Hello Lovelies - Weekly Writing PodcastFor Writers by Author Rachel Cooper

I get it. Words are deceptively hard. There's so much that no one tells you about getting that first draft written, and trying to learn the craft while writing a novel is soul-crushing. I've been writing for over ten years, and during that time, I've come across a lot of different people who are ultimately failing themselves and their stories for different reasons. I want to address some of the mo...

Introduction In today's digital age, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer authors an incredible opportunity to connect with their target audience, build a strong online presence, and ultimately generate book sales. With billions of active users, these platforms provide a fertile ground for promoting your books and engaging with potential readers. In this blog post, we'll explor...

I find I deal with writer's block in the same way I deal with a tough boss in a video game. Sometimes, when the same guy has been kicking my butt over and over again, no matter what I do, or how many level grinding sessions I've done, I have to just save my game and walk away. In the same way, I find that I can be writing a passage smoothly, words flowing effortlessly from my hands when all of a s...

Everyone's heard of the Pomodoro Technique by now, right? RIGHT? I wanted to continue our discussion on using our time wisely, and I wanted to talk a little bit about the Pomodoro Technique because it is an important tool for task management big and small. I have to tell you that the moment I heard of this, I immediately loved the idea and could see the many applications of it. For some reason, I...

Hello Lovelies, As we move into 2025, the concept of Sustainable Authorship is becoming more important than ever. With the fast-paced, digital-first environment many of us operate in, the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance while pursuing a successful writing career can feel overwhelming. In today’s blog post, we’re going to dive into the strategies that help authors maintain the...

Whenever you go to author blogs or hear interviews from your favorite author, the number one piece of advice is always to write every day. While it is good in theory, for an Indie Author, it doesn't always work that way. Starting a writing habit is extremely difficult. Life so easily gets in the way. So here are the 5 worst word count killers, and how to avoid them. The Problem: Writer's Block To...

Hello Lovelies, Today we’re diving into a fascinating topic that’s transforming the publishing world: The Future of Print-On-Demand Services . Print-on-Demand (POD) has revolutionized how authors get their books into readers' hands, allowing self-published authors to produce physical copies without having to worry about large upfront costs or unsold inventory. But like all technology, it’s constan...

There is a formula for writing novels. Many of them, in fact. You can look up tons of them on the internet. One that particularly comes to mind is the “Hero’s Journey.” In 12 easy steps, we see the normal person gets thrown into an alternate reality, struggles and must cope with this new state of reality, and then after many ups and downs, finally overcomes the problems with the new reality and tr...

Hello Lovelies, Let’s dive into something that’s shaking up the world of self-publishing: Interactive Storytelling Platforms ! In this digital age, traditional storytelling is evolving, and many authors are exploring interactive and immersive experiences to engage readers in new and exciting ways. Platforms like Twine , Episode , and Choice of Games are revolutionizing how stories are told, puttin...

Want an example of how the Save the Cat Beat Sheet is used? Let's go over one of my favorite movies of all time, Big Hero 6! Opening Image: The film opens with the sprawling city of Sanfransokyo, a city that resembles San Francisco blended with Tokyo and other Japanese culture. Set-Up: Hiro Hamada spends his time building homemade robots to fight in illegal underground rings. Not only is Hiro smar...

Ever heard of Save the Cat? Ever wonder who the cat even is, and why it needs saving? The Blake Snyder Beat Sheet breaks down three-act screenplay structure into 15 bite-size, manageable sections called beats, each with a specific goal for your overall story. Below is an explanation of each beat. The page numbers are not strict, they are approximations of where the beats should occur in a 110 page...

Hello Lovelies, Welcome back! Today, we’re diving into an exciting topic: Collaborative Publishing Projects . While self-publishing is often a solo journey, many authors have found great success through collaboration. Whether it’s co-authoring a book, teaming up with editors or illustrators, or even working with other indie authors to cross-promote each other’s work, collaborative projects offer a...

Hello Lovelies, Today, we’re diving into the inspiring  success stories of self-published authors  from all walks of life and genres. Self-publishing is no longer just an alternative to traditional publishing—it’s a thriving industry that has paved the way for countless authors to find their voices and their readers, all while maintaining creative control over their work. Get full access to Author...

Last week we talked about the cool plotting method that I found by author Sarah Cannon of Heart Breathings. Her entire plotting method can be found over on YouTube, starting with this video. I again want to highly recommend checking her out and subscribing to her channel! Go buy all her books. Leave her comments and reviews. I binge read the book in her series which she gives as an example to see...

The world of book publishing has evolved dramatically, and one of the most exciting changes is the rise of virtual book launch events. These online events have opened up new possibilities for authors to connect with readers, celebrate their new releases, and generate buzz without geographical limitations. Today, we'll explore how to plan and execute a successful virtual book launch event. Get...

I'm back this week with another plotting method that I just learned and totally love. This one is from author Sarah Cannon of Heart Breathings and her entire plotting method can be found over on YouTube, starting with this video. So I highly recommend checking her out and subscribing to her channel! Go buy all her books. Leave her comments and reviews. I binge read the book in her series which...

Crafting an effective book description is crucial for capturing the interest of potential readers and turning casual browsers into buyers. Your book description is often the first impression readers get of your book, and it's essential to make it compelling and engaging. Today, we'll explore the key elements of creating a book description that sells. Get full access to Author Rachel Cooper...

Hello, lovelies. Today I'm posting something extra special! Last time we talked about the Snowflake Method, what it is, and how to use it. Now, I want to give you an in-depth view of the Snowflake Method in action, and to demonstrate, I am using a book I'm currently in the process of writing, my very own Middle Grade Science Fiction Novel, code name Multiverse Story. A few notes before we...

Building a mailing list from scratch can seem daunting, but it's one of the most powerful tools an author can have. Your mailing list allows you to connect directly with readers, promote your work, and build a loyal fanbase. Today, we'll walk you through the steps to create and grow a mailing list from the ground up. Get full access to Author Rachel Cooper at authorrachelcooper.substack.co...

This time around I'm talking about plot methods. I've talked about plot and wHY you NEEd it before, and my question when I have someone convince me to try something is always, okay, but HOW? Originally created by Randy Ingermanson, the Snowflake Method teaches you to start really small, and work your way deeper. You'll switch between character development and plot development at each s...

Writing a book is a dream many hold dear, but the cost of publishing can be daunting. Fear not! Self-publishing on a budget is entirely feasible with a bit of savvy planning and resourcefulness. Today, we're diving into some practical strategies for getting your book out into the world without breaking the bank. Get full access to Author Rachel Cooper at authorrachelcooper.substack.com/subscri...

Hello lovelies! This week I am going over the Master Plot Formula Case study. If you aren't familiar with this method, you can read more about it in  this post , but to summarize, Lester Dent was born in the early part of the 1900's and wrote 159 Doc Savage novels using this formula he created to do so. Get full access to Author Rachel Cooper at authorrachelcooper.substack.com/subscribe

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the mysterious world of Amazon algorithms. If you're a self-published author looking to maximize your book's visibility and sales, understanding how Amazon's algorithms work is essential. Let's explore the secrets of Amazon's algorithms and how you can master them to elevate your self-publishing game. Get full access to Author...

Have you ever heard of the Master Plot Formula? Lester Dent was born in the early part of the 1900's and wrote 159 Doc Savage novels using this formula he created to do so. Meant for 6000 word stories divided into four equal parts, Dent's formula can also be expanded to use in full novels. Get full access to Author Rachel Cooper at authorrachelcooper.substack.com/subscribe

Today, we’re diving into an essential topic for aspiring and seasoned authors alike: self-publishing platforms. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which platform best suits your needs. Fear not, because we're here to break down the pros and cons, discuss costs and services, and explore the unique benefits of some of the most popular self-publishing platforms. Get...