WriterCon

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Elliot S! Maggin, author of novels and comic book stories, including now-classic tales for Superman.0:00 Opening ThoughtsLara updates us on her recent acitvities2:50 News1) DNF Rating Added to Goodreads2) Solarpunk Genre Presents Positive Futures That Address Climate Change11:51 Craft CornerLara Bernhardt (The Wantland Files) explians how to Get to the Heart of Your Story16:54 Interview with Elliot S! Maggin38:40 Parting WordsBill explains a moment in the Maggin interview, then invites you to the WriterCon Retreat, a small-group workshop to help improve your work-in-progress.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 (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Carol Van Den Hande, author of the Goodbye Orchid series.0:00 Opening ThoughtsBill got his first review for The Superman Wars! And it's good (or he would'nt have mentioned it). Jesse is just back from the Star Trek Cruise. He has been assimilated.3:47 News1) Bookstreaming Comes to Twitch2) Bindery Books Lets Book Influencers Become Acquiring Editors11:56 Craft CornerBetsey Kulakowski, author of the Veritas Codex series of paranormal adventures, talks about how to create dread.16:18 Interview with Carol Van Den Hande28:51 Parting WordsThe cruise ship has sailded, but you can still participate in the WriterCon Small-Group Retreat (July 15-19 at the Canbrake Resort near Tulsa, and the WriterCon Main Even—the Writer's conference, Labor Day weekend, Sept 4-7, at the historic Skirvin Plaza Hotel in Oklahoma City.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 (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Steve Younis, host of the Superman Homepage and author of a new book, Man of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: A Calendar of Significant Birthdays, Premieres, and Milestones in Superman's History.0:00 Opening ThoughtsWe chat about hockey romances and why they are having their moment.6:44 News1) BookSpot Offers Unique Reading Challenge2) Spotify Offers PodMatch for Audiobooks13:35 Craft CornerTamara Grantham, author of many fantasy novels, including Never Call Me Vampire, explains the differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing and the advantages and disdvantages of both.17:36 Interview with Steve Younis37:56 Parting WordsMake plans now to attend the WriterCon Retreat (July 15-19) and the WriterCon Conference (Sept 4-7). Take your writing to the next level!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Mark McCraw, acclaimed author of twelve children's books.0:00 Opening ThoughtsThere's still time to file a claim in the Anthorpic lawsuit.3:48 News1) Substack is Coming to Television2) "Autofiction" takes off in Scandinavia14:00 Craft CornerJD Caine, co-author of the Manifest Destiny series, explains how to scare your readers.17:58 Interview with Mark McCraw33:57 Parting WordsFINAL CALL for the WriterCon Cruise, March 7-15, Eastern Caribbena itinerary leaving from Ft. Lauderdale. Over twenty hours of writing instruction specifically tailored to the needs of the particpants. You'll have opporunities to interact, make friends, and meet individually with all the writers plus a top literary agent. Seas the Day!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Heather Snidgrass about her new book, A Love Letter to Reading, a thriller that incorporates music throughout. She also discusses how listening to music improves her writing.Opening ThoughtsBill, Lara, and Jesse make their predictions for 2026 and the world of writing.News1) Spotify is Producing Dramatized Audiobooks Based on Original Material2) Publishers Are Using AI to Review Submissions and Pick Books to PublishCraft CornerMarty Ludlum (At First I Was Afraid) talks about words to avoid.Interview with Heather SnodgrassClosing WordsDon't forget the WriterCon Cruise, March 7-17. We leave from Ft. Lauderdale and cruise through beautiful locations, plus you get over 20 hours of writing instruction, personalized to meet the needs of the group, while the boat is at sea (we won't bother you when the boat is in port). Have some fun and take your writing skills to the next level. For more info, visit www.writercon.com.