Hourlings Podcast Project

Hourlings Podcast Project

In October 2020, Martin Wilsey broached the subject of doing a writing-related podcast sponsored by the Hourlings Writing Group as an outreach activity to help out other writers. After a series of online discussions, the first episode was recorded in early November, 2020, and aired on November 9, 2020.

Season 1 of the podcast concluded after 76 episodes. Season 2 launched with a few changes and improvements on April 9, 2022.

For a concise list of all the topics that have been covered by the podcast (with links to each individual podcast), check out the table below. Alternatively, for a more graphical interface, check out our YouTube channel.

EpisodeAir DateLen (m)Title
S2.E15.07/16/2236
SF Books Made Into MoviesIn this episode, our pugnacious panelists discuss the top SF and Fantasy movies that have actually been made from some of our favorite SF and Fantasy books. If your dare to watch this one, you’re sure to come away with a list of movies you’re just going to have to track down and watch. Including a few surprises…
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/24/22
S2.E14.07/09/2236
Happy Hour & Status on ProjectsWhat could be better than scheduling a Happy Hour (with adult beverages) to discuss the status of all your writing projects? Why, turning it into a drinking game, of course! Marvel as the incomparable S. C. Megale takes a drink every time she hears a writing excuse. And learn who’s fallen off their schedule the most!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/24/22
S2.E13.07/02/2225
Interview with Gregory PetersonIn this episode, our intrepid panel interviews Gregory Peterson, who just published “War Machines,” his first novel. His book is a near-future SF thriller about a disgraced Marine turned high-tech thief and the predicament he finds himself in when he’s forced to take on one last “too good to be true” mission for a dangerous mob boss. This free-ranging interview covers far more than just Greg’s book, including topics like: Where do you get your ideas? What time of day do you write? Are you a pantser or plotter? What’s the best, and worst, writing advice you’ve ever received? And so much more… Check out the interview and join the fun!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Guest: Gregory Peterson
Recorded: 6/28/22
S2.E12.06/25/2241
Time Travel in FictionIn this episode, our illustrious trio of writers discusses time travel stories, starting with the basics…What fascinates people about time travel? Why would anybody WANT to travel into the past? If you could travel in time, what kind of time machine would you want (ex. – TARDIS, Delorean, hot tub, gateway)? And, if you’re going to write a time travel story, how do you establish consistent rules for how it works in your story? What about time loops? And, hey, what are some of the best time travel books and movies out there?
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/17/22
S2.E11.06/18/2223
Handy WebsitesThis episode’s topic is “Handy Websites,” in which our illustrious panel discusses their favorite writing-related websites and tools. Let’s face it…writing is hard. Any website or tool that can make your life easier is a big deal!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/17/22
S2.E10.06/11/2251
AstronomyIn this episode, our illustrious writers discuss the top astronomy subjects that SF writers need to know about if they’re going to write fiction set in space.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/3/22
S2.E9.06/04/2224
Medicine in FictionThis episode’s topic is “Medicine in Fiction,” in which our illustrious panel discusses how medicine is handled in stories. From the effects of vacuum and zero-G on astronauts to the dangers of new worlds, from man-made viruses to nano-threats, our authors will cover everything they can think of. They’ll also talk about their favorite examples of doctors in SF books.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/11/22
S2.E8.05/28/2224
FoodThis episode’s topic is “Food,” in which our illustrious panel discusses the ways that authors can leverage food in their stories. Food is more than just fuel. Food can be used to set mood, expose emotions, add a touch of the exotic to a setting, and so many other things. Along the way, ouur panel will cite real-world examples like the savory meals described in George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones books, as well as others.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/11/22
S2.E7.05/21/2221
How to Kill SalesThis episode’s topic is “How to Kill Sales,” in which our illustrious panel discusses the ways that authors can sabotage themselves. It’s hard enough to “get the word out” about your books…authors don’t need to be their own worst enemies when it comes to killing their sales.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/3/22
S2.E6.05/14/2227
WARThis episode’s topic is “War,” but it’s not necessarily about full-on military SF stories. This time, our illustrious panel is talking about using “war” as a backdrop. How does war impact societies, characters, and the very fabric of civilization? How can you use such a background to add depth, meaning, and emotional significance to your story?
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale, William Zanotti (Guest)
Recorded: 4/26/22
S2.E5.05/07/2250
Interview: William ZanottiThis week, we’re interviewing William Zanotti, a fellow indie writer. He’s just published Farewell to Humanity, the second book in his Link series. Come join us as we discuss his books, plus a whole range of other subjects.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale, William Zanotti (Guest)
Recorded: 4/5/22
S2.E4.04/30/2232
Finding TimeThis episode’s topic is “Finding Time,” wherein our illustrious panel discusses the various ways in which they manage to beg, borrow or outright steal the time they need to write their best-selling opuses (I hope that’s the plural of opus, anyway).
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 3/29/22
S2.E3.04/23/2234
Favorite QuotesThis episode’s topic is “Favorite Quotes,” wherein our illustrious panel discusses their favorite quotes, ranging from inspirational to downright hilarious. For sure, there’s something here that will resonate with you no matter what your interests are.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 3/29/22
S2.E2.04/16/2242
Getting into AnthologiesThis episode’s topic is “Getting into Anthologies,” wherein our illustrious trio of writers—who have ALL edited anthologies— discuss what it takes to get your stories into an anthology.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 3/15/22
S2.E1.04/09/2235
Where Writers WriteThis episode’s topic is “Where Writers Write,” wherein our illustrious trio of writers discusses the various places where they regularly park themselves to write their opuses (at least, I think that’s the plural of opus).
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 3/08/22
S1.E76.03/28/2222
Author PhotosTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 2/15/22
S1.E75.03/28/2216
Plot TwistsTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 1/11/22
S1.E74.03/21/2234
PrologsTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 7/27/21
S1.E73.03/12/2231
TravelTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 12/14/21
S1.E72.03/05/2238
Writer RetreatsTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 12/07/21
S1.E71.02/26/2233
Author Web PagesTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 10/12/21
S1.E70.02/19/2230
Writing IdiomsTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 10/05/21/?
S1.E69.02/12/2230
The First SentenceTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 9/28/21
S1.E68.02/05/2262
Happy HourAuthors and alcohol, woohoo! This time, our intrepid writers discuss everything under the sun, including their current WIPs, marketing, bourbon, editing stories, anthologies, and more.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 9/21/21
S1.E67.01/29/2243
World-Building: ReligionTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener (L), S.C. Megale
Recorded: 9/14/21
S1.E66.01/22/2232
Books on WritingTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 9/7/21
S1.E65.01/15/2233
VillainsTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 8/31/21
S1.E64.01/08/2229
ReviewsTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 8/10/21
S1.E63.01/01/2233
New Year GoalsTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 12/28/21
S1.E62.12/25/2124
Holidays in FictionTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 12/21/21
S1.E61.12/18/2129
Book AwardsAye, folks. A great and terrible mystery surrounds this episode. Recorded long, long ago, yet never found. There are rumors that the intrepid authors who participated may have touched upon Secrets Too Terrible To Be Known. Even they can’t remember, for sure. All they know is…this episode has mysteriously disappeared. Wait! Now it’s back, finally…but is it unchanged? Has someone, or something, tampered with it?
 
