The Writer's Mindset

We recently went live over on YouTube to talk all things ghost-story writing with Matty Dalrymple, from The Indy Author, and Daniel Willcocks, from Activated Authors. Here's the recording from the live.If you'd prefer to watch it, you can find a recording of the stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax5GPypvkyo

It's time for a very important announcement!Productivity for Writers: https://amzn.to/3Yie2zq *Writing Myths: https://amzn.to/3VXeSQG *How to Write Believable Characters: https://amzn.to/3VTr2df *Backstory course: www.writerscookbook.com/backstoryMerch: www.writerscookbook.com/merchChatter – Ethan Kross: https://amzn.to/3FrPxqX *Kristina's author website: www.kristinaadamsauthor.comKristina's content marketing website: www.kristinaproffitt.comKristina's blog: www.writerscookbook.comEllie's Twitter: www.twitter.com/ebettswriter*Affiliate link

As you've probably noticed, we're trying to make things easier for ourselves by using a pre-recorded intro/outro. Turns out that recording that was easier said than done. Here's what happened behind the scenes…

Basically a compilation of all the times we couldn't speak or got interrupted while recording season 6.

Gail Carriger has multiple NYT bestsellers and over a million books in print in dozens of different languages. She writes comedies of manners mixed with urban fantasy (and sexy queer joy as G. L. Carriger). She is best known for the Parasol Protectorate and Finishing School series. She was once an archaeologist and is fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea.In this episode, you'll learn:Why analytics for authors are so importantWhat you should be trackingWhere to get your data fromHow data helps you make better decisionLinksGail Carriger's websiteGail's redirection post

It's easy to lose momentum as you write, spending all your energy on your beginning and fizzling out as you push yourself to finish your book. But your climax is one of the most important parts of your book. Here's how to make sure your ending is epic.In this episode, you'll learn:How a bad (or no) climax can make your readers feelWhy your book doesn't have to have lots of twists to have a great endingThe importance of triggering an emotional reaction in your readers

This week on The Writer's Mindset we share tips on how you can create a large, diverse cast of characters your readers will love just as much as you do.In this episode, you'll learn:Why it's important to have a diverse castWays to bring your characters to life

Visit www.writerscookbook.com/backstory today to grab your spot

Clarissa has always lived more in the world of daydream and fiction than in reality. In her writing she explores purpose and belonging across worlds. Having never found an actual portal to faeryland, she creates her own fantastical worlds where dragons, fae and other magical creatures rule.She now lives in the Netherlands with her family, where she writes as much as they will let her. When not reading or writing, she drinks too much tea and has a burgeoning obsession with Bundt cakes.Clarissa is the author of the "Dragons of Kaitstud" and "Lost Princess of Starlight" YA fantasy series, and the "Expat Life" series of non-fiction guides for families moving, and living, abroad.She is an admin for the 365 Writing Challenge, an international group that supports people to build the habit of writing. And she is one of the co-hosts of the Reading Queens podcast, which discusses mainly young adult fantasy books and their major tropes.In this episode, you'll learn:Why accountability can be a great motivational toolThe downsides to NaNoWriMoIdeas for flexible writing habits you could tryLinksClarissa's website

Part two of our interview with Gail!Gail Carriger has multiple NYT bestsellers and over a million books in print in dozens of different languages. She writes comedies of manners mixed with urban fantasy (and sexy queer joy as G. L. Carriger). She is best known for the Parasol Protectorate and Finishing School series. She was once an archaeologist and is fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea.In this episode, you'll learn:Why analytics for authors are so importantWhat you should be trackingWhere to get your data fromHow data helps you make better decisionLinksGail Carriger's websiteGail's redirection postTime stamps00:00 – Intro1:53 – Where to start14:04 – Blog tours: are they worth it?17:38 – Is it ever too late to start?20:02 – Don't carry stats in your head30:51 – Which data source changed Gail's life?35:17 – Keep in touch

Part 2 coming next week!Part one of our interview with Gail if you'd prefer to listen to it in two chunks :)Gail Carriger has multiple NYT bestsellers and over a million books in print in dozens of different languages. She writes comedies of manners mixed with urban fantasy (and sexy queer joy as G. L. Carriger). She is best known for the Parasol Protectorate and Finishing School series. She was once an archaeologist and is fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea.In this episode, you'll learn:Why analytics for authors are so importantWhat you should be trackingWhere to get your data fromHow data helps you make better decisionLinksGail Carriger's websiteGail's redirection postTime stamps0:00 – Intro 4:15 – Why Gail loves data6:17 – What should authors be tracking and why?13:06 – data sources20:17 – Preorder launch tracking21:52 – The minimum things you should be tracking26:19 – Cosmo crashes the podcast27:15 – How data informs career choices30:34 – Tools to track 37:57 – Newsletter sign up tracking46:06 – Social media tracking

Shane Millar is a Fictionary Certified Story Coach and the author of the Write Better Fiction craft guides. He is also the author of the Myth & Magic urban fantasy thriller series (writing as S. W. Millar).Shane holds a BA in journalism and is a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi). He lives in Buckinghamshire, England.He has taken too many writing courses to count and enjoys reading as much as possible. Shane is obsessed with five things: the writing craft, mythology, personal development, food, and martial arts movies.In this episode, you'll learn:How to use the 5 senses when plottingWhy your plot should be flexibleHow much depth your plot really needsWhy every book is differentLinksAuthor Site: https://swmillar.comPodcast: https://www.storytellersfaceoff.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/swmillarauthorTikTok: https://https://www.tiktok.com/@swmillarauthor

Clare grew up in Somerset but has lived most of her adult life in Nottingham, with brief sojourns in four other UK cities.She began her career as a journalist with the Nottingham Post group before working as a press officer and communications manager in the Government Communications Network. She began writing her first novel, Blue Tide Rising, while studying for an MA in Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University.Blue Tide Rising was published in 2019 by independent publisher Inspired Quill. Clare's second novel The Strawberry Girl is due out in May 2023.Clare is also a creative writing tutor who runs workshops across Nottinghamshire. For six years She ran Writing for Wellbeing sessions at the Maggie's Cancer Centre, Nottingham. She currently handles PR and media for Nottinghamshire Hospice.Links:Clare's website Clare's Twitter Books mentioned:Blue Tide Rising - Clare Stevens *Feel the Fear and do it Anyway - Susan Jeffers *What Happens in New York - Kristina Adams ** Affiliate link

J. W. Judge is a lawyer by day and a novelist in the early morning hours before the sun wakes all the other creatures. His writing is fueled by vivid dreams and an overactive imagination. He is the author of the dark fantasy trilogy The Zauberi Chronicles and has most recently written a book for writers, Write Your Novel One Day at a Time: How to Write a Novel While Having a Career, a Family, and a Life.

Becca Syme is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and holds a Master's degree in Transformational Leadership. She is the host of the Quitcast for Writers and the teacher of the popular Write Better-Faster class. Becca has coached 5700+ authors using success alignment and predictive reasoning to help authors write and market better-faster. She lives in the mountains of Montana where it is always winter and never Christmas.In this episode, you'll learn:What author burnout looks likeWhy so many writers go through burnout more than onceHow to avoid burning out - even if you're on the precipiceHow long it takes to recover from burnout

Matty Dalrymple podcasts, writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage as The Indy Author. She is the host of THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST and the author of THE INDY AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO PODCASTING FOR AUTHORS. She is also the co-author, along with Mark Leslie Lefebvre, of TAKING THE SHORT TACK: CREATING INCOME AND CONNECTING WITH READERS USING SHORT FICTION.​Matty is also the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including CLOSE THESE EYES. Matty is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.​Matty lives with her husband, Wade Walton, and their dogs in Chester County, Pennsylvania.In this episode, you'll learn:How writing short fiction differs from writing novel length worksWays to market short fictionThe business of short fictionLinks:Matty's website The Indy Author podcast Stark Reflections on PublishingBooks discussed:Taking the Short Tack - Matty Dalrymple and Mark Leslie Lefebvre *Anne Kinnear Suspense Shorts - Matty Dalrymple *Anne Kinnear Suspense Novels - Matty Dalrymple *Lizzy Ballard Thrillers - Matty Dalrymple **Affiliate link

Lauren is a fantasy author of character-driven stories and epic adventure. Her books usually contain dragons, bucket-loads of magic, and are typically fun and hopeful.She lives in a tiny village in the English countryside, has a degree in Psychology, and was a professional copywriter before going full-time as an author—swapping corporate copy for magic and dragons!In this episode, you'll learn:How in-person events can benefit writersThe different ways to monetise your booksHow to build a fanbase

Jeff Elkins writes stories about outsiders who fight for outcasts, rejects, and the oppressed. He is the author of more than ten novels, a Certified Three Story Method Editor, and the host of the Dialogue Doctor podcast. During the day, he leads the writing team for a training company that simulates difficult conversations. He lives north of Baltimore, Maryland with his wife of twenty-years and his five kids.In this episode, you'll learn:The benefits of writing a dialogue-centric first draftHow to add more emotion into your writingWhy character interaction is so importantHow to write a dialogue-centric first draft

In our first episode of season six, we bring back past guests Elizabeth Spann Craig, Alexa Whitewolf, Matty Dalrymple, and Daniel Willcocks to ask them what they wish they'd known before they published their first book.

To tide you over during the summer, we've put together compilations of some of the best bits from previous interviews. This week, we share our guests' top tips on characters and theme.

To tide you over during the summer, we've put together compilations of some of the best bits from previous interviews. This week, we share our guests' top tips on dealing with overwhelm.

To tide you over during the summer, we've put together compilations of some of the best bits from previous interviews. This week, we share our guests' top tips on plotting.

More furry interrupts and times we just couldn't brain.

While it may sound counterproductive, rest is an important part of being a productive writer. It can help us to concentrate and feel calmer. It can even help us to problem solve!In this episode, you'll learn:What rest ACTUALLY is (and why most people get it wrong)How just a little bit of rest can help you get more doneWhy rest is so important to our wellbeingDifferent things you can try as a form of rest

Helen Scheuerer is the YA fantasy author of the bestselling trilogy, The Oremere Chronicles and the Curse of the Cyren Queen quartet. Her work has been highly praised for its strong, flawed female characters and its action-packed plots. More recently, she has also delved into publishing advice for authors with her debut nonfiction book, 'How To Write A Successful Series'.Helen's love of writing and books led her to pursue a Bachelor of Creative Writing at the University of Wollongong and a Masters of Publishing at the University of Sydney. Now a full-time author, Helen lives amidst the mountains in Central Otago, New Zealand and is constantly dreaming up new stories.In this episode, you'll learn:How to get started with your seriesThe importance of a series bibleHow to handle series fatigueThe benefits of outlining your series

Shane Millar is a Fictionary Certified Story Coach and the author of the Write Better Fiction craft guides. He is also the author of the Myth & Magic urban fantasy thriller series.Shane holds a BA in journalism and is a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi). He lives in Buckinghamshire, England.He has taken too many writing courses to count and enjoys reading as much as possible. Shane is obsessed with five things: the writing craft, mythology, personal development, food, and martial arts movies.In this episode, you'll learn:The key ingredients every book beginning needsWhy it's important to hook your reader from the startWhere newbie - and experienced - writers go wrong with their beginnings

Tammi Labrecque lives in Central Maine with three spoiled cats, two neurotic dogs, and dozens of fictional characters that keep her awake nights.She writes under a few pen names across several genres, including urban fantasy, thriller, and LitRPG.Under her own name, you can find her writing romance novels that no one reads or teaching at newsletterninja.net.In this (mammoth) episode, you'll learn:What a reader magnet is and why they matterWhat types of stories are the most effective reader magnetsHow to handle feeling completely overwhelmed by everything you have to do as an indie authorEmail content idea generation tipsLinksGet your freebie from Tammi

Gudrun is a copywriter and content marketer who helps businesses to make the most of their best content. History is her real passion and she joined us to share some spooky stories, local tales, and content ideas.In this episode, you'll learn:How obsessed with history and ghost stories Kristina and Ellie areSpooky stories and locations to inspire your fiction

Libbie Hawker is a bestselling novelist who specializes in historical and literary fiction. She is also the author of the popular how-to guide Take Off Your Pants: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing. She also publishes under the names Olivia Hawker and Libbie Grant, and she has been a finalist for the Washington State Book Award and the Willa Literary Award for Historical Fiction.In this episode, you'll learn:The benefits of having a plot/outline before you beginWhy you don't need to know every last detail before you start

