
Author Podcast Show
By Lauren Eason
Be sure to check out my blog at my author website at www.laureneason.com along where I keep you up to date on the latest. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Author Podcast ShowFeb 25, 2022

Vanity vs. Hybrid
Depending on what you’ve heard in the past, these words either inspire hope or fear. That’s why I’m here to break down what they mean in the publishing industry and shed some light on the stigma behind both.
Check out this website if you're wondering on how trustworthy a self-publishing company or book-related business really is!

Authors Beware

Don't Sleep on Indie Publishers
Most writers want to be the next bestselling author, but nothing crushes a dream faster than a flood of rejection letters. That's why I'm here to tell you not to sleep on indie publishers who may be willing to take the risk on your next book! Listen in as I dive into the pros and cons of your next publishing move.
Liked the episode? Check it out on my blog!

Book News for a New Year
Hello, fellow listeners!
I have exciting news for 2022 and what's coming out this year from your fellow writer and podcaster: Me! I hope you're ready for some exciting books, author interviews, writing tips, and more!

Navigating Negative Feedback
Welcome back for more writing tips on the Author Podcast Show! Today, we'll be talking about how to navigate negative feedback on your stories. No one likes getting a 1-star review, but while some people may take it personally, I like to look at it as a right of passage. Here are some tips about how to find constructive criticism in a place that feels hopeless.
If you'd like to read the blog post, check it out here: https://laureneason.com/2021/11/12/navigating-negative-feedback/

NaNoWriMo: Tips and Tricks
November is National Novel Writing Month and I want you to succeed! Listen in as I talk about several tips and tricks that you can do to make your 50K word count a dream come true during this month of vigorous writing. No discouragement here; all motivation!
Visit the official website of NaNoWriMo for more details on the challenge. If you'd like to participate in the Inkitt NaNoWriMo challenge click on the link on how to join: https://www.inkitt.com/groups/1070
Blog post for NaNoWriMo: https://laureneason.com/2021/11/03/nanowrimo-tips-and-tricks-for-success/

Halloween Short Story Special: The Deal
Happy Halloween! Now that we're nearing the end of our spooky season here on the Author Podcast Show, I've decided to share my short horror story for the season titled "The Deal." Samuel has made a grave mistake taking a deal from a mysterious man, but come to find out, he wasn't the only one who sold his soul.
If you'd like to read more of my short stories, check out my Reedsy profile at: https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/author/lauren-eason/
You can also visit my Inkitt profile to read free stories and excerpts from some of my published books: https://www.inkitt.com/LadyRowan

Short Horror Story Feature: Hellhounds
In the final days of the Great War, Germans soldiers stationed at Belleau Wood fight off against not only American soldiers but a supernatural threat. One many believed to be solely a myth. From the mind of Gabriel Garcia is "Hellhounds," a short story that won't disappoint!
To read of Gabriel Garcia's works, check out the links below!

Short Horror Story Feature: The Death Party
Catherine Jordan spins a horrific tale in her story "The Death Party" where a Halloween Party set in the 1840s turns from harmless fun to down right deadly.
To learn more about Catherine Jordan and her writings, check out her website and social media. Links are listed below!
www.facebook.com/CatherineJordanBooks
www.twitter.com/CatherineBooks
From Catherine Jordan:
With two novels to my credit and a third on the way, I've been featured in a variety of and on-line publications and anthologies: A Community of Writers, Undead Living, Strange Magic, Bitter Sweet, Hellbent, After the Pandemic, (all published by Sunbury Press) and Crossing Lines, Feral, and most recently Don’t Turn Out the Lights, A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. I contribute articles to Harrisburg’s social magazine, TheBurg. I have edited a memoir, A Dot on the Wall, by Martha Squaresky, and a yet to be published horror novel Hammer and Blood, by Fortress Publishing. I have also served as an award judge, and I facilitate writing courses and critique groups. Presently, I serve as the review coordinator for horrortree.com, and the email announcement manager for the HWA.

Author Interview with Christian Fecht
Christian Fecht is an aspiring author of the book titled Annals of Ludinia. Listen in as we discuss his journey to being a new author and what inspires him.
To find out more about Christian Fecht and his work, check out the links below!
Website: https://christianfechtwriter.wordpress.com/
Social media:
https://www.facebook.com/fantasywriter10/

Short Horror Story Feature: One Missed Letter
This week's short horror story feature is "One Missed Call" by Samuel Marshall. Edward Anderson has been working at the post office for years, but his scandal is finally catching up to him and the woman at House 55 knows.
Check out more of Samuel Marshall's work on Instagram and their website!
Instagram: @CravensCrypt

Short Horror Story Feature: Halloween Headlines
This week's short horror story comes from M S Dean with her work "Halloween Headlines." Follow the tail of a missing journalist at the infamous Malham Cove.
Want to read more from M S Dean? Check out her new novel on Amazon called Just Say the Lines. Follow her on Facebook!

Short Horror Story Features: The Fortune Teller & Halfway Down Throshmore Street
This episode features a double feature with Ruth May's "The Fortune Teller" and Kevin Ground's "Halfway Down Throshmore Street."
Ruth May is a hobby writer and mysterious with her craft, weaving a tale of two soldiers returning from war with a dark secret. She dives into their struggles with mental health as they return home to meet an unfortunate demise.
Kevin Ground is a prolific writer especially in the horror genre. His tale follows a hag who seeks a deal with a devil. A trade for the innocence of youth in return for her own. However, her price is a steep one.
Author Website: www.kevinground.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/coldheartedkevin
Other works by Kevin Ground include Desperate Circumstances and Horrordise.

Short Horror Story Feature: No Photographs, Please
Taking a tour through the Winchester Mystery House has never been so deadly. Join me for an all new short horror story feature of Jeff Provine's "No Photographs, Please." To find more information on Jeff Provine's works, check out the links below!
Author Website: www.jeffprovine.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjeffprovine
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeffprovine
Check out his previous works such as Haunted Oklahoma and Haunted Oklahoma City on Amazon!

Short Horror Story Feature: Sylvia's Pictures
Short Horror Story Feature #1:
From: DJ Tyrer
Title: Sylvia's Pictures
Originally Published: Voices From A Coma #2 (November 2014)
Synopsis: Sylvia sits alone in her room, drawing pictures of The Raggedy Man. She and her step-mother don't get on and when her step-mother announces that she is pregnant, Sylvia retorts that The Raggedy Man will be coming to take her away. Tensions rise until, one day, Sylvia announces "He's here" and her step-mother hears movement in the house and is left wondering if The Raggedy Man will just take Sylvia or will come for her and her baby too...
Links/Social Media:
https://djtyrer.blogspot.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/DJTyrerwriter/
Twitter: @DJTyrer
Other Works:
The Bluebells (Tales from the Moonlit Path) - read it at: https://talesmoonlitpath.com/fiction-3/the-bluebells-by-dj-tyrer/
Faces (Frost Zone Zine issue 4) - read it at: https://frostzonezine.com/faces/
Escape Room (Trembling With Fear) - read it at: https://horrortree.com/trembling-with-fear-05-23-21/
Parts of the Soul (Sirens Call issue 54) - Free to download from: http://www.sirenscallpublications.com/pdfs/SirensCallEZine_Summer2021.pdf
Black and Red (urban horror ebook) and Cosmic Joke (ebook, with Joseph Bouthiette, Jr.) - Free to download from: https://atlanteanpublishing.wordpress.com/pdf-issues/
The Yellow House (novella, paperback and Kindle): https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-House-D-J-Tyrer/dp/1490433295/
Everything Had Been Normal in Pandemic Unleashed (paperback and Kindle): https://www.amazon.com/Pandemic-Unleashed-Skywatcher-Press/dp/B09CK6TX6D

New Releases and Updates
I'm glad to be back with all my listeners after my birthday vacation. Listen in as I talk about all my writing updates, new book releases for now and the future, and my upcoming short horror story feature on the Author Podcast Show coming September 10th!
Follow me for more updates at my author website.

Trope Season: Science Fiction
Evil robots. Alien invasions. Time travelers. Sounds a like a bunch of well-known tropes that we love! Listen in as I talk about the world of science fiction in books, movies, and T.V. shows. If you'd like to a part of the show, send me a message at www.laureneason.com.

Trope Season: Epic Fantasy
The prophetic hero. The unknown heir. The epic quests through treacherous lands. I've got your tropes for this Trope Season on epic fantasies. Tune in as I go through some of the beloved tropes we tend to see throughout this genre. If you'd like to be a part of the show or featured for your novels, shoot me a message at www.laureneason.com.

Trope Season: Teen Fiction
My mom and I are watching The Vampire Diaries on Netflix and if she says her favorite character is anyone other than Caroline Forbes I'll need an explanation. Sit back as I discuss tropes in Teen Fiction and my mom's hilarious reactions to watching The Vampire Diaries for the first time! If you'd like to be a part of the show or featured for your novels, shoot me a message at www.laureneason.com.

