We take a two episode dive into audio books. In the first part we discuss the options facing indies, such as wide or exclusive, self produce or collaborate etc.

USEFUL LINKS:

 Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career. 

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Self Publishing Launchpad Waitlist:

https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/launchpad

There's no correct way to plot, but here are our suggestions.

Mentioned in the pod were my 5 points to note during plotting - see below the links.

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Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.

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Novel November - a new way to write a novel in November

https://prowritingaid.com/novel-november

Five Plotting Points to help Guide You:

1.     Conflict and stakes 

   Identify the main conflict that drives your story forward

   Ensure the stakes are high enough to keep readers engaged

   Consider both external conflicts (between characters or characters and their environment) and internal conflicts (within the characters themselves)

2.     Character arcs 

   Develop your main characters' journeys throughout the story

   Ensure each main character has a clear goal, motivation, and potential for change

  Consider how the plot events will affect and change your characters

3.     Pacing and structure 

   Decide on the right structure for your story (e.g., three-act structure, hero's journey)

   Balance action, dialogue, and description to maintain a good pace

   Consider the timing of key events, revelations, and twists to keep readers engaged

4.     Causality and coherence 

   Ensure that plot events have a cause-and-effect relationship

   Avoid coincidences or deus ex machina solutions

   Make sure all subplots and character arcs are coherently tied to the main plot

5.     Theme and message 

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THEME IN FIRST DRAFT

   Consider the overarching theme or message you want to convey through your story

   Ensure that your plot, character arcs, and conflicts all reinforce this central theme

   Avoid being too heavy-handed or preachy in your message delivery

Episode 50 is a good time to take stock of the industry and discuss the latest developments that can affect our indie world.

Useful links:

LSP Launchpad Course waitlist:
https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/launchpad

Get your ticket for SPS Live:
https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.
https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support

Let's talk about the author platform you need to build. This episode covers those crucial foundation months as you start out.

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Welcome to episode 48 of the Indie Writers Club. This week Cara (spicy romance, romance) and James Blatch (thrillers) discuss Facebook (Meta) Ads. For years they have reigned supreme as the goto resource to drive readers to Amazon. But are they still working for writers?

USEFUL LINKS:

Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.

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And join James for a live webinar on book packaging with AuthorNation on Weds 6th August: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/webinar

In this episode we deep dive into the process and strategy for launching your English language books into global markets. 

We recommend scribeshadow.com (they are not a sponsor, this is a genuine recommendation). You can use our referral code IWC50 for 50% off your first month.

You download a free PDF that contains the key points from the discussion and it has a couple of useful appendices on Amazon categories in German and Dutch and a guide to pricing in Brazil and Mexico.

Head here to grab your copy: indiewritersclub.com/translations

I'll confess, I love using AI for various parts of my marketing and editing, but even as an advocate of what AI can do for us writers, even I know there is a dark side.

I experienced that recently with an email and in this episode we talk about how scammers are always one-step ahead.

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Support the show

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James and Cara discuss various aspects of writing, the use of AI in manuscript critiques, and the impact of translations on indie publishing. They explore the benefits of using tools like ProWritingAid, the importance of character development, and the themes that resonate within their stories. The conversation also touches on the supportive nature of the indie writing community and the exciting potential of expanding into foreign markets through translations.

USEFUL LINKS:

Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.

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Support the show

In this episode, Cara and James reflect on their recent experiences at the first IWC Writers' Retreat and the SPS Live conference.

They discuss the networking opportunities, feedback from workshop sessions, and the sense of community among indie writers.

Useful links:

Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.

https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support

Check out Julia's videos from our retreat: https://www.youtube.com/@suzybussell

Support the show

It's the Indie Writers Club with Cara & James! This week we talk editing/revising/rewriting, whatever you call it. Some of us love it (me) some hate it (Cara) but we all have to do it!

Big thanks to our sponsors prowritingaid.com, who make the entire process SO much easier (use code IWC15 for 15% off annual plans).
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