Business Strategies for Fiction Writers

Business Strategies for Fiction Writers

by | May 14, 2025

Business strategies for fiction writers: Think Like a CEO: Why Fiction Authors Must Grow Beyond Book Sales

Business strategies for fiction authors is a topic we don’t cover nearly enough, yet it’s incredibly important. When most writers dream of a successful author career, they picture bestseller lists, book signings, maybe even a Netflix deal. But here’s the truth: selling books alone—even a lot of them—is rarely enough to build a sustainable, scalable business.

That’s where thinking like a business owner becomes critical. JD Barker—international bestselling author, co-writer with James Patterson, and creator of his own publishing imprint—proves that fiction writing and entrepreneurship can (and should) go hand in hand.

In a recent episode of Alexa’s Publishing Chat, JD shared exactly how he turned great storytelling into a thriving, multifaceted business. His journey offers key takeaways for any fiction author looking to grow beyond royalty checks.

JD Barker’s Author Business Blueprint: Business strategies for fiction writers

JD didn’t just “get lucky” with a big break. He spent 23 years ghostwriting memoirs for high-profile clients before releasing his own fiction under his name. His breakout thriller Forsaken landed on the map thanks to a brilliant combination of:

  • Talent: a strong, five-star book rooted in genre mastery

  • Strategy: leveraging a Stephen King reference and turning the story behind the story into a PR win

  • Risk: he and his wife sold everything and downsized to invest in the writing dream full-time

Here’s where JD diverges from the average author: he didn’t stop at writing. He built an ecosystem around his books.

3 Key Moves That Made JD Barker’s Author Career a Business

1. Trademarking His Author Name
JD registered his name, in over 200 fonts, as a trademark. That means foreign publishers and partners now license his name to use it on covers—a small but consistent revenue stream.
Takeaway: Your name is your brand—protect and monetize it.

2. Treating Books as Marketing Assets
JD sends books to luxury hotels and arranges visibility placements—costly upfront, but powerful for long-term brand recognition.
Takeaway: Think beyond book sales—use your book to build brand awareness.

3. Real Estate & Revenue Diversification
Instead of spending early advances, JD and his wife bought rental properties. That real estate income provided financial stability and flexibility to grow his career.
Takeaway: Use book income to build sustainable, passive revenue streams.

Why Fiction Authors Must Think Bigger

Too many authors stop at “write, publish, hope for sales.” But successful writers today think like CEOs.

Here’s why you need to look beyond the bookshelf:

  • Book sales are unpredictable – even for bestsellers

  • Algorithms change – relying solely on Amazon is risky

  • One book = one stream – but one brand can equal many

  • You are the product – not just your latest title

When you shift your mindset from “author” to “authorpreneur,” opportunities multiply.

Case Studies: Other Fiction Authors Monetizing Beyond Books

T.L. Swan – Subscription Revenue via Bonus Content
Romance author T.L. Swan offers exclusive scenes, bonus chapters, and early access through her private community and Patreon-style offerings. Her superfans pay monthly for insider perks.
Business model: Membership & recurring revenue

Bella Andre – Direct Sales & Licensing
Bella sells her books directly to readers via her website and licenses translation/audio rights internationally—cutting out the middlemen.
Business model: IP control, global licensing, direct profit margins

Colleen Hoover – Merch & Event-Based Income
Beyond traditional publishing, Hoover has capitalized on merch, branded products, and large-scale fan events.
Business model: Branded merchandise + reader experiences

Elana Johnson – Writing Retreats & Courses
This prolific indie romance author expanded into teaching others how to create a successful rapid-release publishing career, offering courses and live retreats.
Business model: Education & service-based revenue

What You Can Do Right Now

Whether you’re new to fiction or working on your tenth book, here’s how to begin thinking like a business:

  1. Audit Your IP Assets

    • Could you sell foreign rights, audio, film/TV, or merchandise?

