From over 20 years in Marine intelligence to accidentally setting himself on fire (yes, literally), to writing 200+ books and becoming a million-selling author—Craig Martelle’s path to publishing is unlike anything you’ve ever heard.
In this episode of The Writers Ritual, Craig breaks down the real mechanics of a sustainable writing career:
• how he wrote thousands of words every day for five straight years
• the habits that built his indie publishing empire
• why consistency beats talent
• how to think like a working writer
• and why “treat your writing like a business” isn’t a cliché
A lawyer and former business consultant, Craig brings rare insight into the evolving world of independent publishing, building readership, author branding, and the future of writing in an AI-driven landscape.
A deep-dive into productivity, the business of being an author, and the creative mindset required to build a long-term writing career.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
02:02 – Craig’s First Book at 13
04:10 – The Books That Shaped Him
06:00 – Star Trek, Diversity & Early Influences
08:50 – Marine Corps, Intelligence Work & Life Abroad
14:26 – The Fire Accident That Sent Him Back to Writing
17:08 – Writing His First Post-Apocalyptic Novel
19:10 – Why He Went Indie (and Never Queried)
22:13 – How Publishing Has Changed in the Last 10 Years
24:47 – Why Authors Must Become Brands
27:40 – The Power of Consistency Over Talent
33:52 – Writing 2,700 Words a Day for Five Years
38:07 – Character, Plot & Craft
41:25 – How He Thinks Through Scenes
46:12 – Writer’s Block, Discipline & Avoiding Self-Sabotage
49:55 – Personal Loss & Writing Through Grief
52:22 – Craig vs. “Ugly First Drafts”
57:00 – Tools for Dyslexic and Neurodivergent Writers
01:02:20 – The Future of Writing in the Age of AI
01:05:10 – Advice for New Authors
01:12:30 – What’s Next for Craig
01:16:20 – Where to Find His Work
Links
Website: https://craigmartelle.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/craigmartelle
Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/craigmartelle
More on the Writers Ritual:
https://www.writersritual.com/
Craig Martelle, Brianna Winner, The Writer’s Ritual, writing podcast, indie publishing, self-publishing, writing craft, sustainable creativity, creative discipline, writing habits, writing routine, productivity for writers, author branding, Marine intelligence, million-selling author, 20BooksTo50K, writing advice, future of publishing, AI and writing, storytelling, fiction writing, book marketing, how to write more, how to build an author career, publishing in 2025, writer motivation, character development, worldbuilding, creative mindset, writing community
EP.03 – Live from Comic-Con: Michael Kingston (Headlocked Comics) & John Goodwin (Writers of the Future / Galaxy Press)
In this special episode of The Writers Ritual, host Brianna Winner records live on the floor of San Diego Comic-Con from her booth, joined by guests Michael Kingston (Headlocked Comics, Tales from the Road) and John Goodwin (Writers and Illustrators of the Future, Galaxy Press) for a conversation about the business behind art, the heart behind stories, and what AI can’t replicate.
Michael Kingston, creator of the indie hit Headlocked Comics, shares how wrestling and comics collided into a career built on passion, persistence, and creative defiance.
John Goodwin, publisher of Writers and Illustrators of the Future and President of Galaxy Press, shares how the contest has launched some of today’s most visionary writers, defends human creativity in the AI era, and reflects on the wisdom he’s learned from some of the greatest authors who ever lived.
A conversation about authenticity, resilience, and why every great story begins with the courage to create.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction: Recorded on the floor at Comic-Con
01:25 – Michael Kingston and the Origins of Headlocked Comics
05:10 – Blending Wrestling and Storytelling
09:42 – Building an Indie Brand and Audience
14:28 – The Power of Community and Conventions
19:35 – John Goodwin Joins the Conversation
21:02 – The Legacy of Writers and Illustrators of the Future
27:18 – Lessons from Legends
32:11 – Creativity and the Human Creativity in the AI Era
36:44 – Advice for Emerging Writers and Artists
40:25 – The Spirit of Creative Persistence
Links
Website: headlockedcomic.com
Website: writersofthefuture.com
Website: writersritual.com
Keywords
Brianna Winner, The Writer’s Ritual, Comic-Con, writing, storytelling, creativity, AI, technology, art, Michael Kingston, Headlocked Comics, Tales from the Road, John Goodwin, Writers of the Future, Galaxy Press, indie comics, publishing, literary legacy, Ray Bradbury, Frank Herbert, Anne McCaffrey, resilience, authenticity, creative process, community, conventions, passion, podcast for writers, comic con
EP.02 – Horror That Heals: John Palisano on Fear as Inspiration and the Future of Writing & AI
In this episode of The Writers Ritual, host Brianna Winner talks with John Palisano, Bram Stoker Award–winning author, songwriter, and filmmaker, about using fear as inspiration, strengthening creativity, maintaining authenticity in the age of AI, and how horror and dark fiction can help us explore, transform, and heal.
From a bullied childhood to touring nationally with punk and rock bands and writing acclaimed novels, John shares how storytelling became both survival and transformation.
Together, they explore fear as a creative catalyst, the therapeutic nature of horror, the future and ethics of AI in writing, and the power of sincerity in a world of constant change.
A conversation about fear as fuel, art as transformation, authenticity as survival, and why the best stories are always written through courage.
Guest Links
Website: johnpalisano.com
Instagram: @johnpalisano
The Writer’s Ritual Website: writersritual.com
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and Personal Connections
02:36 – The Journey into Writing and Storytelling
05:25 – The Influence of Music and Film on Writing
08:21 – Transitioning from Music to Writing
11:07 – Exploring the Horror Genre
13:46 – The Evolution of Storytelling and Genre Blending
15:22 – The Impact of Technology on Storytelling
18:21 – The Role of Authenticity in Art
20:44 – Navigating the Challenges of AI in Creative Fields
22:59 – The Future of Storytelling and Community Engagement
39:58 – The Evolution of Writing Technology
41:53 – Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Technology
43:40 – Advice to My Younger Self
46:21 – The Emotional Toll of Writing and Reviews
50:45 – Daily Writing Rituals and Techniques
57:35 – The Therapeutic Nature of Horror
01:01:11 – Advice for Aspiring Writers
01:06:11 – The Importance of Community in Writing
Keywords
John Palisano, Brianna Winner, The Writer’s Ritual, writing, storytelling, horror, dark fiction, gothic, AI, technology, creativity, authenticity, community, publishing, mentorship, artistic process, emotional connection, reviews, horror genre, fear as inspiration, future of writing, writing and AI, horror that heals, podcast for writers
In this debut episode of Writer’s Ritual, host Brianna Winner sits down with renowned author and illustrator James A. Owen. Known for his inspiring series, Drawing Out the Dragons, James discusses his creative journey from self-publishing comic books as a teenager to becoming an acclaimed storyteller and motivational speaker. The conversation explores James’s early inspirations, his determination after a severe injury threatened his career, and his unique perspective on creativity, choice, and courage. Join Brianna and James as they examine how the stories we choose to tell shape not just our careers, but our entire lives.
______________________________________________________________________
(00:01:05) James's childhood influences and the start of his relationship with storytelling.
(00:04:58) Publishing his first story as a child and the significance of mixing mythologies early in life.
(00:06:22) James shares the memorable experience of bidding on his own childhood work on eBay.
(00:07:20) Reflecting on the cumulative power of choices throughout life.
(00:09:19) The pivotal books and myths that shaped James's early storytelling passion.
(00:12:39) James recalls meeting his writing heroes, Wendy and Richard Pini, at 14.
(00:13:26) Revisiting the bravery of his younger self to reinvigorate his present work.
(00:15:07) Experiences at his first Comic-Con and receiving unexpected support.
(00:19:57) Addressing how to maintain passion and resilience through life's challenges.
(00:26:57) James recounts the profound moment he anonymously joined a therapy group discussing his own book.
(00:30:38) Overcoming a severe injury that nearly ended his illustration career.
(00:36:37) Recovering and rebuilding his creative career through innovative thinking.
(00:47:15) James discusses the evolution of his creative process and returning to his roots.
(00:56:26) The significance of creating a creative space and surrounding oneself with inspirational objects.
(00:57:33) Introducing Biblioteca Fantastica, James's ambitious project to archive fantastic arts.
(01:03:21) James shares his daily practice of starting the day with joy to fuel creativity.
(01:08:49) Introducing the "Hundred Books Project," connecting historical literary figures to his fictional universe.
Writers Ritual Website:
James A. Owen Website:
James A. Owen on Patreon:
The Writers' Ritual shares a rare glimpse into the minds of today’s most acclaimed writers. Hosted by international bestselling author Brianna Winner, your favorite writers reveal their remarkable life stories, creative rituals, and the secrets that transform their ideas into powerful works.
The show features true masters of their craft—from novelists behind international bestsellers to screenwriters of major blockbusters, comic book creators who bring our favorite heroes to life, and poets whose words move our hearts.
Brianna Winner is an international bestselling and multiple award-winning author and educator. She is best known for over twenty published works co-authored with her identical twin under the pen name The Winner Twins, as well as her graphic novel collaborations with rock legends Joan Jett and the Grammy-winning hard rock band Halestorm.
Each episode offers both practical insight and profound wisdom about the art and craft of writing. Whether you're a writer yourself, a devoted reader, or simply fascinated by the minds behind the magic, subscribe now and join a growing community celebrating the transformative journey of putting words on the page.