Writers’ conferences are amazing... and also A LOT. 😅Sensory overload, tight schedules, nonstop networking—it’s a full-on experience, especially if you're neurodivergent or prone to overwhelm.

In this episode of Author Culture, I share my personal strategies for staying grounded, connected, and fully present at conferences—without melting down. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or heading to your very first event, these tips will help you pack for both professionalism and personal comfort.

This episode isn’t just about surviving conferences. It’s about showing up as your best self—with practical tools to help you manage your energy, advocate for your needs, and fully engage with your writing community.

Don’t be afraid to rebel—just do it wisely.

Too often, writers stick to the “safe” path when it comes to marketing—social posts, newsletter swaps, maybe a hopeful BookTok attempt, and then wonder why no one’s noticing. The truth? In an overcrowded market, sometimes you need to step a little outside the lines to get seen.

This livestream of the Author Culture Podcast with special guest J.J. Johnson is all about low-risk, high-creativity marketing moves that help authors stand out without burning out—or breaking the bank.

Think: experimental fiction drops on nontraditional platforms, story-first marketing on Substack, Royal Road, small-scale stunts that get people talking, and ways to build a reputation that doesn’t rely on chasing algorithms.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber (paid subscribers get bonus current event episodes, live chat, and can request topics).

This one’s personal: what I’m reading, what I’m writing, and how I’m navigating the creative chaos.

In this episode, I share a peek inside my current author life—including how community, covers, and conferences are playing a big part in my process right now.

You’ll hear:

-My upcoming release – The Veracin Blade (aka, “the book that just. WOUDN’T. END”)-My TBR stack and reading habits – including fave book features-Why I’m building journals to pair with my books-The joy of showing up and connecting at events

If you love bookish chaos and creative process talk—this one’s for you.

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