Killer Prose

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner discusses strategies for dealing with writer's block and managing stress. He offers personal insights into his own practices for de-stressing and staying focused, such as prioritizing workouts and meditation, observing the world for inspiration, and experimenting with his writing process. Tanner also provides updates on his current projects, including 'Fools and Corpses' and 'The Haint,' sharing lessons learned from revisions and character development. Additionally, he highlights the importance of keeping oneself open to inspiration and adjusting writing habits to overcome creative blocks.

00:00 Introduction to Writing During Stressful Times

01:45 Current Projects and Revisions

04:40 Deep Dive into 'Haint'

12:20 Strategies to Overcome Writer's Block

17:26 Experimenting with Writing Processes

21:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Killer Prose, I interview J.D. Barker, an international and New York Times bestselling author known for titles like 'The Fourth Monkey,' 'Dracul,' and his upcoming novel, 'We Don't Talk About Emma.' J.D. discusses his new book, his co-authoring process, and his unique deal with Simon & Schuster. He shares insights into his writing and publishing journey, the changes in the industry, and his approach to mentoring new authors. The conversation also touches on innovative marketing strategies, including a one-of-a-kind giveaway for his upcoming book, 'Something I Keep Upstairs.' J.D. emphasizes the importance of consistent writing, taking risks, and adapting to changes in the publishing world.

00:00 Intro

00:50 JD Barker's Upcoming Thriller: We Don't Talk About Emma

01:23 The Co-Authoring Process

01:51 From Book Doctor to Imprint Owner

03:23 Navigating the Changing Publishing Industry

04:35 The Hybrid Publishing Model

08:05 Marketing Strategies and Breakthroughs

15:09 Writing Process and Collaboration with James Patterson

17:49 Managing Multiple Projects and Trusting the Process

20:30 Bookstore Dynamics and Indie Authors

21:58 Genre Blending and Audience Expansion

24:17 Learning from the Masters

26:16 The Importance of Author Branding

30:33 Mentoring and Collaborative Writing

31:23 The Role of Technology in Writing

38:04 Advice for Aspiring Authors

38:50 Final thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with JD at: https://jdbarker.com/

In this episode of the Killer Prose Podcast, host Tanner Rutledge wishes listeners a happy New Year and invites them to share their upcoming projects for 2025. Tanner discusses his decision to merge his mystery and horror writings under his own name, eliminating the need for a pen name to reduce marketing expenses. He reflects on the professional changes in 2024, including transitioning to commission sales to fund his book projects. Looking ahead, he anticipates releasing his first mystery novel 'Fools and Corpses' by June 2025, followed by a horror novel and another book in the Ted and Darcy series. Tanner emphasizes the importance of writing consistently and sets a goal to write 1,000 words a day. He also invites listeners to join his live writing sessions and to suggest topics and guest authors for future episodes.

00:00 Welcome and New Year's Greetings

00:45 Reflecting on 2024: Professional Changes

01:40 Upcoming Book Releases

03:02 The Pen Name Dilemma

08:02 Writing Routine and Productivity Tips

11:14 Goals for 2025 and Beyond

13:09 Podcasting and Community Engagement

13:44 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

In this episode of Killer Prose Podcast, Tanner is joined by Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar, an accomplished writer and associate English professor in Pennsylvania. With her work featured in over forty creative publications, including The Horror Zine, Wyldblood Magazine, and Tales from the Moonlit Path, Cassandra brings a wealth of experience to the table.

We discuss the craft of writing, teaching horror fiction at the university level, and the art of using scenery to convey a variety of information to your readers. Cassandra also shares insights into her works: her dark suspense novel, Darkness There but Something More (Wicked House Publishing, March 2024), and her short horror story collection, Keeper of Corpses and Other Dark Tales (Velox Books, September 2024).

Join us for a compelling conversation about the intersection of education, creativity, and the macabre.

In this episode of Killer Prose, we’re joined by Lee Mountford, the bestselling author behind the Haunted and Darkfall series. Lee shares his journey to becoming a full-time indie author, offering insights into planning and writing series, collaborating with editors, and crafting haunted house stories and genre blends.

Whether you’re a writer seeking inspiration or a horror fan curious about what goes into creating spine-chilling fiction, this is an episode you won't want to miss.