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

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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