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ProWritingAid — Use code KEVIN20 for 20% off at checkout!Visit ProWritingAid.com - Level up your writing. Trusted by indie authors, ProWritingAid offers actionable, flexible editing wherever you write.

In this episode, host Kevin Tumlinson sits down with Tim Heller—a creative entrepreneur, voice actor, and audiobook producer—to dive deep into the world of audio, entrepreneurship, networking, and building a future-proof creative business. If you're an author, freelancer, or creative professional, this conversation is packed with actionable tips and candid insights on everything from handling burnout and building a team, to using systems and branding authentically.

Want to know how to thrive as an indie author, explore the audiobook business, and make real connections in today’s creative landscape? This episode is your blueprint.

Show links:

* ProWritingAid — Assisted editing for writers (Sponsor: use code KEVIN20)

* Author Anchor — VA service connecting authors with skilled virtual assistants

* Kevin's Substack — Personal insights and regular updates

* Tim Heller Creative: Audiobook Bonanza — Tim’s audiobook production branch

* Tim Heller on LinkedIn — Connect with Tim

* Redhorn Coffee and Brewery — Where the Austin creative community connects

Watch on YouTube

Important Topics & Timestamps:

[00:00:00] – Episode intro, meeting Tim Heller, and creative networking[00:06:09] – ProWritingAid sponsor message[00:11:19] – Tim’s creative background: From musical theatre to audio[00:14:36] – Building a modern creative business & future-proofing for AI[00:19:29] – Outsourcing, automation, and building the right team[00:24:21] – Creative marketing: Outreach, social media, and conferences[00:26:03] – Burnout vs. balance: Saying no and setting boundaries[00:29:15] – Restoring creative energy: Writing for fun, not just business[00:37:10] – Scaling up: Audiobook volume, quality, and industry trends[00:44:43] – Where to find Tim & “Audiobook Bonanza”[00:48:18] – Final note: The power of authentic branding and mood boards

Ready for more tips on thriving as a writer or creative entrepreneur?Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode! 🔔

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com

🎯 Sponsored by: ProWritingAid – Level up your writing with 20% off! Use code KEVIN20 at checkout

In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson welcomes back Johnny B. Truant for a deep dive into the future of publishing, the rise of the "Artisan Author," and the power of subversive art in a rapidly changing industry. They explore how indie authors can thrive by embracing creativity, community, and direct reader relationships—plus thoughts on pricing strategies, career resilience, and why now is the time to go your own way. The conversation is filled with personal stories, industry insight, and actionable advice for writers who want to shape their own path.

Show Links:

- ProWritingAid (prowritingaid.com) - AI-powered editing tool for writers. Use code KEVIN20 for 20% off.

- Johnny B. Truant Artisan Author Book/Kickstarter - (johnnybtruant.com/artisan) - Sign up for the upcoming Artisan Author Kickstarter and learn more about Johnny’s new book.

- Kevin’s Substack (kevintumlinson.substack.com) - Regular updates, essays, and behind-the-scenes insights.

Watch on YouTube

Key Topics & Timestamps:

[00:00:00] - Opening & introduction to Johnny B. Truant

[00:03:14] - Indie vs traditional publishing: the shifting landscape

[00:07:25] - Sponsor mention: ProWritingAid

[00:12:25] - The rise of the “Artisan Author” & subversive art

[00:18:58] - Stories that change minds: subversion in fiction & comedy [00:26:32] - Commercial success vs. artistic integrity

[00:41:06] - Book pricing: value, perception, and the artisan difference

[00:51:57] - Direct sales, community building & launching on Kickstarter [00:59:13] - Using AI as a tool for indie authors

[01:01:32] - The importance of creative network & peer support

[01:10:00] - Following your passion despite challenges

[01:17:28] - The case for betting on yourself and your dreams

Looking for more inspiration and savvy publishing strategies? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to join the Wordslinger community! 🔔

Got feedback or questions? Drop them in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going.

Full show notes and more at WordslingerPodcast.com

🎯 Check out our sponsor: ProWritingAid – Level up your writing and editing! Get 20% off using code KEVIN20 at checkout (visit: https://prowritingaid.com/?utm_source=wordslinger&utm_medium=partner-podcast&utm_campaign=YT-alwayson&utm_content=&utm_term=)

In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson sits down with Dr. Marschall Runge—Dean of the University of Michigan Medical School, CEO of Michigan Medicine, and author of both fiction and nonfiction. Dive into a fascinating conversation about the future of healthcare, groundbreaking medical tech, the role of AI in medicine, and how writing thriller fiction compares to penning nonfiction. Whether you’re a writer or a health innovation enthusiast, this chat is packed with insights that could change the way you see both industries!

Show Links:

* Dr. Marschall Runge’s website: https://drmarschallrunge.com – Learn more about his books, including "The Great Healthcare Disruption" and "Coded to Kill."

* ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com/ – Powerful editing tools for writers; use code KEVIN20 for 20% off.

* Kevin’s Substack: Weekly writing tips, updates, and Kevin’s blog.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE:

⏰ Key Topics & Timestamps:

[00:01:09] – Marschall Runge’s medical background and dual writing career[00:06:55] – “The Great Healthcare Disruption”: Cost, access, and bold solutions[00:11:01] – Wearable technology, the rise of health apps, and consumer-driven medicine[00:14:36] – AI in healthcare: Shortages, efficiency, and the future doctor-patient relationship[00:18:53] – Preventive care, medical innovations, and gene therapies[00:22:10] – Comparing fiction and nonfiction writing as an expert in medicine[00:30:10] – Marschall’s next novel: The quest for longevity and the science behind it[00:34:11] – Lessons from Blue Zones and global health best practices[00:45:49] – Kevin on research, outlining, and how AI assists (but doesn’t replace) writers[01:14:23] – Closing thoughts: embracing new tools and storytelling evolution

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Got story questions? Reach out at WordslingerPodcast.com—Kevin loves hearing from you!