Join Karena Akhavein, PhD, on this special episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast as she delves into the pivotal decision of going all in on your writing journey. Discover expert insights on how to recognize when the time is right to prioritize your writing career, actionable steps to take once you've made that choice, and crucial pitfalls to avoid along the way.

In a bold announcement, Karena shares her own journey, revealing a 6-month hiatus from coaching to fully immerse herself in her fiction writing. Gain inspiration and practical advice from her experience as she prepares to embark on this transformative chapter.

Tune in to gain the clarity and confidence you need to make your writing dreams a reality.

In this episode of "How to be an Author," host and writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, delves into the complex issue of writing feedback. Feedback can often feel like a double-edged sword—while it is necessary, and has the potential to improve your work, it can also be disheartening if not handled well. Join Karena as she explores the different types of writing feedback, from writing partner critique to beta reader reactions to editor suggestions, highlighting their pros and cons. Discover strategies for discerning valuable critique from unhelpful criticism, and learn how to protect your creative mindset in the process. Karena offers practical tips on using feedback to enhance your writing and marketing efforts, ensuring that every piece of advice you receive propels you forward. She'll also touch upon once of the most important sources of feedback, one that too many authors ignore. Whether you're a beginning writer or an accomplished author, you'll want to tune in for an empowering discussion that will transform how you perceive and utilize feedback on your writing journey.

In this episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein delves into the transformative power of affirmations and their profound impact on a writer's mindset. Discover how these simple, positive statements can banish self-doubt, boost creativity, and foster a productive writing habit. Karena breaks down the science behind affirmations, offering practical advice on crafting your own and integrating them into your daily routine. Tune in to learn why adopting affirmations can be a game-changer for your writing journey and how to harness this often-overlooked tool to unlock your full potential as an author.

The actual skills you need to succeed as an author: they're not what you think. So many writers focus on writing craft. They think they need perfect grammar or an extensive vocabulary. They think they need an irrepressible imagination that never stops. But there are so many other skills that matter far more. In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, will make you feel better about some of the perceived shortcomings you may have, and open your eyes when it comes to some of the skills you may not have thought of, that belong to not only the category of technical writing craft, but also mindset and business skills. As a writing coach, Akhavein focuses on the three pillars of Writing craft, writing mindset, and the business of being an author, and she posits that you cannot succeed without a balanced approach. It's not enough to write a kick-ass book- one must also develop resilience and productivity, and build an author platform that will help your book to reach its ideal readers. Don't get intimidated: the beautiful part about being a writer is that we are always learning and growing, so all of these skills can be learned. In this episode, you'll learn about which writing skills really matter, how to gain those skills as easily as possible, the hacks that will help you to improve your writing fast, and the ways to determine how much you have improved so you can celebrate your wins.

In this thought-provoking episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast, hosted by writer and writing coach Karena Akhavein, we dive into the age-old debate: should authors focus on writing screenplays or books? Karena brings her wealth of experience and keen insights to the table, exploring the unique challenges and rewards of both mediums. Discover how to decide which path aligns best with your creative goals, the different skill sets required for screenwriting versus novel writing, and the potential career opportunities each can offer. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or an emerging screenwriter, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry tips, and inspiring stories that will help you navigate your writing journey. Tune in and let Karena guide you towards making informed, strategic choices for your writing career.

In this pre-season break episode of the How to Be an Author podcast, host and writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, delves into the world of writing retreats. Join Karena as she explores the pros and cons of attending writing retreats, offering invaluable advice on how to choose the perfect retreat to suit your needs. Learn how to prepare effectively to maximize your experience, whether you're attending a professionally organized retreat or planning a DIY writing retreat.

Karena also breaks down the essential differences between writing conferences and writing retreats, helping you determine which is best for your creative goals. Discover practical tips on how to get the most out of your time away, ensuring you return with renewed inspiration and productivity. This episode is packed with information and inspiration for aspiring authors and seasoned writers alike, providing all the tools you need to make your next writing retreat a success.

Tune in to elevate your writing journey with expert guidance on writing retreats from Karena Akhavein, PhD. Don't miss this essential episode for writers looking to deepen their craft and find their creative flow.

In this fascinating episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD. unravels the complexities of the protagonist to antagonist arc.

Listen in as Dr. Akhavein offers invaluable guidance on sidestepping common pitfalls and overcoming challenges when it comes to writing this specific arc, which can delight readers, or, if you're not careful. turn them off.

In this quick and useful epiosde, you'll learn

- Strategies to avoid common mistakes when developing a protagonist destined to become an antagonist.
- Techniques for crafting multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers all along their character arc.
- The significance of the protagonist to antagonist arc in driving plot progression and character development.
- Insights into the psychology of antagonists and protagonists, and how to leverage this understanding in your writing.
- Methods for subtly incorporating foreshadowing to enhance the protagonist to antagonist arc.
- Ways to keep your protagonist relatable as they undergo transformation and growth.

Tune in and discover some of the keys to crafting unforgettable narratives that leave readers spellbound.

Join Writing Coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, on the 'How to be an Author' podcast as we explore the mindset hurdles that often trip up aspiring writers. In this episode, we delve into common challenges like fear of failure, comparison syndrome, and imposter syndrome, shedding light on how they can stall your progress. Go from discouraged to inspired as Karena brings her wealth of experience and practical solutions to the table. Drawing from her expertise, she shares proven processes and systems designed to guide you through writing and publishing a book- sometimes in just six months. Discover how to overcome perfectionism, cultivate confidence, and navigate the publishing landscape with clarity and purpose. Don't let mindset obstacles hold you back from pursuing your writing dreams.