – Exploring dependence, paranoia, and moral gray areas in fiction 19:24 – Thinking time is writing time 20:22 – Protecting your writing time, even when no words come 22:20 – How the mind keeps creating when distractions disappear 23:24 – Join the conversation on YouTube 24:25 – Why I’m building this writing community 26:46 – Where to find me, my books, and more Links mentioned: Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com More from Kevin: Visit Knovelton Books: https://knoveltonbooks.com If this episode helps you rethink an abandoned draft, stalled project, or creative block, leave a comment and tell me what you’re working on. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with another writer who needs to hear that their unfinished book may not be finished with them yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes the best thing you can do for a stuck book is stop forcing it. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I’m back from a two-day drive from Texas to Pennsylvania, and somewhere along those long highway hours, a stalled novel finally started working again. A book I had put aside nearly two years ago suddenly clicked into place—not because I was grinding harder, but because I’d given the story time, space, and enough life experience to come back to it with new perspective. This one is for writers, creatives, and creative entrepreneurs who have unfinished drafts, stalled projects, muddy middles, abandoned ideas, or old folders full of “someday” stories. Sometimes a book isn’t dead. Sometimes it just needs to wait until you’re ready to understand what it’s trying to become. I also talk about why thinking counts as writing, how road trips, showers, walks, and quiet time can unlock creative breakthroughs, how I use AI carefully in my own process, and why characters—not gimmicks, plot devices, or even cool technology—are the real heart of a story. If you’re on your writing and publishing journey, subscribe to the channel. This is the place for practical, honest, real-world guidance for writers who want to build better books, stronger creative habits, and sustainable author careers. In this episode: 00:00 – Back from Texas and the road trip that sparked new ideas 01:50 – Why driving alone can unlock creative breakthroughs 02:40 – Capturing ideas without killing them too early 04:02 – A practical tip for using AI without losing your voice 05:20 – Returning to a book after nearly two years away 06:46 – Why setting a stuck novel aside can be the right move 08:16 – How old unfinished drafts can become new books 09:08 – How pieces of abandoned novels helped create a bestseller 10:46 – Returning to the Quake Runner: Alex Kayne series 12:18 – What happens when reality catches up with your fiction 14:27 – Why character is the heart of every story 16:54 – Exploring dependence, paranoia, and moral gray areas in fiction 19:24 – Thinking time is writing time 20:22 – Protecting your writing time, even when no words come 22:20 – How the mind keeps creating when distractions disappear 23:24 – Join the conversation on YouTube 24:25 – Why I’m building this writing community 26:46 – Where to find me, my books, and more Links mentioned: Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com More from Kevin: Visit Knovelton Books: https://knoveltonbooks.com If this episode helps you rethink an abandoned draft, stalled project, or creative block, leave a comment and tell me what you’re working on. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with another writer who needs to hear that their unfinished book may not be finished with them yet. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’ve ever felt like publishing a book is more confusing than it should be… you’re not alone. After writing and publishing 70+ books, I realized something surprising: a lot of writers don’t actually know the full process. Not clearly. Not step-by-step. And that confusion can slow you down—or stop you entirely. In this video, I break down my exact publishing workflow—from first draft to finished book—so you can move forward with confidence and actually get your work into readers’ hands. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your process, this is the roadmap I wish more writers had from day one. 🔔 Subscribe for more no-fluff guidance on writing, publishing, and building your author career: 👉 This channel is built for writers who want to finish books, publish smarter, and grow a real creative business. ⏱️ TIMECODES 0:00 – Why most writers misunderstand the publishing process 0:36 – Step 1: Write the book (and why editing too early kills momentum) 1:05 – My “looping” method for drafting and editing 2:14 – Editing options (DIY, professional, and AI tools) 3:30 – What AI should and should NOT do in your editing process 4:32 – Step 3: Creating a professional book cover 5:35 – Cover design tips (and what NOT to do) 7:07 – Step 4: Writing a compelling book description 8:12 – Sell the experience, not the plot 9:51 – Step 5: Formatting your book (EPUB, tools, and options) 10:28 – Final thoughts on the full publishing workflow 🧰 TOOLS & RESOURCES 