Welcome to The Empowered Author podcast… discussion, tips, insights, and advice from those who’ve been-there-done-that. Helping you write, publish, and market your nonfiction book. Your podcast hosts are Boni and John Wagner-Stafford of Ingenium Books.
On this episode of The Ingenium Books Podcast we dive deep into the craft of storytelling and the art of writing. In today’s episode, we’re exploring a fundamental yet often underestimated element of great stories: setting.
Whether your tale unfolds in a bustling city or a quiet countryside, whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, the way you use setting can shape your story’s tone, atmosphere, and emotional impact.
But setting is more than just a backdrop for your characters—when used effectively, it becomes a character in its own right, with its own personality, mood, and influence on the narrative. Today, we’ll unpack how to treat setting as a dynamic force in your writing, how to use it to reflect themes and character development, and why specific details matter.
We’ll also discuss how setting can drive your plot, evoke symbolism, and even shape your characters’ behaviors and choices. And, of course, we’ll touch on the importance of research and cultural sensitivity when crafting believable and immersive settings.
So, whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, stay tuned as we explore how to make the most of your story’s setting and transform it into a powerful storytelling tool.
Our guest on this episode is Gila Green, a Canadian author of four novels, with a fifth and a sixth on the way. She has written books that span the Ottoman Empire, British-mandate Palestine, modern Israel, the Canada of the 1980s, present-day Canada, Johannesburg, and Kruger National Park in South Africa. She has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing She has taught creative writing, and she also teaches English as a Foreign Language at the Jerusalem College of Technology.
Support the Show.
Thanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
Are you a self-published author, pouring your heart and soul into your book only to face the heartbreak of returns? Picture this: a cautionary tale of a publisher forced to pay back royalties on a staggering 25,000 returned copies. The publishing industry is like a consignment store, where that initial sale to a bookstore is just the beginning of a risky ride. But fear not, because in this captivating episode, we unravel the secrets of protecting yourself financially, setting aside a reserve against returns. Stay tuned to discover how to navigate the treacherous waters of book returns and ensure your hard work doesn't go in vain.
Check your royalty report for the line item 'reserve against returns' and thank your publisher for protecting both of you. - John Wagner-Stafford
In this episode, you will:
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the show
Thanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
In this riveting episode of The Ingenium Books Podcast, author Ivan Scott defies the odds as he shares his journey through more than 300 rejections from traditional publishers, overcoming dyslexia, and achieving his dreams. With his mantra of "find a way or find an excuse," Ivan's story and positive attitude will inspire you no matter what obstacles you face in your author journey.
"With dyslexia, I have to go from A to B, over to C, then to D, then to E and F. Oh, okay, now I'm where I need to be. It just takes me a diftferen.t path to get tere. And now that I have figured out how to do it, that's the way that I roll." — Ivan Scott
In this episode, you will:
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the show
Thanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
Author Kathy Wagner (no relation to the hosts) shares her journey to a traditional publishing offer, revealing the challenges of gaining media attention and recognition for her memoir, along with the joy of achieving what she had set out to do.
Kathy's story shows us the value of perseverance, and teaches us that there is virtually no path to publishing that doesn't involve some hard work on behalf of the author. Listen as Kathy explores the opportunities and frustrations of being a new author, and pursues the visibility and success she seeks for her book.
Being able to hold on to hope was a lifeline through early grief, and knowing that I could write this book with a purpose of providing hope for others gave me a pathway forward for my own healing. — Kathy Wagner
In this episode, you will learn about:
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the show
Thanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by your lack of book sales, despite your efforts to utilize email marketing, then you are not alone. Many authors find themselves stuck in a cycle of sending out newsletters, freebies, and promotional emails, only to see minimal results. Instead of seeing increased book sales and stronger connections with readers, you may be experiencing low open rates, unresponsive subscribers, and a sense of wasted time and energy.
"Email is the most overlooked marketing channel, but it's the highest ROI channel with the highest engagement. It is — or it can be — a huge and active group of people, and it an an audience you own. It's the most reliable and direct access you can have."
— Matt Treacey
In this episode, you will learn how to:
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Sign up for Matt Treacey's email marketing consultation services: Visit Matt's website to learn more about his services and how he helps clients improve their email marketing strategy.
Purchase Matt Treacey's book Natural Orders: Email Marketing Automation Strategy for Small Online Business to discover valuable insights on taking your email strategy to the next level.
Join the Ingenium Books Books podcast community: Subscribe to the Ingenium Books Books podcast on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on the latest episodes featuring authors, publishers, and changemakers.
Follow Matt Treacey on social media: Connect with Matt on social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay updated on his latest insights and tips on email marketing.
Attend a webinar or workshop on email marketing: Keep an eye out for upcoming webinars or workshops hosted by Matt Treacey or other industry experts to deepen your knowledge and skills
Support the show
Thanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
Do you aspire to be a TEDx speaker? Are you eager to achieve the desired outcome of becoming a captivating presenter on the TEDx stage? Look no further. In this episode, our esteemed guest, Ingenium Books' author Marjorie Aunos, shares her invaluable insights on how to navigate the process of becoming a TEDx speaker. With her expertise, you can unlock the key to becoming a compelling TEDx speaker and realize your dream of captivating audiences worldwide.
Every time I spoke, I felt more empowered, and I felt my message got clearer...my voice is still there. And because I am now a mom with a disability, my voice is actually louder, or it resonates differently to many different people.
— Marjorie Aunos, author of Mom on Wheels and TedX Speaker
In this episode you will find out about:
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the show
Thanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
Join us as we delve into the world of book launch events with author Colleen Clark. Discover the secrets to creating a successful and impactful event, filled with symbolism, intention, and collaboration. Don't miss this story of the book launch event to top all book launch events.
I've always been aware that we can't do things on our own. This book launch was an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge all of us, because we're part of a collective that makes things possible. - Colleen Clark
In this episode, you will be able to:
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:08 - Background of Colleen Clark
00:04:12 - Initial Resistance to Book Launch Event
00:08:25 - Choosing the Location
00:09:50 - Symbolism of the Feather
00:12:50 - The Spectacular Cake
00:17:45 - The Giving Back Component
00:19:31 - Books and Book Signing
00:20:52 - The Food and Ambience
00:23:19 - Women of Inspiration Award Nomination
00:25:13 - The Meaning Behind the Title
I saw this book launch as the biggest party I've ever thrown, a chance to say thank you and honour everyone who has supported me on this incredible journey. - Colleen Clark
This is Colleen Clark 's story:
Colleen Clark is a clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience. As a recognized trauma expert, Colleen had always felt the urge to share her knowledge and insights. Her book, "Come Passion: The Soulful ART of Healing Trauma," published in April 2023. Colleen soon realized the significance of celebrating this milestone in her career. She wanted her book launch event to be a memorable and impactful experience, a true celebration of collaboration and gratitude. Colleen meticulously planned every detail, from the venue to the decorations, ensuring that each element reflected her spiritual beliefs and the essence of her work. Feathers, symbolizing compassion and delicate healing, were intricately incorporated throughout the event, from the book covers to the decorations and even the cake. The program included speeches from supportive friends, colleagues, and even Colleen's own granddaughter, for a truly meaningful occasion. The event was a success, with attendees eagerly purchasing and requesting personalized signed copies of the book. Colleen's book launch event was a testament to the power of collaboration, compassio
Support the show
Thanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
So, you've written the first draft of your book? Yay! Congratulations! But...does that mean it's ready to go to your editor? Does that mean it's ready for publishing?
NO!
On this episode we're talking about your first round of self-editing, and we're going to lay out a process and an approach to help you get from here to there. I'm with Amie McCracken for this conversation. Amie is a publishing director, author, editor, typesetter, and proofreader.
"Break down the daunting editing process into manageable steps to truly celebrate your progress and quantify how much further you need to go." —Amie McCracken
In this episode, you will be able to:
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Celebrating the First Draft
00:03:06 - The Reverse Outline
00:08:21 - Structural Analysis of Chapters
00:12:26 - Questions to Ask About Scenes
00:15:23 - Scenes vs. Chapters
00:17:55 - The Importance of Editing and Drafting Separately
00:19:23 - Self-Editing Before Seeking Professional Help
00:20:56 - Consistency and Smoothing
00:25:42 - The Final Polishing Stage
00:27:49 - Setting Deadlines and Stopping Editing
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the show
Thanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
Are you prepared to challenge how you think about your writer's voice? If you think, as I did before this podcast interview, that your writer's voice is mainly how your personality shows through, you're in for a surprise. It's true that our "writing voice" is how we "sound" in our writing, or the persona your reader detects as they read your words. But it's also more than that. My new understanding is all thanks to the newest book by Anne Janzer, called The Writer's Voice. In the introduction to her book, Anne asks us to consider whether our writing voice lives in the words on the page. Or is it part of our personality as a writer? Or is it a bag of stylistic tricks? Or, even more intriguing to me, is what role the reader plays in determining our voice.
"Rhythm matters. Rhythm affects how when people have a chance for things to seep in and understand. Paragraph breaks give people organizational structure to inhabit the things that you're writing about.” —Anne Janzer
Whether you write fiction or nonficton, I believe this conversation could be a gamechanger for you.
Anne Janzer is a nonfiction book coach and the author of multiple award-winning books on writing, including The Writer’s Process and Writing to Be Understood. She is fascinated by the science and mystery of writing, and is always searching for clues to better communication.
In this episode, you will:
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:01 - Introduction to The Writer's Voice
00:03:15 - Discovering and Shifting Writing Voices
00:08:01 - Playing with Punctuation
00:11:55 - The Inner Reading Voice and Rhythm
00:13:47 - The Muse and the Scribe
00:16:54 - The Importance of Both Muse and Scribe
00:18:04 - Words that Pack a Punch
00:21:51 - The Role of the Reader in Determining Voice
00:25:31 - Presence or Absence
00:28:37 - Writing Voices and Ghostwriting
00:32:28 - The Importance of Writing in the Book
00:33:44 - Discovering New Aspects of Voice
00:33:56 - Nonfiction Book Coaching and Geeky Talks
00:34:31 - The Fertile Void
00:35:08 - Find Out More about Anne Janzer
Support the show
Thanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
Join us as David Morris, an independent publisher, shares his insights on the importance of understanding sales data and effectively communicating it to authors. But what happens when an author receives unexpected sales feedback that leaves them questioning their future in the industry? Find out in this suspenseful episode of The Ingenium Books Podcast.
In this small publishing environment, you have the opportunity to fix things. You can create a new model. You can work more quickly. I can pass more money on to authors. I can give far more attention to authors. - David Morris
If there is someone who appreciates values in the realm of independent publishing, it has to be David Morris. With a noteworthy career in publishing corporate entities, he brings a unique and broad perspective to the independent publishing landscape. His venture, Lake Drive Books, is a testament to this unique blend of knowledge and experience. David has been dedicated to understanding sales data and distilling it into meaningful insights for his authors, making him an indispensable resource for beginners and seasoned authors alike. His academic grounding in Psychology and Religion from Drew University further adds depth to his understanding and enhances the support he provides for authors.
In this episode you will:
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
In a world where indie authors often face countless rejections, one woman dared to dream differently. Andrea Wehlann, a yoga teacher and author, developed an ingenious way to infiltrate the elusive world of bookstores. To date, she's held book signings or other book-related events at a whopping ten bookstores! But it wasn't just her enchanting words or incredible covers that captured the attention of book store owners. It was her approach. As we delve into her journey, we uncover the secret behind her success.
"You can have whatever you work for and whatever you dream. Just keep at it and know that you can achieve it."
—Andrea Wehlann
Andrea Wehlann is a three-time author who has used her passion for the yogi lifestyle to fuel her unique approach to promoting her books. Publishing poetry and yoga-inspired work, Andrea decided to take the less beaten path in book promotion by approaching bookstores personally. She masterfully leveraged her love for yoga and spirituality to offer events that appealed to the stores' customer base. In a marketplace swarming with authors, Andrea created her niche by offering unique, value-added experiences.
In this episode you will:
Resources:
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
Meet Corrina Grace, the changemaker who, we believe, has shattered the mold. From her early career as an engineer in Australia, to founder of a Central American nonprofit organization called Seres, Corrina’s passion for climate justice took her on an unexpected journey — to Guatemala, where she had a realization that changemaking had become elitist, something the wealthy and powerful think they must do for those they believe are not powerful and disenfranchised.
Corrina’s book, The Weaver’s Way, shows us how she challenged her own concept of what it meant to be a leader driving change. Dive into the pages of The Weaver's Way with us, and embark on a transformative adventure that will leave you questioning what it truly means to be a hero.
In this episode you will:
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:21 - About Corrina Grace
00:03:02 - The Purpose of "The Weaver's Way"
00:06:08 - The Decision to Write a Book
00:11:41 - Challenges of Self-Promotion
00:16:04 - Reaching a Larger Audience
00:17:00 - Setting Expectations
00:19:44 - Democratizing the Practice of Change Making
00:21:15 - Education for the Next Generation
00:22:44 - Geographic Receptivity to the Message
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
Are you struggling to get media coverage to promote your books and grow your author platform? When you do get the coverage, are you frustrated by media interviews that don't generate the traction you want?
