The Dark Side of Amazon, Kung Fu Chickens, and Our Grand Finale.

The Dark Side of Amazon, Kung Fu Chickens, and Our Grand Finale.

Author: Christopher Aggett April 29, 2026 Duration: 1:14:51
Our final show before we go dark for the 3-Month Writing Challenge is an absolute banger! After over 400 interviews and six years of virtually never taking a Friday night off, we are officially putting the microphones on standby to write a novel in 90 days. To send us off in style, we are joined by the incredible sci-fi and fantasy authors Dominique Mondesir and Gabriel Rathweg, hosts of The Story Forge podcast.

This episode goes deep into the gritty reality of being a working author today. Dom and Gabe pull no punches as we discuss the "dark side" of Amazon's algorithms, the harsh mathematical realities of traditional publishing advances versus indie royalties, and how to actually stand out in a ridiculously saturated market.

Plus, we debut our brand new game, Blurb or Absurd, testing the guys on whether they can spot a real sci-fi/fantasy plot from a completely fake one (Spoiler: Kung Fu chickens and coffee-brewing Orcs are involved).

If you are joining us for the writing challenge or just want an unfiltered look at the publishing industry, this is a must-listen.

Support the show & join the 3-Month Challenge: ✍️ Write your novel with us in just 12 weeks: Join the Challenge on Substack

Connect with Dominique & Gabriel:

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

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🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.

There’s a certain magic that happens when writers talk to other writers, a mix of shared struggle, practical insight, and genuine camaraderie. That’s the space The Writing Community Chat Show occupies every week. Hosted by Christopher Aggett, this live-streamed podcast is built on the belief that "together as one, we get it done," creating a welcoming hub for anyone connected to the literary life. It doesn’t matter if you’re navigating the world of traditional publishing, carving your own path as an indie author, or simply wrestling with that challenging first draft-the conversation here is for you. Each episode delves into the real stories behind the books, exploring the creative processes, the industry hurdles, and the personal journeys of a diverse range of guests. You’ll hear honest discussions about craft, marketing, motivation, and the sheer resilience needed to bring stories into the world. More than just interviews, this podcast fosters a sense of collective support, offering tangible advice and quiet inspiration. Tune in to find your people, pick up a useful tip for your own work, and remember why you started writing in the first place.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Writing Community Chat Show
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