How can you write science-based fiction without info-dumping your research? How can you use AI tools in a creative way, while still focusing on a human-first approach? Why is adapting to the fast pace of change so difficult and how can we make the most of this time? Jamie Metzl talks about Superconvergence and more.



In the intro, How to avoid author scams [Written Word Media]; Spotify vs Audible audiobook strategy [The New Publishing Standard]; Thoughts on Author Nation and why constraints are important in your author life [Self-Publishing with ALLi]; Alchemical History And Beautiful Architecture: Prague with Lisa M Lilly on my Books and Travel Podcast.






Today's show is sponsored by Draft2Digital, self-publishing with support, where you can get free formatting, free distribution to multiple stores, and a host of other benefits. Just go to www.draft2digital.com to get started.



This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn 






Jamie Metzl is a technology futurist, professional speaker, entrepreneur, and the author of sci-fi thrillers and futurist nonfiction books, including the revised and updated edition of Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will Transform Our Lives, Work, and World.



You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. 



Show Notes




* How personal history shaped Jamie's fiction writing



* Writing science-based fiction without info-dumping



* The super convergence of three revolutions (genetics, biotech, AI) and why we need to understand them holistically



* Using fiction to explore the human side of genetic engineering, life extension, and robotics



* Collaborating with GPT-5 as a named co-author



* How to be a first-rate human rather than a second-rate machine




You can find Jamie at JamieMetzl.com.



Transcript of interview with Jamie Metzl



Jo: Jamie Metzl is a technology futurist, professional speaker, entrepreneur, and the author of sci-fi thrillers and futurist nonfiction books, including the revised and updated edition of Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will Transform Our Lives, Work, and World. So welcome, Jamie.



Jamie: Thank you so much, Jo.

In early November 2025, I attended and spoke at Author Nation in Las Vegas. It was a fantastic conference for authors at all levels, and in this episode, I share my lessons learned and tips from reflecting on the event.



In the intro, scam emails and what to watch out for; Spotify launches Recaps, and how I currently self-publish audiobooks; Successful Self-Publishing 4th Edition free audiobook; My audiobooks on YouTube The Creative Penn / Fiction/memoir audiobooks on JFPennAuthor; 22 ways to grow your author email list [BookBub]; Author Nation with the Wish I’d Known Then Podcast; and Your Author Business Plan on special.







Bookfunnel, the essential tool for your author business, sponsors today's show. Whether it’s delivering your reader magnet, sending out advanced copies of your book, handing out ebooks at a conference, or fulfilling your digital sales to readers, BookFunnel does it all. Check it out at bookfunnel.com/thecreativepenn







Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, dark fantasy, and memoir as J.F. Penn. She’s also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker.




* Double down on being human and the importance of connection in person (if possible)



* Constraints breed creativity



* What do you need for a long-term sustainable career as an author?



* How do you want your author business to run?



* What are your contingency plans for when things don’t go as planned?



* Money management tips — books and resources here



* How do you know when to work with a company as part of your author business? How to assess vendors and services.



* Thoughts from others




You can find Author Nation at AuthorNation.live. You can find my books on writing craft and author business in all formats at CreativePennBooks.com, or on your favourite online store,

Why do so many memoir manuscripts fail to engage readers, even when the writer has lived through extraordinary experiences? What's the hidden code that separates a chronological account of events from a compelling memoir that readers can't put down? How do you know when you're ready to write about trauma, and where's the ethical line between truth and storytelling? With Wendy Dale



In the intro, Amazon Kindle Translate, and the Writing Storybundle.






Today's show is sponsored by Draft2Digital, self-publishing with support, where you can get free formatting, free distribution to multiple stores, and a host of other benefits. Just go to www.draft2digital.com to get started.



This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn 






Wendy Dale is a memoir author and teacher, as well as a screenwriter. Today we are talking about The Memoir Engineering System: Make Your First Draft Your Final Draft.



You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. 



Show Notes




* Why memoir is about connected events, not chronological storytelling—and how to transform random experiences into compelling plot



* The difference between scenes and transitions, and why structure matters in every sentence of your book



* How to write about trauma and family without crossing ethical lines or damaging relationships



* Why character arc is actually the easiest part of memoir writing (and what's really difficult)



* The truth about dialogue, memory, and where to draw the line on fabrication — plus reflections on The Salt Path controversy



* Whether you can make money from memoir and why marketing matters as much as writing




You can find Wendy at GeniusMemoirWriting.com.



