How to be an Author

We all make mistakes. As people. As writers. Some people worry about making mistakes, but perfectionism is not helful when it comes to your writing career. As with the characters we write, mistakes are formative. They help us to learn and grow. In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D., dedramatizes the fact that we make mistakes, but helps you to identify, target, and fix writing mistakes. Because not to be dramatic, but some mistakes can sink your book, and eventually your whole writing career. Listen in as a simple way of getting closer to writing success, however you define it.

Have a lot of questions about writing? Both beginning and more experienced authors have questions about writing craft, writer mindset, and the business of writing. And that's a good thing- because as writers, we need to be always learning. Join writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D., on "How to be an Author" as she tackles the most common questions plaguing writers everywhere. From overcoming writer's block to perfecting character development, Karena provides direct and practical answers to empower writers on their journey. In this episode, Karena cuts through the noise to address fundamental concerns that often hinder progress. Learn how to construct compelling plots, breathe life into characters, and refine your writer's voice with Karena's no-nonsense writing advice. Tune in for actionable insights that will arm you with the knowledge needed to tackle your writing challenges head-on and start to become the sucecssful author you've always wanted to be.

Ever wondered why some authors succeed? Why they have a collection of published novels, engaged readers, attention from the media, glowing reviews, the opportunity to participate in book signings, and basically the kind of writer life you may have dreamed of? Writing success- at least, of the "bestselling author" variety, is not guaranteed. But in general, it boils down to this: success in writing isn't just about finding a spare moment here and there to jot down a few words. It's not just about finally finishing your book. It's about making writing an absolute priority. There's a difference between simply making time for writing and truly prioritizing it like your life depends on it. How's this for a truth bomb: if you're not prioritizing writing, you're selling yourself short. When you make writing a priority, you're telling the universe and the people around you, "Hey, this is important to me, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen." And guess what? The universe tends to reward that kind of determination. But here's the thing: prioritizing writing is NOT easy. It means FOMO, it means saying no to distractions, silencing that pesky inner critic, and showing up for yourself—even when you don't feel like it. It means being honest about your values. It is really hard to do- that's why so many wannabe authors fail. But trust me, it's worth it. So, if you're ready to stop making excuses and start prioritizing your writing like a boss, then buckle up, because writing coach Karena Akhavein is about to dive into some real talk on how to make it happen on this episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast.

Join writing coach Karena Akhavein on a transformative episode of How to be an Author, where she unveils essential time hacking tips tailored specifically for authors. In this deep dive into maximizing productivity, Karena shares invaluable strategies for not just finding time, but actively making time to write, ensuring you can meet your writing goals and publish more books. Discover how to reclaim precious hours in your day by implementing proven time management techniques designed to optimize your writing process. From prioritizing tasks to eliminating distractions, Karena provides actionable insights that will revolutionize the way you approach your writing routine. There will also be detailed tips on houw to harness the time saving power of AI to help with your writing tasks without losing your creativity. Explore innovative methods for overcoming common productivity pitfalls, banishing procrastination, and staying focused on your creative projects. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode equips you with the tools you need to unlock your full writing potential and achieve success in the literary world. Don't miss out on this game-changing discussion as Karena Akhavein shares her expertise and empowers you to take control of your time, your writing, and your future as an author. Tune in and embark on a journey towards greater productivity, fulfillment, and literary achievement. http://www.creativeandwritingcoach.com

In this insightful episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein delves deep into the transformative power of reading for aspiring authors. With a focus on critical reading, she provides invaluable tips and strategies to enhance writing skills and craft compelling narratives. We'll discuss the significance of critical reading in honing writing abilities. Looking at how another writer does character development, plot structure, and writing style can enrich one's own writing journey. We'll offer guidance on selecting appropriate reading material, taking into account genres, classics, and contemporary literature. Diverse reading experiences are important, so explore beyond your comfort zone. How do you read critically? We'll talk how to delve beneath the surface of the text. From identifying narrative techniques to analyzing thematic elements, we'l; equip authors with the tools to extract valuable insights from their reading. Addressing a common pitfall, we discuss the dangers of comparing oneself to other authors. Learn to see reading experiences as inspiration rather than intimidation. Acknowledging the delicate balance between reading and writing, we shed light on when to refrain from reading during the writing process. Mindful breaks help to nurture personal writing endeavors. Tune in for a masterclass on leveraging critical reading as a cornerstone of success in the literary world.

