Still looking for beta readers?
What’s the best way to find beta readers? While there are multiple sources, I mention CP matchmaking, critiquematch.com, and betareader.io in this episode. Here’s what I’ve discovered on my journey.
Mar 27, 2019•9 min
Writer in the Making
Welcome to Writer in the Making, the ultimate podcast for aspiring authors who are ready to transform their writing habits. Join me as we explore practical time management strategies, consistent writing routines, and productivity hacks that can make all the difference. From my personal writing adventures to expert insights from guests like Kindlepreneur’s Dave Chesson, Shortcuts for Writers’ Stacy Juba, Plottr's Troy Lambert, and USA Today Best-Selling Author Rachael Bloome!
No Time Writer https://linktr.ee/notimewriter
Episodes
How do you know?
Is my book a good idea? Should I go ahead and write it or keep it to myself? Where’s the defining line?
Mar 26, 2019•10 min
Story Map
This episode is a follow on my tutorial on onestopforwriters.com particularly dealing with mapping out your story. How to go from your setup to the aftermath of your manuscript. How do you organize it?
Mar 26, 2019•10 min
If I knew then what I know now
Ever wish you could talk to your former writing self? What advice would you give? What pitfalls would you have avoided?
Mar 25, 2019•10 min
When is my book over?
How long should my book be? Depending on your genre, the word count can have various ranges. Since I’m in the romance genre, it can range from 50K to 90K. I’ve even seen 100K! You might think, how am I supposed to write 100K? When is my book over?
Mar 25, 2019•9 min
Booksprout update!
Here I’m giving an update on my experience so far with booksprout.co. I’ve already received a 4 star review for my upcoming release, Match-Made Christmas! Yes it’s only one review, but it’s better than zero.
Mar 22, 2019•6 min
Booksprout?
ARCs? These are advanced readers copies of books that an author chooses to give away in exchange for a review. This comes in handy right before your official release date. It builds excitement and publicity for your book! So... how do you get them? Here’s one way! Booksprout.co is mentioned in this episode. Follow @booksproutapp
Mar 21, 2019•10 min
Critique Match??
Because I’m scoping for beta readers, I’m exploring all possibilities. I’ve recently discovered critiquematch.com and I’ve already found a beta reader! Listen to see how this site works.
Mar 20, 2019•10 min
Imposter Syndrome
Am I really a writer? Should I even be doing this? I’m not the best so why bother? Am I a fraud? Is this journey even worth it?
Mar 19, 2019•10 min
No Head-Hopping
Head-hopping? What is that? It confuses readers and overall it’s not good. Here I’ll share on how to avoid this in your books and how you can makes the changes if you’re doing this. Head-Hopping Gives Readers Whiplash by Beth Hill, fiction editor and novel editor Ellen Brock are mentioned in this episode.
Mar 18, 2019•8 min
SelfPubCon2019
I participated in ALLi’s self publishing conference this past weekend. What did I take away? Have a listen and find out.
Mar 18, 2019•14 min
What makes a great book?
What truly makes a great book? Is it the outlining? The plotting? Is it the polished grammar or inciting incident? What about the climax and the denouement? Perhaps it’s the conflict and tension that’s added to keep readers on their toes. Then again, what if it’s none of those things? Could it be that what makes a great book is... the author?
Mar 15, 2019•5 min
Revising, Revising, Revising
Revising your manuscript. Some of us love it, and the rest of us hate it with a passion. Which one am I? Have a listen.
Mar 14, 2019•10 min
Breakup with Backstory
I’m seeing a lot of backstory as I work with my critique partners. I’m still dealing with it myself. What am I learning about it and what’s the best way to handle it? How can you tell if you’re using too much backstory? Are you “info dumping” unnecessarily? How can we break up with it? This is a follow up to the previous episode “Backstory.” I refer to Sandra Gerth’s book Show, Don’t Tell, K.M. Weiland, and Ellen Brock in this episode.
Mar 13, 2019•10 min
Critique Partners—part 3
I’m learning a lot as I work with critique partners. In this episode we’ll discuss how to give and receive constructive criticism from your CP. How much is too much critiquing? Do you point out everything you see? How do you establish boundaries?
Mar 13, 2019•10 min
Self Publishing Conference 2019
March 16th through the 17th, I’ll be participating in the free Self Publishing Conference online. Anybody else attending? Alliance for Independent Authors (ALLi) is mentioned in this episode. www.selfpublishingadviceconference.com
Mar 12, 2019•10 min
Looking for Beta Readers?
Recently one of my tweets was liked by BetaReader.io @betareaderapp. I further looked into their website to check them out. Listen to see what they’re all about.
Mar 12, 2019•14 min
What the hook? Part 2
Recently I received advice from developmental editor and book coach Savannah. Her advice on setups/hooks set off a lightbulb in my head💡I had to share it with you all! Still having trouble deciding where to start your book? How do you know you’re starting it in the right place? I’ll be sharing Savannah’s advice in this episode. Follow her on Twitter @savannahgilbo
Mar 11, 2019•8 min
Critique partners—part 2
So you’ve found critique partners! Yay! Now what? How well will you work together? Can you gracefully back out if you prefer to look for someone new? How do you keep up the communication? @CPmatchmaking is mentioned in this episode.
Mar 11, 2019•9 min
Pricing my book
Indie authors, what’s a good strategy for pricing your books? Should you price them for free, 0.99, $2.99+. I’ll share how to price ebooks along with paperback books. While you do want to remain competitive in your pricing, are there times when free works in your favor? Should you do this all the time? Of course not. This is your business, so don’t cheapen the quality of your work. Strategy is the key. Smashwords.com andAmazon KDP are mentioned in this episode.
Mar 08, 2019•15 min
Self Publishing
My journey to publication. While I do plan on traditionally publishing in the future, here’s my experience with self publishing. Smashwords.com is mentioned this episode along with, Goodreads and Booklikes.
Mar 08, 2019•16 min
yWriter???
Since I’m working on outlining my next novel, I recently discovered yWriter software. This is a software to organize scenes, chapters, characters, and settings at a glance. Listen to my thoughts. I mention K.M. Weiland and Simon Haynes in this episode.
Mar 08, 2019•10 min
To Outline or not to Outline?
Should you use an outline? If so... which one? I’ll be referring to K.M. Weiland’s How to Outline your Novel and onestopforwriters.com
Mar 08, 2019•15 min
Symbols and Motifs
According to onestopforwriters.com “symbols and motifs add depth by placing harmonic elements into a story to reinforce an author’s emotion rich insight.” Say what? Think of it as another way of using metaphors or similes. Figurative language ring a bell? I’ll explain.
Mar 07, 2019•10 min
What the Hook?
Hooks. They are usually the first opening lines in your manuscript. It’s also your readers’ third impression of you as an author after your cover and blurb. What do you do? K.M. Weiland’s Structuring Your Novel is mentioned in this episode.
Mar 07, 2019•14 min
How do I approach cover design?
Cover design. Is yours eye catching or amateurish? What’s the best thing to do when you’re a writer on a budget? Should you make it yourself? The cover is the first thing readers see before they even read your blurb. Is it wise to make your own or hire a professional? I mention MS PowerPoint, shutterstockcom, bigstockphoto.com, and viladesign.net in this episode. At the end of the day, make the decision that works best for you. When using MS PowerPoint, save file as a JPEG.
Mar 06, 2019•13 min
Getting to know your characters
How do you get to know your characters? How do you make them 3-dimensional? Here I’ll share my process of creating well rounded and relatable characters. I reference onestopforwriters.com. This is a longer episode, but I think you’ll thank me😉👍
Mar 04, 2019•19 min
What’s Wattpad?
This idea came to me, so I wanted to share. If you’re a beginner to critique partners, here’s how I practice my skills without necessarily being someone’s partner. I mention Wattpad.com in this episode. Read other works by fellow authors and comment on those who ask for feedback on their work. Also be willing to receive feedback in return. Practice here! :)
Mar 04, 2019•9 min
One Stop—Part 3
I’m loving onestopforwriters.com. In this episode, we’ll explore more of this one stop website for authors everywhere. Not only do they have character builder profiles, but also setting thesaurus’, story maps, scene maps, templates and worksheets, world building surveys, and timelines. I know 😳😄 crazy amazing!
Mar 01, 2019•16 min
One Stop?
The One Stop for Writers by Angela Ackerman, Becca Puglisi, and Lee Powell. Does this work? From character building, world building, and mapping scenes, you’ll find it here. Is the investment worth it? onestopforwriters.com is mentioned in this episode💻
Feb 28, 2019•15 min