Killer Prose

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 boks 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

Story Evolution and Writing Processes with R.M. Galardo

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner sits down with author R.M. Galardo to discuss her latest book, 'Traveler,' and its development from her initial work, 'Sister.' They talk about the complexities of series writing, exploring how 'Heirloom' evolved into 'Traveler' and the lessons learned during the writing journey. The conversation also highlights the importance of writing courses and communities, particularly Holly's Writing Classes, and the specific tools, like the Octopus Map used for plotting. Tanner wraps things up by sharing updates on his own writing process and the practicality of using dictation to manage workload and boost productivity. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:05 Welcome Back, Rebecca Lardo 01:17 The Journey from 'Sister' to 'Traveler' 02:05 Challenges and Rewrites 04:00 Planning the Series Arc 05:23 Character Development and Revisions 07:03 Writing Techniques and Inspirations 10:33 Balancing Artistic Vision and Market Demands 23:53 Balancing Creativity and Commerce 25:38 The Importance of Community in Writing 28:59 Navigating Critique Groups 31:25 Developing a Writing Process 34:25 Consistency and Motivation in Writing 40:37 Exploring Dictation for Writing 44:47 Upcoming Projects and Announcements Links: Intro & Outro music: Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Connect with R.M. Garlardo at https://www.rmgalardo.com/ Check out Holly's Writing Classes at https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/ Sign up for the free Flash Fiction Course at https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/course/how-to-write-flash-fiction-that-doesnt-suck-the-free-class/ Checkout my author website and sign up for the newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/ Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.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 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/killerprosepodcast Time Management Episode: https://www.killerprose.com/managing-your-most-valuable-resource-as-a-writer-time/

Essential Resources for Writers 2025: Updates and Tools

In this episode of the Killer Pros podcast, Tanner updates listeners on his list of resources for writers in 2025. Tanner discusses valuable tools and platforms he uses for every stage of the writing process, from learning and drafting to editing and marketing. The episode includes his go-to classes, writing communities, and podcasts, as well as essential software and services for writing and publishing, such as Scrivener, AutoCrit, and ProWritingAid. Tanner also provides updates about changes to the podcast schedule and his website, focusing on making more time for Truly Odd and other writing projects. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates 02:34 2025 List of Writing Resources 02:44 Recommended Writing Classes 07:51 Podcasts and Blogs for Writers 12:41 Essential Books for Writers 15:51 Writing and Editing Software 19:11 Cover Design Tips 21:19 Marketing Strategies for Authors 26:54 Conclusion and Social Media My Author Website: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/ Email the show at killerpenbooks@gmail.com Links to Resources Classes * Holly's Writing Classes: https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/ * Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/ * Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/ Podcasts * Helping Writers Become Authors: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/ * Writers Ink: https://writersinkpodcast.com/ * Self Publishing Insiders: https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/category/self-publishing-insiders-podcast/ * The Creative Penn: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/the-creative-penn-podcast-for-authors/ * The Writer Files: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writer-files-writing-productivity-creativity/id984527862 * Writer's Routine: https://writersroutinedotcom.wordpress.com/ * Novel Marketing: https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/ * The Night Crew: https://www.bradricks.com/podcast Books * Successful Self Publishing  by Joanna Penn (free): https://a.co/d/iNH5W97 * The Anatomy of Genres by John Truly: https://a.co/d/2C0KnE5 * How to Write A Mystery edited by Lee Childs from Mystery Writers of America: https://a.co/d/gyyUwO5 * On Writing Horror from HWA: https://a.co/d/agbWqmN Software * Scrivianar: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/ * AutoCrit: https://www.autocrit.com/ * Pro Writing Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/ * Atticus: https://www.atticus.io/ Cover Design * Get Covers Design: https://getcovers.com/ * Melbart: https://miblart.com/ * Ruth anna evens cover design: https://sites.google.com/view/ruthannaevans/home?authuser=0 * The cover collection: https://www.thecovercollection.com/ Marketing * Book Bub: Author pages: https://authorwebsites.bookbub.com/ * Tertulia: https://tertulia.com/ * Story Origin: https://storyoriginapp.com/ * Kitt: https://kit.com/ * Substack: https://substack.com/ * Writer Word Media: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/

Behind the Scenes: Setting Up My Author Brand

In this episode of the Killer Pros podcast, Tanner provides an update on his time management strategies, leading to significant progress in his writing and author brand development. Tanner discusses his upcoming debut novel, the transition from writing 'Hant' to focusing on the 'Whisper Hollow Mystery' series, and the essential steps in setting up his author brand and publishing business. He touches on the complexities of ISBN acquisition, the importance of audiobooks, and the need for meticulous budget planning. Additionally, Tanner mentions the valuable writing courses he is taking to enhance his manuscript revision process. The episode concludes with teasers for future solo episodes focused on writing craft and a special 2025 resources list for writers. 00:00 Introduction and Time Management Update 01:04 Preparing for the First Book Release 02:28 Pivoting Book Releases and Author Brand 05:57 Setting Up Your Author Brand 09:39 Budgeting and ISBNs 14:12 Audiobooks and Distribution 14:52 Writing Courses and Resources 17:09 Upcoming Episodes and Conclusion Intro & Outro music: Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Checkout my author website and sign up for the newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/ Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.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 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/killerprosepodcast Check out Holly's Writing Classes at https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/ Time Management Episode: https://www.killerprose.com/managing-your-most-valuable-resource-as-a-writer-time/

Managing Your Most Valuable Resource as a Writer: Time

In this episode of the Killer Podcast, Tanner shares insights on how writers can take control of their time to enhance productivity and achieve their long-term goals. Tanner discusses his personal experience with time management, including how his chaotic day job and family life led him to conduct a time audit. He explains three powerful strategies: time audits to track where your time is going, time blocking to schedule important activities, and list-making to stay focused. Tanner also shares practical tips on identifying time-wasting activities, streamlining tasks, and ensuring that personal and family time are prioritized. Additionally, he offers a glimpse into his writing journey and emphasizes the importance of simplifying tools and tech to maintain focus on writing goals. 00:00 Introduction 03:00 The Importance of Time Audits 05:32 Analyzing and Adjusting Your Schedule 11:13 Implementing Time Blocking 14:36 Creating Effective To-Do Lists 18:32 Personal Updates and Future Plans 21:51 Conclusion and Call to Action Intro & Outro music: Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.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