No One Cares You Wrote a Book

About No One Cares You Wrote a Book

No One Cares You Wrote a Book is about everything that happens before and after you type “The End.” Fantasy and sci-fi writers C.J. Kael and Chris Wards share the reality of writing, editing, publishing and trying to find readers. We follow our own journeys in real time, including the mistakes, small wins, questionable decisions and lessons we wish someone had shared with us earlier. Expect honest conversations about worldbuilding, first drafts, working with editors, traditional versus indie publishing, book marketing, social media, BookTok trends and what it actually takes to get a book into the world. Two writers. Honest takes. Questionable decisions.

Publisher

C.J. Kael

Category

arts · fiction

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Sept 2026

Latest episode

12 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Nov 2026

   Episode 7 - What Makes a Good Villain?

   In this podcast episode, Chris Wards and C.J. Kael discuss the intricacies of villainy in storytelling, exploring what makes a villain memorable and compelling. They share personal insights on their favorite villains from literature and media, while also delving into the moral complexities that define these characters. The conversation delves into the complexities of villain archetypes in storytelling, exploring various types of villains and their motivations. The discussion also critiques modern storytelling trends that humanize villains, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear moral distinctions in narratives. Takeaways Villains reflect moral complexities Memorable villains have presence Villain archetypes enrich storytelling Humanizing villains can dilute moral clarity Chapters 00:00 Exploring Villainy in Storytelling 13:17 What Makes a Villain Compelling? 19:35 The Complexity of Villains 24:20 Villains in Literature and Media 28:09 Exploring Villain Archetypes 29:50 The Complexity of Villain Motivations 34:42 The Impact of Modern Storytelling Trends 52:46 Redemption Arcs and Their Significance

2. 

   16 Oct 2026

   Episode 6 - Writing the Middle Without Losing Your Mind

   In this episode, Chris Wards and C.J. Kael engage with author JL Storm to discuss the challenges of writing the middle of a book, the creative process, and the emotional journey of sharing one's work. They explore the differences between plotters and panzers, the importance of setting goals, and the vulnerability that comes with writing and publishing. The conversation delves into the creative process of writing, focusing on themes of interconnected dimensions, character development, and the challenges of editing and self-doubt. The speakers share personal experiences with writing momentum, inspiration from dreams, and the complexities of managing side characters and writer's block, culminating in discussions about future projects and publishing. Takeaways Writing the middle is challenging Embrace vulnerability in sharing work Embrace self-doubt as part of writing Editing is crucial for clarity Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:03 Exploring the Crown Key and Its Themes 02:59 JL Storm's Journey into Writing 06:37 The Writing Process: From Idea to Manuscript 08:43 The Difference Between Plotters and Panzers 10:36 Navigating Corners in Writing 12:56 The Emotional Journey of Writing 16:47 Finding Joy in the Middle of Writing 19:20 The Vulnerability of Sharing Your Work 22:22 Goals and Themes in Storytelling 27:31 Exploring Interconnected Dimensions 29:27 Character Development and Themes 30:52 The Editing Process and Self-Doubt 32:30 Stripping Away Excess: The Art of Editing 34:56 Writing Momentum and Obsession 36:46 Dreams as Inspiration for Writing 39:03 Navigating Side Characters and POVs 42:45 Writer's Block and Overcoming Challenges 47:45 Future Plans and Publishing Journey

3. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Episode 5 - Why Is Writing Advice So Contradictory?

   In this episode, C.J. Kael and Chris Wards discuss the often contradictory nature of writing advice with their guest, Chantel Burnham. They explore the importance of trusting one's instincts, the role of critique partners, and the challenges of navigating reader expectations and social media presence. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the nuances of writing, the importance of understanding and sometimes breaking the rules, and the challenges of receiving feedback. They also explore the differences between traditional and indie publishing, as well as effective marketing strategies for authors. Takeaways Trust your gut in writing Contradictory advice is common Learn rules before breaking them Feedback can improve writing Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Writing Advice 02:55 Chantel's Writing Journey 05:59 The Role of Critique Partners 09:04 Navigating Contradictory Advice 12:07 The Challenge of Reader Expectations 14:54 Social Media and Author Presence 18:03 Understanding Writing Rules 20:47 The Importance of Confidence in Writing 38:08 The Importance of Writing Rules 41:55 Navigating Feedback and Criticism 48:06 Finding Readers and Marketing Strategies 55:51 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing Choices 01:02:13 Valuable Writing Advice and Insights

4. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Episode 4 - Are We Writing the Book We Want to Read, or the Book We Think Will Sell?