  2. Build a Brand Beyond the Book

    • Use social media, email lists, and even real-world placements to make your name recognizable.

  3. Monetize Extras

    • Create bonus scenes, special editions, or fan subscriptions for your most engaged readers.

  4. Leverage Your Skills

    • Consider coaching, ghostwriting, or collaborations to share your talent in profitable ways.

  5. Invest in Smart Passive Income

    • Use book income to fuel long-term projects like real estate, digital products, or other scalable ventures.

Final Word: Your Book is Just the Beginning

Your writing is the spark—but how you build around it determines your success.

As JD Barker says, “Write a 5-star book. Then find 10 smart ways to get that story into the world, and make money every step of the way.”

It’s not selling out—it’s selling smart.

Want to learn more?
Listen to the full episode with JD Barker below.
His new book Something I Keep Upstairs is now available—don’t miss the haunted house contest for readers!

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A Guide to the General Track in the 2025 Women in Publishing Summit

A Guide to the General Track in the 2025 Women in Publishing Summit

by | Jan 31, 2025

Conference for Authors & Publishing Professionals
An Author’s Guide to the General Track at the 2025 Women in Publishing Summit 

We know there are many options when it comes to choosing a virtual conference for authors, so we’re breaking down the workshops in the Women in Publishing Summit by tracks and areas of focus. Today we are talking about the general track, which has sessions that are likely beneficial for most authors.

The Women in Publishing Summit, a four-day virtual conference for authors and publishing professionals, offers sessions for authors of all levels. We’re bringing together authors, writing experts, and publishing professionals to discuss a range of topics—from creative resiliency to AI tools to connected marketing.

We focus on building community, educating our community, and creating an environment for support, encouragement, and sharing of resources. While the conference is virtual and runs “live” in zoom over the course of the event, all sessions are recorded, and you can rewatch them as many times as you’d like through the end of the year. We also have networking, community-building events, and special bonus sessions. 

Don’t forget to grab your ticket today, so you can participate in these author workshops at the conference and revisit the recorded sessions throughout the year!

Pre-Conference Bonus Session! (Replay for attendees)
From Goals to Gains: Creating a Personal Roadmap for Conference Success with Michelle Oucharek-Deo, Live and Grow Press

This is a practical and engaging seminar designed to help you get the most out of your conference experience. From pre-conference preparation and creating a structured four-day plan to effective post-event follow-ups, this seminar provides all the time management strategies you need for a productive and rewarding experience. Including a 50 page printable workbook, this session will have everyone prepped for attending any conference for authors and publishing professionals. Michelle Oucharek-Deo is a professional speaker and business strategist specializing in time recovery and the development of value-driven businesses. With over thirty years of experience as a business owner, educator, mentor, and community advocate, she has mastered the art of leveraging time effectively and efficiently—a cornerstone of her success.

***This session will air BEFORE the event and requires a ticket purchase prior to Feb. 4th, 2025. However, the recording will be available to ticket holders if you miss the live workshop.

Day 1 – General Track Sessions on Writing/Mindset

How to Get Over Self-Sabotage and Back to Writing with Ania Ray

Is it “writer’s block” or self-sabotage? Writers think about their stories all the time, yet they fail to make progress for some reason, over and over again. In ‘How to Get Over Self-Sabotage and Back to Writing,’  Ania Ray will lead writers of every level in a workshop-style class where they will identify self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors as they manifest in their writing lives. She will teach the psychology behind why writers get stuck and how writers can get back into flow, making sustainable and consistent progress that creates momentum. It’s time for writers to stop feeling disappointed in their lack of action and proud of their productivity instead. Ania is the CEO and cofounder of Quill & Cup, an author, a wife and mama. Ania has published her women’s fiction novels The Cromwell Rules and Breaking the Rules, and is currently editing the third book of The Rules series!

 

The (Hidden) Costs & Challenges of Publishing with Karen Strauss, Hybrid Global Publishing

Publishing a book is an exciting endeavor, but it often comes with unexpected challenges and hidden costs. This workshop dives into the realities of publishing, whether you’re self-publishing or pursuing traditional routes. From understanding financial investments to navigating industry-specific obstacles, attendees will leave with a clearer picture of what it takes to bring their book to life successfully. Karen Strauss is the publisher of Hybrid Global Publishing. Designed to publish books by speakers and entrepreneurs and other indie authors, Hybrid Global is an independent publisher offering author services such as editorial, custom cover and interior design, distribution and marketing. Karen has worked in publishing for more than 30 years with broad experience in all aspects of publishing, sales, marketing, strategic planning, and distribution.

 

Fail Smarter: The Secret to Creative Resilience with Gabriela Pereira

In our perfectionist culture, we’re often taught to avoid errors at all costs. The problem with this attitude is that criticism and failure are inevitable, especially in creative fields. The secret to bouncing back from harsh feedback is learning how to transform incremental “failures” into stepping stones toward a larger goal. Experts say the secret to creative success is to fail better or fail faster, but after this session you will know how to “fail smarter.” Gabriela Pereira is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur who wants to challenge the status quo of higher education. As the founder and instigator of DIYMFA.com, her mission is to empower writers, artists, and other creatives to take an entrepreneurial approach to their education and professional growth.

 

How to Quadruple Your Writing Productivity and Get Into Flow Faster with Stacy Ennis​

During this session, you’ll learn the neuroscience behind flow, and the habits that allow you to consistently access creative genius and deep strategic thinking. Part-scientific, part-practical, this is an audience favorite because of its transformational impact. After attending this session, attendees will be able to implement practical elements like discretionary time and time blocking to increase their productivity while maintaining a balanced life. Stacy Ennis is a best-selling author, book coach, and speaker on a mission to help leaders clarify their ideas and harness their unique story to make an impact.

 

Day 2 – General Track Sessions on Routes to Publication

Copyright and Fair Use with Kelley Way

In this session, you’ll learn what rights authors have under copyright law, and when they can safely use third party content. Kelley Way graduated from UC Davis with a B.A. in English, followed by a Juris Doctorate. Kelley is a member of the California Bar and is an aspiring writer of young adult fantasy novels. She practices copyright, trademark and estate planning law at The Law Office of Kelley A. Way.

 

The Creative Writer’s Tech Toolkit: Editing, Brainstorming, and Beyond with Hayley Milliman, ProWritingAid

Are you ready to take your fiction writing to the next level? In this webinar, we’ll explore the essential tools every creative writer needs to edit smarter, brainstorm better, and bring their stories to life. From breaking through writer’s block to polishing your final draft, you’ll learn how to use technology to streamline your writing process and elevate your craft. Whether you’re drafting your first novel or fine-tuning a polished manuscript, this session will guide you forward.

As Director of Community at ProWritingAid, Hayley Milliman focuses on building engaging, helpful learning content for the millions of users who rely on ProWritingAid to make their writing clear and effective. Hayley has a robust writing portfolio and has written for dozens of publications on topics related to education, marketing strategy, history, entrepreneurship, and more.

 

Beyond Distribution: Maximizing Book Sales with Danica Favorite, PublishDrive

Are you ready to take your book sales to the next level? In this workshop, we’ll explore how PublishDrive empowers authors to go beyond simple distribution and create a strategy for sustained success. Whether you’re a first-time author or an experienced publisher, this session will provide actionable insights to help you reach a global audience, boost your sales, and achieve your publishing goals.

Danica Favorite is the Community Manager at PublishDrive and is a digital communications expert with extensive experience connecting both internal and external stakeholders with major consumer brands. PublishDrive helps authors easily self-publish ebooks online, audiobooks, and print books to thousands of stores worldwide.

