Pros Talking Prose

Yes, You Can Write Humor

Every scribbler, scribe, and pen-wielder on a quest to jazz up their writings knows that crafting a chuckle is no cakewalk. After all, humor's a slippery eel in the toolbox of literary gizmos – you can't just waggle your eyebrows or nudge your reader in the ribs through the page. Instead, you've got to be a timekeeper and a mind-reader, dishing out giggles with pinpoint precision. Let's face it, when you're aiming for laughter in your magnum opus, you can't afford to have the whoopee cushion go off at the wrong moment.

Looking for a guide as you journey through the wilds of authorship? Fear not! Meet Stacey Smekofske, your very own literary GPS. She's not only a freelance full-service editor, but also a publishing coach extraordinaire—think of her as the Yoda to your Luke Skywalker, but with better grammar. You can find her waving her red pen like a lightsaber at EditsByStacey.com.

And who's that typing furiously in the corner? It's Troy Lambert! Author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach. This man wears more hats than a milliner at a royal wedding. Need someone to resuscitate your flatlining manuscript? Troy's your guy. He’s like the bookish version of MacGyver, capable of fixing plot holes with nothing but a keyboard and a cup of coffee. Dive into his world at TroyLambertWrites.com, and watch as he transforms your literary dilemmas into Pulitzer-worthy prose (results may vary).

Danielle Parker: Danielle Parker is an Urban Fantasy author obsessed with monsters and writing about them. She is a retired Army Staff Sergeant and super mom. When she’s not at work or writing, you’re most likely to find her at a local pub trying the latest craft brew with the Berts, or practicing martial arts. 

#HumorInWriting
#FunnyAuthors
#WriteFunny
#ComedyWriting
#WritingHumor
#CraftingComedy
#AmWritingFunny
#WittyWriters
#AuthorLife

Shake Off Writers Block

Episode 5 of Pros Talking Prose. Troy and Stacey discuss the triggers and possible causes of writer's block. They also will talk to you about how imposter syndrome and perfectionism may lead to your inability to write what you want. These two professional editors and writers will discuss the tips and tricks from other professionals, scientists, and therapists that can help a writer overcome writer's block. It is important that you get the information you need to combat this debilitating obstacle.
Troy and Stacey will help you get your writing game back on.

Your Pros are Stacey Smekofske, freelance full-service editor and publishing coach for authors who are seeking a guide on the road to authorship. EditsByStacey.com
Troy Lambert, author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach.  ThePlotAbides.com

#WritersBlock
#ImposterSyndrome
#PerfectionismInWriting
#WritingTips
#WritingMotivation
#AuthorLife
#AmWriting
#CreativeBlock
#WritingMindset
#WritingCommunity
#WriteThroughIt
#WritingStruggles
#OvercomeWritersBlock
#AuthorSupport
#MentalHealthForWriters

How Pros Define Quality Writing

Get the skinny on writing a book that will make readers laugh, cry, or reach for the fireplace poker and hide under their blanket. Editors, agents, publishers, and the paying public are looking to be entertained and/or informed. Not only is it important to provide quality content that doesn't ramble like your father on a tirade, but it is vital to write clearly so that you can hold interest. Your job as the writer is to fulfill the job of feeding the information hole, thereby making wishes come true. Maybe that is a bit dramatic, but you get the point. Do you want to know how to write a book, if writing a book will make you money, and how to get better at writing your book, then you have clicked on the right video. 
Book and Writing Professionals, Troy and Stacey, spill the tea on writing a captivating manuscript that will capture the hearts and minds of your readers. Dive into those elements of writing that everyone says, but rarely can define, like "show don't tell" and "watch your pacing."  
Look, you are a writer and want people to read your stuff right? Well, we are here to help you bridge some gaps and learn how to improve your craft. 

If you are looking for a guide as you attempt to cross the ocean of writing and publishing, look no further. Stacey Smekofske is your very own literary GPS. She's not only a freelance full-service editor, but also a publishing coach extraordinaire—think of her as the Gandalf to your fellowship, but without the smoking habit and a better sense of urgency. You can find her wielding her proverbial red pen like Sting at EditsByStacey.com. And yes, she is a Lord of the Rings fan!

Troy Lambert is the plot guy who deconstructs every story he reads! Author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach. This man is an expert in more roles than Krispy Kreme has donuts. Need to find the hole in your Swiss cheese plot? Troy's your guy. He’s the Sherlock of plotting, finding the problems within your story with nothing but a keyboard and an occasion shot of whisky on a hard day. Dive into TroyLambertWrites.com. 

#PublishingTips #AuthorBusiness #VanityPublishing #HybridPublishing #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #WritingCommunity #BookContracts #PublishingScams #AuthorBeware

How to Avoid Bad Publishing Deals

Not all publishing paths are created equal—and some will cost you way more than just money. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, industry veterans Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down the red flags of vanity and overpriced hybrid publishers.

🚨 Learn what shady contracts look like
📉 Avoid the promises that sound too good to be true
🛠️ Discover how to protect your rights, your wallet, and your future

If you're an author navigating publishing options, don’t sign anything until you listen to this episode. Stacey and Troy will arm you with the knowledge to take control of your author business—and steer clear of costly mistakes.

Your pros:
✍️ Stacey Smekofske – Editor & Publishing Coach at Edits by Stacey
📚 Troy Lambert – Author, Book Coach, Script Doctor, and Publisher

#PublishingTips #AuthorBusiness #VanityPublishing #HybridPublishing #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #WritingCommunity #BookContracts #PublishingScams #AuthorBeware

9 Tips for Success As an Author

Think writing a book is the hard part? Try turning it into a full-time gig. In this no-fluff episode of Pros Talking Prose, publishing pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down the real work of running an author business. These 9 essential tips go beyond the basics, covering mindset, marketing, money, and more. If you're serious about building a lasting author career (and not just hoping your book goes viral), this is the episode you can't afford to skip. What it really takes to go pro Why it’s a business, not a lottery ticket How to make your author life sustainable Hosted by editor & publishing coach Stacey Smekofske of Edits by Stacey and author & book strategist Troy Lambert, this is the industry-insider advice most authors don’t hear until it’s too late. #AuthorLife #WritingTips #IndieAuthor #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #authorbusiness #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #BookCoach #PublishingTips #FullTimeAuthor

AI Friend or Foe

AI isn’t coming for authors — it’s already here, typing away with suspiciously good grammar. In this episode, Stacey Smekofske and resident AI wrangler Troy Lambert pull back the curtain on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the writing world faster than you can say "Ctrl+Z."

Is it time to welcome your new robot coauthor with a high five? Or start hoarding canned goods and sharpening pencils like medieval weapons? Either way, you need to know what's happening — and how to ride the AI wave without wiping out.

Join us for an honest, hilarious, and slightly alarming conversation about the future of storytelling, creativity, and why your air fryer is probably safe. For now.

Pros Talking Pros Trailer

Ready for real talk about writing, publishing, and building a sustainable author career?
Pros Talking Prose brings you unfiltered advice, honest conversations, and plenty of laughs from industry pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert.
We cover the writing craft, the business side of books, and all the messy realities they don’t tell you about — with practical tips to help you thrive at every stage of your journey.

Hit subscribe and join us for weekly episodes that will fuel your creativity, sharpen your strategy, and remind you why you started this crazy writing adventure in the first place.

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