Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Writing process of co-writing with an estate What the horror genre can uniquely express Common mistakes when writing horror How to deepen theme in your work George A. Romero – the man vs. the director Links I mentioned: Kimberly Grymes 4 Week Story Prep Find out more about Daniel: Pay the Piper danielkra…

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty-four between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode twenty-four. Don't forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as litt…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: The importance of SEO in an author’s online presence Understanding the intent behind a user’s search Creating SEO-friendly social media captions What keywords are and how to use them Optimising an Amazon book listing for better search visibility Find out more about Estelle: Read SEO for Authors YouTube C…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: The journey from indie to trad Tips for pitching and querying Biggest differences between trad and indie publishing Common mistakes when approaching traditional publishing Craft lessons learned from ghostwriting Find out more about Helen: Threads @HelenGlynnJones Instagram @HelenGlynnJones TikTok @heleng…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: A "brick-by-brick" strategy for building a 7-figure author career The role consistent output can play in your success Ideas for repurposing intellectual content Developing an author brand that can withstand the whims of the publishing industry Building and maintaining a loyal readership Find out more abo…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Differences between self-publishing, independent publishing, and traditional publishing Publishing across different genres Working with an agent as a self-published author Managing your time and creative energy Advice for diversifying your publishing approaches Find out more about Emily: emilyekmurdoch.c…

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty-three between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode twenty-three. Don't forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as li…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Tips for writing toxic characters and dialogue Approaching sensitive topics in a way that is respectful to survivors Checks and considerations when writing about toxic queer relationships Blending supernatural elements into a natural story Finding your target audience as a YA author Find out more about K…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: What makes TikTok unique Adapting your content to suit TikTok’s short-form video format Finding your target audience on TikTok The importance of consistency for building a following What metrics to track to refine your TikTok strategy Links I mentioned: Order House of Crimson Kisses at books2read.com/cri…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Utilizing Instagram reels as an author Strategies to engage your audience on Instagram What an ‘audio bank’ is and how to build one Using the ‘remix’ feature to expand your reach The importance of consistent posting How to craft a book hook Links I mentioned: Order House of Crimson Kisses at books2read.c…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: The elements of a well-crafted reader persona Using a reader persona to connect with your ideal readers Social media for connecting with ideal readers Incorporating your reader persona into your book marketing strategy Using data to improve book marketing strategies Links I mentioned: Preorder House of C…

In this episode we cover: Income update and breakdown Lesson 1: All in Works for Me Lesson 2: Capitalise if You Can Lesson 3: Visibility is Queen Lesson 4: Boundaries Are Important Lesson 5: Growth is Brilliant and Painful Lesson 6: The Psychology of Money, Success and Winning Lesson 7: No Matter What, This is Always Better Read the full lessons le…

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty-two between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron episode twenty-two. Don’t forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: How planning series differs across genres Approaching the overall story arc in a cozy series Tools and techniques to ensure continuity Character development across multiple books Elements for crafting a satisfying series conclusion Marketing to cozy readers Links I mentioned: Preorder House of Crimson Ki…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Ways an author’s writing career and non-writing career interact Balancing a writing career with other commitments and responsibilities Planning for the kind of life you want Adopting a flexible mindset in your writing career Common misconceptions about writing life Find out more about Daphne: Instagram H…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Key elements of a successful book cover design How to know when cover trends are changing in your genre The complete process of creating a book cover How to make your book cover stand out Advice for working with a professional book cover designer Find out more about Holly: hollydunndesign.com Instagram Y…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: How brains are hardwired to respond to storytelling Using brain science to creative more effective marketing Creating a “story-worthy problem” to engage readers Writing a strong chain of cause and effect Utilizing the concept of a “third rail” scene to increase emotional impact Links I mentioned: Award S…

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty one between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode twenty one. Don't forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Myths around productivity in the indie community How to assess our own productivity Explaining procrastination with neuroscience Offsetting common distractions that writers face The importance of resilience for writers of all levels Find out more about Kathryn: The Productive Writer Guidebook The Product…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: How to outline a nonfiction book Tips for becoming your own publicist Content marketing in the age of AI Marketing your book before and after launch Leveraging your nonfiction book to create multiple streams of income Links I mentioned: Fantasy romance LBTQIA+ freebies Find out more about Stephanie: Link…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Why tropes hook readers Differences between internal and external tropes Craft tips to make our tropes resonate with readers How to market tropes better Integrating tropes in a character’s back story Find out more about Cindy: CindyDees.com CynthiaDees.com Rebel of the Week is: Rosie If you’d like to be …

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: What serial fiction is and how it differs from non-serialised fiction Common mistakes new serial fiction writers make Craft tips for writing serials Techniques to create hooks Business structure around serialised fiction Find out more about Stephanie: StephanieBond.com Rebel of the Week is: Lauren If you…

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron episode twenty. Don’t forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little as $2 r…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: The fundamentals of historical romance Balancing historical accuracy with creative storytelling Creating historical authenticity in your work Main tropes in historical fiction Handling sensitive topics within historical contexts Find out more about Bianca: Author Website Rebel of the Week is: Josh Gentry…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: What is burnout Differentiating burnout from everyday stress Recovering from burnout How to establish better boundaries The importance of self care to prevent burnout Find out more about Liz: Owl Moon Coaching Instagram Rebel of the Week is: Angela If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send i…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: The importance of representation in our books Writing trans and queer characters when cisgendered Harmful tropes and stereotypes to avoid Working with a sensitivity reader Balancing educating readers and creating an engaging story Find out more about Dharma: Author Website Facebook Threads Instagram TikT…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: What are tarot cards and how do they work How tarot cards can help authors start creating Common blockers writers struggle with Learning to interpret tarot cards Using tarot to create characters and plot Sacha's Tarot Cards: Find out more about Mariëlle: Website Podcast Facebook Instagram So You Want to …

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: The structure of a good pitch Finding the right podcasts to pitch to What authors should be prepared to speak about Benefits of a podcast tour when launching a book Interview tips and tricks Find out more about Michelle: MichelleGlogovac.com Facebook Instagram Twitter Rebel of the Week is: Delilah If you…

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number nineteen between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron episode nineteen. Don’t forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little as …

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: How to pivot successfully Fiction vs. nonfiction author business structure Creating multiple streams of income The neuroscience behind memorable messages Lessons learned from TV writing and producing Find out more about Aurora: Kickstarter for Magic, Mystery and the Multiverse Linktree Magic, Mystery and…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: What is LitRPG and how it differs from fantasy Major craft pillars of LitRPG Elements of worldbuilding to focus on Creating game mechanics, rules, and in-game quests Common business models for LitRPG authors Links I mentioned: Storygarden Summit March 19 - 22 Find out more about Michael: Order The Four H…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: What is the enneagram and how to use it as writers Motivation and why it doesn’t always look right How to pursue what you want What rest and resilience look like for different enneagram types Manifesting as a way of getting control Links I mentioned: Storygarden Summit March 19 - 22 Find out more about C…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Why audio is important Trends for audiobook publishing in 2024 How Podium works with indie authors Tips for marketing audiobooks Choosing a narrator Links I mentioned: House of Crimson Hearts is out now! Find out more about Kate: Podium Audio Rebel of the Week is: Donn (link to potty-mouthed parrots stor…

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number eighteen between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode eighteen. Don't forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little as …

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: What is Kickstarter? Incorporating Kickstarter into your business model Common mistakes with Kickstarter Driving traffic to your Kickstarter page Rewards, add ons, and stretch goals The timeline - set up, marketing, fulfillment Links I mentioned: Kickstarter: Special Edition NSFW Lesbian Vampire Romance …

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: What is queer joy Elements of the opposites attract trope Worldbuilding for contemporary romance Writing relatable characters The importance of author community Links I mentioned: Kickstarter: Special Edition NSFW Lesbian Vampire Romance Hardcover – House of Crimson Hearts Preorder House of Crimson Heart…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: How running a business is like being a parent Why write a nonfiction book? Staying resilient while running a business Tips for writing humorously Improving your copywriting Links I mentioned: Kickstarter: Special Edition NSFW Lesbian Vampire Romance Hardcover - House of Crimson Hearts Preorder House of C…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Highlights from Written Word Media’s 2023 author survey Indie author business structures What is meant by MVP books Community building and author branding AI predictions and how it affects authors Making your business more sustainable Prose in the Market Webinar Information: I am running three session ti…

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number seventeen between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode seventeen. Don't forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little a…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Important elements of author planning Overwhelm (both caused and relieved by planning) Goal setting and organizing Planning tips for parents and carers Creating and printing planners Prose in the Market Webinar Information: I am running three session times to try and accommodate as many timezones as I ca…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Common tropes of the horror genre Lessons learned from acting in and directing horror films The major pillars of horror writing Craft tips for eliciting a fear emotion response Marketing advice for horror writers Prose in the Market Webinar Information: I am running three session times to try and accommo…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: What is the “why choose” genre Keeping characters unique in a large cast Writing interconnected romantic relationships Crafting hooks and marketing for reverse harem Tools and tricks for writing quickly Prose in the Market Webinar Information: I am running three session times to try and accommodate as ma…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Creating an author-based marketing plan Boosting engagement on socials Finding your author voice, style, and brand Making yourself more human in the age of AI Mindset shift for self-promotion Links I mentioned: A Game of Hearts and Heists Audiobook Prose in the Market Webinar Information: I am running th…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Platforms for selling a multitude of products direct Creating your own book boxes Sourcing products and artwork Marketing your direct store Creating high quality books Prose in the Market Webinar Information: I am running three session times to try and accommodate as many timezones as I can (more on this…

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number sixteen between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron episode sixteen. Don’t forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little as $2…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Story hypothesis and how it connects to theme Max-Neef’s nine needs Developing the journey of a character through theme Raising stakes and conflict Key scenes to embed theme in your story Prose in the Market Webinar Information: I am running three session times to try and accommodate as many timezones as…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Systems and structures to write faster Planning needed to write four books a year Why accountability works Lessons learned from selling direct Directing readers to your store Prose in the Market Webinar Information: I am running three session times to try and accommodate as many timezones as I can (more …

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Craft and business lessons from launching a series Creating and utilizing street teams successfully Using outreach to boost your launches Maintaining momentum between launches Streamlining the production of a series Prose in the Market Webinar Information: I am running three session times to try and acco…

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Tools and software for selling direct Driving traffic to your Shopify store Lessons learned from selling direct Admin involved in having your own store Using social media to promote your store Find out more about Adam: Instagram @Northern_writer TikTok @a.p_beswick_author Author Store Rebel of the Week i…

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number fifteen between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode fifteen. Don't forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little as $2…