WriterCon

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Jake Lynch, author of action/adventure and spiritual novels including his latest, Broken to Beautiful. Chapter 1: Openting Thoughts Bill and Jesse ruminate about why tax season is particularly hard for writers. Chapter 2: News 1) Entangled Signs Self-Published Authors 2) Spotify Offers an Audiobook Access Tier Chapter 3: Interview with Jake Lynch During this chat, you will learn: 1) how he makes your pulse rate rise; 2) why he writes inspirational books as well; 3) how he conducts ressearch; 4) the importance of saving editing for later; and 5) how anime figured into his work. Chapter 4: Parting Words WriterCon is Coming! Our annual writers conference takes place Labor Day weekend (August 30-Sept 2, 2024) in Oklahoma City. And if you register now, you'll get the Early Bird price, which will save you at least $100. We’ve got more than fifty speakers already lined up—authors, agents, publishers, book marketing experts, and much more. Visit www.writercon.com to learn more.

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview S.L. Dooley, fantasy author of The Cold Moon Carnival and many other books. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts Everyone is getting ready for the 2024 WriterCon Cruise, departing April 21! Chapter 2: News 1) Poetry Had Its Best Year Ever in 2024 2) Author Accused of "Creepy" PR Requests Chapter 3: Interview with S.L. Dooley During this chat, you will learn about: 1) whether dragons are required for fantasy; 2) integrating fantasy and faith and family; 3) how role-playing games influenced her work; 4) why she loves old books and journals; and 5) her unique process for sparking ideas. Chapter 4: Parting Words The 2024 WriterCon Conference is in OKC over Labor Day weekend. Register now to get the Early Bird prices! Looking for something smaller where you can get direct feedback on your work? Come to the WriterCon Retreat in Branson MO. William Bernhardt's latest novel is Partners in Crime, but his next novel, Justice For All (the 8th Daniel Pike legal thriller) will arrive in late May. Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Thomas Hauser, sports writer and author of the new momoir My Mother and Me. Btw, the sad whining you hear during the interview is our dog, Baxter—sad because no one is paying attention to him while we record, but otherwise fine. Chapter 1: Opening Thougbts Jesse's fave, James Patterson, is publishing many more books, including legal thrillers. Jesse is not happy. Chapter 2: News 1) Dead Celebrity Books Written by AI Flood Amazon 2) Brandon Sanderson Gets Better Deal at Audible—For Everyone Chapter 3: Interview with Thomas Hauser During this chat, you will learn: 1) why he wrote about his mother; 2) why he doesn't stick to a single genre; 3) the book-to-movie process; 4) knowing Muhammed Ali; and 5) the importance of social justice. Chapter 4: Parting Words WriterCon is coming! The conference is Labor Day weekend, August 30-September 2, in Oklahoma City. We have over 50 speakers lined up, authors, agents, publishers, marketers, assistants, and much more. The website has been revised and updated, so please check it out now, while you can still take advantage of the Early Bird prices! www.writercon.com Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Bharati Sen, author of My War My Child. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts Looking forward to the WriterCon Cruise... Chapter 2: News 1) NY Pub Veterans Create a New Publishing House 2) Author Sues Amazon over Pirated Book Sales Chapter 3: Interview with Bharati Sen During this chat, you will learn: 1) how she wove history into her novel; 2) how she tells stories unique to women; 3) the difference between short stories and novels; 4) how to conduct historical research; and 5) the importance of finding your passion. Chapter 4: Closing Thoughts Cruise registration has closed, but we're still offering a small-group retreat in Branson in July, and of course, the big WriterCon conference in August/September over Labor Day weekend. Take advantage of the Early Bird prices and save $100 while you can! Subscribe to WriterCon Magazine. The March issue comes out this week! Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Host William Bernhardt shares a special episode of a new podcast, Stories That Change Us, featuring a discussion of The Princess Bride. Enjoy this special interim installment! We'll be back with regular WriterCon programming next week.

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Steven Joseph, author of Cranky Superpowers. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts This podcast is being released on Oscar Sunday, so the Crew make their predictions, including one involving a red carpet gown, and ponder why movies get so much attention when the books they are based upon do not. Chapter 2: News 1) Romantasy Authors Reclaim "Smut" 2) AI-Narrated Audiobooks Available in Major Markets—Including Amazon Chapter 3: Interview with Steven Joseph During this chat, you will learn: 1) what are cranky superpowers; 2) what are your cranky superpowers; 3) how to give rise to the possibility of the unimaginable; 4) why arguments take away your power; and 5) where crankiness will take Steven next. Chapter 4: Parting Words LAST CALL for the WriterCon Cruise! Over 20 hours of instruction during a seven-day cruise through the Western Caribbean, focused on you and your writing goals. Join us! Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Kelly Anne Manuel, a children's book author who is launching 31 books at the same time. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts Only one week left to register for the WriterCon Cruise! Lara is already packing! Over 20+ hours of classroom, small-group, and private instruction. Plus we have fun! Seven days at sea writing in the most creativity-conducive environment imaginable. Join us! Chapter 2: News 1) Critics Complain Hugo Awards Were Rigged 2) Reading is Sexy William Bernhardt apologizes for his slip of the tongue. While reading, Kendall Jenner's book was covered in green Post-It notes, not her body! Chapter 3: Interview with Kelly Anne Manuel During this chat, you will learn: 1) how she stumbled into writing; 2) why she writes for children; 3) how she "meets the child in their journey;" 4) why she is "the good kind of contagious;" and 5) why she's releasing 31 books at once. Chapter 4: Parting Words Again, only one week left to join us for the WriterCon Cruise. Seven days at sea traveling down the Western Caribbean coastline, with seven WriterCon instructors ready to provide whatever you need to advance your writing career. Plus Game Night! Karaoke! Swag bags! The cost is low and the benefits are high. Join us! Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Lauren Smith, bestselling romance author of many popular books, including Dukes & Diamonds. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts Why don't we have the literary equivalent of a Taylor Swift? Chapter 2: News 1. Florida Censors Goblin Butts—By Drawing Over Them 2. Random House Encourages Readers to Buy a Taylor Swift Book—That She Didn't Write Chapter 3: Interview with Lauren Smith During this chat, you will learn: 1) why she turned to romance; 2) how she navigates the current publishing world; 3) how she deals with foreign rights; 4) why Titanic made such an impression on her; and 5) why she plans her books before writing them. Chapter 4: Parting Words Only two more weeks to register for the WriterCon Cruise! Over 20 hours of instruction in the most relaxing, writer-conducive environment imaginable. Classes, small-group sessions, and one-on-one meetings with literary agent Katharine Sands or anyone else on the faculty. We will read your manuscript and give you direct specific feedback. This is a unique opportunity, extremely affordable, and lots of fun. Join us! Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt interview the hosts of the new UnFreakingBelievable podcast, Betsey Kulakowski (The Veritas Codex series), Jennifer Labranche, and JB Caine, who will present incredible true stories each episode. They explain what the podcast is about and where it came from—then present a special episode for listeners to the WriterCon podcast.

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news in the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Katharine Sands, the highly-sought-after literary agent from the Sarah Jane Freymann Agency. Opening Thoughts Yes, Bill and Lara are married and live together, they just broadcast from different rooms. But it doesn't matter because there are books and superheroes in all of them. News 1) AI Program Lets You Speak to the Dead 2) First-Time Author with Major Book Deal is Cancelled Due to Online Behavior Interview During this chat with Katharine Sands, you will learn: 1) how she became an agent; 2) what she's looking for: 3) hot trends she's seeing for 2024; 4) how to perfect your pitch; and 5) what she'll be doing on the WriterCon Cruise. Closing Thoughts Lara wants you to join her for the WriterCon Cruise. Lots of instruction, both large-group and small, guaranteed one-on-one meetings with the agent and others, chances to make new writer friends and learn new writer tricks. Plus we have a blast, and Lara is talking about wearing a swimsuit! Join the adventure: https://writercon.com/writercon-cruise/ Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Debbie Babitt, thriller author of First Victim and Saving Grace. Opening Remarks The WriterCon podcast is praised on social media...by Pirr. News Your hosts make prognostications for 2024 on critical book-world topics, like emerging genres, book banning, AI, and the FTC suit against Amazon. Interview with Debbie Babitt During this chat, you will learn: 1) why she writes thrillers; 2) how she broke into the business; 3) where she finds inspiration; 4) how she helps other writers; and 5) what happenjs next. Parting Words Lara wants everyone to join us on the WriterCon Cruise in April. We have negotiated excellent discounted prices you will not find anywhere else. The Cruise offers over 20+ hours of instruction, plus one-on-one meetings with a top-ranked agent and anyone else on our eight-person faculty. Plus, we have tons of fun! Join us! Remember writers, you cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardt willbern@gmail.com www.writercon.com www.williambrnhardt.com

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing and publishing tips, and interview Micah Leydorf, inspirational writer of The Unseen Battle. Opening Thoughts Bill's thriller Dark Eye (2005) has been banned in Florida. He is very excited about it. Lara is more excited about the forthcoming WriterCon Cruise. News 1) Lord of the Rings Fan Fiction Author Loses in Court—Twice 2) Steamboat Willie, Tigger, and Other Valuable IPs Go Public Domain Interview with Micah Leydorf: During this chat you will learn: 1) what distinguishes spiritual or faith-based fiction; 2) how to break into the market; 3) how she merges politics and faith; 4) her path to publication; and 5) why she calls herself "the wife, mother, and serial entrepreneur who writes out of obedience.” Parting Words Join us for the WriterCon Cruise, April 21-29, 2024! Since the last podcast, we’ve added three more faculty members, so we now have eight instructors on our Cruise faculty, four authors (including two major-list bestsellers), two publishers, an audiobook engineer, and a top agent from the Sarah Jane Freymann Agency. This will be the third WriterCon cruise—and four of our previous attendees are now published with excellent houses. On the cruise, you will receive more than 20 hours of on-board instruction, plus a private meeting with the agent (and anyone else you request). You may even be able to squeeze in time for the hot tub. You will learn (but we also have lots of fun). Click here for more information. Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com willbern@gmail.com

Happy New Year! For our final episode of 2023, we're combining two previous interviews (from two separate episodes) with Erin Heinecke. Erin is with the largest firm in the US specializing in book-to-movie deals, which saw a big upswing in 2023. How can you be a part of this? Listen to Erin. We'll be back in 2024 with more interviews, more writing tips, more news analysis, and more information about forthcoming programs like the Cruise, the Retreat, the Magazine, and of course, the WriterCon conference itself. Thanks for listening to this podcast! Tell your writing friends about us! William Bernhardt willbern@gmail.com www.writercon.com www.williambernhardt.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Dan Short, co-author of The Santa Claus Chronicles, with Rene Gutteridge. Note: Due to the circumstances—Dan giving us an interview between Santa gigs—the audio is imperfect. Apologies, but we didn't want you to miss out on Dan's wonderful stories. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts We are ready for the holidays! During the holiday break, we will release a classic compilation episode featuring Erin Heinecke, the prominent movie/tv literary agent. Chapter 2: News 1) Big 5 Publishers Use AI to Select Manuscripts 2) Wattpad Launches Premium Subscriptions 3) Wall Street Journal Cancels its Bestseller List Chapter 3: Interview with Dan Short During this chat, you'll learn: 1) how Dan started writing; 2) how he started being Santa; 3) how he brings the joy of the season to his work; and 4) the experiences and lessons of his life. Chapater 4: Parting Words Lara Bernhardt's Christmas Spirit is marked down for the holidays! William Bernhardt has a Kenzi Rivera short story int he holiday anthology Christmas Tapestry. The holiday issue of WriterCon Magazine has been released. Subscribe today! William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Dan Martin, head writer for Star Trek: Resurgence and many other computer/video games. He has also worked as a Hollywood script reader. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts Jesse is elated by the prospect of a guest relating to Star Trek. Chapter 2: News 1) Book/Movie Deals are on the Upswing 2) Amazon Sues Scam Publishers The You Tube scam-hunter Lara mentions is Kitboga. Chapter 3: Interview with Dan Martin During this chapter, you will learn: 1) what Hollywood script readers are looking for; 2) how to write a game script; 3) handling the infinite branches of a gaming story; 4) creating layered characters in a plot-driven story; and 5) how to break into this billion-dollar industry. Chapter 4: Parting Words Lara Bernhardt's novel Shadow of the Taj is now on sale. William Bernhardt has a Kenzi Rivera story in the anthology Christmas Tapestry. The holiday issue of WriterCon Magazine is now on sale, featuring articles about writing holiday stories, marketing holiday stories, inspirational pieces, gift lists for writers, and much more. Get it at: writercon.substack.com.

