Podcast
Killer Prose
Hosted by Tanner Rutledge · EN
Killer Prose is the podcast dedicated to the art and busness of indie horror and crime writing, hosted by author/voice actor Tanner Rutledge. Join Tanner weekly as he delves into the secrets of suspenseful storytelling, featuring interviews with authors, editors, and publishers who specialize in keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Essential Resources for Writers 2025: Updates and Tools
Aug 15, 202500:27:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Killer Pros podcast, Tanner updates listeners on his list of resources for writers in 2025. Tanner discusses valuable tools and platforms he uses for every stage of the writing process, from learning and drafting to editing and marketing. The episode includes his go-to classes, writing communities, and podcasts, as well as essential software and services for writing and publishing, such as Scrivener, AutoCrit, and ProWritingAid. Tanner also provides updates about changes to the podcast schedule and his website, focusing on making more time for Truly Odd and other writing projects.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates02:34 2025 List of Writing Resources02:44 Recommended Writing Classes07:51 Podcasts and Blogs for Writers12:41 Essential Books for Writers15:51 Writing and Editing Software19:11 Cover Design Tips21:19 Marketing Strategies for Authors26:54 Conclusion and Social MediaMy Author Website: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/Email the show at killerpenbooks@gmail.comLinks to ResourcesClassesHolly's Writing Classes: https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/PodcastsHelping Writers Become Authors: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/Writers Ink: https://writersinkpodcast.com/Self Publishing Insiders: https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/category/self-publishing-insiders-podcast/The Creative Penn: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/the-creative-penn-podcast-for-authors/The Writer Files: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writer-files-writing-productivity-creativity/id984527862Writer's Routine: https://writersroutinedotcom.wordpress.com/Novel Marketing: https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/The Night Crew: https://www.bradricks.com/podcastBooksSuccessful Self Publishing by Joanna Penn (free): https://a.co/d/iNH5W97The Anatomy of Genres by John Truly: https://a.co/d/2C0KnE5How to Write A Mystery edited by Lee Childs from Mystery Writers of America: https://a.co/d/gyyUwO5On Writing Horror from HWA: https://a.co/d/agbWqmNSoftwareScrivianar: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/AutoCrit: https://www.autocrit.com/Pro Writing Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/Atticus: https://www.atticus.io/Cover DesignGet Covers Design: https://getcovers.com/Melbart: https://miblart.com/Ruth anna evens cover design: https://sites.google.com/view/ruthannaevans/home?authuser=0The cover collection: https://www.thecovercollection.com/MarketingBook Bub: Author pages: https://authorwebsites.bookbub.com/Tertulia: https://tertulia.com/Story Origin: https://storyoriginapp.com/Kitt: https://kit.com/Substack: https://substack.com/Writer Word Media: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/
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Behind the Scenes: Setting Up My Author Brand
Aug 1, 202500:18:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Killer Pros podcast, Tanner provides an update on his time management strategies, leading to significant progress in his writing and author brand development. Tanner discusses his upcoming debut novel, the transition from writing 'Hant' to focusing on the 'Whisper Hollow Mystery' series, and the essential steps in setting up his author brand and publishing business. He touches on the complexities of ISBN acquisition, the importance of audiobooks, and the need for meticulous budget planning. Additionally, Tanner mentions the valuable writing courses he is taking to enhance his manuscript revision process. The episode concludes with teasers for future solo episodes focused on writing craft and a special 2025 resources list for writers.00:00 Introduction and Time Management Update01:04 Preparing for the First Book Release02:28 Pivoting Book Releases and Author Brand05:57 Setting Up Your Author Brand09:39 Budgeting and ISBNs14:12 Audiobooks and Distribution14:52 Writing Courses and Resources17:09 Upcoming Episodes and ConclusionIntro & Outro music: Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Checkout my author website and sign up for the newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.comCheck out the merch and support the show at: https://www.killerprose.com/storeEmail me at: killerpenbooks@gmail.comConnect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfrightInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/killerprosepodcastCheck out Holly's Writing Classes at https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/Time Management Episode: https://www.killerprose.com/managing-your-most-valuable-resource-as-a-writer-time/
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Managing Your Most Valuable Resource as a Writer: Time
Jul 15, 202500:22:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Killer Podcast, Tanner shares insights on how writers can take control of their time to enhance productivity and achieve their long-term goals. Tanner discusses his personal experience with time management, including how his chaotic day job and family life led him to conduct a time audit. He explains three powerful strategies: time audits to track where your time is going, time blocking to schedule important activities, and list-making to stay focused. Tanner also shares practical tips on identifying time-wasting activities, streamlining tasks, and ensuring that personal and family time are prioritized. Additionally, he offers a glimpse into his writing journey and emphasizes the importance of simplifying tools and tech to maintain focus on writing goals.00:00 Introduction03:00 The Importance of Time Audits05:32 Analyzing and Adjusting Your Schedule11:13 Implementing Time Blocking14:36 Creating Effective To-Do Lists18:32 Personal Updates and Future Plans21:51 Conclusion and Call to ActionIntro & Outro music: Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.comCheck out the merch and support the show at: https://www.killerprose.com/storeEmail me at: writingfright@gmail.comConnect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfrightInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/killerprosepodcast
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Transforming Your Stories into Audiobooks
Jul 2, 202500:21:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Killer Prose Podcast, Tanner takes you into the world of audio productions, focusing on turning written stories into audiobooks, podcasts, or YouTube content. Tanner discusses the value and benefits of audiobooks, the process, and expenses involved, and details the equipment and setup needed for professional narration. He explains the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones, the importance of a sound-treated space, and his personal experiences with audio formats. Tanner also provides insightful tips for those considering hiring a voice actor or undertaking a do-it-yourself audiobook project, including setting a budget, finding the right voice actor, and practicing voice techniques. Additionally, he shares his plans for an upcoming audio fiction project and the benefits of engaging with a broader audience through audio media. The episode aims to equip authors with the knowledge to expand their reach and enhance their storytelling through audio.00:00 Introduction to Audio Productions00:49 The Value of Audio Formats01:21 Personal Experiences with Audio02:01 Podcasting Setup and Equipment04:45 Inside the Sound Booth06:44 Hiring a Production Team13:46 DIY Audiobook Production16:05 Recording Tips and Techniques19:15 Conclusion and ResourcesIntro & Outro music: Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Links:Finding a voice actor:Voice 123: https://voice123.com/Casting Call Club: https://www.castingcall.club/ACX: https://www.acx.com/Findaway Voices: https://www.findawayvoices.com/Podcasting a audio elearning:School of Podcasting: https://schoolofpodcasting.com/Learn Voice Acting: https://learnvoiceacting.com/Get Great Audio Equipment at Sweetwater: https://www.sweetwater.com/Check out my other show Truly Odd: https://www.trulyoddpod.com/Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.comConnect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfrightInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/killerprosepodcast
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Horror Book Cover Design with Ruth Anna Evans
Jun 15, 202500:49:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Killer Pros, Tanner chats with cover designer Ruth Anna Evans about all aspects of cover design. They discuss Ruth's career, her approach to designing book covers, and the intricacies of working with a cover designer, including licensing. Ruth shares her journey from designing covers for her own books due to budget constraints to becoming a professional cover designer. The conversation also covers the importance of typography, lighting, texture, and focal points in creating effective book covers. Ruth offers practical advice for authors looking to create visually appealing covers and emphasizes the importance of practice and feedback. Additional topics include the challenges of balancing a day job with creative work, building systems for productivity, and maintaining a love for art. The episode also touches on the significance of family support and how personal passions can influence career choices.00:00 Introduction to Ruth Anna Evans01:21 Ruth's Journey into Cover Design03:09 The Art of Horror Covers05:05 Challenges and Techniques in Cover Design07:48 Balancing Passion and Profession13:10 The Importance of Systems and Focus23:28 Family and Artistic Support26:08 Family Involvement in Creative Projects27:39 Balancing Teaching and Artistic Careers28:49 Pursuing Passion in the Arts30:55 Creating a Productive Work Environment38:59 The Importance of Typography in Book Covers44:47 Licensing and Using Book Cover Images46:42 Connecting with Ruth Anna Evans48:03 Upcoming Episodes and AnnouncementsConnect with Ruth Anna at https://www.ruthannaevans.comFind er on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ruthannaevanshorrors/And on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/p/Ruth-Anna-Evans-100081911623327/Find her books and stories on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09J21ZQB7?ccs_id=031e51c3-cba7-436f-994c-8151281f6ac9Join Ruth Anna's Facebook Cover Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/327618456597950Intro & Outro music: Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Connect with the show at: https://www.killerprose.com/voicemail/Connect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfrightInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/killerprosepodcast
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