WriterCon

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview the #1 New York Times  bestselling author of the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children novels, which have sold over ten million copies and led to Tim Burton’s film adaptation. His new book is Sunderworld, a portal fantasy planned as the first installment in a new series.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsHave you ever thought the movie was better than the book?Chapter 2: News1) AI Podcasts Have Arrived2) Audible/ACX Now Allow AI/Human Hybrid NarratorsChapter 3: Craft CornerToday's segment is on book marketing by Desiree Duffy, head of Black Chateau and Books That Make You, and longtime friend and sponsor for WriterCon. No one knows more about book marketing than she does.Chapter 4: Interview with Ransom RiggsIn this interview, the author of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children discusses:1) how old photos led to a novel;2) how modern LA led to Sunderworld;3) how movies and VHS tapes figure in Sunderworld;4) writing a novel with a series in mind; and 5) structuring your writing day.Chapter 5: Parting WordsWriterCon has its own free newsletter and you don’t want to miss the next issue, which has wonderful articles on writing issues and allows provides the latest on new agents and publisers. Go to Substack.If you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it now! Join this wonderful community of writers. Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Robert Dugoni, the New York Times-bestselling author with a new novel, Beyond Reasonable Doubt, the second in his new legal thriller series featuring Keera Duggan.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsWelcome to Season 4! We have great plans to make this the best writer podcast EVER!Chapter 2: News1) Book Bars Are Growing in Popularity2) Anti-Billionaire Books are Surging Chapter 3: Craft CornerDon't Confuse "Stuff Happening" with Conflictby Lara BernhardtChapter 4: Interview with Robert DugoniIn this interview, you will learn:1) how a difficult childhood led to writing;2) why he's returning to legal thrillers;3) where his literary novels come from;4) why he's writing a female protagonist; and5) what he's learned over the course of more than a dozen bestsellers.Chapter 5: Parting WordsWriterCon has its own newsletter and you don’t want to miss the next issue, which has wonderful articles for writerss and news on breaking issues. Learn more.If you haven’t joined the WriterCon Facebook Group yet, do it now! Join this wonderful community of writers. Learn more.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

