Episodes

  • The Sacred Spell of Storytelling

    The Sacred Spell of Storytelling
    Aug 30 2025

    The above video was created from a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation created with the help of Microsoft Copilot. It essentially expanded on the presentation I created in the last video (based on an article by Jamie K. Wilson, The Death of Enchantment).

    I was actually, for the most part, disappointed with this creation—too abstract, almost devoid of life. But I thought you should be able to compare my original video at https://bookmarketing.substack.com/p/what-hollywood-sadly-has-forgotten with the above video created by PowerPoint and Copilot but vocalized by me.

    I suspect I won’t be using Copilot anymore to create videos. Not good enough by my estimate.

    Book Marketing Success is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

    Website: https://www.bookmarketingbestsellers.com

    Bookstore: https://www.bookmarket.com/bookstore



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bookmarketing.substack.com/subscribe
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    7 mins
  • What Hollywood Sadly Has Forgotten

    What Hollywood Sadly Has Forgotten
    Aug 28 2025

    The following is excerpted from an article by Jamie K. Wilson, The Death of Enchantment (https://pjmedia.com/jamie-wilson/2025/08/26/the-death-of-enchantment-why-hollywood-no-longer-holds-us-n4943034).

    The spell of story is not complicated, but it is sacred:

    Trust the writer.

    Trust the director.

    Trust the story to carry its own truth.

    And most importantly: Trust the viewer.

    Hollywood has forgotten that the audience is not a passive consumer but a participant. A story isn’t finished until it’s received — until the viewers buy into it, suspend their disbelief, and join the communion. But today’s studios no longer trust the viewer. They treat audiences as problems to be managed, as minds to be manipulated, as children to be lectured. …

    But the cure is the same as the cause: trust restored. Allow stories to be stories again, and the spell will hold. The lights will go down, the screen will flicker to life, and once more, strangers will gasp together in the dark.

    Thanks for reading Book Marketing Success! This post is public so feel free to share it.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bookmarketing.substack.com/subscribe
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    2 mins
  • Creative Blocks: Unlocking Productivity

    Creative Blocks: Unlocking Productivity
    Aug 25 2025
    IntroductionI discovered another AI app that you can use to create slide show presentations (and videos like the one above). The app, Microsoft Copilot, allows you to create slide shows using PowerPoint. Both Copilot and PowerPoint are part of a Microsoft 365 subscription ($99 per year, personal edition).I started with three lines of information, as shown below. I entered these lines into the Create with Copilot option that comes up when you start up PowerPoint. Within a few minutes, Copilot and PowerPoint generated a sixteen-slide presentation that became the basis for the above video.Writer’s Block: In Case of an Emergency, Break the GlassThere really is no such thing as writer’s block or any other block to getting things done. Blocks only exist if you let them. If you move on, they melt away.As the blue collar comedians, say, “Get ‘er done!” Move on!The text for the video is showcased below. Note how Copilot took three lines and made sixteen slides with the following extensive content.Microsoft Copilot and PowerPointToday I'm showcasing another presentation program you can use, Microsoft PowerPoint combined with Copilot, to create another version of my writer's block information.So we're going to talk about understanding the concept of writer's block, debunking the myth, the reality of writer's block, practical strategies to overcome perceived blocks, and cultivating long-term productivity and creativity.Writer's block is commonly defined as an inability to generate new ideas or work, causing creative paralysis.These beliefs influence how writers view their creative struggles and shape their response to overcoming challenges.The creative blocks such as this are often portrayed in literature, where creative blocks are often depicted as a mysterious curse impacting writers, especially novelists, symbolizing an insurmountable barrier to creativity.Film and media portray creative blocks as unavoidable challenges that dramatically affect artists and writers' work.Anxiety can cause mental blocks by creating fear and stress that hinder creative thinking and writing flow.Perfectionism leads to unrealistic standards that prevent progress and increase fear of failure in writing tasks.Also, unrealistic expectations create pressure that can block creativity and cause frustration during the writing process.Writer's block is basically a myth.Many experts believe blocks are not a real condition but misconceptions about creativity. Creative pauses are often temporary challenges, not permanent stoppages in writing or creative ability. Also, lack of motivation can cause writing delays mistaken for writer's block.Prolific writers maintain consistent work habits, regardless of obstacles, highlighting consistency over inspiration.Discipline is crucial in overcoming challenges and driving steady creative output among successful creators.Persistence outweighs mysterious creative blocks, enabling writers to produce work consistent with their story.Viewing creative struggles as normal helps writers maintain motivation and reduces frustration during the process.Believing challenges are solvable fosters resilience and encourages persistent effort towards progress.A positive mindset helps sustain continuous progress despite encountering creative blocks.Practical strategies to overcome perceived blocks.Embrace imperfection. By accepting imperfection allows progress by reducing the pressure of perfectionism in creative work.Avoid overthinking. Moving on without over analyzing every detail prevents stagnation and fosters creativity.Set goals. Some of the techniques for maintaining momentum is to set goals.Break tasks into small goals to sustain momentum and make progress manageable and rewarding.Use timed writing sessions to reduce pressure and encourage focused, consistent work intervals.Employ free writing techniques that promote creativity and flow by removing constraints and allowing spontaneous ideas to emerge.Use humor. Humor eases stress and makes creative work more enjoyable, helping to overcome mental blocks.Simplify tasks, reducing overwhelm and making creative work easier and more approachable.Cultivate long-term productivity and creativity.Build resilient writing habits, first by establishing consistent writing routines to help you maintain discipline and overcome creative challenges effectively.Develop writing habits that anchor productivity by creating dependable pathways to sustain creativity and output.Embrace imperfection and continuous progress. Recognize that first drafts are not perfect and that helps reduce pressure and fosters creativity. Be ready to do ongoing revisions to help refine your ideas and improve the quality of work over time.Embrace imperfection enables sustained effort and growth in creative projects.Learn the lessons from blue-collar comedians. Get her done. Blue-collar comedians embody a straightforward practical mindset focused on action rather than excessive planning. The key ...
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    8 mins
  • In Case of an Emergency, Break Glass

    In Case of an Emergency, Break Glass
    Aug 23 2025
    I discovered a great AI app that you can start using for free and then pay $5.00 per month for an upgrade. This app, Gamma (https://www.aippt.com), allows you to quickly create slide show presentations. And then use the presentation to create a video like the one above.I started with three lines of information, as shown below. I entered these lines into the Gamma app and within a few minutes, Gamma generated a ten-slide presentation that became the basis for the above video.Writer’s Block: In Case of an Emergency, Break the GlassThere really is no such thing as writer’s block or any other block to getting things done. Blocks only exist if you let them. If you move on, they melt away.As the blue collar comedians, say, “Get ‘er done!” Move on!The text for the video is showcased below. Note how Gamma took three lines and made ten slides with the following extensive content.In case of an emergency, break glass. The truth about writer's block.Writer's block isn't about what you think it is. It's not an immovable barrier, but rather a temporary obstacle that only exists if you allow it to.This presentation explores the reality behind the myth and provides practical solutions to get your creativity flowing again.The Myth of Writer's BlockJerry Jenkins puts it bluntly, writer's block is a myth. No other profession accepts a block as a legitimate reason to stop working. If you wait for motivation or inspiration to strike before writing, you'll be waiting forever.Creativity doesn't appear on demand. What we call writer's block is actually a combination of fear, procrastination, and perfectionism, masquerading as creative stoppage.Rather than accepting blocks, successful writers develop strategies to push through the resistance.Famous writers who struggled and won.Samuel Taylor Coleridge experienced what he called an indefinite, indescribable terror that prevented him from writing for an entire year in 1804.Paul Sylvia, a psychology professor and author on motivation, went nine months without making progress on his own book about motivation.Despite these profound struggles, both men eventually overcame their creative paralysis by fundamentally changing their mindset and establishing new writing habits.What really causes writer's block?This pie chart showcases from Research Insights, a 2024 University of North Florida study.Psychological factors including stress and anxiety. That's the big dark purple pie slice on the right.Next, fear of criticism, the lower, more lavender pie slice.And then perfectionism, which is the next as we rotate around.Procrastination.And then other factors.Two main types of blocks.There are two main types of blocks, plot block and life block.Plot block occurs when story logic stalls. Character or plot feel stuck.This is a craft problem fixable with patience, restructuring, and narrative technique.Life block results from personal issues that can drain creative energy. It can require addressing deeper needs, self-care, mental health support, or lifestyle adjustments.Recognizing your specific block type is a crucial first step to implementing the right solution.Practical hacks to break the block.You can schedule writing. Treat writing like a job. Paul Sylvia committed to two hours daily. No excuses. Consistency builds momentum and trains your brain for creativity.Step two, you can do free writing. Set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes of unfiltered, unedited writing. This bypasses perfectionism and often produces unexpected insights.And you can change the environment. So if one place isn't working, work at a cafe or park or library. Environmental novelty stimulates new neural connections and fresh perspectives.These practical approaches work because they shift focus from outcomes to process, making writing a habitual action rather than a high stakes performance.Embrace fear and imperfection. The best writing is born of humility. That's from mystery writer and thriller writer Dean Kuntz.Fear is natural and justified. Embrace it as a motivation.Perfectionism kills progress. Done is better than perfect.Writing imperfectly today creates a foundation for better writing.The most prolific writers aren't fearless. They've simply learned to write despite their fears.The power of mindset.Move on and melt the block. Blocks only exist if you let them. Writer's block is a construct we create and maintain.Recognize it as a temporary state, not a permanent condition. As the blue-collar comedians say, get 'er done. Simple forward motion is often the best solution. Action creates its own momentum.An act of faith: Writing requires belief in your ability to figure it out as you go. Trust the process and keep moving forward.Your mindset determines whether obstacles become barriers or stepping stones. Choose to see blocks as temporary challenges rather than immovable obstacles.Motivation is not a gift, it's a choice. Waiting for motivation is like waiting for a bus that may never come. You have to start ...
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    7 mins
  • Stories Should Never End. They Should Go On and On!

    Stories Should Never End. They Should Go On and On!
    Aug 3 2025

    In a column for PJ Media, publicist and novelist Scott Pinsker wrote that there are no happy endings. As readers and listeners, we never want a good story to end.

    Here is what Scott wrote:

    One more time: There are no happy endings!

    After all, when a story is truly great, we don’t want it to end. We need the story to go on and on forever — and for the adventures to continue. When it’s finally time to say goodbye, we mourn the loss.

    And mourning isn’t happy.

    But it’s par for the course in storytelling; the immoveable yin to the irresistible yang. Can’t have one without the other. As American genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist Tony Stark noted before his death:

    “Part of the journey is the end.”

    I remember when the hand-picked substitute author massacred the ending of The World of Time series by Robert Jordan. There were and are so many stories still to tell of that world, but the replacement author simply let the story peter away. So disappointing.

    But, of course, he didn’t have the inspiration or vision that the original author had. He couldn’t tell the stories. BUT the publisher should have found some fans that would have loved to continue those stories, to continue celebrating an incredible world populated by very interesting people. I hope there are some fans that will tell those stories. They have my permission — and encouragement — to do so.

    As authors, we should all have fans that are inspired to continue telling our stories — whether fiction or nonfiction.

    Stories are always worth continuing. They shouldn’t have an end. Why not tell more of your story today? You have the time!

    And when your time ends, I encourage other courageous writers to continue your stories. Stories without end. Stories that live on and on. Stories that change lives. Stories that move us to greater things.

    Move on!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bookmarketing.substack.com/subscribe
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    3 mins
  • 6 Ways to Spark Your Creativity

    6 Ways to Spark Your Creativity
    Jul 7 2025

    The following tips are adapted from an article in Woman’s World magazine.

    Trust your vision. A sense of independence sparks unique visions.

    Balance wonder and rigor. Daydream a little. Relax to spark your wonder. Then focus on the details.

