Welcome to the UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE podcast, hosted by authors Betsey Kulakowski, Jenny LaBranche, and JB Caine. We bring you bi-weekly episodes with uplifting and UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE stories about the moments that alter everyday lives. Join us as we bring you excellent guests, witty banter, and amazing real-life takes of inciting incidents which have changed the course and perceptions of our guests.
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Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt, with audiobook producer Jesse Ulrich, discuss the latest news from publishing, offer writing tips, and interview major authors, agents, editors, and other book-world professionals.
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Season 2, Episode 10: Jenn Mangini is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
32:57
32:57
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32:57In this powerful episode of the UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE PODCAST, we sit down with Jenn Mangini—U.S. Army and Air Force National Guard veteran, responder to the Oklahoma City Bombing, and author of the soon-to-be published book THE SHADOW OF ME. Jenn takes us through her incredible journey—from the frontlines of tragedy to the deep battles of PTSD and …
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Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Mark Stevens, author of several crime novels, including Trapline. His new novel No Lie Lasts Forever involves a reporter investigating a cold-case serial killer who may have returned. 00.00 Opening Thoughts Jesse has returne…
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Season 2, Episode 9: Sean Loots is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
44:21
44:21
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44:21On this episode of the UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE PODCAST, we sit down with Sean Loots—a South African storyteller, speaker, and host of the award-winning Something Shifted podcast. Sean shares the gripping, emotional story of how he saved his infant daughter’s life, a moment that reshaped his world. We also dive into the powerful "lifequake" stories he …
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Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Kaira Rouda, the author of many bestselling novels of domestic suspense, translated into more than a dozen languages. Her new novel is Jill is Not Happy. Openting Thoughts NaNoWriMo has shut down—but don't let that stop you …
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Season 2: Episode 8: Dr. Daniel J. Waters is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
47:16
47:16
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47:16This week on the UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE PODCAST, we sit down with Dr. Daniel J. Waters — retired heart surgeon, author, and master storyteller. Dr. Waters shares the literally unbelievable story of bringing a patient back from the brink of death, and the lessons that shaped his extraordinary career. With wit, wisdom, and the kind of insight only a he…
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Writing for TV and Books with Matt Goldman
47:45
47:45
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47:45Errata: William acknowledges that the fifth book in the Douglas Adams Hitchhiker series is "Mostly Harmless," not "Mostly Serious" although he thinks both equally inaccurate. The Faulkner quote he butchers is "The past is never dead. It's not even past." The title of the Barry Friedman series we didn't say aloud is Jack Sh*t 1 & 2, lovely vignettes…
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Season 2, Episode 7: Austin Lawrence is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
42:41
42:41
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42:41Get ready for an unfreakingbelievable conversation. Come meet filmmaker and paranormal researcher – Austin Lawrence! Austin takes us behind the scenes of his thrilling work in the paranormal world, sharing spine-tingling stories, insights, and some seriously unfreakingbelievable experiences. You won’t want to miss this!…
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Season 2, Episode 6: Amy M. Le is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
46:15
46:15
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46:15In this powerful episode of the UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE Podcast, we sit down with Amy M. Le—author of The Snow Trilogy and founder of Quill Hawk Publishing—as she shares her jaw-dropping journey from war-torn Vietnam to becoming a voice for resilience and hope. Amy recounts the harrowing escape her family made after the fall of Saigon, the unimaginabl…
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Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Emily Carpenter, a former actor, producer, screenwriter, and behind-the-scenes soap opera assistant. She is also the author of the bestselling novels Burying the Honeysuckle Girls and The Weight of Lies. Her new novel is cal…
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Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Cynthia Pelayo, the author of a new novel, Vanishing Daughters. She is the Bram Stoker Award–winning author of Forgotten Sisters and other genre-blending novels that incorporate fairy tales, mystery, and horror elements. Esq…
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Season 2, Episode 5, Leslie and Stephen Shaw are UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
53:55
53:55
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53:55Strap in, because this episode of UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE is about to take you beyond the veil of the ordinary! We’re sitting down with Leslie and Stephen Shaw—renowned authors and documentarians of UFO phenomena—who have not only studied the mysteries of the skies but lived them. From multiple UFO sightings to chilling otherworldly encounters, they s…
