writing advice Archives - Sacha Black https://sachablack.co.uk/tag/writing-advice/ Books, Business and Bad Words Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:53:08 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://sachablack.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-logo-solo-colour-copy-scaled-1-32x32.jpg writing advice Archives - Sacha Black https://sachablack.co.uk/tag/writing-advice/ 32 32 287 Aristotle for Novelists – Principles on the Art of Story with Douglas Vigliotti https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/03/26/287-aristotle-for-novelists-principles-on-the-art-of-story-with-douglas-vigliotti/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=287-aristotle-for-novelists-principles-on-the-art-of-story-with-douglas-vigliotti https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/03/26/287-aristotle-for-novelists-principles-on-the-art-of-story-with-douglas-vigliotti/#comments Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:00:40 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12651 Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 287 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Douglas Vigliotti all about the principles and components of story. In this episode we cover:  What Aristotle can teach us about writing novels Writing vs. story The six components of a story How to make story more believable Using logic […]

The post 287 Aristotle for Novelists – Principles on the Art of Story with Douglas Vigliotti appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 287 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Douglas Vigliotti all about the principles and components of story.

In this episode we cover: 

  • What Aristotle can teach us about writing novels
  • Writing vs. story
  • The six components of a story
  • How to make story more believable
  • Using logic to better create a villain

Links I mentioned: 

Girl Games: NSFW Special Edition Kickstarter

Find out more about Douglas:

Instagram @douglasvigliotti

AristotleforNovelists.com

Rebel of the Week is: Zachary Kai
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Elle Mae and Effie. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/03/26/287-aristotle-for-novelists-principles-on-the-art-of-story-with-douglas-vigliotti/feed/ 1 235 Creativity, Business, and Publishing with Aurora Winter https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/03/27/235-creativity-business-and-publishing-with-aurora-winter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=235-creativity-business-and-publishing-with-aurora-winter https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/03/27/235-creativity-business-and-publishing-with-aurora-winter/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 05:00:39 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12271 On episode 235 of The Rebel Author Podcast, Sacha Black is talking to Aurora Winter all about creativity in your author business.

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 235 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Aurora Winter all about creativity in your author business.

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to pivot successfully
  • Fiction vs. nonfiction author business structure
  • Creating multiple streams of income
  • The neuroscience behind memorable messages
  • Lessons learned from TV writing and producing

Find out more about Aurora:

Kickstarter for Magic, Mystery and the Multiverse

Linktree

Magic, Mystery and the Multiverse

Rebel of the Week is: Ruth

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/03/27/235-creativity-business-and-publishing-with-aurora-winter/feed/ 0 176 Secrets to Editing Success with Kristina Stanley and Lucy Cooke https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/02/08/176-secrets-to-editing-success-with-kristina-stanley-and-lucy-cooke/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=176-secrets-to-editing-success-with-kristina-stanley-and-lucy-cooke https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/02/08/176-secrets-to-editing-success-with-kristina-stanley-and-lucy-cooke/#respond Wed, 08 Feb 2023 05:00:46 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=11790 On episode 176 of The Rebel Author Podcast, Sacha Black talks to Kristina Stanley and Lucy Cooke all about how to edit your book successfully.

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 176 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Kristina Stanley and Lucy Cooke all about how to edit your book successfully.

In this episode we cover: 

  • Revising vs editing
  • Biggest editing mistakes authors make
  • How to test your story goal
  • The five story arc scenes
  • Developing effective conflict in your story

This week’s question is: If you could have dinner with someone inspirational (dead or alive) who would it be?

Recommendation of the week is: Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links and events I mentioned:

Blind Date with a Sapphic Book

Find out more about Kristina and Lucy:

The Fictionary Community

Kristina’s Author Website

Secrets to Editing Success

Rebel of the Week is: Lovis

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Ana. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/02/08/176-secrets-to-editing-success-with-kristina-stanley-and-lucy-cooke/feed/ 0 175 Shut Up and Write the Book with Jenna Moreci https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/02/01/175-shut-up-and-write-the-book-with-jenna-moreci/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=175-shut-up-and-write-the-book-with-jenna-moreci https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/02/01/175-shut-up-and-write-the-book-with-jenna-moreci/#respond Wed, 01 Feb 2023 05:00:09 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=11771 On episode 175 of The Rebel Author Podcast, Sacha Black talks to Jenna Moreci about how to overcome blocks and barriers and finish your book.

The post 175 Shut Up and Write the Book with Jenna Moreci appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 175 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Jenna Moreci about how to overcome blocks and barriers and finish your book.

In this episode we cover: 

  • Getting to the end of your first draft
  • Blocks, barriers and mistakes for beginner writers
  • Finding the right genre for your book
  • Tips for self editing

This week’s question is: What trait or skill do you value in yourself?

Recommendation of the week is: House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

A Game of Hearts and Heists Preorder

***email your preorder proof to rubypreorder@gmail.com to enter the giveaway and get exclusive bonus content

Find out more about Jenna:

Order Shut Up and Write the Book

41745UDXR0L_SY346_9w8wp.jpg

Subscribe to Jenna’s Channel

Check out The Savior’s Series

 

Rebel of the Week is: Luisa

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

**Isoldesse YA Fantasy by Kimberly Grymes

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/02/01/175-shut-up-and-write-the-book-with-jenna-moreci/feed/ 0 173 How to Write Cozy Fantasy with Travis Baldree https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/01/18/173-how-to-write-cozy-fantasy-with-travis-baldree/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=173-how-to-write-cozy-fantasy-with-travis-baldree https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/01/18/173-how-to-write-cozy-fantasy-with-travis-baldree/#respond Wed, 18 Jan 2023 05:00:05 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=11754 On episode 173 of The Rebel Author Podcast, Sacha Black is talking to Travis Baldree all about writing cozy fantasy.

The post 173 How to Write Cozy Fantasy with Travis Baldree appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 173 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Travis Baldree all about writing cozy fantasy.

In this episode we cover: 

  • The differences between indie and trad publishing
  • Advice for writing cozy fantasy
  • Creating great descriptions
  • Narrating your own book
  • Writing better dialogue

This week’s question is: what is giving you joy at the moment?

Recommendation of the week is: Reclaim Your Author Career by Claire Taylor

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains and 10 Steps to Hero: How to Craft Kickass Protagonists are just £1.99 each for the rest of January. Grab them now on all stores.

Preorder A Game of Hearts and Heists

Find out more about Travis:

Twitter @travisbaldree
Instagram @travis_baldree
Legends & Lattes

 

Rebel of the Week is: Anonymous

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Daphne Garrison. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

The post 173 How to Write Cozy Fantasy with Travis Baldree appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/01/18/173-how-to-write-cozy-fantasy-with-travis-baldree/feed/ 0 171 How to Raise the Emotional Stakes in your Novel with Stephanie Dethlefs https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/01/04/171-how-to-raise-the-emotional-stakes-in-your-novel-with-stephanie-dethlefs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=171-how-to-raise-the-emotional-stakes-in-your-novel-with-stephanie-dethlefs https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/01/04/171-how-to-raise-the-emotional-stakes-in-your-novel-with-stephanie-dethlefs/#respond Wed, 04 Jan 2023 05:00:09 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=11740 On episode 171 of The Rebel Author Podcast, Sacha Black talks to Stephanie Dethlefs about how to raise the emotional stakes in your novel.

The post 171 How to Raise the Emotional Stakes in your Novel with Stephanie Dethlefs appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 171 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Stephanie Dethlefs all about how to raise the emotional stakes in your novel.

In this episode we cover: 

  • The importance of the emotional journey
  • Making your prose more emotional
  • Tips for writing emotional stories
  • How to avoid writing cliched emotions

This week’s question is: Are you a lover or hater of New Year?

Recommendation of the week is: A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Stephanie:

Hello Writers! 

 

Rebel of the Week is: Eden Collier

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com 

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link.

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

 

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/01/04/171-how-to-raise-the-emotional-stakes-in-your-novel-with-stephanie-dethlefs/feed/ 0 170 How to Write Feminist Fiction with C.L. Polk https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/12/28/170-how-to-write-feminist-fiction-with-c-l-polk/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=170-how-to-write-feminist-fiction-with-c-l-polk https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/12/28/170-how-to-write-feminist-fiction-with-c-l-polk/#respond Wed, 28 Dec 2022 05:00:46 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=11733 On episode 170 of The Rebel Author Podcast, Sacha Black is talking to C.L. Polk all about writing feminist fiction and worldbuilding.

The post 170 How to Write Feminist Fiction with C.L. Polk appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 170 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to C.L. Polk all about writing feminist fiction and worldbuilding.

In this episode we cover: 

  • Writing about gender inequality in an engaging way
  • Creating powerful female characters
  • Advice for writing feminist fiction
  • Attracting a specific audience
  • Balancing a bittersweet ending

This week’s question is: What are your goals for 2023?

Best Nonfiction of the Year:

Happy Money by Ken Honda

Kobo

Amazon

Quit by Annie Duke

Kobo

Amazon

Relentless by Tim S Grover

Kobo

Amazon

Best Fiction of the Year:

Queen Takes Rose by Katee Robert

Kobo

Amazon

King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St Clair

Kobo

Amazon

Darkest Night by Alessa Thorn

Amazon

Special mention to Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

Kobo

Amazon

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Preorder A Game of Hearts and Heists

Find out more about C.L. at:

Author Website

Dreamwidth

Instagram @clpolk

Twitter @clpolk

CL_book_covera2apz.jpg

 

Rebel of the Week is: Jasmine Arch

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

Thank you to V.E. Griffith for upping their pledge and welcome back to returning patron Jessica Samuels. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/12/28/170-how-to-write-feminist-fiction-with-c-l-polk/feed/ 0 169 Subscriptions for Authors with Emilia Rose https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/12/21/169-subscriptions-for-authors-with-emilia-rose/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=169-subscriptions-for-authors-with-emilia-rose https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/12/21/169-subscriptions-for-authors-with-emilia-rose/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2022 05:00:24 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=11725 On episode 169 of The Rebel Author Podcast, Sacha Black is talking to Emilia Rose all about subscriptions for authors.

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 169 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Emilia Rose all about subscriptions for authors.

In this episode we cover: 

  • How to use Patreon as an author
  • Producing content quickly and consistently
  • Growing your subscription platform
  • Engaging and fostering your community
  • Tips for creating cliffhangers

This week’s question is: Tell me something you love about yourself

Recommendation of the week is: A Game of Hearts and Heists by Ruby Roe

Ruby_Roe_quote6ulpm.jpg

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

The “I Quit My Job” Post: Read the post I wrote announcing the fact I’d quit my day job

Find out more about Emilia:

Author Website

Professional Links to Subscription-Related Projects:

Subscriptions for Authors

Ream

 

Rebel of the Week is: Sam Ross

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Olivia Bedford. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE

Logo_KWL_RGB_KWL.png

Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/12/21/169-subscriptions-for-authors-with-emilia-rose/feed/ 2 168 Line Editing for Authors with Hayley Milliman https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/12/14/168-line-editing-for-authors-with-hayley-milliman/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=168-line-editing-for-authors-with-hayley-milliman https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/12/14/168-line-editing-for-authors-with-hayley-milliman/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2022 05:00:29 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=11720 On episode 168 of The Rebel Author Podcast, Sacha Black is talking to Hayley Milliman all about line editing for authors

The post 168 Line Editing for Authors with Hayley Milliman appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 168 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Hayley Milliman all about line editing for authors.

In this episode we cover: 

  • The different types of editing
  • The editing process
  • Line editing for different levels
  • Using tools like ProWritingAid

This week’s question is: Thinking towards next year and things you might need to put in place to help you achieve your goals, what motivates you?

Recommendation of the week is: Blood and Steel by Helen Scheuerer

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Hayley and ProWritingAid with:

20% off ProWritingAid Premium

 

Rebel of the Week is: Judith Mortimore

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

The post 168 Line Editing for Authors with Hayley Milliman appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/12/14/168-line-editing-for-authors-with-hayley-milliman/feed/ 1 166 The Anatomy of Genres with John Truby https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/11/30/166-the-anatomy-of-genres-with-john-truby/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=166-the-anatomy-of-genres-with-john-truby https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/11/30/166-the-anatomy-of-genres-with-john-truby/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2022 05:00:53 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=11697 On episode 166 of The Rebel Author Podcast, Sacha Black is talking to John Truby all about the ins and outs of genre.

The post 166 The Anatomy of Genres with John Truby appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 166 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to John Truby all about the ins and outs of genre.

In this episode we cover: 

  • Defining genre
  • How to mix genres
  • Tropes with a twist
  • Genre-specific mistakes to avoid

This week’s question is: What self-limiting beliefs do you have?

Recommendation of the week is: Story Genius by Lisa Cron

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Links I mentioned:

Sacha’s Black Friday Discounts, use code BLACKFRIDAY30

Books

Courses

Black Friday Deals Post

Find out more about John:

The Anatomy of Genres

john_truby_book_coverbo1mb.jpg

Rebel of the Week is: Karla Hailer

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

3 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Tara D, V.E. Griffith and Liz Lazo. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

The post 166 The Anatomy of Genres with John Truby appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2022/11/30/166-the-anatomy-of-genres-with-john-truby/feed/ 1