Episode 10

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Published on:

6th Sep 2023

Thrillin' Out with Jack Arbor

In this episode, J Ryan and Keira welcome thriller author Jack Arbor to discuss his action & espionage series The Russian Assassin, the weight of Cold War history, and the challenge of crafting a lovable anti-hero. The conversation also delves into the business side of independent publication and the benefits of cultivating an extensive Beta Reader network.

Episode highlights:

02:58             Growing up during the Cold War – A brief history

07:48             Did you feel the doom? - Anxieties of a new generation

10:06              Character is King: Cold War Edition (Technicality ahead!)

17:22               Welcome Jack Arbor

20:04             Creating Max Austin

24:20             The flavor of a place

35:10              The art of Product Market Fit

40:58             The best sketch artists

46:14              Who would play your main character?

48:00             Jack’s Beta Reader process

54:32             Getting the world right in Book-1

59:44             Bourbon or beer?

1:03:14            Makin’ Coffee

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About the Podcast

The Write Note
Fun and informative discussion on writing and publication for the independent author
The Write Note is a podcast dedicated to independent authors who have a passion for writing, a love of storytelling, and an interest in the independent publishing process. It is hosted by 20-year indie author J Ryan Fenzel and his daughter, Keira F Jacobs, a newbie just getting started on the writer's road. Topic-of-the-month episodes focus on key elements of creative writing and storytelling through tips, tricks, picks, reviews and recommendations. Interview episodes delve into the writing life with indie authors and explore the path to book production with industry professionals. Each show begins with a segment called Character Is King, where the hosts each share a notable fictional character and break down why they're amazing creations. The Write Note is a monthly podcast, and episodes drop at 6:00AM on the first Wednesday of each month.

About your hosts

J Ryan Fenzel

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J Ryan Fenzel is a Michigan author who blends the rich landscape and history of the Great Lakes region with engaging action & adventure storytelling to craft a unique brand of contemporary thriller. In 2006 his debut novel DESCENDING FROM DUTY received widespread acclaim and set the standard of well-balanced plot, action, and characterization that would become the hallmark of his follow-up titles INHERIT ALL THINGS and ALLIED IN IRONS. Fenzel's fourth novel, EQUAL MEASURE, solidified his position as a growing voice in the theatre of action and adventure. In addition to writing, Fenzel has owned and operated Ironcroft Publishing, an independent publishing proprietorship, for 17 years.
You can find him on Instagram @authorjryanfenzel and at his website www.jryanfenzel.com

Keira F. Jacobs

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Keira F. Jacobs is a ya fantasy author. Her debut novel, THE TESTIMONY OF BENDIGO FLETCHER, released Nov. 2022. She has a passion for creating stories that explore deeply rooted emotions and pens characters who are relatable and raw. Her faith in God pushes her to chase the dream He has set in her heart.
She loves to help other authors in their own journey and is passionate about supporting the author community.
You can find her on Instagram @keira.f.jacobs and on Tik Tok @authorkeira.f.jacobs