Links I mentioned: Follow the Girl Games Kickstarter   If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What Substack is and how it works Utilizing “Notes” on Substack effectively Substack as a new... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Breaking into the US market as an international author In-person and virtual signings  Main benefits of... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Changes in indie publishing in the last 8 years Necessary skill sets for returning to... more

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty-seven between Rachael Herron and I.  Don't forget, Patrons get early access to... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Why reader magnets are important for authors Using TikTok to excel your author career How to... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Overview of the TikTok accountability challenge The biggest challenges in algorithm and audience shifts What content... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What brand keywords are and why authors should have them How keywords can guide an... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Using the consumer journey to build your author business How to start building an author... more

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty-six between Rachael Herron and I. Don't forget, Patrons get early access... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Different writing approaches for different genres Creating realistic monsters Advice for switching between genres Balancing different elements... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Artistic decisions when setting up a series The different types of series Importance of series unity What... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Maintaining a passion for writing while building a thriving business Dealing with rejection and criticism... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The importance of humour in fiction Different types of humour The principles of writing funny fiction Making... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The importance of personality in email marketing How often to send newsletters to your audience Tips... more

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty-five between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron episode... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What Kickstarter is and why authors should use it How to project manage better Aligning your... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Elements of a multidimensional villain Villain’s relationship with the protagonist Common mistakes when creating villains Developing back... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to use the enneagram in your work Infusing your personal experiences into your worldbuilding Fully... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Writing process of co-writing with an estate What the horror genre can uniquely express Common mistakes... more

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty-four between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The importance of SEO in an author’s online presence Understanding the intent behind a user’s... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The journey from indie to trad Tips for pitching and querying Biggest differences between trad and... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  A "brick-by-brick" strategy for building a 7-figure author career The role consistent output can play... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Differences between self-publishing, independent publishing, and traditional publishing Publishing across different genres Working with an agent... more

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty-three between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Tips for writing toxic characters and dialogue Approaching sensitive topics in a way that is... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What makes TikTok unique Adapting your content to suit TikTok’s short-form video format Finding your target... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Utilizing Instagram reels as an author Strategies to engage your audience on Instagram What an ‘audio... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The elements of a well-crafted reader persona Using a reader persona to connect with your... more

In this episode we cover:  Income update and breakdown Lesson 1: All in Works for Me Lesson 2: Capitalise if You Can Lesson 3:... more

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty-two between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron episode... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How planning series differs across genres Approaching the overall story arc in a cozy series Tools... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Ways an author’s writing career and non-writing career interact Balancing a writing career with other... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Key elements of a successful book cover design How to know when cover trends are... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How brains are hardwired to respond to storytelling Using brain science to creative more effective... more

Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number twenty one between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Myths around productivity in the indie community How to assess our own productivity Explaining procrastination with... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to outline a nonfiction book Tips for becoming your own publicist Content marketing in the... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Why tropes hook readers Differences between internal and external tropes Craft tips to make our tropes... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What serial fiction is and how it differs from non-serialised fiction Common mistakes new serial... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The fundamentals of historical romance Balancing historical accuracy with creative storytelling Creating historical authenticity in your... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is burnout Differentiating burnout from everyday stress Recovering from burnout How to establish better boundaries The importance... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The importance of representation in our books Writing trans and queer characters when cisgendered Harmful tropes... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What are tarot cards and how do they work How tarot cards can help authors... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The structure of a good pitch Finding the right podcasts to pitch to What authors should... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to pivot successfully Fiction vs. nonfiction author business structure Creating multiple streams of income The neuroscience... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is LitRPG and how it differs from fantasy Major craft pillars of LitRPG Elements of... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is the enneagram and how to use it as writers Motivation and why it... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Why audio is important Trends for audiobook publishing in 2024 How Podium works with indie authors Tips... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is Kickstarter? Incorporating Kickstarter into your business model Common mistakes with Kickstarter Driving traffic to your... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is queer joy Elements of the opposites attract trope Worldbuilding for contemporary romance  Writing relatable characters The... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How running a business is like being a parent Why write a nonfiction book? Staying resilient... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Highlights from Written Word Media’s 2023 author survey Indie author business structures What is meant by... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Important elements of author planning Overwhelm (both caused and relieved by planning) Goal setting and organizing Planning... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Common tropes of the horror genre Lessons learned from acting in and directing horror films The... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is the “why choose” genre Keeping characters unique in a large cast Writing interconnected romantic... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Creating an author-based marketing plan Boosting engagement on socials Finding your author voice, style, and brand Making... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Platforms for selling a multitude of products direct Creating your own book boxes Sourcing products and... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Story hypothesis and how it connects to theme Max-Neef’s nine needs Developing the journey of a... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Systems and structures to write faster Planning needed to write four books a year Why accountability... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Craft and business lessons from launching a series Creating and utilizing street teams successfully Using outreach... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Tools and software for selling direct Driving traffic to your Shopify store Lessons learned from selling... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Writing a children’s book from concept to completion Working with illustrators and translators Creating a high... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Personal development books Choosing what to read next Starting a new reading habit Reading effectively and taking... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Writing about gender equality and women’s issues Choosing which messages to refine in your book Managing... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Planning as an indie author Maker, manager and marketeer How to plan for 2024 What being a... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What does “editing for clarity” mean How to write with more clarity Developing self-editing skills When to... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to leverage folklore in your narrative Using folklore as the basis of a fictional... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Writing about taboo and controversial topics Educating readers through your work Working with sensitivity readers Setting and... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What the shadow is and its importance for writers Identifying shadow elements How to know if... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Business differences with middle grade fiction Marketing middle grade fiction How to engage with your audience Advice... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The four different types of series How to plan when writing a series Series arcs and... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  TikTok basics Ratio of engaging posts vs. promotional posts  Content creation ideas Capitalising on hype mode and... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The importance of setting in romance Romance subplot pacing Using a romance subplot to enhance the... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The importance of having a system Balancing creative work and parenting Techniques for the writing/publishing process Streamlining... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What the creator economy is Community building vs. writing books How to authentically monetize our community Expanding... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How fan-backed film development works Developing an indie series into a movie Creating contacts for character... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award Marketing tips to sell more books on Amazon Advice... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Overview of planning a novel Filling our creative wells Tips for brainstorming How to approach world building Things... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The difference between dialogue and exposition Making dialogue shine in the four parts of a... more

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

A big thank you to all of my lovely patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to self audit your marketing The importance of attention in the AI age Marketing structures... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Advice for cowriting The journey from indie to traditional publishing Tips for working with agents Lessons learned... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Mistakes creatives make with their time How to be better at saying no Dealing with self-sabbotage Voice... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Cardio for the mind Discipline and self-imposed deadlines How to be a fan of yourself Combatting fear Mental... more

Episode Show Notes: In this episode we cover: How to start selling direct Tools and software for selling direct Common mistakes when selling directly... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Lessons learned during the writing journey Rebranding a series Audience building and marketing focus Moving into... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is copywriting and why is it important Reframing your sales mindset Key marketing and copy... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Challenges and considerations when writing true crime Legal implications of the true crime genre Researching and... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is eco-fiction Balancing storytelling with conveying important messages Researching for eco-fiction stories The role of the... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  ACT: Audience, Content, Trigger Finding and understanding your audience Choosing keywords for Amazon ads Email and book... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Character creation and personification Writing elements to represent theme Bringing stories full circle Advice for writing dialogue Incorporating... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The difficulties and workarounds of marketing erotic content Common myths about erotica Tips for writing sex... more

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

In this episode we cover: The lessons I’ve learned from 4 years of writing full-time Business growth is personal growth The reader is... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What the Enneagram is How your type can lead you to a set of themes... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Working with a designer Being ‘on genre’ while still being unique Tips for an effective cover... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to create organic conflict Creating better banter Creating conflict while maintaining romantic tension Resolving conflict in... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Who TikTok works for Main types of content for authors to post Mistakes to avoid on... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Collaborating on marketing as niche authors Building relationships with other authors What channels work to reach... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Staying organized when promoting multiple series Deciding what to put in your business plan Investing in... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Why accessibility is important What is assistive technology Easy ways to make our content more accessible How... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Resources to create publishing trend predictions New channels coming on stream for authors How to get... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: Common mistakes when writing blurbs How to structure your blurb Strategies for writing blurbs Creating hooky taglines Triggers... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  First lines Using secrets in fiction Making settings a character How Ruby wrote A Game of Hearts... more

Well, this is the motherlode of write ups! I launched A Game of Hearts and Heists a spicy sapphic fantasy... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Revising vs editing Biggest editing mistakes authors make How to test your story goal The five story... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Getting to the end of your first draft Blocks, barriers and mistakes for beginner writers Finding... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is a hybrid author Deciding which publishing path to take Lessons learned in the author... more

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Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The differences between indie and trad publishing Advice for writing cozy fantasy Creating great descriptions Narrating your... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Myths about sleep Creating better quality of sleep Dealing with procrastination and overwhelm Imposter syndrome and comparison This... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The importance of the emotional journey Making your prose more emotional Tips for writing emotional stories How... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Writing about gender inequality in an engaging way Creating powerful female characters Advice for writing feminist... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to use Patreon as an author Producing content quickly and consistently Growing your subscription platform Engaging... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The different types of editing The editing process Line editing for different levels Using tools like ProWritingAid This... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What fantasy romance is Writing romantic tension Tips to writing sex scenes Audience building Creating boundaries with your... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Defining genre How to mix genres  Tropes with a twist Genre-specific mistakes to avoid This week’s question is:... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Planning systems How to plan effectively Planning for the unknown Balancing family and career Mindset shifts This week’s question... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Giving yourself permission Changing your mindset around writing How to start writing How to keep writing fun Quitting... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Japan The most common writer fears How to become fearless Approaches to perfectionism Approaches to failure This week’s question... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Advice for working full-time and trying to write Balancing caring duties and writing Boundaries, how to... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What elements make urban fantasy Crafting the urban fantasy voice Marketing urban fantasy Urban fantasy tropes This week’s... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What NaNo is and how to participate The community of NaNo Tips and tricks for setting... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The psychology of cozy mysteries Cozy tropes Mistakes to avoid  Craft advice for writing cozy mysteries Marketing for... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Mistakes to avoid when outlining or trying to write fast The 9 critical story beats  What... more

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

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What makes a historical novel Craft tips for historical novels Research tips for historical novels  Writing about... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Dozens of ideas for how to collaborate Ways to market your collaborative work Mistakes to avoid... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Can you pivot in 2022 and be successful? What are good reasons to pivot? What you... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What makes a good thriller How to market thrillers How to create pace and tension The voice... more

Hello Rebels,   And welcome to a special episode. Going forward, Rachael Herron and I will be doing a bonus episode each... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to approach a series Setting up a character arcs Series writing for “pantsers” Making every book... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How the literary agency landscape has changed How indie authors can work with agents Mistakes authors... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The foundations of managing social media How to track social media progress What content should authors... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What TikTok is and how it’s different from the other social platforms Types of content... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Definitions of best seller How to look at comparisonitis differently Examples of deconstruction  The what, why and... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Mistakes to avoid writing epic fantasy Marketing epic fantasy Trends in epic fantasy  How to keep readers... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Understanding the readerscape Mistakes authors make with their first series How writers can weave marketing into... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What genres are better suited to being wide vs in KU Best methods for managing... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Does skeleton drafting work for everyone? Skeleton draft mistakes to avoid An overview of the skeleton... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to approach a new genre How to market multiple genres How to research a new... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The most common mistakes authors make with beginnings What you need to establish in the... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The five types of intuition How to stop crushing your intuition Putting plotting vs pantsing to... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The difference between active and non active settings How to make your settings more active How... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to assess your time  Mistakes to avoid when trying to structure writing systems How to... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to collaborate effectively  Mistakes to avoid in collaborations How to approach writing humour The format and... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Overview of the genre and subgenres What makes a good erotica novel Terminology and language How to... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to approach and research trauma and mental health Trigger words and content words How to... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Top tips and tricks to get through your draft Mistakes to avoid Mindset barriers for first... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The income update Realising I’m not superhuman Refining and focusing on the money Being a better publisher Human... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How they felt as first time authors in 2022 How and why they chose their... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to write a retelling Mistakes to avoid with retellings How closely you need to stick... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is a niche? How to assess a niche How to find and assess comp authors The... more

Episode Show Notes Order your copy of The Rebel Diaries at all good stores: https://books2read.com/rebeldiaries Kobo Apple Amazon UK Amazon US   Find out more about the... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Lessons learned from writing short stories Mistakes to avoid Submission tips Anthology marketing tips How to organise and... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to include complex topics sensitively How to write difficult female relationships How get into the... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What Save the Cat is What the main beats are Mistakes to avoid with Save the... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Finding the balance between realistic detail and info dumping Making mental health representation realistic Taking care... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover: What are sex positive stories and where is the line between sex positive and... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Where to start with a mailing list How to build a mailing list Types of reader... more

Episode Show Notes: In this episode we cover:  What a professional network is and why you need one Tactics for building a network How... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is voice? How to create distinctive voice How does a character’s background influence voice Mistakes to... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What kickstarter is A run through a basic kickstarter How to market them The best types of... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The fundamentals of romance How to build tension and attraction How to write humour Tropes, HEAs and... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  How to find your genius Can you monetize your genius How to incorporate your genius into... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What is content marketing and repurposing Common mistakes to avoid with content marketing How to repurpose... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Marketing mindset principles The top 3 things everyone should to do market their books Budget marketing Launch... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What makes a good crime book Mistakes to avoid writing crime How to create mystery and... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What a magic system is The mistakes to avoid when building one How to test your... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What a good description looks like The structure of a good description Common blurb mistakes A rather... more

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Time management mistakes How to set and work with boundaries How to deal with interruptions, emails... more