Sacha Black's Blog, page 18
November 15, 2022
164 Writing Fuel for Indie Authors with Cassie Newell
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 164 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Cassie Newell all about changing your mindset as an indie author and creating the fuel you need to keep writing.
In this episode we cover:
Giving yourself permissionChanging your mindset around writingHow to start writingHow to keep writing funQuitting vs Sticking vs PivotingThis week’s question is: What should you be doing, that you aren’t?
Recommendation of the week is: Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk
***this show uses affiliate links
Links/Events I mentioned:
It’s Black Friday this month, so I’m throwing the biggest bargain party I’ve ever done.
30% off EVERYTHING (if you buy direct).
That means 30% off my courses, 30% off my digital books and 30% off my audiobook.
I have NEVER discounted everything before, but I’m doing it this once and for a limited time.
Sale runs 14th Nov to 4th December.
To take advantage of the sale, use code: BLACKFRIDAY30
Find out more about Cassie on:
Rebel of the Week is: Marc Lewis
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 Deb Schwabe. Thank you to Erica Lott for upping their pledge and 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 164 Writing Fuel for Indie Authors with Cassie Newell appeared first on Sacha Black.
Black Friday Deals for Writers 2022
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 time of the year and that means we all get a little spendy. Well, my darlings, I am a naughty influence as you know, so I’ve pulled together a delicious set of discounts and deals for you to peruse, and perhaps, perrrrrchase.
**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 14 nov – 4 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 share your stories and ideas with confidence.
What sets ProWritingAid apart from other writing software is that it offers world-class grammar and style checking combined with more in-depth reports to help you strengthen your writing. Their unique combination of suggestions, articles, videos, and quizzes makes writing fun and interactive.
If you are serious about writing, then this is the grammar and style checker for you.
Fictionary StoryTeller is creative editing software for fiction writers and editors that makes editing easier by applying universal storytelling structures to each and every scene. Evaluate and revise your manuscript against 38 Fictionary Story Elements to tell a powerful story that readers will naturally connect with. After you’ve written your draft, it’s time to revise your story, and Fictionary will guide you through your edit. Turn your words into a great story.
VALID 23 NOV – 30 NOVGet Deal Here with Code: BLACKFRIDAY202230% Off Novel Factory Annual Subscription
Novel Factory helps new writers learn the craft of writing, and established writers being more productive and profitable.
It contains plot templates, character sheets and heaps more useful tools for novel writers. Created and supported by award-winning writer Katja Kaine, the software has helped thousands of writers make leaps and bounds towards their writing dreams.
“I am so glad I found your software because it has been a game changer for me in my writing. I’ve been working on a “first draft” on and off for two years and then I found Novel Factory and it helped me get my first draft done in around 4 1/2 months.”
More than 150,000 writers use Campfire to write better stories faster. With Campfire Write’s full suite of organizational tools, you can create character sheets, full timelines, relationship webs, and a manuscript with built-in reference tools that allow you to eliminate plot holes while you write. Campfire is available to use online using your favorite internet browser, for offline use with their desktop app, and on the go with their 100% free mobile app for iOS and Android phones.
VALID 16 NOV – 4 DECGet Deal Here With Code: BLACKFRIDAY202250% Off All World Anvil Annual Membership
Join 2,000,000 writers and worldbuilders on World Anvil – the award-winning novel writing and worldbuilding platform!
Write faster, create deeper settings, and keep all your notes organized with your manuscripts, characters, timelines, family trees, interactive maps, plot boards and more!
Whether you’re writing for fun, dreaming of publication, or already have your own author’s business, World Anvil will give you the tools, support and know-how to bring your dreams to life!
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.
**Save $100 ($50 off the early bird pricing of $147)
40% Off 6-month Subscription to One Stop For Writers
Ready for a game-changer? One Stop for Writers is your ultimate story support tool, containing an arsenal of ground-breaking resources to help you think and write like an expert. Confidently build characters with true depth, craft fresh plots, and design worlds your readers won’t want to leave. Whether you need a little help or a lot, the Storyteller’s Roadmap guides you through planning, writing, and revising so you end up with a publish-ready novel.
Writing can be easier…and with One Stop, it will be.
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 Chessen, 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.
TikTok is rapidly growing as a major platform driving book sales, but can be a bit terrifying. If you’re looking for a basic level course to set up and get started without the overwhelm, we’ve got you covered in TikTok for Authors!
valid 16 nov – 4 decGet Deal Here with code: BF40TIKTOK30% Off 12-Month Enrollment of Spark Your Story Lab Online Writing Program
The Spark Your Story Lab will help you sidestep blocks, craft powerful memoir AND streamline the publishing process.
With 40+ short videos, a lab manual of lessons, exercises, projects, checklists, guides and a live monthly write-in with award-winning author and Spark Your Story Lab creator Nicole Breit, this unique program has everything you need to quickly become a better, more creative + successful writer!
Writing Mastery Academy offers on-demand writing courses, live webinars, and an online community to give fiction writers the knowledge, skills, and support they need to achieve all their writing goals.
Founded by Jessica Brody, author of the bestselling plotting guide Save the Cat! Writes a Novel, Writing Mastery Academy is home to the official Save the Cat! Online Novel Writing Course, plus courses on fast drafting, character development, productivity, revising, publishing, and more. Members also get access to monthly live webinars, office hours, and a thriving, positive community of writers to help support you on every step of your writing journey.
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.
Preorder this step-by-step guide to writing your novel, and you’ll automatically be eligible to receive a free PDF digital workbook as a thank you for your support. Simply submit your proof of purchase to preorder@jennamoreci.com to receive your gift.
Get Deal Here30% Off First 5 Pages Workshop and Scene Writing WorkshopFIRST 5 PAGES WORKSHOP
Want to learn how to hook readers from the very first page of your story? In this workshop, you’ll learn the 5 key elements you need to include in the opening pages of your novel in order to hook the reader and make them curious about what’s going to happen next. Multiple bonuses included!
SCENE WRITING WORKSHOP
Scenes are the building blocks of story. If you can learn how to write a great scene, then you are definitely capable of writing great story—and this workshop will help you get there! Examples included from Murder on the Orient Express, The Silence of the Lambs, The Ballerinas, The Duke and I, and Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone, too!
The post Black Friday Deals for Writers 2022 appeared first on Sacha Black.
November 8, 2022
163 How to Be a Fearless Writer with Beth Kempton
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 163 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Beth Kempton all about how to be a fearless writer.
In this episode we cover:
JapanThe most common writer fearsHow to become fearlessApproaches to perfectionismApproaches to failureThis week’s question is: What country is top of your bucket list?
Recommendation of the week is: Quit by Annie Duke
***this show uses affiliate links
Find out more about Beth on:
The Way of the Fearless Writer
Rebel of the Week is: Jackson Hollingsworth
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 163 How to Be a Fearless Writer with Beth Kempton appeared first on Sacha Black.
November 1, 2022
162 Writing as a Parent or Carer with Megan Clancy
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 162 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Megan Clancy all about writing as a parent or carer.
In this episode we cover:
Advice for working full-time and trying to writeBalancing caring duties and writingBoundaries, how to have them and hold themMindset shiftsThis week’s question is: Do you struggle to make time for all the things in life?
Recommendation of the week is: How to Fail by Elizabeth Day
***this show uses affiliate links
Find out more about Megan at:
Rebel of the Week is: Eden
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
4 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Tove Sama, Ronnie Ledesma, Robi Francis and Farica Woods. 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 162 Writing as a Parent or Carer with Megan Clancy appeared first on Sacha Black.
October 31, 2022
The Black Herron: Episode 3
Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number three between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode three.
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 haven’t read The Anatomy of a Best Seller, what are you waiting for? Grab my latest craft book and start deconstructing so you can write your own best seller today.
Books we mentioned: How to Fail: Everything I’ve Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong by Elizabeth Day
**This show uses affiliate links
The post The Black Herron: Episode 3 appeared first on Sacha Black.
October 25, 2022
161 How to Write Urban Fantasy with Sarah Painter
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 161 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Sarah Painter all about how to write Urban Fantasy.
In this episode we cover:
What elements make urban fantasyCrafting the urban fantasy voiceMarketing urban fantasyUrban fantasy tropesThis week’s question is: how do you approach editing?
Recommendation of the week is: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
*** this show uses affiliate links
Links and events I mentioned are:
Learn more about Sarah on:
StoryBundle – The Writer’s Career Toolkit Bundle
Rebel of the Week is: Sharon
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, welcome and thank you to Danielle Brigante. 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 161 How to Write Urban Fantasy with Sarah Painter appeared first on Sacha Black.
October 18, 2022
160 NaNoWriMo for Indie Authors with Grant Faulkner
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 160 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Grant Faulkner all about NaNoWriMo.
In this episode we cover:
What NaNo is and how to participateThe community of NaNoTips and tricks for setting yourself up for NaNoMethods for keeping goingNaNo MindsetThis week’s question is: Have you ever done NaNo? or will you do NaNo this year?
Recommendation of the week is: Darkest Night by Alessa Thorn
***this show uses affiliate links
Links I mentioned are:
FREE summit Escape the Plot Forest
Find out more about Grant at:
Rebel of the Week is: April Jones’s husband’s friend
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 Paul Worthington. 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 160 NaNoWriMo for Indie Authors with Grant Faulkner appeared first on Sacha Black.
October 11, 2022
159 How to Write a Cozy Mystery with Sara Rosett
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 159 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Sara Rosett all about how to write cozy mysteries.
In this episode we cover:
The psychology of cozy mysteriesCozy tropesMistakes to avoidCraft advice for writing cozy mysteriesMarketing for introvertsThis week’s question is: What would you like for Christmas?
Recommendation of the week is: A Lair of Bones by Helen Scheuerer
***this show uses affiliate links
Find out more about Sara at:
Rebel of the Week is: Jennie Krypton (TikTok @jennie_krypton)
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 Cianne McKinnon. 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 159 How to Write a Cozy Mystery with Sara Rosett appeared first on Sacha Black.
October 4, 2022
158 How to Write Fast and Plot a Novel with Shane Millar
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 158 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Shane Millar all about how to write fast and outline your novel.
In this episode we cover:
Mistakes to avoid when outlining or trying to write fastThe 9 critical story beatsWhat to do when you veer off your outlineThe pillars of writing fastThis week’s question is: What and when was the last bit of self care you did?
Recommendation of the week is: A Glasgow Kiss by Sophie Gravia
***this show uses affiliate links
Find out more about Shane on:
Rebel of the Week is: Eden’s Nan
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
2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Barbra Campbell and Tara Brinkley. 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.
Kimberly Grymes is a Young Adult Speculative Fiction author. You can find her on Instagram at @KGrymes.Writes
The post 158 How to Write Fast and Plot a Novel with Shane Millar appeared first on Sacha Black.
September 30, 2022
The Black Herron: Episode 2
Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number two between Rachael Herron and I. This is The Black Herron Episode two.
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 haven’t read The Anatomy of a Best Seller, what are you waiting for? Grab my latest craft book and start deconstructing so you can write your own best seller today.
Books we mentioned: Stop Making Others Rich: How Authors Can Make Bank By Selling Direct by Morgana S. Best
**This show uses affiliate links
The post The Black Herron: Episode 2 appeared first on Sacha Black.
