Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author Podcast

Although short fiction often gets overshadowed in today’s market-driven publishing landscape, for many writers it’s where the most vital work begins. That’s why, in this week’s episode of Fully Booked, we examine both the creative and commercial realities of writing short stories. Our guest is author Chris Kauzlarich, a hobbyist turned published writer who uses short fiction to build both his craft and his audience. From initial inspiration to final revision, Chris shares insights into the short story writing process, and why this form remains meaningful, even in a publishing world dominated by novels. But this conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, as Chris opens up about the challenges of making short stories viable. From limited publication outlets and shrinking markets to the frustrations of pricing, visibility, and discoverability. Still, the episode is filled with practical strategies for using short fiction to grow your readership, test novel-worthy ideas, and stay creatively sharp. For a grounded, honest look at what short stories can—and can’t—do for your career, this episode is a must-listen.   Chris Kauzlarich https://www.chriskauzlarich.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

This week on Fully Booked, we’re joined by Aaron Calafato, creator of the acclaimed podcast "7 Minute Stories", which has reached over 30 million listeners. A master of short-form storytelling, Aaron shares how he builds powerful connections with his audience through a personal process he calls “story catching.” By drawing meaning from everyday experiences and telling them with clarity and heart, he has carved out a unique space in the storytelling landscape. In this fascinating conversation, Aaron takes Craig and Roland through the principles that make a story truly resonate. He explores how trust, authenticity, and vulnerability play a vital role in shaping stories that stick with listeners. Whether you're an author, a podcaster, or a creative of any kind, this episode offers practical insight into telling stories that engage deeply and keep your audience coming back.   Aaron Calafato https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

What does it take to go from decades in biopharmaceuticals to publishing a time-travel mystery novel? In today’s episode of Fully Booked, debut author Mark Wilson shares how he applied his scientific mindset to the unpredictable world of fiction writing. From mapping out timelines on graph paper to learning key storytelling principles through trial and error, Mark walks us through the unexpected but rewarding journey that led to his first published book. While balancing a full-time job, Mark tackled the challenges of character development, world-building, and narrative pacing, only to be faced with how to get it all published. By staying open to feedback and taking a methodical approach to the entire writing process, he refined his novel and partnered with a hybrid publisher to bring it to market. This episode offers an inspiring look at how persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to take creative risks can launch a new author’s path.   Mark J. Wilson https://www.markjwilson.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In this week's episode of Fully Booked, we speak with a young adult dystopian author whose years of humanitarian work across conflict zones have given her fiction an uncommon depth. Drawing on firsthand experience in Afghanistan, Colombia, and Sierra Leone, CC Robinson explains how real-life crises shaped her understanding of survival, resilience, and human connection, and how these insights now fuel her gripping post-apocalyptic stories. From clean water to cross-cultural grief, the real priorities behind individual motivations can differ wildly depending on background, and weaving those motivations into a narrative can lead to richer, more realistic characters and interactions. The discussion also highlights the challenges and responsibilities of writing outside one’s own experience, particularly when developing characters from diverse cultural, racial, and social backgrounds. CC shares her intensive research process, including in-depth interviews, primary-source reading, and collaboration with sensitivity readers, all aimed at ensuring each voice is distinct and grounded in truth. For writers exploring how shared human experiences can bridge cultural divides or looking to craft fiction that reflects today’s complex world, this conversation offers valuable insight into how to do so with care and authenticity.   CC Robinson https://ccrobinsonauthor.com/hiddengems   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

When self-published authors invest in outside help, the goal is to amplify their work, not end up worse off than when they started. Yet that is sometimes the unfortunate reality, especially when authors don't do enough due diligence before handing over their hard-earned money. In this week's episode of Fully Booked, author Aspry Jones shares a candid account of how he fell victim to a publicist who overpromised, underdelivered, and ultimately left him without access to his own social media accounts to repair the damage. From losing money and control to seeing key book spoilers posted online, Aspry walks us through a cautionary tale that every author should hear before signing a contract. While our recent podcast episodes have spotlighted experienced publicists who deliver real value, this conversation reveals what can happen when authors put their trust in the wrong hands. Aspry’s experience underscores the importance of referrals, clear expectations, and maintaining ownership of your author platform. By sharing the hard lessons he learned, and how he ultimately turned things around, he hopes to help fellow authors avoid the same costly mistakes.   Aspry Jones https://aspryjones.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