    Tap into positivity. Reveal your passion. Study: People who write for the joy of it produce more creative work.

    Unleash your inner child. Having fun spurs active listening, curiosity, improvisation, and collaboration.

    Take a chance on yourself. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Explore your own voice.

    Bounce ideas off a friend. A good friend can allow you to test ideas. Note: Just don’t let them become too critical. You want their help, not their negativity.

    Book Marketing Success is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Web: https://bookauthorauthority.com



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bookmarketing.substack.com/subscribe
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    1 min
  • Give Away Your Books

    Give Away Your Books
    Jun 30 2025

    Why give away your books when you can sell them instead? Here are ten reasons why you might want to give away your books as a strategy for making more sales of everything you have to offer.

    1. Entice People to Action.

    If you want a potential customer to act, you can give them a free book as an enticement. Many websites offer free reports or books to encourage people to sign up for their newsletters or podcasts. A key reason: Books are still valued by consumers.

    2. Make an Upsell.

    If you are using your book to sell a higher-priced course, webinar, or summit, then giving away the book is a good strategy for convincing people to buy your upsell.

    3. Offer a Sample.

    Give away a shorter book to give readers a taste of your larger, more expensive book.

    Note: A similar strategy is to sell a shorter book on Amazon for a very low price to give people a taste for your more expensive books, your longer books, or any additional books in a series.

    4. Give as a Prize.

    Give your book away to charities as a prize. Books as prizes are a great way to promote your business or service or higher priced products.

    5. Offer Speaking Take-Aways.

    If you are speaking at a conference, a summit, or another group event, giving away a book is an easy way to have attendees take you (or your ideas) home with them.

    A free book builds credibility and provides audience members with your contact details so they can follow-up on any of your services or products they want to buy.

    6. Create a Moon Book Club.

    Offer your books as monthly mailings to key contacts for coaching, consulting, speaking, and other high-paying engagements. In this situation, you mail out copies of print books to your key contact list as a tool for establishing your credibility with these key people.

    7. Offer 99 Cent Specials.

    Books under a dollar are considered just like free books for most readers. So, offering low-cost books for sale are a way of setting a value for the book but essentially keeping the book as “free.”

    Bestselling author Robert Allen recently offered his #1 Bestseller: How You Can Become a Bestselling Author in Only 30 Minutes a Day as an ebook for only 99¢ via Amazon. He used it to introduce his high-priced service to help writers become bestselling authors.

    8. Introduce Readers to a Series.

    One of the best ways to introduce readers to your series of novels is to give away the first book in the series. If they like that book, they will buy into the entire series.

    9. Publish a manifesto.

    Write and share a manifesto that proclaims your new vision for society, the environment, the world, the universe, or your key topic. Manifestos are generally given away to build the widest possible readership for your new vision.

    10. Share Your Book.

    You can give away your book to anyone and everyone simply because you want people to benefit from what you’ve written.

    If you give away books, never give away junk. Never give away AI creations as your own work. Whatever you give away must represent your work, your writing, your ideas, your creativity, your thought processes, and the higher priced services and products you offer.

    If your giveaways truly represent what you offer, you’ll be able to upsell recipients to anything else that you want to create. And at a higher and higher price. Great content inspires great fans.

    Order Book Marketing 263 here: https://amzn.to/3TM6CDs on Amazon.

    Book Marketing Success is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bookmarketing.substack.com/subscribe
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    4 mins
  • 10 Key Strategies for Marketing Your Books

    10 Key Strategies for Marketing Your Books
    May 24 2025

    Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd, and book marketing expert John Kremer deliver a fast hour of 10 plus strategies to deliver book marketing success in 2025 on the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. Your takeaways include:

    Overall strategies to leap forward.

    Why every author should have a newsletter.

    Tips for creating your own Summit and why you should.

    How to start your marketing offline.

    Why magazines are still hot and how to target/pitch to them.

    Why you should reach for a national TV show.

    Why being a podcast guest is a must do and two sources to use.

    And, of course, much more.

    Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast.

    Book Marketing Success is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bookmarketing.substack.com/subscribe
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    57 mins