
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

Feb 28, 2025 • 33min
026 - Do Facebook Ads Still Work?
Indie authors have used Facebook (Meta) ads since day one, but we need to be honest with ourselves - are they still performing?Cara and James discuss the changes that have happened, particularly since the privacy scandals.Support the show

Feb 21, 2025 • 38min
025 - Translate Your Novel into German
Welcome to the Indie Writers Club, a place to chat about all things self publishing. In episode 025, James & Cara discuss different ways to get your novels translated into German. It's a fast growing market and it can be the different between profit and loss for some authors.Grab the final IWC Writing Retreat slots: indiewritersclub.com/retreatSupport the show

Feb 14, 2025 • 1h
024 - Can You Copyright An AI Novel?
Join Cara & James as they discuss the latest developments in the ongoing saga of AI and copyright legalities.Join the waitlist for the inaugural IWC Writers' Retreat: indiewritersclub.com/retreatSupport the show

12 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 13min
023 How to Develop Your Main Character
Dive into the world of character development where the importance of crafting relatable characters shines through. Discover how emotional wounds shape character arcs, especially in romance, adding depth and complexity. Explore the humorous intricacies of shapeshifters in fantasy and their impact on relationships. Gain insights on balancing character growth with authenticity, while learning practical tools to enhance your writing process. Plus, get details on an exciting upcoming retreat for like-minded writers!

Jan 31, 2025 • 49min
022 - The 22 Rules of Storytelling
The 22 rules of storytelling from Emma Coats, a former Pixar writer, have been doing the rounds for years and for good reason. Although Emma herself now describes them as guidelines, rather than rules, they are seen as the foundation on which the best novels are built.Cara and James go through them one by one.Useful links:Retreat waitlist: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/retreatIreland's Publishing Show: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/irelandSupport the show

Jan 24, 2025 • 49min
021 - How to Deal with Bad Reviews
We all get One Star reviews. But when should we take them seriously and when can they be safely ignored? In this episode we talk about our own hurtful reviews and talk about coping strategies.Useful links:The IWC Retreat: indiewritersclub.com/retreatIreland's Publishing Show: indiewritersclub.com/irelandSupport the show

Jan 17, 2025 • 51min
020 - Everyday Wisdom to Guide Your Decisions
In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss various topics including the potential ban of TikTok in the US, the importance of diversifying social media presence, and the planning of an indie writers retreat. They delve into productivity techniques known as 'razors', exploring how these principles can simplify decision-making and enhance productivity for writers. The conversation emphasises the need for authors to adapt to changes in the digital landscape while maintaining a focus on their craft. In this conversation, James and Cara Clare explore various cognitive biases and decision-making frameworks that impact authors and their publishing journeys. They discuss the importance of understanding how perceptions can be influenced, the significance of prioritizing tasks effectively, and the challenges of self-assessment in creative fields. The dialogue also touches on the dynamics of risk management, accountability, and the need for simplicity in complex systems, providing valuable insights for writers and entrepreneurs alike.Support the show

Jan 10, 2025 • 50min
019 - How Much Did We Earn in 2024?
In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James & Cara discuss their ad spend and book revenue for 2024.Support the show

12 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 50min
018 - Self Publishing in 2025
As the new year unfolds, the hosts dive into predictions for indie authors in 2025. They share insights on the blending of indie and traditional publishing, emphasizing the role of AI in writing. Reflecting on the previous year, they discuss the importance of understanding true earnings versus expenses and highlight the necessity of diverse marketing strategies. There's also a focus on community engagement and human connection in storytelling. Ultimately, success is defined beyond mere numbers, fostering productivity and growth in creative endeavors.

Dec 25, 2024 • 19min
017 - Christmas Special from the Pub
James & Cara are down the pub with a couple of author friends to reflect on 2024.Many thanks to our friends at The Salisbury Arms in Cambridge!Support the show