Learning to Reverse Engineer a Novel with Cecelia Mecca

Historical romance author Cecelia Mecca joins Jami Albright and Sara Rosett. Cecelia shares what she learned when she changed genres and how she now reverse engineers her books before she writes them.Jami, Sara, and Cecelia discuss:How Cecelia transitioned from being an English teacher and a teacher of teachers to writing fiction full-timeHer mistake involving releasing her prequel novella on Super Bowl SundayThe challenge of replicating successCeclia’s love of plotting books and how she wishes she’d read more craft books before writing her first novelHow important packaging is for your book (cover, title, blurb, trope) and reverse engineering your novel, including considering how to marry what her muse wants her to write with considerations about cover and marketingTips for using free marketing strategies including Facebook Live and Facebook groups (types and timing of posts)How to get to know your readersAn incredibly simple, yet effective tip on how to to be successful on social mediaAssumptions involving transferring from one genre to another How Cecelia wishes she’d taken a closer look at the market for vampire books, but then discusses how much she learned from not doing that and how she now reverse engineers her booksThe benefits of focusing narrowly on social mediaHow not using a pen name can be a mistake and lead to confused also-boughts on the ebook storesLearning not to be so hard on yourself when things don’t as you expectStrategies to reach new readers including being a hybrid author and using print, including hardbacks and large print Importance of friendships in a writing career and how attending conferences can help you connect with other authors in your genreLinks/Mentioned: Cecelia’s website http://ceceliamecca.comLaunching Indie Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/263060221047105/Romancing the Beat https://books2read.com/u/mBgGGDRock Your Plot https://books2read.com/u/mYp77PBook Faces Live podcast  https://nathanvancoops.podbean.com/e/cecelia-and-nathan-compare-favorite-plotting-methods-and-their-strategies-for-structure/Podcast deliberate actions for success in Facebook group https://www.amyporterfield.com/2019/10/284/Colleen Hoover - collaboration with American Idol https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/6553539Smarty Pants podcast on outpost social media channels  http://smartypantsbookmarketing.libsyn.com/episode-50-how-to-set-up-pinterest-as-an-outpost-channelGenres discussed include historical romance, paranormal romance, vampire, Regency, and mystery.📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast