"Every hero needs a villain to vanquish." — Steven Spielberg

Crime thriller author Terry Weaver reveals how to write a villain readers can't look away from — and why damaged characters are the real secret to unforgettable fiction.

Terry Weaver is the author of three tightly-paced Texas crime thrillers (A Dark Day in Texas, Whitewashed Tomb, A Long Night Cry) and the filmmaker behind The Beast of Trinity, Texas. In this episode, he shares the practical craft behind writing morally complex characters — including how he builds his protagonist Eli Ridge and the villains who push him to the edge.

In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How to write a villain readers understand — even when they shouldn't ✅ Why damaged characters need "just enough justification" to earn empathy ✅ The Robert McKee principle behind every great thriller: "The only way to move a story forward is through conflict" ✅ How short, choppy chapters create unbreakable tension ✅ Why every crime writer needs a subject matter expert (Terry used a homicide detective) ✅ What writing and directing have in common — and where they split apart

Whether you're writing crime fiction, psychological thrillers, or any genre with moral complexity, this conversation delivers real villain-writing technique from someone who's lived both sides of the camera.

📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Story by Robert McKee
• On Writing by Stephen King
• No Country for Old Men — Anton Chigurh as villain study
• The Beast of Trinity, Texas — Terry Weaver's film
• Eli Ridge series: A Dark Day in Texas · Whitewashed Tomb · A Long Night Cry

🎙️ ABOUT THE AUTHOR'S MIND Want to write better fiction? We give you direct access to the thinking, process, and craft of today's professional authors. No theory — just real experience.

Connect with Terry: https://terryweaver.substack.com/

Get his books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B6BDM8S?binding=paperback&qid=1775319574&sr=8-1&ref

Find Shilo's books here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFV59FRQ?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771886025&sr=1-1&ref

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFZ4P281?binding=kindle_edition&ref


Quinn Knightly ~ Medieval action adventure

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT4YMGZL?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771885958&sr=8-1&ref

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome:

https://bakkenbooks.com/collections/the-campground-kids-collection

Want to know what actually gets a novel published? Not a better query letter. Not more connections. Not a bigger social media following.

Just skill.

In this episode, Kern Carter — an indie author who signed deals with Penguin and Scholastic and sold 15,000 books in the past year without being social media famous — breaks down the craft decisions that changed his career. He built a loyal readership through the quality of his work alone, and he's here to tell you exactly how.

Whether you're trying to figure out how to write a novel that gets noticed, how to get a book deal, or how to move from self-publishing to traditional publishing, Kern gives you the real experience — not theory.

In this episode:

• How Kern went from indie self-publisher to Penguin & Scholastic author
• Why your opening pages are the only thing that matters
• The 8-month novel writing course that changed everything (even after he was already published)
• How he writes authentic relationships without losing readers
• Why sentence rhythm matters more than grammar
• The truth about building a readership without social media

🎙️ Guest: Kern Carter — traditionally published with Penguin & Scholastic, 15,000+ books sold

The Author's Mind gives you direct access to the thinking, process, and craft of today's professional writers. No theory — just real experience.

Find Kern at kerncarter.com

Find Shilo's books here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFV59FRQ?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771886025&sr=1-1&ref

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFZ4P281?binding=kindle_edition&ref


Quinn Knightly ~ Medieval action adventure

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT4YMGZL?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771885958&sr=8-1&ref

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome:

https://bakkenbooks.com/collections/the-campground-kids-collection

Should you trust AI to narrate your book — or hire a human? Audiobook narrator Liza Jacobs (30+ titles, 10 accents) gives authors the unfiltered truth about audiobook production, costs, casting, and why the human voice still wins.

In this episode of The Author's Mind, Liza breaks down everything authors need to know before turning their book into an audiobook — from how much it actually costs, to the one casting mistake that ruins listener experience.

🎧 What you'll learn:

• Why 99.9% of fiction is perfect for audio (and what's not)
• The REAL cost of audiobook production (hint: an 8.5-hour audiobook starts at $2,000+)
• How to find and hire the right audiobook narrator for YOUR book
• AI narration vs. human narration — why AI still can't replace emotional depth
• The difference between dual, duet, and multicast narration (and which to choose)
• How to pick the right retail sample to maximize listener conversions
• What narrators WISH authors knew before submitting a manuscript
• Should you start your series audiobook with Book 1 or your most popular title?

👤 About Liza Jacobs: Liza Jacobs is a professional audiobook narrator with over 30 titles and 10 accents, specializing in cozy mysteries, romance, and fantasy. Find her resources for independent authors — including a free downloadable guide — at her website. 🔗 LizaJacobs.com

📌 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Liza Jacobs 02:00 – How Liza got into audiobook narration 06:00 – Is your book right for audio? 10:00 – How much does an audiobook cost? 16:00 – AI narration vs. human narrators 22:00 – How to hire and cast the right narrator 30:00 – Dual, duet & multicast narration explained 38:00 – Choosing your retail sample strategically 44:00 – Tips for authors submitting manuscripts 50:00 – Where to find Liza & her free author guide

🔎 Whether you're self-publishing your first novel or building a backlist, this episode gives you the roadmap for audiobook production done right.

👉 Subscribe for more craft and career insights from professional authors

#audiobook #audiobooknarrator #selfpublishing #writingtips #indieauthor #audiobookproduction #howtowriteabook #selfpublishingadvice #fiction #authorlife

Find Shilo's books here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFV59FRQ?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771886025&sr=1-1&ref

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFZ4P281?binding=kindle_edition&ref


Quinn Knightly ~ Medieval action adventure

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT4YMGZL?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771885958&sr=8-1&ref

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome:

https://bakkenbooks.com/collections/the-campground-kids-collection

How to get a book published — and what most writers get wrong before they even start. In this episode, W. Terry Whalin — a veteran editor, literary agent, and author of over 60 books — reveals the insider secrets of the book publishing process that most aspiring authors never learn. From writing a book proposal that actually sells to building the author platform publishers want to see, Terry shares decades of real-world experience working with publishers like Simon & Schuster, Morgan James, and more. Whether you're pursuing traditional publishing or self-publishing, this conversation will change how you think about getting your book into the world.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Why your book proposal matters more than your manuscript

• How to publish a book through traditional publishing vs self-publishing

• What literary agents and editors actually look for

• The #1 mistake writers make when pitching publishers • How to build an author platform that gets you a book deal • Writing advice from someone who's been on every side of the industry 📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

➤ Free ebook – "Book Proposals That Sell": http://bookproposals.ws

➤ "10 Publishing Myths" ($10 with free shipping): http://publishingoffer.com

➤ Terry Whalin's website: http://terrywhalin.com

➤ Submit to Morgan James Publishing: Terry@MorganJamesPublishing.com

➤ "The Success Principles" by Jack Canfield

➤ "101 Ways to Market Your Book" by John Kramer 📖 ] #HowToGetABookPublished #BookPublishing #WritingAdvice #BookProposal #TraditionalPublishing #LiteraryAgent #AuthorTube #WritingABook #BookPublishingProcess #PublishingIndustry

Find Shilo's books here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFV59FRQ?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771886025&sr=1-1&ref

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFZ4P281?binding=kindle_edition&ref


Quinn Knightly ~ Medieval action adventure

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT4YMGZL?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771885958&sr=8-1&ref

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome:

https://bakkenbooks.com/collections/the-campground-kids-collection

What happens when a retired Air Force veteran gets a cancer diagnosis, prays for more time, and then feels called to write a 10-book fantasy series?

In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Terrence L. Rotering shares how a cancer scare, “Godwinks,” and military discipline led him to create a sweeping, clean fantasy saga—and how he wrote 8 of those books in a single year.

If you’re an aspiring author wondering how to actually finish your book, build a series, or stay productive while juggling real life, this conversation is packed with practical insights and an unforgettable story.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How a cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for a complete creative breakthrough
• The “Godwinks” (divine coincidences) that confirmed Terrence was on the right story
• How his Air Force background shaped his plotting, organization, and discipline
• The dictation-based writing process he used while walking and driving
• How he wrote 8 books in one year without burning out
• Why he chose to write clean, hope-filled fantasy in a dark, violent genre
• The mindset shift from “trying to write” to “reporting on the story”

If you’re searching for how to improve your writing process, how to write a book or novel, or how to stay motivated through hard seasons, this episode will give you both craft tools and serious encouragement.

Hit subscribe for more weekly conversations with working authors about fiction writing, story structure, character development, and the realities of a long-term writing career.

Resources & Links:
Check out Terrence L. Rotering’s books and learn more about his work: https://chroniclesoftrinian.com/

Find Shilo's books here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFV59FRQ?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771886025&sr=1-1&ref

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFZ4P281?binding=kindle_edition&ref


Quinn Knightly ~ Medieval action adventure

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT4YMGZL?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771885958&sr=8-1&ref

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome:

https://bakkenbooks.com/collections/the-campground-kids-collection

Can an 18-year cop teach you how to write a better mystery novel? In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Rodney Carpentier breaks down exactly how he turns real police experience into small-town crime fiction set in the Catskills.

You’ll learn how he structures his Overlook trilogy, why “cops are natural storytellers,” and how the save the cat method helped him finally finish his books instead of fizzling out at the halfway point.

If you’re trying to figure out how to write a mystery novel , build suspense, or use real-world law enforcement details without overwhelming the story, this conversation is for you.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Meet Rodney Carpentier and the Overlook trilogy
04:12 – Why cops are natural storytellers
09:30 – From character-only drafts to real plot structure
15:05 – Using Save the Cat to plot mystery and crime fiction
22:48 – “Finish the book first, edit later” writing advice
29:10 – Making the Catskills a living, breathing character
36:40 – Taking one creative risk per book
43:55 – The hard truth about indie author marketing
51:20 – Final advice for aspiring mystery writers

🔍 What you’ll learn:
• How an 18-year law enforcement veteran thinks about story, character, and tension
• Practical mystery writing tips you can apply to your own novel
• Why structure matters, and how Save the Cat can rescue “stalled” drafts
• How to use real police work in fiction without turning your book into a procedural manual
• Mindset shifts for finishing your book and taking smart risks as a writer

📚 Find Rodney Carpentier online: https://www.rlcarpentierwriter.com/

Find Shilo's books here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFV59FRQ?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771886025&sr=1-1&ref

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFZ4P281?binding=kindle_edition&ref


Quinn Knightly ~ Medieval action adventure

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT4YMGZL?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771885958&sr=8-1&ref

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome:

https://bakkenbooks.com/collections/the-campground-kids-collection

Do you really know your characters, or are you just moving them around the page?

Real character depth doesn't come from a bio sheet—it comes from treating your characters like real people and finding their breaking point.

In this episode of The Author's Mind, I sit down with Dr. Rod Berger to discuss how to "interview" your characters to find their hidden truths. We explore the critical technique of establishing a character's "normal" specifically to shatter it, and the mindset shift every author needs to build confidence and survive the editing process.

Inside this episode:

• The Interview Method: Why you should stop writing descriptions and start asking your characters questions.
• Breaking Normal: How to establish a character's reality just to break it for maximum tension.
• Writer Resilience: How to develop the "thick skin" required to handle brutal feedback and keep writing.

Special Guest: Dr. Rod Berger Communication expert and author of The Narrative Edge, Rod has conducted over 4,000 interviews with global leaders and storytellers.

Connect with Rod Burger here: https://www.drrodberger.com/book

Find Shilo's books here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFV59FRQ?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771886025&sr=1-1&ref

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFZ4P281?binding=kindle_edition&ref


Quinn Knightly ~ Medieval action adventure

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT4YMGZL?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1771885958&sr=8-1&ref

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome:

https://bakkenbooks.com/collections/the-campground-kids-collection

Want to write page-turning thrillers that feel too real—the kind readers binge like Dan Brown or Robert Ludlum?

In this episode of The Author’s Mind, Shilo Creed interviews Guy Morris— the award-winning author behind the SNOW Chronicles.

Find more about Guy Morris here: https://www.guymorrisbooks.com/

Find Shilo's books here:
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalb...

Looking for her other pen names? Check them out!

Elysian Hunt ~ Clean Rom Coms
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elysian...

Quinn Knightly ~ Medieval action adventure
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Quinn-K...

C.R. Fulton ~ Middle grade chapter books that are wholesome
https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-R.-F...