Today I discuss some of how independently publishing works and compare and contrast to the discussion on traditional publishing from the last episode. I share why I think independently publishing these days is almost a no-brainer. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 6Ep. 95
I’ve started a few different novels, and I’ve hit some snags. I’ve had a couple new novel ideas as well. I share the ideas with you, my progress, and my thoughts about which of these books I’m going to write next. I also share some musings on the future trajectory of our society and how it’s affecting my worldbuilding. Finally I consider whether courier ships in space make sense. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to ge...
Feb 05, 2025•54 min•Season 6Ep. 94
I’ve started a few different novels, and I’ve hit some snags. I’ve had a couple new novel ideas as well. I share the ideas with you, my progress, and my thoughts about which of these books I’m going to write next. I also share some musings on the future trajectory of our society and how it’s affecting my worldbuilding. Finally I consider whether courier ships in space make sense. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to ge...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 5Ep. 93
Today I return to the show after being completely demoralized by my experience hiring a “professional” editor for my novel Critical Balance. It was a terrible experience. I got conned, lost a lot of money, and have nothing to show for it except hard lessons learned. I share the red flags I ignored or overlooked and the mistakes I made in the hopes you can avoid having to go through an experience like this yourself. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in ...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 5Ep. 92
This week I talk about a science-fiction writing club I’m starting in my home town. I also talk a bit about the ongoing revision process for Critical Balance and a couple story ideas I’m working on for my next novel. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify . Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voice...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 91
This week I share a method I’ve come up with to help me write every day that I’m calling a story sketch. It’s also a great way to practice as a writer, experiment, and try out new techniques. I also talk a bit about how writing longhand is very different than typing when writing and some distinct advantages it has. Even though it’s not how I would want to write most stories, it’s perfect for the story sketch. Finally, I share how the story sketch will help with improvisation in writing and why t...
Jan 15, 2024•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 90
This week I discuss the differences between writing and storytelling. If you’re like me, you may have spent a lot of time and energy focusing on your writing while giving little thought to the art of telling a good story. I illustrate how point-of-view violations are anathema to good storytelling. Finally I explain how whichever path you’re taking—traditional publishing or independent publishing—good storytelling is far more important to your success than good writing. Links Lex Out Loud is now ...
Dec 18, 2023•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 89
This week I catch you up to what I’ve been doing writing-wise. I discuss protagonist flaws and problems. I also explore the limitations I’ve found in the misbelief concept. I think these limitations are overcome by realizing a misbelief is just a type of flaw. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify . Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Wired for Sto...
Dec 11, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Season 4Ep. 88
This week I share some of what I learned at a local writing conference I attended recently. I also share some decent writing craft books I’ve discovered that I’ll likely be talking some more about in future episodes. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify . Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Wired for Story by Lisa Cron Story Genius by Lisa Cron Sa...
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 87
This week I share some of what I’ve learned about independent publishing compared to traditional publishing. I also give some of my thoughts on The Wheel of Time TV show thus far. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify . Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Wired for Story by Lisa Cron Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer Support the show . Join my Discord ...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 4Ep. 86
I discuss my thoughts on Starlink, Starship, and the colonization of Mars. Will we really use chemical rockets to get to Mars? Will we ever have cities on the surface of Mars? Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify . Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. QueryTracker qtCritique Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines Nuclear Fission Rocket Engines Project ...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 85
I discuss what I’ve learned about how the creative process works in the human brain and how I’ve used this to revise and improve my daily writing goal. I also talk a bit about the nested cylinders of Union City and growing trees in space. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify . Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Big Picture Science episode on The ...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 84
This week I talk about why I’ve decided to put my space Odyssey idea on the backburner and return to writing a sequel to Critical Balance . Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391...
Sep 04, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 83
This week I explain why the novel I’m writing is allowed to suck. I also talk a bit about why it's best to focus on a genre & subgenre in the beginning of your writing career. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391...
Aug 28, 2023•59 min•Season 4Ep. 82
This week I share an example of how not to receive a critique. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391 Episode on Receiving Negative Reviews . Episode on How to Receive a Critique . Episode on Writing Groups ....
Aug 14, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Season 4Ep. 81
Today I talk about why I now think writing Critical Balance for mainstream readers was a mistake. I also talk a bit about beginning the first draft of my new novel. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391 Episode on Making Writing a Habit . Episode on Setting the Right W...
Aug 07, 2023•43 min•Season 4Ep. 80
This week I discuss some of the interesting things I’ve learned about the Saturn system in my research and how I’ll be using them in the novel. I also share some thoughts and revelations I’ve had recently about writing in first person perspective. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicema...
Jul 24, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 79
Today I talk about the importance of the first page and the first chapter in a book. I also share a recent realization I’ve had as to differentiating the great and not-so-great books I read. I’ve realized all my favorite books all have a key element in common. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Support the show . Join my Discord server . Ca...
Jul 17, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 78
This week I talk about theoretical propulsion systems and travel times through the solar system. I also talk about how I’ve recently changed my mind about writing down ideas. I am now an idea collector and an idea curator. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391...
Jul 10, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 77
The rejections have been piling up, so this week I talk about dealing with disappointment and avoiding discouragement. I also talk a bit about the new Orbit Works imprint. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Orbit Works Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391...
Jun 26, 2023•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 76
I’ve come up with a completely new and different idea for my next novel, and I’m really excited to share it with you today. I discuss how the first idea you have is often far from the best idea, and how this has been true for this book I’m working on. I also talk a bit about new discoveries about the geysers on Enceladus. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey. The Odyssey...
Jun 05, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 75
Today I update you on my progress and talk about I finally found a succinct definition of the difference between science-fiction and fantasy that’s simple, easy to remember & understand, and is accurate in most situations. I’ve also received some insight into why sci-fi is so popular in TV and movies, but when it comes to books, not so much. Finally, I discuss how I’m rethinking my approach to my next novel. Links Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my ...
May 15, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Season 4Ep. 74
Today I update you on my progress and talk about how I’m building a reading list to stay apprised on the latest & greatest sci-fi novels being published. I also talk a bit about how, for me at least, social media is largely a waste of time. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my Book Club . Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391 Come watch Star Trek ...
Apr 10, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 73
I finally broke down and wrote a two-page synopsis of my novel, and guess what? It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be! I know, you’re shocked. Things not being as bad as we think seems to be a recurring theme on this show, doesn’t it? I also give my rankings of the various Star Trek shows and movies. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my Book Club . Article on Writing a Novel Sy...
Apr 03, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Season 4Ep. 72
This week I talk about my experiences querying agents so far, and I’ve got some good news for you! It’s not nearly as bad as a lot of people make it sound. You’ve got this! Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my Book Club . Query Shark blog. QueryTracker online tool. Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391...
Mar 20, 2023•1 hr 43 min•Season 4Ep. 71
I’ve received my first form rejection from a literary agent! This is an important milestone in my journey as a writer. I ponder its importance, and I also talk a bit why short sentences are an important tool in your writer’s toolbox. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my Book Club . Query Shark blog. QueryTracker online tool. Support th...
Mar 13, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 70
I kick off season 4 with a discussion of using simple sentences in writing. I also talk about my experiences so far querying agents and give an update on my novels. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my Book Club . Query Shark blog. SFWA article on Writing Queries & Summaries . QueryTracker online tool. Support the show . Join my Di...
Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Season 4Ep. 69
Today I wrap up 2022 and season 3 of the show with ponderings on the writer’s voice. I also muse on the various phases in creating a novel. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my Book Club . New York Times article on Voice . Query Shark blog. Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391...
Dec 19, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 68
A couple companies that scam writers are being promoted by NaNoWriMo. I take this opportunity to discuss how, as writers, we need to be wary of con artists and others looking to exploit our hard work for their own ends. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my Book Club . Episode on Finding the Right Writing Goal for You . Episode on Why N...
Dec 12, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 67
Today I discuss what I find difficult and easy about drafting and revising. I find there are aspects to each that I love, and aspects of each that are more challenging. I also talk a little about journaling my journey as a writer. Links Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games . Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Post. Become a Beta Reader ! Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Query Shark blog Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my ...
Dec 05, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 66
