A self-published author's diary: The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing (and everything in-between)

My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support Jul 2, 2026 00:26:03 If you're an indie author self-publishing wide, or specifically on Amazon KDP, and you're based in the EU, this episode is for you (or at least, it's for you to commiserate with me). I walk through my ongoing, unresolved, and occasionally maddening experience trying to figure out EU VAT reporting for my Amazon royalties as a Belgian-registered sole proprietor and US citizen self-employ

Numbers: A TikTok Experiment As an Indie Author (the yay, the nay, and what it costs), pre-order numbers and more Jun 18, 2026 00:29:12 This one's a numbers-and-behind-the-scenes episode. I share a full preorder update across all five of my current books, platform by platform, the good and the zero, and where I'm at ten days into a thirty-day TikTok experiment in 2026 (I know, I know).The BookTok part is genuinely interesting to me: one video crossed 2,000 views and somehow racked up more than eight hours of total watch time, whil

Writing and revising, Author Taxes & the Emergency Room: 3 Days in My Self-Published Life Jun 11, 2026 00:29:48 I had different plans for this episode. And then I ended up in a Belgian ER at 6:45 in the morning with hives and a lip that decided to start swelling. So... change of plans.This week, I'm taking you behind the scenes of three days in my life as a self-published author: the writing, the taxes, and yes, the ER.I talk about:My ER stories as a writer (and former cancer patient) in three countries

Numbers: Amazon blocked one of my e-books (one that had been live for ten years) Jun 4, 2026 00:18:33 This One is About Amazon Blocking One of my e-books - one that had been up for ten years.In today's episode, I share how many returns that book got over years, the sales number, the reviews, what I decided to do.I also talk about moving a pre-order, and a little bit about craft - thinking about how to improve my books.Mentioned in this episode:- How to get your Amazon account back: https://bit

ROMO Or My Reality (Realities) Of Missing Out In the Self-Publishing World... May 13, 2026 00:25:59 This episode is brought to you by: a shower, a hoarse voice from dictating, having grand and great plans I had to adjust due to fatigue. All of that got me thinking about ROMO. The Reality of Missing Out. Not FOMO. Not JOMO. The third thing.I thought I'd made up the term. Yes, really. I was really proud of myself. I Googled it. I had not.I talk about many things in this episode, including:deal

Numbers: The Book That Had 23 Preorders and...became my most read book. May 7, 2026 00:43:42 This is a numbers episode. I'm going back to the archives a little bit (back to the future, kind of) to talk about a book I released in 2015 that had 23 preorders and became one of my most read books.A Summer Like No Other launched at 99 cents. I had a whole plan — cover reveal with Xpresso Book Tours, NetGalley, YouTube videos, a blog series called The Making Of, emails to readers who had rev

This isn't a grand gesture ... May 2, 2026 00:12:46 This post is about grief. An update. Going back to write. An excerpt of my next rom-com. And a donkey.

My Self-Pub Weekly Diary: Some Wins, Some Wobbles, and Absolutely Zero Words (on My Manuscripts) Nov 14, 2025 00:18:36 My Self-Pub Weekly Diary: Some Wins, Some Wobbles, and Absolutely Zero Words (on My Manuscripts)This episode is a daily mashup of behind-the-scenes of my self-publishing life including: libraries buying my ebooks, regaining my B&N vendor account, releasing a book (YAY!), but no words on my manuscripts (I did write bonus scenes).Also: trying to invigorate my Goodreads profile: https://www.goodr

My F***-It Book: She Had Cancer and Still Gets a Holiday Steamy Rom-Com Nov 7, 2025 00:17:52 Writers talk a lot about the “Book of My Heart”: the story that feels deeply personal, the one you carry close.But there’s another book, too.The F***-It Book.The book where you stop worrying about what’s expected, or tidy, or “on-brand.”The book where you choose joy anyway.Or choose whatever you need to write because you’re ready to.Sometimes the F***-It Book and the Book of My Heart are the same

New Release Hiccups, Metadata, Pen Names, and Mild Panic Oct 31, 2025 00:19:26 I'm releasing my next book on November 7th... Goodreads doesn't remember my name. Oh, and B&N decided to reject my vendor account?Everything is good. Everything is good.Behind-the-scenes and the ups and downs of self-publishing... Mentioned in this episode:- Nice Guys Don't Kiss Like That At Christmas- Anne Victory - NetGalley co-op- Wide for the Win Facebook Group: https://victory

Hi, it's me...a self-published author now in Belgium Sep 5, 2025 00:09:25 A quick update. I'm now in Belgium and thinking about thinking...No, thinking about my to-do list and whether to start a Patreon about my self-publishing... oh and I reached 1000 subscribers on my Patreon. And I have an Italian translation coming up and...and... and...

Splitting Pen Names & Newsletters (Plus My Cat Might Make an Appearance) May 23, 2025 00:18:22 Welcome to my first audio AND video episode - yes, you can finally see my face (and probably my cat)! I'm diving into the messy reality of splitting my books into two pen names and why updating newsletter automations is a lot of work. I'll share how I create those bonus scenes readers love (epilogues, wedding scenes, even deleted diary entries), why I'm thinking about making Sweets for

To KU or Not KU My Gavert City series in English? May 20, 2025 00:13:08 Have a coffee with me, this short self-publishing podcast episode is taking you my thought process on whether to put my Gavert City series in English in Kindle Unlimited or not...Also mentioned in this episode:Golden Angel's Presentation: Money Matters for Authors with Golden AngelYou can sign up and watch it live online or for 90 days after here: https://marylandromancewriters.com/mrw-events/

Dear Meta, It's Not Me, It's You Or My Facebook Ads Account For My Books Has Been Disabled Apr 25, 2025 00:23:34 This episode is NOT a how-to on how to get your Facebook Ads Account back as a self-published author... it's a lot of me venting and explaining what happened. Visit my website: www.elodienowodazkij.com (www.dasdog.net) or www.elodienow.com

Ugh. My Facebook Ads Account Has Been Restricted... Jan 30, 2025 00:24:57 My Facebook Ads Account has been restricted and, well, this hasn't been fun. As an author, I had been using Facebook ads to reach both KU readers in the US, Australia and UK and French-speaking readers who read on Kobo, Apple, Google Play and more... I don't know why my account has been restricted. Also mentioned on this episode: My YouTube channel (if you love audiobooks :-)): subscribe

Cancer and Creativity: Finding Hope in Therapy, Romance Novels and Second Opinions Dec 2, 2024 00:26:32 In this episode, I open up and look back about navigating life with cancer back in 2017—receiving tough PET news, seeking second opinions, and finding support in unexpected places. I talk about how therapy really helped, how romance novels reminded me to escape into stories, and how creativity (not necessarily mine) brought moments of light during some of the hardest times. This episode explores t

Goodbye, Kindle Vella: A recap of the highs, the lows And pivoting (again) as a self-published author. Nov 18, 2024 00:28:41 Amazon announced on October 28th that it’s closing Kindle Vella. To quote their press release: “We’ve made the difficult decision to gradually wind down Kindle Vella in February 2025 as the program hasn’t caught on as we’d hoped…” Right when they announced it, I was in the middle of doing this huge analysis on what had been working for me—digging into my Facebook ad data, my reads, my bonus… espec

Gasp. Anxiety And Writing Didn't Prepare Me For Cancer. Nov 4, 2024 00:29:59 In this episode: I'll talk about how anxiety and writing didn't prepare me for cancer. And for entering the Hospital World. The Patient World. First of all, how dare anxiety not prepare me for this? I thought we had a deal—you'd give me fears, I'd be anxious about them. I'd learn, become a Google MD. Heck, I'd even develop OCD—starting young because why not? And boom, when something happens, I'd

Organizing Writing/Self-Publishing Goals and tasks and to-do lists : Finding a System That Works for Me Oct 21, 2024 00:32:51 I think I finally found a writing/self-publishing goals tracking that works for me. In this one, I talk about my Gallup Strengths and how Becca Syme's helped me come up with ways to get more organized, my Sarra Cannon's HB90-inspired adapted board and more. I also share what happened in the past two weeks in my writing/self-publishing world, including my newsletters, Facebook Groups I joined and m

Big, but Not Romance Big: Looking back at Cancer Treatments, Creativity, and All the Weird Stuff In Between. Oct 7, 2024 00:25:44 This isn't your typical how-to guide, because let's be real—it’s more about the messy art of balancing (or not balancing) self-publishing, creativity, and cancer treatments. I’m publishing this episode on my fifth second birthday (my second birthday was the day I received my stem cells back during my autologous stem cell transplant). And I've been in remission for now five years after three years

My writing and self-publishing love list... Mar 15, 2024 00:15:29 My writing and self-publishing love list (for those days, you know). Also an update on Kindle Vella, a local event and Claire Taylor's kickstarter... Get me newsletter directly in your inbox: https://elodienowodazkij.substack.com/ Kickstarter Claire Taylor: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/sustain-your-author-career Leave me a comment/share your own self-publishing/writing love li

Bookbub Featured Deal Results and my self-publishing ups and downs... Feb 23, 2024 00:20:42 Today, I share my BookBub Featured Deal Results as well as my self-publishing ups and downs of the month. Get the posts per email: https://elodienowodazkij.substack.com/p/i-broke-tiktok-and-what-that-means

My 2024 word is: Appreciate. What this means for my writing and self-publishing...(also DMARC and more) Jan 26, 2024 00:15:03 Today, I dive into my word of the year: Appreciate (well, our word of the year - since the Chemical Engineer chose the same one) and what it means for my writing and self-publishing. For the ups and downs of my week as a self-published author, some of my ups are my Kindle Vella bonus, DMARC, and more... For all links and images, make sure you subscribe to my newsletter here: https://elodienowodazk

My 2023 self-publishing ebook sales data: Libraries Jan 19, 2024 00:10:58 This episode is about my 2023 self-publishing ebook libraries sales data, including geographical data when I have it and an example for one of my books (when it comes to the different royalties structure). For the full data (including my full 2023 royalties analysis - retailers and more): https://elodienowodazkij.substack.com/ Thank you so much for listening.

Finding joy in resilience (and yes also, still a bit overwhelmed sometimes): My 2023 recap as a self-published author.. Jan 12, 2024 00:20:55 Finding joy in resilience (and yes also, still a bit overwhelmed sometimes): My 2023 recap as a self-published author... For the full transcript and links: https://elodienowodazkij.substack.com/p/finding-joy-in-resilience-and-yes

Dipping my neuropathic toes into subscriptions as a self-published author and setting up my Ream page Dec 14, 2023 00:18:41 This episode is about setting my Ream page: different tiers, welcome message and more. In addition, I share my ups and downs of self-publishing in the past two weeks, articles I found interesting, classes I'm taking. Edited transcript (with visuals) is available: https://elodienowodazkij.substack.com/ Also the full A Summer Like No Other is available for free on YouTube (and other eretailers):

Starting my Subscription as an Author on Ream: my first steps and why Ream? Dec 1, 2023 00:15:41 This is a mini-series about starting my subscription on Ream as an author: why Ream? How I started... get behind-the-scenes before I officially launch the page and don't hesitate to ask me questions. Also mentioned in this podcast episode: Subscription For Authors The Podcast: https://subscriptionsforauthors.com/podcasthome/ Erin Wright Coaching and Classes: https://erinwright.net/authors/ My

Navigating an Author Event: Conversations, Connections, and Cultivating Contacts (Oh, and the Paperback Almost Crisis) Aug 27, 2023 00:22:06 Today's episode is about my latest author event at Park Books (in Severna Park - Maryland, click here to help them with an amazing endeavor). I'm sharing with you how a poster helped me gain more than 20 subscribers, the importance of communicating and connecting with both readers and authors, managing expectations and more... As always feel free to leave me a message or to ask me a questi

Real-Time Self-Publishing: The Launch Day Chronicles of a New Pen Name Jul 6, 2023 00:20:14 Episode 77 explores the highs and lows of a new book launch under a pen name, adapted from a Kindle Vella story. This episode features several updates I recorded throughout the launch day, providing a real-time peek into the journey. We also revisit the launch two weeks later, examining key metrics such as rankings and pages read in the Kindle Unlimited environment. I'm also talking about TikT

Author Newsletter: How I added 84 subscribers in one week via TikTok and Instagram, Welcome Sequence and More... Jun 16, 2023 00:26:34 Today is about my author newsletter and how I added 84 subscribers in one week via TikTok and Instagram, Welcome Sequence and More... Also mentioned in this article: MRW June meeting (1pm to 3pm): 7 Figure Fiction Master Class with T. Taylor: 7 Figure Fiction—how to use Universal Fantasy to SELL your books to ANYONE. Why does T. Taylor call Universal Fantasies butter? What are Universal Fantasie

A self-publishing update: Vella, a day without earnings, and business decisions... May 12, 2023 00:12:35 Because sharing the downs of self-publishing is also important: a day without earning. Still: Vella is helping me earn a part-time income and making business decisions and writing progress.

Episode 75 - Podcast reset, a quick recap and three newsletters for writers Jan 30, 2023 00:14:11 Today, I explain why I won't be posting new episodes regularly, share great new about my latest biopsy (no signs of recurrence, YAY!), an update about the month of December (so many things: Vella, writing immersive videos and more) as well as three newsletters for writers. Oh and I have a new book up for pre-order # Most Eligible Scrooge (how awesome is that title?) Mentioned in the episode: Thr

Let's talk Kindle Vella: metrics, bonus, and why I enjoy writing serialized fiction, too. Dec 12, 2022 00:25:06 Today is another episode about Kindle Vella. Now that I've been on the platform for more than nine months, I thought I'd do a recap. Mentioned in the episode: HB90 with Sarra Cannon: 90 day planning for authors - https://heartbreathings.teachable.com/p/hb90-bootcamp Becca Syme: https://betterfasteracademy.com/ My books: https://elodienowodazkij.com/my-books/ My direct store for personalized s

BONUS - Three Black Friday Deals For Writers (2022) Nov 25, 2022 00:07:43 There are a lot of sites listing Black Friday deals for writers such as Kindlepreneur Black Friday Deals For Writers 2022. The list below is made up of three Black Friday Deals I’m either going to use or am thinking about using. One Stop For Writers (40% for 6 month plan with BF2022): I’ve been using One Stop Writers for more than a year, I think, and it has helped me so much. I don’t use all th

Defining "success" as a self-published author ... Nov 23, 2022 00:29:15 Today is all about business plans and building blocks and defining success as an author. Mentioned in the episode: Zoe York's Romance Your Brand series: https://romanceyourbrand.com/books/ MRW November meeting: Building Blocks for Success w/ Zoe York Wish I'd Known Then ... For Writers podcast with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright: Tammi Labrecque on What to Email to Newsletter Subscribers Self

Kickstarter for Authors: What To Do When Your Kickstarter Does Not Get Funded ... (and what I would do differently) Nov 8, 2022 00:25:06 Today is all about my Kickstarter not getting funded for #TheLeftoverBride audiobook: what I would do differently, what I learned and what I did after it didn't get funded ... Mentioned in the episode: The Creative Penn Podcast: Kickstarter for Authors With Monica Leonelle: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2022/03/28/kickstarter-for-authors/ Why I used Kickstarter to fund my audiobook production

Ten days after my latest book release (sold copies, reviews and what comes next) and a peek inside this author's day on release day. Oct 18, 2022 00:27:41 Today, I'm sharing what happened since #SweetsForLove release day: the number of sold copies, how I already earned some money before release day, number of reviews and what comes next (marketing, ads and more). Plus, you get a peek inside my day on the actual release day.  Oh and you can get your own copy here: books2read.com/u/3Gwzpa As always: Ask me a question (per email: authorelodieno

Trying out a new book review strategy and SO MANY emotions about the release of #SweetsForLove Oct 6, 2022 00:23:30 Today, I share with you my new (to me) strategy to get advance book reviews, using TikTok, Instagram (and relying on my newsletter which I've always done) and contacting readers from Netgalley who have reviewed a previous book in the series and who mentioned they'd be interested in contacting with me. The first #SweetsForLove reviews are raving! :-) Oh and you can get your own copy here: https://b

Announcements: Summer Break and Self-Publishing/Writing Ask Me Anything Jun 14, 2022 00:04:10 As I said last week I also have so many plans for this podcast. I want to work on the website which would include resources, the ups and downs of self-publishing, the A to Z shorter episodes, and do a few more interviews and tell you more about what works for me and my writing and self-publishing career. And to do this, a lot of things need to happen. And so this year, A Self-Published Author's Di

Self-publishing reflection: planning and goals (Vella, novellas, marketing and more...) Jun 7, 2022 00:32:03 I almost titled this episode: "How to achieve your self-publishing goals without feeling overwhelmed." But dear Diary that would have been false advertisement as while I'm trying to adapt my systems and plans to fit my goals, I'm still in the process and it does feel overwhelming from times to times. Do I have coping mechanisms when it does so thatI can nmake sure that it also doesn't take away fr

REPLAY - How my self-published book A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER became a success... May 31, 2022 00:22:12 Today is a replay of Episode 8: The Little Book That Could In this episode, I share how I became a hybrid author with my book A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER (it involved an email from a French publisher :-)), the story behind the writing of A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER and more...

Ep. 62 - The ups and downs of self-publishing (including the words every romance author wants to hear...) May 24, 2022 00:25:13 Within a few days, I had a few self-publishing ups and downs, including: hearing the words every romance wants to hear (during a pretty stressful day), losing a crown on one of my Vella stories, fangirling over Eloisa James and regaining a crown on said Vella story. Today I also talk about my dream of having Fear Me, Fear Me Not adapated for Lifetime or Netflix... And I have my first voicemail!!!!

Ep. 61 - My BargainBooksy and AudioThicket recap, the "need" to write and more... May 17, 2022 00:24:24 Today, I share with you my book promo results using BargainBooksy as well as my audiobook promo results using AudioThicket. But first, I start by sharing some good news as well as explaining why sometimes it feels like I "need, need, need" to write. And more advice from writers on TikTok: :Pick one thing at a time and master it. You don't have to be brilliant at everything right out of the box." b

Ep. 60 - Writing process, the writing craft and advice from TikTok (Thank you so much!)... May 10, 2022 00:16:54 Today, I give you an update on my social media marketing, how writing for Kindle Vella is helping me not only keep a schedule but also going back to my Margie Lawson's lecture packet on deep editing. I also share writing advice writers would give someone who's just starting.  Mentioned in this episode: TikTok video asking writers for advice they would give someone who's just starting. Marg

Ep. 59 - April book sales breakdown and did posting every day on TikTok help my sales? (and the lines that stay with you) May 3, 2022 00:26:39 In today's episode I am sharing my book sales breakdown for April. I am hoping my books bring comfort to readers (as I am myself a comfort re-reader). I am sharing lines that have stayed with me from Trust Me, Trust Me Not (and how much they mean to me. After all we don't write in a vacuum) and I explain how my "let's post every day on TikTok for #TheLeftoverBride is going... :-) Mentioned in this

Ep. 58 - The one with the Kindle Vella Bonus, writing with Pomodoro and audiobook excerpt... Apr 26, 2022 00:14:51 I am back from holidays. A bit jetlagged. Very grateful for the time spent with loved ones in Germany and in France and getting back into a writing routine (and podcasting routine). For the first time, I recorded this episode live on TikTok (before editing it for the podcast). Today, I talk about writing using the Pomodoro method again, my Kindle Vella bonus (more than I expected). Plus, I share a

Ep. 57 - My self-publishing March recap: my sales data, Kindle Vella, audiobook and more Apr 5, 2022 00:20:04 Today, I go back and check if I achieved my March self-publishing goals (audiobook, Kindle Vella and more...). I also share with you my March book sales.  Mentioned in this episode: ScribeCount: https://www.scribecount.com/ In addition, to help Ukraine, here are a few links: Voices of children: https://voices.org.ua/en/?fbclid=IwAR3Rw0CD3ykmpVwfcuQMBdMvP2NvfuRPrCebNwSJbjajeOIU0pYWica0l5E

Ep. 56 - Why I decided to try out Kindle Vella as an indie author and my first days on the platform. Mar 29, 2022 00:19:01 Today, I share the four reasons I decided to try Kindle Vella as an author and what my experience has been so far. I also share some resources that I've been finding helpful and some events I'm looking forward to. Mentioned in this episode: Romance eBook Anthology ‘Nightingale’ to Raise Money for Ukraine Relief https://books2read.com/u/m2YN8r Facebook group 20BooksTo50k: https://www.facebook.co

Ep. 55 - Cover reveal (cover costs and strategy for this book) and learning more about the 7 rules of marketing. Mar 22, 2022 00:18:32 Today I share with the costs of my cover as well as the strategy for its reveal. In addition, I start learning how to apply the 7 rules of marketing as an author (will definitely dig deeper into this topic as I research more and try different strategies). I also share an update on my amazon ads. Mentioned in this episode: Qamber Emporium: https://www.qamberemporium.com/ Does the rule of 7 still

Ep. 54 - How one of my TikTok videos went viral on Instagram and using Amazon ads as an indie author... Mar 15, 2022 00:23:14 In today's episode, I explain how one of my TikTok videos went viral on Instagram and using Amazon ads as an indie author. For that video to go viral (it has more than 26000 views) which is very uncommon for me, I followed a few steps. That video also resulted in sales and pages read. My book went from sitting at 700000 to about 70000 and then climbed a bit higher and stayed around 100000 for a fe

Ep. 53 - REPLAY - My top 3 self-publishing mistakes Mar 8, 2022 00:09:23 Today is a replay episode from a couple months ago. I share my top 3 self-publishing mistakes... I started self-publishing in 2014 and let's just say I could write a book about the mistakes I've made in my career as an indie author. It includes not building my newsletter and so much more. As always: Ask me a question (per email: authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com or by leaving me a voicemail: h

Ep. 52 - February recap and setting up my writing and self-publishing schedule for March... Mar 1, 2022 00:10:21 At the beginning of today's episode, I mentioned that I added links to the episode description in case you can donate to help Ukraine. Here are the links: Voices of children: https://voices.org.ua/en/?fbclid=IwAR3Rw0CD3ykmpVwfcuQMBdMvP2NvfuRPrCebNwSJbjajeOIU0pYWica0l5E A few ways to help Ukrainians: https://snyder.substack.com/p/a-few-ways-to-help-ukrainians?utm_source=url&fbclid=IwAR1tRHYw

Ep. 51 - Back on track with writing, Kindle Vella and the Draft2Digital / Smashwords news... Feb 22, 2022 00:24:09 Today, on the podcast, I talk about getting back on track with writing, schedules and even getting a writing session outside. I'm also looking into bringing my pen name stories to Kindle Vella before putting them in Kindle Unlimited and the Draft2Digital acquisition of Smashwords... Mentioned in this episode: Draft2Digital acquires Smashwords Press Release: https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/pr-

Ep. 50 - When it feels like a flop... or my reminder to keep writing and be gentle with myself. Feb 15, 2022 00:22:13 While Valentine's Day was a nice reminder to cherish and enjoy all the little and big moments and also a reminder to infuse those moments into my romance novels, it's also been a challenging week writing-wise. So, it's a reminder for writers out there to keep swimming (or writing) while making sure to be gentle with yourselves. Mentioned in this episode:  My Imaginary Friends: Episode 152:

Ep. 49 - Inspiration, drafting, changing writing spots and writing tools ... Feb 8, 2022 00:29:25 Today's episode almost got called, "How to write like Nora Roberts & Beverly Jenkins" but I thought this might be a bit deceiving... The main topics of this episode are: the reorganization of my office, finding new spots to write and using new tools (such as Alphasmart), leaning into my process as well as developing new systems. So... quite a lot of topics covered. :-) Mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 48 - An indie author January 2022 review: My self-publishing highs & lows Feb 1, 2022 00:22:11 Today is monthly recap day: I share with you the four things I've done this month to increase my royalties (and whether they worked or not), possible news about a Fear Me, Fear Me Not Italian edition, a writing update and more... As always: Ask me a question (per email: authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com or by leaving me a voicemail: https://anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/message) Follow me on T

Ep. 47 - Dipping my indie author toe into TikTok (and writing thoughts about the TV show Billions). Jan 25, 2022 00:23:03 Today, I'm talking about dipping my indie author toe into the TikTok world of booktok and authortok and writingtok and more (@elodienowodazkij). I am also talking about getting very invested into the TV shows Billions after watching the first five seasons pretty quickly and how I've been analyzing the character arc (as I was listening to the audiobook Take Off Your Pants!: Outline Your Books for F

Ep. 46 - Writing 6000 words in a couple of hours or how I'm leaning into my process... Jan 18, 2022 00:24:56 Episode 46 is also known as season 2, episode 1 :-) Today, I'm starting season 2 by talking about writing more than 10000 words a week, by doing sprints for a couple of hours per day (not every day), leaning into my process, writing two stories at the same time and more. Mentioned in this episode: 20Books Vegas 2021 Day 2 – Becca Syme - Productivity Myths: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLrwmj9

Ep - 45: An indie author yearly review: The highs and lows of my self-publishing career in 2021. Dec 31, 2021 00:20:05 Before diving right into my yearly review as an indie author: if you're struggling or know someone who is struggling (or maybe even just mention it or post it or share this resource with people in your life): https://www.crisistextline.org/ Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor. Today, on the podcast, I talk about the highs and lows of my self-publishing career in 2021. Some of

Ep. 44 - Five things I've learned about self-publishing in 2021 and one thing I learned about writing. Dec 24, 2021 00:19:54 Today, I talk about five things I've learned about self-publishing in 2021 (such as the importance of my newsletter and how sending emails more often does help me, Netgalley and more...) and one thing I learned about writing. Mentioned in this episode: Tammy Labrecque: https://newsletterninja.net/ Nick Stephenson (https://www.blog.yourfirst10kreaders.com/)  L. Penelope: https://lpenelope

Ep. 43 - Five things I've learned about podcasting as an author in 2021 and five things I want to do next year (podcast-related) Dec 17, 2021 00:20:08 Today, I talk about the release of #TheLeftoverBride French edition and breaking the top 100 in Apple Books (my book was hanging out right next to Sally Thorne's The Hating Game! :-)). I share five things I've learned about podcasting as an author in 2021 and five things I want to do next year (podcast-related). I also gush about Cape Cod in December and Isaiah Jones Bed & Breakfast... Mention

Ep. 42 - The feeling when you upload your files for publication, brainstorming story ideas and learning, learning, learning... Dec 10, 2021 00:17:16 Today, I talk about the excitement that is uploading the files to publish the French version of #TheLeftoverBride, using Draft2Digital, KDP select & Google Play. I also explain why I decided to get my manuscript proofread one more time and I may start brainstorming about the next books in the Swan Cove series. Also mentioned on this episode: the books/free webinars I'm planning on taking (rapi

Ep. 41 - Gearing up for the publication of #TheLeftoverBride French edition and writing craft building blocks... Dec 3, 2021 00:15:47 Today, I talk about gearing up for the publication of #TheLeftoverBride French edition which includes updating backmatter, putting another book permafree, adding the French edition to several readers' websites in France, formatting the text and adapting my ad strategy. I also mention how I've been building my writing craft over the years, similarly to building blocks and how some strategies and wa

Ep. 40 - Keeping track of indie author conferences, updating newsletter landing pages and the writing high ... Nov 19, 2021 00:26:07 Today, I talk about keeping track of indie author conferences as I completely missed the Romance Author Mastermind conference. it does require an invitation but I only saw talks about it after it happened (or while it was happening) so making sure I'm adding the link to it to my favorites. I also mention the 20booksto50k conference and Inkers Con.  During the week, I also updated my author ne

Ep - 39: Good news, using Netgalley as an indie author (part 1), getting a spike in free ebooks in Germany (not sure why)... Nov 12, 2021 00:24:15 Today, I share some good news: I had a PET scan on Wednesday and then we saw my oncologist. And no signs of malignancy. I'll see him again in three months but as I'm now two years out of transplant, no more scheduled scans 🙂 I also talk about using Netgalley as an indie author: what my goals are in terms of reviews and reaching more readers and why I decided to put #TheLeftoverBride on Netgalley.

Ep. 38 - Another (hard) lesson learned as indie author, getting back into a writing routine and more... Nov 5, 2021 00:28:59 Today, on the podcast: another lesson learned in my self-publishing career or how I may have slightly panicked on Wednesday when it comes to the French translation (should be fine now but this was stressful) of my next novel and how I'm learning from my mistakes, getting back into a writing routine, putting #TheLeftoverBride on Netgalley, not doing NaNoWriMo... and more. Also mentioned today: Vi

REPLAY - Interview with audiobook narrator Megan Carter Oct 29, 2021 00:08:32 This is a REPLAY episode. This episode was published earlier this year. Have you ever wondered about getting your books published as audiobooks? Or are you thinking about working as an audiobook narrator? This short interview (which wasn't conducted live. I had sent questions to Megan so she could record the answers whenever possible) goes into her process as audiobook narrator and a bit of behind

Ep. 37 - Not writing for a few days and a SEE ME, SEE ME NOT audiobook preview... Oct 22, 2021 00:17:16 Today, on the podcast: not writing for a few days, not having any urgent deadlines and a SEE ME, SEE ME NOT audiobook preview. Next week will be a replay... SEE ME, SEE ME NOT is narrated by Megan Carter. Get the full audiobook now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3B5hZuz ; Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/?asin=B08TLR55FC ; iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/see-me-see-me-not-gavert-city-bo

Ep. 36 - Learning from other indie authors because success isn't a pie, right? Oct 15, 2021 00:26:33 Today, I share with you what I've done each day to increase my royalties: one step at a time. Between updating #TheLeftoverBride epilogue, starting to format another bilingual book, putting one of my books as perma-free and running a free promo on another book who is currently in KDP select, I am making progress.  Another topic I'm talking about today is dealing with feeling inadequate or not

What has worked with my latest book release as an indie author and what I've learned... And I turned two! Oct 8, 2021 00:31:47 Today, I am doing a "lessons learned" recap for my latest book release as indie author. #TheLeftoverBride has been out for a bit less than a month and while, of course, a lot of readers will read it and smile in the coming weeks, months, years, decades... there are a few things that I will do differently with my next release and things that, I think, have worked very well for me. So, I'm detailing

Ep. 34- The art of translation or why I don't translate my own books... Setting up my writing goals and daily calendar. Oct 1, 2021 00:32:08 Today, I am talking about my new process for getting #TheLeftoverBride to the French-speaking market, explaining why I don't translate my own books. After all, literary translation (and all types of translation) are an art. I dig a bit deeper into why I am "wide" on the French-speaking market. More than 15% of pre-orders are currently on Apple & Kobo. And I'm about to set up my pre-order on Go

Ep. 33 - Why the Chemical Engineer was right and the hardest part about writing & self-publishing #TheLefoverBride Sep 24, 2021 00:30:15 Today, I share why the Chemical Engineer was right and how I didn't listen to him but listened to L. Penelope. :-) It's related to the formatting of the #TheLeftoverBride title and how to make it more "searchable". I also answer questions from Sam (on Instagram) who asked: what was the hardest part about writing #TheLeftoverBride? I added the hardest part about self-publishing it... I go more into

#TheLeftoverBride is out in the world! A recap a few days after publication... Sep 17, 2021 00:21:48 Today, I talk about publication day... #TheLeftoverBride is out in the world. Between celebrating, managing expectations (and sometimes not managing said expectations), a rush of anxiety and knowing readers will be smiling, release day is a roller coaster of emotions. Also mentioned in this episode: this reel from Courtney Summers: "Everything I've done doesn't feel like it happened. Courtney Summ

Ep. 31 - The jitters before publication and thinking about the next stories... Sep 10, 2021 00:30:27 Today, I go back and forth between being "done-done" and "just one more tiny change". Those are pretty much the jitters before publication as #TheLeftoverBride releases next week...  https://books2read.com/TheLeftoverBridePodcast I also discuss my next projects, talking about time management, planning and more. And I added the bonus episode at the end of the episode: the article I've written

Because Sometimes You Just Need to Ask About a Dog…(Bonus episode) Sep 7, 2021 00:09:28 Today, in this bonus episode, I share with you the article I've written for the Ulman Foundation entitled: "Because Sometimes You Just Need To Ask About a Dog..." I've decided to read this article out loud in case it can help someone. You can find more information about the Ulman Foundation here: https://ulmanfoundation.org/ Also mentioned in this episode: September is also Blood Cancer Awareness

Ep. 30 - Writing on the couch... Revising and editing in the chair. And finishing my book! Sep 3, 2021 00:22:39 Today, I am very very happy about finishing my book. At the time of recording, I was finalizing it before sending it to my copy editor (cue, happy dance and a very giddy Elodie). I also talk about what I've learned in this process: I tend to write better on the couch and to revise and edit better sitting at the chair in my office.  Also mentioned in this episode: Because Sometimes You Need

Ep. 29 - Who's talking? Or why I need to change one scene's point-of-view. And how I fall in love with my revised chapters... Aug 27, 2021 00:19:57 Today, I talk about needing to change one scene's point-of-view and the process behind that decision (mainly related to which character needs to have a certain realization). I also discuss falling in love with my revised chapters, when I no longer focus on each page, paragraph, sentence, word and re-read the whole chapter on a different device than my computer... Plus, I share some tidbits about m

Ep. 28 - The One With The First Three Chapters of the A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER audiobook... Aug 20, 2021 00:31:07 Today is a bit different. As I'm celebrating my 40th birthday as well as my husband and I's 10-year wedding anniversary this week, I am not recording a full episode but instead, I am sharing the first three chapters of the A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER audiobook with you all (narrated by Megan Carter). If you'd like to listen to more chapters: don't hesitate to subscribe to my YouTube Channel (https://yo

Ep. 27 - Finding my words, writing as a form of catharsis and letting the ending of #TheLeftoverBride simmer... Aug 13, 2021 00:27:33 Today, I'm talking about: being vulnerable and honest about some of my experience with cancer in an article I've written for the Ulman Foundation, reflecting on finding my words again and using writing as a form of catharsis (not only in this article but in my novels as well). I'm also sharing an update on my #TheLeftoverBride revision which includes letting the ending of #TheLeftoverBride simmer

Ep. 26 - Spending hours on one paragraph, pondering the length of chapters and more google searches... Aug 6, 2021 00:22:26 Today, a patchwork of my revision process which includes: : spending hours on one paragraph, thinking about the length of my chapters, making my characters even more endearing, wanting to pull at readers' heartstrings and more google searches. You'll also hear an update on my most recent check-up (blood tests and physical exams and they are all good), the shows we're currently watching and more.

A self-published author's diary: The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing (and everything in-between)

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