<![CDATA[No One Cares You Wrote a Book]]>No One Cares You Wrote a Book is about everything that happens before and after you type “The End.”

Fantasy and sci-fi writers C.J. Kael and Chris Wards share the reality of writing, editing, publishing and trying to find readers. We follow our own journeys in real time, including the mistakes, small wins, questionable decisions and lessons we wish someone had shared with us earlier.

Expect honest conversations about worldbuilding, first drafts, working with editors, traditional versus indie publishing, book marketing, social media, BookTok trends and what it actually takes to get a book into the world.

Two writers. Honest takes. Questionable decisions.

]]>https://www.youtube.com/@NoonecaresyouwroteabookRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:08:45 GMTThu, 10 Sep 2026 16:41:51 GMT60C.J. Kael<p>No One Cares You Wrote a Book is about everything that happens before and after you type “The End.”<br /><br />Fantasy and sci-fi writers C.J. Kael and Chris Wards share the reality of writing, editing, publishing and trying to find readers. We follow our own journeys in real time, including the mistakes, small wins, questionable decisions and lessons we wish someone had shared with us earlier.<br /><br />Expect honest conversations about worldbuilding, first drafts, working with editors, traditional versus indie publishing, book marketing, social media, BookTok trends and what it actually takes to get a book into the world.<br /><br />Two writers. Honest takes. Questionable decisions.</p>episodicC.J. Kaelinfo@cjkael.comno<![CDATA[Episode 6 - Writing the Middle Without Losing Your Mind]]>In this episode, Chris Wards and C.J. Kael engage with author JL Storm to discuss the challenges of writing the middle of a book, the creative process, and the emotional journey of sharing one's work. They explore the differences between plotters and panzers, the importance of setting goals, and the vulnerability that comes with writing and publishing. The conversation delves into the creative process of writing, focusing on themes of interconnected dimensions, character development, and the challenges of editing and self-doubt. The speakers share personal experiences with writing momentum, inspiration from dreams, and the complexities of managing side characters and writer's block, culminating in discussions about future projects and publishing.


Takeaways

  • Writing the middle is challenging
  • Embrace vulnerability in sharing work Embrace self-doubt as part of writing
  • Editing is crucial for clarity


Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
  • 01:03 Exploring the Crown Key and Its Themes
  • 02:59 JL Storm's Journey into Writing
  • 06:37 The Writing Process: From Idea to Manuscript
  • 08:43 The Difference Between Plotters and Panzers
  • 10:36 Navigating Corners in Writing
  • 12:56 The Emotional Journey of Writing
  • 16:47 Finding Joy in the Middle of Writing
  • 19:20 The Vulnerability of Sharing Your Work
  • 22:22 Goals and Themes in Storytelling
  • 27:31 Exploring Interconnected Dimensions
  • 29:27 Character Development and Themes
  • 30:52 The Editing Process and Self-Doubt
  • 32:30 Stripping Away Excess: The Art of Editing
  • 34:56 Writing Momentum and Obsession
  • 36:46 Dreams as Inspiration for Writing
  • 39:03 Navigating Side Characters and POVs
  • 42:45 Writer's Block and Overcoming Challenges
  • 47:45 Future Plans and Publishing Journey
]]>c430951e-d0c3-4633-ad27-a540d3566684Fri, 16 Oct 2026 19:54:08 GMT<p>In this episode, Chris Wards and C.J. Kael engage with author JL Storm to discuss the challenges of writing the middle of a book, the creative process, and the emotional journey of sharing one's work. They explore the differences between plotters and panzers, the importance of setting goals, and the vulnerability that comes with writing and publishing. The conversation delves into the creative process of writing, focusing on themes of interconnected dimensions, character development, and the challenges of editing and self-doubt. The speakers share personal experiences with writing momentum, inspiration from dreams, and the complexities of managing side characters and writer's block, culminating in discussions about future projects and publishing.</p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Writing the middle is challenging</li><li>Embrace vulnerability in sharing work Embrace self-doubt as part of writing</li><li>Editing is crucial for clarity</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest</li><li>01:03 Exploring the Crown Key and Its Themes</li><li>02:59 JL Storm's Journey into Writing</li><li>06:37 The Writing Process: From Idea to Manuscript</li><li>08:43 The Difference Between Plotters and Panzers</li><li>10:36 Navigating Corners in Writing</li><li>12:56 The Emotional Journey of Writing</li><li>16:47 Finding Joy in the Middle of Writing</li><li>19:20 The Vulnerability of Sharing Your Work</li><li>22:22 Goals and Themes in Storytelling</li><li>27:31 Exploring Interconnected Dimensions</li><li>29:27 Character Development and Themes</li><li>30:52 The Editing Process and Self-Doubt</li><li>32:30 Stripping Away Excess: The Art of Editing</li><li>34:56 Writing Momentum and Obsession</li><li>36:46 Dreams as Inspiration for Writing</li><li>39:03 Navigating Side Characters and POVs</li><li>42:45 Writer's Block and Overcoming Challenges</li><li>47:45 Future Plans and Publishing Journey</li></ul>no00:49:32Episode 6 - Writing the Middle Without Losing Your Mindfull<![CDATA[Episode 5 - Why Is Writing Advice So Contradictory?]]>In this episode, C.J. Kael and Chris Wards discuss the often contradictory nature of writing advice with their guest, Chantel Burnham. They explore the importance of trusting one's instincts, the role of critique partners, and the challenges of navigating reader expectations and social media presence. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the nuances of writing, the importance of understanding and sometimes breaking the rules, and the challenges of receiving feedback. They also explore the differences between traditional and indie publishing, as well as effective marketing strategies for authors.


Takeaways

  • Trust your gut in writing
  • Contradictory advice is common Learn rules before breaking them
  • Feedback can improve writing


Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Writing Advice
  • 02:55 Chantel's Writing Journey
  • 05:59 The Role of Critique Partners
  • 09:04 Navigating Contradictory Advice
  • 12:07 The Challenge of Reader Expectations
  • 14:54 Social Media and Author Presence
  • 18:03 Understanding Writing Rules
  • 20:47 The Importance of Confidence in Writing
  • 38:08 The Importance of Writing Rules
  • 41:55 Navigating Feedback and Criticism
  • 48:06 Finding Readers and Marketing Strategies
  • 55:51 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing Choices
  • 01:02:13 Valuable Writing Advice and Insights
]]>b6a17a7e-eebc-4b95-aeba-88bf4af1e514Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:34:28 GMT<p>In this episode, C.J. Kael and Chris Wards discuss the often contradictory nature of writing advice with their guest, Chantel Burnham. They explore the importance of trusting one's instincts, the role of critique partners, and the challenges of navigating reader expectations and social media presence. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the nuances of writing, the importance of understanding and sometimes breaking the rules, and the challenges of receiving feedback. They also explore the differences between traditional and indie publishing, as well as effective marketing strategies for authors.</p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Trust your gut in writing</li><li>Contradictory advice is common Learn rules before breaking them</li><li>Feedback can improve writing</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Writing Advice</li><li>02:55 Chantel's Writing Journey</li><li>05:59 The Role of Critique Partners</li><li>09:04 Navigating Contradictory Advice</li><li>12:07 The Challenge of Reader Expectations</li><li>14:54 Social Media and Author Presence</li><li>18:03 Understanding Writing Rules</li><li>20:47 The Importance of Confidence in Writing</li><li>38:08 The Importance of Writing Rules</li><li>41:55 Navigating Feedback and Criticism</li><li>48:06 Finding Readers and Marketing Strategies</li><li>55:51 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing Choices</li><li>01:02:13 Valuable Writing Advice and Insights</li></ul>no00:50:44Episode 5 - Why Is Writing Advice So Contradictory?full<![CDATA[Episode 4 - Are We Writing the Book We Want to Read, or the Book We Think Will Sell?]]>The conversation explores the tension between writing a book for personal fulfillment and writing for commercial success. It delves into the evolution of the authors' perspectives on writing for readers and marketability, as well as the impact of generational expectations and trends in the publishing industry. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on writers, the evolving trends in fantasy literature, and the influence of cultural fragmentation on reader preferences. It also explores the tension between writing for oneself and writing for commercial success.

