Marketing a cross-genre book can be challenging, but usually there’s at least some overlap between audiences. Romantic fantasy readers, for example, know exactly what they’re getting. But what happens when your book sits between two completely different markets? That’s the challenge facing this week’s guest, Charles E. Wallace Jr., whose story-driven book has the potential to appeal both to true crime readers and to those looking for practical guidance on protecting elderly parents from financial exploitation. Attempting to target two very different groups at once can dilute your core message, forcing tough decisions about positioning, audience focus, and how to present your book to the world.

In today’s episode, Charles walks us through what he’s learned from navigating that challenge, as we discuss how to identify your primary audience, when to split your marketing versus unify it, and how to avoid getting lost between categories. At the same time, the conversation is driven by the gripping real-life story that led to the book in the first place. As compelling as that story is, it reinforces an important lesson: Even the strongest narrative won’t sell itself without a clear strategy behind it. So for authors working on unconventional or hard-to-categorize books, success comes down to clarity, focus, and making intentional marketing decisions from the start.

Charles E. Wallace Jr.

https://thecaregiversgame.com/

Hidden Gems

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This week on Fully Booked, we’re joined by true crime author and radio host Alan R. Warren for a fascinating discussion on the genre of true crime, and why he believes the most compelling stories are those told through the lens of their time. With nearly 40 books to his name, Alan shares how his work goes far beyond recounting events, focusing instead on the historical, cultural, and social forces that shape both the crime and the people involved. By placing context at the center of every story, his approach reframes true crime as something deeper than a simple sequence of events.

Alan takes us through his process for building these narratives, showing how immersive research and firsthand interviews allow him to recreate the mindset of an era so readers can understand how people thought and behaved at the time. That perspective not only adds depth and authenticity, but often reveals how certain crimes were even possible in the first place. The result is a body of work that continues to resonate with readers, and a compelling reminder that the most powerful true crime stories are not just about what happened, but why they could only have happened when they did.

Alan R. Warren

https://www.alanrwarren.com/

Hidden Gems

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In this episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland speak with prolific children’s author Molly Arbuthnott about what it really takes to move from an initial idea to a growing catalog of published work. From making the decision to pursue writing full time to developing stories and themes that connect with young readers, today's conversation explores both the creative and practical sides of writing for children.

The discussion also goes beyond the page, as Molly shares insights into working with illustrators, navigating self-publishing and traditional routes, and balancing creative passion with the business realities of marketing in a competitive space. For practical advice and an honest look at what it takes to build a sustainable career in children’s books, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Molly Arbuthnott

https://www.mollyarbuthnott.co.uk/about/

Hidden Gems

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In this episode of Fully Booked, we’re joined by author and book coach Jen Braaksma, who shares her journey from teacher to full-time writing coach, and how that path shaped the way she helps writers bring their stories to life. With experience working with over a hundred authors while also publishing her own novels, Jen offers insight into what a book coach actually does and the role guidance can play when a manuscript isn’t quite coming together.

Jen shares a fascinating case where she was asked to help shape and finish a manuscript written by an author who had passed away, forcing her to find the story’s voice and connective thread without being able to speak to its creator. Using that experience as a lens, the conversation expands into the broader challenges writers face, from identifying what a story is really about maintaining consistency, structure, and momentum through revisions. It’s a thoughtful look at how raw ideas become cohesive books, and what it takes to turn a draft into something that truly works.

Jen Braaksma https://www.jenbraaksma.com/

Hidden Gems

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In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are joined by science fiction author Evan Kidwell for a conversation about why power-driven social hierarchies remain such a compelling force in YA fiction. Using the caste system and bloodline structure from his own debut novel as a starting point, Evan explains how stories built around rank, exclusion, and emerging power speak directly to the adolescent experience.

The episode also explores the emotional pull of underdog stories, the role of flawed, hierarchical societies in fiction, and the challenges around building complex fantasy worlds shaped by power, status, loyalty, and survival. Together, these storytelling elements help explain some of YA’s most enduring hooks, and why readers keep returning to them not only in their teens, but as adults as well.

Evan Kidwell https://www.timeaousspark.com/

Hidden Gems

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In this episode of Fully Booked, we welcome back returning guest Clay Vermulm to explore what truly makes horror work. Is it simply monsters, gore, and jump scares, or something far deeper? From grief and catastrophic loss to the power of isolation, our discussion takes us through the core emotional elements that allow great horror to connect with readers. By personifying these universal fears as supernatural forces, horror writers give shape to the emotions we often struggle to confront in real life.

Clay also shares practical insight for authors looking to craft their own unsettling fiction. He explains why character development is the foundation of fear, how real stakes elevate tension, and why every on page death must feel earned. By grounding terror in authentic human experience, writers can create stories that linger with readers long after the final terrifying chapter. Whether you're already writing horror or simply want to better understand its enduring appeal, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the psychology and craft behind fiction that truly frightens.

Clay Vermulm https://www.clayvermulmfiction.com/

Hidden Gems

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This week, Fully Booked welcomes back author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh for a thoughtful conversation about second editions and what it really means to revisit a published book. While the lifeblood of a sustained writing career often lies in sequels and new releases, there are compelling strategic and creative reasons to update and republish an older work. From expanding content and incorporating new research to strengthening earlier writing, adjusting pricing, and rethinking marketing, this discussion explores the practical and emotional considerations behind giving a book a second life.

Drawing from her own experience preparing a significantly expanded edition of her nonfiction work on grief and addiction, Randi-Lee shares how time, therapy, and deeper research reshaped her perspective and strengthened the book’s impact. She also outlines why fiction authors might consider releasing second editions, anniversary editions, or special releases of their own. If you have ever wondered whether to revise, relaunch, or simply move on to the next manuscript, this episode offers clear insight into making that decision without alienating your readers.

Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

https://www.rbwriting.ca/

Hidden Gems

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Bestselling science fiction author Rick Partlow joins Fully Booked to discuss one of the most elusive skills in publishing: sustained productivity. With nearly 90 novels written since 2011 and an average output of 3,000 words a day, Rick explains how disciplined routines, detailed outlining, and long-term series planning have enabled him to build expansive fictional universes without losing momentum. From the early days of KDP, when 99 cent pricing helped him find his first wave of readers, to building a sustainable publishing career, this episode explores what it truly takes to turn writing into a lasting profession.

Rick walks us through the practical mechanics behind his success, including why he transitioned from discovery writing to deep structural outlining, how tools like NotebookLM help him maintain continuity across dozens of books, and why partnering with specialist publishers transformed his business. He also shares candid insights on discipline, avoiding burnout, alternating series to stay creatively sharp, and making the mindset shift from hobbyist to professional. For authors seeking greater output without sacrificing story quality, this conversation offers a clear and actionable path forward.

Rick Partlow

https://rickpartlow.com/

Hidden Gems

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