The Wordslinger Podcast

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

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 292 Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com 🎙️ In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson tackles a topic every writer understands: when (and why) we abandon books before they’re finished. Should you push through the muddy middle, press pause and return with fresh eyes, or shelve your project for good? Kevin Tumlinson opens up about his process, shares practical strategies for overcoming creative roadblocks, and invites you to rethink your relationship with unfinished work. Whether you’re on your first novel or your fiftieth, this episode will help you navigate the emotional and strategic choices behind finishing—or leaving behind—your books. Show links: - Plottr — https://plottr.com - Visual book outlining software, mentioned as a tool for plotting and story organization - Kevin’s Substack — https://kevintumlinson.substack.com - Where Kevin Tumlinson shares regular writing insights and updates - Find Kevin and his books - https://kevintumlinson.com Important Topics & Timestamps: 00:07 - Introduction: Why we abandon books 01:14 - When to push through vs. when to pause 04:07 - Tools for outlining and the muddy middle 07:17 - Shiny Object Syndrome and how to avoid it 09:02 - Taking productive breaks and using reminders 13:16 - Signs it’s time to abandon a book 16:19 - The sunk cost fallacy in writing 20:19 - Repurposing unfinished work 24:05 - The power of finishing (even bad) first drafts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 292 Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com 🎙️ In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson tackles a topic every writer understands: when (and why) we abandon books before they’re finished. Should you push through the muddy middle, press pause and return with fresh eyes, or shelve your project for good? Kevin Tumlinson opens up about his process, shares practical strategies for overcoming creative roadblocks, and invites you to rethink your relationship with unfinished work. Whether you’re on your first novel or your fiftieth, this episode will help you navigate the emotional and strategic choices behind finishing—or leaving behind—your books. Show links: - Plottr — https://plottr.com - Visual book outlining software, mentioned as a tool for plotting and story organization - Kevin’s Substack — https://kevintumlinson.substack.com - Where Kevin Tumlinson shares regular writing insights and updates - Find Kevin and his books - https://kevintumlinson.com Important Topics & Timestamps: 00:07 - Introduction: Why we abandon books 01:14 - When to push through vs. when to pause 04:07 - Tools for outlining and the muddy middle 07:17 - Shiny Object Syndrome and how to avoid it 09:02 - Taking productive breaks and using reminders 13:16 - Signs it’s time to abandon a book 16:19 - The sunk cost fallacy in writing 20:19 - Repurposing unfinished work 24:05 - The power of finishing (even bad) first drafts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 291 – AI Tips for WritersDiscover more at WordslingerPodcast.comIn this episode, Kevin Tumlinson (Kevin Tumlinson, the Wordslinger) dives deep into practical, creative, and sometimes surprising ways writers can use AI tools to supercharge their writing process—without letting AI write the book for you! Whether you’re seeking richer scene descriptions, faster transcription, or a fresh take on editing and cover design, this episode is packed with actionable tips and real-world examples.Tune in to discover:How to use AI for research and authentic descriptions when you can’t visit a placeWays AI can streamline handwritten manuscripts and transcriptionsAI-driven editing to catch typos, plot holes, and logical inconsistenciesCreative strategy for using AI’s predictive power to defy formulaic storytellingInsights on ethical considerations and how to keep your unique voice at the forefront of your art🔗 Show Links:ProWritingAid — Writing, editing, and grammar tool for authorsNotebookLM — Google’s AI for manuscript analysis and creative brainstormingChatGPT — AI assistant for research, editing, formatting, and moreMidJourney — AI-powered art generator for book coversWordslinger Podcast on YouTube — Subscribe for episodes, show notes, and creative tipsWatch (and subscribe!) on YouTube⏰ Important Topics & Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Intro, weather talk, and what’s coming up[00:01:28] – Why authors are talking about AI (and addressing the controversy)[00:02:24] – AI tips for writers: research, worldbuilding, and scene-setting[00:06:48] – Using AI for handwriting transcription and audio dictation[00:08:43] – AI as your copy editor: grammar, style, and error catching[00:11:44] – Deep-dive: NotebookLM for manuscript analysis[00:13:37] – Why you shouldn’t fully trust AI (and how to use it instead)[00:15:33] – Subverting AI’s predictions to keep your stories fresh[00:21:07] – Cover design and AI-generated art: ethics and best practices[00:23:31] – Navigating publishers’ AI policies and platform rules[00:28:17] – AI and authenticity: writing, art, and originality[00:32:10] – Wrap-up, call for audience AI tips & feedbackLooking for more writing and publishing strategies?👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell on YouTube, or follow the Wordslinger Podcast on your favorite platform to never miss an episode!Have your own AI tips (or creative hacks) for writers? Share them in the comments and help our community grow together! Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 290Discover more at Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 290🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing and promotion, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at authoranchor.com.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson explores how creativity, storytelling, and human expression can stay ahead in a world where AI is becoming increasingly capable of recognizing and replicating patterns. Drawing on personal experiences and musings about the evolving writing industry, [Speaker A] discusses the need for creators to disrupt patterns, break formulas, and seek authenticity that machines can’t replicate. Whether packing for a big move during a Texas freeze or reflecting on the changing landscape of publishing, it’s a thought-provoking look at the future of storytelling.Show links:* Writers’ Inc. Podcast (writersincpodcast.com) – [Speaker A]’s other show, featuring author interviews and discussion* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com) – VA service connecting authors with skilled virtual assistantsWatch (and subscribe!) on YouTube:Important Topics & Timestamps:[00:00:01] – Introduction, Texas freeze & backdrop reveal[00:01:08] – Packing, moving stories, and storage adventures[00:02:27] – Weather, bitter cold & living with unpredictability[00:03:20] – Writers’ Inc. Podcast mention[00:04:18] – Why [Speaker A] shifted away from interviews on Wordslinger[00:05:10] – Fun past podcast formats & spontaneous storytelling[00:06:33] – How AI impacts creativity and the formulaic nature of writing[00:10:17] – Pattern recognition as a human survival trait[00:14:27] – The evolution of publishing & breaking old systems[00:19:01] – Reinventing storytelling beyond formulas[00:22:36] – Art movements that disrupted patterns in history[00:23:38] – Authenticity, emotion, and embracing the soul in creative work[00:25:07] – Wrap up, weather preps, and call to create with purposeLooking for more writing and publishing insights? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 289 – “Analog Rebellion”Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Sponsor Spotlight: Author AnchorWant to focus on your craft and ditch the admin grind? Author Anchor connects you with a skilled author assistant for just $7.50/hr. Delegate marketing, promotions, editing, social media, and more. Book your FREE, no-obligation discovery call at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson takes us deep into the heart of the “Analog Rebellion”—today’s growing movement to reclaim physical media and hands-on experiences in a world dominated by digital subscriptions, licensing, and relentless algorithms. From the resurgence of vinyl records to journaling by hand, Kevin shares personal stories and cultural insights on why tactile experiences and true ownership matter now more than ever.Tune in for a reflection on why so many are ditching the cloud, getting picky with their collections, and escaping the digital jail bars for creative freedom and authenticity.Show Links:* The Artisan Author by Johnny B. Truant - Book for artisan-minded authors: https://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Author-Johnny-B-Truant/dp/B09X5ZV56L* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com) - VA service for authors: https://authoranchor.com* Kevin’s Substack for updates and insights: Watch (and Subscribe!) on YouTube:Key Topics & Timestamps[00:00:00] – Introduction: The “Analog Rebellion”[00:02:09] – Kevin’s lost vinyl collection story[00:05:15] – Renaissance of vinyl, Polaroids, and analog tech[00:06:19] – Digital jail bars: ownership v. licensing[00:07:32] – Resurgence of physical books and media[00:14:05] – Escaping the algorithm: media, ads, privacy[00:17:49] – Analog writing process: pen, paper, and mindset[00:22:01] – Typewriters, smart typewriters, and focused writing tools[00:26:08] – Building a personal media server; ditching streaming[00:28:10] – Subscription fatigue and digital ownership[00:30:20] – Dangers of algorithmic censorship[00:31:42] – Wrap-up: Call to action & listener engagement✨ If the analog rebellion speaks to you—or you’re just tired of digital gatekeepers—hit subscribe and ring that notification bell for more Wordslinger goodness! Drop your comments below: What does “Analog Rebellion” look like in your life? Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing and promotion, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.This week on the Wordslinger Podcast, Kevin Tumlinson dives into the hands-on art of “Writing by hand” and why he’s experimenting with pen and paper for his next novel. If you’ve ever wondered whether going analog could boost your creativity or help beat writer’s block, this episode offers practical insights, personal stories, and a modern workflow that bridges handwriting with AI tools like ChatGPT and Scrivener.Tune in as Kevin Tumlinson discusses how writing by hand connects him more deeply to his stories, helps prevent burnout, and changes the flavor of his fiction. He also shares tips for building new habits, staying creative, and pushing past plateaus with intentional experimentation.Show links:* Kevin’s Substack – https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Weekly essays, reflections, and updates from Kevin* Wordslinger Podcast – https://wordslingerpodcast.com All Wordslinger episodes plus Substack links* Author Anchor – https://authoranchor.com Hire a vetted author assistant for just $7.50/hrWatch (and subscribe!) on YouTube:Important Topics & Timestamps:* [00:00:05] – Why Kevin experiments with his writing process and how it shaped his career* [00:08:50] – Overcoming burnout, shifting genres, and finding new creative energy* [00:11:22] – The spontaneity and benefits of writing fiction by hand* [00:14:13] – How handwriting taps into creativity (and tips for journaling)* [00:16:19] – Using ChatGPT for digitizing handwritten text and editing workflow* [00:20:22] – Comparing writing by hand to cooking from scratch—intentional creativity* [00:29:23] – The power of slowing down and embracing delayed gratification in writing* [00:34:07] – Is this Kevin’s new permanent process? Why experimentation matters* [00:36:03] – Subscribe, share, and connect with the Wordslinger communityLooking for fresh writing strategies and creative inspiration? Hit subscribe and tap the notification bell so you never miss an episode! 🔔—👆 Leave a comment below if you’ve ever tried writing by hand, or share your latest writerly experiment! Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing, admin, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at authoranchor.com.Episode Overview:As 2025 comes to a close, Kevin Tumlinson opens up about his intentions for 2026—both as a writer and as a human seeking more meaning, joy, and flexibility in his craft. In this reflective solo episode, you'll discover how continual writing, true work-life integration, and conscious choices about happiness can revitalize not only your career, but your life. Whether you're a writer, creative, entrepreneur, or dreamer, this episode is packed with insights to inspire your year ahead.Tune in to learn:- Why productivity can be a double-edged sword—and how to keep your creativity alive- How Kevin Tumlinson is rethinking his writing process for maximum adaptability- The importance of letting life fuel your creative work- How to consciously choose joy, even during dark times- The value of pursuing passion over just chasing profit- Powerful stories and actionable wisdom for making 2026 your most intentional year yetLinks & Resources Mentioned:Author Anchor – Virtual assistants for authors; book your free discovery callKevin's Substack – Essays, insights, and creative updates from KevinKevin's Books & Main Site – Find all Kevin’s novels, podcasts, and moreWordslingerPodcast.com – Archive of all back episodesKevin's YouTube Channel – Walking Kev shorts & more video contentWatch (and subscribe!) on YouTube:Key Topics & Timestamps:[00:00:00] – End of year reflections & new beginnings[00:02:12] – Relocation, flexibility, and new tech for creative work[00:02:43] – Embracing continual writing throughout the day[00:04:04] – The power of thinking as part of the writing process[00:06:08] – Letting go of toxic productivity & finding balance[00:07:56] – Career as integrated with life, not just a job[00:10:23] – The work must nourish your soul and others[00:11:43] – Taking risks, reigniting old passions, and being boldly creative[00:14:18] – Pursuing art, music, and new experiences[00:16:45] – Letting life fuel artistic output[00:18:43] – Committing to joy & the choice of happiness[00:21:01] – Story: Finding laughter during sorrow[00:26:12] – Redefining success for a portable, flexible career[00:29:02] – Community, connection, and call for listener interactionLooking for inspiration and practical guidance as you shape your writing—and your life—for 2026? Subscribe and join the Wordslinger community, and don’t forget to check out Author Anchor to level up your author business! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing and promotion, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.Merry Christmas, slingers! In this special holiday episode, Kevin Tumlinson shares what he learned in 2025 as a writer and creative. Tune in for real-world advice on creativity, outlining, maintaining momentum, avoiding burnout, and finding joy in continual writing. Whether you’re an indie author or just looking for inspiration for your creative career, these insights can help make 2026 your best year yet!Show links:WordslingerPodcast.com — Official site for episodes and commentsKevinTumlinson.com/books — Browse Kevin’s books and support his workAuthorAnchor.com — Author assistant service (sponsor; book a discovery call!)Watch (and subscribe!) on YouTube:Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:00] — Holiday greetings & intro[00:01:20] — Lessons learned on outlining, pantsing, and finding your process[00:05:22] — “Because that happened, then this happened” method for propelling story[00:11:10] — Learning from Haruki Murakami: art vs. logic in storytelling[00:12:46] — James Patterson’s writing routine and overcoming burnout[00:15:21] — Embracing continual writing & making it a joyful habit[00:21:18] — Outlining as a creative sharpening stone[00:22:26] — Advice for nonfiction writers and integrating writing with life[00:24:02] — Why looking for blessings is key to winning at life[00:25:18] — Call to action: share what you’ve learned, support Kevin’s booksLooking for honest, practical writing advice and indie publishing inspiration? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 285Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor connects you with a skilled author assistant for just $7.50/hour—let them handle marketing, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson dives deep into one of the hardest parts of the creative journey: keeping yourself motivated when it feels like your work isn’t having an impact. He shares hard-earned lessons from his own career, talks about reframing discouragement, and explores the difference between being “productive” and being “fruitful.” Plus, Kevin Tumlinson reflects on building real connections, benefiting from the unseen ripple effects of creative effort, and finding meaning in your work even when the rewards seem slow in coming.If you’re a writer, creator, or anyone struggling to push through the silence between feedback, this episode is for you.Show links::* Author Anchor (https://authoranchor.com) – VA service matching authors with reliable virtual assistants* Joanna Penn’s Creative Penn Podcast (https://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/) – Inspiration and advice for writers* Kevin’s Substack (https://kevintumlinson.substack.com) – Articles, updates, and personal insightsWatch on YouTube (and subscribe!)Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:06] - “Keep Going”—Why impact matters, and why it’s hard[00:01:33] - Shifting podcast landscape and long-term value[00:02:07] - How connection and community pay off[00:03:31] - Battling discouragement and the reality of creative work[00:05:09] - Why feedback and financial returns can be slow[00:08:12] - Changing your attitude: purpose beyond quick success[00:09:59] - The power of consistency and fighting for long-term success[00:12:10] - “Fruitful vs. Productive”: A better way to frame your efforts[00:16:18] - Avoiding burnout and rebuilding with better foundations[00:18:38] - Growth, regret, and seeing how your work evolves[00:20:03] - Outlining vs. pantsing—finding what works for you[00:22:04] - Christmas message and gratitudeLooking for more inspiration for your writer’s journey? Subscribe, leave a review, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Authors AIReady to level up your manuscript? Authors AI’s Marlowe Pro gives you developmental editing feedback powered by advanced, pattern-recognizing AI. Get a full report for less than $30 or subscribe for ongoing insights. Wordslinger listeners get 25% off any purchase with code SLINGER at checkout—visit https://authors.ai.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson is joined by Alessandra Torre and JD Lasica for a deep-dive into the evolving world of artificial intelligence in authorship. The trio unpacks the ethics and uses of AI for writers, explores the difference between analytical and generative AI, and offers clarity on how AI can support, not replace, the creative process. If you’re curious about AI’s role in book development—or just want practical tips on ethical engagement—this conversation is for you.Show links:* Authors AI (authors.ai) – AI-driven feedback and editing for authors* Marlowe Pro (authors.ai/marlowe-pro) – Advanced AI-powered manuscript critique* Use code SLINGER for 25% off sitewideWatch on YouTube (and subscribe!):Important Topics & Timestamps:[00:01:18] – Meet Authors AI: Origin story and Marlowe explained[00:06:25] – Marlowe’s main use case: Developmental manuscript critique[00:08:13] – Ethics & industry reactions: AI acceptance, resistance, and class actions[00:12:02] – Analytical vs. generative AI: What authors need to know[00:14:17] – Where ethics get fuzzy (translation, narration, disclosure)[00:19:08] – How Marlowe uses AI differently (pattern recognition, rights-cleared corpus)[00:23:17] – Publisher boundaries: Where traditional houses draw the AI line[00:24:11] – Do authors need to disclose AI use?[00:25:49] – How to access Marlowe + exclusive Wordslinger discountSubscribe for more author insights, ethical debates, and the latest in writing technology. Smash that notification bell so you never miss an episode! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing and promotion, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson sits down with thriller author Luke Richardson for an energizing discussion on writing adventure fiction, weaving travel experiences into stories, and mastering the art of sensory detail. Tune in for practical tips on engaging readers, finding work-life balance as a writer, and the inside scoop on plotting vs. pantsing your next book. Plus, hear more about Luke’s Eden Black series and exciting podcast and travel plans!Show links:* Luke Richardson Official Site (https://lukerichardsonauthor.com) — Explore Luke’s adventure books and podcast.* Author Anchor (https://authoranchor.com) — VA service connecting authors with skilled virtual assistants.* Writers Ink Podcast (https://writersinkpodcast.com) — Roundtable writing advice from pro authors.