Sociable Scribes: Recent Episodes
Sociable Scribes
Sociable Scribes is a weekly podcast hosted by writer & publisher Kim Eley and writer and content marketer, Nakita Rowell-Stevens. Together, they share their expertise on navigating the complex world of publishing and book writing. Their fun wit and humor make this an enjoyable podcast to tune into while learning key tips to improve your writing habits and get published.
Brilliant Badass Honorée Corder is a publishing strategist, TEDx & keynote speaker, and author of more than 50 books, and she and Hal Elrod co-created The Miracle Morning book series. Nakita and Kim adore her because she’s a brilliant badass! In this fantastic interview, we discuss:
- Honorée's little things that create BIG success
- How to prepare for a smooth morning routine
- Not a morning person? Honorée breaks it down and explains why that's incorrect
- What you get when you cross a pantser with a plotter
- How using an outline can speed up your writing process
- "What we utter becomes our outer world"
- Why being high maintenance is a GOOD thing!
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Writing one book can be a challenge. What about writing a series of books set in the same world with the same characters? In this incredible interview, Nakita and Kim talk with Brandt Ricca and Matt Millers, the co-creators of two book series, The Barris Books and The Bernice Books! Both series are trilogies, and the Bernice books are a spin-off from the Barris books. During this episode, we explore:
- How Brandt started writing as a creative outlet - which was similar for Matt who usually illustrates technical drawings (and not illustrations for kids!)
- The initial inspiration was a Judy Blume masterclass
- How Brandt used New Orleans - since his family is from the area and he has the background - and why he set the story in the 1950's
- The way the Bernice books were created from the Barris books
- The crazy vivid dreams Matt has and uses for inspiration
- Brandt and Matt's process of collaboration - meeting together, using a whiteboard, and even using inspiration for names from objects around them
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Audiobook expert and owner of Twin Flames Studio, Tina Dietz, gives us the goods on one of the fastest growing segments in the book world: audiobooks. Join Kim and Nakita as they chat with Tina, who is as fun an bubbly as she is whip-smart and knowledgeable, about:
- Why narrating fiction books is incredibly hard
- Asserting yourself as a thought leader with your audio book
- Whether it is a good idea to narrate your own book
- What it takes to create a great audiobook
- Insights about the many platforms available for audiobooks.
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Editor and book coach, Emily Deaton, with KWE Publishing divulges her insights about working with AI. She's used AI with coaching a client and in this chat with Nakita and Kim, Emily shares:
- Why AI will not replace creativity
- Ways you may already be using AI and didn't know it
- Why AI may have a bias...and how to ensure your voice matters
- Which AI tool Emily feels is best geared toward writers
- How to embrace AI for your everyday writing needs
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Bestselling author Julia Kent kicked off her writing career at 16 in a weekly newspaper and then joined the world of academia as a teacher. So how the heck did she end up writing...romance novels? Join Nakita and Kim as they ask this witty, insightful writer shares her secrets for:
- Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
- Common misconceptions about writing romance and rom-com novels
- Seriously helpful tips for getting out of your own way and writing
- Writing with a formula...but never being formulaic
- How much time she really spends writing every week
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Exploring what it means to be a modern influencer, Nakita and Kim interview the effervescent and authentic Raquel Borras. She's the real deal—with over 30k followers on LinkedIn—and yet she doesn't see herself as an influencer. During this revealing chat, the Sociable Scribes and Raquel discuss:
- The importance of defining what you want to accomplish as an influencer
- Authenticity - Being the same person online and offline
- Cultivating real relationships
- Being an influencer is not the same as "going viral"
- As an influencer, you get to choose the social media platforms that work best for you
Writers, these tips will empower you, whether you want to become an influencer, or want to engage with influencers online to market your amazing book.
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Does thinking about marketing your book hurt your head? Many writers profess they don't have the skill set, but they know marketing is a crucial to get their books in front of readers. How do you get the word out if you have a tiny budget? Brilliant Blaire Brown, CEO and Founder of Visionary Advantages Brand Lab, reveals fantastic ways to market your amazing book that won't break the bank! She makes marketing your book very doable and digestible. During this informative interview, the Sociable Scribes and Blaire discuss:
- Analytics that are available to writers
- Personal branding—it is more than just logos and letterhead
- Visually representing yourself consistently
- Creating a consistent voice
- Crafting a cohesive book series
- Judging books by their covers (not people)!
Writers, this important episode will give you important tips whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer honing your marketing skills.
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When you're writing your book, decisions abound! One of them? How do you know if self-publishing is right for you? (We encourage you to read this in your best professional announcer's voice!)
Kim, who specializes in guided self-publishing for clients, and Nakita discuss what to consider before you decide the right path for you and your book. During this episode, Kim and Nakita explore:
- Creating a professional book you are proud of can be achieved with self-publishing...and it starts with your intention for your book
- Preparation and the crucial role it plays
- How your desired timeline for your book influences whether or not you self-publish
- Even "Pantsers" can create goals and milestones!
- The importance of understanding your level of effort
- You can self-publish with a team! You are not alone in the process
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You've likely heard of NaNoRiMo, when writers challenge themselves during the month of November to write a book in only one month! How do writers really accomplish this feat?
Nakita, who herself is an expert on writing books in a short amount of time, and Kim explore what it takes to create a manuscript in only 30 days. They talk about why:
- You must have a clear intention
- Discipline plays a crucial role in writing a book in a short time period
- Planning your schedule in advance is integral to your success—including a tip about grace that might surprise you
- Knowing yourself as a writer is important, and knowing if an accountability partner can make the difference
- Celebrating is a MUST!
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Editing is a HUGELY important part of the writing process! So why is it sometimes underrated or (shudder) overlooked? Before you think to yourself, "Well, I can just edit my own book!" STOP! And listen to this episode.
Nakita and Kim cover:
- Picking a lane: for this project, are you the author or editor?
- Defining "document fatigue"
- Why editing a document is similar to beta testing in software
- Ensuring you are creating marketable content
- Being vulnerable is important as an author, and the reasons why
You've done it! You've written your amazing book! Now what? Nakita and Kim have you covered! They explore the next steps you need to consider, including:
- Getting an editor (Nakita and Kim "preach the editor gospel"!)
- Selecting the best publishing route for you and your book
- Planning to obtain outstanding reviews
- Major marketing moves
- Launching your amazing book
Nakita and Kim discuss how you should treat your book like a business if you want to make money from it.
Nakita and Kim discuss how to identify the audience for your book, and how to build your audience.
Nakita and Kim discuss how writers can determine when they are ready to turn their draft in to be published.
Nakita and Kim discuss reader magnets, how they work, and why they are a smart strategy for authors.
Nakita and Kim discuss tools that writers love to use - and even some tools writers didn't know about!
The Sociable Scribes sit down with New York Times bestselling dark romance author Skye Warren! Hear all about her writing process (and her evil cat) in this week's episode!
Did you know that 80% of people want to write a book? So what's holding them back? Nakita and Kim talk about the common reasons why people stop themselves from creating the book they've been eager to write! What's realistic to expect when you're writing? What are the hardest issues for writers? And how are some ways to push past these obstacles?
Nakita and Kim explore how writers get their ideas "from brain to the page." Blueprints, outlines, templates, and writing programs are some of the topics...along with sexy British accents and "Kill Bill"!
Do you want to know what it takes to publish your book traditionally? Learn the ups and downs of going with traditional publishing and what's involved in this Sociable Scribes episode with Nakita and Kim!
Love to know more about the writing and publishing? Welcome to the clan! Join Nakita and Kim as they discuss new topics every week!
We turn the tables on online radio personality Kelli Lemon by asking her the questions! Nakita and Kim interview Kelli who has created a name for herself in Richmond, Virginia (RVA) as a self-proclaimed “social entrepreneur.” She's the owner of Hang Suite RVA, originator of the series "Coffee with Strangers," and a storyteller extraordinaire. Join us for this fun and inspiring interview!
Have you ever written a story in six words? Nakita and Kim speak with Valley Haggard, guest writing expert and founder of Life in 10 Minutes, about that and more. Valley Haggard has written in short and long form all her life. She is a big fan of the postcard, the 6-word memoir and drawers full of unfinished manuscripts. She has slept in tents, hostels, motels, couches, tool sheds, log cabins, bunk beds and ship bowels for short periods of time and the house she grew up in for much longer than that. She has lived in Virginia, New York, Italy, Colorado, Arkansas, and Alaska, holding jobs as a Waffle House waitress, Dude Ranch Cabin Girl, cruise ship stewardess and hotel maid. Join us for a fun and fascinating interview with Vivacious Valley!
Are you a Pantser or a Plotter? Knowing which writing style fits you can empower your writing! Nakita and Kim discuss what defines a pantser and a plotter, and how these "opposites" can support and strengthen each other's writing. Join us for a great discussion, and of course, a lot of laughter!
Have you ever dreamed of living and writing in France? Guest Mary Margaret Chappel, former food editor of Vegetarian Times for over 10 years, writer of amazing articles, blogger for My Cancale Kitchen, and cookbook editor and writer joins Nakita and Kim. Learn more about this amazing writer and chef in this interview with the Sociable Scribes!
What do book buyers look for in a children's book? The delightful Kris Vreeland, former book buyer for Vroman's Bookstore and Once Upon a Time in California, librarian and storyteller, Read to Them volunteer, and one of Winnie the Pooh's biggest fans joins Nakita and Kim for a great discussion!
It's greater to move from nonfiction to fiction! Nakita and Kim talk about the spectrum of book genres. From journalism to pure fiction, the Sociable Scribes talk about how to tell each type of story.
Do you have to be on your deathbed to write your story? Um, no! Nakita and Kim discuss memoirs and how to tell your story. What's your intention? Are you writing for catharsis? At what point to you start telling your story? An interesting discussion about memoirs...join us for a listen?
What should you expect when you publish? Nakita and Kim dig into realistic expectations, what a platform is, and how ebooks and Amazon have changed. Tune in for a lively discussion!
Hybrid Publishing - what is it? Nakita and Kim talk about the three types of publishing, traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. They discuss how it works and their experience. And they discuss if they would stay in a haunted hotel room! Join them for a great and fun discussion!
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Nakita and Kim discuss their favorite comic book characters, what superpower they would have if they could, and oh yeah, about tackling writer's block!
In a delightful and insightful interview, Nakita and Kim from the Sociable Scribes meet with Mary Foley, an incredible entrepreneur and author of several books. Being bodacious, introverts versus extroverts, and how to live like your nail color are topics in this lively hour of conversation.
Your writing is like a muscle. It only grows stronger with practice and conditioning. If writing is your craft, you should be engaged in daily habits to meet your goals and refine your skills. This episode will talk about practical ways to make writing a daily habit.