   The conversation explores the tension between writing a book for personal fulfillment and writing for commercial success. It delves into the evolution of the authors' perspectives on writing for readers and marketability, as well as the impact of generational expectations and trends in the publishing industry. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on writers, the evolving trends in fantasy literature, and the influence of cultural fragmentation on reader preferences. It also explores the tension between writing for oneself and writing for commercial success. Takeaways Writing for readers vs. writing for marketability The impact of generational expectations and trends in the publishing industry Social media presence is essential for writers in today's publishing landscape. The evolution of fantasy literature reflects the changing cultural and generational influences. Chapters 00:00 Writing for Personal Fulfillment vs. Commercial Success 03:06 Evolution of Writing Perspectives 17:36 Impact of Generational Expectations and Trends 20:27 The Impact of Social Media on Writers 26:29 Evolving Trends in Fantasy Literature 29:27 Cultural Fragmentation and Reader Preferences 35:17 Writing for Oneself vs. Commercial Success

5. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Episode 3 - How Much Worldbuilding Is Too Much?

   The podcast episode explores the art of world building in fantasy and science fiction writing. It delves into the role of maps, the depth of world building, meta world building, and the importance of language, characters, and culture in setting the scene for a fictional world. The conversation delves into the exploration of cultural settings in fantasy, the debate on understanding magic, the challenges of invented terminology and world building, the balance between world building and plot development, the strength of character and relationship in world building, and the payoff of world building in fantasy literature. Takeaways World building is a crucial aspect of fantasy and science fiction writing. Maps play a significant role in world building, providing a visual representation of the fictional world. Language, characters, and culture are essential elements in making a fictional world feel real. Cultural settings in fantasy literature provide fresh and intriguing world-building opportunities. The best world building in fantasy literature has a payoff and is woven into character moments. Chapters 00:00 The Art of World Building 03:09 The Role of Maps in World Building 07:41 The Depth of World Building 15:26 Meta World Building and Language 23:16 Setting the Scene with Characters and Culture 24:16 Cultural Settings in Fantasy 26:04 The Debate on Understanding Magic 31:47 Invented Terminology and World Building 35:14 Balancing World Building and Plot Development 38:00 The Strength of Character and Relationship in World Building 43:09 The Payoff of World Building

6. 

   11 Sept 2026

   Episode 2 - Nobody Cares You Wrote a Book

   The conversation delves into the emotional journey of finishing a manuscript, seeking feedback, overcoming self-doubt, and the challenges of marketing and selling a new book. It explores the anxiety and uncertainty that follows the completion of a manuscript, the process of seeking feedback and improvement, and the challenges of engaging with writing groups and beta readers. It also addresses the pressure of making the first book a success and the challenges of marketing and selling a new book. The conversation delves into the challenges of building an online profile, marketing and promotion, the writer's dilemma, completing the manuscript, and the value of writing. It also looks ahead to the next topic of discussion. Takeaways The emotional journey of finishing a manuscript Challenges of seeking feedback and overcoming self-doubt Navigating the online landscape is essential for authors Marketing and promotion are crucial for book success Chapters 00:00 The Feeling of Finishing 03:02 Post-Manuscript Anxiety 04:24 Seeking Feedback and Improvement 06:09 Sharing Manuscripts and Receiving Critiques 08:53 Challenges of Seeking Feedback from Friends and Family 11:49 Engaging with Writing Groups and Beta Readers 17:06 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear of Publishing 20:23 The Pressure of Making the First Book a Success 23:23 Challenges of Marketing and Selling a New Book 25:43 Navigating the Online Landscape 27:12 Building an Online Profile 29:04 Marketing and Promotion 32:37 Challenges of Publishing 33:09 The Writer's Dilemma 36:09 Completing the Manuscript 39:40 The Value of Writing 44:09 Looking Ahead

7. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Episode 1 - Why Did We Think Writing a Book Was a Good Idea?

   The first episode of the podcast delves into the journey of writing a book, exploring the motivations, struggles, and support systems of the hosts. It highlights the evolution of their creative process and the impact of personal relationships on their writing endeavors. Takeaways Motivations for writing a book are deeply personal and often driven by a desire for self-expression and personal fulfillment. The support and encouragement of a trusted friend or partner can be instrumental in overcoming self-doubt and navigating the challenges of the writing process. Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins 02:55 The Evolution of Ideas and World Building 11:00 Motivations and Ambitions 16:05 Struggles and Self-Doubt 26:08 Support and Validation

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