Show Notes: "reading, writing, and 'rithmitic" read a lot, in different genres, but especially in your own (to capture common tropes, obligatory scenes, and reader expectations) write a lot. Even if no one sees it. Even if it isn't specifically about your project. put in the time, the numbers. developing taste by reading developing voice: word choice, tonality, themes, The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black developing craft and style:  follow twists and turns Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles The Art of Dramatic Writing  The Triggering Town by Richard Hugo Be around creative people. Writing in Restaurants by David Mamet people watching and eavesdropping     Next Episode: Talking with Brock Swinson, host of Creative Principles Podcast, and author of Ink by the Barrel. 

Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Writer Craft Facebook Group Show Notes: Use the advice of editor to improve your writing--not only in the manuscript, but overall (as a writer). Developmental editor (or Story Analysis or Diagnostic)/use when you are new to writing (Books 1-4?) or when started to write in a new genre./Can trade services with another author, or start a First Readers Book Club. They are fun. Line (copy) editor/use every time!/Can trade, use beta readers, and/or use software like ProWritingAid.  ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link) Proofreader/you'll get 1 star reviews for typos!/can trade or use software. Next Episode: How to Get Better at Your Craft

Announcements:  free 7-day trial of my Mary Poppins Fan tier on Patreon. Regularly 15/mo https://patreon.com/valerieihsan.   I've started a new book and will be rolling out the chapters as I write them on Patreon. Early Access; Feedback encouraged. Watch me write a book in real time. shared lodging ticket; $650; Go to valerieihsan.com/shopping Focused Fan $50/mo includes one group mastermind call/month + weekly 1:1 15-minute accountability calls and emails + monthly scene analysis. Group Coaching Sept 12- Dec 12 $500 for 3-months ($165/mo) Patron announcement:  UPDATE:  Valerie:  Patreon, podcast, emails, weekly planning Erick:  website re-launched erickmertzwriting.com Jeff Elkins' new book launches July 1st:  The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now  Jeff's latest read: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas    Just finished:  I'M READING: Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston   Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next: Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer Erick's Reading:    Rick Rubin The Creative Act: A Way of Being The Passenger by Cormac McCarthy Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling Cascade by Craig Davidson (stories)     Show Notes: Jeff Elkins is a writer, podcaster, theologian, and writing coach. He’s the author of eleven novels including Inside Outside and the Adventures of Watkins and Howe Detective Series. He helps writers engage with readers by teaching them to write better dialogue as the Dialogue Doctor podcast. He talks about life after the evangelical church on the We Just Came for the Tacos Podcast. He has a BA in Religion from Baylor University and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. He lives with his wife and five kids north of Baltimore, Maryland. 7 components: exchanges, segments, scenes, utterances, vocalizations, body language, dialogue tags   Scenes (emotional movement); Segments (portions of the conversation within the scene); Exchanges (char participate in the conversation--character voice); Utterances (char's participation)   Touch on the reaction of char, even if not verbal, or they get lost in the fog and the reader forgets the char is there (pulls them out of the book). Don't skip a char for more than two segments.   How do I use this in memoir?  (Resource: Michael Lewis (nf writer)) Get someone's vocalization in the segments. (Inner dialogue counts) exchanges create energy in the text. Rapid back and forth.  Powerful narrative voice tells story in a reflective (authentic and vulnerable) way, but use scenes whenever possible. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. Voice example. Handmaid's Tale (fictional memoir) doesn't feel dialog-lite.   Vocalizations (what comes out of their mouth)(absence of vocalizations count too) Body language shapes the vocalizations. Dialogue tags: they are for I.D.; what they do/embellish; shape the vocalization (put said at end, readers ignore; at beginning, it slows them down; in middle of sentence, creates pauses for the reader to imagine the scene.)   Char Voice: words, topics, body lang, construction of utterances (punctuation, length, how often participate in conversation) Plotters: think about personality of char, how do you want the reader to describe character? Plan out main character's voice before you start writing. What kind of body language will they have? What does this personality sound like?   Jeff Elkins: dialoguedoctor.com; courses and community Ep#53: Dialogue Doctor Jeff Elkins Interview from 2/1/2022.   Next Episode: Different Types of Editing and Budget Alternatives Resources:  Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles

Announcements:  free 7-day trial of my Mary Poppins Fan tier on Patreon. Regularly 15/mo https://patreon.com/valerieihsan.   I've started a new book and will be rolling out the chapters as I write them on Patreon. Early Access; Feedback encouraged. Watch me write a book in real time. shared lodging ticket; $650; Go to valerieihsan.com/shopping Focused Fan $50/mo includes one group mastermind call/month + weekly 1:1 15-minute accountability calls and emails + monthly scene analysis. Group Coaching Sept 12- Dec 12 $500 for 3-months ($165/mo)

Announcements:  free 7-day trial of my Mary Poppins Fan tier on Patreon. Regularly 15/mo https://patreon.com/valerieihsan.   I've started a new book and will be rolling out the chapters as I write them on Patreon. Early Access; Feedback encouraged. Watch me write a book in real time. shared lodging ticket; $650; Go to valerieihsan.com/shopping   UPDATE:  been thinking about my work at home schedule, wondering about how to lean into me and how to create memorable and valuable working relationships with my coaching clients, couple of author dates scheduled. Prepping for my husband's 50th birthday party this weekend. Monthly reflections will record for my patrons. Set my goals for June, and started a new book.   I'M READING: London's Number One Dog-Walking Agency: A Memoir by Kate MacDougall Show Notes: If you want the slide deck, email us at [email protected] and I'll send them to you. Or, you can watch the video on our YT channel @writercraftpodcast.  

Show Notes:  After you've created the foundation, there is a time when it is advantageous to spread out and reach another audience. You're in a silo, but there's another one right next to you! Other authors are looking for ways to do this, too.   Some of these work better for selling books or getting reviews, and some work better for increasing your mailing list size.   Newsletter Swaps: 1. (BEST) Organic swap with an author you know (in your a genre). 2. Find other authors to do this with on FB Groups (i.e. Mystery Authors) 3. Book Funnel, Author XP, Story Origin (set up author profile)= put the call out for a newsletter swap. Look for exclusivity, if you can. (Link to whatever your freebie is... permafree, sale, reader magnet.) (Erick looks at this weekly to see what swaps are available right then.)   Group Promos: 1. Baseline for building a mailing list, effective for getting numbers, but not for quality subscribers. Erick does 3 times a month. 2. Look at the other books in the promotion. Will this fit with my audience? 3. Clean mailing list every six months. But most will unsubscribe on their own.   Bundles:  1. Very similar to group promos.  2. Less control for the reader. They get added to a load of other newsletters automatically. (Erick does it every quarter.) (700+ subscribers but open rate low.)  3. Costs $.   Blog Swaps: 1. For non-fiction.  2. Guest blog (link to website). 3. Google likes "back links." (Credibility in the algorithms.)   Not really the same as ideas above, but adjacent, is paid ads on someone else's list:  Instead of buying someone's mailing list (not cool anymore), you can buy a SPOT on someone's list. (BookBub, Bargain Books, Free Booksy, Fussy Librarian.) Works better for advertising one book as opposed to getting an email address.   10% of promotors DON'T promote. Your reputation matters. Promote your promos, or you won't be allowed in other group promotions.   Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor  

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Announcements: free 7-day trial of my Mary Poppins Fan tier on Patreon. Regularly 15/mo https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   UPDATE:  Valerie:  I've been creating a Creator Profile in Convertkit's Creator Network (in beta). If you want to check it out and see if it'll increase your newsletter subscribes, here is a link: https://convertkit.com/features/creator-network?ref_id=69de0590ae (affiliate) Erick:   Writing stories   Just finished: Seeking Fortune Elsewhere: Stories by Sindya Bhanoo; Manifest Your HEA: Get Unstuck and Create Your Happily Ever After by Heather Hildenbrand, The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix     I'M READING:  Three Story Method: Cowriting with ChatGPT by J Thorn ; The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab; Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next: Erick's Reading:  Just Kids by Patti Smith     Show Notes:  Clearly place the reader in their own world (ordinary world). Spend time in the ordinary world with the reader so that they feel heard and seen. Write to your ideal customer. Lean in to who you are to find your people. Make sure that your solution is appropriate for the style of book/article you are writing. Are readers looking for actionable steps to take at the end? Or a more general mindset to have going forward?   Next Episode: Marketing With Other Authors Resources:  "How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog

Show Notes:  No single path to author success. No prescription.  1. Having idea 2. Writing it down so RAS (Reticular Activating System) can work.Write it Down, Make it Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser 3. Visualize what you want, with senses. 4. Be careful what you wish for, but also, be prepared to receive what you've asked for in a different way. 5. Trust the process and that the "muscle" will get stronger. 6. "I am on the side of the solution." -Erick Mertz "There are plenty of answers. Just because you haven't thought of them yet doesn't mean they don't exist." -from Manifesting Your HEA by Heather Hildenbrand "You can't achieve a goal by only changing your behaviors. You have to change your identity." -from Manifesting Your HEA by Heather Hildenbrand. (Manifest Your HEA: Get Unstuck and Create Your Happily Ever After by Heather Hildenbrand (Heal, Embody, Allow))  Changes to behavior and then changing the identity, or the other way around. Both might work. "Believe until you Become" comes to mind. 7. Practice allowing. How can you do that? Faith and trust in the process. Letting go and stepping aside for the Universe (or your brain) to show you where the gold is.   Next Episode: Clearly Defined Problem and Solution in Non-Fiction Books   Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor  

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Show Notes:  Use the story rubric at https://valerieihsan.com . It's great for objectively identifying areas that need development and using a shared vocabulary with your critique partners. Receiving feedback requires open mind, growth mindset, willingness to hear the feedback, and being specific about the kind of feedback you want/need. Giving feedback requires being constructive and using vocabulary that specifies the area that needs development. Saying, "I just didn't get it" isn't helpful, and could actually be harmful.  

Show Notes:  Use the Rubric (available at valerieihsan.com for free) after drafting to have shared vocabulary to use with your critique partners and editors. And for self-editing. Find the parts that need work and study them as needed. (Read craft books on that subject, or listen to podcasts.) If a reader says:  "I just don't seem to connect with the character," work on inner dialogue, and character motivation (needs and wants). "The character seemed flat. She didn't change at all," work on the character arc by giving her a potentially life-altering flaw at the beginning of the book, and a big global choice at the end of the book where she can kill her flaw. "The ending was just 'Meh',", beef up the global choice (it needs to be a Best Bad Choice or an Irreconcilable Good Choice, and related to the character flaw), and make sure you've got a theme--take away message, the 'point' of the story, or what you are saying about the world. "I kept waiting for the story to 'start'," make sure the character's needs/wants are clear from the very beginning. That's what tells the reader, "OK, now the story really starts. We're going to see how he gets the thing he wants." Plus, make sure you've got a good hook to keep them engaged until your character reveals his needs/wants. "It was boring. I just couldn't get into it," means that probably you are doing more Telling than Showing and you can fix that with more inner dialogue and concrete sensory details. 70% of communication is non-verbal. When "in scene" (as opposed to a reflexive thinking segment between action), only write what the "camera" can see or hear. What does disdain look like? What does fear sound like in a voice?   All of this takes honesty with self and a healthy inner-analyst; What does you book need? What are your weaknesses?   Next Episode: How to Give and Receive Feedback in Critique Groups Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Writer's Block is a real thing, but I believe it is a symptom of something else. Whether it is procrastination, the story is broken, or you are trying to write to market and it's "just not you," there are ways to break through the writer's block and get you back to the page. ** Show Notes: When Can Writer's Block Hit? • Manuscript is broken • Procrastination • Fear • Not ready to write • Do I have room right now in my life to write this? • Situational block • Burnt out • Forcing a process that is not your own Tools: • Toss it and write a new story • Start another writing project to switch back and forth to • Address the "energy" you need for the project; Maybe you're stopping because you've hit the hard/boring part • Find a way that feeds the story (fill creative well) • Space and environment are important • Retreat • Coaching  Next Episode: What's Wrong With My Story? Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Show Notes:  How do you start? FOMO creates stress. How do I do all of it?    Marching order:  1. Real estate (website--build your house);  2. Put up content: review books, talk about movies, response videos to current shows, try to get people to your site main purpose; non-fiction authors write to topic (keywords--what are people actually searching for by using Google Keyword Planner),  2.5. Build a content plan/strategy quarterly;  3. Advertising you don't own, but that's the next step.    The more organic (without ads), long-tail (rose bush cultivating in Pacific Northwest), and evergreen (Rose Cultivation Basics) the content is the healthier your property is. Google looks at authority overtime. Start with bigger topics. Then work into more niche (long-tail) topics. Google rewards video content because they own YouTube. Make sure you use meta data and keywords in the description box. (#authormarketing) Embed video in the blog post. And use meta data again.   Blog post: Video, description 300 words minimum, link to audio feed. Nutshell: Knowing market, what market wants, build from there in a realm you own (and enjoy). Building authority. (Be you and be genuine.) Model after your own searching habits. 5 to 1 principle: give readers five things to every 1 sales pitch. I'M READING:  The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce; Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.  Erick's Reading:  Hyperion by Dan Simmons 1 Last Betrayal by Valerie Brooks  

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 109 of the podcast and it's April 5, 2023  as we record this.  Main Topic: SEO (Part 2 in our Marketing That You Own series)   PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories   Comments: email from listener:   Questions from listeners:   Announcements:  1) Next Group Coaching cohort is starting soon! On sale now for $333. April 11- June 7 weekly; Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. (day and time negotiated by cohort) UPDATE:  Valerie:  quarterly check-in and not monthly check-in felt weird; lots of knitting!; compiling a master list of business tasks so that I can prioritize them. Erick:  getting to finished points on two books, (accidental rapid release later this year)    Just finished:  The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz I'M READING: The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone ; Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next: audiobook library pick. I want to finish this sweater! Erick's Reading:  The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood Hyperion by Dan Simmons   Show Notes:  Make sure you have Google Analytics on website at the very least. Search Engine = Google; Google scans All Pages On The Internet; Which page is most likely to help the searcher? When building a page (blog, site, YT) you are optimizing that content so that Google can find it. Tailor the content for that purpose--to rise to the top of those search results. Website = newspaper (Erick analogy.) Write blog topics based on google search terms. (What's a hot search term right now?) Tailor your content to the broad topic (called long tail search term) and create content based on each smaller keyword. YOST plug-in gives you red/green lights on each page, and tells you where to naturally put your keywords. Google crawls your site to look for new content. Goal: to rank for multiple relevant keywords. After two dozen pages of targeted content, you'll be pushed up in the searches. This marketing strategy is part of SEO. (Or maybe the other way around?) Erick works on this quarterly and weekly. Every quarter he looks for trending search terms and plans a quarter of blog post topics; and writes one each week for his blog.  Also, thinking about how to narrow the search terms. "Ghost writer" becomes "best ghost writer for hire in Portland Oregon." This works especially well for writers that provide author services and non-fiction authors, but what about fiction writers? Fiction: what are your competitive keywords? Take the low hanging fruit. Be the best small fish. "Mystery author" (competitive), "Oregon City author" is less competitive than "Portland author." It's about branding. If "Books about haunted towns" is the search term, write a blog post on "Top Ten Haunted Towns." You can look at SEO like choosing amazon keywords and categories for your book. Amazon book page is same as a website page in terms of content for Google to search. Site age does factor in to the Google ranking. Start SEO habit today, don't go back to fix old blog posts. Republishing blogs does count as new content, though. Next Steps: 1. Install Google Analytics on your website. 2. Install Yost on your website. 3. Brainstorm for search terms. What do you want to rank for in six months? (Think highest paying job.) 4. Take each term and put it in AdWords or Keyword Planner, and it will give you fifty other terms that fit, and rank them.  5. Start with lowest competitive terms. (What does it cost to run an ad on that word?) And write a blog post on that. Alternate topics. It all starts with content. (There are further strategies that come beyond the page, but you need content first. This can be: blog post; pictures can have keywords, too (meta tagging); video descriptions.  Tools to use for SEO, domain analysis, and keywords: Google Analytics, Google  Ad Words, Yoast, Moz. Talk to Erick about it. Email him to start a conversation. He can help you get started. SEO Consultants are expensive. There's a lot you can do BEFORE you hire one.  Semrush, The HOTH Resources:  Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group) 3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Kemp's business page) Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions) Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website. Contact Valerie for author coaching.   Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us: Writer Craft Facebook Group Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account    Patreons:  https://patreon.com/valerieihsan    https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 108 of the podcast and it's March 28, 2023  as we record this.  Main Topic: Website Basics   PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories   Comments: email from listener:   Questions from listeners:   Announcements:  1) Next Group Coaching cohort is starting soon! On sale now for $333. April 11- June 7 weekly; Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. (day and time negotiated by cohort) UPDATE:  Valerie:  Coaching and birthday stuff Erick:  website re-do   Just finished:  Pilgrimage by J.F. Penn and Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan and The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden. I'M READING: The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone ; Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next:  Erick's Reading:  Fairy Tale by Stephen King; anthologies from mom Dr Who 50th anniversary edition; Dispatches from Anarres   Show Notes:  Website (own your home; renting is risky): URLs that are you. Sitemap shows navigational flow Above the fold: mailing list signup and reader magnet Pages: About/Philosophy, Coaching, Editing, Podcast/News, Shopping, Retreat, Contact Me, Testimonials Home page: tag line/branding; About; Books; Categories of Books; Blog (can be gallery of images, podcast, video blog, showcase); reading lists, featured on... ;  #1purpose: Mailing list capture #2 purpose: keep people there as long as possible #3 purpose: convert to a customer Model after authors in your genre (how to depict self, branding); and in your journey (like, one book or a step ahead of where you are) Buy URL (claim domain name) ~$100 for two years Get hosting (GoDaddy, BlueHost, HostGator, Squarespace)  The bigger the website, the more complex the build.   Resources:  Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group 3 Bird View FB page Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions) Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website. Contact Valerie for coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan    

Jennie's Bio:  J. Komp, of Just Key Edits, has been taking apart stories, to explain why we love or hate them, for over 30 years. A Behavioral Science major, that found her voice after a decade of live theater productions, Jennie lives for stories that are as entertaining and consumable as they are transformative.  Her development editing focuses on the connection between a book and its potential audience, emphasizing the tangible elements that bring a story into a reader’s everyday life and reveal our relationship with the extraordinary.  Jennie’s style, in both fiction and non-fiction, bridges that elusive gap between art and business. She’s taken 2 companies to over 4 million Facebook fans, in less than a year, leads a live online, Read & Critique group for every proficiency level and type of writer, teaches at seminars and writers conferences across the country, and manages writers committed to reaching their publishing goals. A distinctive realist, Jennie’s dark sense of humor is balanced by a mantra that is the standard for everything she does, “the Disney is in the details.”    Jennie's Read: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches Valerie's Reads:  Pilgrimage by J.F. Penn and Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan and The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden. Erick's Read:  Fairy Tale by Stephen King   Jennie's new book!: The Phone: An Unruly Collection of Second Chances   In Erick's update, he mentions "noodling" and I immediately thought of this (which was not what he was talking about!): https://youtu.be/Yu0GhasxOws (Kathleen Madigan video clip of stand-up talking about Noodling. Hilarious!)   Jennie's group you can join: Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group 3 Bird View FB page Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions) Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website. Contact Valerie for coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan  

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 106 of the podcast and it's March 22, 2023  as we record this.  Main Topic: Setbacks   PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories   Comments: email from listener:   Questions from listeners:   Announcements:  1)  UPDATE:  Valerie:  book launch party, speaking event, author expo, pitching conferences, doing some group coaching for The Author Life Community this weekend, some health issues slowed me down a bit. Erick: website error took me out of a week's worth of work; mountain of little client work to finish before getting back to my own work.   Just finished:   You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero I'M READING:  Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix; Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next: Pilgrimage by J.F. Penn and  The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone Erick's Reading:  Fairy Tale by Stephen King   Show Notes:  "Everybody has a plan until you get hit in the mouth." Mike Tyson  It will happen--losing control. You can't insulate yourself or your business from setbacks. It's okay to get angry or sad. Let it out. Sometimes immediate response doesn't work, isn't helpful. Acknowledge the life shift and make a new plan. Making a new plan is empowering and gives space for new growth. "You might need a rest stop." And not every one knows how to merge, so there will be detours along the way. Take away: 1. Feel your feelings. 2.  Empower yourself to find a new plan 3.  Be analytical and reflective about why it happened. Sometimes there is no answer. 4.  Leave space for recovery. 5.  Start the new plan. 6.  Find support to carry on with the new plan. Next episode: interview author Jennie Komp Resources:  Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions) Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan  

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 105 of the podcast and it's March 8, 2023  as we record this.  Main Topic: Reflection as an Indie Author Tool PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories   Comments: email from listener:   Questions from listeners:   Announcements:  1) Book launch party on Saturday 2) Chasing Shadows 99 cents on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YZ44QXF UPDATE:  Valerie:  Went to Becca Syme's Publishing conference this past weekend. Blew my mind. I'll be going every year now. Got my books and delivered them to the bookstore for the launch party on Saturday. Starting new book project today; met with co-writer yesterday to set up the outline.  Erick: Website crashed; that consumed all of last week; working to catch up on client work, as a result; released reader magnet "Forgotten Shadows;" from the ground up marketing; reengaged with newsletter swaps; working on main series, plus side series with    Just finished:   In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber I'M READING: Maame by Jessica George;  Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next:  The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone Erick's Reading: Dead Beat by Jim Butcher   Show Notes: "Only do what you are good at." (Wisdom gem from Erick.) You don't need to use a spreadsheet for metrics; It can be more "feelings" oriented.  Pick a section of time (or a work) to reflect on. For instance, a co-writing experience, writing your last novel, the ad campaign you did last week, your last month. Example questions to ask yourself: What was the most memorable part of this past month? What were the three biggest lessons you've learned in this past month? Assess your priorities. Are you happy with how you spent your time? If not, what steps can you take next month to adjust them? What did you accomplish this past month? What are you most proud of? What or who are you especially grateful for this past month? Name three things you can improve on this upcoming month. What are concrete actions you can take to work towards these improvements? Next episode:      Resources:  Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions) Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan  

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 104 of the podcast and it's March 1, 2023  as we record this.  Main Topic: Launch Day -- We live in an upside down world. PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories   Comments: email from listener: Catherine says, "I just bought your book and can't wait to read it!"   Questions from listeners:   Announcements:  1) This week I was interviewed on Sample Chapter Podcast; You can hear me read the first chapter of You Can't Dance a Lie after a short interview. https://samplechapterpodcast.com/valerie-ihsan-you-cant-dance-a-lie 2) New Patreon story up this week for Erick; new stuff coming.   UPDATE:  Valerie: Launch Day. Amazon is linking large print, pb, and ebook. Ingram got back to me to wait for hardcover dust jacket issue. Taxes prepped. Goal: reduce expenses by 10% (Profit First) Erick: tax prep this last weekend; Erick is weird and enjoys doing his taxes. Subscription audit. Finished a second novella. Novel re-write is slowing, due to writer's group logistics. Novellas end up being ebook only. Thinking of creating omnibus of short stories and novellas.   Just finished:   Profit First I'M READING: Only Good Indians (Not into it yet.);  Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next:  In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber, The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone Erick's Reading: Dead Beat by Jim Butcher   Show Notes: feed the book buying energy; new things to talk about; struggling with Learning in Public. Email [email protected] if you want the Writing and Publishing Checklist Valerie uses. Next episode:      Resources:  Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions) Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 103 of the podcast and it's February 22, 2023  as we record this.  Main Topic: Mailing list maintenance PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories   Comments: email from listener: One of the things I enjoy most about your show is how you and Eric keep it real with your daily writerly struggles. It helps to hear of others going through and dealing with the same issues that we/I am. This is especially helpful to me since Covid began and getting to my local writing group has become much more difficult.  Keep up the great work!   Questions from listeners:   Announcements:  1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat sold out. 2) We have some interviews lining up, but we need topic suggestions and interviewees. (Once a month.) Please send to [email protected].    UPDATE:  Valerie: Trouble with Ingram files. I made some mistakes, trying to fix them in time. And waiting for proof. Book coaching/website updates coming soon.   Erick: cover designer needs to fix the windows on his new novella   Just finished:    Read Books All Day and Get Paid for It: The Business of Book Coaching by Jennie Nash   I'M READING: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz;  Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next:  In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber, The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone Erick's Reading:    Show Notes:  Promote newsletter on BookFunnel; Resource: Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions); open rates are important so that Google identifies your email as NOT spam; aim for 40% opens, 15% click rate; to get sell through from reader magnet-->next book in series "What happens next?"; if no next book, send to some social media account (or BookBub account) to have them follow you. Cover on reader magnet is vital.  Onboarding sequence: download csv and upload manually to segment people in order to know where they come from. Example: "Thank you for subscribing, here's your book; here's what I do; what do you read?; if you read first book, thank you, please review it." Once completed, they go on another list. Resource: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Cleaning the email list: important ("list hygiene" phrase creeps out Erick. Ha ha!)  Mailerlite "Clean up List" shows inactive members Subscribers cost money. Make sure they are there because they want to be. Off boarding sequence: Noticed you haven't opened recently. If you still want to be here, let me know. Send another incentive at that point. A link for them to click.  Free seekers will never buy. Now, delight them with engagement and giveaways. Ask questions. Next episode:      Resources:  Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions) Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan  

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 102 of the podcast and it's February 15, 2023  as we record this.  Main Topic: Professional relationships: When to Ditch Them and When to Nurture Them. PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Comments: email from listener: For a while now I’ve been meaning to congratulate you both on 100 episodes!  I found the show last Summer and became a fan right away. Keep up the great work!   Jason A Meuschke Thriller Author/Podcast Host   Get the latest episode on all podcast platforms or by going to www.samplechapterpodcast.com Questions from listeners: Chad Boyer says, What is your favorite checklist (in general)? What is your favorite checklist for writing? Also for Erick: Does he have a favorite checklist since he knows you? or if he doesn't what checklist would he love to have or need this year? Announcements:    1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Alumni and patron price is $775.  $850 Only one ticket left. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase in one lump sum.  2) We need topic suggestions and interviewees. (Once a month.) Please send to [email protected].    UPDATE:  Valerie: still panicking on the cover, sent out ARCs Erick: sending novella to the editor on Friday; editing next Patreon essays   Just finished:    The Baker's Man by Jennifer Moorman   I'M READING: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz;  Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier;    Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next:  In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber Erick's Reading:  Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky Goosebumps #1 by RL Stine Show Notes:  Professional relationships can evolve into projects that you work on together. Recognize when a relationship doesn't serve you. Be aware of how to be friendly, but not friends, and watch that boundary slippage with clients. Musts: Communication and authenticity Nuture by being kind and clear and flexible. End relationships that are no longer serving you, your values, or your needs. It may be uncomfortable, but people evolve. It's okay to end a professional relationship. Not all of them will be the long-term kind. Next episode: Mailing list maintenance     Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan  

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 101 of the podcast and it's February 8, 2023  as we record this.    PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Comments:  Announcements:    1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Alumni and patron price is $775.  $850 Only two tickets left. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase in one lump sum.  2) We need topic suggestions and interviewees. (Once a month.) Please send to [email protected].    UPDATE:  Valerie: personal: dress challenge and the gym; Author: layout and get the email to the cover designer; stop talking about the book Erick: Launched Patreon (where to fit in the providing benefits, advertising): patreon.com/strangeairstories   Just finished:    How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger     I'M READING:: Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier;    Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next:  In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber Erick's Reading:  Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky The Farthest Shore Ursula LeGuin   Show Notes:  Erick: re-configure series, Patreon marketing, putting out cookie, work on newsletter list marketing Valerie: publish memoir, pitch conferences, Hermit card--self-discovery, inner world (5 of Cups for January) Next episode: Professional Relationships   Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan  

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Landmark Episode 100 of the podcast and it's January 18, 2023  as we record this.  Main Topic: Landmark Episode 100 with some clips PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Comments: Amazon Review 5 stars: The Scent of Apple Tea: A story about the choices we make, beautifully written! I chuckled, shrugged, shook my head, giggled, smiled, and cried happy tears. A beautiful story superbly written! I look forward to reading more stories written by this author! Announcements:    1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Alumni and patron price is $775.  Early Bird price ends January 31st. $800 Only four tickets left. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase in one lump sum.  2) We need topic suggestions and interviewees. (Once a month.) Please send to [email protected].    UPDATE: Got a cold. First one since pre-covid. Weird. Hope it mostly clears before next week. Rest of the week will be for finishing up client work and packing for CR.   Just finished:    Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus     I'M READING:  Believers: Making a Life at the End of the World by Lisa Wells; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.  Up Next:  too early to tell Erick's Reading:  The Farthest Shore Ursula LeGuin Writing in Restaurants by David Mamet Heroic Hearts     Show Notes:  The weird way Erick reads anthologies : He reads the featured short story first, then the shortest one, and the next shortest, and so on. Most used words this year: Valerie: planner, self-care, I've got to go walk the dogs. Erick: Why can't I hear through my ear buds? I collected a few clips and outtakes from the past year that really seem to me to highlight what this podcast embodies for us. And that's: laughter, books, and shared experiences. And we'll end with a couple meaningful stories and quotes. So here it is, a hodgepodge of what I love about the podcast and why I can't imagine stopping. Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: London Seance Society by Sarah Penner Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 99 of the podcast and it's January 11, 2023  as we record this.  Main Topic: Overthinking Your Writing PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Comments: Your discussion inspired me. I ordered Wisdom of the Oracle cards by Colette Baron-Reid. I had one of her decks years ago. The illustrator's artwork is phenomenal!Announcements:  **I have a female writer looking for another female-identifying writer to share lodging at the retreat. The Shared Retreat Ticket price is $650 and includes all the food, lodging, instruction, retreat, and coaching. Please reach out to me at [email protected] to ask any questions or to get the PayPal link for the Shared Retreat Ticket. 1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Alumni and patron price is $775.  Early Bird price available from November - January. $800 Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  2) We want to celebrate our 100th episode with you. Please send in an audio clip via email to [email protected] with a comment or testimonial about the podcast. What you like about it, why you listen, etc. On the 100th episode on January 18th, we'll play the clips on air. Please send in your audio clips by January 11th at the latest. 3) We need topic suggestions. Please send to [email protected].   UPDATE: Went for a personal essay instead of a short story. Wow. What a difference!   Just finished:   Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore     I'M READING: London Seance Society by Sara Penner (ARC); Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.  Up Next: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus or The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce. Erick's Reading:  The Farthest Shore Ursula LeGuin The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones Heroic Hearts Show Notes:  You need a way in for a short story. (Erick) Sometimes inspiration comes quickly and worker bee mentality pushes you past the goal (I've got to fill the time). Be okay with other forms of creativity besides words on the page. Filling the creative well, walking, reading Concern: editing out voice. (Valerie)   Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 98 of the podcast and it's January 4, 2023  as we record this. Happy New Year! Main Topic: Monthly Gamechangers PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Comments: Ep95: A Year in Review, Mary says: A very nice discussion. I especially like the advice you both give to yourselves for the upcoming year! (She also included some topic suggestions for both the podcast and for patrons.)     Patron announcement:  Announcements:  ** Author Action Plan Group Coaching started yesterday on the 3rd and goes for three months, ending on April 4th. You can still join the cohort this week, if you don't mind missing out on the first session. $500 includes group coaching with other writers every other week for three months, plus a customized author action plan for one of your larger projects/goals. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount, making the cost $450. Use the discount code PODCAST (all caps) at checkout. **I have a female writer looking for another female-identifying writer to share lodging at the retreat. The Shared Retreat Ticket price is $650 and includes all the food, lodging, instruction, retreat, and coaching. Please reach out to me at [email protected] to ask any questions or to get the PayPal link for the Shared Retreat Ticket. 1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Alumni and patron price is $775.  Early Bird price available from November - January. $800 Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  2) We want to celebrate our 100th episode with you. Please send in an audio clip via email to [email protected] with a comment or testimonial about the podcast. What you like about it, why you listen, etc. On the 100th episode on January 18th, we'll play the clips on air. Please send in your audio clips by January 11th at the latest. 3) We need topic suggestions. Please send to [email protected].   UPDATE:   Rachael Herron's blurb came back for my memoir! She wrote: A lovely story told with poetic lyricism and gentle humor, You Can't Dance a Lie is more than a memoir of love and relationships—it's the chronicle of a woman learning to trust herself completely before stepping into the love-shaped life she makes possible for herself.  - Rachael Herron, Bestselling Author of A Life in Stitches  ordered sample copies from Ingram so I can decide on which type of hardcover to do; and  started formatting the large print edition of the memoir.  Waiting to send more details to the cover designer until I get the samples from Ingram. I'm wondering about BookVault for distribution of a dust jacketed hardcover.   Just finished: I read 67 books last year. And I finished reading the day book from 2022: Simple Abundance: 365 Days to a Balanced and Joyful Life.     I'M READING: Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton. My new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. Up Next: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus or The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce. Erick's Reading:  The Farthest Shore Ursula LeGuin The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones   Show Notes:  [Erick]: What do I do to keep the train running in the author services business? (Create content, set up the quarter (blog topics for each week)) (ghostwriting podcast/YT?) ROI is large enough for long term thinking. Only need to convert a few times.  Finishing three screenplays. What can I do to move the needle forward in the author business? Giveaway to newsletter recipients. Train readers to open emails and click links. [Valerie]: Realized there was no way I could publish my memoir, finalize packing for Costa Rican vacation at end of month, finish client job (line editing), and write and revise a short story in two and a half weeks. (Eye roll) Pushed launch date to March 1, 2023. Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.   Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

