

Indie Writers Club
James Blatch & Cara Clare
Cara Clare and James Blatch host a weekly light-hearted chat about all things self publishing. Join the Word Count Club to be a part of the accountability partnership. We'll support each other in getting the words done :)Send in your questions, comments and talking points to our discord channel.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 29, 2025 • 34min
052 - Audio Books for Authors - Part 1
We take a two episode dive into audio books. In the first part we discuss the options facing indies, such as wide or exclusive, self produce or collaborate etc.USEFUL LINKS: Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career. https://www.indiewritersclub.com/supportSelf Publishing Launchpad Waitlist:https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/launchpad

5 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 45min
051 - How to Plot Your Next Novel
Discover the art of plotting your next novel with insightful tips! Learn to identify central conflicts and develop character arcs that keep readers invested. Explore pacing and structure for a gripping narrative. Understand the importance of causality and coherence in storytelling, avoiding coincidences. Plus, hear about the innovative 'Novel November' initiative designed to kickstart your writing momentum. Embrace diverse plotting techniques and find the perfect creative space to unleash your literary potential!

Aug 15, 2025 • 48min
050 - News Round Up
Episode 50 is a good time to take stock of the industry and discuss the latest developments that can affect our indie world.Useful links:LSP Launchpad Course waitlist:https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/launchpadGet your ticket for SPS Live:https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spsliveJoin our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support

Aug 8, 2025 • 47min
049 - Your First Two Years as an Indie Author
The podcast explores the essential steps new authors must take in self-publishing, including navigating genre clarity and strategic marketing. It discusses the importance of building an author platform, particularly through social media like TikTok, to engage readers by sharing personal narratives. Self-doubt and anticipation-building for book launches are addressed, along with insights into organizing indie author conferences. Listeners gain valuable tips for overcoming challenges in their first two years of indie publishing.

Aug 1, 2025 • 41min
048 - Are Facebook Ads Still Number One for Authors?
The hosts delve into the evolving impact of Facebook Ads on authors, debating their current effectiveness while sharing success stories from international markets. They anticipate writing conferences, highlighting networking opportunities and valuable workshops on book packaging. Personal anecdotes bring humor as they navigate challenges, including harsh critiques and the role of AI in writing. Additionally, they discuss strategies for optimizing ad performance and the importance of visually engaging content.

Jul 25, 2025 • 60min
047 - How to Translate Your Books and Sell in Foreign Markets
In this episode we deep dive into the process and strategy for launching your English language books into global markets. We recommend scribeshadow.com (they are not a sponsor, this is a genuine recommendation). You can use our referral code IWC50 for 50% off your first month.You download a free PDF that contains the key points from the discussion and it has a couple of useful appendices on Amazon categories in German and Dutch and a guide to pricing in Brazil and Mexico.Head here to grab your copy: indiewritersclub.com/translations

Jul 18, 2025 • 35min
046 - The Dark Side of AI
I'll confess, I love using AI for various parts of my marketing and editing, but even as an advocate of what AI can do for us writers, even I know there is a dark side.I experienced that recently with an email and in this episode we talk about how scammers are always one-step ahead.USEFUL LINKS:Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/supportSupport the show

9 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 48min
045 - How to Use an AI Manuscript Critique
Discover how AI can revolutionize manuscript critiques, aiding writers in refining their narratives and character arcs. Hear insights on the transition from Scrivener to Vellum, celebrating user-friendly tools that streamline the writing process. Engage in discussions about the impacts of translations on indie publishing and the supportive indie community, fostering growth through collaboration. Plus, learn about the balance of feedback from beta readers and the exhilarating journey of expanding into international markets.

Jul 4, 2025 • 39min
044 - Writers Retreat and Conference Report
In this episode, Cara and James reflect on their recent experiences at the first IWC Writers' Retreat and the SPS Live conference. They discuss the networking opportunities, feedback from workshop sessions, and the sense of community among indie writers.Useful links:Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/supportCheck out Julia's videos from our retreat: https://www.youtube.com/@suzybussellSupport the show

Jun 27, 2025 • 49min
043 - How to Survive the Editing Process
It's the Indie Writers Club with Cara & James! This week we talk editing/revising/rewriting, whatever you call it. Some of us love it (me) some hate it (Cara) but we all have to do it!Big thanks to our sponsors prowritingaid.com, who make the entire process SO much easier (use code IWC15 for 15% off annual plans).___________________________________________Join our Patreon: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/supportSupport the show