Best Pilar Orti Podcasts (2025)

1
Why Structure Matters More Than You Think. Writing Memoir With Wendy Dale 54:10

2h ago54:10

54:10

Why do so many memoir manuscripts fail to engage readers, even when the writer has lived through extraordinary experiences? What's the hidden code that separates a chronological account of events from a compelling memoir that readers can't put down? How do you know when you're ready to write about trauma, and where's the ethical line between truth …

1
Creating While Caring With Donn King 1:02:18

7d ago1:02:18

1:02:18

What happens when your creative dreams collide with the demands of caregiving? How do you keep writing when you're caring for someone full-time? Can you still be a creative person when traditional productivity advice simply doesn't work? With Donn King. In the intro, Agatha Christie meets Mr Men [BBC]; Podcast guesting and co-writing [Stark Reflect…

1
WLP375 Booknotes: Futureproof by Kevin Roose 26:16

3d ago26:16

26:16

Another episode from the season Booknotes, where Pilar shares the notes she made while reading a book, allowing new insights to emerge spontaneously behind the microphone. In today's episode: Part 1 Pilar shares her booknotes from: Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation by Kevin Roose Favourite highlight: "It's on us—the people wh…

1
Loki Is In Charge. How Authors Can Thrive In A Time Of Transition With Becca Syme 1:05:26

14d ago1:05:26

1:05:26

Why does the publishing industry feel more chaotic than ever, and what can writers do about it? How do you know if you're truly burned out or just creatively empty? When should successful authors start saying no instead of yes to every opportunity? Becca Syme shares her hard-won wisdom about navigating burnout, embracing unpredictability, and knowi…

1
Performance Tips For Authors, And Writing Climate Fiction With Laura Baggaley 1:10:02

25d ago1:10:02

1:10:02

How can authors write about climate change without preaching? What happens when your publisher goes under just before your book launch? How do theatre skills translate to better dialogue, readings, and author events? With author and theater director Laura Baggaley. In the intro, Indie presses are in existential crisis [The Bookseller]; what to do w…

1
WLP374 Booknotes: Because Internet 28:45

22d ago28:45

28:45

Another episode from the season: Booknotes, where Pilar shares the notes she made while reading a book, allowing new insights to emerge spontaneously behind the microphone. In today's episode: Part 1 Pilar shares her booknotes from: Because Internet: Understanding how language is changing by Gretchen McCulloch Listener Roberta recommends: It's Not …

1
Brand Something Beautiful: How Authors Can Stand Out In A Crowded Market with Steve Brock 1:17:50

28d ago1:17:50

1:17:50

How do you stand out as an author when thousands of books are published every day? What's the difference between having a logo and having a real brand that sells books? Is it possible to maintain your authentic voice while appealing to genre readers who seem more loyal to categories than authors? With Steve Brock In the intro, Baker & Taylor shutti…

1
How to Pivot Careers, Co-Write Books, And Stay Connected As A Remote Creative With Pilar Orti 1:19:12

1M ago1:19:12

1:19:12

How do you know when it's time to wrap up one phase of your life and move on to the next? What's the secret to staying connected as a writer when you're working alone? And if you have multiple passions and endless ideas, how do you actually finish things instead of constantly starting new projects? Pilar Orti gives her tips in this interview. In th…

1
WLP373 New season! Booknotes: How to Have a Good Day 35:22

1M ago35:22

35:22

The 21st Century Work Life podcast is back - with a different kind of content and format. The Booknotes season starts and will last... for a while. In today's episode: Part 1 Pilar shares her booknotes from How To Have A Good Day: The Essential Toolkit for a Productive Day at Work and Beyond by Caroline Webb Chris Coladonato's (the connection catal…

1
Amazon Advertising For Books With Geoff Affleck 57:43

2M ago57:43

57:43

Have you optimized the seven essential elements of your Amazon book page before you even consider marketing? Are you making the most of A+ content, and advertising with Amazon? Amazon Ads expert Geoff Affleck gives his tips. In the intro, potential TikTok US changes [BBC]; Special editions [Written Word Media]; Self-Publishing with Dale Kickstarter…

