The Rebel Author Podcast

By The Rebel Author Podcast

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Subscribers: 32
Reviews: 0
Episodes: 213

Description

A motivational show for all the creatives out there with an inner rebel. Listen for interviews, industry news, tips, tricks and tools to help you take your creative business to the next level.

Episode Date
193 Copy Writing for Authors with Megan Smyth
58:55

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What is copywriting and why is it important
  • Reframing your sales mindset
  • Key marketing and copy activities for a digital launch
  • Creating a sales funnel that converts
  • How to improve your email marketing

This week’s question is: what are you reading right now?

Recommendation of the week is: The Ultimatum (Netflix show)

Links I mentioned:

Pre-order your copy of A Game of Romance and Ruin and submit your pre-order proof to rubypreorder@gmail.com to be entered into a giveaway to win a signed hardback, Morrigan’s grimoire notebook, naughty bookish stickers and a beautiful bookmark. You'll also get immediate access to the first three chapters of A Game of Romance and Ruin, the playlist I wrote the book to, bonus deleted scene, and the Girl Games pinterest board.

Katlyn's From Chaos to Control for Author Mums

Jenna Moreci’s Breast Cancer Research Foundation Fundraiser

My Interview about creating characters on The Storytellers Faceoff Podcast

Find out more about Megan:

Website

Instagram

Rebel of the Week is: Sinley

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Angel Ackerman. A big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Jun 07, 2023
The Black Herron: Episode 10
52:07

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number ten between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode ten. 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 right here.

To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.

*

If you haven’t read The Anatomy of a Best Seller, what are you waiting for? Grab my latest craft book and start deconstructing so you can write your own best seller today.

Jun 01, 2023
192 The Dangers of Writing True Crime with Pepper Anne
01:00:45

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Challenges and considerations when writing true crime
  • Legal implications of the true crime genre
  • Researching and fact-checking
  • Story structure of true crime
  • Building suspense and tension

This week’s question is: what’s your favorite social media platform and why?

Recommendation of the week is: How To Write Short Romance: The quick and easy guide to writing Instalove by Nell Alexander

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Preorder A Game of Romance and Ruin

ALLi Blog Manager Role

Find out more about Pepper Anne:

Author Website

The Notorious Texas Swindler

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

TikTok

Rebel of the Week is: Holger

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

May 31, 2023
191 How to Write Eco-fiction with Denise Baden
48:39

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What is eco-fiction
  • Balancing storytelling with conveying important messages
  • Researching for eco-fiction stories
  • The role of the writing community in environmental advocacy
  • Writing books that inspire action

This week’s question is: what topic is your craft catnip?

Recommendation of the week is: A Game of Romance and Ruin

Find out more about Denise:

Denise's Website

Habitat Man: Available everywhere or order direct from Habitat Press

Twitter @DABadenauthor 

LinkedIn

The Green Stories writing competitions welcomes indie authors, and are free to enter. Next up is the novel prize with a deadline 26th June and prizes of £1500. See website for details.

Find details of the project with Bafta here or search for relevant hashtags #ClimateCharacters and #HotOrNot

Rebel of the Week is: Jackson

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

May 24, 2023
190 Advanced Marketing Strategies with Nick Thacker
01:13:10

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • ACT: Audience, Content, Trigger
  • Finding and understanding your audience
  • Choosing keywords for Amazon ads
  • Email and book marketing strategy
  • Social media for book promotion
  • Common mistakes with book marketing

This week’s question is: tell me something fun you’ve done recently

Recommendation of the week is: Leaving Meridiana by J A Mortimore (patron)

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Nick:

Book Career in a Year: Marketing for Authors

Author Website

Rebel of the Week is: Anonymous

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Liz Lincoln and The Blumenkranz Twins. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

May 17, 2023
189 Creating Unforgettable Characters with TJ Klune
01:06:45

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Character creation and personification
  • Writing elements to represent theme
  • Bringing stories full circle
  • Advice for writing dialogue
  • Incorporating mythology into stories

This week’s question is: What have you binged this year?

Recommendation of the week is: Worst Wedding Date by Pippa Grant

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about TJ:

In The Lives of Puppets

Ravensong (Green Creek book 2)

Instagram

Rebel of the Week is: Karla 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Noreen Stone. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

May 10, 2023
188 Writing Erotic and BDSM Novels with Ruby Scott
01:01:38

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The difficulties and workarounds of marketing erotic content
  • Common myths about erotica
  • Tips for writing sex scenes
  • Incorporating BDSM themes in an accurate way
  • Writing power dynamics and consent

This week’s question is: What will you have done, written, published by the end of the year?

Recommendation of the week is: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Events I mentioned:

South Coast Sapphic Hangout: 6th May 10am

Find out more about Ruby:

Author Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

TikTok

Rebel of the Week is: Charlotte

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

One new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Paulette Stout. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

May 03, 2023
The Black Herron: Episode 9
46:52

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number nine between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode nine. 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 right here.

To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.

*

If you haven’t read The Anatomy of a Best Seller, what are you waiting for? Grab my latest craft book and start deconstructing so you can write your own best seller today.

 
May 01, 2023
187 5 Lessons from Four Years of Writing Full-Time
59:50

In this episode we cover:

  • The lessons I’ve learned from 4 years of writing full-time
  • Business growth is personal growth
  • The reader is king
  • Repetition is a Fool’s Game
  • Me and You are important
  • My constant lesson

Read full blog here.

This week’s question is: what is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since you started writing?

Recommendation of the week is: The Worst Wedding Date by Pippa Grant

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Rebel of the Week is: Holly

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Adam Beswick and Tamara Prins. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Apr 26, 2023
186 Reclaim Your Author Career with Claire Taylor
01:18:02

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What the Enneagram is
  • How your type can lead you to a set of themes in your work
  • How your number can empower you as a writer
  • Writing characters that are similar to you
  • Why Sacha is the poster child for an 8 

This week’s question is: what have you enjoyed doing this year?

Recommendation of the week is: The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Claire:

Instagram

Reclaim Your Author Career

Rebel of the Week is: Eden

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Kylie Hillman and Chris Holcombe. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Apr 19, 2023
185 Using Book Covers as Marketing Tools with Katia from MiblArt
55:15

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Working with a designer
  • Being ‘on genre’ while still being unique
  • Tips for an effective cover reveal
  • Using your book cover as a marketing tool
  • How to rebrand a series

This week’s question is: What is giving you life right now?

Recommendation of the week is: Ghosts from the Veil by Scott Williamson (patron)

On all good stores!

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Kobo Plus pricing for indies here

Full article here

Find out more about Katia and MiblArt:

MiblArt Website

Katia's Facebook

Instagram

Marketing material examples and cover designs from MiblArt:

Rebel of the Week is: PT Saad

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Tae. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Apr 12, 2023
184 Creating Conflict in Romance with JJ Arias
01:10:22

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to create organic conflict
  • Creating better banter
  • Creating conflict while maintaining romantic tension
  • Resolving conflict in romance novels
  • Writing realistic family dynamics

This week’s question is: how do you structure your to do list?

Recommendation of the week is: Signal Moon by Kate Quinn

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

I Heart SapphFic Favorite Scenes from Favorite Authors Anthology

List Building Bootcamp FREE webinar 

Shane’s new podcast: The Write Better Fiction Podcast

Find out more about JJ:

Author Website

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

 

Rebel of the Week is: AJ

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 

Apr 05, 2023
The Black Herron: Episode 8
41:28

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number eight between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode eight. 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 right here.

To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.

*

If you like dark humour, learning through examples and want to create the best villains you can, then you’ll love Sacha Black’s guide to crafting superbad villains. Read 13 Steps to Evil today and start creating kick-ass villains.

*

Book we're reading: Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy’s Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love by Tori Dunlap

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon US

***this show uses affiliate links

Apr 01, 2023
183 Using TikTok to Sell Books in a Niche with Rebecca Thorne
01:07:04

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Who TikTok works for
  • Main types of content for authors to post
  • Mistakes to avoid on TikTok
  • Fostering a TikTok community
  • Advice for creating content
  • The technical side of TikTok

This week’s question is: what aspect of book marketing do you find hardest to grasp?

Recommendation of the week is: Only One Coffin by AJ Truman

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Rebecca:

Author Website

TikTok

Rebel of the Week is: Heather 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

Mar 29, 2023
182 Marketing in a Niche and Author Collaborations with TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod
01:06:07

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Collaborating on marketing as niche authors
  • Building relationships with other authors
  • What channels work to reach niche readers
  • Advice for new sapphic authors
  • How to co-write successfully

This week’s question is: what’s the best book you’ve read this year?

Recommendation of the week is: Filthy Rich Vampires by Geneva Lee

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Preorder A Game of Romance and Ruin

Find out more about TB and Miranda:

I Heart SapphFic

Rebel of the Week is: Maggie

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Mar 22, 2023
181 Business, Processes and Efficiency with Ines Johnson
01:05:08

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Staying organized when promoting multiple series
  • Deciding what to put in your business plan
  • Investing in marketing
  • What new authors should focus on in their business
  • Automating parts of your author business

This week’s question is: what’s the best april fools you’ve ever done, witnessed or heard about?

Recommendation of the week is: Write to Riches: 7 Practical Steps to Manifesting Abundance from your Books by Renee Rose

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Unstoppable Authors Episode 178: Launching a New Pen Name with Sacha Black

Big Gay Fiction Podcast Episode 416: Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Romance with Ruby Roe

Find out more about Ines:

Page Turner Pacing

Rebel of the Week is: Holly 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

Welcome and thank you to new patron Bianca Wardle and returning patron Cindy. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Mar 15, 2023
180 Making our Books and Content Accessible with Jeff Adams and Michele Lucchini
01:04:35

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why accessibility is important
  • What is assistive technology
  • Easy ways to make our content more accessible
  • How to use alt text
  • The four main principles of accessibility

This week’s question is: Tell me something interesting you’ve learned this year.

Recommendation of the week is: Guava Flavored Lies by JJ Arias

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Jeff, Michele and accessible content:

Content For Everyone

Buy the Book Here

Color Contrast Checker

Rebel of the Week is: Angel Ackerman

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Wendy Karas. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack  

Transcript:

Sacha: This is The Rebel Author Podcast, where we talk about books, business and occasionally bad words. Hello rebels, and welcome to episode 180. Today, I'm talking to Jeff and Michele all about accessible content and making our books, our social media, our websites more accessible for more readers. But first to last week's question, which was: what book has gotten you out of a reading slump? Carrie says, "I'm still in a slump. I'm always so tired by the time I have time to read that I can read a few pages before I shut down. I think I need an audible subscription again." Heather says, "The book that recently got me out of reading slump was the rage read that was Iron Widow, and it was just what I needed." Claire said, "Another Stupid Love Song by Miranda McLeod and Em Stevens. Last summer, I was racially abused on my way home and followed to the train station by a group of white man." I'm already fucking livid reading this. "It was really traumatic, and I fell into a deep depression afterwards. Stopped going out, stopped writing and reading." I hate reading this. I'm so sorry. "But then I saw Miranda mention that she had a new age gap romance. And the part of me that felt curious about stories began to wake up when I started reading the straightforward writing style, fast pacing and promise of a happily ever after made a good book to start with." I seriously don't know what the fuck is wrong with people. Like, I'm not going to get into a whole load of politics and opinions right now, but just know that reading that made me really crass, and I'm really sorry that you experienced that. I'm really really glad that reading and story and happy ever afters have helped you to at least heal a little bit from that experience. This week's question is: tell me something interesting that you've learned this year. We are heading towards the end of the first quarter. What the fuck? And so I want to know, what have you learned this year? It could be something small. It could be something not at all about writing. It could be anything really. So yeah, it can be about yourself as well. Let me know what you have learned about something this year. Okay, the book recommendation of the week this week is Guava Flavored Lies by JJ Arias. JJ is a fuckin master of bickering. This is the same JJ who interviewed me in the Ruby Roe launch episode. And JJ is coming on the show. We are literally just in the process of booking a date. Oh my god, I had the pleasure of reading Guava Flavored Lies in audio, and it was so good. It was the breath of fresh air that I needed. And okay, so let me tell you about it instead of just keep fucking ranting about how good it is. It's a contemporary romance, sapphic romance, contemporary sapphic romance with two Cuban families rowing. They've got a shit ton of like history, familial history, and like generational arguments between them. They're both pastry chef families and they own like pastry shops. The bickering went back to school girl days, and I've just never read anything where the bickering was so real and so funny and so brilliant. And I just like I literally laughed, and I don't know, I don't know. I think it actually will go down as my favorite contemporary romance that I've ever read. I loved it that much. It's kind of rivals to lovers as well. Yeah, enemies to lovers, rivals to lovers. Probably rivals to lovers, I would say. Just because there are no like stabbing knives. But it is just fantastic. So if you are looking for an example of dialogue that is sharp as fuck, and bickering that is just fantastic between two love interests, this is the story for you. I highly, highly recommend this book. Of course, links will be in the show notes. So in personal news and updates, I'm sick again. Literally can't fucking believe it. Woke up a couple of days ago feeling like rough as a dog, and I just honestly, I really want this to be a positive episode. I hate being whiny, you know what I'm like, I like to charge forward at 1000 miles per hour all of the time, and always look to the goal, to the future, to the whatever. I just, I'm struggling this week. It is a struggle. I am exhausted again. And I genuinely don't think it's any one thing in my life particularly, I just think it is the fact that it's all combined. And I really need to fucking slow down or like, not slow down, but just like take something off my plate before I crash and burn, because I sort of feel like this is a mini physical burnout. I have decided to reduce boot camps slightly. Instead of going five times a week, I'm gonna go three times a week for now. And I'm going to move one of those to the weekend so that I get a little bit more time in the week during the working days so that I can, you know, not work in the evenings so much. But yeah, I'm really over being sick this year. It is alarm bells to me. I am acutely aware that this is a problem and that I need to have a holiday or take some time off. The problem is I'm really shit at taking time off at home because my office is at home. So, you know, that's why I like to travel because then the office isn't here, the temptation isn't here. It's probably a very privileged thing to say. But you know, I do struggle to take time off at home. It just is what it is. It's a fact. So that's kind of where I'm at. Yeah, I don't feel well, and I would like to not be working today, if I'm honest. But there are things that need doing and things that have deadlines. So on I go. In terms of what I've been working on, I have started The Villains Journey. I'm super excited. I have been trying Rachel's method, which I know you guys will have heard about last week on The Black Herron. Oh, no, no. So for those listening on the podcast, you won't have heard about this yet. But for those on Patreon, you will have heard about it. So in the coming episode, Rachel and I discussed the fact that she started writing 500 new words a day on anything. They can be any project. And I was like, oh, that's amazing. And basically, if you do it every single day of the year, I think it's about 182,000 words a year. That's like three books, or more if you write nonfiction and shorter word counts. And I'm not going to do it every single day, I'm just trying to do it every working day. And so yeah, I have started The Villains Journey, and I'm already 3000 words in. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but I'm not supposed to start writing this until May, you know, and at this rate, I can go to May with about 20k in the bag. So feels like a lot to me. I'm very, very happy. I'm about 19,000 words into the second Girl Games book. This is the one that I already had 30k in, but no, as you know, I more or less scrapped it. I have salvage some of the stuff from the first version, and so yeah, I'm 19,000 words into the book. I've been doing about 5000-word days, which is great. And using a write to sprint in the morning, and that's really been helping. So yeah, I feel pretty good about the writing projects. And it's really nice to be writing words. I find that I get to a point where I'm exhausted and don't want to write anymore, probably because I burned so hard, and then I like get very sick and tired of doing the marketing or the entity or whatever it is, and want to go back to doing the drafting. So it's a good schedule to have to be able to switch between the two. So when you hear this, it will be my birthday week. And I am considering, given that I'm not feeling very well, that I might take a couple of days off. I don't know, we'll see. I would like to go down to London and go to the Big Waterstones and like spend some time in there, but we'll see. I don't know whether or not I'll actually get to do that. But it would be nice to, so we'll see. You know, given that I'm not feeling very well, I think that is probably everything that I'm going to update you with this week. So the rebel of the week this week is, and I have to say, I did pause for a second and have to reread the name, It's Angel Ackerman, which when you write it and you read quickly, very much read as Angela Ackerman. Not Angela Ackerman, ladies and gentlemen, it's definitely Angel Ackerman. So let me read Angel's story to you. "I work in the Stitch Fix warehouse in Pennsylvania folding clothes for eight hours a day. I'm a former journalist and needed a low stress job that could allow me time and energy to pursue my own creative interests. At the warehouse, which Stitch Fix refers to as Hizzies, with cute names for each, we are the Buzzy Hizzy, but there is also the breezy, the hoozy, the dizzy, and the fizzy. I'm allowed to listen to podcasts, and so as a writer, I discovered The Rebel Author podcast and many others in the industry. "I have racked my brain trying to capture a rebel story from memory and suddenly I realized my whole creative side hustle is rebellion. I founded Parisian Phoenix Publishing in 2021 as the brand behind my paranormal women's fiction series, Fashion and Fiends, debuting with the first volume, Manipulations, in September of that year. "One of my best friends is a graphic designer with an obsession with typography. In her first job as a graphic design professor had invented the name and logo for the company and a complete boxset of the novels in 2008, just to have something to submit for the faculty art show. At the time, I was shopping my novels to traditional publishers and agents, attending conferences and serving on the board of my local writers group. Motherhood prevented me from giving proper effort to that, and the book industry was changing so much in the aughts. "When the pandemic happened, I thought it would be fun and rebellious to self-publish preserve these stories for my now teen daughter. But the project barrel rolled into a full-fledged craft press as more people asked me to publish their books. I asked fellow writers and artists for help with projects being proposed because linking creative communities is one of our goals. "As of 2023 Parisian Phoenix has nine published books ranging from an anthology of marginalized voices, LGBTQ disability, mental health, body image, ethnicity, etc., to a romantic comedy with original photographs, a devotional focusing on how to protect yourself in a violent modern world without violating your Christian values in production, and an 11th book of short stories in the editing phase. Not to mention, poetry, a holocaust memoir, and nostalgic fiction. "Each book seems to host its own rebellion. Our tagline is: publishing unique voices and diverse perspectives. And many of our staff members and peer review board members have disabilities. I have cerebral palsy. My assistant editor has been blind since birth. And we have primarily women on board." This is an awesome, awesome rebellion. And yeah, look up Parisian Phoenix if you are interested in finding out more about them. I think this is such a cool rebellion, and the fact that you are creating communities and collecting people and helping to bring diverse voices into the world is just fantastic. So I absofuckinglutely love that rebellion. And also thank you for listening. If you would like to be a rebel of the week, please do send in your story. It can be any kind of rebellion, something big, something small, or something in between. You can email your rebel story to Becca over on rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com. A huge welcome and a warm thank you to new patron Wendy Karis. And of course, a gigantic thank you to all of my existing patrons. You guys help keep the show running. You make me feel like what I do is worthwhile and having a wonderful impact, so I really, really appreciate each and every single one of you. If you would like to support the show and get early access to all of the episodes, as well as a ton of bonus content, then you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting patreon.com/sachablack. Okay, that's it from me this week. Let's get on with the episode. Hello, and welcome to The Rebel Author Podcast. We are in for a special treat today because we have not one, but two guests on the show. First, we have Jeff Adams. Jeff is a creative entrepreneur, as an author of both queer romances and young adult fiction, as well as the co-host of The Big Gay Fiction Podcast. In his day job, Jeff's a certified professional and accessibility core competencies by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. As the Accessibility Operations Director for UsableNet, a company focused on making the digital world more accessible and usable, he consults with clients around the world about digital accessibility. Next up we have Michele Lucchini. Michele is the Vice President of Delivery and Accessibility Operations for UsableNet and overseas the teams responsible for ensuring client success in their digital accessibility program. Michele's background is rooted in software development first, and moving to team and operation management later. Thanks to experience gathered in over two decades, Michele is an expert at helping companies from the largest to the smallest, making their digital experiences accessible. Hello, and welcome. Jeff: Thanks for having us, Sacha. It's great to be here. Sacha: So Jeff, you were first on the show back in episode 55, which I can't actually believe because that was October 2020. Jeff: It feels like a year ago, like years and years and years ago. Sacha: I know. I know. I mean, honestly, time is a lie. I was texting one of my friends this evening who was talking about the movie, Everything Everywhere... Jeff: Everything Everywhere All at Once, I think. Sacha: Yes, that one. And I was like, "Oh yeah, yeah, that was out like three years ago." And she was like, "Oh, actually, no, it's up for the Oscars now." And I was like, "Wait, what? No, no, no. It could not possibly have been out last year." Though it was. Yeah, time is a lie. It's weird. So normally I ask people like what their journey is, how they came to writing the book. But I'm gonna ask you first of all, like, what have you been up to since then? Because obviously, we know like your journey from the first episode, which I'll link in the show notes. Jeff: It's interesting as I went back to look at 55, and like what was going on in October of 2020. Like, within the month before you dropped that episode, so between the time we talked for that interview and you dropped the episode, we actually ended The Big Gay Author Podcast, which is one of the things we were talking about on that show. Mostly, because with pandemic and other things that were going on, like some of our priorities shifted, and it's like, we weren't sure that show was really relevant anymore. So as it's so popular, now, we learned how to say no and learned when to end something, and put that aside. Big Gay Fiction Podcast continues on. It went into its eighth year last November, so we're 400+ episodes now there. So that's been exciting. I've written the book we're about to talk about. And the neat thing about that, I think, is writing this nonfiction book, I think has resparked my fiction side a little bit, because I've been really stagnant over the last couple of years. I've done some rereleases of some things I got the rights back on, but writing new stuff has really been a struggle. So my fingers crossed, that the nonfiction kind of broke that kind of cloud over my head, if you will, and I'm gonna be able to hopefully get some new fiction out this year. Sacha: I always find nonfiction is a real palate cleanser. Like I adore fiction, but I definitely need to also write nonfiction, because it gets me excited to go back to the fiction. Otherwise, I do tend to find it's a bit of a burn. So Michele, have you written other books? Or is this your first one? Or? Michele: That's the very first one. Sacha: That's exciting. Michele: The last thing I wrote was my thesis at the university. And that was far from exciting. Well, actually, it was in home automation, so it was actually an interesting topic. But I've always loved writing, but I never dedicated myself enough to call myself like a producer or a writer of a proper book. Sacha: So before we dive into the questions like about the book, then how did you find writing, and writing together? Like what was the experience like for you? Michele: Well, let's also consider that it's not my mother language, right. So it was an extremely interesting experience. So I had the opportunity to learn on many different threads. So one is the challenge of transferring something that is my daily job knowledge, and the knowledge that has been built across 22 years, that I would use the word dedicate to this topic. Plus, learning the ability to put in words for somebody who is not an expert. One of the limits that I realize I have is that sometimes when you gather so much experience, you can lose the ability to explain and translate it in easy terms. I think that Jeff has experienced the same. I remember the first iteration of our review process, we were asking ourselves, does it make any sense for somebody if it's their first time approaching the topic of accessibility? So it was an interesting learning curve, but it was what made all the project extremely interesting for me. Sacha: Well, you both absolutely smashed it because it's the most meta book possible. For a book on accessibility, it's extremely accessible for someone who knows nothing about it. So you absolutely smashed it out of the park. So well done, both of you. And that is what we're here to talk about. And your new book is called Content for Everyone. And it focuses on the topic of accessibility. So before we dive into some more technical, practical tips and tricks, like why accessibility? What made you want to write a book on this topic? And why is it so important, particularly for the authors and writers listening? Jeff: The whole thing kind of became this big smashing together of my day job in accessibility. But the things that I do on the creative side, so even before the book was kind of a seed in my head to do, I was trying to make sure that my sites, my email, my social media, were as accessible as I could make them. You know, because I'm not technical. Knowing what you need to do and actually being able to do it can be two different things, you know. So, moving through this, and as I talked about content accessibility all the time, it's one of the things I trained UsableNet clients about, is that very topic. It's so in my brain, I can't not see issues almost everywhere I go on the net. No alt text on Facebook, bad color combinations here, things that don't work with keyboard. You know, all these things just keep being in front of me. And I know that nobody sets out to do that. You know, nobody sets out to make inaccessible content that can exclude, potentially, a lot of people. They just don't know what to do. And they don't know what the topic is. So it's like, why don't I try to create something that distills what you can work on, and also to a degree, things to watch out for, because there are things in the book that are--and keyboard navigation is a great example of this, and we'll probably talk about a little bit more about that piece of it later. But you're not going to fix your own keyboard navigation issues, but if you know you have them, you might get a new template or do something to start to mitigate those problems. And so that's kind of where it started. And then one day, as I was talking with Michele, as we do all the time, I was like, I'm gonna write this book. And he was interested, so we decided to kind of tackle it together. Sacha: I love this so much. And like, I think it was such a humbling experience for me to read as well, because my stepfather is disabled, and he uses a wheelchair. And so I have a reasonable amount of knowledge about accessibility in terms of like mobility and physical issues. And so I kind of went into the book thinking, oh, yeah, like, I'm gonna understand. Holy moly, I was so ignorant of digital issues. Like all of the bits and bobs, like on social media. Like just things that I wouldn't even have thought would be an issue. And that's what I love so much about this book is I genuinely feel like every single person listening to this podcast will go away having learned something. So I think it's really important that listeners do go and educate themselves, and buy your book, I read your book, because it's fucking brilliant. So in your book, one of the things that you talk about are the four main types of disability. And I think it'd be helpful for listeners to understand what they are to give some context to the rest of the podcast. And I don't know if you are able just to give some like references to a couple of the numbers, which were really quite significant. And I was quite shocked when I read it and saw some of those stats. You know, and by that, I mean, sort of how many people are affected by disability. So yeah, because this is an important topic. Michele: Yeah, it is. And numbers are shocking. And I think that we can identify four main categories of disabilities, which is mobility. And this is the largest group, so over 13%, almost 14%, of US population as some mobility impairment. So translated into a digital experience, it could be something preventing the user to use emails, or a regular pointing device. The second category is the cognitive disability. And here we are talking about over 10% of the US population. Any cognitive disorder, it could be learning difficulties, dyslexia, and I'm not just talking about very, very bad disabilities, but just simple conditions that are not preventing an individual to conduct a normal life. The third category is the auditory ability. The count is around 6% of the population. And the auditory disability is any form of hearing loss. And last but not least, is the visual disability. Here we are around 5% of the population. So within the visual disability, of course, we include the blind individual categories, but we might have any kind of low vision, color blindness, contrast deficits, and all impairments that are preventing a user to be able to see colors or transfer the content as the mainstream, which is a word I hate and a concept I hate, will experience on this side. There is one more, in my opinion, a shocking number. Beside the fact that with easy math, we are seeing that 20% of the population as a sort of disability. 20% of your audience, your customers potentially have a sort of visibility. But in these 20%, we're not counting all the temporary impairments. So somebody that broke his arm, somebody that is using his mobile phone under the sunlight, and the sun is hitting the screen and he's not able to see as well as he'd be able to see the screen in the dark. We are now also considering that the age of the digital population is increasing year after a year. I always use an example, so my dad is 74. He is active, smart, quick. His expectation is to keep interacting with his mobile phone, for example, as it is right now. Why should he accept that as his sight is becoming a little bit lower, as his precision with the movements might degredate. In the course of the years, he won't be able to use his phone, he won't be able to do what he's doing with his computer. So that becomes a basic expectation. So we need to take that in consideration. So that 20%, actually, is much, much more if we are considering all the, let's call them disability induced by the context of use. Or simply the population getting older. Sacha: I think one of the things that I found enlightening is the term assistive technology and what that captures. Because I think many of us are actually using some of these technologies without even realizing that actually, they are tools that help those people who do have accessibility issues. I know I certainly was like, oh, you know, I was just using this because this is a handy thing. And actually, they're integral to ensure that our content is accessible for everybody. So I wondered if you could talk about what assistive technology is and give some like examples, just to put it into context. Jeff: Yeah, absolutely. It's something that, as you noted, we use it every day and don't even think about it. You and I are wearing assistive technology right now, Sacha, because we're both in glasses. Think about what you would not be able to see if you didn't have your glasses on. Sacha: I really couldn't. Jeff: You know, it'd be a mess. Using speech to text technology, I think we use it all the time. Authors certainly use it a lot to dictate their manuscripts. You know, if you're dictating a text to your phone, and then sending it that way, or interacting with any home assistant, that's part of it. But also for some people who maybe are restricted in the mobility area, they may use speech to text of that kind to literally navigate the web. And that would be what they'd use in place of a mouse is speaking to the computer. The keyboard itself is a big assistive tool for some people, because theoretically, you know, by the rules of accessibility, you should be able to interact with the site completely on your keyboard, without interacting with the mouse at all. So things like that, you know, are some of the high level things. But then each of our computers, if we're on any kind of, you know, modern Mac or Windows machine, or if we're using Android or iOS phones and tablets, all of those have a huge array of accessibility things built right into them. Whether it's a screen reader, Zoom technology, more around voice to text, a whole bunch of things. And I would really encourage people to look in their settings for their computer and their devices just to see the long list of things that are present that people could use to be interacting with their digital content. Sacha: So like what is the consequence of this to authors if they don't engage with making their content accessible? Michele: I think that the easiest to perceive consequence is they may leave out of the door a good portion of a potential audience or potential customers. But besides the numbers, beside the, let's say, business aspect, I like to think about the impact on potential reputation. Michele: The impact on the idea that the audience, the customer, might have on just ignoring categories of people. So we need to, I think that it is time for us to all get sensitized on the fact that we need to build a more inclusive world. I mean, it is everyone's responsibility, it is not Jeff's, it is not Michele's, it is not Sacha's responsibility only. It is not an expert's responsibility only. Everyone can provide a contribution. So, in my opinion, the impact on the reputation is probably getting to be the most prominent one. And this is what my advice is. Jeff: If you think about the whole idea that not doing this excludes people, and of course, I think all of us creatives really want to be about inclusion. We talk in the book, we talked to four different people in the book who have different disabilities, and in some cases, different multiple disabilities. And one of the things that struck me was speaking to one of my fellow authors in the queer romance space. They were trying to interact with courses, you know, there's a whole array of courses available to independent authors for ads, and for marketing here, and marketing there, and writing craft and all these things. And repeatedly, they are not finding courses where like the live courses don't have live captions through whatever venue it is. And certainly Zoom is really good at live captions for any call that you're doing there. But even in the replays, captions or transcripts weren't available. So they either, you know, don't get to interact with the training at all because they're deaf and hard of hearing. I mean, they've got hearing aids, but those only give them about 30 - 40% of the full picture. So they either strain to hear that content, and try to work on it, which of course is taxing and tiring, or they abandon it all together. And they really feel like they're not getting information that other authors get because, you know, they're not included in that experience. Sacha: Yeah, transcripts is a real sticking point for me, because when I first started the podcast, I used to do transcripts for the show. But at moment, I only have school working hours, and you know, each transcript for an episode is a two hour job. You know, when you do four a month, that's a whole lot. That's more than one working day, and I just can't afford the time. But it is something that I provide for courses. And I do try to make sure I do video audio transcript, and you know, all of that stuff. It's very frustrating for me because I would like to have the sort of AI transcription software be more accurate because I can't just transcribe and leave it and put it up because there are things still that don't make sense. It's not accurate enough. And obviously, outsourcing, it's costly. So that's one of the things for me that I know that I could change, and I would really like to change. But obviously, it's a costly exercise one way or the or another. So we know that it's important to make sure our books and websites and social media are accessible to everyone. So what are some easy wins that people could take away from this episode? Anything practical that we could do to make our content more accessible? Jeff: You kind of hit on one of the things there in what you just said around auto generated. Auto generated anything doesn't make it accessible. Auto generated transcripts or captions are just riddled with mistakes. They come close, they're about 95% of the way there, and they're a great point to start the editing process, but they're not complete. And they will leave your audience feeling the same way, like if you just put out a first draft of a book without any copy editing and without any fixes to it. That's also true for alternative text because Facebook and Instagram, for example, will put alt text on anything you upload to it, and it's horrible. It'll be like, "might be one person standing outside with a beard," because they've got a beard on their face. And they'll just kind of tag that on the end. And it'll also try to read any text that's actually in the image. And if you think about those very popular book promo graphics right now with the book in the middle and all the little arrows pointing with like tropes and plot points and stuff. Sacha: I posted one of those today. Jeff: The AI will actually read left to right, trying to read each line of that, including the book title and the bylines, and present that. That's what Facebook offers. So you need to make sure on social that you're cleaning up the alt text that's present there so that it's not just some real garbage that's sitting there. Then another key I would give, knowing how everybody loves to use emojis, really limit the use of them. Like put them at the end to like finish the punctuation on a post or a sentence or something. Don't start with them, because especially for screen readers, each emoji has its own thing that it reads out, that may not be the context that you want it to be. Don't put emojis between the words for the same reason. Also you think about cognitively disabled people and emojis as well. The context and the way you want those to be perceived, if somebody is already having to parse the words you're putting in there because maybe they're dyslexic and they need a very clean line of text, or some other cognitive disability, you're just making it that much harder for them to get the message that you're trying to give because you're trying to add some visual sparkle with the emojis. So I would say that those are my three quick hits on some things that can start to make the content more accessible. Sacha: Yeah, I still remember the first time somebody asked me to put captions on my stories. And as far as I'm aware, they have no accessibility issues, but they used to watch my stories at work, and they couldn't watch them with sound on. I was like, "oh," and I was like, "yeah, sure, I can do that." And then, obviously, there were other comments from other people who were like, "Oh, actually, now I can like watch your story, like watch/read your stories." And like, that was a real eye opener. I just think so much of this is just pure, like, what's the word? Not nefarious, but it is still ignorance. You know, it's just accidental ignorance in a way. But the emojis, I definitely do far too many emojis and I am going to make an effort to make sure they're at the end instead. I definitely start with emojis, I put them in the middle, you don't even think about it. So yeah, now I will be thinking about it going forward. Okay, so you've just mentioned alt text there. But I wondered if you could give me an example of what good alt text is because I do some freelance work managing a blog, and I know that when we have pictures, we're supposed to put alt text on there. I never really know what it is I am supposed to be describing or what I'm supposed to be putting into the alt text sections. So like, how do I know where I'm supposed to use it and when it's not actually needed? And how do I know what a good sentence is to put in there? Michele: Somebody says that finding the right alt text is like an art. And I actually agree with that. There is no magic recipe to define a good alternative text. We always recommend it is important to understand what role an image plays within the context. The context of what? It could be the context of the page, the context of the message we are communicating. So in the case an image is purely decorative, you're just using an image as a sort of placeholder, an extremely nice placeholder, but it's only conveying a decorative meaning, in that case, your alternative tags should be empty. It does not mean that you don't have to put the alt attribute, because if you don't, assistive technology will read the file name of the image, making it very difficult to understand for the final user. But setting the alternative tax as an empty, the assistive technology will know that that image will need to be ignored. So it won't be read. Instead, if the image is conveying a message, an important message, you should describe it with the right message. I mean it was funny for us, not in the context that we found the issue, it was the classic search icon, the magnifier lens, and so the site we were reviewing had, as an alternative text of the magnifier lengths, magnifier length. Instead, there was supposed to be search, because the function of the image was search, it was not magnifying something. So you can just imagine how confusing would have been the experience of a blind user using a screen reader that was hearing that there was an input text field on the page, so maybe that is what I can use to search something, and then magnifier lens. When you experience that, people with disabilities now have a bad website. With very little effort, you can fix it, you can make your site more accessible and more meaningful to everyone. Sacha: Yeah, that's so interesting, because obviously, you derive meaning from seeing the image, but actually, it's the function of the image that's the important bit. I think that's a fantastic bit of learning for everybody to take away. One of the other things you talk about in the book are the four main principles of accessibility on a website. And I think these are things that authors should be aware of. So I wondered if you could just briefly go over them. Michele: Yeah, sure. The web content accessibility guideline, which is the sort of Bible to determine whether a digital property is accessible or not, are four. And actually, those four principles also apply to everyday object accessibility. So the first one is perceivable. It means that any user must be able to perceive the content and the interface of your website. So we just did the example around the alternative text, that falls under the perceivable principle. The second principle is operable. So it requires to provide the ability for all users, independently by their abilities, to operate with user interface. The classic example is, let's consider a motor impairment, and it prevents the user to interact with the mouse. So the site must provide the ability for the user to use just the keyboard to interact and browse the site. The third principle is understandable, which probably is the easiest to understand. So the interface and the content must be understandable to the user. This actually, on some of these success criteria, it becomes extremely interesting because it also covers cultural disabilities. So the use of an easy language and all these aspects are, I think, extremely interesting for authors. And last but not least, is the final principle, which is the robust. It is probably the most technical principle that is included into the guideline, but it is all about respecting the standards, and respecting the core compatibility. One of the things that we always have to remember is that users with disabilities are massively relying on their system. So they are probably not upgrading them 30 seconds after the operative system notifies us that there is an upgrade ready to be installed. They don't do that because the risk of losing the ability to, for example, have the system working as it was working before, it might generate a big problem. Imagine a blind user that relies on his computer or any screen reader to order the food, to book the train ticket, to book a taxi. If after the upgrade, it won't work anymore or won't work as it was working before, considering that learning how to use a screen reader is probably a multiyear experience. Sacha: I find that so interesting. Actually, that's going to make me slightly more empathetic, I think. So with my stepdad, we often help like change bills over and do things like internet swap over, but there's a lot of resistance to like upgrading. And I was like, you need better internet, like you need it. And, you know, I wasn't particularly empathetic about it, but actually I get it now. I get it. Yeah, I can understand because so much is reliant on the existing system. And I'm just like, yeah, well, we can change it and upgrade it and make it better. But actually, when there are so many systems, you know, phone systems and call systems and nurse systems that are based on it, I can understand why there's that resistance and reluctance to change it. And so yeah, thank you for that. Now, I'm not very empathetic person, but I'm going to try very hard now to be better. Yeah, thank you. I've read the book and learned so much and I'm still learning even more. This is a fantastic interview. Thank you, guys. One of the things, speaking of, that I learned was that using color to differentiate isn't always helpful, which blew my mind because I am an extremely visual person, and I actually rely on color to learn. Like when I was studying at university, I would put my psychology studies in certain colors, so that I could close my eyes and picture like my big brainstorm thing, like with all the different colors on it, and then I'd remember the numbers and the words and the authors and things. And so that helps me to categorize and it's how I find books on my bookshelf. And I was ignorant of, obviously, the fact that that's a huge problem for people who are colorblind. So what are some of the things that those of us who are able bodied take for granted that you wish that we would change? Michele: Yeah, relying on color to convey information is probably one of those. Just the color is not enough, you should use something else. Let's do an easy example. So imagine that the style that you have on your website highlights the links only with the color. Let's also make sure the links are underlined, which is the standard, let's say link style, because otherwise, people might not be able to perceive the difference between the link and the plain text. The same when you are providing instructions on how to do something. Recently, I've seen a sign that was suggesting to use the red button. But what if I'm using my interface only on a scale of gray? I will not be able to perceive what is the red button, and I will not be able to distinguish between the other buttons. So again, it is not necessarily a hyper technical aspect, it is the ability to start understanding which are the difficulties. And these are difficulties that you might be able to perceive, not just on the web, but on the everyday life. So this is, I think, one of the nicest thing around accessibility, that when you start learning, and Sacha, you confirmed that before, right? When you start learning it on a field, then you naturally apply it to a number of different fields. And the use of colors is a classic one that you can find on books, guides, instructions, websites, on Facebook post. It is a very popular mistake. Sacha: I think it's so natural for so many of us to, you know, we go through the world with our own rose tinted spectacles on. We go through the world with our own experience. And so often we take that for granted that that's everybody's experience. And it's not. And that's why this is so important because none of us are perfect. We all have things to learn. And I think as long as we are open to being humble, and to putting our hands up and say, "Actually, yeah, I had no idea. I'm going to change that now." I think that's one of the magical things about your book is that you say throughout it that nobody's expecting you to do everything in this book immediately. You can do one little thing this month, another thing next month, you know. And I think that's what's so encouraging because I actually left the book very motivated to try and fix some of these things. Jeff: The thing to remember, and you kind of touched on it there, that we tell you, you don't have to do everything, but it's also a mindset of progress over perfection. It's one of the big things talked about among all the advocates in this space, because you can't do everything all at once. And especially for who we're talking to here, which is really creative entrepreneurs, probably little to no technical experience, working with little to no budget, you know, maybe if they're lucky, a PA who helps with this stuff. But to know you can choose to do nothing on your existing content and always do better going forward, those little things add up. You don't want this to feel like a crushing like, oh god, now I've got two thousand other things to go do. Baby steps, parse out what you're gonna do, what you think the most important thing is, and just do something. Yeah. Sacha: And like, speaking of doing something, I think one of the things that authors spend a lot of their marketing time on is social media. So what are some of the things that we can do to be more inclusive and accessible on social media? Jeff: Really think about that emoji use. I mean, I will tie back to that, because emojis is one of the places that I think most people, if they're going to abuse emojis, it's abuse on social. Put them at the end of the post, don't bury them in the middle of it, so that your message comes through. And that's really what I look at in every instance when I'm thinking about social. It's let's make sure the message you're giving actually comes through. Instagram stories and TikTok, when you can add your own text to those, make sure you're using text that's actually big enough to read. Those stories, you can't pinch and zoom and do all that stuff. And there's so many Instagrams, people type these big, long missives on their Instagram stories, and it's really teeny, tiny text, and I'm like, I have no idea. And if I am not reading it with my glasses on, it's like, yeah, you're gonna lower your interaction with that. Make it bigger text, more screens, whatever that takes to get that across. The same thing when you're doing caption fonts, like I love your caption fonts when you're doing your stories. It's good, big text. I think I could read that with my glasses off, perhaps, which is great. Think about how you're using images and what you're doing with them. Images of text are used a lot, and you know, they're catchy, like those graphics we talked about with all the arrows pointing to the books. But make sure that that message is coming out into the post itself. Because, you know, we talked about using alt text, which is great, but there are people with low vision, who aren't going to use the screen reader to get to the alt text. So for that book example, all of those little pop points that are running around the outside of the book, make that part of the post in a sentence format. You know, "this book features these things," so that it's equivalent information presented. That comes back to the perceivable principle that Michele mentioned. Different people perceive in different ways, so make sure the content is available in all those different perceivable ways. Sacha: So I got halfway there with that trope's post because I put the tropes in the caption, but then I put a tick emoji by each one. I was so close. Michele: You need to read the book again. Sacha: Clearly, I do. Okay, last sort of major question then. Talk to me about font. You've mentioned font, about having it large in captions, but also there are things that we should know about choosing font for our websites or for our books or social media where possible. Jeff: I would say this is less about books and book covers because that's going to the brand and the feel of the book, and that kind of thing. And the book cover itself is really art. And yes, there are certain things you could do, but you don't want to like take away from the feel of your cover for that. When you're promoting the book, you want the text around that art to be properly accessible and stuff. You can't really adjust the font on aspects of social. You've got some font choices on stories and areas like that. But if you're gonna look at font families, for example, like Tahoma, Times New Roman, Verdana, and to a large degree, Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, those are generally well accessible fonts because the things that you're looking for are easily distinguishable letters. So a font where a lowercase L and an uppercase I and the numeral one, don't all look the same. Because then you're gonna start having people having difficulty parsing the letters if they're visually interacting with them. And then, of course, it's a good font size. So you know, well 14 size font on websites and in emails and stuff. Think about are you using on your emails, for example, a mobile friendly template so that somebody doesn't have to pinch and zoom even if you're using a big font, because it's not reformatting in the mobile window well. And if you're doing tiny text, don't go too tiny. Even if you're doing like rules for something, somebody's trying to read that. So you know, be considered about that as well. Very thin fonts, things with big flourishes in them, be wary of those. Those will be much harder for people with cognitive disabilities, potentially, to parse and low vision to parse out what those are. Coming back to like images of text and that promo graphic, if you do have swirly stuff in there because it's part of the brand feel of the book, just make sure you're getting that message in the post and in the alt text so that it's all considerable. Two other things I'll throw out about fonts, and one of these ties back to color, is color contrast. So beyond the use of color that Michele mentioned, think about the color contrast and the ability to discern what's in the background versus the foreground. So if you're thinking about text, does the text pop enough off of the background color to be readable. And I'll send you for the show notes a link to a color contrast checker that's available, you just put in the hex codes for your foreground and your background, and it's gonna tell you if it passes color contrast. It nice little sliders on it so you can darken and lighten text to find the right balance to ensure that those visually interacting can see and discern the color appropriately and not have to like work too hard on it. The last thing I'll mention around text is the alignment of the text. Centering text, especially large blocks of text, we're not talking like headlines, but large chunks of text, very cognitively draining to read because your eye is always have to find where the start of the line is. Same thing with justification because there's inconsistent spacing between words. Left justify it so that I can follow, you know, not so much with the indents because indentations are expected, but you know, start left align copy so that it's just a straight line. It makes for the easiest readability. Sacha: Yeah, do you know I've always hated center justified text and I've never really know known why. And it is actually exhausting to read it. Yeah, that's so interesting. Thank you both so, so much because I think this is a really, really important topic. And I hope that listeners, even if they're only got to go and do one thing, please do go and take one action after listening to this podcast. Well, two actions. One, read the book, and then two, take a take a practical action. But this is The Rebel Author Podcast, so tell everyone about a time you unleashed your inner rebel. And I don't mind who goes first. Jeff: I will say that I prepared better this time than the first time that we did this because I know Will I found this question to be like, oh my god, what is this even mean? I have one for this though. And I challenge everybody after they read the book to start doing this kind of same thing. And it's gently educating people about accessibility. As you learn it, pass it on. Like, even before I wrote the book, every now and then I would talk to an author colleague, a podcaster colleague, about newsletters or things that I saw that just very clearly popped out to me because of this work that I do. Like maybe think about doing this thing different than this thing, to spread the word. And I'm even more kind of out there with it now. Whether it's a colleague, or a business that I that I work with. You know, I use maybe widgets and plugins on my websites to get to make certain things happen. I'll either go look for new ones, or be like, hey, this is bad, can you do something about this place? It's all about gently. It's not about aggressively coming out of the gate and be like, oh, my God, why aren't you doing this. It's like, you may not know this, but XYZ. And that way, accessibility becomes something that we all start to think about a little more. So it's a little rebellion and it takes a little courage to just know you're gonna go reach out to somebody go, can I just give you some unsolicited advice about this? But it's all about trying to make everything more inclusive. Sacha: Yeah, absolutely. Exactly. And the more welcoming we can be, the better our community becomes, and the more, what's the word, the more appreciated our readers feel. So I love that rebellion. Michele, what about you? You've got to have a rebellion, too. Michele: I do, I do. It might be considered close to Jeff's one, but the message I want to convey is that we live in a world that relies on accessory to use something that has been just purely designed. And we need to stop. The concept of an assistive technology, or even worse, an alternative, it needs to stop. So the fact that the product that you are designing, often we see the main actor as the designer, not the user, is what causes the majority of the accessibility issues. So we need to invest something that is not necessarily related to the technology only, but in the way we speak. And I include myself, I mean, this is a message that I send to myself as well. So to be more inclusive, but in a way that we think we will learn, which could be all the difficulties, all the possible different abilities of our audience, and we try to be more inclusive, but in a way that we don't just consider that if he's not able to use my website, for sure, she will have an accessory that will make her able to. Well, it's not always like that. We can design better, we can write better, we can produce better products to be available for a wider audience. Sacha: Yeah, I love that. And I think the best marketers who are authors keep the end user being the reader at the fore of their design of their books and their marketing campaigns. And you know, they're the ones who are the most effective at this. And so I think that's an amazing rebellion. Okay, tell everyone where they can find out more about you, your book, and anything else you would like to add? Jeff: Absolutely. So you can find all about Content for Everyone at contentforeveryone.info. Information where you can get the book, we're also going to be putting up routine blog posts there to talk about examples that we've seen, news that would be of interest to creatives. So we'll start to have you know that be kind of an ongoing resource to help share even more around the book. And Content for Everyone is available everywhere, eBook, paperback, large print paperback and audiobook. And you should find that anywhere you want to pick up a book, or pick up an audio, it should be there. Sacha: Are you narrating? Jeff: I am actually, yes. Sacha: I love it. I love it. Jeff: If you want more about me, JeffAdamsWrites.com for the fiction, and BigGayFictionPodcast.com for the podcast. Sacha: Excellent. Thank you very much. Okay, well, thank you so much for your time today, and of course a gigantic thank you to all of the show's listeners and all of the show's patrons. If you'd like to get early access to all of the episodes, you can do so by visiting patreon.com/sachablack. I'm Sacha Black, you are listening to Jeff Adams and Michele Lucchini, and this was The Rebel Author Podcast. Next week I am joined by one of my fav humans, Ines Johnson, and we are going to be talking about business, processes, efficiency, and basically how she is a fucking badass author. So join me next week for that. Don't forget to tune in and subscribe on your podcatcher. And when you have a moment, please leave a review.

 

Mar 08, 2023
The Black Herron: Episode 7
58:47

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number seven between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode seven. 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 right here.

To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.

*

If you haven’t read The Anatomy of a Best Seller, what are you waiting for? Grab my latest craft book and start deconstructing so you can write your own best seller today.

Book we're reading: Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy’s Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love by Tori Dunlap

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***this show uses affiliate links

Mar 01, 2023
179 Publishing Trends for the Future with Clayton Noblit
56:30

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Resources to create publishing trend predictions
  • New channels coming on stream for authors
  • How to get into direct sales
  • Changes that AI will bring
  • Steps to prepare for upcoming publishing trends

This week’s question is: tell me about something you have that makes your life easier.

Recommendation of the week is: Penny For Your Playlist: A Gen-X Game Girls Novel by Patron Maggie Menae

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

WWM Article

AI Guidelines

Find out more about Clayton:

Written Word Media

TikTok

 

Rebel of the Week is: Christina

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

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Mar 01, 2023
178 Book Blurb Writing with Jessie Cunniffe
01:05:56

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover:

  • Common mistakes when writing blurbs
  • How to structure your blurb
  • Strategies for writing blurbs
  • Creating hooky taglines
  • Triggers and warnings in your blurb

This week’s question is: what book has gotten you out of a reading slump?

Recommendation of the week is: Book Lovers by Emily Henry

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Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Jessie:

Website

Book Blurb Magic Special Offer

**Use code REBEL at checkout

FREE blurb cheatsheet

FREE spicy secrets romance blurb mini-course

Instagram @bookblurbmagic

Facebook

 

Rebel of the Week is: Patricia

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 
Feb 22, 2023
177 Ruby Roe on Secrets and Settings with JJ Arias
01:15:04

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • First lines
  • Using secrets in fiction
  • Making settings a character
  • How Ruby wrote A Game of Hearts and Heists 

This week’s question is: Tell me about a moment in your life you’ll never forget. Babies and marriages aside.

Recommendation of the week is: Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz

Apple

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Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Order A Game of Hearts and Heists

Find out more about JJ:

Author Website

Socials @thejjarias 

 

Rebel of the Week is: Dorian Tsukioka

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Ryan and Katrina Marie. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Feb 15, 2023
BONUS EPISODE: Lessons Learned from Starting a New Pen Name
01:20:58

Well, this is the motherlode of write ups! I launched A Game of Hearts and Heists a spicy sapphic fantasy romance on the 10th of February 2023 and I promised to share everything that I’d done to create this new pen name.

Goal: create a financially sustainable fiction pen name that gives me the opportunity to have fun writing and create books that are ‘cannot put down, hangover inducing’

Subgoals: surpass 33 preorders, give out over 100 ARCs, keep production costs as low as possible

TLDR Take Aways
  • Hate to say it, but mindset IS everything
  • Infrastructure is key
  • You need more time than you think
  • TikTok works
  • You have to talk about your excitement

Read full blog post here.

Feb 12, 2023
176 Secrets to Editing Success with Kristina Stanley and Lucy Cooke
01:03:33

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Revising vs editing
  • Biggest editing mistakes authors make
  • How to test your story goal
  • The five story arc scenes
  • Developing effective conflict in your story

This week’s question is: If you could have dinner with someone inspirational (dead or alive) who would it be?

Recommendation of the week is: Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

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Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned:

Blind Date with a Sapphic Book

Find out more about Kristina and Lucy:

The Fictionary Community

Kristina's Author Website

Secrets to Editing Success

 

Rebel of the Week is: Lovis

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Ana. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Feb 08, 2023
The Black Herron: Episode 6
58:16

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number six between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode six. 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 right here.

To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.

*

If you like dark humour, learning through examples and want to create the best villains you can, then you’ll love Sacha Black’s guide to crafting superbad villains. Read 13 Steps to Evil today and start creating kick-ass villains.

*

Book we're reading: Everything Connects by Faisal Hoque

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**This show uses affiliate links

Feb 01, 2023
175 Shut Up and Write the Book with Jenna Moreci
01:06:29

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Getting to the end of your first draft
  • Blocks, barriers and mistakes for beginner writers
  • Finding the right genre for your book
  • Tips for self editing

This week’s question is: What trait or skill do you value in yourself?

Recommendation of the week is: House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

A Game of Hearts and Heists Preorder

***email your preorder proof to rubypreorder@gmail.com to enter the giveaway and get exclusive bonus content

Find out more about Jenna:

Order Shut Up and Write the Book

Subscribe to Jenna's Channel

Check out The Savior's Series

 

Rebel of the Week is: Luisa

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

**Isoldesse YA Fantasy by Kimberly Grymes

Feb 01, 2023
174 Hybrid Publishing with Katlyn Duncan
53:59

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What is a hybrid author
  • Deciding which publishing path to take
  • Lessons learned in the author business
  • Pros and cons of being hybrid
  • How to initiate your hybrid career

This week’s question is: how do you procrastinate?  

Recommendation of the week is: The Successful Hybrid Author by Katlyn Duncan

Apple

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Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned:

Fictionary Writers Conference 2023: February 12 - 14

13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains and 10 Steps to Hero: How to Craft Kickass Protagonists are just £1.99 each for the rest of January. Grab them now on all stores.

I Heart SapphFic Reading Challenge

Jae’s Sapphic Book Bingo

Find out more about Katlyn:

The Successful Hybrid Author

Direct Shop

Website

Youtube

Instagram

 

Rebel of the Week is: Karla Hailer

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Claire. A big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Jan 25, 2023
BONUS EPISODE Sneak Peek of The Anatomy of a Best Seller Audiobook
08:38
Jan 21, 2023
173 How to Write Cozy Fantasy with Travis Baldree
01:08:21

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The differences between indie and trad publishing
  • Advice for writing cozy fantasy
  • Creating great descriptions
  • Narrating your own book
  • Writing better dialogue

This week’s question is: what is giving you joy at the moment? 

Recommendation of the week is: Reclaim Your Author Career by Claire Taylor

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains and 10 Steps to Hero: How to Craft Kickass Protagonists are just £1.99 each for the rest of January. Grab them now on all stores.

Preorder A Game of Hearts and Heists

Find out more about Travis:

Twitter @travisbaldree Instagram @travis_baldree Legends & Lattes

 

Rebel of the Week is: Anonymous

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Daphne Garrison. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Jan 18, 2023
172 Sleep and Creativity with Anne Bartolucci
01:01:42

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Myths about sleep
  • Creating better quality of sleep
  • Dealing with procrastination and overwhelm
  • Imposter syndrome and comparison

This week’s question is: What’s your 2023 reading goal?

Recommendation of the week is: Neon Gods by Katee Robert

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains and 10 Steps to Hero: How to Craft Kickass Protagonists are just £1.99 each for the rest of January. Grab them now on all stores.

Find out more about Anne:

Psych Up Academy 

Better Sleep for the Overachiever

Instagram

And as Cecilia: 

Author Website

Instagram

Rebel of the Week is: Sam Ross

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

Lots of new patrons this week. Welcome and thank you to Dharma Kelleher, Laura Annis, Tamara Nikolai and Jennifer Conte. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Jan 11, 2023
171 How to Raise the Emotional Stakes in your Novel with Stephanie Dethlefs
57:08

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The importance of the emotional journey
  • Making your prose more emotional
  • Tips for writing emotional stories
  • How to avoid writing cliched emotions

This week’s question is: Are you a lover or hater of New Year?

Recommendation of the week is: A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

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Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Stephanie:

Hello Writers! 

 

Rebel of the Week is: Eden Collier

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 

Jan 04, 2023
The Black Herron: Episode 5
01:02:48

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number five between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode five. 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 right here.

To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.

*

If you haven’t read The Anatomy of a Best Seller, what are you waiting for? Grab my latest craft book and start deconstructing so you can write your own best seller today.

Book we're reading: 

Happy Money by Ken Honda

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Quit by Annie Duke

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This show uses affiliate links

Jan 01, 2023
170 How to Write Feminist Fiction with C.L. Polk
01:04:52

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Writing about gender inequality in an engaging way
  • Creating powerful female characters
  • Advice for writing feminist fiction
  • Attracting a specific audience
  • Balancing a bittersweet ending

This week’s question is: What are your goals for 2023?

Best Nonfiction of the Year:

Happy Money by Ken Honda

Kobo

Amazon

Quit by Annie Duke

Kobo

Amazon

Relentless by Tim S Grover

Kobo

Amazon

Best Fiction of the Year:

Queen Takes Rose by Katee Robert

Kobo

Amazon

King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St Clair

Kobo

Amazon

Darkest Night by Alessa Thorn

Amazon

Special mention to Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

Kobo

Amazon

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Preorder A Game of Hearts and Heists

Find out more about C.L. at:

Author Website

Dreamwidth

Instagram @clpolk

Twitter @clpolk

 

Rebel of the Week is: Jasmine Arch

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

Thank you to V.E. Griffith for upping their pledge and welcome back to returning patron Jessica Samuels. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Dec 28, 2022
169 Subscriptions for Authors with Emilia Rose
01:15:29

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to use Patreon as an author
  • Producing content quickly and consistently
  • Growing your subscription platform
  • Engaging and fostering your community
  • Tips for creating cliffhangers

This week’s question is: Tell me something you love about yourself

Recommendation of the week is: A Game of Hearts and Heists by Ruby Roe

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

The “I Quit My Job” Post: Read the post I wrote announcing the fact I'd quit my day job

Find out more about Emilia:

Author Website

Professional Links to Subscription-Related Projects:

Subscriptions for Authors

Ream

 

Rebel of the Week is: Sam Ross

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Olivia Bedford. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Dec 21, 2022
168 Line Editing for Authors with Hayley Milliman
47:48

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The different types of editing
  • The editing process
  • Line editing for different levels
  • Using tools like ProWritingAid

This week’s question is: Thinking towards next year and things you might need to put in place to help you achieve your goals, what motivates you?

Recommendation of the week is: Blood and Steel by Helen Scheuerer

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Hayley and ProWritingAid with:

20% off ProWritingAid Premium

 

Rebel of the Week is: Judith Mortimore

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Dec 14, 2022
167 How to Write Fantasy Romance with Scarlett St. Clair
01:21:57

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What fantasy romance is
  • Writing romantic tension
  • Tips to writing sex scenes
  • Audience building
  • Creating boundaries with your fan base

This week’s question is: Tell me something positive.

Recommendation of the week is: Wednesday (Netflix)

Links I mentioned: 

Tom Trotter

Mailing List sign up

Find out more about Scarlett:

Instagram @authorscarlettstclair 

TikTok @authorscarlettstclair

Author Website

Buy Queen of Myth and Monsters

Rebel of the Week is: Lena Johnson

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons, but thank you to Sparky Hazard for upping their pledge. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

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Dec 07, 2022
The Black Herron: Episode 4
59:45

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number four between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode 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 little as $2 right here.

To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.

*

If you like dark humor, learning through examples and want to create perfect prose, then you’ll love my guide to crafting sensational sentences. Read The Anatomy of Prose today and start creating kick-ass stories.

*

Book we're reading: Happy Money by Ken Honda

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon US

**This show uses affiliate links

 
Dec 01, 2022
166 The Anatomy of Genres with John Truby
01:09:50

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Defining genre
  • How to mix genres 
  • Tropes with a twist
  • Genre-specific mistakes to avoid

This week’s question is: What self-limiting beliefs do you have?

Recommendation of the week is: Story Genius by Lisa Cron

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Sacha’s Black Friday Discounts, use code BLACKFRIDAY30

Books

Courses

Black Friday Deals Post

Find out more about John:

The Anatomy of Genres

Rebel of the Week is: Karla Hailer

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

3 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Tara D, V.E. Griffith and Liz Lazo. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Nov 30, 2022
165 Planning for Authors with Sarra Cannon
01:17:48

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Planning systems
  • How to plan effectively
  • Planning for the unknown
  • Balancing family and career
  • Mindset shifts

This week’s question is: what have you learned about yourself this year?

Recommendation of the week is: High School Rocket Science: For Extraterrestrial Use Only by Patron Stanley B Trice

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links/events I mentioned:

Sacha’s Black Friday Discounts, use code BLACKFRIDAY30

Books Link

Courses Link

Black Friday Deals Post

Find out more about Sarra:

YouTube

Instagram @heartbreathings

Author Website

Rebel of the Week is: Bair Klos

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to all of my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Nov 23, 2022
164 Writing Fuel for Indie Authors with Cassie Newell
59:09

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Giving yourself permission
  • Changing your mindset around writing
  • How to start writing
  • How to keep writing fun
  • Quitting vs Sticking vs Pivoting

This week’s question is: What should you be doing, that you aren't?

Recommendation of the week is: Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links/Events I mentioned:

It's Black Friday this month, so I'm throwing the biggest bargain party I've ever done.

30% off EVERYTHING (if you buy direct).

That means 30% off my courses, 30% off my digital books and 30% off my audiobook.

I have NEVER discounted everything before, but I'm doing it this once and for a limited time.

Sale runs 14th Nov to 4th December.

To take advantage of the sale, use code: BLACKFRIDAY30

For courses

For books and audio

Find out more about Cassie on:

Website

Writer Fuel Community

Storytellers Faceoff Podcast

TikTok

Instagram

Writer Fuel

 

Rebel of the Week is: Marc Lewis

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Deb Schwabe. Thank you to Erica Lott for upping their pledge and a big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Nov 16, 2022
163 How to Be a Fearless Writer with Beth Kempton
01:10:26

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Japan
  • The most common writer fears
  • How to become fearless
  • Approaches to perfectionism
  • Approaches to failure

This week’s question is: What country is top of your bucket list?

Recommendation of the week is: Quit by Annie Duke

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Beth on:

Instagram

Author Website

Do What You Love

The Way of the Fearless Writer

Rebel of the Week is: Jackson Hollingsworth

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Nov 09, 2022
162 Writing as a Parent or Carer with Megan Clancy
01:00:36

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Advice for working full-time and trying to write
  • Balancing caring duties and writing
  • Boundaries, how to have them and hold them
  • Mindset shifts

This week’s question is: Do you struggle to make time for all the things in life?

Recommendation of the week is: How to Fail by Elizabeth Day

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Megan at:

Author Website

Twitter

Instagram

TikTok

 

Rebel of the Week is: Eden 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

4 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Tove Sama, Ronnie Ledesma, Robi Francis and Farica Woods. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Nov 02, 2022
The Black Herron: Episode 3
51:25

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number three between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode 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 little as $2 right here.

To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.

*

If you haven’t read The Anatomy of a Best Seller, what are you waiting for? Grab my latest craft book and start deconstructing so you can write your own best seller today.

Books we mentioned: How to Fail: Everything I’ve Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong by Elizabeth Day

Kobo 

Amazon UK 

Amazon US 

**This show uses affiliate links

Nov 01, 2022
161 How to Write Urban Fantasy with Sarah Painter
58:54

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What elements make urban fantasy
  • Crafting the urban fantasy voice
  • Marketing urban fantasy
  • Urban fantasy tropes

This week’s question is: how do you approach editing?

Recommendation of the week is: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

Escape the Plot Forest 

Learn more about Sarah on:

Facebook

Author Website

StoryBundle - The Writer's Career Toolkit Bundle

 

Rebel of the Week is: Sharon

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron, welcome and thank you to Danielle Brigante. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Oct 26, 2022
160 NaNoWriMo for Indie Authors with Grant Faulkner
01:02:34

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What NaNo is and how to participate
  • The community of NaNo
  • Tips and tricks for setting yourself up for NaNo
  • Methods for keeping going
  • NaNo Mindset

This week’s question is: Have you ever done NaNo? or will you do NaNo this year?

Recommendation of the week is: Darkest Night by Alessa Thorn

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

FREE summit Escape the Plot Forest

Find out more about Grant at:

Author Website

Pep Talks for Writers

Rebel of the Week is: April Jones's husband's friend

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Paul Worthington. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 
Oct 19, 2022
159 How to Write a Cozy Mystery with Sara Rosett
56:37

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The psychology of cozy mysteries
  • Cozy tropes
  • Mistakes to avoid 
  • Craft advice for writing cozy mysteries
  • Marketing for introverts

This week’s question is: What would you like for Christmas?

Recommendation of the week is: A Lair of Bones by Helen Scheuerer

Apple 

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Sara at:

Author Website

How to Outline a Cozy Mystery

 

Rebel of the Week is: Jennie Krypton (TikTok @jennie_krypton)

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Cianne McKinnon. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Oct 12, 2022
158 How to Write Fast and Plot a Novel with Shane Millar
01:04:25

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Mistakes to avoid when outlining or trying to write fast
  • The 9 critical story beats 
  • What to do when you veer off your outline
  • The pillars of writing fast

This week’s question is: What and when was the last bit of self care you did?

Recommendation of the week is: A Glasgow Kiss by Sophie Gravia

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Shane on:

Instagram 

TikTok 

How to Plot Your Novel

Rebel of the Week is: Eden’s Nan

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Barbra Campbell and Tara Brinkley. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Kimberly Grymes is a Young Adult Speculative Fiction author. You can find her on Instagram at @KGrymes.Writes

 

Oct 05, 2022
The Black Herron: Episode 2
58:24

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number two between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode 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 as $2 right here.

To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.

*

If you haven’t read The Anatomy of a Best Seller, what are you waiting for? Grab my latest craft book and start deconstructing so you can write your own best seller today.

Books we mentioned: Stop Making Others Rich: How Authors Can Make Bank By Selling Direct by Morgana S. Best

Kobo 

Apple 

Amazon UK 

Amazon US 

**This show uses affiliate links

Oct 01, 2022
157 How to Write Historical Fiction with Kim Taylor Blakemore
57:02

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What makes a historical novel
  • Craft tips for historical novels
  • Research tips for historical novels 
  • Writing about real historical people
  • The line between fantasy and historical

This week’s question is: what’s the best TV show or movie you’ve seen this year?

Recommendation of the week is: Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S Grover

Apple 

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Kim at:

Author Website

Instagram: @kimtaylorblakemorebooks

The Deception

Rebel of the Week is: Sorcha Brennan

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Sep 28, 2022
156 How Indie Authors Can Collaborate with Asa Maria Bradley
01:17:00

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Dozens of ideas for how to collaborate
  • Ways to market your collaborative work
  • Mistakes to avoid when collaborating
  • Benefits of collaborating
  • Why you should consider collaborating

This week’s question is: would you ever collaborate and if so, in what way?

Recommendation of the week is: 

Send me YOUR recommendations for inspirational, business or mindset nonfiction books and DM me on Instagram @sachablackauthor

Find out more about Asa Maria at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Author Website

Rebel of the Week is: Laura Styles 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

3 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Simone Kelly, Barbara Becc and Heather Button. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Sep 21, 2022
155 How to Pivot Genre with Alessa Thorn
01:25:40

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Can you pivot in 2022 and be successful?
  • What are good reasons to pivot?
  • What you need to research before pivoting
  • Mistakes to avoid 
  • How to build a new audience

This week’s question is: what month or season are you most productive in?

Recommendation of the week is: It Happened on Fifth Street by Robyn R Pearce (patron)

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Alessa on:

Author Website

Instagram

 

Rebel of the Week is: Jasmine C. Caldwell

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to E.L. Creswell and Lucia Jacobs. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Sep 14, 2022
154 How to Write Thrillers and Mysteries with Tom Fowler
01:06:15

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What makes a good thriller
  • How to market thrillers
  • How to create pace and tension
  • The voice of thrillers
  • How to build an audience for thrillers

This week’s question is: What’s the best thriller you’ve ever read?

Recommendation of the week is: The Anatomy of a Best Seller by ME!

Reasons to Read The Anatomy of a Best Seller:

  • If you want to understand what makes your favorite books so good, this book is for you.
  • If you’d love to learn the tools that the best selling authors use in your genre, this is for you.
  • If you want to understand how to “know your market” how to break down the tropes, tone, craft and marketing you need in order to succeed, this book is for you!

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Tom on:

Facebook

Instagram

Bookbub

Books2Read

Free thriller series prequel novella

Free thriller audiobook short

Rebel of the Week is: Holly Lyne

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

Thank you to Kimberly G for upping her pledge and welcome to new patron Vikki Turbine. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 

Sep 07, 2022
The Black Herron: Episode 1
50:48
Hello Rebels,   And welcome to a special episode. Going forward, Rachael Herron and I will be doing a bonus episode each month. Think of it as a fireside chat between two good friends and you get to eavesdrop on the gossip.   We’re calling these special episodes “The Black Herron”. Patrons will receive the episodes one month early. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little as $2 right here.   To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.   ***   If you haven’t read The Anatomy of a Best Seller, what are you waiting for? Grab my latest craft book and start deconstructing so you can write your own best seller today.  
Sep 01, 2022
153 How to Write a Successful Series with Helen Scheuerer
01:16:29

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to approach a series
  • Setting up a character arcs
  • Series writing for “pantsers”
  • Making every book land with a punch
  • Wrapping up a series early

This week’s question is: what’s your favorite series? (either you’ve written or read)

Recommendation of the week is: King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Helen’s Original Episode: 95

Find out more about Helen:

Fiction books

Nonfiction books

Website

Instagram

Facebook 

 

Rebel of the Week is: Lottie Saahko

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

One new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Christina Kilada. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Aug 31, 2022
152 How to Work with Literary Agents With Lucinda Halpern
01:01:49

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How the literary agency landscape has changed
  • How indie authors can work with agents
  • Mistakes authors make trying to work with agents
  • How to stand out to an agent
  • How essential brand and platform is for an agent

This week’s question is: where was the last holiday you took or fun place you’ve been?

A few highlights from holiday:

Find out more about Lucinda on:

Twitter: @LucindaLitNYC

IG: @lucindaliterary

FB: @LucindaLiterary

LinkedIn

YT

Newsletter

Lucinda's Get Signed course

All of Lucinda's available online courses

 

Rebel of the Week is: Felix Qualls

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

Thank you to Angie Green for upping their pledge and welcome to new patron Erica Lott. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

 

Aug 24, 2022
151 Social Media for Authors with Suzie Speaks
59:25

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The foundations of managing social media
  • How to track social media progress
  • What content should authors produce 
  • How to create a social media strategy
  • Social media mistakes to avoid

This week’s question is: What has surprised you recently?

Recommendation of the week is: How To Write A Successful Series: Writing Strategies For Authors Helen B. Scheuerer

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Joanna Penn’s Podcast episode

Find our more about Suzie on:

Suzie Speaks Blog

 

Rebel of the Week is: Samira Lloyd

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Aug 17, 2022
150 TikTok for Authors with AK Mulford
01:08:31

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What TikTok is and how it’s different from the other social platforms
  • Types of content for TikTok
  • How to drive sales with TikTok
  • Tips for content creation

This week’s question is: Are you a TikToker?

Recommendation of the week is: Malice by Heather Walter

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about AK on:

TikTok

Instagram

Facebook

The High Mountain Court 

Rebel of the Week is: Eden Collier’s Nan

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com.

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to River Hemans and Laura Styles. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Aug 10, 2022
The Anatomy of a Best Seller with Sacha Black and Cassie Newell
01:06:06

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Definitions of best seller
  • How to look at comparisonitis differently
  • Examples of deconstruction 
  • The what, why and how of reading
  • What to look for when deconstructing

This week’s question is: What best seller will you deconstruct after listening to this episode?

Recommendation of the week is: The Anatomy of a Best Seller

Universal Link Buy Direct Apple Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

 

Rebel of the Week is: Kate Rice

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

4 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Katrina Marie, Mackenzie Alexander, Shirley Day and Sparky Hazard. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using Sacha’s link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Aug 03, 2022
148 How to Write Epic Fantasy with Ryan Cahill
01:22:48

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Mistakes to avoid writing epic fantasy
  • Marketing epic fantasy
  • Trends in epic fantasy 
  • How to keep readers engaged when you write really long books
  • Epic fantasy tropes

This week’s question is: Do you struggle to understand your genre or what the reader wants?

Recommendation of the week is: The Anatomy of a Best Seller! 

Find out more about Ryan at:

Author Website 

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

 

Rebel of the Week is: Sarah Flandorfer 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Josee Smith. And thank you to Yanni Jade for upping your pledge. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Jul 27, 2022
147 Author Plans, Brands and Success with Zoe York
01:22:43

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Understanding the readerscape
  • Mistakes authors make with their first series
  • How writers can weave marketing into their series
  • How to cultivate fanbases
  • Series 2.0 what it is and how to do it

This week’s question is: What’s your poison of choice?

Recommendation of the week is: A Serpent’s Tooth by Matty Dalrymple 

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Zoe at:

www.romanceyourbrand.com

@zoeyorkwrites on all platforms

Rebel of the Week is: Lynn Morrison

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

Lots of new patrons this week. Welcome and thank you to Cassi Emerson, John Sheets, Holger Nils Pohl, Jennifer Sommersby Young, Irene Tierney, and Cheese&Quackers. A big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

Jul 20, 2022
146 Go Wide Grow Wide: How to Sell More Books with Monica Leonelle
01:07:36

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What genres are better suited to being wide vs in KU
  • Best methods for managing all the distributors
  • How to grow your audience wide
  • Different approaches for different platforms

This week’s question is: what kind of research do you do for your books?

Recommendation of the week is: My courses

If you want to improve your sensory writing or create better villains, then I have a course for you. Get a whopping 30% discount using the code REBELSUMMER only valid until the end of July

Learn more about Monica at:

Go Wide, Grow Wide

Rebel of the Week is: Karla Hailer  

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Meg Cowley and Stella Bixby. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Jul 13, 2022
145 How to Skeleton Draft with Steff Green
01:11:22

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Does skeleton drafting work for everyone?
  • Skeleton draft mistakes to avoid
  • An overview of the skeleton draft process
  • What details go into a draft

This week’s question is: Tell me something fun you have planned for the summer.

Recommendation of the week is: The 12 Week Year by Brian P Moran

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Steff at:

Writing Your Skeleton Draft Course: Use code REBEL for $10 off

 

Rebel of the Week is: Katie Forrest If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using Sacha’s link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 

Jul 06, 2022
144 Writing in Multiple Genres with Meg Jolly
01:14:44

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to approach a new genre
  • How to market multiple genres
  • How to research a new genre
  • Voice across different genres
  • Readers in different genres

This week’s question is: Across your career, what genres would you like to write in?

Recommendation of the week is: Lucky Bitch: A Guide for Exceptional Women to Create Outrageous Success by Denise Duffield Thomas

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links and updates I mentioned:

Sprint writing room

For an advanced reader copy of The Anatomy of a Bestseller please email: becca@sachablack.co.uk with ARC in the subject line. Please confirm the following:

  1. You can read the book during the month of July
  2. You've left me a review before (please send a link in the email)
  3. You're willing to leave your review in more than one place. My priority in order: Amazon, Goodreads, Apple/Kobo and then anywhere else
  4. If you're also willing to help out with cover reveals and generally sharing the launch please let me know in the email

If you ONLY want to be on the street team please email Becca on the address above with STREET TEAM in the title.

Find out more about Meg at:

Meg Cowley Author Website - Epic Fantasy

Meg Jolly Author Website- British Crime

 

Rebel of the Week is: A.K. Mulford

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Jun 29, 2022
143 How to Write Great Beginnings with Sandra Gerth
01:03:38

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The most common mistakes authors make with beginnings
  • What you need to establish in the first act and first chapter
  • How to handle prologues and flashbacks
  • Hooks
  • How to know when you have the right beginning

This week’s question is: It’s mid year. What one thing will you complete by the end of the year?

Recommendation of the week is: The Fantastical Transmogrifier: A Camp Enigma Novel by Patron Jennifer Roundell

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

Sacha’s Sapphic Mailing List: Get 250+ sapphic YA book recommendations

Find out more about Sandra at:

Write Great Beginnings

Free cheat sheet with 20 dos and don'ts of writing great beginnings

Newsletter for authors

 

Rebel of the Week is: Beth Cox

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Marian Sargent and Shannon Grogan. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

Jun 22, 2022
142 The Intuitive Writer with Becca Syme
01:12:06

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The five types of intuition
  • How to stop crushing your intuition
  • Putting plotting vs pantsing to bed
  • Shutting out input/influence sources
  • Mistakes to avoid

This week’s question is: are you intuitive?

Recommendation of the week is: Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Becca on:

Becca’s first interview episode 17

Visit the Better Faster Academy

Becca’s YT channel

 

Rebel of the Week is: Jackson Hollingsworth

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

4 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Megdalena, Herman Steuernagel, Claire Donnelly and Annie Lawrence. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Jun 15, 2022
141 How to Write Active Settings with Mary Buckham
47:51

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The difference between active and non active settings
  • How to make your settings more active
  • How characters should engage with settings
  • Mistakes to avoid with active settings
  • How to hook your readers

Find out more about Mary:

Visit her website 

Subscribe to her newsletter 

Friend her on Facebook

Tweet her @MaryBuckham

 

Jun 08, 2022
140 Writing and Marketing Systems with Elana Johnson
01:17:20

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to assess your time 
  • Mistakes to avoid when trying to structure writing systems
  • How to streamline your business
  • Tiered launches
  • How to assess your series success

This week’s question is: What do you want to learn more about?

Recommendation of the week is: I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Elana:

Join her Facebook group

Read her books for writers: Writing and Releasing Rapidly and Writing Killer Cover Copy

See all of Elana's books (including some she wrote under her pen name of Liz Isaacson)

Elana's Blog

Link to Las Vegas Talk

 

Rebel of the Week is: Allison Carroll

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using Sacha’s link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 

Jun 01, 2022
139 How to Write Funny with Heide Goody and Iain Grant
01:14:42

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to collaborate effectively 
  • Mistakes to avoid in collaborations
  • How to approach writing humour
  • The format and structure of a joke
  • Different types of humour
  • Agents of chaos

This week’s question is: How do you self-sabotage?

Recommendation of the week is: Tinseltown Toils by Jay Renee Lawrence (Patron)

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Heide and Iain at:

Facebook

Pigeon Park Press

Rebel of the Week is: Dharma Kelleher

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Karen Heenan. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

May 25, 2022
138 How to Write Erotica and Dark Romance with Golden Angel
01:12:46

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Overview of the genre and subgenres
  • What makes a good erotica novel
  • Terminology and language
  • How to write a good sex scene
  • Common mistakes to avoid

This week’s question is: Tell me about something you’re proud of.

Recommendation of the week is: Dear Writer, Are You Intuitive? by Becca Syme

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

Competition Quitcast

Superbad Villains on The Writer's Mindset

The Merry Writer Podcast

Find out more about Golden Angel at:

Author Website

 

Rebel of the Week is: Bair 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Karla Hailer and Vanessa Wells. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

May 18, 2022
137 How to Write About Mental Health and Trauma with Iona Wayland
01:02:42

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to approach and research trauma and mental health
  • Trigger words and content words
  • How to write about trauma realistically
  • Sensitivity reading 
  • So much science and psychology

This week’s question is: how are you looking after yourself?

Recommendation of the week is: The Bestseller Code by Matthew Jockers and Jodie Archer

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Iona at:

Author Website/Sensitivity Reading

Ashes

Instagram

Twitter

BookBub

GoodReads

 

Rebel of the Week is: Lena Johnson

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com.

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Valerie Ihsan and CJ Dainton. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

May 11, 2022
136 How to Write a Scrappy First Draft with Donna Barker
01:07:14

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Top tips and tricks to get through your draft
  • Mistakes to avoid
  • Mindset barriers for first drafts
  • What to do when you get stuck

This week’s question is: who would you like to see on the show or what topics would you like covered?

Recommendation of the week is: Gallant by V.E. Schwab

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Donna at:

The Creative Academy

Romance Author Website

 

Rebel of the Week is: Jackson Hollingsworth

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

3 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Darren Blake, Rebecca Adams and Kimberly Grymes. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using Sacha’s link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Check out The Witch's Revenge by ProWritingAid user S.W. Millar

May 04, 2022
135 6 Lessons from Three Years of Full-Time Writing
01:02:02

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The income update
  • Realising I’m not superhuman
  • Refining and focusing on the money
  • Being a better publisher
  • Human connection
  • Your uniqueness

This week’s question is: What's the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your journey so far?

Recommendation of the week is: Keepers by me!

Available at all good stores!

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

5 Lessons from Two Years of Writing Full-Time

10 Lessons from One Year of Writing Full-Time

 

Rebel of the Week is: Ian Worrall

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

A big thank you to returning patron Bair Klos and to current patron, H. B. Lyne, for upping her pledge. A big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Apr 27, 2022
134 How to Launch Your First Book with CM Newell, SW Millar and Scott Williamson
01:05:40

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How they felt as first time authors in 2022
  • How and why they chose their launch and marketing model
  • What went well
  • What mistakes they made and would do differently next time
  • The hardest part about launching your first book

This week’s question is: How is your year going? Is it as productive as you wanted?

Find out more about SW Millar at:

Instagram

Twitter

Website

Find out more about CM Newell at:

Instagram

Facebook

Goodreads

Author Website

Tik Tok

**Anyone who buys an ebook through CM's website store for rebel listeners, they can use the code Villains40 and receive a 40% discount through end of the year.

Find out more about Scott Williamson at:

Instagram

Website

 

Rebel of the Week is: Helen Rygh Pederson 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Dharma Kelleher. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

Apr 20, 2022
133 How to Write a Retelling with Alix E Harrow
41:55

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to write a retelling
  • Mistakes to avoid with retellings
  • How closely you need to stick to the original tale
  • How to develop voice
  • Description tips

This week’s question is: How do you plan? By tax year, calendar year, by quarter or something else?

Recommendation of the week is: The Mechanic: A John Tyler Thriller by Tom Fowler (patron)

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

Jericho Writers Self-Publishing Month

Find out more about Alix on:

Twitter

Author website

 

Rebel of the Week is: Lena Johnson

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Apr 13, 2022
132 How to Succeed in a Niche Book Genre with Nora Phoenix
01:16:08

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What is a niche?
  • How to assess a niche
  • How to find and assess comp authors
  • The difference between writing to market and to trend
  • How to build a platform in advance

This week’s question is: What are your fave in-person events?

Recommendation of the week is: The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

The Rebel Diaries Anthology Edited by Sacha Black

Available at all good stores!

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Find out more about Nora at:

noraphoenix.com

For readers: join FB group Nora's Nook 

For authors: join FB group #IWroteThis

 

Rebel of the Week is: Scott Williamson

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Isabel Cañas. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using Sacha’s link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 

Apr 06, 2022
BONUS EPISODE Sneak Peek at The Rebel Diaries
16:41

Episode Show Notes

Order your copy of The Rebel Diaries at all good stores: https://books2read.com/rebeldiaries

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon US

 

Find out more about the authors at:

Scott Williamson

Author website

Instagram

Kimberly Grymes

Author website

Instagram

Sacha Black

Author website

Instagram

Helen Glynn Jones

Author website

Instagram

A.E. Kincaid

Author website

Instagram

L.F. Wham

Author website

Instagram

Val Neil

Author website

Instagram

Jay Renee Lawrence

Author website

Instagram

Mark Leslie

Author website

Instagram

J. Ember Hintz

Author website

Instagram

Matt Hollon

Instagram

Meghan J. Dahl

Author website

Instagram

J A Mortimore

Author website

Instagram

Mar 30, 2022
131 How to Write and Market an Anthology with Mark Leslie Lefebvre and Helen Glynn Jones
01:06:57

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Lessons learned from writing short stories
  • Mistakes to avoid
  • Submission tips
  • Anthology marketing tips
  • How to organise and run an anthology

This week’s question is: Have you ever applied to or participated in an anthology? OR do you read them?

Recommendation of the week is: The Rebel Diaries Anthology Edited by Sacha Black

Available at all good stores!

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon US

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Mark at:

Author Website

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

Find out more about Helen at:

Author Website

Blog

Twitter

Instagram

 

Rebel of the Week is: Leighann Rust

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Mar 30, 2022
130 Writing Complex Female Relationships with Maggie Smith
01:05:13

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to include complex topics sensitively
  • How to write difficult female relationships
  • How get into the mindset of different generations
  • How to write mother-daughter relationships

This week’s question is: Recommend me a craft book!

Recommendation of the week is: Black Dog & Other Gothic Tales by Icy Sedgwick 

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

And her other book The Necromancer’s Apprentice

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Maggie on:

Instagram

Website

Goodreads

 

Rebel of the Week is: Genevieve Scholl

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

A big thanks to Jenni Lynn for upping her pledge. And a big thank you to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Mar 23, 2022
129 Save the Cat Writes a Novel with Jessica Brody
01:05:07

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What Save the Cat is
  • What the main beats are
  • Mistakes to avoid with Save the Cat
  • How to use save the cat beats with dual POV

This week’s question is: What are your favorite tropes?

Recommendation of the week is: A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are: 

35% Birthday discount until 18th March. Use code: BIRTHDAY35

Sacha Black's Shop

The Senses Course

Preorder the Rebel Anthology

Find out more about Jessica at:

JessicaBrody.com

Twitter

Instagram

 

Rebel of the Week is: River

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Verona Rae. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Mar 16, 2022
128 Neurodiversity in Fiction with Mazey Eddings
57:17

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Finding the balance between realistic detail and info dumping
  • Making mental health representation realistic
  • Taking care of yourself when writing about difficult topics
  • How to research mental health effectively
  • Literary tricks to give depth to representation

This week’s question is: How comfortable are you writing about difference?

Recommendation of the week is: Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

Birthday discount use code: BIRTHDAY35 valid until 13th March

VALID ON: ebooks, courses and audiobooks

Link for webshop

Link for my courses

Rebel Diaries preorder link

Rebel Author FB group

Find out more about Mazey at:

Website

A Brush With Love

 

Rebel of the Week is: Jeff

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Lisa Fioresi. A big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Mar 09, 2022
127 How to Write Humour and Sex Positive Stories for Teens with Margot Wood
01:30:19

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover:

  • What are sex positive stories and where is the line between sex positive and smut?
  • How to sensitively cover topics like sexual assault
  • How to create a crew/found family vibe
  • Tips and tricks for creating a voicey narrator voice!

This week’s question is: how comfortable are you writing sex and relationships into your books?

Recommendation of the week is: Midnight Victories by L.K. Latham 

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Margot on:

Instagram

Twitter

 

Cover Illustration © 2021 Noah Camp

Cover Design by Hana Anouk Nakamura

Cover © 2021 Amulet Books

and Author Photo © 2021 Margot Wood

 

Rebel of the Week is: Julie

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, a big welcome and thank you to Jess Nicole. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using Sacha’s link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Recommended by Cassie, The Sassy Writing Coach

 

Mar 02, 2022
126 Mailing Lists for Indie Authors with Tammi Labrecque
01:20:30

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Where to start with a mailing list
  • How to build a mailing list
  • Types of reader magnets 
  • What to write in your newsletters
  • Common mailing list mistakes

This week’s question is: Are you romantic?

Recommendation of the week is: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

50% off my audiobook 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains if you buy direct using code: FABFIFTY

Find out more about Tammi on:

Newsletter Ninja 2

Website

 

Rebel of the Week is: Jessa Forest

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com.

No new patrons this week but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

Feb 23, 2022
125 How to Build a Professional Author Network with Emma Byrne
01:21:25

Episode Show Notes:

In this episode we cover: 

  • What a professional network is and why you need one
  • Tactics for building a network
  • How to nurture your network in pandemic times
  • How introverts can grow their network
  • Mistakes to avoid

This week’s question is: What’s the hardest thing you’ve done in your writing journey?

Recommendation of the week is: Newsletter Ninja 2: If You Give a Reader a Cookie: Supercharge Your Author Mailing List With the Perfect Reader Magnet by Tammi L. Labrecque

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

50% discount on Sacha's audiobook 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft a Superbad Villain

Use code: FABFIFTY 

Find out more about Emma on:

Wild Words Festival: 10% discount for listeners if you use the code REBEL while booking

Swearing Is Good For You

Emma’s Original Interview: Episode 73

 

Rebel of the Week is: Anneli 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

2 new patrons this week, a big thank you and welcome to Jennifer Kayne and Pia Gasberg. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Feb 16, 2022
124 How to Craft Your Writing Voice with September C Fawkes
01:00:31

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What is voice?
  • How to create distinctive voice
  • How does a character’s background influence voice
  • Mistakes to avoid with voice
  • Tools for differentiating dialogue

This week’s question is: How do you, or what books have gotten you out of a reading slump?

Recommendation of the week is:

My Audiobook 13 Steps to Evil is on sale for the whole of February. 

Get a 50% discount if you buy from me direct, use code: FABFIFTY

Find out more about September at:

Facebook

Tumblr

Instagram

Twitter

 

Rebel of the Week is: Kathryn Fletcher 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

1 new patron this week, a big welcome and thank you to Maryn Corkran. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Feb 09, 2022
123 Kickstarter for Indie Authors with Paddy Finn
55:17

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What kickstarter is
  • A run through a basic kickstarter
  • How to market them
  • The best types of products to use in conjunction with kickstarter
  • Mistakes to avoid
  • The types of goals to set

This week’s question is: Have you ever run, or backed a kickstarter?

Recommendation of the week is: Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Apple 

Kobo 

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Paddy and Kickstarter at:

Facebook

Kickstarter Launch Formula by Salvador Briggman

Amazon UK 

Amazon US

 

Rebel of the Week is: Rick Waugh

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using Sacha’s link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Feb 02, 2022
122 How to Write Romance with Jami Albright
01:17:15

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The fundamentals of romance
  • How to build tension and attraction
  • How to write humour
  • Tropes, HEAs and grabbing the reader
  • Grand gestures
  • Business models

This week’s question is: how are you advocating for your creative self?

Recommendation of the week is: Get Rich, Lucky Bitch: Release Your Money Blocks and Live a First-Class Life by Denise Duffield-Thomas

Apple 

Kobo 

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Recommended listen: Rachel Herron’s money episode

Find out more about Jami on:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

TikTok

 

Rebel of the Week is: April Jones

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Jan 26, 2022
121 How to Find Your Inner Genius with Kelly Trach
57:39

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to find your genius
  • Can you monetize your genius
  • How to incorporate your genius into your branding
  • How to overcome doubt
  • How your shadow self is your greatest weakness and greatest power

This week’s question is: What is your genius?

Recommendation of the week is: Fresh by Margot Wood

Apple 

Kobo 

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Kelly at:

Website

Instagram

P.S. You’re A Genius

 

Rebel of the Week is: Matthew Goodall

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Jan 19, 2022
120 Content Marketing and Repurposing for Authors with Amy Woods
01:02:05

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What is content marketing and repurposing
  • Common mistakes to avoid with content marketing
  • How to repurpose if you can’t afford to outsource?
  • Fiction approaches
  • How to build an audience with content repurposing

This week’s question is: Other than reading and writing, what do you hope to do more of this year?

Recommendation of the week is: The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

Apple 

Kobo 

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Amy on:

Website

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

 

Rebel of the Week is: Tim Seabrook

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Katie Forrest and Lovis Geier. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Jan 12, 2022
119 How to Market a Book in 2022 with Ricardo Fayet
01:00:17

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Marketing mindset principles
  • The top 3 things everyone should to do market their books
  • Budget marketing
  • Launch mistakes
  • Overview of advertising

This week’s question is: what’s your word for 2022?

Recommendation of the week is: A Spindle Splintered by Alix E Harrow

Apple 

Kobo 

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Ricardo at:

How to Market a Book

 

Rebel of the Week is: Rowan James

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Jessica Smith and Jessica A McMinn. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using Sacha’s link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 

Jan 05, 2022
118 How to Write Award Winning Crime with Rachel McLean
48:43

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What makes a good crime book
  • Mistakes to avoid writing crime
  • How to create mystery and tension
  • How to create realistic crime when you’re not a police officer
  • How to balance character development across an episodic series

Find out more about Rachel on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Website

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

   
Dec 29, 2021
117 How to Create a Magic System with C.R. Rowenson
01:06:47

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What a magic system is
  • The mistakes to avoid when building one
  • How to test your magic system
  • An overarching system to help you create your magic system
  • How to get the balance of your magic system just right

This week’s question is: What’s your reading goal for 2022?

Recommendation of the week is: Whispers of Deception: (The Highland Legacy Series Book 1) by Renee Gallant

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about C.R. at:

Website

Youtube

The Magic System Blueprint

Workbook

Magic System Blueprint Downloadable Files

 

Rebel of the Week is: Robert Byers

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Audrey Audere. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Dec 22, 2021
116 How to Write Killer Book Descriptions with Brian Meeks
01:44:49

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What a good description looks like
  • The structure of a good description
  • Common blurb mistakes
  • A rather brutal critique of my blurb!

This week’s question is: What are your plans for the festive season?

Recommendation of the week is: Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth 

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Brian at:

Brian's Description Course

Instagram

BitClout

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

TikTok

Mailchimp

Youtube

 

Rebel of the Week is: Robin Phillips

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

A big thank you to Matty Dalrymple for upping her pledge and a big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Dec 15, 2021
115 Time Management for Indie Authors in 2022 with Robyn Pearce
01:25:18

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Time management mistakes
  • How to set and work with boundaries
  • How to deal with interruptions, emails and notifications
  • Life management hacks

This week’s question is: What is your favorite book of 2021?

Recommendation of the week is: Kay’s Anatomy and Kay’s Marvellous Medicine by Adam Kay

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

20Booksto50kVegas Playlist: View full playlist

Find out more about Robyn at:

Website with all of her books

Website for fiction

Heaps of time management info plus free report ‘How To Master Time In Only 90 Seconds’

 

Rebel of the Week is: Aaron

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Dec 08, 2021
114 Understanding Money as an Indie Author with MJ Fievre
01:17:29

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to decide what income streams are worth it
  • How to balance income streams and workload
  • Mistakes to avoid with income streams 
  • What are the most important factors for creating a sustainable long term career

This week’s question is: How do you work with deadlines?

Recommendation of the week is: Lies The Guardians Tell by Herman Steuernagel

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Herman's Website

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about MJ on:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Badass Black Girl book

Empowered Black Girl book

Raising Confident Black Kids book

Pre-order Resilient Black Girl

 

Rebel of the Week is: Lena Johnson

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Sharon Muha. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using Sacha’s link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 

 

Dec 01, 2021
113 Cover Design for Indie Authors with Julia Rozdobudko
49:17

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • When should you update your covers?
  • How to know if a cover is good
  • Cover mistakes to avoid
  • How to create covers when you’re writing cross-genre

This week’s question is: How do you plan for a new year?

Recommendation of the week is: One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Links and events I mentioned: 

30% off my courses using code: BLACKFRIDAY30 Valid 25th Nov - 2nd Dec

Black Friday Deals

StoryBundle

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about MiblArt on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Website

Find out more about Julia on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

TikTok

 

Rebel of the Week is: Chris Williams

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Nov 24, 2021
112 How to Fix Settings and Descriptions with Janice Hardy
57:27

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Mistakes to avoid in your description
  • What good description is and looks like
  • How to avoid information dumping
  • How maximise settings 
  • How to let a character’s personality impact description

This week’s question is: Since you started writing, what’s the best money you’ve spent?

Recommendation of the week is: Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes

Apple 

Kobo 

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned: 

Black Friday deal *coming soon*

StoryBundle

Find out more about Janice on:

Website   

Twitter

Amazon  

 

Rebel of the Week is: Anonymous

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, thank you and welcome to Hunter Keris and thank you to JP Rindfleisch IX for upping their pledge. A whopping big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Nov 17, 2021
111 How to Create a Sustainable Hybrid Author Career with Tiffany Yates Martin
01:13:51

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to write books when you’re an editor
  • Why you may or may not want to be hybrid
  • Benefits of being hybrid
  • What’s changed in 30 years of publishing
  • Why you may or may not want a pen name secret
  • How to transition between writing fiction and nonfiction

This week’s question is: do you have a pen name? or if you don’t what would your pen name be?

Recommendation of the week is: Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Apple 

Kobo 

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned:

Villains Masterclass

Storybundle

Find out more about Tiffany on:

FoxPrint Editorial

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Intuitive Editing

Phoebe Fox Author Website

Phoebe Fox Author Instagram

Phoebe Fox Author Facebook

The Way We Weren't

 

Rebel of the Week is: Khalina C.S.A

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Christiane Erwin and Allison Carroll and thank you to Jay Rene Lawrence for upping her pledge. A big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Nov 10, 2021
110 How to Create Character Voice with Sebastien de Castell
01:11:38

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Where to start creating voices
  • How to reflect personality at the sentence level
  • Literary tricks and tools for creating richer character personality
  • Worldbuilding philosophy
  • Character accents, dialogue, rhythm and melody

This week’s question is: what characters have you read with really strong voices?

Recommendation of the week is: Way of the Argosi by Sebastien de Castell

Apple 

Kobo 

Amazon UK

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

Sacha’s Courses

Find out more about Sebastien at:

Website

Twitter

 

Rebel of the Week is: Lena Johnson

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

Welcome and thank you to new patron Genevieve Schol. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using Sacha’s link.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 
Nov 03, 2021
109 Book Release Strategies with Craig Martelle
45:29

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Launch considerations  
  • Release strategy mistakes
  • Shorter vs Longer release strategies
  • Boxset release strategies
  • Preorder strategies
  • Nitty gritty tactics

This week’s question is: what type of launch appeals to you most?

Recommendation of the week is: Magick by C. M. Newell

Apple 

Kobo 

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

Buy Direct from C.M. 

***this show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned:

Villains Masterclass

Storybundle 

Patrons please email Becca on rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com and share the details of your published books with the team.

Find out more about Craig on:

Website

20 Books Vegas

 

Rebel of the Week is: Anonymous

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Oct 27, 2021
108 Travel Writing with Award Winning Anna McNuff
59:27

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Travel writing narrative arcs
  • Travel writing processes
  • Mistakes to avoid
  • Adventure planning 
  • Truth and lies in narrative nonfiction

This week’s question is: What adventure have you been on?

Recommendation of the week is: Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

Apple

Kobo 

Amazon UK

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

Villains Masterclass

Rebel Readers 

Storybundle 

13 Steps to Evil Audiobook

Find out more about Anna on:

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon Author Page

 

Rebel of the Week is: Janelle Hardacre

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

Welcome and thank you to Robyn Pearce. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Oct 20, 2021
BONUS EPISODE Sneak Peek of 13 Steps to Evil Audiobook
14:18
Oct 15, 2021
107 How to Craft Conflict in Your Novel with Becca Puglisi
52:03

Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What conflict is and why it’s so important for your novel
  • How to layer conflict
  • Mistakes writers make with conflict
  • How to show conflict
  • How to use “choice” and complicating choice to further tension and plot

This week’s question is: what is the best book you’ve read in your genre?

Recommendation of the week is: 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft a Superbad Villain audiobook written and narrated by ME!

Audible US 

Audible UK 

Direct Link

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Becca at:

The Conflict Thesaurus 

One Stop for Writers

 

Rebel of the Week is: Andy Park

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

Huge thank you to existing patron Jeff Elkins for upping his pledge and welcome and thank you to new patron Luke Kondor. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Oct 13, 2021
BONUS EPISODE 8 Lessons from Narrating and Producing My First Audiobook
01:13:39

Show Notes

Howdie folks, I finally pushed my first audiobook over the finishing line. Now, I’m by no means an expert at any of this stuff, but boy did I learn a lot from the process. I love learning from other people’s mistakes, so I thought I would share 8 lessons I learned from narrating and producing my first audiobook.

Read full blog here.

Listen to audiobook:

Audible US 

Audible UK

Buy Direct

Links I mentioned:

FURTHER RESOURCES FOR YOU

AUDIOBOOKS

Narrated by the Author: How to Produce an Audiobook on a Budget by Rene Conoulty

Kobo 

Apple 

Amazon US  

Amazon UK  

Audio for Authors by Joanna Penn

Kobo  

Apple  

Amazon US  

Amazon UK 

Storyteller: How to be an Audiobook Narrator by Lorelei King

Kobo 

Apple  

Amazon US 

Amazon UK 

Writing for Audiobooks: Audio-First for Flow and Impact: Author Advice from Radio Writing by Jules Horne

Kobo  

Apple  

Amazon US  

Amazon UK 

PODCAST EPISODES

006 How to DIY an Audiobook with Rene Conoulty

023 How to Write for Audio with Jules Horne

078 How to Sell Ebooks and Audiobooks on Kobo with Tara Cremin

104 How to Work with an Audiobook Narrator with Jillian Yetter

BLOG POSTS

Publishing Alternatives to ACX

How Audiobook Authors and Narrators are Paid by Audible-ACX. We think.

The Ultimate Guide to Self-Publishing Audiobooks

Audiobook Promotion for Indie Authors

 

Oct 11, 2021
106 How to Edit a Second Draft with Alex Kourvo
49:50

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Analogies to help you better understand editing vs drafting
  • How to approach editing
  • The pitfalls and mistakes writers fall into
  • How to show the change a hero goes through
  • The five big scenes you need to get right
  • The stakes paradox

This week’s question is: tell me something you’ve achieved this year.

Recommendation of the week is: I Love You To My Heart by Matthew Dion Goodall

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

The 2021 NaNoWriMo Writing Tools Bundle

Activated Authors NaNoWriMo Preparation

Kindle Storyteller

Find out more about Alex on:

Twitter 

Instagram

The Big-Picture Revision Checklist

 

Rebel of the Week is: Jasmine Arch

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

 

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

20% Discount for Rebels here.

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Oct 06, 2021
105 How to Market a Children’s Book with Karen Inglis
01:12:24

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why you need to establish a local brand
  • Indie marketing methods that don’t work for children’s author
  • How to connect with schools
  • How to work with curriculums
  • Children’s marketing mistakes to avoid

This week’s question is: What unusual marketing methods have you tried that have worked?

Recommendation of the week is: Keepers

Universal Link

The 99c Fiction Sale (ends 29 Sept)

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

The 99c Fiction Sale (ends 29 Sept)

Find out more about Karen on:

Self Publishing Adventures

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

How To Self-Publish and Market a Children’s Book 

 

Rebel of the Week is: Paulette Stout

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

Welcome to new patron Judith Mortimore. A big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Thank you to all of the patrons who have upped their pledge and joined the rebel readers group: Helen O’Neill and Lynne Wham

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

Sep 29, 2021
104 How to Work with an Audiobook Narrator with Jillian Yetter
01:18:04

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to work with audiobook narrators
  • How to find narrators
  • What information you need to give narrators
  • Mistakes authors make working with narrators
  • How to create good working relationships with narrators

This week’s question is: what’s your relationship with audiobooks?

Recommendation of the week is: Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

The 99c Fiction Sale

Find out more about Jillian on: 

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Her books on Audible

 

Rebel of the Week is: Mel

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Thank you to all of the patrons who have upped their pledge and joined the rebel readers group: Scott Kavanagh, Jen Roundell, Herman Steuernagel and Matt Goodall.

 

Sep 22, 2021
103 Three Word Rebellion with Dr Michelle Mazur
53:08

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What a three word rebellion is
  • How to create one
  • How to then use your three word rebellion
  • Why writers and creatives feel like they’re bad at marketing
  • How to use the inoculation theory

This week’s question is: do you have a three word rebellion or tagline for your business?

Recommendation of the week is: Fixing Your Setting & Description Problems by Janice Hardy

Kobo

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are: 

Rebel Readers

Find out more about Dr Michelle Mazur on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Website

 

Rebel of the Week is: Amy Heath

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

2 new rebels this week, thank you Laura Lentz and Helen Scheuerer. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Thank you to all of the patrons who have upped their pledge and joined the rebel readers group: Lynn Reed Kendall, Sarah Louise, Nicole Cayer, Sassy Cassie, Eden Collier, Emma Geoffray, Juneta Kay, Maggie M, and Shane Millar.

Sep 15, 2021
102 How to Write Diverse Characters with Eliana West
01:13:22

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why diversity in fiction is important 
  • What to do if you’re afraid to approach writing diverse characters
  • Sensitivity readers
  • What you need to research
  • How to include diverse characters when you yourself are not diverse

This week’s question is: Tell us a book you’ve enjoyed with diverse characters.

