Episodes

  • The Art of Starting Over: Getting Back Into Your Writing Flow (Ep198)
    Sep 3 2025
    ✨ Writer Craft Podcast | Episode 198 🎙️ The Art of Starting Over: Getting Back Into Your Writing Flow 📅 Recorded on September 3, 2025 🎧 Hosted by Valerie Ihsan & Erick Mertz 💬 Episode Summary Welcome back, Writers and Crafters! In this soul-nourishing episode, Valerie and Erick explore what it really takes to return to your writing routine after a break. Whether you've been away for weeks or months, we offer compassionate strategies, creative rituals, and mindset shifts to help you gently restart your writing life—without falling into guilt, shame, or perfectionism. ✨ Main Topic: “The Art of Starting Over: Getting Back Into Your Writing Flow” 🔥 Key themes: creative rhythm, return rituals, reframing productivity, embodied discipline, and more. 💡 In This Episode: Segment 1: Author Updates & Announcements Valerie shares updates from the road: memory-making, travel, and rental-ready logistics Plans for a free masterclass on hybrid memoirs coming in October 🎉 Erick's gearing up for speaking at a writing conference and Ghost Story Weekend in Newport with Wordcrafters Running ads, finishing client work, and preparing for a busy season 📚 What We're Reading: Valerie: Creative Act (Rick Rubin)High Hopes by Anne Abel (coming to the podcast in October!) In progress: Four Thousand Weeks (Oliver Burkeman), The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz), The Teller of Small Fortunes (Julie Leong) Erick: About Grace (Anthony Doerr) Segment 2: Resources, Tips & Tidbits 🔍 Tidbit of the week: Umarell — an Italian word for retired men who watch construction sites 👀 Bonus tips for mindset shifts and productivity hacks Segment 3: Main Topic - The Art of Starting Over Restate your writing goal: has it changed or evolved? Rebuild with rhythm, not rigidity Try a "return ritual": a gentle Artist's Way-style reentry (oracle cards, candles, morning pages, or altar time) Give it time: 3 days to wrap your mind around restarting 3 weeks to settle into a new rhythm Replace guilt with grace. You're not behind—you're beginning again. 🧰 Resources & Recommendations 💚 Get 48% off your first subscription of Magic Mind (mental performance + sleep shot) Claim it here → magicmind.com/VALERIE20 Use code VALERIE20 at checkout #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance 🧠 Writing Tools We Love: 👉 ProWriting Aid (affiliate link) Perfect for editing and polishing your writing with AI-backed insights. 🌱 Join Our Communities 🎉 Support the podcast and get writing resources, books, and exclusive coaching content: 🖋️ Valerie's Patreon → patreon.com/valerieihsan 📖 Erick's Patreon → patreon.com/strangeairmysteries 💬 Want to work with Valerie 1:1? Schedule a free consultation: valerieihsan.com 🔗 Stay Connected 📲 Valerie’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan 📲 Erick’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
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    39 mins
  • How to Write a Book That Grows Your Business and Honors Your Spirit (Ep197)
    Aug 28 2025
    Main Topic: How to Write a Book That Grows Your Business and Honors Your Spirit (Help soul-led entrepreneurs see how writing a book can amplify their work without losing authenticity or feeling salesy.) PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot. Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): (Valerie): I've been getting a lot of hits from the universe in the form of repeated messaging that I need to triple down on the the learning in public. I just can't wait until my life and mission statement is perfect before I show up online with a lesson neatly tied with a bow. First, that just prevents me from posting anything. Second, I'm hearing a lot lately that people aren't looking for gurus anymore. They don't want perfection. They can't relate to that. They want to watch the messy middle, and when I heard that (again), the realization hit. I write memoirs about how I got through something and what I learned along the way. I read memoirs so that I can see how they got through something. I want to be inspired by watching (reading) them pull themselves out of the mire and accomplish something difficult, because I want to do that too. "We just want to see real women figuring it out." (Tatyana Gosh)So, I'm going to start really showing up online with the messiness of humanity, and without the lessons already learned. My goal is everyday on IG. A reel, post, or story. Preferably multiples.• I met with colleague yesterday, another coach, and she said something that I immediately wrote down: If I show up imperfect, that doesn't mean bad. I've been so focused on trying to rewrite my limiting belief around perfection = professional, that I didn't take it a step further. Why do I think that if I'm imperfect, I'm bad? Side note: "Who doesn't like a badass woman?" (Tatyana Gosh)(Erick): What are you reading? Valerie: Just finished: The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About (Mel Robbins)Creative Act (Rick Rubin) and Anne Abel's new book High Hopes (out in September .. She'll be on the podcast again in October).(Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) ; The Teller of Small Fortunes Julie Leong Erick: Devil in a Blue Dress (Walter Mosely); Hap and Leonard (stories) (Joe Lansdale) Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: Tidbit #2: Segment 3 (Main Topic): Notes: The problem with traditional “business book” advice Focused on funnels, not fulfillmentOften strips the soul from the messageToo rigid for creative, intuitive entrepreneurs“If the book reads like a sales page, it’s probably not honoring the deeper mission.” What it really means to write a soul-aligned book that supports your business The book becomes a bridge between your inner truth and outer impactWriting from your why positions you as an authority with depth—not just expertise“People buy from those they connect with. Your book is a bridge, not a billboard.” Ways your book can grow your business authentically Builds credibility + trust with aligned clientsDeepens your brand story and your core messageExpands your reach without burnout (your book travels when you can't)“You’re not marketing. You’re storytelling. And that’s magnetic.” Let your business offer inform your book—not dictate it Use client patterns and questions to uncover themesLet your unique framework or transformation process shape the content (not just regurgitate)Bonus: You may create your next offer through writing the bookWriting How-To Books (Three Story Method series) Avoiding the trap of performance Write with your audience in mind, not for their approvalLet go of “shoulds” and write from soul-led service• Examples of what alignment looks like in practice Including rituals, reflections, or creative practices in your bookSpeaking directly to your dream client as if you’re in sacred conversation Closing encouragement: You don’t have to choose between success and soul. Your book can hold both.The more you write from your essence, the more magnetic your business becomes “When you write to be liked, you dilute your magic.” Project Runway fails are usually because they didn't stay "true to ...
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    28 mins
  • From Reserved to Ravishing: Writing Spicy Scenes that Feel True to You, with guest HR Cole (EP196)
    Aug 20 2025
    Main Topic: From Reserved to Ravishing: Writing Spicy Scenes That Still Feel True to You (with guest HR Cole) PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot. Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): (Valerie): no go on a workshop I pitched; working to get quotes for shipping companies (it's not as straight forward as I thought); thinking about content and documenting our trip and the prep of it (memoir)(Erick): What are you reading? Valerie: Just finished: Creative Act (Rick Rubin) and Anne Abel's new book High Hopes (out in September .. She'll be on the podcast again in October). The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About (Mel Robbins)(Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) ; The Teller of Small Fortunes Julie Leong Erick: Devil in a Blue Dress (Walter Mosely); Hap and Leonard (stories) (Joe Lansdale)Hope (H.R. Cole): Into Thin Air (John Krakauer)Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: Tidbit #2: Segment 3 (Main Topic): Notes: H.R. Cole is a Pennsylvania native who completed her first (handwritten) fantasy novel at the age of twelve. She’s remained an avid writer and has one published middle grade novel and a successful health journalism career. Cole lives with her husband, dogs, and cats in mountainous Upstate New York. www.hrcole.com http://www.instagram.com/hidden.gems.books Plot where it goes, and the choreography of the scene, what are my non-negotiables? Use it showcase character traits that show up in intimate times. What do I want to portray in this scene? 1. Goal (character development) (ex: kindness? Make a list of how to showcase kindness.) 2. True to self 3. True to character (make a list of words that are appropriate)(Are they seasoned lovers or innocent?) Fight scenes and sex scenes have some similarities. Common mistakes: Boring, gloss over, not relevant What makes a good sex scene? Humanize the character Describe details without words that shock you or take you out of the story. Natural. Aligned with personal experience. Don't feel the speed bump going into the scene. Follow the Golden Rules of writing just as you would in any other scene. Use the same language in the spicy scenes as the rest of the book. Shorter sentences in action scenes. Sure. But use the same type of language. Go through the process of char dev for a reason. Know your character. It pays off when you get to the more complicated scenes (fight, action, sex). Inherent traits. Did I stay true to this character? Did I learn something about a character? Nice place to set up the psychology of a character. Vulnerable scenes are where we learn about the character. Character insight no where else. What about flashbacks in the scene? (Sentence of thought, convey emotions/doubt) Getting feedback on spicy scenes: assess the comfort levels of critique partners, warn ahead of time, what's the best way to send this to you. Make it part of your group culture. Romantasy (fantasy with a strong romantic plot); The Chalice and the Blade series (romantic fantasy)(instead of fantastical romance); tough marketing term because romantasy doesn't necessarily have an HEA. Spice levels up front in marketing copy. Keywords: romantic fantasy Be proud of your sex scenes. It's okay to explore it. And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you. Get 48% off the Magic Mind : https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout. #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.) Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The Book You Were Born to Write: Legacy Crafting, Part 3 of 3 (Ep195)
    Aug 13 2025
    Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): (Valerie): hard stuff at home (sharing that with my patrons, and a little on social media) (Erick): What are you reading? Valerie: Just finished: Austin Kleon's Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and BadCreative Act (Rick Rubin) and Anne Abel's new book High Hopes (out in September .. She'll be on the podcast again in October).(Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) ; The Teller of Small Fortunes Julie Leong Erick: Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: • Tidbit #2: Segment 3 (Main Topic): Notes: Today’s episode is about legacy. Not the legacy of awards or bestseller lists. But the kind of legacy that changes hearts. That shifts the field. That ripples out long after you’re gone. When you write your book — the real one — you’re not just capturing information. You’re encoding energy. You’re creating a guide. A lighthouse. An invitation. Your book becomes a place someone can go to feel less alone. It becomes a spell, a balm, a declaration. It says, "I’ve been there too. And here’s what I learned." You’re not just writing a book. You’re writing your book. And that distinction changes everything. Sometimes people come to me and say, “I just want to get it out of my head.” “I want to use it as a business card.” “I want to boost my visibility.” And all of those reasons are valid. In fact, your book can help grow your reach. It can become a doorway to speaking, teaching, building a body of work. But here’s the thing: When you write from alignment… from soul… from truth… You don’t just get visibility. You get peace. You get clarity. You get momentum, energy, fulfillment. You become more you. Because you’re not performing. You’re not proving. You’re remembering. And that’s when your book becomes a legacy. Not because of how many copies it sells — But because of how many lives it touches. Aligned Author isn’t a writing bootcamp. It’s a sacred, strategic container for birthing the book you were born to write. This is where structure meets intuition. Where craft meets soul. Where resistance meets ritual. Inside Aligned Author, you receive: A sacred 60–90 minute strategy session to clarify your soul’s visionA custom action plan that honors your unique creative rhythmWeekly 1:1 coaching sessions (recorded for your reflection)Story structure guidance + intuitive insight + business strategyMeditations, writing exercises, and oracle-based supportOngoing mentorship and accountability — weekly, monthly, and via direct messagingAccess to group calls for reflection and celebration And most importantly… You’ll walk away with a book that feels like truth. Not just something you wrote… but something you became. So if you’re ready — If you’re done circling the dream… If you’re ready to stop doubting and start devoting... I’d be honored to walk beside you. You can book your Soul Strategy Session today at valerieihsan.com, or DM me @valerieihsan on Instagram. Your story is sacred. Your voice is needed. And your book is waiting to be written — not someday, but now. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Whether you choose to write with me, or on your own, I hope you remember this: You are not here to write like everyone else. You are here to write like you. Because the book you were born to write… Was born for someone who’s waiting to read it. Until we meet again — Be brave. Be true. Be writing. Next Episode: From Reserved to Ravishing: Writing Spicy Scenes That Still Feel True to You (with guest HR Cole) And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you. Get 48% off the Magic Mind : https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout. #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.) Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
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    17 mins
  • The Book You Were Born to Write: Where Ego Meets Soul, Part 2 of 3 (Ep194)
    Aug 7 2025
    Main Topic: Today’s episode is all about Ego Meeting Soul (the inner vs outer world of writing) In our last episode of the mini podcast series The Book You Were Born to Write, we listened for the first whispers of the book inside you. We honored that quiet knowing — the call to finally write the book that’s been circling your spirit. And today… we’re stepping into the next phase. The moment when the whisper gets louder… And fear shows up, too. Because the truth is: Wanting to be seen… and fearing that visibility… Often live side by side in the writer’s heart. PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot. Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): (Valerie): hard stuff at home (sharing that with my patrons, and a little on social media) (Erick): What are you reading? Valerie: Just finished: Austin Kleon's Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and BadCreative Act (Rick Rubin) and Anne Abel's new book High Hopes (out in September .. She'll be on the podcast again in October).(Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) ; The Teller of Small Fortunes Julie Leong Erick: Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: • Tidbit #2: Segment 3 (Main Topic): Notes: Let’s talk about what really stops us from writing. It’s not usually time. It’s not lack of talent. It’s not even discipline. It’s the shadow voices that rise up when we start getting close to something real. Things like: “What if people think I’m full of myself?”“Who am I to write this?”“What if I pour my soul onto the page and nobody cares?” That’s not laziness. That’s vulnerability. That’s ego doing its job — trying to protect you from pain, rejection, exposure. And I want to say this with all the tenderness I can: Your ego is not the enemy. Your ego is trying to keep you safe. It’s the part of you that learned to please, to perform, to protect. And when you start writing something true — something sacred — That part gets nervous. Because soul-led writing isn’t just about ideas. It’s about embodiment. And embodiment means being seen. But here’s the secret: You don’t need to kill the ego. You just need to give it a new job. Let it become the steward of structure. Let it help you organize your message. Let it take care of the outline, the deadlines, the goals. Let your soul guide the content. Let your ego support the container. This is what I call writing from alignment. Structure + spirit. Mastery + mystery. Ego + soul. Let me tell you a quick story. Earlier this year, I was working on creating content for my audience. I felt alive while think about it — raw, truthful, exposed. But every time I sat down to finish it or thought about posting it, I froze. I wasn’t stuck because of the craft. I was stuck because I was afraid. Afraid of what people would think. Afraid it would change how I was seen. Afraid it would change who I was allowed to be. So I did what I now teach my clients to do: I paused. I lit a candle. I asked: “Who is this content for?” “What do they need to hear?” “What am I protecting by staying silent?” And my soul said: “This story is medicine. But only if you let it be seen.” So I finished it. I sent the email; I've been posting the content. And the response? Emails. Messages. Tears. Connection. Not because it was perfect. But because it was true. That is the power of writing from soul. It’s not about proving. It’s about revealing. And when ego and soul are in right relationship, your book becomes unstoppable. So I’ve created a little tool to help you check in with where you are in that dance. It’s a simple quiz — part journal worksheet, part self-discovery ritual — called: “Where Is Your Ego Helping… and Where Is It Hijacking?” It’ll help you recognize: When you’re over-editing out of fearWhen your visibility blocks are in chargeWhen your ego is actually your greatest asset You can download it for free at valerieihsan.com/soulwhisperpages And if you’re feeling ready to move deeper into this work — If you know the book inside you is real, but the fear feels louder than the fire right now — I’d...
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    17 mins
  • The Book You Were Born to Write: Hearing the Call, Part 1 of 3 (Ep193)
    Jul 24 2025
    Today’s episode is all about Hearing the Call. That moment when the idea of writing a book stops being a far-off fantasy... and starts feeling like destiny. You might not feel ready. You might not know what you want to say yet. But if you're listening to this right now — I have a hunch that something is stirring. That stirring? That’s your soul whispering: It’s time. PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot. Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): (Valerie): playing around with IG stories quite a bit, check it out @valerieihsan; Aligned Author: A bespoke book coaching journey for soul-led experts, creatives, and writers ready to channel their life's work into a living, breathing legacy.) I created Aligned Author to provide a sacred space for authors to truly understand what has been holding them back, to learn how to merge the soul with the ego, to live and create in that duality, and to discover their own superpowers. (Erick): What are you reading? Valerie: Just finished: The Five-Star Weekend (Elin Hilderbrand)Your Human Design (Shayna and Dana; DayLuna);(Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) ; The Teller of Small Fortunes Julie Leong Erick: Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: • Tidbit #2: Segment 3 (Main Topic): Welcome to The Book You Were Born to Write — a sacred podcast series for soul-led entrepreneurs who know… deep in their bones… that a book is asking to come through. Not just any book. Not a content machine. Not a regurgitation of things you’ve already taught. But the book. The one that’s been flickering in the corners of your dreams, tapping on your shoulder during still moments, and sighing in your chest when you imagine a life fully expressed. Notes: This is what I call the Soul Whisper. It’s the part of you that knows… There’s something you haven’t said yet. There’s a story still vibrating in your ribcage. There’s a message that could outlive you—if you let it. But then… the thoughts come in. “Who am I to write this?” “I don’t have time.” “It’s all been said before.” “What if no one cares?” And I want to pause here and say something important: You are not behind. You are not broken. You are not too late. You are exactly on time. These doubts are not evidence that the dream is wrong. They are evidence that it matters. Here’s what I’ve learned in all my years as a coach, writer, The desire to write a book doesn’t come to everyone. If it’s coming to you, it’s for a reason. And even if you don’t feel ready… Even if you’re not sure what the book is about yet… Even if you’re scared — Your book already knows you. It’s been circling you for years. (Big Magic idea) And the whisper you’re hearing now? That’s the sound of your soul making contact. Here’s what I want you to know: You don’t have to write every day. You don’t need to have the whole thing outlined. You don’t need to quit your business or disappear into a writing cave for three years. What you need is this: Stillness. Curiosity. And a commitment to listen. That’s what this first phase is about. Not rushing into productivity. But devotion. Not output… but alignment. If this is resonating with you — if your body is saying “yes” even while your mind is saying “wait” — then I invite you to deepen the conversation. I’ve created a free journaling ritual for you, called “The Soul Whisper Pages.” It’s a set of guided prompts and a short audio meditation that will help you connect to the essence of the book that wants to come through. You can download that now at https://valerieihsan.com/soulwhisperpages. And before we close, I want to leave you with a question: If your book could speak to you right now… what would it say? Write it down. No editing. Just channel. Next episode: Next time, we’ll explore what happens after you say yes—when ego and soul begin their wild and necessary dance. It’s vulnerable. It’s thrilling. And it’s where your book truly begins to take form. Until then… Trust the whisper. It’s not going anywhere. It’s waiting for you to answer. And don't forget: Go ...
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    18 mins
  • Crowdfunding Your book: Why Kickstarter Might Be the Perfect Launchpad, with guest JP Rindfleisch IX (Ep192)
    Jul 17 2025
    Main Topic: Crowdfunding Your Book: Why Kickstarter Might Be the Perfect Launchpad, with guest J.P. Rindfleisch IX PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot. Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): (Valerie): creating content for marketing, preparing to warm up my ice cold email list by writing three personal stories in letter format to explain my absence and reengage with them, planning a three-part podcast series called The Book You Were Born to Write, so look for that coming up next week.Trying to show up on IG every day. (Biz coach recs)• Aligned Author: A bespoke book coaching journey for soul-led experts, creatives, and writers ready to channel their life's work into a living, breathing legacy.) I created Aligned Author to provide a sacred space for authors to truly understand what has been holding them back, to learn how to merge the soul with the ego, to live and create in that duality, and to discover their own superpowers. JP: 3 months FT author, TikTok shop main stream of income; The Alchemist Baker of Rosen-- (Erick): What are you reading?JP: House of Frank (Kay Synclaire) Valerie: Just finished: One of Us Knows (Alyssa Cole)Your Human Design (Shayna and Dana; DayLuna); The Five-Star Weekend (Elin Hilderbrand)(Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) ; The Teller of Small Fortunes Julie Leong Erick: Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: • Tidbit #2: Segment 3 (Main Topic): Talking with guest JP Rindfleisch IX ABOUT Hi, I’m JP Rindfleisch IX—author of cozy, queer fantasy and strange fiction where whimsy meets the weird. My stories often explore grief, transformation, and queer joy, wrapped in a little magic, a dash of mischief, and a whole lot of heart. I’m the author of Mandrake Manor and Mosswood Apothecary. I also co-write NRDS: National Recently Deceased Services, a paranormal comedy series, and the Leah Ackerman Dark Paranormal Academy Series. I call Rockford, Illinois home, where I founded Rockford Area Writers, a growing community of 80+ local authors and creatives who support each other’s craft. When I’m not writing, you can usually find me wandering forest trails, stirring vegan kitchen witchery (potatoes-as-nacho-cheese is a specialty), or hosting writing sprints and cozy chaos over on Twitch as CheshirePope. I live with a very opinionated husky and an even more talkative African grey parrot. Both have strong opinions about storytelling. Thanks for stopping by. Make yourself at home—browse the shop, grab a tale (or two), and if you sit still long enough, I just might tell you a story. Notes: Let's talk about Kickstarters. Last month you had 338 backers pledge $18,040 for your first kickstarter. All stretch goals met, funded in seven minutes ($1000) Why crowdfunding? good feedback and engagement with Tapas (and Kindle Vella). Kickstarter backer himself. Researched kickstarter by interviewing authors that had done it. Watch the kickstarters and how they interacted. Sacha Black helped him with good advice. (Find her as author Ruby Roe.) Campaign planning: tiers need to be financially responsible; stretch goals; What makes it special HERE on KS. Steps to a Kickstarter (KS): 1. Set up "Notify me on Launch" to collect followers (sudo-preorder) (4 months to a year) Maybe the amount of followers is who pledged? You don't have to have all the pieces ready before hitting "pre" launch. 1.5 (order basic sample copy for physical imagery) before hitting Launch. (Optional) 2. Look for successful models on KS to copy as template. Use Canva for images needed. Six hours to upload copy and photos for all the add ons (backlist). (~20 hours total?) 3. To keep campaign active and live, update often (every two days). On Twitch every day to incentivize and hype. Live streaming on Twitch and IG to pitch fast. Find ways to grab people. Think through livestream campaigns in future so not repeating self. (Can have live stretch-goals and they don't have to be monetary.) Hype is about showing up. TikToks everyday, and refining what say and ingraining what I want to say. Productivity streams on Twitch helped practice those talking times in front of camera. Learned ...
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • How to Start Your Author Business on a Budget (Ep191)
    Jun 25 2025
    Main Topic: Start Your Author Business on a Budget ($0, $200, $500) Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations. I just put up a new schedule last week for the upcoming months. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): (Valerie): creating content for marketing, preparing to warm up my ice cold email list by writing three personal stories in letter format to explain my absence and reengage with them.• Aligned Author: A bespoke book coaching journey for soul-led experts, creatives, and writers ready to channel their life's work into a living, breathing legacy.) I created Aligned Author to provide a sacred space for authors to truly understand what has been holding them back, to learn how to merge the soul with the ego, to live and create in that duality, and to discover their own super powers. (Erick): Shadow Signals for sale now; June busy (scheduling new clients, finishing anthology); vacation planning; republishing a bookWhat are you reading? Valerie: How to Read a Book (Monica Wood)(Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) ; The Teller of Small Fortunes Julie Leong Erick: A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest (Charlie J. Stephens) ; the Shivers series on audio (short horror); Strange Pictures (mystery); Between Two Fires (Christopher Bueman)Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: • Tidbit #2: Segment 3 (Main Topic): Budget Author Business (Three Tiers: $0, $200, $500) What is moving the needle today? Leverage what you have. Ask for favors/trades. $0 + sweat equity: LinkedIn or Medium for web presence/blog; free mailchimp landing page and mailing list; reader magnet (pdf, royalty-free stock image); FB professional page as website for short time; active on social media, Reddit, online forums, FB groups, Slack, Discord (needs thick skin and a sense of value). $200 + sweat equity: website (domain name and free theme) ($100); mailchimp (free); branding (free Canva); reader magnet with cover ($100); (any leftover $ for ads education for visibility) $500 + sweat equity: website ($150), mailerlite/converkit ($100), reader magnet w/ professional cover (stock) ($50-100 + sweat equity); branding (CanvaPro, headshot), or education (learn how to optimize, ads course) And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you. Get 48% off the Magic Mind : https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout. #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance
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    33 mins