Creative Writing Wizard Podcast - Author Interviews

#14 - The Heart Behind Writing for Kids w/ Frances Wong

Monthly Encouragement in your inbox:https://creativewritingwizard.com/2025/10/28/how-i-consistently-get-into-a-writing-flow/Join the Creative Wizard Community:https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizardOn this episode of the Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, I’m joined by Frances Wong, children’s and middle-grade author, teacher, and indie publisher behind the Lexi Walker sci-fi adventure series and the holiday adventure Tasha’s Christmas Wish.We explore:- Her long road from discouraged young writer to confident indie author- Querying, self-publishing, and choosing the right publishing path- Why she edits with printed pages, pens, and a lot of Post-it notes- Using Save the Cat beats and flexible plotting for kidlit- Writing emotionally safe but high-stakes stories for children- Building resilience, agency, and relatability into young protagonists- How teaching shapes her storytelling and editing processFrances shares how a single image sparked the Lexi Walker series, why resilience is at the heart of all her stories, and how intentional storytelling can challenge young readers while still making them feel safe and supported.📚 Explore Frances Wong’s bookshttps://authorfranceswong.my.canva.site/home📸 Follow Frances Wong on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/author_frances_wong/✨ Enjoy these conversations? Subscribe for more author interviews, writing craft deep dives, and indie publishing perspectives.💡 Join the Creative Writing Wizard community:https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizard📖 Discover new indie book releases:https://creativewritingwizard.com/2024/11/18/indie-release-radarKeywordsFrances Wong, Lexi Walker, Children’s Sci-Fi, Middle Grade Author Interview, Indie Publishing, Save the Cat Writing, Plotting with Post-its, Writing for Kids, Resilience in Fiction, Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, Glen Weatherhead

#13 - How to Write Epic Fantasy w/ J.M. Testa

Monthly Encouragement in your inbox: https://creativewritingwizard.com/2025/10/28/how-i-consistently-get-into-a-writing-flow/ Join the Creative Wizard Community: https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizardOn this episode of the Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, I’m joined by J.M. Testa. indie fantasy author of The Destined Road, book one of her trilogy rooted in classic, Tolkien-inspired storytelling with a modern heart.We explore:- How she went from nonprofit & corporate work to publishing epic fantasy- Her visual-first approach to building worlds- Creating new fantasy races- Developing an original Elven language (and how she built it)- Writing female-led fantasy without stereotypes- The freedom, and challenges, of the indie publishing path- Writer’s block, subconscious drafting, and trusting your brain to problem-solveJess shares her journey crafting a trilogy that blends classic fantasy vibes with modern themes of compassion, identity, and community, plus what she’s learned about writing in visual layers, discovering story mid-draft, and building languages that deepen world immersion.📚 Read The Destined Roadhttps://jtesta.com📸 Follow J.M. Testa on Instagramhttps://instagram.com/jmtesta✨ Enjoy these conversations? Subscribe for more author interviews, writing process deep dives, and indie fantasy spotlights.💡 Join the Creative Writing Wizard community:https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizard📖 Explore new indie book releases:https://creativewritingwizard.com/2024/11/18/indie-release-radarReferences & MentionsVulgarLang – language creation tool used for Elven structuresHarness Magazine interview with J.M. Testa - https://harnessmagazine.com/jess-testa/  @writermakesvideos  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCbEyjRzucAU7cGExeU7m5Mg] - J.M. Testa on YouTubeKeywordsJ.M. Testa, The Destined Road, Indie Author Interview, Fantasy Trilogy, Worldbuilding, Elven Language, Map-Based Writing, Creative Writing, Indie Publishing, Classic Fantasy, Tolkien Inspired, Noblebright Fantasy, Women in Fantasy, Queer Fantasy, Writing Tips, Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, Glen Weatherhead, BODY Novella

#12 - Empowering Writers & The Founding of StoryForge

Voices Like These, StoryForge's First Anthology: https://storyforge.com/anthology Encouragement for Your Writing Journey: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1wt_ImXMFeZCjaHfykdZYN0nEVDdzH8dIn this episode of the Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, I’m joined by Sabrina Rucker, CEO and founder of StoryForge, a new publishing platform built to empower writers through community, transparency, and modern publishing tools.We explore:- Sabrina’s early journey as a writer and her challenges in traditional publishing- How those experiences inspired the creation of StoryForge- What makes StoryForge different from other indie platforms- The upcoming StoryForge Anthology Project and its purpose- The platform’s stance on AI in publishing and ethical considerations- Why community feedback is vital to writer growth- Sabrina’s advice for aspiring authors t- Sabrina shares her insights on building a community-first model for publishing, what’s next for StoryForge, and how writers can take control of their creative futures.📚 Explore StoryForge & updates: https://storyforge.com🎥 Follow StoryForge on YouTube:  @_storyforge  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCoAPWNYmEJZuUVnmHieU8yQ] ✨ Like this conversation? Subscribe for more!💡 Support the Creative Writing Wizard efforts & indie author community:https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizard📖 Discover more indie fantasy & creative writing content:https://creativewritingwizard.comChapters00:00 Introduction to StoryForgeand Sabrina Rucker01:29 Sabrina's Journey as a Writer04:58 The Birth of StoryForge06:54 How StoryForge Supports Writers09:37 The Anthology Project12:20 Future Publishing Paths with StoryForge15:15 Differentiating StoryForge from Traditional Publishing19:50 The Stance on AI in Publishing26:10 Advice for Aspiring Writers31:10:26 Future Developments and Closing Thoughts🎵 Intro & outro music written & recorded by Glen WeatherheadKeywordsStoryforge, Sabrina Rucker, Writing Community, Publishing, Indie Publishing, Writer Support, AI in Publishing, Anthology, Feedback, Creative Writing, Author Interview, Creative Writing Wizard Podcast

