In this episode of Ready Writer One, Shane Carlson interviews Tommy Kerper, also known as SourpatchHero, discussing his unique approach to writing in the LitRPG genre, his transition from law to full-time writing, and the supportive community surrounding LitRPG. The conversation explores themes of character development, the writing process, and the importance of community engagement in the literary world. The conversation explores the experiences of authors in the LitRPG genre, focusing on themes of community, representation, and the creative process. Tommy Kerper shares insights on his writing journey, the importance of diverse characters, and his upcoming projects.

Takeaways

• Unique perspective on storytelling
• Importance of community support Community support is vital
• Diversity enriches storytelling

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Sour Patch Hero
• 01:26 The Journey to Writing
• 04:35 Transitioning from Law to Writing
• 08:48 Community and Reader Engagement
• 12:10 The Impact of Conventions
• 15:51 Character Development Insights
• 20:00 Lessons Learned as an Author
• 24:56 Writing Process and Techniques
• 25:57 The Joy of Book Collecting
• 28:20 Creative Inspirations and Upcoming Works
• 32:07 Writing to Market vs. Writing for Passion
• 36:10 Working with Publishers and Audiobook Narration
• 40:37 World Building: A Discovery Process
• 41:42 Unhinged Questions and Character Dynamics
• 43:45 The Importance of Representation in Literature
• 49:32 Future Projects and Community Support

In this episode of Ready Writer One, Shane Carlson hosts Dennis Meltser, a LitRPG enthusiast, in a unique format called Blind Date with an Author. The conversation revolves around a mystery author's pitch for a dark, character-driven progression fantasy that explores themes of survival, revenge, and the brutal realities of an arena-based society.

The conversation delves into the author's dark fantasy series, exploring themes of trauma, found family, and the intricacies of world-building. The discussion also touches on the author's upcoming physical book launch and the emotional weight of writing dark narratives.

Takeaways

• Engaging author pitch format
• Exploration of dark themes Found family in dark settings
• World-building through character interactions

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Blind Date with an Author
• 01:17 The Book Pitch Begins
• 03:22 Discussion on Themes and Characters
• 05:10 Exploring the Dark Elements
• 07:24 The Arena and Slavery Dynamics
• 09:17 Magic System and Its Costs
• 11:11 Revenge and Survival Elements
• 12:53 Action and Character Development
• 14:30 Mentorship and Character Relationships
• 15:52 Emotional Impact and Reader Reactions
• 19:46 Decision Time: Will Dennis Read It?
• 20:34 Reveal of the Author's Identity
• 21:25 The Dark Journey Begins
• 23:59 Mentorship and World-Building
• 26:00 Grimdark Themes and Progression
• 27:58 Physical Launch Excitement
• 29:57 Trigger Warnings and Dark Content
• 33:05 Artistry in Darkness
• 34:50 Multiverse Connections and Lore

In this episode of Ready Writer One, host Shane Carlson interviews author TJ Lombardi, discussing his journey in writing, social media strategy, and the evolution of his book series, Golem Master.

The conversation delves into Lombardi's military background, the therapeutic nature of writing, and the impact of personal connections in the literary community. The conversation explores the journey of author TJ Lombardi in the LitRPG genre, discussing his experiences, community building, and the importance of appreciation in both personal and professional contexts.

Lombardi shares insights on mentorship, the evolution of his writing, and the significance of creating accessible content for a diverse audience.

Takeaways

• Social media is crucial for authors
• Writing can be therapeutic for trauma Community over competition
• Value of appreciation

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to TJ Lombardi
• 01:41 The Role of Social Media in Writing
• 05:55 Transitioning from Military to Writing
• 10:07 The Golemaster Series Overview
• 12:34 Exploring Themes in Golemaster
• 18:40 Writing as a Therapeutic Process
• 22:57 The Impact of Reader Connections
• 27:05 The Future of LitRPG and Independent Publishing
• 28:31 Meeting the Community
• 31:44 Building Connections and Mentorship
• 34:31 Navigating the Author Landscape
• 36:40 The Generosity of the LitRPG Community
• 38:25 Mainstream Appeal of LitRPG
• 41:45 Creating Accessible Content
• 44:05 Diversity in the Genre
• 45:55 Innovative World-Building
• 49:25 The Power of Appreciation
• 56:07 Humor and Creativity in Writing

The conversation covers the rise of the LitRPG community, the impact of audiobooks on reading habits, the writing process, and efficiency in writing. It also delves into LitRPG conventions, fan engagement, and the role of dictation in the writing process. The conversation covers a range of topics including mental health, diversity in readership, representation in books, writing process, character progression in fantasy, and upcoming projects and events. The discussion also delves into the balance between story and system in litRPG writing, the impact of empathy training through reading, and the significance of character progression in the genre.

Takeaways

• LitRPG community has seen significant growth and engagement over the years.
• Audiobooks have had a substantial impact on reading habits and have influenced the writing process. Protecting mental health is crucial
• Diversity and representation in books are important for readership and the genre

Chapters

• 00:00 The Rise of LitRPG Community
• 02:59 LitRPG Conventions and Fan Engagement
• 06:23 The Writing Process and Audiobook Narration
• 13:25 The Impact of Audiobooks on Reading Habits
• 19:26 The Role of Dictation in Writing Process
• 25:08 Efficiency in Writing Process
• 28:35 Protecting Mental Health
• 29:22 Excitement in the Genre
• 30:26 Diversity in Readership
• 32:00 Representation in Books
• 33:41 Empathy Training through Reading
• 34:11 New Series: Sovereign Sight
• 35:04 Different Universe, Same Author
• 36:26 Writing Process and Inspiration
• 37:06 The Mountain Story
• 38:56 Unhinged Questions from the Internet
• 45:43 Balancing Story and System
• 48:14 Reading and Writing in the Genre
• 51:36 Character Progression in Fantasy
• 55:11 Upcoming Projects and Events

Timothy Bonner, a high school English teacher and debut author, shares his journey to writing and publishing his book. He discusses the inspiration behind his book, the feedback and interaction on Royal Road, the writing process, and the importance of social media and community engagement in the author's journey. The conversation covers the journey of an author, influential authors and literary inspirations, the impact of audiobooks and meeting authors, fantasy literature and comfort reads, the prolific works of Brandon Sanderson, the importance of audiobooks and fan casting, advice for new writers, and book release and future hopes.

