In this episode, Janeen Ippolito explores the ongoing debate of book versus movie adaptations, discussing the challenges and successes of translating beloved stories to the big screen. She reflects on various adaptations, including the recent live-action version of 'How to Train Your Dragon,' and considers the perspectives of authors regarding creative control in adaptations. The conversation delves into how adaptations can impact the original narrative and the audience's reception, ultimately questioning the value of adaptations in preserving or transforming the original story.

Mentioned in episode: How to Tame Your Dragon - Early Reviews

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 can request topics).

Need help writing stories that are as emotionally deep as they are action-packed? In this episode, Janeen and A.C. Williams explore how to bring humor, mental health, and character growth into the heat of sci-fi and fantasy plots. They offer practical tips for authors who want to write with more heart, without losing momentum or reader engagement. Plus, they break down what the Marvel movie Thunderbolts teaches us about group dynamics, healing from trauma in a group, and ensemble casts.

Key Topics Covered:

* Using worldbuilding as a metaphor for internal battles

* Blending genres and finding the right reader expectations

* Tips for writing humor that supports (not undercuts) emotional arcs

* What you can take from the big screen and apply to your novel

Plus, there is some gushing over Thunderbolts (because it is an awesome movie).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 can request topics).

In this episode, I discuss the decision-making process for authors considering whether to write a standalone book or a series. Rather than just giving you hard and fast answers, I offer three key questions that you can answer to figure out your next best step.

These questions emphasize the importance of understanding one's creative process, genre expectations, and writing speed.

* Consider if your book idea can expand into a series.

* Binge reading is popular; think about reader preferences.

* Commitment to a series is a long-term decision.

* Explore different book formats like duologies or standalone series.

* Life circumstances can impact your writing commitments.

* Assess reader interest before expanding a standalone into a series.

* Creative ideas should sustain a series beyond the first book.

For more fun, check out my episode on Genre Research:Watch HereRead HerePrefer 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 can request topics).

In this engaging conversation, Janeen Ippolito and J.M. Hackman explore the resurgence of fairy tale retellings, particularly in the context of science fiction. They discuss the blending of genres, the challenges and rewards of writing, and the importance of character development. Hackman shares her journey as an author, her transition from portal fantasy to fairy tales, and the unique aspects of her latest work, a Little Red Riding retelling called 'All the Wild Hearts.' Plus, Jill answers the random question - and Wallace & Gromit get involved (sort of).

Shiny Stuff From J.M. Hackman

Take the “What Book Trope Are You?” Quiz - https://jmhackman.com/

Get your free copy of “The Escort” from Jill - https://jmhackman.com/the-escort-a-short-story/ - pwrd author culture 1

Get your free copy of “Royally Imperfect” from Jill - https://jmhackman.com/royally-imperfect-a-short-story/ - pwrd author culture 2

Hang out with Jill on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jm_hackman_author/

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).

In this conversation, I explore the themes of seriousness versus silliness in science fiction and fantasy, using the TV show Andor as a focal point.

I discuss how the show's gritty realism contrasts with traditional world-building elements, questioning the critique biases that favor serious, “realistic” narratives over creative ones.

The conversation also delves into the balance of light and dark moments in storytelling, advocating for a more nuanced approach to fiction that embraces both depth and levity.

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).

In this episode, I get real about book cover designs and when it's time to make a change. While your first book cover might feel like an important statement about your work, the truth is: you're not married to it!

Over time, things change. Your brand may evolve, the market shifts, and sometimes, what worked at first no longer resonates with your audience. Publishers have been rebranding and redesigning covers for years—and so can you. I break down the importance of being flexible and strategic with your cover, especially when you need to appeal to fresh audiences or shift your creative direction.

Join me as I dive into my own cover redesign journey - including fiction and nonfiction books - and shares tips on how to know when it’s time for a change and how to make it work for you!

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).

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).