New Author Action Plan Group Coaching cohort starts next week. Tuesday, January 3, 2023; 2:00-3:00 p.m. Pacific. Email [email protected] for Zoom link and schedule. Use discount code PODCAST for 10% off the price (at checkout): https://valerieihsan.com/shopping  

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 96 of the podcast and it's December 21, 2022  as we record this. Happy Solstice! Main Topic: Tarot for Your Business PATREON: No new patrons this week, but Sean Sharp raised his tier to Super Fantastic Fan, so thank you so much! Sean now gets all my ebooks as I publish them. In addition to his other benefits.   Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Comments:      Patron announcement:  Announcements:  ** Author Action Plan Group Coaching starting in January for three months. $500 includes group coaching with other writers every other week for three months, plus a customized author action plan for one of your larger projects/goals. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount, making the cost $450. Use the discount code PODCAST (all caps) at checkout. **I have a female writer looking for another female-identifying writer to share lodging at the retreat. The Shared Retreat Ticket price is $650 and includes all the food, lodging, instruction, retreat, and coaching. Please reach out to me at [email protected] to ask any questions or to get the PayPal link for the Shared Retreat Ticket. 1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Alumni and patron price is $775.  Early Bird price available from November - January. $800 Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  2) We want to celebrate our 100th episode with you. Please send in an audio clip via email to [email protected] with a comment or testimonial about the podcast. What you like about it, why you listen, etc. On the 100th episode on January 18th, we'll play the clips on air. Please send in your audio clips by January 11th at the latest. 3) We need topic suggestions. Please send to [email protected].   Update: started looking at keywords and categories, invoicing people for my coaching cohort that starts Jan 3rd,   Just finished: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe     I'M READING: Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather WebberWabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton Up Next: Erick's Reading:  Future Stories by David Christian The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula Le Guin Blood Rites Jim Butcher   Show Notes:  Patrons will get pictures of my process Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.   Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 95 of the podcast and it's December 14, 2022  as we record this. Main Topic: A Year in Review PATREON: No new patrons this week,    A big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Comments:      Patron announcement:  Announcements:  1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Alumni and patron price is $775.  Early Bird price available from November - January. $800 Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  2) We want to celebrate our 100th episode with you. Please send in an audio clip via email to [email protected] with a comment or testimonial about the podcast. What you like about it, why you listen, etc. On the 100th episode on January 18th, we'll play the clips on air. Please send in your audio clips by January 11th at the latest. 3) We need topic suggestions. Please send to [email protected].   Update:  Spoke at an online conference, The Essential Gathering, for members of The Author Life community. My talk Accountability for Authors: How to Focus and Finish, and Get Sh!t Done.   Just finished:  A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny     I'M READING: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker,  Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton, Up Next: Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber Erick's Reading:  Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.  The Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula Le Guin Blood Rites Jim Butcher   Show Notes:  "Hold on tightly, let go lightly."  Noticing when decisions are "right" or not. Grieving for ideas that don't work. CEO time weekly. Finding balance is easily. "I know how to strive for it now."  Pull apart that one-track mind. Allow exploration and transition. Collect data and learn about yourself. Fully understand your process and how long projects and client work takes.  Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.   Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

  Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 94 of the podcast and it's December 7, 2022 (and a full moon) as we record this. Main Topic: How to Decide on Your Next Project PATREON: No new patrons this week,    A big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Comments: RE:Ep93: Mary says, enjoyed your conversation on a topic that plagues all of us. I believe that the notion (concept) of failing is the lie we have been told and swallowed very early on, by others. How we struggle throughout our lives to unravel and disarm the lie—is our Story. For me, at 69 I have come to understand that what people deem as failures are magnificent opportunities for learning and growing into who we become— Valerie, I received your postcard. The design is beautiful! Thank you. (We also had a planner conversation on Patreon.) Re92: Gratitude, Road to an Abundant Author Life said,   Why are the updates always the hardest to come up with? lol Every time I have to give an update I freeze! WE NEED NEW TOPIC SUGGESTIONS for 2023. Send them in to [email protected]. A patron emailed to ask about a website domain question, which I answered to the best of my ability. All patrons (and listeners to the podcast) are encouraged to email with questions. [email protected].  Patron announcement: Barb Lachenbruch got THREE essays published recently.  Calyx (fall issue) “Every Day is a Data Day” Gold Man Review (2022 issue, which came out in December “Bi-Mart” Then the Los Altos Hills town paper, “Growing Up Lachenbruch” (which isn’t peer-reviewed, but it’s edited). I didn’t write the first paragraph—you’ll see the tone change!   I have my first essay in High Country News: “The Physics of Solitude and Connection” https://www.hcn.org/issues/52.9/north-essays-the-physics-of-connection-and-solitude   Announcements: Tickets for the Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop are live. Priced at $900.  1) New pricing tiers: Alumni and patron price is $775.  Early Bird price available from November - January. $800 Mid-Morning/Slept-In Bird price available from February - April. $850. Regular price starts in May. $900. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. 2) We want to celebrate our 100th episode with you. Please send in an audio clip via email to [email protected] with a comment or testimonial about the podcast. What you like about it, why you listen, etc. On the 100th episode on January 18th, we'll play the clips on air. Please send in your audio clips by January 11th at the latest. Erick Surprise (Happy Anniversary!) December 7th. Thank you for joining me in this co-hosting experiment. I haven't done much collaborative work before, so this has been a pleasant journey for me. Mostly because you let me do whatever I want. ;-) You've made each week enjoyable and I look forward to seeing you each Wednesday morning. I learn from you, think about things in a different way, and become inspired be your knowledge and business sense. It's interesting that I consider you both a colleague, a friend, and a mentor. I don't know many people who fit that bill. Update:  Settled on a cover design. Patrons get the reveal now. Thinking (panicking) about taxes. Finishing up some client work. Got my new glasses.   Just finished:  A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny     I'M READING: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker,  Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton, Up Next:  Erick's Reading:  Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.  Poetry magazine   Show Notes:  Inspiration can mess with the production schedule. Follow the muse. Hybrid model! :-) Be open to the possibility that you can do more than you think you can. Have more ideas than the ones you execute. Library of ideas. Every boat needs an anchor. That idea might never be written. It's okay that the idea is your anchor. When you make the decision on the book project, now you have to stick with it. Now it's time for discipline. Decision making is different for every project. The salt of an idea.   Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.   Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber (magical realism) and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (literary mystery) Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black Dowery of Blood ST Gibson  Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  All Systems Red by Martha Wells (Murder Bot series) Artificial Condition (Book 2) Deserter by Junji Ito (graphic novel)  The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)  Wintering by Katherine May  The Nesting by CJ Cooke  Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft Skippy Dies  Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander and The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin

New Pricing: Shared Lodging $650 (Must sign up together.) Alumni/Patrons $775 Early Bird $800 (through January) Sleepy Bird $850 (through April) Regular All-Inclusive Price $900 (starts in May) https://valerieihsan.com/retreat (for more retreat information) https://patreon.com/valerieihsan  (to get the patron price) [email protected]  (for questions, concerns, or PayPal links for patron/alumni/shared/monthly payment plans) https://valerieihsan.com (for Free Discovery calls)

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 93 of the podcast and it's November 30, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Failing (in order to Succeed)  PATREON:  No new patrons this week,    A big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Comments: RE:Ep92: Mary says, Very nice episode. I'm excited for both of you and your upcoming projects. Valerie, I think the picture on your Author's Website is fantastic! I definitely think that picture of you would entice people to pick up the book. Erick, I have your first book. I like the cover and I look forward to reading it.   Announcements: Tickets for the Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop are live. Priced at $900, but patron price is $825. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Update:  Got caught up in subtitle fonts for the cover. Been emailing back and forth with designer. I'm overthinking it. But 99% done and ready to approve the ebook cover. I've forecasted my remaining publishing tasks and am on target for a January release. I'm starting to think about pricing and keywords. Yesterday I did a final proofread on the manuscript and finalized the formatting in Vellum. AND, I'll send out the last of my postcards today. (Had to get postcard stamps.)   Just finished:  Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander and The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin   I'M READING: Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton,  A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny Up Next:  Erick's Reading:  All Systems Red by Martha Wells (Murder Bot series) Artificial Condition (Book 2) Deserter by Junji Ito (graphic novel) Show Notes:  Believe in my head, not in my heart. So still struggle. Failure is necessary to your success. But is it really? Do I have to? Maybe I won't. Just try hard and stay focused. Except, then, perfectionism gets in the way of starting. "Learning in Public" is what I try to do. To normalize failure.    Play in the sandbox. "Perfect is the enemy of done." "Better is the enemy of good." Community building is necessary. I wish I would have started failing earlier. Next Episode:  How to Decide on Your Next Project Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 92 of the podcast and it's November 23, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Gratitude for the Author Life (plus Covers and Cohesion)  PATREON:  No new patrons this week,    A big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Comments:  Update:  Got the Library of Congress number for my hardcover Updated the backlist files with updated links, and the first chapter of relevant books. Cover options came in; want to get feedback first before I respond. Announcements: Tickets for the Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop go live today. Priced at $900, but patron price is $825. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.   Just finished:  The Nesting by CJ Cooke  Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston   I'M READING: Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton,  Confessions of a Bookseller (memoir/diary) Up Next: The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin Erick's Reading:  All Systems Red by Martha Wells (Murder Bot series) Artificial Condition (Book 2) Deserter by Junji Ito (graphic novel) Show Notes: Relationships we make (camaraderie), learn about self (process) and other humans, anticipated gratitude, flexy schedule, doing what you love, get to be the cool/crazy person in the room, be your own Human Resources department, freedom, opportunity to "chart the course" of our careers,    Next Episode: Failing (to Suceeed)  Resources:  Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber (magical realism) and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (literary mystery) Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black Dowery of Blood ST Gibson  Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes   The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)  Wintering by Katherine May    Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft Skippy Dies

  Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 91 of the podcast and it's November 16, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Nitty-gritty of self-publishing  PATREON:  No new patrons this week,    A big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Comments:  Update:  Stage one of formatting for the ARC and sent it to the book blubber and to Ali. Announcements: Tickets for the Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop go live today. Priced at $900, but patron price is $825. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.   Just finished:     I'M READING: Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton,  Confessions of a Bookseller (memoir/diary) Up Next: The Nesting by CJ Cooke  Erick's Reading:  All Systems Red by Martha Wells (Murder Bot series) Artificial Condition (Book 2) Skippy Dies Show Notes: Canva.com K-lytics.com Publisherrocket.com Bowker.com   Next Episode: gratitude for the author life   Resources:  The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber (magical realism) and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (literary mystery) Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black Dowery of Blood ST Gibson  Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes   The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)  Wintering by Katherine May    Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft  

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 90 of the podcast and it's November 9, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Receiving Feedback  PATREON:  No new patrons this week,    A big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Comments:  Update:  Nesting around the house. Bought some shoe racks. Did some house blessing WITH dusting. Had a budget meeting with Ali. Made a Dia de los Muertos altar.  Announcements: Tickets for the Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop are LIVE. Priced at $900, but patron price is $825. Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price.  Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.   Just finished:  South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber (magical realism) and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (literary mystery)   I'M READING: Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton,  Confessions of a Bookseller (memoir/diary) Up Next: The Nesting by CJ Cooke  Erick's Reading:  All Systems Red by Martha Wells (Murder Bot series) Skippy Dies Show Notes: Writer's group, editor, beta readers, reviews It will only increase, so learning how to receive it gracefully. Consider the source of feedback. Look for patterns when receiving feedback en masse.  Don't engage with reviewers. You don't have to take all the suggestions your editor gives you, especially during line edits. Next Episode: nitty-gritty of self-publishing Resources:  The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black Dowery of Blood ST Gibson  Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes   The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)  Wintering by Katherine May    Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft

I'M READING: South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber (magical realism) Erick's Reading:  Dowery of Blood ST Gibson When Skippy Dies Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft Resources:  The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black  Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes   The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)  Wintering by Katherine May 

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 88 of the podcast and it's October 19, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Submissions  PATREON:  No new patrons this weeks, but a big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Comments:  Re: Ep87: planning for and staying balanced during a busy season, Nicole says: Cool. I've been wanting to write a poem or essay about this, several part-time jobs, exercise, physical training, my neglected garden, housework, friends, etc. I have good hopes to write, exercise, spiritual study, etc.  Sometimes morning appointments too. Mary says: it was helpful to hear how you meet your goals, regardless of what else is going on in your lives. I'm envious (LOL), but working on this. Thank you Just finished:  ARC Weyward by Emilia Hart (out in March). Totally my jam. Strong woman. Different time lines. Hint of natural magic. I'M READING:  Confessions of a Bookseller Up Next::Wintering by Katherine May or Wildwood by Colin Meloy Erick's Reading:  Interview with a vampire Shadow over innsmouth h.p. Lovecraft Update: Valerie's new author website is finished, if you want to take a look. Announcements:  Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.   Show Notes: 3-5% acceptance is a reasonable acceptance rate Poets and Writers DuoTrope Submission Grinder ralan's Solicited manuscripts vs Slush Pile What's your system to log? Where do you find submissions? (DuoTrope, Submission Grinder) Where do you log/track your submissions? Story title, summary, word count, date completed (of writing it), rejected, date submitted, publication, editor, contact name, what they said. ALWAYS follow the Submission guidelines. The whole thing. Even if you are a solicited submission. 30-40% are rejected without reading because they don't follow the guidelines. How many submissions a week/month? (Erick circulates nine at all time.) When get a rejection, resubmit to another place. New magazine or anthology is best chance to get in because they don't have a slush pile.  Some mags have windows for submission times. Next Episode: celebrating successes Resources:  Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black    Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:  The Cloisters  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Writer Craft Facebook Group The Author Life Community   Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link)

Still reading The Yard. Show Notes: How to set up a Patreon Page Patreon Header: defines what you do (Erick talks about his favorite elements of mystery, and why he’s including what he is for his Patrons.) Making sure you delight your readers/patrons/subscribers: use different tropes so no two stories are the same, back-to-back. Giving some variety in the eras—1800s to 1980s. Using a collection of stories to develop the world-building of the series. Craft: These short stories start with a little introduction (framing technique), and then a witness account follows. Write the framing device first. Give credibility to the witness account. And then let the witness tell their story. End “chunk” has an ironic twist. Character voice is really important and when Erick knows the character’s first line, he can “take dictation” from the character, and the story tells itself. Use beta-readers to “up the ante” on the stories, amp the stakes without shifting into a different genres. Introduce the world and every element of Canyon County to his Patrons. Research is important to create a level of authenticity.