Recommendation of the week is: Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June 

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA 

***This show uses affiliate links

Diversity resources:

Writing With Color Blog 

How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

The Antiracist: How to Start the Conversation about Race and Take Action by Kondwani Fidel  

We Need Diverse Books

Writing Diversely 

How to Write Black Characters: An Incomplete Guide by Salt and Sage Books

Find out more about Eliana on:

Website

Instagram

 

Rebel of the Week is: Laura Rye

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

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Sep 08, 2021
101 Author Headshots Making the Most of your Photographer with Ed Crowther
50:12

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why you need a headshot
  • How a shoot works
  • Considerations for tone and mood of photos
  • How to prepare for a shoot
  • Common mistakes in shoots

This week’s question is: Have you got a professional headshot?

Recommendation of the week is: Life in a Fishbowl by Len Vlahos

Apple 

Kobo 

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Events I mentioned are:

The York Writers Conference 2021. Three days, nine guest speakers, and plenty of opportunity to network and chat with authors from all over. Sessions include writer's craft and marketing workshops. Join Friday evening for a virtual cocktail party with opening remarks from our honorary patron, Terry Fallis. Then workshops begin Saturday with a lunchtime Keynote with Andrew Pyper and of course, Sacha Black.

When: October 22-24, 2021

Where: Zoom - Register here

Find out more about Ed at:

@LastmanPhotography

 

Rebel of the Week is: Sarah W. Sparx

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Sep 01, 2021
100 Book Rights Reversion with Katlyn Duncan
59:57

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What rights reversion is
  • How you find out if you can revert your rights
  • A walk through of a high level rights reversion
  • How long the process takes
  • What mistakes to avoid in the reversion process

This week’s question is: Would you consider selling subsidiary rights and if so, what ones?

Recommendation of the week is: Take Back Your Book Rights by Katlyn Duncan

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***This show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

Join me on Patreon for Silent September.

Write Away Podcast: Episode 55: How do you write memorable characters?

My interview with Katlyn on her YouTube Channel: '8 Steps to Side Characters' by Sacha Black | Author Interview

To pitch to be on the show, please complete the form here.

Find out more about Katlyn on:

Website

Newsletter

Youtube

Instagram

Podcast Channel

 

Rebel of the Week is: Lynn Reed

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

Welcome and thank you to Mel Climo and Angie Green. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

 

 

Aug 25, 2021
099 How to Write and Sell Short Fiction with Matty Dalrymple
01:00:38

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Defining short fiction
  • How much story do you need for short fiction?
  • How to do more with your short fiction
  • Mistakes writers make with short fiction
  • Quirky ideas for your short fiction

This week’s question is: how do you use short fiction in your writing business?

Recommendation of the week is:

The Anatomy of Prose: The Senses Course: Discount Code: rebelvacay15

Matty’s The Short Tack Book

Links I mentioned are:

The Senses Course

Find out more about Matty on:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

The Indy Author YouTube channel

​LinkedIn

Episode I did with Matty on Side Characters

Example of Short Fiction Promotion:  Ann Kinnear Suspense Short ALL DEATHS ENDURE

 

Rebel of the Week is: Shirish Deshpande

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

Huge thank you and welcome to: Kirstin Bussey, Maggie Menane, L.K. Latham, Paisleykaat, and Claire L. Fishback. A big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Aug 18, 2021
098 Everything You Need to Know About Formatting Your Book with Formatted Books
01:01:02

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why formatting is important
  • Mistakes to avoid with formatting
  • Why you might consider a formatting company
  • Differences between print and ebook formatting
  • What to look for in a professional formatting company

This week’s question is: How do you format your books?

Recommendation of the week is: 10 Steps to Hero: How to Craft a Kickass Protagonist by ME!

books2read.com/10stepstohero 

books2read.com/heroworkbook

**Please note this show uses affiliate links

Links and shows I mentioned are:

3 Mistakes to Avoid with Your Side Characters on Angela Ackerman’s site

Writers Cookbook

Book Echoes

Find out more about Formatted Books and their services on:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn

 

Rebel of the Week is: Claire L. Fishback

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 

Aug 11, 2021
097 Know Your Book Market with Nat and Kindletrends
01:11:02

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What Kindletrends is and how it can help you
  • The different aspects of book market research
  • How to find readers
  • How to research blurbs, covers, content and more

This week’s question is: How do you learn about your genre?

Recommendation of the week is: Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***This show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are:

Grab your copy of 8 Steps to Side Characters today:

Universal link textbook

Universal link workbook

Order direct from me

ALLI ratings page

To find out more about Nat and Kindletrends:

What Kindletrends does

How to use Kindletrends to research genre fiction

If you use the code REBEL at checkout time, you’ll get USD5 off your monthly Kindletrends subscription, bringing it down to USD10 per month, forever.  

 

Rebel of the Week is: Amber Sauer

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week. Welcome and thank you to Aaron Betts. A big thank you to my existing patrons too. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Aug 04, 2021
Bonus Episode: 4 Tips to Write Better Side Characters
23:05

To celebrate the launch of 8 Steps to Side Characters, I thought I’d add a sneaky little bonus episode. I’m going to give you a few tips from the book to help you write better side characters.

If you haven’t purchased your copy yet, you can do so here:

Order the textbook here.

Order the workbook here.

Or you can order signed paperback copies or digital copies straight from me using this link.

If you missed the series of mini tips videos some of these tips are covered at a high level in those. See those episodes here:  

What Are Side Characters? 

The “Three Whys”

Stop Them Taking Over 

How to Kill Your Side Characters 

How to Use Humour with Your Side Characters 

Three Types of Side Character

What You Need to Know About Character Arcs

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Jul 30, 2021
096 How to Win Amazon Kindle Storyteller Competition with Darren Hardy
55:08

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What the Kindle Storyteller Competition is
  • What the judges are looking for
  • Storyteller success stories
  • How to increase your visibility on Amazon
  • Publishing mistakes to avoid

This week’s question is: Do you enter competitions?

Recommendation of the week is: The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***This show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

Unstoppable Authors ep 100 - Sustaining a Writing Career with the Right Mindset

Facebook Live: 29th July 8pm BST 

Your Side Characters and You LIVES: 8pm (BST) every night from the 30th July on my instagram 

Preorder Bonus 

Find out more about Kindle Storyteller here.

 

Rebel of the Week is: Shay Raby

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Charlotte Platt. A big thank you to my existing patrons too. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Jul 28, 2021
095 Six Figure Author on One Book a Year with Helen Scheuerer
01:23:09

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover:

  • The type of book launch when you’re only publishing once a year
  • The type of marketing needed between launches
  • How to build your audience and find readers
  • The writing and marketing process for one book a year
  • Tips for marketing to YA audiences

This week’s question is: how many books would you ideally like to publish a year?

Recommendation of the week is: A Lair of Bones by Helen Scheuerer

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***This show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

Daniel Wallace Find Your Next Reader summit

IngramSpark Interview

Facebook Live: 29th July 8pm BST

Your Side Characters and You LIVES: 8pm (BST) every night from the 30th July on my Instagram

Preorder Bonus

Find out more about Helen on:

Website

Amazon

Instagram

Facebook

 

Rebel of the Week is: Laura Hatchell

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Kirsten Taylor. And thank you to Jen Roundell for upping your pledge.  A big thank you to my existing patrons too. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Jul 21, 2021
094 How to Create a Magic System with Angeline Trevena
01:06:34

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to start building a magic system
  • How and why you need to limit your magic system
  • Common magic building mistakes
  • Diversity in magic systems 
  • How to make a magic system integral to the plot and characters

This week’s question is: what is your favorite magic system?

Links and events I mentioned are:

Order a signed copy of Side Characters (or any other book) direct from me.

Order Side Characters: 

Textbook

Workbook

LIVE Side Characters Launch Q&A. To join in, you’ll need to be a member of my Facebook Group

When: 29th July

Time: 8pm GMT (5am AEST, 12pm PDT, 3pm EDT)

Find out more about Angeline on:

Website

Worldbuilding

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

 

Rebel of the Week is: Gordo

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Melinda Brack. A big thank you to my existing patrons too. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

  This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Jul 14, 2021
093 How to Run an Author Event with Daniel Wallace
58:11

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Mistakes to avoid when running an author event
  • What small details set an event apart from others
  • How to make author events into a revenue stream
  • How to pitch speakers
  • What considerations do you need to make
  • What kind of person do you need to be to run author events

This week’s question is: What are the best author events you’ve been to (digital or in-person)?

Recommendation of the week is: The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA 

***This show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Daniel on:

Website

Twitter

Instagram

But the best way for people to make contact Daniel is his free, do at your own pace, writing course.

 

Rebel of the Week is: Ian Worrall

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

5 new patrons today, welcome and thank you to Cassi Emerson, Kelllye Burroughs, Lynn Reed, John Rindfleisch IX and Elizabeth Prais. A big thank you to my existing patrons too. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Jul 07, 2021
092 The Self-Publishing Blueprint with Daniel Willcocks
01:11:45

Episode Show Notes: 

In this episode we cover: 

  • The overarching steps indies need to take to publish their book
  • Most common indie publishing mistakes
  • MVP launches versus bells and whistles launches
  • The self-publishing cycle
  • How to work with a writing coach

This week’s question is: what part of self-publishing do you enjoy the most?

Recommendation of the week is: 8 Steps to Side Characters: How to Craft Supporting Roles with Intention, Purpose, and Power

Preorder everywhere

Preorder workbook everywhere

Submit preorder proof to get goodies here

***This show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Dan on:

Hawk & Cleaver

Devil's Rock Publishing

Next Level Authors Podcast

The Other Stories Podcast

The Self-Publishing Blueprint

 

Rebel of the Week is: Candy Glynn Wilde

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Jun 30, 2021
091 How to Sell More Books on Apple with Kristy Bromberg
43:08

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Methods and tactics for selling on Apple
  • Mistakes on Apple
  • Using preorders on Apple
  • What it’s like to have your book turned into a film
  • How to write better sexy scenes

This week’s question is: what is your focus for the last half of 2021?

Recommendation of the week is: Writing and Marketing Systems by Elana Johnson

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA

**This show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Find out more about Kristy on:

Facebook 

Instagram  

Amazon

Website

 

Rebel of the Week is: CJ Dainton

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron today, welcome and thank you to Herman Steuernagel. A big thank you to my existing patrons too. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Jun 23, 2021
090 How to Create A Six Figure Author Business with Ines Johnson
01:08:00

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How publishing schedules will help you reach your goals
  • Common mistakes authors make trying to reach six figures
  • Tactics for finding readers
  • Measuring marketing campaigns
  • Pen names

This week’s question is: what was the last realisation you had?

Recommendation of the week is: The Giver by Lois Lowry 

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are: 

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Find out more about Ines on:

Her Bookbub Article: How I Make Six Figures as a Self-Published Author

Website

 

Rebel of the Week is: Karen Heenan

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Jun 16, 2021
089 How to Create an Author Website with Ginnie Carmichael
47:14

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The minimum viable requirements for an author website
  • Common mistakes authors make on websites 
  • What SEO is and why authors need to be aware of it
  • Website content

This week’s question is: have you got an author website and how did you find the process of setting it up?

Recommendation of the week is: My own Senses course  

Links I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Find out more about Ginnie on:

Done for you author website: Be sure to mention this podcast episode to get your discount.

***Please note this show uses affiliate links

 

Rebel of the Week is: Eden Collier

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

TwitterFacebookInstagram

   

 

Jun 09, 2021
088 How to Write Memoir with Janelle Hardy
01:10:09

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What memoir is
  • What memoir story structure is
  • Where the line between your truth, factual truth and story truth sits
  • How to use fairytales to help you write your memoir
  • How to include moments we’re not proud of authentically

This week’s question is: what would you call your memoir if you ever wrote one?

Recommendation of the week is: Effortless: Make it Easier to Do What Matters Most by Greg McKeown

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Interview with Kristina: What's the Difference Between Copyediting and Structural Editing?

Find out more about Janelle on:

Instagram

Facebook

Janelle's Website

The Personal Mythmaking Podcast

The Art of Personal Mythmaking Course

 

Rebel of the Week is: Aime Sund

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

No new patrons this week but a big thank you to returning patron Cindy. A big thank you to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Jun 02, 2021
087 How Editors Edit with Kristina Stanley
01:05:29

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The different types of edits and what you can expect from them
  • The most common myths about editing and editors
  • Editors and author voice 
  • How to know if an editor is good
  • How to deal with, process and work with editorial feedback

This week’s question is: How do you process your editorial notes?

Recommendation of the week is: A Dead Djinn in Cairo by P. Djèlí Clark

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Connect with Kristina Stanley:

Her Course: An Insider’s View of Story Editing

Course Description: 

Thirteen professional story editors edited the same novel. Each editor worked separately in Fictionary StoryCoach. This course compares their edits and shows you what worked and what didn't. You'll see actual examples of edits. We'll also show you a scene before and after revisions were done based on the edits.

If you want to elevate your skills as a story editor, this course shows you how Fictionary Certified StoryCoach editors work. You'll know what you need to deliver to a client to help them tell a powerful story.

If you're a writer looking to hire a professional story editor, this course shows you what you should receive from a story editor.

Coupon Code:  SACHAREBELS

You get the course for $39USD instead of $99 just because you’re a rebel!

If you’re interested in Kristina’s software StoryTeller, she has a coupon SAVE20 for writers who want to try StoryTeller. That gives them 20% off an annual  or monthly subscription. 

Link to Kristina’s first episode with me

 

Rebel of the Week is: Jere Anthony

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

3 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Matty Dalrymple, Eden Collier and Lucie Béraud-Sudreau. A big thank you to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

 

May 26, 2021
086 How to Write About Identity and Voice with Joya Goffney
51:59

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to create character voices
  • Behavioural consistency vs character arcs
  • Creating better dialogue 
  • How to create and use character detail
  • How to write about identity authentically

This week’s question is: We’re almost halfway through the year, are you where you want to be?

Recommendation of the week is:  The Self-Publishing Blueprint: A complete guide to help you self-publish your book by Daniel Willcocks

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA

13 Storey Treehouse Books by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Boni Podcast on sentence level prose:

Link to the podcast

Link to the blog (where we link to the podcast :0) 

Interview on Jenna’s show all about how to podcast as an author.

Street Team

Find out more about Joya on:

Instagram: @joya.goffney

Website

Buy the book

 

Rebel of the Week is: Estelle Van de Velde 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Laura Beeby, thank you as well to Helen O'Neill for upping her pledge and joining the rebel slack group. A big thank you to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

May 19, 2021
085 How Mindset Can Improve Your Craft with Kristina Adams
01:07:58

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why mindset is so important
  • The most common mindset roadblocks
  • Tools and techniques for helping you improve your mindset
  • How to keep your starting energy going to help you finish your book
  • Mindset myths

This week’s question is: What aspect of mindset do you struggle with most?

Recommendation of the week is: The World of LORE: Dreadful Places by Aaron Mahnke 

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Find out more about Kristina on:

Twitter

Facebook

Productivity for Writers

How to Write Believable Characters

 

Rebel of the Week is: Mira Monroe

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Shane Milar and thank you to Juneta for editing her pledge up. Of course, a big thank you to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

TwitterFacebookInstagram

May 12, 2021
084 How to Self-Publish a Graphic Novel with Marcus E Ako
01:16:37

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The differences between writing a novel and a graphic novel
  • How to actually write a graphic novel
  • How to choreograph a fight scene with an illustrator
  • How story arcs work across a single graphic novel and a series
  • How to find and work with an illustrator
  • Mistakes to avoid

This week’s question is: Do you read graphic novels? If so, what are your recommendations?

Recommendation of the week is:  How to Get Your Book Into Schools and Double Your Income With Volume Sales by David H Hendrickson

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Sacha’s Proofer / Workbook Editor: Tim Seabrook — Fifth Ring Press

Connect with Marcus:

Twitter - @Marcus_Ako; @IonWritersBlock 

Instagram - @IonWritersBlock

Book - Call 1-800-KillAGuy: Book 1

 

Rebel of the Week is: Yanni Jade

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Shelly Sara and Stephanie Johnson. And of course, a big thank you to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

May 05, 2021
5 Lessons from Two Years of Writing Full-Time
34:11

It feels like a blink since the original post “lessons from one year of writing full-time”. But it is with ENORMOUS pride, a slight maniacal cackle and a deep sigh of caffeine-fuelled relief that I get to say this is 5 lessons from two years of writing full-time.

 

5 Lessons from Two Years of Writing Full-Time 

 

Lesson 1: The Income Update

In my first year, my only goal was to survive. I was desperate not to go back to the corporate hellmare that was my old day job. 

I did that, yay me.

But I also ended year one feeling like I was rudderless and hadn’t pushed myself sufficiently on the income front—which, funnily enough, I hadn’t because I was so consumed by just surviving.

Year two was a financial shifting year. While I wanted to beat my old day job income, it was more important to me to reduce the freelance in order to focus on my business and create the financial and life freedom I really wanted. But I'm also a competitive bitch, and STILL wanted to increase my overall income, a tall order given I was starting from a lower baseline after giving up a lot of the freelance gigs. Thanks to a frankly terrifying amount of caffeine, a little hysteria and a few gins, I managed it. Turnover was up 22% and net profit up 67%. 

But the really exciting development is the change in breakdown of income. In year one, 75% of my income came from freelance work, 17% from book sales and 8% from everything else like affiliate income, speaking fees etc.

But in year two, what changed dramatically. I’m genuinely surprised, shocked and delighted to see the shift. It shows how much of a lie time is, the last year has felt endless and so, so fast all at the same time. 

But the summary is that I halved the income from freelance which sat at just 37% of turnover and increased sales income to the point where it’s now my biggest income stream at 44% of turnover. This makes me crazy happy and hungry to continue decreasing the freelance income and continue boosting my other streams. Interestingly, my “everything else” bucket more than doubled in year two and that’s thanks in part to the podcast, sponsorships, and patreon but also to course sales and a variety of other income streams.

A takeaway here for me is that while I doubled the array of “everything else” income streams, it still only accounted for 19% AND in order to generate that, it took as much effort if not more than everything else. Realistically, it’s the books that shifted the income percentages and so this coming year, I must focus my energies on getting more books written.

In my second year, my main income streams included: book sales, freelance work, patreon, merchandise, affiliate income, sponsorship, course sales, consulting and speaking. 

Year two assets include: 8 nonfiction books and 3 nonfiction box sets and 2 fiction books.

In year three, my goal is to continue growing turnover and profit, continue reducing the % freelance work accounts for and increase my wide book sales income. In addition, I want to add audiobooks and more courses to my asset portfolio. I still haven’t beaten my old day job income so that goal is burning hard now!

Takeaway 1: Annual analysis is really important to help give you perspective. I’ve been flailing a bit recently with the direction I should be going and this has helped to solidify that.

 

Lesson 2: Self-Belief is Everything

It’s only now that I look back at the end of my second year of business that I realise just quite how much of my first year was spent in crippling fear. My sphincter was constantly quivering at the thought of having to go back to a job I hated and the prospect of being flung back into that depressive “no way out” mindset. I spoke earlier about how I didn’t care about anything other than surviving and making sure I didn’t go back and that was all consuming in the first year. 

It’s taken me two years to get rid of that fear. I still fidget a little, itchy sphincter hasn’t totally gone, but I have self-belief in a way that I never had before. I know without a doubt that I won’t go back to a day job. This career, hell, any career working for myself is for life. Even if I end up doing something else as a business, this life of working for myself is not something I can or will ever give up. I was not made to work for other people but accepting that or more, being comfortable and confident enough to accept that has taken time.

Indies are especially good at wanting things now, now, now. I’m like it too. I think it’s because our businesses are in our control, therefore we want results now, to publish yesterday, the covers last week and the income ALL DAY LONG BABY. 

But there is something intangible that “time” can give you. Growth doesn’t happen instantly. You don’t just quit your job and have the self-belief that you can do this, or the income appear instantly. Shit is rocky for a while, business is hard, and it is a rollercoaster of wobbling belief, income and learning. But fuck me is it the most glorious rollercoaster out there. This second year, despite it being in extremely difficult global times, has allowed me to blossom and grow in confidence and self-belief and the security that I can do this for the long haul and things are going to be okay.

Takeaway 2: no matter how quick or amazing your income balloons, there is something that only time can give you, a kind of security blanket of confidence and assurance that you’ve got this. It’s a hard pill to swallow when you’re drowning in a society of “nowness” but embrace it, buckle up baby and grip hard, this is a rocky rollercoaster ride.

 

Lesson 3: The Honeymoon Period Ends

Alright, yes, this job is fucking amazing. I will never say otherwise. However, every job no matter the business or industry you’re in, has a grind. And this year the honeymoon period well and truly ended for me. Perhaps it was made worse and brought forward because of Covid and the absolute devastation it caused on my time and sanity. But the honeymoon period of working for myself is definitely over.

Does that mean I regret leaving my day job? Abso-fuckin-lutely not. This is the best job in the world. However, managing a family, a school kid, a wife a house and a business is A LOT. Because I have work “flexibility” nine times out of ten the “can you dos” fall to me. The ad hoc life shit will fall on my plate and I ended up doing 95% of the homeschooling. Which at six hours a day did not leave much time or energy for business.

The grind of having to do admin and emails and deal with everything else life throws at me as well as work a number of evenings is tough. Without having had a proper holiday in the last 18 months I’m feeling worn if I’m honest. There’s a kind of viral exhaustion I can’t get rid of because staycations are never real breaks when you work for yourself.

What this means is that I need to keep things fresh. I need to do projects that I both enjoy and that bring me income. Finding the balance is key to retaining my enthusiasm.

Takeaway 3: Holidays away from the house and my office are essential to get real rejuvenation time. Reducing or outsourcing “grind” tasks over the next year to ensure I stick with what only I can do is essential. I also need to find a way to work less evenings it’s having a severe impact on my energy and enthusiasm. 

 

Lesson 4: Input and Strengths

In my first year I was so concerned with just surviving that I didn’t put much thought into learning, growth or development. But as I neared the last third of my second year, I felt a gaping emptiness and my ability to write was being affected.

It’s in large part thanks to Becca Syme and her Better Faster Academy that I’ve been able to learn more about my strengths and make them work smarter for me. Case in point, I’ve upped my reading input from 60-70 books a year to 130-140ish. The result? In the first month alone I output 30% more words. Whether I like it or not, I have a high need for input. I’d assumed it was just visual stimuli I needed but apparently binge watching Netflix isn’t cutting it for my brain, it wants to eat books and so I will deliver as a humble servant.

I think the other lesson is that by being aware of my strengths, intentionally learning and trying to develop them, I can have real tangible results. But I do need to give myself the time and headspace to reflect and learn and input. Something I find difficult from the outset because it doesn’t feel like work. If it helps me develop, work better or smarter, then clearly I need to do it.

Takeaway 4: Sometimes the things that create the biggest effect on your bottom line don’t feel like work, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t or that it’s not important. Far from it. You have to do those things. Those are the things that allow you to grow.

 

Lesson 5: You Have Permission

This is going to sound bonkers from the mother of villains and queen of rebels. BUT, it’s very easy to institutionalise yourself. When you live day in day out with how your business is and doing things “because they work” it’s easy to forget you can pivot or change or adapt.

When it comes to someone else telling me what to do, I’ll always rebel or find a way to break the rule, but I’m often left floundering when it comes to myself. I tend to be reluctant to give myself permission, or I let doubt creep in and prevent me from doing the thing I know I should be doing.

That’s why I have Post-its reminding me “YOU HAVE PERMISSION”. This is the life I created and the one I want to live, taking the time to write the book I want to write IS OKAY, SACHA. Take this post, I had to force myself to sit down and do it even though I knew it would be helpful.

Expectation is a slippery fucker, whether it’s from external sources or yourself, it’s weighty and meaty and it can stop you doing things you either want to do or know would be good for your business.

No more. 

Takeaway 5: There are a couple of BIG game changing things I need to do this year and I need to stop holding myself back. No more fucking about Sacha, you have lofty goals and you’re not going to apologise for them. I have permission. I just need to get on with it.

 

One Last Thought:

No matter what happens, this is better

This was one of the lessons from my first year full-time. No matter what happens this life is better. I stand by that, if anything I believe it even more firmly this year than last. I keep two sentimental photos from this journey. The first is the Post-it I signed and dated saying I’d be writing full-time in 2020. I left in 2019, and every time I look back at the Post-it I smile. The other photo is the photo of me on one of my worst days in my old job. I’m broken and in so much pain that it’s genuinely uncomfortable even now for me to look at. I keep it because it’s also a short, sharp annual reminder not to get lazy, not to take this life for granted and to appreciate every second I’m lucky enough to do this as a job. Yes, running an author business is hard, yes the honeymoon period is over, yes it’s grueling, but it’s also the best fucking thing I could have done and I’d die before I gave it up.

 

Apr 30, 2021
083 Publishing from Zero in 2021 with David Gaughran
01:12:52

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What are the key elements you need to take into account when starting from zero
  • Most common indie publishing mistakes new writers make
  • What business and platform basics do you need in place before you publish
  • What marketing should a writer do when they only have one book
  • How do you continue to get sales after launch?

This week’s question is: What worries you about starting from zero?

Recommendation of the week is: This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

This is a link explaining how the book was written: A Conversation with Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

Links and events I mentioned:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Connect with David Gaughran:

Website

Youtube

Twitter

 

Rebel of the Week is: VAL NEIL

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Jennifer Thompson. And  of course, a big thank you to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Apr 28, 2021
082 From Busyness to Business: The Art of Creative Time Management with Steven Watson
01:05:25

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why we still struggle with time management despite there being so many tools out there
  • Mistakes people make with time management
  • Time management mindset shifts
  • How to deal with your inbox
  • The Pyramid of Time Mastery

This week’s question is: What are your personal time management tips?

Recommendation of the week is: Taking the Short Tack by Matty Dalrymple and Mark Lefebvre 

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Connect with Steven:

LinkedIn

Website

His book

 

Rebel of the Week is: Alexa

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Tauna Sonn-lemarbe. And of course, a big thank you to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Apr 21, 2021
081 Creative Self-Publishing with Orna Ross
59:22

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What creative self-publishing means
  • What are success measures for indie authors
  • How to harness the thing that’s uniquely you
  • Mistakes to avoid with publishing contracts

This week’s question is: What is your success measure?

Recommendation of the week is: The Liar’s Daughter by Megan Cooley Peterson

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Find out more about Orna on:

Twitter offers self-publishing advice for creatives

Instagram Page is for her poetry

Her Facebook Author Page is for her novels and also has a bit of everything else 

Join ALLi here

Book Link: Creative Self-Publishing: ALLi’s Guide to Independent Publishing for Authors and Poets

 

Rebel of the Week is: Bobbie Ann Atwood

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

1 new patron this week, welcome to Lynne Wham, but of course, a big thank you to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Apr 14, 2021
080 How to Create Rich Writing with Krystal Sutherland
56:15

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to create rich and memorable characters
  • How to develop chilling atmospheres
  • How to use the senses in your writing
  • How to introduce your characters in the most impactful way possible
  • How to create deeper emotions in your stories

This week’s question is:  What’s the last book you absolutely couldn’t put down?

Recommendation of the week is: House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland 

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Find out more about Krystal on:

Instagram 

House of Hollow is out now

 

Rebel of the Week is: Helen Sheuerer 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the Week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

2 new patrons this week, a huge welcome and thank you to Sarah Louise and Kate Swed. And of course, a big thank you to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Apr 07, 2021
079 How Storybrand Sells Books with Amy Mertz
56:57

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What is storybrand?
  • How writers can incorporate storybrand into their marketing
  • Mistakes people make with storybrand
  • The key elements of storybrand including a worked example
  • How to incorporate storybrand into your side hustles

This week’s question is:  Are you wide or in KU and why?

Recommendation of the week is: Wide for the Win by Mark Lefebvre 

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open

Find out more here.

Find out more about Amy on:

Instagram: @amymertz / @ifcstudios

ifcstudios.com/rebel

 

Rebel of the Week is: Dharma Kelleher

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor

3 new patrons this week. A huge welcome and thank you to Nathan Scammell, Heather Adame Saenz and Moninder Gainda. And of course, a big thank you to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Mar 31, 2021
078 How to Sell Ebooks and Audiobooks on Kobo with Tara Cremin
55:31

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Kobo’s new audiobook platform
  • How to publish audio with Kobo
  • How to price your audiobook
  • What’s hot and what’s not in audio right now
  • Marketing tactics that work for Kobo right now

This week’s question is:  What are your Q2 goals?

Recommendation of the week is: How to Make a Living with Your Writing by Joanna Penn

Kobo

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open: Find out more here.

Mark’s Wide for the Win Q&A Replay

Find out more about Kobo:

You can sometimes hear Tara as a guest host on the Kobo Writing Life Podcast. If you’re interested in publishing with KWL, create your account today at www.kobo.com/writinglife.

Website 

Facebook 

Twitter 

Instagram

Links to the books Tara mentioned:

Birds Art Life by Kyo Maclear

A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa

For audio, here’s some links that may be of interest:

KWL Audiobook Press Release

How to Publish your Audiobook

Podcast interview with Kobo Audiobook Merchandiser

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Lynne Wham

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

Thank you to Heather who recently upped her pledge and has joined us in the Rebel Slack group.

1 new patrons this week, a huge welcome and thank you to Noelle Davidson. And of course, a big to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

Mar 24, 2021
BONUS EPISODE - Wide for the Win: How to Sell More Books Wide with Mark Lefebvre
01:13:21

Get your copy of Mark's book Wide for the Win which is PACKED full of tips and tricks for marketing your books wide here: https://books2read.com/b/wideforthewin

Find out more about Mark on his website: http://markleslie.ca/

Join the Rebel Author Facebook community here for more live events and writing support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelauthors/ 

Mar 19, 2021
077 Plot Whispering with Martha Alderson
01:03:46

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why whopping bits of paper are awesome for plotting
  • The biggest mistakes writers make with plot
  • How to use details to enhance your plot
  • Tips and tricks for the middle of your book
  • How to keep your motivation going when you’re in the trenches of writing

This week’s question is:  Do you plot or pants or plants?

Recommendation of the week is: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open: Find out more here.

Live Q&A with Mark Lefebvre on wide marketing:  17th March 8:00pm GMT, 1pm PST, 4pm EST, 7am AEST

Find out more about Martha on:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Boundless Creativity Workbook

Martha's Books

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Dominik August

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

1 new patron this week. A huge welcome and thank you to Jen Roundell. And of course, a big to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Mar 17, 2021
076 The Business of Being a Writer with Jane Friedman
01:04:08

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Whether it’s still possible to make a career in 2021
  • Core business principles a writer needs
  • The mindset shifts a writer needs to make in order to turn their writing into a business
  • Other ways a writer can make money with their words?
  • Tips for running an author business

This week’s question is:  What do you find most difficult about the business side of writing?

Recommendation of the week is: Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t: Why That is and What You Can Do About It by Steven Pressfield

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

The Rebel Author Diaries Anthology Submissions are now open.

Find out more here.

Live Q&A with Mark Lefebvre on wide marketing: 17th March 8:00pm GMT, 1pm PST, 4pm EST, 7am AEST

Kobo Writing Life talking about Prose

Find out more about Jane on:

Twitter

Instagram

The Business of Being a Writer

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Val Neil

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

2 new patrons this week, a huge welcome and thank you to Jasmine Amaro and Giannin Viecili. And of course, a big to all my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

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Mar 10, 2021
075 The Heroine’s Journey with Gail Carriger
01:16:43

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What the heroine’s journey is
  • Common mistakes with the heroine’s journey
  • The key beats of the heroine’s journey
  • The role of side characters in the heroine’s journey
  • Genre and reader expectations for heroine/hero’s journey.

This week’s question is:  Do you write the heroine or hero’s journey?

Recommendation of the week is: Your Press Release is Breaking my Heart by Janet Murray

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links or events I mentioned are:

Live Q&A with Mark Lefebvre on wide marketing 

17th March 8:00pm GMT, 1pm PST, 4pm EST, 7am AEST

Find out more about Gail on:

 Twitter 

 Facebook

Website https://gailcarriger.com 

The Heroine's Journey

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Victoria LK Williams

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

3 new patrons this week. Welcome and thank you to Harry Brooks, Holly Flynn and Scott Kavanagh.  A huge thank you as well to all existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Mar 03, 2021
Announcing The Rebel Diaries Anthology
06:17

Surprise... I’m super excited to announce the launch of The Rebel Diaries Anthology. The call for stories is officially open.

For all the submission criteria and information please visit sachablack.co.uk/rebelsubmissions  

What happens when the villain wins?

Sick of dashing debonairs? Fed up of being blinded by shining armor?

Sometimes, all a girl wants is a villain for a hero. The Rebel Diaries is looking for stories starring characters with a dubious shade of morals. We want characters who aren’t afraid of getting what they want, causing a bit of chaos, dabbling in mischief, and mayhem and slathering on the sarcasm.

We want stories that slip into the grey areas, and are bulging with villains, deviants and rebels. We’re after sassy tales littered with questionable morals and happy endings—for the villains anyway.  

We are not looking for horror or gratuitous violence but dark stories that are fun, light hearted explorations of the characters usually hidden in obscurity. 

We actively encourage submissions from own voices, characters or authors with disabilities or from underrepresented backgrounds, LGBTQ+ etc.

 

Submission deadline: June 30th, 2021

Word count: 2,500–7,500 words.

Payment: royalty split 

Feb 28, 2021
074 How to Write Your Author Business Plan with Joanna Penn
01:11:26

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why you need to write a business plan
  • The main components of an author business plan
  • What to include and what not to include in your plan
  • Mistakes to avoid with your business plan
  • How to improve your money mindset

This week’s question is:  Do you have an author business plan?

Recommendation of the week is: Your Author Business Plan by Joanna Penn

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Joanna's Links

Links and Events I mentioned are:

Live Q&A with Mark Lefebvre on wide marketing 

17th March 8:00pm GMT, 1pm PST, 4pm EST, 7am AEST

DO YOU LOVE WRITING FANTASY?

CALLING ALL FANTASY WRITERS ProWritingAid are running a fantasy writing week in February and holy crap am I personally excited for this. Just look at the line up! 

With live sessions from bestselling fantasy writers TJ Klune, Angela J. Ford, David Farland and Stephanie BwaBwa, a world-building workshop, and a complete World Anvil software walkthrough, you don't want to miss this event!

Please note, I am an affiliate of ProWritingAid, but that's because I personally use their software. 

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Mark Lefebvre

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

1 new patron this week. Welcome and thank you to Stanley B Trice. A huge thank you as well to all existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Feb 24, 2021
073 Why Swearing is Good for You with Emma Byrne
01:19:29

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why swearing is good for you
  • The gender difference between men and women and swearing
  • Regional swearing and what this means for characterisation 
  • Why swearing helps you manage pain
  • How swearing works in different areas of the brain

This week’s question is:  what is your favorite swear word?

Recommendation of the week is: The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA 

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and Events I mentioned are:

Live Q&A with Mark Lefebvre on wide marketing

17th March 8:00pm GMT, 1pm PST, 4pm EST, 7am AEST

DO YOU LOVE WRITING FANTASY?

CALLING ALL FANTASY WRITERS ProWritingAid are running a fantasy writing week in February and holy crap am I personally excited for this. Just look at the line up! 

With live sessions from bestselling fantasy writers TJ Klune, Angela J. Ford, David Farland and Stephanie BwaBwa, a world-building workshop, and a complete World Anvil software walkthrough, you don't want to miss this event!

Please note, I am an affiliate of ProWritingAid, but that's because I personally use their software. 

Find out more about Emma on:

Bookshop

Twitter

Instagram

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Stacy L Frazer

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Jackson Hollingsworth. A huge thank you to all existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Feb 17, 2021
072 How to Market a Book in 2021 with Nicholas Erik
01:08:06

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What the 80/20 principle means for your marketing
  • The ultimate book marketing formula 
  • How to balance writing what you want versus giving the market what it wants
  • Common marketing mistakes 
  • What to cut out of your marketing in 2021

This week’s question is:  What marketing tactic would you like to be better at?

Recommendation of the week is: Alix E Harrow’s A Witch’s Guide to Escape: A Practical Compendium of Portal Fantasies HUGO award winning short story

Links and events I mentioned are:

Live Q&A with Mark Lefebvre on wide marketing 

17th March 8:00pm GMT, 1pm PST, 4pm EST, 7am AEST

Patron only Poison and Prose is 10th Feb.

The Dialogue Doctor Episode with me! On voice, narrator voice, character voice, sharpening dialogue and more.

DO YOU LOVE WRITING FANTASY?

CALLING ALL FANTASY WRITERS ProWritingAid are running a fantasy writing week in February and holy crap am I personally excited for this. Just look at the line up! 

With live sessions from bestselling fantasy writers TJ Klune, Angela J. Ford, David Farland and Stephanie BwaBwa, a world-building workshop, and a complete World Anvil software walkthrough, you don't want to miss this event!

Please note, I am an affiliate of ProWritingAid, but that's because I personally use their software. 

Find out more about Nicholas on:

Website

Amazon Page

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Rebecca Pursell

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Ryan Simmons. A huge thank you to all existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Feb 10, 2021
071 How to Make a Scene with Jordan Rosenfeld
59:18

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What is a scene?
  • Mistakes to avoid when creating scenes
  • How to end a scene and leave readers wanting more
  • How to layer action, emotion and theme into each scene
  • How to use side characters to create the most impact in your scenes

This week’s question is:  Recommend a craft, business or marketing book

Recommendation of the week is: Writing Your Story's Theme: The Writer's Guide to Plotting Stories That Matter by K.M. Weiland

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA 

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned are:

Live Q&A with Mark Lefebvre on wide marketing 

17th March 8:00pm GMT, 1pm PST, 4pm EST, 7am AEST

Patron only Poison and Prose is 10th Feb.

Find out more about Jordan on:

Twitter

Website

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Helen Scheuerer

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

1 new patron this week, thank you Martina JG. A huge thank you to all existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: https://www.patreon.com/sachablack

Feb 03, 2021
070 How to Write Authentic Sales Copy with Jo Watson
01:02:25

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What the fuck copywriting is and why we need to worry about it
  • Top tips for copywriting
  • How to keep your branding consistent with your voice
  • Common copywriting mistakes

This week’s question is:  Describe your author voice in 3 words

Recommendation of the week is: Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Find out more about Jo Watson on:

LinkedIn

Website

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Lauren Mullis

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

No new patrons this week. A huge thank you to all existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 
Jan 27, 2021
069 How to Write a Series with Sara Rosett
51:54

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The main types of series and what to watch out for with each
  • Mistakes writers make with series
  • How to use your ending to sell the next book
  • How to extend or cut short a series and the considerations you have to make
  • How to create a second series in your world

This week’s question is:  What series would you buy for someone else as a gift?

Links I mentioned are: 

Wish I’d Known Then Episode with me: Financial Freedom and the Power of Authenticity

Parents Facebook Group

Find out more about Sara Rosett on:

Website 

Instagram 

Twitter

Pinterest

Podcast for Writers: Wish I'd Known Then

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Robert Byers

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

Two new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Nicole Cayer and Helen O’Neill. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Jan 20, 2021
068 How to Craft Captivating Characters with Roz Morris
50:33

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The 3 most important elements in making a good character
  • The most common mistakes do writers make when trying to create characters
  • Character reaction and how it helps to define character
  • What mystery is in terms of character and the best methods for creating it
  • How to connect your characters to your book theme

This week’s question is:  Who is your favorite character of all time?

Recommendation of the week is: The Ultimate Guide to Book Marketing by Nicholas Erik

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Sara M

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

Two new patrons this week. Welcome and thank you to Cassie M. Newel and Naomi Kennedy. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 

Jan 13, 2021
067 5 Non-Writing Activities I'm Using to Help Grow My Writing Business in 2021
36:00

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why and how I’ll be filling my creative well in 2021
  • Why I’m reverting to processes that used to work
  • How and why I’m narrowing my focus in 2021
  • How and why I’m staying super income focused this year
  • And the differences in the way I’m going to learn this year

This week’s question is:  What non-writing related activities will you be doing in 2021 to help grow your business?

Links I mentioned are:

The Better-Faster Academy

Clever Fox planner 

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Jan 06, 2021
066 6 Indie Author Lessons from 2020
39:25

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why your reaction is everything 
  • Redefining the meaning of work
  • Why creativity is a dish best in silence
  • Why business basics matter more than anything
  • Self-care isn’t needed, it’s a fucking priority
  • Friends, and YOU are everything
  • A last note to end on

It’s the end of 2020, a momentous occasion. I’d like to say something profound, something deep and meaningful when in reality, all I can muster is “What the fuckity fuck was this year?” I’m a writer, you’re a freaking writer and I bet in a thousand fucking turns of the sun none of us could have written the absolute cluster fuck that was this year. But as much as I’ve a twisted sense of humour and a dark heart, I’m an eternal optimist and I’d like to end the year with a bit of fucking cheer and tangible actions to work towards next year. Here are 6 lessons I’ve learned from 2020.

 

Reaction is Everything 

My dear friend Katie has a tattoo from Jack Canfield that says E + R = O. Event plus reaction equals outcome. Never has that been truer than in 2020. It might not be what you want to hear, but it’s the hard, uncut truth.

This year has been a sink or swim kind of year, either it’s crushed you or you succeeded in spite of it. 

But what I can tell you with absolute certainty, is that whatever your reaction to this year, it will have created your outcomes. When the pandemic hit, I panicked. I thought my business was screwed. The schools shut, how in the bollocking shitsticks was I going to get anything done with my 6 year old begging for rice cakes and “peppermanis” every 4 seconds going to allow me to work? 

It wasn’t.

And yet, I wrote more books this year than any other year. Ever.

I’m still not entirely sure how that happened. What I do know is that it had everything to do with my reaction. I’m the kind of “fuck you, you try and squash me and I’ll succeed anyway” girl. Not everyone is and that’s okay. The world needs every kind of person. I probably could have been more supportive to friends  and family emotionally during the pandemic, but I’m just not that sort of person, work and creativity are my solace and I’m just lucky that that also happens to be my job now.

When I look at this year, I’m still shocked I managed to do as much as I have. My son spent 8 months off school and I did 95% of the homeschooling and childcare because I had that flexibility. 

What am I trying to say?

I guess what I’m trying to say is that we all have different reactions to events and adversity and that’s okay. The greatest factor in influencing our outcomes is within our control, it’s ourselves. What you have to do is workout how to make your strengths happiest and then work with those strengths through the ups and downs.

This is one of those times where “know thyself” means everything and I’ve really learned that this year. I’ve tried very hard to work on myself, to learn about myself and as a result,  change my processes beyond recognition, I’ve found workarounds that are even more effective than how I was working before the pandemic. None of which would have been possible without a global crisis and the determination to find a way to keep going.

I found a quote which I think best sums this up which I believe was said by Vivienne Greene

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass … It's about learning to dance in the rain.”

 

LESSON 1: Our reactions create our outcomes, therefore learning our strengths and how to capitalise on them is crucial especially in times of adversity. 

 

The Meaning of Work

The meaning of work has changed for me this year. 

As authors we have a somewhat tenuous link with work. We literally tell lies and make shit up for a living. It’s scarcely what I’d call hard work. And yet, somedays it’s utterly gruelling and exhausting and fuck if I’m not totally brain dead by the end of a day of drafting or editing then I did it wrong. And yet, it’s still not “work” like my wife’s work. For anyone who does this full time and used to work in a corporate hellmare, you’ll understand it’s two entirely different universes of work. I look at what my wife does and thank the universe daily that I don’t have to go into work. But she looks at what I do, the constant financial pressure, the requirement to doll out words like candy, the need to constantly create something from nothing and she thanks her lucky stars for her job. It’s all relative, I guess.

Our job as an author is different. It’s everything and nothing. My mindset has definitely changed. The more I do this, the more I fall in love. In fact, I am so utterly in love with what I do it’s barely passable as a job in my head any more. At least, not the creative work anyway. Sure, the admin and emails and marketing feels like work sometimes, but for the most part, I no longer feel like I have a job and I certainly did for the first year of being self-employed.

I’ve noticed that “work” the things that bring in cash and pay my mortgage don’t always feel like work. Sometimes it’s fun, it’s play, and sometimes it even feels relaxing. So when I’m meant to be off and resting, there are times when all I want to do is pick up the proverbial pen and play because yes that’s my job but it’s also my favorite game and I happen to like playtime. That said, it’s a tricky one to explain to my loved ones who are desperate for vacation time and then can’t think of anything worse than working.

This realisation came in part from Becca Syme and her coaching through the Strengths for Writers course where I discovered my number 2 strength is “achiever” this essentially means I like to get things done achieve tasks and goals and when I don’t do those things — like on a holiday, I actually end up more stressed than relaxed.

What does this mean going forward?

 

LESSON 2: It means that my work is sometimes my play and while rest is essential, so is play. So I give myself permission to play when I’m on a break. If you need permission, you have it.

 

Creativity is a Dish Best Served in Silence

There is one thing, no matter how hard I try, that I’m yet to find a solution to. For me personally, I work best in silence sans interruptions. 

When I was in the day job, I spent most of my time with headphones in my lugs ignoring others. The first year of full-time authoring was spent in silence. I didn’t use Zoom for sprints, I didn’t have people in the house, my wife worked under a “presenteeism” culture and my world was quiet, very, very quiet indeed. And I did not realise how much that changed me.

I NEED SILENCE.

My creativity needs silence. Worse, it needs uninterrupted silence too. 

This year, I’ve had neither.

I’m yet to find a solution. Shutting my door doesn’t work, six (now seven) year olds don’t give two tiny violin sized shits about closed doors, the world is their dominion, doors are but mere wooden enemies to be slain in a fit of handle abusing, banging door opening shenanigans. 

My wife procured my noise cancelling headphones as she had “the man” to work for and equally couldn’t concentrate under the conditions. There were days when I had to go and sit in my car for 30 minutes to steal some silence for myself.

What this year showed me is that while I can work under interrupted, noisy conditions, I am FAR from productive in them. In fact, on the occasions my wife took our son so I could work, or the days that he actually went to school, I would produce 10 x what I did on any day when he was at home, more to the point, I would produce more on those fleeting occasions than I ever would on a normal day.

Never has Parkinson’s law been more acute to me. I edited an entire book in 4 days, something that would usually take me 3 months. If that isn’t a wake up call I don’t know what is.

 

LESSON 3: While I can work under intense and noisy conditions, I know I work more effectively and efficiently under a certain set of conditions. Which means two things, next year I will try harder to create those conditions, and when I don’t have them, know that it’s okay if I don’t get as much done because better days are coming. I’m also going to be looking at the amount of pressure I put on myself. I think I’ve gone too light. If I can edit a book in a week, how much more can I get done? I need to up the ante, I can do more in less time and I shall make it so.

 

Business Basics Matter

I am convinced that if it weren’t for working on the business basics this year, then my business would have crumbled. As it is, I’ve seen more than 20% increase in turnover despite the chronic fucksickle that was 2020.

I genuinely attribute that to going back to business basics and ensuring that I’m on top of them. So what are they for me personally?

Independence: I’m alarmingly aware of how dependent I am on Amazon’s machine. So ensuring I focus on other income streams and avenues for sales has been super important. I’ve set up a webshop on my website and been learning more in the background about wide marketing as well as increasing the income streams I have.

Financial Stability: For me, I’m a long way off where I want to be but I’m certainly making progress towards it. This year when the pandemic hit, some of my freelance dried up, which showed me how important it is to create assets and have as many avenues of income as possible.

Income streams now include:

  • Books
  • Freelance
  • Editing — though I’ve now stopped this.
  • Patreon
  • Affiliate 
  • Speaking 
  • Courses
  • Merchandise 

In the next five years I want to add:

  • Investments
  • Rental income from properties 
  • Rights licensing 
  • Audiobooks 

I also looked at areas I could save money, like over paying on my mailing list. I was super reluctant to move, I knew the systems, I liked the systems, I had t o overhaul my autoresponders and didn’t wanna. But I did the hard work and moved and saved myself over 400 quid a year.

I also upgraded my website and while that took a whole week to sort, it’s made for a much cleaner, more efficient site that’s more user friendly for customers.

 

LESSON 4: Working out your values and the business values that mean something to you matters. In times of crisis, it keeps you centered and gives you a singular focus. Without that knowledge I think I would have wobbled this year. The one I feel I missed this year was content marketing, I’ve let it slip and next year I want to come at it hard, from both the fiction and nonfiction front.

 

You’ve GOT to do Self-Care 

This one is big for me. I have GOT to get better at self-care. My gift and curse is my desire to constantly achieve. On the one hand it means I get loads done, but on the other, it also means I regularly, willingly and with a twisted smile on my lips work myself into the ground.

This year I’ve had a number of health issues and they are purely down to the fact I don’t look after myself because I’m too busy looking after others and trying to run a business.

It’s not that I thought I was invincible, more that I’m relatively young and just took for granted that I could continue to push my mind and body.

Apparently I can’t, and I strongly suspect you can’t either. So here’s that phrase again, if you need permission to look after yourself, you have it.

 

LESSON 5: Our bodies are only human, we are not invincible, and we break when pushed too far. I need to look after myself in 2021.

 

Friends Are Everything 

I spent the first year of working for myself totally alone. Sure, I had and still have writing friends, but this year has shown me just how important friends are. I’m very lucky to have a group of close writing friends who have seen me through this year, the tantrums, the emotional breakdowns, the anger, the hysteria. I’ve lost count of the number of zooms I’ve done with them, the days I’ve spent sprinting and gritting my teeth through the good and bad. I am deeply indebted to them, on the days when I wanted to give up they were there, on the days when I’d lost my mojo and motivation, they were there to pick me up and tell me to get a grip. I don’t want to mention any names in fear of forgetting someone. But thank you.

While this year has shown me how important technology is in keeping those connections alive, it’s also shown me that I don’t want to be a recluse either. Much as I love typing away in my quiet corner of the U.K., I need people, I crave human contact, I crave inspiration and input, I need to travel and be in the world, visit museums and friends and make memories. I miss people. I miss hugging, I miss seeing things and breathing in air and culture. No matter what happens next year, I need to find a way to get that in my life again.

I want to also thank my patrons. I adore you all, I love the chats we have in slack, the comments on posts and I am so grateful that you’ve joined me and supported me through this year despite the difficulties so many of us have had.

Thank you also to my Facebook group, you make my job so much fun and I adore the fact you're all so engaged and such a supportive community. A big thank you to the group’s admins too who are whip-cracking, group-sorting machines, I’m deeply grateful to you both.

One person in particular has become a huge part of my life over the past year. We joke that we have no idea how it happened, and I really don’t, but I am so glad it has. Writers need other writers. We need people who understand the odd ways our brains are wired, we need friends that live and breathe creation like we do because this life is indescribable to those not living it. We might convince ourselves that we’re happy introverts that need no one, and nothing but our keyboards, we might convince ourselves that we can soldier on alone, wolves under our creative moon. But life is so, so much better, easier and happier when you let people into your life. This person taught me that. Thank you for becoming something of a mascot, a comfort blanket, a sounding board, cheerleader, confidant, mentor, business partner and best friend for life. Thank you for coming into my life at the exact moment I needed you, it made what could have been a shitty year, that little bit more fun.

 

LESSON 6: Friends, writing friends in particular, are everything. If you don’t have them, find them and grip onto them like your life depends on it. It does. 

 

This too Shall Pass

This is where I want to leave you. In the knowledge that this year has been a cluster fuckery of bullshit and nonsense but that it too shall pass.

I want to leave you with what, I hope, is a message of empowerment. If this year hasn’t turned out the way you wanted, then I encourage you to look at you. And I mean that in the best possible way. I’ve spent a long time figuring out what works for me this year. I’ve disregarded lots of advice seen as best practice and “right” and instead played to my personal strengths and worked out what habits, environments and processes work for me to cultivate the best working outcomes. If you do one thing next year, let it be that. Don’t listen to cut and dry advice that tells you “you must do X, Y or Z” else you fail as an author, call bullshit, look at what has produced results for you and made you happiest and then rinse and repeat.

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass … It's about learning to dance in the rain.” 

Find your dance, figure out whether you prefer salsa, street dance, ballroom or something else and then fucking run with it.

 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Dec 30, 2020
065 How to Write Distraction Free with Adam Leeb
58:41

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why distraction is bad and the science behind it
  • The most important skills to have as an entrepreneur 
  • Biggest mistake made in business and what he learned
  • How to go from idea to physical product
  • Tips and tricks for distraction free writing

This week’s question is:  What are your goals for 2021?

Recommendation of the week is: Here is the Beehive by Sarah Crossan

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are: 

Sacha’s Shop

The Senses Course

Rebel Author Facebook Group 

Find out more about Adam Leeb on:

https://getfreewrite.com/traveler

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Justina Oland

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Dec 23, 2020
064 How to Create a Fictional Language with David J Peterson
01:15:46

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • What conlanging is 
  • Where to start constructing a language 
  • The overarching steps to create a conlang
  • How to deal with grammar in a conlang
  • How far you need to go in a fictional world with a conlang

This week’s question is:  How do you spend the holiday period?

