Pros Talking Prose
Writing a book is hard. Publishing it is even harder. Succeeding as an author? That’s practically wizardry. Good thing you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Pros Talking Prose is your backstage pass to the writing and publishing world, hosted by seasoned pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert. We’ll help you skip the mistakes, laugh through the chaos, and build the writing career you actually want without the smoke and mirrors. New episodes every week. Therapy not included — but highly encouraged.
Authors Are Panicking Over “Shy Girl” But They’re Missing The Point
The internet is losing its mind over the “Shy Girl” controversy, but most authors are reacting instead of thinking.
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we break down what’s actually happening beneath the surface of the debate. There are a lot of AI accusations, publishing decisions, reader reactions, and a bigger issue no one seems to be talking about.
This really matters to authors because it reveals some issues with the future of publishing, author responsibility, and trust in an AI-driven industry.
We’re not here to pile on or pick sides, b...
Why Most Authors Are Destroying Their Own Brand
Are authors destroying their own brands without realizing it?
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we’re breaking down one of the biggest shifts happening in publishing right now:
Books are becoming commodities
Readers are harder to reach
And authors are being pushed to produce more… faster… cheaper
But what if that’s the wrong strategy?
We dig into:
• Why the “mass audience” mindset is failing authors
• How platforms like Amazon and Spotify are reshaping value
• What luxury brands (like Burberry) can teach us about exclusivity
• And why building a micro-commun...
The Publishing Scam Industry is Bigger than Anyone Admits
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we sit down with Angela Hoy, publisher of WritersWeekly and CEO of BookLocker, to expose the growing scam industry preying on writers. From fake publishing companies to bogus movie deals and AI-generated outreach emails, the scams targeting authors are becoming more sophisticated—and more expensive.
Angela has spent decades investigating fraud in the publishing world, helping authors recover lost money and exposing companies that exploit writers’ hopes of being discovered. In this conversation, we pull back the curtain on how these scams work, why they’re increasing, and what authors can do...
When Writing Became a Product Instead of an Art
At some point in modern publishing, something shifted. Writers stopped asking “What story do I need to tell?” and started asking “Will this sell?”
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert tackle a growing problem in the writing world: what happens when authors put the business hat on too early and lose the art of storytelling.
In an era of rapid publishing, AI writing tools, and constant pressure to monetize creativity, many writers are approaching their craft like a product before it’s even a story. But great books (books that actua...
The Truth Behind AI, Your Words, and Amazon
AI can draft your book.
But can you legally own it?
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert sit down with intellectual property attorney Bradlee Frazer to unpack the legal realities behind AI-generated content, copyright ownership, and Amazon’s KDP Terms of Service.
If you’re an author using AI — even just for drafting — this conversation could change how you think about ownership, publishing, and protecting your work.
We cover:
✔️ Why AI-generated content is not automatically copyrightable
✔️ The difference between creation, ownership, and registration
✔️ What Amazon’s KDP Clause 5.5 actuall...
Why Some Books Disappear (And Others Never Die)
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy and Stacey tackle one of the hardest questions authors face:
Are you writing to sell… or writing to last?
After reflecting on the legacy of Robert Duvall and the staying power of cultural classics like The Princess Bride, The Big Lebowski, and The Stand, we dive deep into:
The half-life of a bestseller
Why “writing to market” often fades
The algorithm vs authenticity
Audience of one vs audience of many
Why some books spike… and others endure
What legacy actually means for mode...
You're Not Independent, You're Isolated: And It's Hurting Your Author Career
Are you really independent as an author… or are you just isolated?
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske break down a hard truth about the writing life:
Writing may be solitary.
Building an author career is not.
Too many indie authors try to run their author business alone, making every decision solo, second-guessing every move, and slowly burning out in silence. And it could be costing them growth.
In this conversation, we talk about:
Why community is a business strategy (not just a vibe)
Th...
The Three-Tool Rule that Saves Authors Time and Money
Tool overwhelm is real, and it’s quietly wrecking a LOT of author progress.
If you’ve ever downloaded one more “must-have” app, paid for a shiny new subscription, or convinced yourself you can’t move forward until you have the “perfect system”… this episode is for you.
In this week’s Pros Talking Prose, Troy and Stacey break down The 3-Tool Rule—a ridiculously practical way to cut through the noise, stop bleeding time (and money), and get back to what actually moves the needle in an author career.
We cover:
Why “time-saving too...
How to Capture Story Ideas Before They Vanish
...Even If you Get That Idea in the Shower
Inspiration doesn’t strike when it’s convenient—and most writers lose their best ideas before they ever hit the page.
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down how writers actually capture inspiration, why ideas tend to show up in the shower, the car, or the coffee shop, and how to stop letting those sparks disappear into thin air.
We talk about:
Why inspiration is psychological, not magical
How to train your brain to recognize writing time
Why Your "Great Idea" Isn't a Story (And How to Fix It)
You don’t have a writing problem—you have a story problem.
In this craft-focused episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dig into one of the biggest issues holding writers back: ideas that sound interesting but don’t actually sustain a story.
We break down how to pressure-test an idea before you waste months writing it, including:
• The difference between a cool event and a story readers will emotionally invest in
• Why conflict—not vibes—drives plot
• How character motivation determines whether a story can last past chapter five
...
Publish Hangover: The Emotional Whiplash Authors Don't Expect
A little insight and maybe introspection.
You hit publish on your book—so why does it feel like something’s missing? In this short episode, publishing coach and editor Stacey Smekofske breaks down the publish hangover—the emotional crash and loss of momentum many authors experience after finishing a book. From false expectations about instant success to the dangerous pause that causes authors to disappear after launch, this is the part of the writing journey no one talks about.
If you’ve ever asked: “Why do I feel empty after publishing my book?” “What should I do after I h...
Troy Went Rogue (And Told Authors to Take a Nap): Rest, Rust, and the Long Game of Being an Author
Stacey is at Disney. Troy went rogue. And instead of hustle culture, he brought a message most authors desperately need to hear:
Take. A. Nap.
In this solo episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert digs into the often-ignored reality of the author life: burnout isn’t a badge of honor, exhaustion isn’t productivity, and grinding yourself into rust won’t build a sustainable career.
He talks about
Why rest is not quitting—it’s a strategy
The difference between creative rest, business rest, and physical rest
How constant marketing noise (ads...
How Not to Gaslight Yourself With Author Goals: Metrics That Matter: Writing, Readers, Revenue
Are you setting ambitious author goals… or accidentally gaslighting yourself into burnout?
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert kick off the new year with a no-BS conversation about realistic author goals, metrics that actually matter, and why chasing the wrong numbers is the fastest way to hate your writing life.
We dig into the KPIs authors should be tracking (and the ones you probably should stop obsessing over), including:
Writing output that fits your real life
Building readers you actually own (not borrowed from an algorithm)
Understanding rev...
Your Author Business in 2026 LIVE - What to prepare for now (broadcast 12/27/25)
2026 is closer than you think—and authors who prepare now will have a serious edge.
Join Pros Talking Prose for a (broadcast 12/27/25) LIVE 2026 publishing outlook and Author Q&A, featuring special guest Vincent Zandri—bestselling author and industry veteran who’s seen publishing evolve through every major shift.
This is an honest, no-fluff conversation about what’s actually coming and how authors can adapt without losing their voice, rights, or sanity.
We’ll talk about:
Where the publishing industry is heading in 2026
What authors should start preparing for now
Smart pivots for indie...
The Industry is Rebooting & Authors Are Feeling It
Publishing didn’t explode in 2025.
It didn’t collapse either.
It… buffered.
In this gloriously chaotic year-in-review episode, Stacey and Troy talk through what a lot of authors are quietly feeling but rarely saying out loud: the industry hit a reset button, AI showed up like a spicy autocomplete with opinions, reader culture got meaner, expectations got louder, and everyone somehow ended the year exhausted and behind—even when they weren’t.
We unpack:
Why 2025 felt more like a recalibration than a breakout
How AI is actually fitting into the writing process (h...
The Industry is a Mess, Your Story Isn't
The publishing industry is chaotic, glitchy, and occasionally held together with duct tape—but your story? That part is solid.
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dig into the hidden work behind every book you hold—the invisible labor, emotional investment, and sheer number of moving pieces that go into getting a story from a writer’s brain to a reader’s hands. From editors and designers to printers, platforms, deadlines, and distribution delays, publishing is rarely simple… and never instant.
We talk about why there are no true emergencies in publishing (even when...
Building a Reader Community: Because Amazon Alone is an Inbred Village
In this episode, Troy and Stacey dive into building a real reader community—because relying solely on Amazon is basically letting your author career grow up in an algorithmic inbred village. Sure, Amazon can boost sales… but it’s not a community. And if you’re serious about longevity, superfans, and NOT letting one tech giant decide your future, you’ve got to build something bigger, smarter, and more human.
We break down:
Why Amazon’s ecosystem can’t be your only lifeline
Where real communities are actually forming (TikTok, Discord, Substack & more)
How to create supe...
The Human Advantage: Why AI Can’t Kill Publishing
Are authors doomed? Is AI coming for your career? Is Skynet secretly drafting romance novels?
Spoiler: Nope. Not even close.
In this heart-forward episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy break down the REAL state of publishing in the age of AI—and why writers absolutely can keep calm and stay human. We talk about the industry shifts, the fear-driven doom loops, and the truth readers keep shouting: authentic, emotional, human-made stories still win every time.
We dig into:
Why AI can generate words—but not heart, soul, or “WTF just happened?” moments<...
When Readers Attack (And Other A-Hole Adventures): Stacey Said WHAT?
Buckle up, writers—Stacey’s flying solo this week, and that means no Troy, no filter. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey dives into the now-infamous Author Nation Incident, breaks down why some folks in the writing world are acting like A-holes, and asks the big question: Is SHE the A-hole… or just the only one saying the quiet parts out loud?
From awkward run-ins with industry “celebrities,” to the bizarre rule that authors supposedly can’t comment on their own reviews, to the shocking meltdown in a conference class (yes… the Tarot Lady situation), Stacey dishes...
Our Author Nation Highlights: Update from the Largest Conference in the USA
What happens when you drop two publishing pros into Las Vegas for Author Nation? Chaos. Camaraderie. And maybe a little karaoke.
Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert as they broadcast straight from Author Nation 2025, running on caffeine, conference buzz, and too many industry secrets to count. From fangirling over Joanna Penn in the bathroom to plotting with Michael Evans about AI, Kickstarters, and creative constraints, this episode is a highlight reel of inspiration, laughter, and mild professional mischief.
We’re talking Becca Syme’s happiness cycle, Drew’s “Creativity Cube,” organic marketing that actually works (yes, TikTok can...
Swifties, Secrets, and Shenanigans: Plotting Our Vegas Takeover
Taylor Swift may have her Eras Tour, but Stacey and Troy are kicking off their Vegas Era—and things are about to get delightfully chaotic.
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we spill the (iced) tea on our upcoming Author Nation adventures, dish out some not-so-secret secrets about the future of publishing, and talk writer retreats, renovation madness, and why every author needs to stop waiting for permission to go pro.
From “we swear we didn’t break into a house” stories to the launch of a publishing venture that’s definitely not a cult, this episod...
Your Publisher is Out of Business - Now What?: Part 2
Part 2: “Fuzzy Handcuffs & Freedom
In Part 2 of this mini series about when your publisher goes out of business, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert expose the sneaky “in print” clauses and fuzzy contract language that keep authors chained to old publishing deals. They share exactly how to fight back—professionally, persistently, and legally—so you can reclaim your creative freedom.
You’ll learn:
What “in print” really means in modern contracts
How to get your rights reverted (even when your publisher ghosts you)
Why persistence—and a few well-timed emails—can make all the difference
...
Your Publisher is Out of Business: Now What?
Part 1: Reclaiming Your Power When the Publisher Pulls the Plug
What do you do when your publisher suddenly closes its doors?
In this special mini-episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down what every author needs to know when the press that published your book goes belly-up.
From the first “don’t panic” moment to the step-by-step checklist for reclaiming your rights, files, and future, this quick chat is packed with insider tips and industry-savvy advice that could save your author career.
You’ll learn:
What to do immediat...
Every Book is Marketable: If you Know How to Package it.
Why do brilliant books sometimes flop while mediocre ones soar? In this candid episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert unpack the real difference between a “good book” and a marketable one. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about writing skill — it’s about packaging, positioning, and understanding your reader.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why craft alone won’t sell your book — and what actually will.
The 3 pillars of a marketable book: craft, packaging, and positioning.
How to turn casual readers into true fans (and stop the churn).
What your cover...
Tide Pods, Alien Probes, & Author Marketing: A Totally Normal Conversation
It's every author’s nightmare: you’ve written a book, hit “publish,” and… crickets.
No sales, no clicks, no clue what to do next.
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) blow up the myth that there’s a magic formula to selling books.
If you’ve ever:
Spent more on ads than you made in royalties
Felt personally victimized by the word “algorithm”
Wondered why no one is finding your book on Amazon
Tried to “build your brand” without knowing what t...
Stop Googling Your Career: Strategy vs. Tactics That Actually Work
Stop Googling your career and actually build one. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) tackle the biggest trap authors fall into: confusing tactics with strategy. Should you go wide or stay exclusive with KDP Select? Redo your book cover or launch a special edition? Chase the NaNoWriMo word count or slow down to actually hit your long-term goals? We break it all down—without the fluff Google keeps feeding you.
Tune in for:
Why tactics won’t save a broken strategy
How to set...
The Publishing Team That Could Make or Break You: How to Choose Wisely
Building a book is bigger than just writing—it’s about choosing the right team to bring your story to life. Buckle up, this is a long one. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) pull back the curtain on what really matters when hiring editors, designers, and other key publishing professionals.
Learn how to spot red flags in editors before they derail your book.
Understand the different types of editing (developmental, copy, line, proofreading) and what you really need.
Discover how to vet your...
The Author's Responsibility in a Divided World
In the wake of recent events, free speech is once again under fire. But what does that mean for authors? In this episode, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dive deep into the role writers play in shaping conversations, protecting humanity, and telling stories that challenge perspectives without silencing voices.
We’ll tackle:
Why free speech and book banning are inseparable from the author’s mission.
How outrage culture and algorithms trap us in echo chambers.
The difference between harmful speech and the critical conversations we need.
What authors can lear...
Anthropic Settlement Shocker: Why Most Authors Won’t See a Dime (Unless You Did THIS)
Anthropic Settlement Shocker! The motion for settlement in the Anthropic lawsuit has the author world buzzing—but here’s the truth no one’s telling you: most authors won’t see a dime unless they took the right steps before their books were pirated by AI.
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert break down what the settlement actually means, how it sets a precedent for future lawsuits, and why things like purchasing your own ISBNs, registering your copyright, and distributing through legitimate channels are non-negotiable if you want “teeth in th...
From Spark to Wildfire: Crafting Irresistible First Chapters
"It was a pleasure to burn."
Your first chapter can make or break your book, so why not learn from one of the greatest? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy crack open Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 to show exactly why its opening pages are unforgettable and how you can steal those techniques for your own writing.
We’ll break down:
The blazing first line that hooks readers instantly
How to introduce a protagonist without info-dumping
Setting the tone, genre, and stakes in just a few pages
Why Bradbury’s worl...
Books to Blockbusters in a Day?! Michael Evans on the AI Storytelling Revolution
What if your book could become a movie in less than 24 hours? In this explosive and possibly controversial episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy sit down with tech innovator and author Michael Evans to talk about The Movie Machine at Creatorwood—an AI-powered platform that turns novels and scripts into full-fledged films.
Is this the future of indie publishing and Hollywood… or the end of creativity as we know it? We dig into the controversy, the possibilities, and what this means for authors, screenwriters, and storytellers everywhere.
Topics we cover:
Can AI r...
Slow the $%^# Down: Quality Over Speed: Building an Author Life That Lasts
Rushing to finish your draft? Racing to hit “publish” before your book is ready? Burning out trying to keep up with other authors? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (editor and publishing coach) and Troy Lambert (author, editor, and plot doctor) unpack why the real secret to success in publishing is simple: time.
We break down three key areas where slowing down pays off big:
Writing Journey – Why drafts need to simmer, how beta readers strengthen your story, and why resting between revisions makes you sharper.
Publishing Process – Why editing, cover design, proofs...
Stop Describing the Door and Just Leave Already!: How Show Don't Tell Really Works.
If your readers know how to open a door, they don’t need three paragraphs explaining it. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy tackle the infamous “show, don’t tell” debate, armed with examples from The Hunger Games, Twilight, Tolkien, Ernest Hemingway, A Quiet Place, and even Wheel of Time.
We dive deep into sensory writing, including how smell, taste, sound, touch, and sight can trigger powerful reader memories (yes, Jacob’s fur and sour milk included). We talk about why “and then” storytelling is killing modern fiction, how to make your setting a living, brea...
Authors Beware: Audible’s New Plan Could Cost You Big
Amazon Strikes Again: Audible’s New Plan Could Gut Your Audiobook Royalties
Amazon’s Audible just pulled a move that could quietly slash indie author earnings, and they’re selling it like it’s a gift to creators. Spoiler: it’s not.
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy rip the shiny wrapping off Audible’s “Premium Plus” rollout to reveal the fine print that could leave authors earning less than ever. Think Kindle Unlimited for audiobooks… but with even more ways for Amazon to keep the cash.
We’re exposing:
How t...CSI: Crap Scene Investigation - Write Crime Right
True crime fans and thriller writers, beware: your story might be committing a felony. In this hilariously unfiltered episode, Stacey and Troy dive into the crime-writing crimes that make editors weep and readers rage-quit.
From interrogations without Miranda rights to chairs jammed under hospital doorknobs (yes, that happened), we dissect the rookie mistakes authors make when writing police procedurals, murder mysteries, and true crime-inspired fiction. Whether you're spinning a serial killer saga or just tossing in a body for tension, we’ll help you avoid turning your plot into a cautionary tale.
Topics we interrogate:
Why...
Stop Chasing Algorithms: Write Like an Artisan
Are you writing for algorithms or for actual humans? In this refreshingly honest episode of Pros Talking Prose, we’re joined by indie author legend Johnny B. Truant to talk about his upcoming book, The Artisan Author, a rebellious, soul-restoring manifesto for authors who are done with burnout and ready to love writing again.
We dive into:
The myth of rapid release
Why chasing bestseller lists is killing your creativity
How to attract 1,000 true fans (and why that’s enough)
The “Bookstore of You” philosophy
Bringing back the FUN in your author business...
AI Didn’t Kill the Author. You Did.
Is AI the villain in the author’s downfall—or are readers, publishers, and even fellow writers part of the problem? In this fiery episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy and Stacey unpack the emotional, ethical, and legal minefield of AI-generated content in publishing. From TikTok's “100% Human” trend to copyright battles and the philosophical death of the author, we ask the hard questions:
What is authorship in the age of machines?
Can a bot tell a human story—or just mimic one?
And what happens when you can’t tell the difference?
Prepare to get fired up...
Scambaiting for Authors: Avoiding Those Inbox Traps
Think your book is getting picked up for a Netflix deal out of the blue? Think again. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive headfirst into the glittery garbage fire of scams targeting indie authors. From fake PR packages and “guaranteed” bestsellers to shady Netflix pitches and vanity publishers masquerading as the real deal, we’re calling B.S. on the most common traps in your inbox.
What We Cover:
How scammers find your author info (hint: it’s not witchcraft, it’s public databases)
Why “Congratulations! You’ve been selected…” sho...
Bad Reviews and Brutal Trolls - Surviving Negative Reviews Like a Pro
Haters gonna hate, and trolls gonna troll—but what does that mean for authors? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive into the dark, weird, and sometimes hilarious world of negative reviews, trolls, hate mail, and DM drama. From a grandma’s unexpected 3-star critique to a one-star reviewer who can’t spell "plagiarism," they share real-life stories (some absurd, some serious) and offer seasoned advice on how to handle criticism without spiraling.
You’ll hear:
How to respond (or not!) to negative reviews
The difference between trolling and constructive criticism
Why...
Stop Shouting "I Have a Gay Friend!" and Other Cringey Author Mistakes
Diversity in fiction doesn’t mean tossing in a rainbow cast like it’s a checklist. In this episode, Stacey and Troy tackle the awkward, over-the-top, and downright cringey ways authors attempt diversity—and how to actually write inclusive stories that don’t scream “I’m trying too hard.”
We break down:
When and why to include diverse characters
How to avoid stereotypes, soapbox moments, and tokenism
What makes representation authentic (vs. performative)
Real-world writing tips, research advice, and sensitivity reader hacks
Why your story—not your social agenda—should lead the way
Plus, w...
