The Wordslinger Podcast

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOTWriters: Get Out!Feeling stuck in your writing routine? Struggling with motivation, creativity, or writer's block? Sometimes the best thing you can do for your writing is to get out of your usual workspace and change your surroundings.In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson takes the show on the road, recording from his Bronco in a local park. He's talking about how a simple change of scenery can refresh your creativity, improve your writing productivity, and help you break free from the routines that leave you feeling burned out.Whether you're writing your first novel, building an indie author career, or managing a creative business, your environment can make a surprising difference in how you think and work.Kevin shares how he writes from practically anywhere, why he sometimes changes his writing tools and routines, and how stepping away from your usual workspace can actually help you get MORE writing done.You don't always need a new writing strategy. Sometimes you just need a new view.Where's your favorite place to write? A coffee shop? A park? Your home office? Let me know in the comments!Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTSCHAPTERS:00:00 – Writers: Sometimes You Need to Get Out!01:23 – Why Changing Your Writing Environment Matters02:09 – How I Work and Write From Anywhere03:33 – Fresh Air, Exercise, and Creative Inspiration04:04 – How a Change of Scenery Sparks New Ideas05:06 – Breaking Out of a Writing Funk05:53 – Change Your Writing Tools, Change Your Thinking06:38 – When Writing Starts Feeling Like a Burden07:46 – Overcoming Writer's Guilt08:28 – Try Writing Something Completely Different09:40 – My Favorite Mobile Writing Office10:10 – How Do You Refresh Your Creativity?SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!If you're a writer, aspiring author, or creative entrepreneur looking for practical, honest advice about writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a successful author career, you're in the right place!Subscribe to Wordslinger for regular conversations about the writing life, self-publishing, creative productivity, and making a living doing what you love.No gatekeeping. No magic formulas. Just useful advice from a fellow writer who's been doing this for decades.FIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.comSERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com#WritingTips #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #WritingMotivation #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthors #Wordslinger #WritingProductivity Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOTWRITE WHAT YOU DON'T KNOWThey say, "Write what you know." But what happens when your story takes you somewhere you've never been, into a time period you've never experienced, or into the mind of someone with skills you don't have?The truth is, you don't have to know everything to write about anything.In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson shares practical tips for writing convincingly about things you know little or nothing about. Whether you're writing a historical thriller, science fiction, fantasy, or contemporary fiction, learning how to research unfamiliar subjects and draw from your own experiences can make your stories more believable and immersive.We'll explore how tools like Google Maps, Google Earth, YouTube, and AI can help you research unfamiliar locations, historical settings, professions, and technologies. We'll also talk about using your own life experiences to bring authenticity and emotional depth to situations you've never personally encountered.And what happens when you get something wrong? Because sooner or later, every writer does!Don't let gaps in your knowledge stop you from telling a great story. The world is full of resources, and your imagination is one of the most powerful tools you've got.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How to research places you've never visitedHow to use Google Maps and Google Earth for fiction researchHow AI can help with historical settings and unfamiliar subjectsHow to draw on personal experiences to write the unfamiliarWhy fact-checking matters (especially when readers know more than you)How YouTube can help bring your settings and characters to lifeQUESTION FOR YOU: How do you research something you've never experienced? What tools or tricks do you use to make your fiction feel authentic? Share your tips in the comments!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Why Writers Must Write What They Don't Know00:46 - Writing About Unfamiliar Places, Times, and Professions01:38 - Researching Locations with Google Maps and Google Earth03:31 - Using AI to Research Historical Settings05:09 - Using Your Own Experiences to Write the Unknown07:53 - Getting the Details Wrong (and Hearing About It!)08:42 - Fact-Checking and Research Resources09:23 - Using YouTube to Explore Places and Learn New Skills11:09 - Share Your Best Writing Research TipsSUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!Whether you're writing your first novel or publishing your fiftieth, Wordslinger is here to help you become a better writer and build a successful author career. Get practical writing advice, publishing insights, book marketing strategies, and encouragement from an author who's been there. Subscribe and join a community of writers who are serious about their craft and their careers!Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTSFIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.comSERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com#WritingTips #CreativeWriting #WritingAdvice #FictionWriting #NovelWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER PODCASTIn this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing some of my own experiences with bad book reviews, internet trolls, review bombing, and public criticism. Including a few stories that are so ridiculous you almost have to laugh.Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTSSUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGERWriting a book is only part of the journey. Publishing it, marketing it, building an audience, and navigating the challenges of a creative career are where things get interesting.Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical writing advice, honest conversations about publishing, book marketing strategies, and lessons learned from more than a decade of helping independent authors succeed. If you're serious about becoming a better writer and building a sustainable author career, you're in the right place.EPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to Wordslinger: Internet trolls and negative comments01:48 Why every writer will face negative criticism02:56 The ridiculous book review that got everything wrong04:44 Why some people just want to tear creators down06:06 Rapid-Fire Newsflash with Dale Roberts06:14 KDP permafree pricing problems and what authors should know06:47 Could YouTube launch an audiobook service in 2027?07:13 Barnes & Noble Press and Apple Books holiday publishing deadlines07:44 Voices by INaudio adds Curios for audiobook distribution08:57 Dealing with bad reviews and one-star ratings10:02 Why I sometimes promote my worst reviews10:47 Should authors even read their reviews?11:19 Review bombing, online mobs, and personal attacks15:30 Why you should never respond to a negative review17:41 Lessons from handling public relations controversies19:18 When should you apologize publicly?21:23 The golden rule for responding to book reviews22:29 Why ignoring trolls is usually your best option24:24 Learning to handle criticism without getting defensive26:26 When an apology really is appropriate29:25 Final advice for authors dealing with bad reviews30:22 Closing thoughts and supporting the writing communityTHIS WEEK'S RAPID-FIRE NEWSFLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS06:14 — Is KDP Ending Permafree Books?Some authors have reported problems with permanently free ebooks reverting to paid pricing. Dale shares what KDP has said about the issue and what authors can do.https://youtu.be/Hg_PZt3JdQc?si=h_NrEoIw26o7qJkY06:47 — YouTube Might Offer Audiobooks in 2027YouTube is reportedly exploring the possibility of adding audiobooks to its platform, potentially through YouTube Premium. Could this mean a new opportunity for indie authors?Good e-Reader:https://goodereader.com/blog/audiobooks/youtube-might-offer-audiobooks-in-20279to5Google:https://9to5google.com/2026/10/15/youtube-may-add-audiobooks-to-app/07:13 — Holiday Publishing Deadlines for Barnes & Noble Press and Apple BooksPlanning a holiday book release? Allow extra time for print orders, ebook uploads, and publishing updates.Barnes & Noble Press:https://help-press.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5359210768667-Receiving-My-Print-BookApple Books for Authors:https://authors.apple.com07:44 — Voices by INaudio Adds Curios as a Distribution PartnerA new audiobook retail partnership gives authors another potential way to reach listeners. Dale explains what authors should know about participation and royalties.Voices by INaudio:https://voicesbyinaudio.comCurios:https://www.curios.com/Find more self-publishing news, updates, and advice from Dale Roberts:https://youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDaleFIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.comSERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com#WritingAdvice #SelfPublishing #BookReviews #IndieAuthors #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOTWRITERS ARE READING THE WRONG BOOKSWant to become a better writer? You might need to change what you're reading.Most writers know they should read more books. But what should you actually be reading? Books in your genre? Classic literature? Books about writing? Or something completely different?In this episode of Wordslinger, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson explores why reading is one of the most important skills a writer can develop—and why limiting yourself to your favorite genre might be holding back your writing.We'll talk about how reading shapes your writing voice, why readers want stories that feel familiar but different, and how reading outside your comfort zone can make you a stronger storyteller. Plus, I'll share a simple daily reading habit—just 20 pages a day—that has transformed my own reading routine.Whether you're writing your first novel, building a career as an indie author, or simply looking to improve your storytelling, the books you choose to read can make all the difference.What are you reading right now? Do you deliberately read outside your favorite genres? Tell me in the comments! I'd love to hear what's on your reading list.Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTSCHAPTERS:00:00 Why Writers Need to Read00:33 What Should Writers Be Reading?01:15 Finding Your Voice Through Genre Fiction02:18 Why Readers Want the Same but Different03:12 The Value of Reading Outside Your Genre04:05 Why You Should Read the Classics04:54 Challenging Books Make You a Stronger Reader06:10 How Reading Resets Your Expectations07:09 Learning the Rhythm of Great Storytelling08:07 Finding Your Own Unique Writing Voice09:22 Why Every Writer Needs a Daily Reading Habit09:49 The Power of Reading 20 Pages a Day10:29 What I'm Reading Right Now11:57 Keep Your Reading Streak Going12:29 Why Reading Is Essential to WritingSUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!Whether you're just starting your first book or you've already published a dozen, Wordslinger is your home for practical, honest advice on writing, storytelling, publishing, and building a successful author career.Subscribe for regular Wordslinger 10-Shots, podcast conversations, and insights from a working author who's been through the ups and downs of the publishing business. No hype, no shortcuts—just the guidance, encouragement, and tools to help you become the writer you want to be.Subscribe today and let's keep writing!FIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.comSERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com#WritingTips #WritingAdvice #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOTHow do you keep writing when anxiety takes over? What happens when you love writing, but stress, deadlines, competing priorities, and the pressure to succeed make it almost impossible to sit down and do the work?Even experienced, successful writers struggle with anxiety. And sometimes the biggest obstacle to finishing your book isn't writer's block, a lack of discipline, or a shortage of ideas. It's what's happening inside your own head.In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson gets personal about his own struggles with anxiety and shares the practical strategies he's learned to manage stress, quiet his mind, and keep creating even when life feels overwhelming.We'll talk about why worrying about tomorrow can sabotage your productivity today, how to give yourself permission to redefine success, and why sometimes the most productive thing a writer can do is take a nap.You'll also discover how journaling, simple relaxation techniques, and focusing on one task at a time can help you regain control of your creative life.Whether you're working on your first novel, building an author career, or juggling writing with a dozen other responsibilities, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to do everything at once. And you don't have to be perfect to make progress.Anxiety doesn't have to have the final word in your writing career.QUESTION FOR YOU: Do you struggle with anxiety when it comes to writing or creative work? What strategies have helped you manage it? Share your experiences in the comments. I'd love to hear what works for you, and your advice might help another writer!SUBSCRIBE to Wordslinger for honest, practical advice on writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a sustainable creative career. Whether you're just starting your first book or working toward becoming a full-time author, this is your home for guidance, encouragement, and real-world strategies to help you succeed.Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTSTIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome to Wordslinger: Let's Talk About Anxiety00:38 - When Anxiety Gets in the Way of Writing01:35 - Why Living in the Future Creates Stress02:29 - Focus on What's Important Right Now03:10 - Redefining Success and Giving Yourself Grace05:18 - One Task at a Time: Managing Competing Priorities06:03 - Front-Loading Work to Reduce Stress06:34 - A Simple Breathing and Relaxation Technique07:29 - Releasing Physical Tension and Anxiety08:04 - How Journaling Helps Writers Manage Stress09:42 - Getting Anxious Thoughts Out of Your Head10:09 - When Anxiety Becomes Overwhelming10:47 - Why a Nap Might Be Your Best Productivity Tool11:26 - Sleep, Self-Care, and Supporting Each Other12:18 - Final Thoughts and EncouragementFIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.comWatch Wordslinger on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@wordslingershowSERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com#WritingAdvice #WritingAnxiety #WritersLife #AuthorLife #CreativeWriting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.