Publicity is one of the most misunderstood parts of an author’s career, and in this episode of Fully Booked, we break down what it really involves. Publicist and author Terena Bell joins Craig and Roland to explain how writers can approach publicity with clear goals, whether the aim is to sell more copies, reach new readers, or secure recognition in libraries and the media. From podcasts and library pushes to finding unexpected outlets beyond the book world, the discussion explores practical strategies authors can use to draw attention to their books. While Terena shares insight into how effective publicists can support authors, she also warns against common traps such as cookie-cutter campaigns and costly hourly billing models. Packed with tips and real-world examples, this episode offers a focused guide to making publicity serve your goals, whether by hiring an expert or putting the strategies into practice yourself.   Terena Bell https://terenabell.com/bookpr/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

When mass market publishing first started, short and sweet “dime novels” were all the rage. Over the decades, books have fattened up considerably, with some of the most popular modern fiction weighing in at nearly 800 pages (I’m looking at you, A Court of Silver Flames!) In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland welcome returning guest Terrance Layhew back to the podcast to discuss whether it’s time to embrace a return to shorter fiction, such as his recent award-winning novella Unwanted Passenger. In terms of printing costs, purchase price, and even just the time you have to invest reading shorter fiction, there’s a lot to like about the format of classic, pocket-sized paperbacks - and in this lively discussion, Terrance, Craig, and Roland ponder whether smaller books might be the next big thing in publishing.     Terrance Layhew https://terrancelayhew.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

For aspiring authors navigating the world of self-publishing, the path to success is lined with potential missteps. In this week's episode of Fully Booked, publishing consultant and seasoned author Michelle Hill joins Craig and Roland to break down the most common mistakes that can derail new writers. Drawing from her journey as a “recovering ghostwriter” and her extensive experience guiding nonfiction authors, Michelle shares practical insights for those looking to produce polished, professional books that stand out in today’s competitive market. The discussion covers essential topics including professional editing, cover design, and how to avoid predatory publishing services, while also exploring the importance of creative vision, effective collaboration, and staying involved throughout the publishing process. For writers ready to take their craft seriously, Michelle’s advice offers a roadmap for avoiding costly errors and building a strong foundation for long-term success.   Michelle Hill https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCL4CN5V   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

This week, Fully Booked turns the conversation to the complex and often misunderstood world of dark romance and the anti-heroes that readers obsess over. Actor, coach, and author M.C. Paas joins Craig and Roland to explore the emotional depth and psychological nuance behind stories of morally gray characters, dangerous obsessions, and high-stakes relationships. Drawing on her upbringing in post-Soviet Estonia, M.C. reveals how personal history and deep emotional awareness shape her writing, and why dark romance offers a safe space to explore the forbidden. The discussion examines the ethics of writing taboo characters, the central role of consent in fiction, and the enduring appeal of protagonists who might be irredeemable in real life. M.C. explains how fantasy provides freedom rather than endorsement, and how these stories can bring catharsis, solidarity, and even healing. Whether you’re looking to craft your own unforgettable anti-heroes or curious about what makes them so irresistible to readers, this episode offers an unflinching look at why darkness can tell the most powerful love stories.   M.C. Paas https://mcpaaswrites.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

What happens when a celebrated magazine editor and ghostwriter faces the collapse of traditional publishing? For Peter Moore, it sparked a creative reinvention. In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, we explore how Peter used Substack to rebuild his career on his own terms, transforming a period of professional uncertainty into a thriving platform where he writes, illustrates, and connects directly with thousands of readers. He shares how the platform became more than just a newsletter, evolving into a community, a launchpad, and a sustainable creative outlet for his humorous and insightful work. Whether you’re new to Substack or already experimenting with it, this discussion will give you a variety of practical ideas for using the platform to gain more control over your audience and writing. Among other things, Peter breaks down strategies for growing your subscriber base, the importance of defining a clear creative niche, and why reader feedback now matters to him more than ever. If you’ve been on the fence about Substack, this episode offers a compelling case for why it could be a game-changer for your self-publishing career. Peter Moore https://petermoore.substack.com/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

Publishing a paperback book through Amazon KDP can seem straightforward, but producing a professional, print-ready title involves a lot of behind-the-scenes work. In this week's episode of Fully Booked, author Michael Pickard joins Craig and Roland to break down the KDP paperback process. From formatting your manuscript and solving layout challenges to working with cover designers and preparing final files for upload, Mike shares the key steps many first-time authors overlook. With more than a dozen titles to his name, Mike offers practical advice drawn from years of self-publishing experience and from guiding other authors through the process. He explains how to avoid costly formatting mistakes, manage ISBN decisions, and ensure that your book meets professional standards before it goes live. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from proofing, coordinating with designers, and navigating KDP’s print-on-demand limitations. For anyone beginning their print book journey, this conversation delivers a clear and realistic guide to creating a high-quality paperback without traditional publishing support.   Michael Pickard https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APFNIO   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast  

This week, Craig and Roland welcome Joseph Darlington to the Fully Booked podcast. One of the best-known figures in the James Bond fandom, Joseph is the author of a successful 2015 non-fiction book called Being James Bond, which was written to help make the skills and experiences of the world’s most famous superspy accessible to everybody. But after ten years in print, it was time for an update—and in this episode, Joseph explains the thinking and process behind updating and expanding his 2015 book into a dynamic new second edition; incorporating additional segments, making important revisions, and leveraging his now-larger social media footprint to reach an even larger global audience of James Bond fans. If you’re a veteran of the self-publishing industry and want to breath new life into some of your older titles, you’ll find this episode a really useful perspective on how to improve, expand, and recapture the excitement that inspired you to write those books in the first place.  Joseph Darlington https://www.beingjamesbond.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

This week on Fully Booked, we talk with veteran writer and speaker Jason Brick about what it means to take writing seriously as a profession. With countless books and articles to his name, Jason shares the personal journey that took him from martial arts studio owner to full-time author. He discusses the habits that helped him build a lasting career and explains why resilience, not perfection, is often the key to long-term success. Jason also offers his perspective on topics like writer’s block, career longevity and marketing for authors. He explores how mindset shapes creative output, how setting small daily goals can lead to major progress, and why understanding the business side of writing is essential. Whether you're writing part-time or aiming to become a more consistent and productive author, this episode offers clear and practical advice for building a sustainable writing life.   Jason Brick https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jason-Brick/author/B00H4INFBM   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

This week on Fully Booked, we examine the challenging and often invisible world of screenwriting with writer and director Alex R. Johnson. From his early roots in documentary production to his transition into feature filmmaking and studio work, Johnson shares the gritty realities behind a writing career that can generate income without ever producing a final product for audiences to see. He sheds light on the paradox of sustaining a career in an industry where outcomes are often unpredictable, the economics of the Hollywood system, and the emotional toll of investing time and talent into stories that disappear into development limbo. In a candid and revealing conversation, Johnson traces his path from indie success to selling scripts to major studios, only to watch them stall for reasons beyond his control. He breaks down the economics of spec scripts, the process and financial implications of rewrites, and shares hard-won advice on how to engage with studio notes without compromising your voice. For any author interested in the business and craft of screenwriting, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at the industry's complexities and what it takes to survive and stay creative within it.   Alex R. Johnson https://haciendafilmsinc.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, fiction author and marketing veteran Kae Wagner joins us to share how indie authors can approach publishing with a more strategic mindset. Drawing from her success with the Frankie Girl series, Kae explains how treating fiction as both art and product can lead to stronger sales, deeper reader engagement, and long-term growth. She offers a wealth of practical insights that many fiction authors overlook, from building series with intention to understanding reader psychology and leveraging tools that drive real results. This conversation is packed with inventive and actionable marketing strategies that go far beyond the basics. If you're ready to take your writing career to the next level, this episode delivers the guidance to get you there.   Kae Wagner https://www.kaewagner.com/   The Bold Author's Network https://www.BoldAuthorsNetwork.com   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In this week's episode of Fully Booked, we're exploring how adding historical context into storytelling can enrich fiction across all genres. Joining the discussion is skilled historical novelist and former archaeologist N.L. Holmes, who shares insights on how incorporating history into your writing can deepen narratives, foster empathy, and illuminate meaningful parallels between past events and modern experiences. N.L. Holmes also highlights the practical benefits of using historical research as a versatile tool, no matter your genre. From crafting compelling plots to forming stronger emotional connections with readers, she explains how historical elements can elevate storytelling and offer fresh perspectives on contemporary issues.   N. L. Holmes https://www.nlholmes.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

This week on Fully Booked, we explore the lighter side of science fiction with guest Ray Tabler, an engineer-turned-author who believes the future doesn't have to be bleak to be compelling. In a genre often dominated by dystopias and dark futures, Ray offers an alternative approach rooted in humor, optimism, and human complexity. He shares how a love of history, a dash of engineering know-how, and a well-timed bout of insomnia have all shaped his storytelling lens. Ray argues that writing hopeful visions of the future can be more challenging than crafting dystopias, but he believes it is far more important to tell science fiction stories that inspire rather than alarm. He also shares insights on the benefits of discovery writing, the value of weaving humor into speculative settings, and why believable, engaging characters are just as crucial as imaginative world-building. Today's episode makes a compelling case for giving positive futures a larger place in the genre and offers practical techniques for writers looking to bring that vision to life.   Ray Tabler https://raytabler.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, we explore the art of crafting unforgettable characters with award-winning author, playwright, and clinical psychologist Patricia Black-Gould. Drawing on her rich background in theater and psychology, Patricia shares how deep character work and improvisational techniques from the stage can empower writers to create emotionally resonant, distinctive personalities on the page. From building psychological backstories to infusing dialogue with nuance, she discusses strategies to help writers workshop even minor characters into memorable figures. The conversation also touches on essential storytelling elements like pacing, dialogue, and scene construction, all of which support a strong cast of characters. From background roles to the story’s lead, Patricia’s advice can be applied across your manuscript. More dynamic characterization not only elevates your narrative but creates lasting impact, helping to build a loyal readership that comes back for every book.   Pat Black-Gould https://www.patblackgould.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

On today's episode of Fully Booked, returning guest KimBoo York guides Craig and Roland through the rich and vibrant world of fanfiction. Having recently published a book on the subject, KimBoo is uniquely suited to unpack what fanfiction is, how it’s written, and why so many writers find it a rewarding creative outlet. From the early days of Sherlock Holmes pastiches to today’s thriving online fandoms on platforms like AO3, she explores the genre’s evolution, terminology, and community-driven roots. The conversation explores why fanfiction resonates so strongly with both writers and readers, how it fosters community, and what it offers in terms of honing voice and craft. Because fanfiction involves writing in someone else’s universe, the discussion also touches on legal considerations and how some writers have transitioned their works into original, publishable fiction. Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply fanfiction-curious, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the form’s creative power and lasting appeal.   KimBoo York https://houseofyork.info/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In this eye-opening episode of Fully Booked, returning guest Ariel Anderssen shares her firsthand account of the collapse of Unbound Publishing. After successfully crowdfunding her debut memoir through the hybrid publisher, Ariel soon encountered missed royalty payments, a lack of transparency around sales data, and growing frustration. It was only through threatened legal action that she recovered her earnings, leading her to realize the company had far deeper issues. Sensing trouble ahead, she reclaimed her book rights and exited just days before Unbound collapsed, a move that spared her the worst of the fallout experienced by more than 300 affected authors. Ariel’s story is a powerful case study in how easily authors can be taken advantage of, even by seemingly reputable publishers. Her experience underscores the importance of understanding your rights, recognizing red flags early, and maintaining control over your work. The wider failures at Unbound — and the emotional and financial toll on its authors — offer a cautionary reminder of why transparency and accountability matter in every stage of a publishing career. Ariel Anderssen https://www.arielanderssenauthor.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast