These writing and publishing professionals could transform your book!

Tune in to the latest episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast as writing coach Karena Akhavein unravels the complexities of the age-old writing adage: "Show, Don't Tell." In this insightful discussion, Karena dives deep into the nuances of this fundamental rule, providing invaluable guidance for both novice and seasoned writers alike.

Discover why "Show, Don't Tell" is more than just a mantra—it's a powerful technique that breathes life into your writing, captivating readers and immersing them in your narrative world. Karena shares practical tips, real-life examples, and actionable strategies to help you master this essential skill and elevate your storytelling to new heights. But sometimes, writers misunderstand this rule and make mistakes that can sink their narratives. Sometimes, it's better to tell than to show.

Whether you're struggling to grasp the concept or seeking to refine your craft, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of "Show, Don't Tell" and empower you to wield its transformative power in your writing journey. Don't miss out—subscribe now and unlock the secrets to creating compelling narratives that leave a lasting impact.

Unravel the ins and outs of genre conventions for fiction authors with renowned writing coach Karena Akhavein on this episode of the How to be an Author podcast. Discover the significance and impact of genre conventions, including their role in shaping reader expectations and enhancing storytelling. Gain insights into the balance between adherence to conventions and creative freedom. Tune in to explore the importance, interpretation, and flexibility of genre norms in crafting compelling narratives. Whether you're writing romance, thriller, fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, or literary fiction, you'll get the information that will help you to master the art of navigating genre conventions to elevate your writing career. Don't miss this insightful discussion on genre conventions, essential for aspiring and established authors alike.

Unlock the power of compelling dialogue with Karena Akhavein in this transformative episode of the How to be an Author podcast. Delve into the essential role dialogue plays in captivating storytelling as Karena expertly navigates through the nuances of crafting authentic and engaging conversations on the page. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your literary journey, this episode is a treasure trove of invaluable insights and practical tips to elevate your dialogue writing skills. Learn how to infuse your characters with distinct voices, avoid common pitfalls, and breathe life into every exchange. Tune in to discover why dialogue is the heartbeat of any great book and embark on a journey towards writing mastery. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion that promises to revolutionize your approach to storytelling!

In this episode of the How to Be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein breaks down the crucial process of defining your writer identity. With practical examples and actionable advice, Karena explores why it's essential for authors to determine the type of writer they want to be. From discussing the differences between fiction and non-fiction authors to exploring various genres such as romance, mystery, thriller, and more, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of the diverse paths available to writers. Karena emphasizes the importance of understanding your strengths, interests, and goals to carve out a niche that aligns with your passion and expertise. Whether you aspire to be a bestselling novelist, a freelance journalist, or a niche blogger, Karena's insights provide clarity and direction for navigating the complex landscape of authorship. Tune in to gain practical strategies for finding your writer identity and embarking on a fulfilling writing journey.

In this enlightening episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, join experienced writing coach Karena Akhavein as she delves deep into the most often-overlooked obstacle hindering so many writers from realizing their book writing and publishing dreams: fear of success. 

Don’t believe fear of leveling up is affecting you? Tune in and you may recognize some of your own self-sabotaging ways as Karena unveils the intricate ways in which this fear manifests, exploring how the prospect of success and its potential to change lives can instill apprehension in writers. blocking even the most promising writing endeavors. From subconscious self-sabotage to giving in to resistance, to lying to yourself, to imposter syndrome, we’ll unravel the intricate web of emotions and beliefs that hold writers back from reaching their full potential. Drawing from her extensive experience in guiding aspiring authors to literary success, Karena shares invaluable strategies and exercises to help listeners identify and begin to overcome their fear of success, empowering them to confidently pursue their writing goals. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just embarking on your literary journey, this episode promises to be a transformative exploration into the hidden barriers obstructing your path to success.

