The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips

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As I wrote the outline and script for the show on value shifts, I realised that there is a smaller unit of story that I need to discuss that's integral to understanding value shifts or how a scene turns. So, I considered adding it to that episode but soon discovered that the final version of the episode would be too long. That's why I created this, hopefully, short bonus show where I discuss what is a story beat. And how you can use them to create better scenes.

Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned

Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap047/

The previous Episode ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap046/

TAP045, The Anatomy of a Scene ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap045/

TAP041, What is a Scene? ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap041/

Story by Robert McKee ⇢ https://amzn.to/49VnLAe *

Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell ⇢ https://amzn.to/3Wcq8eN *

Story Grid by Shawn Coyne ⇢ https://amzn.to/4aZNs3O *

Suggest an Episode Topic ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/request/

Ask a Question ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/

Products I Recommend

Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod *

Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/

Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911 *

Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq *

Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/

DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 *

Other Useful Links

Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ **

Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/

Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media
Discord: https://discord.gg/6pXHfz5K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/
X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/
Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop

* This is a service or product offered by me
** My bookish merchandise store

Send us a text

So you've probably read the title of this episode and thought, what do cliffhangers have to do with outlining? I'm so glad you asked. Let me explain. If you're the kind of writer who needs to outline every scene, then you need to be aware of the types of cliffhangers and how to effectively use them to create a page-turning effect and not turn readers away. In fact, there is more than one type of cliffhanger—there are four. So, in this episode, I'll unpack the four types of cliffhangers in fiction so that you can avoid the common pitfalls and end your scenes with cliffhangers in a way that keeps the reader turning the page.

Without further ado, let's get into the episode.

Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned

Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap046/

The previous Episode ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts057/

TAP045, The Anatomy of a Scene ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap045/

TAP041, What is a Scene? ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap041/

Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the podcast ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/

Answers to Questions on Writing from Previous Shows ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/

Products I Recommend

Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod *

Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/

Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911 *

AutoCrit ⇢ https://www.autocrit.com/

Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq *

Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/

DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 *

Other Useful Links

Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ **

Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/

Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media
Discord: https://discord.gg/6pXHfz5K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/
X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/
Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop

* This is a service or product offered by me
** My bookish merchandise store

Send us a text

I'm back again. And yes, it's been sixteen weeks since I released an episode of the podcast. Between now and November, I took December and January off because it's a busy time of year and I tend to travel during these periods. When I got back from vacation at the end of January, I had caught the flu from a family function. Guess who didn't get the flu vaccine? But I was out of action for three weeks, and I wanted to wait until I got my voice back before I continued podcasting. In this episode, I look back on 2023 and discuss the highs and lows.  On top of this, I share the products and courses that I recommend and are still using in my writing and self-publishing business.


Without further ado, let's get on with the episode.

Show Notes and Links to Products and Courses


I'm really sorry, but I ran out of room to list all of the products and courses that I love. They're all on the blog post. Just click the link above to see the post.

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media
Discord: https://discord.gg/6pXHfz5K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/
X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/
Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop

* This is a service or product offered by me
** My bookish merchandise store

Send us a text

So, how do you write a great scene? But not just a great scene but a scene that keeps a reader engaged and turning the pages, no matter what genre you're writing. The answer is in the details. In order to write great scenes, you need to pay attention to the anatomy of the scene. So, what do I mean by anatomy? I'm referring to the elements of a scene, which include the goal, tension, conflict and stakes of a scene. In this episode, I'm going to break down these individual elements and share tips on how you can incorporate this into your writing.

Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned

Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap045/
TAP041, What is a Scene? ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap041/
TAP009, The 5 Types of Story Conflict ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/5-types-of-story-conflict/
TAP010, How to add more conflict in a story ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/create-conflict-in-a-story/
Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the podcast ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Answers to Questions on Writing from Previous Shows ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/

Products I Recommend

Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod *
Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/
Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911 *
AutoCrit ⇢ https://www.autocrit.com/
Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq *
Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/
DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 *

Other Useful Links

Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ **
Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/
Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media
Discord: https://discord.gg/6pXHfz5K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/
X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/
Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop

* This is a service or product offered by me
** My bookish merchandise store

Send us a text

I'm back. And yes, it's been sixteen weeks since I released an episode of the podcast. Originally, I took the summer off because I needed to take a holiday from podcasting and writing. However, I did a bit of blogging during my break, where I discussed whether you should use AI-generated images in book covers. Also, I wrote a blog post on how to work with a book cover designer. This article was originally written to help potential clients and browsers for Le Villain Book Covers, but I shared the full article on authorpreneur podcast dot com because I believed it would be useful to you as well. While we're on the topic of book cover design, I discussed in another blog post the things you need to know before you design your own book cover. 

This episode isn't just about blog posts; I also discuss my struggles with writing and the epiphany I've had, which helped me make progress after chasing my tail for so long.

Without further ado, let's get into the show.

Courses, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned

Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts056/

How to Work With a Book Cover Designer ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/how-to-work-with-a-book-cover-designer/

AI-Generated Images on Book Covers ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/ai-generated-images-for-book-covers/

Things You Need to Know Before Designing Your Own Book Cover ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/designing-your-own-book-cover/

Accounting and Financial Terms for Authors ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/financial-terms-for-authors/

Plot Gardening by Chris Fox ⇢ https://amzn.to/49egmNu *

Products I Recommend

Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod *

Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/

Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911 *

Natural Readers ⇢ https://www.naturalreaders.com/

AutoCrit ⇢ https://www.autocrit.com/

Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq *

Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/

DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 *

Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢ https://www.siteground.com/go/authorpreneur *

Other Useful Links

Affordable Premade Book Covers | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ **

Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/

Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the podcast ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/

Answers to Questions on Writing from Previous Shows ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media
Discord: https://discord.gg/6pXHfz5K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/
X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/
Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop

* This is a service or product offered by me
** My bookish merchandise store

Send us a text

So, I have a confession to make. Actually, I've been struggling to sell paid books. Sure, I can give them away for free, but paid is a different problem altogether. I've been struggling to sell Duplicity, the second book in my James Lalonde Amateur Sleuth Mystery Series. A few days before my forty-second birthday, I realised that FreeBooksy had a spot open on my birthday, the 29th of May. In this episode, I'm going to share with you the results of that experiment and my attempts to re-create the results with a Fussy Librarian Promotion.

Without further ado, let's get into the show.


Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts055/
May Behind-The-Scenes Author Diary ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts054/
FreeBooksy ⇢ https://secure.writtenwordmedia.com/features
The Fussy Librarian ⇢ https://www.thefussylibrarian.com/advertising/
Support the show by buying me a coffee ⇢ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/authoradhay
Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the podcast ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Answers to Questions on Writing from Previous Shows ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/


Products I Recommend
Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod *
Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/
Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911 *
AutoCrit ⇢ https://www.autocrit.com/
Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq *
Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/
DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 *


Other Useful Links
Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ **
Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podc

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media
Discord: https://discord.gg/6pXHfz5K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/
X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/
Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop

* This is a service or product offered by me
** My bookish merchandise store

Send us a text

In the April Behind the Scenes Author Diary, I mentioned that I screwed up my amateur sleuth mystery series; well, a solution might be at hand. So, in this episode, I discuss my plans for my James Lalonde Amateur Sleuth Mystery series books three and four and a new shiny object. On top of this, I discuss a few self-publishing updates and selling direct with WooCommerce.

But without further ado, let's get on with the episode.


Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts054/
April Behind-The-Scenes Author Diary ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts052/
Dave Chesson's Royalty Calculator ⇢ https://kindlepreneur.com/kdp-royalty-calculator/
Changes to the paperback pricing on Amazon ⇢ https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GPGVYM9KWTYLD2GD
WooCommerce ⇢ https://woocommerce.com/marketplace-sale/
DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 *
My Author WooCommerce Shop ⇢ https://authoradhay.com/shop/ **
Le Villain Book Covers WooCommerce Shop ⇢ https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ **

Products I Recommend
Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod *
Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/
Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911*
Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq*
Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/
Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢ https://www.siteground.com/go/authorpreneur*

Other Useful Links
Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/
Want the podcast straight to your inbox? ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the podcast ⇢

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media
Discord: https://discord.gg/6pXHfz5K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/
X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/
Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop

* This is a service or product offered by me
** My bookish merchandise store

Send us a text

Honestly, I can't believe I made it this far; it's mind-blowing. I know that's cliche, but it's how I feel when I see that episode number. Let's just say it has been a wild ride, a ride that is not yet over, and I'm glad I stuck with podcasting through those difficult times. And I've dabbled with a few great interviews and had my first-ever guests. It's been both challenging and fun all at once.

