Sociable Scribes

Brilliant Badass Honorée Corder is a publishing strategist, TEDx & keynote speaker, and author of more than 50 books, and she and Hal Elrod co-created The Miracle Morning book series. Nakita and Kim adore her because she’s a brilliant badass! In this fantastic interview, we discuss:

• Honorée's little things that create BIG success
• How to prepare for a smooth morning routine
• Not a morning person? Honorée breaks it down and explains why that's incorrect
• What you get when you cross a pantser with a plotter
• How using an outline can speed up your writing process
• "What we utter becomes our outer world" 
• Why being high maintenance is a GOOD thing!

Writing one book can be a challenge. What about writing a series of books set in the same world with the same characters? In this incredible interview, Nakita and Kim talk with Brandt Ricca and Matt Millers, the co-creators of two book series, The Barris Books and The Bernice Books! Both series are trilogies, and the Bernice books are a spin-off from the Barris books. During this episode, we explore:

• How Brandt started writing as a creative outlet - which was similar for Matt who usually illustrates technical drawings (and not illustrations for kids!)
• The initial inspiration was a Judy Blume masterclass
• How Brandt used New Orleans - since his family is from the area and he has the background - and why he set the story in the 1950's
• The way the Bernice books were created from the Barris books
• The crazy vivid dreams Matt has and uses for inspiration
• Brandt and Matt's process of collaboration - meeting together, using a whiteboard, and even using inspiration for names from objects around them

Audiobook expert and owner of Twin Flames Studio, Tina Dietz, gives us the goods on one of the fastest growing segments in the book world: audiobooks. Join Kim and Nakita as they chat with Tina, who is as fun an bubbly as she is whip-smart and knowledgeable, about:

• Why narrating fiction books is incredibly hard
• Asserting yourself as a thought leader with your audio book
• Whether it is a good idea to narrate your own book
• What it takes to create a great audiobook
• Insights about the many platforms available for audiobooks.

Editor and book coach, Emily Deaton, with KWE Publishing divulges her insights about working with AI. She's used AI with coaching a client and in this chat with Nakita and Kim, Emily shares:

• Why AI will not replace creativity 
• Ways you may already be using AI and didn't know it
• Why AI may have a bias...and how to ensure your voice matters
• Which AI tool Emily feels is best geared toward writers
• How to embrace AI for your everyday writing needs

Bestselling author Julia Kent kicked off her writing career at 16 in a weekly newspaper and then joined the world of academia as a teacher. So how the heck did she end up writing...romance novels? Join Nakita and Kim as they ask this witty, insightful writer shares her secrets for:

• Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
• Common misconceptions about writing romance and rom-com novels
• Seriously helpful tips for getting out of your own way and writing
• Writing with a formula...but never being formulaic
• How much time she really spends writing every week

Exploring what it means to be a modern influencer, Nakita and Kim interview the effervescent and authentic Raquel Borras. She's the real deal—with over 30k followers on LinkedIn—and yet she doesn't see herself as an influencer. During this revealing chat, the Sociable Scribes and Raquel discuss:

• The importance of defining what you want to accomplish as an influencer
• Authenticity - Being the same person online and offline 
• Cultivating real relationships
• Being an influencer is not the same as "going viral"
• As an influencer, you get to choose the social media platforms that work best for you

Writers, these tips will empower you, whether you want to become an influencer, or want to engage with influencers online to market your amazing book.

Does thinking about marketing your book hurt your head? Many writers profess they don't have the skill set, but they know marketing is a crucial to get their books in front of readers. How do you get the word out if you have a tiny budget? Brilliant Blaire Brown, CEO and Founder of Visionary Advantages Brand Lab, reveals fantastic ways to market your amazing book that won't break the bank! She makes marketing your book very doable and digestible. During this informative interview, the Sociable Scribes and Blaire discuss:

• Analytics that are available to writers
• Personal branding—it is more than just logos and letterhead
• Visually representing yourself consistently
• Creating a consistent voice
• Crafting a cohesive book series
• Judging books by their covers (not people)!

Writers, this important episode will give you important tips whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer honing your marketing skills.

When you're writing your book, decisions abound! One of them? How do you know if self-publishing is right for you?  (We encourage you to read this in your best professional announcer's voice!)

Kim, who specializes in guided self-publishing for clients, and Nakita discuss what to consider before you decide the right path for you and your book. During this episode, Kim and Nakita explore:

• Creating a professional book you are proud of can be achieved with self-publishing...and it starts with your intention for your book
• Preparation and the crucial role it plays
• How your desired timeline for your book influences whether or not you self-publish
• Even "Pantsers" can create goals and milestones!
• The importance of understanding your level of effort
• You can self-publish with a team! You are not alone in the process

You've likely heard of NaNoRiMo, when writers challenge themselves during the month of November to write a book in only one month! How do writers really accomplish this feat?

Nakita, who herself is an expert on writing books in a short amount of time, and Kim explore what it takes to create a manuscript in only 30 days. They talk about why:

• You must have a clear intention
• Discipline plays a crucial role in writing a book in a short time period
• Planning your schedule in advance is integral to your success—including a tip about grace that might surprise you
• Knowing yourself as a writer is important, and knowing if an accountability partner can make the difference
• Celebrating is a MUST! 

Editing is a HUGELY important part of the writing process! So why is it sometimes underrated or (shudder) overlooked? Before you think to yourself, "Well, I can just edit my own book!" STOP! And listen to this episode. 

Nakita and Kim cover:

• Picking a lane: for this project, are you the author or editor?
• Defining "document fatigue"
• Why editing a document is similar to beta testing in software
• Ensuring you are creating marketable content
• Being vulnerable is important as an author, and the reasons why