 

Panel: What Matters Most: 3 Essentials for Navigating the Vast and Confusing Publishing Landscape with Pam Sheppard & Teri Rider

How can you sort through all the choices and decisions you have to make to publish and be assured you’re doing what’s best for your unique project? In the presentation, Teri and Pam will lead you to the 3 components that matter most, the components worth your effort and focus. Setting realistic goals is key for each component to intersect with the others, and contributes to your overall success.

Teri Rider, the award-winning independent publisher and a master of the inner workings of book design and production is the publisher and acquisitions editor for Torchflame Books, an imprint of Top Reads Publishing. Pam Sheppard is a seasoned publishing consultant with over 30 years in Sales and Marketing for Big 5 publishers, Simon & Schuster, Random House, Crown Publishers and others.

 

Day 3 – General Track Sessions on Marketing & Book Launch

Pinterest for Authors with Melissa Bourbon

Pinterest may be one of an author’s greatest—and most underutilized—tools. As a search engine (not a social media platform!) with more than 465 million monthly active users worldwide, 98 million of whom are in the US, it is a prime place to build a presence. Wouldn’t you love to be seen by even a tiny fraction of those users? In this workshop, Melissa Bourbon will show authors ways to reach potential readers using Pinterest. She will share tips for creating pins, and show how to use SEO in pins, titles, and descriptions. Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than thirty-five novels. A former secondary English/Language Arts teacher and Creative Writing teacher with Southern Methodist University’s CAPE program and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institution with North Carolina State University, she has applied her love of teaching to the creation of WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft. 

 

AI Tools for Marketing with Fauzia Burke, Pub Site

Join Fauzia Burke of Pub Site as she explores how AI tools can transform marketing strategies in book publishing. Discover how to work smarter, not harder, and gain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving industry. Fauzia Burke is a dedicated book publicist with a deep love for the written word and a fascination with the future of AI-driven publicity. Throughout her career she has worked with countless bestselling authors. She and her husband co-founded Pub Site—a user-friendly platform that has empowered authors like Tom Clancy, Robin Cook, and many others to build their online presence.


How to Hit the Amazon Bestseller List with Aimee Ravichandran, Abundantly Social

Are you ready to take your book to the next level and achieve Amazon Best Seller status? In this actionable and insightful session, we’ll walk you through the strategies and tools successful authors use to make their books stand out in a crowded marketplace. Whether you’re launching your first book or looking to elevate your next release, this presentation will equip you with the knowledge to dominate Amazon’s charts. Aimee Ravichandran is the owner of Abundantly Social. Over her 10 years in the industry, she has helped create over 100 Amazon Best-Selling authors and was named one of the Top 10 Innovative Women Changing the Face of Business in 2022. 

 

Put the Spotlight on Your Book with Reviews and Awards with Hannah Jacobson, Book Award Pro

Awards and reviews are powerful tools for authors. Readers around the world intuitively recognize the importance of these accolades. But how do these accolades put the spotlight on your book? How can you craft a winning strategy to stand out? Learn the secrets to garnering the best accolades for your book with the founder of Book Award Pro, the world’s largest source of legitimate reviews and awards. Hannah Jacobson is the founder of Book Award Pro, the company that created technology enabling authors to become award-winning authors. Book Award Pro began as a humble passion project and developed into the fast-growing technology startup it is today.


Connected Marketing: How the Principle of Engagement Can Change Your Whole Marketing Approach with Kate Stead, Old Mate Media

Join Kate Stead to learn how the principle of engagement can change your whole marketing approach as an author. Kate Stead is an indie author and publisher with a wide-ranging communications, marketing and events portfolio built on 20 years in the corporate sector. She founded Old Mate Media, a boutique self-publishing company in 2013, with her husband, award-winning author and editor Chris Stead. Focusing on creating beautiful and professional children’s and non-fiction books, she guides authors through the confusing landscape of the self-publishing industry working beside them at every step to bring their vision to life.

 

Day 4 – General Track Sessions for Business Growth

Building an Author Business Plan: Strategies for Success with Joyana Peters

In today’s competitive publishing landscape, having a well-crafted business plan is crucial for authors who aim to turn their passion for writing into a successful career. Joyana Peters will guide authors through the essential components of creating an effective business plan tailored to their unique goals and aspirations. Participants will learn how to define their author brand, set realistic goals, develop marketing strategies, and explore various revenue streams. Joyana Peters is the Indie author of the best-selling novels, The Girl in the Triangle and The Girl From Saint Petersburg. Joyana has taught literature and composition on both the secondary and university levels. She also writes non-fiction and has been published in digital and print publications nationwide.

 

Mastering the Art of Creative Presentations – aka: How to Relax and Have Fun with Author Talks with Pat Black-Gould

So you’ve written your book, and now it’s time for author talks and presentations. Easy, right? Well, not for everyone. But relax. In this workshop, you’ll learn techniques and strategies to help you design innovative presentations that entertain and inspire audiences. You’ll learn skills to help you tap into your storytelling and creative nature, allowing you to feel more comfortable with your audiences. In addition, I’ll show you how to include information and resources to your book’s back matter that can become valuable material for presentations. Pat Black-Gould, PhD, is an author and psychologist with a background as an actress, director, and playwright. Her book The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey received three gold medal awards.

 

BookBub Basics for Authors: Boost your Platform with LitRing with Samantha Williams

Learn how to make BookBub work for you! From account creation to BookBub ads and everything in between, join the promo masters of LitRing and Aurora Publicity for this platform training to bring in new readers for your books. By the end of this workshop, you’ll be able to confidently use BookBub to find new readers, build a community who adores you, and sell more books. Samantha Williams is a passionate marketer with almost a decade of experience in publishing. With degrees in advertising, marketing, and PR, she often refers to herself as “The Matchmaker” for authors and assistants. As the owner of LitRing, a book promotions company, and the founder and marketing director of Aurora Publicity, a full-service marketing and author assistant company, her expert teams have helped thousands of debut, midlist, and NYT Bestselling authors reach their goals.

 

Join us at this year’s conference for authors and publishing professionals and take the next steps to advancing your career as an author or publishing professional!

Get your ticket now!
Women in Publishing Summit Conference for Authors and Publishing Professionals
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2023 Bronze Sponsor: Speak Write Play

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How to Overcome Burnout When Tackling a Long-Running Series

How to Overcome Burnout When Tackling a Long-Running Series

by | Dec 2, 2024

How to Overcome Burnout While Writing a Series

A guest post by Eleanor Hecks

Of all the things we have to accomplish as writers, it’s not a fun thing to add “overcome burnout” to your to-do list. Authors who pursue writing a long-running series sometimes forget how difficult it can be to overcome challenges from book to book for years on end. Some parts of writing are joyful, wonderful, and personally fulfilling. Unfortunately, other parts are not so much fun. For example, many writers dislike self-promotion and struggle to keep a central running theme over numerous titles.

Some of the reasons for series burnout include:

  • Not having enough time to promote the series.
  • Having other ideas you’d rather work on.
  • Running out of story tropes for the next book in the series.
  • Feeling bored with the project.

Most creatives have more ideas than they could ever complete. Sticking with one project for the long haul is a push and pull between the business side of the author and the artist that lives within. Fortunately, there are numerous solutions if you’re feeling blocked.

Tips to Help Authors Overcome Burnout

Entire books have been written on writer’s block, creative discouragement, and procrastination. However, each writer has unique life experiences and personality traits. Finding the technique that works to cure your block may require trying several methods before you find the one that suits you and helps you best overcome burnout.

1. Read Excellent Tips

New books hit the market all the time, and you can try some of those for new techniques. However, there are a few steadfast favorites:

  • “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron discusses ways to refill your creative well if you’re feeling blocked.
  • “Do It! Let’s Get Off Our Butts” by Peter McWilliams helps readers develop excellent ongoing habits.

Pay attention to the person offering advice. If the author sold a book one year ago, they may not have the best handle on what’s required for a lengthy and successful career. Never limit yourself to only writing advice, as you can gain much from business leaders, too.

2. Remember Why You Started

What captivated you in the first place? Some authors want to explore a certain theme. Others imagine a character whose story must be told. You may find new inspiration to help you overcome burnout when you remember your “why.”

Meera Sodha was a recipe writer, cranking out new recipes as fast as she could until she no longer could. She hit a period of heavy burnout. For her, returning to basics, remembering her love of food, and sharing it with others brought her back to the thing she loved.

When you remember why you fell in love with your series in the first place, you may find new ideas start to flow.

3. Change Daily Writing Routines

It’s easy to get into a rut, especially when writing about the same characters and world. Artists require changes in routine. If you get up at 6 a.m. every day, have a cup of coffee and work until 3 p.m., your brain may revolt after a while.

You have a few options. If you only have specific hours to write, you can change your routine. Drive to the local library or a coffee spot for a change of environment, or take a break to visit a local museum to fill the creative well. If you can change your writing hours, try writing in the evening a few days a week.

4. Talk It Out With a Friend

If you don’t have a writing friend you can trust, you can find one online through a writer’s group. You need someone to bounce ideas off or talk to about your frustrations. A good friend will offer advice and ideas for what helped them or at least commiserate over the aggravations of a long-running series.

A skilled fellow writer will brainstorm ideas to get your creative juices flowing and will let you bounce new ones off them. It is even better if the person has been with you throughout your series and knows your vision. They can redirect you when you stray away from the purpose of your long-running project.

5. Automate Grunt Work

As an artist, you’re likely well aware of how artificial intelligence (AI) has infiltrated nearly all aspects of business and many aspects of art. While there are certainly valid criticisms to be made regarding AI use in creative work, one notable benefit of AI programs is the amount of routine tasks that they can make more efficient in your day-to-day. Professionals in some industries see up to 50% efficiency increases when implementing AI tools, which could mean less time spent on monotonous work and more time doing the things you actually enjoy.

While most authors — and readers — have strong moral objections to using AI in the actual process of writing creative work, you can still utilize the technology without straying from your principles. For example:

  • Automate your social media posts.
  • Use AI analytics to research trends in your niche and track what your readers enjoy the most for story tropes.
  • Let an AI-based database track income and expenses and predict future revenue.
  • Perform initial grammar and clarity edits with an AI-powered writing tool.
  • Get instant information using AI search engines when writing on especially niche subjects.

If there is any work on the business side you loathe, AI may be the solution. Using it will free up your time to be more creative and tap into the power behind your series.

6. Work on Other Stuff

Sometimes, you need a break from writing. Repeatedly living inside a world for months can become monotonous — even if you love it there. As one of the 151,200 authors and writers in the United States, your brand image is crucial. What if you took a week to improve your website, develop a better tagline or recreate your logo?

You might also work on a side project. You could tell the backstory of one of your minor characters and send it to your mailing list as an insider bonus. Or, write something completely different from your series, such as a poem or short story in a different genre.

7. Shake Up Your Series Roadmap

Some find taking the time to plot can clear up burnout quickly. Do you have an idea of how your series might end? What if you completely shook things up and made it different? Remember how upset some fans were over the ending of the long-running television series “Lost?” Others were saying, “I knew it all along.”

Whether the writers planned to end it that way all along or it was a shift, it was brilliant because people still talk about it even though the series ended in May of 2010.

When you find yourself stuck on where to head next, you may want to go back to basics and use one of the plotting devices available. Save the Cat is a beat sheet that helps you cover major conflicts and points in a story. You can also follow Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey.” Your genre may determine which device is best for you.

Replot your roadmap, starting wherever you left off. You don’t have to use it if you dislike the change, but you might just come up with something that drives you to passionately pursue the next few books.

Find Your Burn

When you feel burnt out, you must try various techniques until your ideas are on fire again and you feel a new enthusiasm for your project. Once you do, write like crazy.

Whenever possible, end your writing day in the middle of an exciting scene. You’ll be anxious to get back and push your characters through the situation. You should start a new tense or gripping moment and end the writing session before you finish the scene. The push and flow of storytelling isn’t always a straight path. Keep trying, and you’ll overcome any blocks throughout your long-running series.

Eleanor Hecks is a writer with a particular interest in helping other writers publish and market their work. You can find her serving as Editor-in-Chief of Designerly Magazine or keep up with her work on LinkedIn.

 

 

 

 

 

We sincerely hope this post helped anyone in our community working to overcome burnout. You may also enjoy this post: Writing Rituals to Inspire Creativity and Get Sh*t Done with Elizabeth Barbour

PublishHER Podcast Episode 105: DIY your MFA with guest Gabriela Pereira

PublishHER Podcast Episode 105: DIY your MFA with guest Gabriela Pereira

by | Sep 13, 2023

Are you a fiction or genre writer looking to take your craft to the next level? Join DIY MFA, where founder Gabriela Pereira empowers writers to succeed in their chosen genres with their unique approach to teaching.

In this episode, our guest Gabriela Pereira will debunk some writing myths about whether you need an MFA to be a good writer and help you develop a stronger foundation for success in your chosen genres.

DIY MFA provides a space for self-starters who want to learn and succeed in their chosen genres. – Gabriela Pereira

In this episode, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand how DIY MFA homes in on fiction and genre writers, opening up new avenues of storytelling and engagement.
  • Gain insights into the unique analytical techniques taught by DIY MFA, geared towards enriching your literary perspective and writing abilities.
  • Recognize the convenience and adaptability of DIY MFA’s courses, designed to accommodate diverse interest levels and schedules.
  • Uncover the smooth enrollment procedure and the ready accessibility of DIY MFA’s courses, bringing superior writing instruction to your doorstep.
  • Grasp the fundamental values of this program and their indispensable part in guiding your literary journey, inspiring originality, and enhancing your narrative capacity.

 

DIY MFA’s distinct focus on genre and fiction writers

Gabriela Pereira’s program provides unique support for genre and fiction writers. The organization stands out by working to fill the gap often left by traditional MFA programs, which typically exclude specialization in genres like romance or cozy mystery. This distinct focus ensures these writers receive the guidance and resources they need to excel in their craft.

Key Takeaways

  • DIY MFA helps genre and fiction writers to learn the strategies and techniques peculiar to these writing genres.
  • Unveil the reading strategies and analytical tools taught by DIY MFA, aiming to empower and streamline your writing process.
  • Get familiar with the tailored adaptability and ease-of-access of DIY MFA’s courses, facilitating writing education tailored to your needs.

Memorable Moments:

00:01:17 – The Beginnings of DIY MFA,
Gabriella shares the story of how DIY MFA started as an idea after her graduation from a traditional program. She explains how the concept gained traction through a blog post and an experiment in September 2010, and how it eventually grew into a business model.

00:06:03 – Taking an Entrepreneurial Approach,
Alexa and Gabriella discuss the importance of taking an entrepreneurial approach to writing and how DIY MFA helps writers do just that. They highlight the opportunities that have arisen due to the boom in self-publishing and the need for writers to build their own author platforms.

00:08:01 – The Three Components of DIY MFA,
Gabriella explains the three components of DIY MFA: writing with focus, reading with purpose, and building a community. She discusses how DIY MFA addresses both the craft and motivation/productivity aspects of writing, as well as the importance of reading widely and strategically.

00:13:56 – DIY MFA’s Focus on Fiction Writing,
DIY MFA primarily focuses on fiction and memoir writing, providing resources and courses for writers with a narrative or storyline. However, they also welcome poets, essayists, and genre fiction writers who are often overlooked by traditional programs.

00:15:12 – Meeting the Needs of Genre Writers,
DIY MFA recognizes the lack of MFA programs that specialize in genre fiction writing. They aim to fill this gap by offering resources and instruction specifically tailored to genre writers, helping them improve their craft and find the support they need.

Learn more at:

Visit the DIY MFA website: This is the official website of Gabriela Pereira’s program. Here, you can find information about the program, including courses, resources, and community opportunities.

Check out the DIY MFA book: Gabriela Pereira is the author of DIY MFA: Write with Focus, Read with Purpose, and Build Your Community. This book is a comprehensive guide to creating your own experience and is available for purchase on various online platforms, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

For more information check out Gabriela’s LinkedIn profile or follow her on social media.

Want more tips for fiction authors? Here are a few recent podcast episodes:
PublishHER Podcast Episode 104: Using Archives to Write Your Book with Amy Tector

PublishHER Podcast Episode 104: Using Archives to Write Your Book with Amy Tector

by | Sep 8, 2023

Amy Tector and Alexa Bigwarfe discuss using archives for both research and setting in your novels. Amy is the author of THE HONEYBEE EMERALDS, a book club fiction set in Paris and THE FOULEST THINGS, a murder mystery set in Ottawa.

If you’re feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the lack of historical accuracy and engaging details in your writing, despite your best efforts to research, then you need to try using archives. Throughout the episode, Amy highlights how they can contribute to the authenticity and richness of a narrative, offering unique historical details and unexpected stories. She encourages writers not to shy away from archives and explores the accessibility of these valuable resources.

Archives give you the unfiltered life, the unexpected things that were never created with a purpose, making them a great resource for writers. – Amy Tector

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The indispensable contribution of archives in supplementing research and crafting insightful write-ups.
  • How to exploit them for polished research work essential in writing.
  • Amy Tector’s riveting encounter with using primary sources from archives to fuel her literary creations.
  • Canada’s National Archives Library and Archives Canada collection of historical records and documents.
  • Why you should explore the archive department in your local area or the archives related to your specific writing interests to uncover hidden stories and insights.
  • Consider incorporating archival research into your own writing process to bring a unique perspective and depth to your stories.
  • The importance of encouraging people to support indie authors by buying their books and spreading the word!
  • Amy Tector’s debut novel, The Honeybee Emeralds, available now.

 

Uncovering the Role of Archives

Archives act as a treasure trove of history, housing original, unpublished materials. They’re akin to libraries but hold a distinct, more candid take on past events, people and societies. Understanding and utilizing these distinct resources can inject an authentic flavor into writing, enhancing its immersive quality. The digitization of certain resources has eased access, though a significant portion still requires in-person visits. Seizing the potential of these unique records can deliver a riveting experience, giving writers the extraordinary opportunity to touch and connect with materials once held by historical figures.

Key Takeaways

  • Archives magnify the value of history and enhance a writer’s perspective.
  • Learn essential strategies for leveraging archived materials to construct a well-researched and informed narrative.
  • Walk alongside Amy Tector as she unfolds her adventure of incorporating archives in her masterpiece mystery novels.
  • Get acquainted with the open-access nature of your local archive department and the support extended by reference archivists.

Memorable Moments:

00:07:38 – Using Archives for Research,
Before visiting an archive, it’s essential to have a good understanding of your research topic. Primary materials are unique, so knowing where to find them requires prior knowledge. Many archive departments still require in-person visits, offering the experience of physically touching historical documents.

00:11:21 – Amy Tector’s Journey with Archives,
Amy’s interest in writing and history led her to a career in archiving. She worked as a reference archivist, answering research questions and discovering countless story ideas. Her novels, including “The Dominion Archives Mysteries,” are heavily influenced by her experiences and fascination.

00:16:05 – Using Archives for Storytelling,
Amy Tector discusses their value in storytelling, particularly for authors writing historical fiction or stories with a historical element. While they can be intimidating, there are reference archivists available to help researchers navigate and access the information they need.

Want more tips for fiction authors? Here are a few recent podcast episodes: