Hello Lovelies - Weekly Writing Podcast For Writers by Author Rachel Cooper: Recent Episodes

Author Rachel Cooper

Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the podcast! This is a podcast designed to help all authors at every level write and publish their books. Find the transcript for this episode by going to: www.authorrachelcooper.com/blog Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/author-rachel-cooper/support

Hello Lovelies,

In the ever-changing landscape of the literary world, one aspect that has seen significant evolution is the realm of book reviews. As we step into 2024, it's crucial for authors and readers alike to understand the shifting dynamics surrounding book reviews and their impact on the industry.

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Hello and welcome back to the podcast, lovelies. Today we're going to walk through The Hero's Journey. Also called the Monomyth, this plot method was developed by Joseph Campbell, and if you need a refresher, you can visit my post about it The Hero’s Journey – Plot Theory.

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Hello Lovelies,

In today's digital age, data analytics has become a powerful tool for authors navigating the complex landscape of self-publishing. From understanding reader preferences to refining marketing strategies, data analytics offers invaluable insights that can shape an author's journey to success.

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Hello and welcome back to the podcast, lovelies. Today we're going to talk about one of the most oft-repeated plot structures out there, which is The Hero's Journey. Also called the Monomyth, this plot method was developed by Joseph Campbell in which a hero who goes on an adventure, and in a decisive crisis wins a victory, and then comes home changed or transformed.

There are several interchangeable terms one associates with the Hero's Journey, and I will attempt to include and explain them, but in general, you can think of the Monomyth as as a (usually) circular diagram.

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Hello Lovelies. Self-publishing has been on a global rise, with authors worldwide embracing the freedom and opportunities it offers. As we delve into the world of self-publishing, it’s essential to understand the diverse trends shaping the industry across different regions.

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Overwhelm is a huge thing that all writers experience, because you are ultimately responsible for your entire book operations. Who will do all the things if not you?

We all feel this way sometimes, but there are ways to combat overwhelm that WORK. One of the easiest is to narrow down your to-do list. Seem impossible?

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Hello Lovelies. In the ever-evolving landscape of publishing, book cover design continues to play a crucial role in catching readers' attention and conveying the essence of a story. As we step into 2024, let's take a closer look at the latest trends shaping cover designs and how authors can navigate this dynamic realm.

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Frontloading your work is when you schedule the bulk of your work during the beginning of the week, and the beginning of your day, effectively getting everything done earlier than it needs to be done.

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Hello Lovelies,

In the ever-evolving landscape of self-publishing, staying informed about the latest trends is crucial for authors seeking to navigate this dynamic industry. Today, let’s delve into some of the most significant developments shaping the world of self-publishing, from the emergence of hybrid publishing models to the revolutionary impact of blockchain technology, and the growing emphasis on author branding and personal platforms.

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Is it Important? Is it Urgent? What's the Difference?

It's great to be given tools to hack your productivity, but if your to-do list is a mile long and you don't know where to begin, you may need to approach your tasks from another perspective. Let's talk about the two ways you can categorize tasks.

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Hello Lovelies! Today, we’re delving into the wonderful world of self-publishing for children’s books. If you’re an aspiring children’s author, self-publishing can be a fantastic avenue to bring your stories to life and share them with young readers everywhere. Let’s explore some key considerations, distribution channels, marketing strategies, and tips for engaging with a younger audience in this delightful journey of creativity and imagination.

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What if I told you that 80% of your successes in life came from 20% of your actions? Crazy right? But that's exactly what we're talking about today.

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Hello Lovelies, welcome back to the podcast! As we step into the ever-evolving world of self-publishing, it's crucial to keep an eye on the exciting developments in genres and formats that are reshaping the landscape of literature. In this episode, we'll embark on a journey of exploration, delving into emerging genres, interactive storytelling formats, and the fascinating realm of multimedia storytelling within the realm of self-publishing. Let's dive in and uncover the boundless possibilities that await us!

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If you are like me, you probably have way too many partial projects that you have been trying to juggle for the longest time. You have all these great ideas for books you haven't written. Or maybe you did start them, but they're only partially complete. You have ideas you probably don't even remember writing down which are actually pretty good, and hey, you should write them one day. Having a lot of story ideas is great... until it isn't.

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Hello Lovelies, welcome back to our literary haven! In the ever-evolving landscape of publishing, there's a fascinating trend taking center stage—The Rise of Niche Publishing. As we journey through this blog post, we'll unravel the secrets behind the surge of niche markets and genres, exploring the advantages they offer for both publishers and authors alike. Get ready to dive into the world of specialized storytelling and discover how honing in on specific audiences can lead to unparalleled success.

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Okay, so we've talked about time blocking your day and your week for success, but how far can you really time block out and still make it effective? Well, turns out, you can time block a lot of things pretty far out. I set up my calendar for the entire year, but I'm a crazy person, and anyway, that's beside the point.

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Hello Lovelies, welcome back to the podcast! In the ever-evolving world of publishing, audiobooks have emerged as a powerful medium, offering authors a unique way to connect with readers. In this episode, we'll explore the benefits of entering the audiobook market and provide practical tips for successful audiobook production. Let's dive into the fascinating realm of audiobook creation!

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Transcript:

Have you ever noticed that you do a lot of the same tasks every day? If you have 10 emails come in at different times, is it more efficient to answer them right away and get them dealt with and out of your inbox the moment they come through, or to gather them and complete them all at once? The answer may surprise you.

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Hello Lovelies, welcome back to the podcast! In today's post, we're delving into the crucial world of e-book formatting. As self-publishing continues to soar, it's vital for authors to ensure their digital works are seamlessly presented across various devices. Join us as we explore the importance of responsive formatting, provide step-by-step guidance on popular e-book formatting tools, and uncover common pitfalls to avoid in your e-publishing journey.

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Let's continue our discussion on using our time wisely, and talk a little bit about the Pomodoro Technique because it is an important tool for task management big and small. I've talked about this in a few previous episodes, which I will link to below.

I have to tell you that the moment I heard of this, I immediately loved the idea and could see the many applications of it.

Why the Pomodoro Technique Didn’t Work for Me [Pomodoro Series: Part One]

My Own Pomodoro Technique that Works [Pomodoro Series: Part Two]

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:24-Pomodoro Technique

00:03:36-Implementing Systems

00:04:52-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re delving into a crucial aspect of the writing journey – Understanding Copyright and Intellectual Property. As we navigate the landscape of self-publishing in 2024, it’s essential to grasp the basics of copyright and how it applies to our creative works. Let’s embark on a journey to demystify copyright, explore strategies for protecting intellectual property in the online realm, and debunk some common misconceptions that authors might encounter.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:25-Primer for Self-Published Works

00:03:02-Protecting Your Property Online

00:04:41-Copyright Misconceptions

00:05:04-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies,

It's #Preptober for #NaNoWriMo, and I wanted to have a chat about project management. With National Novel Writing Month around the corner, it's crucial to know how to plan your daily work on projects objectively. Once you understand a few key things about your writing habits and capabilities, mapping out the time needed for any project becomes a breeze.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:30-Steps 1-2

00:02:38-Steps 3-4

00:03:28-Steps 5-6

00:04:28-Steps 7-8 and a Pro Tip

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Hello Lovelies,

Today, I'm typing away from my desk, a place that has seen its fair share of battles—both literary and fantastical. My current workspace, adorned with the remnants of various campaigns, has become a haven for character sheets, battle maps, and, of course, my trusty set of Dungeons & Dragons dice.

