
Indie Writers Club
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.
Latest episodes

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

6 snips
May 30, 2025 • 48min
039 - How Many Authors Now Use AI?
The discussion kicks off with a revealing BookBub survey on indie authors' views on AI, showcasing a growing reliance on these technologies. Insights into community dynamics and the exciting Kindle Storyteller competition emerge, emphasizing fairness in judging. Reflecting on personal journeys, the hosts chat about tackling imposter syndrome and the challenges of writing longer works. They also address ethical dilemmas surrounding AI in creativity and the importance of transparency for readers when authors use AI tools. Overall, a fascinating look at the evolving writing landscape!

May 23, 2025 • 54min
038 - GLADIATOR II: What a Mess!
In this episode we review and dissect Ridley's Scott's sequel to the incredible film Gladiator. Spoiler alert, we did not use the expression 'incredible' to describe it...LINKS:Support us via our Patreon and take part in a live monthly Q&A among other great perks: patreon.com/indiewritersclubHead to prowritingaid.com and use code IWC15 for 15% of annual plans.Support the show

May 16, 2025 • 56min
037 - How to Get Your Book Made into a Hollywood Film!
In this special episode, James is joined by Hollywood scriptwriter Tom Donnelly. They discuss the chances of getting your book optioned and how to create a story that will grip your reader.Support the show