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast https://wordslingerpodcast.com ✍️ ProWritingAid (Editing Tool I Recommend) https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 📚 Draft2Digital (Formatting & Distribution) https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger 🚀 Author Anchor (Build Your Author Platform with Help) https://authoranchor.com 📖 My Books & More https://kevintumlinson.com 📝 Join Me on Substack (Deeper insights, behind-the-scenes, and more) https://kevintumlinson.substack.com 💬 LET’S TALK What part of the publishing process feels the most confusing or overwhelming right now? Drop a comment—I read them all, and I may cover your question in a future video. If you’re serious about writing and publishing your work, you’re in the right place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever felt like publishing a book is more confusing than it should be… you’re not alone. After writing and publishing 70+ books, I realized something surprising: a lot of writers don’t actually know the full process. Not clearly. Not step-by-step. And that confusion can slow you down—or stop you entirely. In this video, I break down my exact publishing workflow—from first draft to finished book—so you can move forward with confidence and actually get your work into readers’ hands. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your process, this is the roadmap I wish more writers had from day one. 🔔 Subscribe for more no-fluff guidance on writing, publishing, and building your author career: 👉 This channel is built for writers who want to finish books, publish smarter, and grow a real creative business. ⏱️ TIMECODES 0:00 – Why most writers misunderstand the publishing process 0:36 – Step 1: Write the book (and why editing too early kills momentum) 1:05 – My “looping” method for drafting and editing 2:14 – Editing options (DIY, professional, and AI tools) 3:30 – What AI should and should NOT do in your editing process 4:32 – Step 3: Creating a professional book cover 5:35 – Cover design tips (and what NOT to do) 7:07 – Step 4: Writing a compelling book description 8:12 – Sell the experience, not the plot 9:51 – Step 5: Formatting your book (EPUB, tools, and options) 10:28 – Final thoughts on the full publishing workflow 🧰 TOOLS & RESOURCES 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast https://wordslingerpodcast.com ✍️ ProWritingAid (Editing Tool I Recommend) https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 📚 Draft2Digital (Formatting & Distribution) https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger 🚀 Author Anchor (Build Your Author Platform with Help) https://authoranchor.com 📖 My Books & More https://kevintumlinson.com 📝 Join Me on Substack (Deeper insights, behind-the-scenes, and more) https://kevintumlinson.substack.com 💬 LET’S TALK What part of the publishing process feels the most confusing or overwhelming right now? Drop a comment—I read them all, and I may cover your question in a future video. If you’re serious about writing and publishing your work, you’re in the right place. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Draft2Digital just made a major change—and a lot of indie authors aren’t happy about it. In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, I break down the new Draft2Digital fees, what they actually mean, and why I believe this policy creates a serious problem for the very authors the platform was built to support. This isn’t outrage for the sake of outrage. It’s a real conversation about fairness, access, and the future of indie publishing in an era of AI-driven content overload. If you’re a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur, this directly impacts you. Let’s dig in. What Draft2Digital’s new fees actually are Why the $12 annual fee is sparking backlash The real issue: who pays (and who doesn’t) How this affects new and low-earning authors The AI “slop” problem—and why this is happening now Practical advice on what you should do next 00:00 – The big Draft2Digital announcement01:10 – Breaking down the new fees02:15 – Why the optics are a problem04:20 – Who really ends up paying06:45 – The “tax on low earners” issue09:00 – AI spam and the real reason behind the change12:30 – Why this could push authors away15:10 – My stance (and why it matters)18:00 – What authors should do right now20:30 – Final thoughts on the future of indie publishing 🌐 Wordslinger Podcasthttps://wordslingerpodcast.com ✍️ ProWriting Aid (my go-to editing tool)https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 📖 Draft2Digitalhttps://draft2digital.com/wordslinger ⚓ AuthorAnchorhttps://authoranchor.com 📘 My books & author sitehttps://kevintumlinson.com 📰 Join me on Substackhttps://kevintumlinson.substack.com If you're serious about building a career as a writer—whether indie, traditional, or hybrid—this channel is where you’ll get real talk, hard truths, and practical strategies to help you succeed. 👉 Subscribe now for guidance on writing, publishing, and building a sustainable author business. What do YOU think about Draft2Digital’s new policy?Fair move… or a step in the wrong direction? Drop your thoughts in the comments. I read them. #indieauthors #selfpublishing #writingcommunity #draft2digital #amwriting 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:⏱️ Timestamps:📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:🚀 Want More Like This?💬 Join the Conversation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Draft2Digital just made a major change—and a lot of indie authors aren’t happy about it. In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, I break down the new Draft2Digital fees, what they actually mean, and why I believe this policy creates a serious problem for the very authors the platform was built to support. This isn’t outrage for the sake of outrage. It’s a real conversation about fairness, access, and the future of indie publishing in an era of AI-driven content overload. If you’re a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur, this directly impacts you. Let’s dig in. What Draft2Digital’s new fees actually are Why the $12 annual fee is sparking backlash The real issue: who pays (and who doesn’t) How this affects new and low-earning authors The AI “slop” problem—and why this is happening now Practical advice on what you should do next 00:00 – The big Draft2Digital announcement01:10 – Breaking down the new fees02:15 – Why the optics are a problem04:20 – Who really ends up paying06:45 – The “tax on low earners” issue09:00 – AI spam and the real reason behind the change12:30 – Why this could push authors away15:10 – My stance (and why it matters)18:00 – What authors should do right now20:30 – Final thoughts on the future of indie publishing 🌐 Wordslinger Podcasthttps://wordslingerpodcast.com ✍️ ProWriting Aid (my go-to editing tool)https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 📖 Draft2Digitalhttps://draft2digital.com/wordslinger ⚓ AuthorAnchorhttps://authoranchor.com 📘 My books & author sitehttps://kevintumlinson.com 📰 Join me on Substackhttps://kevintumlinson.substack.com If you're serious about building a career as a writer—whether indie, traditional, or hybrid—this channel is where you’ll get real talk, hard truths, and practical strategies to help you succeed. 👉 Subscribe now for guidance on writing, publishing, and building a sustainable author business. What do YOU think about Draft2Digital’s new policy?Fair move… or a step in the wrong direction? Drop your thoughts in the comments. I read them. #indieauthors #selfpublishing #writingcommunity #draft2digital #amwriting 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:⏱️ Timestamps:📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:🚀 Want More Like This?💬 Join the Conversation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Traditional publishing is shifting… fast. And if you're a writer trying to decide your path, the rules you’ve been told may already be outdated. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I break down the real differences between traditional and indie publishing—and why I’ve chosen an indie-first strategy in today’s market. This isn’t theory. This is based on hard lessons, real contracts, and what I’m seeing happen right now across the industry.  If you’re serious about building a writing career that actually works, this is a conversation you need to hear. 00:00 – Introduction & upcoming book launch01:00 – Writing without a “perfect” setup03:20 – The publishing industry is changing (AI, disruption, uncertainty)04:30 – Should you traditionally publish first?06:00 – The hidden benefits of traditional publishing07:30 – The validation trap (and why it matters)08:00 – The “Shy Girl” controversy & industry response10:00 – Why AI detection tools don’t work11:30 – Where traditional publishing is failing13:00 – Publishers that are adapting (and why it matters)15:00 – The real cost of traditional publishing18:30 – Marketing reality: it’s still on YOU21:30 – Indie success stories (The Martian, viral breakouts)23:30 – Why indie-first is a powerful strategy25:00 – Building your platform (your true leverage)27:00 – Contracts, leverage, and protecting your rights30:00 – Ethics clauses, AI clauses, and what to watch for32:30 – My personal strategy moving forward35:30 – Final thoughts: choosing your path 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com✍️ ProWriting Aid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5📚 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger🤝 Author Anchor: https://authoranchor.com📖 My books & website: https://kevintumlinson.com📝 Join me on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com The real pros and cons of traditional vs indie publishing Why “getting a deal” isn’t the finish line How to think about publishing as a long-term strategy The role of platform, leverage, and ownership in your career What most writers misunderstand about making money from books If you're a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur—and you want real, no-BS guidance on building a sustainable writing career—this channel is for you. 👉 Hit subscribe and join a community focused on writing smarter, publishing better, and building something that lasts. Which path are you on right now—indie, traditional, or hybrid?Drop a comment and tell me your strategy. ⏱️ Timecodes🚀 Resources & Links💡 What You’ll Learn🔔 Subscribe for More💬 Let’s Talk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traditional publishing is shifting… fast. And if you're a writer trying to decide your path, the rules you’ve been told may already be outdated. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I break down the real differences between traditional and indie publishing—and why I’ve chosen an indie-first strategy in today’s market. This isn’t theory. This is based on hard lessons, real contracts, and what I’m seeing happen right now across the industry.  If you’re serious about building a writing career that actually works, this is a conversation you need to hear. 00:00 – Introduction & upcoming book launch01:00 – Writing without a “perfect” setup03:20 – The publishing industry is changing (AI, disruption, uncertainty)04:30 – Should you traditionally publish first?06:00 – The hidden benefits of traditional publishing07:30 – The validation trap (and why it matters)08:00 – The “Shy Girl” controversy & industry response10:00 – Why AI detection tools don’t work11:30 – Where traditional publishing is failing13:00 – Publishers that are adapting (and why it matters)15:00 – The real cost of traditional publishing18:30 – Marketing reality: it’s still on YOU21:30 – Indie success stories (The Martian, viral breakouts)23:30 – Why indie-first is a powerful strategy25:00 – Building your platform (your true leverage)27:00 – Contracts, leverage, and protecting your rights30:00 – Ethics clauses, AI clauses, and what to watch for32:30 – My personal strategy moving forward35:30 – Final thoughts: choosing your path 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com✍️ ProWriting Aid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5📚 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger🤝 Author Anchor: https://authoranchor.com📖 My books & website: https://kevintumlinson.com📝 Join me on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com The real pros and cons of traditional vs indie publishing Why “getting a deal” isn’t the finish line How to think about publishing as a long-term strategy The role of platform, leverage, and ownership in your career What most writers misunderstand about making money from books If you're a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur—and you want real, no-BS guidance on building a sustainable writing career—this channel is for you. 👉 Hit subscribe and join a community focused on writing smarter, publishing better, and building something that lasts. Which path are you on right now—indie, traditional, or hybrid?Drop a comment and tell me your strategy. ⏱️ Timecodes🚀 Resources & Links💡 What You’ll Learn🔔 Subscribe for More💬 Let’s Talk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your author platform isn’t optional anymore—it’s everything. In today’s shifting landscape of AI, social media uncertainty, and changing reader behavior, the writers who win aren’t just the ones with great books… they’re the ones with a direct connection to their audience. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin breaks down what an author platform really is, why it matters more than ever, and how you can start building one that actually works—without relying on platforms you don’t control. If you’re serious about writing, publishing, and building a long-term career, this is the conversation you need to hear. 🔑 What You’ll Learn What an author platform actually is (and what it isn’t) Why email lists still dominate everything else The hidden danger of relying on social media alone How AI is reshaping storytelling—and why that’s an opportunity Why authenticity and imperfection are your greatest assets The real goal: building an audience, not just selling books ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 – Welcome + Pennsylvania (pun intended) 01:10 – Why Wordslinger 10-Shots exist 04:58 – What is an author platform? 06:37 – Why email lists still win 07:25 – The future of social media (and why it’s risky) 10:26 – Is writing dying? (AI + readership myths) 13:03 – Why physical books are making a comeback 15:42 – The rise of authenticity in a digital world 18:38 – Why imperfection beats AI 20:21 – The future of storytelling 23:33 – AI-generated content vs human connection 25:52 – The real focus: build your audience 🚀 Resources & Links 👉 Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com 👉 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger 👉 Author Anchor: https://authoranchor.com 👉 Kevin’s books & website: https://kevintumlinson.com 👉 Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com 💡 Final Thought Your book is the product… but your platform is the engine. Build the connection first, and everything else gets easier. 🔔 Subscribe for More If you’re a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur looking to level up your craft, grow your audience, and build a sustainable career… 👉 Subscribe now—this channel is your hub for real-world, no-fluff guidance on writing, publishing, and thriving as a creator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your author platform isn’t optional anymore—it’s everything. In today’s shifting landscape of AI, social media uncertainty, and changing reader behavior, the writers who win aren’t just the ones with great books… they’re the ones with a direct connection to their audience. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin breaks down what an author platform really is, why it matters more than ever, and how you can start building one that actually works—without relying on platforms you don’t control. If you’re serious about writing, publishing, and building a long-term career, this is the conversation you need to hear. 🔑 What You’ll Learn What an author platform actually is (and what it isn’t) Why email lists still dominate everything else The hidden danger of relying on social media alone How AI is reshaping storytelling—and why that’s an opportunity Why authenticity and imperfection are your greatest assets The real goal: building an audience, not just selling books ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 – Welcome + Pennsylvania (pun intended) 01:10 – Why Wordslinger 10-Shots exist 04:58 – What is an author platform? 06:37 – Why email lists still win 07:25 – The future of social media (and why it’s risky) 10:26 – Is writing dying? (AI + readership myths) 13:03 – Why physical books are making a comeback 15:42 – The rise of authenticity in a digital world 18:38 – Why imperfection beats AI 20:21 – The future of storytelling 23:33 – AI-generated content vs human connection 25:52 – The real focus: build your audience 🚀 Resources & Links 👉 Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com 👉 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger 👉 Author Anchor: https://authoranchor.com 👉 Kevin’s books & website: https://kevintumlinson.com 👉 Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com 💡 Final Thought Your book is the product… but your platform is the engine. Build the connection first, and everything else gets easier. 🔔 Subscribe for More If you’re a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur looking to level up your craft, grow your audience, and build a sustainable career… 👉 Subscribe now—this channel is your hub for real-world, no-fluff guidance on writing, publishing, and thriving as a creator. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Think you don’t have time to write? Think again. In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, I’m breaking down the real reason most writers struggle to finish their books—and it has nothing to do with time. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like your writing life is constantly being derailed by everything else going on… this one’s for you. I’ve written in hotel rooms, coffee shops, cars, and chaos—and I’ve learned something powerful along the way: the writers who succeed aren’t the ones with more time… they’re the ones who show up differently. Let’s talk about how to make that shift. ⏱️ TIMECODES 00:00 – Writing in chaos (and why it matters) 01:30 – The myth of “not enough time” 03:10 – The real power of consistency 05:00 – Why word count doesn’t matter (the way you think) 07:15 – Writing is art and business 09:30 – Stop overwhelming yourself (one skill at a time) 12:00 – The “juggling” method for writers 14:30 – Process vs flexibility (why you need both) 17:00 – Avoiding burnout and building momentum 20:00 – Transferable skills that make you a better writer 22:30 – Final takeaway: how to actually move forward 🧠 KEY TAKEAWAY You don’t need more time—you need consistency, clarity, and a process that works for your life. Master that, and everything changes. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast https://wordslingerpodcast.com 📚 Draft2Digital (my preferred publishing platform) https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger 🤝 Author Anchor (get help with your author business) https://authoranchor.com 📖 My books & full catalog https://kevintumlinson.com ✍️ Join me on Substack https://kevintumlinson.substack.com 🚀 FOR WRITERS & CREATORS If you’re serious about building a writing career—finishing your books, growing your audience, and turning your creativity into something meaningful—you’re in the right place. 👉 Subscribe to the channel for straight talk, proven strategies, and real-world insight into writing, publishing, and the business of being an author. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just what actually works. Got a question about writing, publishing, or building your author career? Drop it in the comments—I read them, and your question might turn into the next video. Let’s get to work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think you don’t have time to write? Think again. In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, I’m breaking down the real reason most writers struggle to finish their books—and it has nothing to do with time. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like your writing life is constantly being derailed by everything else going on… this one’s for you. I’ve written in hotel rooms, coffee shops, cars, and chaos—and I’ve learned something powerful along the way: the writers who succeed aren’t the ones with more time… they’re the ones who show up differently. Let’s talk about how to make that shift. ⏱️ TIMECODES 00:00 – Writing in chaos (and why it matters) 01:30 – The myth of “not enough time” 03:10 – The real power of consistency 05:00 – Why word count doesn’t matter (the way you think) 07:15 – Writing is art and business 09:30 – Stop overwhelming yourself (one skill at a time) 12:00 – The “juggling” method for writers 14:30 – Process vs flexibility (why you need both) 17:00 – Avoiding burnout and building momentum 20:00 – Transferable skills that make you a better writer 22:30 – Final takeaway: how to actually move forward 🧠 KEY TAKEAWAY You don’t need more time—you need consistency, clarity, and a process that works for your life. Master that, and everything changes. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast https://wordslingerpodcast.com 📚 Draft2Digital (my preferred publishing platform) https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger 🤝 Author Anchor (get help with your author business) https://authoranchor.com 📖 My books & full catalog https://kevintumlinson.com ✍️ Join me on Substack https://kevintumlinson.substack.com 🚀 FOR WRITERS & CREATORS If you’re serious about building a writing career—finishing your books, growing your audience, and turning your creativity into something meaningful—you’re in the right place. 👉 Subscribe to the channel for straight talk, proven strategies, and real-world insight into writing, publishing, and the business of being an author. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just what actually works. Got a question about writing, publishing, or building your author career? Drop it in the comments—I read them, and your question might turn into the next video. Let’s get to work. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever hit that moment in a story where everything just… stops? You’re tens of thousands of words into a novel and suddenly the story feels stuck. The momentum disappears. The next chapter won’t come. The whole thing feels like a pill stuck in your throat. In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, J. Kevin Tumlinson shares the writing breakthrough that helped him restart a novel he abandoned nearly two years ago—and the surprisingly simple storytelling technique that unlocked the entire book. The answer wasn’t rewriting the premise or scrapping the story. It was adding a subplot. In this episode, Kevin breaks down how B-stories and secondary plotlines can relieve pressure on your main story, deepen character relationships, and create the pacing that keeps readers turning pages. He also shares lessons about stepping away from a book when you're stuck—and why professional writers always come back to finish the story. If you're a novelist, storyteller, or creative entrepreneur trying to push through a stalled project, this episode will give you a practical way to get your momentum back. • Why writers get stuck in the middle of a novel• The storytelling technique that unlocked Kevin’s stalled book• How subplots improve pacing and tension• The real purpose of a B-story in fiction• Using secondary characters to deepen your narrative• Why stepping away from a manuscript can sometimes save it• The difference between amateur writers and professionals 0:00 – When a story feels “stuck”1:10 – Why this novel stalled for nearly two years2:35 – Coming back to the manuscript with fresh eyes3:50 – The subplot breakthrough6:05 – How B-stories improve pacing and tension9:10 – The importance of anticipation in storytelling11:40 – Learning from movies and TV subplots14:10 – Avoiding clunky exposition in dialogue17:20 – Giving readers breathing room in your story19:00 – The “House moment” storytelling technique21:20 – Why rewriting makes you look brilliant24:00 – When it’s okay to step away from a book26:00 – The difference between amateurs and pros27:00 – Writing as both art and business Wordslinger Podcasthttps://wordslingerpodcast.com Draft2Digitalhttps://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchorhttps://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his bookshttps://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substackhttps://kevintumlinson.substack.com If you're serious about becoming a better writer and building a successful publishing career, this channel is for you. The Wordslinger Podcast is where writers, creatives, and storytellers come for practical advice on writing craft, publishing, marketing, and the business of being an author. Subscribe and join a community of writers committed to telling better stories and building lasting careers. 