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Rebecca Hanover, New York Times-bestselling author of The Last Applicant. Opening Remarks Thanksgiving has passed, but a new and bigger holiday looms on the horizon... News (4:25) 1) Pirr Ai Program Helps You Write Your Own Smut 2) Americans Reveal How Many Books They Own Interview with Rebecca Hanover (17:55) During this chat, you will learn: 1) why every writing process is different; 2) how she won an Emmy; 3) gravitating from television to novels; 4) why she wrote YA; and 5) why she now writes thrillers, chasing a good story, not a genre. Parting Words (33:08) Lara's Christmas novel, Christmas Spirit, is deep-discounted for the holidays. Get it now! Christmas Tapestry is an anthology of Christmas stories from differnt genres. Each author (including William Bernhardt) provides a story featuring their series characters. WriterCon Magazine releases its holiday issue next week, with tips on writing for Christmas, gift lists for writers, and much more. Did you read the last one? Visit: writerconmag.substack.com

Happy Thanksgiving weekend! We're taking the week off, but just so you don't have to go without, we're sending you this holiday re-release of two 2020 interivews with the brilliant novelist Steve Berry. You'll be amazing at how honest he is—and how helpful his thoughts are—to writers at all stages of their careers. So don't eat too much, take a long walk, and enjoy this blast-from-the-past interview with the incredibly successful NYT-bestselling author of The Last Kingdom, the latest book in his acclaimed Cotton Malone series.

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Jerry Izenberg, acclaimed sportswriter, memoirist, and author of After the Fire. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts (0;49) Would you go on a Meet Your Favorite Authors Cruise? How do we make this happen? Send me your ideas: willbern@gmail.com Chapter 2: News (6:09) a) Report from the Frankfurt Book Fair: BookTok Rules b) Report from the Authors Guild: Romance Rules (and Indie Authors Breakout around 5 Years) Chapter 3: Interview with Jerry Izenberg (25:17) During this interview, Jerry discusses: a) 70 years of outstanding sportswriting; b) why he shifted to memoir; c) choosing a publisher; d) fictionalizing reality; and e) suviving in the publishing world. Chapter 4: Parting Words (44.26) William Bernhardt's new novel, Partners in Crime (Daniel Pike #7; Ben Kincaid #20) is NOW ON SALE! Watch Bernhardt's famous fictional lawyers team up for the courtroom case of their lifetimes! If you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it now! Do it today and join this wonderful community of writers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273 Subscribe to WriterCon Magazine or the free WriterCon e-newsletter on SubStack. If you’re enjoying this podcast, please subscribe, then rate or review it wherever you get podcasts. It does make it easier for new listeners to discover us. You can find the video version of these podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@writerconpodcast1307 Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview William Martin, NYT-bestselling author of December '41 and many other historical thrillers. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts WriterCon Magazine needs a better name! Send your suggestions to: willbern@gmail.com And the second issue will soon be sent, so subscribe now! Chapter 2: News a) A New Look for Barnes & Noble; b) Amazon posts stellar Q3 profits; and c) Amazon allows authors to push recommendations to followers Chapter 3: Interview with William Martin During this chat, Martin considers: a) why history is his jam; b) how he researches his books; c) Humanoids of the Deep; d) plotting by obstacles; and e) why he suggested his writer-son consider law school. Chapter 4: Parting Words Lara Bernhardt has an upcoming BookBub promotion for Red Rain in Australia. William Bernhardt's new legal thriller is Partners in Crime, which teams his two lawyer series characters, Ben Kincaid and Daniel Pike. Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit. William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Susy Smith, author of the new dystopian novel, Ascendant. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts A few times a year we will release interviews from previous episodes—WriterCon Classics. Chapter 2: News a) Open AI Sued for Copyright Infringement Based On Data-Scarping b) Scale AI and Appen are Hiring Poets to Compose Original Work to Train AI Chapter 3: Interview with Susy Smith During this chat, you will learn: a) the importance of perserverance; b) the appeal of the apocalypse; c) how writing retreats improved her work; d) why she outlines; and e) why authors must be involved in marketing. Chapter 4: Parting Words Lara Bernhardt's Wantland Files series is perfect for Halloween. Check them out! William Bernhardt's new novel is Partners in Crime, a legal thriller teaming his two most famous fictional attorneys, Daniel Pike and Ben Kincaid. On sale now! William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com