A Year of Writing

Most writers think the first chapter's job is to explain the story.It's not.Its job is to make the reader need the next page.In this video, I'll break down some of the best opening lines ever written, explain why they work, and show you a simple framework for writing hooks that keep readers turning pages.What is your favorite opening line from a novel?Books mentioned:Deadly Education by Naomi NovikPromised to the Pyre by Vendy EmberfieldHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling1984 by George Orwell

For authors aiming to expand their audience and sell more books, understanding how to use tiktok for business is crucial. This video offers practical tips on tiktok marketing, helping you navigate the platform's unique landscape. Learn how to get followers on tiktok and leverage social media marketing to boost your author marketing efforts. ✍️You can find me on Tiktok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalie.forslindhttps://www.tiktok.com/@natalieforslind✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro01:23 Starting from Zero04:50 Why most authors fail BookTok08:58 Why you should post ever day14:45 Be authentic and real 16:05 Content strategy18:11 Common mistakes20:03 The most important lesson

If you have an idea for a story but don't know where to start, this video is for you! I'll guide you through the seven plot point system, offering practical writing tips and essential writing advice for effective storytelling. This approach simplifies plotting a novel, helping you plan your novel beyond just structural points, making the process of how to write a book more manageable and fun. ✍️✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro02:05 What is the 7 Plot Point Story Structure04:06 The Hook05:34 Plot Turn 106:50 Pinch Point 107:50 The Midpoint09:27 Pinch Point 210:41 Plot Point 212:00 The Resolution12:36 How to use it

Editing Library of Eternity was more than just fixing sentences; it involved a complete story and character arc rework. In this episode, I share essential writing advice and writing tips I learned during the process, so you can avoid common mistakes. This includes insights on novel writing and effective revision strategies to help you how to revise a novel successfully.Videos I mention:https://youtu.be/ORAxSsXR26E?si=UQH1RgNrn_oZAeaqhttps://youtu.be/UxhMpvCKM_U?si=yO3AsCHM7lmvqDdU______FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245897025-library-of-eternity📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online.___________________✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro00:50 The native plan03:58 The reality check04:45 The rebuild07:26 The professional edit10:01 The big takeaways

Before you publish your first book, discover five harsh truths I learned as a self published author. As an author and growth marketer, I want to share my writing advice so you can accelerate your career. This video offers essential writing tips for navigating the world of book publishing.______FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245897025-library-of-eternity📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online. #authortube #writingcommunity #selfpublishing #amwriting #booklaunch ___________________✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro00:46 First lesson03:03 Second lesson07:27 Third lesson10:52 Fourth lesson15:00 Fifth lesson

This video discusses Christopher Vogler's "The Writer's Journey" and its impact on storytelling, including how it has influenced my own writing. I'll be sharing a key insight derived from the book, demonstrating its foundational role in narratives like Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz. If you're looking for writing tips or want to understand story structure better, this video offers valuable writing advice for aspiring authors.📚 Topics covered:- The Hero’s Journey explained- Story structure for novels- Character archetypes (Hero, Mentor, Shadow & more)- How to write stronger character arcs- Why most stories fall flat (and how to fix it)FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245897025-library-of-eternity📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online.#writingtips #authortube #writersjourney #storystructure #amwriting #novelwriting #fantasywriting #writingadvice ___________________✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro01:56 Lesson 104:01 Lesson 206:31 Lesson 3 10:00 Lesson 411:37 Lesson 513:09 Lesson 614:51 Lesson 716:02 Lesson 8 17:00 Lesson 918:10 Lesson 10

If I had to start over on Instagram as an author… I wouldn’t guess—I’d follow a system.In this video, I break down the exact 90-day strategy I’d use to:📈 Grow from 0 followers📚 Build an audience that actually cares💰 Turn content into book salesMost authors stay stuck because they:❌ Don’t post consistently❌ Try to be perfect instead of improving❌ Ignore what the data is telling themHere’s the truth:Growth on Instagram isn’t about talent—it’s about strategy + repetition.Inside the video, you’ll learn:→ What to focus on in your first 30 days→ How to improve your content fast (without burnout)→ Which posts actually grow your account vs. just look good→ The exact content mix to grow AND sellIf you’re serious about growing as an author, this is your roadmap.👇 Tell me in the comments:What’s your biggest struggle with Instagram right now?And if this helped—subscribe. I’m breaking down what actually works for authors.

Joining https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaBennetAuthor in the Author Tag Challenge. Here are the 10 questions I am answering. AUTHOR TAG QUESTIONS:1. Where's your favorite place to write?2. Coffee or tea?3. Favorite book of all time?4. NaNoWriMo: Yes or No?5. Genre you would write if you had no restrictions?6. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?7. Favorite author?8. What kind of music do you listen to when you write?9. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?10. What do you do when you get writer's block?Link to Vendy Emberfield’s book Promised to the Prye: https://vendyemberfield.com/books✨Timestamps ✨00:29 Favorite place to write01:44 Coffee or tea02:44 Favorite book04:19 Nanowrimo05:55 Genre07:02 Superpower08:06 Favorite author09:06 Music10:15 Where do I wanna live? 11:27 Writers block

Want to become a better writer—fast? Most writers don’t struggle because of talent… they struggle because they practice the wrong things.In this video, you’ll learn how to stop writing blindly and start improving with deliberate practice. From reading like a writer to mastering voice, tone, and style, these techniques will instantly level up your writing.You’ll discover:✍️ How to read like a writer and steal powerful techniques✍️ Why you should separate writing from editing (this changes everything)✍️ How to turn weak sentences into vivid, engaging prose✍️ The secret to showing instead of telling✍️ How reading your work out loud can fix awkward writing instantly✍️ The difference between voice, tone, and style (and how to control them)✍️ The biggest mistakes that keep writers stuckIf you’re serious about improving your writing—whether you’re working on a novel, content, or daily practice—this is your roadmap.Want to write faster and better? Watch next:https://youtu.be/A7IpdkzJb00?si=ADvM9jEm5eP9eojY

If you want to write a book but struggle to write consistently, the problem might not be motivation — it might be your writing routine.In this video, I share 5 simple steps to build a sustainable writing routine that actually works, even if you have a busy life with work, studies, or family responsibilities.You’ll learn how to:Choose the best time of day to writeDecide how long your writing sessions should beBuild a consistent writing habitSchedule writing so it actually happensCreate a writing ritual that helps you focusA strong writing routine is one of the biggest differences between writers who dream about writing a book and writers who actually finish their manuscript.Whether you’re a beginner writer or working on your first novel, these steps will help you develop the consistency needed to make real progress.00:00 Intro 00:34 Step 1 03:27 Step 2 05:57 Step 3 08:25 Step 4 10:21 Step 5 12:53 Conclusion

In this interview, we explore how writers can rewire their brain for creativity and writing productivity using insights from neuroscience and brain training techniques.I’m joined by Josette, whom I met at a writing workshop, to talk about the fascinating connection between how the brain works and how we write. We dive into her journey as a writer, her experiences with publishing, and practical ways authors can train their minds to become more focused, creative, and productive.If you’ve ever struggled with procrastination, distraction, or writer’s block, this conversation will give you a new perspective on what’s happening in your brain—and what you can do about it.In this interview we discuss:• What’s happening in the brain when we try to focus on writing but keep getting distracted or procrastinating • Whether writers can actually rewire their brains to become more creative and productive • Daily habits that can train the brain to support better writing • Insights from neuroscience that can help authors write more consistently • Josette’s journey into writing and publishing📚 Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an experienced author, this episode offers science-backed insights to help you unlock more creativity and focus in your writing process.If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with another writer who might benefit from it.

How do some writers publish multiple books a year—even with a full-time job? 🤯Have you ever wondered how prolific authors consistently deliver books on deadline while juggling work, life, and everything in between? In this video, I’ll share my method for writing a faster, stronger first draft—without sacrificing quality.If you’ve ever struggled with finishing your draft, getting stuck in the middle, or finding time to write, this system will help you write more consistently and maintain momentum until “The End.”______FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245897025-library-of-eternity📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online.#indieauthor #authortube #growthforauthors___________________✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro00:31 Step 105:31 Step 209:40 Step 3

If you’re wondering how much it really costs to publish a book, this is my complete breakdown as an indie author.In this video, I share exactly what I spent on editing, cover design, proofreading, marketing, formatting, and even my audiobook—plus my total investment. No vague numbers. No gatekeeping. Just the real cost of self-publishing.If you’re planning to publish your first book, this will help you budget realistically and avoid expensive mistakes.The video where I talk about what happened with the traditional publisher: https://youtu.be/UxhMpvCKM_U?si=qv0TxuNCSsHadyqFTimestamps: 00:00 Backround02:36 Editors06:10 Cover08:10 Proofreaders10:12 Marketing10:51 Audio book11:51 Formatting12:57 Total spend

If I had to write and publish a book in the next 100 days, this is the exact roadmap I’d follow.In this video, I break down a proven 4-phase plan for independent authors — from idea and market research to editing, cover design, launch strategy, and building momentum for your next book.Whether you’re a first-time author or looking to finally finish the draft you’ve been sitting on, this step-by-step system will help you:• Plan your book strategically• Write faster without overthinking• Edit like a professional• Design a market-ready product• Launch with reviews and real momentum• Start building a sustainable author careerThis isn’t theory. These are industry best practices used by successful indie authors to consistently publish and grow.If you’re serious about self-publishing and want a clear timeline instead of vague advice — this is your roadmap.Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:21 Phase 1 Planning and setup 08:38 Phase 2 The writing sprintc 12:02 Phase 3 Editing and production 23:06 Phase 4 Lauch preperation 27:22 Key take aways

Thinking about hosting a book launch party but not sure where to start?In this video, I walk you through how to throw a book launch party, what to prepare (invites, DIY decor, giveaways), how to get early reviews, and whether a book launch party is actually worth it for indie authors.Ideal for self-published authors who want a successful book launch without overcomplicating things 📚✨______FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245897025-library-of-eternity📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online.#indieauthor #authortube #growthforauthors___________________✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro 00:40 Ask yourself why 01:35 How to throw a book launch party 05:08 How to create invitation for a book launch party 06:33 How to prepare for a book launch party 09:11 Getting early reviews? 09:58 Is a book launch party worth it? 

Most authors don’t have a writing problem—they have a visibility problem.In this episode, I’m joined by Kae Wagner, founder of The Bold Authors Network and Book Agency, who helps authors and thought leaders stop blending into the background and start building real authority around their books.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing, unsure how to promote without burning out, or frustrated that great books still aren’t selling, this conversation will change how you think about visibility.In this episode, you’ll learn:How bold authors can build visibility without burnout.Why great books often fail to get found, and how to escape the visibility trap.Why your book isn’t the product–you are, and how building your reputation leads to long-term sales.This is a must-watch for authors who want sustainable visibility, stronger reader connections, and a career that lasts longer than a launch week.📌 About Kae WagnerKae Wagner is the founder of The Bold Authors Network and Book Agency, where she helps authors and thought leaders grow visibility, connect with readers, and turn their expertise into lasting authority and brands. Read more here: www.BoldAuthorsNetwork.com______FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245897025-library-of-eternity📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online.

Effective marketing starts with building reader trust, which is foundational for any author. This video emphasizes the importance of a professional author brand from the beginning, highlighting that author website tips are crucial for establishing this online presence. We discuss how to build an author brand and how it ties into broader marketing for authors strategies, including social media for authors, to ensure your independent publishing career thrives.

In this video, I dissect the 2025 Indie Author Survey by Written Word Media, providing a crucial self publishing income report. We'll explore how much do authors make and what this means for your author business. This analysis is essential for any authortube viewer looking to understand writing income and accelerate their independent publishing career.Read the survey yourself: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2025-indie-author-survey-results-insights-into-self-publishing-for-authors/___________________FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online.___________________✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro00:59 Self-publishing is the norm03:38 Why you write matters05:25 The truth about author income08:42 Does genre matter11:12 Building a backlist13:37 Investment correlates with success 14:53 Email marketing matters

In this interview, indie author and founder of All Write Well, Maria Secoy, shares how she went from teaching to building a sustainable author career—and why book production matters more than marketing when you’re starting out.We talk about Maria’s “4 books per year” method, how Amazon’s algorithm actually works for indie authors, and why mastering your writing craft and publishing systems is the fastest way to build readership and long-term income.If you’re a writer who feels overwhelmed by marketing, this conversation will completely shift how you think about growing your author career.In this episode, we cover:Why new authors should focus on book production before marketingHow the 4-books-per-year strategy helps build momentum on AmazonThe difference between writing as art vs writing as a businessWhat indie authors need to understand about Amazon’s algorithmHow romance authors (and other genres) use strategic publishing schedulesWhy data, tracking, and analytics matter for long-term successHow to build an author career that doesn’t lead to burnoutWhether you’re publishing your first book or trying to scale your indie author business, this episode is packed with practical insights and mindset shifts you can apply immediately.Get in contact with Maria: https://www.allwritewell.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@AllWriteWellLet me know in the comments: What part of publishing do you find most challenging right now—writing, production, or marketing?

Ever feel like your dream of writing a novel clashes with your full time job? You're not alone! This video provides essential writing tips and author advice on how to balance a demanding career with your passion for writing. Learn practical strategies to maintain your writing motivation, boost your productivity, and achieve goals for your literary aspirations while maintaining a healthy work life balance. ✨You’ll learn:✔️ How to reclaim hidden writing time✔️ Strategic mindset shifts that unlock productivity✔️ Simple, sustainable habits that fit into your life✔️ How to protect your creativity (even when you’re exhausted)If you’ve ever said, “I just don’t have time to write,” this is your wake-up call. It’s not about having more hours — it’s about making your writing non-negotiable. Let’s turn your stolen moments into finished pages. ✍️FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online.

What if I told you the secret to a blockbuster book launch starts months before your release day? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the 6-Month Book Launch Timeline—a step-by-step marketing strategy that ensures your novel doesn’t just release, it dominates. 💥You’ll discover how to:✅ Identify your ideal reader & where they hang out online✅ Craft an irresistible elevator pitch & one-sentence hook✅ Build essential author platforms (email list, social media, website)✅ Recruit ARC readers and generate early buzz✅ Execute a viral cover reveal and sneak peek strategy✅ Run powerful pre-order campaigns and grow community engagement✅ Create launch-day marketing that converts✅ Sustain momentum post-launch with smart follow-up contentWhether you’re self-publishing or going traditional, this video is your complete guide to making your next book release impossible to ignore. ✨🔔 Subscribe for weekly author marketing, book launch tips, and productivity hacks to grow your writing career!Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:34 The 6-Month Hype Machine 01:03 Example of a reader persona 05:56 Three Months Out 07:51 Two Months to Go 08:45 The Final Month 10:28 Beyond the Book Lauch, Sustaining the Success

Cracking the code on manuscript completion means dissecting the three crucial productivity hacks that silence the inner critic and propel writers forward. We’re demonstrating how to implement a ruthless writing schedule, leverage micro-goals for monumental progress, and cultivate an environment where distractions simply cease to exist, ensuring that final draft gets done.Timestamps:00:00 Intro 00:28 The Silent Saboteur 03:46 Hack 1 08:28 Hack 2 12:27 Hack 3

I've maintained a daily writing routine for over a thousand days, a journey that taught me how to build habits effectively. This video shares the seven most important life lessons learned from this streak, emphasizing the power of consistency. Discover practical productivity tips that fostered significant personal growth during this extensive writing period.Watch the video where I talk about what happened with my old publisher:https://youtu.be/UxhMpvCKM_U?si=ECzCxi1T852d0L1cFOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity (coming in English 28/2-2026)📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online.#indieauthor #authortube #growthforauthors ___________________✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Introduction03:05 Lesson 104:35 Lesson 206:08 Lesson 307:07 Lesson 408:16 Lesson 510:23 Lesson 613:17 Lesson 7

Great backstory creates unforgettable characters, but too much can kill a story's momentum. This video shares writing advice on how to strike the perfect balance, ensuring your characters have depth without slowing down the plot. Learn key storytelling and writing tips to keep your readers engaged while still building rich character development, making your fiction writing shine.FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.com

Did you know that most authors never make money, not because they're bad writers, but because no one ever told them the truth about how this works? Making money as an author is a whole different game beyond just finishing the book. This video pulls back the curtain on the realities of author income and book sales, sharing personal struggles and lessons learned about how much money authors make and the importance of effective book marketing. If you're an author navigating the world of self publishing, this video offers valuable insights.FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242005217-evigheternas-bibliotek📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online.

So you want to write a book… but you have no idea where to start.Maybe you’re overwhelmed, doubting yourself, or stuck before page 50. You’re not alone.In this video, I break down the 7 biggest questions that every beginner writer asks — from how to start with zero experience to whether writing a book is even worth it.Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, this step-by-step guide will help you overcome the fear, get past the blank page, and finally start writing your book — with clarity and confidence.

Here is the story about what happened with my traditional publishing deal and why the deal fell apart three days before printing. If you want to know how to publish a book and what to watch for, this video is for you. I try to share some valuable author tips whiles in the process of publishing a book. _____________FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.com

Tired of hearing that being a writer isn't a viable career? What if your writing could actually pay your bills on a monthly basis? Learn about author income and how to make money writing. This video dives into some strategies and emerging trends that can help you create a sustainable income stream for your writing career, as well as different streams of income ideas.

The podcast is back with new episodes and a new name: Write & accelerate with Natalie. 🚀Do you ever wonder where all your time goes? This video discusses how tracking your weekly hours can reveal those surprising gaps with wasting time, even when you think you know where your time goes. Learn about time management and how to be productive as a writer to get the most out of your day, by using tools such as google calendar to keep a daily routine.FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK 🖤https://diaryofanauthor.substack.com

This is the last episode of season 2 of A Year of Writing. The video podcast will be back in August again with new material. In today's episode, I reflect on a transformative year away from my day job to pursue my passion for writing. In this episode, I dive into the crucial lessons learned, from establishing a daily writing routine to balancing multiple projects like podcasts, YouTube, and online courses. Discover how this journey has reshaped my approach to writing and productivity, and get a sneak peek at the surprising reading habits of Swedes in 2023. Whether you're a writer, a creator, or anyone looking for inspiration to chase your dreams, this video is for you. Don’t miss out on the insights that could help shape your next big leap! www.blackdiary.se www.forfattarkurser.se

Today, we're diving into a crucial aspect of both writing and marketing—setting SMART goals. SMART goals are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These aren’t just buzzwords; they're your roadmap to success. I personally use them both for setting goals with my writing projects and to set marketing goals. So, let's break down each element and see how you can apply them to your writing and marketing efforts. https://blackdiary.se https://www.forfattarkurser.se

Discover effective time management strategies tailored for writers and authors. Learn how to prioritize tasks, avoid distractions, and utilize the best tools and apps to boost your productivity. Perfect for writers looking to streamline their creative process and fit writing into their daily or weekly routines. Dr Benjamin Hardy about 10x ⁠https://youtu.be/CBaYX-3mbNs?si=mJYUIrVb5svJoIoV⁠ www.blackdiary.se www.forfattarkurser.se Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Understanding Your Writing Goals and Priorities 01:49 Techniques to Avoid Distractions 02:45 Tools and Apps to Enhance Focus and Efficiency 03:54 Building and Maintaining a Routine 04:31 Batch Create To Make Time for Writing 06:15 Learn To Say No 07:47 Conclusion

Today, we're exploring the mysterious, the quirky, and the disciplined world of famous authors' writing routines. Ever wondered if there’s a secret formula to writing success? Let's find out together. I Tried Hariku Murakamis Writing Routine https://youtu.be/sxyKJACvXls?si=q0huKGaZyFkKmRGv Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:21 Early birds 01:43 Night Owls 03:16 Unconventional Methods 03:51 The Discipline of Rutine 04:37 Conclusion

Every book launch breaks down into the following 3 stages: Pre-launch: This stage is intended to generate awareness around your book and build initial excitement with your audience. Launch week: With the book now released, this phase focuses on promoting sales. Post-launch: This last stage helps you maintain momentum through engagement in a long-term and sustainable way. 🖥️ Website: https://blackdiary.se/ 🌇 https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se/ 🎧 A Year of Writing Podcast https://youtu.be/DS3a9r2EI8M?si=M_iIyqgJ8B24cJdV 🎙️The Podcast on other platforms https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-year-of-writing

Having the right plot points in the right place is a sure way to improve your story. That is why I wanted to talk about my favorite one: The Seven-Point Story Structure. 🎥 Link to Dan Wells Lecture https://youtu.be/KcmiqQ9NpPE 🖥️ Website: https://blackdiary.se 🌇 https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se

Do you want a long-term career as an author? If yes, you should start building your author brand today! Building a brand is a long-term investment. You can’t expect it to happen overnight – you have to keep creating consistently over time to build an audience. What is an author brand? It is your reputation, and how people perceive you online and offline. In this episode of the podcast, I am going to talk about some questions you need to ask yourself before you get started, how you create an author brand, and how you grow an audience.  🖥️ Website: https://blackdiary.se 🌇 https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se 🎧 A Year of Writing Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS3a9r2EI8M&list=PLm54pk5o9UIbHA_SZLrjpZ_rqbG_B7pGp&index=1&t=0s 🎙️The Podcast on other platforms https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-year-of-writing Sources: The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedman Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley How to Market a Book by Joanna Penn

A Year of Writing s.02e.03When it comes to crafting compelling narratives, writers often find themselves at a crossroads: should they plot out every detail of their story beforehand? Or should they embrace the spontaneity of "pantsing," or writing by the seat of their pants? Both approaches have their merits and drawbacks, and understanding the nuances of each can help writers find their own unique creative process. Plotting and pantsing are also known as the writer being an architect or a gardener. 🖥️ Website: https://blackdiary.se/ 🌇 https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se 🎧 A Year of Writing Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS3a9r2EI8M&list=PLm54pk5o9UIbHA_SZLrjpZ_rqbG_B7pGp&index=1&t=0s 🎙️The Podcast on other platforms https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-year-of-writing

Have you ever thought about writing more then one genre? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of A Year of Writing I want to deep dive into the 5 reasons why I think your should write in multiple genres. 🖥️ Website: https://blackdiary.se 🌇 https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se 🎧 A Year of Writing Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS3a9r2EI8M&list=PLm54pk5o9UIbHA_SZLrjpZ_rqbG_B7pGp 🎙️The Podcast on other platforms https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-year-of-writing

It is a new year and many of us aim to write a book this year. But how can you make sure to achieve writing goals? How do you track your writing process? 🖥️ Website: https://blackdiary.se 🌇 https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se 🎧 A Year of Writing Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS3a9r2EI8M&list=PLm54pk5o9UIbHA_SZLrjpZ_rqbG_B7pGp 🎙️The Podcast on other platforms https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-year-of-writing Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Why Goals Are Important 01:06 How To Craft Achievable Milestones 02:11 Effective Ways of Tracking Your Progress 05:09 Be Flexible When Life Happens 06:04 Qualitative vs Quantitative Goals 09:35 My Writing Goals 10:32 Conclusion

Do you want to reach new potential readers? Do you want more people to find your books? In this episode, I want to discuss how you can grow your audience on social media and reach new readers and followers. This is the last episode of season 1 of the podcast. I am planning season 2, so if you want me to talk about anything specific in the next season let me know in the comments. How 2023 went: ttps://youtu.be/8djItg_sn44?si=s4s1vsVEytlgQ-QC 🖥️ Website: https://blackdiary.se 🌇 https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se 🎧 A Year of Writing Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS3a9r2EI8M&list=PLm54pk5o9UIbHA_SZLrjpZ_rqbG_B7pGp🎙️The Podcast on other platforms https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-year-of-writing

Reading is to a writer what exercise is to an athlete. 📚 Here are 5 resons why you should read more: 1. It makes you a better writer 2. You get ideas by reading 3. You learn story structure 4. You improve your language 5. It makes you more empathic The reason why reading makes you a better writer is because everything you read influences what you write. And the more you read, the more you learn about the art of writing. You can learn different techniques from other writers, like how to do world building from J.K. Rowling, or how to write thrilling stories from Dan Brown.  And I am going to debunk some of the most common excuses I hear about why people say that they don't read as much as they would like to. 🖥️ Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.blackdiary.se⁠ ⁠⁠📝 Show notes and transcription:⁠ https://blackdiary.se/en/five-reasons-why-reading-is-important-to-writers/ 🌇 Instagram:⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se/⁠⁠ 🎥 Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/BlackdiarySe⁠⁠ ⁠ #writerproblems #författare #writingcommunity #writing #authorpodcast #reading

Welcome to episode six of A Year of Writing. Today I wanted to talk about something a little bit more personal, the fact that fear was holding me back from getting published, for quite some time. And I don't know if any one of you has ever experienced the fact that you think you're not good enough to do something? Or if you’ve convinced yourself that you're not ready for the next step because it's scary. I want to talk about how we can tackle all these fears. 🖥️ Website: ⁠⁠www.blackdiary.se ⁠⁠📝 Show notes and transcription: https://blackdiary.se/en/fear-was-holding-me-back/ 🌇 Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se/⁠ 🎥 Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/BlackdiarySe⁠ ⁠#writerproblems #författare #writingcommunity #writing #authorpodcast #reading

Welcome to A Year of Writing, a podcast about writing, productivity and marketing. Are you looking to craft compelling stories? Then you’ve come to the right place.  In todays episode we'll be diving deep into the world of worldbuilding, characters, and planning a story. Whether you're just starting out or have been writing for a while, this episode will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to take your storytelling to the next level. ♥️ Abbie Emmons: How to Find Your Character's MISBELIEF https://youtu.be/Ij39HSbLCXo 🖥️ Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.blackdiary.se⁠ ⁠⁠📝 Show notes and transcription: https://blackdiary.se/en/the-writers-toolbox-worldbuilding-characters-and-plotting-techniques/ 🌇 Instagram:⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se/⁠⁠ 🎥 Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/BlackdiarySe⁠⁠ ⁠#writerproblems #författare #writingcommunity #writing #authorpodcast #reading

In today's episode, we'll delve into seven essential strategies for marketing your book and effectively promoting your writing. Whether you're a published author or an aspiring writer, these insights will help you navigate the world of book marketing and boost your success. The seven marketing strategies we will to through in todays episode are: Define Your Target Audience. Build an Author Platform Craft a Compelling Book Description and Cover Leverage Reviews and Testimonials Engage in Content Marketing Collaborate with other writers Leverage Local Connections Did you like this episode? Please reach out and let me know what you think and let me know what you want to hear next. 🖥️ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blackdiary.se⁠⁠ ⁠⁠📝 Show notes and transcription:⁠⁠⁠ https://blackdiary.se/en/marketing-your-book/ 🌇 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se/⁠⁠⁠ 🎥 Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/BlackdiarySe⁠⁠

In today's episode, we're diving into the realm of writing exercises and prompts. We'll explore how these tools can spark creativity, provide practical writing challenges, and help you refine your craft. So, grab your pen and paper as we embark on this creative adventure! 📝 Writing exercises and prompts are invaluable resources for writers at any stage of their journey. They serve as catalysts, pushing us out of our comfort zones and unlocking new avenues of creativity. These exercises and prompts can help us break free from writer's block, explore different genres, or simply enhance our skills. But where do we find them, and how do we make the most of them? 🖥️ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blackdiary.se⁠⁠ ⁠⁠📝 Show notes and transcription: www.blackdiary.se/en/4-writing-prompts-to-spark-creativity/ 🌇 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/blackdiary.se/⁠⁠⁠ 🎥 Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/BlackdiarySe⁠⁠⁠

In today's episode, we'll tackle a common challenge that every writer faces at some point: overcoming writer's block. We'll dive into effective strategies and tips to help you get unstuck and find inspiration when the words just won't flow.

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the art of storytelling and I will talk about what I learned from the first 10 episodes of creating a podcast. 🖥️ Website: ⁠⁠www.blackdiary.se⁠⁠ 🌇 https://instagram.com/blackdiary.se/ ⁠🎧 A Year of Writing Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS3a9r2EI8M&list=PLm54pk5o9UIbHA_SZLrjpZ_rqbG_B7pGp

Can you be creative even if you have a lot of discipline? How does discipline affect your creativity? How do you balance spontaneity and structure in the writing process? 🖥️ Website: ⁠⁠www.blackdiary.se ⁠⁠🌇 https://instagram.com/blackdiary.se/⁠ 🎧 A Year of Writing Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS3a9r2EI8M&list=PLm54pk5o9UIbHA_SZLrjpZ_rqbG_B7pGp🎨 Artist’s Date https://youtu.be/b7L5WD8RCFc

Are you looking for ways to create more complex and memorable characters? Do you want your readers to become invested in and remember your stories? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this podcast episode, I am going through some of my favorite tips on how to craft compelling characters. Characters are what drive a story forward. If you’ve created great characters they will leave your reader with an emotional impact on your reader.  🖥️ Website: ⁠⁠https://blackdiary.se 🌇 https://instagram.com/blackdiary.se/⁠ 🎧 A Year of Writing Podcast on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS3a9r2EI8M&list=PLm54pk5o9UIbHA_SZLrjpZ_rqbG_B7pGp

Writing Rituals – How do you establish effective habits for productive writing sessions? In episode 13 of the podcast I talk about famous authors writing routines and how you can create a more effective writing habits. 🖥️ Website: ⁠⁠www.blackdiary.se⁠⁠ 📱 https://instagram.com/blackdiary.se/⁠ 🎧 A Year of Writing Podcast ❌ Overcoming Writer's Block