Ep156: Writing Cross-Genre with Dyslexia, featuring guest A.B. Herron

Writer Craft Podcast

Main Topic: Author A.B. Herron on writing cross-genre with dyslexia

Amanda is passionate about discussing the realities of being an indie author while being dyslexic, straddling the fantasy and romance genres, the importance of highlighting sex positivity in our society, and the impact her background in anatomy and zoology has on her magic systems and world building.

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• Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series)
• Exploring Imagery in Creative Nonfiction

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Questions from listeners:

Author Update:

Erick:

• Valerie:
• sick last week
• wrote lesson plans in bed
• I'm reading:

• Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin
• Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe
• Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

Amanda is reading comfort books right now: Arrows of the Queen series.

Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog by Susannah Charleson

Erick:

Notes:

A.B. Heron is a dyslexic author residing in the Pacific Northwest. She works full time, writes in the cracks between responsibilities, and plays with dogs because she just can’t help herself. For more insights into what make her fantasy stories flourish, follow her on Instagram @a.b.herron or check out her website www.abherron.com

Tip: If you have a Barnes and Noble near you, walk in and say you are a local indie author and ask if they are doing author signing.

Writes adult urban fantasy, romantasy, paranormal romance. Elemental World Series (two books now, third coming this year, 5 total in series).

Dyslexia was a barrier to being a writer only emotionally. Looked for strong technical editors. Spelling and word choice are struggles. Name recall is hard.

Showed original work to trusted people, started getting positive responses, showed little bits at a time. "I can write, just not spell. The distinction was powerful for me. I am smart." Not barriers; just work arounds. Used a small press that didn't keep the rights. They help you make a book. Luminare Press.

Vellum dyslexia font choice: 1 in 5 people with dyslexia, fonts don't make it easier to read for all people. Font doesn't slow Amanda down. Ask your readers if they want a paperback with a font designed for dyslexic readers.

Need magic systems to make sense with science background. Looking at the anatomy of humans and canines. Build physical laws into magic systems. How water or energy works, conservation of matter. HOW does it work?

Wished she'd maybe finished writing series before publishing.

Learn as you go. IG book community very supportive. Tripped into publishing.

Abherron.com

Instagram a.b.herron

Books available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Coffee Fueled Stories Podcast, Ep with A.B. Herron

Amanda is signing at Hot and Steamy Romance Writers in Portland '24 event.

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