Being a Fifth Edition Dungeon Master for a group of scattered friends, I've found unexpected inspiration within the realms of D&D that spills over into my writing life. Here are three immersive ways Dungeons & Dragons can serve as a constructive muse for your work in progress.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:36-Roll a d20

00:02:25-Character Sheets

00:03:10-Battle Maps

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Hello Adventurers and Writers alike! Today, let's embark on a quest to explore the fascinating ways in which your Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaign can become a potent source of inspiration for your writing endeavors. From crafting vivid worlds to delving into the intricacies of your characters, and even rewriting the script when the dice don't quite roll in your favor — here are three ways your tabletop adventures can shape the narratives of your novels.Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:26-Your World

00:02:25-Your Characters

00:03:05-Story Deviations

00:04:07-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to our ultimate guide on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media for authors. Over the past several episodes, we've delved into various platforms, strategies, and tips to help you harness the power of social media for your author journey. Now, let's recap and bring it all together in one comprehensive guide.

Chapter List:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:17-Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X

00:02:27-Pinterest, Reddit, LinkedIn

00:03:35-Goodreads, Tumblr, Patreon

00:04:33-Honorable Mentions

00:04:58-Conclusion

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Hello, fellow authors! In the world of social media, there are giants like Facebook and Twitter, but there's also a diverse ecosystem of lesser-known platforms worth exploring. While these platforms may not have the same worldwide recognition, they offer unique opportunities for authors to engage with readers, share their work, and build a dedicated following. Today, we're shining a light on Minds, Threads, Lemon8, Snapchat, Mastodon, MySpace, and Medium as honorable mentions in your social media toolkit.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:30-MInds, Threads, Lemon8

00:02:54-Snapchat, Mastodon, Myspace

00:04:12-Medium

00:04:34-Conclusion

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Hello there, Lovelies! Today, let's have a cozy chat about a fantastic platform called Patreon and how us authors can make the most of it. You see, Patreon is like a cozy nook where you can connect with your readers, earn some income, and build a wonderful community. So, grab a cup of tea, and let's dive into how authors can use Patreon to support their creative journey and connect with readers in delightful new ways.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:23-Is Patreon for You?

00:02:25-Engage, Share, Promote

00:03:12-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to our virtual writing nook! Today, we're diving into the world of Tumblr, a unique and creative platform that can be a valuable asset for authors in their social media marketing journey. In this episode, we'll explore how authors can harness the power of Tumblr to build their brand, connect with readers, and share their literary adventures.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:15-Why Tumblr?

00:02:48-Strategy & Community Engagement

00:03:48-Build a Brand & Promote

00:04:49-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to our literary sanctuary! Today, we're delving into the world of Goodreads, a virtual paradise for bibliophiles and a valuable tool for authors looking to connect with readers. In this episode, we'll explore how authors can make the most of Goodreads to engage with their audience, promote their books, and be part of a vibrant literary community.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:16-Why Goodreads?

00:02:42-Your Profile & the Community

00:04:16-Events, Giveaways, & Book Promotion

0005:30-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to our literary haven! Today, we're donning our professional attire and stepping into the world of LinkedIn—a platform renowned for networking, career development, and yes, even for authors. In this blog post, we'll explore how authors can effectively utilize LinkedIn to advance their writing careers and connect with a diverse audience.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:14-Why LinkedIn?

00:02:05-Your Profile & Networking

00:03:57-Share Your Journey & Market Your Brand

00:05:09-Book Promotion

00:05:51-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to our literary corner of the internet! Today, we're embarking on an exciting adventure through the virtual realms of Reddit—a platform often overlooked by authors but brimming with opportunities waiting to be seized. Let's delve into how Reddit can become an invaluable tool in your authorial journey.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:15-Subreddits

00:03:16-Participation is Key

00:04:16-Ask Me Anything

00:05:08-Rediquette

00:06:00-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to our literary corner of the internet! Today, we're delving into the enchanting world of Pinterest, where authors can transform inspiration into captivating boards and pins. Let's explore how to make the most of this platform's creative potential.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:34-Your Profile

00:02:35-Your Boards

00:03:52-Your Pins

00:04:46-Other Tips

00:05:42-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to our literary corner of the internet! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of Twitter, exploring its dynamic feed, and uncovering the gem known as PitMad—a unique opportunity for authors. Let's embark on this Twitter adventure together!

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:12-Twitter/X Feed

00:02:52-#PitMad

00:04:51-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast! In today's digital age, social media has become an invaluable tool for authors to connect with their audience and market their books. One platform that stands out for its real-time engagement and networking opportunities is Twitter. In this episode, we'll delve into how authors can harness the power of Twitter as a dynamic social media marketing strategy.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:21-Author Presence

00:02:22-Share Valuable Content

00:03:25-Engagement is Key

00:04:17-More Twitter/X Tips

00:06:23-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the bpodcast! Today, we're embarking on an exciting journey into the realm of book sales on YouTube. If you're an author looking to reach a broader audience and boost your book sales, you're in the right place. In this blog post, we'll explore effective strategies on how to sell your books as an author on YouTube.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:14-Author Branding

00:02:10-Book Content

00:03:12-Keywords, SEO, Thumbnails, & Calls-To-Action

00:04:14-Even More Tips

00:05:50-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast! Today, we're diving into the exciting world of YouTube once again, but this time, we're talking about the green stuff – yes, you guessed it – money! If you've been diligently building your AuthorTube channel, you might be wondering how to turn your passion into profit. In this episode, we'll explore the strategies and opportunities for monetizing your Author YouTube channel.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast! Today, we're diving into the dynamic world of YouTube, where authors have found a unique platform to connect with readers and fellow writers. If you're an author considering YouTube as part of your marketing strategy, you may have encountered the terms "BookTube" and "AuthorTube." These are two distinct communities within the YouTube space, each offering its own set of opportunities and challenges. In this episode, we'll explore the key differences between BookTube and AuthorTube, helping you make an informed decision about which one aligns best with your goals as an author.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:32-BookTube

00:03:34-AuthorTube

00:05:35-Choosing a Path

00:06:09-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, welcome back to the podcast! In today's digital age, authors have a wide array of platforms to connect with readers and promote their books. One such platform is YouTube, a popular video-sharing platform that offers endless opportunities for creative expression and engagement. In our previous discussion, we explored the concept of YouTube and who uses it. Now, let's delve deeper into YouTube's longform video content and discover how authors can effectively utilize these videos in their book marketing strategies.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:29-Longform Videos on YouTube

00:02:58-Author Q&A

00:04:09-Writing Tips

00:05:12-Behind-the-Scenes

00:06:12-Collabs with Other YouTubers

00:07:58-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, welcome back to the podcast! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of YouTube, the largest video-sharing platform on the internet. With its vast user base and diverse content, YouTube has revolutionized the way we consume videos and transformed countless individuals into creators and influencers. In this blog post, we'll explore who uses YouTube, what it is used for, and how it has become an integral part of our digital landscape. So, let's embark on this exciting journey and uncover the power of YouTube!\

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:29-Who Uses YouTube?

00:03:13-What is YouTube Used For?

00:05:09-How is YouTube Utilized?

00:07:19-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, welcome back to the podcast! Today, we're diving into the exciting world of TikTok and exploring how authors can effectively utilize this platform to boost their book sales. With its massive user base and viral nature, TikTok offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with readers, generate buzz, and drive book sales. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the strategies and best practices for harnessing the power of TikTok to maximize your book's reach and impact. So, let's get started and unlock the potential of TikTok for your book sales!

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:29-Create Engaging Content

00:02:40-Use Trends & BookTok

00:04:00-Build a Community & Use Hashtags

00:05:11-Promote Strategically with Call-to-Actions

00:06:25-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, welcome back to the podcast! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of TikTok and exploring a specific corner of the platform known as BookTok. BookTok has gained significant popularity, with its viral videos capturing the attention of readers and authors alike. In this blog post, we'll delve into the influence of BookTok's viral videos on author book sales. So, let's jump in and discover how TikTok's BookTok is shaping the literary landscape!

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:24-BookTok & Viral Videos

00:02:36-Book Sales & the Ripple Effect

00:03:51-Building Connection & Navigating BookTok as an Author

00:06:41-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, welcome back to the podcast! Today, we're delving into the exciting world of TikTok once again, but this time, we're exploring the differences between being on the Author side of TikTok (AuthorTok) and the Reader side of TikTok (BookTok). Both sides offer unique perspectives and opportunities for authors and readers alike. In this blog post, we'll discuss the distinctions between these two TikTok communities and highlight the reasons why it's beneficial to be a part of both. So, let's dive in and explore the dynamic world of AuthorTok and BookTok!

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:32-BookTok

00:03:41-AuthorTok

00:04:48-Engage with the Community & Build a Brand

00:08:23-Tapping Into Trends

00:09:53-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast! TikTok, the popular social media platform known for its short-form videos, has emerged as a dynamic tool for authors to enhance their marketing strategies. With each video lasting under three minutes, TikTok offers a unique opportunity to engage with readers, showcase your writing style, and build a strong author brand. In this blog post, we'll explore how authors can leverage TikTok's short-form videos to captivate audiences, create buzz around their books, connect with a wider community of readers, and ultimately increase their visibility in the literary world.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2023/08/25/unleashing-the-power-of-tiktoks-short-form-videos-for-author/(opens in a new tab)Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:03:04-The TikTok Marketing Plan

00:05:55-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies! Welcome back to the blog. Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of TikTok. This social media platform has taken the world by storm, captivating millions of users with its short-form videos and creative content. In this blog post, we'll explore who uses TikTok, what it's used for, and how people leverage its features to engage and entertain. So, let's jump right in and discover the exciting world of TikTok!

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2023/08/18/unleashing-the-power-of-tiktok-a-platform-for-creative-expression-entertainment-and-connection/(opens in a new tab)

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:01:19-Who Uses TikTok & What is TikTok Used For?

00:02:58-How is TikTok Used?

00:04:52-Conclusion

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Your Free Meta Marketing Mastermind

Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog! Today, we're diving into the world of Meta as we explore how authors can effectively utilize Facebook Groups and Instagram Reels in their social media marketing plans.

In this digital age, social media platforms play a crucial role in building author brands, connecting with readers, and driving book sales. So, let's dive in and discover the power of these two platforms.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:00:51-Facebook Groups

00:02:43-Instagram Reels

00:04:31-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies! Today, we're going to embark on a journey through the captivating realm of social media storytelling. That's right, we're diving into the enchanting world of Facebook and Instagram Stories. I'm here to share my insights and tips on how to create captivating and engaging Stories that leave a lasting impression. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's unleash your creativity in the wonderful world of Stories!

Social media storytelling has become an integral part of our lives, allowing us to connect with others in a whole new way. Through the power of Facebook and Instagram Stories, we have the opportunity to share our experiences, thoughts, and emotions with a global audience.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:00:51-Facebook Stories

00:03:35-Instagram Stories

00:05:35-Tools and Techniques

00:07:39-Conclusion

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Hello Lovelies! Today, let's dive into the ever-evolving world of social media and take a closer look at the much-discussed topic of Meta. If you're wondering what the buzz is all about and how it impacts your online presence, you've come to the right place. As always, I'm here to break it down for you. Buckle up and get ready, because we're about to unravel the mystery of Meta and explore the intricacies of Facebook and Instagram feeds. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and join me in this exciting journey into the fascinating realm of social media platforms. Let's go!

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:00:51-Understanding Meta

00:02:28-Facebook Feed

00:04:15-Instagram Feed

00:05:45-Navigation Changes

00:06:27-Conclusion

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In this extensive episode, we will delve into the fundamental aspects of Facebook and Instagram for authors. Our comprehensive discussion will revolve around the identification of target users, the diverse applications of these social media platforms, and the effective strategies to harness them in promoting your literary masterpiece. We will also explore various techniques and insights that can empower you as an author in navigating the digital landscape.

Chapter List:

00:00:00-Introduction

00:00:51-Who Uses Meta?

00:04:30-What is Meta Used For?

00:05:26-How is Meta Used?

00:07:19-Conclusion

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Boost Your Writing Productivity with Brain Food Snacks

Hey there, fellow writers! We all know the struggle of trying to stay focused and productive during our writing sessions. But what if I told you there's a simple and delicious way to enhance your creativity and concentration? That's right, I'm talking about brain food snacks! In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of brain food snacks and how they can supercharge your writing sessions. Get ready to unlock your full writing potential and say goodbye to those mid-afternoon slumps!

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2023/07/07/craving-inspiration-try-these-healthy-snack-options-for-productive-writing-sessions/

Chapter List:

00:00-Introduction

00:51-The Power of Brain Food Snacks

01:54-Essential Nutrients for Productive Writing

03:01-Top Brain Food Snacks for Writers

04:51-Incorporating Brain Food Snacks Into Your Writing Routine

08:57-Conclusion

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How many of them have you heard? Do you know of any others? Add them to the comments for this episode so we can all build a playlist!

I own no part of these songs, but you can find them all available to stream on platforms like Spotify. If any of these interest you, please buy the albums directly from the artist and support them in any way you can!

Let's give credit where credit is due!

Paperback Writer, The Beatles (1980)
Hemingway's Whiskey, Guy Clark (2009)
Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield (2004)
Lady Writer, Dire Straits (1979)
Writer's Minor Holiday, Calexico (2008)

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In the digital age, where social media and instant messaging dominate communication channels, email newsletters have stood the test of time as a powerful tool for authors to connect and engage with their readers. An email newsletter provides a direct line of communication, allowing authors to share updates, insights, and exclusive content with their audience. In this episode, we'll explore the benefits of email newsletters for authors and provide tips on how to create compelling and effective newsletters.

