Want a peek behind the scenes into my work week? 👀

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes and sharing what I do as a developmental editor and book coach.

I’ll talk through the projects I’m working on, what I’m excited (or not excited) about, what’s coming up in the next few weeks, what I learn from the writers I work with, and basically anything else that happens during the week!

Tune into the episode to hear me talk about things like:

• [01:55] How I use a paper planner to map out my work week—and why I’m extra diligent about matching up my digital calendar to my planner
• [04:55] Why grouping common activities into one day (like public speaking or podcasting) helps me conserve energy and recharge my introvert batteries
• [08:30] An update on two writers I’m working with—both of which are about to finish their developmental edits and move into the line editing phase
• [14:50] How I deal with not getting everything on my to-do list done, and why it’s so important to give yourself grace when energy levels are low
• [16:40] What I learned from critiquing the opening pages of five different science fiction novels—and what you can do to avoid making the same mistake

Thanks for coming on this journey with me, and I hope you enjoy this peek behind the scenes! See you next week!

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 94 - How to Reveal Your Character's Inner Life on the Page
• Ep. 102 - 3 Common Interiority Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
• Planner Pad on Amazon

Click here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Would you believe me if I said social media could make you a better writer? If you’re shaking your head NO, you’ll want to check out this episode.

My guest, Lara Ferrari, is an Instagram marketing specialist who has helped hundreds of writers grow engaged communities of readers online (and have FUN while doing it).

In this episode, she’s sharing how you can use social media to increase your creativity and motivation, get reader input and feedback, do market research, and find the accountability and support you need to become a better writer.

In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about things like:

• [02:26] What led Lara to specialize in social media marketing for authors, and how she can help you find your target audience of readers online
• [06:09] How writers often have a negative perception of social media—it’s either a necessary evil to help them promote their books, or it’s a time suck that threatens their writing (and sometimes their mental health)
• [07:34] Unexpected ways social media can increase your creativity, inspiration, passion, and motivation (along with some practical examples so you can put these things into practice, too)
• [17:35] How to conduct actionable market research using social media—think getting reader input and feedback, sensitivity awareness, and things like that
• [29:51] A few different ways you can use social media to find the community, accountability, and support you need to finish your book
• [32:56] How to use social media intentionally to maintain your boundaries and focus on what matters most—writing your book!

If you’ve ever felt unsure about social media, or if social media consistently feels like something that’s just too hard to tackle, you’re going to LOVE this episode with Lara!

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Lara Ferrari’s Instagram
• Grab Lara’s Instagram Glow Up Guide here!

Click here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Earlier this year, I published my first book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—and I learned soooo much about book marketing.

Tune into this episode to hear the ten surprising lessons I learned from my first book launch, including things like:

• [03:10] What I learned about asking for Amazon reviews—and how asking for favors was the most uncomfortable part of the book launch process for me
• [04:30] A look behind the scenes at my marketing plan, including how I balanced things like social media, emailing my list, and working with ARC Readers and influencers
• [07:50] What moved the needle for me and made it possible for my book to become an Amazon bestseller and the #1 New Release in the category
• [12:00] The hardest part of the book launch for me emotionally—and how I dealt with people who didn’t show up for me like they said they would
• [15:30] Why it’s important to celebrate after publishing a book (and what my celebration looked like—spoiler alert: it was very low-key but still fun!)

If you want a peek behind the scenes to hear what worked, what didn’t work, what I’m glad I did, and what I’d do differently next time, you’re going to love this episode!

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. #107 - List Building Essentials For Authors
• Grab a copy of my new book, The Story Grid Masterwork Guide To Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (and then claim your bonuses) here!
• Leave a review for my book on Amazon

Click here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.