A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

WRITERS ARE READING THE WRONG BOOKS

Want to become a better writer? You might need to change what you're reading.

Most writers know they should read more books. But what should you actually be reading? Books in your genre? Classic literature? Books about writing? Or something completely different?

In this episode of Wordslinger, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson explores why reading is one of the most important skills a writer can develop—and why limiting yourself to your favorite genre might be holding back your writing.

We'll talk about how reading shapes your writing voice, why readers want stories that feel familiar but different, and how reading outside your comfort zone can make you a stronger storyteller. Plus, I'll share a simple daily reading habit—just 20 pages a day—that has transformed my own reading routine.

Whether you're writing your first novel, building a career as an indie author, or simply looking to improve your storytelling, the books you choose to read can make all the difference.

What are you reading right now? Do you deliberately read outside your favorite genres? Tell me in the comments! I'd love to hear what's on your reading list.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Why Writers Need to Read
00:33 What Should Writers Be Reading?
01:15 Finding Your Voice Through Genre Fiction
02:18 Why Readers Want the Same but Different
03:12 The Value of Reading Outside Your Genre
04:05 Why You Should Read the Classics
04:54 Challenging Books Make You a Stronger Reader
06:10 How Reading Resets Your Expectations
07:09 Learning the Rhythm of Great Storytelling
08:07 Finding Your Own Unique Writing Voice
09:22 Why Every Writer Needs a Daily Reading Habit
09:49 The Power of Reading 20 Pages a Day
10:29 What I'm Reading Right Now
11:57 Keep Your Reading Streak Going
12:29 Why Reading Is Essential to Writing

SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER!

Whether you're just starting your first book or you've already published a dozen, Wordslinger is your home for practical, honest advice on writing, storytelling, publishing, and building a successful author career.

Subscribe for regular Wordslinger 10-Shots, podcast conversations, and insights from a working author who's been through the ups and downs of the publishing business. No hype, no shortcuts—just the guidance, encouragement, and tools to help you become the writer you want to be.

Subscribe today and let's keep writing!

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 #WritingAdvice #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger

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A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT

How do you keep writing when anxiety takes over? What happens when you love writing, but stress, deadlines, competing priorities, and the pressure to succeed make it almost impossible to sit down and do the work?

Even experienced, successful writers struggle with anxiety. And sometimes the biggest obstacle to finishing your book isn't writer's block, a lack of discipline, or a shortage of ideas. It's what's happening inside your own head.

In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson gets personal about his own struggles with anxiety and shares the practical strategies he's learned to manage stress, quiet his mind, and keep creating even when life feels overwhelming.

We'll talk about why worrying about tomorrow can sabotage your productivity today, how to give yourself permission to redefine success, and why sometimes the most productive thing a writer can do is take a nap.

You'll also discover how journaling, simple relaxation techniques, and focusing on one task at a time can help you regain control of your creative life.

Whether you're working on your first novel, building an author career, or juggling writing with a dozen other responsibilities, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to do everything at once. And you don't have to be perfect to make progress.

Anxiety doesn't have to have the final word in your writing career.

QUESTION FOR YOU: Do you struggle with anxiety when it comes to writing or creative work? What strategies have helped you manage it? Share your experiences in the comments. I'd love to hear what works for you, and your advice might help another writer!

SUBSCRIBE to Wordslinger for honest, practical advice on writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a sustainable creative career. Whether you're just starting your first book or working toward becoming a full-time author, this is your home for guidance, encouragement, and real-world strategies to help you succeed.

Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com
GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Welcome to Wordslinger: Let's Talk About Anxiety
00:38 - When Anxiety Gets in the Way of Writing
01:35 - Why Living in the Future Creates Stress
02:29 - Focus on What's Important Right Now
03:10 - Redefining Success and Giving Yourself Grace
05:18 - One Task at a Time: Managing Competing Priorities
06:03 - Front-Loading Work to Reduce Stress
06:34 - A Simple Breathing and Relaxation Technique
07:29 - Releasing Physical Tension and Anxiety
08:04 - How Journaling Helps Writers Manage Stress
09:42 - Getting Anxious Thoughts Out of Your Head
10:09 - When Anxiety Becomes Overwhelming
10:47 - Why a Nap Might Be Your Best Productivity Tool
11:26 - Sleep, Self-Care, and Supporting Each Other
12:18 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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
Watch Wordslinger on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@wordslingershow

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

#WritingAdvice #WritingAnxiety #WritersLife #AuthorLife #CreativeWriting

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.