A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

Writers: Get Out!

Feeling stuck in your writing routine? Struggling with motivation, creativity, or writer's block? Sometimes the best thing you can do for your writing is to get out of your usual workspace and change your surroundings.

In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson takes the show on the road, recording from his Bronco in a local park. He's talking about how a simple change of scenery can refresh your creativity, improve your writing productivity, and help you break free from the routines that leave you feeling burned out.

Whether you're writing your first novel, building an indie author career, or managing a creative business, your environment can make a surprising difference in how you think and work.

Kevin shares how he writes from practically anywhere, why he sometimes changes his writing tools and routines, and how stepping away from your usual workspace can actually help you get MORE writing done.

You don't always need a new writing strategy. Sometimes you just need a new view.

Where's your favorite place to write? A coffee shop? A park? Your home office? Let me know in the comments!

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Writers: Sometimes You Need to Get Out!
01:23 – Why Changing Your Writing Environment Matters
02:09 – How I Work and Write From Anywhere
03:33 – Fresh Air, Exercise, and Creative Inspiration
04:04 – How a Change of Scenery Sparks New Ideas
05:06 – Breaking Out of a Writing Funk
05:53 – Change Your Writing Tools, Change Your Thinking
06:38 – When Writing Starts Feeling Like a Burden
07:46 – Overcoming Writer's Guilt
08:28 – Try Writing Something Completely Different
09:40 – My Favorite Mobile Writing Office
10:10 – How Do You Refresh Your Creativity?

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!

If you're a writer, aspiring author, or creative entrepreneur looking for practical, honest advice about writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a successful author career, you're in the right place!

Subscribe to Wordslinger for regular conversations about the writing life, self-publishing, creative productivity, and making a living doing what you love.

No gatekeeping. No magic formulas. Just useful advice from a fellow writer who's been doing this for decades.

FIND KEVIN:

Find Kevin and his books:
https://kevintumlinson.com

Join Kevin on Substack:
https://kevintumlinson.substack.com

Wordslinger Podcast home page:
https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:

Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:
https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:
https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:
https://authoranchor.com

#WritingTips #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #WritingMotivation #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthors #Wordslinger #WritingProductivity

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A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

WRITE WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW

They say, "Write what you know." But what happens when your story takes you somewhere you've never been, into a time period you've never experienced, or into the mind of someone with skills you don't have?

The truth is, you don't have to know everything to write about anything.

In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson shares practical tips for writing convincingly about things you know little or nothing about. Whether you're writing a historical thriller, science fiction, fantasy, or contemporary fiction, learning how to research unfamiliar subjects and draw from your own experiences can make your stories more believable and immersive.

We'll explore how tools like Google Maps, Google Earth, YouTube, and AI can help you research unfamiliar locations, historical settings, professions, and technologies. We'll also talk about using your own life experiences to bring authenticity and emotional depth to situations you've never personally encountered.

And what happens when you get something wrong? Because sooner or later, every writer does!

Don't let gaps in your knowledge stop you from telling a great story. The world is full of resources, and your imagination is one of the most powerful tools you've got.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
How to research places you've never visited
How to use Google Maps and Google Earth for fiction research
How AI can help with historical settings and unfamiliar subjects
How to draw on personal experiences to write the unfamiliar
Why fact-checking matters (especially when readers know more than you)
How YouTube can help bring your settings and characters to life

QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you research something you've never experienced? What tools or tricks do you use to make your fiction feel authentic? Share your tips in the comments!

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Why Writers Must Write What They Don't Know
00:46 - Writing About Unfamiliar Places, Times, and Professions
01:38 - Researching Locations with Google Maps and Google Earth
03:31 - Using AI to Research Historical Settings
05:09 - Using Your Own Experiences to Write the Unknown
07:53 - Getting the Details Wrong (and Hearing About It!)
08:42 - Fact-Checking and Research Resources
09:23 - Using YouTube to Explore Places and Learn New Skills
11:09 - Share Your Best Writing Research Tips

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!
Whether you're writing your first novel or publishing your fiftieth, Wordslinger is here to help you become a better writer and build a successful author career. Get practical writing advice, publishing insights, book marketing strategies, and encouragement from an author who's been there. Subscribe and join a community of writers who are serious about their craft and their careers!

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

FIND KEVIN:
Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com
Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com
Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:
Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5
Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger
Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com

#WritingTips #CreativeWriting #WritingAdvice #FictionWriting #NovelWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

WRITERS ARE READING THE WRONG BOOKS

Want to become a better writer? You might need to change what you're reading.

