In this episode, author R. A. Howitt shares his journey from aspiring writer to successful author and podcast host. We discuss the challenges of writing, the importance of community in the literary world, and his innovative projects aimed at supporting new authors. Richard emphasizes the significance of character development in storytelling and his unique approach to self-publishing, focusing on creating a niche market for his work. He introduces his book, Daniel King: ASD (Alien Specialist With Dad), which explores themes of neurodiversity and adventure, showcasing the strengths of its main character.

Keywords

writing, podcast, community, middle grade, self-publishing, Richard Howitt, authors, creativity, storytelling, mental health

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

07:05 Creation of New2TheScene

11:44 Writing Routine

17:35 Innovative Writing Projects

21:09 Books and Genre

26:24 Conventions of Middle Grade Genre

27:57 Plotting

33:53 Personal Favorites

39:41 Editing

47:36 Daniel King: ASD (Alien Specialist With Dad)

59:03 Self-Publishing Strategy and Community Engagement

Recommendations

Save The Cat! Writes A Novel by Jessica Brody

Editing and Proofreading Services: clevercrow.co.uk

Cover Design and Illustration: carlknapper.com

Guest Links

Instagram: @new2thescene.official

New2TheScene shop and community: https://www.new2thescene.co.uk/

Author Website: https://www.rahowitt.com/

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.

In this episode, debut author Stefanie Medrek shares her journey into writing, the influence of her writer father, and her experiences with mentorship and self-publishing. She discusses her genre selection, the drafting process, and the importance of editing and professional help. Stefanie also reflects on her launch experience, marketing strategies, and the balance between writing and family life. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of community support as the number one writer tool.

Keywords

writing, self-publishing, mentorship, editing, community, imposter syndrome, author journey, marketing strategies, genre selection, drafting process

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:49 The Journey of Writing and Family Influence

05:41 Choosing a Genre and Publishing Route

07:55 Drafting Process

11:02 Editing

13:32 Debut Novel Launch Strategy

16:40 Balancing Writing with Family Life

17:49 Debut Launch

21:08 Routine

22:35 Community

26:19 Promotion Strategies

27:40 Building an Author Brand

28:58 Finding Your Author Voice

31:41 Imposter Syndrome

35:09 Reviews and Feedback

37:26 Writing Advice

39:20 Reflections

42:33 Future Projects and Author Heroes

45:36 Resources on Writing

47:22 Connecting with Readers

Recommendations

Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast by Savannah Gilbo

Story Grid book and podcast

Notes to Novel course by Savannah Gilbo: https://www.savannahgilbo.com/store

Guest Links

Instagram / TikTok: @medrekwrites

Website: https://medrekwrites.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DF92RFQZ

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.

Summary

In this episode, bestselling historical romance author Eliana Piers shares her journey to becoming a prolific writer with over 21 published books. She discusses her writing process, the leap into self-publishing and her branding strategy. Eliana reflects on her achievements, including winning awards and reaching bestseller status, while also addressing the challenges. She emphasizes the significance of marketing and building a community. Eliana offers valuable advice for new authors, highlighting the importance of staying true to one's voice and how it ties into effective branding.

Keywords

historical romance, writing process, self-publishing, author journey, beta readers, marketing strategies, author voice, book awards, imposter syndrome, writing advice

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:36 The Spark of Writing: Bridgerton's Influence

05:29 The Journey to Self-Publishing

08:19 The Growth of an Author: 21 Books in 2 Years

11:21 Winning Awards and Bestselling Status

13:55 The Writing Process

21:56 The Importance of Beta Readers

24:24 Writing Routine

26:36 Collaborations and Anthologies

29:29 Author Voice

32:01 Writing Skills

37:17 Author Brand

43:29 Handling Reviews and Imposter Syndrome

47:50 Marketing Strategies for Authors

53:50 Writing Advice

Recommendations

Romancing The Beat by Gwen Hayess

The Writing Gals Facebok Group

Kindlepreneur - Book Marketing for Self-Publishing Authors: https://kindlepreneur.com/

Craft books on romance tropes by Cindy Dees

Guest Links

Facebook Reader Group — Eliana's Beau Monde Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elianasbeaumondereadergroup/

Join Eliana’s Newsletter: https://www.bit.ly/SweetenTheRogue

Instagram: @elianapiersauthor

TikTok: @elianapiers

Website: https://elianapiers.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C6GF28N1

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email:k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.