For many years, your social media platform was stressed as the most important thing an author had to do (besides writing a good book, of course). But times change. Social media apps rise and dive in popularity. People take breaks from social media, often for their own mental well-being.

But.

Email is still around. People who sign up for newsletters check their email. No algorithms to worry about, only a catchy subject line.

In this episode, I will cover the reasons I believe starting a newsletter is a smart idea for all authors (even if you’re just starting out) as well as how to go about starting a newsletter and how to start getting those subscribers.

Links from this episode (some are affiliate links):

JaneFriedman.com

The Business of Being a Writer (Jane’s book)

Alba Arango’s newsletter (once a month)

Substack

Mailerlite

GetResponse

Beehiiv

Other helpful links (some are affiliate links):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Lady Ghost (one of my books)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

Bluesky

Facebook

In this episode, I’m going to delve into the amazing tool of backstory. If done correctly, backstory can help you fully develop your characters and help your reader better understand your characters by seeing elements from their past. But, if done poorly, backstory can take your readers out of the story and drive them away from your book.

So, if your characters have some interesting history (which I hope they do), let’s learn how to share it with your reader.

Links from this episode:

Jane Friedman: Backstory Is Essential to Story—Except When It’s Not

Other helpful links (some are affiliate inks):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Magic Sapphire (one of my books)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

Bluesky

Facebook

In this episode, I will be talking about the weather. Random, right? I mean, normally people talk about the weather when they have nothing else to say. lol

But! As an author, using the weather in your writing is a great way to not only bring your reader further inside your setting, but it can also help with character development within your story.

So, let's talk about the weather.

Helpful links (some are affiliate inks):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Statue of Anubis (one of my books)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

Bluesky

Facebook

Dialogue is such an important part of a story, and what characters say and how they say it can affect the way readers perceive your characters.

There are entire seminars that focus on the topic of dialogue, but in this (short) episode, we are going to focus on a few ways to make your characters sound believable, and then how to use character tags in your story.

Sit back, relax, and let's talk dialogue.

Helpful links (some are affiliate inks):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

Jeopardy in Geneva (one of my books)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

Bluesky

Facebook

Whether you’re a newbie author two chapters into their first book, or a seasoned author with two dozen books in the bookstores, connecting with other authors can be a wonderful source of inspiration and motivation.

In this episode, I will share many different places to connect with authors (some of which don’t even require any speaking for my shy introverts out there).

Links mentioned in this episode:

Henderson Writers Group

Meetup.com

SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)

RWA (Romance Writers of America)

MWA (Mystery Writers of America)

SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association)

KindleBoards

Additional links (some are affiliate links)

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

Problems in Prague (one of my books)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

Bluesky

Facebook

I don't know about you, but sometimes, as an author, I get stuck. Just...stuck. And when that happens, I need some help to get...unstuck.

In this episode, I will discuss the different strategies I personally use, and strategies I know other authors use, to help overcome "writer's block."

Helpful links (some are affiliate inks):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Mysterious Music Box (one of my books)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

Bluesky

Facebook

Not sure which POV is best for your book? This episode breaks down the pros and cons of writing in the different points of view, from first person to third person limited and omniscient (and even second person!). Not really sure what each of these are? No worries! I'll break down what each POV means and (hopefully) give you some food for thought on which one would be best for your book.

Helpful links (some are affiliate inks):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Sleepwalking Vampire (one of my books)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

Bluesky

Facebook

Whether you're a new author working on your first book, or a seasoned author with three or four books under your belt, setting writing goals can be the defining factor for getting that book done in a timely manner.

But setting unrealistic goals can cause frustration and, sometimes, cause authors to give up. In this episode, I'll give you several different strategies (including mine) for setting realistic goals that you can stick to.

If you already have a writing goal that works for you, please share in the comments! Maybe someone here can benefit from your success.

Helpful links (some are affiliate inks):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website)

The Lady Ghost (one of my books)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

Bluesky

Facebook