The Rebel Author Podcast

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number fifteen between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode fifteen. Don't forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little as $2 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: Write a Must-Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives―Including Your Own by AJ Harper Apple  Kobo  Amazon UK  Amazon US  ***this show uses affiliate links

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Writing a children’s book from concept to completion Working with illustrators and translators Creating a high quality product The business side of back matter Creating clarity in your work Find out more about Holger: Author Website The Wrong Planet 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 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.

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Personal development books Choosing what to read next Starting a new reading habit Reading effectively and taking notes 11-step method for success Find out more about Nick: Rise of the Reader Nick's Website BookThinkers DM Nick at instagram.com/bookthinkers for personalized book recommendation Rebel of the Week is: Lottie 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 altairstar. 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 

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Writing about gender equality and women’s issues Choosing which messages to refine in your book Managing the emotional toll of writing sensitive topics Character development in feminist storytelling Using accessible language This week’s question is: what are you asking Santa for christmas? Recommendation of the week is: Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Laura: Laura's 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 A big thank you to my 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 

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Planning as an indie author Maker, manager and marketeer How to plan for 2024 What being a good publisher means Knowing what to measure This week’s question is: who or what is inspiring or motivating you at the moment? Recommendation of the week is: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch Apple  Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Orna: Go Creative! Planning Program for Authors & Poets Kickstarter Rebel of the Week is: Helen 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 I Heart SapphFic, Kiz Moncrieff, Lyn, Leela Hughes and Brooke T Carr, and thanks to The Blumenkranz Twins 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   

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What does “editing for clarity” mean How to write with more clarity Developing self-editing skills When to use sensory details How PWA can help with clarity and sensory detail This week’s question is: What's the most valuable lesson you've learned from a creative failure or mistake? Recommendation of the week is: The Tropoholic's Guide to Internal Romance Tropes by Cindy Dees Apple  Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Krystal and ProWritingAid: ProWritingAid.com Instagram Krystal's Author Website 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 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 Rebel Discount link Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number fourteen between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron episode fourteen. 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.  

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to leverage folklore in your narrative Using folklore as the basis of a fictional story Translating folklore into modern story Incorporating folklore without appropriating cultures Famous works that draw from folklore and mythology This week’s question is: what do you do for fun that isn’t reading, writing or work? Recommendation of the week is: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Apple Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Icy: Author Website David Mogo Godhunter by Suyi Davies Okungbowa Rebel of the Week is: Emma 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 Cara Clare. 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.  

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Writing about taboo and controversial topics Educating readers through your work Working with sensitivity readers Setting and managing sales expectations Navigating genre expectations This week’s question is: what one book do you want to read before the year is out? Recommendation of the week is: Story Hypothesis: The Missing Piece of Your Fiction Puzzle by patron JP Rindfleisch IX Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Paulette: Website Twitter  Instagram  Facebook  TikTok  LinkedIn Paulette's Cover Saga: Rebel of the Week is: Jessica  (aka Beatrice Bradshaw) 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 

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What the shadow is and its importance for writers Identifying shadow elements How to know if you’re tapping into the shadows Capitalizing on your shadow in the age of AI Shadow in a character’s back story and relationships This week’s question is: what are you going to complete in the final quarter of the year? Recommendation of the week is: Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur Apple Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Joanna: Website Buy Books Direct Kickstarter for Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words Twitter/X Facebook  Instagram Rebel of the Week is: Moose 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 Mandy Oman. 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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Business differences with middle grade fiction Marketing middle grade fiction How to engage with your audience Advice for in-person events Creating dialogue that resonates with younger readers This week’s question is: Tell me about a skill/party trick you have that would surprise people Recommendation of the week is: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang Apple  Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Melisa:  Facebook Instagram Author Website Perfect Balance Gymnastics Series Rebel of the Week is: Amy Nielsen 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 Jesse C. 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. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The four different types of series How to plan when writing a series Series arcs and what plot points they need Keeping later books engaging What to put in a series bible This week’s question is: What part of story do you find hardest to write and why? Recommendation of the week is: Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett Apple  Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Lewis: The Novel Smithy Amazon Author Page Rebel of the Week is: Sera 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 Welcome to new patron Kim Barton and returning patron Juneta Key. 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   

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  TikTok basics Ratio of engaging posts vs. promotional posts  Content creation ideas Capitalising on hype mode and content foraging Using lives to help your launches This week’s question is: Do you believe in the idea of a "muse" or do you think writing is purely a discipline? Recommendation of the week is: Kaleidoscope Find out more about A.K. and Anne: Teachable Patreon Podcast Sustainable Socials 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 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.  

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The importance of setting in romance Romance subplot pacing Using a romance subplot to enhance the main plot Improving your writing using the senses Romance subplot for character development This week’s question is: where do you write? Recommendation of the week is: Rebel Folklore: Empowering Tales of Spirits, Witches and Other Misfits from Anansi to Baba Yaga by Icy Sedgwick Apple Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Emma: Loving Story Edit Rebel of the Week is: Kiersten LillisIf 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 Shannon Harris. 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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The importance of having a system Balancing creative work and parenting Techniques for the writing/publishing process Streamlining your process with digital tools Community building as an author parent This week’s question is: What fictional world would you like to visit most and why? Recommendation of the week is: First Strike: Keepers of the Universe Book 1 by Angela Haas  Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Links I mentioned: Episode 174 Hybrid Publishing with Katlyn Duncan Episode 100  Book Rights Reversion with Katlyn Duncan Find out more about Katlyn: Author Website  From Chaos to Control Rebel of the Week is: Liz Lincoln 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 Wendy Karas, Maryn Corkran, Mackenzie Alexander, Tamara Nikolai, and Liz for upping their pledges, and 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 Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram      

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What the creator economy is Community building vs. writing books How to authentically monetize our community Expanding revenue streams with author-owned brands Recovering from burnout This week’s question is: What are you struggling with in your author business right now? Recommendation of the week is: A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows by Holly Renee Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Michael: Ream Subscriptions for Authors Books Michael mentioned: The Story Paradox by Johnathan Gottschall Fans First by Jesse Cole The Business of Belonging by David Spinks The Long Game by Dorie Clark Belonging to the Brand by Mark Schaefer Subscriptions for Authors by Michael Evans 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 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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How fan-backed film development works Developing an indie series into a movie Creating contacts for character research Writing characters who are different from us Creating rich settings This week’s question is: what’s the best writing conference or event you’ve been to? Recommendation of the week is: Smart Brevity by Jim Vandehei Apple Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Nova: Author Website Instagram Rebel of the Week is: Beth Biss 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.

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award Marketing tips to sell more books on Amazon Advice for first-time authors publishing through Amazon KDP The algorithm and how to make it work for you Upcoming trends to pay attention to This week’s question is: What’s the best TED talk you’ve watched? Recommendation of the week is: How Writers Fail: Analysis and Solutions by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Apple Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Michaella and Amazon: The Kindle Storyteller Award Kindle Direct Publishing 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  Welcome and thank you to new members Don Elliott and Liz, and welcome back to returning members Daphne Garrison and Claire Donnelly. 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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Overview of planning a novel Filling our creative wells Tips for brainstorming How to approach world building Things to consider before starting a series This week’s question is: Tell me the last thing you did for pure joy Recommendation of the week is: You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero Apple Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Megan and Greta: Free downloads and extra content from The Author Wheel Rebel of the Week is: Rosanne Bowman 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 Shelly Jarvis, Lauren Woods, and oursingingbones. 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