Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com

🎯 Check out our sponsor:

ProWritingAid — Use code KEVIN20 for 20% off at checkout!Visit ProWritingAid.com - Level up your writing. Trusted by indie authors, ProWritingAid offers actionable, flexible editing wherever you write.

In this episode, host Kevin Tumlinson sits down with Tim Heller—a creative entrepreneur, voice actor, and audiobook producer—to dive deep into the world of audio, entrepreneurship, networking, and building a future-proof creative business. If you're an author, freelancer, or creative professional, this conversation is packed with actionable tips and candid insights on everything from handling burnout and building a team, to using systems and branding authentically.

Want to know how to thrive as an indie author, explore the audiobook business, and make real connections in today’s creative landscape? This episode is your blueprint.

Show links:

* ProWritingAid — Assisted editing for writers (Sponsor: use code KEVIN20)

* Author Anchor — VA service connecting authors with skilled virtual assistants

* Kevin's Substack — Personal insights and regular updates

* Tim Heller Creative: Audiobook Bonanza — Tim’s audiobook production branch

* Tim Heller on LinkedIn — Connect with Tim

* Redhorn Coffee and Brewery — Where the Austin creative community connects

Watch on YouTube

Important Topics & Timestamps:

[00:00:00] – Episode intro, meeting Tim Heller, and creative networking[00:06:09] – ProWritingAid sponsor message[00:11:19] – Tim’s creative background: From musical theatre to audio[00:14:36] – Building a modern creative business & future-proofing for AI[00:19:29] – Outsourcing, automation, and building the right team[00:24:21] – Creative marketing: Outreach, social media, and conferences[00:26:03] – Burnout vs. balance: Saying no and setting boundaries[00:29:15] – Restoring creative energy: Writing for fun, not just business[00:37:10] – Scaling up: Audiobook volume, quality, and industry trends[00:44:43] – Where to find Tim & “Audiobook Bonanza”[00:48:18] – Final note: The power of authentic branding and mood boards

Ready for more tips on thriving as a writer or creative entrepreneur?Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode! 🔔

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com

🎯 Sponsored by: ProWritingAid – Level up your writing with 20% off! Use code KEVIN20 at checkout

In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson welcomes back Johnny B. Truant for a deep dive into the future of publishing, the rise of the "Artisan Author," and the power of subversive art in a rapidly changing industry. They explore how indie authors can thrive by embracing creativity, community, and direct reader relationships—plus thoughts on pricing strategies, career resilience, and why now is the time to go your own way. The conversation is filled with personal stories, industry insight, and actionable advice for writers who want to shape their own path.

Show Links:

- ProWritingAid (prowritingaid.com) - AI-powered editing tool for writers. Use code KEVIN20 for 20% off.

- Johnny B. Truant Artisan Author Book/Kickstarter - (johnnybtruant.com/artisan) - Sign up for the upcoming Artisan Author Kickstarter and learn more about Johnny’s new book.

- Kevin’s Substack (kevintumlinson.substack.com) - Regular updates, essays, and behind-the-scenes insights.

Watch on YouTube

Key Topics & Timestamps:

[00:00:00] - Opening & introduction to Johnny B. Truant

[00:03:14] - Indie vs traditional publishing: the shifting landscape

[00:07:25] - Sponsor mention: ProWritingAid

[00:12:25] - The rise of the “Artisan Author” & subversive art

[00:18:58] - Stories that change minds: subversion in fiction & comedy [00:26:32] - Commercial success vs. artistic integrity

[00:41:06] - Book pricing: value, perception, and the artisan difference

[00:51:57] - Direct sales, community building & launching on Kickstarter [00:59:13] - Using AI as a tool for indie authors

[01:01:32] - The importance of creative network & peer support

[01:10:00] - Following your passion despite challenges

[01:17:28] - The case for betting on yourself and your dreams

Looking for more inspiration and savvy publishing strategies? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to join the Wordslinger community! 🔔

Got feedback or questions? Drop them in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going.

Full show notes and more at WordslingerPodcast.com

🎯 Check out our sponsor: ProWritingAid – Level up your writing and editing! Get 20% off using code KEVIN20 at checkout (visit: https://prowritingaid.com/?utm_source=wordslinger&utm_medium=partner-podcast&utm_campaign=YT-alwayson&utm_content=&utm_term=)

In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson sits down with Dr. Marschall Runge—Dean of the University of Michigan Medical School, CEO of Michigan Medicine, and author of both fiction and nonfiction. Dive into a fascinating conversation about the future of healthcare, groundbreaking medical tech, the role of AI in medicine, and how writing thriller fiction compares to penning nonfiction. Whether you’re a writer or a health innovation enthusiast, this chat is packed with insights that could change the way you see both industries!

Show Links:

* Dr. Marschall Runge’s website: https://drmarschallrunge.com – Learn more about his books, including "The Great Healthcare Disruption" and "Coded to Kill."

* ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com/ – Powerful editing tools for writers; use code KEVIN20 for 20% off.

* Kevin’s Substack: Weekly writing tips, updates, and Kevin’s blog.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE:

⏰ Key Topics & Timestamps:

[00:01:09] – Marschall Runge’s medical background and dual writing career[00:06:55] – “The Great Healthcare Disruption”: Cost, access, and bold solutions[00:11:01] – Wearable technology, the rise of health apps, and consumer-driven medicine[00:14:36] – AI in healthcare: Shortages, efficiency, and the future doctor-patient relationship[00:18:53] – Preventive care, medical innovations, and gene therapies[00:22:10] – Comparing fiction and nonfiction writing as an expert in medicine[00:30:10] – Marschall’s next novel: The quest for longevity and the science behind it[00:34:11] – Lessons from Blue Zones and global health best practices[00:45:49] – Kevin on research, outlining, and how AI assists (but doesn’t replace) writers[01:14:23] – Closing thoughts: embracing new tools and storytelling evolution

Ready for cutting-edge discussions in health and storytelling? Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay up-to-date on new episodes! 🔔

Got story questions? Reach out at WordslingerPodcast.com—Kevin loves hearing from you!

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com

🎯 Our sponsor highlight: Author Anchor

Connect with professional author assistants and VAs for just $7.50/hour! Boost your productivity, free up your time, and focus on writing.

🔗 Author Anchor – Affordable virtual assistants for authors

Ready to level up your writing career? In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson dives deep into the art (and necessity) of career pivots for authors. He opens up about his evolving approach to writing, strategic planning for new releases, and how authors can prepare for industry shifts and career transitions. Whether you're an indie writer or aiming for traditional publishing success, Kevin shares actionable insights for building a sustainable, flexible, and thriving creative career.

Tune in for:

Smart strategies for “same but different” books

The real talk on switching up your writing process

Lessons from consulting in publishing & affiliate marketing

Insights into using outlining versus pantsing

Tips for managing your creative evolution and author brand

Show links:

Author Anchor — Virtual assistant service for authors (Sponsor: connect with skilled VAs at $7.50/hr)

Publisher Rocket — Discover profitable keywords and categories for your books; ask about affiliate opportunities!

Kevin’s Contact Page — Send your questions for future podcast Q&As

Writers Inc Podcast — Weekly industry news and bestselling author interviews with Kevin, JD Barker & more

⏰ Key Topics & Timestamps:

[00:00:02] — Welcome and Austin weather update

[00:04:13] — Consulting in publishing & Author Anchor overview

[00:05:35] — Publisher Rocket affiliate tips

[00:06:22] — Writing updates & prepping follow-up books

[00:08:01] — “Same but different”: Building your career with strategic books

[00:10:53] — Outlining versus pantsing and Kevin’s Scrivener method

[00:18:06] — Avoiding typical story beats and rebooting your outline

[00:20:40] — Publishing updates & upcoming opportunities

[00:21:18] — How to submit questions for Writers Inc/WordSlinger

[00:22:48] — Final thoughts and call to action

🔥 Hungry for authentic writing advice and behind-the-scenes publishing intel? Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and ring that bell so you never miss an episode of Wordslinger!

#writing #authorlife #publishing #WordslingerPodcast #KevinTumlinson

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com

🎯Meet the virtual assistants of Author Anchor in this live webinar. Join us Wednesday, 21 May at 10 AM Central!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/0g2WVnGOQT2uAhCenEyuKg#/registration

In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson sits down with author and YouTuber Keith Wheeler to dive deep into the world of low content books, building a thriving YouTube channel, and working with author assistants and virtual assistants (VA) to supercharge your author business. Keith shares insights into publishing puzzle books (like word searches and unique formats), creating children's books, and leveraging VAs for social media, newsletters, and content research. You'll get actionable advice on delegating tasks, integrating AI tools, and maximizing your writing and promotional efforts—no matter what stage you're at!

Show Links:

- Author Anchor (https://authoranchor.com) – Connect with vetted author assistants and virtual assistants

- Book Brush (https://bookbrush.com) – Platform for author marketing tools, behind Author Anchor

- K. Wheeler Books on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@kwheelerbooks) – Keith Wheeler’s YouTube channel for indie authors

- Keith’s Socials (https://www.instagram.com/kwheelerbooks | https://www.tiktok.com/@kwheelerbooks) – Find Keith on Instagram & TikTok for more tips

This episode's sponsor is ProWritingAid – Advanced editing for authors (Sponsor)

Key Topics & Timestamps:

[00:00:00] – Intro & Episode overview

[00:03:58] – Sponsor: ProWritingAid

[00:07:10] – Keith’s book catalog: Children’s, YA, puzzle books

[00:10:09] – Low content vs. no content books explained

[00:14:06] – Why Keith started his YouTube channel for authors

[00:16:25] – Parallels between launching a book and launching a YouTube channel

[00:20:14] – Newsletter, social media, & content repurposing with a VA

[00:25:34] – How Keith’s VA supports research, author tasks & idea generation

[00:27:03] – Integrating AI tools for efficiency in publishing

[00:31:57] – Best practices for onboarding and working with a VA

[00:34:52] – Social media growth & reporting with VA support

[00:37:58] – Key lessons & perspective shifts after hiring a VA

[00:38:58] – Where to find Keith online

[00:41:40] – Writer community, conferences, & retreats

[00:58:05] – More about Author Anchor & finding the right VA for you

[01:00:42] – Final thoughts: Is a VA right for your author business?

Looking for more actionable writing and publishing tips? Hit subscribe and tap the notification bell to never miss a Wordslinger episode! 🔔

#writingtips #selfpublishing #authorbusiness #virtualassistant #YouTubeForAuthors #puzzlebooks

Watch on YouTube:

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com

🎯 Check out our sponsor:ProWritingAid – Use code KEVIN20 for 20% off at checkout! CLICK HERE

Feeling stuck or burnt out in your writing routine? In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson brings a refreshing perspective on the power of rest, reflection, and flexibility as part of the creative process. Drawing from both personal stories and professional practice, Kevin dives into how balancing discipline with downtime can actually make your writing life more fulfilling—and more productive. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just getting started, you’ll find practical tips on building healthy routines, aligning daily tasks with creative goals, and embracing the necessity of taking a beat to recharge.

You’ll also hear:

* Why rest and meditation are critical to creative work

* The evolving routines of a full-time writer

* How to use discipline and flexibility to reach your goals

* Advice for integrating contemplation and journaling into your process

Show Links:

* WordslingerPodcast.com – Podcast home, past episodes, and more!

* Kevin’s Substack – Regular updates, archives, and insights

* ProWritingAid – Advanced editing tool for writers (Sponsor – Get 20% off with code KEVIN20)

Key Topics & Timestamps:

* [00:00:00] – Personal update & the inspiration for this episode

* [00:06:37] – The challenge of balancing work, relationships, and routine

* [00:08:55] – Building daily rituals: walks, journaling, and writing targets

* [00:12:28] – Adapting writing discipline to real life

* [00:14:03] – The value of rest: Sabbath, rhythm, and creative rejuvenation

* [00:15:57] – Practical writing advice: flexibility and setting realistic goals

* [00:22:20] – Editing processes, collaboration insights, and leveling up your craft

* [00:25:31] – The joy of creation and embracing the beats between the notes

* [00:26:13] – Connect, subscribe, and closing thoughts

Looking for more real-world strategies to supercharge your writing and enjoy the process?Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and join the Wordslinger community for future episodes! 🔔

