Pros Talking Prose

Your Characters Aren't Traumatized, They're Going Through Some Stuff

Tired of every protagonist having a tragic backstory, a clinical diagnosis, and a mountain of unresolved childhood trauma? SAME.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy sit down with licensed therapist and voracious reader Jeanne Anderson to dismantle the overuse of trauma tropes in fiction. We’re talking big T vs. little t trauma, emotional growth without catastrophe, and how to avoid turning your book into a DSM highlight reel.

What real emotional arcs look like
Why “research” means more than scrolling Instagram
How to write psychological depth without clinical crutches
When diagnosis drops and psychobabble kill your character’s vibe
What to do instead (hint: it's all about self-awareness, not suffering)

If you’re an author who wants to write deeper, more resonant characters without turning every arc into a therapy session, this one’s for you.

Plus: We drop book recs, storytelling tips, and even rant about footnotes in fiction (yes, really).
Craft & Writing Books
    Story Genius by Lisa Cron
    The Story Equation by Susan May Warren
    The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi
     Activate by Angela Ackerman
     Verbalize by Angela Ackerman
 Psychology, Trauma & Emotional Health
    The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
    Grow Yourself Up by Jenny Brown
    The Mask of Sanity by Hervey Cleckley
 Fiction Examples Referenced
    A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
    The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
    The People We Keep by Allison Larkin
    Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
    Books by Catherine Steadman (e.g., Something in the Water)
    Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz
    Books by Brad Thor (e.g., Scot Harvath series)

Find us on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full replay on YouTube.

 For writing resources and character development help, visit:
PrintToPro.com
ThePlotAbides.com

Ep 25: Chasing Bookstore Sales - The Truth About Book Sales and How Authors Make Money

Think getting your book "in bookstores" guarantees big sales? Think again.
In this brutally honest episode of Pros Talking Prose, publishing coach Stacey Smekofske and author strategist Troy Lambert break down the myths about bookstore distribution, author royalties, and what really moves books. From Amazon algorithms to the truth about IngramSpark and KDP, we're exposing the industry's best-kept secrets—and saving you from strategies that drain your wallet and your will to write.

Whether you're self-publishing or traditionally published, you'll learn:
   Why bookstore placement doesn’t equal book sales
   Reasons Amazon buries your KDP listing
   What bookstores actually want before they'll stock your book
   How to make more money by selling less conventionally
   Why going “wide” might be the smartest move for your author business

If you’ve ever wondered where your royalties go, how much you should price your book, or why being “available everywhere” still means “nowhere,” this episode is your wake-up call.

Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes truths about the publishing world, and don’t forget to hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

#AuthorBusiness #SelfPublishingTips #BookMarketing #IndieAuthorLife #PublishingMyths #InBookstores #KDP #IngramSpark #BookRoyalties #WideDistribution

Ep 24: Publishing Math: The True Cost of Becoming an Author

Think publishing is just writing a book and hitting “upload”? Think again. In this raw and real episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy break down the true financial equation of getting your book into the world, whether you’re self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or chasing that traditional dream.

This is a long one, and I am sort of sorry about that but there was a lot to cover. 

We get into:
    What trad publishing really covers (hint: not much)
    Why hybrid publishers double dip and what it costs you
    How self-publishing can eat your budget if you’re not careful
    And the biggest expense authors never plan for (spoiler: it’s not your cover)

We’re not here to scare you—we’re here to keep you from signing away your rights and your savings. Buckle up, grab the free Publishing Budget Worksheet, and let’s do the math together.
🎧 Listen now.
Download the worksheet: 
https://ebs.printtopro.com/get-author-business-starter-kit
Learn your best path: https://editsbystacey.thrivecart.com/paper-trail/
And yes, we do name names. (Kind of.)

#PublishingTips #IndieAuthor #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #HybridPublishing #WritingCommunity #BookMarketing #AmWriting #BookBusiness #AuthorEntrepreneur

Ep 23: Book Marketing Shenanigans: Can Kickstarter Actually Work?

Can Kickstarter actually help you market your book, or is it just a time-consuming gimmick wrapped in fancy rewards? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert wade into the wild world of book marketing to unpack what Kickstarter really offers authors.
They discuss:
    The real definition of marketing (and why most authors hate it)
    Whether Kickstarter is a marketing tool, a funding platform, or both
    What kind of authors and books are a good fit for Kickstarter
    Why ad campaigns and email lists still matter (even with a killer Kickstarter page)
    The dangers of cookie-cutter strategies and comparison traps

From plushie rewards to print runs in Canada, this episode is packed with real talk, insider tips, and the occasional publishing rant.
Resources, tools, and recommended experts are in the description below!
🗓️ New episodes drop every Saturday
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay in the loop
💬 Got questions or Kickstarter horror stories? Drop them in the comments—we might feature them in a future episode!
Do you have any suggestions for future episodes? Let us know if you want us to chime in on a topic you want more information about. 
#BookMarketingTips #KickstarterForAuthors #IndieAuthorLife 
#AuthorMarketing #SelfPublishingJourney #CrowdfundingBooks 
#WritersOfInstagram #AmWritingBooks #PublishingAdvice 
#ProsTalkingProse

Ep 22: Nobody Knows What They’re Doing (And That’s Okay); The Chaos of Building an Author Business

In this brutally honest and wildly relatable episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert unpack everything from conference chaos to business pivots—and the surprising comfort in realizing that none of us have it all figured out.

Fresh from the Storymakers conference in Utah, Stacey shares real talk about fear of failure and why marketing still sends most authors into a full-body cringe. Troy chimes in with his signature snark and seasoned wisdom on why bad advice spreads like glitter, and what indie authors actually need to hear.

Why “nobody knows what they’re doing” might be the most comforting truth you’ll hear all week. Self-publishing stigma, imposter syndrome, and how to stop chasing the wrong readers.

Publishing contracts with shocking social media clauses. 

And why your first draft is just for you (thank you, Terry Pratchett)

Plus: We tease what’s next—Kickstarter strategy, author-focused marketing timelines, and a powerful new platform being built by writers, for writers.

This episode is your permission slip to be scared, show up anyway, and keep going—because nobody knows what they’re doing, and that’s okay.

#ProsTalkingProse #NobodyKnowsWhatTheyreDoing #AuthorLife #CreativeMeltdown #SelfPublishingTips #ConferenceHangover #RealTalkForWriters #BookMarketing

EP 21: How to Keep Time From Wrecking Your Novel: The Magic and Mayhem of Timelines Revealed

Think writing a book with one timeline is hard? Try two. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dive headfirst into the chaotic brilliance of dual timelines—the literary device that can elevate your story or leave your readers hopelessly confused.

They’ll spill all the tea on:
    Why your timelines must be in sync (yes, even fantasy ones)
    What genres love a layered timeline (thrillers, we’re looking at you)
    Tools, tricks, and tech to keep your timelines from imploding
    Revision tips for the brave—and why dual timelines are not for the faint of draft
    Anchoring readers without spoon-feeding them
    Breadcrumbs, Easter eggs, and the sacred art of reader misdirection

Plus, Stacey powers through a migraine with sunglasses and sass, proving once again that publishing pros are nothing if not determined (and slightly unhinged).

Whether you're plotting a psychological thriller, epic fantasy, or dual-POV romance, this episode will help you master the timeline madness. 

📍 Mentioned tools & sites:
ThePlotAbides.com
PrinttoPro.com
Novelio (early access: beta link below)
https://novelio.app/

Scrivener, Plottr, Campfire, and more

Subscribe for weekly publishing wisdom, caffeinated rants, and brutally honest author advice.

Got a dual timeline that worked? A favorite film or book with time-bending brilliance? Drop it in the comments—we might dissect it next!

#DualTimelineWriting #PlotStructureTips #WritersOnWriting #AuthorPodcast #WritingTips #MysteryWriters #ThrillerWriters #FantasyWriters #RomanceWriting #StoryStructure #WritingCommunity #ProsTalkingProse

Ep 20: Your Brain Called - It Wants a Day Off: How Authors Can Protect their Mental Health

Feeling fried, frazzled, or just one rejection away from a creative meltdown? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive into the mental health side of writing — the part no one talks about, but everyone struggles with.
From managing expectations and protecting your creative energy, to setting boundaries and celebrating small wins, this episode is your reminder that your brain deserves rest, respect, and maybe a snack or two.

Whether you're deep in edits, querying like a maniac, or just trying to remember why you started writing in the first place, this one's for you.

Get more help with InPrint Academy – Your roadmap for a sustainable, empowering publishing journey. 
https://ebs.printtopro.com/get-inprint-academy
Print to Pro and Edits by Stacey – Coaching, courses, and real support for real authors. EditsByStacey.com - PrintToPro.com
ThePlotAbides.com - Get coaching on your plot with Troy Lambert

🎙️ Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes truths, marketing know-how, and writing wisdom, with a side of sass.
Find Pros Talking Prose Podcast on platforms everywhere now.

#AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AuthorMentalHealth #CreativeBurnout  
#WritersOfInstagram #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishingSupport #WritingTips  
#WritingJourney #WriterStruggles #AuthorBurnout #ProsTalkingProse #InPrintAcademy  
#WritersWellness #WritingPodcast #WriterMotivation #CreativeSelfCare

Ep 19: Pivot or Perish: Survival Skills for Every Author: Navigate Market Shifts, Trends, & Personal Pivots

In Episode 19 of Pros Talking Prose, we dive deep into a crucial topic every author must face: pivoting in your author career. If you're feeling the shifting winds of the publishing world—declining sales, changing markets, new technologies—you’re not alone. Pivot or perish isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s the survival skillset every serious author needs.

Join Stacey Smekofske of Edits by Stacey and Print to Pro along with Troy Lambert, The Plot Dude, as they walk you through how to recognize when it’s time to pivot, how to plan your next move without losing momentum, and the biggest mistakes authors make when trying to shift gears.

👉 Looking to strengthen your foundation and build a resilient, professional author business?
Check out InPrint Academy, Stacey’s comprehensive course that teaches you how to publish like a pro, protect your rights, and grow your author career sustainably. https://ebs.printtopro.com/get-inprint-academy

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if you have a topic you'd love us to cover in an upcoming episode!

#authorbusiness #publishingtips #authorcareer #writingcommunity #indieauthors #indiepublishing #selfpublishing