The Authorpreneur Blog
Amelia D. Hay is a virtual writing and business coach for fiction writers and the host of The Authorpeneur Podcast. Every week, on this blog, she will teach you how to develop a story idea, create compelling characters and outline your novel. Learn how to write your first draft, revise your story, self-publish, establish your author platform, and reach readers. In her, Behind the Scenes Podcast Diary (BTS) she shares an honest account of her journey to self-publishing her novels.
A Podcast Tech Unboxing and My New Podcast Set-up | Tech Tutorials for Writers 002
Have you been thinking about starting a podcast but have no idea what podcast microphone to buy? Perhaps you’ve already purchased a microphone and realised that it picks up every single sound in your house. Or, maybe you’re on the fence about starting a podcast and are wondering about the basic set-up to get started? If any of these situations apply to you then this podcast tech unboxing is for you.
Special Announcement: The Authorpreneur Patreon is Live!
In the pursuit of sharing what I know and building a sustainable career as an author, I’ve turned to use Patreon as a writer to create another stream of income for my business. The one thing I’ve learned in business through my successes and failures is not to put all your eggs in one basket and to create a business that sustainable long term.
My Annual Writing Goals Progress Report
For quite some time, I’ve been sitting on the fence about whether I should share my writing goals progress report with you. Part of the reason for my indecision was the first half of this year didn’t go as planned. The first six months of 2019 were filled with some distractions, getting back into writing, and the editing process not going the way I had expected. Every time I share my writing goals and progress reports, there seems to be a familiar theme; things didn’t go as planned. If this is something you can relate to, then you’ll feel right at home on this blog. But first, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane.
An Update on my Crime Thriller Novel | GRWM Writing Chat, Ep 001
Hello, Writers and Book Lovers! Welcome to the first episode of a Get Ready With Me Writing Chat edition. In this super chatty video, I share an update on where I’m at with my crime thriller novel Missing, and my other writing projects. I decided to add this as...
BTS022, Ask Me Anything on Writing and Self-Editing
Welcome to the fiftieth episode of the podcast. In the spirit of celebration, in this episode, I will answer questions on writing, self-editing, and procrastination asked by my Blog Readers, Youtube Subscribers, Podcast Listeners, and through my Ask A Question form on my website.
BTS021, Migrating Away from MailChimp and Merging My Two Websites
Coming up in this show, I discuss why I migrated away from MailChimp and the steps involved. And, I also discuss my decision to merge my author and writing tips websites. In terms of writing, I will share where I’m at with Missing, Book Two, and the steps I need to take before I start writing my short story. But, first an update on my favourite cup of tea and what I’m currently reading.
Should You Offer Coaching Services as a Writer or Author? | Coaching for Writers
Over the last few months, well it’s been almost a year, I’ve noticed quite a few first-time authors pop up and start selling services like coaching for writers. I want to first preface this by saying I don’t necessarily think this is a bad thing, partly because, it’s hard to make a living as an author. It’s can often take multiple books before you can start making an income from royalties alone.
BTS020, Hiring a Professional Editor, Revising Book Two, and Writing a Short Story
Coming up in this show, I discuss hiring a professional editor for my thriller novella, Missing, and my plans for book two. And, I’ve made progress with writing a short story which I intend to use as a lead magnet to build a mailing list. But first, a short travel update.
BTS019, Self-Editing a Novel and Hiring a Professional Beta Reader
Last week, I planned on self-editing a novel and hiring a professional beta reader to get some feedback on my story. It’s been one of those weeks. You know that week that starts of crappy and turns into a nightmare. But, my week eventually redeemed itself in the final hour. This is going to sound overdramatic, but I’ve got the opposite of the Midas touch. I’m sure there’s a name for that, but it’s completely escaped my mind.
TAP028, 5 Tips for Structuring a Story with the Hero’s Journey (Part 4 of 4)
Welcome to the final instalment of this mini-series on how to structure a story using the Hero’s Journey. In this show, I will share five tips on how to structure a story using the Hero’s Journey. And, at the end of this episode, I will also share examples of this story structure in film and literature and provide you will a list of recommended reading so you can do further research.
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My Books
A van Gogh is Missing and A Body is on the Lawn
When Will Thatcher, doesn’t show up for work, James Lalonde is forced to attend an afternoon tea with Alistair Carmichael in his place. The lovely autumn afternoon tea comes to an abrupt end when a body turns up on the lawn of the Carmichael Estate with strange markings on his neck.
But, something is missing, a priceless painting is off the wall. However, it’s no ordinary painting, it’s a Van Gogh purchased in an auction a few months ago. After discovering fresh tracks, most likely left by the murderer James realises the murder is still in the estate.
Can James figure out who the thief and murderer are before he or Alistair is next?
A killer is on the loose, Excalibur is missing, and his career is on the line…
James, the chief editor of a small newspaper, returns home to discover that his girlfriend, Valentine has unexpectedly left. Later that morning, he fails to reallocate her story. To avoid blank space in the paper, James decides to write the story on the local museum’s latest acquisition, Excalibur. But, there’s one thing he didn’t count on… Excalibur is Missing, and his girlfriend has been kidnapped.
£1.99
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What I’m Writing Now!
Revised Draft
52,029 of 65,000 Words
Right now, I’m preparing Book Two in the James Lalonde series, for a final round of revisions. The next step is to send the story off to my editor. I aim to have this eBook published on all major ebook retailers by the end of April 2021. And, I will be making this novel available for free to my James Lalonde Insiders reader club. You can become an insider here.
Publishing Updates
First Draft
0 of 60,000 Words
I’ve decided to add an extra book between the second book and the start of the byline series, where James arrives in New York. Book Three will be set in a 24 hour period in London. This novel will be available in ebook in Kindle Unlimited by the end of July 2021. And, the paperback editions soon after. I will be making this novel available for free to my James Lalonde Insiders reader club. You can become an insider here.
Revised Draft
112,960 of 99,000 Words
Book Four in the James Lalonde series needs one final round of revisions before I can hand it off to my editor. This longer novel will be available in ebook in Kindle Unlimited by the end of November 2021. And, the paperback editions soon after. I will be making this novel available for free to my James Lalonde Insiders reader club. You can become an insider here.
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