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The first book in Rachel's brand-new Waymaker Wars series, Space Junk, launches tomorrow (3 May 2022) and we wanted to sit down and chat with her about it! Come join the conversation! *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com *** Keystroke Medium Anthologies Kingdoms of Iron and Stone – https://amzn.to/2GjbE6I Horizons Beyond – https://amzn.to/2SrJ6uX Farthest Reach – https://amzn.to/2UZINeo The Writing Dream – and How to Make it to Happily Ever After – Keystroke Medium’s first non-fiction book. https://amzn.to/2UZINeo If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

Sci-fi, Fantasy, Thriller, Romance, and all the other genres in-between--there are a lot to choose from. But what does that mean for us writers? Sticking with one genre can help solidify your brand in a reader’s mind. But what if you want to stretch your wings and try something new? We have Jeffrey H. Haskell on today to discuss writing in a new genre. So get your questions ready, because we're going live! *** Check out Jeff Haskell's, Against All Odds - Book 1, Published by Aethon Books https://amzn.to/3734uma Find more great reads from Aethon! https://aethonbooks.com/  *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com *** Keystroke Medium Anthologies Kingdoms of Iron and Stone – https://amzn.to/2GjbE6I Horizons Beyond – https://amzn.to/2SrJ6uX Farthest Reach – https://amzn.to/2UZINeo The Writing Dream – and How to Make it to Happily Ever After – Keystroke Medium’s first non-fiction book. https://amzn.to/2UZINeo If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

Done well, subverting the expectations of your audience can dramatically enhance your story. Done poorly... well... then you get GoT Season 8. What is your favorite --or worst-- example of this? Hosts: Josh Hayes, C. Steven Manley 00:00 Opening remarks -Discord server is up! https://discord.com/invite/t96CVRD -Keystroke Coffee is live! https://keystrokemedium.com/product/keystroke-coffee/ -Use Plottr! https://plottr.com?ref=190 04:37 Weekly update— Gave the Clap Away Edition Josh: Wrote a short story for submission/unsubmission. Finished Tranquility #3 and back into Weaponized #1. Finished the outline for Aspect War, a new fantasy series. Lots of Brandon Sanderson reading. Saw The Batman movie. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1877830/ Chuck: Working on Jack Darque #3. Finally finished softball season! Watched a show called Severance. Reading some Stephen King. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11280740/  Love for Superman and Lois. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11192306/ 19:10 Main Event— LIVE! Writer's Roundtable - Subverting Expectations -The results of the flash fiction competition! Thoughts on Outer Range. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11685912/ -Twist vs. Subversion. -The death of Ned Stark is both in the books vs. the final season of Game of Thrones. https://amzn.to/373Rxsh -Bad twists and subversions ruin both story and enjoyment for the reader/viewer. -Good examples: Shutter Island https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1130884/  Dean Koonz’s Servants of Twilight https://amzn.to/3s0P35i  Ozark https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5071412/ -Writing subversion. Se7en https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114369/ -Subversion against tropes, twists against plot. 8mm https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0134273/  Fight Club https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/  Unbreakable https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0217869/ -M. Knight Shyamalan’s twists. -Deconstruction vs. Subversion. 1:01:43 Closing remarks *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com *** Keystroke Medium Anthologies Kingdoms of Iron and Stone – https://amzn.to/2GjbE6I Horizons Beyond – https://amzn.to/2SrJ6uX Farthest Reach – https://amzn.to/2UZINeo The Writing Dream – and How to Make it to Happily Ever After – Keystroke Medium’s first non-fiction book. https://amzn.to/2UZINeo If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

With his latest series, Grimm's War, Jeffery H Haskell dives head-long into a brand new universe with a refreshing new take on military science fiction. A take a lot of people are comparing to classic David Weber's Honorverse. https://amzn.to/390igXj Hosts: Josh Hayes, Scott Moon Guest: Jeffery H Haskell 00:00 Opening remarks -Discord server is up! https://discord.com/invite/t96CVRD -Keystroke Coffee is live! https://keystrokemedium.com/product/keystroke-coffee/ -Use Plottr! https://plottr.com?ref=190 04:37 Weekly update— Double Moon Edition Scott: Trying to play guitar. Finished Reaper #14 and outlining Reaper #15. Jeff: Lots and lots of editing. Listening to the audiobook version of his new novel. Yumi vs. Yuki Josh: It takes a village to edit a short story. Reading Jeff’s new series and more Sanderson’s Warbreaker. 20:13 Main Event— LIVE! Grimm's War - Military Sci-fi w/ Jeffery H Haskell -Love for David Weber’s Honorverse https://amzn.to/38EsNam -And Horatio Hornblower https://amzn.to/3kuDHSP -Jeff’s new series is inspired by Rick Partlow and Jack Campbell. -Using the snowflake method (Randy Ingermanson’s How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method (Advanced Fiction Writing Book 1) https://amzn.to/3OMaLnh -The challenge of writing military science fiction. -Battle fatigue from a writing perspective. -Building tension vs. opening with action. -Action vs. intrigue. -The importance of building tension. -Always open your first novel with the main character. 1:05:50 Closing remarks *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com *** Keystroke Medium Anthologies Kingdoms of Iron and Stone – https://amzn.to/2GjbE6I Horizons Beyond – https://amzn.to/2SrJ6uX Farthest Reach – https://amzn.to/2UZINeo The Writing Dream – and How to Make it to Happily Ever After – Keystroke Medium’s first non-fiction book. https://amzn.to/2UZINeo If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

Here we are, weaving words and spinning tales so readers the world over can join us for the ride. Because writing isn't just about outlines, edits, and deadlines. It's a craft. A craft that is its own special art form. On this episode of Writer's Journey, we've beamed in Tara Allred to chat about the Craft as an Art. She’s going to break down the five elements of story, help us think through our story’s central conflict, and explain how we can get the most out of our setting. If you’ve got questions, be sure to join us LIVE. Tune in and let's get our craft on! Hosts: Lauren Moore, Kalene Williams Special Guest: Tara Allred 00:00 Opening remarks and introductions -Discord server is up! https://discord.com/invite/t96CVRD -Keystroke Coffee is live! https://keystrokemedium.com/product/keystroke-coffee/ -Use Plottr! https://plottr.com?ref=190 01:00 Weekly Updates Lauren: Lots of editing on Galaxy’s Edge. Kalene: Editing and spending time with her daughter. Tara: lots and lots of edits. 03:00 Main Event – The Craft of Writing | Tara C. Allred -The five elements of storytelling. -The element that gets left behind often is Theme. -‘First draft is for the writer, all drafts after are for the reader.’ -Find out your theme and then give yourself permission to fix and change. -Some activities to uncover your theme and story. -Interviewing your character. 29:00 Sponsor Tara C. Allred’s BEYOND THE END: BOOK ONE OF THE EXISTENCE SERIES https://amzn.to/3jGuarc 30:00 Main Event – The Craft of Writing | Tara C. Allred, Continued! -Encapsulating the five elements in your blurb. -Using metaphors to heighten the story. -Wrapping your story in setting details. -Giving you characters their own voices. -Raising stakes and tension. -Using opposites to drive tension and story. 57:00 Closing remarks *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com *** Keystroke Medium Anthologies Kingdoms of Iron and Stone – https://amzn.to/2GjbE6I Horizons Beyond – https://amzn.to/2SrJ6uX Farthest Reach – https://amzn.to/2UZINeo The Writing Dream – and How to Make it to Happily Ever After – Keystroke Medium’s first non-fiction book. https://amzn.to/2UZINeo If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

We're sitting with Jeff to talk about space explody space ships and all the adventure to be had when you learn from your mistakes.

Time for some Josh, Chuck, and special guest, Steve Beaulieu! *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com *** Keystroke Medium Anthologies Kingdoms of Iron and Stone – https://amzn.to/2GjbE6I Horizons Beyond – https://amzn.to/2SrJ6uX Farthest Reach – https://amzn.to/2UZINeo The Writing Dream – and How to Make it to Happily Ever After – Keystroke Medium’s first non-fiction book. https://amzn.to/2UZINeo If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

Human editors are worth their weight in gold. But if you send in a rough manuscript, there is only so much scrubbing that can be done… and your editor just might cut you for it. Enter, editing tools!--software designed to help you polish your prose and clean up your copy before you send it to an editor. The end result is an even stronger, more sparkling story! Join us to dig deep on how authors and editors can use editing tools, with special guest, Ivy Grey! *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com *** Keystroke Medium Anthologies Kingdoms of Iron and Stone – https://amzn.to/2GjbE6I Horizons Beyond – https://amzn.to/2SrJ6uX Farthest Reach – https://amzn.to/2UZINeo The Writing Dream – and How to Make it to Happily Ever After – Keystroke Medium’s first non-fiction book. https://amzn.to/2UZINeo If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

Under the Iceberg, the podcast where we interview successful authors, looking at the challenges, setbacks, obstacles, and failures that it took for them to reach their level of success. www.jaimecastle.com www.aethonbooks.com Hosts: Dean Floyd, James S. Aaron Guest: Steve Bealieu / Jaime Castle -Discord server is up! https://discord.com/invite/t96CVRD -Keystroke Coffee is live! https://keystrokemedium.com/coffee/ Steve Beaulieu discusses his journey from heavy metal musician to minister to author and now publisher. The last ten years have held many ups and down for him and his family, and he talks about persevering, networking, and the power of partnerships in building success. -What it takes to build a career as a working author -Do you need to market as an author? -Networking as a way to build community and strengthen your careers -Honesty in business relationships -Not being afraid to fail and start over again -Being ready for change that will inevitably come *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com *** Keystroke Medium Anthologies Kingdoms of Iron and Stone – https://amzn.to/2GjbE6I Horizons Beyond – https://amzn.to/2SrJ6uX Farthest Reach – https://amzn.to/2UZINeo The Writing Dream – and How to Make it to Happily Ever After – Keystroke Medium’s first non-fiction book. https://amzn.to/2UZINeo If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

Kevin J. Anderson, renowned and revered author mentor, will be crashing Keystroke Medium to discuss everything from his new book release to the skinny on authors conquering Kickstarter. That's right, folks! It's an AMA of epic proportions you won't want to miss! Join us LIVE to hear Kevin answer all your burning questions. It's gonna be a party! https://www.wordfireshop.com Hosts: Lauren Moore, Kalene Williams Special Guest: Kevin J. Anderson 00:00 Opening remarks and introductions -Discord server is up! https://discord.com/invite/t96CVRD -Keystroke Coffee is live! https://keystrokemedium.com/product/keystroke-coffee/ -Use Plottr! https://plottr.com?ref=190 01:00 Weekly Updates -Kalene: New story is percolating, plus lots and lots of editing into burnout. Mandatory vacation! -Lauren: Stepping back from editing and work for personal time. Naps are awesome! -Kevin: Sold only 24M books over 75+ titles! Had a lovely chat with Brandon Sanderson. Trying to relax for 20+ years and love of Doc Savage. 09:45 Main Event – Kevin J. Anderson AMA -Where Kevin got started writing Star Wars novels. -Total love for dictation using his Olympus digital recorder. https://amzn.to/2JLGasN -Working on Spine of the Dragon: Wake the Dragon #1, a finished version of A Song of Ice and Fire. https://amzn.to/3IqGKF1 -Has a kickstarter for Dan Shambles, Zombie P.I., an Addams Family style comedy. -The frustration with traditional publishers in how they price ebooks vs. print books. -Totally not released at the same time as Brandon Sanderson’s $30M+ kickstarter! 30:20 Sponsor Double Booked (Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I., Book 8) by Kevin J. Anderson https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thekja/double-booked-a-new-dan-shamble-zombie-pi-adventure?ref=discovery&term=dan%20shambles 33:10 Main Event – Kevin J. Anderson AMA, Continued -Kevin riffs more puns and jokes. -Kickstarter is about delivering what you promised (GRRM vs. Sanderson) -Kevin’s artists are in Ukraine… -Advice for kickstarters for writers. -Kevin’s thoughts on the new Dune movie. -The extreme time lag of movies and sales in traditional publishing. -Kevin’s thoughts on the industry and the future. -Kevin’s teaching writing and publishing! -Wrote steampunk novels with Neal Peart of Rush. Final novel coming in April! 58:00 Closing remarks *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com *** Keystroke Medium Anthologies Kingdoms of Iron and Stone – https://amzn.to/2GjbE6I Horizons Beyond – https://amzn.to/2SrJ6uX Farthest Reach – https://amzn.to/2UZINeo The Writing Dream – and How to Make it to Happily Ever After – Keystroke Medium’s first non-fiction book. https://amzn.to/2UZINeo If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

Killing characters can be a traumatic experience... but it can also be extremely liberating. Let's talk about it. https://www.tshottle.com https://jimwinterbooks.com/ Hosts: Josh Hayes, Scott Moon, C. Steven Manley Guest: Tom Hottle 00:00 Opening remarks -Discord server is up! https://discord.com/invite/t96CVRD -Keystroke Coffee is live! https://keystrokemedium.com/product/keystroke-coffee/ -Use Plottr! https://plottr.com?ref=190 03:30 Weekly update— Turn Off Your Squiggles Edition Chuck: Working on Jack Darque #3, working on space fantasy series, family stuff galore! Scott: Sold hit house! Moving into an apartment in April, writing everywhere. Flying through Reaper #14. Enjoying the launch of Reaper #13. Trying to retire and dealing with the advice on ‘fallback’ for writing. Tom: Finished the Suicide arc and reworking the ending. Enjoying Pro Writing Aid for older works. Josh: Finished reading Peter F. Hamilton’s Salvation Lost. Loves Hamilton’s space opera writing. Has some similarity to Hyperion in structure. Working on Tranquility #3. About halfway through Weaponized #1. Working on the flash fiction and the next contest. 25:05 Main Event— LIVE! Killing Your Darlings w/ TS Hottle -Raising tension by character death. -Serving the plot vs. shock value. -Character deaths that impact the main character. -Drawing emotion from the reader. -Should you care about your reader’s feelings? -Killing characters the author likes. -The offscreen ‘death’ where the character could come back at a later date. Warning: this can be done badly! Ex. Rise of Skywalker https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2527338/ -Character deaths raise the stakes. -Character deaths as obstacles. Ex. Dumbledore’s death in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373889/ -Keeping scenes around even though they end up on the cutting room floor. Ex. Dresden Files latest novel Battleground https://amzn.to/34WDkML -Infodumps vs. seeding information throughout a novel and setting up an ending. -What’s important and what’s not? -Genre dictates detail. -Editors killing your darlings for you. -‘Thou shalt not bore the reader’ -Ex. ‘Pope in the pool’ in Save the Cat by Blake Snyder https://amzn.to/3Jr4iLv -Aaron Sorkin’s tendency to do claustrophobic scenes where the characters are forced to only talk, which is all dialogue. -G’Kar and Londo stuck in an elevator in Babylon 5 episode ‘Convictions’. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517641/ -Major character deaths in Babylon 5. -There’s a reboot! -Love for Seal Team. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6473344/ 1:02:10 Closing remarks *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com *** Keystroke Medium Anthologies Kingdoms of Iron and Stone – https://amzn.to/2GjbE6I Horizons Beyond – https://amzn.to/2SrJ6uX Farthest Reach – https://amzn.to/2UZINeo The Writing Dream – and How to Make it to Happily Ever After – Keystroke Medium’s first non-fiction book. https://amzn.to/2UZINeo If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

The Writers Journey is back! Today we're shooting the breeze with the one and only Ellen Campbell. From editing shenanigans to what we've been up to and everything in between. Join us live! Hosts: Lauren Moore, Kalene Williams Special Guest: Ellen Campbell 00:00 Opening remarks and introductions -Discord server is up! https://discord.com/invite/t96CVRD -Keystroke Coffee is live! https://keystrokemedium.com/product/keystroke-coffee/ -Use Plottr! https://plottr.com?ref=190 01:30 Weekly Updates -Lauren: Is now editing for Galaxy’s Edge. -Kalene: Now editing for Aethon Books and gives some advice to editors. -Ellen: Doing lots of work for Aethon and regular publishers. All things about dogs! 16:07 Main Event – What's Up, Writers? | TWJ Season 4, Ep. 1 -Tools to help you with editing. Ex. Ellen’s love of PerfectIt. https://intelligentediting.com  Pro Writing Aid is solid. https://prowritingaid.com/ -Kalene’s hate for blinking and pausing. -Thoughts on Hemingway App. -Don’t worry about plot armor (or reviews). -Sanderson’s huge Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dragonsteel/surprise-four-secret-novels-by-brandon-sanderson -The thoughts of knowing who the author is or the publisher for readers. -Are there still traditional publishers you trust? -Building your brand as an author and connecting with fans. -If you write it, they will come (with a little help in marketing). -Kalene Reads! https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/an-excerpt-from-a-fantasy-novel-written-by-an-author-who-thinks-he-made-up-doors -Ellen pontificates on stage direction and trivia! -Focus on the story and character instead. -Filter words are the difference between kissing your girlfriend and kissing your sister. -Ellen’s author notes! -Dump filter words and stage direction and expose your voice and style! 1:02:30 Closing remarks *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com *** Keystroke Medium Anthologies Kingdoms of Iron and Stone – https://amzn.to/2GjbE6I Horizons Beyond – https://amzn.to/2SrJ6uX Farthest Reach – https://amzn.to/2UZINeo The Writing Dream – and How to Make it to Happily Ever After – Keystroke Medium’s first non-fiction book. https://amzn.to/2UZINeo If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

Hosts: Josh Hayes Guest: Mike Lafferty, Walt Robillard 00:00 Opening remarks -Discord server is up! https://discord.com/invite/t96CVRD -Keystroke Coffee is live! https://keystrokemedium.com/product/keystroke-coffee/ -Use Plottr! https://plottr.com?ref=190 03:43 Weekly update— Caffeine and Hate Edition Walt: Lots of writing and preparation for the Forgotten Ruins Kickstarter. Mike: Walking his great dane. Working on Blaster Bolts Zine. Josh: Finished a short story for CKP anthology (surprise: over the wordcount). Lots of work on fantasy series and outlining the first book. Finishing Tranquility #3 and working on Weaponized. Ruminating on Reacher and MCU. 20:45 Main Event— LIVE! Gaming and tie-ins w/ Mike Lafferty and Walt Robillard -Loving the new Zine. -Walt pitches his YA tie-in to his Hunter’s Moon trilogy. -The Zine’s games are easy to play one-shot adventures. -Mike has a podcast problem. -The ‘Eye of Terror’. -Perils of large dog walking. https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/387282/Blaster-Bolts-1 https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/388590/Blaster-Bolts-2 https://www.facebook.com/faintinggoatgames -Walt is wrapping up his submission to Galaxy’s Edge involving pararescue. Callsign Valkyrie. -Josh also hosts the Baen Free Radio Hour https://www.baen.com/podcast -Mike’s BAMF! Podcast https://mikelaff.podbean.com -Thoughts on Sikhism and the military. -Psyops and the Ghost of Kyiv https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/03/technology/ukraine-war-misinfo.html 57:00 Closing remarks *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

The dream of many writers is to become full-time creators, but not every writer has a plan to get there. Today, we sit down with science fiction author Kacey Ezell to talk about her latest novel "Skies to Conquer" and uncover her path to becoming a full-time author. https://amzn.to/3s5LoDq | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYkx9WqJWJ6JZxj8QQP8jlg Hosts: Josh Hayes, Scott Moon, C. Steven Manley; Guest: Kacey Ezell 00:00 Opening remarks -Discord server is up! https://discord.com/invite/t96CVRD -Keystroke Coffee is live! https://keystrokemedium.com/product/keystroke-coffee/ -Use Plottr! https://plottr.com?ref=190 05:40 Weekly update— Misophonic Edition Scott: On the final final final FINAL Reaper #13 draft and started on the next novel Reaper #14. Kids are playing music. The snowpacalyse is over. Chuck: Softball! Plugging away at Jack Darque #3 and working out a space fantasy. Thoughts on Book of Boba Fett and Reacher. Kacey: Working on a sequel to Gunpowder and Embers, and launched a YouTube channel, began a new short story for an anthology. Starting a writing internship as part of her transition into retirement. Josh: Writing a metric crap ton. Finished two short stories. Binging SEAL Team and working on his fantasy project. Tranquility #3 is almost done. 21:40 Sponsor Checkmate: Some Moves Are Fated by TS Hottle https://amzn.to/3s5LoDq 23:15 Main Event— LIVE! Writing Full-time: A Plan with Kacey Ezell -Kacey’s pitch for the final book in her trilogy, Skies to Conquer. -Love for Flight of the Valkyries in Apocalypse Now. -Harry Turtledove’s Guns of the South https://amzn.to/3M6hQ0v -Empathizing with heroes and villains. -How to turn an antagonist into a protagonist—how do you make them likeable and sympathetic. -“Murder sprees are fine as long as it’s about you.” -Kacey’s transition to her post-career, changing from full-time pilot/part-time writer into a full-time writer/part-time pilot. -Primary focus is output and trying to build a community of readers (much like KSM!) -Kacey Ezell pitches for Sara Cannon and her Heartbreathings YouTube series. -Indie writers connect with readers beyond the book. -Documenting the transition to being full-time. -The original name of KSM. -Projects in the works! -Building dual brands in scifi and romance, possibly! 1:06:00 Closing remarks *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

Under the Iceberg, the podcast where we interview successful authors, looking at the challenges, setbacks, obstacles, and failures that it took for them to reach their level of success. https://www.jonathan-yanez.com  | https://www.wolfpackentertainment.co Hosts: Dean Floyd, James S. Aaron Guests: Jonathan Yañez 00:00 Opening remarks and introductions -Discord server is up! https://discord.com/invite/t96CVRD -Keystroke Coffee is live! https://keystrokemedium.com/product/keystroke-coffee/ 02:47 Main Event -Jonathan’s writing journey, genres, and beginnings. -Jonathan has a reading group called the wolfpack. https://www.facebook.com/groups/jonathansreadingwolves -Early career failures. -Finding the right mix of writing and marketing. -“It’s not over until you win.” -Collaboration as a way to learn and improve. -How to get 1% better every time. -Don’t collaborate if you assume you’ll gain readership. -Collaboration as a means of mentorship. -Failures outside of writing. -Make yourself uncomfortable. -How many trunk novels Jonathan has. -Finding your voice. https://killzoneblog.com/2013/12/how-to-put-boys-in-basement-to-work.html -Pantsing or plotting. -Genre failures (milSF and the need for research). -Writing long series for both profit and for readership. -Failure is not an option. -Jonathan’s Theory of why stories are written. -Moving into writing for tv. -Advice for his younger self—risk everything sooner! -Finding ways to be humble in order to grow. -Jonathan’s many concussions. -Jonathan makes his pitch for Infinity System pilot. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wolf-pack/infinity-system-a-space-western-saga 1:02:10 Closing remarks *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

Talking about grinders and dicata-taters... wait, is that a potato?

As writers, we're always looking to improve our craft and up our game. When creating stories, some of the main things that authors talk a lot of time considering are story, characters, and setting, but one of the things that are often overlooked as a major part of craft is POV. Jaime Castle aka Steve Beaulieu joins the LIVE! crew to talk about things you can do to improve your writing. *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

The 50th Episode! What a long strange ride it's been. Thanks for hanging with me. In this episode I talk about nearly finishing the Wheel of Time, and what's kept me with the long series even through the slow(er) parts, and what I think has made the series successful over time (aside from the fact that Tor Books sent a copy of Eye of the World to every bookstore in the U.S. when it was published.) There are certainly people who dislike this series, and it has its quirks. I think ultimately the quirks, which amounts to the characters, are what keep readers onboard.

Josh and Scott chat with science fiction and fantasy author Peter Nealen about his new unique take on a fun genre. *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us! 

Under the Iceberg, the podcast where we interview successful authors, looking at the challenges, setbacks, obstacles, and failures that it took for them to reach their level of success. *** Coffee and Concepts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRuoHj6opw0 Keystroke Medium Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1qSwdjsN9Q The Writer’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLaFFntB4Q Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRzwuQeK9Q *** Try out Rob McClellan’s Mod Farm for your website building needs. Use the link for a KSM discount! https://modfarmdesign.com/keystroke/ Become a Medium today! https://keystrokemedium.com/mediums/ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and get involved with the mayhem and shenanigans in the live chat! http://www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium If you have any thoughts or ideas for show topics or if you have authors you'd like to see on the show, let us know. Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KeystrokeMedium For all the latest and greatest KSM Gear, check out our store at: https://keystrokemedium.com/ksm-store/ Also, subscribe to Sci Fi Explorations for the best discounted and free books we come across through our contacts: http://www.scifiexplorations.com If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and rate the show on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, or wherever else you found us!