Кращі подкасти про Hidden Gems (2025)

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Fully Booked EP174: Can You Really Write A Book a Week for a Year? 48:12

1d ago48:12

48:12

What does it take to write a full-length novel every week for months on end? In this episode of Fully Booked, we talk with author Alison McBain about her ambitious goal to write 52 books in a year, and how her first attempt led to 34 completed novels in 34 weeks, spanning a wide range of genres. While she didn’t hit her full target, writing over a …

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Fully Booked EP173: The Power of Ambiguity in Science Fiction 44:29

8d ago44:29

44:29

On this week’s episode of Fully Booked, we explore the idea of writing with intentional ambiguity, a technique that involves leaving certain details unsaid to encourage deeper reader engagement. By strategically withholding information, authors allow readers to draw their own conclusions, imagine unwritten backstories, and interpret character motiv…

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Fully Booked EP172: Maximizing the Power of Every Book Review 45:12

15d ago45:12

45:12

After a decade of running an ARC service, we’re very familiar with getting reviews and how important they are to making your book stand out from the crowd. But attracting attention is just one way that reviews can help drive sales. This week, Fully Booked is joined by Roxanne Burkey and Charles Breakfield, co-authors who have built an entire strate…

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Fully Booked EP171: Bleeding onto the Page: The Emotional Journey of a First Novel 52:30

22d ago52:30

52:30

This week on Fully Booked, we’re joined by romance author Elle Christopher, whose debut novel is rooted in profound personal loss and emotional transformation. After the sudden death of her husband, Elle turned to writing as a coping mechanism for both herself and her five children. What started as a private act of healing eventually evolved into a…

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Fully Booked EP170: Crafting Hooks and Cliffhangers That Keep Pages Turning 51:52

29d ago51:52

51:52

In today’s episode of Fully Booked, we’re exploring how to build momentum in your fiction and make sure readers have a hard time putting your book down. Author and workshop leader Natasha Blandford, who writes as N.L. Blandford, joins Craig and Roland to discuss how to write compelling hooks and cliffhangers that keep readers engaged from the first…

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Fully Booked EP169: How and Why to Add Humor to Your Writing 47:02

1M ago47:02

47:02

You don’t have to be a comedian to bring humor into your writing, and just because your book isn’t a comedy doesn’t mean it can’t benefit from a few well-placed laughs. As veteran comedian, keynote speaker, and author Jan McInnis explains in this week’s episode of Fully Booked, humor is a powerful way to connect with your audience and make your mes…

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Fully Booked EP168: Turning True Events into Compelling Storylines 48:39

1M ago48:39

48:39

This week on Fully Booked, we’re joined by military thriller author and former U.S. Air Force special agent Derrick M. Jackson to discuss how real-life experiences can be used to shape compelling fiction. Rather than writing a memoir about his time in the military, Derrick crafted a high-stakes thriller infused with emotional authenticity pulled di…

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Fully Booked EP167: How Atticus is Simplifying Writing, Editing, and Formatting 53:27

2M ago53:27

53:27

This week, we’re welcoming back a familiar face in both the self-publishing world and on this podcast. Dave Chesson, the creative force behind industry-leading tools like Publisher Rocket, returns to discuss one of his other major successes—Atticus. After more than two years on the market and continuous user-driven improvements, Atticus has steadil…

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Fully Booked EP166: Unlocking the Power of Personal Branding 50:26

2M ago50:26

50:26

Besides a great book, what is it that makes readers remember you and keep coming back for more? According to award-winning brand strategist and personal brand navigator Lauren Clemett, an author’s success is directly tied to their branding. With years of experience helping authors amplify their visibility worldwide, Lauren reveals how the science o…

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Fully Booked EP165: Crafting Connection Through Life’s Ups and Downs 47:04

2M ago47:04

47:04

One of the most crucial aspects of writing is understanding your audience so that the stories you tell truly resonate. In today’s episode of Fully Booked, we explore this concept with author and speaker Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, who connects with her readers by sharing her personal experiences with mental health and autism. By blending storytelling with…

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Fully Booked EP164: Project Managing Your Book from Idea to Bestseller 47:12

2M ago47:12

47:12

Writing a book is one thing—getting it published and into readers’ hands is another challenge entirely. For first-time authors, the process can feel overwhelming, but today’s guest, business consultant and author Jennifer Musser, shares a strategy to make it manageable. By breaking the writing and publishing process into smaller components—outlinin…

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73. Extended Banter: Board Game Retreat 2025, Part 2 2:06:00

3M ago2:06:00

2:06:00

Send us a text The banter continues! There are plenty of games left to cover from the fabled board game retreat weekend. Join your hosts Chris Alley, Ken Cantrell and Jason Yanchuleff as they dive into more of the titles we got to on the trip. FOLLOW US: Email: [email protected] Web: https://hiddengems.games Patreon: https://patr…

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Fully Booked EP163: The Power of Firsthand Research in Writing 45:53

3M ago45:53

45:53

From visiting unfamiliar locations to speaking directly with locals, nothing beats experiencing key elements of your story firsthand. When possible, this kind of immersive research can make the difference between a good book and one that truly transports readers. In today’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland sit down with award-winning autho…

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Fully Booked EP162: Write Your Way to Professional Credibility 46:33

3M ago46:33

46:33

Can writing a book transform your career? In this episode of Fully Booked, we sit down with author and technologist R.D.D. Smith to explore how professionals can use writing as a powerful tool to build credibility and open new opportunities. Drawing from personal experience, Roger shares how writing books helped him gain industry recognition, secur…

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Fully Booked EP161: Heroes, Villains, and the Gray Areas In-Between 49:33

3M ago49:33

49:33

Conflict drives every great story, but what truly makes a hero compelling? And why are villains often the most captivating characters on the page? In today’s episode of Fully Booked, we delve into the intricate "hero-villain dance" with novelist and former educator Lori Paul Johnson. By exploring the moral complexity of antagonists and the archetyp…

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Fully Booked EP160: How AI Tools Can Empower Authors, Not Replace Them 48:19

3M ago48:19

48:19

While some self-published authors are keen to embrace tools that leverage artificial intelligence, others continue to have concerns about AI erasing the importance of a writer’s work, and degrading the publishing industry as a whole - concerns addressed by this week’s guest, Dan Curran. Dan is the co-founder of Chapters.io, a company that provides …

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Fully Booked EP159: Asking "What if...?" to Develop Creative Concepts for your Novel 45:08

4M ago45:08

45:08

On this week's episode, Craig and Roland are joined by thriller author John Bukowski, who asks the provocative question: “What if…?” John argues that posing the question of “What if…?” is one of the best ways to come up with ideas and concepts guaranteed to hook new readers. It’s the question which inspired the first of his novels, the provocative …

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72. Extended Banter: Board Game Retreat 2025, Part 1 1:43:01

4M ago1:43:01

1:43:01

Send us a text New year, new show format! Every so often, we'll take a break from reviewing games to just talk about more stuff we've been into lately. In this inaugural "Extended Banter" episode, your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney, and Cameron Lockey treat you with the usual personal updates and then spend some time reflecting on the games we got …

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Fully Booked EP158: How and Why You Should Submit Your Books for an Award 49:32

4M ago49:32

49:32

In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are joined by author and journalist Renee Garrison, the former president of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association and a passionate advocate for entering your books into some of the many award competitions held across America each year. Renee argues that winning or being nominated for…

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Fully Booked EP157: Writing, Publishing and Marketing a Non-Traditional Book 48:21

4M ago48:21

48:21

Much of the conventional wisdom we discuss on this podcast around writing and publishing applies best to books that follow traditional formats and genres. But what happens when your story demands a new and unique format or perspective? And how do you market a book when your audience doesn't fit neatly into easily targeted categories or genres? Thes…

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Episode 5 Barcelona Jan 2025 28:21

4M ago28:21

28:21

Back refreshed from the Christmas Holidays for our first podcast of 2025! Discover Barcelona with AC & Mel as we explore its hidden gems, must-see landmarks, and uncover the city's true essence. Your guide to authentic Barcelona. Inspired by our friend Joe who recently wandered the streets of Barcelona on his exciting months long journey in Spain t…

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Fully Booked EP156: Using Networking and Publicity to Grow Your Author Brand 50:15

4M ago50:15

50:15

In this week’s episode, we explore the power of networking and publicity with Dr. Richard Kaye, a renowned expert in helping authors stand out in today’s competitive market. Dr. Kaye offers invaluable insights on leveraging media coverage, crafting compelling pitches, and why networking with peers is an essential step towards building your author b…

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Fully Booked EP155: Selling Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and Audiobooks as an Indie Author 51:16

4M ago51:16

51:16

Many self-published authors treat paperbacks and hardcovers as an afterthought, assuming they’re too hard to sell or less lucrative than eBooks. This week's guest, author Kevin G. Chapman, challenges that notion by sharing how indie authors can effectively market and sell their physical books. From leveraging platforms like IngramSpark to building …

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Fully Booked EP154: Grow Your Success with the Self-Pub Growth Hub 50:24

5M ago50:24

50:24

In this week's episode, Craig and Roland unveil all the details about Hidden Gems' newest initiative, the Self-Pub Growth Hub. Launching in January 2025, this innovative service is designed to support authors on their self-publishing journey through regular video meetings focused on key topics. They explain how the program works, outline the three …

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71. Christmas Spectacular: Stocking Stuffers for 2024 2:12:34

5M ago2:12:34

2:12:34

Send us a text Twas the day before Christmas, and all round the world, the gamers awaited, the adults, boys, and girls. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but no brief, tiny games have yet been stuffed there. When what to my wondering ears should appear, came a new Christmas episode full of gems, joy, and cheer! FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:…

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Fully Booked EP153: Niche Non-Fiction: Writing for the Few to Reach the Many 47:24

5M ago47:24

47:24

On this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are joined by writer and filmmaker Mark Edlitz, whose career as a television and film writer led him to write a series of books about movies and superheroes that have attracted international attention. Mark discusses his path from filmmaking to the written word, including making the shift fro…

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Fully Booked EP152: Connecting with Your Audience Across Platforms 49:10

5M ago49:10

49:10

If you haven’t yet established your presence as an author in a way that brings your audience to your book, it’s time to focus on meeting readers where they already are. That’s exactly what Military Academy author Karl Smith has done. Drawing on his digital media expertise and personal experiences, Karl shares how creating multi-platform content and…

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70. "A" is for Alchemist 1:51:18

5M ago1:51:18

1:51:18

Send us a text "A" is for... alchemist? Another series begins! Will we ever finish it? Who knows! but this episode we start our alphabetically-themed episodes with the letter "A". Join your hosts Chris Alley, Bill Arney and Jason Yanchuleff as they dig for more gems. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:22:46 Abandon Ship 00:45:00 Alchemist 0…

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Fully Booked EP151: Using AI-Driven Data to Unlock Publishing Potential 49:58

5M ago49:58

49:58

Joining us on this episode of Fully Booked is Keith Riegert, CEO of Ulysses Press and Perfect Bound, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on the publishing industry. Ulysses Press is already harnessing AI to analyze large volumes of data, enabling them to identify emerging market trends before they become mainstream. Combined with the AI led …

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Episode 4: Get Walled Up in Cartagena’s Magic 15:05

6M ago15:05

15:05

AC & Mel explore the magic of Cartagena, Columbia!TravelAliYYZ

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Fully Booked EP150: The Power of Mentorship: Transforming Book Sales with Ads 58:40

6M ago58:40

58:40

Over the past few months, Craig and Roland have been mentoring author Michelle Hazen to improve the sales of one of her rockstar romance series of novels. Despite not releasing any new books in the series, Michelle achieved a tenfold increase in sales by the end of the mentorship. Through the mentorship, she made data-driven changes to her advertis…

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Fully Booked EP149: The Do's and Don'ts of Creating Audiobooks 44:07

6M ago44:07

44:07

Audiobooks are more than just a narrated version of a book—they are a performance brought to life through a complex mix of technical expertise and creative artistry. In this week’s episode, Craig and Roland are joined by author, artist, and activist Franke James, who shares her firsthand experience of transforming her award-winning book into an aud…

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Fully Booked EP148: How Can Authors Pitch Themselves and their Books? 48:33

6M ago48:33

48:33

Whether you're aiming to land a traditional publisher, attract a literary agent, or promote your self-published book, knowing how to effectively pitch yourself and your work can be the difference between obscurity and a thriving writing career. Today’s guest, author and speaker David Stanley, shares invaluable insights on what makes a pitch stand o…

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Episode 3: Salty Air & Sweet Limoncello; An Amalfi Affair 16:44

6M ago16:44

16:44

A walk through the beautiful Amalfi coast, complete with lesser known highlights and my favourite; hiking the Path of the Gods.Ali Mohamed

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Fully Booked EP147: How Authors Can Score Recommendations and Endorsements? 47:29

6M ago47:29

47:29

In today's episode of Fully Booked, we explore the impact of book endorsements and recommendations with author, speaker, and educator Ben Cooper. Ben, who has successfully attracted notable names to endorse his own work, walks us through his journey and offers practical steps for securing endorsements that elevate an author’s credibility and visibi…

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69. Halloween Spectacular: 2024 3:02:15

7M ago3:02:15

3:02:15

Send us a text It's time for another cheesy skit, more Halloween trivia from Chris and a bunch of horrifying takes on a bunch of dusty, spooky games. What could be scarier?! Join the full crew: Chris Alley, Jason Yanchuleff, Bill Arney and Cameron Lockey as they bring you three ghoulish reviews of unusual, forgotten, and under-appreciated Halloween…

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Fully Booked EP146: Why Should Authors Approach Self-Publishing as a Business? 45:31

7M ago45:31

45:31

In this week’s episode, Craig and Roland take on a topic essential for any indie author aiming for success: the importance of treating self-publishing as a business. To help with this discussion, they’re joined by romance author and podcaster Gigi Meier, who shares her insights on balancing the creative and business demands of self-publishing. Toge…

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Episode 2: Cinque Terre: Waves and Wine 12:07

7M ago12:07

12:07

AC and Mel explore Cinque Terre alternatives from luxurious Portofino to the allure of Porto Venere. Not sure to add these lesser explored pitstops in your itinerary? Buckle up, listen in, and escape to the Ligurian shores of Italy!Ali Mohamed

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Fully Booked EP145: Has Self-Publishing Gone Mainstream? 42:40

7M ago42:40

42:40

Inspired by a recent move from Taylor Swift to snub traditional publishers for her forthcoming Eras Tour book, hosts Craig and Roland discuss whether or not self-publishing has gone mainstream. Swift isn't the only high-profile figure to embrace self-publishing, and with each big name that moves away from the big 5, the power dynamic increasingly s…

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68: Stefan Dorra - Part 3 2:11:37

7M ago2:11:37

2:11:37

Send us a text In this episode, your hosts Chris Alley, Jason Yanchuleff, and Bill Arney jump back into the delightful world of Dorra, exploring three more games by this esteemed designer. FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Banter 00:31:32 Amazona 01:00:17 Pergamon 01:36:21 Salamanca MUSIC (courtesy of https://epidemicsound.com): Amazona: “Jungle Awa…

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Fully Booked EP144: Can an Author Website Maximize your Marketing? 48:29

7M ago48:29

48:29

In this week's episode, we explore some essential strategies for boosting your visibility as an author, focusing on the role of author websites, SEO, and a range of marketing techniques. Our guest, Jennifer Vance, marketing director of Books Forward, shares her expertise on how authors can make the most of their online presence. While many authors …

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Fully Booked EP143: Crafting Compelling True Crime Stories 52:34

7M ago52:34

52:34

Today, we’re exploring the world of true crime, a popular genre that delves into real criminal events, the people involved, and the impact on those around them. Our guest, author Pepper Anne, was drawn to true crime through a personal connection, and has since become well versed in turning these complex stories into gripping narratives. Pepper walk…

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Fully Booked EP142: What Are The Essential Elements of a Spooky Story? 51:33

8M ago51:33

51:33

With Halloween just around the corner, there's no better time to explore the art of crafting the perfect spooky story. To help with that, Craig and Roland sit down with Beth Castrodale, an experienced author who specializes in writing eerie and atmospheric novels. According to Beth, creating a truly haunting tale comes down to managing the delicate…

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Fully Booked EP141: A Publishing Powerhouse Roundtable about AI writing and more... 49:19

8M ago49:19

49:19

Once in a while, hosts Craig and Roland comb through the latest happenings in the ever-evolving world of self-publishing. In this episode, they’re joined by author, self-publishing expert, and well-known YouTube star Dale L. Roberts for a roundtable discussion. Dale, always on top of the hottest trends affecting authors, brings fresh insights to th…

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67. 30 Minutes or Less? 2:07:38

8M ago2:07:38

2:07:38

Send us a text Are the claims on the game box about playtime length accurate? In this episode, your hosts Chris Alley and Cameron Lockey hold things down while Bill and Jason are away on vacation as they put three games claiming to take 30 minutes or less to the test and share their thoughts on these unusual, forgotten, and underappreciated games. …

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Fully Booked EP140: How To REALLY Get Inside Your Character’s Head 50:08

8M ago50:08

50:08

Well-written stories are driven by the choices characters make, and understanding why the characters made those choices is crucial if you want them to seem believable and authentic. That’s where psychology can come in. In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, journalist and High Fantasy author Steffanie Costigan joins Craig and Roland to discuss how…

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Fully Booked EP139: The Reality of Selling Your Books Directly 56:06

8M ago56:06

56:06

You might have heard influential figures in self-publishing declare that Direct Sales are “the next big trend” - but is selling your ebooks directly to your readers really a better option than using a tried-and-tested platform like Amazon? Today, Craig and Roland sit down to discuss exactly that, using Roland’s months of experience selling his book…

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Fully Booked EP138: Kink Meets Crowdfunding: Navigating Publishing as a Controversial Author 51:50

8M ago51:50

51:50

It’s tough enough to find a traditional publisher for your first book, but even tougher when that book is about a controversial topic. Yet, when today’s guest Ariel Anderssen decided to publish a memoir about her career as a submissive BDSM model, she topped from the bottom and refused to take “no” for an answer. The result of those efforts, her bo…

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Fully Booked EP137: What is a Zero Draft and Why Do You Need One? 46:15

9M ago46:15

46:15

In this episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are exploring the concept of the "zero draft," a powerful tool for writers at any stage of their manuscript. Guest Cara Stevens, an experienced editor, book coach, and writer, explains how the zero draft differs from other drafts and why it's an essential part of the writing process. Whether you're …

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66. Spiel des Jahres Losers: 2011 Edition 2:19:54

9M ago2:19:54

2:19:54

Send us a text The Spiel series continues with a new installment of nominees from 2011! Dig in with you hosts Chris Alley, Cameron Lockey and Jason Yanchuleff as they take a look at another bunch of award-nominated, yet strangely overlooked games -- listen in to hear our thoughts on the Spiel judges' decisions! FEATURED GAMES: 00:00:00 Intro & Bant…

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