We've brought in internationally recognized, award winning public relations expert Tracy Lamourie to help you crack the media code and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
In this podcast, you'll discover:
Tune in now to learn from an expert public relations pro and crack the code to publicity that elevates your writing career.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:20 - Tracy Lamourie's Background
00:03:36 - Difference Between Publicity and PR
00:07:41 - The Role of a Publicist
00:10:49 - Control in Publicity and PR
00:12:57 - Getting Started with Written Interviews
00:14:01 - Understanding Media Needs and Goals
00:15:25 - Leveraging Your Expertise for Publicity
00:18:09 - Managing Messages During Interviews
00:23:46 - Return on Investment (ROI) and Publicity
00:25:06 - The Importance of Online Presence
00:26:06 - Elevating Thought Leadership
00:26:46 - The Impact of Media Coverage
00:28:31 - Finding the Right Clients
00:29:35 - Elevate and Celebrate
Recommendations:
Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com
Connect with us here:
· ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
Have you ever heard these myths about writing for the page versus writing for the screen? Myth number one: All you have to do is adapt your novel into a screenplay. Myth number two: Screenwriting is easier because you don't have to worry about descriptions or internal thoughts. And myth number three: Writing for the page requires more creativity than writing for the screen. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Laura Elliott, a seasoned author and screenwriter, who will debunk these myths and share the truth about the key differences between writing for the page and writing for the screen. Tune in to gain valuable insights into both forms of storytelling.
In this episode, you will:
· Discover the intriguing journey of transforming a book into a screenplay.
· Explore the unique nuances between writing for the printed page and scripting for a visual medium.
· Delve into the challenges and opportunities screenwriting presents, including a fresh perspective on telling your story.
· Understand the relationship between the author and the screenwriter, illuminating the creative process.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:23 - The Difference Between Books and Movies
00:05:17 - How Laura Elliott Got into Screenwriting
00:07:54 - Length Differences Between Books and Movies
00:12:11 - Learning Screenwriting and the Importance of Table Reads
00:17:20 - Starting a Book and Screenplay
00:19:34 - Heightening Drama in Screenwriting
00:23:45 - Synergy Between Author and Screenwriter
00:26:28 - Finding the Right Producer
00:28:05 - Taking the First Step
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
· Check out the book Story by Robert McKee to learn more about screenwriting.
· Explore the possibility of adapting your book into a screenplay for the big or small screen.
· Read The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynn Reid Banks and watch the movie adaptation to see the differences between the two.
· Consider distilling your story down to its essence for a screen adaptation, focusing on the most dramatic parts.
· Study the three-act structure for feature films and the five-act structure for TV series.
· If you have a true story to tell, consider adapting it into a screenplay to bring it to a broader audience.
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
In this episode, Jane Friedman shares valuable advice on publishing and marketing for authors. Discover how to find your book buying audience, plan successful book launches, and the role of literary agents. But what happens when an author engages a non-book buying audience? Find out in this episode...
In this second of a two-part interview, we welcome Jane Friedman, a publishing industry expert with extensive knowledge in author marketing and a renowned editor within the industry. Jane is the chief editor of The Hotsheet, an industry newsletter highly sought-after for maintaining an insightful pulse on the publishing industry's latest trends. Authors throughout the literary community respect her for her ability to help them understand the complexities of — among other things — their book buying audience. With an industry-specific viewpoint that is both discerning and wide-ranging, Jane is an invaluable source of guidance for authors navigating the publishing world.
In this episode:
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:02:28 - Common Questions from Authors
00:03:38 - Navigating the Publishing Landscape
00:05:57 - Publishers and Data
00:10:07 - Embracing Marketing as an Author
00:17:17 - Identifying Your Book Buying Audience
00:18:59 - Collaborating on Book Launches
00:23:53 - The Role of Literary Agents
00:27:40 - Getting an Agent in Today's Market
00:28:30 - Jane Friedman's Work and Resources
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
Have you heard these myths about the impact of AI on the publishing industry? Myth #1: AI will replace authors, leaving them without a job. Myth #2: AI-generated content will flood the market, making it difficult for publishers to stand out. Myth #3: AI will eliminate the need for human creativity in writing. Join us in this episode as we debunk these myths and get to the truth about the impact of AI on authors and publishers. Our guest, Jane Friedman, an expert in the publishing industry, will share insights on how AI is shaping the future of publishing and how authors and publishers can adapt to thrive in this changing landscape.
Jane Friedman is not just an industry commentator but an astute observer whose analysis helps authors, publishers, and enthusiasts stay ahead of the curve. She writes 'The Hotsheet,' the bi-weekly newsletter that has become the go-to resource for those interested in books and publishing. Jane operates where foresight meets expertise, constantly monitoring changes while sharing her thoughts and advice for her audience.
In this episode, you will:
We also talk with Jane about the recent collapse of Scribe Media; resignations in the upper echelons of Canadian book retailing icon Indigo; and whether we're seeing more globalization or more localization in publishing.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
In the tumultuous journey of book launching, Yvonne Caputo's path took an unexpected turn. As she poured her heart into her 2nd book, Dying with Dad, little did she know that her marketing strategies would lead her down a captivating and unforeseen path. With the help of Ingenium Books, Yvonne discovered the power of podcasts, Facebook groups, and reader reviews. But it was her ventures into speaking engagements and book clubs that brought a surprising twist to her book's journey. Brace yourself for the unexpected as Yvonne's story unfolds, revealing the incredible impact of her message.
In this episode, you will learn about:
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction to "Dying with Dad",
00:02:05 - Becoming Comfortable with Talking About Death,
00:05:36 - The Elephant in the Living Room,
00:06:39 - The Beautiful Conversation with Yvonne's Father,
00:11:28 - Fulfilling Yvonne's Father's Final Wish,
00:18:08 - Launching "Dying with Dad",
00:21:28 - Protecting Emotional Well-being,
00:25:00 - Self-Care for Readers,
00:27:12 - Importance of the Message,
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://ingeniumbookspodcast.com
· https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://ingeniumbooks.com
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://instagram.com/ingeniumbooks
Do you want your listeners to be fully immersed in your audiobooks? Do you want them to experience the emotions of the story on a deeper level? We have the solution for you. In this episode, John Wagner-Stafford will be sharing his expertise on how to create dramatized audiobooks with original music and sound effects. The result is improved emotional immersion for your listeners, allowing them to feel like they are a part of the story. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating compelling audiobooks that keep your listeners engaged from start to finish.
In this episode, you will:
John Wagner-Stafford has dedicated his career to the art of music and audio production as a means to generate emotional responses and support storytelling. As cofounder of Ingenium Books, his skills in sound design and narrative development allow him to craft immersive audiobooks that leave lasting impressions on listeners. His unique approach to creating dramatized audiobooks incorporates diverse voice acting, original music compositions, and carefully selected sound effects to bring stories to life with unparalleled emotional depth and impact. John's work continues to redefine the audiobook experience for authors, publishers, and audiences.
Elements of Immersive Audiobooks
Creating immersive or cinematic audiobooks involves several key elements, including professional narration and voice acting, appropriate sound effects, and ideally, original music. Selecting the right type of book for an immersive audiobook is crucial—emotionally-driven works of fiction that establish a strong connection with the reader are typically more suitable, whereas non-fiction how-to guides may not benefit as much from this format. John Wagner-Stafford highlighted how he effectively combined these elements in the making of Nova: The Courage to Rise. This immersive audiobook features eight distinctive characters supported by a rich, emotional music soundtrack, and professional voice acting.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.linkedin.com/https:/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://ingeniumbooks.com/ingenium-podcast/
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
Ingenium Books is back with another podcast episode, discussing the challenge of finding time to write and be creative. But what happens when you prioritize the wrong things and forget about your own self-care? Join hosts Boni and John Wagner Stafford as they share their personal morning habits that have transformed their energy levels, focus, and joy in their work and creativity. But what surprising, life-changing moment prompted their commitment to self-care? Find out in this episode.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Positive energy, clear thinking, easy thinking. There's not a lot of clutter in my life and everything that I do, then the gym, of course, is interesting. Great habit if you can exercise regularly. —John Wagner-Stafford
Importance of Healthy Habits
Embracing healthy habits is fundamental for creative individuals who want to maximize their potential. A well-balanced lifestyle includes a morning mindfulness and gratitude focus, a nutritious diet, ample sleep, and regular exercise. This not only fuels the body but also cultivates a mindset that is primed for creativity. By maintaining discipline in their daily routine, creative professionals can optimize their productivity while nurturing their overall wellbeing. Boni Wagner-Stafford emphasizes the significance of self-care, specifically by avoiding sugar, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods. Instead, she advocates consuming abundant vegetables and portion control. Adopting these habits has not only given her more energy and focus but has also created a strong foundation for her creative endeavours.
"I always was putting the things I wanted to do, including my own health-focused self-care, last, and it showed. I was quite miserable. I just don't have that feeling anymore." — Boni Wagner-Stafford
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.linkedin.com/https:/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://ingeniumbooks.com/ingenium-podcast/
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
Dr. Jack Rocco confronts the complexities of adoption and its aftermath through his compelling memoir, Recycled, aiming to understand and accept the irregularities of his life while urging society to rethink how we approach each adoption case.
Do you long for a deeper understanding of yourself and your past? Are you an adoptee struggling to process traumatic experiences? Have you considered writing a memoir? As a tool for self-discovery and healing, memoir writing can help you gain insight into your identity and find acceptance. In this episode, Dr. Jack Rocco will share with you the solution of using memoir writing as a way to achieve improved self-understanding and self-acceptance. By exploring your past through the written word, you can achieve a sense of closure and peace, and move forward with a greater sense of purpose and clarity.
In this episode, you will be able to:
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Becoming an Author and Making Sense of Life Through Memoir Writing
00:01:03 - Identifying Your "Why" Before Writing a Book
00:02:30 - Dr. Jack Rocco's Memoir "Recycled" and Self-Discovery
00:06:05 - Impact of Adoption on Society
00:17:37 - Adoption Narrative post Roe v. Wade
00:19:16 - The Complex Relationships in Adoption
00:20:44 - The Effects of Adoption on the Child
00:23:20 - Accepting Irregularities and Offering Grace
00:29:40 - Becoming a Mentor
00:34:26 - Recycled: A Reluctant Search for True Self
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.linkedin.com/https:/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://ingeniumbooks.com/ingenium-podcast/
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
Join us as we delve into the anatomy of a Wall Street Journal bestseller campaign with publisher Boni Wagner-Stafford and publishing manager Nancy Cavillones. Discover the strategy and hard work involved in achieving this prestigious milestone for authors.
In this episode, you will:
Why Authors Want to Achieve Bestseller Status
Reaching bestseller status is a prized achievement for many authors, providing visibility in the literary world, recognition in their respective fields, and potential invitations for speaking engagements. Becoming a Wall Street Journal bestseller carries additional prestige, as the list is based on sales rather than editorial decisions. This sought-after accomplishment offers a sense of validation and pride for authors, as well as the possibility of increased book sales. However, not all books have the potential to reach bestseller status. Therefore, authors must target specific readers, assess their subject matter, and develop a compelling content strategy to achieve this goal. Boni Wagner-Stafford and Nancy Cavillones discuss the importance of bestseller status for indie authors, including the validation it provides and the potential benefits of increased recognition and book sales. Drawing on their experience running successful WSJ campaigns, they emphasize the need for authors to understand their audience, focus on relevant topics, and create a solid content strategy, which are key factors in successfully reaching Wall Street Journal bestseller status.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:06 - Introduction
00:02:02 - Why Authors Want to Achieve Bestseller Status
00:05:38 - Starting a Wall Street Journal Bestseller Campaign
00:12:38 - Content Strategy
00:19:02 - PR vs Social Media
00:20:13 - Book Reviews
00:26:05 - Email Blasts
00:29:27 - Conclusion and Farewell.
"Achieving a spot on a bestseller list or a bestseller status is more of a social thing than a material thing." - Boni Wagner-Stafford
Are you an Indie author with dreams of hitting the Wall Street Journal bestseller list? Well, before you start planning your victory dance, have you heard these three common myths that may be holding you back? Don't worry, we're here to bust these misconceptions and share the truth about achieving bestseller status as an Indie author.
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.linkedin.com/https:/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://ingeniumbooks.com/ingenium-podcast/
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
Are you tired of feeling like your writing is falling flat? Have you been told to show, don't tell without ever really understanding what that means or how to do it effectively? If so, you're not alone. Do you want to take your writing to the next level with a perfect balance of showing and telling? Look no further! Marie Beswick-Arthur and Amie McCracken have the solution to enhance your storytelling with a harmonious blend of descriptive details and narrative clarity. Get ready to master the art of immersive and captivating writing.
Boni Wagner-Stafford, host of the Ingenium Books podcast, welcomes expert guests Marie Beswick-Arthur and Amie McCracken to discuss the elusive art of balancing show and tell in writing. Both Marie and Amie are accomplished writers and editors, each bringing their unique perspectives and insights on the importance of creating engaging, powerful narratives. Marie's expertise lies in crafting rich, multi-layered dialogue that serves as a workhorse for advancing the plot, while Amie focuses on the intricacies of character development and the use of strong, active language. Together, these two literary professionals offer invaluable guidance to aspiring writers seeking to:
"One line of dialogue can talk about setting, can introduce a mood, advance a plot, and show you the character."
