Writing Craft Episodes

Word selection in fiction writing profoundly influences the narrative's tone and atmosphere, guiding the reader's emotional experience. Specificity in language allows for deeper insights into character. In this episode, I dig into word choice and how it can help you craft vivid worlds that keep your readers connected. Connect with me: Join the Discord Community for live Writing Sprints: https://discord.gg/xkm9TPMzzb Killer Prose Podcast: https://www.killerprose.com/ Tanner Rutledge:...

In this episode, Tanner talks about how seeking out feedback has helped him bcome a better writer and audiobook narrator. Connect with the show at https://www.killerprose.com Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/9ZnxYbJj Email me at killerpenbooks@gmail.com Follow my work at https://www.tannerrutledgebooks.com Holly's Writing Classes: https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/ Autocrit: https://www.autocrit.com/ Pro Writing Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/ Speaks and Squeaks Audiobook Narrat...

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 newslet...

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner sits down with author R.M. Galardo to discuss her latest book, 'Traveler,' and its development from her initial work, 'Sister.' They talk about the complexities of series writing, exploring how 'Heirloom' evolved into 'Traveler' and the lessons learned during the writing journey. The conversation also highlights the importance of writing courses and communities, particularly Holly's Writing Classes, and the specific tools, like the Octopus Map used for plo...

In this episode of the Killer Pros podcast, Tanner updates listeners on his list of resources for writers in 2025. Tanner discusses valuable tools and platforms he uses for every stage of the writing process, from learning and drafting to editing and marketing. The episode includes his go-to classes, writing communities, and podcasts, as well as essential software and services for writing and publishing, such as Scrivener, AutoCrit, and ProWritingAid. Tanner also provides updates about changes t...

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 ...

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 Co...

In this episode I discusses updates on my upcoming mystery book 'Fools & Corpses' and details on setting up a home studio for audiobooks. I also reflects on the challenges of deciding between Amazon's KU and Kobo Select for distribution. In the meat of the episode, I take a look at different types of plot twists in storytelling, focusing the importance of foreshadowing and avoiding overuse. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates 00:55 Exciting News: First Book Release 01:23 Navigating the Aud...

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...

In this episode of Killer Prose Podcast, Tanner is joined by Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar, an accomplished writer and associate English professor in Pennsylvania. With her work featured in over forty creative publications, including The Horror...

Today I'm joined by author, Andrew Najberg. Andrew is the author of the best-selling (#1 US Horror Amazon) novels The Mobius Door (Wicked House Publishing, 2023) and Gollitok (Wicked House Publishing, 2023), as well as The Neverborn Thief...

Today I'm joined by Bryan Alaspa. Bryan wrote his first short story in the third grade, way back in the 70s. He's now the author of more than 60 books and novels, all of them on the dark side of life. In today's episode Brian and I talk about craft,...

Today, I'm joined by horror author Brad Ricks. Brad talks about his debut novel Fear Not the Dead, his path to writing and publication, and his feelings on the craft.  We also get into playing with timelines, and why he writes horror. You can...

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....

On today's episode, I'm joined by Blaine Daigle, author of The Broken Places from Wicked House Publishing. We spend about 45 minute diving deep into his process, how he uses Pro Writing Aid and Autocrit, and how he writes scenes that invoke such deep...

Following genre expectations is key to connecting with readers. But how do you stand out? How do you create something new inside of established structures. In today's episode I talk shop with internationally published author and writing processor...

Last episode, I talked about my top 5 resources for horror writers. This week, I'm deep diving Plottr and going through exactly how it's made my process easier and faster. Email the show at writingfright@gmail.com FB and IG @writingfright TikTok...

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...

This week, I talk about what could have been a major set back, and how these 3 things helped me stay on track to finish my latest book. Follows us on FB IG Twitch and YouTube @killerprosepodcast Email the show at killerpenbooks@gmail.com --- Send in a...

Tame that wild story! I wanted to write a book but ended up with a tangle of plots and sub plots. What helped? Learning and prioritizing story beats to write to genre. John Truby's book Anatomy of Genres was an amazing help. I discovered him on Joanna...

There's no denying it. Distractions are distracting, but that doesn't have to slow you down. Here's how, and why, I write with background noise and no longer lock the door when I write. email the show writingfright@gmail.com Follow me on FB, IG,...

Are you having trouble connecting to a story? Do the characters seem weak and the story just falls flat? Here's what happened to my first few attempts at the Haint and what I learned about how Theme Guilds everything in the story. Follow the show on...

I thought it would be a waist of time, but the truth is this really helped to dial in my story and show me what was missing. Doing an extended outline (to start off or in the revision process) is a fantastic way to get on track. Listen for details. ...

As a new writer, how do you tell if your story should be shared, when it needs more work, or when its time to burry it and move on? This is my experience with it. And, yes I have a trunk book or two that will never see the light of day... Koala with a...