The Author Wheel Podcast

How do you deal with rejection, negative criticism, and disappointment?

In this week's Quick Tips, we're giving you our best advice to overcome the negativity and flip the switch to a positive mindset.

There are all kinds of disappointments in this job. Rejections from agents and editors, fizzled launches, and one-star reviews. 

Our advice? 

1. Remember this business, like so many others, is all about relationships. 
2. Analyze the data. If you get a negative review, assess whether that person was really your target audience, or if there's truly an issue in your book that should be addressed.
3. Spin it to a positive. That one-star review that wasn't your audience, may actually draw in your true target. A rejection from an agent with feedback might help you pitch better next time.
4. Reward your wins. Post the good stuff prominently in your workspace and refer to to frequently to keep yourself motivated.

We talk about all this and more, so tune in!

Don't forget!

The Writing Romance Mastery Summit will take place from February 19, 2024 through February 23, 2024, and we promise it’ll be a top-notch event. Paula Judith is bringing together the biggest names and most knowledgeable experts to share their best secrets.

We're proud to be included in this year's lineup of guests, talking about how to decide if you should self-publish or get an agent. By clicking this link, we may earn a commission from your purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Follow Us!

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

Support the show

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!

What's hiding in your shadow self, and how can you use it to improve your writing?

Today's conversation with Joanna Penn is a brilliant look at what it takes to unearth the raw essence of author creativity.

Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F. Penn. She’s also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. www.TheCreativePenn.com

In this interview, we talk about her book "Writing the Shadow" while reflecting on our own personal strides in writing and business - from transitioning from the corporate world to the arts, tackling email conundrums, and developing a growth mindset.

Follow Us!

Joanna Penn
Website: http://www.thecreativepenn.com
Podcast: The Creative Penn
Books: https://creativepennbooks.com
Instagram: @jfpennauthor

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

Clarify | Simplify | Implement Newsletter
https://meganhaskellauthor.substack.com/

The Writing Romance Mastery Summit
There's still time to register and learn from some of the best authors and coaches in the writing industry. The summit takes place from February 19, 2024 through February 23, 2024, and we promise it’ll be a top-notch event. 

We're proud to be included in this year's lineup of guests, talking about how to decide if you should self-publish or get an agent. By clicking this link, we may earn a commission from your purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Support the show

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!

When motivation is flagging, how do you fall back in love with writing?

The key lies in self-awareness—recognizing your introversion, extroversion, or something in between, and how these traits fuel your creative fire. Our personal stories and practical strategies will guide you to embrace who you are and channel your innate strengths into a writing career that's not just productive, but profoundly fulfilling.

Our quick tips for this week:

1. Spend some time learning about yourself. Take a personality test and think about how the results might apply to your writing life.
2. Review your past. What worked before, that maybe you've lost track of?
3. If you're struggling right now, think about what threw you off course. Is there a way to bring yourself back into alignment?
4. Finish up your obligations so you can give yourself the time and space to create.
5. Work on a palate cleanser: a fun story that you find inspiring but that might not be part of your current series.

Don't forget!

The Writing Romance Mastery Summit will take place from February 19, 2024 through February 23, 2024, and we promise it’ll be a top-notch event. Paula Judith is bringing together the biggest names and most knowledgeable experts to share their best secrets.

We're proud to be included in this year's lineup of guests, talking about how to decide if you should self-publish or get an agent. By clicking this link, we may earn a commission from your purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Follow Us!

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

Support the show

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!

Have you ever tried to write your novel longhand?

For this week's guest, that's simply how it's done. At least for the first draft. For her, it's a great way to connect body and brain and keep the story flowing. But when even that fails, Paula turns to reading to fuel her creative soul. This week's episode offers new solutions that can turn setbacks into triumphs, especially for those navigating the sequel blues.

Paula Judith Johnson is an entrepreneur and the author of 4 steamy romance novels.
Two of her books were finalists in the Book Excellence Awards Historical Romance category in 2020 and 2021, respectively. She is also the creator and host of the Writing Romance Mastery Summit, where you can learn about writing, publishing, and marketing your romance novels.

Hosting summits isn't just about bringing together a community; it's about fostering growth and sharing expertise. Despite its name, the Writing Romance Mastery Summit is not just for romance authors. So much of what we do as writers crosses genre lines, there's definitely something for everyone.

The Writing Romance Mastery Summit will take place from February 19, 2024 through February 23, 2024, and we promise it’ll be a top-notch event. Paula Judith is bringing together the biggest names and most knowledgeable experts to share their best secrets.

We're proud to be included in this year's lineup of guests, talking about how to decide if you should self-publish or get an agent. By clicking this link, we may earn a commission from your purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Get ready to fuel your passion and propel your writing journey to new heights.

Follow Us!

Paula Judith Johnson
Writing Romance Mastery Summit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingromancemastery/

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

Megan's Kickstarter for The Last Descendant Hardcover
Follow this link then click Notify Me On Launch!

Clarify | Simplify | Implement Newsletter
https://meganhaskellauthor.substack.com/

Support the show

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!

How do you refill your creative well?

In this week's quick tips, we're talking about creativity and how we can nurture our subconscious mind. 

Tips include: 

• Intentional content consumption: no matter the medium, what we watch, read, or experience influences our writing
• Building community: conferences, writing groups, online summits are all fodder for your creative brain
• Travel: long-distance or close to home, changing venue can often spark creative joy

Listen in for an episode that promises to refresh your perspective and keep your creative heart beating with excitement.

BONUS!

If January was a bit of a bust and your New Year's Writing Resolutions didn't stick, let Megan help you get back on track by creating goals and habits that will keep your story rolling. Subscribe to the Clarify | Simplify | Implement newsletter for writers here.

Follow Us!

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

Support the show

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!

Have you ever attended an in-person writing conference or summit?

This week's guest is not only a full-time writer and productivity guru, she's organizing the Author Alchemy Summit in Portland February 22-25!

Jessie Kwak is an author and business book ghostwriter living in Portland, Oregon. She is the organizer of the Author Alchemy Summit, as well as the author of a supernatural thriller, two series of space scoundrel sci-fi crime novels, and a handful of productivity books including From Chaos to Creativity and From Big Idea to Book.

The path from scribbling in notebooks to professional ghostwriting is no small feat. Jessie opens up about her strategies for productivity, including reserving her mornings for creative fiction and afternoons for client work. It's not just about finding time but protecting it fiercely.

Our discussion then shifts to the more personal side of writing—self-promotion and confronting impostor syndrome. We affirm the power of individual narratives, sharing touching stories of readers who have found solace in our work, and reminding all authors that their words can be a sanctuary for someone out there.

In our final segment, the spotlight turns to the Author Alchemy Summit and all the work that goes into planning and attending a writers' conference. From the event's conception to networking for the introverted author, we explore strategies for creating an engaging, memorable conference that can leave a lasting impression on attendees.

AUTHOR WHEEL LISTENERS!!
Use code AUTHORWHEEL24 at checkout for $200 off a summit ticket.

Join us for a discussion that's rich with advice and inspiration for writers of every stripe.

Follow Us!

Jessie Kwak
Summit Website: www.authoralchemysummit.com
Instagram & Bluesky: @kwakjessie

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

Megan's Kickstarter for The Last Descendant Hardcover
Follow this link then click Notify Me On Launch!

Clarify | Simplify | Implement Newsletter
https://meganhaskellauthor.substack.com/

Support the show

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!

Ever feel like your New Year's resolutions vanish into thin air before January's over? 

In this week's quick tip, we're talking about the difference between goals and resolutions, and how to turn vague wishes into achievable progress. 

We'll walk you through the basics of the SMART goal setting method so you can make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. We share some of our favorite techniques to keep your story rolling, including the 'Seinfeld principle' for consistency and 'habit stacking' to implement your tasks into your daily routine. 

Tune in for personal anecdotes and a dash of inspiration, to turn those writing wishes—or any project, really—into milestones.

Support the show

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!

Too many external voices...

Today's guest, a former lawyer turned author and book coach, joins us in this week's interview to talk about her writing process. Mary's journey from courtrooms to the craft of storytelling is not only inspiring but also enlightening for writers navigating their own creative paths.

Mary Adkins is the author of the nationally recognized novels “When You Read This”, “Privilege”, and “Palm Beach”. She is also an online writing coach who helps aspiring and established authors write through resistance and finish their books by finding a creative process that works for them. As the founder of The Book Incubator—a 12-month program to write, revise, and pitch your novel or memoir—she helps aspiring authors finish their books with joy and clarity.

Mary's biggest roadblock came up in having too many early readers, and too much feedback. Rewrites and critique classes nearly stole the joy of the story. Together, we share our experiences with reader teams, discuss the effectiveness of tools like Book Funnel and ProWritingAid, and emphasize the importance of breaks to reignite our storytelling passion.

Which is why Mary developed the Book Incubator program, detailing how it supports authors from draft to publication. Plus, we spotlight some invaluable resources for writers seeking to carve out their unique identity.

So, whether you're a lawyer with a secret novel-writing ambition or a seasoned author in search of camaraderie and guidance, join us for a conversation that celebrates the quirks and quandaries of the writer's journey.

Follow Us!

Mary Adkins
Website: https://maryadkinswriter.com/
The Book Incubator: http://thebookincubator.com/
Instagram: @adkinsmary

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

Megan's Kickstarter for The Last Descendant Hardcover
Follow this link then click Notify Me On Launch!

Clarify | Simplify | Implement Newsletter
https://meganhaskellauthor.substack.com/

Support the show

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!

Imposter syndrome. It's the elephant in the room that almost every author faces at some point in their career.

In today's episode, Mark Leslie Lefebvre's shares his wisdom on dealing with this behemoth. With over 30 years experience in the writing, publishing, and bookselling industry, Mark understands the heartbeat of writing and publishing. .

Mark Leslie Lefebvre first became a bookseller in 1992, the same year his first short story appeared in print. He has since worked in numerous roles across the book industry, and published more than two dozen books. Writing, storytelling, and helping other authors are among his greatest passions.

Embracing the conviction that your story matters can be your breakthrough. Mark takes us through the kaleidoscope of book marketing, emphasizing the human touch in an algorithm-driven world. From the tactile connections at in-person events to the pioneering platforms like Draft2Digital, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how personalized efforts can lead to lasting success in the literary world.

Follow Us!

Mark Leslie Lefebvre
Website: www.markleslie.ca
Books for Writers: https://books2read.com/markleslielefebvre
Twitter: @MarkLeslie
Instagram: @MarkLeslieLefebvre

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

Megan's Kickstarter for The Last Descendant Hardcover
Follow this link then click Notify Me On Launch! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/meganhaskell/lastdescendant

Support the show

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!

Ever feel like the intricate dance of authorship could use a choreographer? 

Well, put on your dance shoes because we're here to help. From the solid foundation of goal setting with an author strategy template to the daily twirls of bullet journals and to-do lists, we have tools to help guide your steps. We share how breaking tasks into bite-sized pieces can transform daunting projects into a graceful sequence of achievements, and why celebrating the mini victories along the way is crucial for your morale and momentum.

By mapping out your tasks and decluttering your mental space, your mind can focus on what you're truly passionate about: spinning tales that captivate and inspire. You'll hear us confess our own moments of overwhelm and how our "auxiliary brains" – those trusty templates and tools – serve as our loyal understudies, ensuring the show goes on uninterrupted. 

BONUS!

Check out Megan's bullet journal spreads for authors on the Clarify | Simplify | Implement newsletter for writers. She walks you through each page so you can see exactly what she's recording and why.

Follow Us!

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

"Be A Bestseller 5.0: A masterclass series on how to be an authorpreneur" is running from 15-19 January 2024, and it's absolutely free. All the secrets to a successful authorpreneur lifestyle are just a click a

Support the show

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!