What's in a name? As it turns out, a lot! Especially if you are trying to. create an iconic fictional character like Holly Golightly, Hermione Granger, James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, or Holden Caulfield. In this episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, your host, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D., delves into the fascinating world of character naming. Listen in for expert insights on crafting the perfect monikers for your fictional creations. This episode unravels the art and science behind choosing names that resonate with readers and breathe life into your characters. From exploring cultural nuances to understanding the psychological impact of names, to avoiding common naming mistakes authors make, you'll get practical tips and creative techniques to help you navigate the intricate process of naming your book's characters. Tune in for a blend of literary wisdom, storytelling magic, and actionable advice that will elevate your character-naming game to new heights.

In this episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast, join writing coach Karena Akhavein as we delve into the question of prolific authors. Discover the strategies and insights that propel some writers to exceptional productivity, unlocking the key to their prolific output. From time management techniques to creative practices, Karena shares valuable tips for aspiring authors looking to enhance their writing productivity.

Explore the advantages of being a prolific writer and how it can positively impact your writing career. Karena Akhavein provides a nuanced perspective on the benefits of high productivity, such as increased visibility, faster career growth, and the development of a consistent writing routine. However, she also delves into the potential challenges and pitfalls of prolific writing, addressing burnout, quality vs. quantity debates, and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance.

Whether you're an aspiring author seeking to boost your output or simply curious about the habits of prolific writers, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration. 

Dr. Watson. Hermione Granger. Donkey. Pancho Villa. A good sidekick can become a reader or fan favorite in books and movies, but writing a good one is not as easy as you may think. A sidekick can either be too insipid, too static, and not contribute to the plot, or they can take over, taking attention away from the main character and confusing the storyline. And we know you want your character to have friends, but sometimes, it's important to isolate them to allow better character development.

Join writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, in this insightful episode of the How to be an Author podcast as she delves into the art of creating compelling sidekick characters. Whether you're a novice writer or an experienced author, Akhavein shares valuable techniques to avoid common pitfalls and develop sidekicks that enhance your storytelling. Discover the secrets to writing effective sidekicks that enrich your narrative without succumbing to clichés. Don't miss this masterclass on crafting dynamic companions that elevate your characters and engage your readers.

Mark Twain was one of the writers who experienced the seismic shift in technology that saw authors transitioning from wriitng their books by hand to using a typewriter, then a word processor. The celebrated author was documented as reporting on the advantages, challenges and frustrations of these new methods. Other authors embraced the technology, while some stubbornly insisted that there were advantages to handwriting. 

Maybe they had a point.

Today's authors, who have more technology than ever at their fingertips with which to draft, wrtite, edit, and promote their written work, may also experience both elation and frustration as they grapple with tech.

As a writing coach with decades of experience, Karena Akhavein, Ph.D., encourages her clients to get comfortable with basic technology lest they get left behind. Authors need to know how to type, how to use a word processing program to write, edit, and format, how to create basic social media posts, how to build a mailing list, how to save and share documents, and how to maintain a basic website...

BUT...

Technology is not always the best. There is still something to be said for the old fashioned pen and paper, which is why my programs such as From Idea to Published in 6 Months and DIY author include workbook and journaling exercises designed to be done by hand. 

In this fascinating episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writers will learn the brain science behind handwriting, and get inspired when it comes to adopting a hybrid approach with both typing and handwriting, as it might work best for your unique case.

If you're a writer, you've probably experienced this frustrating thing: all kinds of people feel free to give you advice. Usually, it's not because they're experts, or bestselling authors, or even avid readers. It's because their one friend ffrom high school is a successful author, and maybe you should talk to them to get help. Or because they're no expert, but they've heard you should write every day to succeed. Do you write every day? No? Yikes. (Neither does your host, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D.) Or because they care about you, and it's really hard, maybe impossible, to succeed as a writer. Or because you asked them their opinion on the rough draft of your book, and they don't read much, but they really don't like that genre so maybe you should rewrite it to sound more like Stephen King?

Writing advice is everywhere. And more often than not, though advice comes from a good place and has some golden nuggets troughout, much writing advice can actually be harmful to writers in the long run and hold them back from their writing goals and their dream of being a successful published author.

Tune into this uplifting episode of the How to be an Author podcast to dissect which wriitng advice is helpful, which can be harmful, and which ideas and concepts can actually move the needle in your writing career.