The Writers, Ink Podcast: Insights into the Business of Writing

BookTrib is pleased to introduce our readers to the Writers, Ink podcast. This engaging show explores the multifaceted world of writing as a business.

The Journey of Renowned Authors

Many successful authors started their journeys under challenging circumstances. For instance, J.K. Rowling faced near homelessness while writing the first installment of the Harry Potter series, demonstrating the resilience often required to succeed in the literary world. Similarly, Stephen King crafted his debut novel, Carrie, on a cramped desk squeezed between household appliances, illustrating the perseverance and creativity that many writers embody. Likewise, James Patterson, prior to gaining fame as an author, worked in advertising and was notably the composer of the iconic Toys “R” Us theme song.

Understanding the Business of Writing

In today’s competitive publishing industry, merely completing a manuscript is no longer sufficient for aspiring authors. Whether you choose traditional publishing routes or opt for independent publishing, a successful writing career demands a comprehensive understanding of various business elements, including:

• Editing processes
• Book formatting
• Effective marketing strategies
• Navigating contracts and rights

The hard work truly begins after finishing a good book, as authors must actively engage with all aspects of their craft and the publishing landscape.

This Week’s Episode Highlights

In this week’s episode, hosts J.D. Barker, Christine Daigle, Jena Brown, and Kevin Tumlinson delve into the latest news in entertainment. Topics include:

• Opportunities in TV writing
• Innovations in book subscription services
• Developments regarding Meta

The episode also features a discussion with horror writer Nat Cassidy.

Meet Nat Cassidy

Known for his unique contributions to the horror genre across various mediums, Nat Cassidy writes for the page, stage, and screen. His works, such as Mary: An Awakening of Terror, Nestlings, and Rest Stop (a Bram Stoker Award nominee), have received critical acclaim and placements on numerous best-of lists from reputable outlets including Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, NPR, and more. Esquire even named him as one of “the writers shaping horror’s next golden age.”

Nat’s prowess extends beyond novels to plays, which have been featured across New York City and nationwide. His accolades include winning the NY Innovative Theatre Award for plays like his one-man show about H.P. Lovecraft and an award-winning piece about Caligula. Furthermore, he was commissioned by the Kennedy Center to write the libretto for a short opera addressing apocalyptic themes.

From 2020 to 2023, Nat made significant contributions as the scriptwriter for the Shakespeare Theatre of DC’s annual WILL ON THE HILL event. This comedy fundraiser, which incorporates elements of Shakespeare intertwined with politics, was a considerable success, raising over one million dollars for arts education through Nat’s inventive scripts, featuring a star-studded cast of politicians and artists.

In addition to his writing prowess, Nat has appeared on television, portraying various antagonistic characters in shows such as Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, Bull, Quantico, and FBI. He is also recognized as a commercial voiceover actor and is a collaborative member of Gideon Media, responsible for creating acclaimed sci-fi podcasts like Steal the Stars and Give Me Away, in addition to producing authorized adaptations of notable works.

Nat Cassidy currently resides in New York City with his wife.