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 85 of the podcast and it's September 21, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Spousal/Partner Support  PATREON:  No new patrons this weeks, but a big squeezy hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Just finished:   Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor I'M READING:  Confessions of a Bookseller Up Next:: The Cloisters and PriestDaddy Erick's Reading:  The Yard by Alex Grecian Joe Golem, the Occult Detective series graphic novels by Mike Mignola (Hell Boy guy)   Update: extra shifts at the bookstore, started working on new author website, and thinking about a short story for anthology Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now!  Passion Planner launched their new line of annual dated planners for 2023. I've already received mine. And I'm thinking of more ways to use it and decorate it. Use my referral link https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx and discount code VALERIEO866. Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Comments:  Show Notes: "Never question applause."~Nick Cage Resources:  Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.   Next Episode:  Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black    Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: Death Masks by Jim Butcher  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 84 of the podcast and it's September 14, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Production and Publication Schedules  PATREON:  No new patrons this weeks, but a big squeeze hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Just finished:   I'M READING:  Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor Being the First Jane Austen Mystery by Stephanie Barron Up Next::  Erick's Reading: Death Masks by Jim Butcher Joe Golem, the Occult Detective series graphic novels by Mike Mignola (Hell Boy guy)   Update: extra shifts at the bookstore, started working on new author website, and thinking about a short story for anthology Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now!  Passion Planner launched their new line of annual dated planners for 2023. I've already received mine. And I'm thinking of more ways to use it and decorate it. Use my referral link https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx and discount code VALERIEO866. Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Comments:  Show Notes: For Erick: Character voice comes first.  Needs the first line. Then golden. His plan: Three stories in two weeks, beta reader, line editor. Launch Patreon page in January. Treating the monthly stories (for the whole year) as the next writing project. (For January and February) He never writes to deadline; he finishes before.   Avoid comparing yourself to others UNTIL you know your process. Inside and out. (For instance: my plan for publishing two books a year didn't work and started off a spiral effect of "I can't" language. But then I learned to say, "I can, but not yet.")   Resources:  Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.   Next Episode:  spousal and partner receptivity to your work Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black    Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:  Drinking Games A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.   How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2)   

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 83 of the podcast and it's September 7, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: The Author Services Side Hustle   PATREON:  No new patrons this weeks, but a big squeeze hug and Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    Just finished:  A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.  I'M READING: an ARC of Drinking Games, a memoir by Sarah Levy (coming out January 3rd) Up Next: Either Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor: Being the First Jane Austen Mystery by Stephanie Barron, or A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny. Erick's Reading: Death Masks by Jim Butcher   Update: sent off my manuscript to my line editor, so I have the next few weeks open until I get my notes back from her and I'll be working on my author website--due for an over-haul, my Reader Magnet, and some publishing back-end stuff (updating the Library of Congress number and ordering a new cover). Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now!  Passion Planner launched their new line of annual dated planners for 2023. I've already received mine. And I'm thinking of more ways to use it and decorate it. Use my referral link https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx and discount code VALERIEO866. Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Comments: Re: Ep78: Finding the Core of Your Memoir, Mary says: The craft of writing Memoir is new to me. Your discussion was both informative and interesting. I had no idea how methodical and intuitive processes work together to create (write) Memoir. Show Notes: Types of author services: Ghostwriting (full length manuscripts) (screenplays); Copywriting and Marketing content for websites; Scripts for YT channels; Editing: Content edits (developmental edits), Manuscript assessment, Line editing/proof; Coaching One project starting, one re-writing, several in finishing stages (organized by most imp two projects per week); or one client at a time until the job is done. Marketing/Pricing: Look around at the market and see what the price ranges are. Choose on the lower end if you need experience or testimonials/reviews.   Resources:  Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.   Next Episode: Publication and Production Schedules   Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black    Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:  How to be a Good Creature Billy Summers by Stephen King The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 82 of the podcast and it's August 31, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Email List Care and Onboarding Sequences  PATREON:  Thank you to new patron this week, Braxton Nagle. Thank you for believing in us and in the podcast. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    I'M READING: Becky Chambers' new Monk and Robot book, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. Up Next: an ARC of Drinking Games, a memoir by Sarah Levy (coming out January 3rd) Just finished:  How to be a Good Creature Erick's Reading: Billy Summers by Stephen King Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now!  Passion Planner launched their new line of annual dated planners for 2023 last week. I've already ordered mine and it's already shipped. Use my referral link https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx and discount code VALERIEO866. Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information. Comments: Re: solo episode last week on Focus and Productivity, Braxton says, Love it! Didn't know you were doing this.   Show Notes: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Erick's version: 5 emails: 1) Need help? 2) Who I am... 3) The book I'm working on... 4) Books I like... 5) Review Request. Based on the source of email sign-ups, where do I get best results? Next Episode: The Author Services Side Hustle (what you can do, how to balance the time, setting realistic expectations.)     Resources:  Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black    Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

 No new patrons this week, but a big heartfelt jolly dance for existing patrons. You mean the world to me. Thank you for believing in me and in the podcast. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    I'M READING: The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki and listening to The Mountains We Carry by Zaid Brifkani.  Up Next: It's too early to start thinking of the next book. Though Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link, How to Be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery, and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers are all contenders at the present moment. Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now!  Passion Planner is launching their new line of annual dated planners for 2023 tomorrow, August 25 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time. I've already got mine picked out! I've been using my planner more and more to take the edge off my stress. Playing with stickers and markers in my planner gives me a wee bit of creative time each week that is separate from my Book Making Time. USE MY DISCOUNT CODE: VALERIEO866 Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets are $900 this year and include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. Payment plans are available, and registration opens November 1st, 2022. Patrons receive a hefty discount AND can buy early, making their monthly payments even less expensive. Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.   Show Notes: What's your one thing for the month of September? Here's what I learned about accountability groups years ago.  They're awesome. And here's why: I have some mutated Wonder Woman glitch in my brain that makes me volunteer for jobs or writing projects or helping friends out at a rate that would stagger a cheetah. And it ends badly. I'm either stressed out so much that I start eating my weight in potato chips and chocolate bars (sometimes candy by the bag), crying, or I abandon everything. Jump ship and sleep. My sign that depression is looming. Overwhelm = Depression in my body and mind and spirit, so I need to be on guard. Which is difficult when my default setting is, "How hard could it be?" So, accountability groups. The biggest take-away from my group was this: If you have too much on your list, none of it gets done. Bam. I remember hearing, Three things. That's all you can do. If you get those three things done and you have time and energy left, great. Do more. But you can only pick three things to focus on this week. And I'd cry. In Barnes and Noble's Starbucks cafe. Cry because I could only choose three things to focus on when I KNEW in my cells I had 84 things to do. I remember hearing, I think you should not put anything else on your plate unless your house sells. And crying in Springfield's Public House because I couldn't bear the thought of not working forward on my dreams while I did this other humungous thing--fixing up and selling my rental house. I hate being told that I need to prioritize. I despise the perceived weakness in not being able to do it all. Sure, yes. Set a pomodoro timer for 25 minutes and focus on one thing at a time, but can't I do that 84 times? No. I'm too scattered. It's never the quality Deep Work that Cal Newport talks about, or The One Thing that Gary Keller writes about. And it's certainly not the Way of Essentialism that Greg McKeown talks about. Have you read this book? Here's a taste: (read pg. 7 with accompanying illustration). Scattershot and spaghetti on the walls do not get things done. And you're perpetually in Putting out Fires mode. At the end of the day, answering your emails isn't nearly as satisfying and productive as writing 500 words in your manuscript, or building another page on your coaching and editing website. I have to choose one thing so that I CAN get the other things done. I know it's counter-intuitive. Seriously. I know. But you know what else I do if left unchecked? Read ten books at the same time. And I don't retain any of it. I never read long enough in one book to sink into the meaning and message, or the character's lives. When that happens now (thankfully MUCH less frequently--like maybe once a year), I force myself to pick one book and finish it. And then I pick the next one and read it. And my pile diminishes. And then! I feel the glory of picking out a brand new book and reading it in its entirety, with no guilt, with no 'hurry up and get through this book because I have three others I'm half way through that I need to get to.' And so it is with the author life. We all have hopes and dreams and goals and projects and maybe even tasks and backlog. The coolest thing that happens when we focus on one thing at a time is getting to the end of the year and reviewing what you've accomplished. I spent most of last year running around higgledly-piggledly  and feeling way more stressed than normal, and I STILL managed to start a podcast, and a Patreon page, adopt another dog, make important business decisions, sell a house, retire from my massage practice, start a new job at a bookstore I love, and design a signature coaching program that I'm hoping with one day fund my husband's retirement and our move to Costa Rica. That's a lot for someone that doesn't think they can get anything done. Focus did that. Even the little I could scrape up in odd moments between depression-induced Netflix binges. Another thing to remember about focus is that it really can prevent burnout. If you can pick out one or two things to focus on for a month (knowing there are those 82 other things from your list taunting you), you can build the self-confidence and self-esteem to start treating yourself with compassion and respect that will enable and empower you to tell yourself, "Yes, I know you are still there Big Fat List, and I'll get to each and every one of you. But you need to wait in line like everyone else here." And that is power. That is space to breathe without beating yourself up. That is accomplishing what you set out to do. That is Focusing and Finishing something.  If you pick one thing at a time to work on, you can't get burnout or overwhelm, because you've only got one thing in front of you right now. Blinders are a beautiful thing. And why focus is so important to productivity. I hope you were able to take something out of this (solo show) blog post that resonated with you and inspired you to find that One (Essential) Thing that you can focus on this month. What is it? Leave a comment on the website or on YouTube or Patreon in the comments section and tell me what your one thing is this month. Resources:  Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black And the Kicker Is   Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 80 of the podcast and it's August 17, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Crowdfunding    PATREON:   Thank you to new patron Valerie Brooks for upping her pledge. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    I'M READING: The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki Up Next:  Just finished:   Erick's Reading:     Announcements: Erick's new book, Chasing Shadows, is out now! Comments:    Show Notes: Tiers and Stretch goals keep people talking about your product.   Resources:  Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black And the Kicker Is   Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year: The Dude and the Zen Master  How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black The Many Daughters of Afong Moy Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Newsletter Ninja 2) 

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 79 of the podcast and it's August 10, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Planning Your Creative Path    PATREON:   Thank you to new patron Sean Sharp, and thanks to Mary Van Everbroeck for upping her pledge. This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.    I'M READING: The Dude and the Zen Master (The Many Daughters of Afong Moy) Up Next:  The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Just finished:  (Newsletter Ninja 2)  Erick's Reading: Summer Night by Jim Butcher The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer Next episode: crowd-funding (kickstarter, indie go-go, Patreon)   Announcements: I'll be reading selections from the new memoir, along with Dante Zuniga-West, Rick Levine, and Jorah LaFluer on Sunday, August 14th at 4:00 p.m. at Tsunami Books in Eugene, OR. Comments: Fantastic Discussion. It's very nice to know that the feelings, thinking and experiences I have as a writer are shared by accomplished authors! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences! (Re: Erick Mertz, part one) Show Notes:   Resources:  Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black And the Kicker Is   Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Some of the Books We've Read This Year:   How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black

 Hello Writers and Crafters, this is Episode 78 of the podcast and it's August 2, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: finding the core message of your memoir    PATREON:   This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Thank you to Mary Van Everbroeck for upping her pledge. I'M READING: The Dude and the Zen Master  Up Next: (Newsletter Ninja 2) (The Many Daughters of Afong Moy) Just finished:  The Anatomy of a Bestseller by Sacha Black Erick's Reading: Summer Night by Jim Butcher   Next episode: Passion Roadmap (one thing to work on in the next 30 days, and the steps)   Announcements: I'll be reading selections from the new memoir, along with Dante Zuniga-West, and other writers from the Stonecutters Union on Sunday, August 14th at 4:00 p.m. at Tsunami Books in Eugene, OR. Comments: "Fantastic Discussion. It's very nice to know that the feelings, thinking and experiences I have as a writer are shared by accomplished authors! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences!" (Re: Erick Mertz, part one) Show Notes: JP's episode on Story Hypothesis vs. Theme. Body Work: the Radical Power of Personal Narrative by Melissa Febos Lady Gaga: Five Foot Two (on Netflix) Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield   Resources:  Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown  Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us: Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 77 of the podcast and it's July 27, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: a follow-up with Erick Mertz  PATREON: We have two new patrons this week. Thank you thank you thank you! We appreciate you! A big shout out and personal thanks to BARB LACHENBRUCH, and to MARY VAN EVERBROECK.   This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.      I'M READING: The Sixth Wicked Child Erick's Reading: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher Next episode: Finding the Core of Your Memoir   Announcements: I'll be reading selections from the new memoir, along with authors Joe Wilkins, Dante Zuniga-West, and other writers from the Stonecutter's Union on Sunday, August 14th at 4:00 p.m. at Tsunami Books in Eugene, OR. Resources:   Writing Scenes.: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes  The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account  Writer Craft Facebook Group Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   Books We've Read This Year: Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 76 of the podcast and it's July 14, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Marketing You Can Do While Drafting Your Book    This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.      All marketing plans will be different based on your plans for the book, your career, and your personality, and--to some degree--your budget.   1) First, you'll need to decide what your plan is for this book and for any future books you plan to write. And you'll need to define TO YOU what success would look like for this particular book and also for your writing career. Do you want to write any more books? Do you want to be award-winning? Do you want to make a living with your writing? Et cetera. The answers to these types of questions will determine the answers to your other questions. Namely, how to market and promote your book(s).   It's also important to note that if your goal is to make a living with your writing, you cannot do that with book sales from one book. Think, 10 or 20, or more. UNLESS, you are also providing author services, like editing or retreats or teaching.   2) Paid Advertising. It's the way to go these days. It is a Pay to Play Market now. There are 8 million titles on Amazon alone.    The three top paid ads sites are BookBub, Facebook, and Amazon Ads. Additionally, there are FreeBooksy and BargainBooksy. As well as others. (For instance, if your e-book is published on the Kobo platform, there is a Promotions tab on your dashboard that enables you to partake in their promo days.)   Each of the ads platforms have different rules and suggested methods of operation. There are loads of books and other resources on all of them. (Help! My Facebook Ads Suck by Mal Cooper; Mastering Amazon Ads by Brian Meeks; Bookbub Ads by David Gaughrin; Bryan Cohen has an Amazon Ads School on his Instagram site @bryancohenblurbs--just to name a few.)   That said, up until very recently--and is still considered truth by many--the industry "standard" advice for advertising for authors with less than three to five books in one series is to NOT advertise. The return on your investment won't pan out very well with nowhere for the reader to go after reading your one book. (I don't know how many books you've published.) If an author has several books, then paying for an ad on one book can often lead a reader to reading the other books in an author's backlist, thereby making the cost of the ad click go much farther.   3) I believe the best thing an author can do to build excitement about their books is to write the next book. Seriously. If you look at it like any other business, a business owner (read: bookseller) needs to create more than one product for their store. They need to create free content marketing for their audience and to build a(n) [author] brand through engagement with their [readers] customers.   The most important first step in getting people to buy your product is to get readers to know it exists. That comes with getting on podcast interviews, going to networking events, doing book readings, teaching workshops at libraries, etc. That's Attract Marketing. Letting people know you are out there.   Then, you Engage with them. Write a blog, or do a podcast, or create some other way of engaging with the people that now know you exist, but still have not become a customer of yours (like get them on your mailing list).   Then, you Nurture them. That's where they begin to Know, Like, and Trust you. Still before they buy! This is the time when you'd be posting regular content for them in a newsletter or FB Live posts, or pictures of your life on Instagram.   Only then can you Invite them to buy.    And, in order to keep them as an ongoing client [reader], you must Delight them. Create the best book(s) possible and they'll come back for the next one and tell their friends.   This process isn't something you do in a week or even a month. It's a long-term strategy. It's part of the author life and part of our job. Have fun with it.    *** I hope some of that was useful and has given you some ideas for your marketing/promotional plans.   Another resource I would recommend is How to Market Your Book by Joanna Penn.   I'M READING: The Sixth Wicked Child Erick's Reading: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Next episode: Erick's Coaching Session, Part 2   Resources:  Productivity for Creative People: How to Get Creative Work Done in an "Always on" World by Mark McGuiness Essentialism by Greg McKeown Lore podcast (and Prime series)   Announcements:   I wanted to announce that my friend, colleague, and mentor, J Thorn, just launched his new book, Writing Scenes.  I'm especially excited about this because I contributed to the making of this book in several ways, and I feel quite proud of all I did. One of the example scenes in the book is one I submitted from my current work in progress (my memoir). I narrated that scene (in the Before and After example) in the audiobook. And I edited the book for J. It would tickle me if you picked up the book for yourself. Here's the link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes    Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Writer Craft Facebook Group The Author Life Community   Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

 Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 75 of the podcast and it's July 6, 2022 as we record this. Main Topic: Erick.    This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and we can make announcements for you on the podcast. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  I wanted to announce that my friend, colleague, and mentor, J Thorn, just launched his new book, Writing Scenes.  I'm especially excited about this because I contributed to the making of this book in several ways, and I feel quite proud of all I did. One of the example scenes in the book is one I submitted from my current work in progress (my memoir). I narrated that scene (in the Before and After example) in the audiobook. And I edited the book for J. It would tickle me if you picked up the book for yourself. Here's the link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/three-story-method-writing-scenes    Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account   Writer Craft Facebook Group The Author Life Community   Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)