The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips

Amelia D. Hay
  • 4.8 (4)
  • BOOKS

The Authorpreneur Podcast™️ is hosted by Mystery Author Amelia D. Hay. Every second Saturday, Amelia will teach you how to develop a story idea, create compelling characters and outline your novel.  In each season of the podcast, you will learn how to write your first draft, revise your story, self-publish, establish your author platform, and reach readers. Season one of the podcast is on Plot and Story Structure, and season two documents her writing adventures during her first year after self-publishing her debut novel. The current podcast season is about how to outline and the pre-writing phase.  Once a month, in the Behind the Scenes Podcast Diary, Amelia shares her adventures with writing and self-publishing.

  1. 08/15/2025

    TAP050: The Beginner's Guide to Value Shifts or Turning a Scene

    Send us a text If you're new to writing, you've probably read the title of this episode and thought, "Oh, great, my scenes need to turn, now." Or perhaps you're not new to writing, heard this term before, and you're thinking, "I don't think so."  Before you hit the pause, please hear me out. Value shifts are a great way to ensure that each scene moves the story forward and pulls its weight. I also realise that I'm not the first person to discuss turning a scene or value shifts in the writing space. But I want to assure you that I don't want to add more confusion to the mix or discuss this topic in a way that is overly complicated. That's why I've called this The Beginner's Guide. In this beginner's guide, I will define the term value shifts or the concept of the turning of a scene, explain how a scene turns, and share non-spoiler-y examples from the mystery and romance genres. Also, I'll show you how to check if your scenes turn and move the story forward. On top of this, I'll demonstrate how to fix a scene that doesn't turn. Without further ado, let's get into the episode. Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap050/ TAP047, What is a story beat? ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap047/ TAP046, Ending Scenes with Cliffhangers ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap046/ TAP045, The Anatomy of a Scene ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap045/ TAP041, What is a Scene? ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap041/ Story by Robert McKee ⇢ https://amzn.to/49VnLAe * Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell ⇢ https://amzn.to/3Wcq8eN * Story Grid by Shawn Coyne ⇢ https://amzn.to/4aZNs3O * Suggest an Episode Topic ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/request/ Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the podcast ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/ Answers to Questions on Writing from Previous Shows ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/ Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/ Support the show Connect with me on Social Media Discord: https://discord.gg/HZX7HZBQUf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/ Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop * This is a service or product offered by me ** My bookish merchandise store

    19 min
  2. BTS059: Writing Wins, Book Piracy, and Self-Publishing Struggles

    08/01/2025

    BTS059: Writing Wins, Book Piracy, and Self-Publishing Struggles

    Send us a text Today, I'm bringing you my 2024 writing update, and honestly, it's been quite the year. I've got some wins to celebrate, like writing nearly 60,000 more words than last year and finishing two books in a completely new genre. But I've also hit some roadblocks that have left me questioning everything from Facebook ad strategies to whether I should keep writing at all. We're going to dive into my venture into cozy mysteries, my ongoing battle with Google Play Books over mysterious tax certificates, and yes, the frustrating reality of book piracy. Also, I'll share why I've been experimenting with AI translation for a French edition of my work, and how I'm navigating the ever-changing landscape of self-publishing. Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts059/ The previous Episode ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap049/ Suggest an Episode Topic ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/request/ Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the podcast ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/ Answers to Questions on Writing from Previous Shows ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/ Products I Recommend Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod * Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/ Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911 * AutoCrit ⇢ https://www.autocrit.com/ Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq * Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/ DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 * Other Useful Links Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ ** Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/ Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢ Support the show Connect with me on Social Media Discord: https://discord.gg/HZX7HZBQUf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/ Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop * This is a service or product offered by me ** My bookish merchandise store

    34 min

  3. 07/25/2025

    TAP049: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story with Douglas Vigliotti

    Send us a text What can Aristotle teach modern novelists? In this episode, I chat with Douglas Vigliotti about his book Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story. I loved talking to him about Aristotle for Novelists because it reminded me of my screenwriting roots, and it was nice to look back on my writing journey. Also, I loved his book because it was short enough to read in one sitting, but still contained timeless principles that I could walk away with and apply to my next book. So, if you haven't grabbed your copy, I highly recommend you do. The book is available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook formats. Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap049/ The previous Episode ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap048/ Aristotle For Novelists ⇢ https://douglasvigliotti.com/aristotle-for-novelists Books For Men Podcast ⇢ https://booksformen.org/ Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the podcast ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/ Answers to Questions on Writing from Previous Shows ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/ Products I Recommend Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod * Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/ Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911 * AutoCrit ⇢ https://www.autocrit.com/ Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq * Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/ DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 * Other Useful Links Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ ** Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/ Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢ Support the show Connect with me on Social Media Discord: https://discord.gg/HZX7HZBQUf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/ Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop * This is a service or product offered by me ** My bookish merchandise store

    46 min

  4. 07/18/2025

    TAP048, Getting Into Reading, Its Hidden Benefits and the Books For Men Podcast with Douglas Vigliotti

    Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Douglas Vigliotti about getting into reading, its hidden benefits and the Books For Men Podcast. Please note that this is the first part of a two-part interview with Doug. In the second part, I discuss his book, Aristotle for Novelists. I felt that this chat about his podcast and reading was long enough to warrant its own episode. Also, I wanted to avoid clickbaiting because this interview is nineteen minutes long, and the second part is around forty-three minutes long. You get it, I erred on the side of caution and created two episodes. Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap048/ The previous Episode ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts058/ Books For Men Podcast ⇢ https://booksformen.org/ Aristotle For Novelists ⇢ https://douglasvigliotti.com/aristotle-for-novelists Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the podcast ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/ Answers to Questions on Writing from Previous Shows ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/ Products I Recommend Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod * Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/ Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911 * AutoCrit ⇢ https://www.autocrit.com/ Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq * Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/ DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 * Other Useful Links Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ ** Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/ Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢ https://www.siteground.com/go/au Support the show Connect with me on Social Media Discord: https://discord.gg/HZX7HZBQUf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/ Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop * This is a service or product offered by me ** My bookish merchandise store

    22 min
  5. BTS058: Burnout, Thyroid Issues and Other Health Scares, Plus My Podcast Plans

    07/11/2025

    BTS058: Burnout, Thyroid Issues and Other Health Scares, Plus My Podcast Plans

    Send us a text Its been a while—fourteen months and a few days to be exact. In this hopefully short, update-style episode, I'll share the decision behind my podcast hiatus, discuss a few non-writing and publishing updates, then share my plans for the upcoming podcast episodes. Also, I'm podcasting during a heat-wave in London, so you might hear Hector my Dyson fan humming away in the background. But hopefully, you're thinking "I don't hear a fan." Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts058/ The previous Episode ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap047/ Suggest an Episode Topic ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/request/ Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the podcast ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/ Answers to Questions on Writing from Previous Shows ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/ Products I Recommend Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod * Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/ Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911 * AutoCrit ⇢ https://www.autocrit.com/ Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq * Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/ DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 * Other Useful Links Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ ** Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/ Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢ https://www.siteground.com/go/authorpreneur * Support the show Connect with me on Social Media Discord: https://discord.gg/HZX7HZBQUf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/ Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop * This is a service or product offered by me ** My bookish merchandise store

    12 min
  6. TAP047, What is a Story Beat? | How to Write Great Scenes

    04/26/2024

    TAP047, What is a Story Beat? | How to Write Great Scenes

    Send us a text As I wrote the outline and script for the show on value shifts, I realised that there is a smaller unit of story that I need to discuss that's integral to understanding value shifts or how a scene turns. So, I considered adding it to that episode but soon discovered that the final version of the episode would be too long. That's why I created this, hopefully, short bonus show where I discuss what is a story beat. And how you can use them to create better scenes. Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap047/ The previous Episode ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap046/ TAP045, The Anatomy of a Scene ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap045/ TAP041, What is a Scene? ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap041/ Story by Robert McKee ⇢ https://amzn.to/49VnLAe * Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell ⇢ https://amzn.to/3Wcq8eN * Story Grid by Shawn Coyne ⇢ https://amzn.to/4aZNs3O * Suggest an Episode Topic ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/request/ Ask a Question ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/ Products I Recommend Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod * Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/ Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911 * Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq * Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/ DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 * Other Useful Links Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ ** Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/ Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢ Support the show Connect with me on Social Media Discord: https://discord.gg/HZX7HZBQUf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/ Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop * This is a service or product offered by me ** My bookish merchandise store

