Life is just going to get better.

I know it doesn’t feel that way some days, but it will. Everything has it’s seasons, but that’s not what I’m talking about here.

I’m specifically talking about stories.

The creativity landscape is exploding in so many ways: AI, exploitation, cheating, gouging, self-proclaimed gatekeepers, new fees and platform changes….all affecting us all as readers and influencing how we find stories.

Even the video game industry is plagued by corporations only interested in milking you for every penny they can get their greedy hands on.

Doesn’t anyone stop to consider the consequences of such choices?
Nope.

Here’s the secret:

No matter what happens, no matter what platforms, technology or crooked people do, it will only make things better for storytellers who love their readers…and those readers who are looking for such storytellers.

Because we are now standing out as beacons of light and worth.

My desire has always been to be a writer you can count on. To be known for my character, tried by fire over time, with a growing world of stories and experiences that entertain and inspire you. As I get better at this and the publishing industry reveals its greed and deception, these works, I believe, will stand out more and more over time.

My life-long goals and heart-felt desires will actually work.

You mean I actually did something right?

I can’t stop grinning. My cheeks hurt.

What’s Happening Now

Life of Fiction is at a stage of transformation.

This is a slow process, because writing is the priority.
YOU are the priority.

The first step has been to break the content up into more bite-sized pieces. To provide a cleaner experience, focused on exchanges between you and me.

That means streamlining the serial stories, and then publishing smaller books, and then doing something I’ve desired for 10 years and didn’t know how.

Link it all together in dynamic ways.

• Links to secret information

• Interviews with characters

• Hidden lore

• Prizes to those who can solve certain mysteries

• …and more.

I’ll reveal what’s available as things get released.

Have a great day, and even better week!

Remember:

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *the-giddy-happy* Buckley

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You matter. I hope you know that.

When I started this journey with you, I told myself that I would live in this world. That I would write the stories that beat from my heart, and that I would be the best version of myself…for you, and for this community.

I’ve allowed life to knock my from that path.

…and I noticed.

I’m so sorry it took me this long to see it.
Please forgive me.

I will repent of this and refocus my attention where it should be.

-Jaime

P.S. To , , , , and …if you’re still with me, I’d like to start scheduling our Fiction Cartel sessions again. We need a common day…and Tuesdays no longer work for me. I’ll send you all an email with what I can do…but reach out to me if you get a chance.

Let’s put this into motion again.

For those interested:

GEAR GIRLS…has a third album out.

Gnome-Tone Records™ got a hold of me and let me know that the girl’s original album had been remastered and it’s been released. Broke a bunch of gnome records, which is pretty cool. If you’d like to hear this rock music, you can find it on Spotify.

Remember later on this morning….

Come write with us! Bring your personal project and spend an hour with your fellow creators =)

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *rocking-out* Buckley

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Stories. That’s what it’s about.

This week was a reminder of why I love doing what I do, and how blessed I am to be able to create for a living. Spending more time with Wendell, Chuck and Dax has reawakened my passion for this fictional world in so many ways.

Especially music.

NOTE: Hope you enjoyed the taste of ‘Still Here With You’ from Big Benny and the FatBottoms. Your normally scheduled song will return next week (no, we did NOT replace it…this was just a treat).

GEAR GIRLS…Now on TOUR!!

The court yuck is now completely over…and the girls jumped right into touring! The lower districts are booming with the sound of energy and intense rock. No one was prepared for the success this tour has brought not only the girls of the band, but the whole of the city.

Clockworks City will never be the same again.
Gnomes are waking up!

Join millions of gnomes and support to Ezra, Juno and Katt when you buy the album. Cool thing is, you also help support Life of Fiction. You can pay what you want, enjoy the music and still support us so we can keep telling stories.

You can now listen to the whole album on SPOTIFY!

Remember later on this morning….

Come write with us! Bring your personal project and spend an hour with your fellow creators =)

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *rocking-out* Buckley

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Yup. You’re Awesome.

When I woke up this morning, all I could think of was how blessed I felt to have this honor of creating this fantasy world for you. That I get to make a living by encouraging others, to be the very best version of you that you can be.

Whatever that is which you choose to be.

I don’t personally know anyone who has that opportunity.

So…THANK you for that!

GEAR GIRLS…Now on SPOTIFY!!

Not only can you show support to Ezra, Juno and Katt, and the thousands of gnomes in the lower districts of Clockworks City when you buy the album, …you help support Life of Fiction. To make it available to everyone, you can pay what you want, enjoy the music and still support us so we can make more.

…OR/AND you can now listen to the whole album on SPOTIFY!
YEAH BABYYYYYYYY!!!!!

Oh, crap….I almost forgot to include this:

Grab This Cool Shirt!

Are YOU a Writer, or WANT to Be?

Come write with us! Just bring your personal project and spend an hour with your fellow creators =)

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *thinks-you’re-awesome* Buckley

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How was YOUR week?

I really want to know. SO much is happening on a daily basis, I don’t want to lose track of reality and those in the community…so VOTE =)

GEAR GIRLS…You’re Not Alone album

Not only can you show support to Ezra, Juno and Katt, and the thousands of gnomes in the lower districts of Clockworks City when you buy the album, …you help support Life of Fiction. To make it available to everyone, you can pay what you want, enjoy the music and still support us so we can make more.

…but keep an eye out for this album to come out on Spotify in the next two weeks!

All My Personal Trigger Questions Are Included

Yup. Instead of creating another course or a book, I decided to add my personal collection into the online course. So when you complete the program and become a Trigger Architect, you’ll gain access to this treasure collection of Trigger Questions!

Looking for support and inspiration?

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *anti-Substack-Studio* Buckley

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Yeah…that was…painful.

Don’t hate me.
I wanted to see what Substack offered…

Won’t do that again, and I should have known better…but what IF it had been epic?

Right?

So now we know.

Good news is I refused to post it as it was recorded…thankfully I know Substack LIVE absolutely sucks for many of us, no matter what we try. That being said, my videos are all my responsibility, soI downloaded what was recorded and did a minor edit.

BUT WE GOT THE SONG!

[double thumbs up]

Have a great week, you wonderful, crazy-awesome people…and we will see you next time!!

[HUGS]

Looking for support and inspiration?

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *anti-Substack-Studio* Buckley

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My darling wife is ill. Had to be mobile today…but I DID NOT FORGET.

Watch the video, you’ll understand.

Advanced Worldbuilding is REALLY going well!

Check it out for yourself: ADVANCEDWORLDBUILDING.COM

Looking for support and inspiration?

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *Worldbuilding Addict* Buckley

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The impossible has never been more probable than right here. Right now.

Have you ever crafted or achieved something your heart truly wanted?

The first time that happened for me, I married the girl of my dreams…literally. That was 13 children and 25 grandchildren ago (1990). She didn’t know me, but I walked past, said, “Hello,” and a week later, we were engaged.

The second time was wanting to create a comic book based on a story I’d been telling my children at bedtime. That was over a million downloaded copies ago (2005). Everyone I knew told me, “You can’t do that.” So I did.

The third time was when a car accident took the use of my hands and my wife convinced me to take the comic book and turn it into novels instead. “I believe in you,” she said, and propelled me into the universe. In that process, I was told by International and New York Times Bestselling Author, David Farland, “This is best selling material.” The first book in the series spent 4 years in the top 20 Amazon results of its category and sold over 23,000 copies during that time. (2010)

THIS time, I wanted to share the crazy ideas that fuel my creations, cause me to get up every day, anxious to craft the stories and worlds that never stop in between my ears. It had to be a course. It had to show you the process. Then it had to share the formula so you could do it yourself.

It’s done. It’s unlike what you’re likely to find anywhere else…and I’m so confident in it, you have a 14 Money Back Guarantee…and as a gift to you (because I love you), if you use the coupon: MORNINGCOFFEE …you’ll get 25% off.

There are a limited number of these slots AND a time limit placed upon them. This offer is good for the next 2 weeks and ends on March 15th.

Check it out for yourself: ADVANCEDWORLDBUILDING.COM

Looking for support and inspiration?

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *Worldbuilding Addict* Buckley

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People are what matter.

That’s what we forget too often.

When I think about how I’ve made a living since 1986, I can honestly say is comes down to a single issue: Relationships.

Those who know me and interact with me, will likely tell you that they matter to me. They know and feel that they have value to me, because it’s true. They do.

This experience, when you consider it, changes everything. Your interactions with others will have a direct influence on the amount of influence you have as a person. Influence affects al aspects of life.

…but people have to matter to you.

This isn’t about selling to people. It isn’t about getting people to do what YOU want, either.

It’s about caring.

I’ll say it again:
People Matter.

Try something this week, and I’ll prove this to you.

Next time to have to interact with another person — and this could be live, or even over the phone — do this: Before the interaction begins, say: “Hey, before we start, I just want to say ‘Thank you’, if no one else does today. I sure appreciate what you do, and I’m grateful.”

…and notice how the experience improves…for BOTH of you.

Have a great week.

Looking for support and inspiration?

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *I-believe-in-you* Buckley

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Being sick isn’t much fun.

Ya know, I’ve had over two years of NOT having bronchitis, I thought maybe my body did the impossible and overcame chronic bronchitis! Wouldn’t that be great — doctors telling me it’ll never go away, then it does?

But it didn’t.

Drat.

It’s okay though…just not a lot of fun. So I sat about the house Sunday, resting and spending a lot of time on my CPAP machine, hooked up to the oxygen. Then last night, I just couldn’t sleep. Everything hurt….AND, wouldn’t you know it, I was daydreaming about Wendell and the continuation of the Chronicles of a Hero story!

MAGIC was on my mind. Making me giddy and snorting with laughter at time, which made me cough….then I’d laugh more, which made me cough more, until I couldn’t breathe.

Wash, rinse repeat.

They were AMAZING ideas, though! Seriously, you’re going to love the rest of this season!

Oaky…just watch the video…I need to go back to bed, BUT KNOW THAT MASSIVE WRITING IS HAPPENING! Yes indeed.

Illness CANNOT STOP ME!

Cause I love you. Of course =)

Do you write your own stories?

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *all-father* Buckley

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I think we need to pick up our pace.

Strange thing to start out saying for the week, I know. But there are BIG THINGS COMING OUR WAY….and we need to be prepared for them all. Here’s a quick rundown…

Morning Coffee — Short Notes (Feb 9, 2026)

• Had a strange weekend with everyone sick, but we’re finally on the mend and feeling much better.

• We picked up a subscription to Angel Studios, and honestly—it was a great experience. If you enjoy family-friendly and faith-based programming, I highly recommend checking it out.

  • Really enjoyed The Wingfeather Saga animated series.

  • Also watched the animated film David—the music alone was incredible and genuinely moving.

• I continue to believe Substack is an amazing platform, especially for writers—but I also feel strongly that big changes are coming. Major shifts are already happening across publishing and tech, and I think the people who act early and prepare are going to be in a much better position. I also found an interview with Chris Best and Joe Rogan, so check that out.

• Because of that, I’m working on a new online course called Substack for Authors.

  • The goal is to help writers migrate smoothly to Substack.

  • I want to show people the options that are hard to find, help them set things up correctly, and turn their Substack into a well-oiled machine so they can focus on writing.

  • It will also include guidance on being properly indexed with AI and exploring alternatives to Amazon, including selling directly to readers (if that’s something you want).

  • The program has been rebuilt to be shorter and more streamlined due to recent platform changes.

  • Tentative release target is April or sooner.

  • Affiliate options are being considered, but nothing is decided yet.

• Since moving to Substack, I’ve personally seen about 350–500% growth, which is a big part of why I’m so passionate about helping other writers get established now.

• Scoot’s Flash Fiction Friday over on Gibberish is back, and it’s been a lot of fun.

  • If you’re a newer writer—or just want to stretch creatively—I really recommend giving it a try.

• Wrapping up: I’m feeling better physically and mentally, the family’s doing well, and I’m really looking forward to a week focused on writing Chronicles of a Hero.

Do you write your own stories?

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *all-father* Buckley

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LoF 'Daily Use& Saving Up For' List

The future is amazing.

The publishing landscape is growing. So much opportunity, hope, tools, and an ever-growing reader population. What’s even more important s that large corporations like Amazon are voluntarily cutting off their own arms due to greed.

They didn’t have to. They could have shared and treated creators better.

We were, after all, one of the reasons they gained such power and wealth.

…they chose strangleholds instead.

Bad move, cupcake.

This is wonderful for you, though, because readers will gain even more direct access to their favorite writers and creators. People like me.

Now, more than ever, I want to give you ongoing experiences of fiction that you’ll love, share, and keep coming back for more.

No matter what you see or hear in the news, all these changes are fantastic.

