Author Life
DelSheree Gladden
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Author DelSheree Gladden is partnering with the Bestselling Reads author community to discuss the lives authors live and how their writing and careers have progressed and what lessons they've learned along the way.
Partner episodes will feature authors from around the world sharing their insights on their writing journey and the challenges and successes they’ve experienced along the way.
The podcast will also feature discussions on writing, marketing, and publishing advice to help authors further their writing journey.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Nov 14, 2022
Interview with Avanti Centrae
International bestselling thriller author Avanti Centrae joins the podcast this week to talk about her upcoming novel, "Cleopatra's Vendetta." This new standalone (for now) novel follows up her VanOps series. "Cleopatra's Vendetta" release this month, so keep an eye out on your favorite ebook and paperback retailers! For more information about Avanti, visit https://www.avanticentrae.com/.
For more information on the show, visit https://delshereegladden.com/
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Oct 19, 2022
Deep Dive into Book Marketing
Whether you're just getting started with book marketing or trying to rebuild or improve upon current marketing efforts, this episode will help you evaluate where to focus your time and money in order to effectively build an author platform and share your books with more readers.
For more information on book marketing and other topics, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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Oct 8, 2022
Creating Complex Conflict
Conflict drive a story, whether character-oriented or plot-oriented. In this episode, learn how to create conflict that adds depth to the story and character arcs and how to avoid common pitfalls when developing conflict in a story.
For more writing craft article and information on the host, visit https://delshereegladden.com/
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Sep 28, 2022
Sneak Peek of The Crazy Girl's Handbook
While I'm recovering from covid, rather than coughing through an episode, I'm going to share the first chapter from The Crazy Girl's Handbook. I'm working on turning my books into audiobooks and setting up through either Apple or Patreon bonus content for subscribers where they'll be able to listen to my audiobooks. I'll have more info on that soon. For now, enjoy an audio chapter of a fun, romantic story where I don't sound like a frog.
For more info on The Handbook Series, visit https://delshereegladden.com/books/the-crazy-girls-handbook/
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Sep 22, 2022
Interview with Steve Novak and Meg Amor on the Editing Process
Steve Novak and Meg Amor are back on the podcast to talk about the editing process. Steve's first experience with a professional editor was on the "Island Fever" anthology, which Meg edited. Both share their tips about approaching editing from a writer's and editor's standpoint. To learn more about Steve and his writing follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SteveNovakPPR To get in touch with Meg about editing, email jocnz@yahoo.com with "Edit" in the subject line. For more writing craft information or to learn more about the host DelSheree, visit https://delshereegladden.com/
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Sep 14, 2022
Interview with Scott Bury on Podcasting
Scott Bury makes a return to Author Life Podcast to talk about his own foray into podcasting. Scott's "Eastern Front Trilogy" inspired him to share more of the research and stories he collected while writing his books.
Switching mediums always comes with challenges, and Scott also shared some of his lessons learned and advice for others interested in venturing into podcasting.
Check out "Beyond Barbarossa" here: https://beyondbarbarossa.podbean.com/
Learn more about Scott Bury here: https://scottburyauthor.com/
For more information on me and my books, as well as writing craft articles, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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Sep 7, 2022
Interview with the Authors of "Island Fever"
The anthology, "Island Fever," brings together a variety of authors all sharing their perspective of fever and its consequences on the delicate ecosystems, economy, and people of the islands of Hawaii.
I'm pleased to have most of the contributing authors on the podcast this week to talk about their experience working on the anthology and the inspirations behind the stories.
For a look at "Island Fever," visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCN4272N/
For more information on the host and for writing craft articles, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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Aug 31, 2022
Delving Into Story Structure
If you're hitting roadblocks in your story or struggling to bring it all to a satisgying conclusion, consider taking a deeper look at your story structure. This episode does a deep dive into different types of structures and the components which make up a well crafter story.
For more writing craft articles, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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Aug 10, 2022
Creativity Roundtable with Bestselling Reads
What does it take to create unique stories? Bestselling Reads authors are back on the podcast talking about how they develop and improve their creative processes and how creative problem solving in writing helps develop unique stories and characters.
For more information on Bestselling Reads, visit https://bestsellingreads.com/
For more writing craft articles and information on the host, visit https://delshereegladden.com/
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Jul 27, 2022
Interview with Roger Eschbacher
Meet Roger Eschbacher this week on the podcast! Roger is a live action and animation writer, actor, and author. His books have been traditionally and independently published and he is an alum of LA's celebrated comedy troupe, The Groundlings.
Roger talks about his writing path, in both TV/film and novels, and how he balances the various genres of writing he works in.
To learn more about Roger, check him out online at www.rogereschbacher.com, twitter.com/RogerEschbacher, www.linkedin.com/in/rogereschbacher/, www.instagram.com/rogereschbacher/, www.facebook.com/RogerEschbacherBooks, and www.amazon.com/Roger-Eschbacher/e/B001JS2U50/.
For more information on the podcast, host, or for more writing craft advice, visit https://delshereegladden.com/
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Jul 13, 2022
Deep Dive into Setting
Go beyond choosing a place and time for your story to take place by fully considering all aspects of setting. In this deep dive into setting, learn about the various elements of setting, how those elements impact characters and story, and how to better integrate setting into story and character development.
For more information, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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Jul 6, 2022
Storytelling Basics
Deciding how to tell a story is just as important as deciding what story to tell. This episode will delve into narrative modes, point of views, narrative tense, narrative voice, and narrative modes. Each of these elements impact how a story is told and are important considerations in storytelling methods. Learn more about each aspect of storytelling and how choosing the right ones can improe your storytelling.
For more information and writing craft articles, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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Jun 29, 2022
Effective Outlining
Whether your a pantser or a plotter, these tips for outlining can help you better flesh out a story and identify plot and character arc problems. Learn about different outlining methods and how to best use an outline, as well as the importance of reflecting your outline and the outlining process to identify weak or laggng sections of story.
For more writing craft information, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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Jun 22, 2022
Villains Roundtable with Bestselling Reads
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Jun 8, 2022
Interview with SeriouslyGina
SeriouslyGina joins me on the podcast this week to talk about her early experiences in querying. This was originally recorded several years ago, so some references may be out of date, but you can still get an interesting a look into the overall process of querying agents.
For more information about Gina, visit https://seriouslygina.wordpress.com/
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Jun 1, 2022
Villains and Secondary Characters
Fully developing villains and secondary characters can be challenging because so much focus and effort goes into creating stellar main characters. Skimping on rounding out villains and secondary characters can leave a story feeling flat. Learn how to dive more deeply into who your villains and secondary characters are and how to integrate them into the story in order to make it fuller, more engaging, and more realistic.
For more writing craft articles, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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May 25, 2022
Setting Roundtable with Bestselling Reads
Several Bestselling Reads authors are back on the podcast this week talking about setting. We discuss the importance of setting in various genres and writing styles, make a side trip into a discussion of aphantasia and how that might affect writing and description, and offer tips for integrating setting into story.
For more information on Bestselling Reads and its authors, visit https://bestsellingreads.com/
For more writing craft articles and information, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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May 18, 2022
Writing a Query Letter
Writing a query letter is not only intimidating for many writers, but it can take what feels like endless amounts of revisions to get one just write. In this episode, I'll give practical tips for writing a query letter that will make the process less overwhelming and help you craft a compelling letter.
For more craft writing articles, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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May 11, 2022
Writing the Opposite Sex
Some writers excel at writing characters who are their same sex, and others have a knack for writing the opposite sex. Regardless of which type of writer you are, this episode will offer helpful tips on writing the opposite sex and developing strong characters who will intrigue and engage the reader.
For more craft writing articles, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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May 4, 2022
Interview with Scott Bury
Scott Bury joins me on the podcast this week to talk about collaborative publishing and how this model benefits both authors and publishers.
This was recorded in 2015, so discussion of Kindle Worlds at the end is out of date, but still an interesting discussion to hear how those worlds got started at the time.
To learn more about Scott Bury and his writing, visit https://scottburyauthor.com/
Scott is also a member of Bestselling Reads. Learn more about the group here: https://bestsellingreads.com/
For more information on writing and publishing, visit https://delshereegladden.com/
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Apr 27, 2022
Character Roundtable with Bestselling Reads
Bestselling Reads authors are back on the podcast this week answering common questions from readers about how they create their characters and offering up tips on creating unique and engaging characters.
For more information on Bestselling Reads authors, visit https://bestsellingreads.com/
For more writing craft content, visit https://delshereegladden.com/
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Apr 20, 2022
Creating a Marketing Plan That's Actually Doable
In this second half of this two-part series on creating a book marketing plan, we'll continue to break down individual steps you can take to start building a marketing plan that fits with your life, schedule, budget, and skill level.
For more marketing ideas, visit my blog at https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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Apr 13, 2022
Creating a Marketing Plan That's Actually Doable
Getting started with book marketing can be very overwhelming. Where to start is a big hurdle to climb over if you're new to book marketing or even trying to get started again after some time out of the industry. This two-part series will provide an overview of marketing tactics and break down individual steps you can take to start building a marketing plan that fits with your life, schedule, budget, and skill level.
For more marketing ideas, visit my blog at https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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Apr 6, 2022
Interview with Melissa Eskue Ousley
Author Melissa Eskue Ousley joins the podcast this week to talk about her experiences collaborating with other authors and what marketing tactics have proved useful, as well as give an update on her writing.
For more information on Melissa and her writing, visit https://melissaeskueousley.com/ or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MelissaEskueOusley/
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Mar 30, 2022
Notes from a Book Buyer
If you're interested in getting your book into brick and mortar bookstores, this episode covers information on how a book buyer chooses books and works with independent authors, as well as tips for better pitching your book to a bookstore.
For more information and tips on expanding your reach as an indie author, check out my website at https://delshereegladden.com/
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Mar 23, 2022
Mystery Roundtable with Bestselling Reads
Bestselling Reads authors are back on the podcast talking about writing mystery and giving tips for adding suspense and mystery to other genres as well. Join Jennifer Harlow, Scott Bury, Elyse Salpeter, J.L. Oakly, Bruce Blake, and DelSheree Gladden for a lively discussion of the differences between thriller and mystery, crossover and hybrid genres, and great places to find random inspiration!
For more info on Bestselling Reads and its member authors, visit https://bestsellingreads.com/
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Mar 2, 2022
The Art of Dialogue
Struggling to write believable and realistic dialogue? This episode offers helpful tips for writing dialogue that sounds natural without actually reflecting the stilted and interrupted nature of real speech patterns. Give your characters unique voices with these tactics.
For more writing craft topics and advice, visit https://delshereegladden.com/
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Feb 23, 2022
Interview with Emily Kimelman
Learn more about prolific writer Emily Kimelman.She is the author of the mystery thriller series "Sydney Rye Mysteries," the political thriller series "Starstruck Thrillers," and the steamy urban fantasy series "Kiss Chronicles."
In this episode, Emily talks about her writing process, writing faster, and her journey as an author.
To learn more about Emily and her writing, visit https://emilykimelman.com/
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Feb 16, 2022
Interview with Boshra Rasti
This week I'm talking to Boshra Rasti,author, poet, and teacher.
Her debut dystopian novel, "Surrogate Colony," is available now and particularly timely.
Learn more about Boshra, her journey through publishing, and her future writing plans in this episode.
To find out more about her writing, visit https://boshrawrites.com/
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Feb 9, 2022
Romance Roundtable with Bestselling Reads
In this podcast, I partner with Bestselling Reads authors to talk about romance. We discuss the concept of writing romance through formula, breaking away from formulaic writing, how readers can influence our writing, and a variety of other romance-related topics.
To learn more about Bestselling Reads and today's participating authors, visit https://bestsellingreads.com/
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Feb 2, 2022
Genre Tropes are Like Bunnies
What are tropes and what are the pros and cons of using them? This week's episode discusses common genre tropes, why they are used, when they work well, and when to avoid them when writing fiction.
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Jan 26, 2022
Creating a Character with Depth
Learn how to develop fictional characters reader will love by adding depth to their backstories, motivations, interests, and goals.
For more writing craft topics, visit https://delshereegladden.com/blog/
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Jan 19, 2022
Interview with Angela Nicole Chu
Learn more about Angela Nicole, bestselling author of domestic thrillers and urban fiction, co-host of Bananas Toast Podcast, mom and friend.
Angie is the author of the Bella Ame Series, Hood Rat Sh!t Series, and the Gifted Blood Academy Series.Learn more at http://theangiechu.net/
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Jan 12, 2022
Three Tips for Researching Paranormal
Learn how to effectively research paranormal topics and then how to integrate your research into an engaging story.
Develop strong research skills and learn how to distill the mass amount of information you've acquired in the most pertinent and interesting pieces that can be added to a paranormal storyline in an interesting and seamless manner.
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Jan 5, 2022
Interview with author Caleb Pirtle
Learn more about Caleb Pirtle, prolific author of both fiction and nonfiction. Caleb also worked in journalism and television, and discusses lessons learned from all of his literary adventures.
Learn more about Caleb Pirtle at https://www.calebandlindapirtle.com/
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