G.M. White has always been an avid reader, a love of the written word instilled in him by his parents at an early age. This may or may not have something to do with the fact that he was a very talkative child and the only time he was quiet was when he had his head in a book. Anyway, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt on that one.He lives on St Martin's, in the Isles of Scilly, with his wife and son. Like many people on the islands he wears a few different hats. Now a full time stay at home dad, he also works several part time jobs, is on the local Coastguard rescue team, sits on the committee for St Martin's Island Hall and Reading Room, plays cricket (poorly) for St Martin's Cricket Club, and somehow finds time to write.In this episode, you'll learn:Common book cover mistakesWhy genre research is importantHow fantasy covers have changed over time

Gail Carriger has multiple NYT bestsellers and over a million books in print in dozens of different languages. She writes comedies of manners mixed with urban fantasy (and sexy queer joy as G. L. Carriger). She is best known for the Parasol Protectorate and Finishing School series. She was once an archaeologist and is fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea.In this episode, you'll learn:The differences between The Hero's Journey and The Heroine's JourneyWhy The Heroine's Journey is often looked down on or forgottenThe importance of reader expectationsFind GailWebsite: https://gailcarriger.com/Facebook: https://gailcarriger.com/FBInstagram: https://instagram.com/gailcarriger/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gailcarrigerYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gailcarriger

Miriam is a 5x bestselling children's book author and the CEO of ML Publishing. It's her absolute joy to work with other authors and watch their books empower children.In this episode, you'll learn:How Miriam achieved a Guinness World Record on her blogWays to grow your confidence to build your audienceThe importance of knowing your why(NB: The nutrition episode of HEALTHY HABITS will be out towards the end of this month)

This week on The Writer's Mindset we share all the writing techniques, hacks, tips, resources, and more that have improved our craft over the last several years.In this episode, you'll learn:How breaking your book down into smaller chunks can help you get more doneThe difference accountability can makeWhy Scrivener and Plot Factory are better than Word or Google Docs for writing a bookWhy we ate our words on worldbuildingListen to our new bonus series HEALTHY HABITS over at patreon.com/writersmindset.LinksThe Writer's Mindset Facebook groupPlot Factory *Scrivener *TickTick *Books MentionedThe Ghost's CallThe Mummy's CurseThe Necromancer's SecretThe Witch's SacrificeHow to Write Believable Characters*Affiliate link. It won't cost you any extra to purchase through this link, but we will get a small commission.

C.L. Peache currently lives in Newark-On-Trent. In her spare time she enjoys reading, travelling, walking, kayaking, watching motorbike racing, socialising and drinking coffee.She loves writing, but the characters decide which story she's going tell and she doesn't have much say in it! She writes many different genres including: chick-lit, fantasy, cosy fiction, horror, thrillers and travel books.In this episode, you'll learn:How publishing through an app differs to other publishing methodsHow reading on an app changes the readers' experienceWhat C.L. Peache's writing process is likeTo join us for our new series, HEALTHY HABITS, become a patron today: Patreon.com/writersmindset

Mark Leslie Lefebvre is the Director of Business Development for Draft2Digital, a free and author-centric platform celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022. Mark has worked in the book industry since 1992, the same year his first short story appeared in print. His past roles include President of the Canadian Booksellers Association, Chair of the Professional Advisory Committee for Sheridan College's Honors Degree Program in Writing and Publishing, and Director of Self-Publishing and Author Relations for Rakuten Kobo, where he created and launched Kobo Writing Life. He is the host of the weekly Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing Podcast; and writing mostly under the name Mark Leslie, has released more than 30 books that include fiction, urban fantasy, horror, true-story paranormal, and guide-books for authors.In this episode, you'll learn:What it means to publish wideWide marketing techniquesHow long it takes to see success when you publish wideThe biggest challenges wide authors faceVisit Mark's website: www.markleslie.ca

Sacha Black is a bestselling and competition winning author, rebel podcaster, speaker and casual rule breaker. She writes about people with magical powers, sapphic fiction for teens and other books about the art of writing.In this episode, you'll learn:Why we love a good villainHow to give your villains more depthWhy you shouldn't use mental health conditions as motivation for your villainWhat soul scars are and how to use themJoin us for our new HEALTHY HABITS series over on Patreon: www.patreon.com/writersmindset

While we set up for season five, check out this bonus episode, taken from our interview with Daniel Willcocks. It's full of juicy tips to help you on your self-publishing journey, whether you're just starting out or you've been publishing for years.

While we set up for season five, check out this bonus episode, taken from our interview with Sacha Black. In it, she talks all about how she juggles writing and parenting.

In our new bonus series, Kristina explores the techniques she uses to manage her chronic health issues while still writing, publishing, and podcasting. Find out more about this exclusive new series in our introductory episode.To listen to the full series as it goes live, join us on Patreon over at https://www.patreon.com/writersmindset

While we set up for season five, check out this bonus episode, taken from our interview with Jonathan Taylor. Kristina just couldn't help talking about ghost stories with him, but it ended up leading them down an interesting path where they discuss the links between horror and comedy.

All the times we couldn't speak, pets interrupted us, or we went on random segues during season four.

How do you get over your hatred of worldbuilding enough to publish a fantasy series? Kristina shares her tips in our latest episode!In this episode, you'll learn:Why Kristina hated worldbuilding so muchHow planning and outlining can helpShow notes:00.00 – Introductions 02.30 – Have you seen our awesome merch?!03.50 – Our favourite fictional worlds.06.15 – Kristina used to HATE writing fantasy.09.50 – What was the biggest barrier between Kristina and writing a fantasy series.11.30 – It all came to her in a dream…12.20 – Then she had to start worldbuilding…15.40 – Don't forget about outlining!16.50 – How does worldbuilding feel a couple of books in?18.00 – Balancing worldbuilding and relationships.21.15 – Where did the inspiration for Empath come from?26.35 – Goals, goals, goals!29.10 – How do you know when a book is ready?29.45 – Incorporating concepts from other books.31.10 – Why mummies, ghosts and necromancers? 32.50 – Need a coma? Add mummies.34.40 – How to approach worldbuilding.36.25 – Write. Stuff. Down.38.00 – Separate different brain tasks.40.30 – Which book changed Kristina's life?LinksThe Writer's Mindset Facebook groupVampire AcademyGateway SeriesDresden FilesWorld of Linaria

You might know them as hosts of the very entertaining podcast, The Email Marketing Show, or as the founders of the survey platform that makes you sales, ResponseSuite – our guests this week are fast becoming recognised as two of the most dynamic speakers in the world and for reshaping the way we think about email marketing…Red-haired Rob is a comedy stage hypnotist, and platinum-haired Kennedy a psychological mind reader (or mentalist as they call it in the US), who have spent almost 18 years each relying on their skills of getting into other people's heads to carve out successful careers in show-business.Now as founders of EmailMarketingHeroes.com, Rob and Kennedy's mission is to save the world from that grubby old-fashioned email marketing we've all grown to loathe, and give others the tools to become the Email Marketing Heroes in their small businesses.Wherever you happen to be in your relationship with email marketing, Rob and Kennedy are here to help you make more sales and grow your business by sending more emails that people love receiving.In this episode, you'll learn:How storytelling is the key to writing better emailsWhy understanding psychology will get you more clicksWhy you're probably not sending enough emailsHow to overcome your fear of sellingShow notes:00.00 – Introductions 03.20 – Ellie would rather be writing - check out our merch!04.10 – Interview with Rob and Kennedy.07.15 – Why do authors need email marketing?11.40 – Do marketing strategies change depending on the product?15.30 – Psychology and marketing.17.30 – Start with the least boring thing that started in the last 24 hours.23.50 – Focus on what you are good at. 24.30 – What are the big marketing mistakes people make?27.30 – Should we be emailing our mailing list every day?32.40 – Busy or plain emails?36.00 – Create an image with words.37.50 – Should we show them ALL the links?41.40 – What should I write about if I have nothing to sell?44.40 – …and how often should we be trying to sell?48.30 – How to approach the fear of selling.50.50 – Keep repeating the same content.54.00 – Stroppy unsubscribers again.59.30 – What is the biggest tip that Rob and Kennedy can give us?1.00.00 – Which book changed Rob and Kennedy's life?1.02.00 – Where can you find out more about Rob and Kennedy?

Debbie is the author of nine novels across two series, 7 in the Sophie Sayers Village Mysteries, and 2 in the Staffroom at St Bride's series, currently writing the third. She writes a blend of cosy mystery and romantic comedy and is a course tutor in self-publishing for Jericho Writers and a UK Ambassador for the Alliance of Independent Authors, for whom she has also written how-to books for authors. She runs the Hawkesbury Upton Literature Festival in the Cotswolds, which she founded in 2015. Two of her novels have been shortlisted for The Bookbrunch Selfies Awards, given for the best independently-published fiction in the UK (in 2020 and 2021).In this episode, you'l learn:How cosy mysteries differ from other crime genresWays to improve your writing craftBook marketing methods that work for cosy mysteriesShow notes:00.00 – Introductions 05.30 – Interview with Debbie Young06.30 – What is a cosy mystery?10.20 – Setting and worldbuilding in cosy mysteries.13.35 – It all started with Holmes.16.40 – Branching out to different genres.18.20 – Writing different relationships. 23.20 – Surprising the reader, and the writer!24.45 – How does Debbie feel about outlines?27.40 – How long does it take to write her first drafts?30.30 – Where do authors go wrong writing cosy mysteries?38.20 – How do we develop our cosy mystery writing skills?42.30 – Eavesdropping for your writing career.44.20 – The good and the bad of marketing.50.00 – Newsletters swaps.51.30 – Facebook ads.53.30 – Which book changed Debbie's life?55.50 – Where can we find out more about Debbie?

Kenny MacKay is the host of the Author Your Dream podcast, a show he launched in March of 2020. As an author himself, he knows what it's like to have no idea what you're doing, and aims to answer the questions many aspiring authors are asking. Kenny lives in the UK with his wife and three kids.In this episode, you'll learn:Where Kristina's been for the last two weeks - and what it taught herWhy having a website is important for every authorHow to choose a domain name and website hostThe pages every author website needsWhat to avoid on your websiteShow notes:00.00 – Introductions01.15 – Kristina lets her blog rant out.02.42 – Ellie breaks the rules and have 2 things that make her feel productive.04.10 – Kristina it now THAT person.12.00 – Interview with Kenny MacKay.12.30 – Finding the right people to connect with.15.00 – Remembering what people don't know.16.50 – Why do authors even need websites?19.30 – What does every author page need?22.20 – What kind of domain extension should you go for?25.10 – Don't waste your time on sliders!28.40 – Keep everything three clicks away.29.40 – Kristina drops the B-word.33.20 – What even is a website host?37.50 – Which host would Kenny recommend?39.30 – But I can get all of this for free, can't I?42.00 – Obnoxious coffee all the way.42.50 – Website priorities when you're on a budget.47.50 – Which design features should we be using?52.00 – How do we feel about backgrounds?55.20 – How to create a great author website in 3 tips.57.25 – Which book changed Kenny's life?59.10 – Where can we go to find out more about Kenny?Check out Kristina's interview on Kenny's podcast here: https://authoryourdream.com/episode/writing-myths/

Lori Vajda, MSW, Founder and CEO of GB Brand Partners, and co-founder of Sticky Brand Lab. She'd describe herself as a multi-hyphenated, multi-faceted individual as she believes each of us is, even if we don't always think of ourselves that way. Just like you, the whole of who she is, is made up of all her life, career, and personal experiences. Gratefully, those experiences have guided her to where she is today.For more than a decade she's have been infusing her background as a therapist, dating coach, and content entrepreneur into all her career interests and pursuits including her current role as a podcaster. Now she shares her knowledge and experience with professional, multifaceted individuals to inspire, empower, support, and help guide their career diversification so they can create multiple streams of income through entrepreneurship. Nola Boea is president and podcast co-host with CEO Lori Vajda, of Sticky Brand Lab, where her love of entrepreneurship and her MBA combine to help people start side businesses and diversify their income.For the last 15 years, she's also worked full time with a nonprofit humanitarian organization. She has traveled to 16 developing countries, primarily as a staff writer and grant administrator, with the lofty goal to alleviate worldwide poverty. Currently, she fills an operational role focused on strategy development and change management.Throughout her career, Nola has almost always held a side business (or two), such as developing websites, freelance copywriting, and business consulting. The common thread: she enjoys helping people help people.Born in Alaska, Nola currently works and podcasts remotely, surrounded by trees in the deep rural south.In this episode, you'll learn:How to spot the signs of burnoutHow much time you should commit each dayWays to build resilienceShow notes00.00 – Introduction03.25 – Interview with Lori and Nola.03.50 – Who are Lori and Nola?05.00 – Nola's box of notes.05.30 – Why do people set up side businesses?11.35 – What are common pitfalls of balancing multiple sources of income?14.10 – How long does it take for a side business to feel worthwhile?25.00 – What is the biggest issue people face when it comes to setting up a side business?27.40 – Balancing your expertise.29.00 – Creating for yourself can feel more rewarding, but…32.00 – Keep taking those little steps.33.20 – Where am I giving away my time?37.00 – Follow your energy, follow your creativity.41.30 – How much time should you set aside per day to start your side business?44.00 – Making Millie steps.45.24 – How do you know if you've taken on too much?47.40 – Recognising the signs of burnout, and reducing the effects.51.30 – Rest is about breaking the routine.54.15 – Manage your expectations.57.00 – Work with your brain type.1.00.50 – Give yourself extra time.1.01.00 – Which book changed Nola's life?1.01.00 – Which book changed Lori's life?1.08.00 – Where can you find out more about Lori and Nola?LinksSticky Brand LabThe Writer's Mindset Facebook group

Children's book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, two Junior Library Guild selections, two NCTE Notable Children's Book in Language Arts, and a 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Books. She's the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor's Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children's literature.In this episode, you'll learn:How to market a self-published children's bookWhether you should write for children, teachers, or parents/guardiansHow to grow your children's fiction-writing skillsShow notes:00.00 – Introduction01.50 – Come and join the gang!02.30 – Interview with Darcy Pattison.03.20 – Why go Indie as a children's author?04.30 – What has changed in the indie publishing industry in the last 8 years?06.10 – Does being a teacher help?07.25 – Mindset is the most important factor in learning to build your writing business.08.10 – Getting to know your audience.10.15 – Why focus on recent publications?11.10 – Working with short attention spans.13.50 – Do children's books get marketed towards the readers or their parents/teachers?16.00 – Why is that adult reader this story in particular?17.45 – How do you market children's books?22.00 – Trying different marketing methods.23.50 – Which book changed Darcy's life?27.20 – Where can you find out more about Darcy?Links:Darcy's websiteFree Facebook group

Gina Jackson is a content writer, copywriter and sometime proofreader. She also reviews books and wants to create a podcast for them.In this episode, you'll learn:The most common mistake authors makeWhy we need more diversity in fictionHow NOT to write female charactersHow to become a book bloggerShow notes:00.00 – Introductions 02.00 – Take off Your Pants.04.30 – 13 Steps to Evil!08.00 – Interview with Gina Jackson.09.10 – How to review books. 10.35 – What should you include in the book review?12.00 – Should you include your opinion in reviews?14.00 – Fiction writing is a transferable skill. 15.45 – How long should book reviews be?18.30 – How will you improve if everyone is lying to you?23.00 – Men can't write women.26.20 – Bring in more boring jobs!28.50 – Books set examples and expectations.34.30 – Stories are about transformation.39.20 – Reading when not all the books are out…41.20 – The psychology behind criminals.43.30 – Where should you post book reviews?44.50 – How to get started as a book reviewer.46.40 – One reason we need more diversity. 57.55 – Which book changed Gina's life?1.01.15 – Where can you find out more about Gina?Books mentioned:13 Steps to Evil - Sacha BlackAmazon UK *Amazon US *Take Off Your Pants! - Libbie HawkerAmazon UK *Amazon US *The Ghost's Call - K.C. AdamsAmazon UK *Amazon US *The Mummy's Curse - K.C. AdamsAmazon UK *Amazon US *Stephanie Laurens's booksAmazon UK *Amazon US *The Devil You Know - Dr Gwen Adshead and Eileen HorneAmazon UK *Amazon US *Gifted - Savannah KadeAmazon UK *Amazon US *Clairvoyants - Brady MooreAmazon UK *Amazon US *The Christmasaurus - Tom FletcherAmazon UK *Amazon US *Connect with GinaWebsiteCopywritingInstagram Twitter*Affiliate link. It won't cost you any extra to purchase through one of our links, but we will get a small commission for every purchase.

Check out Wondrium*: https://www.writerscookbook.com/wondriumSavannah wrote her first romance at age eight—even then it was clear she was looking for a story about a breakthrough. Though that particular book shall never again see the light of day (please, don't even ask) it set the stage for everything after. Savannah writes steamy series in Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, and Romantic Suspense and is a Maggie Award winner. There are romances you read when you want the fantasy, when you want to escape, these are what you read when you want to believe.In this episode, you'll learn:Why book research doesn't have to be boringHow to go super in-depth on your book researchWhen you need to start researching for your next bookThe most fun types of researchShow notes:00.00 – Introductions.01.20 – What do you mean FUN research?02.00 – Ellie's magic goals.03.20 – Kristina has Mummy issues.06.15 – The wonders of Wondrium!07.45 – Interview with Savannah Kade08.30 – Characters pushing the plot.11.30 – Why do we even need to research?15.00 – Are we just being lazy?17.00 – The power of aggressive support, hoebag.18.30 – When should we be researching?21.00 – How do you go about approaching experts?25.10 – You don't know who you don't know.28.30 – No outlines?!29.50 – Does research vary between genres?37.30 – Push it up a grade, don't fix everything. 41.00 – Should we just invent our own towns?43.50 – What is Savannah's favourite research topic?47.10 – Embracing the research.48.50 – Accidentally falling into research.50.45 – Be careful of your sources!51.40 – Rolling snowballs around and clogging New York streets.1.01.00 – Which book changed Savannah's life?1.05.50 – Where can we find out more about Savannah?Download the book that changed Savannah's life:Amazon UK *Amazon US **Affiliate link. It won't cost you any extra to purchase through one of our links, but we will get a small commission for every purchase.

Jonathan Taylor is an author, editor, lecturer and critic. His books include the novel Melissa (Salt, 2015), the poetry collections Cassandra Complex (Shoestring, 2018) and Musicolepsy (Shoestring, 2013), and the memoir Take Me Home (Granta, 2007). He directs the MA in Creative Writing at the University of Leicester. Originally from Stoke-on-Trent, he now lives in Leicestershire with his wife, the poet Maria Taylor, and their twin daughters, Miranda and Rosalind.In this episode, you'll learn:Who can benefit from a creative writing degreeWhat you could learn studying creative writingHow to be a more self-aware writerWhy poetry is everywhere, and we should embrace thatShow notes:00.00 – Introductions 01.35 – What did her creative writing degrees teach Kristina?03.00 – Ellie struggled to get to the end…04.35 – Hollywood Heartbreak is out now!05.00 – Interview with Jonathan Taylor.06.10 – Creative writing is Frankenstein's Monster.09.00 – So is it just sitting around and writing stories all day?11.00 – It doesn't just pour out of you.16.00 – Witches are fashionable, darling.17.30 – We all right the same thing over and over. 21.00 – The psychology is what gets you.24.00 – What is the most common pitfall that writers fall into?27.00 – How do you learn how to tell a story again?30.00 – The competitiveness just isn't worth it.32.45 – Should you do a writing degree?34.50 – There's a critical element?!41.00 – Do you have to do public speaking?43.20 – How do you get better at your reading skills?53.30 – Which book changed Jonathan's life?1.00.00 – Where can you go to find out more about Jonathan?Contact Jonathan:WebsiteBlogTwitter

This week, we're talking to our very own Kristina Adams all about how her writing process has changed over the last six years and sixteen books.You'll learn:What it's like to write a book to write a spin-off series that overlaps with your very first bookHow to write and publish more efficientlyWhy writing is an ongoing journey - and that's a good thing!Why Kristina's latest book, Hollywood Heartbreak, feels like it took so much longer to write (even though it didn't)Show note00.00 – Introductions01.50 – Pet Ownership Room 10104.00 – A poem about poo.05.40 – Interview with Kristina Adams05.55 – How does Kristina feel having finally finished Hollywood Heartbreak?09.40 – Overlapping woes…14.00 – It made Kristina cry!16.00 – The pains of going through your own work.19.30 – Kristina couldn't even be bothered to watch Castle…20.35 – Outlining became double important for this book.24.30 – Even Ellie outlines now!26.30 – Who needs friends?30.00 – What made us want to retry outlining?31.40 – How Kristina outlined her latest fantasy book.35.00 – The ongoing journey of writing.36.50 – Why did Kristina change the opening of Hollywood Heartbreak so many times?39.20 – Answer questions and add suffering.43.20 – When can you buy Hollywood Heartbreak?