Fun Things from the Video

• I’m getting my books set up with Vervante, so you have THE best quality and options….offering ONLY ‘Author Editions’.

• Life of Fiction formatting is changing to be more search friendly. Check it out!

• Our merch store is up, selling, and the hats are SUPER nice! Check it out!

• My granddaughter, Truly, loves jazz!?? Who knew!

Do you write your own stories?

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *father-of-crazy-teens* Buckley

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Life rarely turns out the way you think it will.

Sometimes it turns out much better.

That’s what I’ve been thinking about of late. The things I’ve wanted to do, goals I’ve had, and not a lot of them turned out the way I’d hoped….but then I look back. I look around me. Many aspects of my life are far better than I expected (or deserve).

It’s truly amazing,…and I’m so grateful.

Microwave Version of Today’s Video

• Things are different, but better.

• It’s starting to look like we may gave a double wedding this year (which would be our 3rd double wedding among our children).

• I have several secret projects about complete. One is a paid-subscriber only extra.

• The read aloud activity book for parents (I don’t have an official title yet) is near completion. It’s for bridging the gap with your kids and having a blast as a family reading CHOICES.

• We have fun new merchandise available in our new store (I bought a Dax hat).

• Amazon included AI in our digital books, so I unpublished mine. I’m making the full transition to leave Amazon forever.

• Looking into Vervante as my printing/shipping source — established company, much higher quality than Amazon, ships worldwide.

• Substack has launched Substack TV. We will be creating things for your TV.

• Fiction Cartel tomorrow night. Will be a month or more before there will be another due to family events.

• Don’t forget to join Ann with for her writing sprints! (see below)

• You’re awesome. Always remember that!

Take Advantage of this Opportunity…

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

Remember…TOMORROW NIGHT….

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *father-of-crazy-teens* Buckley

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We had dinner at the ‘possible’ in-laws house last night.

Wonderful time, wonderful family…and the kids/parents meshed together seamlessly.

Had a fantastic time and got to hear everyone’s perspective of these events with Carley and our community’s own Joseph Vickery.

Loved the food. Loved the company. Loved the entertainment.

TASER VIDEO WILL NOT EMBED

Okay, I tried to download it…nope. Then embed it….nope. So here’s the link to watch it, but I don’t know if they’ll leave it up for very long.

Check it out, have a laugh. Click pic below to watch…

Take Advantage of this Opportunity…

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *father-of-crazy-teens* Buckley

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I walked into this Fiction Cartel session feeling unusually optimistic—which, if you know me, should immediately raise suspicion.

But I meant it.

Something about crossing into 2026 feels different. Not louder. Not trendier. Just… clearer. Like a lot of the noise finally shook itself loose in 2025, and what’s left are writers who actually want to do the work.

We had a solid turnout, a relaxed room, and the kind of conversation that only happens when people stop pretending they’ve got it all figured out.

Tonight’s Panel:

• Lisa / – Fantasy/Sci-Fi author, nonfiction writer, and founder of No Stress Writing Academy

• / L.R. Scott (Gibberish) – Serial fiction madman, Flash Fiction Friday ringmaster, and chaos engine

• Anne Kimbrough / – Mystery author, serial storyteller, and professional instigator

• / Dunmore’s Dispatch – Fantasy short stories, worldbuilding essays, and unapologetic snark

• / Falden’s Forge – Epic fantasy in short form, historical grounding, and thoughtful craft analysis

• / LifeOfFiction.com / JaimeBuckley.com – Host, fiction writer, and guy who keeps inviting friends to talk about hard things

The question that started everything

Before we got anywhere near “strategy,” I asked something simpler:

How was 2025—for you, as a writer?

What followed wasn’t a highlight reel. It was honest.

Several panelists described 2025 as a scaffolding year—less about trophies, more about building systems, habits, and confidence. Progress showed up in quieter ways: improved process, stronger craft, better relationships with readers, and learning how to write alongside real life instead of waiting for perfect conditions.

One clear pattern emerged early:
production doesn’t have to explode to matter—but it does have to be sustainable.

Make sure to follow them, and subscribe to their substacks!

• Subscribe to Eric Falden’s Falden’s Forge

• Subscribe to Scoot’s Gibberish

• Subscribe to Deleyna Marr’s Deleyna’s Drift

• Subscribe to Ian Dunmore’s Dunmore’s Dispatch

• Subscribe to Ann Kimbrough’s Tell Me A Mystery

• Subscribe to Jaime’s Life of Fiction / JaimeBuckley.com

  ---

Highlights of the chat…

2025 was widely described as a “scaffolding year.”
Several admitted they didn’t publish as much as they expected to—but they built stronger processes, clearer thinking, and better habits. Fewer trophies, more foundation. That shift reframed “slow” as strategic rather than failed.

Serial fiction quietly dominated the success stories.
More than one panelist credited serialization with producing actual books—not just drafts. Writing in public created momentum, accountability, and a clear path from episodes to finished volumes. One panelist pointed out they’ve never produced books more consistently than after committing to serials.

Production increased even when profit didn’t (yet).
Some were candid about still “muddling through” financially—but also clear that production, consistency, and time usage had dramatically improved. The group repeatedly emphasized that profit is a lagging indicator, not a starting metric.

Short fiction was treated like a training ground, not a sidetrack.
Writing 15–20 short stories over a year sharpened craft fast. One panelist talked about opening an older novel and immediately seeing how much they’d improved—proof that volume plus reflection accelerates growth more reliably than endless polishing.

Burnout, life changes, and “the metagame of writing” were openly acknowledged.
New jobs, shifting schedules, and real-world pressure didn’t stop writing—but they forced adaptations. The group discussed navigating creativity when the muse is missing and learning how to write around life instead of waiting for ideal conditions.

Relationships mattered more than reach.
One of the strongest emotional throughlines of the session was how much writers valued conversations with each other. These weren’t networking moves—they were thinking partnerships that reshaped how panelists approached craft, feedback, and long-term direction.

Substack Notes came up as a personality filter, not a growth hack.
Some panelists leaned into Notes for discovery; others deliberately pulled back. The shared conclusion: Notes work best when used as conversation and play—not obligation. Muting, blocking, and disengaging were framed as healthy, strategic choices.

“Trickles” replaced the myth of the big break.
One of the clearest takeaways of the night was the rejection of overnight success narratives. Small, steady outputs—multiple trickles of work, audience touchpoints, and finished projects—were reframed as how sustainable careers actually form. A few trickles become a stream. Enough streams become a river.

AI wasn’t argued about—it was contextualized.
Rather than panic or hype, the discussion centered on understanding AI’s presence and refusing to live at the extremes. One panelist noted that even writers “against AI” are often already using it indirectly—whether they know it or not—and that clarity matters more than ideology.

SESSION NOTES: Ideas & Strategies in Publishing — 2026

Fiction Cartel Session: January 13, 2026

What’s actually working (even if it’s boring)

When we shifted into tactics, one word kept resurfacing:

Serializing.

For some, serial fiction became the most reliable way they’ve ever produced books—not because it’s glamorous, but because it creates accountability, reader connection, and forward momentum. Even small audiences made a difference. Knowing someone is waiting changes how you show up.

Others talked about rediscovering outlining—not as a creativity killer, but as a container. Having a structure helped keep stories within intended lengths and reduced burnout. The goal wasn’t speed for its own sake; it was finishing.

Short fiction also got its due. Several panelists credited frequent short stories with sharpening their skills, making weaknesses obvious, and forcing them to actually practice the craft instead of endlessly planning.

The takeaway was blunt:
writing regularly beats writing perfectly, and boring consistency compounds.

Notes, discovery, and the “person behind the keyboard”

We spent a surprising amount of time talking about Substack Notes—mostly because nobody uses it the same way.

Some panelists have largely pulled back, overwhelmed by noise. Others (looking at you, Scoot) lean fully into chaos and fun, using Notes as a low-stakes place to experiment, joke, and show personality.

A comment from in the audience nailed it:

“Notes is how you introduce the person behind the keyboard.”

That idea stuck.

The consensus wasn’t “use Notes or else,” but rather: if you do use them, treat them like a conversation, not a broadcast. Mute aggressively. Block without guilt. Don’t confuse engagement with obligation. And above all—be human.

Readers don’t connect to strategies.
They connect to people.

2026 plans: more fiction, more trickles

When we looked forward, nobody announced a master plan to conquer publishing.

Instead, the goals were refreshingly grounded:

• Write more fiction

• Turn serials into books

• Experiment without burning out

• Explore audio and podcast-style storytelling

• Focus on small, repeatable “trickles” instead of chasing one massive win

That led to one of the night’s strongest metaphors:
a single trickle doesn’t look like success—until you realize how many of them you can build.

A few trickles make a stream.
A few streams make a river.

Overnight success, as always, takes decades.

Closing thoughts

This session wasn’t about hacks.
It wasn’t about beating algorithms.
It wasn’t about predicting the future.

It was about writers choosing to:

• finish things

• stay visible without selling themselves out

• build relationships instead of chasing numbers

• and keep going, even when progress looks small

That’s not flashy.
But it works.

Join Us NEXT Time.

Fiction Cartel will continue throughout 2026, and if this session was any indication, we’re just getting warmed up.

Bring your questions.
Bring your doubts.
Bring your half-formed ideas.

We’ll bring the conversation.

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026

What Do YOU Want To Know?

• Do you have questions you’d like us to answer?

• Do you have something else you want to know that The Fiction Cartel can discuss next time?

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➡️ Want to join live next time? The link is ALWAYS THE SAME =)
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Hope you enjoyed the video. Drop a comment below and let me know!

Have a great day. Have a great week!

Remember:

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *the-creative-addict* Buckley

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DARLING WIFE!

Now I need to go get her a present.

…my smile isn’t enough anymore.

Kidding.

It is enough…I’ve got charm.

This is why I write so much fiction.

…because I’m delusional.

It’s been a fantastic week, even better weekend, and this week will be amazing as well…I can feel it.

Hope your day is exceptional, and your week is better than you think it’ll be.

Oh! OH!! REMEMBER……

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Take Advantage of this Opportunity…

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

Remember,

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *knows-you’re-awesome* Buckley

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2026 is here and it’s gonna be better than a team of gnomes high on giggle-juice.

Seriously. I’ve seen it.

You’re likely to see changes slowly over the next few months, as I adjust to new tools, the completion of new (secret) projects, and finding my creative rhythm. Things I’ve been working on for a long time and now they get their moments in the light.

I’ve lost much of my taste for things like ‘notes’ on Substack, at least for now…so my attention will be spent mostly on writing, creating, publishing and connecting with you via comments.

We’ll try that for a while and see how that goes.

So much to do. So much to do.

Hope your holidays were lovely, and even more so…I hope you have amazing plans to conquer this year.

That’s my own focus.

The key word is…MAGICAL.

Remember that.

MAGICAL.

…come one, say it with me….

MAAAAGICAL.

(grin)

I knew you could do it.

Take Advantage of this Opportunity…

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY mornings at 9am Pacific, ’s Ann Kimbrough, will encourage you, make you smile, and give you that much-needed nudge to accomplish your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

Remember,

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *knows-you’re-awesome* Buckley

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Want to contribute, but don’t want to do it through a paid subscription? Why not consider helping Jaime with supplies or gear to keep LoF going? Or maybe send him a treat for all his hard work (Coke Zero, yum)? He keeps a public list of what he’s saving up for…

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Thank you for your support.

It’s been a good year, with many achievements. Moving to Substack in 2022 was the best writing decision I’ve made since 1986…and it keeps getting better.

…mostly because of the new friends I’ve made.

Yes, I’m talking about you, silly.

Hope you had a great year.
Hope you have plans for New Years Eve.
Hope 2026 is the best year of your life.
…I’m expecting it to be mine.

DON’T FORGET

WEDNESDAY morning at 9am Pacific, with ’s Ann Kimbrough, for your weekly writing progress!!

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I hope you liked this story.
Now on Sale until January 1st…then it goes into the vault until next season.

Buy YOUR Copy!

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *everything-is-about-to-get-better* Buckley

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I hope you have a lovely week.

Have fun.

Love everyone.

Savor the moments.

See you next week.

DON’T FORGET

WEDNESDAY morning at 9am Pacific, with ’s Ann Kimbrough, for your weekly writing progress!!

Join The Sprint!

I think you’ll like this story.
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Regardless of what you choose, always remember…

You are MORE than you THINK you are!

Until Next Time,

Jaime *changing-everything-for-the-BETTER* Buckley

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Buy a Shirt, Hoodie, or Mug!

If you would you like to help Jaime with office supply needs, or send him a treat, you can. He keeps a public list of what he’s saving up for to buy for Life of Fiction when he has the funds.

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