The Delos Diaries

Taylor Ann Wright on Second Editions, AuthorTube & Mastering Storytelling

Are you an aspiring author navigating the exciting world of publishing and online presence? Join Paul Delos Santos in a captivating conversation with author and YouTuber Taylor Ann Wright as she shares her unique writing journey, from childhood stories to reinventing her published work. Discover Taylor Ann's early love for reading and writing as an only child, fueling her imagination and developing her storytelling instincts. Learn how she adapted her eighth-grade book into her debut novel and why she's now undertaking the ambitious project of completely rewriting it for a second edition. In this episode, Taylor Ann reveals: * The invaluable lessons learned from her first publishing experience included the crucial role of editing, beta readers, and early feedback. * Her evolved drafting process now includes multiple drafts and a unique color-coded highlighting system for revisions. * The surprising joy and rediscovered passion that come from rewriting a familiar story with new skills and deeper understanding. * Insights into the AuthorTube community, how it supports writers and her advice on being authentic while navigating the public eye. * Her philosophy on balancing perfectionism with the need to hit "publish" and how to remind yourself that your work is "good enough." * The challenge of writing with reader expectations in mind versus staying true to the story and characters. * A glimpse into her future projects, including a romance novel that defies common tropes like the "third-act breakup" and other genre explorations. Whether you're starting your first draft, considering self-publishing, or looking for motivation on your writing journey, Taylor Ann Wright offers candid advice and a refreshing perspective on the creative process.

Aaron Ryan – World-Building, Pantsing & Post-Apocalyptic Saga

Join Paul Delos Santos as he speaks with author Aaron Ryan, whose unique journey from childhood storytelling to acclaimed sci-fi sagas is packed with invaluable insights. In this episode, you'll learn: * How early influences like J.R.R. Tolkien shaped Aaron's passion for writing and grand narratives. * His meticulous approach to world-building in his "Dissonance" series, ensuring "verisimilitude" by blending real-world locations with post-apocalyptic visions. * The surprising benefits of being a "pantser," allowing characters and story to organically lead the narrative. * Why thorough research is crucial even for fiction, helping to avoid "plot holes" and keep readers immersed. * How to manage sprawling narratives and maintain consistency across multiple books and characters. * Aaron's exciting new Christian post-apocalyptic saga, "The End," explores humanity's greatest conflicts amidst a global crisis. Tune in for an insightful discussion that delves into the depths of creative writing, character development, and the art of constructing compelling fictional worlds.

Lynn D. Jung on Querying, AuthorTube & The Authentic Writing Journey

Join Paul Delos Santos in a dynamic conversation with Lynn D. Jung, whose inspiring journey from childhood storyteller to agented author illuminates the evolving landscape of writing and publishing. Episode Notes: * Lynn D. shares her early start in writing, beginning in elementary school with stories about time-traveling kids and dinosaurs, reflecting a childhood fascination with imaginative worlds. * She discusses her transition into the AuthorTube community, noting its evolution from a focus on writing craft to a more authentic documentation of the writer's journey and lifestyle. * Lynn D. recounts her challenging experience with traditional publishing, including an initial agented YA project that "died on submission" due to the pandemic and potentially needing more work. She then pivoted to adult fantasy with her project Moth's Blood after realizing YA might not be her niche. * She provides a detailed overview of the querying process, emphasizing the importance of a strong query letter, synopsis, polished sample pages, and meticulous agent research. She shares her success in receiving multiple offers of representation for Moth's Blood. * Lynn D. discusses identifying publishing trends, such as dark academia and emerging gothic/cyberpunk fantasy, and the strategic timing required due to publishing's slow pace. * She highlights what makes a great writing vlog: authenticity, showing both successes and struggles ("the good and the bad"), and self-reflection, which viewers highly respond to. * Lynn D. emphasizes that overcoming the fear of publishing and critique comes from personal growth and finding community. She advises aspiring writers to "embrace the mindset that you are a writer" regardless of publication status. * Her top advice for new writers is to "have fun with it!", pursuing ideas that bring joy, as this passion is crucial for developing craft and perseverance. * Lynn D.'s debut novel, Moth'sblood, a dark academia fantasy, is set to be released in Fall 2026. Learn More about Lynn here: https://linktr.ee/lynndjung [https://linktr.ee/lynndjung] Follow her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@lynndjung/ [https://www.youtube.com/@lynndjung/] The Delos Diaries Socials Twitter/X: PaulDelos_ Instagram: PaulDelos TikTok: PaulDelos YouTube: @DelosDiaries

Eric Maynard on AI, Author Branding & Creative Versatility

Join Paul Delos Santos as he speaks with author and creative Eric Maynard, whose versatile background informed his approach to writing and leveraging technology. Discover his insightful journey into streamlining the creative process with AI and building a strong online author presence Episode Notes: * Eric shares how his natural inclination for creativity, from restaurant design to website building, led him to writing, often inspired by observations of small-town life. * He discusses his writing journey, noting that his first book took "an ungodly amount of time" but subsequent books were quicker, thanks to developing consistent habits and leveraging tools. * Eric highlights the role of AI tools like Grammarly in streamlining the editing process, particularly for grammar, allowing him to focus more on storytelling. * He provides a nuanced view on AI in writing: seeing it as a powerful tool for research, ideation (e.g., image generation for fantasy worlds), and mundane tasks like summaries or outlines, but emphasizing that AI should not replace human creativity in fiction. * A unique parallel is drawn between the intentional design of a restaurant kitchen (understanding flow, functionality, and purpose) and the structured creation of a book. * Eric stresses the vital importance of an author's online presence, recommending a dedicated website (like WordPress) for control, direct sales, and audience connection, especially as social media platforms evolve. * He advises authors to intentionally build their brand by aligning their content with their writing persona, acknowledging that one's brand can evolve over a career. * Eric also discusses his other ventures, including a podcast for dads ("Call with Dads") and a learning community for homeschoolers ("HomeSor").

Bill McCormick – From Ghost Stories to Global Thrillers

Join Paul Delos Santos as he speaks with author Bill McCormick, whose diverse life experiences shaped his award-winning thrillers and mysteries. Discover his fascinating journey from childhood ghost stories to crafting suspenseful narratives across global settings. Episode Notes: * The Genesis of a Storyteller: How early interests in the unknown and spooky led Bill to become a thriller and mystery writer. * Crafting the Perfect Mystery: Bill explains the importance of keeping readers engaged, "playing fair" with clues, and the unique "how-catch-them" subgenre. * Global Settings, Authentic Stories: Discover how his extensive travels and residencies in Eastern Europe (Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, Estonia) provide rich, realistic backdrops for his fictional worlds and why using an "outsider" protagonist can be a powerful narrative device. * The Pantser's Approach: Bill details his writing method of knowing the beginning and end, then allowing his characters to drive the plot organically. * Overcoming Procrastination: Practical advice on establishing a daily writing routine and finding a dedicated space to write. * The Power of Short Stories: Why writing short fiction is an excellent way to hone your craft, gain early successes, and improve your novel-writing skills. * The Value of Feedback: Bill emphasizes the crucial role of writer's groups and constructive criticism for tightening your writing and staying motivated. Whether you're struggling to start your first short story or looking to add more thrills to your novel, Bill McCormick offers invaluable insights.