Author Lessons I learned in 2025

Become a Better Writer With Feedback

In this episode, Tanner talks about how seeking out feedback has helped him bcome a better writer and audiobook narrator. Connect with the show at https://www.killerprose.com Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/9ZnxYbJj Email me at killerpenbooks@gmail.com Follow my work at https://www.tannerrutledgebooks.com Holly's Writing Classes: https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/ Autocrit: https://www.autocrit.com/ Pro Writing Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/ Speaks and Squeaks Audiobook Narration / Alice Sockett Audio IG: https://www.instagram.com/alicesockettaudio/reels/ Find Philip Tetlock's book at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=expert+political+judgment&adgrpid=185084504103&hvadid=792698172367&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9013250&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=10890679551762733175--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10890679551762733175&hvtargid=kwd-302029149257&hydadcr=4574_13551743_2437509&mcid=9f8838a2178930258d8c92023f0a3c14&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_w7oyl1kqk_e

Audiobook Narration: From Setup to Performance

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner shares his one-year journey into audiobook narration. He details his initial struggles with recording quality and his gradual shift from podcasting to high-quality VO work. Tanner gets into the technical and financial aspects of setting up a professional recording environment, debunking myths about costly setups. He offers practical advice on equipment, room treatment, and skill development, explaining how he created a professional VO booth on a budget. Tanner also discusses the benefits of producing audio-first content, allowing for a direct connection with audiences and bypassing traditional publishing channels. 00:00 Introduction to Audiobook Narration 00:58 Setting Up a Professional Recording Studio 02:05 Differences Between Podcasting and Audiobook Narration 03:11 Building a Home Studio on a Budget 09:16 Improving Your Voice Acting Skills 10:39 Embracing Audio-First Content 13:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.com Connect with me and sign up for my newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/ Email me at: killerpenbooks@gmail.com Connect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfright Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/ VO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1 Joe Zieja's Voice Acting Academy: https://learnvoiceacting.com/

Author Lessons I learned in 2025

Wow, I really missed the mark on some of my 2025 goals. In this episode, I talk about what went wrong, what went right, and what I learned along the way. 00:00 Intro 00:54 Goals and Challenges: A Year in Review 01:42 Rewriting and Retitling: The Creative Process 03:27 Lessons Learned from Podcasting and Writing 07:14 Looking Ahead: Goals for 2026 09:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.com Connect with me and sign up for my newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/ Email me at: killerpenbooks@gmail.com Connect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfright Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1

Supercharge Writing Productivity with Dictation

In this episode, Tanner discusses how dictation has significantly improved his writing speed, doubling or tripling his output in the first draft stage. He shares his initial challenges and the benefits he discovered, such as increased productivity and more effective use of liminal times. He provides practical tips for getting started with dictation using simple tools like a smartphone and earbuds, and highlights the pros and cons of incorporating dictation into a writer's workflow. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 The Struggles of Typing and Initial Attempts at Dictation 02:12 Overcoming Dictation Challenges 03:31 Dictation Success and Increased Productivity 04:39 Pros and Cons of Dictation 06:34 Setting Up for Dictation 08:00 Practical Tips for Effective Dictation 11:44 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.com Connect with Tanner and sign up for the newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/ Check out the merch and support the show at: https://www.killerprose.com/store Email me at: killerpenbooks@gmail.com Connect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfright Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1

Middle Grade Horror with Author John Ward

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner sits down with John Ward, author of the Scareville series, to discuss the nuances of writing middle-grade and adult horror. John shares his journey into writing, including early influences like Goosebumps, his writing process, and how he approaches crafting horror stories for younger audiences. They get into the challenges of transitioning between middle-grade and adult horror, the importance of updating horror for modern audiences, and practical advice for new writers. The episode also covers John's new projects, including his upcoming adult horror novel, 'Black and Heart, Black and Soul.' Then, Tanner provides updates on creating a writer's community, moving live writing sprints to Discord, and his own experiences with using dictation to enhance productivity. 00:00 Happy Halloween and Introduction 01:07 Meet John Ward: Middle Grade Horror Author 01:25 John Ward's Writing Journey 03:21 Crafting Middle Grade Horror 05:06 Challenges and Insights in Writing for Young Audiences 12:05 Transitioning to Adult Horror 16:41 The Importance of Book Covers 24:30 John Ward's Upcoming Projects 25:34 Advice for Aspiring Horror Writers 26:28 Tanner's Writing and Show Updates Connect with John and find his books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BZBG9DQN?ccs_id=4f6c145e-5a67-4996-8ee7-1e7534f1e303 Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.com Connect with Tanner and sign up for the newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/ Check out the merch and support the show at: https://www.killerprose.com/store Email me at: writingfright@gmail.com Connect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfright Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/killerprosepodcast