The key moments in this episode are:
00:01:28 - Differing Points of View on Show vs Tell
00:04:12 - Defining Show vs. Tell
00:06:59 - Example of Telling
00:12:37 - The Role of Naming Emotions
00:18:47 - Writing with a Balance of Show and Tell
00:21:40 - Aligning Showing and Telling in Dialogue
00:23:06 - When to focus on Show vs. Tell
00:25:47 - Resources to improve Show vs. Tell
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.linkedin.com/https:/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://ingeniumbooks.com/ingenium-podcast/
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
Dr. Peter Silverstone's quest to revolutionize mental health treatment took an unexpected turn when he stumbled upon a shocking discovery. The implications are mind-blowing, and the future of mental health therapy may never be the same. But what did he find?
There is real potential, there is real hope, there is real optimism.
Our special guest is Dr. Peter Silverstone
Meet Dr. Peter Silverstone, an accomplished psychiatrist, researcher, and scientist who specializes in the potential applications of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for severe mental health disorders. Dr. Silverstone's expertise in this field is showcased in his Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "The Promise of Psychedelics: Science-Based Hope for Better Mental Health."
There was a time when Dr. Peter Silverstone found himself perplexed by the staggering number of people affected by mental health disorders worldwide. As a dedicated physician, he wanted to explore new avenues for helping those who didn’t respond to traditional treatments. Dr. Silverstone's curiosity led him to investigate the potential of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for severe mental health disorders, an area shrouded in controversy and taboo.
Ranking PsychedelicsAs research into the potential benefits of psychedelic substances for mental health treatment continues, a number of substances have shown promise in this field. Sorting and categorizing these psychedelics by their clinical usefulness can help professionals better understand their capabilities and applications in therapeutic settings.
Dr. Peter Silverstone shares his perspective on ranking psychedelics during his conversation with Boni Wagner-Stafford on The Ingenium Books Podcast. Dr. Silverstone considers psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA to be the most promising candidates for prescription use in limited cases. By organizing and discussing these substances in his book, he provides valuable information for understanding the potential uses, limitations, and risks of psychedelic therapy.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.linkedin.com/https:/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://ingeniumbooks.com/ingenium-podcast/
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
Authors, are you tired of hearing these myths about launching your book?
Myth #1: Launching a book is a one-time event.
Myth #2: It's best to focus solely on writing and worry about marketing later.
Myth #3: Preparing the market takes too much time and effort.
Well, get ready to debunk these misconceptions, because John & Boni Wagner-Stafford of Ingenium Books are here to share the truth about strategically launching your book.
In this episode, you will:
•Discover the significance of investing time in market preparation for desired outcomes.
•Gain valuable insights into the essential components of the publishing timeline.
•Uncover the crucial role of marketing within the publishing process.
•Learn how refining your book for quality standards leads to overall success.
•Develop strategies for generating buzz prior to publication to elevate visibility and sales.
John Wagner-Stafford is cofounder and CFO of Ingenium Books, and a creative entrepreneur who has managed complex and large-scale projects — from film and television soundtracks to award-winning video games to bestselling book projects at Ingenium Books. Together with Boni, publisher and award-winning former journalist, and the rest of the team at Ingenium Books, this expertise in market preparation and its crucial role in a successful book launch has helped them launch bestsellers and award-winners.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
1.Check out Publishing for Profit, by Thomas Woll, for a three-year timeline of the traditional publishing process.
2.Start preparing the manuscript right away and engage in editing and rewriting as necessary.
3.Begin competitive analysis early on and take note of competing titles, cover designs, pricing, and other factors.
4.Create a design brief for the cover design team and give them four-to-six weeks of lead time, if possible.
5.Work on the layout of the book while waiting for the cover concepts to come in.
6.Create a list of potential endorsers or editorial reviewers and keep track of the status of your requests on a spreadsheet.
7.Keep the target reader or audience in mind throughout the entire process and ensure that the content meets their expectations.
8.Focus marketing efforts on the target reader and where they can be reached.
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.linkedin.com/https:/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://ingeniumbooks.com/ingenium-podcast/
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
First up, it's a new season and a new name! Boni and John discuss the reasons for the name change from The Empowered Author Podcast to the Ingenium Books Podcast. Then we dive in to the wonderful ways to find passion and purpose in publishing.
Are you tired of being told to just keep writing more books, without any real progress in your pursuit of getting your book published and to market? Are you confused about which publishing approach is right for you? You're not alone. In this episode, we'll explore alternative paths to success and reveal how branching out beyond traditional book publishing can lead to exciting new avenues for your work. Get ready to discover untapped opportunities and unlock your potential in the world of independent publishing.
In this episode, you will be able to:
The key moments in this episode are:
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Support the showThanks for listening! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (@ingeniumbooks) or visit our website at ingeniumbooks.com.
· https://www.facebook.com/ingeniumbooks
· https://www.linkedin.com/https:/company/ingeniumbooks/
· https://www.youtube.com/@ingeniumbooks
· https://ingeniumbooks.com/ingenium-podcast/
· https://www.twitter.com/ingeniumbooks
The sell sheet is a tool that helps retailers see how your book can help them reach, engage and satisfy their customers. The sell sheet can help us achieve our goals for sales, reviews and promotion but it is also a powerful tool for working with retailers and buyers. As authors, we are often reluctant to talk up our books, and ourselves. Sell sheets help us get over this discomfort and give retailers what they need to know in order to position your book in their store. In this episode, publisher Boni Wagner-Stafford and marketing expert Stephanie Feger chat with Ingenium Books authors and answer their questions about sell sheets, and how to use them.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
It could be said that an author's work is never done—even after the book is written and published. Marketing the book is an ongoing endeavour. On this episode we talk about how mindset can either help or hinder your efforts. Your book marketing mindset can either help you achieve your goals or forever keep you playing small. You choose. Our guest is Yvonne Caputo, author of the memoir/biography Flying With Dad.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Money, money, money: it’s always about money. Whether you’re at the beginning of your author journey, in the middle of it or at the other end and you’re selling books like hotcakes, you’ve got to deal with the money. So we are talking money stuff today and thrilled to have with us, Mark Leslie Lefebvre and D.F. Hart – or Deanna Hart.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
As an author, it doesn’t take very long after you’ve published your book – and sometimes even before you’ve published your book – before you are going to be required to speak in front of an audience. Now that audience may be live, although much less so during the days of COVID. But virtual, it may be with video; it may be audio only; it may be person to person; it may be in a bookstore. Who knows? But public speaking in any of those circumstances is not always something that either comes naturally to authors or can be very – or it can be very uncomfortable. So we’re going to dig into public speaking for authors today with some tips and some personal experiences from somebody who does a lot of public speaking. And that is Marjorie Aunos, the author of the – at the time of this recording – forthcoming book titled “Mom on Wheels” and Yvonne Caputo the author of "Flying With Dad" and the forthcoming second book titled "Dying With Dad"
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Traditional publishers are all looking for the same thing as they consider which authors and books to take on: a solid manuscript, a unique approach and clear audience, and an author with a platform. As indie authors, the conventional wisdom is that you also want to have an author platform.... the bigger the better. But what if that advice doesn't always hold? That's what we're talking about today with Anne Janzer, author of Get the Word Out.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
There's a really good reason that traditional and hybrid publishers leave plenty of time between the book being finished and the actual publish date: and that's to give launch marketing and street team efforts sometime to work in your favour.
