The Adventurous Author | How to Write a Book, Character Development, Beat Writer’s Block, Creative Writing, World Building

Author DK Drake | Fantasy Author & Coach, Founder of the League of Adventurous Authors

Hey, Time-Strapped Author! Wanna write great fiction? BUT writing is hard because you… - Have NO TIME because you work a full-time job or go to school full-time - Doubt your writing ability - Have no idea how to write the kind of captivating stories you love to read. Then welcome to The Adventurous Author, the podcast with short and entertaining episodes for adventurous authors in high school, college, and beyond. Through these episodes, you will… - Gain confidence in your author identity. - Master the process and structure needed to write captivating stories EVEN WITH limited writing time. - Learn to use AI effectively and ethically to constantly improve your writing skills and story quality. I’m your host D.K. Drake (or am I? 😉), author of the Dragon Stalker Bloodlines Saga. **Spoiler Alert:** D.K. Drake isn’t my real name! Wanna know the mystery behind it? Check out the very first episode! As fantasy author D.K. Drake, I write action-packed, wholesome adventures without the snooze-worthy fluff. But as your personal writing coach, I’m here to unlock YOUR narrative prowess, guide you in crafting spellbinding tales, and navigate the wild world of writing with AI. Adventure awaits, so ignite your imagination, latch on to that dragon swooping overhead, and let the storytelling quest begin. It’s time to play in our own fabulous fantasy worlds. read less
ArtsArts

Episodes

Publish Your Poems! with Poet Barbara Sweeney — 99
Oct 9 2024
Publish Your Poems! with Poet Barbara Sweeney — 99
Whether you are 8 or 80, it’s never too early or too late to become a published author. Today’s guest proves that. I am chatting with Barbara Sweeney, who just happens to be my aunt. For her 80th birthday last year, I offered to compile her poems into a book and publish them for her. It took us almost a year of working together through emails and phone calls to collect the poems she wanted to share, format them, proofread them, create a cover, and finally hit that publish button. And we did so before she turned 81. I’ve written some of my own poems, but I found that Aunt Barbara really is a master of the craft. I enjoyed getting to know this side of my aunt, reading her poems, and now sharing with you the opportunity to experience the comfort, companionship, and wonder these poems afford. I encourage you to head over to Amazon to snag your own copy of Echoes of Grace today. Now listen in as Barbara Sweeney and I talk poetry! Your friend, D.K. Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: “I love The Adventurous Author!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode. And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!
Embrace Your Adventurous Author Identity — 98
Oct 9 2024
Embrace Your Adventurous Author Identity — 98
Did you know that your novel writing success depends on what you believe about YOU?  I believe you can master novel writing even if you have no experience, no credentials, and less than three hours a week to write. The secret lies in embracing your adventurous author identity. That’s what I’ve been doing over this last year and why I’ve changed the name of this podcast to The Adventurous Author. I’ve decided that I get to adventurize novel writing, which allows me to enjoy the process even though the limited time I have to write makes progress slower than I would prefer. When I enjoy the process, I’m motivated to take writing action every day, even if it’s only for 15 minutes at a time. I want you to feel motivated to write consistently, and it stars with your foundational beliefs. Need help believing? Then listen in and adopt The Adventurous Author Creed as Your own. Your friend, DK Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: “I love The Adventurous Author!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode. And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!
094 || Write Stories that are Met with the Silence of Awe
Jan 22 2024
094 || Write Stories that are Met with the Silence of Awe
Today I wanted to share a fun little story that will inspire you to write stories that are met with the silence of awe. I love that phrase: the silence of awe. I wish I had thought of it. But I have to give credit where credit is due…which would be to AI. Actually, the story I’m sharing today was written by AI. I could have made it much better by adding some dialogue and action, but it’s interesting enough to share. You can also read the story on the blog. Enjoy! Your friend, DK Next Steps: Register for your FREE ticket to the Thriving Scribes Summit here. HURRY! The Summit runs from January 22-24. You’ll be able to soak up innovative publishing models, writing methods, & strategies from incredible speakers like… 🎟️ Michael Evans, CEO of Ream, the subscription platform by fiction authors for fiction authors 🎟️ Emilia Rose, serialization and subscription queen 🎟️ Elle Beauregard, experienced co-author 🎟️ Ines Johnson, episodic publishing specialist 🎟️ Kyle Ann Robertson, creative writing coach 🎟️ Brit Poe, aligned publishing connoisseur … and so, so many more, including yours truly! This is an affiliate link, so if you choose to invest in the Scribe Pass that gives you extended access to the recordings from all the fabulous presentations, ways to connect with speakers & other attendees, and oodles of bonus gifts from speakers, I’ll get a small commission. You don’t have to buy anything, though. It’s completely free to attend, and you are going to learn soooo much about the world of publishing! **Register for the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass.** The On-Demand Virtual Experience shows you how to master the art of organizing your story ideas in Notion to set yourself up for fiction writing success. Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: “I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode. And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!
093 || A Poem for the Christian Author who Wants to Write a Book But is Scared to Start
Jan 21 2024
093 || A Poem for the Christian Author who Wants to Write a Book But is Scared to Start
Today I am excited to share a poem with you that I wrote…the prompt for. That’s right. I asked AI to write a poem for the Christian author who wants to write a book but is scared to start. Starting something new can be scary, especially when it’s a big of a dream as a book. But we’ve got God. He’s with us and gives us the ability to craft amazing stories. So listen in with an open heart and let these words inspire to you get your book started. Your friend, DK Next Steps: Register for your FREE ticket to the Thriving Scribes Summit here. HURRY! The Summit runs from January 22-24. You’ll be able to soak up innovative publishing models, writing methods, & strategies from incredible speakers like… 🎟️ Michael Evans, CEO of Ream, the subscription platform by fiction authors for fiction authors 🎟️ Emilia Rose, serialization and subscription queen 🎟️ Elle Beauregard, experienced co-author 🎟️ Ines Johnson, episodic publishing specialist 🎟️ Kyle Ann Robertson, creative writing coach 🎟️ Brit Poe, aligned publishing connoisseur … and so, so many more, including yours truly! This is an affiliate link, so if you choose to invest in the Scribe Pass that gives you extended access to the recordings from all the fabulous presentations, ways to connect with speakers & other attendees, and oodles of bonus gifts from speakers, I’ll get a small commission. You don’t have to buy anything, though. It’s completely free to attend, and you are going to learn soooo much about the world of publishing! **Register for the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass.** The On-Demand Virtual Experience shows you how to master the art of organizing your story ideas in Notion to set yourself up for fiction writing success. Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: “I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode. And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!
092 || New Year, New Me, Same God
Jan 19 2024
092 || New Year, New Me, Same God
2024 has gotten off to a weird start for me, probably because of the way 2023 ended. But it’s a good weird. Listen in for details. Your friend, DK Next Steps: Register for your FREE ticket to the Thriving Scribes Summit here. HURRY! The Summit runs from January 22-24. You’ll be able to soak up innovative publishing models, writing methods, & strategies from incredible speakers like… 🎟️ Michael Evans, CEO of Ream, the subscription platform by fiction authors for fiction authors 🎟️ Emilia Rose, serialization and subscription queen 🎟️ Elle Beauregard, experienced co-author 🎟️ Ines Johnson, episodic publishing specialist 🎟️ Kyle Ann Robertson, creative writing coach 🎟️ Brit Poe, aligned publishing connoisseur … and so, so many more, including yours truly! This is an affiliate link, so if you choose to invest in the Scribe Pass that gives you extended access to the recordings from all the fabulous presentations, ways to connect with speakers & other attendees, and oodles of bonus gifts from speakers, I’ll get a small commission. You don’t have to buy anything, though. It’s completely free to attend, and you are going to learn soooo much about the world of publishing! **Register for the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass.** The On-Demand Virtual Experience shows you how to master the art of organizing your story ideas in Notion to set yourself up for fiction writing success. Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: “I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode. And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!
091 || Fantasy Fiction Friday: Chapter 40 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy
Dec 29 2023
091 || Fantasy Fiction Friday: Chapter 40 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy
It’s the final Fantasy Fiction Friday of 2023. I’ve got chapter 40 of the Dragon Collector cued up for you today. In this chapter, Javan finally comes face to face with his greatest foe, King Omri. Throw in a few evil dragons, one of whom is about to eat his mother, and he finds himself in a world of trouble. How is he going to handle these challenges? Tune in to find out.   Your friend, DK Next Steps: APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE LEAGUE OF ADVENTUROUS AUTHORS: I have opened up the League of Adventurous Authors to new members. We meet live on Zoom each Monday and Friday to share goals, wins, and our stories. One author steps into the spotlight each meeting to read a few chapters of a current writing project. Then we provide live feedback that is encouraging and helps you become a better author. And in the last 10-15 minutes of the meeting, we have a live Q & A time so you never have to feel stuck again. To be considered for this opportunity, simply shoot an email to dk@authordkdrake.com, and I will personally respond with application details. Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: “I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode. And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!
090 || RECEIVE God’s Goodness this Christmas
Dec 25 2023
090 || RECEIVE God’s Goodness this Christmas
Merry Christmas! Today I'm sharing the short program I wrote and performed in with the kids at my church entitled Receive.  Enjoy! Your friend, D.K.   Next Steps: Connect: The best way to get in touch with me is to shoot an email to dk@authordkdrake.com. APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE LEAGUE OF ADVENTUROUS AUTHORS: I have opened up the League of Adventurous Authors to new members. We meet live on Zoom each Monday and Friday to share goals, wins, and our stories. One author steps into the spotlight each meeting to read a few chapters of a current writing project. Then we provide live feedback that is encouraging and helps you become a better author. And in the last 10-15 minutes of the meeting, we have a live Q & A time so you never have to feel stuck again. To be considered for this opportunity, simply shoot an email to dk@authordkdrake.com, and I will personally respond with application details. Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: “I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode. And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!
088 || Wonder How to Brainstorm Your Story Ideas with Confidence? Listen to this LIVE Brainstorming Session.
Nov 17 2023
088 || Wonder How to Brainstorm Your Story Ideas with Confidence? Listen to this LIVE Brainstorming Session.
In today’s episode, you’ll hear me share my ideas for a Christmas play I am writing for my children’s church kids to perform on December 10. Normally, I don’t like like to share my ideas with others until I’ve organized my thoughts and have a clear direction for my story.  The League of Adventurous Authors has changed that. In addition to weekly check-ins to share wins and goals, AI art play days, and Q&A days, we also have Author Spotlight sessions. During these spotlight sessions, one author reads a snippet of a story he’s written, and the members have a chance to provide feedback. In the Spotlight Session you’ll hear today, I am the author sharing a story idea, and then you’ll hear the feedback discussion that followed, feedback that helped me gain clarity about my story so that I was able to write a better draft of the script after this meeting.  If you’re interested in becoming a member of the League of Adventurous Authors, mark your calendars for December 27 when membership reopens. For now, listen in as I share my story ideas, how I used AI to help me write a bad first draft of the play I’m writing, and what feedback the League authors shared. Let’s get to it! Your friend, DK Next Steps: Experience the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass. The On-Demand Virtual Experience shows you how to master the art of organizing your story ideas in Notion to set yourself up for fiction writing success. Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: “I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode. And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!
084 || Fantasy Fiction Friday: Chapter 37 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel
Oct 14 2023
084 || Fantasy Fiction Friday: Chapter 37 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel
Happy Friday! I’m reading chapter 37 of The Dragon Collector for you today.  This chapter starts the setup of the events leading to the end of Act II and the final turning point that launches the story into Act III.  In this chapter, Javan finds himself in the middle of a massive slow-moving crowd. Usually when I’m in a crowd, it’s because I’m on my way to an event like a play or a professional ball game or because I’m at an amusement park and navigating my way to fun rides. The crowds aren’t fun, but the destination is. Not so for Javan. He’s stuck in a crowd that is gathering to watch an execution. Even worse, the person being executed is his mother.  Tune in to find out what he sees and feels and hears as he marches with the crowd. Your friend, DK Next Steps: **Watch the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass.** The On-Demand Virtual Experience is now accessible. Master the art of organizing your story ideas in Notion to set yourself up for fiction writing success. Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: “I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode. And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!
082 || Fantasy Fiction Friday: Chapter 36 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel
Oct 6 2023
082 || Fantasy Fiction Friday: Chapter 36 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel
It’s Fantasy Fiction Friday! Today I’m reading chapter 36 of The Dragon Collector for you. I did not like writing this chapter. An innocent kid got hurt, and I couldn’t let my hero help him. As I wrote the middle part of this chapter, I imagined it from three points of view: my main guy Javan, the kid who got hurt, and the villain Micah who hurt the kid. At first I thought Micah was pure evil for doing what he did. Then I remembered who Micah is and why he felt compelled to do what he did. I thus tacked on the short scene at the end to give you a glimpse into his mind.  Let’s go to Zandador! Your friend, DK Next Steps: **Register for the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass.** The On-Demand Virtual Experience launches October 11! Master the art of organizing your story ideas in Notion to set yourself up for fiction writing success. Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: “I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode. And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!
081 || Why Being a #1 NY Times Bestselling Author is NOT My Goal
Oct 4 2023
081 || Why Being a #1 NY Times Bestselling Author is NOT My Goal
The idea of being a #1 NY Times bestselling author is not something I’m striving for. I’ve tried to make myself want to achieve that goal because I thought it was what I was supposed to want when I decided to be an author. I even did some research to figure out how one goes about reaching such a goal.  The research didn’t change my mind. As a matter of fact, it made me want it less.  Listen in to find out why being a NY Times Bestselling author, #1 or otherwise, is not my goal, and find out what goal I am chasing that does motivate me to write great fiction. Your friend, DK Next Steps: **Register for the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass.** The On-Demand Virtual Experience launches October 11! Master the art of organizing your story ideas in Notion to set yourself up for fiction writing success. Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: “I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode. And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!