Podcast Show Notes
On The Indy Author Podcast, we discuss the writing craft, the publishing voyage, and how we can navigate our way to the readers who will love our books. Click the links below for the show notes for episodes since 200, including summaries and transcripts.
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Episode 288 - Decoding Storytelling Tropes with Jennifer Hilt
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Jennifer Hilt discusses DECODING STORYTELLING TROPES, including the universality of about 40 tropes that cross various genres, especially the tropes of found family, misdirection, secrets and scars, and the ticking time bomb. Jennifer shares insights about how tropes like these help shape narratives and character motivations, touching on examples from popular books and movies.
Jennifer Hilt is a USA Today Bestselling author and the creator of The Trope Thesaurus: An Author Resource, a five-book series beloved by writers seeking to hone their craft. With a diverse portfolio spanning twenty-four books under four pen names, she has also authored the urban fantasy trilogy The Undead Detective. As a professional plotter and concept creator, Jennifer has helped countless writers develop unforgettable stories. Holding degrees in linguistics and literature, Jennifer loves collecting obscure dictionaries, binge-watching Scandi-noir series, and shouting out tropes from her couch.
Episode Links
https://jenniferhilt.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@TropeTalk
https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hilt
Episode 140 - Troping Your Way to a Stronger Story with Jennifer Hilt
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Jennifer Hilt about the role of tropes in writing, particularly within the mystery and thriller genres. They explore how these storytelling elements can transcend genres and enhance narrative depth and reader engagement.
The conversation kicks off with Jennifer discussing her love for open-water swimming, drawing parallels between the vastness of the ocean and the feeling of being a small part of a much larger world. This sense of exploration and stepping outside one's comfort zone seamlessly transitions into the exploration of narrative tropes, which provide a framework for storytelling across various genres.
Jennifer emphasizes that tropes are not genre-specific but rather universal storytelling mechanisms that can be applied creatively across different genres. She highlights around 40 tropes, suggesting that these can be mixed and matched depending on the story's needs. In particular, she notes how mystery and thriller tropes share commonalities with those in other genres, such as romance, sci-fi, and general fiction. The key is in how these tropes are paired with genre expectations to achieve unique storytelling outcomes.
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the popularity of the domestic thriller market, highlighting examples like Frida McFadden's "The Housemaid." Jennifer explains how this genre has embraced simple yet impactful storylines involving a limited number of characters. The domestic thriller's appeal lies in its ability to combine the familiar with high-tension narrative elements, often exploring themes like found family and the darker undercurrents of seemingly ordinary lives.
The concept of misdirection—a staple in mystery and thriller narratives—is dissected in the context of its broader applicability. Jennifer and Matty discuss how misdirection can enrich character development and plot twists in any genre, using examples like Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and the film "Knives Out" to illustrate its versatility. Misdirection, they note, is about guiding the audience's perception and strategically revealing hidden truths, which can lead to compelling and engaging storytelling.
Similarly, the "secrets and scars" trope is examined for its potential to drive character motivation and conflict. Jennifer points out that both secrets (hidden information) and scars (past traumas) serve as powerful narrative devices. They can provide depth to characters by showcasing their vulnerabilities and the lengths they go to to protect themselves. For instance, the emotional unraveling depicted in "Gone Girl" vividly illustrates how deeply embedded secrets and scars can propel a storyline.
The conversation also touches on the importance of the "ticking time bomb" trope, which creates urgency and momentum in storytelling. Jennifer shares insights into how even non-thriller genres can benefit from time-sensitive plot elements. By incorporating major life events such as weddings, moves, or job changes, authors can introduce natural deadlines that keep the narrative from stagnating, thus maintaining reader interest.
Lastly, the episode delves into the potential overlap between narrative structure and audience appeal. Matty recounts a personal revelation about her affinity for settings characterized by isolation and seasonal quietude, suggesting that understanding the underlying themes within one's work can help in identifying suitable comparisons for marketing purposes. Recognizing and embracing these recurring themes can offer fresh perspectives and draw in new readers who resonate with those elements.
This episode of The Indy Author Podcast with Jennifer Hilt provides valuable insights into how tropes function as a universal language in storytelling. By exploring their application, whether it's through the lens of mystery, thriller, or any other genre, authors can enhance their narratives, create engaging twists, and ultimately connect more deeply with their readers.
Episode 287 - Managing Your Editorial Crew with Roz Morris
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Roz Morris discusses MANAGING YOUR EDITORIAL CREW, including how authors can effectively manage their editing process, the role beta readers play in the development of an author's work, what the needs are for editing before submitting a work to a traditional publisher or an agent, and tips for indie authors on making the most out of their editing experiences and dollars.
Roz Morris’s novels and memoir have been recognized by major mainstream awards. She’s coached award-winning writers in both fiction and non-fiction, taught creative writing for The Guardian masterclasses, blogged for Writers & Artists Yearbook, and been a regular judge on Litopia’s Pop-Up Submissions show, critiquing manuscripts from promising writers. Roz is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Episode Links
https://nailyournovel.wordpress.com/
Episode 247 - Newsletter Marketing as a Creative Endeavor with Roz Morris
Episode 088 - How to Receive and Give Critique with Tiffany Yates Martin
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Roz Morris about the evolution of authors' editing needs as their careers progress. They dive into the different types of editing, provide insights into how authors can effectively manage their editing process, and explore the role beta readers play in the development of an author's work. This podcast episode highlights the changing landscape of editing and provides tips for indie authors on making the most out of their editing experiences.
Roz Morris begins by outlining the three general categories of editing: developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Developmental editing focuses on the content of a manuscript, ensuring that it works for its intended audience and fulfills its potential. Following that is copy editing, where inconsistencies and inaccuracies are addressed. The final stage is proofreading, which checks for any remaining minor errors, making the book ready for publication.
Matty explains her approach to editing, describing how she uses a single editor for her novels to identify major issues, focusing primarily on the character's motivations. Additionally, she relies on beta readers to provide insights and feedback that go beyond what's typically covered in a traditional edit. This tailored method has evolved over time, informed by her growing expertise, a network of sophisticated beta readers, and the advancement of editorial tools like Microsoft Word.
Roz discusses the change in editing needs that occurs as authors become more experienced. Early on, comprehensive developmental editing may be essential. However, as authors grow more proficient, they learn what to watch for in their own work and can rely more on beta readers and targeted editorial feedback to address their "blind spots." Roz explains how seasoned writers often transition away from needing extensive developmental edits unless they venture into unfamiliar genres or styles.
A significant point made by both Matty and Roz is the importance of having a network of beta readers that are knowledgeable about the author's specific genre. Beta readers not only help identify issues but can also provide market research by giving feedback on characters, plot elements, and story satisfaction. They caution, however, that authors should carefully weigh beta readers' suggestions and maintain their vision for their work.
Matty shares an anecdote where her editor suggested a change that led her to think deeper about setting and plot possibilities, ultimately enriching the story. Roz emphasizes that effective editors engage in discussions with authors, offering guidance rather than dictating changes. This collaborative process helps authors refine their craft and produce work that aligns with both their artistic vision and market expectations.
Roz and Matty agree that as writers become more practiced, they can better judge what feedback is useful and where they need external help. Matty notes a sophisticated use of tools like AI for organizing thoughts and reaching clarity on plot points before seeking external input.
The conversation shifts towards leveraging beta readers and editors according to their strengths. Matty reveals how she strategically positions her editor within her editing process, taking advantage of different individuals' expertise. They discuss the valuable role that contests with editorial feedback can play in providing impartial insights into one's work.
In the context of traditional publishing, Roz advises against unnecessary copy editing or proofreading before submitting a manuscript, suggesting that the focus should be on developmental improvements instead. The expectation is that publishers and literary agents will undertake their own developmental edits once a manuscript is submitted.
Ending on a reflective note, they discuss when it might be time for an author to seek new editorial relationships. If an author consistently disagrees with their editor’s feedback, it may indicate that they've outgrown that editorial partnership. Roz encourages authors to remain open to collaboration and to continuously assess their editorial needs as they develop their skills and grow their careers.
In summary, this podcast episode provides insightful guidance for indie authors on adapting their editing strategies to match their evolving competencies, highlighting the critical role of both editors and beta readers in an author’s development. It underscores the importance of building a supportive creative team and remaining adaptive in one’s approach to producing compelling, polished narratives.
Episode 286 - The New Normal of an Author Career with Johnny B. Truant
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Johnny B. Truant discusses THE NEW NORMAL OF AN AUTHOR CAREER, including the evolving landscape of self-publishing, the dilemma of comparisonitis, the need to accept slow growth in one's author career as the new norm, the value of patience, and the warning signs when patience turns into a rut.
Johnny B. Truant is the bestselling author of FAT VAMPIRE, adapted by The SyFy Network as REGINALD THE VAMPIRE. His other books include PRETTY KILLER, GORE POINT, INVASION, THE BEAM, DEAD CITY, UNICORN WESTERN, and over 100 other titles across many genres. Johnny is one of indie publishing’s early authorities, having created and co-hosted the original Self-Publishing Podcast with Sean Platt and David Wright. He is also the author of the indie cornerstone guide WRITE. PUBLISH. REPEAT., and hosted the Smarter Artist Summit author conference in Austin, Texas from 2015-2018 with the same two partners.
Episode Links
https://johnnybtruantbooks.com
Episode 239 - Moving the Needle to a Different Track with Johnny B. Truant
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Johnny B Truant about the evolving landscape of self-publishing, reflecting on past successes and current realities. During their conversation, Johnny discusses the earlier days of self-publishing, highlighting how initially, many authors experienced what appeared to be overnight success, especially during the beginnings of Kindle Unlimited (KU). There was a wave of authors enjoying significant financial gain from their first book releases, which led to many aspiring writers experiencing "comparisonitis"—the urge to measure their own success against these early trailblazers.
Johnny notes that such immediate successes have become rare in today's market, as the self-publishing environment has matured and become more competitive. It's now more common for authors to experience slower progress, which can feel discouraging but is, in fact, the new norm. This transition can present challenges for new authors who might have entered the field with expectations set by those early success stories.
The Early Days of Kindle Unlimited
In the early days, Kindle Unlimited was a significant catalyst for many authors who saw rapid success. This subscription model enabled a broader readership reach and provided a novel approach for both new and established authors to earn royalties. Authors frequently shared stories of making substantial earnings from their debut projects, feeding the aspirations of others entering the self-publishing space.
The Shift to a More Mature Market
Contrastingly, Johnny describes how today's market has shifted away from these hyper-successful launches. The increased competition and changes in digital publishing algorithms require authors to adopt more sustainable and long-term strategies. There is a greater emphasis on building a consistent readership and focusing on quality and marketing over time rather than expecting immediate high returns.
Johnny emphasizes that the current landscape represents a more sustainable and realistic approach to self-publishing. Although it may feel difficult for some—especially those who entered the field hoping for rapid success—the slow and steady growth model is healthier for long-term career sustainability. Authors are encouraged to focus on honing their craft, developing their authorial voice, and connecting with their audience consistently over time.
Throughout their discussion, Johnny and Matty explore how authors can set expectations that align more closely with today's realities. By understanding the industry's evolution, authors might recalibrate their metrics of success, focusing on gradual improvement and realistic goals. This podcast episode serves as a guidepost for both new and established authors navigating the ever-changing world of self-publishing, suggesting that persistence and adaptability are key components of enduring success in this field.
Episode 285 - Writing Short with Art Taylor
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Art Taylor discusses WRITING SHORT, including common challenges faced by novelists transitioning to short stories. Art emphasizes the importance of economy, efficiency, and focus; shares practical advice on trimming word count while maintaining narrative impact, such as eliminating redundant phrases and opting for active voice; and explores how key elements—like conflict escalation and character development—must be handled differently in short stories.
Art Taylor is the Edgar Award-winning author of two short story collections—The Adventure of the Castle Thief and Other Expeditions and Indiscretions and The Boy Detective & The Summer of ’74 and Other Tales of Suspense—and of the novel in stories On the Road with Del & Louise, winner of the Agatha Award for Best First Novel. He is a professor of English at George Mason University.
Episode Links
https://www.facebook.com/ArtTaylorShortStories
https://www.instagram.com/arttaylorwriter/
https://bsky.app/profile/arttaylorwriter.bsky.social
Episode 212 - What Writers Can Learn from The First Two Pages with Art Taylor
Episode 193 - The Path to Short Story Publication with Michael Bracken
Episode 098 - Redefining Indy Success through Short Fiction with Ran Walker
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with guest Art Taylor about the intricate art of crafting short stories. Art, an Edgar Award-winning author, provides insightful guidance for writers, especially those accustomed to long-form fiction, who wish to delve into short fiction. The discussion focuses on strategies for creating compelling short stories by emphasizing economy, efficiency, and focus.
Art begins the conversation by reflecting on the common struggle many novelists face when writing short stories. He shares anecdotes from his own experiences and from those of colleagues in the writing community. Art explains that the challenge often lies in adapting to a smaller "canvas." Whereas novels allow for elaborate character development and expansive subplots, short stories demand brevity and concentration on a singular narrative arc. He also notes that while characters in short stories can be as rich as those in novels, achieving this requires a different approach.
Delving deeper into the essence of short story craft, Art highlights three critical principles: economy, efficiency, and focus. He defines focus as maintaining a singular narrative arc without diverging into unnecessary subplots, and economy as ensuring every element in the story has a purpose. Efficiency, on the other hand, involves ensuring that every component of the story fulfills multiple functions. For instance, a piece of dialogue should not only advance the plot but also reveal character traits and enhance the story's atmosphere.
Art also shares practical exercises to help writers condense their work. He describes a classroom exercise where students are tasked with composing a six-sentence story to outline the core elements: character, desire, action, conflict, climax, and resolution. This exercise forces writers to distill the essence and framework of their narrative, whether they're just beginning a short story or refining an existing draft.
He further discusses the concept of an "armature" in short story writing—an idea borrowed from sculpture. Just as a sculptor begins with a skeletal framework to support their creation, a writer should identify the core structure of their story. Art introduces a six-sentence breakdown of "The Speckled Band" by Arthur Conan Doyle, demonstrating an example of how to incorporate layered plots and suspense within a concise format.
Throughout the episode, Art offers several strategic trimming tips. He advises writers to escalate conflicts rather than repeat them, and to be mindful of pacing and rhythm. He suggests using dialogue to create a natural ebb and flow, providing necessary pauses for the reader to reflect. Additionally, he warns against excessive density in writing, which can exhaust the reader, and emphasizes the importance of finding a balance that keeps the reader engaged.
Art and Matty explore potential pitfalls for writers transitioning from long-form to short-form fiction. Art warns against creating vignettes—beautifully descriptive but narratively shallow—and encourages writers to ensure their stories include a complete arc with a clear conflict and resolution. He suggests writers use feedback from others to gauge where their story might lag or require more development.
In discussing the technical aspects, Art recommends writing with clarity and precision by eliminating unnecessary qualifiers and avoiding passive voice unless strategically used.
Overall, this podcast episode provides a comprehensive discussion on the nuances of short story writing. By offering detailed methodologies, illustrative examples, and helpful exercises, Matty and Art successfully guide long-form writers through the transition to mastering short fiction. Aspiring writers and seasoned authors alike can gain valuable insights into the art of distilling expansive ideas into powerful short stories.
Episode 284 - Training the Brain for Fiction Dictation with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer discusses TRAINING THE BRAIN FOR FICTION DICTATION, including the differences in approach for fiction versus nonfiction. Sarah describes the challenges authors face when transitioning to dictating fiction and offers practical advice for overcoming mental blocks. Sarah also highlights the flexibility of dictation, allowing authors to work in different environments and in shorter time blocks. And she discusses how dictation can improve other audio assets and can engage audiences in new ways.
Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer is an author and writing instructor who takes authors struggling to master the tools and knowledge of their author journey and helps them become confident in writing their books. She has been featured on Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn podcast, Jane Friedman’s blog, Writer’s Digest magazine, and more. She’s published 19 books, 11 of which she wrote solely by dictation. Sarah is also host of The Confident Fiction Author podcast which empowers authors to live their best creative lifestyle. Her Fictation Digital Course takes authors through the exact process of mastering dictation to write fiction.
Episode Links
www.fictioncourses.com
https://www.facebook.com/fictioncourses
Explore Sarah's fiction dictation course via my affiliate link: https://theindyauthor--fictioncourses.thrivecart.com/fictation/
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer about the art of dictation for authors. Sarah, an established author and writing instructor, emphasizes the distinct skills required for dictating fiction versus nonfiction. She shares insights for authors looking to delve into dictation or improve their current practices, highlighting practical tips and overcoming mental barriers associated with this method.
Sarah explains that many authors are used to dictating emails or text messages but find themselves struggling when transitioning to dictating fiction. The mental shift involves creating new neural pathways, which she describes as a different skill set from nonfiction dictation. Authors must train their minds to verbalize fictional characters and worlds, which can initially seem daunting. Sarah recounts her own journey of overcoming these barriers and the eventual success and confidence she gained from becoming adept in dictating fiction.
For those getting started, Sarah advises joining communities of authors who are mastering dictation, reading published fiction out loud to practice using dictation technology, and vocalizing punctuation to improve accuracy. Practicing speaking one's fiction out loud allows authors to become accustomed to hearing their own voices telling the story, which can help bridge the gap to full-fledged dictation. She reassures authors that while moving from typing to dictating might be gradual, it's possible to become as comfortable with dictating as they are with typing.
Matty raises a point about storytelling speed, noting that many authors pursue dictation to capture thoughts faster than typing allows. In response, Sarah shares how dictation can benefit authors beyond speed, such as accommodating health issues or offering flexibility to dictate in various environments like walking or doing household chores.
The discussion also delves into technological solutions for dictation. Matty expresses a desire for voice-activated recording when driving or walking, which would enhance hands-free dictation. While Sarah has yet to find a perfect app, she suggests setups where phones are mounted for safe hands-free operation and encourages experimentation with different tools and approaches.
For Sarah, the editing phase after dictation involves a crucial cleanup step where potential transcription errors are addressed, ensuring the draft is as clean as a typical typed one. This process allows authors to focus on storytelling without being hindered by transcription inaccuracies during subsequent editing.
Sarah also touches on preserving author voice in dictated works, sharing that her oral storytelling background contributed greatly to maintaining her distinct style. Authors looking to safeguard their voice might consider storytelling practices, such as engaging with live audiences or recording narrative videos, to integrate oral storytelling into their writing habits.
For those already experienced in dictation, Sarah suggests trying new methods or tools to enhance efficiency and enjoyment. Exploring various environments and embracing new technologies can refresh the dictation experience, making writing more dynamic and productive.
The episode concludes with Sarah providing resources for authors interested in dictation, including a quick start guide and a comprehensive training bootcamp via her website. These resources aim to help authors at any stage of their dictation journey discover a smoother, more efficient writing process.
In summary, Matty and Sarah's conversation sheds light on dictation as a valuable tool for authors. By addressing mental barriers, exploring technological options, and providing actionable advice, they offer insights into how authors can incorporate dictation into their creative processes, improving not just speed but overall storytelling flexibility and health.
Episode 283 - Writing Pivots and the Power of Humility with Kevin Tumlinson
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Kevin Tumlinson discusses WRITING PIVOTS AND THE POWER OF HUMILITY, including Kevin's journey of moving from a pantser to an outliner. They discuss his reasons for adopting outlining, influenced by his co-authoring project with J.D. Barker, and the cognitive challenges he faced during the transition. Kevin also speaks candidly about his existential crisis and burnout from overcommitting to activities outside writing, revealing how it affected his creative process. The conversation gives insights into the balance between structure and creativity, strategies for maintaining momentum in writing, and the importance of humility and continuous learning in a writing career. Kevin shares how his collaboration with J.D. is unfolding, along with his new role at BookBrush and the launch of Author Anchor.
J. Kevin Tumlinson is The Writer_, a bestselling and award-winning author, prolific podcast host, and in-demand public speaker. Kevin writes mostly thriller novels and Substack posts and enjoys a life of travel and exploration alongside his wife and their tiny dog.
Episode Links
https://kevintumlinson.com
http://kevintumlinson.substack.com/
https://youtube.com/kevintumlinson
https://x.com/@kevintumlinson
Summary
Matty Dalrymple talks with Kevin Tumlinson, a bestselling author and prolific podcast host, about the journey from pantser to plotter, and how an existential crisis forced him to rethink his writing process. The conversation dives into the nuances of outlining, the challenges of overcoming personal hurdles, and how collaborating with fellow authors like J.D. Barker influenced his approach to writing.
Introducing The Writer_
The discussion kicks off with Matty's inquiry about Kevin's unique moniker, The Writer_. Kevin explains that this title evolved while naming his Substack newsletter. He wanted the name to symbolize the ongoing process of writing, represented by the underscore as a cursor that signifies continuous activity. This metaphor ties into a philosophy—that being a writer is an active, ongoing journey, not just a static state.
Transition from Pantser to Plotter
Matty and Kevin delve into Kevin’s transition from being a “pantser,” someone who writes by the seat of their pants, to adopting more structured outlining practices. Kevin attributes this shift largely to his collaboration with J.D. Barker. Initially apprehensive, he saw potential growth by stepping into the world of outlining. Kevin recounts his early struggles with rigidity in plotting, fearing a loss of creative freedom. However, he began to view outlines as jazz music, where improvisation between plotted notes allows for creativity while maintaining structure.
The Value of Outlining
Throughout the conversation, Kevin emphasizes the benefits of outlining, stressing that having a framework doesn't limit creativity but rather provides a safety net. He compares intricate outlining to building a structure that supports flexibility within the narrative, allowing unexpected subplots, like the evolving "C story," to enrich the narrative. The process of outlining, initially daunting, emerged as a practice that could help avoid extensive rewrites later.
Experiencing an Existential Crisis
Kevin discusses a period of existential crisis, which coincided with his transition into outlining and collaboration with J.D. Barker. Having previously put his writing career on hold to focus on other commitments, he hit a low point. This period of self-doubt was amplified by the stress of adapting to a new writing process. However, completing an outline became a turning point, reinforcing his capability and sparking renewed confidence in his writing journey.
Collaboration and Humility
Collaboration with Barker required Kevin to adopt a learner's mindset, setting aside his ego to refine his craft. Despite initial resistance, he acknowledges the necessity of humbling oneself to learn new methodologies and accept feedback. This openness allowed Kevin to integrate new practices into his writing, bridging the gap between experience and innovation. He likens this process to climbing a mountain, where reaching new milestones requires adapting and learning continuously.
Revisiting Early Work
The conversation also touches on the potential of revisiting early writings, comparing it to visual artists who refine their past work with evolved skills. Although Kevin suggests the idea of returning to previous drafts with newfound knowledge, he admits personal hesitations. This reflection challenges authors to reconsider how they view their early attempts and the value of reworking them with improved craftsmanship.
In conclusion, this episode of The Indy Author Podcast provides listeners with valuable insights into the intricate balance between structured planning and creative freedom in writing. Kevin Tumlinson's candid discussion about his journey, challenges, and growth offers aspiring authors both practical advice and inspiration for their own writing endeavors. By exploring themes like overcoming personal hurdles, embracing collaboration, and maintaining lifelong learning, the episode underscores the dynamic nature of the writing journey.
Episode 282 - Unlocking the Power of Book Reviews with Rossana Corniel
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Rossana Corniel discusses UNLOCKING THE POWER OF BOOK REVIEWS, including the importance of reviews in understanding reader expectations and forming effective marketing strategies. Rossana discusses the finding that research shows that reviews can significantly impact sales and reader trust; the importance of tailoring your book's cover and description to your target audience ; and the emotional challenge of dealing with low-star reviews. The conversation also touches upon practical strategies for gathering reviews, such as using platforms like BookSprout.
Rossana Corniel is a romantasy and paranormal romance author who believes in the magic of storytelling to inspire and connect. Writing under the pen name R.C. Luna, she has published six novels and a children’s book, with six more books slated for release in 2025. Drawing from her almost two decades of experience in marketing and communications, including her current role as Head of Marketing at Booksprout, Rossana blends creativity and strategy to help authors grow and thrive. When she’s not writing, she’s raising three incredible daughters and chasing the next great adventure.
Episode Links
https://www.facebook.com/authorrcluna
https://www.instagram.com/author_r.c.luna/
https://www.tiktok.com/@author_rcluna
https://www.instagram.com/booksprout/
https://www.facebook.com/booksprout
https://www.tiktok.com/@booksproutapp
Summary
Matty Dalrymple talks with Rossana Corniel about the pivotal role of reviews. Rossana emphasizes the significance of reviews in shaping marketing strategies and driving book sales, particularly spotlighting the importance of understanding and leveraging reader feedback.
To kick off the discussion, Matty highlights Rossana's diverse writing background, which includes publishing novels and a children's book. Rossana shares her belief in the power of storytelling and her commitment to helping fellow authors through her role at BookSprout. This episode predominantly revolves around how authors can maximize their marketing strategies through reader reviews.
Understanding Reader Expectations
Rossana underscores the impact of reviews on authors, noting how they influence purchasing decisions. She cites studies to stress that a positive review can significantly boost sales. The conversation delves into strategic marketing, where reviews build trust and can be as effective as personal recommendations. For authors starting their journey, she advises focusing on reviews of similar books by other authors as a learning tool to understand market trends and reader expectations, calling this approach savvy.
Reading and Responding to Reviews
The episode explores how authors can use feedback efficiently. Matty and Rossana discuss the emotional challenges authors face when handling negative reviews. Rossana shares her experience of turning critique into actionable changes, like adding trigger warnings when necessary. Authors are encouraged to pick trends from reviews rather than reacting to individual critiques. Matty supports this by advising authors not to act on single reviews but to seek patterns that indicate areas for improvement.
Engaging with Readers
As authors expand their work, Rossana suggests interacting with readers through thoughtful dialogue, encouraging feedback to fine-tune future narratives. Sharing how endorsements from known personalities can sometimes mean more than detailed book previews, the episode highlights how this strategy might differ based on the book's price and format.
Building a Review Strategy
The importance of reviews is further tied to promotional opportunities, with a focus on the difference between paid reviews and ethical platforms like BookSprout. The episode clarifies that platforms facilitating honest reviews are legal and beneficial for authors looking for credible market feedback. Rossana describes how BookSprout helps authors place their books before potential reviewers ethically by emphasizing the distinction between paying for a platform versus paying for reviews.
Navigating Free Reviews and Giveaways
Matty and Rossana also tackle authors' hesitance to give away their books in exchange for reviews, highlighting this as a crucial component of successful book marketing. They touch upon tools like newsletter swaps to encourage organic, honest feedback.
Tactics and Timing for Collecting Reviews
Further into the podcast, the discussion transitions into strategic timing for gathering reviews. Rossana explains the benefit of aligning book launches with review requests to capitalize on algorithms that affect visibility on platforms like Amazon. This tactical timing can offer added traction and elevate a book’s presence when paired with a strong launch strategy.
Building Long-term Engagement
Addressing strategies for long-term reviewer engagement, Matty and Rossana discuss communication with reviewers and how authors can engage without locking into counterproductive exchanges with critical reviewers. They recommend focusing on building meaningful connections through gratitude and professionalism.
Concluding the episode, Matty and Rossana reflect on the invaluable insights reviews offer in strengthening an author’s market position. With effective use of platforms like BookSprout, authors can not only understand reader preferences better but also significantly enhance their marketing strategy and reach.
Episode 281 - Using Relevance to Save Your Darlings with Liesel Hill
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Liesel Hill discusses USING RELEVANCE TO SAVE YOUR DARLINGS, including the importance of integrating emotional connection and subconscious storytelling to retain seemingly irrelevant scenes by making them essential. Topics include multi-tasking in scenes, pacing, evoking emotion, character arcs, purposeful character deaths, maintaining continuity in series, and avoiding unnecessary plot elements.
Liesel Hill is a USA Today best-selling author of 4 genres. She teaches authors to craft stories using the principles of energetics and transformational human psychology, and by tapping into one's individual subconscious creativity.
Episode Links
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprolificauthor
https://www.instagram.com/6figurestoryteller/
https://www.tiktok.com/@6figurestoryteller
https://www.youtube.com/@fictionauthorbusinessschool
https://lff.kit.com/10ppsminicourse
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Liesel Hill about the often-debated topic among writers: "killing your darlings." Liesel Hill is a USA Today best-selling author who provides a nuanced perspective on this longstanding writing guideline, challenging traditional notions while emphasizing the importance of emotional resonance and story relevance.
Matty opens the conversation by recounting how "kill your darlings" is often a “battle cry” for writers, suggesting that authors should remove scenes they are emotionally attached to if they are not advancing the story. Liesel Hill suggests a reevaluation of this advice, advocating that instead of merely discarding these scenes, authors should explore ways to integrate them effectively into their narrative. She argues that scenes dear to the writer often hold an emotional connection that can potentially engage the reader as well.
Liesel provides a perspective that involves tapping into one's subconscious creativity. By leveraging the subconscious, authors can generate scenes with intrinsic emotional value, which makes them worth preserving if they can be made relevant to the narrative. "If there's something that is lighting you up about the story that you really love," Liesel says, "there's no reason that the reader would not feel the same way."
The discussion also covers how determining the relevance of a scene is crucial. Liesel and Matty agree that scenes should be integral to the main conflict or character arc. Scenes offering a deep dive into character backgrounds or internal dialogue need careful consideration to ensure they serve the overarching plot. Liesel suggests that newer authors often fall into the trap of creating scenes that do not push the narrative forward, resulting in potential fluff that might need cutting.
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around multitasking in storytelling. Liesel and Matty both stress the importance of making scenes serve multiple purposes. By weaving several narrative threads into a single scene, authors can maintain pacing and deepen story complexity without overburdening the narrative. Liesel offers insights into maintaining pacing by ensuring that scenes do double duty—advancing the plot while developing character interactions or foreshadowing future events.
They delve into specific examples, such as the challenge of writing scenes that were the initial inspiration for a book but may no longer fit as the story evolves. Matty shares her personal struggle with deciding whether to keep or discard scenes that initially stirred her imagination, particularly those that no longer align with the book's direction. Liesel suggests that a high-level understanding of the story's structure can help authors anticipate potential misalignments before they become problematic, allowing them to better manage narrative flow.
The pair transitions to discussing character arcs, particularly in series novels where characters grow over time and influence one another's stories. Liesel discusses her approach in her own high fantasy series, which involves juggling multiple point-of-view characters. This approach can be daunting, requiring careful planning to ensure characters influence one another even if they are separated by the narrative distance.
Towards the end of the podcast, Matty and Liesel explore the concept of relevance and intentionality in character development. They discuss the pitfalls of keeping characters in a story without purpose, underscoring that every character should contribute to the narrative meaningfully or face "retirement" from the storyline—either metaphorically or literally. Liesel mentions that shock value alone is an insufficient reason to kill off a character, advocating that every significant action, including character deaths, should be deliberate and woven into the narrative fabric to justify its impact.
Finally, Liesel speaks to the importance of emotional storytelling and how authors can offer readers an emotional journey that results in catharsis. She suggests that emotion is the core of storytelling and what ultimately hooks readers, leading to a satisfying reading experience. Liesel emphasizes that authors who master this emotional connection will cultivate a dedicated readership. The conversation closes with encouraging authors to draw from their subconscious, allowing the wealth of their experiences and emotions to mold stories into engaging and cohesive narratives that resonate with readers.
Overall, this podcast episode provides nuanced insights for authors grappling with the idea of killing their darlings, suggesting that the real focus should be on relevance, emotional impact, and enriching the narrative tapestry. Liesel Hill's perspective offers a refreshing take that could help writers preserve the heart of their stories while ensuring every element serves the greater narrative purpose.
Episode 280 - Insider Tips from Writing Contest Judges with Clay Stafford
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Clay Stafford discusses INSIDER TIPS FROM WRITING CONTEST JUDGES, including what judges look for in submissions, such as originality, strong voice, and proper pacing. Clay shares insights into the judging process, highlighting the necessity of engaging the reader early, avoiding errors, and understanding the contest’s goals and audience. They discuss the importance of submitting polished work, ensuring the right contest fit, and the potential benefits of feedback from critique groups and editors. Clay also emphasizes the value of leveraging contest wins and placements to build a writer’s career.
Clay Stafford is a bestselling and award-winning author, poet, screenwriter, and playwright; film and television producer, director, showrunner, actor; book, film, and stage reviewer as well as public speaker. He has sold nearly four million copies of his books and has had his work distributed in sixteen languages. He is founder and CEO of the annual Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference and a contributor to Writer’s Digest magazine with his online column, “Killer Writer.”
Episode Links
https://claystafford.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ClayStaffordOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/claystafford/
https://x.com/ClayStafford
https://www.linkedin.com/in/claystafford/
Referenced in episode:
Episode 271 - Tapping into Your Author Voice with Tiffany Yates Martin
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Clay Stafford about the art of crafting submissions for writing contests and the nuances that come with it. The discussion revolves around the key aspects judges look for across different contest formats, whether short or long fiction, and how writers can effectively prepare their work for submission.
Matty kicks off the conversation by highlighting Clay's extensive experience, noting his role as a bestselling author and founder of Killer Nashville, among other accolades. The episode delves into the criteria contest judges seek, such as originality, creativity, and a strong narrative voice. Clay emphasizes the importance of a distinctive voice, one that is authentic and engaging, as a hallmark of great writing.
The conversation touches on the importance of matching submissions to the right contest categories and understanding the platform where work will be featured. They explore scenarios where a piece may not align with the contest's core focus, like entering a mystery contest with a non-mystery entry. Clay underscores the necessity of writers thoroughly reading guidelines and selecting the right category for their entries, as misplaced submissions often get disqualified regardless of their quality.
Listeners are urged to consider the pacing of their stories, recognizing the difference between rushing through events and rambling without purpose. Clay explains that sometimes works feel compressed when they shouldn't be, and authors should trust in the natural pacing of their stories. Engaging and meaningful pacing helps keep the reader invested in the narrative.
Matty and Clay also discuss the value of revisions and feedback before submitting to contests. Clay advises writers to vet their work with friends, writing groups, or even professional editors to ensure the piece is polished to its best potential. He suggests writers should be their harshest critics before sending work to a contest, thus minimizing glaring errors that could easily eliminate an entry early on.
The episode further explores the strategic approach to contest entry. Rather than writing specifically for a contest, Clay argues for writers to create authentically and then seek contests that fit their work. This method helps maintain the integrity of the story and potentially increases the chances of finding a natural contest fit.
Another key point discussed is the reaction to contest rejections. Both Matty and Clay agree that rejection isn't always a reflection of the work's quality, noting that numerous factors, including subjective judge preferences and contest constraints, play a role. Therefore, receiving a "no" should not discourage writers but instead should be seen as a learning opportunity.
Finally, the podcast highlights the importance of making the most of contest wins or placements. Clay encourages authors to leverage contest success in their marketing efforts, using accolades as a tool to separate themselves in the crowded literary marketplace. Authors should celebrate and publicize these achievements, utilizing them as steppingstones to further opportunities.
In summary, this episode is rich with insights for writers looking to refine their craft for contest entries. Matty and Clay guide listeners through understanding contest criteria, perfecting narrative voice, ensuring proper category alignment, and the strategic use of contest recognition—all vital elements to succeeding in writing competitions.
Episode 279 - LinkedIn Strategies for Authors with Troy Lambert
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Troy Lambert discusses LINKEDIN STRATEGIES FOR AUTHORS, including the evolving role of LinkedIn for authors. We delve into strategies for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, engaging with peers, and understanding platform nuances to enhance professional presence, network effectively, and perhaps build a side hustle.
Troy Lambert is the author of over 32 novels and several works of non-fiction. He's also an editor, book coach, and educator. When not behind the keyboard, he lives, works, and plays in the mountains of Idaho.
Episode Links
https://troylambertwrites.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TroyLambertAuthor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-lambert/
Summary
Matty Dalrymple talks with Troy Lambert on The Indie Author Podcast about the evolving role of LinkedIn for authors. They delve into strategies for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, engaging with peers, and understanding platform nuances to enhance professional presence, network effectively, and perhaps build a side hustle.
LinkedIn's Evolution as a Social Media Platform
Troy acknowledges the transformation of LinkedIn from a digital résumé repository to a dynamic social networking site. The platform lets professionals interact beyond traditional job-seeking purposes, offering a more social dimension to business interactions. Troy points out that while LinkedIn still maintains its professional tone, it now serves as a space for people to extend their professional networks, share information, and even make purchasing decisions or explore new opportunities through these connections.
Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles for Authors
Authors, whether focused on fiction or non-fiction, are encouraged to maintain updated LinkedIn profiles. Matty notes her pet peeve with outdated profile pictures and recognizes the importance of current and professional headshots on LinkedIn. Troy stresses that an up-to-date profile signals competency and readiness for new opportunities, whether seeking freelance work, establishing expertise, or attracting podcast invitations.
He advises authors to actively showcase their expertise by listing publications in the profile's designated section. This creates a professional image, crucial for attracting book readers, especially in non-fiction, where showcasing expertise is imperative for credibility. Troy also suggests curating your LinkedIn contacts to reflect a network that resonates with your current professional identity and goals.
Networking and Engaging on LinkedIn
The conversation pivots to discuss the ways authors can engage with and understand their LinkedIn audience. Troy discusses using the platform to connect with peers in the industry. Authors should identify others within their niche or those they admire, then actively engage with their posts to learn and share insights.
This engagement strategy should extend beyond making connections to include thoughtful interaction. Authors should craft posts and comments that inspire discussion and exhibit their expertise. Troy shares his own experiences, citing how his LinkedIn interactions led to unexpected opportunities, such as invitations to speak on podcasts or contribute to discussions on topics of shared interest.
LinkedIn for Book Marketing and Author Services
While LinkedIn may not be the most effective platform for direct book sales, it holds significant potential for marketing author services and other higher-value offerings. Matty discusses her consulting service and how LinkedIn can help her connect with individuals transitioning to new career phases, such as retirement, who might be interested in writing a book. Troy suggests focusing on professional discussions about publishing-related topics to establish expertise and potentially attract clients interested in author services like editing, coaching, or consulting.
Using LinkedIn Groups and Ads
Their discussion briefly touches on LinkedIn groups, with Troy recommending caution due to the high risk of spam. He advises being selective with group participation to ensure interactions remain valuable.
Regarding LinkedIn ads, Troy shares insights about their effectiveness, especially for promoting non-fiction books and author-related services. He contrasts LinkedIn ads with other platforms, highlighting that LinkedIn users often search for professional development, making the platform a worthwhile avenue for educational promotions. However, he advises caution in using LinkedIn ads for fiction, which tends not to yield significant returns.
Current and Future Plans on LinkedIn
Troy concludes by advocating for intentional curation of one’s LinkedIn network. He emphasizes removing outdated connections that no longer align with current professional goals. He aligns this strategy with a broader trend toward streamlining social media interactions to focus on targeted professional objectives.
Matty plans to focus her LinkedIn strategy by engaging deeply with a curated list of professionals within her consulting sphere. By zeroing in on a small number of key contacts, she hopes to better integrate into the professional conversations that matter most to her.
Conclusion
In this podcast episode, Matty Dalrymple and Troy Lambert provide valuable insights into using LinkedIn effectively as an author. Whether for professional networking, promoting non-fiction work, or offering author services, a well-optimized and actively managed LinkedIn profile can open up a wealth of opportunities for authors who engage thoughtfully with the platform.
Episode 278 - The Perks and Pitfalls of Facebook Ads with Malorie Cooper
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Malorie Cooper discusses THE PERKS AND PITFALLS OF FACEBOOK ADS, including the significance of high-contrast images and textual elements in ad creatives, the benefits and drawbacks of Facebook's automated targeting suggestions, and the latest updates in Facebook's targeting mechanisms that can affect ad performance. Mal emphasizes the need for authors to diversify their advertising efforts, touching on the importance of also experimenting with platforms like Amazon Ads and BookBub for broader marketing success.
Malorie Cooper has been teaching authors how to run Facebook ads for over 7 years. Nothing makes her day more than knowing what she does helps to elevate authors' careers.
Episode Links
www.thewritingwives.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewritingwives
https://www.youtube.com/@thewritingwives
Summary
Matty Dalrymple talks with Malorie Cooper about the intricacies of using Facebook ads as a promotional tool for authors. With extensive experience in teaching authors how to leverage Facebook ads, Malorie offers valuable insights into navigating this ever-evolving platform. The discussion covers the challenges and strategies associated with Facebook advertising, the importance of creative content, targeting, and how authors can diversify their advertising approach across multiple platforms.
Introduction to Facebook Ad Challenges
Matty kicks off the conversation by sharing personal challenges faced when running Facebook ads around 2020-2021. Malorie acknowledges these challenges due to frequent and sometimes significant changes Facebook makes to their ad platform. Such changes can disproportionately affect different genres or marketing strategies.
Malorie points out that Facebook has made several substantial changes annually, affecting some authors more than others. She mentions the impact of genre targeting and how certain techniques for targeting readers may have become less effective due to algorithm updates or changes in Facebook's ad delivery priorities.
Understanding Facebook's Algorithmic Changes
When discussing algorithmic changes, Malorie highlights that while Facebook occasionally releases information about upcoming changes, they rarely offer details sufficient for precise prediction of performance shifts. Authors often rely on self-assessment and anecdotal observation to gauge the effectiveness of their ads.
Matty and Malorie also explore the impact of legal requirements, such as changes following the iOS security updates and compliance with the FTC and COPPA laws, which influence how and where ads can be placed effectively.
Diversifying Advertising Efforts
Malorie advises authors against putting all advertising efforts into Facebook alone. She emphasizes that multi-platform strategies ensure visibility even if a significant platform change occurs. Facebook ads should be part of a broader promotional strategy that might include Amazon ads, BookBub ads, or other platforms like Pinterest and YouTube.
She suggests that while Facebook offers broad reach, its audience is not specifically looking for books, unlike Amazon and BookBub, where the audience is more inclined towards book purchasing. Thus, spread-out advertising efforts can hedge against platform-specific issues and ensure steady reader engagement.
Creating Effective Ad Creative
Effective ad creative is paramount, as Malorie outlines several best practices. She advises ensuring images are high contrast for visibility and legibility, even in grayscale, to check color contrast and accessibility for colorblind viewers. Text is now crucial in creative due to people's expectations from TikTok and reels, providing context promptly.
Additionally, she warns that Facebook's AI might ignore initial targeting instructions; hence, it's essential to visually and contextually signal the ad's purpose—such as including a book cover to confirm it’s an ad for a book.
Optimizing Targeting Techniques
Exploring targeting in more detail, Malorie discusses how Facebook's implementation of Advantage Plus Detailed Targeting can override manual selections, showing ads to unintended audiences.
Despite AI-assisted targeting, manual interest-based targeting tends to outperform Facebook's broader strategies. Malorie suggests testing broad targeting first and then narrowing it down to optimize ad performance.
Analysis and Realistic Expectations
Malorie highlights the importance of analyzing the performance of ads by using tools like Amazon attribution links, acknowledging that attribution data isn’t foolproof but offers a relative comparison. She gives practical metrics: aiming for at least ten pages read per click for KU books and one sale every 50 clicks for non-KU books.
For newcomers to Facebook ads, Malorie advises setting aside a budget and patience to allow for a learning curve that could span a few months, emphasizing the value of test-driven adjustments.
Conclusion: Broader Advertising Strategy and Commitment
In conclusion, while Facebook ads are not the easy wins they once were, they remain a critical component of a well-considered advertising strategy. Malorie encourages authors to bravely navigate the complexities of ad creative, targeting, and platform changes to drive their book marketing efforts effectively. Investing time and resources into such ad campaigns, with a willingness to adapt, can yield significant returns over time.
Episode 277 - Book Promotion and How to Break through the Noise with Leah Paulos
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Leah Paulos discusses BOOK PROMOTION AND HOW TO BREAK THROUGH THE NOISE, including the importance of early marketing planning, crafting concise and compelling pitches, and understanding the specific needs of different recipients. Leah also delves into leveraging email lists, using AI tools for crafting pitches, building relationships with influencers, and the long-tail approach to post-publication promotion. Leah provides practical tips for authors to maximize their promotional efforts and connect effectively with their target audience.
Leah Paulos is the Founder and Director of Publicity at Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School, and has worked at the intersection of books and media for over 25 years. Twice named a top PR firm by the Observer, Press Shop PR has worked on many notable books and #1 bestsellers including MARCH by Rep. John Lewis and ON TYRANNY by Timothy Snyder, as well as books by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Neil deGrasse Tyson, James Kirchick, and Pulitzer-finalists Samuel Freedman and Louise Aronson. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two sons.
Episode Links
www.PressShopPR.com
www.BookPublicityScool.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahpaulos/
https://www.facebook.com/PressShopPR
https://x.com/PressShopPR
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Leah Paulos about effective strategies for authors to break through the noise in a saturated market. Leah, drawing from her extensive experience at Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School, provides valuable insights into how authors can effectively promote their books and connect with their target readers.
The conversation begins with Matty highlighting the many roles that indie authors have to play—not only are they the creative force behind their books, but they also need to manage publicity and marketing. Leah agrees, emphasizing how crucial it is for authors to start thinking about their promotion strategy early in the writing process. By keeping a document or spreadsheet of promotional ideas and contacts, authors can better position themselves when the time comes to market their book.
Leah stresses the importance of understanding one's audience and tailoring messages to fit different recipients, whether they are readers, media, or event coordinators. It's crucial to consider what the other party needs to know and how your approach should differ depending on who you are addressing. For example, the back cover copy of a book should capture a reader's interest and remain timeless, whereas a pitch to media should be timely, demonstrating the book's relevance to current discussions or trends.
A significant part of the conversation centers around the creation of effective pitch materials. According to Leah, every book campaign requires two key elements: a compelling pitch and an accurate recipient list. Authors need to craft pitches that are concise and snappy, avoiding excessive details and focusing on inviting the recipient to learn more. One of Leah's recommendations for pitch material is the "bar test," where authors think about how they would describe their book to someone in a noisy setting in just a few attention-grabbing words.
Matty and Leah also discuss building relationships with influencers and media. It's not about sending out mass emails but rather about connecting meaningfully with select individuals who can help promote your book. This involves engaging with them genuinely and understanding how your book might provide value to their audience.
They touch on the role of influencers in an author's promotional strategy. Leah advises that while influencer marketing can be highly effective, it is important for authors to engage with influencers who align well with their target audience. This involves participating actively in the community where these influencers operate and finding ways to offer value in the relationship.
The podcast episode ends with Leah suggesting several long-term strategies for book promotion. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging any media attention post-publication and using new information about reader reception to refine marketing strategies. Authors should remain adaptable, using feedback and reviews to tweak their pitches and focus on angles that resonate with their audience.
This episode of The Indy Author Podcast offers practical advice for authors navigating the complex world of book publicity. Whether you are just starting out or looking to boost an existing campaign, the insights shared by Matty and Leah provide a solid foundation for promoting books effectively in a crowded market.
Episode 276 - Navigating Legal Risk in Memoir with Kathryn Goldman
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Kathryn Goldman discusses NAVIGATING LEGAL RISK IN MEMOIR, including the delicate balance memoir writers must strike to avoid defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Kathryn explains the legal definitions and elements of these terms and offers advice on minimizing risk, emphasizing the importance of factual accuracy and distinguishing between statements of fact and opinion. We also discuss the complexities of protecting oneself when writing about identifiable real-life figures and the considerations authors must take into account when deciding whether to fictionalize elements of their stories. Finally, Kathryn touches on the implications of using real places and song lyrics in memoirs and cautions against seeking input from real-life subjects included in the memoir. She concludes with the potential benefits of including disclaimers to manage reader expectations and reduce legal exposure.
Kathryn Goldman is an intellectual property attorney who focuses her practice on the protection and enforcement of copyright and trademark rights for businesses and individuals. She represents creative professionals, writers, artists, photographers, and innovative entrepreneurs. Leaving 30 years in litigation behind her, Kathryn now focuses her work on keeping creatives out of court so they can create more work. Kathryn is also the Legal Advisor to the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Episode Links
Kathryn's Links:
https://creativelawcenter.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-goldman-b9948211/
https://www.instagram.com/kathryngoldman/
https://creativelawcenter.com/register/memoir-how-to-minimize-risk/ (paid course)
Show Notes:
AI Update US Copyright Office Report on Copyrightability - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr_LnJgDTdU&t=1s
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Kathryn Goldman about legal considerations for memoir writers and authors of nonfiction and creative fiction. Kathryn, an intellectual property attorney specializing in intellectual property and copyright, offers practical advice for minimizing legal risks associated with defamation, invasion of privacy, and the intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Kathryn explains how the legal definitions of terms like defamation can differ from common understanding. Defamation, she notes, requires a false statement of fact about another person, made to a third party, with some element of fault, and resulting in damage. She emphasizes the importance of truth and opinion in mitigating defamation claims, suggesting that writers should stick to provable truths or clearly frame content as opinion.
Invasion of privacy involves scenarios where private information is shared without consent. Kathryn describes different types, including "false light" scenarios, and emphasizes the importance of protecting private information. She also discusses the concept of intentional infliction of emotional distress, where conduct aimed at causing distress must be extreme, outrageous, and result in severe distress.
The conversation highlights the challenges memoir writers face when sharing stories involving real people. Kathryn advises that, while you can control how you present your story, you can't control others' reactions or potential legal claims. Writers should be mindful of how they depict real individuals and consider fictionalizing names, places, and recognizable details. Her advice extends to understanding local laws, as legal matters vary by state and country.
Matty and Kathryn explore different motivations for writing memoirs, from personal therapy to social justice. Regardless of intent, Kathryn stresses the importance of careful planning and understanding the risks involved. She emphasizes that happy lives don't typically make for compelling memoirs, which often center around transformative challenges.
The discussion also touches on the importance of setting expectations with disclaimers, noting that disclaimers can help frame a memoir as fictionalized or subjective, thereby reducing legal risks. However, when claiming a creative embellishment, accuracy and factual presentation should not be compromised.
The episode further discusses fair use, particularly in relation to song lyrics and copyrights. Kathryn advises against using song lyrics without permission, citing the complex licensing infrastructure and the importance of respecting the original creator's work.
To conclude, Kathryn cautions writers to weigh the legal risks in memoir writing and discusses strategies for minimizing potential legal issues while preserving the authenticity and impact of their stories. By seeking counsel and carefully considering the implications of their narrative choices, memoirists can protect themselves legally while still sharing meaningful stories. For more resources, Kathryn directs listeners to CreativeLawCenter.com.
This episode of The Indy Author Podcast offers valuable insights for anyone considering writing a memoir, with practical advice on legal issues and thoughtful reflection on the personal motivations behind memoir writing.
Transcript
This transcript has been edited for readability; please keep in mind that only the audio or video recordings of the conversation will reflect the word-for-word content of the conversation.
[00:00:00] Matty: Hello, and welcome to The Indie Author Podcast. Today, my guest is Kathryn Goldman. Hey, Kathryn, how are you doing?
[00:00:07] Kathryn: I'm fine, Matty. How are you?
[00:00:09] Matty: I'm doing great, thank you. To give our listeners and viewers a little background on you, Kathryn Goldman is an intellectual property attorney who focuses her practice on protecting and enforcing copyright and trademark rights for businesses and individuals. She represents creative professionals, including writers, artists, photographers, and innovative entrepreneurs.
Leaving 30 years of litigation behind, Kathryn now focuses on keeping creatives out of court so they can produce more work. She is also the legal advisor for the Alliance of Independent Authors, which is how I met her. I invited Kathryn on the podcast to discuss how to minimize legal risk when writing memoir.
Kathryn, you sent me a note in preparation for our conversation, which I liked a lot. You wrote: "Memoir can involve a delicate walk through the minefields of defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress." We'll talk about how to navigate these treacherous areas of law so a writer can tell their truth while still protecting themselves.
[00:01:12] One question I had for you is: to what extent will the information you share be applicable to nonfiction beyond memoir, or is it quite specific to memoir?
[00:01:47] Kathryn: Oh, it can be generalized to nonfiction broadly. These legal considerations apply to all types of nonfiction writing. They also apply to fiction—especially historical fiction—when real individuals and events are incorporated into the story.
[00:02:09] Matty: Perfect. I thought a good way to start would be to clarify some of the terms we used—defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Sometimes, the legal definitions of these terms are more nuanced than general understanding.
Can you explain, for example, what defamation means?
[00:02:09] Kathryn: Okay, so there are two kinds of defamation: defamation in writing and spoken defamation. Spoken defamation is slander, but we’re not going to discuss slander because we’re talking about written work, which is libel.
The elements of defamation are as follows: libel is a false statement of fact about another person that you communicate to a third party, not just to that person. There also has to be some element of fault on the part of the person who writes or publishes the statement.
You either knew it was false or failed to check whether it was true before spreading it. Additionally, the person about whom the defamatory statement is made must suffer some form of damage.
Damage could include harm to reputation, lost business, or even physical illness caused by severe defamation. These are the necessary elements of defamation, and all four must be present before a claim can be made.
So that's defamation. Do you want to take them one at a time?
[00:03:41] Matty: Yeah, how about invasion of privacy? That was another topic we wanted to discuss.
[00:03:44] Kathryn: Okay, so invasion of privacy—think of it as intrusion upon seclusion. You are in a private space, like your bedroom, which is common in memoirs. You have an expectation of privacy, but someone—a peeping Tom, for example, or even someone you invite into that space—violates that privacy and then shares it with the world. That is an invasion of privacy. The public has no reason or right to know those private details.
There are other types of invasion of privacy. One is appropriating someone’s name or likeness, which we see a lot in the college sports world right now—NIL, or name, image, and likeness. That is a form of invasion of privacy.
Then there’s false light invasion of privacy. This happens when you depict someone in a way that casts them in a misleading light. For example, if you write that someone was in the middle of a bar brawl and imply that they started it or were involved when they weren’t, that would be false light.
So those are different types of invasion of privacy.
[00:05:25] Matty: And the last term we mentioned was intentional infliction of emotional distress.
[00:05:30] Kathryn: Right. Intentional infliction of emotional distress occurs when someone engages in extreme and outrageous conduct with the intent to cause another person distress. The conduct must be severe enough to cause significant emotional harm, and in some cases, the law requires a physical manifestation of distress.
For example, if someone intentionally lies about another person to cause them distress, that could be both defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
One important point to remember is that all of these laws are state-based. This means the requirements for a claim vary from state to state and country to country. Some states or countries may not even recognize intentional infliction of emotional distress as a valid legal claim.
So, if you're concerned about this issue, you need to check your local laws and consult with a local attorney to determine whether it applies in your situation.
[00:07:11] Matty: I wanted to start with memoir because that’s an obvious example. Unless you’re writing about your time alone on a desert island, memoirs involve interactions with other people. They often pull writers in two directions: staying true to their experience while also being mindful of the legal risks you mentioned.
How do you advise memoir writers to avoid defamation claims when sharing stories about real people?
[00:07:49] Kathryn: The first thing to understand is that you cannot control how other people will react to your work. Even if you take every precaution to ensure you’re not defaming anyone, you cannot predict how they will interpret your writing or what actions they might take.
You can be as careful and reasonable as possible and still have a claim made against you. However, if you are prudent and take appropriate care, you will have a strong defense if a claim arises.
That said, when you’re concerned about defamation, remember that the first element of defamation is that it must be a false statement of fact.
If what you write is true and objectively provable, it cannot be defamation.
[00:08:50] Kathryn: The other thing you can do is frame your characterization of the situation, the person, or the event as an opinion. If you are expressing an opinion, you are not stating a fact.
For example, if you were to write a scene—memoir is often in the first person—you could say, It appeared to me as though she burned down that house on purpose. Or, When I look at that, it makes me think of… (using a simile or metaphor). You are framing the event as your opinion rather than a fact.
By doing that, you are building a defense against defamation. The primary defenses to defamation are truth—an objectively provable truth—or opinion. Those are two solid ways to prevent a defamation claim against you.
That said, right from the start, there’s also the option of fictionalizing the person. You can avoid identifying them by changing details—altering the town where events happen, modifying the setting, changing the person’s description, giving them a different occupation. You can alter these details entirely while still telling your story and conveying how that person made you feel and impacted your life—without identifying them.
That’s a decision you make before you even put pen to paper.
[00:11:22] Matty: Yeah, it seems like some memoirists are clear with their readers that they’re not reproducing interactions with particular people. For example, some memoirists I’ve spoken to say they combine multiple people into a single character—maybe they had two bad bosses and want to tell a story about dealing with a bad boss, so they merge those two into one. The reader understands they’re not going to find that named bad boss on LinkedIn or anything like that.
It seems really tricky. I was thinking about this in the context of creative nonfiction—when someone tells a story about a celebrity or a historical figure and puts words in that person’s mouth. For example, The Crown followed factual stories about Queen Elizabeth and her family but took great liberties with behind-the-scenes action and dialogue. That’s more of an exposé. Are there different legal approaches to those two types of works?
[00:12:43] Kathryn: Yes. When you're writing something like The Crown, there has to be a heavy legal vetting of the manuscript or script. That would involve applying U.K. law—so you’d have to analyze the U.K.'s defamation laws. Those are famous individuals, and the law in the U.S. is different for public figures compared to private individuals. It is much harder to defame a public figure than a private individual.
You need to analyze the manuscript and go through it to see what could potentially sustain a claim. But the legal elements will be the same for both memoir and historical fiction or creative nonfiction. Once you determine which law applies, the legal analysis will be the same.
[00:14:09] Matty: If someone is writing about people in their own life and comes to you for advice, how do you guide them on whether to name names or fictionalize details like names, places, or characteristics? Are there specific criteria you use to determine that?
[00:14:31] Kathryn: Well, you gave the example of a bad boss. That’s easy to fictionalize—you can change the company, job description, and other details. But if you’re writing about your abusive stepfather and using your real name as the author, that person is going to be identifiable. You can’t fictionalize that.
Then the question becomes—do you write under a pseudonym? If you are concerned that your stepfather might sue you and you write under a pseudonym, will you be able to talk about your book publicly? When writing a memoir, you must focus on your why. There are many reasons to write a memoir.
On my website, CreativeLawCenter.com, I have a workshop replay where I interviewed two memoirists. They discussed whether to identify themselves and, by extension, their family members or whether to use a pseudonym and the implications of that choice.
If your reason for writing is to share your story with others in similar situations and to speak freely about it, then you really can’t use a pseudonym. Some situations can’t be fictionalized. You have to decide at the outset what risks you are willing to take.
[00:16:47] Matty: That also made me think about another situation. Suppose someone writes about an abusive experience and wants to follow the book with public appearances to support others in similar situations. Legally, does it make a difference if they don’t name the bad actors in their book or talks, but those people could still be identified if someone did some research?
[00:17:24] Kathryn: If the person is identifiable in the book, that can lead to legal issues. Then you have to weigh whether that person—who hasn’t been named but is described and connected to the author—would want to out themselves by filing a lawsuit, which is a public record accessible to everyone. That lawsuit would essentially declare, I am the stepfather accused of this abuse, and I didn’t do it. Often, when claims like that are made, they draw more attention to the book and can drive book sales.
So you have to assess: will this person take legal action if they haven’t been openly named? That depends on your knowledge of the person, their risk tolerance for exposure, and your own risk tolerance for facing a legal claim. All of these factors go into the calculation of how to approach memoir writing.
[00:19:09] Matty: It seems like so much of this comes back to the underlying motivation for writing the book. Most of the time when I talk to writers, their motivations are positive—they have a story they need to tell, they want to share their experience, or they have advice that could help people. But in some cases, there’s a less admirable motivation—wanting to pay someone back for something. If revenge is the driver, the normal publishing and writing considerations may not apply.
[00:19:54] Kathryn: That’s an interesting point. Revenge. I’ve worked with many memoirists and reviewed many manuscripts for legal clearance, and I can safely say that none of them have admitted to revenge as their motivation. Most say they want to expose an unjust situation so that others in similar circumstances know they’re not alone. Or they want to share mistakes they’ve made so others don’t repeat them. That said, revenge-driven memoirs do exist.
This brings up another reason many people write memoirs: personal therapy. And sometimes, that means a memoir shouldn’t be published. Memoirs about happy lives are not usually that interesting. The most compelling memoirs involve transformation—something tragic or life-changing happens, and the person emerges changed. So when writing a memoir, you must ask: Why am I writing this? What is my goal? If the motivation is therapeutic, maybe the memoir is best kept private.
[00:22:39] Matty: Yeah, I've spoken to several memoirists who have said exactly that—the initial drafting was a therapeutic effort. They had something they wanted to get off their chest, to get out of their heart, to put onto paper, to purge themselves of it. Then they set that aside and said, Okay, now I want to write something shareable. And the final product looked quite different.
For example, they may have written their whole experience out exactly as it occurred, but that wasn’t an interesting way to present it to a reader. So they shortened time frames, cut out uneventful periods, and focused intensively on one key moment—maybe one crucial hour in their life takes up more of the memoir than uneventful years.
I like the idea of separating private writing from public writing. And among all the other craft considerations that go into revising that private draft into a shareable work, factoring in legal considerations is important as well.
[00:23:38] Kathryn: Right. And then when you’re doing that, the question becomes, Do you fictionalize it completely?Because the crux of the story—the theme, the event, the transformation—can still be true to your experience, but everything else can be fictionalized. The characters, the place, the setting—everything can be completely different, and you can still tell your story. And once you do that, you significantly minimize the risk involved.
So again, it goes back to: What is your why? Why are you doing it?
[00:24:14] Matty: Well, that whole question of truth versus embellishment—if it’s completely fictionalized, that takes care of a lot of concerns. But if you decide to present it as a memoir, let’s say you grew up in a small town, and that town is a very important part of the experience. You want to name it, and people will be able to identify individuals in the story. Since memoir often involves a level of creative embellishment, how do you balance storytelling with legal obligations to avoid misrepresentation?
[00:24:49] Kathryn: Well, if you’re going to name the small town and include real people from that town, you need to stick to objective truths. Objective truths or frame things as your opinion. That’s how you’ll have to tell that story. And then, beyond the legal issues, there’s the reality that you might have the whole town in an uproar. That’s not a legal question, but it’s something to consider.
Lawsuits are no fun. You have to decide if this is something you’re willing to go through. Is it really important to name that small town? Again, I’ll point you to that interview I did with two memoirists who spoke very openly about why they made the choices they did in writing their stories. One of them went so far as to help sponsor legislation in his home state. He was the victim of abuse as a child and worked to get a law passed to address that issue.
That’s a big why. You have to think about how much of your life you’re willing to dedicate to this memoir—even after it’s published.
[00:26:45] Matty: Yeah, I like the idea of framing it that way. It also suggests another consideration—we talked about intentional infliction of emotional distress. But what about unintentional infliction of emotional distress? A writer might put something in their book that they don’t think will upset anyone, but then someone reads it and takes offense. Do you have advice on how people can assess or avoid unintentional infliction of emotional distress?
[00:27:12] Kathryn: That’s interesting because it ties back to something I said earlier—you can’t control how someone else is going to react. You also can’t anticipate whether they’ll file a claim. I’ve had many authors come to me and say, Nothing I wrote is bad! Everyone is portrayed in a good light! And I have to remind them, That’s your perspective. But you’re not the person reading it. You don’t know what their circumstances are, so you can’t predict how they’ll respond. That’s unintentional, but it can still create problems. That kind of reaction is less likely to lead to a legal claim and more likely to damage relationships.
[00:28:15] Matty: That reminds me of my corporate days when coworkers would ask for input on their performance appraisals. Sometimes, even if I had a great working relationship with someone and appreciated their contributions, I’d still send my feedback to them first before submitting it—just to make sure I wasn’t saying anything they didn’t want to be said. I’d ask, Is there anything here you wouldn’t want your boss to read?
I can imagine a similar approach with memoir—looping back with the real people involved and saying, Here’s a chapter about an interaction we had—what do you think? Not necessarily promising to change anything, but at least hearing their perspective. What are your thoughts on that, based on your work with memoirists?
[00:29:39] Kathryn: I don’t like it at all. I do not recommend sending portions of a manuscript to a third party for review. Even if you say, I’m not promising to make changes, you are still suggesting that their opinion matters. So why are you sending it? And if you don’t say that, are you giving them editorial control over your manuscript? As a general rule, I don’t like it.
I’ve seen cases where authors have asked for permission to use real places or details in their memoirs. That’s one thing. But once you send a written request for approval, what happens when they say no? Are you willing to rewrite the entire book?
I’ve also had authors send parts of their manuscript to people from their past—people they hadn’t spoken to in 25 years—just to give them a heads-up. And it backfired. The recipient was upset, contacted the publisher, contacted the author’s spouse—it became a problem. So I don’t advise it.
You’re better off focusing on what you can control. Analyze the risks, minimize them as much as possible, and decide what level of risk you’re comfortable with. But I would keep it in-house.
[00:31:56] Matty: Yeah, I can imagine in that scenario with the seminary, it makes sense that it would be a real legal risk to use the name without permission. If they had said no, do you think it would have been sufficient for the author to just change the name of the seminary?
[00:32:17] Kathryn: Change the name, change the location, change the description, change the hierarchy of power—you’d have to rewrite it. You also have to be careful when using real places in your stories, especially in fiction. In nonfiction, real events took place in real places, so you have more freedom to use them.
[00:32:42] Matty: But in fiction, if you put terrible events in a real place, the owners of that place could be very upset. You have to be careful about that. Many of my novels are set in the Philadelphia area, and I went to Penn. I was originally going to use Penn as a setting, but I thought some nefarious things were going to happen there, so I changed it to “William Penn University.”
I think everyone knows what I was getting at, and in the end, nothing bad actually happens there, but I still changed it. Sometimes you just want the freedom to move things around, even if it’s not something negative—like if I wanted a cafeteria in a building that doesn’t have one. I don’t want to be tied to reality.
[00:33:42] Kathryn: Right, and in the grand scheme, does it matter where it happens? You’re writing about a university with ivy-covered walls—it doesn’t have to be that university. As a creative writer, you’re inspired by Penn, but you can take that feeling and create something new.
[00:34:17] Matty: Exactly. I wanted to talk about a different topic: fair use.
A lot of people reflect on their lives and think of certain songs or lyrics that were meaningful to them. They want to include those lyrics in their books. What’s your advice for people considering that?
[00:34:39] Kathryn: Don’t. You can use the title of the song. You can use the artist’s name. You can describe the feeling the song gave you. But you cannot use the lyrics.
There is no reliable law on fair use of song lyrics or poetry that would protect an author at this time. Some legal arguments suggest it could be fair use, but look at it from the perspective of the songwriter or poet. If you’ve written just a few short lines that move millions of people, those lines are the heart and soul of your work. Why should someone be allowed to take those lines and put them into their book without permission?
If you think about it that way, it makes sense why you can’t use lyrics—you’d be taking the very essence of the song. And on top of that, there’s a licensing system in place where you can request permission and pay for the right to use the lyrics. That’s my current wisdom on the subject.
[00:36:33] Matty: Yeah, early on, I was interested in using a passage from The Sword in the Stone by T. H. White. Not only did it take forever to track down who actually owned the copyright—it had passed from one company to another over the years—but when I finally got an answer, I learned that the cost wasn’t unreasonable, but it was limited to a certain number of books.
For example, they might have said, You can use this for up to 1,000 copies, but if you sell more, you have to renew the license. And I thought, How do you even track that? I didn’t want to spend my life keeping tabs on that permission. They were willing to negotiate, but I ended up not using it.
[00:37:36] Kathryn: That’s interesting. I worked with a documentary filmmaker who wanted to use a Sade song in the background of his film. He went to great lengths to contact her directly, and because the subject was something she cared about, she gave permission. So it’s possible.
I’ve also had authors approach estates to request permission to use quotes from a celebrity’s journals or lyrics from a song, and they’ve received permission. So sometimes it’s worth reaching out and explaining the project directly. Bypassing the standard licensing system and going straight to the source can work.
[00:39:01] Matty: So it’s going to be a case-by-case situation. But just to be clear—are you saying that you cannot quote lyrics without permission?
[00:39:26] Kathryn: Correct. You need permission. And when you get that permission, it will take a very specific form. The copyright page will need to include a formal acknowledgment stating that the lyrics from [Song Name] by [Artist Name] are copyrighted and used with permission. When it comes to quoting longer works, fair use is determined case by case.
And a recent Supreme Court case, Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. v. Goldsmith, added a new layer to fair use: if a work is available for licensing—meaning there’s an existing system to pay for the right to use it—it will be harder to claim fair use.
[00:41:02] Matty: That’s a great point.
One final thing I’d like to discuss is disclaimers. How much protection does a disclaimer at the beginning of a book offer?
[00:41:14] Kathryn: Disclaimers can reduce risk. They can warn the reader about the limits of what you’re writing. For example, if you’ve created a composite character—like merging two bad bosses into one—you can explain that in the disclaimer. Some courts give disclaimers significant weight. There isn’t a lot of litigation on this, but disclaimers help set the stage for how the reader perceives the book.
[00:41:45] Matty: That’s really helpful.
Kathryn, thank you so much for sharing your insights on minimizing legal risks in memoir and other types of writing. Where can people find more about you and your work?
[00:41:14] Kathryn: Please visit me at CreativeLawCenter.com. I offer extensive resources for creative professionals, including writers, artists, and entrepreneurs who are building businesses around their creative work.
I cover topics like copyright, trademarks, business development, and internet law. I also have a membership program where I provide ongoing support. So please stop by—I’d love to connect.
[00:41:45] Matty: Sounds great. Thanks again!
[00:41:47] Kathryn: You’re welcome! Thanks for having me, Matty.
Episode 275 - Getting Unstuck in Book Marketing and Promotion with Michael La Ronn
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Michael La Ronn discusses GETTING UNSTUCK IN BOOK MARKETING AND PROMOTION, including how authors can get unstuck when traditional methods like ads and blogger reviews are not affordable or effective. He emphasizes the importance of having an email list and a reader magnet, using strategic pricing, updating book descriptions, and optimizing back matter. They also discuss leveraging relationships with other authors for cross-promotion and the potential of using Kickstarter. Matty and Michael highlight various low-cost and free resources, while underscoring the significance of setting realistic expectations and being persistent in the journey of indie publishing.
Michael La Ronn has published many science fiction & fantasy books and self-help books for writers. He built a writing career publishing 10-12 books per year while raising a family, working a full-time job, and even attending law school classes in the evenings. Visit his fiction website at www.michaellaronn.com and his resources for writers at www.authorlevelup.com.
Episode Links
Michael's Links:
https://www.authorlevelup.com
https://www.youtube.com/authorlevelup
Related Episodes:
Episode 169 - The Do's and Don'ts of Working with Book Bloggers with Kristopher Zgorski
Episode 221 - Leveraging Your Tribe of Influence with Stephanie Chandler
Episode 252 - Strategic Website Planning for Authors with Pauline Wiles
Episode 230 - The Good, the Bad, and the Surprising of Kickstarter with Megan Haskell and Jennifer Hilt
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Michael La Ronn about strategies for indie authors to get unstuck when marketing challenges arise. They delve into the essential components of marketing and promotion, providing valuable insights for authors navigating the digital landscape without a hefty advertising budget.
Michael La Ronn shares his experiences and strategies for keeping momentum in book marketing, focusing on what is within an author’s control. A key takeaway is the importance of setting realistic expectations and defining what "nothing is working" truly means for one's writing career. Michael emphasizes that goals should align with what authors can control, such as productivity, website presence, and building relationships with readers and other authors, rather than focusing solely on sales metrics.
Matty and Michael highlight the significance of having an email list and reader magnet, noting these as foundational tools in an indie author's toolkit. They discuss optimizing existing resources and the potential creativity in developing reader magnets that extend beyond short stories to something that genuinely engages the audience, such as prequels or novellas.
Reviews, often a controversial topic in the indie publishing community, are examined with Michael staunchly disagreeing with the notion that they don't matter. He recommends several platforms, including Bookish First and Booksprout, as low-cost or free options to acquire reviews ethically. These platforms are excellent avenues for getting initial feedback, which is crucial for an author’s credibility and subsequent promotional efforts.
Additionally, Matty shares insights into leveraging social media and email newsletters not just for direct sales pitches, but as a method to build relationships and offer value through content that aligns with their readers' interests. They stress the idea that simply saying "buy my book" continually isn’t going to produce results; engaging, relevant content is key.
On the promotion side, Michael offers guidance for authors who may not be able to invest heavily in advertising. He recommends exploring Amazon Ads as a cost-effective option for those with tight budgets, pointing out that they generally do not spend the full budgeted amount but still reach potential readers. He also underscores the original method of marketing through building genuine relationships with other authors, suggesting newsletter swaps as a reciprocal way to increase visibility without monetary cost.
They discuss the potential and challenges of platforms like Kickstarter to fund book projects and expand reach. Michael sees this as an opportunity for learning and honing marketing skills, even if not every campaign results in full funding.
Finally, Matty and Michael cover practical changes authors can make, such as reevaluating book pricing and descriptions. A strategic look at back matter for cross-promotion of books within a series and ensuring that pricing reflects both the value and the competitive landscape of comparable titles on retail platforms, can make a significant difference in sales outcomes.
In conclusion, both Matty and Michael emphasize patience and perseverance, recognizing that success in indie publishing takes time, and continuous learning and adaptation are part of the journey. Authors should celebrate small victories, focus on incremental improvements, and remain mindful of long-term goals while building a sustainable writing career.
This episode of The Indy Author Podcast provides a comprehensive, actionable roadmap for indie authors needing strategic direction to overcome marketing hurdles and achieve a sustained path to success.
Episode 274 - Elevating Your Presence with Panel Appearances with Joanne McLaughlin
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Joanne McLaughlin discusses ELEVATING YOUR PRESENCE WITH PANEL APPEARANCES, including participating in panels as a way to build confidence, network, and promote one's work. We discuss the importance of contributing meaningfully during panels and the benefits of both genre-specific and non-genre-specific conferences, and we touch on the roles of moderators, the structure of panels, and how varied experiences can enhance panel discussions.
Joanne McLaughlin’s novels include CHASING ASHES, a crime thriller, and NEVER BEFORE NOON, NEVER UNTIL NOW, and NEVER MORE HUMAN, a darkly romantic vampire trilogy. A POETIC PUZZLE, a romantic mystery, launches in early 2025. Her latest short fiction appears in RUTH AND ANN’S GUIDE TO TIME TRAVEL. An editor of prize-winning news and features for newspapers and public media, Joanne also is a former VP of a musicians-management firm. She lives in Philadelphia, where she indulges her love of design and walking.
Episode Links
https://joannemclaughlin.net/
https://www.facebook.com/joannemclaugh
https://www.instagram.com/joannemclaugh
https://x.com/joannemclaugh
https://bsky.app/profile/joannemclaughlin.bsky.social
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Joanne McLaughlin about the journey of gaining confidence as an author and the benefits of participating in panel discussions at conferences. Joanne shares her experiences transitioning from being a behind-the-scenes editor and public relations instructor to stepping into the spotlight as an author on panels.
Joanne opens up about her hiatus from writing, describing how she re-entered the writing community after a challenging period. She candidly discusses the doubts she faced when she first thought of joining panels at conferences. Despite these initial hesitations, Joanne decided to engage actively in conference panels, which played a significant role in rebuilding her confidence. She emphasizes, "What you have to remember is that everybody is looking for different voices and new stories, and every author has a unique perspective to share."
One of the critical aspects Joanne highlights is the idea that, regardless of your level of experience, "You're an expert in who you are," making it important to impart your unique experiences and insights during discussions. This mindset has helped her in scenarios where she found herself alongside highly acclaimed authors.
The conversation also acknowledges the challenge of imposter syndrome, especially when participating in panels with more experienced authors. Joanne shares, "You can't help but feel like an imposter," but stresses the importance of overcoming this feeling by focusing on the unique contributions one can make.
Matty and Joanne also explore how attending or participating in panels can lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities. Joanne recounts an experience where her involvement on a panel led an audience member to share enthusiasm for her work with new potential readers.
The episode touches on the logistical aspects and etiquette of panels, including the benefit of cross-genre discussions that can lead to new insights. Joanne further emphasizes the benefits of engaging in panels as both a learning opportunity and a chance to network. She explains how these interactions can organically lead to other opportunities within the community.
Summing up their conversation, Matty reflects on the idea of writing a "script for yourself" to overcome personal barriers and doubts—a concept well-suited to fiction writers who craft characters for their stories.
In concluding the episode, Joanne reiterates, "You've got nothing to lose," encouraging authors to seize opportunities, challenge themselves, and embrace the value of networking through panels and conferences. Matty agrees, highlighting the importance of such experiences in an author's publishing journey.
Episode 273 - Showrunning Your Series Novels with Cheryl McKay
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Cheryl McKay discusses SHOWRUNNING YOUR SERIES NOVELS, including how to plan for standalone versus series formats; the role of episodic elements; the benefits of feeling inspired by and using real-world locations in storytelling; the importance of character development and story arcs; and the importance of making strong standalone stories with potential for growth or spinoffs. We also discuss the responsibilities of a showrunner and how this role parallels the varied duties of an indie author.
CHERYL MCKAY been professionally writing since 1997. Before creating, showrunning, and executive producing the multi-award-winning Season One of These Stones, Cheryl wrote the screenplay for The Ultimate Gift. Cheryl co-wrote the faith-based feature films, Indivisible and Extraordinary, as well as multiple children’s projects, including five episodes of Superbook and forty episodes of the audio drama, The Wild & Wacky Totally True Bible Stories with Frank Peretti. In addition to film and television, Cheryl has enjoyed penning novels like Song of Springhill and the award-winning Never the Bride (with Rene Gutteridge), as well as nonfiction books.
Episode Links
www.purplepenworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027726262011
https://www.instagram.com/cherylmckayscreenwriter/
https://www.youtube.com/@thesestones
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Cheryl McKay about the valuable lessons series novelists can draw from TV series. The conversation delves into structuring series narratives, incorporating cliffhangers, and planning for both standalone and ongoing stories.
Matty opens the discussion by highlighting the initial challenge for authors deciding between writing a standalone book or a series. Speaking from her experience, Cheryl notes that this dilemma is paralleled in the screenwriting world, where screenwriters often face the decision of whether their work fits better as a standalone movie or an expanding series. Cheryl shares an anecdote about transforming her screenplay, "Never the Bride," initially intended as a standalone, into a series. She draws a parallel to the "Bruce Almighty" series, where a strong character in the first movie inspired the subsequent "Evan Almighty."
Cheryl emphasizes the importance of planning for character and story arcs that can expand beyond the first instance of work. She suggests series writers consider ongoing character development and multiple storylines that can extend through several books or episodes. Cheryl’s insights highlight how detailed planning, like creating a "show bible," is crucial in ensuring consistency and depth in storytelling. This planning aids in setting rules for the world, creating characters with scalable arcs, and contemplating potential storylines.
Matty and Cheryl explore the concept of resolving narratives versus leaving doors open for future installments. Cheryl explains the strategic balance between offering enough closure in a story to satisfy the audience while leaving threads that entice them to come back for more. They discuss the fact that readers are often wary of starting an unfinished series, emphasizing the need for authors to ensure that their first book is strong enough to stand alone while setting up potential sequels.
Cheryl also underscores the differing freedoms and constraints faced by indie authors versus screenwriters in traditional TV. Where screenwriters often hand over control post-script and might face rushed story completions due to network decisions, indie authors generally maintain creative control, deciding the length and arcs of their series based on interest and sales. This leads to a discussion of audience influence on storytelling. Matty mentions how direct feedback from readers allows indie authors to adjust future installments, a luxury less available to screenwriters.
The role of guest characters in series is another area of discussion. Cheryl explains how "guest stars" can enrich TV shows and novels alike, offering fresh stories and conflicts. These characters may appear in specific episodes or books but can evolve into recurring roles or even inspire spin-offs. Cheryl illustrates this with an example of a crime series writer whose secondary characters or unique professions may spawn their own narratives.
Exploring spin-offs, Cheryl suggests leveraging interesting side characters to explore new stories, much like the transition from "Bruce Almighty" to "Evan Almighty." The adaptation of characters into different tones or genres can attract different audiences, though maintaining the original's spirit can be challenging. Cheryl remarks that changing a story's tone, as seen in "Evan Almighty," can surprise audiences, and creators should tread carefully when altering the formula of a beloved concept.
The conversation wraps up with insights into the multifaceted role of a showrunner in TV production, akin to an indie author’s balancing act of writing, marketing, and overseeing book production. Cheryl describes how a showrunner manages the creative vision, casting, and logistics, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication akin to an indie author's need to manage various aspects of book publication.
Matty draws parallels between a showrunner’s operational overview and an indie author's need to manage the entire writing-to-publishing process, encouraging authors to take a holistic approach to their craft. Cheryl’s experiences highlight the similarities between TV production and indie publishing, offering authors insights into effectively managing their series and maintaining engagement with their audience.
Episode 272 - The Evolving Author and Second Editions with Joanna Penn
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Joanna Penn discusses THE EVOLVING AUTHOR AND SECOND EDITIONS, including the release of the second edition of Joanna's book, HOW TO WRITE NON-FICTION. Joanna discusses the changes in nonfiction writing, including the importance of storytelling, which led her to apply some of the personal elements and insights she has used in her memoir works into this new edition. We delve into the challenges and benefits of putting out a new edition versus updating the existing one, the evolving landscape of self-publishing, and the impact of new technologies on the writing business.
Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, dark fantasy, and memoir as J.F. Penn. She’s also an award-winning podcaster of The Creative Penn Podcast, a creative entrepreneur, and an international professional speaker.
Episode Links
www.TheCreativePenn.com
https://x.com/thecreativepenn
Episode 054 - Futurist Trends We Can Prepare for Now with Joanna Penn
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Joanna Penn about the evolution of Joanna’s book, "How to Write Nonfiction," as it moves into its second edition. They delve into the shifts in nonfiction writing, driven by both personal growth and technological changes.
Joanna highlights how the personal touch in nonfiction writing has become more critical as AI can generate standard content. She shares that her own experiences, particularly writing a memoir, have significantly altered her approach to nonfiction. This emphasizes the need for personal stories and emotions in nonfiction, transforming it into a more humanized and relatable genre.
The conversation uncovers the restructuring of Joanna's book, including the blending of topics like publishing, marketing, and business into a cohesive unit. This decision reflects changes in the publishing landscape and her own creative evolution, moving towards a more evergreen approach.
Matty and Joanna discuss the pros and cons of revising existing books versus writing new content. Joanna points out the critical balance between updating books for factual correctness and maintaining voice authenticity. She says that a new edition can sometimes feel like an entirely different book, requiring new ISBNs and marketing strategies. However, she acknowledges that it's essential for such revisions to represent genuine shifts in perspective or content to be worthwhile.
In aligning with the theme of nonfiction's evolution, Joanna and Matty explore the role of storytelling in nonfiction writing, such as the incorporation of personal anecdotes and experiences. Joanna stresses the importance of this blending of factual writing with personal narrative to ensure nonfiction books remain engaging amidst the rise of AI-generated content.
Another significant discussion point is the future of audiobooks and AI. Joanna covers how AI could revolutionize audiobook production, making it more accessible and diverse in language and accent. This innovation could significantly lower costs and broaden market reach for authors, enabling them to share their work without language barriers. Matty adds to this by discussing her aspirations to use AI-generated voices trained on her own, providing a consistent and customized reading experience across different languages and works.
Throughout the episode, Matty and Joanna also touch upon the shifting landscape of author platforms and content. They consider the evolving utility of platforms like Medium and Substack and the enduring value of owning one’s platform. This discussion brings forth the idea of not building on rented land and the safety of keeping control over content and audience interaction.
Joanna shares her stance on various publishing formats, emphasizing selling directly to readers as a more lucrative and controlled option for authors. This ties into the broader theme of how technological shifts are impacting author strategies and book marketing efforts.
Episode 271 - Tapping into Your Author Voice with Tiffany Yates Martin
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Tiffany Yates Martin discusses TAPPING INTO YOUR AUTHOR VOICE, including how many writers mistakenly view voice as an external element they need to find or impose on their work. Instead, she believes that true voice comes from genuinely accessing and expressing one's internal truths, a process that can feel quite daunting. Tiffany emphasizes that an authentic voice is not about adopting a façade but rather about tapping into what is true to the author and allowing it to emerge naturally in their writing.
Tiffany Yates Martin has spent nearly thirty years as an editor in the publishing industry, working with major publishers and New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors as well as indie and newer writers. She is the founder of FoxPrint Editorial (named one of Writer’s Digest’s Best Websites for Authors) and author of Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing and the recently released The Intuitive Author: How to Grow & Sustain a Happier Writing Career. She is a regular contributor to writers’ outlets like Writer’s Digest, Jane Friedman, and Writer Unboxed, and a frequent presenter and keynote speaker for writers’ organizations around the country. Under her pen name, Phoebe Fox, she is the author of six novels.
Episode Links
https://www.foxprinteditorial.com
https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyyatesmartin/
https://www.facebook.com/tiffanynyates/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-TMebXV5sg8-fQkVeg_0w
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Tiffany Yates Martin about the concept of "voice" in writing and how authors can authentically express their unique perspectives. Tiffany challenges the common perception among authors that voice is something external—a façade to be layered over their work. Instead, she proposes that true voice emerges when writers draw from within themselves, accessing their internal truths and allowing these to infuse their narratives.
One of the primary topics Tiffany tackles is the misconception that voice needs to be consciously tacked onto a piece of writing. She believes this approach can hinder creativity and authenticity. Voice, according to Tiffany, should not be imposed but instead arise naturally from the writer's own experiences, emotions, and perspectives. This process of letting one's true voice guide the writing can be intimidating for many authors, as it requires vulnerability and honesty. It’s about stripping away the layers of pretense and showing raw, genuine aspects of oneself.
Throughout the episode, Tiffany emphasizes the importance of embracing one's individuality in writing. By doing so, writers can create more compelling and relatable stories that resonate with readers on a deeper level. This inward search for authenticity not only enhances the quality of the work but also connects more powerfully with the audience.
In support of her insights, Tiffany shares key examples and strategies that authors can use to discover and refine their voice. While the process can be challenging, it is ultimately rewarding, leading to a more fulfilling writing experience and richer, more authentic stories.
The discussion offers valuable takeaways for writers at any stage in their careers. It encourages them to reflect on their personal truths and how these can be a wellspring of creative material. By courageously accessing and expressing their inner selves, authors can develop a distinctive voice that stands out in the literary world.
Episode 270 - Author Assistants: Finding One or Being One with Kate Tilton
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Kate Tilton discusses AUTHOR ASSISTANTS: FINDING ONE OR BEING ONE, including the various types of support an author assistant can offer, from organizing emails and managing forums to handling newsletters and connecting with PR firms. We explore the complexities of finding the right assistant, balancing workload, and the importance of clear communication and trust. Kate also touches on strategies for authors who find themselves overwhelmed and seeking help, providing valuable insights for anyone considering hiring or becoming an author assistant.
Kate Tilton is the founder of Kate Tilton’s Author Services, where she has been helping authors since 2010. Kate works with authors of all stripes, from New York Times and USA Today bestsellers to pre-publication authors. Becca Syme calls her "the best author support in the industry." A cat-lover and fan of many geeky things, Kate can likely be found curled up with tea and a good book, plotting world takeover, or connecting authors and readers in any way she can.
Episode Links
https://katetilton.com/
https://www.theindyauthor.com/072---mentoring-and-collaborating-with-interns.html
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Kate Tilton about the role of author assistants and how to incorporate them into writing business operations. They discuss the origin of Kate's career as an author assistant and explore the essential considerations for indie authors seeking to hire help, and for individuals interested in becoming author assistants themselves.
Kate Tilton's journey into the world of author assistance began unexpectedly during her high school years when she stumbled upon an author seeking an assistant. Her career as an author assistant was born from this serendipitous encounter, highlighting how organic and unexpected career paths can be. This story emphasizes the importance of being open to opportunities and adaptable in career choices.
The conversation then delves into what an author assistant does. Kate explains that the role of an author assistant is highly diverse, often more diversified than many might assume. An author assistant can help manage emails, organize contests, manage forums, handle social media, and much more. This aligns with the needs of authors at different stages of their writing careers—from bestselling authors to those yet to publish a book. Kate stressed the importance of distinguishing what tasks are better suited for specialists, like social media or PR, vs. those that an assistant could handle.
The podcast episode also addresses the expectations authors should have when considering hiring an assistant. Matty and Kate talk about strategies for identifying when it's time to hire help. Kate recommends that authors should list everything they are doing, assess which tasks could be delegated, and identify the level of assistance required. For those who feel overwhelmed, a consultation with a coach who understands the indie author market could be highly beneficial.
Matty shares a personal story of employing a best friend as a business manager. She found that clarity improved when procedures were documented meticulously. It became evident during her collaboration that delegating tasks based on the strengths of the assistant could enhance productivity. This highlights the importance of a strategic approach when determining which responsibilities to hand over to an assistant.
On the other side, Kate suggests that for those interested in pursuing a career as an author assistant, starting with specific skills or tasks is beneficial. Building experience through smaller, more focused jobs and then expanding skills and services is a practical way to enter the field. Networking and getting recommendations from industry connections can also play a significant role in both hiring an assistant and becoming one.
Matty and Kate discuss the challenges and solutions in navigating client-assistant relationships, such as ensuring access to necessary resources without compromising security. The example of using password managers like LastPass increases security when sharing login credentials. They also talk about making sure that critical aspects of the business, such as website access, are adequately managed to prevent issues.
Kate advises being wary of potential 'red flags' when hiring an assistant, such as lack of professionalism or clarity in communication. Similarly, understanding the nuances between being an employee and a contractor is crucial for both parties to maintain a clear and productive working relationship.
The episode concludes with a focus on continuous improvement, both for authors considering hiring help and for aspiring assistants. The advice shared aides in creating productive partnerships that free authors to focus on writing while giving assistants the chance to refine their skills in the publishing industry.
This podcast episode provides valuable insights into the effective hiring and training of an author assistant, emphasizing the power of good organization and communication to streamline personal writing and business processes. By sharing her experiences, Kate encourages both authors and aspiring assistants to pursue the working relationships that best support mutual growth and success.
Episode 269 - The Discipline-Driven Path to Success with Dre Baldwin
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Castbox | Pocket Casts | Podbean | Player FM | TuneIn | YouTube
Dre Baldwin discusses THE DISCIPLINE-DRIVEN PATH TO SUCCESS, including the importance of having clear goals to maintain focus; the role of discipline, time management, execution, and planning in achieving goals; the value of seeking external perspectives and of sharing your goals only with those who can provide support to achieve them; and practical tips for overcoming writer's block.
Dre Baldwin is CEO and Founder of Work on Your Game Inc. He has given 4 TEDxTalks and has authored 35 books. Dre’s content has been consumed over 103 million times. His daily Work on Your Game MasterClass has amassed over 3,100 episodes and over 7.3 million listeners. Dre had a 9-year professional basketball career, playing in 8 countries. Dre’s framework is the "roadmap in reverse" for professional High Performance, Consistency, and Results.
Episode Links
http://WorkOnYourGame.com/Dre
http://Instagram.com/DreBaldwin
http://YouTube.com/Dreupt
https://www.facebook.com/WorkOnYourGameUniversity
http://LinkedIn.com/in/DreAllDay
http://Twitter.com/DreAllDay
https://starkreflections.ca/2024/09/13/episode-379-simplify-your-life-work-with-dre-baldwin/
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Dre Baldwin about effective goal setting and the importance of discipline, planning, and execution in achieving success as a creator. The discussion offers insights into why goals are necessary and how creatives can use these principles to produce consistent work and achieve desired outcomes.
Matty and Dre begin the conversation by exploring the significance of setting goals, emphasizing that having a clear target can help maintain focus and drive productivity. Dre, drawing from his sports background, notes, "If you don't have a goal, you can't score," highlighting the essential role of goals in directing energy and resources towards achieving specific results.
One key topic discussed is the timing of goal setting. Dre mentions the importance of setting goals irrespective of the time of the year and argues that it's more about continuously setting targets rather than waiting for a specific date. Matty then explores how goal setting can sometimes lead to analysis paralysis, prompting Dre to suggest that individuals should carefully evaluate the deeper motivations behind their goals to ensure fulfillment and alignment with personal values.
Dre emphasizes that the 'why' behind a goal is crucial, as it serves as the emotional driver that fuels persistence and dedication. He advises keeping personal goals private, sharing them only with those who play a role in achieving those goals, like mentors or accountability partners. Dre shares his take on the concept of accountability, saying it's valuable when partners are intentional about their role in providing practical and motivational support.
The discussion transitions to the principles of discipline and time management. Dre describes discipline as a foundational aspect of professionalism, likening it to a force that compels individuals to perform their roles regardless of external circumstances. Matty delves into how indie authors, especially those juggling writing with other occupations, can establish discipline. Dre asserts that the process remains the same irrespective of the time one has available — consistency is key.
Dre also tackles the topic of time management, pointing out that what people refer to as managing time is actually about managing oneself. He stresses the significance of self-accountability and control, emphasizing that identifying what needs to be accomplished within a set timeframe is paramount for productivity. According to Dre, applying pressure and stress correctly can transform them into productive forces that drive individuals towards action.
Matty then explores how one can set goals at different levels, whether broad or specific, and how this affects productivity. Dre further explains this by structuring his approach to systems, goals, and byproducts: a goal is achieved through a specific system, and once it's reached, it produces certain byproducts. This structured approach helps in clear goal articulation and efficient execution of plans.
Execution, as Dre describes, is where all the planning comes to fruition. It's about adhering to the predefined systems to achieve set goals. He shares practical advice for overcoming creative blocks, like writing chapter headers or leaving notes to jog one's memory later. This preparation acts as "homework," setting oneself up for productive writing sessions.
In conclusion, Dre shares insights into the value of planning as a dynamic, ongoing process, despite plans themselves often changing. He underscores that effective planning prepares individuals better for unforeseen developments, by having considered potential challenges and how to address them in advance.
Dre concludes by explaining how reassessment is a vital tool for recalibrating goals and performance, recommending that individuals seek objective insights from industry outsiders to gain fresh perspectives. Matty ties this back to writers by encouraging them to take stock regularly and assess their objectives against their achieved outcomes, ensuring they are set up for success.
Overall, this episode of The Indy Author Podcast offers a practical guide for authors and creatives on how to effectively strategize their goals with discipline, planning, and consistent execution, setting the foundation for professional growth and success.