In the episode, I talk to author Brad Ricks about his series, The Night Crew. We chat about what it's like to write a series vs. a stand-alone, writing a monster/case of the week format while weaving in overarching plot points, and the importance of strong, relatable characters.

Connect with Brad and his books at

• https://bradricks.com
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2YGMYG?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback
• Join Brad's FB Group: http://facebook.com/groups/bradricksbookcrypt

Connect with the show

• Join the Discord Community for live Writing Sprints: https://discord.gg/xkm9TPMzzb
• Killer Prose Podcast: https://www.killerprose.com/
• Tanner Rutledge: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillerProse6645
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/?hl=en
• Narration IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/?hl=en
• email me: killerpenbooks@gmail.com

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: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillerProse6645
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/?hl=en
• Narration IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/?hl=en
• email me: killerpenbooks@gmail.com

In this episode, I talk about the crucial role coaching has played in my voice acting and audiobook narration journey, and the importance of investing in the same professional guidance for writing. I look back on my six-year journey as a writer and how my initial focus on craft (while important) didn't help me with the business side of publishing, which is essential for success.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Voice Acting Academy: https://learnvoiceacting.com/
• Speaks and Squeaks: https://www.instagram.com/alicesockettaudio/?hl=en
• Self Publishing Show: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/podcast-sps-audio
• Learn Self Publishing/Self Publishing Launchpad Class: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/
• AutoCrit Novel 90: https://www.autocrit.com/novel-90-writing-challenge-summer-g/?gc_id=23224406104&h_ad_id=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23215107735&gbraid=0AAAAABeZvfwnP34TEf9M-MRmdoWdm_6S1&gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jehMSFfpHhmYmiMzlNSNT-I7N0b1URj0SCJCegGSQ4mtxldR8zgvERoCobAQAvD_BwE

Connect with me:

• Killer Prose Podcast: https://www.killerprose.com/
• Tanner Rutledge: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillerProse6645
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/?hl=en
• Narration IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/?hl=en
• email me: killerpenbooks@gmail.com

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 Narration / Alice Sockett Audio IG: https://www.instagram.com/alicesockettaudio/reels/

Find Philip Tetlock's book at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=expert+political+judgment&adgrpid=185084504103&hvadid=792698172367&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9013250&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=10890679551762733175--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10890679551762733175&hvtargid=kwd-302029149257&hydadcr=4574_13551743_2437509&mcid=9f8838a2178930258d8c92023f0a3c14&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_w7oyl1kqk_e

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner shares his one-year journey into audiobook narration. He details his initial struggles with recording quality and his gradual shift from podcasting to high-quality VO work. Tanner gets into the technical and financial aspects of setting up a professional recording environment, debunking myths about costly setups. He offers practical advice on equipment, room treatment, and skill development, explaining how he created a professional VO booth on a budget. Tanner also discusses the benefits of producing audio-first content, allowing for a direct connection with audiences and bypassing traditional publishing channels.

00:00 Introduction to Audiobook Narration

00:58 Setting Up a Professional Recording Studio

02:05 Differences Between Podcasting and Audiobook Narration

03:11 Building a Home Studio on a Budget

09:16 Improving Your Voice Acting Skills

10:39 Embracing Audio-First Content

13:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.com

Connect with me and sign up for my newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/

Email me at: killerpenbooks@gmail.com

Connect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfright

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/

VO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1

Joe Zieja's Voice Acting Academy: https://learnvoiceacting.com/

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 https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/

Email me at: killerpenbooks@gmail.com

Connect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfright

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1

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 Introduction

00:48 The Struggles of Typing and Initial Attempts at Dictation

02:12 Overcoming Dictation Challenges

03:31 Dictation Success and Increased Productivity

04:39 Pros and Cons of Dictation

06:34 Setting Up for Dictation

08:00 Practical Tips for Effective Dictation

11:44 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.com

Connect with Tanner and sign up for the newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/

Check out the merch and support the show at: https://www.killerprose.com/store

Email me at: killerpenbooks@gmail.com

Connect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfright

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner sits down with John Ward, author of the Scareville series, to discuss the nuances of writing middle-grade and adult horror. John shares his journey into writing, including early influences like Goosebumps, his writing process, and how he approaches crafting horror stories for younger audiences. They get into the challenges of transitioning between middle-grade and adult horror, the importance of updating horror for modern audiences, and practical advice for new writers. The episode also covers John's new projects, including his upcoming adult horror novel, 'Black and Heart, Black and Soul.'

Then, Tanner provides updates on creating a writer's community, moving live writing sprints to Discord, and his own experiences with using dictation to enhance productivity.

00:00 Happy Halloween and Introduction

01:07 Meet John Ward: Middle Grade Horror Author

01:25 John Ward's Writing Journey

03:21 Crafting Middle Grade Horror

05:06 Challenges and Insights in Writing for Young Audiences

12:05 Transitioning to Adult Horror

16:41 The Importance of Book Covers

24:30 John Ward's Upcoming Projects

25:34 Advice for Aspiring Horror Writers

26:28 Tanner's Writing and Show Updates

Connect with John and find his books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BZBG9DQN?ccs_id=4f6c145e-5a67-4996-8ee7-1e7534f1e303

Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.com

Connect with Tanner and sign up for the newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/

Check out the merch and support the show at: https://www.killerprose.com/store

Email me at: writingfright@gmail.com

Connect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfright

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/killerprosepodcast