In the spirit of celebrating the 100th episode milestone, I'm going answer the top questions asked by my Blog Readers, YouTube Subscribers, and Podcast Listeners, and questions asked through my Ask A Question form on my website.

Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/100th-episode/
TAP033, The Case for Outlining, Outlining Pitfalls, and Overcoming Writing Obstacles ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap033/
TAP034, From Idea to Outline: How to Outline a Novel (Part 1 of 3) ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap034/
TAP035, From Idea to Outline: How to Outline a Novel, (Part 2 of 3) ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap035/
TAP036, From Idea to Outline: How to Outline a Novel (Part 3 of 3) ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap036/
TAP037, How I Edit the Outline of a Novel Before Writing the First Draft ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap037/
TAP043, A Tale of Two Novels: My Experience Writing into the Dark ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap043/
Course on Writing into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith (WMG Publishing) ⇢ https://wmg-publishing-workshops-and-lectures.teachable.com/p/writing-into-the-dark
Book on Writing into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith ⇢ https://amzn.to/3LUjkNV *
Blogging as an Unpublished Fiction Author ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/blogging-unpublished-fiction-author/
ProBlogger ⇢ https://problogger.com/
Answers to Questions on Writing from Previous Shows ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/  **
Be on the Podcast

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media
Discord: https://discord.gg/6pXHfz5K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/
X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/
Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop

* This is a service or product offered by me
** My bookish merchandise store

Send us a text

Welcome to the ninety-ninth episode of the Authorpreneur Podcast. Yes, I'm doing the countdown thing—I know, it's super dorky, but I'm embracing it anyway. At present, I'm struggling to sell book two in my amateur sleuth mystery series, and I'm going into detail about my experiments to get this bookselling and my issues with publishing direct to Barnes and Noble upon the advice of going wide webinar. Let's just say that I regret leaving Draft 2 Digital. And I discuss how I've screwed up my amateur sleuth mystery series. Just saying that out loud gives me anxiety.

But without further ado, let's get on with the episode.

Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts052/
Course on Writing into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith (WMG Publishing) ⇢  https://wmg-publishing-workshops-and-lectures.teachable.com/p/writing-into-the-dark
Book on Writing into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith ⇢ https://amzn.to/3LUjkNV *
Course on Writing a Locked Room Mystery by Dean Wesley Smith (WMG Publishing) ⇢ https://wmg-publishing-workshops-and-lectures.teachable.com/p/pop-up-17
Course on Writing with Depth by Dean Wesley Smith (WMG Publishing) ⇢ https://wmg-publishing-workshops-and-lectures.teachable.com/p/apr-depth23
Scrivener ⇢  https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod *
Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/
Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911*
AutoCrit ⇢ https://www.autocrit.com/
Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq*
Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/

Other Useful Links
Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/  **
Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/
Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢ https://www.siteground.com/go/authorpreneur*

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media
Discord: https://discord.gg/6pXHfz5K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/
X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/
Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop

* This is a service or product offered by me
** My bookish merchandise store

Send us a text

Welcome to the ninety-eighth episode of the Authorpreneur Podcast. Honestly, I can't believe that my podcast has come this far. But, back to the matter at hand. Toward the end of March, I started working with my editor on the Locked Room, and in this episode, I share the mistakes that were found in that manuscript in comparison to the previous stories that I've written.

So, without further ado, let's get into the episode.


Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap043/
Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the 100th episode ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Course on Writing into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith (WMG Publishing) ⇢ https://wmg-publishing-workshops-and-lectures.teachable.com/p/writing-into-the-dark
Book on Writing into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith ⇢ https://amzn.to/3LUjkNV *
Course on Writing a Locked Room Mystery by Dean Wesley Smith (WMG Publishing) ⇢ https://wmg-publishing-workshops-and-lectures.teachable.com/p/pop-up-17
Course on Writing with Depth by Dean Wesley Smith (WMG Publishing) ⇢ https://wmg-publishing-workshops-and-lectures.teachable.com/p/apr-depth23

Products I Recommend
Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod *
Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/
Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911*
AutoCrit ⇢ https://www.autocrit.com/
Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq*
Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢ https://www.siteground.com/go/authorpreneur*

Other Useful Links
Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ **
Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/
Support the show by buying me a coffee ⇢

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media
Discord: https://discord.gg/6pXHfz5K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/
X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/
Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop

* This is a service or product offered by me
** My bookish merchandise store