* Kevin’s Substack (https://kevintumlinson.substack.com) — Updates and writing insights from Kevin Tumlinson.WATCH (AND SUBSCRIBE) ON YOUTUBE:Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:04] - Introduction: Garage sale shenanigans & Wordslinger welcome [00:03:32] - Luke Richardson on travel, adventure writing, and series updates [00:07:14] - Inspirations: Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, and Dan Brown [00:09:17] - Travel as creative fuel & using local experiences in fiction [00:13:07] - How to integrate all five senses into your storytelling [00:17:19] - Writing tips: Avoiding info dumps and engaging reader modalities [00:19:43] - Staying focused: Productivity, work habits, and burnout [00:22:16] - Word count targets vs. process-based writing routines [00:26:01] - Plotter vs. Pantser: The eternal writer’s debate [00:31:33] - Luke’s podcast: The Adventure Story Podcast and upcoming projects [00:33:25] - Writing fiction that becomes real: The “zeitgeist” phenomenon [00:35:47] - Personal notes: Repurposing, decision fatigue, and creative repurposingLooking for more writing and publishing insights? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy Thanksgiving, slingers.This week’s Wordslinger Podcast is all about gratitude, found family, creative recovery, and some big updates for writers and entrepreneurs. I’m sharing what this year has really been like—personally and professionally—and what’s coming next for the podcast, my books, and this growing community.If you’re a writer, creative, or entrepreneur working your way through burnout, rebuilding your momentum, or trying to find your people… this one’s for you.✨ Links Mentioned in the EpisodeMy personal YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/kevintumlinsonThe Kevin Show (playlist): https://youtube.com/kevintumlinson (see playlists section)My Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.comMy books: https://kevinTumlinson.com/booksCurated Shop (product stories + affiliates): https://kevintumlinson.com/curatedWordslinger Podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/wordslingerpodcastWriters, Ink Podcast: https://writersinkpodcast.comWatch on YouTube:🕒 TimestampsUse these as chapters so viewers can jump exactly where they want:00:00 — Welcome to the Thanksgiving Episode00:29 — Why this episode dropped early01:00 — My personal YouTube channel & Substack workflow02:00 — Should Substack be my website?03:20 — The “Curated” Shop and how it works06:11 — Thanksgiving plans & found family07:36 — Family, siblings, and what “family” really means08:58 — Gratitude for a year of growth (and grief)09:45 — This year in writing: books, burnout, and rebuilding10:20 — Film & streaming interest in Kotler and Evergreen11:39 — A career opportunity I can’t announce… yet12:14 — Writers, Ink news & simulcasting plans14:00 — My idea for a writers’ podcast network16:43 — The value of outside perspectives for writers18:19 — Why I build things: tools, platforms, opportunities19:26 — A look ahead at 2026 changes20:33 — How Word Slinger and Writers, Ink will fit together21:43 — A personal message: gratitude, hope, and found family22:29 — Final thoughts & Thanksgiving wishes Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing, admin, editing, advertising, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson dives deep into the world of scams targeting authors, artists, and creatives. From predatory legal firms to shady “publishers” with AI-generated websites and offers too good to be true, Kevin shares personal stories, red flags to watch for, and practical strategies to keep your money—and your work—safe. Whether you’re a new writer hoping to be discovered or a seasoned pro, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the publishing and creative landscape as scams become more sophisticated and pervasive.Show links:* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com) — Virtual assistant service for authors* Draft2Digital (draft2digital.com) — Ebook distribution platform* PublishDrive (publishdrive.com) — Ebook publishing & distribution* Reedsy (reedsy.com) — Find trusted editors, designers, and book professionals* 99designs (99designs.com) — Professional cover design and more* LegalShield (legalshield.com) — Affordable legal services for contracts/review* LegalZoom (legalzoom.com) — Legal support and contract review online* Writer’s Digest (writersdigest.com) — Publishing news, Writer’s Market guides and agent info* Wordslinger Podcast (wordslingerpodcast.com) — More episodes, contact, and resourcesWatch on YouTubeImportant Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:05] – Welcome & episode overview[00:00:25] – Why scams are a growing threat[00:01:14] – Fake publishers & scam tactics[00:01:59] – Kevin’s personal experience falling for a book scam[00:03:33] – IRS debt scam: emotional manipulation explained[00:06:04] – How scammers exploit dreams and fears[00:08:56] – AI-powered scams: cloned voices, fake Zoom calls, and impersonations[00:10:23] – How legitimate publishing works vs. scam warning signs[00:13:16] – Everyday scam attempts targeting authors[00:16:03] – Fake websites, hijacked business names, and AI-generated “staff”[00:18:46] – Myth of “being discovered”—real path to success[00:19:59] – Why contracts and legal reviews matter[00:21:09] – Solar panel scam and red flags to look for[00:22:19] – Actionable advice: Avoid scams, invest in trusted guides & services[00:23:59] – Resource recommendations: where your money should go[00:24:44] – Protecting your creative work and passion from predators[00:25:27] – How to reach out to Kevin for scam advice[00:26:15] – Legitimate service recommendations (Reedsy, 99designs, etc.)