Happy Friday

What every romance author wants to hear (and I heard it from an insurance agent)…

There are words romance authors love to hear.

No… not those words. Well, at least, not in this case.

I shared in my newsletter today a pretty eventful day from a couple of days ago. For the full story, click here.

Here’s the very short version.

As I was looking to switch car insurances, the insurance agent (who was very friendly and knowledgeable) went through a list of questions to see if he could match the new offer.

At some point in the process, he asked “So what’s your job title?”

I replied, “Author.”

And he followed up with: “Oh, what do you write?”

“Romance novels.”

There was one of those long pauses… you know the type. The ones that could go in so many directions and thousands of answers flashed in my mind. 

Sometimes, let’s just say, romance novels are seen as “lesser-than.”

And his response caught me off guard.

He said…. are you ready for this?

“Oh wow, youโ€™re spreading happiness around the world. Thatโ€™s awesome.โ€

His words were just the pick-me-up I needed. And who knows, maybe his words will have the same effect on someone else. After all, a little bit of happiness can go a long way…

And whatever you’re doing, you might be spreading a bit of happiness around you, too. 


And if you’re looking for your next romance novel: one-click #TheLeftoverBride (A Hallmark-worthy romance with a little extra steam) and start reading now…

Or pre-order #SweetsForLove and make this romance author even happier. :-)

Check out my other books and audiobooks, too… ๐Ÿ™‚

Thank you so much for reading!

Follow me on Instagram โ€“ Bookbub โ€“ Facebook โ€“ Twitter โ€“ Goodreads โ€“ TikTok

PS: If you’re interested in self-publishing, I have a podcast. ๐Ÿ™‚ Listen to the latest episodes of A Self-Published Author’s Diary…

Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

A few days in this Raccoon Authorโ€™s self-publishing life. ๐ŸฆOn September 8, Iโ€™m once again trying to figure out what the heck is happening with my Facebook Ads account (the saga continuesโ€ฆ), while also revising, answering tax questions, working on BookSprout and replying to readers.Then on September 12, my brain goes from AuthorScale to listening to Lucy Score on the SPA Girls Podcast, to Gallup Strengths, writing through emotions, feeling seen by another authorโ€™s processโ€ฆ and, obviously, coming up with even more ideas for future podcast episodes.Because apparently I needed more ideas. Links mentioned in this episode:Skye MacKinnon talking about her AuthorScale / trial reel results on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3EIiGsEcIgSPA Girls Podcast โ€” EP546: Interview with Lucy Score: Breaking Out / Advice For New Authors๐Ÿฆ More behind-the-scenes Raccoon Author content on Patreon / Elodieโ€™s Writing Nookhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnookโ The Raccoon Authorhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/You can also email me at elodie@elodienow.comHappy writing, and happy, happy reading. ๐Ÿฆ
  1. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas
  2. Numbers Episode – 87 Books Sold, Less Than $100 in Royalties (and I'm Not Panicking)
  3. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Some Publishing Days Are Harder Than Others
  4. Author Branding, Self-Publishing & Why Iโ€™m the Raccoon Author
  5. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support
A self-published author's diary, podcast

My BargainBooksy and AudioThicket recap, the “need” to write and more…

Listen to the full episode nowโ€ฆChoose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and moreโ€ฆ

Episode 61

Today, I share with you my book promo results using BargainBooksy as well as my audiobook promo results using AudioThicket. But first, I start by sharing some good news as well as explaining why sometimes it feels like I “need, need, need” to write. And more advice from writers on TikTok:

  • Pick one thing at a time and master it. You don’t have to be brilliant at everything right out of the box.” by @mckennadeanfiction and
  • “Be easy on yourself” by @katryanwrites

Mentioned in this episode: 

The TikTok video where I asked what advice writers would give someone just starting:

Ways to help Ukraine

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram โ€“ Bookbub โ€“ Facebook โ€“ Twitter โ€“ Goodreads โ€“ TikTok

Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

A few days in this Raccoon Authorโ€™s self-publishing life. ๐ŸฆOn September 8, Iโ€™m once again trying to figure out what the heck is happening with my Facebook Ads account (the saga continuesโ€ฆ), while also revising, answering tax questions, working on BookSprout and replying to readers.Then on September 12, my brain goes from AuthorScale to listening to Lucy Score on the SPA Girls Podcast, to Gallup Strengths, writing through emotions, feeling seen by another authorโ€™s processโ€ฆ and, obviously, coming up with even more ideas for future podcast episodes.Because apparently I needed more ideas. Links mentioned in this episode:Skye MacKinnon talking about her AuthorScale / trial reel results on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3EIiGsEcIgSPA Girls Podcast โ€” EP546: Interview with Lucy Score: Breaking Out / Advice For New Authors๐Ÿฆ More behind-the-scenes Raccoon Author content on Patreon / Elodieโ€™s Writing Nookhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnookโ The Raccoon Authorhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/You can also email me at elodie@elodienow.comHappy writing, and happy, happy reading. ๐Ÿฆ
  1. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas
  2. Numbers Episode – 87 Books Sold, Less Than $100 in Royalties (and I'm Not Panicking)
  3. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Some Publishing Days Are Harder Than Others
  4. Author Branding, Self-Publishing & Why Iโ€™m the Raccoon Author
  5. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support
  6. Numbers: A TikTok Experiment As an Indie Author (the yay, the nay, and what it costs), pre-order numbers and more
  7. Writing and revising, Author Taxes & the Emergency Room: 3 Days in My Self-Published Life
  8. Numbers: Amazon blocked one of my e-books (one that had been live for ten years)
  9. ROMO Or My Reality (Realities) Of Missing Out In the Self-Publishing World…
  10. Numbers: The Book That Had 23 Preorders and…became my most read book.
gavert city series

Flash sale for fans of Scream & Criminal Minds: Gavert City series boxset for only $0.99!

If you like the movie Scream, or Lifetime movies or the TV show Criminal Minds… then the Gavert City series is for you! And there is a sale right now!

Three books. Twists and turns. Romance.

And it’s available for only $0.99 right now!

That’s right!

More than 700 pages for only $0.99 … for a very limited time. So make sure to one-click today!


Also available as audiobook narrated by the very talented Megan Carter…. More than 20 hours for one Audible credit!

Including: FEAR ME, FEAR ME NOT – SEE ME, SEE ME NOT & TRUST ME, TRUST ME NOT.

Fear Me, Fear Me Not Retail Sample
See Me, See Me Not Retail Sample
Trust Me, Trust Me Not Retail Sample

Are you ready to set foot into Gavert City, the small Texan town with a history of mysterious disappearances and murders and cults where falling in love almost seems dangerous?

Those three stories filled with tension and twists will keep you up at night and may break your heart before piecing it back together.

Included in this box set:

Fear Me, Fear Me Notย (Erin and Dimitri’s story)

A serial killer has been terrorizing Gavert City for years…what if it’s my father? My forever crush Dimitri may try to protect me, but he can’t protect me from the truth. Hereโ€™s what we all know: Sometime this week or the next or the one after that, we will find another dead girl. Every year, a girl disappears, and every year, sheโ€™s found dead with an angel wing carved into her cheek. And this year is no different. Another girl disappeared.

“I have seen this book being described as “Scream” meets “Friday Night Lights” and I absolutely agree! I’m a fan of both and found this book to be amazing! This book has everything! Suspenseful, romantic, and just all-around amazing! Kept me glued to my Kindle and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thrill!!”ย 

Amazon reviewer

See Me, See Me Notย (Tessa and Luke’s story)

My sister disappeared years ago…but her body was never found. My mom wants to believe she’s still alive. I’m not sure what to believe. I know that I miss her. I know that I feel responsible…I’m the reason she disappeared. And I’m not the only one with secrets. My childhood crush, Luke, is back in town, and there’s a darkness to him that wasn’t there before. He’s hiding something, but when he finally tells me he escaped a dangerous cult, will we be able to help each other heal or will our pasts come back to crush us?

Once again, Elodie Nowodazkij weaves together a gripping story. Emotional and suspenseful…

Amazon reviewer.

Trust Me, Trust Me Notย (Lacey and Hunter’s story)

I may have jumped from a building engulfed in flames. I may have thought I was ready to start college after living secluded in my stepfather’s dangerous cult. I may have believed I was finally safe. I was wrong. Can Hunter, the firefighter who saved my life, help me move on? Or will danger always lurk around us?

Thrilling, yet touching, story of two amazing but broken characters…

Amazon reviewer

COMING SOON IN THE GAVERT CITY SERIES

Miss Me, Miss Me Not… Pre-order it today on Amazon (more retailers coming soon)…

I’m watching her. I’m watching her as she hides the tears and pretends to smile. I missed her. But now that she’s back, I won’t let her go. Ever. Did she miss me?

Nadia may have survived a serial killer but the harrowing images of her boyfriend’s murder haunt her day and night… Now, away from Gavert City, will she be able to move on? As a stalker watches her every move, Nadia is in danger again.

Thank you so much for reading!

Follow me onย Instagramย โ€“ย Bookbubย โ€“ย Facebookย โ€“ย Twitterย โ€“ย Goodreadsย โ€“ย TikTok

Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

A few days in this Raccoon Authorโ€™s self-publishing life. ๐ŸฆOn September 8, Iโ€™m once again trying to figure out what the heck is happening with my Facebook Ads account (the saga continuesโ€ฆ), while also revising, answering tax questions, working on BookSprout and replying to readers.Then on September 12, my brain goes from AuthorScale to listening to Lucy Score on the SPA Girls Podcast, to Gallup Strengths, writing through emotions, feeling seen by another authorโ€™s processโ€ฆ and, obviously, coming up with even more ideas for future podcast episodes.Because apparently I needed more ideas. Links mentioned in this episode:Skye MacKinnon talking about her AuthorScale / trial reel results on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3EIiGsEcIgSPA Girls Podcast โ€” EP546: Interview with Lucy Score: Breaking Out / Advice For New Authors๐Ÿฆ More behind-the-scenes Raccoon Author content on Patreon / Elodieโ€™s Writing Nookhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnookโ The Raccoon Authorhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/You can also email me at elodie@elodienow.comHappy writing, and happy, happy reading. ๐Ÿฆ
  1. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas
  2. Numbers Episode – 87 Books Sold, Less Than $100 in Royalties (and I'm Not Panicking)
  3. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Some Publishing Days Are Harder Than Others
  4. Author Branding, Self-Publishing & Why Iโ€™m the Raccoon Author
  5. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support
A self-published author's diary, podcast

The one with the Kindle Vella Bonus, writing with Pomodoro and audiobook excerpt…

Listen to the full episode nowโ€ฆChoose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and moreโ€ฆ

Episode 58

I am back from holidays. A bit jetlagged. Very grateful for the time spent with loved ones in Germany and in France and getting back into a writing routine (and podcasting routine).

For the first time, I recorded this episode live on TikTok (before editing it for the podcast). Today, I talk about writing using the Pomodoro method again, my Kindle Vella bonus (more than I expected). Plus, I share an excerpt of the audiobook of Trust Me, Trust Me More and more…

Mentioned in this episode: 

Ways to help Ukraine

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram โ€“ Bookbub โ€“ Facebook โ€“ Twitter โ€“ Goodreads โ€“ TikTok

Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

A few days in this Raccoon Authorโ€™s self-publishing life. ๐ŸฆOn September 8, Iโ€™m once again trying to figure out what the heck is happening with my Facebook Ads account (the saga continuesโ€ฆ), while also revising, answering tax questions, working on BookSprout and replying to readers.Then on September 12, my brain goes from AuthorScale to listening to Lucy Score on the SPA Girls Podcast, to Gallup Strengths, writing through emotions, feeling seen by another authorโ€™s processโ€ฆ and, obviously, coming up with even more ideas for future podcast episodes.Because apparently I needed more ideas. Links mentioned in this episode:Skye MacKinnon talking about her AuthorScale / trial reel results on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3EIiGsEcIgSPA Girls Podcast โ€” EP546: Interview with Lucy Score: Breaking Out / Advice For New Authors๐Ÿฆ More behind-the-scenes Raccoon Author content on Patreon / Elodieโ€™s Writing Nookhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnookโ The Raccoon Authorhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/You can also email me at elodie@elodienow.comHappy writing, and happy, happy reading. ๐Ÿฆ
  1. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas
  2. Numbers Episode – 87 Books Sold, Less Than $100 in Royalties (and I'm Not Panicking)
  3. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Some Publishing Days Are Harder Than Others
  4. Author Branding, Self-Publishing & Why Iโ€™m the Raccoon Author
  5. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support
  6. Numbers: A TikTok Experiment As an Indie Author (the yay, the nay, and what it costs), pre-order numbers and more
  7. Writing and revising, Author Taxes & the Emergency Room: 3 Days in My Self-Published Life
  8. Numbers: Amazon blocked one of my e-books (one that had been live for ten years)
  9. ROMO Or My Reality (Realities) Of Missing Out In the Self-Publishing World…
  10. Numbers: The Book That Had 23 Preorders and…became my most read book.
A self-published author's diary, podcast

Why I decided to try out Kindle Vella as a self-published author and my first days on the platform…

Listen to the full episode nowโ€ฆChoose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and moreโ€ฆ

Episode 56

Today, I share the four reasons I decided to try Kindle Vella as an author and what my experience has been so far. I also share some resources that I’ve been finding helpful and some events I’m looking forward to.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Ways to help Ukraine

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram โ€“ Bookbub โ€“ Facebook โ€“ Twitter โ€“ Goodreads โ€“ TikTok

Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

A few days in this Raccoon Authorโ€™s self-publishing life. ๐ŸฆOn September 8, Iโ€™m once again trying to figure out what the heck is happening with my Facebook Ads account (the saga continuesโ€ฆ), while also revising, answering tax questions, working on BookSprout and replying to readers.Then on September 12, my brain goes from AuthorScale to listening to Lucy Score on the SPA Girls Podcast, to Gallup Strengths, writing through emotions, feeling seen by another authorโ€™s processโ€ฆ and, obviously, coming up with even more ideas for future podcast episodes.Because apparently I needed more ideas. Links mentioned in this episode:Skye MacKinnon talking about her AuthorScale / trial reel results on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3EIiGsEcIgSPA Girls Podcast โ€” EP546: Interview with Lucy Score: Breaking Out / Advice For New Authors๐Ÿฆ More behind-the-scenes Raccoon Author content on Patreon / Elodieโ€™s Writing Nookhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnookโ The Raccoon Authorhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/You can also email me at elodie@elodienow.comHappy writing, and happy, happy reading. ๐Ÿฆ
  1. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas
  2. Numbers Episode – 87 Books Sold, Less Than $100 in Royalties (and I'm Not Panicking)
  3. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Some Publishing Days Are Harder Than Others
  4. Author Branding, Self-Publishing & Why Iโ€™m the Raccoon Author
  5. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support
  6. Numbers: A TikTok Experiment As an Indie Author (the yay, the nay, and what it costs), pre-order numbers and more
  7. Writing and revising, Author Taxes & the Emergency Room: 3 Days in My Self-Published Life
  8. Numbers: Amazon blocked one of my e-books (one that had been live for ten years)
  9. ROMO Or My Reality (Realities) Of Missing Out In the Self-Publishing World…
  10. Numbers: The Book That Had 23 Preorders and…became my most read book.
A self-published author's diary, podcast

Cover reveal (cover costs and strategy for this book) and learning more about the 7 rules of marketing.

Listen to the full episode nowโ€ฆChoose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and moreโ€ฆ

Episode 55

Today I share with the costs of my cover as well as the strategy for its reveal. In addition, I start learning how to apply the 7 rules of marketing as an author (will definitely dig deeper into this topic as I research more and try different strategies). I also share an update on my amazon ads.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Ways to help Ukraine

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram โ€“ Bookbub โ€“ Facebook โ€“ Twitter โ€“ Goodreads โ€“ TikTok

Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

A few days in this Raccoon Authorโ€™s self-publishing life. ๐ŸฆOn September 8, Iโ€™m once again trying to figure out what the heck is happening with my Facebook Ads account (the saga continuesโ€ฆ), while also revising, answering tax questions, working on BookSprout and replying to readers.Then on September 12, my brain goes from AuthorScale to listening to Lucy Score on the SPA Girls Podcast, to Gallup Strengths, writing through emotions, feeling seen by another authorโ€™s processโ€ฆ and, obviously, coming up with even more ideas for future podcast episodes.Because apparently I needed more ideas. Links mentioned in this episode:Skye MacKinnon talking about her AuthorScale / trial reel results on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3EIiGsEcIgSPA Girls Podcast โ€” EP546: Interview with Lucy Score: Breaking Out / Advice For New Authors๐Ÿฆ More behind-the-scenes Raccoon Author content on Patreon / Elodieโ€™s Writing Nookhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnookโ The Raccoon Authorhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/You can also email me at elodie@elodienow.comHappy writing, and happy, happy reading. ๐Ÿฆ
  1. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas
  2. Numbers Episode – 87 Books Sold, Less Than $100 in Royalties (and I'm Not Panicking)
  3. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Some Publishing Days Are Harder Than Others
  4. Author Branding, Self-Publishing & Why Iโ€™m the Raccoon Author
  5. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support
  6. Numbers: A TikTok Experiment As an Indie Author (the yay, the nay, and what it costs), pre-order numbers and more
  7. Writing and revising, Author Taxes & the Emergency Room: 3 Days in My Self-Published Life
  8. Numbers: Amazon blocked one of my e-books (one that had been live for ten years)
  9. ROMO Or My Reality (Realities) Of Missing Out In the Self-Publishing World…
  10. Numbers: The Book That Had 23 Preorders and…became my most read book.
#SweetsForLove

#SweetsForLove: One Line Wednesday

One-line Wednesday forย #SweetsForLove… Or actually four-lines Wednesday because, well the formatting made more sense that way. This little excerpt is from Alessandro’s point-of-view…

***

Americaโ€™s Sweetheart.

The one and only Grant Torre.

Or as I call him: Dickhead.

My little brother.

#SweetsForLove

Make sure you pre-order #SweetsForLove on Amazon… You can also add it on Goodreads already.

If you want regular excerpts, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter (plus you get access to all bonus content ๐Ÿ™‚

If you’re looking for ways to help Ukraine:

Follow me on Instagram โ€“ Bookbub โ€“ Facebook โ€“ Twitter โ€“ Goodreads โ€“ TikTok

Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

A few days in this Raccoon Authorโ€™s self-publishing life. ๐ŸฆOn September 8, Iโ€™m once again trying to figure out what the heck is happening with my Facebook Ads account (the saga continuesโ€ฆ), while also revising, answering tax questions, working on BookSprout and replying to readers.Then on September 12, my brain goes from AuthorScale to listening to Lucy Score on the SPA Girls Podcast, to Gallup Strengths, writing through emotions, feeling seen by another authorโ€™s processโ€ฆ and, obviously, coming up with even more ideas for future podcast episodes.Because apparently I needed more ideas. Links mentioned in this episode:Skye MacKinnon talking about her AuthorScale / trial reel results on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3EIiGsEcIgSPA Girls Podcast โ€” EP546: Interview with Lucy Score: Breaking Out / Advice For New Authors๐Ÿฆ More behind-the-scenes Raccoon Author content on Patreon / Elodieโ€™s Writing Nookhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnookโ The Raccoon Authorhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/You can also email me at elodie@elodienow.comHappy writing, and happy, happy reading. ๐Ÿฆ
  1. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas
  2. Numbers Episode – 87 Books Sold, Less Than $100 in Royalties (and I'm Not Panicking)
  3. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Some Publishing Days Are Harder Than Others
  4. Author Branding, Self-Publishing & Why Iโ€™m the Raccoon Author
  5. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support
A self-published author's diary, podcast

How one of my TikTok videos went viral on Instagram and using Amazon ads as an indie author…

Listen to the full episode nowโ€ฆChoose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and moreโ€ฆ

Episode 54

In today’s episode, I explain how one of my TikTok videos went viral on Instagram and using Amazon ads as an indie author.

For that video to go viral (it has more than 26000 views) which is very uncommon for me, I followed a few steps. That video also resulted in sales and pages read. My book went from sitting at 700000 to about 70000 and then climbed a bit higher and stayed around 100000 for a few days without any ads.

When it comes to the Amazon Ads, my French ads seem to be doing well. I’ll keep you updated.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Ways to help Ukraine

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram โ€“ Bookbub โ€“ Facebook โ€“ Twitter โ€“ Goodreads โ€“ TikTok

Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

A few days in this Raccoon Authorโ€™s self-publishing life. ๐ŸฆOn September 8, Iโ€™m once again trying to figure out what the heck is happening with my Facebook Ads account (the saga continuesโ€ฆ), while also revising, answering tax questions, working on BookSprout and replying to readers.Then on September 12, my brain goes from AuthorScale to listening to Lucy Score on the SPA Girls Podcast, to Gallup Strengths, writing through emotions, feeling seen by another authorโ€™s processโ€ฆ and, obviously, coming up with even more ideas for future podcast episodes.Because apparently I needed more ideas. Links mentioned in this episode:Skye MacKinnon talking about her AuthorScale / trial reel results on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3EIiGsEcIgSPA Girls Podcast โ€” EP546: Interview with Lucy Score: Breaking Out / Advice For New Authors๐Ÿฆ More behind-the-scenes Raccoon Author content on Patreon / Elodieโ€™s Writing Nookhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnookโ The Raccoon Authorhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/You can also email me at elodie@elodienow.comHappy writing, and happy, happy reading. ๐Ÿฆ
  1. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas
  2. Numbers Episode – 87 Books Sold, Less Than $100 in Royalties (and I'm Not Panicking)
  3. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Some Publishing Days Are Harder Than Others
  4. Author Branding, Self-Publishing & Why Iโ€™m the Raccoon Author
  5. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support
#SweetsForLove

The first 300 words of #SweetsForLove…

Are you ready for the first 303 (yes, it’s that precise) words of #SweetsForLove? I’ve changed them around to have a certain someone show up on the page right in the first two pages or so.

***

#SweetsForLove – First 300 words

Will anyone notice if I shove Marion Sinclair and her over-the-top Happily-Ever-After BS into the sparkling pool?

โ€œAisling! Whoo-hoo!โ€ Marionโ€”the influencer of the wedding cakes world waves my way. Wedding Bells Magazine, where she works, is the main sponsor of Letโ€™s Say Yes, the gigantic wedding catering vendor conference of the year.

Marionโ€™s been watching me, waiting for the perfect moment to corner me, shimmying with her butt up in the air like Tiramisu the Cat when heโ€™s ready to pounce on his favorite toy.

My eyes dart to the side. What if I dived under the cocktail table? Too dramatic. I force my PRBF (Permanent Resting Bitch Face) as my sisters call it to relax into a fake smile. โ€œHi Marion, Iโ€™ll be right back. I still need to check in.โ€ I point to my small battered suitcase and rush away before she can pepper me with phony enthusiasm and well-crafted insults that sound like compliments.

The AC and the very particular hotel fragranceโ€”the one full of temptation–blasts in my face as I swerve right into a couple making out in the middle of the lobby.

โ€œIโ€™m sorry.โ€

No answerโ€”except the man dress as Elvis grunting in approval.

The womanโ€™s wedding veil cascades to the floor and the manโ€™s hands travel down her back. Even though PDA isnโ€™t my thing, thereโ€™s a familiar pang in my chest, reminding me that Iโ€™ll never have that again. Not that I want it.

โ€œHappily ever after in Sin City,โ€ a deep and smooth voice chuckles next to me. The cologne heโ€™s wearing–one of those bergamot and old spicy wood delicious scents that must come with a warning–entices me to turn to him.

Andโ€ฆ Huzzah.

Smoldering dark eyes with a hint of humor and gentleness grab a hold of mine.


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Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

A few days in this Raccoon Authorโ€™s self-publishing life. ๐ŸฆOn September 8, Iโ€™m once again trying to figure out what the heck is happening with my Facebook Ads account (the saga continuesโ€ฆ), while also revising, answering tax questions, working on BookSprout and replying to readers.Then on September 12, my brain goes from AuthorScale to listening to Lucy Score on the SPA Girls Podcast, to Gallup Strengths, writing through emotions, feeling seen by another authorโ€™s processโ€ฆ and, obviously, coming up with even more ideas for future podcast episodes.Because apparently I needed more ideas. Links mentioned in this episode:Skye MacKinnon talking about her AuthorScale / trial reel results on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3EIiGsEcIgSPA Girls Podcast โ€” EP546: Interview with Lucy Score: Breaking Out / Advice For New Authors๐Ÿฆ More behind-the-scenes Raccoon Author content on Patreon / Elodieโ€™s Writing Nookhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnookโ The Raccoon Authorhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/You can also email me at elodie@elodienow.comHappy writing, and happy, happy reading. ๐Ÿฆ
  1. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas
  2. Numbers Episode – 87 Books Sold, Less Than $100 in Royalties (and I'm Not Panicking)
  3. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Some Publishing Days Are Harder Than Others
  4. Author Branding, Self-Publishing & Why Iโ€™m the Raccoon Author
  5. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support
A self-published author's diary, podcast

When it feels like a flop… or my reminder to keep writing and be gentle with myself.

Listen to the full episode nowโ€ฆChoose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and moreโ€ฆ

Episode 50

While Valentine’s Day was a nice reminder to cherish and enjoy all the little and big moments and also a reminder to infuse those moments into my romance novels, it’s also been a challenging week writing-wise. So, it’s a reminder for writers out there to keep swimming (or writing) while making sure to be gentle with yourselves.

Mentioned in this episode:ย 

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Follow me on Instagram โ€“ Bookbub โ€“ Facebook โ€“ Twitter โ€“ Goodreads โ€“ TikTok

Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas The Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary

A few days in this Raccoon Authorโ€™s self-publishing life. ๐ŸฆOn September 8, Iโ€™m once again trying to figure out what the heck is happening with my Facebook Ads account (the saga continuesโ€ฆ), while also revising, answering tax questions, working on BookSprout and replying to readers.Then on September 12, my brain goes from AuthorScale to listening to Lucy Score on the SPA Girls Podcast, to Gallup Strengths, writing through emotions, feeling seen by another authorโ€™s processโ€ฆ and, obviously, coming up with even more ideas for future podcast episodes.Because apparently I needed more ideas. Links mentioned in this episode:Skye MacKinnon talking about her AuthorScale / trial reel results on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3EIiGsEcIgSPA Girls Podcast โ€” EP546: Interview with Lucy Score: Breaking Out / Advice For New Authors๐Ÿฆ More behind-the-scenes Raccoon Author content on Patreon / Elodieโ€™s Writing Nookhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnookโ The Raccoon Authorhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/You can also email me at elodie@elodienow.comHappy writing, and happy, happy reading. ๐Ÿฆ
  1. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas
  2. Numbers Episode – 87 Books Sold, Less Than $100 in Royalties (and I'm Not Panicking)
  3. Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Some Publishing Days Are Harder Than Others
  4. Author Branding, Self-Publishing & Why Iโ€™m the Raccoon Author
  5. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support