It’s September again, and it doesn’t matter how old I am, I still get that “back to school” feeling. So there’s no better time to think about tweaking my plans for my author business to make sure I’m still on track for the rest of the year, and because my editor and book cover designer are busy people, I’ll be starting to plan for next year too.

I plan financially, and I also plan my productivity because the number of books I write directly affects my income. So it is crucial to plan my writing time. 

In the craft section, I'll be looking at ways to write the perfect opening to catch your reader's attention and keep it until the very last page.

This week is about technology. In the craft section, I’ll talk about incorporating themes of technology in your fiction. But first, I’d like to talk about launching your book to local audiences, using a combination of online marketing strategies and in person events.

When I launched my first cozy mystery novel, before I made it available online, I produced  print copies and hosted a launch party. It was a lot of fun, and the feedback I got from those first readers really helped with my online launch. 

In today's digital age, social media is unavoidable. Although it has its dark side, social media has become an essential tool for authors looking to promote their books and connect with readers. As a crime fiction writer, you know that building a strong online presence can be the key to attracting new fans, engaging with your existing audience, and ultimately driving sales of your novels. But with so many platforms and strategies to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. So, today, I’ll explore some starter tips for authors looking to use social media to promote their crime novels, with a focus on building authentic connections and creating content that resonates with your target audience.

Crafting compelling stories is only half the battle. In today's crowded book market, it's not enough to simply write a great book – you also need to make sure that your target audience knows who you are and what you stand for. This is where building your author brand comes in. Your author brand is the unique identity that sets you apart from other writers in your genre, the promise you make to your readers about the kind of stories they can expect from you. And it’s not just a logo!

So why should Hallmark have all the fun when it comes to holiday-themed stories? If you are looking for a way to attract new readers and keep them coming back for more then crafting clever whodunits that just happen to take place during the most wonderful time of the year, and other holidays can be a fun way to engage readers into your world, and turn them into loyal fans- especially if they are a bonus giveaway.

My theme for this week's episode is clues – clues for your readers. Not only within your novel – and that’s the topic of this week’s writing craft segment, but also clues to help your readers find your book in the first place. 

In today's digital age, getting your crime novel noticed online can feel like trying to solve a case with no leads. With millions of books vying for readers' attention, it's crucial to make sure your novel stands out from the crowd. And one of the most effective ways to do that is by choosing the right keywords and categories.

By understanding and incorporating the motives and minds of the perpetrators, authors can elevate their crime fiction to new heights, creating stories that not only entertain but also provide profound insights into human nature.

I also chat about the importance of book covers and share a personal update about my own books. Show notes available on my website

Who loves writing a blurb? No, me neither. But it's essential to have a great blurb to attract readers of your fabulous story. How else will they know how great it is? So today, I'll run through a few tips to help your create something compelling to resonate with readers - and get them to buy!

And in the craft section - who is telling your story? Depends on the perspective, or POV you choose. There are pros and cons for each choice, so have a listen and think carefully!

As ever, notes on the website, and if you prefer to watch, please like and subscribe on my youtube channel.

In this week's episode, in the writing craft section, we'll do a deep dive into how we can leverage the location and setting in our novels to create atmosphere and suspense. Plus, how networking and attending author conferences can help us sell more books and build a support network. After all, writing can be a lonely occupation!

In Part 1 of this two part look at plot twists, we covered some classic techniques that are sure to keep your readers on the edge of their seats. But why stop there? In this instalment, we're going to delve into some more advanced strategies for crafting truly unforgettable twists and turns.

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