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The Wordslinger Podcast

The Wordslinger Podcast

By: It's all about the story here.
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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.J. Kevin Tumlinson Art Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Should You REALLY Become a Full-Time Writer?

    Should You REALLY Become a Full-Time Writer?
    Oct 15 2026
    A WORDSLINGER PODCASTShould you REALLY become a full-time writer? For many authors, quitting the day job to write books for a living is the ultimate dream. But what if becoming a full-time author isn't actually the best thing for your writing career?I've written more than 90 books, spent years working full-time jobs while building my author career, and experienced the freedom—and unexpected challenges—of writing full-time. Here's something that might surprise you: Sometimes I was MORE productive as a writer when I had a day job.In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, we're talking about what it really takes to become a full-time author, why having unlimited writing time isn't always an advantage, and how to know whether you're actually ready to quit your job and write for a living.We'll explore the financial realities of making a living as an author, the hidden costs of leaving traditional employment, how isolation and relationships can affect your writing life, and why discipline matters more than having hours of free time. I'll also share my personal experience with creative burnout, how it nearly derailed my writing career, and what I've learned about finding a sustainable balance between writing, work, and life.Whether you're an aspiring novelist, a self-published author working toward financial independence, or a creative entrepreneur trying to turn your passion into a career, this conversation might change how you think about success.Because maybe the real goal isn't becoming a full-time writer. Maybe it's having the freedom to choose how you spend your time.Are you working toward becoming a full-time author? Or have you found that keeping your day job actually helps your writing? Tell me in the comments. I'd love to hear how you're making it work.Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTSSUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!If you're serious about writing better books, building a successful author career, and navigating the ever-changing world of publishing, you're in the right place. Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical, honest advice on writing, self-publishing, book marketing, and the creative life, from a fellow writer who's been there.Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss an episode!EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome to Wordslinger01:52 – When Life Gets in the Way of Writing05:19 – Should You Really Become a Full-Time Writer?06:41 – The Hidden Danger of Having Unlimited Writing Time08:20 – Rapid-Fire News Flash with Dale Roberts10:42 – The Dream vs. the Reality of Writing Full-Time12:50 – Finding Time to Write While Working a Day Job16:34 – How Do You Know You're Ready to Quit Your Job?17:03 – Can Your Writing Income Replace Your Salary and Benefits?18:03 – The Loneliness of Being a Full-Time Author20:01 – Writing, Health, and Unexpected Responsibilities21:39 – Managing Relationships When You Work from Home23:19 – Why Discipline Matters More Than Free Time25:32 – How a Day Job Can Actually Make You More Productive26:55 – Setting Goals and Avoiding Burnout29:16 – Financial Freedom and Rethinking Your Day Job32:10 – Why Having Options Is the Real Goal33:36 – Is Full-Time Writing Right for You?RAPID-FIRE NEWS FLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS08:20 – ACX Reports Early Results from Audible's New Royalty ModelACX reports that audiobook creators collectively earned more in royalties during the first months of Audible's new royalty model, though questions remain about how the changes affect individual authors.https://acx.com08:49 – Audible Plans International ExpansionAudible announces plans to expand into five additional countries in 2027, while new research highlights how audiobooks can help readers discover authors and purchase their other books.Publishers Weekly: Frankfurt Book Fair 2026, Audible Wants to Turn Every Book into an Audiobookhttps://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/Frankfurt-Book-Fair/article/101500-09:17 – Spotify Offers 1,000 Free Audiobook Redemption CodesSpotify for Authors now allows eligible account holders to generate up to 1,000 free audiobook redemption codes per title, opening new opportunities for review copies, giveaways, and audiobook promotion.https://authors.spotify.com/blog/redemption-codesFor more self-publishing news, tips, and updates, subscribe to Self-Publishing with Dale:https://youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDaleFIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.comSERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish 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/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and ...
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    35 mins
  • Writing with Fences

    Writing with Fences
    Oct 12 2026

    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.
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    7 mins
  • This One Habit made me a Successful Writer

    This One Habit made me a Successful Writer
    Oct 8 2026
    A WORDSLINGER PODCASTThis One Habit Made Me a Successful WriterWhat's the secret to writing more books, building an audience, and making a living as an author? It's not talent, luck, or the latest writing software. It's consistency.After publishing more than 90 books and selling millions of copies worldwide, I've learned that showing up and doing the work, day after day, is one of the most powerful habits a writer can develop. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing how my daily 2,000-word writing goal helps me finish novels, why small efforts add up to big results, and how that same approach can transform your book marketing.We'll also talk about building your author mailing list, using Substack and BookFunnel to connect with readers, finding your ideal audience, and promoting your books without feeling like a salesperson. Whether you're writing your first novel or building a full-time author career, there's something here you can put to work today.PLUS: Dale Roberts joins us with his Rapid-Fire Newsflash, covering potential changes to Amazon KDP's perma-free pricing, new audiobook advertising tools from ACX, Spotify's massive audiobook expansion, and free publishing education from IngramSpark.You don't have to do everything. You just have to keep doing something.What's the one habit that's made the biggest difference in your writing career? Tell me in the comments!SUBSCRIBE to Wordslinger for practical, experience-tested advice on writing better books, publishing independently, marketing your work, and building a sustainable creative career. If you're serious about your writing and publishing journey, you're in the right place.Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTSCHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast01:33 AI, writing tools, and the author business05:48 Dale Roberts' Rapid-Fire Publishing Newsflash05:48 Amazon KDP and the future of perma-free books06:15 New ACX audiobook advertising and promotion tools06:49 Spotify expands audiobooks to 180+ markets07:13 Free publishing courses from IngramSpark Academy07:55 Why writers should consider Substack13:13 BookFunnel promotions and author collaborations15:31 Simple ways to grow your author mailing list17:20 Why I advertise my mailing list instead of my books18:14 Finding and targeting your ideal reader21:42 Using your mailing list to sell more books24:27 The secret weapon of successful writers: consistency25:14 Why I write 2,000 words every day27:28 Small daily word counts lead to finished novels30:24 Using Scrivener to track writing goals31:11 My looping and self-editing process32:03 How to finish a novel one day at a time32:54 Consistent book marketing without being salesy35:43 Your favorite writing tools and habits36:47 Final thoughtsRAPID-FIRE NEWSFLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS05:48 — Is Amazon KDP changing its perma-free pricing policies?The Self Publishing Show, Episode 467: Amazon KDP Is Changing — Are You Ready?https://youtu.be/04kAmWZkBTE?si=JrmBSe_2ONqhFmmP06:15 — ACX introduces new tools for audiobook promotion and Amazon advertising.https://www.acx.com/mp/blog/promote-your-audiobook06:49 — Spotify announces plans to expand audiobook availability to more than 180 markets.Publishers Weekly:https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/Frankfurt-Book-Fair/article/101440-frankfurt-book-fair-2026-spotify-expands-audiobooks-to-180-markets.html07:13 — IngramSpark Academy offers free self-publishing courses, plus a limited-time promotional challenge.Free publishing courses:https://www.ingramspark.com/self-publishing-coursesIngramSpark Academy Challenge:https://www.ingramspark.com/academy-promoGet more self-publishing news and advice from Dale Roberts:https://www.youtube.com/@selfpubwithdaleFIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.comSERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and get your manuscript ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your books to major online retailers, in print and ebook, with support from Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books, manage your author business, and more with AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com#WritingTips #SelfPublishing #AuthorSuccess #WritingHabits #BookMarketing #IndieAuthors #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    37 mins
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