In this conversation, I explore the themes of seriousness versus silliness in science fiction and fantasy, using the TV show Andor as a focal point.

I discuss how the show's gritty realism contrasts with traditional world-building elements, questioning the critique biases that favor serious, “realistic” narratives over creative ones.

The conversation also delves into the balance of light and dark moments in storytelling, advocating for a more nuanced approach to fiction that embraces both depth and levity.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Paid subscribers also get unfiltered bonus episodes covering an array of current events (plus, they can choose episode topics).

In this episode, I get real about book cover designs and when it's time to make a change. While your first book cover might feel like an important statement about your work, the truth is: you're not married to it!

Over time, things change. Your brand may evolve, the market shifts, and sometimes, what worked at first no longer resonates with your audience. Publishers have been rebranding and redesigning covers for years—and so can you. I break down the importance of being flexible and strategic with your cover, especially when you need to appeal to fresh audiences or shift your creative direction.

Join me as I dive into my own cover redesign journey - including fiction and nonfiction books - and shares tips on how to know when it’s time for a change and how to make it work for you!

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Paid subscribers also get unfiltered bonus episodes covering an array of current events (plus, they can choose episode topics).

In this conversation, special guest Sue A. Fairchild and I discuss the essential aspects of starting and running a successful editing business. We explore the importance of understanding one's purpose in editing, the necessary investments in education and time, and the critical questions aspiring editors should ask themselves. The discussion also covers identifying specific editing skills, determining pricing and speed, and the significance of building strong relationships with authors. If you want to learn how to start (or restart) an editing business, or just want to peek behind the curtain, this episode is for you.Bio: Sue A. Fairchild has been helping new and established authors perfect their stories for over ten years and has spoken at numerous conferences in a variety of writing and publishing topics. In 2024, Sue traditionally published two Christian Contemporary novels, one of which, Changing Tides, won honorable mention in the AWSA Golden Scrolls awards. In addition to helping independent authors publish their books, Sue also works for Elk Lake Publishing Inc. and is the faculty coordinator of the St. Davids Christian Writers' Conference. Learn more about Sue on her website sueafairchild.wordpress.com.

Links to books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01MXI4R92

Subscribe to Sue's newsletter for writers that includes industry insights, writing and editing tips, and answers to most asked questions and receive a free guide to editing and publishing your novel.

In this conversation, I discuss the challenges and strategies for authors navigating collaborative writing projects, such as anthologies and multi-author series. I emphasize the importance of maintaining a unique voice while adhering to project parameters and goals. The discussion includes practical tips for authors to set their own objectives, understand the expectations of collaborative projects, and utilize the 'same and different' method to create compelling stories that resonate with readers. This is a great episode for how to write in multi author series and how to write for anthologies.Prefer to read? Click the transcript button the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Paid subscribers also get unfiltered bonus episodes covering an array of current events (plus, they can choose episode topics).

Join Laura L. Zimmerman and me in this livestream as we explore the intricate world of dystopian fiction, discuss the themes and elements that define the genre, and shamelessly discuss all things Hunger Games.

We discuss what draws readers to dystopian fiction, how allegories are key to creating memorable stories, and the need for compelling secondary genres to make a story sing.

And then we also discuss our favorite Hunger Games characters and why Sunrise on the Reaping gutted us in the best way possible.

In this episode of the Author Culture Podcast, I discuss the complexities of using allegories in storytelling

I emphasize the importance of understanding the power and potential pitfalls of allegories, the implications of casting choices in TV and movie adaptations, and the need for care to respect authorial intent. Plus, my examples are the latest Snow White adaptation and the rumors about Aslan’s voice actor being female - so some hot takes are included here in my usual sane, healthy, and facts-first perspective.

The conversation highlights how allegories can shape narratives and provoke diverse interpretations, urging writers to balance their use with quality storytelling.

In last week’s episode, I helped you walk through a quarterly pruning.

In this one, it’s time to share about mine!Includes how Substack is going, updates on her latest work in progress (and how you can learn from my mistake), what’s happening with my world building series, and what’s been on my reading stack.

Tune in and let’s hang out!Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

So it’s the end of the first quarter in 2025. How are those goals? Knocking them out of the park? Felt like you got knocked around instead? Either way, this episode is for you to help you assess what you planned, what actually happened, and what to do next. By reflecting on what works and what doesn't, us authors can streamline our efforts and find a balance between our author goals and having an actual life outside of them (while still finding success).

Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

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