Have you heard the expression "what got you here won't get you there"? Join Writing Coach Karena Akhavein on thistransformative episode of the How to be an Author podcast, as she delves into the pivotal concept: "what got you here won't get you there." Explore the profound implications of this advice in the context of your writing career. The skills you learned and the work habits you embraced to get you to the publication stage are akin to the decent karaoke skills that got Taylor Swift started, but couldn't earn her a record deal. It wasn't until Taylor taught herself guitar, practicing for hours a day, bridged the gap between pop and country, wrote ehr own songs, pounded the pavement in Nashvill, and leveraged her MySpace and social media, and went with a startup record label instead of playing it safe, that she started to become the superstar we know now. If you don't take massive risks, put in more work than everyone else, and think strategically, you'll stay at a middling level of literary success. Listen in to learn how to break free from the confines of comfort to propel your career forward. Gain actionable strategies for navigating writing career transitions, leveraging your strengths, and surmounting challenges with resilience and determination. Whether you're a seasoned wordsmith or a budding author, this episode offers invaluable insights into embracing change to achieve greater success in your writing endeavors. Tune in now and embark on a journey of transformation as you strive for professional excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of writing.

In this episode of the How to Be an Author Podcast, join writing coach Karena Akhavein as she delves into the exhilarating world of crafting compelling fight scenes in your novel. Whether it's a high-stakes battle or a gritty one-on-one confrontation, Karena breaks down the ins and outs, offering invaluable insights to make your fight scenes truly shine. Discover the pros and cons of integrating fight scenes into your narrative, exploring how they can enhance tension, character development, and plot progression while also avoiding potential pitfalls. Karena shares essential tips on maintaining realism and authenticity, ensuring your fight scenes captivate readers without sacrificing believability. From choreographing action sequences to depicting the emotional impact on characters, Karena highlights key elements writers must consider when tackling fight scenes. Learn about common mistakes to avoid, such as clichéd tropes and unrealistic portrayals, and gain practical strategies for infusing your fights with depth and significance. Whether you're a seasoned author looking to refine your combat writing skills or a newcomer eager to add dynamic action to your stories, this episode provides invaluable guidance to help you master the art of writing fight scenes. Tune in now and elevate your storytelling prowess to new heights!

Tune in to the latest episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast as writing coach Karena Akhavein unravels the complexities of the age-old writing adage: "Show, Don't Tell." In this insightful discussion, Karena dives deep into the nuances of this fundamental rule, providing invaluable guidance for both novice and seasoned writers alike. Discover why "Show, Don't Tell" is more than just a mantra—it's a powerful technique that breathes life into your writing, captivating readers and immersing them in your narrative world. Karena shares practical tips, real-life examples, and actionable strategies to help you master this essential skill and elevate your storytelling to new heights. But sometimes, writers misunderstand this rule and make mistakes that can sink their narratives. Sometimes, it's better to tell than to show. Whether you're struggling to grasp the concept or seeking to refine your craft, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of "Show, Don't Tell" and empower you to wield its transformative power in your writing journey. Don't miss out—subscribe now and unlock the secrets to creating compelling narratives that leave a lasting impact.

Unravel the ins and outs of genre conventions for fiction authors with renowned writing coach Karena Akhavein on this episode of the How to be an Author podcast. Discover the significance and impact of genre conventions, including their role in shaping reader expectations and enhancing storytelling. Gain insights into the balance between adherence to conventions and creative freedom. Tune in to explore the importance, interpretation, and flexibility of genre norms in crafting compelling narratives. Whether you're writing romance, thriller, fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, or literary fiction, you'll get the information that will help you to master the art of navigating genre conventions to elevate your writing career. Don't miss this insightful discussion on genre conventions, essential for aspiring and established authors alike.

Unlock the power of compelling dialogue with Karena Akhavein in this transformative episode of the How to be an Author podcast. Delve into the essential role dialogue plays in captivating storytelling as Karena expertly navigates through the nuances of crafting authentic and engaging conversations on the page. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your literary journey, this episode is a treasure trove of invaluable insights and practical tips to elevate your dialogue writing skills. Learn how to infuse your characters with distinct voices, avoid common pitfalls, and breathe life into every exchange. Tune in to discover why dialogue is the heartbeat of any great book and embark on a journey towards writing mastery. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion that promises to revolutionize your approach to storytelling!

In this episode of the How to Be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein breaks down the crucial process of defining your writer identity. With practical examples and actionable advice, Karena explores why it's essential for authors to determine the type of writer they want to be. From discussing the differences between fiction and non-fiction authors to exploring various genres such as romance, mystery, thriller, and more, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of the diverse paths available to writers. Karena emphasizes the importance of understanding your strengths, interests, and goals to carve out a niche that aligns with your passion and expertise. Whether you aspire to be a bestselling novelist, a freelance journalist, or a niche blogger, Karena's insights provide clarity and direction for navigating the complex landscape of authorship. Tune in to gain practical strategies for finding your writer identity and embarking on a fulfilling writing journey.

