Writing & Publishing with Dumb Old Bob

About Writing & Publishing with Dumb Old Bob

Welcome to Writing & Publishing with Dumb Old Bob... a journey into the terrifying world of writing and publishing. This podcast is setting off on an adventure to face the challenges, hardships, thrills, excitement and uplifting satisfaction experienced by writers with a desire and passion to share their creativity. Bob Hocking - writer, author, storyteller - does not hold back on the truths of navigating the publishing world. For many years, he has literally toured the world presenting his program: You may never get published (Horror stories and thoughts to help you try anyway). During countless appearances for readings, signings, discussions and more, Bob found that writers had similar questions, many of which he faced when starting out (and continues facing today). He built this workshop from a "what I wish I knew on day one" perspective. He has had the honor and pleasure of delivering it at libraries, bookshops, and other locations, from the northeast United States to Australia. Join Bob as he shares candid thoughts, advice, tips and tricks to help you navigate the daunting journey of getting published. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned writer, this podcast will provide thoughts to assist in your efforts. In 2003, Bob began a website in the hopes of showcasing his writing—In My Backpack at www.inmybackpack.com (http://www.inmybackpack.com)—which has expanded since its debut. Since those early efforts, he has released fifteen published titles, distributed a monthly newsletter, and created a podcast based on his writing (The Essays with Dumb Old Bob). His site includes material that covers observational essays, interviews, travel and much more. Recently, he began providing content for the sports-based site Stadium Rant, working as a Features Writer.

Publisher

Bob Hocking

Category

arts · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Oct 2024

Latest episode

29 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Aug 2025

   My worst answer ever - Bonus Episode Number Four

   The unexpected fourth bonus episode, where Bob addresses a question he received within hours of posting bonus episode number three. What is the worst answer,,, the worst response... the worst advice he ever gave? Or, as we'll see, what answer has Bob given to a question that bothers him the most. For more information, visit the In My Backpack website: www.inmybackpack.com

2. 

   26 Aug 2025

   National Buy Bob's Book Day, familiarity and branding - Bonus Episode Number Three

   The third bonus episode, featuring the 2025 National Buy Bob's Book Day and thoughts about how the famirity with the publishing process and branding are often lost on writers while creating potential hazards and missed opportunities as a result. For more information, visit the In My Backpack website: www.inmybackpack.com

3. 

   23 Aug 2025

   An introduction to writing, part 2 - Season One Episode Ten

   This isn't a lesson on how to write. This is writing from a slightly different point of view. In the second of two parts, Bob explores where your attention needs to focus and items to consider about your writing. For more information, visit the In My Backpack website: www.inmybackpack.com

4. 

   15 Aug 2025

   An introduction to writing - Season One Episode Nine

   This isn't a lesson on how to write. This is writing from a slightly different point of view. In the first of two parts, Bob explores why the most important thing you can do when it comes to your writing is easy enough... WRITE! For more information, visit the In My Backpack website: www.inmybackpack.com

5. 

   8 Aug 2025

   Revisiting professionalism - Season One Episode Eight

   With responses to Season One Episode Seven arriving quickly and with interesting questions, Bob returned to the subject for a surprising episode that features why all of the definitions of professionalism are important... but one stands alone at this point in the podcast. Bob Expands on his thoughts in this episode, clarifying some of what will be covered in future episodes, while focusing in on what writers and wuthors need to be considering from the first days and efforts. For more information, visit the In My Backpack website: www.inmybackpack.com

6. 

   20 Jun 2025

   Professionalism - Season One Episode Seven

   Bob discusses the multifaceted concept of professionalism, exploring its various definitions and offering a unique perspective on its importance.

7. 

   11 Apr 2025

   Questions and answers about agents, media kits, appearances and social media - Bonus Episode Number Two

   Diving into a batch of questions with the second episode in a two-part bonus run, Bob offers some thoughts about agents, media kits, scheduling appearances and social media. For more information, visit the In My Backpack website: www.inmybackpack.com

8. 

   11 Apr 2025

   Questions and answers about traditional publishing, finding a publisher, the process of writing and the most frustrating things - Bonus Episode Number One

   Diving into a batch of questions submitted by you over an extended break, in this episode Bob scratches the surface of details about the value of traditional publishing, finding the best publisher for a project, the process of writing and the part of creating a book and bringing it to market that fruistrates him the most. For more information, visit the In My Backpack website: www.inmybackpack.com

9. 

   21 Mar 2025

   Dollars and sense - Season One Episode Six

   The realities of the numbers can be scary and depressing. In this episode, Bob wanders into potential positive thoughts to be found by looking at things from a slightly off-balance perspective. For more information, visit the In My Backpack website: www.inmybackpack.com

10. 

    29 Nov 2024

    Dollars and nonsense - Season One Episode Five

    Dumb Old Bob shares the harsh realities of book sales averages, revealing the numbers behind traditional and self-publishing success.

11. 

    20 Nov 2024

    The traditional publishing and self-publishing landscape - Season One Episode Four

    Dumb Old Bob shares the realities of traditional publishing and self-publishing, revealing unique solutions for writers to overcome personal challenges and achieve success.

12. 

    1 Nov 2024

    Setting the stage - Season One Episode Three

    Bob breaks down the three areas that will create season one's episodes and passes along contact details. For more information, visit the In My Backpack website: www.inmybackpack.com

13. 

    18 Oct 2024

    Questions and Answers - Season One Episode Two

    Bob shares some details on the development of season one's episodes and content (and beyond), then presents three questions. For more information, visit the In My Backpack website: www.inmybackpack.com

14. 

    4 Oct 2024

    Introductions - Season One Episode One

    In the debut episode of Writing & Publishing, writer - author - storyteller Bob Hocking makes some introductions, shares some information and tells some stories. For more information, visit the In My Backpack website: www.inmybackpack.com

Podcast Authority Score: 6 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

12

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Writing & Publishing with Dumb Old Bob

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.