LIVE FROM WRITERCON 2024! Recorded before a live audience! No cuts, no edits!Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Aprilynne Pike, the #1 NYTimes-bestselling author of Wings and many other novels, and Kimberly Lemming, the USA Today-bestselling author of That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon.Ch apter 1: Opening ThoughtsWe are at WriterCon 2024 and loving every minute! Learn what everyone enjoys most about this one-of-a-kindconference.Chapter 2: News1) "Freida McFadden" is Now the Bestselling Thriller Author in the US.2) Amazon (Finally) Adds Identity Verification to KDP.Chapter 3: Interview with Aprilynne Pike and Kimberly LemmingWe had the rare opportunity to chat with two authors flying high with success in fantasy and "romantasy." (Best quote from Aprilynne: "I was writing romantasy for years before they gave it a cute name.") Gain insights on how they create their bestselling stories, how the business has changed in recent years, and where they see it going in the future.Chapter 4: Parting WordsDon't miss WriterCon 2025 (OKC, August 30-Sept 3)!For more updates on WriterCon and the writing world, get the free newsletter: writerconmag.substack.comFor daily updates and news from the WriterCon community, join our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Bob Saenz, a mutil-talented script writer who will be speaking at WriterCon 2024. Bob works in television and film, including the movies Extracurricular Activities and Help for the Holidays.WriterCon 2024 (August 30-September 2) is coming soon—but there’s still time to register, sign up for consults, schedule lunch with agents, plan your pitches, and learn from over 70 speakers in over 90 sessions. We have a record number of agents attending. Every genre is covered by multiple agents. Every writing topic is covered by breakout sessions or evening roundtables. Some of the other features at WriterCon include:Unlimited pitching at no additional costLunches with AgentsMonday MasterClasses!One-on-One ConsultationsFree Professional Author PhotosLunch Buffet provided by Black Chateau and PlottrCoffee and bagels provided by Draft2Digital and Edit.coAdvance planning through the conference phone appAuthor Book tablesOpen MicKaraoke!Swag bags!WriterCon is more than just a conference. It’s a family of people eager to support fellow writers and share the knowledge we all need. Register now! www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Aprilynne Pike, the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Wings and many other wondeerful works of YA and romantasy.WriterCon 2024 (August 30-September 2) is only three weeks away—and there’s still time to register, enter contests, sign up for consults, and plan your pitches. We have a record number of agents attending. Every genre I can think of is covered by multiple agents, so your chances of landing one have never been better. Every topic I can think of (and I can think of a lot) is covered by breakout sessions or evening roundtables. Some of the other features at WriterCon include:Unlimited pitching at no additional costLunches with AgentsMonday MasterClasses!Contests in 9 categories for unpublished workOne-on-One ConsultationsFree Top-Flight Author PhotosLunch Buffet provided by Black Chateau and PlottrAdvance planning through the conference phone appAuthor Book Sales tablesOpen MicKaraoke!Swag bags!WriterCon is more than just a conference. It’s a family of people eager to support fellow writers and share the knowledge we all need. Register now! www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Matty Dalyrimple, who writes both short stories and novels for two different crime series, the Ann Kinnear suspense novels and shorts and the Lizzy Ballard thrillers.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsWith the Retreat in the rearview mirror, all eyes are focused on the WriterCon Conference, August 30-Sept 2 (Labor Day weekend). Visit the website for more info or to view the schedule and speakers. Over 70 speakers! Over 90 sessions! Contests! Pitching! And so many opportunities to learn. Don't miss this golden opportunity! www.writercon.comChapter 2: News1) New Book Sales Data Brings Surprises2) Would you like to hear a famous voice explain a work of literature (thru AI)?Chapter 3: Interview with Matty DalyrimpleChapter 4Don't forget to register for WriterCon: www.writercon.comAnd subscribe to the WriterCon Magazine: writerconmag.substack.comUntil next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview, author of over thirty historical romances, plus a contemporary novel, Lizzie and Dante, and a memoir, Paris in Love. She’s published over 7 million books in 28 languages and 30 countries.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsNow that the WriterCon Retreat is over, all eyes are focused on the WriterCon Conference, August 30-Sept 2 (Labor Day weekend) in Oklahoma City at the Reneaissance Waterford. Over 70 speakers, including authors, agents, editors, and publishers. Over 90 sessions. And so many good people you want to know. Use this opportunity to take your writing to the next level and achieve your writing dreams.Chapter 2: News1) Leanpub offers authors AI translations of books on its platform2) Business Insider reveals Amazon report with surprising findingsChapter 3: Interview with Eloisa JamesDuring this chat, you'll learn1) why Eloisa loves history;2) her life growing up with a famous poet;3) how she channels romance into an intriguing historical story;4) how Shakespeare influences her work; and5) how she creates riveting narratives.Chapter 4: Parting WordsCome to the WriterCon Conference. Network, Make friends. Exchange ideas! Find your tribe!Subscribe to the WriterCon Magazine!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com  

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Marc Guggenheim, writer for television (Arrow, The Practice), comics (Green Lantern. Flash) and a new novel, In Any Lifetime.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsLast Call for the WriterCon Retreat, which begins July 17.Chapter 2: News1) Agent Reveals Query Idea on Social Media2) Emily Henry Hits #1 Without Booksignings, Book Tours or TikTokChapter 3: Interview with Marc GuggenhimIn this interview, this multi-talented writer talks about writing for television (and creating series), writing for comics (both established and original characters), and his new novel, In Any Lifetime,Chapter 4: Parting ThoughtsThe WriterCon Conference is August 30-September 2 in OKC at the Renaissance Waterford. We now have over 70 speakers, more than a dozen agents and publishers, thirtheen contest categories, pitching, private consultations, and so much more. Click here to learn more.William Bernhardt's new novel Justice For All (Daniel ike Legal Thriller #8) is now on sale (with a guest-star appearance by Kenzi Rivera from Splitsville). On week form release, Bernhardt's latest has #1 spots on two lists and over 50 positive review on Amazon. Check it out! Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.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 Raymond Paul Johnson, author of a debut thriller Conspiracy Ignited.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsBill searches for the right voice. And the pickleball net.Chapter 2: News1) Barnes & Noble Acquires Tattered Cover2) Authors Equity Announces Initial Publishing ListChapter 3: InterviewRaymond Paul Johnson discusses his extensive career as a trial lawyer, which led to his breakout thriller, Conspiracy Ignited.Chapter 4: Parting WordsIt's not too late to register for the WriterCon Retreat, July 17-21, at the Canebrake luxury resort in Wagoner OK, not far from Tulsa. Spend five days learning from the best and focusing on your work-in-progress. Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.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 Lori Brand, the author of a fascinating new novel that touches on many important issues, Bodies To Die For.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsHost William Bernhardt's new novel, Justice For All (Daniel Pike Legal Thriller #8) is now on sale.The WriterCon Reteat is July 17-21 at the Canebrake luxury resort near Tulsa.Chapter 2: News1) Report Indicates Most YA Readers Are Adults2) Fan Fiction Succeeds with The Idea of YouChapter 3: Interview with Lori BrandDuring this chat, you will learn:1) how Bodies to Die For was birthed by social media;2) how it comments on body image issues;3) how she incorporates thrills into a serious story;4) the 70-billion-dollar diet industry; and 5) how exercise and athleticism fit into her writing process.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWilliam Bernhardt's new novel, Justice For All, is a courtroom cage match between two Bernhardt series characters, Daniel Pike (The Last Chance Lawyer) and Kenzi Rivera (Splitsville). A civil suit over rights to a billion-dollar comics character leads to murder and a courtroom showdown filled with twists, shocking surprises, and page-turning suspense.The WriterCon Retreat takes place July 17-21 at the Canebrake luxury resort near Tulsa OK. This is five days of writing instruction, group discussions, small group sessions, and direct feedback on your work-in-progress (no matter where you are in the process). Plus free time to write and to enjoy the gorgeous setting. Join us!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Connie Berry, author of A Collection of Lies, her fifth Kate Hamilton mystery.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsIt's Father's Day!And Tony Awards Day!And Picard Day!Chapter 2: News1) AI-Narrataed Audiobooks Selling at Amazon/Audible2) The Bizarre Three-Body Problem Murder CaseChapter 3: Interview with Connie BerryDuring this chat, you will learn:1) how to launch a series and series character;2) how to create a traditional mystery;3) why she's an Anglophile;4) how archeology fits in; and5) how she found her path to publication.Chapter 4: Parting WordsThe WriterCon Retreat is only a month away! Join us for a five-day, small-group writing retreat at the 300-acre Canebrake Resort in Wagoner, OK, on Ft. Gibson Lake. Our retreat group will have the resort to ourselves with paths to hike, a pool to enjoy, bikes to ride and much more! Order your copy of my new novel, Justice For All, the 8th book in the Daniel Pike series! This time Dan is on the opposite side of the courtroom from the lawyer from my Splitsville series for a knockdown dragout courtroom cage match. As we post, the book already has a #1 Bestseller flag on Amazon.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

In this summer summer episode, bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt interview Alida Winternheimer, award-winning author, developmental editor, contributor to WriterCon Magazine, and host of the Substack newsletter A Room Full of Books and Pencils.

Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Becca Fox, author of the new gaslamp fantasy, Asta and the Barbarians, part of her Chosen by the Masters series.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsThe WriterCon Retreat at Canebrake is only two months away! From July 17-21, we'll be taking deep dives into your work. Each day's schedule will include group talks, small-group work, and one-on-one feedback on your work-in-progress. Doesn't matter how much you've written. Come to the Retreat and see how much your work improves! https://www.writercon.com/retreat/Chapter 2: News1) Marquez Heirs Publish Last Novel Against His Wishes2) New Startup Offers Automated AI PublishingChapter 3: Interview with Becca FoxDuring this chat, you will learn:1) why romantasy and gaslamp fantasy are surging;2) how she creates characters readers can relate to;3) the balance between description and urgency;4) her writing process; and5) what's she's doing at WriterCon this fall.Chapter 4: Parting WordsAfter the July Retreat, all eyes will be focused on the annual fall WriterCon Conference. This year, we have over 50 speakers delivering over 70 breakout sessions, plus contests, agents and publishers, pitching, manuscript reviews, prinvate consults, masterclass workshops, and much more. Don't miss this opportunity to take your writing to the next level. https://www.writercon.comUntil next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

LIVE FROM THE WRITERCON CRUISE 2024! Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview agent Katharine Sands, SF/Fantasy author RJ Johnson, and USA Today-bestselling Romance writer Lauren Smith.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsThis has been our largest group of cruise-writers yet, and we've had a wonderful timne working with them.Chapter 2: TestimonialsSome of the WriterCon Cruisers share what they loved most about this adventure.Chapter 3: News1) Amazon Accused of Spying on Retail Competitiors2) Internet Archive Appeals Ruling Prohibiting Digitization of Books Without LicenseChapter 4: InterviewPremiere literary Agent Katharine Sands, USA Today-bestselling author Lauren Smith, and SF/Fantasy author RJ Johnson (Dreamslinger and others) talk about their adventures in the writing world. During this chat, you will learn:1) how to write the book you love while also paying attention to the market;2) the road ahead for publishing;3) the rise of romance, fantasy & horror;4) how to break into publishing;5) how the role of the agent has changed; and 6) breaking into foreign rights—on your own.Chapter 5: Parting WordsThe next big event on the WriterCon calendar is the WriterCon Retreat, July 17-21, at the Canebrake luxury resort not far from Tulsa, with pool, hot tubs, spa, yoga, golf training, hiking trails, and most importantly, writing instruction. The classes, rooms, and food are all packaged together at one low price. This is where you get direct feedback on your work in progress as well as great information and instruction. Visit the website for more info!The WriterCon annual writers conference is Labor Day weekend (August 30-September 2) in Oklahoma City at the Renaissance Waterford. Over 50 speakers, over 70 sessions, need-to-know info on what's happening in the writing world, plus great writing tips. ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS till the Early Bird pricing ends, so register now!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (Lara Bernhardt has the week off) discusses the latest news from the book world, offers writing tips, and interviews Chaz Ebert, CEO of Roger Ebert Digital (named for her late husband, the Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic) and author of the new book It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion and Kindness.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsBill mentions that James Patterson is hosting a new television show on unsolved mysteries. You can imagine Jesse's reaction.Chapter 2: News1) Meta (Facebook) Considered Buying Simon & Schuster—so its AI Could Scrape the Books2) Storiaverse App Presents a New Storytelling Form—and is Looking for WritersChapter 3: Interview with Chaz EbertDuring this warm and witty chat, you will learn:1) how her late husband encouraged her to write;2) what it means to give a FECK;3) how to be a gamechanger;4) how strangers come together in the name of love; and5) how she broke into writing books—and songs.Chapter 4: Parting WordsJoin us for the WriterCon Retreat at the fabulous Canebrake luxure resort from July 17-21. In addition to the writing instruction, you will received specific feedback on your work in progress—with lots of time left to enjoy the resort and get some writing done in a beautiful location. www.writercon.com/retreat/William Bernhardt's next book, Justice For All, is a battle royale between two Bernhardt series characters—Daniel Pike and Kenzi Rivera. You will be able to pre-order it soon.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

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 ThoughtsBill and Jesse ruminate about why tax season is particularly hard for writers.Chapter 2: News1) Entangled Signs Self-Published Authors2) Spotify Offers an Audiobook Access TierChapter 3: Interview with Jake LynchDuring 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; and5) how anime figured into his work.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWriterCon 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 ThoughtsEveryone is getting ready for the 2024 WriterCon Cruise, departing April 21!Chapter 2: News1) Poetry Had Its Best Year Ever in 20242) Author Accused of "Creepy" PR RequestsChapter 3: Interview with S.L. DooleyDuring 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; and5) her unique process for sparking ideas.Chapter 4: Parting WordsThe 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 Bernhardtwww.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 ThougbtsJesse's fave, James Patterson, is publishing many more books, including legal thrillers. Jesse is not happy.Chapter 2: News1) Dead Celebrity Books Written by AI Flood Amazon2) Brandon Sanderson Gets Better Deal at Audible—For EveryoneChapter 3: Interview with Thomas HauserDuring 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; and5) the importance of social justice.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWriterCon 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.comUntil next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.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 ThoughtsLooking forward to the WriterCon Cruise...Chapter 2: News1) NY Pub Veterans Create a New Publishing House2) Author Sues Amazon over Pirated Book SalesChapter 3: Interview with Bharati SenDuring 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; and5) the importance of finding your passion.Chapter 4: Closing ThoughtsCruise 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 Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.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.