The Author Wheel Podcast

The Author Wheel Podcast

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The Author Wheel Podcast episodes

  • Celebrating the Journey: The Final NaNoWriMo Episode

    It's the final countdown! How are you doing with NaNoWriMo?

    Whether or not you "win" this month, you've done something amazing. You've created something out of nothing and gotten words on the page. That's incredible.

    Which is why...

    Tip #1: Celebrate! Whether you wrote 50k or 20k, recognize your effort this month.

    Tip #2: Take a break! Don't immediately jump into editing or publishing this book. Give yourself a little space to breathe and think. Then go back to it with fresh eyes in the new year.

    If you've found these short "betweeniesodes" helpful, please email us and let us know! We're discussing new monthly themes to keep the tips rolling, like goal-setting and planning for the New Year in December, and editing strategies in January. We'd love your feedback!

    You can reach us at [email protected].

    Want even more productivity tips? Check out our online course, Finish Your Novel Faster: https://www.authorwheel.com/finish-your-novel-faster

    Get ready to accelerate your writing speed, stay motivated, and keep your story rolling!

    Don't forget to join Megan's new Substack newsletter, Clarify | Simplify | Implement, where she's sharing all her thoughts on writing, publishing, and the author industry.

    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
    Substack: https://meganhaskellauthor.substack.com

    If you're enjoying The Author Wheel Podcast, please consider supporting the show! You can buy us a coffee at the link below.

    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!



    9 min
  • Embracing Diversity in Indie Publishing: Insights from the 20 Books to Vegas Conference

    Bold statement: indie publishing is a maturing industry.

    A few weeks ago, The Author Wheel attended the 20Books to 50k conference in Las Vegas, and in this episode we're going to talk about our experiences.

    Our biggest takeaway? There are dozens, possibly hundreds, of different strategies for author success. Moreover, the very definition of success depends on the author and what they're looking to get out of their writing. With nearly two thousand writers in attendance, we saw it all, and talked about most of it.

    The landscape of publishing is changing once again. We highlight successful indie authors who have secured contracts, expanded their reach through film and audio book adaptations, and built impressive careers. Understanding your genre, treating your books as a catalog, focusing on your target audience, and building a growth mindset are critical.

    Listen in to learn more!

    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

    If you're enjoying The Author Wheel Podcast, please consider supporting the show! You can buy us a coffee at the link below.

    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!



    37 min
  • NaNoWriMo Hacks to Stay Focused

    Ever feel like the world conspires to distract you every time you sit down to write?

    In this week's "betweeniesode," award-winning fantasy author Megan Haskell and USA Today bestselling mystery thriller author Greta Boris share their best hacks to shut down distractions and focus on your writing.

    Tip #1: Use technology to your advantage. Try out apps like Freedom which shut down distracting websites and social media across your devices, setting "Do Not Disturb" on your phone, or Brain.FM for white noise.

    Tip #2: Change location. If your household chores are calling your name or family keeps unintentionally interrupting you, try going to a coffee shop or library to get those precious words on the page.

    Want even more productivity tips? Check out our online course, Finish Your Novel Faster: https://www.authorwheel.com/finish-your-novel-faster

    Get ready to accelerate your writing speed, stay motivated, and keep your story rolling!

    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

    If you're enjoying The Author Wheel Podcast, please consider supporting the show! You can buy us a coffee at the link below.

    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!



    12 min
  • Playwright to Author with Lawrence Allen

    Ready for a front seat on the roller coaster ride of the writing world?

    Today's guest has pretty much done it all. From working in the theater, to writing Pakistani soap operas in New York, to moving to L.A. to pitch T.V. scripts, then transitioning to prose during the pandemic, there's barely a writing project that Lawrence hasn't tried.

    He's applied that same can-do attitude to marketing. His number one question—which we can all learn from—is "can I make this fun for myself?" Don't fear failure. It can all be fixed in post.

    We also touch on a bunch of tips and tools we each use nearly every day, including Canva, iMovie, and Matthew Holmes's Facebook Ads course.**

    Lawrence Allan is an award winning mystery writer of the Jimmy Cooper Mysteries. His debut novel BIG F@!KING DEAL was a Shamus Award Finalist. He holds an MFA in Playwrighting from the University of Texas at Austin and lives in Los Angeles.

    NEW RELEASE
    Megan has just launched Clarify | Simplify | Implement, a brand new Substack and will be posting her thoughts on writing, publishing, author strategy, setting goals, and finding clarity as an author. You can subscribe for free here: https://meganhaskellauthor.substack.com

    SUPPORT THE SHOW
    **We're affiliates!

    We've mentioned Matthew Holmes multiple times on this show, and even had him as a guest earlier this year. If you want to learn out to create Facebook Ads that work, he's your guy. In fact, Greta says this course has changed her career!

    Join Jumpstart Facebook Ads by Matthew Holmes.

    By clicking this link, we will earn a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you. We only promote products and services we believe in.

    Follow Us!

    Lawrence Allan
    Website: http://lawrenceallanwrites.com
    Book: Big Fat F Up
    Facebook & Instagram: @WriteLarryWrite
    Substack: https://lawrenceallanwrites.substack.com

    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
    Substack: 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!



    1 hr 5 min
  • The Keys to Unleashing Your Writing Speed

    During NaNoWriMo, speed is king (or queen) and the faster you write, the better you optimize your time. Which is why in today's quick "betweeniesode" we're sharing our best tips to pick up your writing pace.

    Join award-winning fantasy author Megan Haskell and USA Today bestselling mystery thriller author Greta Boris as we unveil tried-and-true strategies to stay focused on your word count and keep your story on a roll.

    Tip 1: Try writing in short bursts using the "Pomodoro" technique or writing sprints.

    Tip 2: Don't be afraid of a little healthy competition! Whether you're competing with yourself or with other faster writers, you'll be sure to get more words on the page.

    Want even more productivity tips? Check out our online course, Finish Your Novel Faster: https://www.authorwheel.com/finish-your-novel-faster

    Get ready to accelerate your writing speed, stay motivated, and keep your story rolling!

    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

    If you're enjoying The Author Wheel Podcast, please consider supporting the show! You can buy us a coffee at the link below.

    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!



    13 min
  • Next Level Publishing with Best-Selling Fantasy Author Rachel Rener

    Hard magic systems, finding community, and creating luxury hardback book...

    This week is all about publishing on Kindle Unlimited and creating beautiful deluxe special edition books on Kickstarter.

    Join us for a deep and insightful conversation with renowned fantasy author Rachel Rener, whose international best-selling Gilded Blood series has left readers spellbound...and tattooed. She shares her experiences on everything from writing and publishing in Kindle Unlimited, to community building and managing a successful Kickstarter campaign for a luxury limited edition series omnibus. It's absolutely gorgeous!

    Rachel Rener is a #1 International Bestselling contemporary fantasy author who loves blurring the line between science and magic. Rachel is an animal loving, language learning, picture taking, mineral collecting, video game playing, modern rock listening, celery hating, acrylic painting kind of gal.

    Follow Us!

    Rachel Rener
    Website: http://www.rachelrener.com
    Facebook,  Instagram, & TikTok: @AuthorRachelRener

    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

    If you're enjoying The Author Wheel Podcast, please consider supporting the show! You can buy us a coffee at the link below.

    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!



    1 hr 8 min
  • Boosting Writing Productivity for NaNoWriMo: Avoid Falling Down the Research Rabbit Hole

    NaNoWriMo is all about getting words on the page. In today's quick "betweeniesode" we're talking about how to avoid the distractions of research and revisions.

    Join award-winning fantasy author Megan Haskell and USA Today bestselling mystery thriller author Greta Boris as we unveil tried-and-true strategies to stay focused on your word count and keep your story on a roll.

    Tip 1: Mark sections that need additional research detail and come back later.

    Tip 2: Use comments to note consistency issues or new ideas to be worked into earlier chapters rather than revising in the moment.

    Get ready to boost your productivity, and keep that story rolling.

    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!



    10 min
  • Nurturing Your Story: Insights on Writing and Editing with Jennifer Silva Redmond

    Do editors need editors?

    Short answer: Yes.

    In this episode, we're talking with Jennifer Silva Redmond - an accomplished editor, a resilient writer, and a true raconteur. From her early days as an aspiring Broadway actress, to life on a sailboat, to launching her own editing business, Jennifer has a treasure trove of experience to share.

    As we delve further into the world of writing and editing, you'll learn:

    • How to critically review your work
    • How to give and receive constructive criticism
    • The different types of editing and Jennifer's role as a content editor
    • Why editors still need editors

    Jennifer Silva Redmond is a writer and editor whose memoir Honeymoon at Sea was just released by Re: Books of Toronto. She is on the staff of the Southern California Writers Conference and San Diego Writers, Ink. Jennifer lives with her husband Russel, an artist and teacher, aboard their sailboat on the West Coast of North America.

    Follow Us!

    Jennifer Silva Redmond
    Website: www.jennyredbug.com
    Book: Honeymoon at Sea
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsilvaredmond

    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!



    1 hr 7 min
  • NaNoWriMo Productivity: Unlocking the 'Flow State'

    Ever wondered about that magical state where words flow unrestricted, time seems suspended, and the world around you ceases to exist?

    To help you through NaNoWriMo this November, we're giving you practical tips to increase your productivity and get the words on the page. What better place to start than getting into the flow?

    Tip 1: Build a ritual to teach your brain it's writing time.

    Tip 2: Try the "brain dump" technique - visualize the scene before you start "officially" writing.

    We'll guide you through the ins and outs of these two tips in today's quick NaNoWriMo episode.

    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!



    12 min
  • Understanding Traditional Publishing with Amy Brewer

    What's the best way to approach literary agents? How do you make your manuscript stand out? Do you need to be on social media?

    Today's guest has the answers. We discuss understanding submission guidelines, showing respect for the agents you meet or query, and leveraging social media to promote your work (because yes, even traditionally published authors need to market their books.) Whether you're an introverted writer or love to be in the limelight, there's something for everyone as Amy shares her strategies on balancing privacy while engaging with readers.

    Amy Brewer is a senior literary agent at Metamorphosis. Her intuitive human understanding can help writers bridge the communication gap and jump into the publishing world. Her experience in the mental health field and yoga training help her guide and assist clients with stress and anxiety in this highly competitive industry. All of this is pulled together with a multi-tasking and hyper-organized brain, so that at the end of every day she feels accomplished and grateful. She is seeking captivating stories of human connection and books that touch her heart. 

    Follow Us!

    Amy Brewer
    Website: www.metamorphosisliteraryagency.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metamorphosislitagent/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetamorphLitAg
    Insta: https://www.instagram.com/metamorphosis_lit
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@metamorphosisliterary


    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!



    1 hr 2 min

About The Author Wheel Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Every episode we talk about common writing roadblocks. We interview publishing industry experts about how they overcame the hard things in their careers, and we give you our best tips to keep your…