My Journey Episodes

Author Lessons I learned in 2025
Dec. 30, 2025

Author Lessons I learned in 2025

Wow, I really missed the mark on some of my 2025 goals. In this episode, I talk about what went wrong, what went right, and what I learned along the way. 00:00 Intro 00:54 Goals and Challenges: A Year in Review 01:42 Rewriting and Retitling: The Creative Process 03:27 Lessons Learned from Podcasting and Writing 07:14 Looking Ahead: Goals for 2026 09:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.com Connect with me and sign up for my newsletter at h...
Supercharge Writing Productivity with Dictation
Nov. 25, 2025

Supercharge Writing Productivity with Dictation

In this episode, Tanner discusses how dictation has significantly improved his writing speed, doubling or tripling his output in the first draft stage. He shares his initial challenges and the benefits he discovered, such as increased productivity and more effective use of liminal times. He provides practical tips for getting started with dictation using simple tools like a smartphone and earbuds, and highlights the pros and cons of incorporating dictation into a writer's workflow. 00:00 Introdu...
Behind the Scenes: Setting Up My Author Brand
Aug. 1, 2025

Behind the Scenes: Setting Up My Author Brand

In this episode of the Killer Pros podcast, Tanner provides an update on his time management strategies, leading to significant progress in his writing and author brand development. Tanner discusses his upcoming debut novel, the transition from writing 'Hant' to focusing on the 'Whisper Hollow Mystery' series, and the essential steps in setting up his author brand and publishing business. He touches on the complexities of ISBN acquisition, the importance of audiobooks, and the need for meticulou...
Simplifying the Writing Process: Notecards and Broken Arms
June 11, 2025

Simplifying the Writing Process: Notecards and Broken Arms

In this solo episode of the Killer Pros podcast, Tanner discusses recent changes in his revision process, particularly shifting back to using notecards for outlining and revisions. He also shares personal updates, including recovering from a fractured arm which has impacted his writing and podcasting activities. Tanner highlights his ongoing projects, such as working on the revision of his book 'The Haint' and launching his voiceover services at tannersvoice.com. He emphasizes the importance of ...
Finding My Voice as a Horror Thriller Writer
May 1, 2025

Finding My Voice as a Horror Thriller Writer

In this solo episode of the Killer Pros podcast, I discusses my writing process, recent projects, and how I developed my unique voice and style as a horror thriller writer. I share insights on genre blending, my evolving writing style, and the outline process for my latest works, including 'The Hant.' 00:28 Introduction 01:02 Current Writing Projects 01:42 Exploring Genre Blends 04:07 Finding My Writing Voice 11:53 Developing 'The Haint' and My World 19:17 Upcoming Plans and Conclusion Connect w...
Overcoming Writer's Block and Managing Stress
Feb. 9, 2025

Overcoming Writer's Block and Managing Stress

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner discusses strategies for dealing with writer's block and managing stress. He offers personal insights into his own practices for de-stressing and staying focused, such as prioritizing workouts and meditation, observing the world for inspiration, and experimenting with his writing process. Tanner also provides updates on his current projects, including 'Fools and Corpses' and 'The Haint,' sharing lessons learned from revisions and character development. Add...
New Beginnings: Ditching the Pen Name and Setting Goals for 2025
Jan. 1, 2025

New Beginnings: Ditching the Pen Name and Setting Goals for 2025

In this episode of the Killer Prose Podcast, host Tanner Rutledge wishes listeners a happy New Year and invites them to share their upcoming projects for 2025. Tanner discusses his decision to merge his mystery and horror writings under his own name,...
November Update
Nov. 16, 2024

November Update

We have some new episodes coming. I'll also be taking the show to once a month for a while so we can stay consistent while work, life, and writing are so hectic right now.
Replacing TicTok and Updates on My WIP
May 28, 2024

Replacing TicTok and Updates on My WIP

In today's episode, I talk a little about TikTok and someof the changes that are coming, even if the app sells and is permitted to operate in the USA. I also talk about some of the things I'm working on and how I feel about my current project. ...
Leave Room For the Magic
Jan. 23, 2024

Leave Room For the Magic

Plotting provides a road map, but can you plot too much? Is it possible to plott key story beats, and still leave enough elbow room for your charaters and settings to come alive? I talk about this and more in today's episode of Killer Prose Podcast....
Getting Back to Roots As A Writer and Content Creator
June 3, 2023

Getting Back to Roots As A Writer and Content Creator

Over the past several months, I struggled with my identity as a writer and keeping my cozy mystery on track even though it has several horror elements and a definite creepy factor. You guys voiced your opinions on the direction of the show and I have...
2023 Goals and Plotting Novels
Jan. 5, 2023

2023 Goals and Plotting Novels

So much has changed, including the name of the show. Writing Fright is now The Killer Prose Podcast. We'll be diving deeper into the Thriller Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, and Suspense -  as well as, horror. In today's episode, I spend the...
2022 Thanksgiving and Holiday Gift Ideas
Nov. 27, 2022

2022 Thanksgiving and Holiday Gift Ideas

On this episode I talk about some of the things I'm thankful for as they pertain to my writing. I also update my Holiday Gift List for writers. Holly's Writing Classes:  https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/ Pro Writing Aid:...
Two Things That Helped Me Grow As A Horror Writer
Oct. 27, 2022

Two Things That Helped Me Grow As A Horror Writer

After numerous classes, workshops, coaches, I was floored when these two simple things leveled me up. My horror writing style went from B movie blah to fun and frightening.  Connect with me on FB, IG, Twitch, and discord @writingfright email the...
2nd Draft Lessons
Aug. 28, 2021

2nd Draft Lessons

I'm close to wrapping the second draft of The Haint. Here are a few lessons I've learned along with a quick check in.  We are also launching a Story a Week Challenge. Write one full first draft of a short story every week for a year. At the end...
Holiday Gift Ideas For Writers
Dec. 17, 2020

Holiday Gift Ideas For Writers

Wondering what to get the writer in your life or what to hint at for the holidays? Check out today’s episode and follow the links in the show notes for these great gift ideas. Logitech Wave K350 Keyboard:...
Updates And Dealing With Setbacks
Dec. 11, 2020

Updates And Dealing With Setbacks

It's been a while. This week Tanner is back to talk about what to do when life happens and you need to step away from writing to take care of business. Tanner also provide updates on what's been going on for the last 2 months. --- Send in a voice...
Who's that guy and whys he doing that?
Aug. 25, 2020

Who's that guy and whys he doing that?

Welcome to Writing Fright with Tanner Rutledge. On the first episode, we get to know the host, learn what you can expect on the podcast, and briefly talk about planning a novel. --- Send in a voice message:...