    32 min
  7. TAP046, End Your Scenes with Cliffhangers | How to Write Great Scenes

    03/21/2024

    TAP046, End Your Scenes with Cliffhangers | How to Write Great Scenes

    Send us a text So you've probably read the title of this episode and thought, what do cliffhangers have to do with outlining? I'm so glad you asked. Let me explain. If you're the kind of writer who needs to outline every scene, then you need to be aware of the types of cliffhangers and how to effectively use them to create a page-turning effect and not turn readers away. In fact, there is more than one type of cliffhanger—there are four. So, in this episode, I'll unpack the four types of cliffhangers in fiction so that you can avoid the common pitfalls and end your scenes with cliffhangers in a way that keeps the reader turning the page. Without further ado, let's get into the episode. Course, Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned Check Out the Show Notes ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap046/ The previous Episode ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts057/ TAP045, The Anatomy of a Scene ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap045/ TAP041, What is a Scene? ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/tap041/ Got a burning question that you would love me to answer on the podcast ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/ Answers to Questions on Writing from Previous Shows ⇢ https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/ Products I Recommend Scrivener ⇢ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=authorpreneurpod * Grammarly Premium ⇢ https://www.grammarly.com/ Pro Writing Aid ⇢ https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=22911 * AutoCrit ⇢ https://www.autocrit.com/ Marlow/Authors.ai ⇢ https://authors.ai/marlowe/?awref=rt2q4bq7zq * Fiverr ⇢ https://www.fiverr.com/ DIVI Theme ⇢ https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=66529 * Other Useful Links Looking for an affordable premade book cover? | https://levillainbookcovers.com/shop/ ** Be on the Podcast | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/interview/ Host Your Author Website with SiteGround ⇢ Support the show Connect with me on Social Media Discord: https://discord.gg/HZX7HZBQUf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/ Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop * This is a service or product offered by me ** My bookish merchandise store

    25 min
  8. BTS057, A Year in Review and Self Publishing Products I Loved in 2023

    03/15/2024

    BTS057, A Year in Review and Self Publishing Products I Loved in 2023

    Send us a text I'm back again. And yes, it's been sixteen weeks since I released an episode of the podcast. Between now and November, I took December and January off because it's a busy time of year and I tend to travel during these periods. When I got back from vacation at the end of January, I had caught the flu from a family function. Guess who didn't get the flu vaccine? But I was out of action for three weeks, and I wanted to wait until I got my voice back before I continued podcasting. In this episode, I look back on 2023 and discuss the highs and lows.  On top of this, I share the products and courses that I recommend and are still using in my writing and self-publishing business. Without further ado, let's get on with the episode. Show Notes and Links to Products and Courses I'm really sorry, but I ran out of room to list all of the products and courses that I love. They're all on the blog post. Just click the link above to see the post. Support the show Connect with me on Social Media Discord: https://discord.gg/HZX7HZBQUf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpreneurpodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/writeradhay YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authoradhay/ Merch Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/WriterADHay/shop * This is a service or product offered by me ** My bookish merchandise store

    53 min
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4.8
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About

The Authorpreneur Podcast™️ is hosted by Mystery Author Amelia D. Hay. Every second Saturday, Amelia will teach you how to develop a story idea, create compelling characters and outline your novel.  In each season of the podcast, you will learn how to write your first draft, revise your story, self-publish, establish your author platform, and reach readers. Season one of the podcast is on Plot and Story Structure, and season two documents her writing adventures during her first year after self-publishing her debut novel. The current podcast season is about how to outline and the pre-writing phase.  Once a month, in the Behind the Scenes Podcast Diary, Amelia shares her adventures with writing and self-publishing.

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