Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author Podcast

Fully Booked EP171: Bleeding onto the Page: The Emotional Journey of a First Novel

This week on Fully Booked, we’re joined by romance author Elle Christopher, whose debut novel is rooted in profound personal loss and emotional transformation. After the sudden death of her husband, Elle turned to writing as a coping mechanism for both herself and her five children. What started as a private act of healing eventually evolved into an immersive love story that has already struck a chord with early readers.
Drawing from her background in corporate marketing, Elle shares how she applied those skills to the steep learning curve of self-publishing. From navigating beta reader feedback and laying the foundation for a personal brand, to finding authentic ways to connect with readers in a crowded market, Elle discusses her experience as a first-time author. With no formal writing background, she dove into research and quickly discovered that sincerity and authenticity can be some of the most powerful tools in reaching an audience.
 
Elle Christopher
https://ellechristopher.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP170: Crafting Hooks and Cliffhangers That Keep Pages Turning

In today’s episode of Fully Booked, we’re exploring how to build momentum in your fiction and make sure readers have a hard time putting your book down. Author and workshop leader Natasha Blandford, who writes as N.L. Blandford, joins Craig and Roland to discuss how to write compelling hooks and cliffhangers that keep readers engaged from the first page to the last. Drawing on her experience writing dark psychological thrillers and leading community workshops, Blandford shares her techniques on how to open strong, end stronger, and maintain narrative tension throughout your story.
As Natasha explains, elements like genre, pacing, and point of view all shape how (and when) hooks and cliffhangers should be used. From opening lines that spark instant intrigue to chapter endings that demand “just one more page,” she offers a wide range of strategies to keep your readers captivated. Whether you're a plotter, a discovery writer (pantser), or somewhere in between, this conversation is packed with insights to help craft stories that leave readers always wanting more.
 
N.L. Blandford
https://www.nlblandford.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP169: How and Why to Add Humor to Your Writing

You don’t have to be a comedian to bring humor into your writing, and just because your book isn’t a comedy doesn’t mean it can’t benefit from a few well-placed laughs. As veteran comedian, keynote speaker, and author Jan McInnis explains in this week’s episode of Fully Booked, humor is a powerful way to connect with your audience and make your message more memorable. Together, we explore what makes humor such an effective storytelling tool—and how any author can inject it into their writing, regardless of genre.
Drawing on her decades-long career in stand-up, radio, and corporate comedy, Jan shares practical advice on writing humor with purpose. From key rules of comedy and spotting humor in everyday situations to avoiding clichés and refining punchlines, her tips are useful for any author—whether or not they think of themselves as funny. For those looking beyond just adding a bit of levity, Jan also discusses professional opportunities in comedy writing, from radio to greeting cards. Whether you're looking to enrich your stories with humor or explore comedy as a career path, this discussion is full of insight and entertaining anecdotes to help you get started.
 
Jan McInnis
https://theworklady.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP168: Turning True Events into Compelling Storylines

This week on Fully Booked, we’re joined by military thriller author and former U.S. Air Force special agent Derrick M. Jackson to discuss how real-life experiences can be used to shape compelling fiction. Rather than writing a memoir about his time in the military, Derrick crafted a high-stakes thriller infused with emotional authenticity pulled directly from the most intense moments of his career.
By drawing not just on the events themselves, but on his personal reactions to them, Derrick created flawed, relatable characters who stand apart from the superhuman archetypes often found in the genre. In this episode, he shares insights on everything from turning real people into fictional characters and writing emotionally resonant scenes, to navigating the approval process required to include military experiences in a novel. Packed with thoughtful advice and practical takeaways, this conversation offers valuable guidance for any author looking to blend real-life material into fiction that feels both grounded and compelling.
 
Derrick Jacksonhttps://www.amazon.com/SHADOW-ONE-DERRICK-JACKSON-ebook/dp/B0DFVNN3GD
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP167: How Atticus is Simplifying Writing, Editing, and Formatting

This week, we’re welcoming back a familiar face in both the self-publishing world and on this podcast. Dave Chesson, the creative force behind industry-leading tools like Publisher Rocket, returns to discuss one of his other major successes—Atticus. After more than two years on the market and continuous user-driven improvements, Atticus has steadily evolved and built a large, dedicated following. By blending the best features of writing, editing, collaboration, and formatting tools, it delivers unparalleled functionality for a one-time price that includes all future upgrades.
Dave leads us deep into the core of Atticus's capabilities, from real-time collaboration and customizable permissions for editors and beta readers, to cloud-based security and intuitive drag-and-drop formatting. With each update, Atticus moves closer to his broader vision of a comprehensive book management system—designed not only for authors, but also for the publishing team they work with. If you're ready to simplify your workflow and move away from juggling a costly suite of tools, this episode offers valuable insight into how Atticus can save you time and money by replacing them all with a single, streamlined solution.
 
Dave Chesson and Atticus
https://www.atticus.io/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP166: Unlocking the Power of Personal Branding

Besides a great book, what is it that makes readers remember you and keep coming back for more? According to award-winning brand strategist and personal brand navigator Lauren Clemett, an author’s success is directly tied to their branding. With years of experience helping authors amplify their visibility worldwide, Lauren reveals how the science of neurobranding shapes the way readers connect with your books—and why identifying your target reader is the key to knowing not just what to say, but where to say it.
Today’s discussion goes beyond theory, as Lauren offers practical, concrete tips for any author, regardless of genre or publishing experience. From building a recognizable identity around your message to leveraging micro-influencers and word-of-mouth marketing, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and no-nonsense advice that will help you raise awareness of your author brand and provide a clear path to amplifying your author profile.
 
Lauren Clemetthttps://theaudaciousagency.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP165: Crafting Connection Through Life’s Ups and Downs

One of the most crucial aspects of writing is understanding your audience so that the stories you tell truly resonate. In today’s episode of Fully Booked, we explore this concept with author and speaker Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, who connects with her readers by sharing her personal experiences with mental health and autism. By blending storytelling with an engaging, accessible style, Randi ensures her books reach the people who need them most, offering a sense of companionship to those facing similar struggles.
For Randi, authenticity is key—her conversational approach fosters a deeper connection with readers than a more formal, textbook-style format would. She also incorporates practical elements, such as worksheets, to blend emotional resonance with actionable support. Beyond writing, she shares insights into marketing strategies that emphasize personal connections, including the power of podcasts and word of mouth to reach the right audience. Whether you’re crafting memoir, self-help, or even fiction, this episode explores how writing with purpose, honesty, and a clear understanding of your audience can leave a lasting impact.
 
Randi-Lee Bowslaugh
https://www.rbwriting.ca/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP164: Project Managing Your Book from Idea to Bestseller

Writing a book is one thing—getting it published and into readers’ hands is another challenge entirely. For first-time authors, the process can feel overwhelming, but today’s guest, business consultant and author Jennifer Musser, shares a strategy to make it manageable. By breaking the writing and publishing process into smaller components—outlining, drafting, cover design, formatting, marketing, and more—Jennifer explains how authors can stay organized and on track rather than feeling lost in the many moving parts of self-publishing.
Her methodical approach offers a roadmap for moving forward with confidence, especially for authors who feel stuck when faced with too many tasks between them and a finished book. In addition to her step-by-step strategy, Jennifer also shares insights and actionable advice on striking a balance between creative expression and market expectations, ensuring your book not only stands out but also connects with the right audience. By applying a project management mindset, she shows how writers can tackle the publishing process with clarity and structure—turning an overwhelming task into a series of achievable steps.
 
Jennifer Musser
https://jlmaconsulting.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP163: The Power of Firsthand Research in Writing

From visiting unfamiliar locations to speaking directly with locals, nothing beats experiencing key elements of your story firsthand. When possible, this kind of immersive research can make the difference between a good book and one that truly transports readers. In today’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland sit down with award-winning author Dr. Randy Overbeck to explore how direct, on-the-ground research enhances storytelling. Overbeck, a former educator turned award-winning mystery author, shares how traveling to real settings, consulting experts, and even participating in activities like sailing or dune buggy rides has helped him craft compelling, authentic narratives.
As Overbeck explains, firsthand research does more than just help set the scene—it strengthens character development, enriches historical details, and adds depth to complex social themes. He has spent years refining his approach by connecting with local experts, securing permissions for real-world references, and weaving his findings into gripping mysteries. But not every detail can be uncovered in person, and even Overbeck relies on traditional research methods to fill in the gaps. By blending fieldwork with more conventional research, authors can create immersive, believable stories—whether they can visit their book’s setting or not.
 
Dr. Randy Overbeck
https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP162: Write Your Way to Professional Credibility

Can writing a book transform your career? In this episode of Fully Booked, we sit down with author and technologist R.D.D. Smith to explore how professionals can use writing as a powerful tool to build credibility and open new opportunities. Drawing from personal experience, Roger shares how writing books helped him gain industry recognition, secure career-changing roles, and even land a prestigious CTO position.
No matter your industry, Roger’s actionable strategies will help you identify your specific niche, overcome imposter syndrome, and turn your unique expertise into impactful books. Whether you're a part-time writer with a full-time job or a professional looking to stand out in your field, this discussion is packed with inspiration and practical advice on using the written word to stand out from your peers and boost your career.
 
R.D.D. Smith
https://rddsmith.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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