There are all kinds of things you can do, as an author, to give your book the best chance of making a splash in the marketplace on and after publish date.
Today we're talking with one author about what she did that worked for her — with respect to her launch team, or her street team. Tanya Hackney is author of Leaving the Safe Harbor: The Risks and Rewards of Raising a Family on a Boat.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Writing a book is often a solitary venture. Some might even say it can be lonely.
It doesn’t have to be, though. Teaming up with another author can make for a better book. It can even change history: just look at how Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward brought down a president with their coverage of and subsequent book about the Watergate scandal in All the President’s Men.
Coauthoring a book involves a different process – and the process is different for different coauthoring teams too. In this Empowered Authors Podcast interview, Tricia Jacobson and Marie Beswick-Arthur share how they did it.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
If you're an author, or you're working toward becoming an author, you can't get very far down the road before you encounter publishing contracts. Perhaps your eyes glaze over and you just sign what's in front of you, or your anxiety goes through the roof as you try to read and understand the legal language. There are some key concepts it pays to become familiar with, perhaps even comfortable. We're going to talk author and publisher contracts today to take you down this road. Super happy to have Joe Sisto joining us today. Joe is founder of Sisto Entertainment & Business Law Services — a boutique law office that provides legal counsel to media and entertainment industry clients in all aspects of the development, production, financing, licensing and distribution of film, television, book publishing, theatre, music and new media.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
No doubt you’ve heard, by now, about the legal dispute between Dawn Dorland and Sonya Larson, brought to light by a recent New York Times article titled “Who Is the Bad Art Friend?”, written by Robert Kolker and published in October of 2021 in The New York Times Magazine. This case begs the question: how much can we draw from our own life, and the life of others, before it veers into sticky plagiarism and copyright territory?
Another case, this one in London, centres on two cookbooks that have strikingly similar phrasing in describing food traditions, as reported by The Bookseller and The Guardian, among other outlets.
Boni and John recently discussed these two cases, and what it means for authors, on The Empowered Author podcast, which you can listen to right here, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaways.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
When it comes to social media, authors are no different from anyone else: if we want to raise awareness and engage in conversations with new people and new networks, we probably want to be active on social media.
But what do you do on social media? What do you say? Do you create posts using a carefully crafted persona? Or you do adhere to a rigorous campaign of authenticity.
Like so much in the publishing realm... the answer is that it depends. But there are some recent — and illuminating — cautionary tales.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
What if there was a way for you to help more readers discover your book? To determine whether your book will help them, whether that's by entertaining them, exposing them to new experiences or ideas, showing them how to do something new, or otherwise to enrich their lives. Wouldn't that be great?
Well, there IS just such a way. It isn't necessarily an easy or quick fix, but it is tested, tried, and true. What is it?
It's the reader review. And today we're discussing all things reader reviews — how to get them, and then what to do with them once you get them. Joining us today is Roseanne Cheng from Evergreen Authors.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Boni and John from Ingenium Books discuss a relatively new trend in publishing: hybrid or partnership publishing. Actually, hybrid publishing has been around for a long time: it's been a model selectively employed by traditional publishers in certain cases. What is it? What are the benefits? Is it right for you? What about industry standards?
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
We are here today to talk about something that might trip one or two authors up every now and again, certainly at the beginning of their journey into being an author and that is point of view or POV. And related to that is the narrator's psychological distance. I am joined by Amy McCracken. And Amy is one of the fabulous people that we have working with us behind the scenes at Ingenium Books. She's an author. She's an author coach. She's an editor, proofreader and typesetter.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Let’s debunk some of the most pervasive myths and look at the top ten publishing lies told to indie authors. If you’re a novice to publishing, you’ve probably already come across a ton of conflicting information. A big reason for this is that the publishing landscape has changed immensely in the past decade or two and what was true for an author who published their first book twenty years ago is not necessarily true for a new author today.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Book titles. Who hasn't spent hours... days! months! working on just the right book title? What's the purpose of your book title? Why does it matter? What if someone else has published a book with the same or similar title? That's what we're talking about today... with guest Stephanie Feger of emPowerPR, where she helps nonfiction authors with marketing.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
The intersection of money and authors is littered with confusing road signs and paved with uncertainty. Well beyond "how much can I earn once my book is published' the issue of money and authors is something we must all address and make sure we're in the right lane for where we're headed with each of our books. Today I'm happy to welcome Roseanne Cheng back to the Empowered Author podcast. Roseanne is a former high-school teacher and publishing marketing director, who is now cofounder of a company also named The Evergreen Author.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
It's a common English idiom and I'm sure you've heard it: You can't judge a book by its cover. This metaphorical phrase means you can't always tell the value of something only by what it looks like on the outside. EXCEPT if we're talking about books.
People DO judge a book by its cover all the time. And with good reason. That's what we're digging into today — the all important book cover. Why it's so important, and what goes into design and production of a good one. Who better to talk about this with than someone who is listed as one of the top book cover designers on the wildly popular Kindlepreneur website and in the top ten of makeuseof.com. She's also the designer of choice for us at Ingenium Books. Jessica Bell does much more than book covers — she's a creative entrepreneur, publisher, musician and more. But we're gonna focus on book covers.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
It’s every novelist’s greatest fear: pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into writing hundreds of pages only to realize that their story has no sense of urgency, no internal logic, and so back to square one they go for a total rewrite.
What's your approach when this happens to you? You might think you have only two choices here: pantsing, which is winging it, or plotting, which is to focus on the external plot.
Story coach Lisa Cron has spent her career discovering why these methods don’t work and coming up with a powerful alternative, based on the science behind what our brains are wired to crave in every story we read (and it’s not what you think).
