The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

Today, I share why the Chemical Engineer was right and how I didn't listen to him but listened to L. Penelope. :-) It's related to the formatting of the #TheLeftoverBride title and how to make it more "searchable".

I also answer questions from Sam (on Instagram) who asked: what was the hardest part about writing #TheLeftoverBride? I added the hardest part about self-publishing it...

I go more into details about:

Next week, I'll talk about book translations/marketing, don't hesitate to ask me a question per email or record a question...

Today, I talk about publication day... #TheLeftoverBride is out in the world. Between celebrating, managing expectations (and sometimes not managing said expectations), a rush of anxiety and knowing readers will be smiling, release day is a roller coaster of emotions.

Also mentioned in this episode: this reel from Courtney Summers: "Everything I've done doesn't feel like it happened. Courtney Summers doesn't exist." The next book: https://www.instagram.com/p/CT2cOkfMOsi/

And White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson: https://www.epicreads.com/books/9780063029095/white-smoke/

Today, I go back and forth between being "done-done" and "just one more tiny change". Those are pretty much the jitters before publication as #TheLeftoverBride releases next week... 

https://books2read.com/TheLeftoverBridePodcast

I also discuss my next projects, talking about time management, planning and more.

And I added the bonus episode at the end of the episode: the article I've written for the Ulman Foundation entitled: "Because Sometimes You Just Need To Ask About a Dog..." I've decided to read this article out loud in case it can help someone. You can find more information about the Ulman Foundation here: https://ulmanfoundation.org/ Also mentioned in this episode: September is also Blood Cancer Awareness Month and if you'd like to find more information about blood cancers or find support: the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has both (https://www.lls.org/)

Today, in this bonus episode, I share with you the article I've written for the Ulman Foundation entitled: "Because Sometimes You Just Need To Ask About a Dog..." I've decided to read this article out loud in case it can help someone. You can find more information about the Ulman Foundation here: https://ulmanfoundation.org/

Also mentioned in this episode: September is also Blood Cancer Awareness Month and if you'd like to find more information about blood cancers or find support: the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has both (https://www.lls.org/)

Here's the beginning of the article: 

I’m an author. I used to work as a communications officer and as an adjunct professor. Finding words is what I do. Finding words to explain or teach or tell a story. Finding words to clarify information or to show how language works or to create emotions in readers. 

Today, I am very very happy about finishing my book. At the time of recording, I was finalizing it before sending it to my copy editor (cue, happy dance and a very giddy Elodie). I also talk about what I've learned in this process: I tend to write better on the couch and to revise and edit better sitting at the chair in my office. 

Also mentioned in this episode:

As always, thank you so much for listening!

Elodie

Today, I talk about needing to change one scene's point-of-view and the process behind that decision (mainly related to which character needs to have a certain realization). I also discuss falling in love with my revised chapters, when I no longer focus on each page, paragraph, sentence, word and re-read the whole chapter on a different device than my computer...

Plus, I share some tidbits about my 40th birthday and our 10-year anniversary getaway. The Chemical Engineer surprised me with a trip to Inn Boonsboro (the inn owned by Nora Roberts) and we had a wonderful time. Yes, he is amazing.

And I also open up about feeling overwhelmed with everything happening in the world and wanting to make sure I find ways to help. Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for my readers' newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/elodienowodazkij/website

Get #TheLeftoverBride for only $0.99: https://books2read.com/TheLeftoverBridePodcast

Follow A Self-Published Author's Diary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary/

As always, thank you so much for listening!

Elodie

Today is a bit different. As I'm celebrating my 40th birthday as well as my husband and I's 10-year wedding anniversary this week, I am not recording a full episode but instead, I am sharing the first three chapters of the A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER audiobook with you all (narrated by Megan Carter).

If you'd like to listen to more chapters: don't hesitate to subscribe to my YouTube Channel (https://youtu.be/b_Fe5HYjmGQ) or you can also head over to my website for all the A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER audiobook buy links. https://elodienowodazkij.com/a-summer-like-no-other-audiobook/

In the introduction of this episode, I mention I have two interviews with Megan already available on this podcast where we talk about audiobooks, writing, theater, acting and more...

Sign up for my readers' newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/elodienowodazkij/website

Follow A Self-Published Author's Diary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary/

As always, thank you so much for listening!

Elodie

Today, I'm talking about: being vulnerable and honest about some of my experience with cancer in an article I've written for the Ulman Foundation, reflecting on finding my words again and using writing as a form of catharsis (not only in this article but in my novels as well). I'm also sharing an update on my #TheLeftoverBride revision which includes letting the ending of #TheLeftoverBride simmer a little and more google searches. :-)  

Today, a patchwork of my revision process which includes: : spending hours on one paragraph, thinking about the length of my chapters, making my characters even more endearing, wanting to pull at readers' heartstrings and more google searches. You'll also hear an update on my most recent check-up (blood tests and physical exams and they are all good), the shows we're currently watching and more.

Today, a short recap about our much-needed vacation: we went to Vermont (beautiful!) and ate delicious food including gluten free pancakes that has become our favorite pancake (Will Flour Pancake Mix is available here: https://www.willflour.com/) and I also discuss the reasons why I have decided to slightly postpone the release of #TheLeftoverBride (or should I say extend the pre-order period). And get an update on my revision. :-)