Book Career Network

042 - Taylor Swift's Email Game with Holly Darling [Romancing Like Swift]

In this episode, Emma-Lee Jane and Morgana Bevan sit down with email marketing expert Holly Darling to dive deep into the world of email marketing for authors. They use Taylor Swift's strategy as a springboard, analyzing what works and where there’s room for improvement. The conversation highlights the immense power of email marketing in building a loyal fan base and boosting revenue for authors.
Emma, Morgana, and Holly discuss Taylor Swift’s approach, including her heavy reliance on image-only emails and the frequent placement of her emails in the promo tab. They explore missed opportunities in Taylor’s welcome sequence and suggest strategies for making her emails more personalized and engaging. Holly shares her expertise on how authors can leverage email marketing more effectively, from ensuring legal compliance to getting comfortable with sending regular emails.
The discussion also covers the importance of segmentation for improving email deliverability and engagement. Holly offers practical advice for planning email campaigns around book releases, including tips on increasing email frequency as the release date approaches. They also talk about ways to keep readers engaged between releases by sharing exclusive content, character POVs, and bonus stories.
Key Takeaways:
Email marketing is a powerful tool for authors to build a loyal fan base and increase revenue.
Taylor Swift’s email strategy could benefit from less reliance on image-only emails and a more engaging welcome sequence.
Authors can learn from Taylor’s consistent email schedule and her use of short, intriguing subject lines.
Personalization and exclusivity in emails are crucial for driving fan loyalty and engagement.
Ensure legal compliance when collecting and sending emails to protect your brand and audience.
Get comfortable with sending emails regularly to better understand and optimize your email marketing system.
Segmenting your email list is essential for improving deliverability and engagement rates.
Plan your email campaigns strategically, especially as a book release approaches, with more frequent emails leading up to the launch.
Keep readers engaged between releases by offering bonus content, character POVs, or exclusive stories.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Holly Darling
Website - https://hollydarlinghq.com/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/181189192674935
Courses - https://hollydarlinghq.com/courses/

041 - Margs and Research Part 1 [Worlds Asunder]

Whether you love it or you hate it, sometimes writing just requires research. All authors fall down the rabbit hole at some point, but some genres require it more than others. Alternate history is such a beast. This genre requires attention to detail and strategic decisions about changes to true events and historical figures. This leads us to a warren of worldbuilding questions. Where do you start? When do you bring in primary sources? When do you need a centuries-old map to find a forest that doesn’t exist in the 21st century? How did people really talk during the Revolutionary War, and does it matter? 
We’re so pleased to introduce Kevin Ikenberry, science fiction, mil sci-fi, and alternate history writer. He’s the author of over 25 novels, including the alternate history novel The Crossing and non-fiction The Mercenary Guide to Story Structure. Join us as we interview Ike about historical research, ripples in time, genre differences, and how he decides where to take liberties in his alternative history. 
 
In Part One, We Discuss: 
The seed idea and origins of Kevin’s alternate history novel, The Crossing 
Where to start when researching for alternate history and how to decide where to start 
Vetting your sources 
Alternate history considerations to set up your story: what changes can you make to history, and how do they impact your story? What happens if you insert modern characters into a historical setting, and how would historical figures react? 
How to approach writing famous historical figures
Asking key questions to determine changes in history and creating realistic responses for your characters, both real and fabricated
“Ripples” in history: what happens when you inject interchangeable parts and speed up the Industrial Revolution?
Maps, terrain, and historical changes in geography 
 
Resources and Guest Links: 
https://kevinikenberry.com/ 
The Crossing: https://kevinikenberry.com/book/the-crossing/ 
The Mercenary Guide to Story Structure: https://kevinikenberry.com/book/the-mercenary-guide-to-story-structure/
The Guardian Covenant: https://kevinikenberry.com/book-series/the-guardian-covenant/  
The British Are Coming, Rick Atkinson: https://revolutiontrilogy.com/books/the-british-are-coming/ 
 
We can’t thank Ike enough–for his time or his margaritas. He’s as generous a host as he is an author, and we’re so grateful he was willing to share his experiences and expertise with our audience. 
 
