In this conversation, special guest Sue A. Fairchild and I discuss the essential aspects of starting and running a successful editing business. We explore the importance of understanding one's purpose in editing, the necessary investments in education and time, and the critical questions aspiring editors should ask themselves. The discussion also covers identifying specific editing skills, determining pricing and speed, and the significance of building strong relationships with authors. If you want to learn how to start (or restart) an editing business, or just want to peek behind the curtain, this episode is for you.Bio: Sue A. Fairchild has been helping new and established authors perfect their stories for over ten years and has spoken at numerous conferences in a variety of writing and publishing topics. In 2024, Sue traditionally published two Christian Contemporary novels, one of which, Changing Tides, won honorable mention in the AWSA Golden Scrolls awards. In addition to helping independent authors publish their books, Sue also works for Elk Lake Publishing Inc. and is the faculty coordinator of the St. Davids Christian Writers' Conference. Learn more about Sue on her website sueafairchild.wordpress.com.

Links to books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01MXI4R92

Subscribe to Sue's newsletter for writers that includes industry insights, writing and editing tips, and answers to most asked questions and receive a free guide to editing and publishing your novel.

In this conversation, I discuss the challenges and strategies for authors navigating collaborative writing projects, such as anthologies and multi-author series. I emphasize the importance of maintaining a unique voice while adhering to project parameters and goals. The discussion includes practical tips for authors to set their own objectives, understand the expectations of collaborative projects, and utilize the 'same and different' method to create compelling stories that resonate with readers. This is a great episode for how to write in multi author series and how to write for anthologies.Prefer to read? Click the transcript button the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Paid subscribers also get unfiltered bonus episodes covering an array of current events (plus, they can choose episode topics).

Join Laura L. Zimmerman and me in this livestream as we explore the intricate world of dystopian fiction, discuss the themes and elements that define the genre, and shamelessly discuss all things Hunger Games.

We discuss what draws readers to dystopian fiction, how allegories are key to creating memorable stories, and the need for compelling secondary genres to make a story sing.

And then we also discuss our favorite Hunger Games characters and why Sunrise on the Reaping gutted us in the best way possible.

In this episode of the Author Culture Podcast, I discuss the complexities of using allegories in storytelling

I emphasize the importance of understanding the power and potential pitfalls of allegories, the implications of casting choices in TV and movie adaptations, and the need for care to respect authorial intent. Plus, my examples are the latest Snow White adaptation and the rumors about Aslan’s voice actor being female - so some hot takes are included here in my usual sane, healthy, and facts-first perspective.

The conversation highlights how allegories can shape narratives and provoke diverse interpretations, urging writers to balance their use with quality storytelling.

In last week’s episode, I helped you walk through a quarterly pruning.

In this one, it’s time to share about mine!Includes how Substack is going, updates on her latest work in progress (and how you can learn from my mistake), what’s happening with my world building series, and what’s been on my reading stack.

Tune in and let’s hang out!Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

So it’s the end of the first quarter in 2025. How are those goals? Knocking them out of the park? Felt like you got knocked around instead? Either way, this episode is for you to help you assess what you planned, what actually happened, and what to do next. By reflecting on what works and what doesn't, us authors can streamline our efforts and find a balance between our author goals and having an actual life outside of them (while still finding success).

Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

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In this engaging livestream conversation, H.L. Burke (Heidi) and I explore the intricacies of writing superhero fiction, discussing the implications of superpowers, the role of government, and the moral dilemmas faced by characters.

We delve into the unique challenges of marketing superhero stories, the importance of character development, and the dynamics of building a dedicated audience.

The discussion also highlights the upcoming anthologies featuring new voices in the superhero genre, emphasizing community engagement and creativity.

Click here to support the Kickstarter for the DOSA anthologies II and III (and get really spiffy special edition copies!)Check out H.L. Burke on Substack.

Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber (paid subscribers get bonus current event episodes, live chat, and Q&A).

Just read books in your genre, and you’ll “get it.” Right?

Sometimes it’s not so easy - but I’m here with my secret sauce tips to make doing genre research a simple and (and even fun) process.

I cover methods for selecting books for research, analyzing genre elements such as tropes, character arcs, and world-building, and the crucial phrase I always ask myself when figuring out what makes a book genre really work.

Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I do to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber (paid subscribers get bonus current event episodes, live chat, and can request topics).