Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author Podcast

Fully Booked EP196: A Scientist's Journey Into Storytelling

What does it take to go from decades in biopharmaceuticals to publishing a time-travel mystery novel? In today’s episode of Fully Booked, debut author Mark Wilson shares how he applied his scientific mindset to the unpredictable world of fiction writing. From mapping out timelines on graph paper to learning key storytelling principles through trial and error, Mark walks us through the unexpected but rewarding journey that led to his first published book.
While balancing a full-time job, Mark tackled the challenges of character development, world-building, and narrative pacing, only to be faced with how to get it all published. By staying open to feedback and taking a methodical approach to the entire writing process, he refined his novel and partnered with a hybrid publisher to bring it to market. This episode offers an inspiring look at how persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to take creative risks can launch a new author’s path.
 
Mark J. Wilsonhttps://www.markjwilson.com/
 
Hidden Gems
Need our help publishing or marketing your book? 
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Fully Booked EP195: Writing Authentic Characters in a Divided World

In this week's episode of Fully Booked, we speak with a young adult dystopian author whose years of humanitarian work across conflict zones have given her fiction an uncommon depth. Drawing on firsthand experience in Afghanistan, Colombia, and Sierra Leone, CC Robinson explains how real-life crises shaped her understanding of survival, resilience, and human connection, and how these insights now fuel her gripping post-apocalyptic stories. From clean water to cross-cultural grief, the real priorities behind individual motivations can differ wildly depending on background, and weaving those motivations into a narrative can lead to richer, more realistic characters and interactions.
The discussion also highlights the challenges and responsibilities of writing outside one’s own experience, particularly when developing characters from diverse cultural, racial, and social backgrounds. CC shares her intensive research process, including in-depth interviews, primary-source reading, and collaboration with sensitivity readers, all aimed at ensuring each voice is distinct and grounded in truth. For writers exploring how shared human experiences can bridge cultural divides or looking to craft fiction that reflects today’s complex world, this conversation offers valuable insight into how to do so with care and authenticity.
 
CC Robinsonhttps://ccrobinsonauthor.com/hiddengems
 
Hidden Gems
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Fully Booked EP194: How a Bad Publicist Can Become an Expensive Lesson

When self-published authors invest in outside help, the goal is to amplify their work, not end up worse off than when they started. Yet that is sometimes the unfortunate reality, especially when authors don't do enough due diligence before handing over their hard-earned money. In this week's episode of Fully Booked, author Aspry Jones shares a candid account of how he fell victim to a publicist who overpromised, underdelivered, and ultimately left him without access to his own social media accounts to repair the damage. From losing money and control to seeing key book spoilers posted online, Aspry walks us through a cautionary tale that every author should hear before signing a contract.
While our recent podcast episodes have spotlighted experienced publicists who deliver real value, this conversation reveals what can happen when authors put their trust in the wrong hands. Aspry’s experience underscores the importance of referrals, clear expectations, and maintaining ownership of your author platform. By sharing the hard lessons he learned, and how he ultimately turned things around, he hopes to help fellow authors avoid the same costly mistakes.
 
Aspry Joneshttps://aspryjones.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 EP193: The Truth About Book Publicity

Publicity is one of the most misunderstood parts of an author’s career, and in this episode of Fully Booked, we break down what it really involves. Publicist and author Terena Bell joins Craig and Roland to explain how writers can approach publicity with clear goals, whether the aim is to sell more copies, reach new readers, or secure recognition in libraries and the media.
From podcasts and library pushes to finding unexpected outlets beyond the book world, the discussion explores practical strategies authors can use to draw attention to their books. While Terena shares insight into how effective publicists can support authors, she also warns against common traps such as cookie-cutter campaigns and costly hourly billing models. Packed with tips and real-world examples, this episode offers a focused guide to making publicity serve your goals, whether by hiring an expert or putting the strategies into practice yourself.
 
Terena Bellhttps://terenabell.com/bookpr/
 
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

Fully Booked EP192: The Return of Pocket-Sized Adventure Fiction

When mass market publishing first started, short and sweet “dime novels” were all the rage. Over the decades, books have fattened up considerably, with some of the most popular modern fiction weighing in at nearly 800 pages (I’m looking at you, A Court of Silver Flames!)
In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland welcome returning guest Terrance Layhew back to the podcast to discuss whether it’s time to embrace a return to shorter fiction, such as his recent award-winning novella Unwanted Passenger.
In terms of printing costs, purchase price, and even just the time you have to invest reading shorter fiction, there’s a lot to like about the format of classic, pocket-sized paperbacks - and in this lively discussion, Terrance, Craig, and Roland ponder whether smaller books might be the next big thing in publishing.  
 
Terrance Layhewhttps://terrancelayhew.com/
 
Hidden Gems
Need our help publishing or marketing your book? 
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Fully Booked EP191: Avoid These Common Self-Publishing Mistakes

For aspiring authors navigating the world of self-publishing, the path to success is lined with potential missteps. In this week's episode of Fully Booked, publishing consultant and seasoned author Michelle Hill joins Craig and Roland to break down the most common mistakes that can derail new writers. Drawing from her journey as a “recovering ghostwriter” and her extensive experience guiding nonfiction authors, Michelle shares practical insights for those looking to produce polished, professional books that stand out in today’s competitive market.
The discussion covers essential topics including professional editing, cover design, and how to avoid predatory publishing services, while also exploring the importance of creative vision, effective collaboration, and staying involved throughout the publishing process. For writers ready to take their craft seriously, Michelle’s advice offers a roadmap for avoiding costly errors and building a strong foundation for long-term success.
 
Michelle Hillhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCL4CN5V
 
Hidden Gems
Need our help publishing or marketing your book? 
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Fully Booked EP190: Building Better Antiheroes in Romance

This week, Fully Booked turns the conversation to the complex and often misunderstood world of dark romance and the anti-heroes that readers obsess over. Actor, coach, and author M.C. Paas joins Craig and Roland to explore the emotional depth and psychological nuance behind stories of morally gray characters, dangerous obsessions, and high-stakes relationships. Drawing on her upbringing in post-Soviet Estonia, M.C. reveals how personal history and deep emotional awareness shape her writing, and why dark romance offers a safe space to explore the forbidden.
The discussion examines the ethics of writing taboo characters, the central role of consent in fiction, and the enduring appeal of protagonists who might be irredeemable in real life. M.C. explains how fantasy provides freedom rather than endorsement, and how these stories can bring catharsis, solidarity, and even healing. Whether you’re looking to craft your own unforgettable anti-heroes or curious about what makes them so irresistible to readers, this episode offers an unflinching look at why darkness can tell the most powerful love stories.
 
M.C. Paashttps://mcpaaswrites.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 EP189: What Every Author Should Know About Substack

What happens when a celebrated magazine editor and ghostwriter faces the collapse of traditional publishing? For Peter Moore, it sparked a creative reinvention. In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, we explore how Peter used Substack to rebuild his career on his own terms, transforming a period of professional uncertainty into a thriving platform where he writes, illustrates, and connects directly with thousands of readers. He shares how the platform became more than just a newsletter, evolving into a community, a launchpad, and a sustainable creative outlet for his humorous and insightful work.
Whether you’re new to Substack or already experimenting with it, this discussion will give you a variety of practical ideas for using the platform to gain more control over your audience and writing. Among other things, Peter breaks down strategies for growing your subscriber base, the importance of defining a clear creative niche, and why reader feedback now matters to him more than ever. If you’ve been on the fence about Substack, this episode offers a compelling case for why it could be a game-changer for your self-publishing career.
Peter Moorehttps://petermoore.substack.com/
Hidden Gems
Need our help publishing or marketing your book? 
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Fully Booked EP188: Tips for Publishing Print Books with KDP

Publishing a paperback book through Amazon KDP can seem straightforward, but producing a professional, print-ready title involves a lot of behind-the-scenes work. In this week's episode of Fully Booked, author Michael Pickard joins Craig and Roland to break down the KDP paperback process. From formatting your manuscript and solving layout challenges to working with cover designers and preparing final files for upload, Mike shares the key steps many first-time authors overlook.
With more than a dozen titles to his name, Mike offers practical advice drawn from years of self-publishing experience and from guiding other authors through the process. He explains how to avoid costly formatting mistakes, manage ISBN decisions, and ensure that your book meets professional standards before it goes live. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from proofing, coordinating with designers, and navigating KDP’s print-on-demand limitations. For anyone beginning their print book journey, this conversation delivers a clear and realistic guide to creating a high-quality paperback without traditional publishing support.
 
Michael Pickard
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APFNIO
 
Hidden Gems
Need our help publishing or marketing your book?
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Fully Booked EP187: You Only Print Twice: Revising a Second Edition

This week, Craig and Roland welcome Joseph Darlington to the Fully Booked podcast. One of the best-known figures in the James Bond fandom, Joseph is the author of a successful 2015 non-fiction book called Being James Bond, which was written to help make the skills and experiences of the world’s most famous superspy accessible to everybody.
But after ten years in print, it was time for an update—and in this episode, Joseph explains the thinking and process behind updating and expanding his 2015 book into a dynamic new second edition; incorporating additional segments, making important revisions, and leveraging his now-larger social media footprint to reach an even larger global audience of James Bond fans.
If you’re a veteran of the self-publishing industry and want to breath new life into some of your older titles, you’ll find this episode a really useful perspective on how to improve, expand, and recapture the excitement that inspired you to write those books in the first place. 
Joseph Darlingtonhttps://www.beingjamesbond.com/
 
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