How to be an Author

In this insightful episode of the How to be an Author podcast with writing coach Karena Akhavein, we delve deep into the pivotal decision every writer faces at some point: to continue on their current writing path or to take a different route. Whether you're grappling with the challenges of a specific book project, wanting to quit wriitng one book to start on a brand new one, questioning your over...

Well-crafted subplots are the secret sauce that readers crave! But they're not easy to write properly. In this epiosde of the How to be an Author podcast, your writing coach, Karena Akhavein, unravels the mystery of creating the perfect subplot, providing a treasure trove of insights and breaking down the essential elements that transform a subplot from ordinary to extraordinary. Expect practical...

  Let's tackle the elephant in the room for aspiring writers: the daunting odds of success in the writing world. Many use this as an excuse to abandon their dreams, citing the challenges, rejections, and the seemingly improbable nature of making it as a writer. But here's the reality check: amid these odds, some authors thrive and succeed, proving it is possible. It's essential to dispel the myth...

In this episode of "How to be an Author" with your novel expert, Writing Coach Karena Akhavein, we unravel the secrets behind crafting unforgettable plot twists that leave readers on the edge of their seats and elevate your storytelling to new heights. Dive into the delicate art of plot twists as Karena shares the dos and don'ts, revealing the clichés to avoid and the common mistakes that can unra...

Welcome to another insightful episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast, where writing coach Karena Akhavein delves into the art of crafting the perfect ending and navigating the seemingly endless journey of writing. In this episode, titled "Start at the End? Writing the Perfect Ending and Reverse Engineering Your Writing Career," Karena explores the transformative power of understanding and st...

Successful authors seem to have a knack for vivid and immersive descriptive writing that transports readers to the heart of the story. But done wrong, description can weigh down your narrative and ruin the pacing of your book. In this episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, hosted by writing coach Karena AKhavein, you'll be inspired by the idea of the alchemy of words that passes from author...

In this episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast with Writing Coach Karena Akhavein, we dive into the world of a unique challenge for writers: NaNoWriMo, otherwise known as National Novel Writing Month, in which authors both novice and experienced challenge themselves to write a 50,000 word novel in a single month. But is it the right choice for all writers? Not necessarily! We'll talk about w...

This episode, we're talking about hooking. Get your mind out of the gutter. We're talking how writers can write an excellent hook that will grab the reader's attention right from the beginning of their book, how to hook your ideal audience via social media, and how to do all of this without selling out as an author. Join writing coach Karena Akhavein and get all the information, inspiration, and m...

Solitude is par for the course for an author- it's necessary, at least at certain stages of the writer's work. In this respect, solitude should be embraced. But it can be hard to do that.     Sometimes, this solitude tips over into loneliness, that's where it's important to talk to someone. A friend. A writing coach. A critique partner.   We live in a time when we are overly "connected." Everythin...

Why does it feel so darn complicated to write a book with a decent plot? Why does motivating to finish your novel feel so challenging, and why does the usual advice never work? Who can blame writers for avoiding building an author platform when there are so many moving parts? If you've caught yourself thinking or saying these things, chances are, you're over-complicating. Tune in to this enlighten...

In this episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, hosted by Writing Coach Karena Akhavein, we delve deep into the world of authorship alongside three talented writers, guiding them on their path to discovering and harnessing their distinctive author voices. Craft: Join Corinne, an aspiring author who seeks to harmonize her writing style with her individual author voice. Karena provides invalua...

In this motivational episode of "How to be an Author," Writing Coach Karena Akhavein, PhD helps you to delve deep into the writer's world to conquer the common challenges thematically grouped around the idea motivation. Join us as we introduce three authors on their unique journeys, covering craft, mindset, and business: Craft: Daniel, Author 1, was wrestling with the inciting incident in his nove...

In this episode, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph. D., unveils the art of effectively using your voice as an author. Learn to craft compelling dialogue, foster meaningful connections with fellow writers, and maximize the potential of word-of-mouth marketing for your book. Additionally, gain essential insights on thriving at writers' conferences. This episode is a goldmine of actionable writing te...

In this episode, explore the transformative journey of embracing vulnerability as a writer. Discover how vulnerability paradoxically can be the key to crafting stronger characters that resonate with readers. Embracing vulnerability is also one of the mindset secrets to building a successful writing career, but it's not comfortable or easy to do. Join us as we delve into the art of character develo...

Some writers believe that they can't afford to hire the writing professionals who can boost their sucecss. Some know that sometimes, you can't afford not to hire someone like a writing coach, an editor, or a cover designer. Join writing coach Karena Akhavein in this insightful episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast as she shares valuable insights on the essential writing and publishing profe...

In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein dives deep into the captivating world of book trailers and explores the myriad benefits they offer for authors and their novels. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind successful book trailer campaigns, discussing how these visual masterpieces can amplify your storytelling and propel your book to new heights. Disco...

In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph. D. delves into the importance of simplicity in the book-writing process. Join us as we explore why simplicity matters and provide practical strategies to make your plot, process, and promotion simple and streamlined. First, we'll discuss the significance of simplicity in writing a book. Discover why simplicity i...

You put your heart and soul into writing and publishing your book and... crickets . Or, you don't sell as many copies as you had hoped, or reach the readers you had hoped to. Is it too late, or is there anything you can do? Know that, as a writer, you are never at a dead end- maybe a novel relaunch is the logical next step in your author journey.  Discover the secrets to a triumphant book relaunch...

In this transformative episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writing coach and self-published author Karena Akhavein takes writers by the hand and demystifies the intricate process of self-publishing, equipping you with the tools and knowledge you need to navigate this rewarding journey with confidence. Unlock the secrets to a seamless self-publishing experience as Karena shares proven metho...

In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, we dive into the common mistakes that most writers make and overlook, but which have a significant negative impact on their books' success. From lack of structure to weak characterization, POV problems, lack of conflict and tension, pacing that falls flat, misplaced humor, and overwrought writing, we'll be talking easy ways to determine where you...

In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein delves into a controversial writing hack that can significantly enhance both the speed and quality of your writing process. Many authors are resistant to using transcription, without considering all of its potential advantages. Your writing coach shares her experiences, tips, and techniques for leveraging dictation a...

Being a successful writer is often about calling yourself out on your bullsh*t. As a professional writing coach, Karena Akhavein, Ph. D., has talked to many writers struggling to make their dream of being a published author a reality. The common thread? These writers believe certain lies about writing and creativity that are now holding them back. In this episode, we'll be going over some of the m...

"But I'm a writer- I'm a words person, not a numbers person!" Not so fast. In this episode, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph. D.,  explores the world of writing and publishing related data and discusses the metrics that matter most for authors who want to succeed in today's highly competitive book market. We'll delve into the importance of understanding analytics, such as website traffic, social...

Looking to master the art of crafting a captivating first chapter?  Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, you've probbaly heard that your book's first chapter is the key to making an indelible first impresison on your reader. The first chapter can make or break your book and convince readers to keep reading, and agents and publishers to take you on as a client. In this episode of...