#11 - From Indie Author to NYT Bestseller - J.D. Barker

On this episode of the Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, I’m joined by J.D. Barker - New York Times and internationally bestselling author, co-writer of Dracul with Dacre Stoker, and a former ghostwriter turned thriller master.We dive deep into:- Going from ghostwriter & “book doctor” to bestselling author- How writing with James Patterson changed his process- Pantsing vs. plotting (and how blurbs guide his novels)- Lessons from Dracul, The Noise, and Flatliners: Resurrection- The rise of rapid-release publishing and hybrid author models- Advice from Dean Koontz on blending genres with a common threadJ.D. shares his journey from finance and 60+ hour workweeks to taking an all-in gamble on writing, plus what he’s learned about sustaining a creative career, paying it forward, and finding co-authors with the “storyteller gene.”📚 Explore J.D. Barker’s books & updates: https://jdbarker.com🎥 Watch more from J.D. on YouTube: @jdbarker_author✨ Like this conversation? Subscribe for more interviews with authors and writers! 💡 Support the Creative Writing Wizard efforts & indie author community:https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizard📖 Discover more indie releases:https://creativewritingwizard.com/2024/11/18/indie-release-radarReferences & MentionsFlatliners: Resurrection – upcoming reboot & publishing buzz:https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/05/30/3091166/0/en/J-D-Barker-s-FLATLINERS-RESURRECTION-Complete-and-Expected-to-Generate-Major-Bidding-War.htmlDracul (with Dacre Stoker) – interview via LAPL:https://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/blogs/lapl/interview-author-dacre-stoker-jd-barkerEarly career as a Ghostwriter/Book Doctor – Meet the Thriller Author:https://get.thrillingreads.com/jd-barker-interview/#:~:text=cover%20when%20I%20was%20working,a%20book%20on%20my%20ownWriting with Autism & blurb-first approach – The Art of Autism interview:https://the-art-of-autism.com/new-york-times-international-bestselling-author-j-d-barkers-insight-on-writing-autism/#:~:text=16,between%20thriller%2C%20suspense%2C%20and%20horrorRolling Stone article on Pantsers vs. Plotters:https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/great-writing-divide-inside-creative-battle-between-plotters-pantsers-1235275412/@thecreativepenn Podcast – casting a wider net:https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2025/06/09/casting-a-wider-net-jd-barker/🎵 Intro & outro music written & recorded by Glen WeatherheadKeywordsJ.D. Barker, Creative Writing, Thriller, Suspense, Horror, Writing Process, Outlining vs. Pantsing, James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Ghostwriter, Book Doctor, Dracul, Flatliners, Publishing Industry, Hybrid Author, Indie Publishing, Writing Tips, Storytelling, Character Development, Creative Career, Creative Writing Wizard Podcast

#10 - Realizing the Author Dream w/ Shaye Wick

In this episode of the Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, we chat with thriller author Shaye Wick, who at just 24 has already published multiple books with another on the way! Shaye shares her rapid writing process (40,000 words in just two days!), navigating dark themes, and her journey from hobby writer to published author.We cover:- Transitioning from casual reading to rapid-fire writing- Crafting psychological thrillers from a villain's perspective- Balancing intense themes with engaging storytelling- The challenges and triumphs of self-publishing- Leveraging social media to build an audience📚 Connect with Shaye Wick:TikTok & Instagram: Follow Shaye for thriller content and updates!📚 Connect with Shaye Wick:TikTok & Instagram: Follow Shaye for thriller content and updates! - https://www.tiktok.com/@shaye_wick - https://www.instagram.com/shaye_wick/ - Book 1: The Realtor: Demi’s Misfortune https://a.co/d/9bJXJth - Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/Realtor-Ellas-Execution-Book-ebook/dp/B0DZ3NNLQY?ref_=ast_author_dp 🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, comment your questions for Shaye, and subscribe for more author insights!✨ Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizard