SPS-457: Craft is King (Again)

SPS-459: Your Book As An AI Movie (Part 2)

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca conclude their two-part conversation with Michael Evans, founder of Creatorwood. They delve deeper into how AI is transforming books into cinematic experiences, discussing the practical realities of creating feature-length films, the current limitations of AI video, and how authors can use visual storytelling to reach new audiences. Michael also shares his vision for the future of AI-powered entertainment and how authors can position their intellectual property for the next wave of publishing innovation. At the start of the episode, James also announces that SPS Live 2027 tickets will be launching soon and reminds listeners about the exclusive Creatorwood giveaway, with 1,000 free viewings of the AI feature film adaptation of David Viergutz's Scare Mail. Key Talking Points * Part 2 of the interview with Michael Evans, founder of Creatorwood * Turning books into feature-length AI-generated films * The opportunities and limitations of AI filmmaking today * Choosing which stories are best suited to visual adaptation * Building new revenue streams from your intellectual property * The future of AI-powered entertainment for authors * Why story remains more important than technology * Creatorwood's vision for connecting authors directly with audiences * Announcement of SPS Live 2027 dates and ticket launch * Creatorwood giveaway: 1,000 free viewings of Scare Mail Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid – https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] * Creatorwood: https://www.creatorwood.tv/homepage [https://www.creatorwood.tv/homepage] * Free Scare Mail viewing giveaway: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/creatorwood [https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/creatorwood]

SPS-458: Your Book As An AI Movie (Part 1)

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca are joined by Michael Evans, founder of Creatorwood, for Part 1 of a two-part discussion about using AI to turn books into trailers, short films and feature-length adaptations. They also discuss developmental editing, author voice and improving your craft. Part 2 arrives next Friday, when the giveaway link will be shared. Creatorwood is offering 1,000 free viewings of its adaptation of David Viergutz's Scare Mail, with Patreon subscribers receiving early access. Key Talking Points: * How Creatorwood turns books into films * AI video opportunities for authors * Book trailers and short-form marketing * Developmental editing and author voice * Part 2 and the Scare Mail giveaway Links & Resources Mentioned: ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] Creatorwood: https://www.creatorwood.tv/homepage [https://www.creatorwood.tv/homepage]

SPS-457: Craft is King (Again)

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca argue that as AI makes it easier than ever to produce competent books, craft is becoming an author's greatest competitive advantage. They explore why developing a distinctive voice, creating emotionally resonant stories, and continually refining your writing matter more than ever. Alongside the discussion on craft, they also cover the latest AI developments, compare tools like Claude, ChatGPT and Fable, and share practical advice on using technology without losing the human qualities that make readers fall in love with books. Key Talking Points * Why craft is making a comeback in the age of AI * How a distinctive author voice sets your books apart from AI-generated content * What "voice" really means—and practical ways to develop your own * Why emotionally resonant writing creates the word-of-mouth every author wants * The difference between writing quickly, writing slowly, and writing well * How editors and writing coaches should strengthen your unique style, not standardise it * Understanding that improving craft looks different for every writer * The influence of TikTok and shareable reading moments on modern storytelling * The latest updates from Fable, Claude and other AI tools * Choosing the right AI subscription and building an effective workflow Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] * Claude AI: https://claude.ai [https://claude.ai/] * ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com [https://chatgpt.com/] * Google Gemini: https://gemini.google.com [https://gemini.google.com/] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com [https://www.tiktok.com/] * Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com [https://www.anthropic.com/]

SPS-456: The Robot Read My Backlist

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca dive into the next wave of AI tools for authors, focusing on Fable and the rise of agentic AI. They explore how these new tools can ingest an author's entire backlist, create series bibles, analyse metadata, support developmental editing, and become long-term business assistants rather than simple chatbots. Along the way, they share updates on their own writing projects, discuss practical AI workflows, and look at how tools like ChatGPT's new Sites feature are rapidly changing what authors can build without coding. Key Talking Points * What is Fable and how does it differ from traditional AI chatbots? * Agentic AI and why it's a game-changer for author businesses * Building a series bible from an entire backlist * Using AI for developmental editing and metadata optimisation * Why authors should ingest their content while pricing remains low * James shares how AI is helping him plot Book 5 without writing it for him * Practical examples of AI organising story structure and chapter planning * The real costs of AI-powered publishing workflows * Creating AI "decision filters" to avoid shiny object syndrome and stay focused Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] * Claude Fable 5: claude.ai - just open claude.ai (or the desktop/mobile app) and pick it from the model dropdown. * Patreon: learnselfpublishing.com/support — where listeners can sign up for the Indie Writers Club Patreon (tiers: Quirky Friend $5/mo, Reliable Narrator $10/mo, Main Character $15/mo). * https://youtu.be/Dd7FixvoKBw?si=dGSQ65NIC9Y7EkEK [https://youtu.be/Dd7FixvoKBw?si=dGSQ65NIC9Y7EkEK] * https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/fable-download [https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/fable-download]

SPS-455: Lessons From Rock 'n' Roll

Episode Summary This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca welcome author and former music industry executive Jack Williamson to discuss what authors can learn from the entertainment industry. Jack shares how a career spanning 17 years in music, followed by psychotherapy, inspired his transition into writing fiction, and why storytelling, branding, and understanding genre expectations are essential for building an author career. The conversation explores lessons from the music business, creating immersive reader experiences, writing authentic romance, and how authors can think more like entertainers when launching books. Key Talking Points * Jack Williamson's journey from the music industry to indie publishing * What authors can learn from the music business about building an audience * Why storytelling is at the heart of every successful creative career * Writing authentic romance inspired by real-life experiences * The importance of understanding genre expectations and reader promise * Building a book launch that extends beyond the novel itself * Using original music and multimedia to enhance the reader experience * Branding lessons authors can borrow from musicians and performers * The value of treating your author career as a long-term creative business * SPS banter covering football, conferences, and the indie author community Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/]