Trope Season: Crime Fiction
Evil mastermind? Check. Femme fatale? Check. Drunk, dysfunctional, detective with a broken, dark past? Double check! No genre is safe during Trope Season! Listen in as I discuss different tropes in crime fiction from novels to shows to movies. To learn more about the Author Podcast Show and how you can be a part of it, visit my website at www.laureneason.com!

Trope Season: Horror
A couple of teenagers taking dares over an abandoned house? A road trip where you've taken a wrong turn? Or maybe just a good old fashion ghost story by the campfire? When it comes to horror, I've pretty much seen it all. Listen in as we talk about different horror tropes! Want to be a part of the conversation? Visit my website to fill out the form for the Author Podcast Show.

Trope Season: Romance
Do you feel like you keep seeing the same plot in every romance novel? Chances are, you have. Listen in as I talk about different plots in romance novels like enemies to lovers, falling in love with a billionaire, and becoming the wife of the mafia. Visit my author website for more tips on writing, publishing, and more!

First Chapter Review: The Last Magus
I review another story called The Last Magus by another fellow inkitt author known as Maverick's Ghost. This book has the makings of being a great high fantasy novel, but it might be better to split it into two separate novels. Listen in, as I explain my findings! So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode!
If you're interested in the story, click here.
To find the author's profile, click here.
To be a part of the Author Podcast Show visit my author website for more information!

First Chapter Review: The Time Travels of Tristan and Troy
We're back with another first chapter review with author Kim Applegryn of The Time Travels of Tristan and Troy! Kim just released her debut novel The Silent Witness but still writes on Inkitt for those of us who can't get enough of her work! This book has time traveling, romance, medieval sorceresses, swords, and is packed with non-stop adventure. So let's sit back, relax, and head back in time to Camelot!
To find the story to read more, click here.
Find Kim at the links below!
To be a part of the show, whether you want me to review your story or be a guest, head over to my website and fill out the contact form. I'll be in touch soon!

Author Interview: Anthologies
Listen in as I interview author Rowan Hill and we discuss what it takes to get your flash fiction, short stories, and novelettes published in anthologies. We deep dive into the submission and payment process and how you can get started if you want to be a part of this unique experience. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode!
You can find Rowan Hill at:
https://www.facebook.com/WriterRowanHill
https://twitter.com/WriterRowanHill
https://www.writerrowanhill.com/
To be a part of the show, visit laureneason.com to contact me.

First Chapter Book Review: The Gap Between You and Me
I was so excited to see a fun and interesting story come across my podcast! Join me with my first time reviewing a fanfiction story called The Gap Between You and I on Inkitt by fellow Inkitt author Yoongi_is_Oppa.
To see more work by them, visit their social media below:
Inkitt Profile: https://www.inkitt.com/Kakashisenpai12
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/Kakashi_is_my_dude
To be featured on my podcast either for a book review or for an author interview, please visit my website at http://www.laureneason.com/

Plots & Subplots
We all may know what a plot is, but let me give you a few tips on how to outline one. Listen in as I talk about plotting and sub plotting your stories.

First Chapter Book Review: The Unborn Joel
Nothing screams demonic more than an entity that murders people. Listen in as I review the first chapter of The Unborn Joel by Kookie, a fellow Inkitt author.
To find Kookie and their work visit the links below:
www.inkitt.com/cookiewrites27
www.instagram.com/sugarkuges_27

Author Interview: Self-Publishing
Want to take a deep dive into self-publishing? Listen in as I interview author Tracy Eire about her self-publishing experience, marketing techniques, and more!
Tracy Eire is the author of The Dead Set Series and Cardinal Machines Series. Check her out at the links below:
Author Website: https://www.tracyeire.site/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TracyEire
Instagram: https://instagram.com/TracyEire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracy.eire.writer/

First Chapter Book Review: The Silent Witness
The Goddess of the moon yearned for the human below. What she didn't know was her decision would shatter the realms. Join me as Will and I delve into a world of myth in Kim Appelgryn's The Silent Witness.
Find Kim Appelgryn on her social media platforms:
Inkitt.com/kimappelgryn
twitter.com/AppelgrynKim
instagram.com/appelgrynkim
If you'd like to be part of the show, visit my website at www.laureneason.com and fill out a form. I'd love to hear from you!

An Interview: Boarding Schools and Mystery
Can anyone be trusted? Listen in as I interview Francie about her upcoming tell-all book based on her days in a boarding school that took punishments too far. We dive into books, spirituality, and the criminal, so some topics may be triggering to listeners. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode!

First Chapter Book Review: Class Dismissed
There's something strange happening in Amory's sleepy little town. Listen in as Will and I review the first chapter from VV.C's Class Dismissed. To support the author, visit them on their Inkitt page at www.inkitt.com/viviana_chavez
To follow me on social media and Inkitt, visit my link tree at: https://linktr.ee/laureneason
To be a part of our reviews on my podcast, submit the form at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScN-SEmJkvBGBpVJB5HzLfh2YkDmR6qoLw-Mfa5sg3hZHNLRQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

Author Interview: Mystic Writer
Mystic Writer graces my podcast with some insightful and hard-hitting topics about writing, podcasting, and book reviews. Listen in as we talk about different aspects that influence writing and how to support fellow authors with genuine critiques.
If you'd like to follow Mystic Writer on her different platforms, visit the links below:
https://www.inkitt.com/Mystic_Writer1
https://twitter.com/MysticWriter3
https://anchor.fm/mystical-mode
https://instagram.com/mystical.mode
If you would like to be featured on my podcast or would like to follow me, visit my link tree. It will give you all the important links to my social media and inkitt platform! If you would like to have your book reviewed, click on the world symbol under my Inkitt Author Page!
https://linktr.ee/laureneason

First Chapter Book Review: Michael: Last Angel of Earth
What if the angel that was supposed to save the world was the cause of its destruction? Join Will and I as we read through another first chapter in Gabriel Garcia's Michael: Last Angel of Earth. Find this book among others at www.inkitt.com/gabriel14 and follow him on instagram at @arbiter283
If you would like your first chapter to be reviewed on my podcast, simply fill out the form at the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScN-SEmJkvBGBpVJB5HzLfh2YkDmR6qoLw-Mfa5sg3hZHNLRQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

Author Interview: Michael: Last Angel of Earth
Join me as I chat with Gabriel Garcia, the author of Michael: Last Angel of Earth. We dive deep into the archives of history dating back centuries to places all over the globe as we talk about inspiration for his many novels. If you'd like to check out his work for yourself, find him on Inkitt at: www.inkitt.com/gabriel14
If you would like to be featured for an author interview or would like your work reviewed on my podcast, message me at lauren.eason.le@gmail.com or fill out the First Chapter Review form below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScN-SEmJkvBGBpVJB5HzLfh2YkDmR6qoLw-Mfa5sg3hZHNLRQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

First Chapter Book Review: I Hear You
What would you do if everyone around you sounded like a song you recognized? Let's find out what's going on in this town in Nebraska as we dive into another review of the book I Hear You by Magnus_K.
Author Profile: https://www.inkitt.com/Magnus_K
If you would like to be reviewed on my podcast, visit my profile at inkitt.com/LadyRowan and fill out the form under the world symbol.

Author Interview: The Silent Witness
Join me as we talk about Kim Appelgryn's debut novel The Silent Witness. Kim goes into detail about the mythology and lore behind her story and the publishing process. Stick around because we have a lot of writing tips to give away!
Find her on Inkitt!
https://www.inkitt.com/kimappelgryn

First Chapter Book Review: The Silver Lining
Who doesn't like a little murder, mystery, and mayhem? Join me and my guest, Will, as we review the first chapter of the book titled "The Silver Lining" by Inkitt author, Holliefur.
Author Page: https://www.inkitt.com/holliefur
Book Link: https://www.inkitt.com/stories/thriller/665963

First Chapter Book Review: My Demon King
Listen in as I and my guest host review the first chapter of My Demon King by Shama. Get ready to be hot and bothered! This episode is explicit with sexual content and language.
Author profile: https://www.inkitt.com/Shama242
You can read the full story at https://www.inkitt.com/stories/horror/648282?ink_source=reviews.index&ink_block=reviews&ink_page_number=&ink_metric=

Book Covers and Promotions
I am judging your book by its cover - and so is everyone else. Having your book stand out is important if you're looking for readers. Don't let bad photoshop be the reason why your book isn't successful. Listen in as I talk about the do's and don'ts of book covers and visual art promotions.

Marketing Your Book
You've written this great book and it's finally gone live! So...now what? The worst thing you can do is do nothing. You'll have to put in some legwork behind your story to have it seen by the masses. Listen in as I give you some of the tips I've learned to help market and promote yourself. (Yes, even for free.)

The Many Faces of Editing
You've wrote a book and now you need help with editing. With research, you discover there's a whole slew of different types of editing out there. I'm here to break some of those types down and recommend which ones would be the best for your book.

Character Development
What drives your character and cements them within the reader's mind? Listen in as I talk about tips on how to get your character in shape. It's time to go from flat to 3-dimensional!

Tips for Worldbuilding
Whether your characters are on a treacherous quest through mountainous terrain or a kingdom is at war with creatures that threaten their lands, one thing is certain: WORLDBUILING. Join me as I give tips on how to create their perfect world for their novel.

Where I am Now
It's been awhile since we've chatted. Come sit down while I explain where I've been and what I'm currently working on now.

Music and Writing
Everyone has a favorite song or artist - and we listen to them while we write. Listen in as I talk about different music genres and how the songs we listen to help mold our stories.
For my playlists to my stories on Inkitt, visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/Mercyellaful

Horror Tropes
Why do we love being scared? We know when a ghoul is about to jump out at us but it gets us. Every. Single. Time. Listen in as I talk about some common horror tropes we see in film and books.

My Own Work: Every Waking Dream
I thought it would be fun to share some of my own writing through a podcast. I chose to read the first chapter of my new young adult thriller on Inkitt titled Every Waking Dream. You can read the story for free through my Inkitt platform at https://www.inkitt.com/LadyRowan

The Monkey's Paw: A Reading
Halloween isn't complete without a spooky story that has withstood test and time. I hope you enjoy the reading of The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs.

For Your Scaring Pleasure
Who doesn't like to read spooky stories right before going to bed? Listen in as I talk about my favorite horror and mystery authors along with their movie adaptations and computer games.

Haunting Stories
In honor of Halloween, I've decided to tell all about my personal experiences with the paranormal. I hope you all enjoy these urban legends and ghostly encounters.

The Poetry Gateway
We all have those moments that lead us to writing. For me, it was poetry and that seems to be a running theme among other writers. Listen in as I talk about my experience and how poetry is a catalyst for most authors.

Inkitt Writing Communities
This is a mini-episode for the people of Inkitt who are wanting to participate in a couple of writing communities. These communities offer honest feedback, reviews, and even awards!

The Alpha Mindset
Order up for one brooding, possessive male bodybuilder and a self-sacrificing, ordinary female. You've just ordered one steamy romance. Listen in as I talk about how these characters are taking the romance world by storm - and how they're totally overrated.

Scams and Recognizing Red Flags
Ohmigosh! I just got an email for a contract on my book! Great...so did everyone else. Listen in as I talk about writing scams and how to spot those red flags.

Criticism and How To Take It
So, you've gotten your first 1-star review and your life is over. Suck it up, Buttercup, because it's not over yet! Listen in as I talk about how to cope with criticism and turn that negative into a positive.

My Inkitt Experience Part II
This is the second part to my Inkitt experience where I talk about my thoughts on their writer contests and their mysterious algorithm. Listen in as I talk about my personal opinions!

Bad Writing Advice
Not all advice is good. Sometimes you have to sift through some of it to find the hidden gems. Listen in as I talk about some of the bad writing advice I've personally seen and researched!

My Inkitt Experience Part I
When trying out a platform for the first time, you never know what could happen. Listen in as I talk about my personal experience with the Inkitt Platform - my likes and dislikes.
Find my Inkitt Author Page here!

Swear Words in Y.A.
Did they really just say that!? Listen in as I talk about using (and overusing) swear words in Young Adult Fiction.

The Hybrid Theory
What would a shapeshifting unicorn and a dragon make? I have no clue. Listen in as I talk about the creative freedom with writing hybrid characters and stress the importance of character flaws.

The Publishing World
It can be a cold, dark place when trying to find someone to publish your story. Listen in and I'll tell you some of the tips I've learned through my research, especially in regards to the dreaded query letter! Dun dun dahhhh!
I've included a link to Authors Publish, a website where you can get on their email listing for publishers and literary agents looking for new talent.

Do Your Research

Pesky Writer's Block
What do you do when the ideas aren't flowing? I talk about my personal tips and tricks for when I can't think of the next plot twist - plus my plans for the kiddos coming to my house on Halloween. Mwhahahaha!
For the link I talk about in my video, click here.

Obligatory Introduction Post
A brief introduction on why I've decided to start a podcast to discuss books and ideas with a little bit about me sprinkled in.