In this week’s episode of The Author Dilemma Show, we dive into the real, raw challenges and triumphs of the writing journey. Our hosts, J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr, share insights on overcoming the dreaded “muddle in the middle” of book drafts, the unique pressures of writing a series, and how each story idea competes for precious writing time. They also tackle the realities of building a readership and finding the delicate balance between creativity and effective marketing.

The conversation turns candid as they address the impact of social media on author communities, especially in a divisive climate. Hear their perspectives on using platforms constructively, respecting diverse viewpoints, and the discipline required to think twice before posting. If you’re a writer looking for guidance on finishing your projects or just curious about the emotional highs and lows of an author’s world, this episode is packed with honest advice and encouragement.

E-mail us: authorsdilemma@gmail.com

J.E. Jack: https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks: https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr: https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

In this lively episode of The Author's Dilemma, join hosts J.E. Jack (paranormal thrillers and urban fantasy), Hyrum Hawks (hard sci-fi and sci-fantasy), and Jennifer Carr (Christian romantic suspense and clean contemporary romance) as they dive into the ups and downs of the writing world. They candidly discuss the challenges of blending genres—from sci-fi to romance—and the struggle of balancing creative passion with financial goals. Hear Hyrum’s existential crisis over writing for profit, the team’s frustrations with book piracy and how it impacts authors, and their experiences dealing with unexpected obstacles. They also offer tips on handling pirated books, the importance of library access, and navigating marketing difficulties.

Tune in for honest conversations, a dash of humor, and a peek behind the curtain at the triumphs and struggles of life as an author.

E-mail us:

authorsdilemma@gmail.com

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks:

https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, hosts J.E. Jack and Jennifer Carr discuss the intricacies of writing standalones versus book series, offering insights from their personal experiences. J.E. shares exciting news about his upcoming urban fantasy release and the challenges of navigating the world of cover design. Jennifer reflects on the unique journey of releasing book two in her series, and how interacting directly with readers has impacted her marketing strategy. They explore what it takes to keep readers hooked across multiple books, how to manage character timelines, and tips for crafting engaging narratives in different genres. Whether you’re writing your first book or your fifteenth, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your writing journey!

E-mail us:

authorsdilemma@gmail.com

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks:

https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, we welcome special guest Caitee Cooper, an indie author of paranormal suspense and romantic thrillers. Join hosts J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr as they dive into Caitee’s journey of turning inner struggles into compelling stories. Caitee shares her personal experience of overcoming postpartum depression through writing, the power of confronting intrusive thoughts, and how her characters reflect these battles. Tune in for an engaging conversation on balancing life as a writer, insights into Kickstarter campaigns, and the rollercoaster of managing reviews as an indie author. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and a healthy dose of writing inspiration!

E-mail us: authorsdilemma@gmail.com

J.E. Jack: https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks: https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr: https://www.jcarrwrites.com/

Caitee Cooper https://www.caiteecooper.com/

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, we welcome fantasy author Brady Hunsaker to discuss a wide range of topics affecting authors today. From the ongoing debate over AI in the publishing world to navigating self-publishing through platforms like Kickstarter, Brady shares insights from his journey as a writer. We dive deep into the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, how to build a dedicated fanbase, and the creative process behind writing fantasy novels. Plus, Brady opens up about the strategies behind his successful Kickstarter campaigns and offers advice for new and struggling authors. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to guide you on your author journey. Tune in and join the conversation!

E-mail us:

authorsdilemma@gmail.com

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks:

https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/real-american-country-series

http://www.bradyhunsaker.com

In this week's episode, we’re joined by Martin Tracey, a talented UK author with a versatile background in writing both fiction and nonfiction. From his early days in music to his current journey as a novelist, Martin shares how he transitioned from songwriting to creating stories, blending genres like football and vampires in his book Beneath the Floodlights. We dive into the challenges of indie publishing, writing series versus standalones, and his exploration into film production. Plus, he discusses his upcoming biographies on iconic musicians and his ongoing Judd Stone series. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on creativity, perseverance, and the ever-evolving journey of a storyteller.

E-mail us:

authorsdilemma@gmail.com

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks:

https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/real-american-country-series

Martin Tracey:

https://martintracey.co.uk/

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, we sit down with N.L. Blanford, author of psychological and comedic thrillers. Join us as we explore her journey into the world of writing, including her passion for addressing heavy topics like human trafficking and her experience balancing the darkness with humor. We discuss the emotional challenges of writing intense subject matter, her approach to storytelling, and how she weaves suspense and tension into her novels. Plus, we dive into the question of whether authors should engage with their readers in review spaces. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about crafting thrillers, managing emotions in writing, and finding the right balance between personal creativity and reader engagement.

E-mail us: authorsdilemma@gmail.com

J.E. Jack: https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks: https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr: https://www.jcarrwrites.com/real-american-country-series

N.L. Blanford https://www.nlblandford.com/

In this episode of The Author's Dilemma, we're diving deep into the art of character development. Our hosts, J.E. Jack, Hyrum Hawks, and Jennifer Carr, explore the different approaches to creating compelling characters, from careful planning to discovering characters as you write. They discuss how to give your characters unique voices, how their personal flaws shape the story, and the delicate balance between plot-driven and character-driven narratives.

But that's not all—we also tackle some hot topics in the writing community. From the recent NaNoWriMo controversy involving AI to scams that target indie authors, we'll share our thoughts and advice on navigating these tricky issues.

Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, this episode is packed with insights on how to make your characters come alive on the page. Tune in for practical tips, personal experiences, and a lively discussion on how to craft unforgettable protagonists.

E-mail us:

authorsdilemma@gmail.com

J.E. Jack:

https://www.jejack.com/

Hyrum Hawks:

https://hyrumhawks.com/

Jennifer Carr:

https://www.jcarrwrites.com/real-american-country-series

Resources for Authors:

Blog - https://jcarrwrites.wordpress.com/2024/09/05/the-art-of-character-development-writing-compelling-characters-without-falling-into-stereotypes/

Character Development Workbook - https://www.jcarrwrites.com/product/character-profile-workbook/78