The Writer_ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Discover more at WordSlingerPodcast.com

🌟 This episode dives deep as Kevin Tumlinson takes you behind the scenes on what it means to face “toxic hope”—when you’re waiting on that big opportunity that never quite arrives—and the emotional toll it can take. From pandemic-triggered anxiety to the challenges of creative burnout, Kevin shares his personal struggles, revelations, and how he reframed hope as a powerful force (not a toxic one). Tune in for honest talk about mental health, storytelling, and how to keep your creative spark alive when life gets overwhelming.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

* What “toxic hope” really means—and why the term might be misleading

* Enduring deferred dreams, creative frustration, and the quest to stay motivated

* How the pandemic and world events triggered a spiral into burnout and depression

* Reflections on powerful storytelling (and what writers can learn from This Is Us)

* Tips for authentic connection in writing and podcasting

* The value of hope—even when things feel impossible

* Updates on Kevin’s latest writing projects with J.D. Barker

📎 Show Links:

* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com/promo) – Kevin’s sponsor! Get $50 off your first month of VA service—no contracts or obligations. Book your free discovery call now.

* WordSlingerPodcast.com – Find every episode, leave a comment, or connect directly with Kevin.

* Kevin’s Substack – Weekly posts & updates direct from Kevin.

* Dave Cullen Show – YouTube channel for movie & TV reviews mentioned in the episode.

🔥 Sponsor Spotlight:Author AnchorVirtual assistance for authors, tailored to your needs!👉 Visit authoranchor.com/promo for your free discovery call and $50 OFF your first month!

⏱️ Key Topics & Timestamps:

* [00:00:00] – Exhausting weeks & podcast marathon recap

* [00:01:13] – Author Anchor plug & VA discovery call

* [00:03:17] – The pain of deferred hopes & “toxic hope” defined

* [00:07:12] – Hope and anxiety in today’s world

* [00:08:26] – Storytelling lessons from This Is Us

* [00:10:39] – Pandemic triggers, burnout, and lost hope

* [00:13:47] – Dealing with depression & creative paralysis

* [00:17:03] – Why podcasting and writing matter now more than ever

* [00:19:46] – Hope, stress, and late-night writing anxiety

* [00:22:46] – Updates on writing, Substack, and authentic connection

* [00:25:02] – Spontaneity vs. over-preparation in creative work

* [00:28:54] – Closing encouragement: why hope matters

Looking for vulnerable, real stories and actionable insights for creatives? Subscribe, like, and share! Want to connect? Leave a comment at wordslingerpodcast.com or reach out on Substack.

Hope isn’t toxic—sometimes, it’s just the spark you need.

Watch on YouTube

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com

🎯 Check out our sponsors:

ProWritingAid: Use code KEVIN20 for 20% off at checkout (visit: https://prowritingaid.com/?utm_source=wordslinger&utm_medium=partner-podcast&utm_campaign=YT-alwayson&utm_content=&utm_term=)

In this exciting episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, hosts Kevin Tumlinson chats with Phil Marshall from Spoken about the future of audiobooks and AI technology in publishing. Dive into the world of AI-driven multicast audiobooks, the potential for custom voice generation, and democratizing the audiobook industry for indie authors. If you're an author or a creative looking to enter the audiobook space, this episode is packed with insights and opportunities you don’t want to miss!

Show links:

* Spoken (spoken.press) - AI-driven audiobook platform

* Doctor Phil Marshall (drphilmarshall.com) - Personal and professional insights from Phil Marshall

* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com/promotion) - VA service connecting authors with skilled virtual assistants

Important Topics & Timestamps:

* [00:00:00] - Introduction and purpose of the episode

* [00:02:13] - Discussion about AI in audiobooks and introduction of Phil Marshall

* [00:11:04] - Explanation of multicast and custom voices

* [00:24:28] - Building listener engagement and platform growth

* [00:33:08] - Monetization models and fair distribution

* [00:40:39] - Call to action with promo code for beta access

* [01:07:33] - Closing thoughts and call to action

🔔 Looking for more writing and publishing insights? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes!

WATCH ON YOUTUBE