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When it comes to building an email list, two popular methods are pop-ups and landing pages. Each approach offers unique benefits and considerations, making it crucial to understand their distinctive characteristics and choose the right approach for your email list building strategy. In this blog post, we'll explore the features of pop-ups and landing pages, helping you make an informed decision on which one suits your needs best.

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As an author, establishing a strong connection with your readers is essential for long-term success. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by building an email list. An email list allows you to communicate directly with your audience, share exciting updates, and cultivate a community of loyal readers. In this episode, we'll explore strategies to build an engaged email list for authors, focusing on opt-ins, incentives, and giveaways.

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Create a thriving email list that supports your author career.

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In this episode, we'll look at why author email list building is so important and how it can help you build your author brand.

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No matter what type of author you are and what genre you write in, there's no doubt that having a well-made website can help you promote your work and build an audience. But what should go into the development of an author website? What makes a good book website different from other types of websites? And how can you use your website to promote your books? In this article, we'll look at some key elements that any great author website needs—including services for writers who want to sell their work directly through an online store or add-on features that make it easy for visitors to subscribe to email lists or sign up for mailing list updates about new releases.

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As an author, having a website is a crucial aspect of your online presence. One of the most important pages on your website is the contact page, where your readers and potential business partners can get in touch with you. In this blog post, we will discuss what a website contact page is, why it's necessary for authors, and how an author can create one for their website.

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The world of publishing is changing rapidly, and publishing houses are adapting. In this case, “adapting” means cutting budgets for authors’ publicity and marketing. It’s harder than ever for an author to get noticed by readers—especially when there are so many other books out there competing for attention. One way to stand out from the crowd? Start a blog!

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While you may think of your About Me section as just another page on your website, it’s not. While other pages are designed to drive sales, this one should be more about how you want to be perceived by others. It’s an opportunity for you to share some personal information with prospects that may help them understand why they should trust you and hire your services or products.https://authorrachelcooper.com/2023/04/21/your-about-me-section-is-not-the-same-as-your-bio/

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As an author, using hashtags can help you expand your reach, connect with your target audience, and promote your work on social media. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to use hashtags effectively for social media marketing as an author.https://authorrachelcooper.com/2023/04/14/100-hashtags-for-authors/

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5 Writing Apps to Tryhttps://authorrachelcooper.com/2020/06/20/5-writing-apps-to-try/

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I most often start a story with a cool premise. A concept that comes down to me out of the aether that I am extremely excited about, and a story is born. The characters, however, usually stink. When I was going into my fourth draft of #ODUM I was doing a ton of research on character arcs, story arcs, and series arcs in order to build in what I knew my story was lacking.

In doing so, I looked into so many of the same types of outlines, relatively the same story beats, just phrased or arranged in a different way. While I do consider myself to be a "plotser"--that is, both a "plotter" and a "pantser"--I knew I needed to give myself some sort of structure to tell a more complete story.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2020/09/06/goal-based-plotting-method/

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As a book author, you’re always looking for innovative ways to promote your work and reach a wider audience. One powerful tool that can help you achieve this is the hashtag. In this episode, we’ll explain what hashtags are, how they work, and how you can use them effectively for your book marketing efforts.

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Social media platforms have revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with each other online. With billions of active users worldwide, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. In this blog post, we will explore what social media platforms are, how they work, and their impact on society.

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If you're like me, you've probably spent a lot of time thinking about how to get readers for your book. You know it's all about the marketing, and that getting readers is the key to selling more books. So I asked myself: what do successful authors do when they're launching a new book? Do they have different strategies? And if so, what are those strategies? After all my research, I came up with some simple ways authors can find new readers and sell more books!

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Social media is a huge part of the online world and a big part of many people's lives. It can also be a great place to make money if you're willing to put in the time and effort. If you are interested in learning more about how to make money on social media, listen to this guide!

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast.

For authors, social media is a great tool for connecting with readers and marketing their books.

Authors can use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to promote their work by sharing news about upcoming releases or events that they’ll be attending in person. They can also post photos of themselves at book signings or readings as well as videos of themselves reading excerpts from their latest novels. These posts will help get the word out about an author’s work by reaching people who might not otherwise hear about it through traditional channels like television commercials or radio ads (or even print ads).

The internet has been a great tool for helping authors connect with readers. It’s also been a boon for writers looking to market their books. But there are many different social media platforms out there, and not all of them are used the same way. Here’s an overview of how authors are using some of the most popular social media platforms to market their books.

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Social media is a powerful marketing tool that has been around for many years. It has grown to become one of the most important ways for businesses to market their brands, products, and services online. With so many platforms available, it can be difficult for businesses to know where to start with their social media marketing efforts. In this post we will look at some of the best ways to use social media for your business and how you can get started today!--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/author-rachel-cooper/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/author-rachel-cooper/support

Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast.

Social media is a river of information, and it has the power to both amplify your message and drown it out entirely. If you’re an author or writer but are still wondering how to make use of social media, this post will help clarify just how important social media can be for authors and writers like you. Let’s dive straight in.

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Hello lovelies, and welcome to our first episode in our Year-long series looking at Social Media. To start the year, I want to define some basic terms that will give us a baseline when we’re talking about social media throughout the rest of the year.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to another year of content!

This year, I want to mainly talk about Social Media, and specifically about the different Social Media platforms, and how to use them for your business in writing. There is a lot to learn this year can be useful to you in regard to Social Media, so please stay tuned.

Let’s dive in, and I will outline the rest of the year.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/?p=3151

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Ever been diligently working on your main project, when out of nowhere, a new idea hits? It’s a great idea. You’re super excited about it. You just know that this new idea is way more interesting to write, way more publishable, just so much better than the lump of words you’re already working with. Then off you go writing that new thing and not finishing your main project.

Don’t worry. It’s happened to me too. In fact, for the first six years that I was a writer, I attempted to write every single new idea that came to mind. It took me nine years to finish a first draft of a novel, because I didn’t have a plan in place when the new idea came along.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2020/08/30/beat-the-shiny-new-idea-syndrome/

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Writing without abandon. Who can do such a thing these days? To answer the question, YOU.

Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. Today I want to talk about the mythical unicorn that is a flow state, how to find yours, and why it will help your writing.

First of all, you might be wondering, what is a Flow State? According to Wikipedia, a flow state is one in which “a person performing some activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by the complete absorption in what one does, and a resulting transformation in one’s sense of time.”

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2020/11/21/find-your-writing-flow-state/

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Well hello, Lovelies! Here we are in Q1 of 2023. Last year has gone by so fast, hasn’t it? It’s time to set some new goals so that I can accomplish ALL THE THINGS!

As with other quarters I use a Kanban-style Trello Board for all my goal setting. If all of that is gibberish to you, let me explain.

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Last time I talked about the Pomodoro technique and why it utterly failed for me.

If you missed the post, go check it out. No seriously. Go.

In the briefest recap ever, I loved the idea of Pomodoro and kept attempting it over and over without success, then I assessed why I kept failing so hard at this and a new idea was born.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2018/07/07/my-own-pomodoro-technique-that-works-pomodoro-series-part-two/

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Everyone’s heard of the Pomodoro Technique by now, right? RIGHT?

I wanted to continue our discussion on using our time wisely, and I wanted to talk a little bit about the Pomodoro Technique because it is an important tool for task management big and small.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2018/06/02/why-the-pomodoro-technique-didnt-work-for-me-pomodoro-series-part-one/

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If you’ve been along to the podcast by now, you’ll probably know that I have a full-time day job that I do in addition to my writing, because I simply can’t afford to stay at home all day. I wish.

When I was first starting out, I would read all these respected authors and their blogs would all say, “Write Every Day.” This has been a mantra that has been repeated so many times that it’s almost a cliche’ by now. I would look at how many pages these authors said they would turn out, how many words per day, and how many sheer books they had under their belts, and think to myself, These authors write for a living. If I want to be an author I need to put in as much time at it as I would if I were making my living from it, or it means I’m not that serious.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. I’ve been talking this year all about genre and about the major and minor genre categories that we see and can use as writers. We're coming to the end of the year and I wanted to give a giant recap of all the things I’ve taught about this year. If you are looking for a more in depth explanation, please search the blog for the specific post you are looking for, as all of these topics have been previously covered. Let’s get started.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. I’ve been talking this year all about genre and about the major and minor genre categories that we see and can use as writers. We're coming to the end of the year and you may have noticed that ther's a lot that we haven't had the time to tslk about yet, so I want to address that now. Let’s get started.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2022/12/05/things-that-arent-genre/

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. I’ve been talking this month about NaNoWriMo, or the National Novel Writing Month. Even in years where I have no specific project or aren’t wholly committed to the challenge, I often still love talking about my experiences with the entire NaNoWriMo month. This week, I want to talk about something that I’ve been experiencing this week as the writing has gotten difficult and I finished my draft of a children’s novel early and before hitting 50,000 words. Specifically, I want to talk about that little insidious habit we all get into called procrastination and how I’m getting myself out of it. Let’s get started.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. Last week started the National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, and even in years where I have no specific project or aren’t wholly committed to the challenge, I often still love talking about my experiences with the entire NaNoWriMo month. This week, I want to talk specifically about things you can participate in during NaNoWriMo that will help you get the words in. Let’s get started.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. Last week started the National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, and even in years where I have no specific project or aren’t wholly committed to the challenge, I often still love talking about my experiences with the entire NaNoWriMo experience. This week, I want to talk specifically about why I love NaNoWriMo so much. Let’s get started.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2022/11/12/why-nanowrimo-matters/

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the Podcast. We learned last week about the fifth Pillar of Genre, Fiction. Specifically, we went over a definition for Fantasy, and we talked about some examples of how to write it. This week starts the National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, and even in years where I have no specific project or aren’t wholly committed to the challenge, I often still love talking about my experiences with the entire NaNoWriMo experience. Let’s get started.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. We are learning about the fifth Pillar of Genre, Fiction. Last time, we went over a definition for Horror, and we talked about some examples of how to write it. This week, I want to dive deeper into the next of those subgenres, that of Fantasy, my absolute favorite genre ever. It is also, appropriately, my longest podcast to date. I have a lot to say on this topic. Let’s get started.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2022/10/30/fantasy-as-a-literary-genre/

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. We are learning about the fifth Pillar of Genre, Fiction. Last time, we went over a definition for Science Fiction, and we talked about some examples and how to write it. This week, I want to dive deeper into the next of those subgenres, that of Horror, and just in time for Halloween. Let’s get started.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the Podcast. We are learning about the fifth Pillar of Genre, Fiction. Last time, we went over a definition for Western Fiction, and we talked about some examples and how to write it. This week, I want to dive deeper into the next of those subgenres, that of Science Fiction. Let’s get started.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2022/10/16/science-fiction-as-a-literary-genre/

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I’ve been editing and rewriting my novel lately, and it has been really painful for me. I am a native speaker of American English, and yet, I still struggle mightily when I write and finish an entire book and someone else comes along and tells me my writing needs so much work. I am an underwriter, so most of my struggle comes in the form of telling things that should be shown, and in not describing characters and the setting enough.

In this post, I just wanted to go over some of the things that I have come across during the editing process that I have struggled with or just seemed silly or made me laugh. Maybe you can relate.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2018/09/01/editingconfessions/

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. Whether you are writing novels this November or not, one of the things I most enjoy about doing NaNoWriMo is the sense of community you get when doing this crazy challenge. So let’s explore the idea of creating your own writing community. First, I want to give you ideas for places to look for an existing community, then we’ll talk about what to do if no community exists in your area.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2020/11/07/build-a-writing-community/?preview_id=1320&preview_nonce=9665bed487&preview=true&_thumbnail_id=1427

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. Last week, we started learning about the fifth Pillar of Genre, Fiction. We went over a definition for Inspirational Fiction, and we talked about some examples and how to write it. This week, I want to dive deeper into the next of those subgenres, that of Western Fiction. Let’s get started.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. Last week, we started learning about the fifth Pillar of Genre, Fiction. We went over a definition for Historical Fiction, and we talked about some examples and how to write it. This week, I want to dive deeper into the next of those subgenres, that of Inspirational Fiction. Let’s get started.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. Last week, we started learning about the fifth Pillar of Genre, Fiction. We went over a definition for Crime, and we talked about some examples and how to write it. This week, I want to dive deeper into the next of those subgenres, that of Historical Fiction. Let’s get started.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. Last week, we started learning about the fifth Pillar of Genre, Fiction. We went over a definition for Romance, and we talked about some examples and how to write it. This week, I want to dive deeper into the next of those subgenres, that of Crime. Let’s get started.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. Last week, I gave you an introduction to the fifth Pillar of Genre, Fiction. We went over a definition, and we briefly talked about the loads of Fiction subgenres. This week, I want to dive deeper into the first of those subgenres, that of Romance. Let’s get started.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2022/08/28/romance-as-a-literary-genre/

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. Today we are going to talk about the fifth and final Pillar of Genre, and I am finally getting to introduce you to Fiction as a Literary Genre. There are a ton of subgenres that fall under the fiction category and I am so excited to go over them all and find out your favorites. Let’s dive straight in, shall we?

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Hey, Hi, Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. Last week, I mentioned that I had made a mistake in my posting schedule and that normally we’d start the final Pillar of Genre this week, however, I had some backtracking to do. As much as I’d love to say that this is a farce, I did not actually skip the post on farce as a literary genre intentionally! So let’s dive in with my apologies for being a normal, mistake making human, and talk about farce this week so that we can get back on track.

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Persuasive Nonfiction are nonfiction books in which the author intends to convince readers to believe in an idea or opinion and to do an action. Keep in mind that many writings that aren’t books, such as criticisms, reviews, reaction papers, editorials, proposals, advertisements, and brochures, also use different ways of persuasion to influence readers.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2022/08/08/persuasive-nonfiction-genre/

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Descriptive Nonfiction, also called Creative Nonfiction, is a type of nonfiction that uses all five senses to help the reader get a visual of what the writer is trying to describe. Sensory details, rich imagery, and figurative language, while also attempting, in good faith, to provide accurate information regarding a real-world topic, are methods used to achieve descriptive nonfiction.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2022/07/31/descriptive-nonfiction-genre/

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. Today we’re talking about the fourth Pillar of Genre. We’re talking today about the Nonfiction genre, and specifically, about the Expository Nonfiction genre. http://authorrachelcooper.com/?p=2801

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. Today we’re talking about the fourth Pillar of Genre. We’re talking today about the Nonfiction genre, and specifically, about the Narrative Nonfiction genre.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. Today we are going to talk about the fourth Pillar of Genre, and I am introducing you to the concept of Nonfiction as a Literary Genre.

