Sacha Black's Blog, page 11
November 21, 2023
217 Strategies for Mastering Your Reading Habits with Nick Hutchison
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 217 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Nick Hutchison all about strategies for mastering your reading habits.
In this episode we cover:
Personal development booksChoosing what to read nextStarting a new reading habitReading effectively and taking notes11-step method for successFind out more about Nick:
DM Nick at instagram.com/bookthinkers for personalized book recommendation
Rebel of the Week is: Lottie
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to altairstar. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
The post 217 Strategies for Mastering Your Reading Habits with Nick Hutchison appeared first on Sacha Black.
November 19, 2023
Black Friday Deals For Writers 2023
It’s about this time of year, that my bank’s butt gets a little squeaky. Why? Because it’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And that means we all get a little spendy. Well, my darlings, I do love to be a naughty influence as you know, so I’ve pulled together a set of discounts and deals for you to poke through.
**Please also note that I do use some of these products and therefore some of these links are affiliate links, which means I will earn a small commission should you decide to buy a product, but this is at no extra cost to you.
30% Off My Courses, Digital Books and Audiobooks
THE ANATOMY OF PROSE: THE SENSES COURSEDo you want to improve your writing but have no idea where to start?Are you worried your prose is flat and full of weak descriptions?Are you ready to power up your writing and create prose that grips your reader to the page?In this course, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about creating sensory-rich writing. I’ll show you the psychology behind the senses as well as how to connect sensory detail with memory to deepen both your characterization and imagery.
If you want to hook a reader then emotion and the emotional journey your hero goes on is the foundation of a good story. And what creates and enhances emotion? Sense rich writing.
This course is jam-packed full of useful tips and tricks to make you think about the senses in new and unique ways. By the end of the course, your writing will be richer, deeper and more powerful.
If you want to create better villains, this course replay will show you how. In the class we cover:
Common villain story structuresThe six common villain journeys and the key scenes you needVillain wounds, scars and ideologiesHow to create unlikeable charactersA villain’s defining momentSave the Cat villain styleThe aspects a villain-protagonist story MUST includeYour villain’s villain and how to create themSupercharge your bad guys today and give your story the tension, conflict and power it needs.You’ll get the 2.5 hour long replay video, audio, 5000+ words of notes, slides and a summary sheet.
DIGITAL BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOK
Sacha has a raft of craft books to help you perfect your writing. For the first time ever, she’s discounting them all! Including books on: villains, heroes, side characters, prose and the anatomy of a bestseller. Whatever aspect of your craft you want to improve, Sacha has you covered.
valid from 20 nov – 3 dec usE code: BLACKFRIDAY30 for courses or books 50% off 1-Year or 50% off a Lifetime License for ProWritingAid
ProWritingAid gives you clear, easy steps to improve your writing so you can write, edit and share your stories with confidence.
ProWritingAid’s real-time feedback and in-depth reports offer world-class grammar, style and consistency checking. Writers strengthen their prose, improve their clarity, and have more time to focus on their story when using ProWritingAid.
If you are serious about writing, then this is the grammar and style checker for you.
VALID FROM 13 NOV – 29 NOVget deal here “Spin The Wheel Activity” from Miblart
40% Off Fictionary Story Editing Software
Looking for a structured approach to edit your book? Fictionary’s groundbreaking software, combined with live expert guidance, gives you the tools and support you need to write an unforgettable story.
1) StoryTeller Developmental Editing Software
Generate a story arc that allows you to see how your structure, characters, plot, and setting compares to best-in-class.
2) StoryTeller Premium with Fictionary Live! Guided Editing Program
Premium subscribers get the powerful combination of StoryTeller software and personalised guidance from Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Instructors. It’s a sure-fire way to get your manuscript over the finish line.
VALID 15 NOV – 24 NOVGet Deal Here with Code: BLACKFRIDAY202330% Off Novel Factory Annual License
The Novel Factory is the ultimate novel writing software, and includes character development tools, plot templates, target tracking and so much more. Developed by author, Katja Kaine, the software includes a wealth of writing advice, which helps new writers master the craft and more established writers hone and perfect their skills. So many writers have said it has changed their writing lives – allowing them to achieve goals they had been struggling with for years. It’s completely free to try for 30 days, so why not see if it lives up to the hype?
VALID 15 NOV – 24 NOVGet Deal HERESave $125 Off Women in Publishing Summit Virtual Conference Ticket
The Women in Publishing Summit is a week-long conference that provides resources and training to authors across all facets of writing, publishing, marketing, and author development.
Made by women, for women, the conference not only delivers incredible content, but celebrates the achievements of women in the industry. Plus, you’ll get access to even more incredible discounts and opportunities from the event’s sponsors to help you in the training process.
valid until 30 novget deal HERE with code: blackfriday40% Off 6-month Subscription to One Stop For Writers
Ready for a game-changer? Look no further than One Stop for Writers – your ultimate storytelling companion. Our groundbreaking tools will help you craft characters with true depth, invent fresh and captivating plots, and construct immersive worlds that your readers won’t want to leave.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or need an extra push to get your book to the finish line, our Storyteller’s Roadmap guides you as you plan, write, and revise, and our one-of-a-kind Description Thesaurus database will help you master show-don’t-tell, so only your best prose makes it to the page.
Use the code BF2023 to unlock a 40% discount on our 6-month plan. Writing can be easier!
valid 13 nov – 27 novGet Deal Here With Code: BF2023Get the Kindlepreneur Keywords and Categories Course for Free with Publisher Rocket Book Marketing Software (Normally $50)
Publisher Rocket is the world’s leading book marketing software that has helped over 70,000+ authors of all levels sell more books, and save loads of time doing it. It comes from Dave Chesson, the brains behind Kindlepreneur, so you know you’re in safe hands!
For a limited time, Dave is offering you the Kindlepreneur Keywords and Categories Course absolutely free when you buy Publisher Rocket.
We’re celebrating 10 years in the business of supporting authors with a bundle of 4 of our most popular book marketing workshops for ONLY $10!
valid Until 30 NovGet Deal Here with code: BLACKFRIDAY50% Off Shut Up and Write the Book: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Novel from Plan to Print
Writing a book can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Are you struggling to finish, or even start your novel? Are you overwhelmed by the many steps in the writing process, drowning in endless drafts, or creatively blocked? Shut Up and Write the Book is a step-by-step guide to crafting a novel from your first spark of an idea to the final edit. Whether you’re brand new to writing or wanting to hone your skills, this action plan provides straightforward advice while demystifying the art of storytelling.
valid Until 24 Nov – 1 DecGet Deal Here25% Off All Products at Helping Writers Become AuthorsElevate your writing game with this arsenal of resources from Helping Writers Become Authors!
K.M. Weiland’s popular writing books offer expert guidance on plot, character, and story structure. Take it a step further with interactive workbooks (including the Outlining Your Novel Workbook software) that can turn your knowledge into practical skills. Dive deep into character development with the Creating Character Arcs Course, and don’t miss the unique Archetypal Character Guided Meditations for delving into your characters’ minds and dreaming up new story ideas.
Whether you’re a budding writer or seasoned wordsmith, these tools from Helping Writers Become Authors tools will enhance your storytelling prowess. Invest in your writing journey today!
valid 13 nov – 27 novGet Deal Here21% Off FirstEditing ServicesFirstEditing’s professional editors correct and perfect every word so you can publish your manuscript confidently and successfully. You get an expert editor in your genre to personally edit your writing, revise your syntax, and advise you on how to develop and structurally strengthen your writing. They choose their best editor for your project which allows you to save time and energy while avoiding the frustration of “shopping” for a freelancer. Their editors are vetted, trained, and certified experts with publishing experience who can coach you too. Plus, you’ll receive a satisfaction guarantee and a FREE editing sample of your writing. Thus, you can see for yourself and try before you buy.
valid 25 nov – 5 novGet Deal HereFree Course With Every Purchase of Atticus: Publishing for Indie Authors
Transform your writing journey with Atticus.io—the all-in-one powerhouse for book writing and formatting. Forget juggling multiple tools; Atticus brings you a sleek, intuitive platform that takes you from draft to publish-ready masterpiece effortlessly. Atticus.io is your non-negotiable companion if you’re ready to publish like a pro.
valid 22 Nov – 27 NovGet Deal Here30% Off a Scribophile Premium membership
Scribophile is one of the web’s largest online writing communities and workshops. Writers of all skill levels join to make friends, finish their novels, help each other improve, take writing classes, and meet beta readers.
valid Until 30 NovGet Deal HereSubscribe to PublishDrive Annual Plan, and Get 12 Months of Service for the Price of 9
Self-publishing platform with a global reach
Easily self-publish ebooks online, audiobooks, and print books to thousands of stores worldwide. One click, publish everywhere for a flat fee.
$50 Off an Annual Subscription of Novlr Pro
Novlr is the first writer-owned creative writing workspace that lets you focus on what’s most important- your words.
Our smart design is distraction-free, writing streaks and goals keep you motivated, advanced analytics provide insights into your best writing times, and automatic cloud syncing keeps your work safe. You will be more productive on Novlr.
Enjoy 50% OFF six-month or lifetime access to content from the Self-Publishing Advice Conference (provided by the Alliance of Independent Authors) with discount code BLACKFRIDAY23
From Jason Hamilton (aka The Nerdy Novelist on YouTube), comes AI Storyteller Premium, which is a thorough training platform designed to help authors navigate the world of AI, finish a book, and publish it using AI tools, but without sacrificing the quality of the book itself.
New subscribers in November can lock in the $27/month pricing before it goes up with the new year. Additionally, for a limited time, you can get Jason’s book, “10,000 Words an Hour” for free when you sign up for a free trial.
This membership is designed to take you from nothing, no books published at all, to not only completing a full book, but publishing and marketing it as well, and learning all of the AI tools that can ACTUALLY help.
valid 20 nov – 21 decGet Deal Here50% Off the First 3 Months of Writers Room MembershipThe Writers Room is the world’s fastest growing virtual community for writers who want to master the craft and make a living as a writer. Led by Maxwell Alexander Drake – Comic Con San Diego’s pre-eminent writing instructor – Join regular writing sessions, critique pods, develop circles, story intensives and more.
valid 21 nov – 28 NovGet Deal Here40% Off a 1 or 2-Year License to MasterWriter
MasterWriter is the most powerful suite of writing tools ever assembled in one program. Why struggle to find the right word when you can have all the possibilities in an instant?
The post Black Friday Deals For Writers 2023 appeared first on Sacha Black.
November 14, 2023
216 Feminist Fantasy with Laura Bates
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 216 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Laura Bates all about feminist storytelling.
In this episode we cover:
Writing about gender equality and women’s issuesChoosing which messages to refine in your bookManaging the emotional toll of writing sensitive topicsCharacter development in feminist storytellingUsing accessible languageThis week’s question is: what are you asking Santa for christmas?
Recommendation of the week is: Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
***this show uses affiliate links
Find out more about Laura:
Rebel of the Week is: Anonymous
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
A big thank you to my all of my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
The post 216 Feminist Fantasy with Laura Bates appeared first on Sacha Black.
November 7, 2023
215 Planning your 2024 Self Publishing with Orna Ross
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 215 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Orna Ross all about creative self publishing.
In this episode we cover:
Planning as an indie authorMaker, manager and marketeerHow to plan for 2024What being a good publisher meansKnowing what to measureThis week’s question is: who or what is inspiring or motivating you at the moment?
Recommendation of the week is: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
***this show uses affiliate links
Find out more about Orna:
Go Creative! Planning Program for Authors & Poets Kickstarter
Rebel of the Week is: Helen
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
Lots of new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to I Heart SapphFic, Kiz Moncrieff, Lyn, Leela Hughes and Brooke T Carr, and thanks to The Blumenkranz Twins for upping their pledge. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
The post 215 Planning your 2024 Self Publishing with Orna Ross appeared first on Sacha Black.
October 31, 2023
The Black Herron: Episode 14
Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number fourteen between Rachael Herron and I.
This is The Black Herron episode fourteen. Don’t forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little as $2 right here.
To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.
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If you like dark humour, learning through examples and want to create the best villains you can, then you’ll love Sacha Black’s guide to crafting superbad villains. Read 13 Steps to Evil today and start creating kick-ass villains.
The post The Black Herron: Episode 14 appeared first on Sacha Black.
214 Editing for Clarity and Sensory Detail with Krystal Craiker
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 214 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Krystal Craiker all about writing with clarity and using sensory details.
In this episode we cover:
What does “editing for clarity” meanHow to write with more clarityDeveloping self-editing skillsWhen to use sensory detailsHow PWA can help with clarity and sensory detailThis week’s question is: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a creative failure or mistake?
Recommendation of the week is: The Tropoholic’s Guide to Internal Romance Tropes by Cindy Dees
***this show uses affiliate links
Find out more about Krystal and ProWritingAid:
Rebel of the Week is: Matthew Goodall
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid
The post 214 Editing for Clarity and Sensory Detail with Krystal Craiker appeared first on Sacha Black.
October 24, 2023
213 How to Write Folklore Inspired Fiction with Icy Sedgwick
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 213 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Icy Sedgwick all about writing folklore inspired fiction.
In this episode we cover:
How to leverage folklore in your narrativeUsing folklore as the basis of a fictional storyTranslating folklore into modern storyIncorporating folklore without appropriating culturesFamous works that draw from folklore and mythologyThis week’s question is: what do you do for fun that isn’t reading, writing or work?
Recommendation of the week is: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
***this show uses affiliate links
Find out more about Icy:
David Mogo Godhunter by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
Rebel of the Week is: Emma
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Cara Clare. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE
Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.
The post 213 How to Write Folklore Inspired Fiction with Icy Sedgwick appeared first on Sacha Black.
October 17, 2023
212 Writing Controversy with Paulette Stout
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 212 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Paulette Stout all about writing controversy.
In this episode we cover:
Writing about taboo and controversial topicsEducating readers through your workWorking with sensitivity readersSetting and managing sales expectationsNavigating genre expectationsThis week’s question is: what one book do you want to read before the year is out?
Recommendation of the week is: Story Hypothesis: The Missing Piece of Your Fiction Puzzle by patron JP Rindfleisch IX
***this show uses affiliate links
Find out more about Paulette:
Paulette’s Cover Saga:
Rebel of the Week is: Jessica (aka Beatrice Bradshaw)
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
The post 212 Writing Controversy with Paulette Stout appeared first on Sacha Black.
October 10, 2023
211 Writing the Shadow Self with Joanna Penn
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 211 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Joanna Penn all about writing the shadow self.
In this episode we cover:
What the shadow is and its importance for writersIdentifying shadow elementsHow to know if you’re tapping into the shadowsCapitalizing on your shadow in the age of AIShadow in a character’s back story and relationshipsThis week’s question is: what are you going to complete in the final quarter of the year?
Recommendation of the week is: Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
***this show uses affiliate links
Find out more about Joanna:
Kickstarter for Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words
Rebel of the Week is: Moose
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Mandy Oman. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
The post 211 Writing the Shadow Self with Joanna Penn appeared first on Sacha Black.
October 3, 2023
210 Writing and Selling Middle Grade Fiction with Melisa Torres
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 210 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Melisa Torres all about writing and selling middle grade fiction.
In this episode we cover:
Business differences with middle grade fictionMarketing middle grade fictionHow to engage with your audienceAdvice for in-person eventsCreating dialogue that resonates with younger readersThis week’s question is: Tell me about a skill/party trick you have that would surprise people
Recommendation of the week is: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
***this show uses affiliate links
Find out more about Melisa:
Perfect Balance Gymnastics Series
Rebel of the Week is: Amy Nielsen
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Jesse C. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid
Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.
The post 210 Writing and Selling Middle Grade Fiction with Melisa Torres appeared first on Sacha Black.