Lisa Cron is the author of Wired for Story, Story Genius and most recently, Story or Die: How to Use Brain Science to Engage, Persuade, and Change Minds in Business and in Life. Her video course, Wired for Story: How to Become a Story Genius can be found at CreativeLive.com, and Writing: The Craft of Story at Lynda.com.
Her TEDx talk, Wired for Story, opened Furman University’s 2014 TEDx conference. She spent a decade in publishing, and has been a literary agent, television producer, and story analyst for Hollywood studios. She has also served on the faculty of the School of Visual Arts MFA program in visual narrative and, since 2006, has taught in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. In her work as a private story coach, Lisa works with writers, nonprofits, educators, and organizations helping them master the unparalleled power of story.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
You’re likely familiar with the term “safe harbor.” Figuratively, it’s any place or situation that offers refuge or protection. Literally, it’s a harbor where ships can stay safe—whether from a storm, or pirates or during war.
What about “Leaving the Safe Harbor?” Why would we DO that???
Our guest today knows a thing or two about leaving the safe harbor. You could say Tanya Hackney wrote the book on it! Actually, she did.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Audiobooks have been gaining steadily in popularity, which means every author should be asking themselves: is producing an audiobook right for me? And if the answer is yes, how? Do I narrate myself? Do I set up a home studio? All the considerations are explored in this episode. I have the pleasure now of introducing the better half of Ingenium Books: my co-founder, John Wagner-Stafford. John’s entire professional career has been working with and in audio: first as a professional musician; then as sound engineer and audio producer for music, film, television, and video games; and now he leads all of our work on audiobooks at Ingenium Books.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
There's nothing quite as exciting for an author as the prospect of the book they've been writing and working so hard on finally being published. And then there's nothing quite as daunting as the book launch. In particular, for first-timers. We're digging into the book launch today with Tara Alemany, who is a multi-award-winning author and the publisher at Emerald Lake Books. She knows a thing or two about the book launch
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Writing, publishing, and marketing a book is a big project, with lots of moving parts. Regardless of publishing model, there are costs involved: editing, layout and design, metadata research and preparation, and never mind all the marketing activities that go into building, cultivating, and leveraging a platform. One possible way to get some of those costs covered — and possibly help with the marketing game at the same time — is through crowdfunding. Crowdfunding for books is what we're talking about today - joining me is Oriana Leckert, Director of Publishing & Comics Outreach at Kickstarter.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Every author was a reader first. And this love of reading is commonly cultivated as children. Children who read become adults to write... but more than that, they become adults who think, lead, innovate, and contribute. Writing books for children has many things in common with writing books for any other age group, but there are differences, too. That's what we're talking about today. And we're joined by children's book publisher Adrienne Quintana of Pink Umbrella Books.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
All that time and effort that you put into writing and designing the cover and making sure your book is ready and then it gets published. And then it’s time to start talking about how you actually start to receive money from all that hard work. And that is royalties. So that’s what we’re talking about today: author royalties, everything you need to know post sale. And it’s so fun; I get my better half joining me today: John Wagner-Stafford. And he’s our royalty guru at Ingenium Books. John, hi. Thanks for joining us.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
An author's manuscript development process can be as unique as their DNA—and while you can certainly find lots of advice online about the quote-unquote "best" way to develop your story, as an author you must find what works for you. Which will likely be different based on whether you write fiction or nonfiction.
We're talking today with a fiction author about her process. Brenda Margriet writes savvy, slow slow burn, contemporary romances with ordinarily amazing characters. In her own ordinarily amazing life, she had a successful career in radio and television production before deciding to pilfer from her retirement plan to support her writing compulsion.
Readers have called her stories "poignant," "explicit and steamy," "interesting, intriguing and entertaining," and "unlike any romance you’ve read before" (she assumes the latter was meant in a good way).
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
"You've written and published your book. Congratulations! Your work is just beginning." That's the opening line from the introduction of the book entitled: The Evergreen Author: Master the Art of Book Marketing. The message that an author's work really begins when their book is published isn't new. What is new, or perhaps different, at least, is the other main theme in this book: that you should only engage in the book marketing activities that you enjoy. Enjoy! What's that about? It's apparently the only way authors can possibly engage in marketing their books over the long term. The Evergreen Author is written by Roseanne Cheng, a former high-school teacher and publishing marketing director turned cofounder of a company also named The Evergreen Author. Roseanne is our guest on this episode.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
You don’t have to spend much time in the indie author space before you hear the term ‘beta reader’.
You’ve written your manuscript, hired an editor, and now you think you’re ready to publish. But wait: there’s another important step. And that’s the beta read. But what IS a beta reader? Why do you need one and what do you do with the feedback you get from them? That’s what we’re talking about in this episode. Joining me to talk about all things beta reading is Crystal Watanabe Wah-ten-AH-bey.
Crystal is the owner and lead editor of Pikko's House, a small business providing editorial services for fiction and creative nonfiction authors.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Audiobooks have been gaining steadily in popularity... which means every author should be asking themselves: is producing an audiobook right for me? And if the answer is yes, how? Do I narrate myself? Set up a home studio? All the considerations explored in this episode I have the pleasure of introducing the better half of Ingenium Books - - my cofounder John Wagner-Stafford. John's entire professional career has been working with audio: first as a professional musician, then as sound engineer and audio producer for music, film, television, and video games, and now to our work on audiobooks.
If you, like so many authors, find you're struggling with marketing your book, maybe the issue is related to whether you've done the work to articulate your author brand. As authors, we put so much of ourselves "out there" - first onto the pages and then for our friends, family, and fans, that it can sometimes feel like we're running down the street naked, shouting "look at me!" Working on your personal author brand might be what you're missing. Ilan Cooley is a marketing professional with 30 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry. She's the founder and president of Loud Mouth Communications, and she's passionate about the importance of the arts as the foundation for what inspires, moves, and influences our culture. Ilan helps independent creative artists like musicians and authors develop personal brand strategies that reflect their heart, soul, strengths, and essence. Ilan joins us today.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
A common desire for authors, indie, aspiring, or otherwise, is to find a literary agent that will help them secure a publishing deal. Maybe even with one of the Big Five or New York publishing houses. But are agents still relevant in this digital self-publishing age? What does an agent do? How do you prepare yourself before you start your search for an agent and where do you find one? That's what we're exploring in this episode and to help unravel the mystery, we're joined by David Morris. David is a writer, creative leader, content strategist, and accomplished professional with more than 25 years of publishing experience. He holds a PhD in religious studies and has worked at the executive level for Zondervan/HarperCollins and Guideposts Books. He has helped both new voices and premier authors in the marketplace reshape their messaging and build on their strengths for a bigger impact.
Who hasn't thought their story —whether fiction or nonfiction — might translate well onto the screen, either as a made-for-TV-series, documentary, or Hollywood movie? Many authors have seen their manuscripts make that leap. How did they do it, and what do you need to consider if you're ready to get pitching? That's the specialty of today's guest. Charles Harris is an award-winning film-maker and award-nominated author. He has written two non-fiction books - Complete Screenwriting Course and Jaws in Space: Powerful Pitching, both of which are recommended reading in international film schools and university courses.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Author Dina Marie's first book is My Fat Pants Don't Fit: A Mostly True Story of Divorce, Weight Loss, and Finally Finding Self-Love. Discover more about Dina's journey, both as a woman and as an author, and hear her read one particularly poignant excerpt. Join Dina Marie and Boni Wagner-Stafford of Ingenium Books. Recorded June 2020.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
How many types of nonfiction can you identify? Would it surprise you to learn there are at least six? Boni and John Wagner-Stafford of Ingenium Books discuss and dissect the six main types of nonfiction in this podcast session.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, screenplays or poetry, the role of emotion in character expression can make or break your writing. It's woven together with that most-feared and most-hated and most-important advice to show, don't tell... but how? How do we SHOW a character's emotion? That was the starting point for Angela Ackerman, a writing coach, international speaker, and co-author of the bestselling book, The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression, and its many sequels. Available in eight languages, her guides are sourced by US universities, recommended by agents and editors, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, and psychologists around the world. To date, this book collection has sold over half a million copies. Angela is our guest for this episode of The Empowered Author Podcast.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Achieving Change has been called "critical and much-needed tools for the workplace" and it certainly is that. Online learning for employees is no longer optional, no longer 'second-best' to in-person training. To create and deliver online learning that is effective and helps people transform behaviour on the job.... well, that is what it takes to achieve lasting change in the workplace. Join author Henrik J Mondrup and Ingenium Books for the virtual live book launch of Achieving Change: A Practical Guide for Creating Online Courses for Workplace Learning. (Recorded June 2020)
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
When you want to write a memoir but you're having trouble getting going, it could be what you BELIEVE about yourself that is in the way. Join us for this discussion with author C.A. Gibbs about the belief she had to shatter in order to finish and publish her memoir, The Picture Wall: One Woman's Story about (His) (Her) Their Mother.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
I'm sure you've read books written by authors who have chosen to include quotes from someone else... usually someone well known. Sometimes they're at the start of each chapter, sometimes they're buried deeper inside the content. When it comes to writing your own books—it's time to ask yourself: do I really need permission to use that quote? Today we're talking through the answers to that question — how to make the decision, what the risks are if you decide not to seek permission, and how to go about securing permission if you do decide it's necessary. Joining us for this episode is Erin Gurski. Erin is a Canadian copyright professional who currently works as a Teaching Assistant for Copyrightlaws.com.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Better Writer Series! Join hybrid publisher Boni Wagner-Stafford of Ingenium Books and ghostwriter/editor Marie Beswick Arthur as they riff on the Top 7 Mistakes Writers Make and what to do instead!
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Motivation and purpose and tapping into your deepest drives for why you want to write, who the reader is that you’re writing for, and creating just the right structure for your book are all important. However, none of those things matter as much if we, as writers, can’t get the sentence-level detail right. And that’s what we're talking about with Anatomy of Prose author Sacha Black. Sometimes it's the little things we need to look at to improve our writing.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Join Ingenium Books' author Cynthia Barlow as we launch her latest book: Four Fridays with Christina—Friendship, Death, & Lessons Learned by Letting Go. Four Fridays with Christina is a poignant and unexpectedly sassy memoir inspired by the final four Fridays Cynthia spent with her dear friend who was dying from cancer. The journey through the pain to find peace and the purpose hidden within.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
He has a masters degree in fiction from Columbia University. Why then does he write only nonfiction? An interview with bestselling author Mishka Shubaly where we talk about the need for courageous truth, shifting perspectives, and healing vs harming relationships with others who play a featuring role in our memoirs.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
You're all fired up to write the nonfiction book that's going to change the world. Your world. You have SO MUCH to say! And then, as you sit down to get writing, you realize that all your ideas and topics are in a jumble that's jamming up your mojo. How do you start? What comes next? In this episode Boni and John from Ingenium Books explore the options for nonfiction structure and how you can begin to create the right structure for you and your book. Join us!
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Writing and publishing a book can be a highly stressful experience. But, it doesn’t have to be. Along with all the other decisions you make in the creative and publishing process, you get to decide how much stress to take on! In this session we talk with Jamie Sussel Turner, author of Less Stress Life, and her five top tips to help you chill.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
People are buying trackers and workbooks and journals to help with everything from goal-setting to weight loss. If you repeatedly use any questionnaires, documents, or processes in the course of your business, have you ever thought about publishing and selling it? It could be a way to support existing clients as well as attracting new ones, perhaps while making a little $$ on the side. Join Boni Wagner-Stafford of Ingenium Books and Heidi Hackler, health and wellness coach and author of the Food, Mood, & Gratitude Journal: Learn to Take Charge of Your Health &Feel Great. Heidi had been using this journal in her health coaching business, but just as a PDF document she would email to clients. What did she do? How did she do it? What are the results? Join us to find out.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Bringing your book from idea to published is a big, mushy, jello-like project. Some people might be okay with winging it, taking each step as it comes and hoping for the best. Others, we believe most people, will benefit from a plan. How to create your very own book project plan is the topic of this session.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Author Yvonne Caputo talks about her 12-year journey with her book, Flying With Dad. From the seeds of the idea, to the emotional struggles and impact of such personal work, and the research she chose to do to inform her writing and publishing approach. For anyone who has considered writing a memoir!
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
So many cool and exciting things happening behind the scenes—just a quick introductory snapshot from Boni and John. Coaching and courses and podcasts, oh my!
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
In the summer of 2020, more than 400 nonfiction authors responded to a survey about their goals and experiences with their books. A conversation about the survey results and what they mean with author and author coach Anne Janzer.
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Why is your WHY is the first thing to sort out when you’re thinking about writing a nonfiction book? Join Boni and John from Ingenium Books as they explain and discuss. Is knowing your WHY more important when writing nonfiction than fiction? How does your WHY influence and inform the writing, publishing, and marketing of your book?
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)
Join us for an illuminating chat with David Morris, former VP and Publisher for Zondervan Publishers, a division of HarperCollins Christian, and now founder of Hyponymous Author and Publisher Consulting. What do traditional publishers look for in an author? How can prospective authors best prepare themselves for a successful book launch? As trade publishers gravitate more and more to the large-platform best-selling authors, how do we ensure that the up and coming bestselling authors of tomorrow are getting development attention?
Support the show (https://sowl.co/nSYfJ)