In this enlightening episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, join experienced writing coach Karena Akhavein as she delves deep into the most often-overlooked obstacle hindering so many writers from realizing their book writing and publishing dreams: fear of success. Don’t believe fear of leveling up is affecting you? Tune in and you may recognize some of your own self-sabotaging ways as Karena unveils the intricate ways in which this fear manifests, exploring how the prospect of success and its potential to change lives can instill apprehension in writers. blocking even the most promising writing endeavors. From subconscious self-sabotage to giving in to resistance, to lying to yourself, to imposter syndrome, we’ll unravel the intricate web of emotions and beliefs that hold writers back from reaching their full potential. Drawing from her extensive experience in guiding aspiring authors to literary success, Karena shares invaluable strategies and exercises to help listeners identify and begin to overcome their fear of success, empowering them to confidently pursue their writing goals. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just embarking on your literary journey, this episode promises to be a transformative exploration into the hidden barriers obstructing your path to success.

What's in a name? As it turns out, a lot! Especially if you are trying to. create an iconic fictional character like Holly Golightly, Hermione Granger, James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, or Holden Caulfield. In this episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, your host, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D., delves into the fascinating world of character naming. Listen in for expert insights on crafting the perfect monikers for your fictional creations. This episode unravels the art and science behind choosing names that resonate with readers and breathe life into your characters. From exploring cultural nuances to understanding the psychological impact of names, to avoiding common naming mistakes authors make, you'll get practical tips and creative techniques to help you navigate the intricate process of naming your book's characters. Tune in for a blend of literary wisdom, storytelling magic, and actionable advice that will elevate your character-naming game to new heights.

In this episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast, join writing coach Karena Akhavein as we delve into the question of prolific authors. Discover the strategies and insights that propel some writers to exceptional productivity, unlocking the key to their prolific output. From time management techniques to creative practices, Karena shares valuable tips for aspiring authors looking to enhance their writing productivity. Explore the advantages of being a prolific writer and how it can positively impact your writing career. Karena Akhavein provides a nuanced perspective on the benefits of high productivity, such as increased visibility, faster career growth, and the development of a consistent writing routine. However, she also delves into the potential challenges and pitfalls of prolific writing, addressing burnout, quality vs. quantity debates, and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance. Whether you're an aspiring author seeking to boost your output or simply curious about the habits of prolific writers, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration.

Dr. Watson. Hermione Granger. Donkey. Pancho Villa. A good sidekick can become a reader or fan favorite in books and movies, but writing a good one is not as easy as you may think. A sidekick can either be too insipid, too static, and not contribute to the plot, or they can take over, taking attention away from the main character and confusing the storyline. And we know you want your character to have friends, but sometimes, it's important to isolate them to allow better character development. Join writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, in this insightful episode of the How to be an Author podcast as she delves into the art of creating compelling sidekick characters. Whether you're a novice writer or an experienced author, Akhavein shares valuable techniques to avoid common pitfalls and develop sidekicks that enhance your storytelling. Discover the secrets to writing effective sidekicks that enrich your narrative without succumbing to clichés. Don't miss this masterclass on crafting dynamic companions that elevate your characters and engage your readers.

Mark Twain was one of the writers who experienced the seismic shift in technology that saw authors transitioning from wriitng their books by hand to using a typewriter, then a word processor. The celebrated author was documented as reporting on the advantages, challenges and frustrations of these new methods. Other authors embraced the technology, while some stubbornly insisted that there were advantages to handwriting. Maybe they had a point. Today's authors, who have more technology than ever at their fingertips with which to draft, wrtite, edit, and promote their written work, may also experience both elation and frustration as they grapple with tech. As a writing coach with decades of experience, Karena Akhavein, Ph.D., encourages her clients to get comfortable with basic technology lest they get left behind. Authors need to know how to type, how to use a word processing program to write, edit, and format, how to create basic social media posts, how to build a mailing list, how to save and share documents, and how to maintain a basic website... BUT... Technology is not always the best. There is still something to be said for the old fashioned pen and paper, which is why my programs such as From Idea to Published in 6 Months and DIY author include workbook and journaling exercises designed to be done by hand. In this fascinating episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writers will learn the brain science behind handwriting, and get inspired when it comes to adopting a hybrid approach with both typing and handwriting, as it might work best for your unique case.

If you're a writer, you've probably experienced this frustrating thing: all kinds of people feel free to give you advice. Usually, it's not because they're experts, or bestselling authors, or even avid readers. It's because their one friend ffrom high school is a successful author, and maybe you should talk to them to get help. Or because they're no expert, but they've heard you should write every day to succeed. Do you write every day? No? Yikes. (Neither does your host, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D.) Or because they care about you, and it's really hard, maybe impossible, to succeed as a writer. Or because you asked them their opinion on the rough draft of your book, and they don't read much, but they really don't like that genre so maybe you should rewrite it to sound more like Stephen King? Writing advice is everywhere. And more often than not, though advice comes from a good place and has some golden nuggets troughout, much writing advice can actually be harmful to writers in the long run and hold them back from their writing goals and their dream of being a successful published author. Tune into this uplifting episode of the How to be an Author podcast to dissect which wriitng advice is helpful, which can be harmful, and which ideas and concepts can actually move the needle in your writing career.

In this insightful episode of the How to be an Author podcast with writing coach Karena Akhavein, we delve deep into the pivotal decision every writer faces at some point: to continue on their current writing path or to take a different route. Whether you're grappling with the challenges of a specific book project, wanting to quit wriitng one book to start on a brand new one, questioning your overall writing career and even wondering if you're cut out to be a writer, or reevaluating your book marketing strategy, this episode provides the guidance you need. Join us as we explore key considerations and offer practical advice to help you make an informed decision. From assessing the viability of your current book to reimagining your writing career or refining your book marketing approach, we've got you covered. Discover the signs that indicate it's time for a change, learn how to overcome common hurdles, and gain insights into crafting a new narrative for your writing journey. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that might just be the catalyst for your next chapter as a writer.

Well-crafted subplots are the secret sauce that readers crave! But they're not easy to write properly. In this epiosde of the How to be an Author podcast, your writing coach, Karena Akhavein, unravels the mystery of creating the perfect subplot, providing a treasure trove of insights and breaking down the essential elements that transform a subplot from ordinary to extraordinary. Expect practical tips that not only elevate your story but also add layers of depth to character development and thematic richness. And guess what? Karena spills the beans on some of the writing hacks that most instructors keep under wraps! But that's not all – subplots aren't just confined to the pages of your novel. Karena reveals how you should have your own sub-plots in your author life, as a way of achieving balance for writers. Through personal anecdotes and expert advice, she navigates the challenges of managing a writing career, emphasizing the art of finding equilibrium between the writing craft and the demands of everyday life. Gain access to practical strategies and actionable steps that empower writers to maintain a harmonious existence while chasing their literary dreams. The adventure doesn’t stop there! Karena dives headfirst into the realm of side hustles and side gigs for writers. Discover the transformative benefits of diversifying income streams and witness how engaging in related activities not only financially supports a writer but also sparks creativity and broadens skill sets. From freelancing to teaching and beyond, Karena unravels various avenues for writers to explore, providing invaluable insights into why these pursuits can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding. If you're yearning for nitty-gritty advice delivered in a warm and encouraging tone, look no further. Tune in to the How to be an Author podcast for unwavering support, whether you're a budding writer, a seasoned author aiming to level up, or anywhere else on your writing journey. https://creativeandwritingcoach.com https://onlinecoursesforwriters.com

Let's tackle the elephant in the room for aspiring writers: the daunting odds of success in the writing world. Many use this as an excuse to abandon their dreams, citing the challenges, rejections, and the seemingly improbable nature of making it as a writer. But here's the reality check: amid these odds, some authors thrive and succeed, proving it is possible. It's essential to dispel the myth of overnight success and sheer luck. Success in writing, whether through traditional publishing or self-publishing, demands hard work, sacrifice, dedication, continuous improvement, and strategic efforts. Some frustrated writers point at successful authors and chalk up their success to "luck." Luck, in this context, is the result of preparation meeting opportunity. In this week's episode of the 'How to Be an Author' podcast, we'll delve into the strategies to tilt luck in your favor. My course, 'From Idea to Published in 6 Months,' offers the blueprint that has secured publishing deals, contest wins, media features, and viral social media success for my clients. It's time to shift the narrative and understand that you don't want to be an average writer. And here's the exciting twist: in crafting narratives, we, as writers, need to realize that readers thrive on the idea of insurmountable odds. When we instill our characters with low chances of success, we create depth, urgency, and a human story that resonates with readers. In today's episode of the How to be an Author podcast with writing coach Karena Akhavein, we're diving into the fascinating question of the odds of success for writers and the art of crafting your own luck in the fiercely competitive world of publishing. Get ready for a deep dive into the psychology of writing, as we share invaluable insights on writing success. Whether you're a seasoned wordsmith or just starting your literary adventure, this episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to unlock the secrets of becoming a successful author.