Dalene Bickel - Publisher, Book Coach, Ghostwriter
Ink and Impact for Christian Writers | How to Write a Book, Self-Publish, Christian Book, Book Marketing, Nonfiction Book
Confused about how to write a book? Struggling to find time to write? Ready to learn a step-by-step process to self-publish like a pro? Welcome to Ink and Impact, the podcast for Christian writers who want to self-publish their first nonfiction book. I’m your host, Dalene Bickel – a Jesus-loving book coach and founder of Lasting Legacies Publishing. I’ve worked in the self-publishing industry for 29 years and I’ve written and published more than a dozen nonfiction books for clients (and myself). What started out as a way to help retirees privately publish their life stories expanded in 2021 w...
Author
Dalene Bickel - Publisher, Book Coach, Ghostwriter
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Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 2, 2026
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Episodes
Do You Need a Book Coach? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself (Ep.88) 10.10.2024 12:45
In today's episode, I define what a book coach is, explain what a book coach does, and share 3 questions you should ask yourself to determine if you need a book coach. Bonus: You'll also walk away motivated and emboldened as a Christian writer! 🎧 So tune in and don't forget to leave some feedback using the link above! Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 1:1 Coaching Session - a si...
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: The Rundown (Ep.87) 03.10.2024 23:50
There is no universal right or wrong way to publish your book. Self-publishing will be better for some authors while traditional publishing will be better for others. In today's episode, I'm going to share the TOP THREE factors you should take into consideration when trying to decide which publishing model is right for YOU. If you want to learn ALL the factors, be sure to download my fr...
7 Effective Self-Editing Techniques (and how to have fun in the process) 26.09.2024 19:05
Today I'm sharing 7 effective self-editing techniques for each stage of the self-publishing process. Whether you're a first-time aspiring author or a seasoned indie writer, be sure to listen in to discover how to self-edit your manuscript, and have fun in the process! Don't just write a book. Make an impact. P.S. If you're a regular Ink and Impact podcast listener, be sure you...
The 2 Worst Times to Publish a Book as an Indie Author (Ep.85) 19.09.2024 9:16
Timing is everything when it comes to launching your book, ESPECIALLY if you're a self-published author. In fact, there are 2 times you should avoid at all costs as an indie author. Ready to learn what they are? Listen and SUBSCRIBE! Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 1:1 Coaching Session - single breakthrough session to gain strategy and clarity 1:1 Coaching Bundle - Your choice of 4, 12,...
Called to Write a Book, But Don't Know What to Write? (Ep.84) 12.09.2024 16:04
Writing a God-honoring book isn't a task that you should take lightly, but neither should it paralyze you. Sometimes you just need some help getting started! That's what I'm going to do on today's episode: I'm going to help you get crystal clear on your book's content. Ready to learn what to write as a Christian aspiring author? Pop in those earbuds and listen in! --...
3 Ways Writers Can Simplify the Book Creation Process (Ep.83) 05.09.2024 9:27
Earlier this week, we celebrated Labor Day here in the U.S., which honors all the workers who enable our country to function. It also made me think of all the hard work we writers put in to create a book. But sometimes we get overwhelmed and work harder than we need to. So today, I'm going to share 3 ways to simplify the book creation process. ------------------------------------------------...
Island Time vs. Deadline - Summer Writing Tips 20.06.2024 13:20
It’s hot in the summer, so it’s nice to slow down a bit and drink something refreshing that quenches the thirst. This got me to thinking: why not offer a summer refresher for authors? That’s what this espisode is about - striking a refreshing balance between productive writing and enjoying some laid-back summer vibes. Be sure to listen all the way to the very end because I share some really import...
Beyond the Love Story: Romance Writing Tips for Christian Authors with Sara Turnquist 06.06.2024 34:06
Romance is today’s most popular genre of fiction, by far. And that includes the Christian market. if you feel called to write a Christian romance novel, this episode is for you! Be sure to listen the whole way to the end because my guest expert, Sara Turnquist, author of 23 clean historical romance novels, shares lots of practical and helpful writing tips. Connect with Sara Turnquist: Website X IG...
How to Stop Procrastinating as a Writer (Ep.80) 23.05.2024 15:11
I think it’s safe to say that everyone has procrastinated at some point in their lives. But it seems to be a recurring theme among writers. Why is that? I recently had an a-ha moment about this very question that I’m going to share with you today, along with 6 practical tips to help you procrastinate less and write more. Listen in! Resources Mentioned in this Episode: My Utmost for His Highest Dev...
How to Write Your Life Story in 4 Steps (Ep.79) 09.05.2024 18:47
Ready to write your life story but not sure how? On today’s episode of the Ink and Impact podcast, I share my 4-step process that will help you get your story out of your head and onto the page, regardless of your age or perceived writing abilities. Your story is important, and you CAN write it. Listen in to learn how! Resources Mentioned in this Episode: The One-Year Collection of Weekly Writing...
A SIMPLER Way to Write Your Book (and market it, too) - Ep.78 25.04.2024 14:13
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated when it comes to writing and marketing your book, know that you’re not alone. Every published author I’ve ever met has had to deal with fluctuating emotions, doubts, time constraints, decision fatigue, and information overload throughout the various stages of their writing journeys. Yet it is estimated that 500,000 new self-published books were released...
3 Types of Writers: Which Type Are You? (Ep.77) 11.04.2024 7:24
At the outset, writing and self-publishing a book sounds straightforward - just write it and upload it to Amazon or whatever online retailer you choose. Easy-peasy, right? 😃 Weellll…behind every overarching topic (writing, editing, publishing, and marketing) are MANY tasks and corresponding sub-tasks. Compounding the problem is that when writers begin to search for answers to their questions and...
5 Essential Networking Tips for Writers (Ep.76) 28.03.2024 11:59
In today’s episode of the Ink and Impact podcast, I’m going to cover 5 Essential Networking Tips for Writers. As a book coach who serves Christian indie writers throughout their self-publishing journeys, I’ve learned that one of the biggest challenges they face is promoting and marketing their brand and their books. Yet one of the best ways to promote oneself is the very thing that many writers av...
The Risk of Compromise as a Christian Writer (Ep.75) 15.03.2024 12:15
Compromise as a Christian writer isn't something many people talk about ... but it's something that can easily creep into our author life if we're not careful. What kinds of things might cause you to compromise? Listen in to discover a few examples and discover how you can prevent - or remedy - a compromising situation. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Self-Publishing Checklist...
Can You Get Your Self-Published Book into an Indie Christian Bookstore? (Ep.74) 29.02.2024 20:14
You may recall that back in episode 68 , I asked, Is There Still a Market for Christian Books? Well, thanks to a recent 41-page 2024 State of Christian Retail report by The Parable Group, I can conclusively say YES there is still a market for Christian books, particularly within independent Christian retailers. On today's episode, I'm going to share: Highlights from the 2024 State of Chr...
The Benefits of Using Personal Experience in Fiction Writing with Becca Wierwille (Ep.73) 15.02.2024 30:45
I recently had the honor of interviewing Becca Wierwille , author of the middle grade novel, Road Trip Rescue . On today's episode, we address how to incorporate your own experience into a fictional story ... and why it matters . Regardless of what genre of fiction you're writing - and even if you're writing nonfiction - today's episode offers practical advice, tips, and lots...
Cultivating a Christian Author's Mindset (Ep.72) 02.02.2024 17:28
How is your writing coming along? How about your marketing? Are they going as well as you had hoped they would at the beginning of the year? If not, know you're not alone. New habits can be difficult to establish, and mindset plays a big factor in how successful you'll be. Do you want to learn how to develop an effective, God-honoring mindset? if so, be sure to listen to today's epi...
7 Book Marketing Strategies Authors Can Learn from Costco (Ep. 71) 19.01.2024 19:15
Regardless of whether or not you like Costco, the 7 strategies I'm going to share with you today can help you reach - and retain - your readers. Book marketing, after all, is all about serving your readers. This is one of several great topics I have lined up for you in Quarter 1 this year, along with some fabulous guest interviews. I can’t wait to share them all with you! But now, it’s time t...
What's Your Writing Source? 3 Distinctive Sources for Writers (Ep.70) 05.01.2024 17:20
Creating content out of thin air is never a great idea. What's the source of YOUR writing? Listen to today's episode to discover three distinct yet unified sources you can use right away to become a better writer! Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 1:1 Coaching Session - gain strategy and clarity; limited slots available The Inkwell - try a session of the paid membership for FREE on th...
Are You Ready to RACE into the New Year? 21.12.2023 21:30
If you're like me, you might be eagerly anticipating the new year on one hand, but also hesitant about it on the other hand. In today's episode, I share how to prepare for 2024 as Christian writers and authors, and that revolves around the acronym R.A.C.E. Listen in to discover what RACE means and be encouraged in your writing journey! Register for the Self-Publishing Unpacked Master Cla...
Is There Still a Market for Christian Books? (Ep.68) 07.12.2023 26:05
With so many U.S. Christian bookstores that have gone out of business over the last ten years, is there still a market for Christian books? And if so, what can indie authors do to reach that market and sell more books? That’s what I’m going to discuss on today’s episode of Ink and Impact! Register for the Self-Publishing Unpacked Master Class! Tuesday, December 12th at noon EST Thursday, December...
3 Things to Do Now to Self-Publish in 2024 (Ep.67) 23.11.2023 14:55
Happy Thanksgiving, fellow writer! Just like Thanksgiving dinner, there are a multitude of moving parts associated with self-publishing. To ensure that the book gets done on time AND that it satiates your hungry readers' expectations, you need to do a lot of advance planning and prep work. That’s what I’m going to share with you today: 3 Things to Do Now to Self-Publish in 2024. PLUS take ad...
Should You Hire a Book Coach? (Ep.66) 09.11.2023 13:26
Remember how the saying used to be, “There’s an app for that”? Well, today there seems to be a coach for everything, too. A quick online search reveals dozens if not hundreds of different types of coaches: life coaches, business coaches, fitness coaches, executive coaches, health coaches, acting coaches, even travel coaches. And yes, book coaches. So what exactly do coaches do, and more specifica...
The ONE Thing You Need to Sell More Books (Ep.65) 26.10.2023 10:33
In the last episode, I shared how you can find time to write your book. Today, I’m going to share the ONE thing you need to sell more of that book. As I’ve mentioned before, we need to market our books at all stages of the author journey – from just starting out to long after publication. There are many practical tips and strategies available to help you sell your books, but even if you used them...
Time to Write Your Book: 5 Strategies to Create a Writing Routine (Ep.64) 12.10.2023 20:09
One of the biggest challenges I hear from writers is a variation of time: There’s no time to write in my crazy busy life. It takes too long to grow a platform. There’s not enough time to juggle everything you’re supposed to do for writing and marketing your book. It takes too much time to learn how to use a particular tool or technology to help with your writing. But the fact is that many authors...
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