Happy Self-Publisher

I help aspiring authors change the trajectory of their lives through writing and publishing books.     

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Elements of Effective Dialogue

Discover elements of effective dialogue to boost your writing.

Dialogue is one of the fiction writer’s most powerful tools. But with great power comes great responsibility: while well-written dialogue can instantly engage the reader, poorly written dialogue can also easily turn the reader off. Kristen Kieffer at well-storied describes dialogue as a “complex literary powerhouse” – an apt description for such an important element of a fiction writer’s…

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Writing through fear

Writing through fear—how I overcame it to publish a former congressman's biography and his legacy.

I am thrilled to announce the release of my latest book, Barriers: The life and legacy of Tom Evans. One year ago, John Sweeney, former editor of The News Journal, approached me about the possibility of compiling speeches and op-eds into a book for a former congressman. Although it isn’t exactly what I do, I was intrigued and met with John and Rep. Tom Evans at a little coffee shop near Tom’s…

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Writing Through Voice Dictation

Having trouble writing your book? Try voice dictation. Here's what you should know. #amwriting

WWhen we imagine writing, we usually think of hands on the keyboard. It just seems natural! Throughout the history of writing, humans have had to use their hands, whether that be with good old-fashioned feather and ink, a typewriter, or the keyboards we use today. So when we hear about writing through voice dictation, it may seem like “cheating”: how can I be writing if I’m just using my voice?

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Self-promotion isn't as scary as you think

Self-promotion isn't as scary as you think. Check out these tips. #bookmarketing #author

Self-publishing has exploded in recent years. When you publish your book yourself, rather than through a traditional publisher, you retain your own creative vision. The world of publishing has never been so democratic!

Nevertheless, self-promotion is increasingly more important for the writer regardless of whether self-publishedor published through a traditional publisher. Book marketing,…

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Writing for the Long Term

How are you going to start AND finish your book? Check out "Writing for the Long Term."

Although there are many people who want to write a book and share it with the world, fewer people end up seeing through with their project. We all know that it takes a lot of work to create something compelling that dazzles your audience. But for new writers, it can be difficult to imagine the days, weeks, and months leading up to the completion of your project.

It may feel intimidating to…

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5 Simple Steps to Mindful Writing

5 Simple Steps to Mindful Writing #writingmindset

5 Simple Steps to Mindful Writing

Do you struggle with writing daily?  Do you feel like you get what they call writers’ block?  Getting stuck does not have to be your reality.  If you change your habits, you will change your results.

I just completed my first book, and the mindfulness habits I teach others helped me be a more efficient and better writer.  When I was running around in a…

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Interview with Author Kate Szegda

Check out this interview with middle-grade author Kate Szegda. She discusses her book, Pharmacy Girl about the 1917 Spanish flu. #middlegrade #kidlit #authorinterview

This week’s blog is an interview with Kate Szegda, author of the award-winning, middle-grade novel, Pharmacy Girl. Written before the current COVID pandemic, Pharmacy Girl is a story of hope during the Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918.

What was your inspiration for writing Pharmacy Girl?

The primary inspiration was my mother’s stories about having the flu when she was four years old. She…

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Why Self-Publishers Should Copyright Their Work

Why Self-Publishers Should Copyright Their Work. #copyright #selfpub #amwriting

This week’s post is from Bryan Tuk, a copyright attorney.

Fellow writers, there’s never been a better time or greater need to take control of your own creative and professional life. There is a sentiment running through modern life that all information should be free. This really broke into the mainstream collective consciousness in the later 1990s when the creation of Napster allowed users to…

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Is Affiliate Marketing the Next Thing for Writers?

Is affiliate marketing the next thing for writers? Check out how you can put your network to work for you. #bookmarketing #affiliatemarketing

This post is from freelance writer Echezona Enemuo who writes articles and blogs for various companies.

Every day, thousands of writers emerge online as bloggers or copywriters who desire to make passive income through their books or freelance gigs on different freelance platforms. Most times, articles by self-acclaimed online millionaires overwhelm you with claims of making millions while…

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3 Ways Writing a Book Will Propel Your Coaching Business

Are you struggling to get clients for your coaching business? Here are 3 ways writing a book will propel your coaching business. #coaching

If you have a coaching business, you know you’re good at what you do. What you might not know is writing a book can make you BETTER. Three things will absolutely change when you embark on a writing journey.

Your clients, your business, and YOU. 

Your clients

When you write a book, you examine everything about your target client– You devote time and energy to explore exactly who your tar…

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Monitoring the Publishing Market Pays Off for Authors

Monitoring the Publishing Market Pays Off for Authors

This week’s guest post is from Albert Griesmayr of Scribando. I recently subscribed to the service to get the latest trends in book sales and the book publishing market. And, wow! It’s paving the way to help me sell more books and help my authors sell more of theirs. You should check it out!

Publishing was once a more-or-less fixed formula. Write a book. Edit and format it. Design a book cover

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5 Ways to Chronicle Your Days Through Journaling

5 Ways to Chronicle Your Days Through Journaling #amwriting #journaling

This week’s guest post is from Donna Duffy, author of Embracing Autumn about journaling through good times and bad.

I began journaling when I was a junior Eastern College, now University, sitting under a tree on Doane Hill.

It’s been almost 38 years since I wrote my first journal entry at the urging of my friend, Rena. I’m still going strong and will ever be grateful to her for pushing me…

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How to Write a Sympathetic Villain

How to Write a Sympathetic Villain #amwriting #fiction #villains

This week’s post is from Arianna Fox, author and girlpreneur. She writes young adult fiction and brings insight into what it takes to write a sympathetic villain.

“A story is only as good as its villain.” – Luke Taylor

The Antagonist

Ever since the dawn of storytelling, from literary manuscripts to cinematic film, there is always some sort of antagonist — some kind of character that…

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Build Your Platform with Writing Contests

Looking for a way to boost your writing and build your platform? Enter these writing contests! #amwriting #writing contests

If you are up for a challenge (or looking for a distraction) during this time, consider entering one or a few of these upcoming contests. Writing contests can be an excellent way to gain experience and increase exposure for future career endeavors. Working under deadlines, practice editing and polishing your writing, and gaining feedback on your final submission offer higher values than the…

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How to Keep Writer's Block From Blocking Your Writing

How to Keep Writer's Block From Blocking Your Writing #amwriting #writersblock

Writer’s block.  It may sound cliché, but whether you are a novice writer or a more seasoned one, chances are, you have experienced a creative slowdown in the writing process. The pressure to produce ground-breaking material can catch up to you as deadlines loom….and let’s face it, sometimes ideas just don’t flow when we need them to.   It is frustrating, to say the least, so what can you do to…

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Interview with Author Beth Ann Scullin-Oliphant

Writing a #picturebook? Before you do, check out this interview with #author Beth Ann Scullin-Oliphant. #BritonsBeachAdventures

This week I interview author Beth Ann Scullin-Oliphant about her children’s picture book Briton’s Beach Adventures Dolphins Surprise. This is her first book.

Who or what inspired you to write your book?

My oldest son, for whom the book is named, was my inspiration. We visit the shore often every summer. I spent my summers there as a kid, and my parents live there so we are very…

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How to Write a Book Review That Readers Will Love

How to Write a Book Review That Readers Will Love #bookreviews #amreading

Today’s readers are fortunate to have more books to choose from than ever before. The combination of an ever-increasing pool of writers, improved distribution, and the rise of self-publishing has created countless opportunities for authors and readers alike.

The only downside to this wealth of options is having to actually choose among them as readers! Of course, that’s why we have book…

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