If the thought of Nonfiction as a literary genre catches you by surprise, I must admit that I was initially surprised as well. I used to think of genre as being solidly in the realm of fictional narrative. However, the more I learned about genre and its conventions, the more it made sense that Nonfiction also has its own definite subgenres with markedly different conventions. You may not be convinced yet, but I hope to change that idea over the course of the next few weeks.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2022/07/11/introduction-to-nonfiction-as-a-literary-genre/

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Hello Lovelies! The month of November is coming to a close, and whether you’ve won NaNoWriMo, are nowhere near winning, or didn’t participate at all, I want you to know I am cheering for you and I hope you finish strong!

http://authorrachelcooper.com/2020/11/28/keeping-the-momentum-of-nanowrimo/

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. It’s the end of week two for NaNoWriMo and probably most authors are starting to feel the burn. As in times before, in week two, I am in the muddy middle of my draft. The writing usually becomes a slog for me, and the burst of energy I feel at the start of something new fades away as burnout becomes an ever more likely scenario.

It is in this kind of place where I am at my lowest as a writer, and for this reason, I wanted to talk about a few free ways you can support and uplift your favorite authors any time of the year, and especially during writing slumps.

http://authorrachelcooper.com/2020/11/14/four-free-ways-to-support-fellow-authors/

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. Today we’re talking about the third Pillar of Genre. We’re talking today about the Drama genre, and specifically, about Comedy as it pertains to the literary genre.

http://authorrachelcooper.com/?p=2720

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the blog. Today we’re talking about the third Pillar of Genre. We’re talking today about the Drama genre, and specifically, about Tragedy as a literary genre.

http://authorrachelcooper.com/?p=2711

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. Today we are going to talk about the third Pillar of Genre, and I am introducing you to the concept of Drama as a Literary Genre. Let's dive straight in!

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2022/06/03/introduction-to-drama-as-a-literary-genre/

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. Today is the last day that we're talking about the second Pillar of Genre. Let’s talk about Poetry.

How do you define what Poetry even is? Would you say that it has a meter or cadence? That it has to rhyme and have multiple verses? That it has to take a specific form? All of those things may be aspects of poetry, and yet poems exist that could also be said to have none of those qualities. Today we are going to go into Lyric Poetry, so let’s talk about it.

http://authorrachelcooper.com/?p=2691

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. Today, and for the next few weeks, we're talking about the second Pillar of Genre. Let’s talk about Poetry.

How do you define what Poetry even is? Would you say that it has a meter or cadence? That it has to rhyme and have multiple verses? That it has to take a specific form? All of those things may be aspects of poetry, and yet poems exist that could also be said to have none of those qualities. Today we are going to go into Dramatic Poetry, so let’s talk about it.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2022/05/20/dramatic-poetry/

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. Today, and for the next few weeks, we're talking about the second Pillar of Genre. Let’s talk about Poetry.

How do you define what Poetry even is? Would you say that it has a meter or cadence? That it has to rhyme and have multiple verses? That it has to take a specific form? All of those things may be aspects of poetry, and yet poems exist that could also be said to have none of those qualities.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. Today, and for the next few weeks, we're talking about the second Pillar of Genre. Let’s talk about Poetry.

How do you define what Poetry even is? Would you say that it has a meter or cadence? That it has to rhyme and have multiple verses? That it has to take a specific form? All of those things may be aspects of poetry, and yet poems exist that could also be said to have none of those qualities. Today we are going to go into Narrative Poetry, so let’s talk about it.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the podcast. Let’s talk about Fables, shall we? It’s the last subgenre in the Folk Tale pillar of genre and like all folk tales, originally was told from the oral tradition.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the podcast. Last week I went over the difference between Fairy Tales and Fables, because they are very often lumped together, yet they are two separate folk tale subgenres. This week you will get individual posts that look at each more specifically, starting with Fairy Tales, and continuing next week into Fables.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the podcast. Today I want to go over the difference between Fairy Tales and Fables, because they are very often lumped together, yet they are two separate folk tale subgenres. In the weeks following you will get individual posts that look at each more specifically, but for now, let’s look at how the two subgenres compare.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the blog. A few weeks ago, we talked all about the difference between myths and legends, because they are very often lumped together, yet myths and legends are two separate folk tale subgenres. This week, I want to go more specifically into the idea of legend as a genre, and give you some examples of the hallmarks that make up a legend.

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Hey lovelies, you’ve heard of NaNoWriMo by now, right? If you haven’t participated or have heard it being tossed around in the writing community but have no clue what it is, I got you, sib. This post starts the first in a series of posts for what we like to call the crazy prep month before November, also known as #PrepTober.

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Hello Lovelies! Welcome back to the podcast. Today I want to give you a little more information on NaNoWriMo in case last week’s blog post got you interested. We’ll be going over some of the Frequently Asked Questions, and for transparency sake, I am copying this all directly off the NaNoWriMo website. I do not own these words or this content in any way, nor am I making any money off of telling you about NaNo and its affiliates. I love participating in NaNoWriMo, and if you’re interested but have questions, this episode is for you!

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the blog. Last week, we talked all about the difference between myths and legends, because they are very often lumped together, yet myths and legends are two separate folk tale subgenres. This week, I want to go more specifically into the genre of myth, and give you some examples of the hallmarks that make up a myth.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the ppodcast. Last week, we talked all about the Folk Tale pillar of genre and I introduced you to the main subgenres within the Folk Tale category. This week, I want to talk in brief about the difference between myths and legends, because they are very often lumped together, yet myths and legends are two separate folk tale subgenres.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the podcast. Last week,we talked all about the Folk Tale pillar of genre and I introduced you to the main subgenres within the Folk Tale category. As a reminder, Wikipedia defines a folktale or folk tale as “a folklore genre that typically consists of a story passed down from generation to generation orally.” This week, I want to talk specifically about Tall Tales, giving you some examples and some specific hallmarks of a Tall Tale.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the blog. Last week, I gave you an introduction to the five main pillars of genre. Today we’re diving deep into the first pillar, talking all about the Folk Tale genre. I’ll also be giving you an introduction to the specific subgenres that folk tales encompass.

http://authorrachelcooper.com/?p=2582

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the blog. Today I want to go over the five biggest genre categories that encompass nearly every book you will ever write. There are a few exceptions, but these main categories are considered the five pillars of genre. Genre is a tool that you can use at any stage of the writing process, not just at the marketing end, and these genre categories will be the basis of what I’m going to be talking about for the rest of the year. So let’s dive in.

https://authorrachelcooper.com/2022/02/18/5-pillars-of-genre/

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the third introductory talk on genre. In our first week, we talked about what genre is. Last week, we spent some time defining something a little more controversial, or what is not considered a genre. As our last introductory post before we jump into the first genre category, I want to touch upon three reasons why learning about genre is so important for everyone wanting to write, no matter what stage of the writing process you are in.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the second talk on genre. Last week, we talked about what is a genre and why it matters. Today I want to spend some time defining something a little more controversial, and that is, what is not considered a genre.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome to the first talk on Genre. Today I want to spend some time defining what genre really is. This definition will be important for building our understanding the rest of the year on genre. I am specifically going to be talking about the literary genres, but keep in mind that there are musical genres, movie genres, and genres of many different types, and they are worth looking into if you are interested in writing music, writing for movies and television, or if some other writing style applies.

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This year, I want to mainly talk about genre, and specifically about the different genres, as well as what isn't genre. There is a lot to learn this year can be useful to you regarding genre, so please stay tuned.

If you want to follow along, you can download a free pdf at the end of the blog post that outlines not only the main genres, but the little intermediate genres that the main genres encompass. So let’s dive in.

This year is going to be a fun ride, and I hope you will come along for the journey. If you want your very own PDF to follow along, you can grab those pages totally for free by clicking the link below!

THE FIVE PILLARS OF GENRE

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At the end of every year, I get organize-crazy. Do I have all my paperwork sorted so I can get my taxes done? How long has it been since I’ve updated my passwords and uploaded all the stuff on my phone and desktop to the cloud? Oh, shoot. I’ve been meaning to get around to finding a spot for that new thing I got in the office and never got around to it. All year. Since last holiday season when I bought it.

There is no shortage of organizing tips for feeling in control of the physical things in your life. If you want a minimal mess desk with functionality and in colors you love, there’s probably a Pinterest board for that. Yet as writers, it is equally important to set up your digital space to inspire. Here are some ways that you can set up your digital life to work for you. I’m going to give you some ideas in an easy, bulleted list to get you started.

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Starting is hard. Starting is one of the hardest things you can do, no matter if you are starting a new habit, a new project, or even a new email message. There is almost nothing worse than starting a new blog series, a new product, a new scene.

Why? Well, there are more reasons than you might think.

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Storyist - Evernote - Scrivener Scratchpad - Microsoft OneNote - Google Keep

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Let’s talk about making daily writing goals. I think that everyone tries to make daily writing goals of some sort, but it’s not often that I find somebody who actually keeps them. Starting a new habit is extremely difficult, and keeping that habit is even harder. So today I want to talk about making a realistic daily writing goal that you are able to keep.

First let me explain that most writing goals start off either way too optimistic, or way too pessimistic. Everyone wants to write every day, and that’s fine, but when you start off trying to write too much or too little, it’s a bad deal all around.

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The more internet searches I do, the more I realize that there are a whole lot of ways that people work out their task lists. One of the most simple and most effective is the to-do list. Making a to-do list works for a lot of people, because not only can you see everything that needs to get done, but you can also add in extra tasks easily, and you feel super accomplished to mark a bunch of things off your list.

Sometimes, a to-do list can feel totally overwhelming. You have this huge list of everything, but where do you even begin to accomplish them? There is a way to write a to-do list that prioritizes your biggest goals. Call it what you will, but I’ve understood it best as the Rocks-Pebbles-Sand approach.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back. Every year since 2018 I have picked one word to focus my goals around for the entire year.

In 2018, I chose Focus because I had too many projects and none of them that were completed, so I really wanted to practice focusing in on just one project and seeing it through to completion.

In 2019, I chose Hustle, because while I largely was able to teach myself the focus in the previous year, I was facing multiple rewrites and I wanted to see just how many words I could write in a single year.

In 2020, I chose Perseverance, because the problem with hustle culture is that you can do many amazing things if you're ever in need or in a pinch, but hustling for an extended period of time can and will burn you out. And by the end of 2019, and coming into 2020, I was way burnt out.

This year, the focus word I chose was Energy.

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Hello Lovelies, and welcome back. In this post we're going to briefly recap all the things we've learned about writing drafts and about revising them throughout the year. If you've missed any of these lessons, you can find them all linked on the blog.

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Hello lovelies. Today I want to go over goal setting for the new year. I know I’ve gone over this for short-term planning before, but I want to give you a way to plan your entire year realistically so that in December of next year you can look back and know you accomplished something.

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I’ve done NaNoWriMo many times. I’ve won some years and lost some years, and I knew going into this year that I probably was going to participate knowing full well that I wasn’t going to win. The challenge is still fun, and the spirit of NaNoWriMo is still very exciting for me, so I decided my participation was going to be worth doing on it’s own. This week I am trying to keep up with my own self care so that I am able to sustain my creativity throughout the length of my latest project.

So let’s dive in and I’ll tell you what kinds of ideas I’ve had about refilling my own creative well. Your results may vary, but I hope this list may get you thinking about some things that might work for you.

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I’ve done NaNoWriMo many times. I’ve won some years and lost some years, and I knew going into this year that I probably was going to participate knowing full well that I wasn’t going to win. The challenge is still fun, and the spirit of NaNoWriMo is still very exciting for me, so I decided my participation was going to be worth doing on it’s own, so this year especially, I am reminded of the need to manage my own high expectations.

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NaNoWriMo isn’t for everyone.

Yeah, I said it.

And I want to reiterate that it’s totally okay not to participate in NaNoWriMo sometimes. Here are some definite clues to help you decide if this year’s participation is worth it or not to you. At no point am I saying you can’t, but I am saying judge for yourself.

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In this #NaNoWriMo article we talk about some ways you can stay productive during the entire month of NaNoWriMo.

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In this #PrepTober article we talk about some ways you can make scene cards for NaNoWriMo this year.

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In this #PrepTober article we talk about three unconventional ways to prepare for NaNoWriMo this year. I am not going to have much time to prep for NaNoWriMo this year. In fact, I am not even sure I am going to be trying to reach 50,000 words as my NaNo goal. Still, I wanted to give you a few ideas that you may not hear on other blogs as to how to prep for NaNoWriMo.

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In this #PrepTober episode I want to talk about 3 simple steps to optimizing the time you have without guilt and without losing your mind.

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Knowing the way you like to create that works best for you is essential to winning NaNoWriMo. Even if you aren’t participating this year, being aware of yourself can tell you so much.

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For those of you just tuning in, November is the National Novel Writing Month, and if you were thinking about participating in NaNoWriMo this year, I have some pretty good tips on how to prepare yourself for success.

I have no small amount of knowledge of NaNoWriMo, because for about three years, I participated in every November NaNoWriMo and every Camp NaNoWriMo available. I even became a Municipal Liason. After 10+ sessions, I have won some and I have lost some, so I am very well-rounded in what works and what doesn't.

If you haven't done it before, the challenge is to start a brand new novel on November 1st, and make 50,000 words by the end of November. This is a huge benefit for authors who either cannot stop editing their every word, or have not figured out how to make their writing a daily habit. I have taken a break from doing NaNo in the last few years while I work on my backlog of partially completed manuscripts, but I still love the challenge and the sheer audacity of trying to write over 1600 words per day. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it.

Let me go over three tips that will help you be successful in doing NaNoWriMo this year.