Most writers know they should read more books. But what should you actually be reading? Books in your genre? Classic literature? Books about writing? Or something completely different?

In this episode of Wordslinger, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson explores why reading is one of the most important skills a writer can develop—and why limiting yourself to your favorite genre might be holding back your writing.

We'll talk about how reading shapes your writing voice, why readers want stories that feel familiar but different, and how reading outside your comfort zone can make you a stronger storyteller. Plus, I'll share a simple daily reading habit—just 20 pages a day—that has transformed my own reading routine.

Whether you're writing your first novel, building a career as an indie author, or simply looking to improve your storytelling, the books you choose to read can make all the difference.

What are you reading right now? Do you deliberately read outside your favorite genres? Tell me in the comments! I'd love to hear what's on your reading list.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Why Writers Need to Read
00:33 What Should Writers Be Reading?
01:15 Finding Your Voice Through Genre Fiction
02:18 Why Readers Want the Same but Different
03:12 The Value of Reading Outside Your Genre
04:05 Why You Should Read the Classics
04:54 Challenging Books Make You a Stronger Reader
06:10 How Reading Resets Your Expectations
07:09 Learning the Rhythm of Great Storytelling
08:07 Finding Your Own Unique Writing Voice
09:22 Why Every Writer Needs a Daily Reading Habit
09:49 The Power of Reading 20 Pages a Day
10:29 What I'm Reading Right Now
11:57 Keep Your Reading Streak Going
12:29 Why Reading Is Essential to Writing

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!

Whether you're just starting your first book or you've already published a dozen, Wordslinger is your home for practical, honest advice on writing, storytelling, publishing, and building a successful author career.

Subscribe for regular Wordslinger 10-Shots, podcast conversations, and insights from a working author who's been through the ups and downs of the publishing business. No hype, no shortcuts—just the guidance, encouragement, and tools to help you become the writer you want to be.

Subscribe today and let's keep writing!

FIND KEVIN:

Find Kevin and his books:
https://kevintumlinson.com

Join Kevin on Substack:
https://kevintumlinson.substack.com

Wordslinger Podcast home page:
https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:

Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:
https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:
https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:
https://authoranchor.com

#WritingTips #WritingAdvice #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

How do you keep writing when anxiety takes over? What happens when you love writing, but stress, deadlines, competing priorities, and the pressure to succeed make it almost impossible to sit down and do the work?

Even experienced, successful writers struggle with anxiety. And sometimes the biggest obstacle to finishing your book isn't writer's block, a lack of discipline, or a shortage of ideas. It's what's happening inside your own head.

In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson gets personal about his own struggles with anxiety and shares the practical strategies he's learned to manage stress, quiet his mind, and keep creating even when life feels overwhelming.

We'll talk about why worrying about tomorrow can sabotage your productivity today, how to give yourself permission to redefine success, and why sometimes the most productive thing a writer can do is take a nap.

You'll also discover how journaling, simple relaxation techniques, and focusing on one task at a time can help you regain control of your creative life.

Whether you're working on your first novel, building an author career, or juggling writing with a dozen other responsibilities, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to do everything at once. And you don't have to be perfect to make progress.

Anxiety doesn't have to have the final word in your writing career.

QUESTION FOR YOU: Do you struggle with anxiety when it comes to writing or creative work? What strategies have helped you manage it? Share your experiences in the comments. I'd love to hear what works for you, and your advice might help another writer!

SUBSCRIBE to Wordslinger for honest, practical advice on writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a sustainable creative career. Whether you're just starting your first book or working toward becoming a full-time author, this is your home for guidance, encouragement, and real-world strategies to help you succeed.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Welcome to Wordslinger: Let's Talk About Anxiety
00:38 - When Anxiety Gets in the Way of Writing
01:35 - Why Living in the Future Creates Stress
02:29 - Focus on What's Important Right Now
03:10 - Redefining Success and Giving Yourself Grace
05:18 - One Task at a Time: Managing Competing Priorities
06:03 - Front-Loading Work to Reduce Stress
06:34 - A Simple Breathing and Relaxation Technique
07:29 - Releasing Physical Tension and Anxiety
08:04 - How Journaling Helps Writers Manage Stress
09:42 - Getting Anxious Thoughts Out of Your Head
10:09 - When Anxiety Becomes Overwhelming
10:47 - Why a Nap Might Be Your Best Productivity Tool
11:26 - Sleep, Self-Care, and Supporting Each Other
12:18 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

FIND KEVIN:
Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com
Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com
Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com
Watch Wordslinger on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@wordslingershow

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:
Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5
Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger
Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com

#WritingAdvice #WritingAnxiety #WritersLife #AuthorLife #CreativeWriting

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

When is the best time to start marketing your book? Before you finish writing it? Before you publish? Or should you wait until you actually have something to sell?

Here's the answer most authors don't want to hear: The best time to start marketing your book is RIGHT NOW.

In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson explains why waiting until publication day to start marketing could be one of the biggest mistakes you make as an author. Whether you're working on your first novel or your fiftieth, building an audience early can make all the difference.

But here's the good news: Book marketing doesn't have to mean becoming a salesperson, spending a fortune on advertising, or dancing on TikTok. It's about making connections with readers, building relationships, and making sure your books are discoverable when someone is ready to read them.

We'll talk about building your author platform, why your email newsletter is one of your most valuable marketing tools, how to choose the right social media platforms, and why consistency matters more than chasing trends.

You don't need a finished book to start finding your readers. You just need to start.

What's holding you back from marketing your books? Share your biggest challenge or your favorite marketing strategy in the comments. I read and respond to every comment!

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

CHAPTERS:
00:00 When Is the Best Time to Market Your Book?
00:30 Why You Should Start Marketing Right Now
01:24 Why Waiting Until Publication Is a Mistake
02:11 What Book Marketing Really Means
03:02 Why Your Book Launch Matters
03:50 Building Your Author Platform Before Launch
04:44 Why Your Email Newsletter Is Essential
05:25 Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms
06:01 Why Consistency Beats Chasing Trends
07:06 Building an Audience by Doing What You Love
08:05 Websites, Substack, and Your Author Platform
08:42 Start Telling People About Your Books
09:29 Turning Your Audience Into a Community
10:02 Building Relationships With Readers
10:40 What's Stopping You From Marketing Today?
11:21 Final Thoughts

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER:
Whether you're writing your first book, building an author career, or trying to make a living from your words, Wordslinger is here to help you along the way. Subscribe for practical, honest advice on writing, publishing, book marketing, and the business of being an author. No hype, no gimmicks. Just real-world guidance from a fellow writer who's been there.

Subscribe and join the Wordslinger community:
https://youtube.com/@wordslingershow

FIND KEVIN:
Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com
Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com
Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:
Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com

#BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #AuthorMarketing #WritingTips #Wordslinger

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

Think you don't have enough time to write? What if the very thing holding you back is actually making you a better, more productive writer?

Building a writing career while juggling a full-time job, family responsibilities, and everyday life can feel impossible. But here's something I discovered after years of squeezing writing into lunch breaks, early mornings, and spare moments: I was sometimes MORE productive when I had less time to write!

In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, I'm sharing my advice for writers struggling to find time for their craft. We'll talk about embracing limitations, using deadlines to your advantage, building consistent writing habits, and why becoming a full-time author might not solve all your productivity problems.

Whether you're an aspiring novelist, an indie author working a day job, or a creative entrepreneur trying to balance your passion with your responsibilities, there's a lesson here: You don't need unlimited time to build a successful writing career. You need persistence, consistency, and a willingness to write even when life gets in the way.

What's your biggest obstacle to finding time to write? Tell me in the comments! And if you've figured out how to keep writing despite a busy schedule, share your success story. You might inspire another writer who's struggling.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com

GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!

If you're serious about becoming a better writer, publishing your books, and building a sustainable author career, you've found your people! Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical, experience-based advice on writing, self-publishing, book marketing, and making a living as a creative. No gimmicks, no shortcuts. Just honest guidance from a fellow writer who's been there.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Writing with Fences: Finding Time to Write
01:04 – When Two Hours a Week Was the Goal
01:44 – Why I Wrote More While Working a Full-Time Job
02:39 – Embrace the Deadline: Turn Obstacles into Advantages
03:33 – The Power of Small, Consistent Writing Sessions
04:14 – The Reality of Being a Full-Time Author
05:00 – Why Passion Matters More Than Money
05:58 – Even One Word Counts: Finding Time When Life Gets Hard
06:38 – Persistence, Consistency, and Your Writing Success
06:57 – Share Your Writing Challenges and Success Stories

FIND KEVIN:

Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com
Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com
Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com

SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:

Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5

Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger

Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com

#WritingTips #WritingMotivation #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #Wordslinger

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.