Send us a text

So, I looked at my podcast in the iTunes store the other day; not only did I realise that I have a few reviews, but I also noticed that this episode is the fiftieth episode of The Authorpreneur Podcast. Holy, crap! I can't believe I made it this far.

Let's just say that it's been a long and difficult road, and there were times when I didn't think that I would make it this far. In the spirit of celebrating this milestone, I'm going answer the top questions asked by my Blog Readers, Youtube Subscribers, Podcast Listeners, and questions asked through my Ask A Question form on my website.

 
Here are the Questions I answer in this episode: 

Q1: Should I revise or edit as I write my first draft? What are your thoughts on this?

Q2: I’m about to start revising or editing my first draft, but I don’t know where to start. Do you have any tips?

Q3: How many drafts did you do before you felt happy with your novel?

Q4: How long did you leave between the first draft phase and revisions?

Q5: I’m a chronic procrastinator. I have a great story idea, which I’m excited about, and I’m 23,556 words into my first draft, but I keep putting it off because it’s getting difficult. I’ve noticed that other people are more motivated than me. I can’t figure out how they do it. Do you have any advice?


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

Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
Show Notes | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts022/
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/  **
Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/

My Books
My Short Story, the Lawn | https://dl.bookfunnel.com/wi5nh80cx4
The Candidate | https://books2read.com/the-candidate
Suspicion | https://books2read.com/suspicion
Duplicity | https://books2read.com/duplicity-adhay/
The Locked Room | https://books2read.com/locked-room

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

Coming up in this show, I discuss why I migrated away from MailChimp and the steps involved. And, I also discuss my decision to merge my author and writing tips websites. In terms of writing, I will share where I'm at with Missing, Book Two, and the steps I need to take before I start writing my short story. 

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

 Mentioned in this Episode
Check out the Show Notes | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts021/
Time To Ditch MailChimp? by David Gaughran
Self Publishing Journeys Podcast
Ask a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions on Writing, editing and Self Publishing Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
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 *

My Books
My Short Story, the Lawn | https://dl.bookfunnel.com/wi5nh80cx4
The Candidate | https://books2read.com/the-candidate
Suspicion | https://books2read.com/suspicion
Duplicity | https://books2read.com/duplicity-adhay/
The Locked Room | https://books2read.com/locked-room

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

Coming up in this show, I discuss how I hired a line editor and proofreader for my thriller novella, Missing, and my plans for book two. And, I've made progress with writing a short story which I intend to use as a lead magnet to build a mailing list.

But first, a short travel update.

I'm currently in San Francisco working from The Palace Hotel. The next few episodes of the Behind the Scenes Podcast Diary will be filmed and recorded in this location. On Friday, Roland and I flew premium economy with British Airways, and I do think the price difference between economy and premium is worth it, especially for a longer flight. The flight from London to San Francisco was ten hours. I'm not saying it flew by, but I think the seats and the extra legroom made all the difference. 

Next week, I'll let you know about my progress on writing the short story, my revisions for book two, and whether I will hire a professional editor for my short story. And I'll share some pictures from my USA Trip.

Thanks for listening!

Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
Check out the show notes | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts020/
Ask a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions on Writing, Editing and Self Publishing Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
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 *

My Books
My Short Story, the Lawn | https://dl.bookfunnel.com/wi5nh80cx4
The Candidate | https://books2read.com/the-candidate
Suspicion | https://books2read.com/suspicion
Duplicity | https://books2read.com/duplicity-adhay/
The Locked Room | https://books2read.com/locked-room

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

It’s been one of those weeks. You know, that week that starts off crappy and turns into a nightmare. But, the week eventually redeemed itself in the final hour. This is going to sound overdramatic, but I’ve got the opposite of the Midas touch. I’m sure there’s a name for that, but it’s completely escaped my mind. However, I’m going to keep this show rant-free as much as humanly possible.

I had huge dreams for this week: commission a professional beta read, finish my revisions for Missing, and work on Smarter Goal Setting. And on top of that, I had a weird experience with PayPal and a potential coaching client that I’m still scratching my head about. Just hearing that makes me want to laugh and cry all at once. For the sake of adding to this drama, I’m starting to get bored of working on Missing. There’s a part of me that needs to look at something different.

So, that’s what I got up to last week. I’m hoping in the next Behind the Scenes Podcast Diary, which will be episode 020, that I will have finished the self-editing phase for Missing, submitted the story to a professional Beta Reader, and started revisions for Silence. And received a quote from my line editor and hopefully some good news in regards to whether my manuscript is ready for editing. Are you revising a story as well? I want to hear from you. Let me know by coming over to the blog post at authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts019/ and share your goals in the comments section.

Thanks for listening! 

Courses, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
Check out the show notes | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts019/
Emotion Thesaurus
Ask a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions on Writing, Editing and Self Publishing Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/

 
My Books
My Short Story, the Lawn | https://dl.bookfunnel.com/wi5nh80cx4
The Candidate | https://books2read.com/the-candidate
Suspicion | https://books2read.com/suspicion
Duplicity | https://books2read.com/duplicity-adhay/
The Locked Room | https://books2read.com/locked-room

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 final instalment of this mini-series on how to structure a story using the Hero’s Journey. In this show, I will share five tips on how to structure a story using the Hero’s Journey. And, at the end of this episode, I will also share examples of this story structure in film and literature and provide you will a list of recommended readings so you can do further research.

Thanks for listening! 

Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
Check out the show notes  | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-028/
Worldbuilding: the Master Guide (with Template) 
How to Create a Breathing World for Your Fantasy Novel
Creating a fantasy world? Ask 10 questions
World building tips: Writing engaging settings
Ask a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
Affordable premade book covers | 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 *

The Hero’s Journey Mini-Series
 How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 1 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-025/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 2 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-026/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 3 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-027/

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

Last week, my revisions for Missing became analytical, thanks to the AutoCrit software. I’m also getting back to blogging my novella after a long absence. And I have some exciting personal news to share with you. So, stay tuned for more details coming up in the show.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

• Exciting news that’s both personal and has an impact on my publishing schedule.
• An update on my revisions on tenses and dialogue using AutoCrit.
• I share a series of great blog posts on writing dialogue from the blog of an editor (you can find these below).
• The reason why I’m getting back to blogging my novella.
• And I share my decision on using professional beta readers.

Thanks for listening! 

Courses, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
BTS018, Revising a Novella with AutoCrit, Back to Blogging, and Professional Beta Reading
Dialogue in fiction: Part I – How to write authentic dialects and foreign accents
Dialogue in fiction: Part II – The essentials
Dialogue in fiction: Part III – The nuts and bolts
Dialogue in fiction: Part IV – The nuts and bolts, cont’d.
Dialogue in fiction: Part V – Writing your characters’ thoughts
Ask a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
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

I think accountability is a beautiful thing. And I realise that’s a super nerdy thing to say. So, what do I mean by accountability? Basically, I’m referring to accountability in terms of setting and striving towards writing goals. In this episode, I’m going to share with you my business and writing goals for the next quarter. As you can expect, I’m going to share an update on my successes and failures from the first quarter of 2019.

And I’m going to discuss a new writing-related tool that I’m using to revise Missing. That tool is new to me but has been around for a while. This tool has evolved over time. As I’m using this tool, I’m watching the help videos, and I’ve noticed the version in the videos is slightly different from the version I’m currently using. It’s good to see the product has evolved over time, which is what you want when purchasing a piece of software.

It appears that I have a lot of tasks to complete over the next quarter. However, many of these tasks are larger goals broken down into tiny steps just to make things a little easier for me. 

Courses, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
Check out the show notes | authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts017/
AutoCrit
Pro Writing Aid
Grammarly
Ask a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
Affordable premade book covers | 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 *


My Books
My Short Story, the Lawn | https://dl.bookfunnel.com/wi5nh80cx4
The Candidate | https://books2read.com/the-candidate
Suspicion | https://books2read.com/suspicion
Duplicity | https://books2read.com/duplicity-adhay/
The Locked Room | https://books2read.com/locked-room

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 fleshed out your story idea for the first and second act using the Hero’s Journey, and now your story has reached the cusp between the second and third act. And, now, you’re wondering how to structure the final act of your story using the Hero’s Journey. If this is a situation that you can relate to, then this episode is for you.


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


Courses, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 3 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-027/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 1 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-025/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 2 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-026/
5 Tips for Structuring a Story with the Hero’s Journey (Part 4 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-028/
Ask a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/

My Books
My Short Story, the Lawn | https://dl.bookfunnel.com/wi5nh80cx4
The Candidate | https://books2read.com/the-candidate
Suspicion | https://books2read.com/suspicion
Duplicity | https://books2read.com/duplicity-adhay/
The Locked Room | https://books2read.com/locked-room

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 started to plot out ideas for your story using the Hero’s Journey, and you’ve reached the end of the first act. But now you’re wondering how to transition from the first act to the second and take your character through to the last leg of the journey. 


In this episode, I will share with you the five stages of the Hero’s Journey that occur in the second act. And I will also unpack the second act of the Fellowship of the Ring so you can see the Hero’s Journey in action.

After you’ve listened to this episode, come on over to the show notes at authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-026/ and let me know by sharing in the comments section a tip you’ve learned from the episode or ask a question if you’re stuck with structuring a story using the hero’s journey, or tweet me at WriterADHay.

Thanks for listening! 

Check Out the Show Notes
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 2 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-026/

 

The Hero’s Journey Mini-Series
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 1 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-025/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 2 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-026/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 3 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-027/
5 Tips for Structuring a Story with the Hero’s Journey (Part 4 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-028/

 

Tools & Resources
Ask a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/

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 started filming weekly writing Vlogs on my YouTube channel after remembering this had helped with my productivity and making time for revisions. But, I soon came to another realisation. Video editing is, and it’s like pulling teeth, which is why I decided to turn this Behind the Scene Diary into a chatty weekly update. Let’s face it: if I can do it on video, I can do it on a podcast. This means I’ll be sharing what’s going on behind the scenes as I publish my three thriller novels and the journey beyond publication. It will be like a chat over a cup of tea between friends. So, you’re going to get an honest inside scoop.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

• I’ve completed the major plot revisions for Missing.
• The next steps in my revisions for Missing.
• Setting a deadline for revisions and contacting editors.
• My struggles with insecurity about my writing and how they’ve intensified as I approach publication.
• Where I’m at with the second edition of my short nonfiction book.
• And I’m starting a new series, and what this means for my future publication schedule.

Thanks for listening! 

Tools & Resources
Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts016/ 
Ask a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
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 *


My Books
The Lawn | https://dl.bookfunnel.com/wi5nh80cx4
The Candidate | https://books2read.com/the-candidate
Suspicion | https://books2read.com/suspicion
Duplicity | https://books2read.com/duplicity-adhay/
The Locked Room | https://books2read.com/locked-room

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