From Content Creator to Crime Drama Novelist: ZacK Slingsby's Debut Author Journey

From Content Creator to Crime Drama Novelist: ZacK Slingsby's Debut Author Journey

In this episode of BookCraft, I'm joined by debut author Zack Slingsby for a conversation about writing, publishing, and building a creative career in today's ever-changing media landscape. Zack shares his journey from creating digital content to writing and publishing his upcoming crime drama novel, The Ballad of the Gangster's Daughter (Post Hill Press / Simon & Schuster, July 28, 2026). We talk about finding the right genre, developing memorable characters, and bringing your writing into the world. We also dive into the realities of book marketing, reaching readers in a crowded marketplace, and how the rise of digital media and audiobooks is changing the publishing industry. Zack has unique insights into the creative process, the lessons he's learning along the way, and what it's like preparing to launch a debut novel, all while balancing the work of his King Jester digital comedy platform. This was a fantastic episode to record and Zack’s perspective on why readers love to not only read books but make the choice to buy them is a refreshing take, especially with the competition in the online book spaces to stand out and create fans for your work. Find Zack and his work online at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zackslingsby/ [https://www.instagram.com/zackslingsby/] Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/56mst49f [https://tinyurl.com/56mst49f] His comedic company is King Jester: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingjesterofficial/ [https://www.instagram.com/kingjesterofficial/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kingjesterofficial [https://www.youtube.com/@kingjesterofficial] Human Factor Media - https://humanfactormedia.com [https://humanfactormedia.com] If you are in Nashville, he’ll be doing an event at Parnassus Books! Parnassus Books - https://parnassusbooks.net [https://parnassusbooks.net] Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Comedy 03:03 The Journey of Writing and MFA Experience 05:58 Exploring the Crime Drama Genre 08:53 Writing Process: Pantsing vs. Plotting 12:04 Book Promotion and Marketing Strategies 15:06 The Role of Audiobooks in Modern Publishing 17:52 Finding Readers in a Saturated Market 21:08 Character Development and Literary Techniques 24:13 Conclusion and Author's Online Presence

Reading Retreats are Magic - even Martha Stewart Agrees

In this episode of Bookcraft, I’m taking you behind the scenes of hosting a reading retreat and sharing everything I learned from creating a cozy, restorative experience for book lovers. We talk about choosing the right location, planning the logistics, creating a relaxing atmosphere, and all the little details that make guests feel cared for — from meals and comfort touches to encouraging people to truly unplug and slow down for a weekend. I also share why I think reading retreats are about so much more than just books. They’re an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, step away from the constant noise of everyday life, and spend intentional time resting, reading, and being present. Plus, of course, we add some fun extras like chocolate making - yum!! If you’ve ever dreamed about attending a reading retreat, hosting one yourself, or simply creating more space for rest and creativity in your life, this episode is for you. So grab your biggest mug of coffee or tea, get cozy, and let’s talk all things reading retreats.

Author Notes: Kickstarter, Retreats, and the Reality of Indie Publishing

Welcome back to Bookcraft and to another episode of Author Notes, where I share what I’m learning in real time as an indie author balancing writing, publishing, events, and all the moving pieces in between. In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s been happening lately — from organizing literary retreats and planning future events, to exploring Kickstarter as a way to help fund and grow my book series. I talk about what I’m learning about crowdfunding for authors, why pre-launch support matters so much on Kickstarter, and some of the things indie authors should think about before launching a campaign. I also share a few lessons from working on book two, the challenges of balancing writing with marketing and community-building. Plus some thoughts on the ongoing ARC and early review conversations happening in the publishing world right now. This episode is honest, practical, and a little bit of a creative life update all rolled into one. If you’re an indie author, aspiring writer, or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes of publishing and literary events, I hope you’ll find something helpful here. And I’m also very excited for more interviews coming up in Season 2. 💛 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Bookcraft Podcast 01:00 Events and Retreats: A Creative Journey 04:13 Kickstarter Insights: Crowdfunding for Authors 08:08 Writing Process: Lessons Learned from Book Two 11:56 Community and Networking: The Author's Dilemma 16:08 ARC Controversies: The Challenges of Early Reviews 24:00 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Podcast Updates Resources Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/ [https://www.kickstarter.com/] StoryGraph - https://app.thestorygraph.com/ [https://app.thestorygraph.com/] Draft2Digital - https://draft2digital.com/ [https://draft2digital.com/] Barnes & Noble Publishing - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/ [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/] NetGalley - https://www.netgalley.com/ [https://www.netgalley.com/] Don't have a copy of my debut novel yet? Never fear you can find it here: https://www.colleenheidecker.com/ [https://www.colleenheidecker.com/]

Season 2 - Writing Retreats, Messy Edits, and Finding Your Focus

In this episode of Bookcraft, I’m sharing a little behind-the-scenes look at what’s been happening lately — from a cozy writing retreat to some very real lessons learned while editing a long manuscript. I recently spent time at a writing retreat that I hosted, and it reminded me just how powerful it is to step away from everyday life and give yourself space to focus. No laundry, no distractions — just time to think, write, edit, and actually move your projects forward. I talk about what we worked on, why these environments are so impactful, and what I’m thinking about for future retreats. We also dive into my editing process (including tackling a 75-chapter manuscript 😅), what’s working, what’s not, and how I’m approaching restructuring, plot inconsistencies, and writing out of order. I share some honest reflections on the mental load of big creative projects, plus a few practical things that are helping — like using dictation during long drives and staying consistent even when life gets busy. This episode is a mix of cozy retreat vibes, real talk about the writing process, and a reminder that creativity doesn’t happen by accident, it happens when we make space for it. If you’re a writer, a reader, or somewhere in between, I think you’ll find something in here for you. Find my debut novel Undercurrents of Love on my website: https://www.colleenheidecker.com/ [https://www.colleenheidecker.com/]

Readers love events too!

Hello Book Crafters! Today I wanted to chat about reader events, how to think about them and create them. I have been offering events for years as I've always worked in Hospitality. But, I had to put myself into the mind of a reader that wanted to invest in an event like a retreat and find a way to better communicate all the exciting things that will happen at the event. Plus, we're going international next year! May 2027 we're going on a Reading Retreat to the Bahamas. I can't wait to be your guide for an epic adventure! Let me know too, what are some events that you love.