Alchemy for Authors

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this episode I talk with crime fiction author, Stephen Johnson, about his books, his writing process, and where he gets his ideas. Other topics we discuss include: ·       Why Stephen considers himself an accidental author. ·       How the game ‘Killer’ became the seed of an idea for his first novel. ·       How Stephen's previous careers in journalism and the media impacted upon his stories. ·       How he moved away from hating writing to passionately loving it. ·       How Stephen finds inspiration in observing everyday life. ·       Why he believes that editors have mystical powers. ·       And why Stephen's not afraid to tackle tough subjects despite imposter syndrome. If you enjoy crime fiction or looking behind-the-scenes of another author’s process, you’ll love this interview with Stephen Johnson! Visit Stephen’s website here: https://www.stephenjohnsonauthor.com/ Purchase Stephen’s books here: https://www.stephenjohnsonauthor.com/books Follow Stephen on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/stephenjohnsonauthor/ Visit Clan Destine Press at https://www.clandestinepress.net/ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support helps me keep this podcast going. Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here.  If you enjoy Gothic Suspense, you can join my reader’s newsletter and download a FREE copy of my short story collection, Between the Shadows, here. You can find all my books at https://jobuer.com or visit https://Books2Read.com/JoBuer for links to your favourite store. Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this solo episode I share my personal writing process, tips and tricks I use to get my books written, and how I possibly make things harder than they need to be. Other topics I discuss include: ·       How I navigate writing a book with ADHD. ·       How to not be overwhelmed by the “shoulds”! ·       Why hyper-focus is my super power but can take a while to kick into action. ·       Why I both love and loath deadlines. ·       The role of music in my writing process. ·       Why I can’t write in the small moments and don’t write every day. ·       Why it’s important to start with a pretty notebook. ·       The importance I place on the word “something”. ·       And my answer to the question: Are you still a writer when you’re not writing? If you’re interested in other peoples’ writing processes, or feel like you’re doing it wrong, check out the often chaotic and quirky way I go about writing a book, and take comfort in the knowledge that there is no one way in being an author. Resources mentioned in this episode: Visit Claire Taylor’s website to learn more about The Liberated Writer course and her book Reclaim Your Author Career, here: https://www.ffs.media/ Listen to Episode 58: Author Alignment & the Enneagram with Claire Taylor, here: https://jobuer.com/episode-58-author-alignment-the-enneagram-with-claire-taylor/ Visit Becca Syme’s website here: https://betterfasteracademy.com/ Listen to Episode 20: Intuition and Success with Becca Syme, here: https://jobuer.com/episode-20-intuition-and-success-for-authors-with-becca-syme/ Listen to Episode 55: Write to Riches with Renee Rose, here: https://jobuer.com/episode-55-write-to-riches-with-renee-rose/ Learn more about NaNoWriMo here: https://nanowrimo.org/ Learn more about Scrivener here: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=alchemy Learn more about ProWritingAid here: https://prowritingaid.com/ * Please Note: I am an affiliate for Scrivener. As an affiliate I get a small kickback at no extra charge to you. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support helps me keep this podcast going. Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here.  If you enjoy Gothic Suspense, you can join my reader’s newsletter and download a FREE copy of my short story collection, Between the Shadows, here. You can find all my books at https://jobuer.com or visit https://Books2Read.com/JoBuer for links to your favourite store. Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this episode I talk with New Zealand author and Ages of Pages book fair coordinator, Johanna M. Rae, about going Indie and selling locally.  Other topics we discuss include: ·       Why Johanna left traditional publishing for Indie publishing. ·       Why developing your author platform is so important, particularly if you live in a small country. ·       How to establish a reader following and author platform before you’re published. ·       How to connect with readers at book events, even when you’re an introvert. ·       The essential four-legged writing companion every author should have! If you’ve been on the fence about selling locally, let Johanna inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and grow your readership! Visit Johanna’s website here: https://www.johannamraeauthor.com/ Visit the Ages of Pages website here: https://agesofpages.weebly.com/ Follow Johanna on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/johanna.m.rae/ and https://www.instagram.com/ages_of_pages/ Follow Johanna on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JohannaMRae and  https://www.facebook.com/agesofpages Find out more about Duffy Books in Homes here: https://www.booksinhomes.org.nz/Home Preptober is here! If you’re preparing for NaNoWriMo this year, make sure you check out these cool writing tools: Scrivener  Plottr  Author Revolution 4 Books, 5 Days Course: Mastering AI-Enhanced Story Planning Find out more about NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) here:  https://nanowrimo.org/ * Please Note: I am an affiliate for Scrivener, Plottr and Author Revolution courses. These are resources I personally use and enjoy. As an affiliate I get a small kickback at no extra charge to you. If you would like to learn more about Plottr, make sure you listen to Episode 47: Plotting with Plottr with Troy Lambert. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support helps me keep this podcast going. Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here.  If you enjoy Gothic Suspense, you can join my reader’s newsletter and download a FREE copy of my short story collection, Between the Shadows, here. You can find all my books at https://jobuer.com or visit https://Books2Read.com/JoBuer for links to your favourite store. Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this episode I talk with New Zealand journalist and debut author, Kelley Tantau, about her new book The Runaway Man and her journey to publication. Topics we discuss include: ·       How a dream led to what will be a three-book series. ·       How Kelley deals with feedback and critique, and why developing a thick skin is essential for writers. ·       Why hybrid and indie-publishing is as legitimate as traditional publishing. ·       How imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate. ·       The challenges of publishing in a small country. ·       Why writing a book requires vulnerability and courage! Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at the writing and publishing journey of a first-time Kiwi author! Visit Kelley’s website here: https://www.kelleytantau.com/ Follow Kelley on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kelleytantau/ and https://www.instagram.com/therunawaybooks/  Purchase your copy of The Runaway Man at https://www.kelleytantau.com/how-to-buy or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDLVGL3M/ Get 10% of the following products and services for writing your blurb by using the coupon code “ALCHEMY”:  Book Blurb Magic The Spicy Blurb Playbook  1:1 Blurb Audit  Custom Book Blurb by BBM   Sign up for Carissa Andrews’ latest Author Revolution course, Four Books, Five Days: Mastering AI-Enhanced Series Planning, here. * Please Note: I am an affiliate for Carissa’s Four Books, Five Days course and Jessie’s products. I only recommend resources I enjoy, engage in or use myself. As an affiliate I get a small kickback at no extra charge to you. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support helps me keep this podcast going. Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here.  If you enjoy Gothic Suspense, you can join my reader’s newsletter and download a FREE copy of my short story collection, Between the Shadows, here.  Grab your copy of my latest paranormal cozy Hades’s Haunt here: https://books2read.com/hadesshaunt Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this episode, I talk with book blurb coach, Jessie Cunniffe. Topics we discuss include: ·       How Jessie went from being a music teacher to a book blurb expert. ·       Why so many authors find blurb writing hard. ·       Why a book blurb is NOT a summary of your book! ·       The four things a reader is looking for in your blurb. ·       Some of the most common pitfalls authors make when writing a blurb. ·       The difference between hooks and taglines. ·       How to write a stellar blurb that converts browsers into buyers. ·       And how to start a fight on social media over writing blurbs! If you’re someone who has struggled with writing blurbs for your books, then this episode is for you! Jessie shares a wealth of advice and tips for making your blurbs sparkle and entice new readers.   Visit Jessie’s website here: www.bookblurbmagic.com Download your FREE blurb cheat-sheet here.  Email Jessie at jessie@bookblurbmagic.com Follow Jessie on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bookblurbmagic/ Follow Jessie on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bookblurbmagic Use the coupon code “ALCHEMY” to get 10% off the following Book Blurb Magic products: Book Blurb Magic  The Spicy Blurb Playbook  1:1 Blurb Audit Custom Book Blurb by BBM  Sign up for Carissa Andrews’ latest Author Revolution course, Four Books, Five Days: Mastering AI-Enhanced Series Planning, here.  * Please Note: I am an affiliate for Carissa’s Four Books, Five Days course and Jessie’s products. I only recommend resources I enjoy, engage in or use myself. As an affiliate I get a small kickback at no extra charge to you. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support helps me keep this podcast going. Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here.  If you enjoy Gothic Suspense, you can join my reader’s newsletter and download a FREE copy of my short story collection, Between the Shadows, here.  Grab your copy of my latest paranormal cozy Hades’s Haunt here: https://books2read.com/hadesshaunt Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this episode, I talk with best-selling author, CEO of Author Revolution, Millionaire Author Coach, and repeat guest, Carissa Andrews. Topics we discuss include: ·       Why Carissa made the move from WordPress to Shopify, and why it’s triggered her “happy bookseller heart!" ·       Why Carissa’s pulling her books from KU. ·       Why using Shopify for selling direct works best for authors with backlists, but also, why you should consider starting how you mean to continue. ·       Why Carissa (mostly) quit social media, and what she uses instead. ·       Why Carissa created her new course Four Books, Five Days: Mastering AI Enhanced Series Planning, and how you can get it at a killer price. ·       How AI can help with plotting books, series concepts, and world building. ·       Why Carissa isn’t scared of AI stealing her work. ·       Why the 'way' we use AI is important, and why Carissa doesn’t use it to write her books for her! If you’re open-minded and curious about how AI can be used as a tool to help with plotting, and why so many authors are moving towards selling direct, then you’re not going to want to miss this entertaining and inspiring episode with Carissa Andrews! Sign up for Carissa’s latest course, Four Books, Five Days: Mastering AI Enhanced Series Planning, here: https://academy.authorrevolution.org/a/2147625144/woteKkRf Please Note: I am an affiliate for Carissa’s Four Books, Five Days course and have purchased it myself. I only recommend resources I enjoy, engage in or use myself. As an affiliate I get a small kickback at no extra charge to you. Visit Carissa’s websites here:  https://authorrevolution.org/  https://www.carissaandrews.com/  Join Carissa’s Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/CarissaAndrews Listen to the Bonus Episode of Alchemy for Authors: Millionaire Author Manifestation with Carissa Andrews here.  Listen to Episode 16 of Alchemy for Authors: Millionaire Author Mindset with Carissa Andrews here.  Listen to Episode 58 of Alchemy for Authors: Author Alignment & the Enneagram with Claire Taylor here.  Listen to Episode 20 of Alchemy for Authors: Intuition & Success for Authors with Becca Syme here. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support helps me keep this podcast going. Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here. If you enjoy Gothic Suspense, you can join my reader’s newsletter and download a FREE copy of my short story collection, Between the Shadows, here.  Grab your copy of my latest paranormal cozy, Hades's Haunt, here: https://books2read.com/hadesshaunt Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! Happy 60th episode! In this episode I share a personal reflection on some of the events that took place over the last week, including grieving a loved one and niggling imposter syndrome. I also discuss: ·       How I navigate the writing life when life throws a curve ball. ·       My hidden insecurities around being an Indie Author. ·       How imposter syndrome can hit anyone, anytime! ·       Why I don’t write every day and 90% of my ‘writing’ doesn’t involve writing. ·       The importance of looking at the world with ‘Writer’s Eyes’. ·       Why it’s okay to mine the dark and find stories in the ‘real’ moments. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support helps me keep this podcast going. Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here: https://www.subscribepage.com/manifestationforauthors Find all my books at https://jobuer.com or https://books2read.com/jobuer Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this episode, I chat with author, book coach, and writing retreat host, David Rocklin. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode include: ·       Why David’s drawn to hosting writing retreats and what’s in store for you if you join his writing retreat in France in 2024. ·       Why being a part of a writing community is so important. ·       David’s take on writing block and how you can overcome it. ·       The importance of story intimacy and how to really get to know your characters. ·       Why writing your way into a corner can be a good thing. ·       The pros of switching publishers. ·       Where the inspiration for David’s latest book, The Electric Love Song of Fleischl Berger, came from. ·       How to know when it’s time to start writing your book. This episode is guaranteed to get you inspired to attend a retreat, read David’s books, and reconsider your relationship to your story and your characters. When you’re ready, grab a drink, find a comfy chair, sit back and enjoy the show! Learn more about David and check out his novels here: https://davidrocklinauthor.com/ Purchase a copy of David’s craft book, The Write Formula, here.  To learn more about David’s writing retreats connect with David on Instagram or Facebook: Instagram: @david.rocklin  or  @the.write.formula   Facebook: @david.rocklin.75  or  The Write Formula Facebook Group Listen to Alchemy for Authors Episode 50: Storytelling with David Rocklin here.  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support helps me keep this podcast going. Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here.  Purchase my new Paranormal Cozy Hades’s Haunt here: https://books2read.com/hadesshaunt Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this episode, I chat with prolific author and Enneagram consultant for creatives, Claire Taylor. Some of the topics we cover in this episode include: ·       What it means to be an aligned author and how to become one. ·       How the Enneagram can be used to create a sustainable author career than minimizes burnout. ·       How the Enneagram can help you create authentic characters and story themes that really resonate with your readers. ·       Why your ‘Writing Why’ is never about money! This episode is guaranteed to get you thinking differently about your author identity and career. If you’re ready to supercharge your writing career and become an aligned author, then this episode is for you! Buy your copy of Claire’s book Reclaim Your Author Career here.  Visit Claire’s website FFS Media here: https://www.ffs.media/ Enrol in Claire’s course The Hero’s Journey of the Enneagram Masterclass here. Enrol in Claire’s FREE 5-Day Indie Author Alignment course here.  Connect with Claire on Instagram here. Sign up to Claire’s newsletter here: https://www.ffs.media/join If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support helps me keep this podcast going. Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here.  Preorder my new Paranormal Cozy Hades’s Haunt here: https://books2read.com/hadesshaunt Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! To celebrate the upcoming release of my first paranormal cozy, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the creation of Hades’s Haunt. As an additional treat, I’m also sharing with you the first two chapters. Topics I discuss on this episode include: ·       How genre-hopping saved me from writing burnout. ·       The emotional toll writing gothic suspense had on me. ·       Why it’s important to make writing fun! ·       Why I decided against having a pen name. ·       The inspiration behind my new paranormal cozy, Hades’s Haunt. The first half of this episode is my personal reflection on why I stepped outside my usual book genre and the impact it’s had on my writing life so far. If you’re a paranormal cozy fan, make sure you stick around for the second half of this episode where I share the first two chapters of Hades’s Haunt. Hades’s Haunt will be released on July 11th 2023. You can preorder your copy now from:  https://books2read.com/hadesshaunt If this episode piqued your interest in my gothic suspense novel, Unspoken Truths, click here to purchase as either an eBook or paperback: https://books2read.com/unspokentruths Find all my books at https://jobuer.com or https://books2read.com/jobuer If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support helps me keep this podcast going. Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here.  If you know of someone who will make a great guest for a future episode of Alchemy for Authors, please email me your interest here: jo@jobuer.com Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/