Recommendation of the week is: Monsters by Emerald Fennell

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are: 

Sacha’s Shop

The Senses Course

Rebel Author Facebook Group 

Find out more about David J Peterson on:

TwitterWebsite, YouTube

And: 

http://jobs.conlang.org

http://fiatlingua.org/2016/11

http://fiatlingua.org/2019/03

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Ian Worrall

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Dec 16, 2020
063 Self-Publishing Basics with Michael LaRonn
01:08:41

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • The one piece of advice first time authors should follow
  • Most common self-publishing mistakes  
  • The three most common self-publishing questions and their answers 
  • Tricks and strategies to improve your business foundations
  • How to build a mailing list when you find them tricky
  • How to get advanced readers

This week’s question is: What self-publishing question haven’t you had answered?

Recommendation of the week is: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are: 

Sacha’s Shop

The Senses Course

Rebel Author Facebook Group

Find out more about Michael LaRonn on:

You can find his fiction at www.michaellaronn.com and his videos and books for writers at www.authorlevelup.com

To find out more about the book 150 self-publishing questions answered, click here

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Nyx M Cavalier

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

TwitterFacebookInstagram

 
Dec 09, 2020
062 How to Create a Well Presented Manuscript with Mike Reeves-McMillan
51:58

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to make your prose more professional 
  • Common presentation mistakes 
  • Common punctuation errors
  • Tricks and strategies to improve presentation

This week’s question is: what do you care about most in a book? Story, characters, presentation, something else?

Recommendation of the week is: Dear Writer, Are You In Writer's Block? By Becca Syme

Kobo 

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are: 

Sacha’s Shop Discount Code: Rebel15

The Senses Course Discount Code: Rebel15 

Becca Syme Courses

Story Bundle

Find out more about Mike Reeves-McMillan on:

C-Side Media Website

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Cari Buziak

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Dec 02, 2020
061 How to Write a Book in 15 Minutes
01:11:25

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to use 15 minute time blocks to write
  • Common mistakes when trying to use timeblocks 
  • Mindset and how it’s your biggest blocker
  • What levelling up has looked like for Honorée
  • How to find your most authentic self

This week’s question is: what do you do to help you get into the right mindset?

Recommendation of the week is: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Kobo 

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

**This podcast uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned are: 

The Senses Course Launch 

Story Bundle

Find out more about Honorée Corder on:

InstagramFacebookTwitter, Website

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Emma Geoffray

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Nov 25, 2020
060 How to Write a Synopsis with Michelle Somers
53:31

Episode Show Notes

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why you need a synopsis even if you’re not pursuing traditional publishing
  • Common mistakes when writing a synopsis
  • How to get the right balance of information in your synopsis
  • Tips for retaining your voice
  • The structure of a good synopsis

This week’s question is: What one thing do you want to achieve by the end of the year?

Recommendation of the week is: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Links I mentioned are: 

The Senses Course Launch 

Story Bundle

Find out more about Michelle on:

Website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

Read Simply Synopsis

Get her FREE cheat sheet here.

CHARACTERISATION THROUGH NARRATION 2 hour online workshop through the Queensland Writer’s Centre

Inhouse 4-week intensive workshops – practical based with feedback – bookings for 2021

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Victoria LK Williams

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Nov 18, 2020
059 How to Write a Book in 5 Days with Scott King
53:10

Episode Show Notes 

In this episode we cover:

  • The mindset you need to write fast
  • Mistakes in trying to write fast
  • How to prepare for writing fast
  • Tips for outlining
  • How to get over stumbling blocks when you write fast

This week’s question is: Is writing fast important or not in the current publishing climate?

Recommendation of the week is: Dear Writer Are you in Burnout by Becca Syme

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Links I mentioned are:

The Senses Course Launch  

Story Bundle

Find out more about Scott on:

Twitter - @ScottKing

Instagram - @KingScottKing

Website

Amazon Author Page

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: M.J. Moores

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Nov 11, 2020
058 How to Write Dialogue with Jeff Elkins
01:25:28

Episode Show Notes 

In this episode we cover:

  • The most important elements when creating dialogue
  • Mistakes to avoid when writing dialogue
  • How to use psychology to help improve your dialogue
  • How to differentiate character’s dialogue
  • How to manage a big cast of characters and all their different ways of speaking
  • What monomouth is and how to get rid of it

This week’s question is: What character/book or movie’s dialogue do you like best?

Recommendation of the week is: Nail Your Novel: Writing Characters Who’ll Keep Readers Captivated by Roz Morris

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Links I mentioned are:

The Senses Course Launch

Story Bundle

Dialogue Doctor Discount

Jeff is also giving listeners a discount on his services. His 1-hour chapter session is typically $99. If you include the name of my podcast when you register, he’ll give you 25% off. Register here

Search for "Writer’s Well" in your podcasters and look for Episode 138 where Rachael and J discuss Jeff and the help he gave J with his dialogue

Find out more about Jeff on:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Jeff had some recommendations for books and movies with great dialogue:

Books with dialogue he loves:

  • The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
  • Beloved by Toni Morrison
  • The Great Divorce by CS Lewis
  • The Goldfinch by Donna Tart
  • A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  • Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace

TV Shows and Movies with Amazing Dialogue:

  • The Magicians
  • Gilmore Girls
  • When Harry Met Sally
  • The Princess Bride
  • Mission Impossible (1996 movie - best dialogue in an action film)

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Bobbie Ann Atwood

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

 

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Nov 04, 2020
057 Content Planning for Authors with Janet Murray
01:13:46

Episode Show Notes 

In this episode we cover:

  • How to use content marketing to help you sell more books and products.
  • The four main types of content and how to use them to structure your content marketing
  • Mistakes authors make with content marketing
  • How to repurpose your content to do more with what you have
  • The differences between content marketing for fiction and nonfiction

This week’s question is: do you want to content market? Why or why not?

Recommendation of the week is: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Links I mentioned are:

The Senses Course Launch

Story Bundle

Janet Murray conference

Find out more about Janet on:

Website, Her social media planner, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Podcast

Janet mentioned using KapWing for content marketing 

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Thomas Dukeman

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

1 new patron this week, welcome to Juneta Kay. A big thank you to all new and old patrons alike. You guys help not only to keep the podcast running, but give me a warm squishy feeling in my belly.

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

Oct 28, 2020
056 How to Set and Achieve your Writing Goals with H.B Lyne
52:22

Episode Show Notes 

In this episode we cover:

  • How to set effective writing goals
  • Mistakes to avoid when goal setting
  • The best methods for goal setting
  • Making big goals more manageable
  • How to track your goals
  • A discussion on if there’s a right or wrong time to set goals

This week's question: how do you set, manage, track and record your writing goals?

Book recommendation of the week is the NaNoWriMo StoryBundle which you can find here:The NaNo StoryBundle

Mentioned Links

The Senses Course sachablack.thinkific.com/courses/senses   

Janet Murray conference https://www.janetmurray.co.uk/ref/55/

Find out more about our guest:

InstagramFacebook, websites: www.hblyne.com and www.greatwesternwoods.com.

Read her book on goals here: www.books2read.com/goals

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Yanni Jade

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

Welcome and a big thank you to new patron Harley Christensen. A huge thank you to all my current patrons who help to keep the podcast running and give me a warm squishy feeling in my belly!

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Oct 21, 2020
055 How to Run an Author Podcast with Jeff Adams and Will Knauss
01:09:08

Episode Show Notes

In this show we cover:

  • The impact podcasts have on author careers and sales
  • The best and worst things about podcasting
  • Advice on the technical aspects of podcasting
  • The amount of time it takes to run a podcast
  • How to structure a podcast
  • Podcasting strategy
  • Considerations for cohosting

Please note I use affiliate links throughout this post. This means I earn a small commission should you purchase something using one of my links. There is no cost to you for using my links.

Question of the Week

Do you prefer audio or video, podcasts or YouTube?

Book Recommendation of the week

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. Grab a copy on:

Links Mentioned Find Out More About Our Guests Jeff and Will

Visit their website: jeffandwill.com

@biggayfiction

@biggayauthor

@WriterJeffAdams

@WillKnauss

Their Book Recommendation on Podcasting: Big Podcast by David Hopper. Get a copy on Amazon UK or Amazon USA

***

A HUGE thank you all all the new patrons this week. Thank you and welcome to:
  • Heather
  • Renee Gallant
  • Stacy L Frazer
  • Mary Whitten
  • Cindy
If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack   This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid here.

DISCOUNT CODE: REBEL25

TwitterFacebook, Instagram

 

 

Oct 14, 2020
054 How to Write Dark Fantasy with Jenna Moreci
52:22

Episode Show Notes

Mentioned links:

Mark's Rebel Reflections episode 155 listen here.

The Anatomy of Prose FREE webinar on 8th October at 7pm UK time. Join the Prose Webinar here: The Anatomy of Prose: How to Breathe Life into Your Story, Characters and Sentences WEBINAR

The NaNo Writing Bundle: https://storybundle.com/nano

FIND OUR MORE ABOUT JENNA MORECI

Read The Savior's Sister: https://books2read.com/tss/

Follow Jenna Moreci: 

YouTube: http://youtube.com/jennamoreci 

Website: http://jennamoreci.com 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jennamoreci 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/jennamoreci 

***

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

Oct 07, 2020
053 Celebrating One Year of Rebel Authoring!
44:47

Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 53 of The Rebel Author Podcast. It’s all me this week. A solo show celebrating one year of rebel authoring.

This week’s questions is:

Where do you want to be this time next year in your writing, business or career?

Book recommendation of the week is: 10 Steps to Hero: How to Craft a Kickass Protagonist by Sacha Black

Read the book here

***

I will be doing a live Poison and Prose session tomorrow 30th September to celebrate hitting 1 year of the show. Join me herehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelauthors/

***

Join the Prose Webinar here: The Anatomy of Prose: How to Breathe Life into Your Story, Characters and Sentences WEBINAR

***

Mentioned Links:

9 Things Career Authors Don't Do: Personal Finance 

Calendly 

Podbean 

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is Kahlan Weir

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

***

2 new patrons this week, Welcome and a huge thank you to Laura Kendrick and Padgett Farmer. A huge thank you to all my current patrons, you help not only to keep the podcast running but give me warm squishy feelings!

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Please note I do use affiliate links in my posts.

THIS WEEK’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Sep 30, 2020
052 How to Run Seasonal Marketing with Penny Sansevieri
57:45

This week’s questions is:

What is your favorite episode of the last year?

 

Book recommendation of the week is: Not Even Bones by Rebecca Schaeffer

Apple: https://apple.co/3hIMSLJ 

Amazon UK:  https://amzn.to/2RAKsnC 

Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/2ZPHgJl 

Note that these are affiliate links and I earn a small commission if you purchase the book at no additional cost to you.

Find out more about our guest Penny Sansevieri here:

Twitter: @bookgal 

www.amarketingexpert.com 

Instagram: @therealbookgal

 

Rebel of the week is Renee Gallant

 

I'll be live on the iWriterly Chanel with Meg LaTorre, Jenna Moreci and Daniel Willcocks on the 23rd September at 9pm UK time

http://bit.ly/iwriterlylive 

Join me for the Rebel Author Anniversary Poison and Prose on the 30th September 8pm UK time https://www.facebook.com/groups/rebelauthors/

 

The Anatomy of Prose: How to Breathe Life into Your Story, Characters and Sentences WEBINAR

1 new patron this week, welcome and a huge thank you to William. A giant thank you to all my current patrons too. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

 

Sep 23, 2020
051 - Personal Finance for Writers with J Thorn and Sacha Black
18:16

Hello Rebels, surprise! Here's a bonus minisode with me and J Thorn where we talk about personal finance for writers.

We talk about a new book we've cowritten that focuses on the good stuff: money. I go deep and get personal in this book with my experiences of debt and money and the lessons I've learned that took me from aspiring writer to full-time business woman. 

Read the Book: 9 Things Career Authors Don't Do: Personal Finance

Read the rest of the series: http://getbook.at/9thingsseries

Sep 18, 2020
050 How to Edit Intuitively with Tiffany Yates Martin
01:32:41

This week’s questions is:

What part of the writing publishing marketing journey do you like best?

Book recommendation of the week is: 9 Things Career Authors Don’t Do: Personal Finance by Me  and J Thorn. Read the book here: http://getbook.at/9thingspersonalfinance 

Find out more about Tiffany Yates Martin

Read Intuitive Editing here: http://foxprinteditorial.com/intuitive-editing/

www.foxprinteditorial.com 

www.facebook.com/FoxPrintEditorial 

Twitter: @foxprinted 

Insta: @tiffanyyatesmartin 

 

The Anatomy of Prose: How to Breathe Life into Your Story, Characters and Sentences WEBINAR

https://prowritingaid.com/en/Webinar/Register/1000047?utm_campaign=Webinars/Events&utm_medium=post&utm_source=PWAblog&utm_content=SachaWebinar 

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is Beth Ball

 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

 

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

Sep 16, 2020
049 How to Create an Author Side Hustle with Jennie Nash
01:13:45

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is:

If you could do anything as a side hustle, what would it be?

***

Find out more about our guest Jennie Nash:

If you want to be a book coach, you can find out more about Jennie’s courses and free information here: bookcoaches.com/abc

If you’re a writer and would like to be matched with a coach, then visit here: authoraccelerator.com

***

Book recommendation of the week is: How to Write a Series by Sara Rosett

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is now live, you can get it in ebook, paperback or hardback now.

Click the link here. Order the Workbook here.

Listener Rebel of the Week is Jasmine Arch

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

***

Two new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Denise Berndt and Rae Tauranga. A huge thank you also to all my current patrons for the ongoing support.

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Sponsor of the show this week is ProWritingAid

Find out more about ProWritingAid software using my link here.

Use my discount code: REBEL25

Connect with ProWritingAid on social media:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Please note I do use affiliate links, I earn a small commission when you purchase something using these links at no additional cost to you.

Sep 09, 2020
048 How to Use Data to Sell More Books with Alex Newton
01:16:57

This week’s questions is:

How do you use data in your writing business?

Find out more about K-Lytics here:https://k-lytics.com

Book recommendation of the week is: Intuitive Editing by Tiffany Yates Martin

Kobo

Amazon UK 

Amazon USA

Sign up for the The Anatomy of Prose: How to Breathe Life into Your Story, Characters and Sentences Webinar

Listener Rebel of the Week is Jay Renee Lawrence

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

***

No new patrons this week, a huge thank you to all my current patrons, you help not only to keep the podcast running, you make me feel like what I do is worthwhile. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Sep 01, 2020
047 How to Embrace Self-Care with Kay Hutchison
01:09:37

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is:

What self care do you do?

Book recommendation of the week is: Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

Kobo

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Please note these are affiliate links.

***

Find out more about our guest Kay Hutchison on her

website: www.kayhutchison.com (also www.bellemedia.co.uk)

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Youtube

***

Join me for the The Anatomy of Prose: How to Breathe Life into Your Story, Characters and Sentences Webinar

Rebel of the Week is ANONYMOUS!

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

***

No new patrons this week, a huge thank you to all my current patrons, you help not only to keep the podcast running. You make me feel like my potty mouth antics are worthwhile.

If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

That’s sacha with a C not an S

THIS WEEK’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Aug 26, 2020
046 How to Create a Rebel Author Mindset with J Thorn and Sacha Black
18:02

Surprise! Here's a bonus minisode with me and J Thorn. 

We talk about a new book we've cowritten that focuses on why you should have a rebel mindset as an indie author and the 9 things you shouldn't do.

Read the Book: 9 Things Career Authors Don't Do: Rebel Mindset 

Read the rest of the series: http://getbook.at/9thingsseries  

Aug 20, 2020
045 How to Edit Your Manuscript with Lisa Lepki and ProWritingAid
59:33

This week’s questions is:

What writing or editing software do you use?

Find out more about our guest Lisa Lepki and ProWritingAid software:

https://twitter.com/ProWritingAid

https://www.facebook.com/ProWritingAid

https://www.instagram.com/prowritingaid.insta/

Try ProWritingAid for free using my affiliate link: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1516072&u=1810409&m=72053&urllink=&afftrack= 

GET A 25% discount using the code REBEL25

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is now live, you can get it in ebook, paperback or hardback now.

Click the link here.

Order the Workbook here.

***

Book recommendation of the week is: 9 Things Career Authors Don’t Do: Rebel Mindset by Sacha Black and J Thorn

SERIES LINK: http://getbook.at/9thingsseries

Amazon UK:  https://amzn.to/3asVhRs

Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/3kLN7YP

Listener Rebel of the Week is ROSAIRE BUSHEY

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

No new patrons this week but a huge thank you to all my current patrons for the ongoing support. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Aug 19, 2020
044 How to Pursue Traditional Publishing with Meg LaTorre
55:40

Hello Rebels, welcome to The Rebel Author Podcast episode 44. Today, I’m talking to Meg LaTorre all about the traditional publishing industry. It’s a fascinating insight into the other side of publishing regardless of whether your trad, hybrid or pure indie you'll learn how to pursue traditional publishing.

Preorder my new book coauthored with J Thorn:  9 Things Career Authors Don't Do: Rebel Mindset here.

This week’s questions is:

What method of publishing are you following or would you like to follow?

Find out more about this week's guest, Meg LaTorre:

Website

YouTube

Twitter

Instagram

Read The Cyborg Tinkerer

Book recommendation of the week is: Be a Writing Machine by Michael La Ronn

KOBO

Apple

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

These are affiliate links

Listener Rebel of the Week is Victoria LK Williams

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

1 new patron this week, a big welcome and thank you to Jay Renee Weaver and a huge thank you to all my current patrons, you help not only to keep the podcast running. You make me feel like my potty mouth antics are worthwhile.

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Aug 12, 2020
043 Character Occupations and Details with Becca Puglisi
01:19:36

Episode Show Notes

 

This week’s questions is:

 

What job does your character have?

 

Find out more about our guest Becca Puglisi:

 

The Occupation Thesaurus: https://writershelpingwriters.net/bookstore/ 

One Stop for Writers: https://onestopforwriters.com 

Writers Helping Writers blog: https://writershelpingwriters.net

 

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is now live, you can get it in ebook, paperback or hardback now.

Click the link here.

Order the Workbook here

 

Book recommendation: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

 

KOBO https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/daughter-of-smoke-and-bone-daughter-of-smoke-and-bone-trilogy-1 

 

Apple: https://apple.co/2BOIAU4 

 

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2XdUZYZ 

Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/317Czu3 

 

These are affiliate links.

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is Steve Moore

 

 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

 

No new patrons this week but a huge thank you to all my current patrons for the ongoing support. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Aug 05, 2020
042 Character Psychology with Dr Alex Bryant
47:46

Episode Show Notes

 

This week’s questions is:

What part of character creation do you find the hardest?

 

Book recommendation of the week is: The Occupation Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

 

My blog review and lessons learned How to use character occupations to deepen your characterization 

 

Grab The Occupation Thesaurus here.

 

I was delighted to be interviewed by AG Billig on her Self-Publishing Mastery talks channel. We had an amazing chat  about adulting, parenting, creativity, routine and more. Watch here.

 

Find out more about today's guest:

 

Website: www.alexbryantauthor.com 

Read his books: https://books2read.com/theidentitythief 

Instagram: @alexbryantauthor 

Facebook: @alexbryantauthor

 

***

Rebel of the week this week is HB Lyne

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

***

 

Thank you to new patron Cari Buziak. Also a huge thank you to all my current patrons, you help not only to keep the podcast running. You make me feel like my potty mouth antics are worthwhile.

 

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting:

 

www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

That’s sacha with a C not an S

THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

 

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

Jul 29, 2020
041 What You're Getting Wrong with Your Author Website with Steve Brown
56:00

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is:

What three words describe your author branding?

Find out more about our guest Steve Brown on:

His website

Linkedin

Read his book here.

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is now live, you can get it in ebook, paperback or hardback now.

Click the link here.

Order the Workbook here.

Book recommendation: Goal Setting for Writers: A Step-By-Step Roadmap to Success by Holly Lyne

Amazon UK:  https://amzn.to/30fHt82

Amazon USA:  https://amzn.to/2WpLWUw

Listener Rebel of the Week is Cari Buziak

 If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

Thank you to new patrons Jessica Samuels, and Jackie Reuter. Thank you to all my current patrons for the ongoing support. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Jul 22, 2020
040 How to Deliver Value to Your Readers with Joseph Alexander
01:04:13

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is:

What language would you most like your book translated into?

Find out more about our guest Joseph Alexander on:

Website: www.translatebooks.com

Music website www.fundamental-changes.com for over 350 free HD video lessons or to get signed as an author.

The link Joseph mentioned for the book to read 12 Ways to Market Your Book in German is here.

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is now live, you can get it in ebook, paperback or hardback now.

Click the link here.

Order the Workbook here.

Book recommendation: Wild Seed by Octavia Butler

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Listener Rebel of the Week is Matt Goodall

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

Thank you to new patron Bair Klos

Thank you to all my current patrons for the ongoing support. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Jul 15, 2020
039 How to Make Money with Short Fiction with Esther Chilton
43:02

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is:

Do you write short stories or flash fiction?

***

Find out more about our guest Esther Chilton on:

Website: Blog: https://esthernewtonblog.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/esthernewton201 

Her book A Walk in the Woods

***

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is now live, you can get it in ebook, paperback or hardback now.

Click the link here.

Order the Workbook here

***

Book recommendation: Publication guaranteed by Esther Chilton

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3gtIVdj 

Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/2AyEkr3

***

Listener Rebel of the Week is Katrina Hood

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

***

Thank you to all patrons for the support. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Jul 08, 2020
038 How to Build a 7-Figure Company with Steven de Koenigswarter
01:07:17

Episode Show Notes

This week’s question is:

If you couldn’t be a writer, what would you be?

Find out more about our guest Steven de Koenigswarter on:

His website: Thehealthfactory.com

His informational website: Nano-mineralwater.com

Facebook THF: https://www.facebook.com/thfnederland/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven.dekoenigswarter/

Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehealthfactory_/

 

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is now live, you can get it in ebook, paperback or hardback now.

Click the link here.

Order the Workbook here

Book recommendation: Miso Paper for Archer and Olive journals www.misopaper.com 

My office geometric paint job!

Listener Rebel of the Week is S. M. Mitchell

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

Thank you to all patrons for the support. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Jul 01, 2020
037 How to Build Universes and Write Transgender Characters with Malorie Cooper
01:16:05

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is:

Do you write series or standalone and why?

Book recommendation this week is The Necromancer’s Apprentice by Icy Sedgwick.

https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-necromancer-s-apprentice-6 

Find out more about our guest Mal Cooper on her website aeon14.com

Find her at facebook.com/soyarma where she posts nearly daily cosplay/fashion pics.

Link to the YouTube video where she talks about what makes boys and girls. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bhURgrUoHg

Link to National Geographic article mentioned on gender 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/01/how-science-helps-us-understand-gender-identity/?fbclid=IwAR1SA8_X8pwDFtA1LE_GqgrYoXyJpPvT_Wn6AiEldHv7H35Z-YG8SiqQclg

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is now live, you can get it in ebook, paperback or hardback now.

Click the link here.

Order the Workbook here

 

Listener Rebel of the Week is Aime Sund

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

Thank you to all patrons for the support. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

This episode was sponsored by Kobo Writing Life

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

Jun 24, 2020
036 How to Outline Your Novel with Libbie Hawker
39:32

Episode Show Notes

This week's question is:

How do you outline?

Find out more about Libbie on her website.

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is available now, you can get it in ebook, paperback or hardback now.

Click the link here.

Order the Workbook here.

Thank you to all the show's Patrons, your support is always appreciated. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 
Jun 17, 2020
035 How to Write Romance, Sex Scenes and Lesbian Characters with Clare Lydon
36:27

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is:

What’s the best sex scene you ever read? Or watched? 

Links to find out more about Clare 

Clare's website

Clare's book recommendations 

Visit her on Twitter

    Links to 2 sex podcasts she mentioned:   Let's talk about lesbian sex scenes: https://lesbianswhowrite.com/lww-15-lets-talk-about-lesbian-sex-scenes/   Sex locations in our books: https://lesbianswhowrite.com/lww-50-sex-locations-in-our-books/   Steampunk novel   Demon in the Machine - Lise Mactague: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FGW7W4G/   Clare's book recommendations   And Playing The Role Of Herself - KE Lane: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Playing-Role-Herself-K-Lane-ebook/dp/B003U8AE0U/   In At The Deep End - Kate Davies: https://www.amazon.co.uk/at-Deep-End-Kate-Davies-ebook/dp/B07GLP2FB2/    

Book recommendation this week is Collaboration for Authors by Daniel Willcocks

https://books2read.com/u/bQK9R0

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is on preorder, you can get it in ebook, paperback or hardback now.

Click the link here.

Order the Workbook here

Listener Rebel of the Week is Burninstories

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to www.patreon.com/sachablack

Jun 10, 2020
034 How to Build an Engaged Reader Fanbase with Dakota Krout
52:34

Hello Rebels, welcome back to The Rebel Author Podcast episode 34. I’m talking to Dakota Krout today all about how to build an engaged reader fanbase.

Episode Show Notes

First up, before we get into the show notes, let me say a huge thank you once again for all the support during the launch of The Anatomy of Prose, I'm deeply grateful and I can't thank you all enough.

This week's question:

What tactic or method have you seen an author use to successfully build a fan base?

Rebel of the week this week is Kelly Malacko

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to www.patreon.com/sachablack

This episode was sponsored by Kobo Writing Life

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

 

Jun 03, 2020
033 10 Tips to Improve Your Prose with Sacha Black
30:35

This week’s questions is:

What is your favorite literary device?

Book recommendation this week The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences

Grab your copy here.

 

Preorder the Workbook here

Join the Launch Party tonight, 29th May 9pm BST, 1pm PST, 4pm EST, 6am Sydney

Rebel Authors Facebook Group 

 

Next Level Authors

Watch on YouTube 

Listen on your Podcatcher

Listener Rebel of the Week is Russell Phillips 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

Thank you to new patrons this week Katlyn Duncan, Samurai Girl and Daniel Willcocks. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

May 29, 2020
032 How to Improve Your Prose a Rebel Takeover with Daniel Willcocks and Sacha Black
35:41

Episode Show Notes

We apologize for the interruption to the schedule. Today's episode is a Rebel Author takeover. Daniel Willcocks from the Great Writers Share podcast hosts today's show so that yours truly can be interviewed.

