Are you feeling isolated in your creative journey? In this episode, I explore the best places to find your writing community and discuss why building a strong network is essential for your long-term publishing success.

I break down where to connect with fellow storytellers, covering both online and in-person events, and how those connections can help you in your writing journey.

Tune in to discover how to move from a lonely hobbyist to a well-connected, thriving professional writer!

 Helpful links (some are affiliate links):

Henderson Writers Group

My newsletter signup 

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Ruby Diamond (my newest release!)

Podcast Hashtags

#WritingCommunity #AuthorNetwork #WritingTips #IndieAuthor #AuthorsOfInstagram #CreativeWriting #CritiquePartner #BookMarketing #WritingLife #AuthorPodcast

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

Are you an architectural plotter who maps out every chapter, or an intuitive pantser who writes by the seat of your pants? In this episode, I break down the great debate of plotting vs. pantsing to help you discover the perfect workflow for your creative process.

I explore the pros and cons of both creative writing styles, analyzing how a detailed novel outline can prevent writer's block versus how organic pantsing can spark unexpected character discoveries. There is no single correct way to write a book, but understanding your natural tendencies will completely transform your productivity and finish drafts faster. 

Discover how to blend both worlds using the "plantsing" hybrid method to get the structure you need without losing the magic of discovery. Tune in to stop fighting your natural instincts and unlock your ultimate writing routine!

 Helpful links (some are affiliate links):

My newsletter signup 

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Ruby Diamond (my newest release!)

#PlotterVsPantser #WritingProcess #NovelOutline #CreativeWriting #WritingTips #IndieAuthor #FictionWriter #WritingCommunity #StoryStructure #AuthorPodcast

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

Want to sell more books and connect directly with your readers? In this episode, I share some strategies for author email marketing and ways to grow your subscriber base, even if you are starting from zero.

 Tune in to stop relying on social media algorithms and start building a publishing asset you truly own!

Helpful links (some are affiliate links):

My newsletter signup 

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Ruby Diamond (my newest release!)

#AuthorEmailList #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #AuthorNewsletter #BookPromotion #WriterTips #PublishingSuccess #AuthorLife

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

Are you struggling with a sagging middle or a plot that feels flat? In this episode, I dive into the heart of creative writing to explore actionable techniques for increasing narrative stakes and keeping your readers turning pages.

 I break down some essential elements of story conflict, moving beyond basic arguments to explore internal dilemmas, environmental pressures, and opposing character motivations. Whether you are a pantser needing to inject tension into a draft or a plotter mapping out a complex novel outline, this episode provides some framework you may want to test your protagonist.

 Tune in to transform your slow-paced chapters into an unputdownable story!

Helpful links (some are affiliate links):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Ruby Diamond (my newest release!)

#StoryConflict #WritingTips #NovelWriting #CreativeWriting #FictionWriter #PlotDevelopment #AuthorPodcast #WritingCommunity #StorytellingTips #Screenwriting

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

Are character sheets worth your time, or can they slow down your writing process? In this episode, I explore some advantages and disadvantages of using character sheets while writing a novel. Whether you're a first-time author or an experienced writer, character profiles can help you develop believable characters, maintain consistency, and uncover personality traits, motivations, and backstory. But, are they necessary?

 Helpful links (some are affiliate links):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Ruby Diamond (my newest release!)

 #WritingPodcast #CharacterDevelopment #CharacterSheets #WritingTips #AuthorLife #AmWriting #NovelWriting #CreativeWriting #FictionWriting #WritersCommunity #BookWriting #Storytelling #WritingProcess #IndieAuthor #Authors

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

Ready to write your first book? Second book? Twentieth book? In this episode, I’m sharing 9 basic book writing tips that every author should consider before starting their manuscript. Whether you're writing a novel, memoir, or nonfiction book, these practical writing strategies will help you build a strong foundation and avoid common beginner mistakes.

 Helpful links (some are affiliate links):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Ruby Diamond (my newest release!)

#WritingTips #HowToWriteABook #WritingPodcast #AuthorLife #AmWriting #WritersCommunity #BookWriting #CreativeWriting #WritingAdvice #AspiringAuthor #NovelWriting #FirstDraft #WritingJourney #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

Want to write dialogue that feels natural, engaging, and memorable? In this episode, I explore practical dialogue writing tips that can help bring your characters to life and strengthen your storytelling. Whether you're writing a novel, short story, or screenplay, strong character dialogue is essential for creating believable relationships, revealing personality, and moving the plot forward.

If you've ever struggled with writing realistic conversations or making your characters sound distinct, this episode is packed with actionable writing advice to help elevate your craft.

 Helpful links (some are affiliate links):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Ruby Diamond (my newest release!)

#WritingTips #DialogueWriting #CreativeWriting #FictionWriting #AmWriting #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #CharacterDevelopment #NovelWriting #WritingPodcast #WritingAdvice #WritersLife #WritingCraft #IndieAuthor

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

Writing a book doesn't end with the first draft—it’s only the beginning. In this episode, I share my personal strategy for tackling second drafts, third drafts, and beyond. Whether you're revising your first novel or looking for a more effective editing process, you'll learn practical book revision techniques that can help strengthen your manuscript.

If you've ever wondered how to turn a rough first draft into a polished, publishable book, this episode offers actionable writing advice to help you revise with confidence and purpose.

Perfect for novelists, aspiring authors, self-published writers, and anyone looking to improve their manuscript editing process.

 Helpful links (some are affiliate links):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Ruby Diamond (my newest release!)

#WritingPodcast #BookRevision #EditingYourNovel #WritingTips #AuthorLife #NovelWriting #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #SelfPublishing #WritingProcess #BookEditing #AuthorTips #CreativeWriting #ManuscriptRevision #WritersLife

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

Thinking about self-publishing your book? The best time to start preparing isn't after you've finished your manuscript—it's months before publication day. In this episode, I discuss some essential self-publishing decisions authors should consider early in the writing process.

If you're an aspiring author, indie publisher, or writer researching the self-publishing process, this episode offers practical advice to help you navigate the path from manuscript to published book with confidence.

 Helpful links (some are affiliate links):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Ruby Diamond (my newest release!)

#SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #BookMarketing #WritingTips #AuthorPlatform #BookLaunch #PublishingTips #SelfPublishedAuthor #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #BookPromotion #WritingPodcast #IndependentPublishing #Authors #AmWriting

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

The Hero’s Journey is one of the most powerful storytelling frameworks in fiction, helping authors create compelling character arcs, meaningful conflict, and satisfying endings. In this episode, I break down the key stages of the Hero’s Journey and explore how writers can use this classic story structure to craft unforgettable novels, short stories, and screenplays.

If you’re looking to improve your story structure, character development, and overall storytelling skills, this episode is packed with practical writing advice to help you take your manuscript to the next level.

  Helpful links (some are affiliate links):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Ruby Diamond (my newest release!)

#WritingTips #Authors #AmWriting #WritersLife #StoryStructure #HerosJourney #CharacterDevelopment #CreativeWriting #NovelWriting #Storytelling #WritingCommunity #FictionWriting #WritingPodcast #AuthorLife #BookWriting

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook