Marketing is for many indie authors a daunting task. How do we find our audience, and how do we keep readers interested? In today's episode, romance writer Rebecca Hefner gives us lots of useful tips on attracting readers and building up an aud

Successful marketing for indies, Part 1

Nov 12th, 2020 56m 48s

In this episode, author Rebecca Hefner joins us to discuss the effectiveness of various marketing tactics for building a fan base and selling books. Drawing on her long experience in marketing, Rebecca shares with us some of the secrets of her

Accessing your true creativity

Nov 5th, 2020 1h 20m

In today's episode, author John Oakes joins us to discuss the sources of true creativity in writing as well as what his journey as a successful indie author has taught him.Find Ioanna and Chet on Twitter.Music is So Happy by Scott Holmes.

Literary erotica: a genre that has a lot to give

Oct 29th, 2020 1h 6m

In today's episode we talk with erotica author Travis Beaudoin about erotica as a way to examine the psyche of our characters, the merits of plotting, and many other subjects!Find Chet and Ioanna on twitter!Music is So Happy by Scott Holmes

The art of writing diverse POVs

Oct 23rd, 2020 54m 42s

As writers, we have to write characters whose opinions and worldviews are different from ours. How do we get into a different mindset? And is it worth it to educate ourselves on the experiences of others?Find Chet and Ioanna on Twitter.Music

So you want to be an editor

Sep 17th, 2020 56m 35s

Many new writers attempt to supplement their income by providing editing services, sometimes without being clear on the distinctions between the different types of editing, or without being aware of the full range of skills that are necessary f

The art of the memoir

Sep 5th, 2020 1h 7m

In today's episode, we invited writer Alexandra Retana to talk about the art of writing memoir. What is a memoir, what are its differences to autobiography, and what are some of the rules of memoir writing? We also talk about our favorite memoi

The healing power of writing... and other stuff

Aug 27th, 2020 1h

In this episode, we talk about how we use writing as self-therapy and as a means to approach places in our minds that aren't easily accessible. We also chat about everything under the Sun, like we often like to do... Join us!Find Chet and Nora

Beta readers and critique groups

Aug 21st, 2020 1h 6m

What are the advantages of beta readers and how can critique groups help you hone your craft? In this episode, Chet and Nora share some advice on how to choose your beta readers and the possible pitfalls you can encounter when you ask feedback

How to self-edit efficiently

Aug 13th, 2020 1h 8m

In this episode, we discuss ways to tighten your prose before it goes to the editor or proofreader. We give easy tricks on how you can make your prose more effective and give it the impact you want.Find Nora and Chet on Twitter.Music is So Ha

Diversifying, or: how to survive as a writer

Aug 5th, 2020 1h 6m

As a writer, it's better not to put all eggs in one basket. In today's episode, we discuss with author E.J. More the different avenues a writer can pursue in order to secure various sources of income. From editing, to content writing, to offeri

Taking the plunge Pt. 3

Jul 30th, 2020 1h 4m

Chet and Nora have left their careers to focus on writing and editing. Meanwhile, Chet's trying to get used to a life of having only himself to answer to and a schedule without night shifts, and Nora's still recovering from her breakdown and fi

Taking the plunge Pt. 2

Jul 23rd, 2020 1h 13m

Nora and Chet took the plunge: we left our careers and are devoting all our time to writing and editing. How is this working out? Join us today to find out!Music is So Happy by Scott Holmes

Taking the plunge Pt. 1

Jul 16th, 2020 1h 9m

Chet and Nora have had enough of their day jobs. They're determined to make their writing-related dreams come true.How they go about it and how they're doing... well, listen and you'll find out!Music is So Happy by Scott Holmes.Find Nora and

The misuse of editing advice

Jul 10th, 2020 1h

We've all heard the rules: don't overuse adverbs, avoid passive voice, keep past perfect to a minimum. But what happens when the recommendations aren't used correctly? Nora and Chet talk about the most common ways editing advice is nowadays mis

Literary fiction: myths and truths

Jul 1st, 2020 1h 6m

What is literary fiction, why do we love it, why do we write it? In today's episode, we talk with literary fiction writer R. Tim Morris about the things we love about literary fiction, our favorite books in this genre, and our new short story a

The advantages of indie cooperatives

Jun 24th, 2020 1h 3m

In today's episode, we talk with author Victoria Gilbert about the workings of indie cooperatives. How do you put together a good team, how many writers are too many, and how effective is an indie cooperative in getting your work out there?Fin

Attention spans in the digital age

Jun 14th, 2020 1h

In today's episode book blogger Kriti Khare joins us to discuss how the constant influx of information from our electronic devices keeps our attention spans short, especially when it comes to writing and reading, and suggest some methods to shu

How to find your tribe

Jun 5th, 2020 1h 16m

Not all writers have the support they want from friends and family. Moreover, we need like-minded people who understand our struggles and can help us learn and grow. In today's episode, we discuss the importance of finding your tribe as an auth

The myth of arriving

May 30th, 2020 1h 2m

In today's episode, traditionally published author Victoria Gilbert talks to us about her experiences in the publishing world, the advantages of traditional publishing, and the myth of "arriving" as a successful writer.Find Nora and Chet on Tw

Tips from a full-time indie writer

May 14th, 2020 1h 14m

In today's episode, we interview successful indie writer AC Fuller.Why is it easier to be a full-time writer as an indie? How do you find a balance between what you want to write and what will sell? How important are covers and book series for

How has writing healed you?

May 7th, 2020 1h 15m

In today's episode, we talk about all the ways writing helps us manage our mental health problems. We also asked the twitter #WritingCommunity to tell us how writing has healed them, and we read and expand on some of the replies we got.As alwa

Ask the editors (Part II)

Apr 30th, 2020 59m 46s

Our guest in today's episode is Dario Ciriello, an experienced editor and author of The Fiction Writing Handbook and other works of fiction and non-fiction.Nora interviews Chet and Dario on editing subjects. Can any writer be a good editor? Wh

Ask the editors (Part I)

Apr 23rd, 2020 1h 1m

Writing in the time of COVID

Apr 16th, 2020 1h 5m

So, now you have all this time on your hands. Should you write more? Should you feel bad if you're stressed and can't concentrate?We, an essential worker (a nurse) and a mom in Germany who hasn't had to work in weeks, but had to homeschool her