Indie Writers Club

James is back from AuthorNation in Las Vegas. During this week's Indie Writers Club episode James discusses the legal presentation from Alicia Wright regarding the law, ethics and AI.

If you want to sign up for AuthorNation 2025 click here: https://claymore.krtra.com/t/YCtI1A27yXCp

And join the Indie Writers Club mailing list to be first to hear about the ticket release for The Self Publishing Show Live! 2025 at indiewritersclub.com.

James & Cara.

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Summary

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss their experiences at a recent writers' conference in Las Vegas. They share insights on the conference's attendance, the quality of sessions, and the importance of networking among indie authors. The conversation also delves into their personal writing processes, including drafting techniques, character development, and the challenges faced in different genres. The hosts emphasize the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the writing journey, while also reflecting on the community aspect of being an indie author. In this engaging conversation, James and Cara explore the nuances of writing, focusing on the importance of character development over intricate plots, the value of trusting one's writing process, and the insights gained from understanding CliftonStrengths. They also discuss productivity techniques like Deep Work and the significance of community support among authors, culminating in a lively segment about their Word Count Club.

Takeaways

The conference is a significant gathering for indie authors.
Networking is as important as the sessions themselves.
Writing every day can lead to substantial progress.
Character motivations can evolve during the writing process.
Different genres present unique writing challenges.
Trusting your instincts is crucial in the writing process.
The importance of a strong first line in a novel.
The writing process can vary greatly among authors.
Attending conferences can reignite FOMO among those who miss out.
The indie author community is supportive and collaborative. Readers prefer familiarity in series books.
Trusting oneself improves the writing process.
Different writers have unique approaches to writing.
Editing can be a daunting task for some authors.
CliftonStrengths can help identify personal writing strengths.
Creative work doesn't always align with traditional work ethics.
Finding productivity methods that suit individual needs is crucial.
Community support enhances the writing journey.
Deep Work emphasizes the power of focused attention.
Engagement in writing communities fosters motivation.

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It's the Indie Writers Club!

Links:

The Self Publishing Show Live! https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive
Author Nation (Vegas): https://www.authornation.live/
Ireland's Publishing Show (March): https://irelandspublishingshow.com/
NINC (Florida, September): https://ninc.com/

In this episode, James and Cara progress during NaNoWriMo, the importance of consistency in writing, and the value of attending author conferences for networking and learning opportunities.

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Useful links:

WWM Survey: indiewritersclub.com/survey
Publish Drive Offer: indiewritersclub.com/publishdrive
Join the Discord Discussion: indiewritersclub.com/discord

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara and James discuss their personal updates, including writing progress and the upcoming NaNoWriMo challenge. 

The conversation shifts to the Written Word Media Annual Author Survey, where they explore indie authors' motivations for writing, income insights, and genre trends in the self-publishing market. The hosts emphasize the importance of perseverance in writing and the potential for success in the indie publishing world. In this conversation, James and Cara delve into the evolving landscape of self-publishing, focusing on reader behaviour, genre trends, and the correlation between the number of books published and author income. 

They discuss the importance of understanding market dynamics, the various formats available for publishing, and the growing trend of direct sales among authors. Additionally, they explore pricing strategies and the effectiveness of different marketing tactics, emphasizing the need for authors to adapt to changing reader preferences and market conditions. 

Cara and James explore various marketing tactics in the publishing industry, discussing both overrated and underrated strategies. They emphasize the importance of mailing lists for authors and the sense of community among indie authors, while also addressing the challenges of marketing fatigue and the evolving landscape of author engagement. The discussion highlights the need for effective tools and support systems for authors navigating the complexities of book marketing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:58 Writing Progress and NaNoWriMo Discussion

05:55 Dog News and Family Decisions

09:55 Exploring the Author Survey

12:00 Motivations for Writing and Income Insights

18:02 Genre Trends and Market Insights

24:54 Understanding Reader Behavior and Genre Trends

30:07 The Correlation Between Book Quantity and Author Income

35:46 Formats and Trends in Book Publishing

42:03 Direct Sales: A Growing Trend for Authors

47:02 Pricing Strategies and Their Impact on Author Earnings

51:52 Marketing Tactics and Effectiveness for Authors

54:08 Overrated Marketing Tactics

56:09 Underrated Marketing Strategies

01:01:15 The Importance of Mailing Lists

01:04:39 Community and Sentiment Among Authors

01:11:01 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Takeaways

Podcasting lifts spirits and provides a creative outlet.

NaNoWriMo offers a structured writing challenge for authors.

The importance of accountability in writing goals.

Indie authors often have diverse motivations for writing.

Financial success in writing is achievable with persistence.

Genre selection can impact income potential for authors.

Community support is vital for indie authors' success.

Writing is a long-term commitment that requires resilience.

Understanding market trends can guide writing decisions.

Personal experiences shape authors' writing journeys. Readers are increasingly binge-reading series, impacting author strategies.

Understanding genre trends is crucial for authors to succeed.

There is a strong correlation between the number of books published and income.

Ebooks are the most popular format among indie authors.

High-quality cover design is linked to higher sales.

Many authors do not invest in professional edi

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James and Cara discuss the importance of book reviews in building an author's reputation. The conversation delves into strategies for obtaining reviews, the significance of targeting the right audience, and how to handle negative feedback with resilience and perspective.

Links:

Publish Drive offer: indiewritersclub.com/publishdrive

Discord Server: indiewritersclub.com/discord

Mailing List: indiewritersclub.com

Takeaways

Planning is essential for writers to stay focused on their goals.
Understanding your personality can help in strategic planning.
Dog stories can inspire and connect with readers emotionally.
Reviews are crucial for an author's success and visibility.
Targeting the right audience is key to receiving positive reviews.
Negative reviews can provide valuable insights for marketing.
Building a mailing list before publication can help gather reviews.
Using platforms like Book Sprout can facilitate obtaining reviews.
It's important to maintain a positive relationship with your readers.
Handling bad reviews with perspective can help authors grow. Don't let bad reviews discourage you; they can be useful.
Use negative reviews for marketing; they can attract readers.
Mixed reviews can enhance the legitimacy of your book.
Celebrate your good reviews to boost morale.
Learn from criticism but don't take it personally.
Engage with your audience to understand their preferences.
Set realistic writing goals to maintain motivation.
Community support can significantly improve writing productivity.
Consider feedback for future projects, but stay true to your vision.
Creating a review jar can help maintain a positive mindset.

Chapters

00:00 Planning for the Future: Strategic Writing Goals
03:04 Dog Tales: A Journey of Compassion and Joy
06:03 The Importance of Reviews: Building Your Author Reputation
10:01 Navigating the World of Book Reviews
15:58 Handling Bad Reviews: A Writer's Perspective
31:45 The Chaos of Reviews
36:38 Learning from Criticism
41:04 The Importance of Mixed Reviews
44:55 Celebrating Positivity in Writing
46:34 Writing Progress and Goals

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In episode 008, James & Cara continue to analyse the key ingredients that maybe missing from your book, for your ads to generate sales.

Check out the amazing offer from Publish Drive, 50% off annual subscription plans! https://publishdrive.com/50-off-all-yearly-plans

Learn Self Publishing's Ads for Authors course is open: https://learnselfpublishing.com/adsforauthors

Join our Discord server to carry on the conversation: indiewritersclub.com/discord

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In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, hosts James and Cara discuss the importance of having a well-prepared book package for successful advertising, the impact of AI on the publishing industry, and the significance of understanding genre expectations. 

They also share personal updates, insights on social media dynamics for authors, and the necessity of research in crafting effective book titles. 

The episode concludes with a recap of the Word Count Club, celebrating the writing progress of community members.

Key Takeaways

1. Align all elements of your book package (title, cover, blurb, author name) with genre expectations to maximize sales potential.

2. Choose book titles that use keywords evoking your genre and create the right emotional response in potential readers.

3. Research bestsellers in your genre to understand current trends and reader expectations.

4. Implement the "Swiss cheese model" - ensure all elements of your book's package align for maximum effectiveness.

5. Be cautious with AI in publishing. Many authors distrust AI rights licensing, but consider its potential benefits as a writing tool.

6. When using AI-generated content for promotion, be aware of potential controversies and reader perceptions.

7. Use AI as a tool to enhance your writing process, but don't let it replace your human creativity.

8. Set regular writing goals and track your progress. Consider joining a writing group or challenge for motivation.

9. Prioritize self-care. Don't push too hard when life events or illness interfere with your writing goals.

10. Consider attending or organizing writing retreats for networking and focused writing time.

11. Remember that book marketing is a numbers game. Small improvements in your book's presentation can significantly impact sales.

12. Focus on creating a frictionless journey for potential readers from first glance to purchase.

13. Avoid being too clever or obscure with your book packaging. Clarity and genre fit are key.

14. Understand that as an indie author, you need to think like both a writer and a marketer.

 15. Stay informed about industry trends and debates, but focus on what works best for your books and career.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

03:04 The Importance of Book Presentation

05:55 AI in Publishing: Mistrust and Opportunities

08:49 Navigating the AI Debate

11:58 The Role of AI in Writing and Creativity

14:50 Understanding Genre Expectations

17:59 Researching for Success in Indie Publishing

21:01 Delivering on the Promise of Your Book Package

37:23 Crafting the Perfect Book Package

42:06 The Importance of Titles in Genre Reinforcement

45:54 Subtitles and Emotional Resonance

49:18 Navigating Author Names and Their Impact

51:28 The Writer's Journey: Word Count Club

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Summary

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, hosts Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss alternative income streams for writers, focusing on ghostwriting and non-fiction opportunities. They explore the benefits of ghostwriting, including collaborative writing processes and reliable income, while also emphasizing the importance of diversifying income sources through teaching and coaching. The conversation highlights the value of community support among independent authors and the various ways to monetize writing skills beyond traditional publishing.

Takeaways

Alternative income streams are essential for independent authors.

Ghostwriting can provide reliable income and valuable writing experience.

Collaboration in writing can enhance creativity and productivity.

Non-fiction writing, such as courses and coaching, can diversify income.

Authors should not underestimate their knowledge and skills.

Community support is crucial for motivation and accountability.

Setting realistic writing goals helps maintain progress.

Exploring different genres can lead to new opportunities.

Understanding market trends can inform writing projects.

Building a brand as a writer can open doors to various income sources.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Indie Writers Club

01:14 Exploring Alternative Income Streams for Writers

17:17 Diving into Ghostwriting

33:26 Non-Fiction Opportunities for Authors

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James & Cara discuss TikTok and it's impact on the book market and whether it's still a place where authors can find new readers. 

 Useful links: 

 Our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indie.writers.clu

 The Discord Server: indiewritersclub.com/discord

 PublishDrive: publishdrive.com

Summary

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, hosts Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss the significant impact of TikTok on the book world, sharing personal experiences and insights on how the platform has transformed book marketing for indie authors. They explore the dynamics of their Word Count Club, the challenges and strategies of using TikTok for book promotion, and the evolution of social media in the writing community. The conversation also touches on the importance of SEO, the commercialization of TikTok, and the various ways authors can engage with their audience without necessarily appearing on camera.

 Takeaways

• TikTok has revolutionized book marketing for indie authors.
• Setting achievable writing goals can boost motivation.
• Engaging with readers on platforms like TikTok can lead to significant book sales.
• SEO is crucial for visibility on TikTok.
• The platform has become more commercialized, affecting organic reach.
• Authors can succeed on TikTok without showing their faces.
• Community support is vital for maintaining motivation in writing.
• Analyzing successful content can help tailor your own strategy.
• TikTok serves as a powerful recommendation engine for books.
• Virality on TikTok can attract both positive and negative attention.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:15 The Impact of TikTok on the Book World

07:01 Word Count Club Updates

18:37 Exploring Reem Stories and Author Platforms

22:16 The Evolution of TikTok and Its Commercialization

40:11 Strategies for Success on TikTok

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Cara & James discuss the many scams awaiting the unwary indie author.

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Shownotes for 004

Links:

https://www.alamy.com/ - Huge library of archive photographs, including publicity and news. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rubyroe/nsfw-lesbian-vampire-romance-special-editions - Sacha Black's successful Kickstarter (writing as Ruby Roe).

Summary

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James and Cara discuss their writing progress, community engagement, and the importance of setting realistic word count goals. They share insights on the challenges of self-publishing, including scams targeting new authors and the significance of using reliable resources. The conversation also highlights the recent success of a Kickstarter campaign and praises a stock photography service that has improved for indie authors. The hosts emphasize the need for indie authors to be cautious and informed in their publishing journey.


Takeaways

Writing every day can lead to significant progress.
Setting realistic goals helps maintain motivation.
Community support is crucial for indie authors.
Stock photography can enhance book covers significantly.
Be cautious of marketing companies that promise too much.
ISBNs and formatting are manageable tasks for authors.
Joining writing communities can provide valuable insights.
Scams targeting new authors are prevalent and should be avoided.
Money should flow to authors, not the other way around.
Indie authors can do much of the work themselves with the right resources.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
02:57 Word Count Goals and Accountability
05:59 Community Engagement and Support
09:10 Praise for Alamy and Stock Photography
11:56 Mailing List Challenges
15:00 Kickstarter Success and Shoutouts
18:01 Scams Targeting New Authors
24:11 Golden Rules for Indie Authors
27:04 Closing Thoughts and Future Goals

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Summary

In this episode, Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss their writing progress and strategies. They talk about their word count goals and the challenges of writing during the summer holidays. They also discuss the benefits of accountability and writing sprints. The conversation then shifts to the topic of plotting and pantsing. Cara shares her experience with ghostwriting and using detailed outlines, while James talks about his discovery writing process and the influence of his personal experiences on his stories. In this conversation, James and Cara discuss the creative process of writing and the importance of giving oneself time and space to think. They also touch on the topic of editing and the balance between perfectionism and getting the book finished. They mention the use of sound and music while writing and share their preferences for white noise and instrumental tracks. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the tolerance for typos in indie and traditional publishing.

Keywords

Indie Writers Club, word count, writing progress, accountability, writing sprints, plotting, pantsing, ghostwriting, outlines, discovery writing, writing process, creativity, thinking time, editing, perfectionism, sound and music, typos, indie publishing, traditional publishing.

Takeaways

• Setting word count goals and having accountability can help writers stay motivated and focused.
• Writing sprints and body doubling can be effective strategies for overcoming writing challenges.
• There are different approaches to plotting and pantsing, and what works for one writer may not work for another.
• Detailed outlines can provide structure and guidance for writing, while discovery writing allows for more creativity and spontaneity.
• Personal experiences and emotions can influence and shape the stories that writers tell. Give yourself time and space to think and let ideas mature before starting to write.
• The creative process requires rumination and time for the brain to work.
• Sound and music can be helpful for setting the mood while writing, but it's important to find what works best for you.
• Typos and minor errors in published books are common and often matter less to readers than the overall story.
• Finding the balance between perfectionism and getting the book finished is crucial for indie authors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Word Count Goals

02:00 Writing Sprints and Accountability

06:37 The Benefits of Writing Sprints and Body Doubling

10:38 Exploring Plotting and Pantsing

13:33 Ghostwriting and Detailed Outlines

18:39 Discovery Writing and Personal Influences

21:11 The Importance of Thinking Time

26:45 Finding the Right Sound and Music

30:20 Balancing Perfectionism and Getting the Book Finished

34:24 The Tolerance for Typos

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Summary

In this episode, James and Cara discuss the balance between character and plot in writing. They share their own writing projects and word count goals, and explore how different genres prioritize character development and plot progression. They also discuss the importance of finding the right balance between character and plot to create a satisfying reading experience. The conversation explores the importance of character and plot in storytelling. It discusses the idea that characters are what draw readers into a story and keep them engaged, while plot is the reason why readers pick up a book in the first place. The hosts share examples from different genres, such as police procedurals and thrillers, to illustrate how character-driven stories can be just as compelling as plot-driven ones. They also discuss the interplay between character and plot, emphasizing the importance of seamlessly weaving them together to create a captivating narrative.

Keywords

writing, character, plot, genre, balance, word count, development, progression, character, plot, storytelling, engagement, police procedurals, thrillers, interplay 

Takeaways

The balance between character and plot varies across different genres.

Character-driven stories focus on the development and growth of the characters, while plot-driven stories prioritize the progression of events.

Both character and plot are important for a successful book, but the emphasis may differ depending on the genre and reader expectations.

Finding the right balance between character and plot is crucial to create a satisfying reading experience.

Word count goals can vary for different writers, and it's important to find a pace that works best for individual writing styles and preferences. Characters are what draw readers into a story and keep them engaged.

Plot is the reason why readers pick up a book in the first place.

Character-driven stories can be just as compelling as plot-driven ones.

Seamlessly weaving character and plot together creates a captivating narrative.

Titles

Setting Personal Word Count Goals and Writing Paces

The Varying Emphasis on Character and Plot Across Genres The Role of Plot in Engaging Readers

The Power of Characters in Storytelling

Sound Bites

"Character-driven stories focus on the development and growth of the characters."

"Plot-driven stories prioritize the progression of events."

"The balance between character and plot varies across different genres."

"I'm fantasizing about rewriting that book... instead of him being underconfident, he's cocky and arrogant."

"Plot is the reason somebody reads a book, characters are the reason they stay and like it."

"It's likely to be the small conversations and interactions between characters that stay with people."

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and the Challenges of Talking About Writing

02:55 Character vs. Plot: Exploring the Balance

10:51 James and Cara's Writing Projects and Word Count Goals

16:50 The Emphasis on Character and Plot in Different Genres

22:57 The Importance of Finding the Right Balance

24:23 The Power of Characters

26:32 The Role of Plot

29:53 Character vs. Plot

33:51 The Interplay Between Character and Plot

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Summary

In this episode, hosts Cara Clare and James Blatch introduce themselves and the purpose of the podcast. They discuss their backgrounds as authors and their experiences in the publishing industry. They also explain how listeners can get involved in the podcast through the Discord server and Facebook group. The hosts emphasize that the podcast will cover a wide range of topics related to writing, including craft, marketing, and mental wellbeing. 

Keywords

Indie authors, podcast, introduction, publishing industry, writing craft, marketing, mental wellbeing.

Takeaways

• The Indie Writers Club podcast is a platform for indie authors and anyone interested in writing.
• The hosts, Cara Clare and James Blatch, have backgrounds in writing and publishing.
• Listeners can get involved in the podcast through the Discord server and Facebook group.
• The podcast will cover various topics related to writing, including craft, marketing, and mental wellbeing.

Titles

• Introducing the Indie Writers Club Podcast
• Covering a Wide Range of Writing Topics on the Podcast

Sound Bites

• "Hello, welcome to the Indie Writers Club."
• "I had this one novel, which I'd done a NaNoWriMo to get it going and had, I think I had something like 106,000 words a bit, but it was a complete mess."
• "Writing a novel is a strange thing. It's a complicated thing, writing novels."

Chapters

00:00Introducing the Indie Writers Club Podcast

01:41Writing Journeys: From NaNoWriMo to Published Novels

03:03The Complicated Process of Writing Novels

08:06Cara Clare's Journey into Writing and Self-Publishing

09:47The Democratization of Publishing and Indie Authors

13:52Exploring Various Writing Topics on the Podcast

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News of a new podcast for writers from James Blatch.

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