The Wordslinger Podcast

A focused look at why authors need a direct connection to readers more than a single book. Short takes on why email lists still win and why relying on social media is risky. Thoughts on AI reshaping storytelling and why authenticity and imperfection matter. Notes on a comeback for physical books and the real goal of building an audience first.

They talk about writing through chaos and why lack of time is a myth. Practical planning tricks for hitting draft targets get a spotlight. The conversation covers consistency over big word counts, breaking projects into small tasks, and layering skills one at a time. You also hear about using AI, VAs, and processes to speed production while avoiding burnout.

Ever hit that moment in a story where everything just… stops? You’re tens of thousands of words into a novel and suddenly the story feels stuck. The momentum disappears. The next chapter won’t come. The whole thing feels like a pill stuck in your throat. In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, J. Kevin Tumlinson shares the writing breakthrough that helped him restart a novel he abandoned nearly two years ago—and the surprisingly simple storytelling technique that unlocked the entire book. The answer wasn’t rewriting the premise or scrapping the story. It was adding a subplot. In this episode, Kevin breaks down how B-stories and secondary plotlines can relieve pressure on your main story, deepen character relationships, and create the pacing that keeps readers turning pages. He also shares lessons about stepping away from a book when you're stuck—and why professional writers always come back to finish the story. If you're a novelist, storyteller, or creative entrepreneur trying to push through a stalled project, this episode will give you a practical way to get your momentum back. • Why writers get stuck in the middle of a novel• The storytelling technique that unlocked Kevin’s stalled book• How subplots improve pacing and tension• The real purpose of a B-story in fiction• Using secondary characters to deepen your narrative• Why stepping away from a manuscript can sometimes save it• The difference between amateur writers and professionals 0:00 – When a story feels “stuck”1:10 – Why this novel stalled for nearly two years2:35 – Coming back to the manuscript with fresh eyes3:50 – The subplot breakthrough6:05 – How B-stories improve pacing and tension9:10 – The importance of anticipation in storytelling11:40 – Learning from movies and TV subplots14:10 – Avoiding clunky exposition in dialogue17:20 – Giving readers breathing room in your story19:00 – The “House moment” storytelling technique21:20 – Why rewriting makes you look brilliant24:00 – When it’s okay to step away from a book26:00 – The difference between amateurs and pros27:00 – Writing as both art and business Wordslinger Podcasthttps://wordslingerpodcast.com Draft2Digitalhttps://draft2digital.com/wordslinger AuthorAnchorhttps://authoranchor.com Find Kevin and his bookshttps://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substackhttps://kevintumlinson.substack.com If you're serious about becoming a better writer and building a successful publishing career, this channel is for you. The Wordslinger Podcast is where writers, creatives, and storytellers come for practical advice on writing craft, publishing, marketing, and the business of being an author. Subscribe and join a community of writers committed to telling better stories and building lasting careers. 👉 Subscribe here and start your journey:https://youtube.com/@wordslingerpodcast Have a question about writing, publishing, or storytelling?Leave it in the comments. Your question might become the topic of a future Wordslinger episode. And remember… The world needs your stories. In This EpisodeTimecodesResources MentionedSubscribe for More Writing and Publishing Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They debunk the myth of a perfect writing routine and explain why chasing setup perfection fails. They highlight building systems that survive life changes. They talk about prioritizing consistency over daily word counts. They share tricks for writing anywhere using phones, notebooks, or found paper. They encourage using constraints and adapting environments to keep writing moving.

A frank take on why wanting to have written is different from wanting to be a writer. Short bursts on the lonely, long-haul grind and why execution beats ideas. Practical talk about AI, idea liability, and when collaborations make sense. Tips on daily habits, protecting your work, and choosing stability while you build a writing life.

Practical tactics for deciding whether to finish, pause, or abandon a manuscript. Tips for surviving the muddy middle and using outlining tools. Strategies to avoid shiny object syndrome and take productive breaks. How to recognize sunk cost traps and repurpose stalled material. Encouragement to build habits that help you finish more drafts.

Practical, surprising ways writers use AI to enrich scene descriptions and research places they cannot visit. Tricks for transcribing handwriting and speeding up dictation. Tips for AI-driven copy editing, manuscript analysis, and spotting plot inconsistencies. Creative strategies for subverting AI predictions to avoid formulaic storytelling and using AI-generated art as raw material for covers.

Explore the thrilling intersection of creativity and technology as the host tackles how AI is reshaping storytelling. Discover the struggle against formulaic writing and the importance of authenticity in a world where machines replicate patterns. Hear about personal experiences with packing and moving, while reflecting on the evolving publishing landscape. The podcast encourages artists to embrace innovation, reject competition with AI, and create emotionally genuine work that resonates with the human experience.

Discover the rise of the 'Analog Rebellion' as creators turn away from digital dominance. Kevin shares his poignant story of losing a vinyl collection, paving the way for a resurgence in tactile media like records and journals. Dive into the pitfalls of digital ownership versus convenience, and explore the joys of handwritten notes and typewriters. Learn why people are escaping algorithms and subscription fatigue, and how building personal media servers empowers true ownership. Join the movement toward a more authentic creative life!

Explore the fascinating journey of writing by hand as a means to combat burnout and boost creativity. Discover how switching from digital to analog transformed one author's connection to his stories. Learn about innovative workflows that blend handwriting with AI tools for transcription and editing. Delve into practical insights on building creative habits and rediscovering the joy of writing without deadlines. Hear about the changing landscape of publishing and the unique flavor that handwriting brings to storytelling.