Transcript of interview with Wendy Dale



Joanna: Wendy Dale is a memoir author and teacher, as well as a screenwriter. Today we are talking about The Memoir Engineering System: Make Your First Draft Your Final Draft. So welcome to the show, Wendy.



Wendy: Thank you so much for inviting me, Joanna. It's exciting to talk about this topic.



Joanna: First up—



Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into writing and publishing.

What happens when your creative dreams collide with the demands of caregiving? How do you keep writing when you're caring for someone full-time? Can you still be a creative person when traditional productivity advice simply doesn't work? With Donn King.



In the intro, Agatha Christie meets Mr Men [BBC]; Podcast guesting and co-writing [Stark Reflections]; thoughts on pushing your comfort zone; Disrupt Everything and Win – James Patterson.







This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors.



This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn 






Donn King is a nonfiction author, college professor, pastor, speaker, and podcast host at The Alignment Show. His latest book is Creating While Caring: Practical Tips to Keep Creating While Caring for a Loved One.



You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights, and the full transcript is below. 



Show Notes




* Why traditional writing advice (block time, dedicated space, write daily) doesn't work for caregivers and what to do instead



* How emotional fatigue whispers “why bother?” and the philosophy that helps push through when writing seems pointless



* Practical tools and techniques for capturing ideas in stolen moments—from hospital chapels to 7-second voice recordings



* The painful truth about letting go of deadlines, perfect book launches, and achieving your full potential while caregiving



* The transition after 22 years: moving Hannah to full-time care and reclaiming creative time while managing complex emotions




You can find Donn at DonnKing.com or TheAlignmentShow.com.



Transcript of interview with Donn King



Joanna: Donn King is a nonfiction author, college professor, pastor, speaker, and podcast host at The Alignment Show, which I've been on twice, which was fantastic. His latest book is Creating While Caring: Practical Tips to Keep Creating While Caring for a Loved One. So welcome to the show, Donn.



Donn: Thank you very much, Joanna. It's an honor to be on with you.

Why does the publishing industry feel more chaotic than ever, and what can writers do about it? How do you know if you're truly burned out or just creatively empty? When should successful authors start saying no instead of yes to every opportunity? Becca Syme shares her hard-won wisdom about navigating burnout, embracing unpredictability, and knowing what to quit (and what not to quit) in your writing career.



In the intro, Frankfurt Book Fair AI and audio [Audible, Publishers Weekly]; Free Reads by BookBub; Halloween book sale; Writing Storybundle;






Today's show is sponsored by Bookfunnel, the essential tool for your author business. Whether it’s delivering your reader magnet, sending out advanced copies of your book, handing out ebooks at a conference, or fulfilling your digital sales to readers, BookFunnel does it all. Check it out at bookfunnel.com/thecreativepenn



This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn 







Becca Syme is an author, coach, and creator of the Better Faster Academy. She is a USA Today bestselling author of small town romance and cozy mystery, and also writes the Dear Writer series of non-fiction books. She's also the host of the QuitCast Podcast.



You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. 



Show Notes




* Identifying burnout vs. creative blocks. How long symptoms last and checking for biological/life transition causes first.



* The transition from saying yes to saying no. Learning when you've reached the point where selectivity becomes essential for sustainability



* “Loki is in charge.” Why publishing is unpredictable and when to stop analyzing what went wrong.



* Increased chaos or increased visibility. Whether publishing really has more unpredictability now or we're just seeing it more clearly.



* What to quit doing. Book signings as investments and judging other authors online, plus the dangers of social media dysregulation.



* What not to quit. Writing itself and maintaining hope for the future, regardless of industry changes.




You can find Becca at betterfasteracademy.com/links.



Transcript of Interview with Becca Syme



Joanna: Becca Syme is an author,

How can authors write about climate change without preaching? What happens when your publisher goes under just before your book launch? How do theatre skills translate to better dialogue, readings, and author events? With author and theater director Laura Baggaley.



