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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You are not behind.

You are not too late.

You are not a failure because another author just hit 100K in sales.

🎙️ In this episode of Author Culture, I get raw about mindset, marketing, and the hard-but-true fact that your worth isn’t measured by someone else’s metrics.

Takeaways

* A healthy mindset is key to effective book marketing.

* Jealousy and envy can disrupt an author's journey.

* Success is subjective and varies for each author.

* One author's success does not diminish another's potential.

* Focus on what you can control in your author journey.

* Celebrate others' successes without feeling inadequate.

* Navigating disappointment is part of the author experience.

* Adjusting goals can lead to a healthier mindset.

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).

In this episode, Janeen Ippolito explores the ongoing debate of book versus movie adaptations, discussing the challenges and successes of translating beloved stories to the big screen. She reflects on various adaptations, including the recent live-action version of 'How to Train Your Dragon,' and considers the perspectives of authors regarding creative control in adaptations. The conversation delves into how adaptations can impact the original narrative and the audience's reception, ultimately questioning the value of adaptations in preserving or transforming the original story.

Mentioned in episode: How to Tame Your Dragon - Early Reviews

Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

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).

Need help writing stories that are as emotionally deep as they are action-packed? In this episode, Janeen and A.C. Williams explore how to bring humor, mental health, and character growth into the heat of sci-fi and fantasy plots. They offer practical tips for authors who want to write with more heart, without losing momentum or reader engagement. Plus, they break down what the Marvel movie Thunderbolts teaches us about group dynamics, healing from trauma in a group, and ensemble casts.

Key Topics Covered:

* Using worldbuilding as a metaphor for internal battles

* Blending genres and finding the right reader expectations

* Tips for writing humor that supports (not undercuts) emotional arcs

* What you can take from the big screen and apply to your novel

Plus, there is some gushing over Thunderbolts (because it is an awesome movie).Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

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).

In this episode, I discuss the decision-making process for authors considering whether to write a standalone book or a series. Rather than just giving you hard and fast answers, I offer three key questions that you can answer to figure out your next best step.

These questions emphasize the importance of understanding one's creative process, genre expectations, and writing speed.

* Consider if your book idea can expand into a series.

* Binge reading is popular; think about reader preferences.

* Commitment to a series is a long-term decision.

* Explore different book formats like duologies or standalone series.

* Life circumstances can impact your writing commitments.

* Assess reader interest before expanding a standalone into a series.

* Creative ideas should sustain a series beyond the first book.

For more fun, check out my episode on Genre Research:Watch HereRead HerePrefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

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).

In this engaging conversation, Janeen Ippolito and J.M. Hackman explore the resurgence of fairy tale retellings, particularly in the context of science fiction. They discuss the blending of genres, the challenges and rewards of writing, and the importance of character development. Hackman shares her journey as an author, her transition from portal fantasy to fairy tales, and the unique aspects of her latest work, a Little Red Riding retelling called 'All the Wild Hearts.' Plus, Jill answers the random question - and Wallace & Gromit get involved (sort of).

Shiny Stuff From J.M. Hackman

Take the “What Book Trope Are You?” Quiz - https://jmhackman.com/

Get your free copy of “The Escort” from Jill - https://jmhackman.com/the-escort-a-short-story/ - pwrd author culture 1

Get your free copy of “Royally Imperfect” from Jill - https://jmhackman.com/royally-imperfect-a-short-story/ - pwrd author culture 2

Hang out with Jill on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jm_hackman_author/

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Paid subscribers also get unfiltered bonus episodes covering an array of current events (plus, they can choose episode topics).