Writer Unblocked

#033: From Disney Dreams to Dark Romance

Bria Rose went from Disney cast member to self-published dark romance author—and now she’s releasing her audiobook narrated by none other than Jacob Morgan. In this episode, we talk about: * How Disney shaped her storytelling instincts * The origin of Her Dark Promise (a Beauty & the Beast retelling where Belle is the beast) * Working with a professional editor and designing a standout cover * Booking Jacob Morgan & Grace Noble for the audiobook * How she landed book signings at Barnes & Noble (as an indie author!) * What’s next: a spicy Pinocchio novella and a secret project with HarperCollins’ One More Chapter [https://www.onemorechapter.com/] imprint 🎧 Buy Her Dark Promise audiobook [https://authorbriarose.com/products/audiobook-preorder-her-dark-promise] 📘 Buy the Kindle or paperback [https://authorbriarose.com/pages/books] 🛍️ Grab the merch [https://authorbriarose.com/collections/all] For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com [http://writerunblockedpodcast.com]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

#032: How Authors Can Unlock Creativity and Build a Brand Promise

In this episode of Writer Unblocked, I sit down with award-winning author Carol Van Den Hende to explore how letters can unlock creativity, why empathy and hope are essential in storytelling, and how authors can think about their brand as a promise. Carol also shares her journey from traditional publishing to founding her own B Corp press, and what it really means to publish responsibly. We talk about: * How the epistolary format sparked seven chapters in one weekend * The neuroscience of empathy between writers and readers * Why authors should celebrate book clubs and community feedback * The difference between publishing for access and publishing with responsibility * Defining author brand beyond logos and colors About Carol Van Den Hende: Carol is the author of the award-winning Goodbye Orchid trilogy and the forthcoming Dear Orchid (Nov 11, Veteran’s Day). Her books have been named most-anticipated reads by Buzzfeed, Parade, and Travel+Leisure, and praised by Glamour and Woman’s World. Through her writing, speaking, and leadership, Carol champions stories of resilience, hope, and empathy. Connect with Carol: 🌐 Website: carolvandenhende.com [https://carolvandenhende.com/] 📸 Instagram: @carolvandenhende [https://www.instagram.com/carolvandenhende/] 📘 Facebook: Carol Van Den Hende Author [https://www.facebook.com/CarolVanDenHendeAuthor] ▶️ YouTube: @authorcv [https://www.youtube.com/@authorcv] 🎵 TikTok: @carolvandenhende [https://www.tiktok.com/@carolvandenhende] 📝 Substack: cvdh.substack.com [https://cvdh.substack.com/] 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/cvdh [https://linktr.ee/cvdh] For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com [http://writerunblockedpodcast.com]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

#031: Elegant Success for Authors: The Power of a Publishing Plan

In this episode of Writer Unblocked, Nicole talks with author, publisher and former CFO Kirsten Marion, who shares how she turned midlife reinvention into a thriving indie publishing career. They dive into: * Why her fantasy series centers a 60-year-old heroine * How to plan a publishing schedule like a pro * Smart marketing lessons from book one vs. book two * The real value of email lists and evergreen content * The meaning of “Elegant Success” for authors Learn more about Kirsten Marion → [kirstenmarion.com [http://kirstenmarion.com]] Check out the Rowanswood Crones series https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTC7GN46 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTC7GN46] Download The Empire Checklist → https://nicole-opdenbosch.mykajabi.com/empire-checklist [https://nicole-opdenbosch.mykajabi.com/empire-checklist] For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com [http://writerunblockedpodcast.com] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

#030 Publicity vs Marketing for Authors with Dr. Rhonda Lawson

In this episode of Writer Unblocked, host Nicole Op Den Bosch sits down with author, publicist, and literary entrepreneur Dr. Rhonda Lawson to unpack the misunderstood difference between publicity and marketing, explore ethical AI use for writers, and discuss why every entrepreneur needs a book. 🎧 Listen now and discover why visibility starts with strategy, not sales. Resources & Links: * Dr. Rhonda Lawson’s Website: https://www.mtwimagesolutions.com/ [https://www.mtwimagesolutions.com/] * Nicole’s Free Empire Checklist [https://nicole-opdenbosch.mykajabi.com/empire-checklist] For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com [http://writerunblockedpodcast.com]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

#029: Why Email Lists (Not Algorithms) Are an Author’s Greatest Asset

In this episode of Writer Unblocked, I sit down with trial attorney and debut author Brad Elder, whose legal thriller Recoil of Justice tackles AI, espionage, and the ethical gray areas of the courtroom. We talk about: * Brad’s unexpected leap into writing (1 week from idea to page!) * Why he chose self-publishing—and how he learned the entire industry himself * Email lists, marketing mistakes, and platform choices * His upcoming audiobook release and follow-up novel Core of Truth 📚 Grab Brad’s book: https://bradeldernovels.com [https://bradeldernovels.com] 📸 Follow him: Instagram: @brad.elder.novels [https://www.instagram.com/brad.elder.novels] Facebook: @Brad Elder Novels [https://www.facebook.com/BradElderNovels] For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com [http://writerunblockedpodcast.com]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.