After Hours Authors

Australian sci-fi author Spencer Rose joined me to chat about how she came into the world of writing, what it's like writing and releasing novellas and the unique way she sells from her own website. Connect with Spencer on her website: https://spencerrosewrites.com/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencerrosewrites/

Editing your book is a huge part in the publishing process, but how do you do it? In this interview I chat with writer and freelance editor, Liam Selby, who shares what editing is all about, and how to prepare as an author. Follow Liam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loks_editing?igsh=MTdkeHRjZ2tnZWhteQ== Here are the links mentioned in the chat: https://reedsy.com/editing https://www.fen....

Wesley Croft is a stunning Australian indie author, who has just published a mind-blowing debut, Awoken Forest: Ashes of the Injai. I chatted with Wesley about the writing process and all the tips other authors need to know! This was recorded in 2025. Check out Awoken Forest: Ashes of the Injai: https://www.amazon.com.au/Awoken-Forest-Ashes-Wesley-Croft-ebook/dp/B0DKTNW6LT Follow Wesley on Instagr...

In this, the very first author interview on the podcast (!), I chat with Loren Tuxford, author of the incredible Nightfall series (details below). She shares her do's and don'ts for writing, and everything in between. This is an episode recorded in 2025. Check out Loren's books: Nightfall in the Forest of Betrayal (The Nightfall Series Book 1): ⁠https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0C...

Competitions are a favourite marketing strategy amongst authors, but how do you use them effectively and strategically? I share my tips and the must-knows to ensure you get the right bang for buck in every competition you run. How to run competitions to promote your books (S2 E6) (After Hours Authors podcast S2 E6) #podcast #author #marketing #promotion #indieauthors #author #marketingforauthors

Part 4 of the marketing for authors series is here! We are about to pump for sales, you may now add calls to action to all of your marketing activity! 00:33 what is conversion? 03:35 practical strategies to support conversion Marketing for authors: consideration [part 4/4] (After Hours Authors podcast S2 E5) #podcast #author

Welcome to part 3 of the marketing for authors series! We are talking today about phase 2 of the marketing cycle - consideration. 00:26 what is consideration? 02:20 freebies!! 03:28 interactive posts and content pieces 05:29 share book content 06:16 give them extras! Marketing for authors: consideration [part 3/4] (After Hours Authors podcast S2 E4) #podcast #author

Welcome to part 2 of the marketing for authors series! We're digging deep into phase 1 of the marketing cycle (and one that many authors skip!) - brand awareness! 00:35 what is brand awareness? 01:16 aim for repetition 02:28 signal what kind of writer you are 03:25 talk around your book 04:28 show you are human 07:21 let people lurk 09:46 examples of brand awareness marketing Marketing for authors...

Marketing doesn't have to be overwhelming! This is part 1 of a 4-part series all about marketing for authors. Think of this as your marketing bootcamp. Today we're talking high level about marketing mindset and objectives. 01:24 what is marketing? 03:14 you are the brand 03:56 why marketing feels bad 04:45 3 key marketing objectives Marketing for author: mindset + objectives [part 1/4] (After Hour...

Developing great characters for your books or stories takes time, and there's a few tricks to it. In this episode I unpack some key elements of strong characters. 00:00 Uniqueness 03:03 Create conflict 04:01 Create choices 07:05 Human touches 07:54 Practical prep How to develop strong characters in your books (After Hours Authors podcast S2 E1) #podcast #author

OK I know you've run out of creative Instagram post ideas!!! Here are 5 easy posts you can do right now. Merry Christmas authors! 🎄 #author #indieauthor

Behind all the technical aspects of what we write as authors, there is a message. What is the message of your book, short story, poem, piece? What are you *really* writing?

I recently decided to pause a creative project of mine that has been doing well for 3 years. It has a captive audience who love it, but I was verging on burnout. But how and why am I stopping for a break? What is the creative life? What does it looks like? What are its seasons? All of these thoughts were blurring in my brain as I posted that I would be taking a break. The creatives mentioned in th...

Recently in the media there's been some hoo haa about an ex-sportsman who created a Booktok, and within 6 weeks was offered a 2-book deal (fiction). Some people were excited, some weren't. Let's talk about it. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠ Connect with me on Instagram or Threads: ⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram....

💡 Are we building something meaningful or just tearing things down? Lately, the book community has been flooded with negativity—trashing books, hating on authors, and feeding the algorithm with drama. But is that the legacy we want to leave behind? Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠ Connect with me on Instagr...

I watched a super interesting video of domino builders (yes!) that taught me a few things about writing. Sounds weird, but watch this, watch the video, and be inspired! Here's the domino builder video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWjIqZ3_Qps&list=WL Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠ Connect with m...

Here's a short introduction to how I came into writing and a little sneak peak into my debut novel :) Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠ Connect with me on Instagram or Threads:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠ Visit my website:⁠ ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠⁠

Another episode recorded on my phone on the fly!! Since releasing my imposter syndrome episode last week I've been thinking a lot on the success we aim for. I truly believe artists, creatives and writers need to define success on their own terms and stop aiming for someone else's definition of success. Listen to my ramblings and let me know what you think!! Visit my website: https://jessknaus.blog

I *hate* imposter syndrome with a passion. In this episode, I break down why so many writers feel like frauds and share powerful mindset shifts to help you overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and own your creative voice. Here's the article I mention: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585058/ Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.bl...

Wesley Croft is a stunning Australian indie author, who has just published a mind-blowing debut, Awoken Forest: Ashes of the Injai. I chatted with Wesley about the writing process and all the tips other authors need to know! Check out Awoken Forest: Ashes of the Injai here : https://www.amazon.com.au/Awoken-Forest-Ashes-Wesley-Croft-ebook/dp/B0DKTNW6LT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28ZOSWDIA6SJI&dib=eyJ2Ijo...

Feel like your marketing and promo activities for your book are literally being thrown into the abyss? Hearing crickets after publishing your book? Here's what you need to check! Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠ Connect with me on Instagram or Threads: ⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠ Visit m...

Here is the most popular short story from my blog in 2024! I released this audio story on my YouTube channel, but I wanted to share it here as a way to show how you can repurpose your content across platforms to help promote your writing. I hope you enjoy the story and let me know what you think! Listen to this story on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yxX5I_PHaI&t=119s Share your own...

Sending big hugs to anyone who's unable to access TikTok 😭 Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠ Connect with me on Instagram or Threads: ⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠ Visit my website: ⁠ ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠⁠

Do you feel completely overwhelmed at the start of the year? I do!! Here are 3 practical tips you can try to get rid of the overwhelm and avoid burnout. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with me on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Visit my website: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/...

Guys, it's the end of the year! We made it. This is the very last podcast episode for 2024. Thanks for listening! See you in 2025 👀 Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog...