The publishing world is shifting fast, and as writers, we need to keep up. In this episode, I dive into some of the biggest changes happening in the industry right now, from how AI is reshaping publishing to restrictions that could impact book accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, understanding these changes will help you navigate publishing smarter.

I also share a piece of writing advice I give to authors that I’m now following myself as I write my first book-length work.

• Eight Independent Publishers Form Cooperative to Share Resources, Cut Costs
• London Book Fair 2025 to Focus on AI, Developing Readers
• Kill Your Darlings - Writing Break
• Library Database Providers Clash Over Subscription Models
• New Bills in Iowa Threaten to Tighten Obscenity Provisions for Libraries
• Will the Diamond Bankruptcy Change the Comics Business Forever?
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks.

We all dream of making it big with our writing, but what happens when that dream doesn’t unfold the way you expect? We’ll talk about how that dream didn’t quite come true for one author. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry and for the latest publishing news.

• The debate over blurbs in publishing, explained | Vox
• ‘It’s quite galling’: children’s authors frustrated by rise in celebrity-penned titles | Children and teenagers | The Guardian
• New Romance
• Cosy Kink
• The acquisition of Text Publishing by Penguin Random House is part of a worrying trend in Australian publishing
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks

In this episode, we bring you the latest publishing news along with a discussion on finding a balance between inspiration and hard work. I'll let you know where to access tax tips for authors and where to view sessions that took place during the Winter 2024 Book & Author Festival. I also tell you about a literary agent scam preying on authors. Plus, we discuss a significant legal victory protecting creative freedom and highlight resources for creators impacted by the Los Angeles fires.

In the second half, we explore the concept of the muse—what it means to create space for inspiration and how to balance it with the discipline of writing. Drawing from personal insights and Stephen King’s On Writing, we reflect on the dynamic between inspiration and perseverance in the creative process.

Tune in for updates, insights, and encouragement to help you see yourself as the writer you already are.

• Authors Guild Federal Court Victory: Arkansas Book Ban Declared Unconstitutional - The Authors Guild
• Emergency Aid for Creators Affected by the Los Angeles Fires - The Authors Guild
• Publishing Scam Alerts - The Authors Guild
• Tax Tips for Authors 2025 - Webinar Registration - Zoom
• PRH Winter 2024 Book & Author Festival
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks.

In this episode, we take a look at writing advice from Chuck Palahniuk. Can his approach to storytelling help you craft more immersive scenes, or is it too restrictive for your taste?

• Nuts and Bolts: “Thought” Verbs | LitReactor
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks.

You can never have too many books, or notebooks, or pens, but here are 5 last-minute gifts for writers that are none of the above. They’re all free, but they’re all something you really want.

• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks:

“More Jam Please” by Raighes Factory

2024 is coming to an end, and publishing slows down significantly at the end of each year. So, don’t fret if your query letters remain unanswered this month. Today, we’re exploring 9 practical, actionable writing tips approved by bestselling authors.

• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks:

“More Jam Please” by Raighes Factory

In the last episode we discussed first-draft writing advice, and in this episode we’re discussing eight steps to follow when you revise, regardless of genre.

• Bluesky Hits 20 Million Users as People Flee Twitter
• HarperCollins AI Licensing Deal - The Authors Guild
• Faber launches Action! Prize | Journal, News | Faber
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks:

“More Jam Please” by Raighes Factory

There is a lot of writing advice out there, but remember that not every piece of writing advice is first-draft writing advice. So, for your convenience, today’s episode will be filled with writing advice for your first draft.

• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks:

“More Jam Please” by Raighes Factory