With: David Keener (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs (M), S.C. Megale
Recorded: 4/6/21
S1.E60.12/12/2143
ZombiesTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 7/20/21
S1.E59.12/04/2175
Happy HourTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 6/29/21
S1.E58.11/27/2133
Dedications & AcknowledgementsTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 6/15/21
S1.E57.11/20/2132
Sensitivity ReadersTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 6/22/21
S1.E56.11/13/2163
One Year AnniversaryTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 11/09/21
S1.E55.11/06/2132
AnthologiesTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 06/15/21
S1.E54.10/30/2128
Crazy ResearchTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 6/08/21
S1.E53.10/23/2127
FamilyTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 6/08/21
S1.E52.10/16/2134
Show, Don’t TellTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 6/01/21
S1.E51.10/09/2127
ScreenplaysTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 6/01/21
S1.E50.10/02/2147
Fight ScenesTBD.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/25/21
S1.E49.09/25/2137
Ask Us AnythingIn which our illustrious panel of indie writers lower all the barriers and answer ANY question that their viewers might have, no matter how provocative or controversial the question might be. Come check out the mayhem!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/25/21
S1.E48.09/18/2140
Beta ReadsWherein our distinguished panel discuss alpha reads, beta reads, and other types of story reviews. Plus topics like how to get the most out of a beta read, when you should do a beta read, etc.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener (L), S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/18/21
S1.E47.09/11/2142
Creating Magic SystemsLots of stories feature magic. Some of the best ones contain imaginative, well-developed magic systems (we’re talking about you, Brandon Sanderson). In this episode, our pugnacious writers cover the ins and outs of crafting magic systems for your fantasy stories.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs (L), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/18/21
S1.E46.09/04/2122
Romance“Oh, be still my beating heart.” Today, our inestimable prognosticators will discuss the use of romance in their fiction. Yes, we know they’re not literally romance writers, but a little romance can liven up your action stories, too. Learn about slipping a little romance between…the covers of your book.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/11/21
S1.E45.08/28/2136
How to Handle FeedbackFeedback is part of being a writer. You get feedback from editors, fellow writing group members, beta readers, critics…you name it. One of the key skills for ANY author is learning how to navigate the dangerous shoals of feedback. In this episode, our intrepid scriveners reveal how they deal with feedback.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 5/11/21
S1.E44.08/21/2121
Fan FictionSomeone once described fan fiction as “writing with training wheels.” Our illustrious writers discuss fan fiction, especially with regard to how many writers have gotten their start with fan fiction. Come and learn more about fan fiction!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 4/29/21
S1.E43.08/14/2128
Movie and TV InspirationAll right, it turns out that even professional writers like SF on TV and in movies. In this episode, our illustrious panel of writers discuss the TV series and movies that have inspired them. Be prepared to come away with a list of shows and films you’re absolutely going to HAVE to watch.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 4/29/21
S1.E42.08/07/2148
Good and Bad HabitsWriters write (theoretically, that’s why they’re called…writers). Good habits help you get stuff done. Bad habits, well, they get in the way. Big time. In this episode, our inestimable scriveners get down and dirty about their good…and bad…habits. This oughta be messy. And memorable.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 4/20/21
S1.E41.07/31/2176
Happy HourTake authors, add beer…and anything can happen. Welcome to Happy Hour, wherein our intrepid writers tackle any subject that comes to mind, while David Keener (the boring, sober one) desperately tries to keep them on track.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 4/20/21
S1.E40.07/24/2118
ForeshadowingThings happen in any story…but foreshadowing can dramatically increase the emotional impact of events. But, how do you do foreshadowing? How much is too much? How do you avoid being too obvious? In this episode, our illustrious authors pry the veil aside and reveal some of their most sophisticated techniques. And…maybe a few that…um…don’t really work all that well.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 4/13/21
S1.E39.07/17/2128
Favorite Fantasy StoriesIn which our illustrious panel of writers each present three fantasy stories that they find inspring. Beware, if you watch this episode, you’ll end up buying books!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 4/13/21
S1.E38.07/10/2137
2021 Goals – Mid-Year StatusWelcome to the mid-year status check on our illustrious crew of authors. Are they on track to meet their annual goals? What do you think?
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale, Stephanie Mirro
Recorded: 6/29/21
S1.E37.07/03/2134
Naming CharactersWhat’s in a name? A rose, by any other name… OK, names are IMPORTANT. In this episode, our hapless writers tell you the lengths they go to to come up with the perfect names for their characters. Whew, it’s a constant struggle with mediocity…for every “James Bond” there’s a sadly unmemorable “Bob Jones.”
 
With: Jeffrey C. Jacobs (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale (L)
Recorded: 3/23/21
S1.E36.06/26/2129
Alternate WorldsEverything you could possibly want to know about Alternate Worlds fiction, according to our our illustrious band of chrononauts (authors). Does it count as science fiction? What are the rules? What are the pros and cons of this type of fiction? For answers, or at least opinions, check out this episode!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 4/6/21
S1.E35.06/19/2132
Time TravelOur intrepid panelists take on the tired tropes of time travel and discuss new ways to breathe life into time travel stories. Find out more about the advantages…and perils…of time travel. But beware, there may be some discussion of world-buidling, too.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 3/16/21
S1.E34.06/12/2154
World-Building: Generation ShipThe Daedalus Seven is a vast generation ship with multiple, diverse habitats on a doomed, never-ending voyage. David Keener designed the ship, then challenged our inestimable writers with a serious world-building exercise. Their mission is to design the civilizations, flora, fauna, and geographical conditions of the ship’s remaining habitable areas. And then brainstorm about the types of stories that might occur on the ship.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener (L), S.C. Megale
Recorded: 3/16/21
S1.E33.06/05/2139
Favorite Science Fiction StoriesThis week, each of our erstwhile authors was tasked to list their three favorite SF stories (while the others make rude comments and jeer at them…well, not really, but it sounded good). Chekc it out! At the very least, you’ll get some cool stories to add to your reading list.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener (L), S.C. Megale
Recorded: 3/9/21
S1.E32.05/29/2116
BrainstormingBefore you even set pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), brainstorming is an awesome way to approach creating a story, a setting and more. In this episode, our illustrious writers discuss how to use brainstorming to amp up their game. Find out how you can do it, too.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 3/9/21
S1.E31.05/15/2128
HeroesThe gang discusses not just heroes, but heroic archetypes. Once you know what types of heroes are available, you can decide what kind of hero best fits your story and what expectations readers will have for them.
 
With: Jeffrey C. Jacobs (M), David Keener (L), S.C. Megale
Recorded: 3/02/21
S1.E30.05/22/2184
Happy HourWherein our inestimable flock of authors talk about everything under the sun. This is what happens when you give writers adult beverages and then record them. You’ll have to find out for yourself whether there were any truly embarassing moments.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 3/02/21
S1.E29.05/08/2133
DialogueMovies are known for snappy dialogue, but not usually books. How can you use dialogue to make your stories memorable? Our inestimable authors will attempt to mesmerize with their dialogue techniques. Maybe someday, people will be quoting your dialogue at conventions, emblazoning your quotes on T-shirts, and even getting…tattoos…of your quotes.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 2/23/21
S1.E28.05/01/2131
Top 5 Ways to Find An AgentAs the only traditionally published writer amongst our illustrious crew, S. C. Megale leads a discussion of the five best ways to find an agent while the others heckle her mercilessly from the sidelines. May the odds be ever in your favor.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale (L)
Recorded: 2/23/21
S1.E27.04/24/2136
Killing CharactersKilling characters for fun and profit… But, why do you need to kill characters sometimes? And if you’re going to kill someone off, how do you make it really count? Our illustrious authors will help you get in touch with your inner “George R. R. Martin” and show how being “murdery” can make your story better.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale (L)
Recorded: 2/16/21
S1.E26.04/17/2128
OutlinesOutlines are an awesome, and underrated, tool for writers. Find out about different types of outlining and how outlines can benefit pantsers as well as plotters.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener (L), S.C. Megale, Erica Rue
Recorded: 2/16/21
S1.E25.04/10/2137
Audio BooksMartin Wilsey provides his insights on producing audio books, which was actually his #1 source of author revenue in 2020. With the help of his crack team of (wannabe) audio sellers, he’ll show how it’s possible to turn audio into a serious revenue stream.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 2/09/21
S1.E24.04/03/2142
Book SigningsEverything you EVER wanted to know about book signings but were too afraid to ask. Autograph…or personalized message? Cursive, or not? And, best of all, what NOT to do…
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale (L), Erica Rue
Recorded: 2/09/21
S1.E23.03/27/2140
Top 5 SciFi Sub-GenresEpisode #23’s topic is “Top-5 Sci-Fi Sub-Genres,” based on the semi-scientific research of our illustrious crew of working SF/Fantasy writers. Let the debate begin! And let us hope that the swords stay in their scabbards!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 2/02/21
S1.E22.03/20/2140
Author PlatformWhat is an Author Platform? Our illustrious authors define it as: The ability to reach an audience and, potentially, to entice them to take an action you’d like them to take. Since we’re authors, usually that action is to buy our books or related products. In this session, we cover the essential elements of an Author Platform, including websites, blogs, social media, mailing lists, Amazon author pages, and more.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener (L), S.C. Megale
Recorded: 2/02/21
S1.E21.03/13/2132
Writing GroupsThe Hourlings Podcast Project, Episode 21, We talk about the power of a good writers group.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 1/26/21
S1.E20.03/06/2132
Top 5 Fantasy Sub-GenresThe Hourlings Podcast Project, Episode 20, is a completely non-impartial, non-scientifically generated list of the Top 5 Fantasy Sub-Genres. In this session, our illustrious panel of indie writers discusses the importance, size, and potential profitability of each sub-genre. Prepare for bloodshed! Or at least some disagreement.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 1/26/21
S1.E19.02/27/2136
Writing Non-Human CharactersThe Hourlings Podcast Project, Episode 19, is all about writing characters that are not humans! From robots to monsters to aliens, our intrepid scriveners will describe tips and tricks for effectively presenting non-humans, as well as some of the pitfalls.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale, Erica Rue
Recorded: 1/19/21
S1.E18.02/20/2146
It’s Happy Hour!Authors and alcohol…what could possibly go wrong? While imbibing their cocktails of choice, our intrepid writers pontificate on all sorts of subjects, including the apocalypse, ligers (the biggest cat in existence), writing, and more…
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 1/19/21
S1.E17.02/13/2123
Choosing a TitleIn this podcast, our intrepid scriveners will tear the veil aside and reveal how they accomplish the MOST DIFFICULT writing task of all…choosing a title for your story. Truly, it is an art form.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 1/12/21
S1.E16.02/06/2138
Young Adult FictionOur illustrious authors discuss the ins and outs of Young Adult (YA) fiction. This week, they’re joined by special guest Erica Rue, author of the YA Kepos Chronicles quartet.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale, Erica Rue
Recorded: 1/12/21
S1.E15.01/30/2131
Author ToolsAuthors LOVE to talk about the tools they use, whether authoring tools or tools focused on grammar checking, marketing, etc. So our illustrious panel is going to give you the skinny on the best tools to help you get your story done…
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 1/05/21
S1.E14.01/23/2122
TropesThe Hourlings Podcast Project, Episode 14, is all about SF&F Tropes. Tropes are both bane and benefit to writers, because they set reader expectations, whether you want them to or not. Learn how to understand tropes…the good, the bad, and the ugly. Only then can you use them effectively.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 1/05/21
S1.E13.01/16/2126
Writing a SeriesSeries are all the rage…and good for sales, too. But it seems that nobody really talks about HOW to write series. In this episode, our illustrious panel of real indie writers tackles that challenge. Find out more about writing series!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale, Erica Rue
Recorded: 12/29/20
S1.E12.01/09/2117
Writing Action ScenesHaving trouble with writing fighting scenes? Want to write combat scenes that move the story forward rather than stopping it in its tracks? THIS is the episode for you!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 12/29/20
S1.E11.01/02/2124
Goals for 2021Happy New Year! Yes, THIS is the notorious podcast episode where our illustrious panel of writers established their goals for the next year…they all got together on January 1st and presented their goals for 2021. Some writing goals, some personal goals, and some Fun ones. AND there will be a podcast at the END of 2021 to see how well they’ve done.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale, Stephanie Mirro
Recorded: 01/01/21
S1.E10.12/26/2018
Writing While on VacationUs writers…we’re always writing. EVEN on vacation. In this episode, our illustrious team of writers discuss how it’s possible to have a GREAT time on vacation, not annoy your Significant Other (too much), and be productive…no matter where you are.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 12/23/20
S1.E9.12/24/2036
CoversCovers are the bane of indie-published writers. Discover the torturous lengths our illustrious writers will go to in order to score top-notch covers for their books.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale, Stephanie Mirro
Recorded: 12/23/20
S1.E8.12/19/2018
DistractionsSo, you’re trying to write…but there are ALL these distractions…How do you get anything done? Real stories and tips from real working writers.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 12/15/20
S1.E7.12/16/2018
The HookEpisode 7 of the Hourlings Podcast Project is all about the “Hook.” How do you grab the reader’s attention? How do you pull them into your story so strongly that they simply HAVE to find out what happens next?
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 12/15/20
S1.E6.12/09/2072
Creating CharactersOur illustrious authors discuss various ways that they develop characters…like basing them on people we know, modeling them after actors, or creating them from scratch. With special guest, YA SF author Erica Rue.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale, Erica Rue
Recorded: 12/08/20
S1.E5.12/02/2072
Happy Hour: Apocs, Santa & Other DisastersThe Hourlings Podcast Project, Episode 5, is all about Happy Hour! With adult beverages!!! Tonight there was no fixed topic. We discussed the pending Zombie Apocalypse, disaster preparations, audiobooks, Santa, COVID-19, and other disasters!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale, Erica Rue
Recorded: 12/01/20
S1.E4.11/25/2081
Marketing MadnessOur illustrious crew is joined by two guest authors, Emma G. Rose and Stephanie Mirro, for E4 “Marketing Madness.” Yes, we’re discussing that subject dreaded by all indie writers…marketing. Come join the fun!
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale, Stephanie Mirro, Erica Rue
Recorded: 11/24/20
S1.E3.11/20/2062
Finding the TimeEp 3, “Finding the Time,” wherein our illustrious authors reveal how they carve out time to write no matter how busy their lives become. Real tips and tricks from real, working writers.
 
With: David Keener (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, S.C. Megale, Erica Rue
Recorded: 11/17/20
S1.E2.11/11/2066
World-BuildingEpisode 2 provides a whirlwind tour of World-Building for SF and Fantasy stories, with three guests: Stephanie Mirro, Erica Rue and Shelly Shearer. Plus our regular hosts, of course.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), David Keener, S.C. Megale, Stephanie Mirro, Erica Rue, Shelley Shearer
Recorded: 11/10/20
S1.E1.11/09/2056
So It Begins…Welcome to the FIRST episode of the Hourlings Podcast Project, a writing podcast sponsored by the Hourlings Writing Group. In this week’s episode, we introduce our illustrious hosts and discuss some of our plans for the podcast.
 
With: Martin Wilsey (M), Jeffrey C. Jacobs, David Keener, S.C. Megale
Recorded: 11/03/20

Key: (M) = Moderator, (L) = Leader for the Topic

Note: The Intro Music is Voice Of Eternity by Keys of Moon, promoted by Free Stock Music.