Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author Podcast

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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Fully Booked EP161: Heroes, Villains, and the Gray Areas In-Between

Conflict drives every great story, but what truly makes a hero compelling? And why are villains often the most captivating characters on the page? In today’s episode of Fully Booked, we delve into the intricate "hero-villain dance" with novelist and former educator Lori Paul Johnson. By exploring the moral complexity of antagonists and the archetypal struggles of heroes, Lori breaks down storytelling techniques that keep readers hooked—revealing how a well-crafted villain doesn’t just oppose the hero but elevates the entire narrative.
Using a variety of vivid examples, Lori illustrates how heroes are forged in the fire of conflict—whether facing a formidable enemy, an unforgiving environment, or their own inner demons. But storytelling is rarely as simple as good versus evil. By embracing moral ambiguity and crafting anti-heroes, authors can create relatable and multifaceted villains who are as compelling as the protagonists they challenge. So whether you’re writing thrillers, mysteries, or character-driven dramas, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you create dynamic, page-turning conflict between richly developed characters—both "good" and "bad."
 
Lori Pollard-Johnson
https://www.sistersincrime.org/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP160: How AI Tools Can Empower Authors, Not Replace Them

While some self-published authors are keen to embrace tools that leverage artificial intelligence, others continue to have concerns about AI erasing the importance of a writer’s work, and degrading the publishing industry as a whole - concerns addressed by this week’s guest, Dan Curran.
Dan is the co-founder of Chapters.io, a company that provides a structured approach to content creation by capturing an authors' ideas through recorded interviews, using cutting-edge AI to organize, structure, and refine their words, and finally using a human editor to bring it all together. This innovative process aims to remove the stress and barriers that prevent many experts and thought leaders from writing their first book, while still ensuring their authenticity remains intact.
Today's discussion also spans the broader publishing landscape and how, as today's AI agents become more sophisticated, authors have access to an assortment of powerful tools that can be used to streamline everything from manuscript development to marketing strategies. Dan also shares his insights into why holding onto your intellectual property is crucial, and the variety of ways they can lead to revenue streams beyond simple books sales. Whether you're an AI skeptic or enthusiast, this episode is full of ideas of how AI can be used to enhance, rather than diminish, the role of human creativity in publishing.
 
Dan Curran
https://www.chapters.io/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP159: Asking "What if...?" to Develop Creative Concepts for your Novel

On this week's episode, Craig and Roland are joined by thriller author John Bukowski, who asks the provocative question: “What if…?” 
John argues that posing the question of “What if…?” is one of the best ways to come up with ideas and concepts guaranteed to hook new readers. It’s the question which inspired the first of his novels, the provocative Project Suicide, and it was the compelling answer he came up with which led to the book being snatched up by an eager publisher.
Whether it’s introducing conflicting new characters, shattering the status quo with unexpected events, or presenting protagonists with seemingly impossible choices to make, the answer to your own “What if…?” could be just the thing to elevate your writing to the next level, and make your book stand out amid the competition.
 
John Bukowski
www.thrillerjohnb.net
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP158: How and Why You Should Submit Your Books for an Award

In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are joined by author and journalist Renee Garrison, the former president of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association and a passionate advocate for entering your books into some of the many award competitions held across America each year. Renee argues that winning or being nominated for a book award can provide invaluable credibility to your writing, inspire many new readers to take a chance on your work, and deliver powerful free publicity that can help your books stand out among the millions of new titles being published each year.
Renee offers practical advice on identifying legitimate awards, understanding the submission process, and strategically incorporating awards into your marketing plan. From cost-saving tips during the application process, to leveraging the power of networking to amplify your reach, Renee demonstrates how seeking literary recognition through book award competitions should be a key part of every author’s publishing strategy.
 
Renee Garrison
https://www.reneegarrison.com/
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP157: Writing, Publishing and Marketing a Non-Traditional Book

Much of the conventional wisdom we discuss on this podcast around writing and publishing applies best to books that follow traditional formats and genres. But what happens when your story demands a new and unique format or perspective? And how do you market a book when your audience doesn't fit neatly into easily targeted categories or genres? These are the challenges faced by today’s guest, author H.H. Rune, whose one-of-a-kind book series is as innovative as it is compelling.
From the spark of her original idea to the obstacles she encountered in writing, publishing, and marketing her work, H.H. shares an inspiring journey full of tips for authors pursuing their own unconventional paths. While some of her inventive strategies might not work for all types of books, they still illustrate how thinking outside the box is just as important for marketing and publishing as it is for storytelling. For anyone crafting a unique story, this episode is a reminder to embrace the creative challenge of bringing your work to the right audience in a way only you can.
 
H.H. Rune
https://hhrune.com/
 
Hidden Gems
Need our help publishing or marketing your book? 
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All episode details and links: 
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Fully Booked EP156: Using Networking and Publicity to Grow Your Author Brand

In this week’s episode, we explore the power of networking and publicity with Dr. Richard Kaye, a renowned expert in helping authors stand out in today’s competitive market. Dr. Kaye offers invaluable insights on leveraging media coverage, crafting compelling pitches, and why networking with peers is an essential step towards building your author brand. In an attempt to get their name noticed, many authors stick to social media posts, paid ads, or their websites, but our guest offers numerous tips and strategies on how to aim higher, such as getting featured on radio shows, podcasts, or in print media.
 
Dr. Kaye also sheds light on common misconceptions around self-promotion, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and persistence in gaining visibility. For introverted authors, he shares alternative approaches like leveraging peer groups for networking, writing articles to expand your reach, and fostering meaningful connections. With anecdotes from his own career and real-world success stories, this discussion is filled with actionable advice for anyone looking to grow their audience and make their mark as an author.
 
 
Dr. Richard Kaye
https://www.richardkaye.com/
 
Hidden Gems
Need our help publishing or marketing your book? 
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All episode details and links: 
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Fully Booked EP155: Selling Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and Audiobooks as an Indie Author

Many self-published authors treat paperbacks and hardcovers as an afterthought, assuming they’re too hard to sell or less lucrative than eBooks. This week's guest, author Kevin G. Chapman, challenges that notion by sharing how indie authors can effectively market and sell their physical books. From leveraging platforms like IngramSpark to building relationships with bookstores and libraries, Kevin outlines the strategies he uses to get paperbacks and hardcovers into readers' hands and unlock new revenue streams.
Kevin also shares his experience in producing and marketing audiobooks, an ever-expanding market with unique opportunities for indie authors. By utilizing platforms like BookFunnel and Gumroad, he demonstrates how to maintain greater control, boost profits, and broaden your reach. So if you’re ready to expand your publishing strategy beyond eBooks and tap into the often overlooked potential of both physical and audiobooks, this episode offers the insights and inspiration you've been waiting for.
 
Kevin G. Chapman
https://kevingchapman.com/
 
Hidden Gems
Need our help publishing or marketing your book? 
https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/
 
All episode details and links: 
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Fully Booked EP154: Grow Your Success with the Self-Pub Growth Hub

In this week's episode, Craig and Roland unveil all the details about Hidden Gems' newest initiative, the Self-Pub Growth Hub. Launching in January 2025, this innovative service is designed to support authors on their self-publishing journey through regular video meetings focused on key topics. They explain how the program works, outline the three specialized groups available—Advertising & Marketing, General Self-Publishing Tips, and AI for Authors—and share everything you need to know about these dynamic and collaborative sessions.
Being an independent author can often feel isolating, as Craig and Roland both know, having often emphasized how much their own careers have benefited from learning alongside their peers. Navigating the industry alone can be both daunting and limiting, but these groups are designed to help keep you on track through expert-led discussions that encourage collaboration and sharing among members. This format allows authors to network with their peers, explore the latest industry trends, tools, and strategies, ask pressing questions, and thrive within a supportive and engaged community.
 
Join the Self-Pub Growth Hub today!
https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/self-pub-growth-hub/
 
Hidden Gems
Need our help publishing or marketing your book?
https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/
All episode details and links:
https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast