//podcastplus.net/feed/podcast~c63728e59950b311b2ef07907ee88657224e9b2e6e00694666914de3caef44c4 The trusted source for indie authors and/or publishers who aspire to be — or already are — changemakers. Your podcast hosts are Boni and John Wagner-Stafford of Ingenium Books. Publishing bi-weekly. Learn more at www.ingeniumbookspodcast.com.  Thu, 08 Oct 2026 04:20:05 +0000 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/15597954-the-power-of-place-mastering-setting-for-richer-storytelling-with-gila-green.mp3 On this episode of The Ingenium Books Podcast we dive deep into the craft of storytelling and the art of writing. In today’s episode, we’re exploring a fundamental yet often underestimated element of great stories: setting.  Whether your tale unfolds in a bustling city or a quiet countryside, whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, the way you use setting can shape your story’s tone, atmosphere, and emotional impact. But setting is more than just a backdrop for your characters—when used effectively, it becomes a character in its own right, with its own personality, mood, and influence on the narrative. Today, we’ll unpack how to treat setting as a dynamic force in your writing, how to use it to reflect themes and character development, and why specific details matter. We’ll also discuss how setting can drive your plot, evoke symbolism, and even shape your characters’ behaviors and choices. And, of course, we’ll touch on the importance of research and cultural sensitivity when ... Sat, 17 Aug 2024 19:00:00 +0000 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/15597954-the-power-of-place-mastering-setting-for-richer-storytelling-with-gila-green.mp3 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/15597954-the-power-of-place-mastering-setting-for-richer-storytelling-with-gila-green.mp3 On this episode of The Ingenium Books Podcast we dive deep into the craft of storytelling and the art of writing. In today’s episode, we’re exploring a fundamental yet often underestimated element of great stories: setting.  Whether your tale unfolds in a bustling city or a quiet countryside, whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, the way you use setting can shape your story’s tone, atmosphere, and emotional impact. But setting is more than just a backdrop for your characters—when used effectively, it becomes a character in its own right, with its own personality, mood, and influence on the narrative. Today, we’ll unpack how to treat setting as a dynamic force in your writing, how to use it to reflect themes and character development, and why specific details matter. We’ll also discuss how setting can drive your plot, evoke symbolism, and even shape your characters’ behaviors and choices. And, of course, we’ll touch on the importance of research and cultural sensitivity when ... Sat, 17 Aug 2024 19:00:00 +0000 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/15597954-the-power-of-place-mastering-setting-for-richer-storytelling-with-gila-green.mp3 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/13984192-preventing-book-returns-strategies-for-author-financial-stability-john-wagner-stafford.mp3 Are you a self-published author, pouring your heart and soul into your book only to face the heartbreak of returns? Picture this: a cautionary tale of a publisher forced to pay back royalties on a staggering 25,000 returned copies. The publishing industry is like a consignment store, where that initial sale to a bookstore is just the beginning of a risky ride. But fear not, because in this captivating episode, we unravel the secrets of protecting yourself financially, setting aside a reserve against returns. Stay tuned to discover how to navigate the treacherous waters of book returns and ensure your hard work doesn't go in vain. Check your royalty report for the line item 'reserve against returns' and thank your publisher for protecting both of you. - John Wagner-Stafford In this episode, you will: Learn how to protect yourself financially by setting aside a reserve against returns. Discover strategies for mitigating the risk of book returns in the publishing industry. ... Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/13984192-preventing-book-returns-strategies-for-author-financial-stability-john-wagner-stafford.mp3 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/13984192-preventing-book-returns-strategies-for-author-financial-stability-john-wagner-stafford.mp3 Are you a self-published author, pouring your heart and soul into your book only to face the heartbreak of returns? Picture this: a cautionary tale of a publisher forced to pay back royalties on a staggering 25,000 returned copies. The publishing industry is like a consignment store, where that initial sale to a bookstore is just the beginning of a risky ride. But fear not, because in this captivating episode, we unravel the secrets of protecting yourself financially, setting aside a reserve against returns. Stay tuned to discover how to navigate the treacherous waters of book returns and ensure your hard work doesn't go in vain. Check your royalty report for the line item 'reserve against returns' and thank your publisher for protecting both of you. - John Wagner-Stafford In this episode, you will: Learn how to protect yourself financially by setting aside a reserve against returns. Discover strategies for mitigating the risk of book returns in the publishing industry. ... Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/13984192-preventing-book-returns-strategies-for-author-financial-stability-john-wagner-stafford.mp3 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/13984192-preventing-book-returns-strategies-for-author-financial-stability-john-wagner-stafford.mp3 Are you a self-published author, pouring your heart and soul into your book only to face the heartbreak of returns? Picture this: a cautionary tale of a publisher forced to pay back royalties on a staggering 25,000 returned copies. The publishing industry is like a consignment store, where that initial sale to a bookstore is just the beginning of a risky ride. But fear not, because in this captivating episode, we unravel the secrets of protecting yourself financially, setting aside a reserve against returns. Stay tuned to discover how to navigate the treacherous waters of book returns and ensure your hard work doesn't go in vain. Check your royalty report for the line item 'reserve against returns' and thank your publisher for protecting both of you. - John Wagner-Stafford In this episode, you will: Learn how to protect yourself financially by setting aside a reserve against returns. Discover strategies for mitigating the risk of book returns in the publishing industry. ... Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/13984192-preventing-book-returns-strategies-for-author-financial-stability-john-wagner-stafford.mp3 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/13984218-breaking-boundaries-the-inspiring-journey-from-dyslexia-to-self-publishing.mp3 In this riveting episode of The Ingenium Books Podcast, author Ivan Scott defies the odds as he shares his journey through more than 300 rejections from traditional publishers, overcoming dyslexia, and achieving his dreams. With his mantra of "find a way or find an excuse," Ivan's story and positive attitude will inspire you no matter what obstacles you face in your author journey.  " With dyslexia, I have to go from A to B, over to C, then to D, then to E and F. Oh, okay, now I'm where I need to be. It just takes me a diftferen.t path to get tere. And now that I have figured out how to do it, that's the way that I roll." — Ivan Scott In this episode, you will: Gain inspiration and practical insights on how one author has overcome dyslexia-related challenges in writing. Uncover the advantages of self-publishing when rejections from publishers mount. Learn about the impact dyslexia can have on your writing and how to navigate through it. Understand the impor... Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/13984218-breaking-boundaries-the-inspiring-journey-from-dyslexia-to-self-publishing.mp3 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/13984218-breaking-boundaries-the-inspiring-journey-from-dyslexia-to-self-publishing.mp3 In this riveting episode of The Ingenium Books Podcast, author Ivan Scott defies the odds as he shares his journey through more than 300 rejections from traditional publishers, overcoming dyslexia, and achieving his dreams. With his mantra of "find a way or find an excuse," Ivan's story and positive attitude will inspire you no matter what obstacles you face in your author journey.  " With dyslexia, I have to go from A to B, over to C, then to D, then to E and F. Oh, okay, now I'm where I need to be. It just takes me a diftferen.t path to get tere. And now that I have figured out how to do it, that's the way that I roll." — Ivan Scott In this episode, you will: Gain inspiration and practical insights on how one author has overcome dyslexia-related challenges in writing. Uncover the advantages of self-publishing when rejections from publishers mount. Learn about the impact dyslexia can have on your writing and how to navigate through it. Understand the impor... Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/13984218-breaking-boundaries-the-inspiring-journey-from-dyslexia-to-self-publishing.mp3 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/13984218-breaking-boundaries-the-inspiring-journey-from-dyslexia-to-self-publishing.mp3 In this riveting episode of The Ingenium Books Podcast, author Ivan Scott defies the odds as he shares his journey through more than 300 rejections from traditional publishers, overcoming dyslexia, and achieving his dreams. With his mantra of "find a way or find an excuse," Ivan's story and positive attitude will inspire you no matter what obstacles you face in your author journey.  " With dyslexia, I have to go from A to B, over to C, then to D, then to E and F. Oh, okay, now I'm where I need to be. It just takes me a diftferen.t path to get tere. And now that I have figured out how to do it, that's the way that I roll." — Ivan Scott In this episode, you will: Gain inspiration and practical insights on how one author has overcome dyslexia-related challenges in writing. Uncover the advantages of self-publishing when rejections from publishers mount. Learn about the impact dyslexia can have on your writing and how to navigate through it. Understand the impor... Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/13984218-breaking-boundaries-the-inspiring-journey-from-dyslexia-to-self-publishing.mp3 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/13984162-traditional-publishing-unveiled-kathy-wagner-shares-her-inside-scoop.mp3 Author Kathy Wagner (no relation to the hosts) shares her journey to a traditional publishing offer, revealing the challenges of gaining media attention and recognition for her memoir, along with the joy of achieving what she had set out to do.  Kathy's story shows us the value of perseverance, and teaches us that there is virtually no path to publishing that doesn't involve some hard work on behalf of the author. Listen as Kathy explores the opportunities and frustrations of being a new author, and pursues the visibility and success she seeks for her book.  Being able to hold on to hope was a lifeline through early grief, and knowing that I could write this book with a purpose of providing hope for others gave me a pathway forward for my own healing. — Kathy Wagner In this episode, you will learn about: The healing power of writing: how one author overcame the challenges of writing through trauma and grief to create a powerful and transformative literary work. Navigatin... Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/13984162-traditional-publishing-unveiled-kathy-wagner-shares-her-inside-scoop.mp3 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/13984162-traditional-publishing-unveiled-kathy-wagner-shares-her-inside-scoop.mp3 Author Kathy Wagner (no relation to the hosts) shares her journey to a traditional publishing offer, revealing the challenges of gaining media attention and recognition for her memoir, along with the joy of achieving what she had set out to do.  Kathy's story shows us the value of perseverance, and teaches us that there is virtually no path to publishing that doesn't involve some hard work on behalf of the author. Listen as Kathy explores the opportunities and frustrations of being a new author, and pursues the visibility and success she seeks for her book.  Being able to hold on to hope was a lifeline through early grief, and knowing that I could write this book with a purpose of providing hope for others gave me a pathway forward for my own healing. — Kathy Wagner In this episode, you will learn about: The healing power of writing: how one author overcame the challenges of writing through trauma and grief to create a powerful and transformative literary work. Navigatin... Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1497340/episodes/13984162-traditional-publishing-unveiled-kathy-wagner-shares-her-inside-scoop.mp3