[00:27:48] – Closing thoughts, support, and a call to subscribeLooking for more creative protection and publishing wisdom? Like, share, and subscribe here on YouTube, and hit the notification bell to stay informed on future episodes! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing, admin tasks, promotion, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson sits down with accountant and author advocate Seth Norris to demystify the “business” side of the author journey. They dive into common money mistakes, why most authors avoid talking taxes, and how to turn scary finances into manageable habits. Whether you’re new to direct sales, seeking smarter tax strategies, or need systems to manage your indie career, this episode is packed with practical advice—plus an inside look at Author Unlimited and resources for building a sustainable author business!Show links:* Author CPA – Main hub for Seth’s services, newsletter signup, and YouTube channel* Author Unlimited Community – Community & resources for authors on finances & systems* Profit First (Book) – The money-management method discussed in this episode* Seth’s Substack – Mindset, creative business tips, and the “week in Seth’s head”* School (Community Platform) – Platform used by Author Unlimited* Author Anchor – Author task and marketing assistant service (sponsor link)Watch on YouTubeI Asked a CPA Why Authors Struggle With Money—His Answer Shocked MeImportant Topics & Timestamps:[00:01:05] – Seth’s journey into author conferences[00:02:05] – Turning accounting skills into author niche (Author CPA)[00:03:09] – What does an “Author CPA” actually do?[00:04:53] – Trends & money mistakes indie authors make[00:07:00] – Hidden costs of direct sales & royalty comparisons[00:09:44] – Helping authors set up bookkeeping and automations[00:11:38] – The surprising power of authentic, low-fuss YouTube videos[00:15:42] – What “Profit First” means for authors[00:22:16] – Simple formula for setting aside tax money[00:24:46] – Building Author Unlimited (community for author business systems & finances)[00:27:31] – Getting the most out of community, templates, and automation[00:30:11] – Seth’s Substack: creativity, mindset, and life as an author CPALooking for more no-nonsense business tips for your author career? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay up on the latest strategies! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with a personal assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can delegate marketing, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this special solo episode, Kevin Tumlinson broadcasts from Las Vegas during the Author Nation 2025 conference! With a raspy conference voice and coffee in hand, Kevin shares insights on the true value of attending author conferences—from networking and forming meaningful industry connections, to serving your community and embracing discomfort for personal growth. He offers actionable advice for writers hoping to make the most out of conference experiences, discusses the art of being a connector, and reflects on how kindness can generate unexpected opportunities.Show links:* Author Nation (authornation.live) – Event and ticket info for conferences* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com) – VA service connecting authors with skilled virtual assistants* Dave Cullen YouTube (youtube.com/@computingforever) – Computing Forever channel* Wordslinger Podcast YouTube (youtube.com/wordslingerpodcast) – Subscribe for exclusive video episodes* Wordslinger Podcast Archive (wordslingerpodcast.com) – Listen to all past episodesSUBSCRIBE AND WATCH ON YOUTUBEWhy Every Writer Needs to Attend Conferences (Even When It Feels Useless)Important Topics & Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Conference intro & Vegas updates[00:01:16] – Details on Author Nation events and book signing[00:03:33] – The benefits of conference attendance[00:05:04] – Networking and refining your professional circle[00:09:26] – The value of connecting others[00:13:45] – Embracing discomfort and change of scenery[00:15:02] – Doing something kind for a friend[00:22:09] – Immersing yourself while traveling[00:23:43] – Community and collaboration at conferences[00:26:10] – Importance of serving the author community[00:27:53] – Sponsor plug: Author Anchor[00:30:24] – YouTube subscriber call-to-action & show supportLooking for more inspiration and insight for your writing career? Subscribe and hit the notification bell on YouTube—help us reach 1,000 subscribers and keep Wordslinger going strong! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, taking care of marketing, admin, ads, editing, social media, and more! Book your free, no-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this special episode, Kevin Tumlinson sits down with fellow podcaster, author, and creative entrepreneur Donn King to unpack how to get all your creative work done—even when life is overflowing. They share personal stories about balancing writing, podcasting, family responsibilities, and unexpected challenges, revealing how true creativity thrives not despite the chaos, but often because of it. If you’re struggling with time management, work-life balance, or redefining your “career,” you won’t want to miss this thoughtful, inspiring conversation.Show links:* Donn King’s Site (donnking.com) – Learn more about Donn’s work and podcasting* Creating While Caring: https://DonnKing.com/CreatingWhileCaring* All Donn’s books: https://DonnKing.com/Books* Publishing services: https://HiddenMentor.com/* Wordslinger Podcast Substack (wordslingerpodcast.com) – Follow Kevin for updates & a free ebook* Kevin’s Indie Spotlight at Writer’s Digest (https://www.writersdigest.com/j-kevin-tumlinson-effective-writing-avoiding-burnout) – Featured interview* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com) – Connect with a virtual assistant for authors* Wordslinger Podcast YouTube Channel (youtube.com/wordslingerpodcast) – Subscribe for more podcast episodes* Author Nation Event (authornation.live) – Where Kevin will be appearing in-personWatch on YouTubeImportant Topics & Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Welcome, intro, and Donn King’s background[00:01:09] – Handling creative work with a full plate[00:04:16] – The myth of free time and the “goldfish principle”[00:07:05] – Redefining ‘career’ for writers and creatives[00:08:55] – Seasons of opportunity and embracing life’s transitions[00:09:27] – Kevin’s events: Author Nation & Reader Nation[00:11:03] – Kevin featured in Writer’s Digest Indie Spotlight[00:12:31] – How to connect: Substack, YouTube, podcast apps[00:13:10] – Closing thoughts and what’s next for Wordslinger— Looking for more inspiration and practical tips on writing, publishing, and thriving as a creative? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to never miss an episode! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, host Kevin Tumlinson goes deep on the theme of being real and authentic—both in writing and life. Kevin shares his personal journey of downsizing, embracing minimalism, and letting go of unnecessary “stuff.” He talks about optimizing work with streamlined tech, the value of authentic connections, and what Gen Z is seeking in media. Plus, there’s a frank discussion of how authentic experiences and meaningful relationships can be cultivated in today’s world—and why Kevin believes it’s time to focus on what truly edifies us.Show links:* Author Anchor – VA service connecting authors with skilled virtual assistants* Kevin’s Substack – Regular updates and insights, including Wordslinger Podcast content* Wordslinger Podcast – Home base for the show, hosted on SubstackWatch on YouTube🔑 Important Topics & Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Introduction & authenticity[00:00:30] – Downsizing & minimalism journey[00:04:08] – Pricing possessions, sunk cost fallacy[00:06:29] – Tech talk: Using iPad for everything[00:11:53] – What Gen Z wants: Real, authentic media[00:13:10] – The experience of podcasting & listener connection[00:17:54] – Discoverability & authentic marketing[00:20:19] – Complaining vs. changing & positive reviews[00:24:23] – “Did Not Finish”: Navigating negative feedback[00:25:12] – Experiences vs. stuff: Minimalism & edification[00:31:19] – Experiences over ownership[00:33:07] – Upcoming interviews & eventsLooking for more writing and publishing insights?Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes! 🔔―――Want to connect in person? Catch Kevin at Author Nation and Reader Nation in Las Vegas, Nov. 3–8!#Authenticity #Minimalism #WritingLife #WordslingerPodcast #BookMarketing #AuthorCommunity Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: ProWritingAidSupercharge your writing with ProWritingAid—your all-in-one writing coach, style editor, and grammar checker. Plus, they’re the driving force behind the brand new “Novel November” event, helping you reach your writing goals faster! Learn more and kickstart your writing at https://bit.ly/novnov25.In this episode, host Kevin Tumlinson dives deep into creative workflow and productivity for writers and creatives—covering everything from embracing minimalism to refining your tech setup and managing side projects. Kevin shares his process for balancing business planning, writing habits, and staying productive even when life gets busy. Whether you’re decluttering your studio or seeking the ultimate mobile writing setup, there’s inspiration and practical tips waiting for you here!Show links:* Novel November registration (bit.ly/novnov25) – Join the new month-long novel writing event replacing NaNoWriMo; access sessions with bestselling authors, prizes, and a supportive community!* Kevin’s Substack (kevintumlinson.substack.com) – Get Kevin’s thoughts, podcast updates, and more in your inbox.* Wordslinger YouTube (youtube.com/wordslingerpodcast) – Watch the show and subscribe for video content.* Kevin’s YouTube Channel (youtube.com/kevintumlinson) – Follow Kevin’s personal channel for more insights and behind-the-scenes.Watch on YouTube⏰ Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:22] – Announcing Novel November & ProWritingAid sponsorship[00:02:14] – Minimalism, decluttering, and clothing downsizing[00:05:13] – Upgrading tech, iPad vs. laptop workflow for writers[00:14:18] – Business planning, “Throughline” & Novelton Bookshop concepts[00:16:05] – Balancing business projects with consistent creative writing[00:20:48] – Outlining, quick notes system, and portable writing productivity[00:24:49] – Financial minimalism: budgeting, investing, and asset thinking[00:34:10] – Mentorship, choosing your influences & the value of podcasts[00:38:27] – Where Wordslinger is heading: minimalism, performance, tech topicsReady to streamline your workflow and sharpen your creativity? Subscribe and hit the bell for fresh episodes every week. Have questions or ideas? Drop them in the comments or email Kevin—your input could shape future shows! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Check out our sponsor: Author AnchorYou just want to write. Author Anchor matches you with an author assistant for just $7.50 per hour, so you can hand off marketing and promotion, admin tasks, advertising, editing, social media, and more. Book a free, zero-obligation discovery call now at https://authoranchor.com.In this episode, host Kevin Tumlinson dives deep into the power of perspective, sharing his personal journey through downsizing, letting go of the old to make way for the new, and how shifting routines can spark creative breakthroughs. Kevin offers candid reflections on the emotional challenges of parting with cherished possessions—including his legendary hand-built writing desk—and how embracing change leads to more freedom and growth, both as a writer and in daily life.Tune in for actionable insights on:* Streamlining your workspace for creativity and flexibility* Overcoming the discomfort of letting go and welcoming new opportunities* The psychology of attachment and forming healthier habits around possessions* Creative inspirations behind Kevin’s current writing projects* How changing your environment can reshape your mindset and writing processShow links:* Author Anchor (https://authoranchor.com) – Virtual assistant service for authors. Book your free discovery call now.* Kevin’s Facebook Marketplace – Browse items mentioned for sale (search Kevin Tumlinson on Facebook Marketplace).* WordslingerPodcast.com – More episodes and resources.Watch on YouTube:Important Topics & Timestamps:[00:00:29] - Kevin reveals changes in his workspace and the decision to downsize[00:03:43] - Journaling, morning routines, and discovering new ergonomic setups[00:06:51] - Travel plans, van life, and shifting from full-time road living[00:08:24] - Letting go of tech and rethinking what’s essential[00:09:13] - Emotional attachment and the value of letting go[00:14:19] - Garage sale stories & practical tips for downsizing[00:21:10] - Life lessons on ego, identity, and the freedom of decluttering[00:23:57] - The challenge of letting go of beloved books[00:24:42] - Writing update: Library of Unwritten Books & speculative fiction[00:27:56] - Listener shout-outs and the value of community encouragementLooking for more writing and publishing insights? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes! 🔔 Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com🎯 Sponsor Shoutout:AuthorAnchor - Get an author assistant to help you take your writing career to the next level, for only $7.50 per hour! Talk to one of our team at AuthorAnchor.com. In this heartfelt solo episode, host Kevin Tumlinson shares a behind-the-scenes look at embracing change through downsizing. After asking listeners if they still care about the show, Kevin opens up about the powerful responses he received and dives deep into the emotional (and practical) journey of letting go of possessions, re-evaluating priorities, and gearing up for a more minimalist, nomadic lifestyle. Whether you’re pondering a move, curious about van life, or just looking for inspiration to declutter your life (physically and mentally), Kevin’s insights and stories are sure to resonate.Tune in for real talk about change, legacy, and the value of experience over stuff!Show Links:* Kevin’s YouTube Channel (https://youtube.com/KevinTumlinson) – Personal insights, vlogs, and sunrise walks* Wordslinger Podcast YouTube (https://youtube.com/wordslingerpodcast) – Every episode, video formatWatch on YouTubeKey Topics & Timestamps:[00:00:01] - Kevin’s gratitude & audience feedback[00:02:44] - Where to follow the Wordslinger Podcast[00:03:09] - Downsizing: the decision, the process, and letting go[00:04:13] - The emotional side of leaving a dream home[00:06:20] - Practical steps: sorting, selling, & donating possessions[00:13:50] - Letting go of nostalgic tech, vintage items, and clutter[00:18:22] - Embracing nomadic life & maximizing experiences[00:22:02] - Advice for listeners: valuing experience over possessions[00:27:25] - Facing discomfort and growing through change[00:32:39] - Upcoming changes, digital declutter & how to connect[00:34:56] - Spiritual reflections & legacyReady to rethink your relationship with “stuff” and invest more in memorable experiences? Subscribe, like, share, and follow to join Kevin on this downsizing adventure!🔔 Don’t miss future episodes—subscribe now and be part of the Wordslinger community! Get full access to The Writer_ at kevintumlinson.substack.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.