Episodes

  • FECKing Around with Chaz Ebert

    FECKing Around with Chaz Ebert
    May 5 2024
    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 Thoughts
    Bill mentions that James Patterson is hosting a new television show on unsolved mysteries. You can imagine Jesse's reaction.

    Chapter 2: News
    1) Meta (Facebook) Considered Buying Simon & Schuster—so its AI Could Scrape the Books
    2) Storiaverse App Presents a New Storytelling Form—and is Looking for Writers

    Chapter 3: Interview with Chaz Ebert
    During 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; and
    5) how she broke into writing books—and songs.

    Chapter 4: Parting Words
    Join 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 Bernhardt
    www.williambernhardt.com
    www.writercon.com
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    46 mins
  • Action and Adventure with Jake Lynch

    Action and Adventure with Jake Lynch
    Apr 14 2024
    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 Thoughts
    Bill and Jesse ruminate about why tax season is particularly hard for writers.

    Chapter 2: News
    1) Entangled Signs Self-Published Authors
    2) Spotify Offers an Audiobook Access Tier

    Chapter 3: Interview with Jake Lynch
    During 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; and
    5) how anime figured into his work.

    Chapter 4: Parting Words
    WriterCon 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.
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    28 mins
  • Fantasy and Family with S.L. Dooley

    Fantasy and Family with S.L. Dooley
    Apr 7 2024
    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 Thoughts
    Everyone is getting ready for the 2024 WriterCon Cruise, departing April 21!

    Chapter 2: News
    1) Poetry Had Its Best Year Ever in 2024
    2) Author Accused of "Creepy" PR Requests

    Chapter 3: Interview with S.L. Dooley
    During 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; and
    5) her unique process for sparking ideas.

    Chapter 4: Parting Words
    The 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 Bernhardt
    www.williambernhardt.com
    www.writercon.com
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    35 mins
  • Memoir, Moms & Muhammed Ali with Thomas Hauser

    Memoir, Moms & Muhammed Ali with Thomas Hauser
    Apr 2 2024
    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 Thougbts
    Jesse's fave, James Patterson, is publishing many more books, including legal thrillers. Jesse is not happy.

    Chapter 2: News
    1) Dead Celebrity Books Written by AI Flood Amazon
    2) Brandon Sanderson Gets Better Deal at Audible—For Everyone

    Chapter 3: Interview with Thomas Hauser
    During 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; and
    5) the importance of social justice.

    Chapter 4: Parting Words
    WriterCon 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.com

    Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.

    William Bernhardt
    www.williambernhardt.com
    www.writercon.com
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    35 mins
  • Writing Women and War with Bharati Sen

    Writing Women and War with Bharati Sen
    Mar 24 2024
    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 Thoughts
    Looking forward to the WriterCon Cruise...

    Chapter 2: News
    1) NY Pub Veterans Create a New Publishing House
    2) Author Sues Amazon over Pirated Book Sales

    Chapter 3: Interview with Bharati Sen
    During 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; and
    5) the importance of finding your passion.

    Chapter 4: Closing Thoughts
    Cruise 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 Bernhardt
    www.williambernhardt.com
    www.writercon.com
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    30 mins
  • WriterCon Presents: Stories That Change Us

    WriterCon Presents: Stories That Change Us
    Mar 20 2024
    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.
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    7 mins
  • Getting Cranky with Steven Joseph

    Getting Cranky with Steven Joseph
    Mar 10 2024
    Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Steven Joseph, author of Cranky Superpowers.

    Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts
    This podcast is being released on Oscar Sunday, so the Crew make their predictions, including one involving a red carpet gown, and ponder why movies get so much attention when the books they are based upon do not.

    Chapter 2: News
    1) Romantasy Authors Reclaim "Smut"
    2) AI-Narrated Audiobooks Available in Major Markets—Including Amazon

    Chapter 3: Interview with Steven Joseph
    During this chat, you will learn:
    1) what are cranky superpowers;
    2) what are your cranky superpowers;
    3) how to give rise to the possibility of the unimaginable;
    4) why arguments take away your power; and
    5) where crankiness will take Steven next.

    Chapter 4: Parting Words
    LAST CALL for the WriterCon Cruise! Over 20 hours of instruction during a seven-day cruise through the Western Caribbean, focused on you and your writing goals. Join us!

    Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.
    William Bernhardt
    www.williambernhardt.com
    www.writercon.com
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    36 mins
  • The Child's Journey with Kelly Anne Manuel

    The Child's Journey with Kelly Anne Manuel
    Mar 3 2024
    Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Kelly Anne Manuel, a children's book author who is launching 31 books at the same time.

    Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts
    Only one week left to register for the WriterCon Cruise! Lara is already packing! Over 20+ hours of classroom, small-group, and private instruction. Plus we have fun! Seven days at sea writing in the most creativity-conducive environment imaginable. Join us!

    Chapter 2: News
    1) Critics Complain Hugo Awards Were Rigged
    2) Reading is Sexy
    William Bernhardt apologizes for his slip of the tongue. While reading, Kendall Jenner's book was covered in green Post-It notes, not her body!

    Chapter 3: Interview with Kelly Anne Manuel
    During this chat, you will learn:
    1) how she stumbled into writing;
    2) why she writes for children;
    3) how she "meets the child in their journey;"
    4) why she is "the good kind of contagious;" and
    5) why she's releasing 31 books at once.

    Chapter 4: Parting Words
    Again, only one week left to join us for the WriterCon Cruise. Seven days at sea traveling down the Western Caribbean coastline, with seven WriterCon instructors ready to provide whatever you need to advance your writing career. Plus Game Night! Karaoke! Swag bags! The cost is low and the benefits are high. Join us!

    Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.

    William Bernhardt
    www.williambernhardt.com
    www.writercon.com
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    38 mins