Pros Talking Prose

Ep 11: An Authors Purpose

Troy & Stacey have an Epic Rant on AI, Authors, and Art!

Welcome to Pros Talking Prose, where Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske dive headfirst into the wild world of writing, editing, and publishing! In this episode, they tackle the hot topic of AI and its role in the literary universe, among other things.

Troy, the plot dude extraordinaire, is armed with his trusty manuscript-polishing skills, ready to take on any plot twist thrown his way. Meanwhile, Stacey, the publishing guru, is here to guide authors through the publishing maze faster than you can say "bestseller."

Join this dynamic duo as they debunk the myth that AI is the enemy of progress. With Troy's witty one-liners and Stacey's no-nonsense approach, they'll have you laughing and learning in no time.

#AIInPublishing
#WritersVsAI
#WritingWithAI
#CreativeProcess
#AuthorJourney
#WritingCommunity
#AmWriting
#WritingDebate
#IndieAuthorLife
#ProsTalkingProse
#WritingPodcast
#BookCoach
#PlotTwistLife
#ArtVsCommerce
#IWGConference
#WritersConference2025
#PublishingIndustry
#StorytellingTools
#AIForWriters
#AuthorSupport

But that's not all! They also tackle the age-old debate of "art for art's sake." Spoiler alert: they think it's dumb! According to them, every writer's journey is unique, so comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples to... well, plot twists!

Learn why you should go to writers' conferences, and especially come to see Troy and Stacey at the IWG writers conference this weekend (April 11 - 13). We will have amazing authors and pros from around the country, including James A. Owen, Becca Syme, Claire Taylor, and J. Thorne. Go to IdahoWritersGuild.org for more information.

So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and maybe even inspired to write your own epic masterpiece. Don't forget to hit subscribe and join the Pros Talking Prose family today!

Ep 10: Tools that Help Writers and Editors

📚 Calling all writers! If you're looking to enhance your writing experience, boost productivity, and create exceptional content, Troy and Stacey got your number. In this video, we explore a curated list of must-have tools that every writer should consider incorporating into their creative arsenal. From brainstorming to polishing your final draft, these resources are designed to make your writing journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Ready to conquer the ever-changing landscape of authorship and find a trusty companion for the adventure? Look no more! Meet Stacey Smekofske, your committed literary guide. As a dynamic freelance full-service editor and an outstanding publishing coach, envision her as your guiding force in the world of words. Embark on your writing odyssey with assurance at EditsByStacey.com.
Do you see that whirlwind of furious typing in the corner? Look no further than the one and only Troy Lambert! He's not just an author – he's an editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach extraordinaire. Got a manuscript on life support? Troy's your literary paramedic. Dive headfirst into his realm at TroyLambertWrites.com, and prepare to witness your literary chaos turn into award-worthy brilliance (though, let's be real, results may also include excessive laughter). 
#WritingTools
#WriterProductivity
#WritingLife
#AuthorResources
#AmWriting
#WritingCommunity
#WritersOfInstagram
#AuthorSupport
#SelfPublishingTips
#WritingApps
#WriterHacks
#IndieAuthor
#BookCoach
#PlotDoctor
#CreativeWritingTools
#WritingJourney
#WritingMadeEasy

Ep 9: Publishing Strategies for a Shifting Industry

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy don't mince words when they discuss the latest tea in the industry. FindawayVoices ticked off everyone when they changed their contract and were caught red-handed. Amazon keeps changing their algorithm and short-sheeting the self-published author. What does this mean for you?
Listen as Troy and Stacey talk about the ways authors should pivot in this latest tweak to the publishing industry. PIVOT - PIVOT - PIIIIVOOOOOOTTTTT! IYKYK
Listen to these two friends talk shop and you can learn about changing direction, selling your books directly, bestseller lists, and other outdated strategies and how you should adjust your plans.

Who are these ranting lunatics who call themselves the pros? 
Meet Stacey Smekofske, your very own editor/chihuahua. She is a freelance full-service editor who will bite your kneecaps off if you come between her and her authors. On top of that dog pile, she is also a publishing coach—think of her as the St. Bernard who brings you brandy and gets you out of the avalanche of overwhelm associated with publishing. You can find her chasing her tail at EditsByStacey.com. 

And who's that dancing a hula in the corner? It's Troy Lambert! Author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach. This man makes more magic than Merlin in a tornado. If you need someone to bring your book to life, Troy's your witch doctor. He is like the bookish version of Gandalf in a good mood bringing you to the power of plot building. You can teleport to TroyLambertWrites.com, and get your writing game on.
#PublishingNews
#AuthorAlert
#SelfPublishingStruggles
#FindawayVoices
#AmazonAlgorithms
#PublishingPivot
#IndieAuthorLife
#AuthorBusiness
#BookMarketingTips
#DirectSalesForAuthors
#AuthorStrategy
#BestsellerMyths
#ProsTalkingProse
#WritingCommunity
#AmWriting
#WriterLife
#IndiePublishing
#PublishingScamWatch
#PivotDontPanic
#AuthorSupport

Ep 8: The Author Mindset

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, you can be the fly on the wall of a thought-provoking discussion. Listen as Troy and Stacey take a side road and discuss the eternal struggle of writers to finish what they start. In this video, we delve into the mindset shift required to transition from a writer to a successful author. Are you ready to take the leap and commit to making writing a part of your everyday life? By the end of this video, you'll have a clearer understanding of what it takes to embrace the determination and discipline needed to become a true author. Are you destined to be a prolific writer or are you content with being a hobbyist? Let's find out together in this eye-opening and witty conversation!

Who are these strange humans who call themselves the pros? 
Meet Stacey Smekofske, your very own literary sherpa. She's not only a freelance full-service editor, but also a publishing coach—think of her as the Mr. Miyagi to your Karate Kid, but with better grammar. You can find her waxing on and off at EditsByStacey.com. 

And who's that dressed as a Star Trek fan in the corner? It's Troy Lambert! Author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach. This man plays more parts than Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor, “Hercules, Hercules, Hercules.” Need someone to revive your manuscript? Troy's your fixer. He is like the bookish version of Montgomery Scott capable of repairing the warp drive on your plot by giving it all he’s got, Captain. Beam up to his world at TroyLambertWrites.com, and learn how to be a better writer.
#WritingTips
#WritersOfInstagram
#IndieAuthors
#UrbanFantasyAuthor
#MilitaryWriters
#WomenWhoWrite
#BookCoachLife
#PlotDoctor
#WritingCommunity
#ScribeSquad
#ProsTalkingProse

Ep 7: Good vs Bad Advice for Authors

In this no-holds-barred edition of Pros Talking Prose, the illustrious Troy Lambert and publishing guru, Stacey from Edits by Stacey, rip apart the laughably outdated advice peddled to unsuspecting authors. They're ripping the curtain down from around the wizard and telling you what actually works.  It's 2024, folks, and these relics have no place in the arsenal of a modern author. If you're fishing for the secret sauce to book-selling riches, perk up your ears because they're spilling the beans on how to be an author in the know. Miss this episode, and you might as well be writing by candlelight.

We discuss the traps of publishing with Independent Publishers which you can learn more about here: 
https://youtu.be/gegFY23FIJM?si=7VEoaSFcIfqIrcc4

And you can learn more about AI and whether it is something to worry about or not here: 
https://youtu.be/bPC-IsYuSNI?si=3gfqKS692y8Ala8i

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 ThePlotAbides.com, and watch as he transforms your literary dilemmas into Pulitzer-worthy prose (results may vary).

Ep 6: 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

Ep 5: 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

Ep 4: 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