Takeaways

  • Writing for readers vs. writing for marketability
  • The impact of generational expectations and trends in the publishing industry Social media presence is essential for writers in today's publishing landscape.
  • The evolution of fantasy literature reflects the changing cultural and generational influences.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Writing for Personal Fulfillment vs. Commercial Success
  • 03:06 Evolution of Writing Perspectives
  • 17:36 Impact of Generational Expectations and Trends
  • 20:27 The Impact of Social Media on Writers
  • 26:29 Evolving Trends in Fantasy Literature
  • 29:27 Cultural Fragmentation and Reader Preferences
  • 35:17 Writing for Oneself vs. Commercial Success
]]>815be012-183b-4e7e-9e1d-f993ad1056e7Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:11:42 GMT<p>The conversation explores the tension between writing a book for personal fulfillment and writing for commercial success. It delves into the evolution of the authors' perspectives on writing for readers and marketability, as well as the impact of generational expectations and trends in the publishing industry. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on writers, the evolving trends in fantasy literature, and the influence of cultural fragmentation on reader preferences. It also explores the tension between writing for oneself and writing for commercial success.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Writing for readers vs. writing for marketability</li><li>The impact of generational expectations and trends in the publishing industry Social media presence is essential for writers in today's publishing landscape.</li><li>The evolution of fantasy literature reflects the changing cultural and generational influences.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Writing for Personal Fulfillment vs. Commercial Success</li><li>03:06 Evolution of Writing Perspectives</li><li>17:36 Impact of Generational Expectations and Trends</li><li>20:27 The Impact of Social Media on Writers</li><li>26:29 Evolving Trends in Fantasy Literature</li><li>29:27 Cultural Fragmentation and Reader Preferences</li><li>35:17 Writing for Oneself vs. Commercial Success</li></ul>no00:41:0714Episode 4 - Are We Writing the Book We Want to Read, or the Book We Think Will Sell?full<![CDATA[Episode 3 - How Much Worldbuilding Is Too Much?]]>The podcast episode explores the art of world building in fantasy and science fiction writing. It delves into the role of maps, the depth of world building, meta world building, and the importance of language, characters, and culture in setting the scene for a fictional world. The conversation delves into the exploration of cultural settings in fantasy, the debate on understanding magic, the challenges of invented terminology and world building, the balance between world building and plot development, the strength of character and relationship in world building, and the payoff of world building in fantasy literature.

Takeaways

  • World building is a crucial aspect of fantasy and science fiction writing.
  • Maps play a significant role in world building, providing a visual representation of the fictional world.
  • Language, characters, and culture are essential elements in making a fictional world feel real. Cultural settings in fantasy literature provide fresh and intriguing world-building opportunities.
  • The best world building in fantasy literature has a payoff and is woven into character moments.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Art of World Building
  • 03:09 The Role of Maps in World Building
  • 07:41 The Depth of World Building
  • 15:26 Meta World Building and Language
  • 23:16 Setting the Scene with Characters and Culture
  • 24:16 Cultural Settings in Fantasy
  • 26:04 The Debate on Understanding Magic
  • 31:47 Invented Terminology and World Building
  • 35:14 Balancing World Building and Plot Development
  • 38:00 The Strength of Character and Relationship in World Building
  • 43:09 The Payoff of World Building
]]>55c7f6c1-6787-47b7-be09-98242ea9a0a0Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:33:55 GMT<p>The podcast episode explores the art of world building in fantasy and science fiction writing. It delves into the role of maps, the depth of world building, meta world building, and the importance of language, characters, and culture in setting the scene for a fictional world. The conversation delves into the exploration of cultural settings in fantasy, the debate on understanding magic, the challenges of invented terminology and world building, the balance between world building and plot development, the strength of character and relationship in world building, and the payoff of world building in fantasy literature.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>World building is a crucial aspect of fantasy and science fiction writing.</li><li>Maps play a significant role in world building, providing a visual representation of the fictional world.</li><li>Language, characters, and culture are essential elements in making a fictional world feel real. Cultural settings in fantasy literature provide fresh and intriguing world-building opportunities.</li><li>The best world building in fantasy literature has a payoff and is woven into character moments.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Art of World Building</li><li>03:09 The Role of Maps in World Building</li><li>07:41 The Depth of World Building</li><li>15:26 Meta World Building and Language</li><li>23:16 Setting the Scene with Characters and Culture</li><li>24:16 Cultural Settings in Fantasy</li><li>26:04 The Debate on Understanding Magic</li><li>31:47 Invented Terminology and World Building</li><li>35:14 Balancing World Building and Plot Development</li><li>38:00 The Strength of Character and Relationship in World Building</li><li>43:09 The Payoff of World Building</li></ul>no00:40:1513Episode 3 - How Much Worldbuilding Is Too Much?full<![CDATA[Episode 2 - Nobody Cares You Wrote a Book]]>The conversation delves into the emotional journey of finishing a manuscript, seeking feedback, overcoming self-doubt, and the challenges of marketing and selling a new book. It explores the anxiety and uncertainty that follows the completion of a manuscript, the process of seeking feedback and improvement, and the challenges of engaging with writing groups and beta readers. It also addresses the pressure of making the first book a success and the challenges of marketing and selling a new book. The conversation delves into the challenges of building an online profile, marketing and promotion, the writer's dilemma, completing the manuscript, and the value of writing. It also looks ahead to the next topic of discussion.

Takeaways

  • The emotional journey of finishing a manuscript
  • Challenges of seeking feedback and overcoming self-doubt Navigating the online landscape is essential for authors
  • Marketing and promotion are crucial for book success

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Feeling of Finishing
  • 03:02 Post-Manuscript Anxiety
  • 04:24 Seeking Feedback and Improvement
  • 06:09 Sharing Manuscripts and Receiving Critiques
  • 08:53 Challenges of Seeking Feedback from Friends and Family
  • 11:49 Engaging with Writing Groups and Beta Readers
  • 17:06 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear of Publishing
  • 20:23 The Pressure of Making the First Book a Success
  • 23:23 Challenges of Marketing and Selling a New Book
  • 25:43 Navigating the Online Landscape
  • 27:12 Building an Online Profile
  • 29:04 Marketing and Promotion
  • 32:37 Challenges of Publishing
  • 33:09 The Writer's Dilemma
  • 36:09 Completing the Manuscript
  • 39:40 The Value of Writing
  • 44:09 Looking Ahead
]]>52e24171-6255-4895-9022-ea01484809c5Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:17:24 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the emotional journey of finishing a manuscript, seeking feedback, overcoming self-doubt, and the challenges of marketing and selling a new book. It explores the anxiety and uncertainty that follows the completion of a manuscript, the process of seeking feedback and improvement, and the challenges of engaging with writing groups and beta readers. It also addresses the pressure of making the first book a success and the challenges of marketing and selling a new book. The conversation delves into the challenges of building an online profile, marketing and promotion, the writer's dilemma, completing the manuscript, and the value of writing. It also looks ahead to the next topic of discussion.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>The emotional journey of finishing a manuscript</li><li>Challenges of seeking feedback and overcoming self-doubt Navigating the online landscape is essential for authors</li><li>Marketing and promotion are crucial for book success</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Feeling of Finishing</li><li>03:02 Post-Manuscript Anxiety</li><li>04:24 Seeking Feedback and Improvement</li><li>06:09 Sharing Manuscripts and Receiving Critiques</li><li>08:53 Challenges of Seeking Feedback from Friends and Family</li><li>11:49 Engaging with Writing Groups and Beta Readers</li><li>17:06 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear of Publishing</li><li>20:23 The Pressure of Making the First Book a Success</li><li>23:23 Challenges of Marketing and Selling a New Book</li><li>25:43 Navigating the Online Landscape</li><li>27:12 Building an Online Profile</li><li>29:04 Marketing and Promotion</li><li>32:37 Challenges of Publishing</li><li>33:09 The Writer's Dilemma</li><li>36:09 Completing the Manuscript</li><li>39:40 The Value of Writing</li><li>44:09 Looking Ahead</li></ul>no00:39:41Episode 2 - Nobody Cares You Wrote a Bookfull<![CDATA[Episode 1 - Why Did We Think Writing a Book Was a Good Idea?]]>The first episode of the podcast delves into the journey of writing a book, exploring the motivations, struggles, and support systems of the hosts. It highlights the evolution of their creative process and the impact of personal relationships on their writing endeavors.

Takeaways

  • Motivations for writing a book are deeply personal and often driven by a desire for self-expression and personal fulfillment.
  • The support and encouragement of a trusted friend or partner can be instrumental in overcoming self-doubt and navigating the challenges of the writing process.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Journey Begins
  • 02:55 The Evolution of Ideas and World Building
  • 11:00 Motivations and Ambitions
  • 16:05 Struggles and Self-Doubt
  • 26:08 Support and Validation
]]>2a42eeb4-26af-475a-854f-14efe63a1cabThu, 10 Sep 2026 16:45:49 GMT<p>The first episode of the podcast delves into the journey of writing a book, exploring the motivations, struggles, and support systems of the hosts. It highlights the evolution of their creative process and the impact of personal relationships on their writing endeavors.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Motivations for writing a book are deeply personal and often driven by a desire for self-expression and personal fulfillment.</li><li>The support and encouragement of a trusted friend or partner can be instrumental in overcoming self-doubt and navigating the challenges of the writing process.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Journey Begins</li><li>02:55 The Evolution of Ideas and World Building</li><li>11:00 Motivations and Ambitions</li><li>16:05 Struggles and Self-Doubt</li><li>26:08 Support and Validation</li></ul>no00:34:21Episode 1 - Why Did We Think Writing a Book Was a Good Idea?full