

The Wordslinger Podcast
It's all about the story here.
From award-winning and bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson, this weekly podcast explores the stories that shape us into who we are, and shape the world into what it can become. There are interviews with authors and non-authors, deep dives into useful ideas, and solo-slinger episodes that are authentic and real, aimed at giving you the best, most honest advice about life as a writer, creator, and creative entrereneur. Every episode is a story. It's all about the story here.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 26, 2026 • 34min
Your Author Platform Matters More Than Your Book
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.

Mar 19, 2026 • 34min
You Don’t Need More Time—You Need This Instead
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.

Mar 12, 2026 • 35min
The Writing Trick That Unstuck My Novel
A writer describes hitting the dreaded mid‑novel stall and how a small subplot unlocked momentum. He explains how B‑stories ease pacing, deepen relationships, and deliver exposition naturally. Tips include stepping away, learning from TV subplots, and using rewrites to retrofit satisfying payoffs.

10 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 34min
3 Writing Habits That Work Better Than a Perfect Writing Routine
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.

23 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 32min
Most People Don’t Actually Want to Be Writers
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.

9 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 30min
3 Ways to Know If You Should Finish, Pause, or Abandon Your Book
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.

22 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 39min
6 Ways I Use AI While Writing My Books (Not What You Think)
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.

12 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 32min
AI Is Beating Writers at Their Own Game (Here’s the Only Way to Win)
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.

10 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 38min
The Analog Rebellion: Why Creators Are Walking Away from Big Tech
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!

48 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 43min
I Stopped Typing My Novels — Here’s What Happened
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.