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview John Phillips, author of the Vietnam-era historical fiction, Dress Whites.Opening ThoughtsThe crew re-examines their predictions for 2025—and didn't do half bad.News1) Readers Rebel Against Titles with Excessive SEO Keywords2) Harlequin Uses AI Translation ServiceCraft CornerBetsey Kulakowski (The Veritas Codex) discusses why you should write the book only you can write.Interview with John PhillipsParting WordsDon't forget to register for the WriterCon Cruise! This time, we’re leaving from Ft Lauderdale for an eight-day voyage. So beautiful tropical vistas plus over twenty hours of writing instruction from Lara and I, plus Betsey Kulakowski and an onboard agent (Katherine Sands) who will happily talk to every participant. Don’t miss out. Plan now to be with us March 7-15. Visit the WriterCon website for more info.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 (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Janet Yeager, author of the high-tech thriller, Two Birds, One Stone. 0:00 Opening ThoughtsHow Writers Prep for the Holidays4:51 News1) Amazon Offers Free AI Foreign-Language Translations2) Grammerly Becomes Superhuman with AI Assistant15:26 Craft CornerOur panel of experts discuss the use of Amazon and AI by Writers19:57 Interview with Janet Yeager40:18 Parting WordsThe WriterCon Cruise worked for Janet Yeager. Could it do the same for you? We’re leaving from Ft Lauderdale for an eight-day cruise through the Eastern Caribbean, beautiful tropical vistas combines with over twenty hours of writing instruction, plus an onboard agent who will happily talk to every participant. Don’t miss out. Plan now to be with us March 7-15. Visit the WriterCon website for more info.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Will Thomas, author of the Victorian-era Barker & Llewelyn mysteries, and Julia Bryan Thomas, author of five novels, most recently The Kennedy Girl.0:00 Opening ThoughtsThe Best Memories from 200 episodes4:14 NewsThis is a 200th Anniversary News roundup focusing on the two topics that appeared most recently in the news during our previous episodes: Amazon and AI.13:36 Craft CornerMarty Ludlum (At First I Was Afraid) continues his discussion of writing conferences, focusing on the people you should be looking for to advance your writing career.20:10 Interview with Will & Julia Bryan Thomas43:12 Parting WordsThe 2026 WriterCon Cruise departs from Ft Lauderdale for an eight-day trip through beautiful tropical vistas plus over twenty hours of writing instruction from Lara and I, plus Betsey Kulakowski, plus an onboard agent (Katharine Sands) who will happily talk to every participant. Don’t miss out. Plan now to be with us March 7-15. Visit the WriterCon website for more info.Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars) and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Leah Paulos, the founder and leader of Press Shop PR, who for more than 25 years has helped promote top titles from major publishers.Note: Because the team was on the road, the sound quality of this episode is not our usual. Apologies. We will be back to normal next time for our 200TH EPISODE!!!0:00 Opening ThoughtsWhat book are you thankful for this year?4:02 News1) Beventi and INKfluence Team to Help Authors Direct Sell Enhanced Books2) Huge Phianthropic Fund for Literary Arts10:39 Craft CornerTamara Grantham (Never Call Me Vampire) explains the importance of giving your characters memorable eccentricities.14:06 Interview with Leah Paulos36:10 Parting WordsJoin us for the WriterCon Cruise! Over 20 hours of writing instruction while we cruise the Eastern Carribean on an 8-day sail leaving from Ft Lauderdale, March 7-15. Seas the Day!Join the WriterCon Facebook Group, a warm and supportive group of writers. Know what's going on in the writing world every day!Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.William Bernhardt www.williambernhardt.comwww.writercon.com

Bestselling authors William Bernhardt (The Superman Wars)and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Courtney Psak, author of the new thriller The Tutor.0:00 Opening ThoughtsThe Crew talk about recent travels and debate whether Bill is tragically unhip.4:23 NewsThe All-Lawsuit Edition!1) Judge Declares Texas Book Rating Law Unconstiutional2) Michael Wolff Sues Melania Trump for Allegedly Trying to Silence HIm3) Big Five P{ublisher Sues the Heirs of Nelson DeMilleNote: when Bill talks about S&S paying $600 and some, he means $600,000+15:18 Interview with Courtney Psak32:02 Parting WordsJoin us for the WriterCon Cruise! This time, we’re leaving from Ft Lauderdale for an eight-day cruise through the Eastern Caribbean, which is a new destination for us. So beautiful tropical vistas, plus over twenty hours of writing instruction from Bil, Lara, Betsey Kulakowski and agent Katharine Sands, who will happily talk to every participant. Don’t miss out. Plan now to be with us March 7-15. Visit the WriterCon website for more info. www.writercon.com/cruise