The Darling Killers Podcast

Darlings AMA: Season 1 Edition

You asked, we answered! Allison, Laura, and Joan collected listener questions and they answer many via Q+A in the season finale of The Darling Killers Podcast. The authors cover a range of topics including traditional vs. self-publishing, genre/audience considerations, how to get started, and their favorite tips on writing. The hosts address the common fear of idea theft and provide advice on navigating the traditional publishing industry, whether you're just getting started or already in the middle of a successful self-publishing career. The authors share individualized writing advice, discuss finding time to write, and emphasize the importance of choosing projects with passion. (S1 E10) They'll be back this fall with The Darling Killers Podcast Season 2. Stay tuned, and follow the pod to keep posted on our next season here: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/] Takeaways * The importance of supportive friendships * Considerations for traditional vs. self-publishing * Genre and audience preferences for self-publishing Navigating the publishing industry requires caution and due diligence * Choosing writing projects with passion and dedication is essential for long-term success Chapters * 00:00 Genre and Audience Considerations * 23:52 Turning Ideas into Manuscripts * 29:55 Changing Expectations in Publishing * 34:54 Avoiding Negative Feedback * 41:19 Crafting and Editing * 47:42 Transition and Reflection * 56:24 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

A Dialogue on Dialogue

We talk about talking in the PENultimate episode of Season 1! Join Joan, Laura, and Allison as they chat all things on the impact of dialogue on reader experience. The co-hosts delve into the craft of effective dialogue, the role of nonverbal communication, and the importance of using it to drive the plot forward. As usual, they can't get through an episode without referencing a show. This time, they talk shows with great dialogue as well as the impact of screenplays on dialogue writing. Finally, the authors discuss their varied experience of writing scenes from different perspectives, including who visualizes scenes and who doesn't while writing. (S1 E9) Takeaways * Dialogue is a crucial element in storytelling * The visualization of scenes varies among writers Chapters * 00:00 Discussion on the Visualization of Scenes in Writing

What's Literary Citizenship?

Literary citizenship: What does it mean to be a good literary citizen, anyway? In this episode, Allison, Laura, and Joan chat about the concept of literary citizenship, what good support looks like, and the importance of community and collaboration in the literary world--along with its risks. The hosts also discuss the significance of book covers and the impact of small gestures of kindness in spreading positivity. (S1 E8) Takeaways * Literary citizenship involves actively participating in the literary community, supporting other authors, and promoting their work. * Authors can support each other by attending events, pre-ordering books, and engaging in positive interactions on social media. * The significance of small gestures of kindness, such as spreading positivity through small gifts and acts of support, is highlighted in the conversation. Chapters * 00:00 The Art of Literary Citizenship and Community Engagement

3 Traits to Cultivate After the Book Deal

Talent is only one part of the recipe for making it in traditional publishing. Join Allison, Laura, and Joan as they delve into three traits authors should foster to bolster their writing careers that go way beyond the book deal. Each host brings one personality trait with them to the chat, exploring the challenges and triumphs of having a working career in the publishing world. (S1 E7) Chapters * 00:00 The Power of Resilience * 08:44 Navigating the Publishing Industry * 34:23 The Role of Support and Community

Is Your Good Idea A Bad Book Concept?

Sometimes, the best ideas don't become the best books. Join Allison, Laura, and Joan in good book idea versus good book concepts. The authors discuss the challenges of generating ideas, the importance of query writing, and the hard reality of writing execution. Additionally, they answer a listener question about whether it's okay to use AI to draft publishing materials, highlighting recent studies on prioritizing creativity over using AI. (S1 E6) Takeaways * Outlining is beneficial for writing productivity * Reading back previous work helps with re-centering and avoiding repetition * The importance of testing and refining ideas before committing to writing * The significance of execution in writing and the impact of AI on creative tasks Chapters * 00:00 The Power of Outlining * 05:13 Idea vs. Concept: Navigating the Writing Process * 19:36 The Challenge of Generating Ideas * 26:36 The Importance of Query Writing and Execution