1
Overcoming Procrastination With Colleen M. Story 1:12:27

2M ago1:12:27

1:12:27

Are you truly procrastinating, or are you protecting yourself from uncomfortable emotions? What if the real reason you're not finishing your book has nothing to do with laziness or lack of motivation? Colleen Story explores the types of procrastination that keep writers stuck and how you can move past them into success. In the intro, lessons learne…

1
Writing, Self-Publishing And Marketing Books For Children With Darcy Pattison 1:00:35

2M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

What are the challenges of writing and publishing books for children? How can you publish high-quality books and still make a profit? How can you market books to children effectively in a scalable manner? Darcy Pattison gives her tips. In the intro, Novel Writing November; Business models and ethics for authors [Self-Publishing with ALLi]; AI-Assis…

1
Writing Fan Fiction, And Multi-Passionate Creativity With KimBoo York 1:08:47

2M ago1:08:47

1:08:47

What if the key to finding your authentic voice as a writer lies in exploring someone else's fictional world first? How can multi-passionate creators manage multiple brands without losing their sanity? KimBoo York reveals how fanfiction can be a powerful training ground for original fiction, and why being your “weird self” is more valuable than eve…

1
Writing And Publishing Short Stories And Poetry With J.F. Penn And Orna Ross 1:19:44

3M ago1:19:44

1:19:44

How do you know when an idea should become a poem or a short story instead of a longer work? How can indie authors publish and market poetry and short fiction in today's market? Joanna Penn and Orna Ross explore the creative processes, and the business behind writing short-form work, and discuss why being authentically […] The post Writing And Publ…

1
Writing Short Stories, Publishing Collaboration, And Podcasting, With Clay Vermulm 1:08:00

3M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

What if you could turn a monthly writing challenge into a successful book collaboration—all while recording the entire creative process as a podcast? What if hand-selling locally sells more books than online marketing? Clay Vermulm talks about his creative and business processes. In the intro, Spotify’s new ‘Follow Along’ Feature for some audiobook…

1
The Art And Business Of Literary Translation With Dani James 1:05:36

3M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

What happens when you fall in love with a book that deserves a wider audience but has never been translated into English? How do you navigate international copyright law, multiple publishers, and estate permissions when you have no translation experience? Dani James shares her journey from discovering a powerful Flemish memoir in her childhood home…

1
Book Marketing Tips For Fiction And Non-Fiction Authors With Joanna Penn 1:08:41

3M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

What marketing principles remain true regardless of the tools you use? What are the different ways you can market your book, whatever your genre? In this episode, I share two chapters from my audiobook, Successful Self-Publishing, Fourth Edition. In the intro, Pricing strategies on The Biz Book Broadcast; What to do Three Years Before your […] The …

1
Researching And Writing Family History Or Genealogy With TL Whalan 57:37

3M ago57:37

57:37

Are you curious about the lives of your ancestors? What secrets might be hiding in your family tree, and where would you even begin to look for them? How do you turn dusty records and vague family stories into a compelling book for others to read? T.L. Whalan shares how she researched and wrote a […] The post Researching And Writing Family History …

1
Writing And Directing Audio Drama And The Constant Creator Mindset With Alison Haselden 1:00:13

4M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

How do you turn a big-budget TV show idea into an audio drama you can produce yourself? What does it take to create a 10-hour, 30-actor historical drama? And how can guerrilla marketing in airport bookstores help find your audience? Alison Haselden shares her experience of writing and directing Wicked Dames. In the intro, David […] The post Writing…

1
The Artisan Author With Johnny B Truant 1:01:36

4M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly release new books and battle algorithms? Do you wonder if there's a more sustainable, low-stress path to a successful author career? Is it possible to focus on art, build a loyal fanbase, and escape the publishing rat race? In this episode, Johnny B. Truant discusses the […] The post The Art…

1
How To Get More Book Reviews With Joe Walters 1:05:10

4M ago1:05:10

1:05:10

Are you struggling to get reviews for your book? Wondering how to navigate the different types of reviews, from customer feedback to professional blurbs? Joe Walters from IndependentBookReview.com gives his tips. In the intro, how important is ‘truth' in memoir? The Observer on Raynor Winn's The Salt Path; Raynor's statement; Memoir controversies […

1
Crafting Stories, Finding Readers And Selling Direct With Ines Johnson 1:06:49

4M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Have you ever dreamed of turning a passion for storytelling into a profitable, long-term career? How do you build multiple successful author brands without burning out? What marketing strategies actually work in today's fast-changing industry? Ines Johnson shares her journey and the secrets to her success. In the intro, 5 phases of an author busine…

1
Writing For Audio First With Jules Horne 56:43

5M ago56:43

56:43

How is the rise of AI changing the world of audiobooks for authors and narrators? Can a synthetic voice ever capture the nuance of human performance, and what does it mean to write for the ear, not just the eye? Jules Horne talks about the seismic shifts in the audiobook industry and how you can […] The post Writing For Audio First With Jules Horne…

1
Producing AI-Narrated Audiobooks Using ElevenLabs With Simon Patrick 46:39

5M ago46:39

46:39

Is the high cost of audiobook production holding you back? What if you could create a high-quality audiobook for a fraction of the traditional cost? In this conversation, Simon Patrick explores the world of AI narration with ElevenLabs, discussing how you can gain complete creative control, and even license your own voice clone for a […] The post P…

1
How To Pitch Podcasts And Be A Great Podcast Guest With Matty Dalrymple 57:26

5M ago57:26

57:26

Are you looking for new ways to connect with readers and market your books? Have you considered using podcasts but aren't sure where to start, or if they're even effective anymore? How can you turn a simple podcast interview into a powerful tool for building your author career? Matty Dalrymple talks about how to leverage […] The post How To Pitch P…

1
Finding Your Voice, Writing Across Genre And Loving Book Marketing With Betsy Lerner 55:52

5M ago55:52

55:52

How can you find your voice through writing in different genres and mediums over the years? How can you shift your mindset around book marketing, whatever your age? Betsy Lerner shares her experience of writing and books over decades in the publishing industry. In the intro, Going Local: Authors on the payoffs and pitfalls of […] The post Finding Y…

1
Book Discoverability In An Age Of AI. GEO For Authors With Thomas Umstattd Jr. 57:54

5M ago57:54

57:54

How will generative AI change search and book discoverability in the years ahead? How can you make sure your books and your author website can be found in AI tools like ChatGPT? Thomas Umstattd Jr. joins me to discuss Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and how it will replace traditional SEO marketing. I first covered this […] The post Book Disco…

1
Casting A Wider Net: Author Brand And The Writing Business With JD Barker 58:56

5M ago58:56

58:56

How can you ‘cast a wider net' and reach more readers with your books? How can you embrace the best of publishing options for your work? JD Barker explains how his publishing business works. In the intro, How Authors Measure Success [Self-Publishing Advice]; Creating through Grief [Go Creative]; Death Valley; Successful Self-Publishing, Fourth Edit…

1
Music, Writing, And The Mind-Body Connection With Jennifer Roig-Francoli 1:03:11

6M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

How can creativity be expressed in both writing and music? How can you improve your creativity by being more mindful of your physical body? How can you manage anxiety when speaking or performing? Jennifer Roig-Francoli gives her thoughts in this interview. In the intro, Taylor Swift buys back the rights to her first six albums […] The post Music, W…

1
Crafting Story Worlds, Creative Control, And Leveraging AI Tools With Dave Morris 1:00:59

6M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Why is creative control and owning your intellectual property so important for a long-term author career? How can AI tools help you be more creative and amplify your curiosity? Dave Morris talks about his forty-year publishing career and why he's still pushing the boundaries of what he can create. In the intro, Writing Storybundle; Finding […] The …

1
Embracing Change: How To Flux with April Rinne 1:04:06

6M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

How can you embrace the process of change in life and author business, especially in an era of AI? How can you take control of what's possible and be more comfortable with uncertainty? How can you develop a career portfolio that future proofs you in changing times? April Rinne shares her insights into how we […] The post Embracing Change: How To Fl…

1
Language, Line Breaks, And Punctuation. Poetry With Abi Pollokoff 1:04:09

6M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

What can prose writers learn from poets about language, line breaks, and punctuation? How can we help people engage with our work in different ways? Abi Pollokoff talks about her advice from poetry. In the intro, how to reframe success as a writer [Ink in Your Veins]; How I Write Podcast with Dean Koontz; Direct […] The post Language, Line Breaks, …

1
Make Life Your Biggest Art Project: Pia Leichter On Writing, Creative Courage, And Changing Your Narrative 1:06:15

6M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

How can you explore the edges of your creativity to find your next becoming? How can you turn the evolution of your life into art? Pia Leichter talks about her creative courage, different ways to rest, and intuitive book marketing in this interview. In the intro, Lessons from Six Years Writing Full-time [Sacha Black]; Reflections […] The post Make …

1
See, Do, Repeat: The Practice of Creative Entrepreneurship With Dr Rebecca White 59:40

7M ago59:40

59:40

How can you implement ‘See, Do, Repeat' in your writing and author business? How can you embrace optimism as a creative entrepreneur and move past fear of judgment to publish your book? Dr Rebecca White shares her journey and tips. In the intro, Short form audio opportunities and tips [Self Publishing Advice]; Wiley's guidelines for […] The post Se…

1
Expanding Audiobook Revenue Through YouTube And Podcasting With Derek Slaton 56:37

7M ago56:37

56:37

How can you shift your writing and publishing process to focus on YouTube and podcasting as a primary audiobook focus? How can you use AI tools to help you create, publish, and translate your books? Derek Slaton goes into his indie author process. Inspired by Derek, you can now find my audiobooks on YouTube: Books […] The post Expanding Audiobook R…

1
Ebook Sales, Subscriptions, Audiobooks And Book Marketing With Tara Cremin From Kobo Writing Life 57:32

7M ago57:32

57:32

What are the different ways you can distribute and monetise your ebooks and audiobooks through Kobo Writing Life? How can you market them more effectively and reach more readers? With Tara Cremin. In the intro, the potential impact of tariffs and what to do about it [Self Publishing Advice]; Pep talk for authors during chaotic […] The post Ebook Sa…

1
Writing Memoir From A Life In Film With Gretchen McGowan 1:00:17

7M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

What’s the difference between telling a story on screen and on the page? How does indie film production overlap with indie publishing—and what can writers learn from the world of filmmaking? Why might a producer choose creative freedom over big studio deals, and what does that mean when it comes to book marketing? Gretchen McGowan […] The post Writ…

1
Death Valley Audiobook Chapters And Book Marketing Tips With J.F Penn 38:28

8M ago38:28

38:28

What are some ways you can market a book during a launch period using audio, video, and text? What does my JFPenn voice clone sound like narrating the first two chapters of my thriller, Death Valley? J.F. Penn is the Award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, dark fantasy, crime, horror, […] The post Death Valley A…

1
From Hollywood To Novels: TD Donnelly On Screenwriting, Adaptation, and Storytelling That Lasts 1:17:50

8M ago1:17:50

1:17:50

What's the difference between writing a book and writing a screenplay? What are the different business models? If you've written a screenplay, how can you get it read? TD Donnelly talks about the challenges and rewards of screenwriting, as well as his first thriller novel. In the intro, ProWritingAid spring sales 25% off; Key takeaways […] The post…

1
How Ordinary Drafts Become Extraordinary Books. Revisionaries With Kristopher Jansma 57:01

8M ago57:01

57:01

How can we avoid the mistake of comparing our first drafts with the finished books we love? How can we improve our manuscripts? Kristopher Jansma gives his tips. In the intro, Finding your deepest reason to write [Ink In Your Veins]; London Book Fair, AI audio and ‘vibe coding' [Self Publishing with ALLi]; Pirated database […] The post How Ordinary…

1
Writing As A Tool For Grief And Dealing With Change With Karen Wyatt

8M ago

—

How can writing help you through difficult times, whether that's a change you didn't anticipate or an experience of grief? How can you differentiate between writing for yourself vs. writing for publication? Karen Wyatt gives her tips. In the intro, Amazon opens up AI narration with Audible Virtual Voice on the KDP Dashboard [KDP Help]; […] The post…

1
MC93 Knowing When to Move On - our final episode 33:18

8M ago33:18

33:18

Yes, this is Tim and Pilar's last episode, so we talk about moving on and the importance of wrapping things up. Interview with Andy Gotts photographer that Pilar mentions: https://youtu.be/G0CF6FKR1qk?si=xLp_OSTjvcAlXULj Find out more about Pilar and Bree's book on loneliness in remote teams: https://www.virtualnotdistant.com/coming-soon…

1
Intuition, Journaling, And Overcoming Fear. The Creative Cure With Jacob Nordby 59:52

8M ago59:52

59:52

How can you release more creativity into your writing — and your life? What are some practices to foster creativity in a time of change and overwhelm? Jacob Nordby gives his tips. In the intro, tips for spring cleaning as indie authors; Death Valley – A Thriller Kickstarter; Death Valley book trailer; Footprints Podcast – […] The post Intuition, Jo…

1
Writing Action Adventure And Traveling For Book Research With Luke Richardson 1:05:31

9M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

What are the tropes and reader expectations for action adventure thrillers? Why publish into KU and what are some of the ways to market there? How can travel enrich your writing? Luke Richardson gives his tips. In the intro, ProWritingAid launches their Manuscript Analysis tool; Navigating legal risk in memoir [The Indy Author]; Social media […] Th…

1
Kickstarter For Authors With Oriana Leckert 56:38

9M ago56:38

56:38

How can you use Kickstarter to help bring your creative vision into reality? What are some of the biggest mistakes authors make? What are some tips to ensure your campaign is a success? Oriana Leckert shares her expertise. In the intro, AI-narrated audiobooks from ElevenLabs will now be accepted on Spotify through FindawayVoices; A Midwinter […] Th…

1
The Happy Writer With Marissa Meyer 59:07

9M ago59:07

59:07

How do you keep the happiness and joy in your writing practice, along with managing the business side of being an author? Marissa Meyer gives her tips. In the intro, How authors can price their books for profit [Self-Publishing with ALLi]; How to recover from author burnout [Self-Publishing Advice]; my Brooke and Daniel crime series […] The post Th…

1
Writing And Selling Short Stories With Douglas Smith 1:00:39

9M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

How can you use short stories to improve your writing craft across different genres? How can you make money from licensing your short stories in different ways? How do you structure a short story collection? Douglas Smith shares his tips. In the intro, S&S imprint says that authors no longer need to get blurbs for […] The post Writing And Selling S…

1
MC92 Manager Mindset: Perfectionism 18:49

10M ago18:49

18:49

In this episode, hosts Tim Burgess and Pilar Orti talk about the dangers of being a perfectionist when managing a team, and why it's different to being a perfectionist individual contributor. (And you'll hear for yourself how neither Tim nor Pilar are perfectionists...)

1
Aristotle for Novelists, And A Strategy For Selling More Books With Douglas Vigliotti 57:05

10M ago57:05

57:05

Why is ‘story' more important than ‘writing'? How can you write characters that engage the reader? And how can you sell more books by connecting authentically? Douglas Vigliotti shares his tips. In the intro, Bookshop.org will start selling ebooks [TechCrunch]; LinkedIn for Book Promotion [ALLi]; The Money Making Expert, branding and marketing [DOA…

1
Fair Use, Copyright, And Licensing. AI And The Author Business With Alicia Wright 55:31

10M ago55:31

55:31

How does generative AI relate to fair use when it comes to copyright? What are the possibilities for AI licensing? Alicia Wright shares her thoughts on generative AI for authors. In the intro, Publishing leaders share 9 Bold Predictions for 2025 [BookBub]; OpenAI launches Operator [The Verge]; Bertelsmann (who own Penguin Random House) intends to […

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Pilar Orti Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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