FECKing Around with Chaz Ebert

LIVE FROM THE WRITERCON CRUISE 2024! Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview agent Katharine Sands, SF/Fantasy author RJ Johnson, and USA Today-bestselling Romance writer Lauren Smith.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsThis has been our largest group of cruise-writers yet, and we've had a wonderful timne working with them.Chapter 2: TestimonialsSome of the WriterCon Cruisers share what they loved most about this adventure.Chapter 3: News1) Amazon Accused of Spying on Retail Competitiors2) Internet Archive Appeals Ruling Prohibiting Digitization of Books Without LicenseChapter 4: InterviewPremiere literary Agent Katharine Sands, USA Today-bestselling author Lauren Smith, and SF/Fantasy author RJ Johnson (Dreamslinger and others) talk about their adventures in the writing world. During this chat, you will learn:1) how to write the book you love while also paying attention to the market;2) the road ahead for publishing;3) the rise of romance, fantasy & horror;4) how to break into publishing;5) how the role of the agent has changed; and 6) breaking into foreign rights—on your own.Chapter 5: Parting WordsThe next big event on the WriterCon calendar is the WriterCon Retreat, July 17-21, at the Canebrake luxury resort not far from Tulsa, with pool, hot tubs, spa, yoga, golf training, hiking trails, and most importantly, writing instruction. The classes, rooms, and food are all packaged together at one low price. This is where you get direct feedback on your work in progress as well as great information and instruction. Visit the website for more info!The WriterCon annual writers conference is Labor Day weekend (August 30-September 2) in Oklahoma City at the Renaissance Waterford. Over 50 speakers, over 70 sessions, need-to-know info on what's happening in the writing world, plus great writing tips. ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS till the Early Bird pricing ends, so register now!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (Lara Bernhardt has the week off) discusses the latest news from the book world, offers writing tips, and interviews Chaz Ebert, CEO of Roger Ebert Digital (named for her late husband, the Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic) and author of the new book It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion and Kindness.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsBill mentions that James Patterson is hosting a new television show on unsolved mysteries. You can imagine Jesse's reaction.Chapter 2: News1) Meta (Facebook) Considered Buying Simon & Schuster—so its AI Could Scrape the Books2) Storiaverse App Presents a New Storytelling Form—and is Looking for WritersChapter 3: Interview with Chaz EbertDuring this warm and witty chat, you will learn:1) how her late husband encouraged her to write;2) what it means to give a FECK;3) how to be a gamechanger;4) how strangers come together in the name of love; and5) how she broke into writing books—and songs.Chapter 4: Parting WordsJoin us for the WriterCon Retreat at the fabulous Canebrake luxure resort from July 17-21. In addition to the writing instruction, you will received specific feedback on your work in progress—with lots of time left to enjoy the resort and get some writing done in a beautiful location. www.writercon.com/retreat/William Bernhardt's next book, Justice For All, is a battle royale between two Bernhardt series characters—Daniel Pike and Kenzi Rivera. You will be able to pre-order it soon.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Jake Lynch, author of action/adventure and spiritual novels including his latest, Broken to Beautiful.Chapter 1: Openting ThoughtsBill and Jesse ruminate about why tax season is particularly hard for writers.Chapter 2: News1) Entangled Signs Self-Published Authors2) Spotify Offers an Audiobook Access TierChapter 3: Interview with Jake LynchDuring this chat, you will learn:1) how he makes your pulse rate rise;2) why he writes inspirational books as well;3) how he conducts ressearch;4) the importance of saving editing for later; and5) how anime figured into his work.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWriterCon is Coming! Our annual writers conference takes place Labor Day weekend (August 30-Sept 2, 2024) in Oklahoma City. And if you register now, you'll get the Early Bird price, which will save you at least $100. We’ve got more than fifty speakers already lined up—authors, agents, publishers, book marketing experts, and much more. Visit www.writercon.com to learn more.

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview S.L. Dooley, fantasy author of The Cold Moon Carnival and many other books.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsEveryone is getting ready for the 2024 WriterCon Cruise, departing April 21!Chapter 2: News1) Poetry Had Its Best Year Ever in 20242) Author Accused of "Creepy" PR RequestsChapter 3: Interview with S.L. DooleyDuring this chat, you will learn about:1) whether dragons are required for fantasy;2) integrating fantasy and faith and family;3) how role-playing games influenced her work;4) why she loves old books and journals; and5) her unique process for sparking ideas.Chapter 4: Parting WordsThe 2024 WriterCon Conference is in OKC over Labor Day weekend. Register now to get the Early Bird prices!Looking for something smaller where you can get direct feedback on your work? Come to the WriterCon Retreat in Branson MO.William Bernhardt's latest novel is Partners in Crime, but his next novel, Justice For All (the 8th Daniel Pike legal thriller) will arrive in late May.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.com www.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Thomas Hauser, sports writer and author of the new momoir My Mother and Me.Btw, the sad whining you hear during the interview is our dog, Baxter—sad because no one is paying attention to him while we record, but otherwise fine.Chapter 1: Opening ThougbtsJesse's fave, James Patterson, is publishing many more books, including legal thrillers. Jesse is not happy.Chapter 2: News1) Dead Celebrity Books Written by AI Flood Amazon2) Brandon Sanderson Gets Better Deal at Audible—For EveryoneChapter 3: Interview with Thomas HauserDuring this chat, you will learn:1) why he wrote about his mother;2) why he doesn't stick to a single genre;3) the book-to-movie process;4) knowing Muhammed Ali; and5) the importance of social justice.Chapter 4: Parting WordsWriterCon is coming! The conference is Labor Day weekend, August 30-September 2, in Oklahoma City. We have over 50 speakers lined up, authors, agents, publishers, marketers, assistants, and much more. The website has been revised and updated, so please check it out now, while you can still take advantage of the Early Bird prices! www.writercon.comUntil next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Bharati Sen, author of My War My Child.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsLooking forward to the WriterCon Cruise...Chapter 2: News1) NY Pub Veterans Create a New Publishing House2) Author Sues Amazon over Pirated Book SalesChapter 3: Interview with Bharati SenDuring this chat, you will learn:1) how she wove history into her novel;2) how she tells stories unique to women;3) the difference between short stories and novels;4) how to conduct historical research; and5) the importance of finding your passion.Chapter 4: Closing ThoughtsCruise registration has closed, but we're still offering a small-group retreat in Branson in July, and of course, the big WriterCon conference in August/September over Labor Day weekend. Take advantage of the Early Bird prices and save $100 while you can!Subscribe to WriterCon Magazine. The March issue comes out this week!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Host William Bernhardt shares a special episode of a new podcast, Stories That Change Us, featuring a discussion of The Princess Bride. Enjoy this special interim installment! We'll be back with regular WriterCon programming next week.

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Steven Joseph, author of Cranky Superpowers.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsThis podcast is being released on Oscar Sunday, so the Crew make their predictions, including one involving a red carpet gown, and ponder why movies get so much attention when the books they are based upon do not.Chapter 2: News1) Romantasy Authors Reclaim "Smut"2) AI-Narrated Audiobooks Available in Major Markets—Including AmazonChapter 3: Interview with Steven JosephDuring this chat, you will learn:1) what are cranky superpowers;2) what are your cranky superpowers;3) how to give rise to the possibility of the unimaginable;4) why arguments take away your power; and5) where crankiness will take Steven next.Chapter 4: Parting WordsLAST CALL for the WriterCon Cruise! Over 20 hours of instruction during a seven-day cruise through the Western Caribbean, focused on you and your writing goals. Join us!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Kelly Anne Manuel, a children's book author who is launching 31 books at the same time.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsOnly one week left to register for the WriterCon Cruise! Lara is already packing! Over 20+ hours of classroom, small-group, and private instruction. Plus we have fun! Seven days at sea writing in the most creativity-conducive environment imaginable. Join us!Chapter 2: News1) Critics Complain Hugo Awards Were Rigged2) Reading is SexyWilliam Bernhardt apologizes for his slip of the tongue. While reading, Kendall Jenner's book was covered in green Post-It notes, not her body!Chapter 3: Interview with Kelly Anne ManuelDuring this chat, you will learn:1) how she stumbled into writing;2) why she writes for children;3) how she "meets the child in their journey;"4) why she is "the good kind of contagious;" and 5) why she's releasing 31 books at once.Chapter 4: Parting WordsAgain, only one week left to join us for the WriterCon Cruise. Seven days at sea traveling down the Western Caribbean coastline, with seven WriterCon instructors ready to provide whatever you need to advance your writing career. Plus Game Night! Karaoke! Swag bags! The cost is low and the benefits are high. Join us!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Lauren Smith, bestselling romance author of many popular books, including Dukes & Diamonds.Chapter 1: Opening ThoughtsWhy don't we have the literary equivalent of a Taylor Swift?Chapter 2: News1. Florida Censors Goblin Butts—By Drawing Over Them2. Random House Encourages Readers to Buy a Taylor Swift Book—That She Didn't WriteChapter 3: Interview with Lauren SmithDuring this chat, you will learn:1) why she turned to romance;2) how she navigates the current publishing world;3) how she deals with foreign rights;4) why Titanic made such an impression on her; and5) why she plans her books before writing them.Chapter 4: Parting WordsOnly two more weeks to register for the WriterCon Cruise! Over 20 hours of instruction in the most relaxing, writer-conducive environment imaginable. Classes, small-group sessions, and one-on-one meetings with literary agent Katharine Sands or anyone else on the faculty. We will read your manuscript and give you direct specific feedback. This is a unique opportunity, extremely affordable, and lots of fun. Join us!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardtwww.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com