In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in storytelling — time and setting. Whether it’s a bustling city in the present day, a quiet village in the 1800s, or a distant planet centuries in the future, when and where your story takes place shapes everything from your characters’ motivations to the tone and pacing of your plot.

We’ll explore how time and setting work together to create atmosphere, reveal character, and ground readers in your story’s world.

Helpful Links (some are affiliate links)

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Ruby Diamond (my NEW RELEASE!)

#WritingPodcast #AuthorTips #Storytelling #CreativeWriting #Worldbuilding #FictionWriting #WritingAdvice #WritersLife #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

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In this episode, we explore an often-overlooked storytelling tool: using food for character development. Whether you’re writing fantasy, contemporary fiction, romance, or memoir, the way your characters cook, eat, order takeout, or avoid certain dishes can reveal deep layers of their personality, background, culture, and emotional state.

If you’ve ever struggled with flat characters or repetitive dialogue tags, this episode will help you bring your cast to life—one bite at a time.

Links from today's episode and beyond (some are affiliate links)

The Ruby Diamond (available TODAY from your favorite book seller, this link will take you to Amazon, but it is available everywhere)

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

#WritingTips #CharacterDevelopment #StorytellingPodcast #WritingCommunity #WritersOfInstagram #WritersOfTikTok #FoodInFiction #FoodSymbolism #CulinaryCharacterization #FoodAsMetaphor #EdibleImagery #SensoryWriting #CreativeWritingPodcast #AuthorLife #BookPodcast #WriteBetterCharacters #WritingCraft #WriteWithFlavor #TasteOfCharacter #StorySeasoning #FoodForThought #FictionWithFlavor

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Your book cover is the first thing readers see—and it can determine whether they click “buy” or keep scrolling. In this episode, we explore how to find a book cover that grabs attention, attracts your ideal reader, and boosts book sales.

Whether you’re self-publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing, preparing to launch your first novel, or refreshing an older book, this episode will give you practical strategies to make your cover work for you.

Perfect for indie authors, self-publishers, and writers who want to strengthen their author brand, this episode will show you how to make your book cover a powerful marketing tool.

Links from this episode and other helpful links (some are affiliate links):

Las Vegas Book Festival (October 18, 2025)

The Ruby Diamond (Publication date Oct. 1, 2025)

Fiverr

Shutterstock

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

#bookcoverdesign #selfpublishingtips #indieauthormarketing #howtosellmorebooks #bookmarketingstrategies #authorbranding #writingtips #publishingadvice

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Bluesky

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