Host Links: 
H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/
David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ 
 
Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)
Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 
Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim
 

040 - Organic Reach Through Social Media [Becoming A Household Name]

Like it or hate it, if you're an artist who wants to find a thriving audience, you need to crack the social media code, and that means spending time learning how social works. If you want to try building an audience with a collaborative team, connect with me @jodyjsperling or jodyjsperling@gmail.com.

039 - Not Safe for Work Part 3 [Author Intelligence]

Blow Jobs and Torture Scenes. That’s It. Size, Cost & Performance
Foundational Models like to clutch their pearls.
What’s an author to do when they need to write sex and violence? Go opensource.
For more data, click here: https://shy-jackrabbit-e9e.notion.site/Episode-6-7-8-NSFW-44d1bc5394fd484ba16d6f94ed1db535

038 - Expanding Your Audience Through Genre Blending [Romancing Like Swift]

In this episode of the Romancing Like Swift podcast, hosts Emma-Lee Jane and Morgana Bevan dive into the concept of genre blending in Taylor Swift's music. They discuss how Taylor Swift has evolved from her country roots to a pop sensation, all while weaving in elements from other genres. Emma and Morgana highlight the emotional depth and narrative richness that Taylor Swift brings to her albums. They explore how genre blending not only broadens her audience but also keeps her creatively invigorated.
In the latter part of their conversation, Emma and Morgana shift focus to genre blending in writing. They talk about how collaboration with other creatives can refresh the spirit and keep the creative process exciting. The hosts emphasize the importance of embracing challenges and writing stories that push your boundaries. They discuss the common experience of the gap between a writer's vision and the final product, reminding listeners that our imagination often surpasses what we can create.
Emma and Morgana also delve into the benefits of genre blending, such as standing out in the market and exploring new creative avenues. They stress the importance of understanding the expectations and conventions of each genre involved. The episode touches on considerations like using pen names when blending genres, respecting readers' preferences, and the importance of writing with passion rather than following trends for sales.
They share personal experiences with genre blending in their own work, emphasizing the significance of location and setting in storytelling. Ultimately, Emma and Morgana encourage writers to trust their instincts and create stories they truly love.
Takeaways
Taylor Swift's move from country to pop exemplifies successful genre blending.
Her music is emotionally powerful and rich in storytelling.
Genre blending in her work broadens her audience and keeps her creatively inspired.
Collaboration with other artists can rejuvenate creativity.
Facing challenges and writing stories that intimidate you can foster personal growth.
The gap between a writer's vision and the finished piece is natural; our imagination often outpaces our creation.
Genre blending can provide market differentiation and allow for creative exploration, but it's crucial to understand the norms of each genre.
Microgenres, like rock star romance or enemies-to-lovers workplace romance, offer unique blending opportunities within a specific genre.
Write from a place of love and passion, not solely for financial gain.
Respect your readers and understand their preferences when blending genres.
Knowing your target audience and their expectations is key.
Consider the risks and rewards before diving into genre blending.
Setting and location can play a critical role in successfully blending genres.
Microgenres and tropes within a larger genre offer room for creative blending.
Research is essential when combining genres.
Marketing to multiple audiences requires careful strategy and planning.
Taking risks and being in it for the long haul can lead to success in genre blending.
Write with authenticity and respect to forge meaningful connections with your readers.
 
01:58 Defining Genre Blending
02:32 Examples of Genre Blending in Media
03:26 Fan Fiction and Genre Innovation
04:44 Taylor Swift's Return to Country Roots
05:46 Folklore and Evermore: A New Level of Storytelling
08:41 The Impact of Exile and Personal Reflections
10:52 The Young Love Triangle in Folklore
16:15 The Benefits of Genre Blending for Authors
24:51 Challenges and Considerations in Genre Blending
29:46 The Evolution of TV Show Story Arcs
30:28 The Challenges of Genre Blending
30:46 The Importance of Market Research
31:13 Pen Names and Reader Expectations
32:01 Avoiding Genre Confusion
32:43 Blending Romance with Other Genres
36:23 The Role of Micro Genres
43:22 The Rise of Slasher Romance
45:04 Respecting Your Readers
50:35 Final Thoughts on Genre Blending
54:48 Personal Experiences with Genre Blending
56:19 Closing Remarks and Song of the Week
 

037 - C.R. Rowenson: Do You Believe in Magic Part 2 [Worlds Asunder]

Magic systems are the foundation of fantasy fiction. By design, removing magic from a core fantasy story means the world and the plot fall apart. From elemental manipulation, runes, wand work, and bending light into physical form, we’ve seen countless magic systems and spellcasters over centuries of fiction. As authors, how do we make our magic unique, believable, and captivating? 
Enter Clark Rowenson, aka the Magic Engineer. Clark turned his background in the sciences to creating a practical, analytical system. His methods break down magic systems, design new ones, and strengthen existing ones. 
Author of “The Magic Systems Blueprint: A Fiction Writer’s Guide to Building Magic Systems” and “Restrictions May Apply: Building Limits for Your Magic System”, Clark is an industry leader in magic systems. In addition to a wealth of free resources on his website, and his YouTube channel The Magic Engineer, Clark also offers one-on-one consultation services. 
 
In Part Two, We’ll Discuss: 
H.Y. and Shady geeking out over Brent Weeks’ Lightbringer series 
Starting with a magic system vs starting with characters or other story elements
“Seed crystals”: single points of reference and inspiration for magic and world development, and how to narrow down your starting points 
An Uninvited Guest 
Our favorite immersive world details 
The Magic System Blueprint: how to break down and analyze your own systemsHard vs. soft and rational vs irrational magic systems 
Magic transference, prevalence, source, and flux 
Naturalness, ease of use, reliability, and consistency 
Use of perspective to view different aspects of magic 
 
Resources and Guest Links: 
https://crrowenson.com/
https://www.patreon.com/crrowenson
The Magic Engineer on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4TcDjakQUUFyGXTm7ZF1Q 
 
Join us in thanking Clark!  
We met Clark through the writing conference circuit, and he’s a great friend, writer, teacher, and all-around person. Magic systems are so nuanced and exciting, and Clark was on our short-list for Worlds Asunder while the podcast was in its pre-recording phase. We hope everyone has enjoyed this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it. 
 
Host Links: 
H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/
David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ 
 
Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)
Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 
Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim,
 

036 - Quitting Is An Option [Becoming A Household Name]

Welcome, everyone, to "Quitting Is An Option," the podcast for dreamers and doers on their journey to becoming a household name. Whether you’re chasing grand ambitions or simply curious about what fuels the relentless pursuit of dreams, you're in the right place. Today’s episode is all about waking up to the reality that you're the only one who can make your dreams come true. Ready to dive in and discover what it takes to truly commit? Let's get started!

035 - Embracing the Creative Flow with Margaret Beeler [Ink & Effort]

Welcome to "Ink and Effort," your go-to podcast for writing and productivity tips! In today's episode, hosts James Fox and Margaret Beeler dive into the heart of staying motivated and inspired as a writer. Margaret, fresh off a two-month break from her fantasy series, shares how she kept the creative fires burning with other artistic endeavors like a coloring book and a cocktail book. Together, they explore the importance of passion and purpose in their work, techniques to avoid burnout, and the power of real-life inspirations. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a seasoned author, this episode is packed with insights to help you keep your pen moving and your stories thriving. Let's get started!

034 - Not Safe for Work Part 2 [Author Intelligence]

Welcome to another exciting episode of Author Intelligence, where we delve into the fascinating world of auto-writing tools and their impact on creative storytelling. I'm Stacy Anderson, joined by my co-host Elizabeth Ann West. In this episode, we explore how specific prompts shape the quality of AI-generated writing, review excerpts from military sci-fi scenes, and discuss the performance of different auto-writing models like Mistral and Wizard. Get ready as we push boundaries with darker themes, filled with blood and gore, and provide valuable insights on enhancing your writing through technology. Let's dive in!

033 - Every Villain Is A Hero Of Their Own Story [Romancing Like Swift]

Welcome to "Romancing Like Swift," the podcast where we dive deep into the world of romance writing, inspired by the lyrics and business savvy of Taylor Swift. I'm Emily Jane alongside my co-host Morgana Babin. Today, we're exploring the concept that "every villain is the hero of their own story." We'll be unpacking how revealing the motives and goals of your antagonists can create richer, more relatable stories, just as Taylor Swift masterfully does in her music. We'll also offer tips on how to develop multi-dimensional villains, discuss the impact of backstory and miscommunication, and provide a sneak peek into our own writing journeys. Stay tuned!