How to be an Author

Join Karena Akhavein, PhD, on this special episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast as she delves into the pivotal decision of going all in on your writing journey. Discover expert insights on how to recognize when the time is right to prioritize your writing career, actionable steps to take once you've made that choice, and crucial pitfalls to avoid along the way. In a bold announcement, Kare...

In this episode of "How to be an Author," host and writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, delves into the complex issue of writing feedback. Feedback can often feel like a double-edged sword—while it is necessary, and has the potential to improve your work, it can also be disheartening if not handled well. Join Karena as she explores the different types of writing feedback, from writing partner criti...

In this episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein delves into the transformative power of affirmations and their profound impact on a writer's mindset. Discover how these simple, positive statements can banish self-doubt, boost creativity, and foster a productive writing habit. Karena breaks down the science behind affirmations, offering practical advice on crafti...

The actual skills you need to succeed as an author: they're not what you think. So many writers focus on writing craft. They think they need perfect grammar or an extensive vocabulary. They think they need an irrepressible imagination that never stops. But there are so many other skills that matter far more. In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, wi...

In this thought-provoking episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast, hosted by writer and writing coach Karena Akhavein, we dive into the age-old debate: should authors focus on writing screenplays or books? Karena brings her wealth of experience and keen insights to the table, exploring the unique challenges and rewards of both mediums. Discover how to decide which path aligns best with your c...

In this pre-season break episode of the How to Be an Author podcast, host and writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, delves into the world of writing retreats. Join Karena as she explores the pros and cons of attending writing retreats, offering invaluable advice on how to choose the perfect retreat to suit your needs. Learn how to prepare effectively to maximize your experience, whether you're atten...

In this fascinating episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD. unravels the complexities of the protagonist to antagonist arc. Listen in as Dr. Akhavein offers invaluable guidance on sidestepping common pitfalls and overcoming challenges when it comes to writing this specific arc, which can delight readers, or, if you're not careful. turn them off. In this qu...

Join Writing Coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, on the 'How to be an Author' podcast as we explore the mindset hurdles that often trip up aspiring writers. In this episode, we delve into common challenges like fear of failure, comparison syndrome, and imposter syndrome, shedding light on how they can stall your progress. Go from discouraged to inspired as Karena brings her wealth of experience and practi...

We all make mistakes. As people. As writers. Some people worry about making mistakes, but perfectionism is not helful when it comes to your writing career. As with the characters we write, mistakes are formative. They help us to learn and grow. In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph. D., dedramatizes the fact that we make mistakes, but helps you to id...

Have a lot of questions about writing? Both beginning and more experienced authors have questions about writing craft, writer mindset, and the business of writing. And that's a good thing- because as writers, we need to be always learning. Join writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph. D., on "How to be an Author" as she tackles the most common questions plaguing writers everywhere. From overcoming write...

Ever wondered why some authors succeed? Why they have a collection of published novels, engaged readers, attention from the media, glowing reviews, the opportunity to participate in book signings, and basically the kind of writer life you may have dreamed of? Writing success- at least, of the "bestselling author" variety, is not guaranteed. But in general, it boils down to this: success in writing...

Join writing coach Karena Akhavein on a transformative episode of How to be an Author, where she unveils essential time hacking tips tailored specifically for authors. In this deep dive into maximizing productivity, Karena shares invaluable strategies for not just finding time, but actively making time to write, ensuring you can meet your writing goals and publish more books. Discover how to recla...

In this insightful episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein delves deep into the transformative power of reading for aspiring authors. With a focus on critical reading, she provides invaluable tips and strategies to enhance writing skills and craft compelling narratives. We'll discuss the significance of critical reading in honing writing abilities. Looking at ho...

Have you heard the expression "what got you here won't get you there"?  Join Writing Coach Karena Akhavein on thistransformative episode of the How to be an Author podcast, as she delves into the pivotal concept: "what got you here won't get you there." Explore the profound implications of this advice in the context of your writing career. The skills you learned and the work habits you embraced to...

In this episode of the How to Be an Author Podcast, join writing coach Karena Akhavein as she delves into the exhilarating world of crafting compelling fight scenes in your novel. Whether it's a high-stakes battle or a gritty one-on-one confrontation, Karena breaks down the ins and outs, offering invaluable insights to make your fight scenes truly shine. Discover the pros and cons of integrating f...

Tune in to the latest episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast as writing coach Karena Akhavein unravels the complexities of the age-old writing adage: "Show, Don't Tell." In this insightful discussion, Karena dives deep into the nuances of this fundamental rule, providing invaluable guidance for both novice and seasoned writers alike. Discover why "Show, Don't Tell" is more than just a mantra...

Unravel the ins and outs of genre conventions for fiction authors with renowned writing coach Karena Akhavein on this episode of the How to be an Author podcast. Discover the significance and impact of genre conventions, including their role in shaping reader expectations and enhancing storytelling. Gain insights into the balance between adherence to conventions and creative freedom. Tune in to ex...

Unlock the power of compelling dialogue with Karena Akhavein in this transformative episode of the How to be an Author podcast. Delve into the essential role dialogue plays in captivating storytelling as Karena expertly navigates through the nuances of crafting authentic and engaging conversations on the page. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your literary journey, this episode is...

In this episode of the How to Be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein breaks down the crucial process of defining your writer identity. With practical examples and actionable advice, Karena explores why it's essential for authors to determine the type of writer they want to be. From discussing the differences between fiction and non-fiction authors to exploring various genres such as r...

In this enlightening episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, join experienced writing coach Karena Akhavein as she delves deep into the most often-overlooked obstacle hindering so many writers from realizing their book writing and publishing dreams: fear of success.   Don't believe fear of leveling up is affecting you? Tune in and you may recognize some of your own self-sabotaging ways as Ka...

What's in a name? As it turns out, a lot! Especially if you are trying to. create an iconic fictional character like Holly Golightly, Hermione Granger, James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, or Holden Caulfield. In this episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, your host, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph. D., delves into the fascinating world of character naming. Listen in for expert insights on crafti...

In this episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast, join writing coach Karena Akhavein as we delve into the question of prolific authors. Discover the strategies and insights that propel some writers to exceptional productivity, unlocking the key to their prolific output. From time management techniques to creative practices, Karena shares valuable tips for aspiring authors looking to enhance th...

Dr. Watson. Hermione Granger. Donkey. Pancho Villa. A good sidekick can become a reader or fan favorite in books and movies, but writing a good one is not as easy as you may think. A sidekick can either be too insipid, too static, and not contribute to the plot, or they can take over, taking attention away from the main character and confusing the storyline. And we know you want your character to...

Mark Twain was one of the writers who experienced the seismic shift in technology that saw authors transitioning from wriitng their books by hand to using a typewriter, then a word processor. The celebrated author was documented as reporting on the advantages, challenges and frustrations of these new methods. Other authors embraced the technology, while some stubbornly insisted that there were adv...

If you're a writer, you've probably experienced this frustrating thing: all kinds of people feel free to give you advice. Usually, it's not because they're experts, or bestselling authors, or even avid readers. It's because their one friend ffrom high school is a successful author, and maybe you should talk to them to get help. Or because they're no expert, but they've heard you should write every...