Authors' Allies

43 The #1 Mistake Authors Make With Time Management

In this episode, Rebecca Paciorek is sharing part of a live teaching session from inside the Authors’ Allies RoundTable membership. We’re talking about something most authors don’t think about enough — how much time you actually have each week to work on your author business outside of writing. Before you choose marketing strategies, apps, or systems, you need to know what your real life allows. Otherwise you end up overwhelmed, overspending, or constantly feeling behind. In this lesson, we talk about: * Why authors need a realistic weekly time check * How to decide what tasks actually matter * The 80/20 rule for author marketing * Why your business should fit around your life * How to avoid paying for tools you don’t have time to use * Building systems that work even during busy seasons This episode is part of a class from inside Authors’ Allies, where we focus on practical, sustainable ways to build an author career. Links and Resources: Stacy Baxley and her INTENTIONAL program: tinyurl.com/stacybaxley [tinyurl.com/stacybaxley] Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website or on Skool.  ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠ [https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/%E2%81%A0]  https://www.skool.com/authors-allies-roundtable [https://www.skool.com/authors-allies-roundtable] Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://payhip.com/b/oiNTX [https://payhip.com/b/oiNTX] 📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠  Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks. 😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

42: Don't Apologize for A Break!

In this heartfelt episode, Rebecca Paciorek shares personal insights about navigating grief, mental health, and the importance of prioritizing life over perfectly curated content. She reminds authors and entrepreneurs and creators that it’s okay to take a step back, honor your emotions, and trust that your business can wait.Timestamps:00:00 - Why missing a podcast episode is okay during difficult times00:29 - Personal story about grief and unexpected loss00:57 - The chaos and emotions that come with life “be lifeing” us1:22 - Asking for help and reaching out to support systems1:51 - The lessons from a role model and the importance of positivity2:20 - Embracing vulnerability and self-compassion in your entrepreneurial journey3:16 - The power of trusting your own timeline and releasing guilt3:42 - Encouragement to prioritize mental health and life over content deadlines4:07 - Creating systems and tribes to support your well-being4:36 - Final encouragement: Feel your feelings, reach out, and trust the processWant to learn it and do it with us? Check out the Authors' Allies Roundtable Marketing Membership. https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.comRESOURCES:📲 General Website with blog: https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/📘 FREE ebook: 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan: https://payhip.com/b/oiNTX😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek 📧 rebecca@bluedotdigitalmarketing.com #author #indieauthor #selfpublishing

41: 7 Systems Every Author Needs to Run a Real Book Business

Many authors feel overwhelmed not because they lack talent or motivation, but because their processes are scattered across notebooks, browser tabs, and random apps. When everything lives in your head, it becomes hard to stay consistent, track progress, or grow your author career intentionally. In this episode of the Authors Allies Podcast, Rebecca walks through the essential systems that help indie authors run a calmer, more sustainable author business. These aren’t complicated corporate systems. They’re simple, practical structures that reduce stress and make it easier to focus on writing and connecting with readers. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly reinventing the wheel every time you launch a book, send a newsletter, or try to promote your work, this episode will help you identify the foundational systems that can bring clarity and stability to your author career. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Author Systems 02:44 Core Business Foundations for Authors 05:33 Organizing Writing and Editing Processes 08:15 Project Management and Planning Systems 11:30 Marketing and Visibility Strategies 14:22 Tracking Finances and Growth Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website or on Skool.  ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠ [https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/%E2%81%A0]  https://www.skool.com/authors-allies-roundtable [https://www.skool.com/authors-allies-roundtable] Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://payhip.com/b/oiNTX [https://payhip.com/b/oiNTX] 📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠  Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks. 😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

40: Author Monthly Reset: Goals, Energy Cycles, and a Little Practical Magic

In this episode, Rebecca shares her “Woo Is You” monthly planning system, a practical blend of personal energy awareness, business and life goals, and simple spiritual anchors like crystals, mantras, and card pulls. If you’ve been feeling foggy, scattered, or like traditional planning doesn’t fit your real-life rhythm, this episode will help you build a flexible monthly reset that supports your brain, your body, and your goals. Takeaways * Why your spiritual practice (and your planning style) should be personal, not copy-and-paste * How to identify your personal energy cycle and plan around it * How to set monthly business + personal goals that match your season of life * Why choosing how you want to FEEL is the secret ingredient * How to use crystals, affirmations, and mantras as practical anchors * How a crystal grid can become a visual “commitment device” for your intentions * How weekly card pulls + reflection can keep you grounded and focused all month Get your FREE worksheets to go with this episode. https://payhip.com/b/es5KH [https://payhip.com/b/es5KH] Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website or on Skool. ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠ [https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/%E2%81%A0]   https://www.skool.com/authors-allies-roundtable [https://www.skool.com/authors-allies-roundtable] Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://payhip.com/b/oiNTX 📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠  Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks. 😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

39: Total Eclipse of the Plot

In this episode, Rebecca Paciorek discusses how authors can harness the energy of eclipse season to enhance their creativity. She explores the psychological effects of eclipses, offering practical strategies for capturing inspiration and transforming it into writing. The conversation includes tips on setting intentions, using prompts, and engaging with a community of writers to foster creativity. Takeaways * Eclipses evoke awe and emotional reflection, which can fuel creativity. * Use sensory details to enrich your writing. * Engage with a community for support and inspiration. * Utilize prompts to spark creativity and exploration. * Honor your emotional state during creative processes. * Rest and reflection are essential parts of the creative journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eclipse Season and Creativity 02:48 Understanding the Psychological Impact of Eclipses 05:27 Practical Strategies for Capturing Inspiration 08:18 Creating Your Eclipse Season Playbook 11:38 Exploring Prompts and Techniques for Writing 14:29 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement Total Eclipse of the Art of writing… during eclipses and nature events worksheets and prompts freebie: https://payhip.com/b/0kOZS [https://payhip.com/b/0kOZS] Want to sign up for the full host of presentations for the summit mentioned in the show?  The Shadow Mansion Quest:  https://shop.unicornmojo.com/friday-13th-shadow-mansion-quest/?aff=006f25ac [https://shop.unicornmojo.com/friday-13th-shadow-mansion-quest/?aff=006f25ac] Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/ [https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/] ⁠  Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://payhip.com/b/oiNTX 📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠  Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks. 😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.