S4 E13: Writing What You Love vs. Writing What Sells – Finding the Balance

S4 E14 - Pros and Cons of KDP Select

Are you better off enrolling your book in KDP Select, or should you go wide and distribute across multiple platforms? In this episode of The Authors Porch Podcast, we dive deep into the pros and cons of KDP Select, what genres thrive on Kindle Unlimited, and when it might be smarter to go wide. Understanding the differences can help you make the best choice for your author career. ✅ KDP Select: What It Is & How It Works – Exclusive perks like Kindle Unlimited, promotional tools, and regional royalties ✅ The Pros & Cons of KDP Select – The benefits of exclusivity vs. the risks of limiting your distribution ✅ Going Wide: The Benefits & Challenges – Reaching global readers across multiple platforms and expanding beyond Amazon ✅ Which Genres Do Best in KDP Select? – Why Romance, Mystery, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy authors often stick with KU ✅ Which Genres Thrive on Multiple Platforms? – Why Non-Fiction, Literary Fiction, and Niche Markets may benefit from a wide strategy ✅ How to Make the Best Choice for Your Author Career – Balancing visibility, royalties, and long-term growth 📺 Claire Fraise’s Video: "KDP Select Pros & Cons – Is It Worth It?" – A must-watch for authors debating exclusivity vs. wide publishing! 🎥 Watch here:https://youtu.be/g0UIJ4XcBYs [https://youtu.be/g0UIJ4XcBYs] 📚 Monica Leonelle & Russell Nohelty – The Future of Publishing – Learn how successful indie authors think ahead and adapt to the evolving publishing industry. Explore their resources at: writermba.com [https://writermba.com/] Don’t miss this episode! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your publishing strategy, this discussion will help you navigate KDP Select, wide distribution, and everything in between. 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform! 📩 Have thoughts on this topic? Drop a comment or send me a message—I’d love to hear about your experience! #TheAuthorsPorch #KDPSelect #GoingWide #SelfPublishing #KindleUnlimited #IndieAuthor #BookMarketing #PublishingTrends

S4 E13: Writing What You Love vs. Writing What Sells – Finding the Balance

As an author, do you write for passion or profit—or is there a way to do both? In this episode of The Authors Porch Podcast, we dive into the ongoing debate of writing what you love versus writing what sells. 📖 What You'll Learn: ✅ The difference between writing for creativity and writing for market trends ✅ How to balance passion with profitability ✅ Why understanding your audience matters ✅ Practical strategies to merge what you love with what readers want ✅ How to set realistic expectations for success Whether you're looking to turn your writing into a full-time career or just want to share stories straight from the heart, this episode will help you navigate the path that best aligns with your goals. 🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Learn more at:www.heauthorsporch.com [https://www.cjiveslopez.com] 📚 Need help with your author platform & marketing? Visit On The Page Author Services [https://www.otpauthorservices.com] for expert guidance! #TheAuthorsPorch #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #AmWriting #WritingTips #SelfPublishing #AuthorBranding #BookMarketing

S4 E12 - Murder without a Duck - Claudia H Long

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Authors Porch Podcast! This week, CJ sits down with Claudia Hagadus Long, a talented and versatile author known for her captivating historical novels and engaging mystery series. They dive into Claudia's latest book, Murder without a Duck, and explore her journey as a writer, her inspirations, and what makes her stories resonate with readers. In This Episode: 📖 Meet Claudia Hagadus Long * Author of 8 novels spanning historical fiction and mystery. * Lawyer, weaver, passionate cook, and storyteller living in Northern California wine country. * Her work includes historical novels set in 1690s Mexico, contemporary Zara and Lilly mysteries, and a novella about women in the 1920 San Francisco labor movement. 🦆 Murder without a Duck * The first book in Claudia's new Simpato Mystery Series. * An "edge-of-cozy" mystery featuring Salvia Devine, a temporarily-suspended lawyer navigating scary and funny twists that are sure to delight readers. * Claudia shares her inspirations, writing process, and the unique blend of humor and suspense in her storytelling. 🌟 Writing Wisdom and Insights * Balancing multiple genres and weaving personal passions into writing. * Crafting characters and settings that transport readers into rich, immersive worlds. * Building a writing career that spans historical fiction and mystery while staying true to her creative voice. Where to Find Claudia Hagadus Long: 📚 Website: claudiahlong.com [https://www.claudiahlong.com] 📖 Facebook: @claudialongauthor [https://facebook.com/claudialongauthor] 📷 Instagram, Threads & BlueSky: @claudiahlong [https://instagram.com/claudiahlong] Connect with The Authors Porch: 🌐 Website: theauthorsporch.com [https://theauthorsporch.com] 📧 Newsletter: Join Here [https://theauthorsporch.com] 📱 Social Media: @TheAuthorsPorch on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

S4 E11 - A Journey Through Historical Romance with Patricia Bates

Welcome to The Authors Porch Podcast! This week, CJ Ives Lopez sits down with Canadian author Patricia Bates, a writer with a deep passion for historical romance, world-building, and storytelling. From her early days as a grade school writer to her success as a multi-genre author, Patricia shares her love for weaving captivating tales and exploring new worlds. 1. Meet Patricia Bates * Discover Patricia's journey from a young storyteller to a seasoned author who loves history and romance. * Learn how her hobbies, like gardening and crafting period costumes, inspire her creative process. 2. Exploring Historical Romance * Dive into the intricacies of writing historical romance—how Patricia brings authenticity and passion to her stories. * Get a behind-the-scenes look at how she researches and builds compelling worlds for her readers. 3. Beyond Romance: Hexes and Oh's Anthology * Hear about Patricia's latest work, Hexes and Oh’s Anthology, and her experience contributing to this exciting collection. * Link to the anthology: Hexes and Oh’s Anthology on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTHQ51M4]. 4. Patricia’s Diverse Pen Names and Bookstore * Discover Patricia’s multi-genre writing and explore her bookstore showcasing works from her various pen names: Sultry Reads [https://sultryreads.com]. * Patricia Bates’ Historical Romance Website: www.patriciabates.com [https://www.patriciabates.com] * Patricia’s Bookstore: Sultry Reads [https://sultryreads.com] * Hexes and Oh’s Anthology: Buy on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTHQ51M4] If you’re a fan of historical romance, passionate storytelling, or multi-genre authorship, this episode is for you! Patricia Bates shares her insights, inspirations, and experiences as an author who loves crafting timeless tales. Connect with Us: * Website: www.theauthorsporch.com [http://www.theauthorsporch.com] * Twitter: @TheAuthorsPorch * Instagram: @TheAuthorsPorch * Facebook: The Authors Porch #TheAuthorsPorch #HistoricalRomance #AuthorInterview #WritingCommunity #PatriciaBates

S4 E10 - Your Author Platform – Focusing on Readers Over the Noise

This week, host CJ Ives Lopez delves into the art of building an author platform that truly connects with readers. She discusses the pitfalls of chasing virality, the importance of authenticity, and how fiction can be a refuge in a chaotic world. Whether you're a debut author or a seasoned writer, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create a meaningful and reader-focused platform. 1. What is an Author Platform? * Your author platform is your public presence—spanning your website, social media, and newsletters. Learn how to use it to build trust and showcase your unique voice. * Explore the three pillars of an impactful platform: 2. The Risks of Virality: * Understand why viral posts often prioritize short-term attention over long-term loyalty. * Discover how viral content can clash with the safe and healing space fiction readers seek. 3. Why Reader-Focus Matters: * Fiction offers an escape, a place of peace, and a chance for readers to explore emotions. Learn why staying focused on your readers’ needs is critical to building trust and engagement. 4. Practical Tips for Building a Reader-Focused Platform: * Authenticity: Be true to your voice. Readers connect with who you are. * Stay Niche: Write for your audience and stay aligned with your genre. * Plan Long-Term: Build trust and loyalty by prioritizing consistency over trends. * The Authors Porch Website: www.theauthorsporch.com [http://www.theauthorsporch.com] * OTP Author Services: Need help building your author platform or creating a consistent brand? Visit www.otpauthorservices.com [http://www.otpauthorservices.com]. "As authors, we have the power to create worlds that inspire and heal. Let’s ensure our platforms reflect that same sense of peace and creativity for our readers." Connect with Us: * Website: www.theauthorsporch.com [http://www.theauthorsporch.com] * Twitter: @TheAuthorsPorch * Instagram: @TheAuthorsPorch * Facebook: The Authors Porch #TheAuthorsPorch #AuthorPlatform #WritingCommunity #BookMarketing #FictionWriters