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Dancing to Writing Success with Lynette Bennett
49:25
49:25
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49:25Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Lynette Bennett, star of stage and screen, who has written her first memoir, Broadway Dreamer. 0:00 Opening Thoughts The Oscars are only two DAYS away (my bad) and we ponder why so many Best Film nominess are based on books.…
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Season 2, Episode 4: David E. Alston is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
52:52
52:52
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52:52What if one revelation could change everything you thought you knew about yourself? On this episode, we welcome David E. Alston—a healthcare administrator, novelist, and podcaster—who shares an astonishing family secret that turned his world upside down. This jaw-dropping discovery reshaped his identity, his past, and the way he sees his future. Ho…
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Write a Book in Three Months with Betsey Kulakowski
32:50
32:50
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32:50Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Betsey Kulakowski, the author of the Veritas Codex series books—mostly recently, The King's Ransom (Book 7). Opening Thoughts Authors Acting Awful News 1) TikTok/BookTok Survives to Sell Books Another Day! 2) Circana Booksca…
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Get ready to be inspired on this episode of the Unfreakingbelievable Podcast! We're joined by the incredible Dee Britt, author and self-help expert, as she shares powerful insights on how to fight burnout and reclaim your energy. But that's not all -- Dee opens up about her Unfreakingbelievable out-of-body experience that changed her life!…
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Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Amy M Le, the award-winning author of the Snow trilogy and founder of Quill Hawk Publishing. 0:00 Opening Thoughts What are you reading right now? The hosts share their current obsessions. 3:00 News 1) Harper Collins Makes D…
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Season 2, Episode 2: Mark Leslie Lefebvre is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
34:45
34:45
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34:45Talk about an UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE book-nerd life! Mark Leslie Lefebvre is a Canadian author, book executive, and literary representative who has lived every facet of the book life! He's written horror and speculative fiction (his Canadian Werewolf series), edited literary anthologies, hosted the Aurora Awards, and even written collections of movie…
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Welcome to Season 2 of the UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE PODCAST! 2024 was a heck of a year, and we are so appreciative of the love and support from our listeners! In this episode, we let the FANS interview US! We talk about lessons learned, aspirations for 2025, and also answer some truly inspired and creative questions from our listeners from around the w…
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Barry Friedman Goes to Portugal—and Writes
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55:14
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55:14Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Barry Friedman. Barry has been a prominent professional standup comic for decades, but in recent years, he’s started writing. He’s got six books published to date, including his warm and witty series about his father (Jack S…
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Episode 25: Steve Altier is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
35:14
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35:14In our final episode of 2024, we have the pleasure of chatting with Middle Grade/YA Paranormal and Adventure author Steve Altier about what happens when stars align while you're chasing your dreams. And in our estimation, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy! We wish ALL of our listeners a dream come true in 2025!…
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Happy holidays! This is our last episode for 2024, but we will be back in January with more news and interviews! Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview DC Frost. (0:00) Opening Thoughts Lara and Jesse make New Years resolutions. (3:26) News 1) Taylor Swift Self-P…
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Episode 24: Jerry Paulley is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE (RIP)
38:13
38:13
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38:13We at the UFB Podcast feel honored and privileged to have had the opportunity to interview Jerry Paulley, host of the Hillbilly Horror Stories Podcast, just days prior to his untimely passing. Jerry and his wife Tracy not only entertained millions with his popular podcast, but spent years building and cultivating an online community of folks who ge…
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Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Todd Fahnestock, author of Charlie Fiction and Falling to Fly: The Book to Read Before You Give Up on Your Writing Dream. (0:00) Opening Thoughts Bill, Lara, and Jesse discuss books that make great Christmas gifts. (6:32) Ne…
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Episode 23: Oggy Brewer is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
46:00
46:00
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46:00Get ready to be inspired by this episode's guest! Oggy Brewer is our ambassador of gratitude...He's a high school biology teacher a sports coach who has created a catchphrase and philosophy -- MOPO...Max Out, Pay Out -- to motivate his students to greatness. We're feeling pretty motivated , too!
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Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Marty Ludlum, author of the new mystery novel, At First I Was Afraid, the first book in his Disco Divas series. (0:00) Opening Thoughts Do you listen to music while you write? (3:34) News a. Amazon is Shuttering the Vella Pr…
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Episode 22: Al Cooley is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
34:49
34:49
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34:49On this episode, we welcome Al Cooley, the host of the "Ghosts in the Valley" podcast and author of the recently-released novel (based on a true story) SPENCER'S GHOST. This episode is a wild ride, from hearing about our guest's musical adventures opening for acts like Steppenwolf and Bootsy Collins to a shocking tale that will leave your jaw hangi…
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Worlds of Wonder with Miss Peregrine's Ransom Riggs
41:22
41:22
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41:22Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children novels, which have sold over ten million copies and led to Tim Burton’s film adaptation. His new book is Sunderworld, a portal fantasy plann…
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Episode 21: Ashley Range is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
45:46
45:46
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45:46At the UFB Podcast, we're always happy to dive into a good cryptid story, and in this episode, we're joined by Nessie enthusiast Ashley Range. Ashley has taken part in the world-renowned QUEST expedition to study Loch Ness and its secrets. How did an American girl from Washington state get hooked up with such an exciting project? Listen in to find …
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Celebrity Interviews & Bios with Glenn Plaskin
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50:08
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50:08Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Glenn Plaskin, the author of multiple New York Times bestsellers, includingHorowitz and Katie Up and Down the Hall, Glenn’s profiles of interview subjects, including Meryl Streep, Paul Newman, and Robert De Niro, have appear…
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Episode 20: Todd Hedges is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
47:22
47:22
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47:22In honor of World Mental Health day (Oct 10), we are honored to welcome the co-host of the MIDDLE-AGED AND CREEPED OUT podcast, Todd Hedges. Todd opens up about his own struggles with anxiety and depression and shares his story of faith and hope.
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Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Robert Dugoni, the New York Times-bestselling author with a new novel, Beyond Reasonable Doubt, the second in his new legal thriller series featuring Keera Duggan. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts Welcome to Season 4! We have gre…
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Episode 19: Tamara Grantham is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
44:43
44:43
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44:43It's been too long since we had a good cryptid story, don't you think? Fantasy author Tamara Grantham has one for us...the first time she's ever told the tale in public! Grab your snacks and settle in for a chilling account told by an award-winning author!
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Episode 18: Ret. General BB Bell is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE (Special 9/11 episode)
1:06:01
1:06:01
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1:06:01In this episode, we honor the fallen of 9/11 and celebrate the military and first responders with Retired 4-Star General BB Bell. He also shares the double happenstance that spared him (twice) on that fateful day 23 years ago.
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LIVE FROM WRITERCON! Season Finale! Romantasy Authors Pike & Lemming!
33:56
33:56
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33:56LIVE FROM WRITERCON 2024! Recorded before a live audience! No cuts, no edits! Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Aprilynne Pike, the #1 NYTimes-bestselling author of Wings and many other novels, and Kimberly Lemming, the USA Today-bestselling author of That T…
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Episode 17: Daniel Cox is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE
47:23
47:23
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47:23We're hopping back across the pond to chat with another of our favorite Brits: Cannes Golden Lion and BAFTA-Award winning film maker and artist Daniel Cox! After a family tragedy, Daniel found new purpose and direction through the healing power of art.
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On the Road to WriterCon with Screenwriter Bob Saenz
34:32
34:32
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34:32Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Bob Saenz, a mutil-talented script writer who will be speaking at WriterCon 2024. Bob works in television and film, including the movies Extracurricular Activities and Help for the Holidays. WriterCon 2024 (August 30-Septemb…
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On the Road to WriterCon with #1 NYT Author Aprilynne Pike
31:30
31:30
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31:30Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Aprilynne Pike, the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Wings and many other wondeerful works of YA and romantasy. WriterCon 2024 (August 30-September 2) is only three weeks away—and there’s still time to register, enter…
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Episode 16: Tosca Lee is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE
32:13
32:13
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32:13New York Times best-selling author Tosca Lee is an inspiration! She's known for her historical and speculative fiction with works like ISCARIOT, THE PROGENY, DEMON, THE LINE BETWEEN, and THE LONG MARCH HOME...and equally beloved on social media for her posts featuring Farmer Bryan and their 160-pound German Shepherd Timber.…
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Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Matty Dalyrimple, who writes both short stories and novels for two different crime series, the Ann Kinnear suspense novels and shorts and the Lizzy Ballard thrillers. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts With the Retreat in the rearv…
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Episode 15: John Russell is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE
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45:12According to multiple Gallup polls, roughly 3/4 of Americans believe in some sort of paranormal phenomena, and psychic and author John Russell is an expert on nearly all of them! With over 50 years of research and experience in the world of the metaphysical, you can bet this guest has some UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE stories to share!…
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Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview, author of over thirty historical romances, plus a contemporary novel, Lizzie and Dante, and a memoir, Paris in Love. She’s published over 7 million books in 28 languages and 30 countries. Chapter 1: Opening Though…
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Writing for TV, Comics & Novels with Marc Guggenheim
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40:50
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40:50Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Marc Guggenheim, writer for television (Arrow, The Practice), comics (Green Lantern. Flash) and a new novel, In Any Lifetime. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts Last Call for the WriterCon Retreat, which begins July 17. C…
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Episode 14: Jeff Provine is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
32:06
32:06
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32:06Who doesn't love a good local ghost story? We sure do, and so does this episode's guest! Jeff Provine is a professor and folklorist, and is the founder of Oklahoma City Ghost Tours and Okie Comics.. Join us for some spotlighted stories from his ghost-hunting hijinks!
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Episode 13: Post Mortem (Adam Wonderly) is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
42:08
42:08
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42:08Step into the wild world of splatterpunk horror with writer and artist Adam Wonderly, known to his readers as POST MORTEM! Sometimes a brush with death nudges us into our most creative space, giving us a new perspective on living life at maximum volume.
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Igniting Your Thriller with Raymond Paul Johnson
39:04
39:04
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39:04Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Raymond Paul Johnson, author of a debut thriller Conspiracy Ignited. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts Bill searches for the right voice. And the pickleball net. Chapter 2: News 1) Barnes & Noble Acquires Tattered Cover …
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Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Lori Brand, the author of a fascinating new novel that touches on many important issues, Bodies To Die For. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts Host William Bernhardt's new novel, Justice For All (Daniel Pike Legal Thrille…
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Bestselling authors William Bernhardt and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Connie Berry, author of A Collection of Lies, her fifth Kate Hamilton mystery. Chapter 1: Opening Thoughts It's Father's Day! And Tony Awards Day! And Picard Day! Chapter 2: News 1) AI-Narrataed Audiobooks Selling …
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Bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing tips, and interview Caroline Cleveland, author of When Cicadas Cry. Chapter 1: Introduction You can now order William Bernhardt's latest novel, Justice For All, the 8th Daniel Pike legal thriller, featuring a crossover with Kenzi Rivera (Splits…
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Episode 12: William Bernhardt is UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!
41:47
41:47
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41:47William Bernhardt is the author of 62 books, including the Daniel Pike legal thriller series and the Ben Kincaid series. He's also the man behind WriterCon (and you know we love us some WriterCon!) in Oklahoma City. In this episode, Bill will share with you a story about the value of perseverance.
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Writing, Books, Pencils & Alida Winternheimer
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17:56In this summer summer episode, bestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt interview Alida Winternheimer, award-winning author, developmental editor, contributor to WriterCon Magazine, and host of the Substack newsletter A Room Full of Books and Pencils.By William Bernhardt
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