👉 Subscribe here and start your journey:https://youtube.com/@wordslingerpodcast Have a question about writing, publishing, or storytelling?Leave it in the comments. Your question might become the topic of a future Wordslinger episode. And remember… The world needs your stories. In This EpisodeTimecodesResources MentionedSubscribe for More Writing and Publishing Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever hit that moment in a story where everything just… stops? You’re tens of thousands of words into a novel and suddenly the story feels stuck. The momentum disappears. The next chapter won’t come. The whole thing feels like a pill stuck in your throat. In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, J. Kevin Tumlinson shares the writing breakthrough that helped him restart a novel he abandoned nearly two years ago—and the surprisingly simple storytelling technique that unlocked the entire book. The answer wasn’t rewriting the premise or scrapping the story. It was adding a subplot. In this episode, Kevin breaks down how B-stories and secondary plotlines can relieve pressure on your main story, deepen character relationships, and create the pacing that keeps readers turning pages. He also shares lessons about stepping away from a book when you're stuck—and why professional writers always come back to finish the story. If you're a novelist, storyteller, or creative entrepreneur trying to push through a stalled project, this episode will give you a practical way to get your momentum back. • Why writers get stuck in the middle of a novel• The storytelling technique that unlocked Kevin’s stalled book• How subplots improve pacing and tension• The real purpose of a B-story in fiction• Using secondary characters to deepen your narrative• Why stepping away from a manuscript can sometimes save it• The difference between amateur writers and professionals 0:00 – When a story feels “stuck”1:10 – Why this novel stalled for nearly two years2:35 – Coming back to the manuscript with fresh eyes3:50 – The subplot breakthrough6:05 – How B-stories improve pacing and tension9:10 – The importance of anticipation in storytelling11:40 – Learning from movies and TV subplots14:10 – Avoiding clunky exposition in dialogue17:20 – Giving readers breathing room in your story19:00 – The “House moment” storytelling technique21:20 – Why rewriting makes you look brilliant24:00 – When it’s okay to step away from a book26:00 – The difference between amateurs and pros27:00 – Writing as both art and business Wordslinger Podcasthttps://wordslingerpodcast.com Draft2Digitalhttps://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchorhttps://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his bookshttps://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substackhttps://kevintumlinson.substack.com If you're serious about becoming a better writer and building a successful publishing career, this channel is for you. The Wordslinger Podcast is where writers, creatives, and storytellers come for practical advice on writing craft, publishing, marketing, and the business of being an author. Subscribe and join a community of writers committed to telling better stories and building lasting careers. 👉 Subscribe here and start your journey:https://youtube.com/@wordslingerpodcast Have a question about writing, publishing, or storytelling?Leave it in the comments. Your question might become the topic of a future Wordslinger episode. And remember… The world needs your stories. In This EpisodeTimecodesResources MentionedSubscribe for More Writing and Publishing Insights Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most writers are waiting for the perfect writing routine. The perfect desk.The perfect coffee shop.The perfect time of day. But here’s the truth: that routine probably doesn’t exist. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, J. Kevin Tumlinson shares the three writing habits that have helped him stay productive through travel, career changes, conferences, van life, and the chaos of everyday life. Instead of chasing the ideal routine, Kevin explains how systems, consistency, and adaptability can keep your writing moving forward no matter what life throws at you.  If you're a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to stay productive in a busy world, this episode will help you rethink how you approach your writing habits. 0:00 – Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast1:45 – Why the “perfect writing routine” is a myth3:40 – Habit #1: Build systems instead of routines6:10 – Habit #2: Focus on consistency, not word counts9:05 – Habit #3: Learn to write anywhere12:30 – The “write anywhere” mindset15:30 – Writing with your phone, notebooks, or anything available18:45 – Why constraints make you a stronger writer21:00 – Adapting to new environments and life changes24:00 – Final thoughts for writers who struggle with routine Visit the Wordslinger Podcast home base:https://wordslingerpodcast.com Publish your books with Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find author support through Author Anchor:https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin, his books, and writing resources:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack for essays and insights on writing, creativity, and storytelling:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com If you're a writer trying to build a career in publishing, storytelling, or creative entrepreneurship, this channel is for you. Subscribe for practical advice on: • Writing craft• Publishing and indie author strategy• Productivity and creative habits• Building a sustainable writing career• Interviews with bestselling authors and industry experts 👉 Subscribe now and join the Wordslinger community. #writingtips #writerslife #amwriting #indieauthors #creativeentrepreneur #wordslignerpodcast In This EpisodeResources for WritersSubscribe for More Writing Guidance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most writers are waiting for the perfect writing routine. The perfect desk.The perfect coffee shop.The perfect time of day. But here’s the truth: that routine probably doesn’t exist. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, J. Kevin Tumlinson shares the three writing habits that have helped him stay productive through travel, career changes, conferences, van life, and the chaos of everyday life. Instead of chasing the ideal routine, Kevin explains how systems, consistency, and adaptability can keep your writing moving forward no matter what life throws at you.  If you're a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to stay productive in a busy world, this episode will help you rethink how you approach your writing habits. 0:00 – Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast1:45 – Why the “perfect writing routine” is a myth3:40 – Habit #1: Build systems instead of routines6:10 – Habit #2: Focus on consistency, not word counts9:05 – Habit #3: Learn to write anywhere12:30 – The “write anywhere” mindset15:30 – Writing with your phone, notebooks, or anything available18:45 – Why constraints make you a stronger writer21:00 – Adapting to new environments and life changes24:00 – Final thoughts for writers who struggle with routine Visit the Wordslinger Podcast home base:https://wordslingerpodcast.com Publish your books with Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find author support through Author Anchor:https://authoranchor.com Find Kevin, his books, and writing resources:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack for essays and insights on writing, creativity, and storytelling:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com If you're a writer trying to build a career in publishing, storytelling, or creative entrepreneurship, this channel is for you. Subscribe for practical advice on: • Writing craft• Publishing and indie author strategy• Productivity and creative habits• Building a sustainable writing career• Interviews with bestselling authors and industry experts 👉 Subscribe now and join the Wordslinger community. #writingtips #writerslife #amwriting #indieauthors #creativeentrepreneur #wordslignerpodcast In This EpisodeResources for WritersSubscribe for More Writing Guidance Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 293 A hard truth: Most people don’t actually want to be writers.They want to have written. There’s a difference. In today’s Wordslinger Podcast, we’re talking about what it really takes to be a writer — the long game, the lonely work, the unpaid seasons, and the identity shift that separates writers from dreamers. If you’ve ever wondered: Am I really cut out for this? Why does writing feel harder than I expected? Should I keep going? This episode is for you. Because writers write.Even when it’s inconvenient.Even when it costs money.Even when nobody’s watching. 00:00 – The uncomfortable truth about wanting to be a writer01:40 – Writers vs. Authors (the critical distinction)03:30 – The fantasy vs. the reality of writing05:00 – Why ideas alone are worthless (execution matters)07:45 – The danger of “write my idea” requests10:20 – The myth of overnight success14:00 – Would you still write if it never made money?16:45 – The power of the writing community21:00 – Practical strategy: play the long game24:30 – Stability, creativity, and Maslow’s hierarchy26:00 – Why writing full-time isn’t always easier Writer vs Author mindset Creative discipline Long-term publishing strategy AI and authorship Intellectual property pitfalls Making money as a writer Writing for free vs writing for income Sustainable creative careers 🎙 Wordslinger Podcast Home:https://wordslingerpodcast.com 📚 Publish Wide with Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger ⚓ AuthorAnchor (Real Human Support for Authors):https://authoranchor.com ✍️ Find Kevin & His Books:https://kevintumlinson.com 📰 Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com If you’re serious about: Becoming a better writer Publishing strategically Building a sustainable creative business Playing the long game instead of chasing hype You’re in the right place. This channel is for writers who are willing to do the work — who care about craft, community, and building something real. 👉 Hit Subscribe and join the Slingers.New episodes, 10-Shots, and practical publishing insights every week. ⏱️ Timecodes🧠 Key Topics Covered🔗 Helpful Resources & Links🚀 Subscribe for the Best Guidance on Your Writing & Publishing Journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices