Doing it All – A Bestselling Indie Author Spills Her Secrets

Which came first? The chicken or the egg, the illustration or the story? A. R. Redington is both an author and an illustrator, and she tells us how the two work together to bring her books to life. Switching to art and creating an image can get her past writer’s block. Conversely, creating an image can inspire a story or suggest a character to her.

Those of us like me who don’t have both talents can learn a lot from A.R., who writes in several different genres but likes to explore the dark side of humanity in all of them. As a #1 Audible and Amazon bestselling author, she’s able to discuss the pros and cons of various self-publishing platforms, the best ways indie authors can sell their books and how she overcomes social anxiety to meet her readers.

You’ll also hear a reading from a work-in-progress at the Badass Writers’ Café and tonight is Open Mic Night! (Go to Facebook and critique what you heard.) The Question of the Week is answered by some podcast listeners. The inspirational quote addresses something that mystifies a lot of us: where does creativity come from?

The Write Like a Badass Podcast is by, about and for writers. Welcome to your tribe! You can find the pod on all major podcast services. Make sure you subscribe, so you don’t miss an episode (maybe the one that could help you get past your current writing stumbling block). Like, rate and review, too.

“Talk” to you soon!

Writing Nonfiction for Love AND Money – a Published Author’s Story

What does it feel like to get paid for doing something you love? Paul Vachon writes books about history, which he is passionate about. And – this is going to make many writers, including myself, jealous – publishers reach out to him, not vice versa. How did Paul get started? How does he take a topic and turn it into a full-length book? His books are based on actual people and events, so accuracy is a priority. How much research and fact-checking is involved? Has he ever disagreed with editors about a change they want made?

In addition to my conversation with Paul, you’ll hear from podcast listeners! Writers Megan Cain and Mac McFarland talk about what writing success means to them. Another brave (anonymous) writers reads out loud from their work-in-progress. And you may disagree with this episode’s inspirational quote. Hmmmm.

You can find the Write Like a Badass podcast on all of the major podcast platforms. Subscribe, so you won’t miss anything. Like, review and rate, to help me keep the podcast moving ahead. (Five stars would be very nice!)