Takeaways

• The importance of discipline and consistency in the writing process.
• The value of social media and community engagement in building an audience and connecting with like-minded individuals. The importance of taking action and doing the actual writing.
• The significance of finding joy in writing and sharing it with others.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey to Writing
• 03:08 The Book's Premise and Inspiration
• 06:55 Feedback and Interaction on Royal Road
• 10:53 The Writing Process and Discipline
• 20:06 Social Media and Community Engagement
• 25:34 The Journey of an Author
• 26:19 Influential Authors and Literary Inspirations
• 27:10 The Impact of Audiobooks and Meeting Authors
• 28:27 Fantasy Literature and Comfort Reads
• 30:41 The Prolific Works of Brandon Sanderson
• 36:20 Book Release and Future Hopes
• 39:15 The Importance of Audiobooks and Fan Casting
• 43:30 Advice for New Writers

The conversation begins with an introduction of the guest and a discussion about the LitRPG Con experience, including meeting the author's dog. The author shares insights into their writing journey, challenges faced, and the process of working with narrators. The discussion also delves into character development, favorite characters to write, and the evolution of the author's writing style. The conversation delves into the writing process, exploring the transition from pantsing to plotting and the importance of world building in the context of writing. It also highlights the challenges and benefits of each approach, as well as the emotional and societal connections embedded in the world-building process.

Takeaways

• LitRPG Con Experience
• Working with Narrators Pantsing vs. Plotting
• The Importance of World Building

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and LitRPG Con Experience
• 02:03 Writing Journey and Challenges
• 13:00 Working with Narrators
• 26:01 Character Development and Writing Style
• 32:38 Pantsing vs. Plotting: Finding the Right Balance
• 40:16 The Art of World Building and Cultural Constructs

This episode is brought to you by SpeakFiction - Dictation software built for fiction writers. Check it out at https://www.readywriter.one/sidequests/speakfiction

The conversation covers the journey from a legal career to becoming a full-time author, the transition from law to writing, the inspiration and creation of magic systems, the exploration of the Nexus Games and dimensional adventures, the incorporation of high-tech and magic in LitRPG, and the art of world-building and story planning. It also delves into philosophical and ethical considerations in fantasy elements, as well as the magic systems and game elements in LitRPG. The conversation delves into the reality of reality TV and the stakes involved, the impact of parenthood on the author's reading and writing habits, the exploration of genre hopping and artistic expression, and the humorous discussion of unhinged questions and book covers.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from a legal career to writing involves a significant shift in focus and creative expression.
• The creation of magic systems and game elements in LitRPG requires careful planning and consideration of philosophical and ethical implications. The blurred lines between reality TV and real-life stakes
• The challenges and joys of parenthood and its impact on creativity and reading habits

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey from Law to Writing
• 03:02 Transitioning from Law to Writing Career
• 05:56 Inspiration and Creation of Magic Systems
• 09:05 Exploring the Nexus Games and Dimensional Adventures
• 12:00 Magic Systems and Game Elements in LitRPG
• 16:10 Philosophical and Ethical Considerations in Fantasy Elements
• 19:48 The Art of World-Building and Story Planning
• 23:56 Incorporating High-Tech and Magic in LitRPG
• 28:51 The Reality of Reality TV
• 36:34 The Impact of Parenthood
• 43:54 Genre Hopping and Artistic Expression
• 47:25 Unhinged Questions and Book Covers

The conversation delves into the author's journey into the LitRPG genre, the supportive and welcoming nature of the LitRPG community, the rise of small publishing houses, the impact of COVID-19 on reading and gaming, the author's writing process and personal experiences, character development, and realistic character experiences within the genre. The conversation covers the inspiration behind the book 'Ananda Glitch,' the challenges of dealing with unsolicited advice and bad reviews, the importance of accessibility and engagement in book sales, the humorous inclusion of a giant rubber dildo in the story, and the significance of supporting local bookstores and authors. The discussion also emphasizes the impact of personal connections on book sales and the need for indie authors to maintain professionalism and engage with readers.

Takeaways

• LitRPG genre and community
• Writing process and personal experiences Personal connections drive book sales
• Dealing with unsolicited advice and parasocial relationships
• Handling bad reviews and maintaining professionalism
• Accessibility and engagement with readers are essential for indie authors

Chapters

• 00:00 Transition into LitRPG Genre
• 01:08 The Journey to LitRPG
• 03:07 Entering the LitRPG Community
• 05:22 The Welcoming LitRPG Community
• 07:01 The Growth of LitRPG Genre
• 08:13 The Supportive LitRPG Community
• 10:14 The Rise of Small Publishing Houses
• 14:13 The Impact of COVID-19 on Reading and Gaming
• 17:56 The Writing Process and Personal Trauma
• 25:03 Character Development and Emotional Processing
• 29:58 Realistic Character Experiences
• 30:44 The Inspiration Behind Ananda Glitch
• 36:01 Dealing with Unsolicited Advice and Bad Reviews
• 39:32 The Role of Accessibility and Engagement in Book Sales
• 47:26 The Giant Rubber Dildo in Writing
• 55:25 Supporting Local Bookstores and Authors