In the intro, Indie presses are in existential crisis [The Bookseller]; what to do when things are hard [Wish I'd Known Then]; Book marketing with garlic-infused ink [The Guardian]; Writing Storybundle; Halloween horror promo; Blood Vintage folk horror; My new author photos; Day of the Dead [Books and Travel];







Today's show is sponsored by ProWritingAid, writing and editing software that goes way beyond just grammar and typo checking. With its detailed reports on how to improve your writing and integration with writing software, ProWritingAid will help you improve your book before you send it to an editor, agent or publisher. Check it out for free or get 15% off the premium edition at www.ProWritingAid.com/joanna



This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn 






Laura Baggaley is an award-nominated children's and YA author, theater director, and also teaches acting, writing, and literature at City Lit College in London.



You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. 



Show Notes




* How to write climate fiction that embeds solutions in world-building rather than lecturing readers



* Dealing with publisher collapse and finding empowerment in regaining control of your books



* Using theatre techniques to write better dialogue and avoid clunky exposition



* Essential performance skills for author readings, interviews, and public speaking



* Practical tips for preparing workshops and managing nerves at literary events



* Building collaborative writing projects and the benefits of author support groups




You can find Laura at LauraBaggaley.co.uk.

How do you stand out as an author when thousands of books are published every day? What's the difference between having a logo and having a real brand that sells books? Is it possible to maintain your authentic voice while appealing to genre readers who seem more loyal to categories than authors? With Steve Brock



In the intro, Baker & Taylor shutting down [The Bottom Line]; Holiday promotions for your books [Productive indie fiction writer]; Writing Storybundle; Updating Shopify metadata — Hextom app; Publishing and change [Publishing Perspectives]; Paying AIs to read my books [Kevin Kelly]; signing my special editions at BookVault; The Critically Reflective Practitioner; Deliciously twisted Halloween book sale.






Today's show is sponsored by Draft2Digital, self-publishing with support, where you can get free formatting, free distribution to multiple stores, and a host of other benefits. Just go to www.draft2digital.com to get started.



This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn 






Steve Brock is a nonfiction author, photographer, and branding expert. His books include Hidden Travel, which he has talked about on my Books and Travel podcast, as well as The Creative Wild, Make Something Beautiful, and Brand Something Beautiful: A Branding Workbook for Artists, Writers, and Other Creatives.



You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. 



Show Notes




* Brand vs. reputation. Why branding is about perception in readers' minds, not just visual consistency



* Discovery vs. creation. How to uncover what makes you distinctive



* Standing out in crowded genres. Techniques for differentiating yourself while still satisfying genre expectations



* Multiple pen names.

How do you know when it's time to wrap up one phase of your life and move on to the next? What's the secret to staying connected as a writer when you're working alone? And if you have multiple passions and endless ideas, how do you actually finish things instead of constantly starting new projects? Pilar Orti gives her tips in this interview.



In the intro, Writing Storybundle; An honest accounting from an extensive self audit of an indie author publishing business [The Author Stack]; Money books; Direct purchases through ChatGPT; Book discovery and GEO; The ultimate guide to AEO [Lenny's Podcast]; Conversions through Chat [SearchEngineLand]; SORA video app; AI for eCommerce and Amazon Sellers; Deliciously twisted Halloween book sale.






This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors.



This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn 






Pilar Orti is a nonfiction and memoir author, as well as a voiceover artist, podcaster, and Pilates instructor.



You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights, and the full transcript is below. 



Show Notes




* Wrapping up life phases with books. Using writing to process and close chapters of your personal and professional journey



* Connection strategies for remote workers and writers. Understanding your own connection style and respecting others' preferences



* Co-writing across continents. The practical process of collaborating with someone you've never met in person



* Using AI as a writing collaborator. How generative AI helped overcome the blank page and create a unified voice



* Knowing when to end projects.

Have you optimized the seven essential elements of your Amazon book page before you even consider marketing? Are you making the most of A+ content, and advertising with Amazon? Amazon Ads expert Geoff Affleck gives his tips.



In the intro, potential TikTok US changes [BBC]; Special editions [Written Word Media]; Self-Publishing with Dale Kickstarter books; Successful Self-Publishing Fourth Edition; Egypt beyond the pyramids, an example of fiction-adjacent content marketing [Books and Travel]; British Powerlifting; Starting something new, clearing space, beginner's mind, and Leuchtturm1917 journals.






This episode is supported by my patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn 






Geoff Affleck is a bestselling nonfiction author, self-publishing consultant, and Amazon ads expert working with authors to produce and promote their books through his business, Authorpreneur Publishing. Geoff is originally Australian but now lives in Canada.



You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. 



