

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 8, 2025 • 47min
049 - Your First Two Years as an Indie Author
Let's talk about the author platform you need to build. This episode covers those crucial foundation months as you start out.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/support

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

Jun 20, 2025 • 51min
042 - Create the Perfect Writing Environment
Do you listen to music? Work on a sofa? Write at 5am or midnight? In this episode we discuss the various ways we can create an atmosphere conducive to creativity and productivity. ___________________________________________Join our Patreon: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/supportSupport the show

Jun 13, 2025 • 51min
041 - It's time to work less to achieve more...
It might sound counter intuitive, but in this episode we'll use Cal Newport's guide to productivity to show that working less and working better is the future.It will take a mindset change to shake off the notion that we 'need to be busy' in order to be productive._______________________________________Join our Patreon to get closer to the Show: indiewritersclub.com/support_______________________________________Episode Links:Please check out Cal's two books on productivity:Deep Work: https://mybook.to/deepwork-cal-newport Slow Productivity: https://mybook.to/slow-productivity Support the show

Jun 6, 2025 • 44min
040 - The Amazon Algorithm Change You NEED to Know About
Episode 040 of The Indie Writers Club!In this episode James & Cara discuss the significant implications for indie authors of Amazons algorithm upgrade from A9 and A10.Support the podcast by becoming a Patreon supporter and joining our lively community of self published authors.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/supportSupport the show