Learn how we improve our craft and business. We also dish out a bunch of book, course and resource recommendations too.

Preorder your copy of The Anatomy of Prose now: https://books2read.com/anatomyofprose

Great Writers Share podcast: https://pod.link/1473869415 

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

May 27, 2020
031 How to Create a Reader Funnel with Derek Murphy
01:09:59

Episode Show Notes

Today’s podcast is with Derek Murphy. We’re talking about how to create a reader funnel, what one is, how to create it and why it's key to developing a fan base.

This week’s questions is:

What kind of content do you put in your reader funnel?

Book recommendation this week is my book 10 Steps to Hero: How to Craft a Kickass Protagonist.

Grab a copy on Kobo here

Find out more about our guest on his website: creativindie.com

Win a signed ARC of The Anatomy of Prose Competition 1, on Instagram here

Competition 2 is through Rafflecopter, you can enter here

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is on preorder now, you can get it in ebook paperback and hardback here

LAUNCH PARTY

I’ll be hosting a LIVE Q&A to celebrate the launch of The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences. The Live will be on the 29th May at 9pm BST, 1pm PST, 4pm EST, 6am AEST. If you’d like to ask me anything about writing, marketing, publishing or… unicorns then drop your questions in the blog, the Rebel Author Facebook group, or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

This week's rebel is Adrian Farr.

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

Thank you to new patron, Paul A. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

 

May 20, 2020
030 How to Combat Self-Doubt for Writers with Sarah Painter
01:03:17

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is: How do you battle imposter syndrome and self-doubt?

Book recommendation this week Marketing Rebellion by Mark Schaefer

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3fz72rB

Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/2WgTLMB

Don’t forget The Anatomy of Prose is on preorder, you can get it in ebook, paperback or hardback now. Click the link here.

Preorder the Workbook here.

Find out more about today's guest Sarah Painter on her: 

worriedwriter.com 

sarah-painter.com

Twitter @SarahRPainter 

https://www.facebook.com/sarahpainterbooks/ 

https://www.instagram.com/sarahpainterbooks/

Listener Rebel of the Week is Alex Kourvo

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

Thank you to new patrons this week Yanni Jade and Angela Guido. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

How to Build an Audio Booth article https://sachablack.co.uk/2019/10/28/how-to-build-a-diy-audio-booth/ 

May 13, 2020
029 How to Sell More Books on Kobo with Joni Di Placido
40:53

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is:

What wide marketing tricks do you use?

The book recommendation this week is The Anatomy of Prose by ME! The textbook and workbook are available all bookstores now.

Click the link here.

Preorder the Workbook here.

Find out more about our guest on Kobo’s website: 

www.kobo.com/writinglife 

https://twitter.com/KoboWritingLife 

https://www.instagram.com/kobo.writing.life/

Listener Rebel of the Week is Renee Gallant Junior

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

 

May 06, 2020
028 10 Lessons from One Year of Writing Full-Time
39:33

No show notes this week, if you want to see the blog post with the photos mentioned, you can catch that here: https://wp.me/p885Ux-2oN

May 02, 2020
027 How to Write Suspense with Christina Kaye
37:01

Show Notes: Rebel Author Podcast episode 27.

Today’s podcast is with Christina Kaye we’re talking about thrillers and how to write suspense in your novels.

We talk about:

  • The pillars of creating suspense and tension in your story
  • Sentence level tricks for creating suspense
  • Mistakes to avoid when creating suspense
  • Tips and tricks for the beginnings and endings of your chapters
  • Resources and recommendations for more 

This week’s questions is:

What’s keeping you sane during lockdown?

Book recommendation this week is comes from Katie Forrest who recommended Untamed by Glennon Doyle.

Grab your copy on Kobo 

And don't forget you can preorder your copy of The Anatomy of Prose in ebook, paperback and hardback here.

Listen or Watch NEXT LEVEL AUTHORS

Watch on YouTube 

Listen on your Podcatcher

Join the Next Level Author Facebook Group 

Listener Rebel of the Week is Meg Cowley

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

This week’s episode is sponsored by Kobo.

 

Find out more about my guest Christina Kaye on her 

Website

Facebook 

Apr 29, 2020
026 How to Bootstrap Your Marketing with Barry Hutchison
52:58

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is:

What is your best free or cheap marketing tip?

You can preorder The Anatomy of Prose ebook and paperback on all bookstores now.

Click the link here.

***

LISTEN TO NEXT LEVEL AUTHORS PODCAST

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXnvkIvvQvHBbrO_RtUnlVA 

Listen on your Podcatcher https://nextlevelauthors.podbean.com

Join the Next Level Author Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/nextlevelauthors/

***

Book recommendation this week is Swearing is Good for You by Emma Byrne.

KOBO https://www.kobo.com/ebook/swearing-is-good-for-you-the-amazing-science-of-bad-language   

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3eAiumk

Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/2XOehoY

Find out more about our guest Barry Hutchison on his website: 

https://barryjhutchison.com  

Get his books here:

http://mybook.to/spaceteam 

http://mybook.to/lob

Listener Rebel of the Week is Tim Seabrook

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

 

Apr 22, 2020
025 How to Network for Introverts and Authors with Daniel Parsons
52:01

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is:

How do you network?

You can preorder The Anatomy of Prose digitally on all bookstores now.

Click the link here.

Book recommendation this week is Networking for Authors by Daniel Parsons

Kobo 

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Find out more about our guest on his website: 

DanielParsonsBooks.com

To Join the Rebel Author poison and prose write in on 15th April 9pm UK join the Rebel Author Facebook group here.

Listener Rebel of the Week is Michael Nassberg

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Apr 15, 2020
024 How to Get an Amazing Book Cover with Andrew and Bec Brown
01:05:25

Episode Show Notes

This week’s questions is:

Should you judge a book by its cover?

You can preorder The Anatomy of Prose digitally on all bookstores now.

Click the link here.

Find out more about Design for Writers:

Website: www.designforwriters.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/designforwriters 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/design4writers

LAST CHANCE to read a review copy or be part of the street team for the launch of The Anatomy of Prose. I have a short form which can be found here: https://bit.ly/AoPTeam

Book recommendation this week is Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty

KOBO https://www.kobo.com/ebook/smoke-gets-in-your-eyes-1

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/3bS0Xnd

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/3dPlMSc

Listener Rebel of the Week is Aime Sund

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Apr 08, 2020
023 How to Write for Audio with Jules Horne
53:49

Episode Show Notes

This week’s question is:

What is the best book you’ve read this year?

Book recommendation this week is our lovely guest Jules Horne’s Writing for Audiobooks: Audio-First for Flow and Impact

Kobo 

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Find out more about Jules on her:

Fiction website: https://www.juleshorne.com/

Nonfiction website:https://www.method-writing.com/ 

If you’d like to help with the launch and be on the street team or read a review copy, you can. I have a short form which can be found here: https://bit.ly/AoPTeam

I was on the Alliance of Independent Author’s Inspiration indie authors podcast on Sunday. Listen here

Listener Rebel of the Week is: Kathleen March

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

One new Patron today, welcome Julia Fortune. Thank you so much for joining me and thank you to all my patrons, who help to ensure that this podcast continues.

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Apr 01, 2020
022 Five Takeaways from Mark Dawson's SPS Live Conference
22:25

Episode Show Notes

10 Business models article: https://selfpublishingadvice.org/ten-business-models-for-indie-authors/

Rebel Author Podcast episode 11 on finance, money and debt with Zach Bohannon  https://sachablack.co.uk/2020/01/15/011-authors-and-money-how-to-quit-your-job-and-write-full-time-with-zach-bohannon/   

Mark's SPS LIVE digital ticket https://selfpublishingformula.com/digital 

 

Book Recommendations:

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/the-total-money-makeover-classic-edition

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/36Qc5PC

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2td8yfC

The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/the-barefoot-investor

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2Rbipuu

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2Tqhzgd

The Millionaire Next Door by William D. Danko and Thomas J Stanley

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/the-millionaire-next-door-6

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/36KMZBD

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2Nnjxdk

Playing with Fire by Scott Rieckens

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/playing-with-fire-financial-independence-retire-early

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/380d4N7

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2sm4w4f

Choose FI by Chris Mamula, Brad Barret and Jonathan Mendonsa

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/choose-fi

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2TkYAmY

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/3a7KHOT

Mar 27, 2020
021 How to Get Your Book into Libraries with Mark Lefebvre
01:11:24

Episode Show Notes

This Episode is Sponsored by Kobo Writing Life

This Week’s Question is:

Where do you get your books? Do you buy them online, which store? Do you go to physical indie stores? Big chain stores, libraries? Somewhere else?

The book recommendation this week is An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries and Bookstores by Mark Lefebvre.

Get the book on Kobo 

Enter Mark's giveaway here.

Join The Anatomy of Prose Street Team

If you’d like to help with the launch of The Anatomy of Prose you can join the street team or read a review copy by completing this short form

Listener Rebel of the Week is HB Lyne

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

***

One new Patron today, welcome Beth Ball. Thank you so much for joining me and thank you to all my patrons, who help to ensure that this podcast continues.

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Find out more about Mark on:

His website www.markleslie.ca

Twitter 

Instagram 

His Podcast 

Grab your copy of An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries and Bookstores

 

 

   
Mar 24, 2020
020 How to Craft the Perfect Character with Damon Suede
01:17:04

Episode Show Notes

This Week’s Question looks at the personal branding side of the interview today. So I’m interested in your personal verb.

What is your verb?

The book recommendation of the week is VERBALIZE by Damon Suede

Kobo 

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

The Rebel of the week is Edwin Downward

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

No new Patrons today. Thank you so much to all my current patrons, who help to ensure that this podcast continues.

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Find out more about Damon on his:

Website: DamonSuede.com 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/damon.suede.author 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DamonSuede

Mar 18, 2020
019 How to Write and Publish Illustrated Children's Books with Karen Ferreira
51:46

Episode Show Notes

Pre-order The Anatomy of Prose (currently only live on Amazon, other stores are coming soon)

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Find out more about Karen Ferreira on her:

Website www.getyourbookillustrations.com

Instagram  

The download for the things to consider before going with an illustrator can be found here.

To watch the Children's Book Mastery Conference you can find out more using my affiliate link here.

***

This week's question is:

What was your favorite children's book?

***

Book recommendation this week is Joanna Penn’s new book Audio for Authors.

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***

Rebel of the Week is Jasmine Arch

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

***

A big thank you to all my current patrons who help to ensure that this podcast continues. If you’d like to support the show from as little at $2 a month, you can and get access to all the bonus essays, posts, sneak peeks, bloopers and more by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

***

ATTEND THE SELF-PUBLISHING ADVICE CONFERENCE

Click the image below or use this link to attend the FREE conference for authors.

Podcast recommendations from last week include:

  • Writing Excuses
  • Six Figure Authors
  • The Self-Publishing Show
  • The Creative Penn
  • Great Writers Share
  • The Strategy Hour
  • Armchair Expert
  • Breaking the Glass Slipper
  • Ask ALLi
  • StoryGrid Editors Roundtable
  • Author Like a Boss
  • The Creative Writer's Toolbelt
  • SPA Girls
  • Writer on the Road
  • Write Now
  • Novel Tea Show
  • The History of Witchcraft
  • Wicked Game
  • American History Podcast
  • History That Doesn't Suck
Mar 11, 2020
018 How to Structure a Novel with J Thorn
41:27

Episode Show Notes

This week's question is: What’s your favorite podcast? Hit me with your faves, drop links, give them some love.

Don't forget I'm joining Jenna Moreci and Meg LaTorre on the iWriterly YouTube channel TONIGHT (March 4th2020 at 3:00 pm EST) (8pm GMT) for a live stream all about how to plan a book launch. Mark your calendars you don’t want to miss this. ⁠

DIY MFA 101 COURSE IS CLOSING IN TWO DAYS

To find out more about the course, use my affiliate link here.

***

Find out more about J Thorn on his website theauthorlife.com

Listen to:

The Career Author Podcast

The Writers Well Podcast 

Writers Ink Podcast

Author Life Podcast

***

Book recommendation this week is J’s new book Three Story Method

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ebook/three-story-method

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Ttm87w

Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/2VA2sBM

***

Listener Rebel of the Week is Katie Forrest

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

No new Patrons today. Thank you so much for joining me and thank you to all my current patrons, who help to ensure that this podcast continues.

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can support the show by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

***

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY

13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft a Superbad Villain

Click to find out more.

Mar 04, 2020
017 What Should Writers Quit? with Becca Syme
01:00:57

Episode Show Notes

This episode is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life. Find out more about the Kobo Writing Life platform for authors here. Read the Kobo Writing Life blog here. Listen to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for authors here.

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION IS:

What do you need to quit?

***

Find out more about Becca Syme on her

WebsiteBecca's Facebook PageQuitCast YouTube Channel

***

This week's book recommendations are:

Dear Writer Are You In Burn Out?

Get the book on Kobo

Dear Writer, You Need to Quit

Get the book on Kobo

Listener Rebel of the Week is Tom Fowler

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can support the show by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

Feb 26, 2020
016 How to Improve Your Writing with Gabriela Pereira
01:14:39

Episode Show Notes

Gabriela's LIVE webinar called How to Survive and Succeed as a Writer (without Breaking Your Heart or Losing Your Mind). This webinar will be on Tuesday, February 25th @ 1pm Eastern Time. Here's the blurb for the webinar:

https://members.diymfa.com/~access/a38c4372f/

If you can't make the webinar, there will be a recording, but it will expire at 11:59pm on February 28th. If you want to attend, click the link below. Please note, I am a course student of Gabriela's which is why I'm super enthusiastic as I know the quality of Gabriela's courses. It's also why I'm an affiliate for her courses.

Find Gabriela on her:

Website Instagram Twitter Facebook

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION IS

How do you intentionally learn or improve your craft and the business of writing?

Book recommendation this week is Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Purchase on Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/carry-on-12

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2wgZ18x

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2SrbrTS

Listener Rebel of the Week is Sam… Er I’ll be keeping his surname private because he has quite the rebellion!

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can from as little as $2 a month all you have to do is visit: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Please note there are affiliate links in this post.

 

Feb 19, 2020
015 Multiple Streams of Income for Authors With Rachael Herron
01:12:27

Episode Show Notes

Find out more about Rachael Herron on her:

Website

Patreon

Instagram

The Writer's Well Podcast

How do You Write Podcast

This week's question is:

What do you do for self care?

The book of the week this week is mentioned in the podcast. It’s Chillpreneur by Denise Duffield Thomas. You can grab a copy using my affiliate link below.

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/chillpreneur

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2ODpAei

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2Sz9eEP

Rebel of the week this week is Ireland Gill. If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can support the show by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 

 

Feb 12, 2020
014 How to Write Romance with Kris Kennedy
50:11

Episode Show Notes

Find more about Today's guest Kris Kennedy here:

romancewritinglab.com

@KrisKennedy

https://www.kriskennedy.net 

To watch the Romance Writers Summit, click here: https://www.romancewriterssummit.com/a/17934/LDcwJMX4 

Please note, that is an affiliate link and I will earn a small commission if you choose to purchase the conference

Last week I was talking about diversity and sensitivity readers, Val Neil shared a couple of helpful links for sourcing sensitivity readers which you can find here and here.

Today’s episode question is a slightly selfish one. What do you guys do for a book launch? What do your favorite authors do? I’m starting to turn my thoughts to the launch of The Anatomy of Prose and the types of things I could do, so let me know what you’d like to see me do for the launch.

My book recommendation for you this week is Instructions For Falling In Love Again by Lucy Mitchell which I had the pleasure of reading before it was published.   

You can find the book here:

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/36Hk9Bm

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2Ucelx8

Please note these are affiliate links.

Listener Rebel of the week is M.J. Moores

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

***

Welcome to new patron Katherine Vickers. Thank you so much for joining me and thank you to all my current patrons, who help to ensure that this podcast continues. Katherine and all patrons have access to a sneak peek of The Anatomy of Prose for January's bonus post. All patrons also have access to the back list of posts, essays, blooper reels and more.

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can support the show by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

 
Feb 05, 2020
013 How to Write Diverse Characters with Joan Dempsey
01:00:08

Episode Show Notes

Find out more about Joan Dempsey

On her website

Facebook

Twitter

In her monthly giveaway

This week's question is:

Who is your favorite diverse character or what is your favorite diverse book?

Mine is this week's book recommendation: Dreadnought by April Daniels

Grab the book using the affiliate links below:

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

I’m on the AmWritingFantasy Podcast this week talking heroes, villains and conspiracies, if you'd like to listen, catch the podcast here:  https://podcast.amwritingfantasy.com/e/the-amwritingfantasy-podcast-episode-57-–-how-to-write-compelling-heroes-and-villains-with-sacha-black/

Listener Rebel of the Week is Simon Farnell

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please send in your story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can support the show by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Jan 29, 2020
012 Pay it Forward Marketing, Business Planning and Crafting Emotions with Angela Ackerman
01:11:19

Hello and welcome to episode 12 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today I am joined by Angela Ackerman and we're talking pay it forward marketing, business planning and crafting emotions.

More About Angela Ackerman

Find her books here: https://writershelpingwriters.net/bookstore/

One Stop for Writers software here: https://onestopforwriters.com/

Read her article on business planning here: https://www.janefriedman.com/business-plans-for-writers/

Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Episode Question: what business planning methods you find most useful?

The two articles I've written recently:

One on setting up money and finance basics for your writing business is over on writers helping writers:

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2020/01/six-steps-to-setting-yourself-up-financially-as-a-writer-in-2020/

The other on crafting villains appears on the Insecure Writer's Support Group

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2020/01/4-tips-for-creating-villains.html

Don't forget the Alliance of Independent Authors is running a sale on it's twice yearly self-publishing conference which I happen to run. If you'd like to grab over 100 hours of content, you can use my affiliate link below:

https://selfpublishingadviceconference.com/?pa=0A19CBF504

Listener Rebel of the Week is Zack Geoffrey

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can support the show by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Book Recommendation

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/the-hazel-wood-1

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2R8X9GI

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2TQoFeb

Jan 22, 2020
011 Authors and Money: How to Quit Your Day Job and Write Full-Time with Zach Bohannon
48:36

Show Notes

Episode questions:

1. Do you read the show transcript?

2. What one thing you’re going to do to better your financial situation after listening to this podcast?

More about our guest, Zach Bohannon:

Website - www.zachbohannon.com

The Career Author: Podcast and Events - www.thecareerauthor.com

Zach's Fiction at Molten Universe Media - www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Episode 44 - Money Tips For the Aspiring Career Author: https://thecareerauthor.com/the-career-author-podcast-episode-44-money-tips-for-the-aspiring-career-author/ 

***

Rebel Author merch is now live. I’m working with Icy to create some new designs so those will come on stream shortly. But you can still get mugs and journals and jumpers and stickers and all sorts, check the show notes for links.

https://www.redbubble.com/people/rebelauthor/shop?asc=u

Listener rebel of the week is Sam Ross

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

To use Suzie Speak's Social Media Management Service find out more here: https://suzie81speaks.com/social-media-management-services/ 

If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can support the show by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Book Recommendations this week:

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/the-total-money-makeover-classic-edition

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/36Qc5PC

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2td8yfC

The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/the-barefoot-investor

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2Rbipuu

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2Tqhzgd

The Millionaire Next Door by William D. Danko and Thomas J Stanley

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/the-millionaire-next-door-6

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/36KMZBD

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2Nnjxdk

Playing with Fire by Scott Rieckens 

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/playing-with-fire-financial-independence-retire-early

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/380d4N7

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2sm4w4f

Choose FI by Chris Mamula, Brad Barret and Jonathan Mendonsa

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/choose-fi

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2TkYAmY

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/3a7KHOT

Please note these are affiliate links.

Jan 15, 2020
010 How to Be an Author on Youtube with Jenna Moreci
01:02:03

To find out more about Jenna:

website: http://jennamoreci.com 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jennamoreci 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jennamoreci 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/jennamoreci

Get her books:

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ebook/the-savior-s-champion

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2ZTb4Dz 

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2sRWRdY 

Get The Saviours Champion audiobook on audible: 

US - https://adbl.co/2VtvXlH 

UK - https://adbl.co/2U4vmFy 

FR - https://bit.ly/2G8wRPA 

DE - https://adbl.co/2G23InK

In the Introduction

To grab a Rebel Author Hoodie, visit: https://www.redbubble.com/people/rebelauthor/shop?asc=u to view more the mugs, t-shirts, sticks and journals use the side bar to change product or click into the hoodie and scroll to the bottom where you can 'view more products'.

To listen to the podcast on YouTube, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCmGEeUxCRW5ZVxwJ_mEunw/

Book recommendation of the week is You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero I read this book last year and absolutely loved it. It’s 50% motivating and 50% ass kick which I’m sure you'll all appreciate.

Grab a copy from https://www.kobo.com/ebook/you-are-a-badass-2

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2ZS8zS0

Amazon USA https://amzn.to/2FiXWhM

Listener rebel of the week is Aime Sund

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

No new Patrons today, but a big thank you to all my current patrons, who help to ensure that this podcast continues. If you’d like to support the show, and get access to all the bonus essays, posts and content, you can support the show by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Please note, I do use affiliate links

 

Jan 08, 2020
009 Sacha Goes Solo and Confesses Her 'Goals'
22:07

Welcome to The Rebel Author Podcast episode nine where we interrupt the transmission for something a little different. Today, Sacha goes solo for the first time and confesses her quarterly goals in an attempt to be more productive! There's also a surprise guest and some shout outs from listeners. Oh, and we discover Sacha can't count!

Normal service will resume next week with an interview from the uh-maze-ing YouTube superstar Jenna Moreci.

If you'd like to support the show, you can do that right here and also get access to the backlog of patreon-only essays, sneak peeks, as well as a chance to ask the guests anything.

Jan 01, 2020
008 Amazon Ads for Authors with Bryan Cohen
48:53

Episode Show Notes

What's your 2019 reading goal? Did you hit it? How many books have you read this year? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @rebelauthorpod

Book recommendation this week is Atomic Habits by James Clear get your copy on Amazon UK or Amazon USA.

***

If you'd like to watch the Scrivener metadata tutorial in January, join the 13 Steps to Evil Facebook group.

***

Listener Rebel of the week is Claire Good.

***

Thank you to the two new patrons this week Meg and Holly. 

***

If you’d like to get early access to all the Rebel Author episodes, you can support the show by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

***

Find out more about Bryan by visiting his Amazon Ads challenge website: https://bryancohen.lpages.co/amazon-ad-profit-challenge-landing-jan-2020/ 

Visit his Facebook page for his blurb service Best Page Forward

Follow Bryan on Instagram

***

Please note, I do use affiliate links.

Dec 18, 2019
007 Time Management for Writers with Katie Forrest
40:39

Show Notes

Read my lessons learned from 6 months full-time writing here.

Watch my interview with Jenna Moreci on how to go full-time as a writer here.

I’ve just posted November's exclusive Patreon post all about perfectionism, it’s destructive nature and what you can do about it. I also get a whole lot more personal and share how it’s impacted my life too. Don’t forget you get access to the backlog of posts when you join up, you get to determine the topics and themes I talk about in the patreon-only posts and much more. Support the show here.

Katie will be running a live Q&A in my facebook group all about time management on the 11th December at 1pm. If you want to watch, you can join my Facebook Group here.

If you’d like to be a listener rebel, then email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod 

About Katie Forrest

Katie Forrest is an indie author, time management geek, director of a boutique law firm and mom to a daughter with complex additional needs. She loves reading, listening to the rain and is quite obsessed with cacti.

To join her Facebook group, click here.

To get her free time log and time hacks visit her website here

Follow her on instagram here

Dec 04, 2019
006 How to DIY an Audiobook with Renee Conoulty
59:58

Welcome to episode six of the The Rebel Author Podcast where I'm talking to Renee Conoulty all about how indie authors can DIY an audiobook.

The post 006 How to DIY an Audiobook with Renee Conoulty appeared first on SACHA BLACK.

Nov 20, 2019
005 – How to World Build for Fiction Author with HB Lyne
41:33

Hello and welcome back to The Rebel Author Podcast, I'm thrilled to host the lovely H.B Lyne today as we talk all about how to world build covering both fantasy and non-fantasy settings.

The post 005 – How to World Build for Fiction Authors appeared first on SACHA BLACK.

Nov 06, 2019
004 – How To Self-Edit With Kristina Stanley
50:06

Hello and welcome back to episode four of The Rebel Author Podcast. I am so excited for this interview. When I was transcribing the interview, I found myself taking loads of notes. Kristina is an absolute editing whizz and shows you how to self-edit better.

The post 004 – How To Self-Edit With Kristina Stanley appeared first on SACHA BLACK.

Oct 23, 2019
003 – How to Market Nonfiction Books With Boni Wagner-Stafford
54:34

Welcome back to the third Rebel Author Podcast episode. Today, I talk to Boni Wagner-Stafford about nonfiction and specifically how to market nonfiction books. Though if you're a fiction author, I think you'll still gain a huge amount of insight and ideas on strategic marketing.

The post 003 – How to Market Nonfiction Books With Boni Wagner-Stafford appeared first on SACHA BLACK.

Oct 09, 2019
002 – Co-writing for Indie Authors with Dan Willcocks
41:21

In episode two of the Rebel Author Podcast I talk to Dan Willcocks all about co-writing for indie authors and how it can revolutionize your business.

The post 002 – Co-writing for Indie Authors with Dan Willcocks appeared first on SACHA BLACK.

Sep 25, 2019
001 – The Indie Author Mindset with Adam Croft
54:49

Welcome to the first official episode of the Rebel Author Podcast where I talk to Adam Croft about all things indie author mindset, wide marketing and a sprinkling of banter.

The post 001 – The Indie Author Mindset with Adam Croft appeared first on SACHA BLACK.

Sep 25, 2019
000 – The Rebel Author Podcast
04:45

Hey guys, I'm absolutely delighted to announce the launch of The Rebel Author Podcast. This is episode 0, an introduction if you like to the podcast and what you can expect from the show. I'll be launching regular episodes at the end of the month. For now, welcome.

The post 000 – The Rebel Author Podcast appeared first on SACHA BLACK.

Sep 05, 2019