Show Notes




* The seven essential elements every Amazon book page needs before spending a penny on advertising, from cover design to A+ Content



* Why Amazon ads work like shopping in the soup aisle (targeted intent) versus Facebook ads being like impulse candy purchases at checkout



* How series authors can break even on book one ads while making profits from organic read-through on subsequent books



* The critical difference between automatic ads and manual targeting, and why manual campaigns with specific ASINs get better results



* When new authors should start advertising (even with few reviews) and how established authors should maintain their backlist keywords and categories




You can find Geoff at GeoffAffleck.com.



Transcript of the interview with Geoff Affleck



Joanna: Geoff Affleck is a bestselling nonfiction author, self-publishing consultant, and Amazon ads expert working with authors to produce and promote their books through his business, Authorpreneur Publishing. Geoff is originally Australian but now lives in Canada. So welcome to the show, Geoff.



Geoff: Hi Joanna, thanks for having me here. It's great.

Are you truly procrastinating, or are you protecting yourself from uncomfortable emotions? What if the real reason you're not finishing your book has nothing to do with laziness or lack of motivation? Colleen Story explores the types of procrastination that keep writers stuck and how you can move past them into success.



In the intro, lessons learned from 14 years as an author entrepreneur; Surprised by Pilgrimage on The Leader's Way Podcast; Blood Vintage, out now.






Write and format stunning books with Atticus. Create professional print books and eBooks easily with the all-in-one book writing software. Try it out at Atticus.io



This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn 






Colleen Story is the award-winning author of historical fantasy, supernatural thrillers and motivational books for writers. Her latest book is Escape the Writer's Web: Untangle Your Procrastination Type, Discover Personalized Solutions, and Transform Your Writing Life.



You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. 



Show Notes




* Why procrastination is an emotional coping technique that protects your current identity



* How “overthinker” writers use learning and courses to avoid actually writing their own work



* The “guilty type” who feels bad whether they're writing or not writing



* Why perfectionist writers fear failure so much they endlessly revise the same manuscript for years



* How successful writers still procrastinate on uncomfortable tasks like submissions and marketing



* The power of five-minute timed sessions and small wins to ease into a new writing identity




You can find Colleen at ColleenMStory.com and MasterWriterMindset.com.



Transcript of interview with Colleen M. Story



Joanna: Colleen Story is the award-winning author of historical fantasy, supernatural thrillers and motivational books for writers. Her latest book is Escape the Writer's Web: Untangle Your Procrastination Type, Discover Personalized Solutions, and Transform Your Writing Life. So welcome to the show, Colleen.



Colleen: Thanks, Joanna. It's great to be here. I'm really excited to have this chat today.



Joanna: It's such an interesting topic. But first up—



Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into writing.



Colleen: Well, you know,

What are the challenges of writing and publishing books for children? How can you publish high-quality books and still make a profit? How can you market books to children effectively in a scalable manner? Darcy Pattison gives her tips.



In the intro, Novel Writing November; Business models and ethics for authors [Self-Publishing with ALLi]; AI-Assisted Artisan Author – my final AI webinar for 2025; Metal-working! with WTF Workshops, Bristol; Blood Vintage, a folk horror novel – out now on my store, coming 15 October everywhere.






Today's show is sponsored by ProWritingAid, writing and editing software that goes way beyond just grammar and typo checking. With its detailed reports on how to improve your writing and integration with writing software, ProWritingAid will help you improve your book before you send it to an editor, agent or publisher. Check it out for free or get 15% off the premium edition at www.ProWritingAid.com/joanna



This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn 






Darcy Pattison is the multi-award winning bestselling author of more than 70 fiction and non-fiction books for children across multiple age groups. Her book for authors is Publish: Find Surprising Success Self-Publishing Your Children's Book.



You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. 



Show Notes




* Why writing children's picture books is more challenging than you might think



* Why Darcy moved from traditional publishing books to self-publishing for creative freedom and business control



* Working with illustrators through contracts, sketch revisions, and treating them as professional collaborators



* Using multiple print-on-demand services (Ingram, KDP, Lulu) instead of expensive offset printing for 70+ book catalog



* Marketing to educators through state and national conferences rather than individual school visits for scalable reach



* Focusing on STEM narrative nonfiction as a reliable income while still writing fiction passion projects



* Longevity as an author




You can find Darcy at IndieKidsBooks.com and Show more...