The 5 Minute Author

Sonja Dewing
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the award-winning 5 Minute Author, the only short form podcast to get you informed about writing and self-publishing. I’m Sonja Dewing, award-winning creative writer, CEO of Women’s Thriller Writers Association, and happy dog mom to giant puppy Bo. Let’s get started.

  1. MAR 18

    Don't fall for the Bookclub Email

    Hello! I am coming to you again from my motel room in Tucson, right before the Tucson Festival of Books. And today I want to talk about how not to let scammers take your money. Now, I'm talking about those emails that you are or will be inundated with as soon as you publish something on Amazon... Find show notes on my website at https://womensthrillerwriters.com/blog-2/

    10 min

  2. MAR 12

    Frustration as Growth

    All right, well, first of all, this recording is coming from my motel room at Tucson, just before the Tucson Book Festival. I'm really excited to go. So, no editing here. But I want to talk about how frustration is growth in disguise. Right? It's something that's part of every good writer's journey. Frustration. And I want to start with a quote from Frederick Douglass. One of those truths that hit a little hard sometimes. "If there is no struggle, there is no progress."  And I know some people like to think that you are born a great writer. Not true. I mean, maybe some people are, but most of the time we need to learn what an audience likes and what they don't. The best way not to stereotype characters, etc. So let's talk about that frustration.... Find show notes on my website at https://womensthrillerwriters.com/blog-2/

    7 min

  3. 08/02/2025

    10 Ways Authors can De-Stress

    Today I'm diving into something we all need - especially if you're feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or maybe the state of the world is seeping into your creative space. Yep, I'm talking about how to de-stress as an author - and find your way back to the joy of writing... Find show notes on my website at https://womensthrillerwriters.com/blog-2/

    7 min

  4. 01/14/2024

    How to Get Started Writing Your Novel

    You have an idea in the back of your mind  for a book. Great! But how do you get it from idea to paper? Starting a novel is like embarking on a grand adventure. Are you going to write your ugly first draft and then your next draft and then your next one and then your final and then your final final on for those of us who have published there’s always the final final final draft.  But you can’t have any of those things, unless you write it all down. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started... Find show notes on my website at https://womensthrillerwriters.com/blog-2/

    7 min

  5. 01/04/2024

    Mastering Amazon Ads: Top Tips for Authors to Boost Book Sales

    Welcome to the first episode of a new year. I’m your host, Sonja Dewing, and today I’m diving into the realm of Amazon Ads and sharing the top tips to help you make the most of this powerful marketing tool. With millions of books available on Amazon, standing out from the crowd can be a daunting task. Amazon Ads allow you to target potential readers directly, increasing the visibility of your book and, ultimately, boosting sales. Over the last three years I’ve learned a lot about Amazon ads by running them for Gracepoint Publishing and other authors and I’m happy to share some of what I’ve learned. My first tip... Find show notes on my website at https://womensthrillerwriters.com/blog-2/

    7 min

  6. 12/28/2023

    An author’s guide to getting on the news

    Today I’m going to explore the strategies and tactics that can help you break through the noise and make it onto the news.  A lot of public relations people will tell you that in order to get on the news or be interviewed you really need to... Find show notes on my website at https://womensthrillerwriters.com/blog-2/

    8 min

  7. 12/16/2023

    Marketing 101 for Authors

    Today I’m diving into Marketing 101 for authors. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, understanding the basics of marketing can make a significant difference in getting your book into the hands of the right readers. It’s going to be a lot of work, unless you’re Britney Spears and already have a huge following of people who will buy your book.  First up, let's talk about author branding... Find show notes on my website at https://womensthrillerwriters.com/blog-2/

    6 min

  8. 11/27/2023

    Using AI for Authors

    Let’s talk about AI. Tons of people are talking about it and mostly about how AI is going to negatively affect so many people and industries. I’m really relived that organizations like SagAFtra, Writer’s Guild of America, and the Authors Guild have taken on the issues to protect creatives. Definitely, in the hands of people who have no ethics AI will just be a bad thing. However, we have to acknowledge that AI is not going to go away. Our competitors are going to use AI ... Read the rest on my website: https://womensthrillerwriters.com/using-ai-for-authors/ Find show notes on my website at https://womensthrillerwriters.com/blog-2/

    6 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the award-winning 5 Minute Author, the only short form podcast to get you informed about writing and self-publishing. I’m Sonja Dewing, award-winning creative writer, CEO of Women’s Thriller Writers Association, and happy dog mom to giant puppy Bo. Let’s get started.

Information

  • Creator
    Sonja Dewing
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The 5 Minute Author
  • Show Website
    The 5 Minute Author