<![CDATA[The Darling Killers Podcast]]>The Darling Killers Podcast is hosted by Joan F. Smith, Laura Taylor Namey, and Allison L. Bitz, three traditionally-published authors who met online and have maintained a daily DM for over eight years. Between them, this group of critique partners has fourteen book deals (and counting). Joan, Laura, and Allison talk the real-life realities of being working authors, highlighting everything from how to write a novel to navigating the publishing industry and everything in between, like gut-checking each other on what not to post online, persevering in this career, and how to roll with the painful moments. Join us in our DM. 

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:58:51 GMTMon, 26 Jan 2026 15:10:57 GMT60Joan F. Smith<p>The Darling Killers Podcast is hosted by Joan F. Smith, Laura Taylor Namey, and Allison L. Bitz, three traditionally-published authors who met online and have maintained a daily DM for over eight years. Between them, this group of critique partners has fourteen book deals (and counting). Joan, Laura, and Allison talk the real-life realities of being working authors, highlighting everything from how to write a novel to navigating the publishing industry and everything in between, like gut-checking each other on what not to post online, persevering in this career, and how to roll with the painful moments. Join us in our DM. </p>episodicJoan F. Smithjf.wordsmith@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Where Do You Get Your Book Ideas?]]>The Darling Killers Podcast co-hosts discuss one of the most popular questions they get asked: "Where do you get your book ideas?" Their conversation explores the sources of inspiration for authors, particularly the influence of media like popular TV and movies. Joan, Laura, and Allison discuss their creative processes and the role of unique ideas in storytelling, providing insights into how to generate compelling fiction. They cap off the episode with a quick chat about whether they believe in love at first sight. (S1 E5)

Takeaways

  • Inspiration from Personal Experience
  • Influence of TV and Movies

Chapters

  • 00:00 Inspiration from Personal Experience
  • 10:00 Influence of TV and Movies
]]>1df288c6-a14c-4198-bf23-8e1f2f1ed30fWed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>The Darling Killers Podcast co-hosts discuss one of the most popular questions they get asked: "Where do you get your book ideas?" Their conversation explores the sources of inspiration for authors, particularly the influence of media like popular TV and movies. Joan, Laura, and Allison discuss their creative processes and the role of unique ideas in storytelling, providing insights into how to generate compelling fiction. They cap off the episode with a quick chat about whether they believe in love at first sight. (S1 E5)</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Inspiration from Personal Experience</li><li>Influence of TV and Movies</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Inspiration from Personal Experience</li><li>10:00 Influence of TV and Movies</li></ul>no00:30:3015Where Do You Get Your Book Ideas?full<![CDATA[Plotting vs. Pantsing vs. Plantsing ]]>The Darling Killers Podcast hosts explain what it means to plot fiction, "pants" it, and the hybrid of the two: plants it. Joan, Laura, and Allison discuss the pros and cons of the various methods, including sharing insights on the challenges and rewards of the writing process. As always, they agree you need to know the rules to break them. (S1E4)

Takeaways

  • The writing process involves a variety of methods and preferences, including plotting, pantsing, and dictation.
  • Choosing a book genre can be a personal and creative decision, influenced by individual interests and storytelling styles.

]]>e8f2fb55-ee2c-47a3-87f9-a3affb20e967Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>The Darling Killers Podcast hosts explain what it means to plot fiction, "pants" it, and the hybrid of the two: <i>plants</i> it. Joan, Laura, and Allison discuss the pros and cons of the various methods, including sharing insights on the challenges and rewards of the writing process. As always, they agree you need to know the rules to break them. (S1E4)</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>The writing process involves a variety of methods and preferences, including plotting, pantsing, and dictation.</li><li>Choosing a book genre can be a personal and creative decision, influenced by individual interests and storytelling styles.</li></ul><p></p><p></p>no00:30:3714Plotting vs. Pantsing vs. Plantsing full<![CDATA[The Misconceptions of High Concept]]>We all want it, but do you have it?

High concept is a buzzphrase in the industry, and this episode of The Darling Killers tackles why. Here, Joan, Laura, and Allison provide a definition for high concept work, its characteristics, and methods to test out if your book idea is one that makes people sit up. The hosts chat stakes, fresh takes on familiar themes, and the need for a compelling and easily pitched idea, sharing their own experiences publishing high versus low concept work. They provide examples of high concept books and media, highlighting the impact of high concept ideas on reader engagement and interest. (S1E3)

Takeaways

  • High concept ideas are compelling and grab the reader's attention.
  • High concept books often take a fresh take on something familiar and twist it in a way that is new and exciting.
  • The stakes in high concept are obvious from the beginning, and the idea is easily pitched and sold.
  • High concept ideas can be tested by running them by friends, family, or writing partners to gauge their reaction and interest.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to High Concept
  • 19:37 Defining High Concept
  • 38:11 Testing High Concept Ideas
]]>bfa43a2c-cffd-497a-8601-3d4452476cfcWed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>We all want it, but do you have it?</p><p></p><p>High concept is a buzzphrase in the industry, and this episode of The Darling Killers tackles why. Here, Joan, Laura, and Allison provide a definition for high concept work, its characteristics, and methods to test out if your book idea is one that makes people sit up. The hosts chat stakes, fresh takes on familiar themes, and the need for a compelling and easily pitched idea, sharing their own experiences publishing high versus low concept work. They provide examples of high concept books and media, highlighting the impact of high concept ideas on reader engagement and interest. (S1E3)</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>High concept ideas are compelling and grab the reader's attention.</li><li>High concept books often take a fresh take on something familiar and twist it in a way that is new and exciting.</li><li>The stakes in high concept are obvious from the beginning, and the idea is easily pitched and sold.</li><li>High concept ideas can be tested by running them by friends, family, or writing partners to gauge their reaction and interest.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to High Concept</li><li>19:37 Defining High Concept</li><li>38:11 Testing High Concept Ideas</li></ul>no00:31:4413The Misconceptions of High Conceptfull<![CDATA[The Thing About Career Pivots]]>In this episode of the Darling Killers, Joan, Laura, and Allison explore various themes surrounding writing, career pivots, and personal growth. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating market trends in the publishing industry, the balance between creativity and business, and the role of agents in making career decisions. The hosts discuss their personal experiences with pivoting, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the impact of those market trends on creative decisions.

Takeaways

  • Pivoting in writing careers involves switching audiences or genres, and can be driven by choice or market trends.
  • Maintaining brand elements and reader recognition is important when pivoting to a new genre or age group. (S1E2)

Chapters

  • 00:00 Movie Recommendations and Favorite Scenes
  • 09:42 Pivoting in Writing Careers
  • 16:30 Challenges and Misconceptions of Pivoting
  • 22:08 Balancing Creativity and Business in Writing
  • 44:39 Rapid Fire Game and Host Personalities
]]>c1b31613-1099-4321-8840-f3df2344820eWed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of the Darling Killers, Joan, Laura, and Allison explore various themes surrounding writing, career pivots, and personal growth. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating market trends in the publishing industry, the balance between creativity and business, and the role of agents in making career decisions. The hosts discuss their personal experiences with pivoting, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the impact of those market trends on creative decisions.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Pivoting in writing careers involves switching audiences or genres, and can be driven by choice or market trends.</li><li>Maintaining brand elements and reader recognition is important when pivoting to a new genre or age group. (S1E2)</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Movie Recommendations and Favorite Scenes</li><li>09:42 Pivoting in Writing Careers</li><li>16:30 Challenges and Misconceptions of Pivoting</li><li>22:08 Balancing Creativity and Business in Writing</li><li>44:39 Rapid Fire Game and Host Personalities</li></ul>no00:26:3212The Thing About Career Pivotsfull<![CDATA[Not Like Other Girls]]>The authors' conversation covers book discussions, writing and publishing excitement, TV shows and comfort viewing, unique critique group dynamics, and critique group safety and trust. The speakers share insights into their collaborative writing process and the dynamics of their critique group, emphasizing the importance of trust and safety in their interactions. Next week, they'll talk the quiet part out loud about whether it's a trend or a reality to pivot in author careers.

Follow The Darling Killers podcast on Instagram to join your new writing besties! Comments and questions are encouraged and welcome. https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/

Takeaways

  • Collaborative Writing
  • Critique Group Dynamics

Chapters

  • 00:00 Critique Group Safety and Trust
]]>00555bb7-822a-4f40-a204-27f5ec3159f1Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>The authors' conversation covers book discussions, writing and publishing excitement, TV shows and comfort viewing, unique critique group dynamics, and critique group safety and trust. The speakers share insights into their collaborative writing process and the dynamics of their critique group, emphasizing the importance of trust and safety in their interactions. Next week, they'll talk the quiet part out loud about whether it's a trend or a reality to pivot in author careers.</p><p></p><p>Follow The Darling Killers podcast on <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to join your new writing besties! Comments and questions are encouraged and welcome. <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/</a></p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Collaborative Writing</li><li>Critique Group Dynamics</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Critique Group Safety and Trust</li></ul>no00:23:4211Not Like Other Girlsfull<![CDATA[Our Inciting Incident]]>New podcast alert! In this kickoff bonus episode, Joan, Laura, and Allison's chat revolves around the friendship and collaboration between three authors, their writing and publishing journey, and the birth of their podcast The Darling Killers. The authors discuss their virtual connection, the formation of their group, and introduce their author brands, backgrounds, future projects, and engagement with listeners in this bonus content prelude to a fun first season of author chat. (S1E0)

Follow The Darling Killers podcast on Instagram to join your new writing besties! Comments and questions are encouraged and welcome. https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/

Takeaways

  • Friendship and Collaboration
  • Writing and Publishing Journey

Chapters

  • 00:00 Engaging with Each Other and Listeners
]]>0bcdacd9-a76b-4684-8672-53918a089dd6Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:36:08 GMT<p>New podcast alert! In this kickoff bonus episode, Joan, Laura, and Allison's chat revolves around the friendship and collaboration between three authors, their writing and publishing journey, and the birth of their podcast <i>The Darling Killers</i>. The authors discuss their virtual connection, the formation of their group, and introduce their author brands, backgrounds, future projects, and engagement with listeners in this bonus content prelude to a fun first season of author chat. (S1E0)</p><p></p><p>Follow The Darling Killers podcast on <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to join your new writing besties! Comments and questions are encouraged and welcome. <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/thedarlingkillerspodcast/</a></p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Friendship and Collaboration</li><li>Writing and Publishing Journey</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Engaging with Each Other and Listeners</li></ul>no00:11:521Our Inciting Incidentbonus