Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam talk all things book covers! We cover everything from how to identify a “good” book cover, what a book cover “should” do, and best practices to familiarise yourself with modern book covers so that you can make your book shine. Recommended Resources Flash Fiction February: https://activatedauthors.com/flash Flash Fiction: Explained: https://activatedauthors.com/flash-fiction-explained/ Market Research https://kindletrends.com/ Book covers: http://100covers.com/?ref=51 https://www.creativeparamita.com/ https://miblart.com/?ref=danielwillcocks http://www.thecovercollection.com/ https://www.rockingbookcovers.com/ https://www.gobookcoverdesign.com Post-apocalyptic book covers They Rot shorturl.at/bijs7 Wizard of the Wasteland shorturl.at/btuvX Dead South shorturl.at/myBC9 Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Find more from Activated Authors IG: @activatedauthors YT: @activatedauthors Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam go in on Tropes, what they are, why they are important, why readers will not forgiving if you mess with their expectations and specific examples to help you get a handle on this important writers tool. Watch the show: https://youtu.be/Opo4sEKCjoE Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam talk about how to find your people in a noisy world where every one is trying to get your attention and finding the right people can feel like a daunting task. Watch the show https://youtu.be/LY9CLnWMNC4 Recommended Resources Free Resources (https://activatedauthors.com/free/) The Story Studio podcast (https://pod.link/1140596479) 1,000 True Fans (https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/) Jenna Moreci YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@JennaMoreci) Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam break down the steps you need to follow to get your book from first draft, to edited manuscript. Recommended Resources https://reedsy.com/ https://www.thecreativepenn.com/editors/ https://www.activatedauthors.com/free Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam talk all things plans and goals for 2023, go over how they personally set goals, what their personal and professional goals are for next year and why. We’d love to know how you set your goals and what you want to achieve in 2023, drop a comment below and let us know! Watch the show https://youtu.be/TA_J80AMlJk Recommended Resources 6 Small Habits to Change Your Life Forever https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPxL1WmO7oo Year Compass https://yearcompass.com/ Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam take a trip down memory lane and look at their personal and professional highlights and challenges of 2022   Watch the show https://youtu.be/SG_PMmOD-SA  Recommended Resources https://yearcompass.com/en/ https://www.youtube.com/@foodfreedomwithbekka6453 Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

It’s the AA QUIZmas Extravaganza! Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam take a back seat as Eden Collier grabs the host’s seat and takes fellow Activated Authors community members through our Quizmas Extravaganza! On Dan’s team (aka “Festive Feisties”) we have Julie, Bobbie, and Ara. On Sam’s team (aka “Frosty Bitches”) we have Rob and Daisy. Join us for an episode of laughter, questions, and naughty words as we propel toward the 2022 Christmas holiday. See if you can answer the questions for yourself, and let us know your favourite moments from today’s episode. Watch the quiz: https://youtu.be/6JyhAwaOaPM Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

How To Create a Writing Routine Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam talk all about their writing habits and routines and share their top tips on how to best create a routine or habit that works for you Recommended Resources https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9OMFNGU0ZBUw/episode/OTI0Y2NjYzktYTY2Zi00YjIwLWI3M2YtM2U1NzczZDA0OGNm?ep=14 Watch the show https://youtu.be/ESLdoOLU0Co    Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan goes solo to explain just exactly how you get your book from manuscript to published on the online stores. Recommended Resources www.books2read.com/spblueprint https://stephaniebond.com/ medium.com wordpress.com squarespace.com wix.com wattpad.com https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GR2L4AHPMQ44HNQ7 https://kdp.amazon.com/ https://www.kobo.com/us/en/p/writinglife https://play.google.com/books/publish/u/0/ https://www.draft2digital.com/login/?next=/book/ https://www.smashwords.com/about/how_to_publish_on_smashwords Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam dive into writers block and their own reasons why they think it is a myth and how to figure out what’s really going on and get past it. Watch the show: https://youtu.be/gfU7xxMgotE Sam’s painting was inspired by the incredible ‘Wings of Freedom’ by Vivien Szaniszlo, check out her work: IG @vivienszaniszlo Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam dive into their understanding of what genre is, and why it is so important, not just for your readers satisfaction but also, your work load.⁠ Watch the show https://youtu.be/3OpgfUa44Vc  Recommended Resources https://publisherrocket.com/ https://k-lytics.com/ Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam dive into all things theme and tone, explaining what each is, what the difference between the pair and explaining why they are crucial in story telling by giving examples of each from well known books and films Watch the podcast https://youtu.be/dgVvQNpbnpo Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam dive into their top tools and resources for drafting, writing, editing, publishing and marketing your book. Watch the show: https://youtu.be/qiKiIIEqIGQ Recommended Resources Writing Plot Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview Notion: https://notion.so World Anvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/ Post Its: https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/post-it-notes/ Write Word: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word Notes Apple Pages Edit Pro writing aid: https://prowritingaid.com/ Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/ Publishing Formatting Vellum: https://vellum.pub/ Atticus: https://www.atticus.io/ Marketing Canva: https://www.canva.com/ Mojo: https://www.mojo-app.com/ Newsletter provider: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/audqxwo3ulal Publisher rocket: https://publisherrocket.com/ Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam talk all about how to know when it is time to start your author business and if a business is the right move for you. Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam dive into the idea of ‘first drafts’, ‘Pantsing’ and ‘Plotting’ and what it all means. Watch the show https://youtu.be/RTTT4sIHqzo Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam dive into their advice and top tips on all things Nano, sharing their own experiences with the writing challenge along the way. Recommended Resources https://nanowrimo.org/ Watch the show https://youtu.be/EQUdiuwUxMg Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost  

What Is Your Why? Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam dive into their ‘Why’s’ and why, a ‘Why’ is vital for success in any thing you do. Watch the show https://youtu.be/yCvbaiS_2P8 Recommended Resources Start With Why by Simon Sinek https://www.amazon.co.uk/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/0241958229/ref=asc_df_0241958229/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310623486223&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2037653611445782835&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045852&hvtargid=pla-448425245675&psc=1&th=1&psc=1 Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ On today’s episode, Dan and Sam dive into their understanding of what story is, and explore what exactly goes into the makeup of a “good” story. Recommended Resources The Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson https://www.amazon.co.uk/Snowflake-Method-Advanced-Fiction-Writing-ebook/dp/B00LWBZ696/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20CNK5PWQEV1Y&keywords=the+snowflake+method&qid=1664734849&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjE2IiwicXNhIjoiMi4wMiIsInFzcCI6IjEuNzkifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=the+snowflake+method%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1 The Complete Works of Shakespeare https://www.amazon.co.uk/William-Shakespeare-Complete-Works-Oxford/dp/0199267189/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=the+complete+works+of+william+shakespeare&qid=1664734966&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjMwIiwicXNhIjoiMi43MiIsInFzcCI6IjIuODUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=the+complete+works+of+%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-6 Elementary https://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Deductionist/dp/B00FZGWU2K/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=elementary&qid=1664735043&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjgyIiwicXNhIjoiMy43MiIsInFzcCI6IjMuODcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=elemen%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-3 Save the Cat by Blake Synder https://www.amazon.co.uk/Save-Cat-Only-Screenwriting-Youll/dp/1932907009/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=save+the+cat+blake+snyder&qid=1664735806&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjU5IiwicXNhIjoiMS40MiIsInFzcCI6IjEuNTcifQ%3D%3D&s=instant-video&sprefix=save+the+cat+blak%2Cinstant-video%2C81&sr=1-1-catcorr The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne https://www.amazon.co.uk/Story-Grid-What-Good-Editors-ebook/dp/B00WT7TP8A/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=story+grid+shawn+coyne&qid=1664735856&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjk1IiwicXNhIjoiMS41NiIsInFzcCI6IjEuNTAifQ%3D%3D&s=instant-video&sprefix=story+grid%2Cinstant-video%2C117&sr=1-1 Three Story Method by J Thorn & Zach Bohannon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Story-Method-Foundations-Fiction-ebook/dp/B085272J6B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1J5FFBYWI7B72&keywords=the+three+story+method&qid=1664736005&s=books&sprefix=the+three+story+method%2Cstripbooks%2C71&sr=1-1 Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/mzJrka7K8o8  Claim your FREE 30 days of Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost https://www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost  

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to https://activatedauthors.com/ J. Thorn has published two million words and has sold more than 185,000 books worldwide. He is an official member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, and the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers. J. hosts the Writers, Ink podcast with J.D. Barker and Zach Bohannon, and has interviewed some of today’s most successful authors including Matthew McConaughey, James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Seth Godin, Joyce Carol Oates, Hugh Howey, Andy Weir, Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks, Lee Child, Stephen Pressfield, Chuck Palahniuk, and many more. Thorn earned a B.A. in American History from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.A. from Duquesne University. He is a husband, father, full-time writer, part-time professor at John Carroll University, founder of The Author Life Community, podcaster, FM radio DJ, musician, and owner of the Three Story Method Editing Agency. In this episode we go deep into: What’s stayed the same since 2020? [12:37] What J is working on [14:35] Working in/on ‘The Three Story Method’ [17:14] The journey of ‘The Author Life’ community [23:14] The Writers Ink [26:10] Approaching J D Barker [30:10] How interviewing has helped [33:38] Planning & Change [38:31] Advice to a 2017 J 41:54] Marketing & Strategy [46:22] Author events [49:35] What’s in the pipeline? [53:02] Why J Writes [55:50] Find out more about J. Thorn: https://theauthorlife.com/ Get more from Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Watch the show: https://youtu.be/662y8MTj5wI  Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/ IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost

Thanks for tuning in to the Activated Authors podcast. If you're ready to ACTIVATE your author career, head on over to activatedauthors.com This week we shake up the format a little and take the time to celebrate our first birthday! Dan and Sam talk about how it started, how it’s going and where they’d like to see it go. Daniel Willcocks is an international bestselling author and award-winning podcaster of dark fiction. He is an author coach; one fifth of digital story studio, Hawk & Cleaver; co-founder of iTunes-busting fiction podcast, ‘The Other Stories’ CEO of horror imprint, Devil’s Rock Publishing and the founder of Activated Authors. Dan is furiously passionate about all things story. He has written 60+ books in five years for himself and on behalf of ghostwriting clients. Dan now also provides author coaching services designed to help authors to help authors keep their creative flames burning in an activated, and healthy way. Samantha Frost A.K.A. “Mastress of None,” Sam is a video-editor, poet, writer, painter, actor and creator. Based in the south of England (but not born there, that’s an important distinction) Sam is passionate about helping creatives while battling the will of a medium sized human and the “affectionate” sneezes of a smaller sized pug. Get more from Activated Authors! https://activatedauthors.com/ Find out more about Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com IG: @willcockswriter Twitter: @willcockswriter Find out more about Samantha Frost www.mastressofnone.com IG: @mastressofnone Special thanks to: Show theme: Karl Hughes Show editing: Sam Frost