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How can you write memoir with deep sensory detail? How does terroir in wine equate to the writer’s voice? How can you manage your online presence while still protecting yourself from the haters? Multi-award-winning wine writer Natalie MacLean shares her tips. In the intro, initial thoughts on Author Nation 2024, photos from Death Valley @jfpennauthor, Folk horror on The Nightmare Engine Podcast, Walking the Camino de Santiago on the Action Packed Travel Podcast; Introversion and writing the shadow on The Quiet and Strong Podcast. Today’s show is sponsored by FindawayVoices by Spotify, the platform for independent authors who want to unlock the world’s largest audiobook platforms. Take your audiobook everywhere to earn everywhere with Findaway Voices by Spotify. Go to findawayvoices.com/penn to publish your next audiobook project. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn  Natalie MacLean is a multi-award-winning wine writer, named World’s Best Drinks Writer at The World Food Media Awards, as well as a sommelier, TV wine expert, and host of The Unreserved Wine Talk Podcast. She’s also the bestselling author of multiple nonfiction books on wine, including Unquenchable, named as one of Amazon’s best books of the year. Her latest book is Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below.  Show Notes Challenges of writing memoir compared to journalistic writing Using memoir to tell your Truth Tips for sensory writing from a ‘super taster’ What is terroir and how to use it in your writing Maintaining boundaries while still marketing your author brand Dealing with crisis management and managing your mental health How to reach and engage with book clubs Connecting multiple streams of income Utilising podcasting for book marketing in your author business You can find Natalie at NatalieMaclean.com. Transcript of Interview with Natalie Maclean Joanna: Natalie MacLean is a multi-award-winning wine writer, named World’s Best Drinks Writer at The World Food Media Awards, as well as a sommelier, TV wine expert, and host of The Unreserved Wine Talk Podcast. She’s also the bestselling author of multiple nonfiction books on wine, including Unquenchable, named as one of Amazon’s best books of the year. Her latest book is Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much. So welcome to the show, Natalie. Natalie: It is so good to be back here with you. We’ve had an initial chat on my podcast [about biodynamic wine and Blood Vintage], but I am so looking forward to this, Jo. Joanna: Oh, yes. So first up, just— Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into writing and publishing. Natalie: Sure. So my career path was probably like a lot of folks. I didn’t plan to be a writer. I didn’t have the confidence to be a writer. I was brought up by a single mom, single parent mom. She was a school teacher, so she really pounded it into me, make sure you get an education that will get you a job. So I wanted to study English, but no, no. So it was PR and an MBA, and right into the workforce in high tech marketing. Along the way, I was working for a super computer company that was based in Mountain View, California. I’m Canadian, and I still live here, but the head office was down where the campus of Google now is. So I started arranging all of my meetings there when I had to go on Fridays so I could stay over the weekend and drive up to Napa and Sonoma. While I didn’t have time to learn golf or pottery or anything else, I was dining out a lot with clients or whatever. So I really grew to love wine. So that sparked my interest in wine. Then while I was off on maternity leave, I thought, well, I have to keep my brain active somehow. I had taken a sommelier course just for fun because that’s what type As do. It was a good thing I wasn’t taking golf lessons because, you know, long iron clubs and type A, that’s just not a good combination. So wine worked. So while I was off on maternity leave, I pitched the editor of a local food magazine because I noticed they had all these gorgeous recipes, but no wine content. I knew just enough about wine to be a little dangerous. She said, yes, okay, have you published before? I said yes, praying that she would not ask me to send samples because all I had was my high school newspaper. So she gave me a chance. The first article or column was “How to Find Wine Food Pairings on the Internet.” That was the headline back then, it’s gotten much more specific since. That led to a regular column, which gave me the confidence just to cold call other editors. Then I started landing columns in some of our national newspapers here in Canada and magazines. I didn’t know anybody. I was a nobody from nowhere who made a career out of nothing. I loved it so much that by the time my maternity leave was over, which is generous here in Canada, was almost a year, I decided not to go back. I had found something that really sparked a passion. Wine gave me the confidence to write. I had a hook. Otherwise I would have never thought someone’s going to pay me to write. Also, I could be home with my son. So it just all worked, and that’s kind of how it came together. Joanna: Just on that, should we just be clear that you were not swigging bottles of wine during your maternity! Natalie: Yes. No need to call child services. Mommy doesn’t drink while she’s pregnant. I had finished the sommelier course while I

By BookBaby author Scott McCormick Estimated reading time: 9 minutes Publishing a business book is a significant step for any entrepreneur, executive, or thought leader looking to share their expertise and influence their industry. When it comes to publishing, authors have two primary routes: traditional publishing and self-publishing. Traditional publishing involves selling your publishing rights to a large company, while self-publishing allows authors to publish their work independently. Each option has its own set of advantages and challenges. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing and look at how to choose the best self-publishing partner for your business book. Understanding these options is crucial to making informed decisions that align with your goals, resources, and vision for your book. Table of Contents: • Exploring self-publishing for business books • Traditional business book publishing • Key considerations for authors • Conclusion Exploring self-publishing for business books In recent years, self-publishing has emerged as a powerful option for business authors. Unlike traditional publishing, where the author submits their manuscript to a publisher and hopes for acceptance, self-publishing is available to all authors, and it gives them full control over the production and distribution of their book. This model has grown in popularity, particularly among business authors, because it allows for greater creative freedom and the ability to reach niche markets more effectively. The self-publishing process and timeline The self-publishing process is often more streamlined and faster than traditional publishing. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved: Manuscript completion: The first step is, of course, finishing your manuscript. Start by writing a compelling business book that shares your specialized knowledge. Feedback. Once your manuscript is finished, it’s a good idea to hire beta readers to get feedback. Try to get at least five readers so you’ll be able to spot trends and therefore know where your manuscript needs the most help. Editing. After you have incorporated those changes and completed your final draft, you need to hire an editor. A skilled editor can refine your manuscript, ensuring clarity, coherence, and correctness. Do not skimp on this step! The good news is the pros at BookBaby offers affordable book editing services. Formatting and eBook conversion: Once your manuscript is polished, the next steps involve formatting the book for print and digital formats. This is a crucial step because the design impacts the book’s marketability. To ensure your book will look perfect as a printed book or eBook, hire a pro. Design: Your book cover is your single most important form of marketing and advertising. Do not leave this to an amateur. Hire a professional book cover designer. Distribution: After formatting, you need to set up distribution channels. This includes choosing bookstores like Amazon, Apple Books, and other pleaces where your book will be available. If you choose to distribute your book with BookBaby, your book will be available in over 60 stores around the world. Printing: It used to be hard for indie authors to distribute their printed books. Now, thanks to print-on-demand, it’s as easy as pie. Marketing and launch: Finally, you’ll market your book to your target audience. This involves everything from social media promotion to email marketing and networking. This entire process can take as little as a few months, giving authors the ability to publish quickly and efficiently. Pros of self-publishing Self-publishing offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for business authors. Higher royalties: One of the most-significant benefits of self-publishing is the potential for higher royalties. While traditional publishers might offer a royalty rate of 10-15%, self-published authors can retain up to 85% of their book’s sales, depending on the platform. Complete creative control: Authors maintain complete control over the content, cover design, and overall presentation of their books. This is particularly important for business authors who want to ensure that their books align with their brand and message. Faster publication: Traditional publishing can take years from manuscript submission to book release. In contrast, self-publishing allows authors to set their own timelines and bring their books to market much more quickly. Direct marketing to niche audiences: Self-publishing allows authors to market their books directly to specific audiences. This can be especially beneficial for business authors who have a clear target market in mind. How BookBaby offers additional support While self-publishing offers many benefits, it also comes with challenges, particularly in areas like marketing and distribution. This is where a company like BookBaby can be invaluable. BookBaby provides comprehensive support throughout the self-publishing process. From professional editing and cover design to distribution and marketing, BookBaby helps authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing. This support can make the difference between a book that gets lost in the crowd and one that reaches its intended audience. Learn more about BookBaby’s comprehensive publishing services here. Traditional business book publishing Traditional publishing has long been the gold standard for business authors. Major publishing houses have established processes and networks that can give books wide exposure and a certain level of prestige. However, the landscape of traditional publishing has changed significantly in recent years, with increased competition and new challenges for authors. Process and timeline The traditional publishing process is much more involved and time-consuming than self-publishing. Here’s a general outline: Proposal submission: The first step is to submit your book proposal to agents or publishers. Unfortunately, traditional publishing is highly competitive and, therefore, out of reach for most authors — even those authors who have unique and powerful contributions to make in the world of business publishing. Contract negotiation: If a publisher is interested, they’ll offer a contract. This process can take months and involves negotiations over rights, royalties, and other terms. Publishing contracts are complex, and you will definitely want to hire an entertainment lawyer who specializes in business publishing. Writing, editing, and revisions: Once the contract is signed, the author will then begin to write their manuscript. Once finished, they will submit it to their editor. Typically, the editor and author will

By BookBaby author BookBaby Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Looking for a way to make your hardcover book stand out? A custom dust jacket could be the answer! Much more than just a protective layer for your book, a custom dust jacket offers you the opportunity to promote your book and reach new customers. Although they say that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, people absolutely do, and your custom dust jacket may be the perfect way to get your book noticed. In this resource guide, we’ll take a closer look at what dust jackets are, why you’ll want to have one, and how to get started with a uniquely designed custom dust jacket of your own. Table of Contents: • What is a custom dust jacket? • Why use a custom dust jacket? • What makes up a custom dust jacket? • Printing options for a custom dust jacket • Is a custom dust jacket right for you? • How to get a custom dust jacket for your hardcover book What is a custom dust jacket? A custom dust jacket adds professional appeal to a hardcover book. Readers, fans of the genre, and collectors alike all love a dust jacket, as they’re fantastic ways to get your hardcover book into the hands of more readers. Besides adding a protective layer to keep your book shielded from dust and scratches, a custom dust jacket also showcases artwork and additional details about your book. Why use a custom dust jacket? Beyond protecting your hardback book from wear and tear, a custom dust jacket gives you multiple ways to promote yourself as an author, and your book to would-be readers. Here are a few of the many benefits of choosing a custom dust jacket: Stand out on a crowded shelf Put a professionally designed dust jacket on a plain hardcover book, and it’s like a complete metamorphosis has taken place. Suddenly, that plain old hardback has a new, creative style that gets attention and helps your book stand out on a crowded shelf. Better marketability A custom dust jacket is your opportunity to market yourself! Include endorsements, reviews, summaries, your website, author bio, and much more. It’s your marketing canvas, but it’s up to you to make the most of it. Unique branding Your dust jacket is a great branding opportunity. You can boost your author brand and create a cohesive look for a series of hardback books, or brand yourself as a recognized authority in your field. Dust jacket designs can all be aligned to fit the same look and style so that over time, people will come to recognize your books by their unique look and feel. Additional content While you can’t directly include information into the hardback book itself, the custom dust jacket is another story. Include exclusive content, additional graphics or insights, a link to your website, and much more. All of this added information could be the reason a prospective reader chooses your book over others, so make it count! What makes up a custom dust jacket? A dust jacket gives you ample opportunities to align your creative vision with the contents of your book. Just like a regular book cover, a dust jacket is made up of several different parts. Front cover This part usually includes the title and subtitle (if any). You might also include a unique illustration or photo that captures the theme of your book and hints at what’s inside. Back cover The back cover often has a brief overview of the book, some critical reviews, and a small photo of the author. Spine The spine is just large enough to include the book title and author name so that it can be read from a fully stacked bookshelf. Inside flaps This is where the magic happens. The inside flaps are wide open for you to add anything you like, such as an author bio, a synopsis, or even a call-to-action to join your website, Facebook group, or other program. Printing options for a custom dust jacket Custom dust jackets have a variety of printing options at their disposal. For example, they can be printed in many different types of paper, including glossy and matte finishes. You can also add additional options like embossing, spot UV, and foil stamping to give your book a luxurious and classy look. First-edition collectors often look for these enhanced features when adding a book to their collection! Is a custom dust jacket right for you? Custom dust jackets are great for first editions, limited print runs, or special releases of your book. They’re also ideal if you want to re-release an existing title without changing the interior layout, but still want to refresh the look of your book. If your book is being displayed at an event or bookstore, a custom dust jacket is a great way to make it stand out and create a positive first impression with your potential readers. How to get a custom dust jacket for your hardcover book Ready to get started with your own custom hardback book cover? There’s no better way to get started than through BookBaby. Our diligent custom dust jacket design process is made to help you bring your creativity to life. You’re in complete control of every aspect of your dust jacket’s design, from choosing the perfect font to zeroing in on the right image that perfectly showcases what you want to share. Our team of experienced graphic designers are dedicated to working with you every step of the way to deliver a polished and perfectly printed cover. The best part is, dust jacket design is just the beginning! We also offer a range of book cover design services to help make publishing your book easier than ever. Even if you’ve already published your hardcover book, our book marketing services can help get your book into the hands of more readers through social media promotion, online marketing, your own custom author page, and much

Tell us about yourself. Hunting for Greatness is an Indigenous-inspired business where anyone can learn, ask questions, discuss, and get valuable content about being able to get out to enjoy the outdoors! Founded in 2021 by Pat Gatz, Hunting for Greatness has become a trusted resource for life-long knowledge from seasoned professionals, expert advice, experiences, and victories to inspire and help others grow on their hunting journey. As the traditions of hunting teeter on the bridge of extinction, Hunting for Greatness seeks to breathe new life into the sport to usher in a new hunting era rooted in tradition, heritage, and culture. Pat Gatz is a First Nation Algonquin Native passionate about contributing to the hunting community to ensure that every North American has the knowledge and confidence they need to become a proficient, safe hunter and live off the land like we were meant to be! “ HUNT TO LIVE, LIVE TO HUNT!” PAT GATZ – A.K.A. LITTLE EAGLE Globe Amazon Goodreads-g Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Pinterest Youtube Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing? “The Simple Hunting Guide: Beginners Quick Start Into The Sport With Ease – Tracking, Scouting, And Survival Skills” by Pat Gatz is a comprehensive hunting guide designed for beginners. This book covers essential hunter education, including how to acquire a hunting license, basic gear and survival equipment, and an overview of hunting weapons. It offers step-by-step instructions for small game hunting, along with tips and techniques. The guide aims to teach patience, respect, ethics, confidence, responsibility, and emotional control through hunting. It’s suitable for those new to hunting, providing a thorough foundation in the skills necessary for success in the wilderness. For more details, you can view the book on Amazon: The Simple Hunting Guide. Do you have any unusual writing habits? No What is the best advice you have ever been given? THIS IS HUNTING! This is HUNTING! It will break you! Days may stretch into months, even years, without a glimpse of life or the echoing shot of a huntress/hunter’s aim. Choosing to let animals pass, with the aspiration that others will do the same, nurturing their growth and managing lands. The huntress/hunter’s journey entails both successful hits and inevitable misses. This is HUNTING! You will see garbage in the bush and do not think twice to clean up after those who disrespect nature. You may wound something one day, and it will break your heart! You will be taking a life to provide food to your family. Hunting adds depth to the profound experiences encountered in the pursuit of sustenance. This is HUNTING! It will teach you life lessons. You will learn patience. One more minute can make all the difference in the world! You will learn determination…the weather changes anyway, the wind changes direction, and you still persevere long hours of punishment! You will learn patience and determination. This is HUNTING! It will inspire you to Hunt for greatness! You will see wildlife in its natural habitat, and your heart will swell. The beauty of dawn will humble you. You will learn the feeling of being the prey and also the predator! You will see things from a different perspective. You will communicate with other living creatures. This is HUNTING! It will make you vulnerable. You will make mistakes just learn from them. You will face your worst enemy………YOURSELF! You will have to walk through the dark, blinded by total darkness and navigate by listening to every sound! This is HUNTING! You will find your true self! You will learn patience, passion, strength, and courage! Discover independence, determination, heartache, empathy, silence, and peace! All living things are connected! This is HUNTING! You will be faced with ignorance from the activist’s viewpoint that labels hunting as evil because we prefer to ethically hunt and harvest our food for our families instead of paying someone to raise it and kill it unethically for them, which, in their minds, is acceptable! This is HUNTING! It is where you will learn the most valuable lessons about life. It is where you will make your best memories. It is where you will find life’s true meaning. It is where you will lose and find your soul. This is what hunting means to me! Chief Little Eagle First Nation Algonquin Native is proud of my Indigenous heritage and culture! Live the only way, the right way, THE NATIVE WAYS! “ HUNT TO LIVE, LIVE TO HUNT!” Chief Pat Gatz A.K.A. Little Eagle Do you have any advice for new authors? Never give up! Share with the world you view! Live life to the fullest, and life is short so do everything healthy for the soul for the time you have! What has inspired you and your writing style? I want to spread my native heritage & culture to the world to show you all who we are! What are you working on now? I am working on a childrens book called,” Dreamy the Dream Warrior and Monz the Moose with my 9 year old daughter. What is your favorite method for promoting your work? Online social platforms through posts & videos. What’s next for you as a writer? Keep writting! Nothing more! How well do you work under pressure? GREAT!!