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I recently pulled myself out of a writing slump. This week, I’m going to be talking about my writing projects, my mental health, and give you an update on what’s happening. This is going to be a long, chatty podcast, so if you’re not into that, no worries, feel free to skip this week’s episode.

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This week, I want to talk specifically about how a self-published author can signpost to their readers that they do more than just writing one type of book series.

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We’ve talked a lot about writing a series, and about the pitfalls of how writing an especially long-standing series in a set genre can box you into being a writer of one genre and only one genre, when that may not be what you want to write for the rest of your life. This week, I want to talk about the author/agent relationship, how you can approach your agent about your interest in a broad writing career, and what to do if they aren’t capable or willing to pivot with you once you’re contracted with them.

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This week's podcast is about fast drafting your series!

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It’s all the rage. Publishers and readers alike agree. Writing novels in a series is where it’s at. Last week we talked about some of the drawbacks of writing a series from the author’s perspective. This week I want to talk more seriously about what you can do to write a series successfully.

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It’s all the rage. Publishers and readers alike agree. Writing novels in a series is where it’s at. But did you consider that for an author, this may be a hard bill to pay? Have you considered that there might be drawbacks? This week, we’re talking all about the drawbacks to writing a series from the author’s perspective.

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A while back, I got a standing desk. I made the decision to move from a giant metal teacher-style desk that looked like it was straight out of the 80’s to a desk that is sleek and more my style.

I want to say upfront that this is not an ad of any kind. I am not getting any kind of kickback by telling you about my desk purchase. I did not get any part of the desk discounted or free, I paid for it completely out of pocket because, as you might come to understand, it was more than time for something new.

I do, however, want you to consider carefully whether you want to purchase a standing desk of your own or not, as there were many things, both good and bad, that I’ve experienced with my purchase. I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

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Today we are talking all about critique partners. When you’re rewriting your manuscript and figuring out how to make your second draft even better than your first, sometimes it’s not enough to work on your own. As a writer, it’s hard to read your own story with an impartial, critical eye. If you feel you’ve reached a wall with your writing, where you either can’t figure something out on your own, or you think it’s as good as you can make it by yourself, it might be time to consider looking for a critique partner.

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If you’ve been in the writing community a while you’ve maybe heard of two terms, alpha readers and beta readers, and wondered what they are and why you need them. We’re going to be going over that today and a lot more.

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I recently went to a statewide writer’s conference. My state puts one on every year, but because of COVID-19, they didn’t have one last year, and this year’s conference was very small and the details were constantly in flux as COVID rules and regulations changed almost daily leading up to the conference.

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I hear it all the time. Let your first draft suck. It’s okay to suck at it the first time. It’s supposed to be sucky, just embrace it. Hello Lovelies, and welcome back to the podcast. This year, I want to mainly talk about drafting, and specifically about tips and tricks for getting to a finished first draft. If you already have a finished first draft, the content for this year can still be useful to you in getting a second draft written, so please stay tuned.

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We talked a while back about what a Zero Draft is and whether or not you want to write one. This week, I want to talk about a more common concept, that of a first draft.

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We've been talking about revisions and how to get through your draft process. A few weeks ago, I gave you an overview of how to work through a revision in a way that makes sense so that you are not working against yourself the whole time. I gave you a free revision checklist and if you have not picked that up yet go ahead and grab that now. We are going to go in depth this week into the last item on that checklist which is to make as many other passes as you desire.

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We've been talking about revisions and how to get through your draft process. A few weeks ago, I gave you an overview of how to work through a revision in a way that makes sense so that you are not working against yourself the whole time. I gave you a free revision checklist and if you have not picked that up yet go ahead and grab that now. We are going to go in depth this week into the third item on that checklist which is to work from most problematic to least.

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We've been talking about revisions and how to get through your draft process. A few weeks ago, I gave you an overview of how to work through a revision in a way that makes sense so that you are not working against yourself the whole time. I gave you a free revision checklist and if you have not picked that up yet go ahead and grab that now. We are going to go in depth this week into the second item on that checklist which is to do a complete read-through and take notes.

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Last week we started talking about revisions and how to get through your draft process. I gave you an overview of how to work through a revision in a way that makes sense so that you're not working against yourself the whole time. I gave you a free revision checklist and if you have not picked that up yet go ahead and grab that now. We are going to go in depth this week into the first item on that checklist which is making a solid first draft.

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We’ve been talking about drafting your novels and specifically about getting through multiple drafts of your novel (if that’s your jam). What we’re really talking about is the process of revising your novel. Revising sounded too much like editing for my liking when I first started doing it, and editing just sounds awful and scary when you don’t know what you’re doing. I started calling it writing another draft and that was somehow easier to initially bear than editing or revising. The good news is that there is a way to go about getting your revisions done with minimal backtracking and without having to worry about too many things at each stage. Today, I’m going to tell you about how to do your revisions in a way that makes sense and will lead you to less and less revisions with each pass. You can use this method whether you want to write in one draft or in multiple drafts. You are going to work from big problems to small problems. If you like my method, you can then download a free checklist at the end of the episode. So let’s dive in.

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I thought I’d take a break from talking about drafting this week and talk instead about something that fascinates me, which is personality tests. I will make this writing related, since that’s what you’re here for. So we’ll talk about two personality tests I’ve taken and how they both hurt and help me in my writing career.

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Last week we talked about Brandon Sanderson's many draft method, and this week, I wanted to talk about Terry Goodkind's one-draft method.

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Brandon Sanderson is a writer who goes through many revisions. He talks about this over several years during his BYU class lectures on YouTube, and I wanted to distill his process down from several videos, which I will link at least one of them in the description for the podcast for anyone who wants to hear him talk about it more in depth. https://youtu.be/nKHLuGyjRi8

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There are a number of factors that can help determine how many drafts you will need.

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That voice inside of you that says that you are an utter failure and that you are and will never be that good? Kick it. It’s lying to you. That defeatist mentality can only set you up for failure and mask some very important truths.

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Do you write in multiple sessions in a given day, squeezing in writing time in the in-between moments? Do you dictate on your morning run, feverishly use your phone to access your project when waiting in any line or for any reason, bring your laptop with you when visiting the in-laws, just in case they go to bed early and you can stay up to write? You might be an intermittent writer.

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We've been going through a series about drafting and have zero drafts. Today I want to talk about how you move from your zero draft to a finished first draft.

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What is a zero draft and should you use one?

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Do you set daily or weekly writing goals, and consistently meet them? If you live and die by the idea that you have to write every day, you might be someone who writes slow and steady. Slow and steady writers will chunk out their work and try to reach a certain word or page count goal every day or every week. This type of novelist keeps a steady pace, pushing forward one step at a time.

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Are you a binge writer? There are a lot of bad connotations associated with binging anything. Perhaps you binge watch shows or you binge eat when you're stressed. Did you know you could also binge write?

The hallmarks of a binge writer are people who get a lot of writing done in a small amount of time. If you write between school sessions, on NaNoWriMo, or participate in 10K days, you might be a binge drafter. Binge drafters generally work hard in short bursts.

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Let's chat about how authors get their books written.

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