The Professional Writer Podcast

26 – Three Tools to Protect the Privacy of Your Business

The little things do matter. During this 7-minute episode, I’ll acquaint you with three free and low-cost tools I use daily that help me demonstrate my professionalism and protect the privacy of my business. The best news? You can implement these tools today and instantly boost your professionalism.

24 – List Cleaning Gets Rid of Deadbeat Subscribers

Growing an email list is the #1 way to grow your business – IF your list consists of the right subscribers. In Episode #24 (includes written transcript), we’ll discuss the 4 types of people who subscribe to your list, and how to delete the lump-on-a-log subscribers, guilt-free.

23 – Dealing with Rants, Ridicule, and Crushing Criticism

It hurts to be on the receiving end of rants, ridicule, complaints, criticism, thoughtless comments, discouraging feedback, or 1-star reviews. How can we overcome the urge to retaliate and handle this professionally, while keeping our sanity intact? I have three tips for you, as well as a slew of resources to explore. Written transcript included.

22 – “Don’t write because you want to get published. Write because you enjoy writing.” (with Tessa Afshar)

After two publishers turned down her manuscript, she stopped writing. But then, something happened that strengthened her resolve to return to writing. Ten years later, Tessa Afshar’s first novel has been translated into eight languages and is being re-released. Tessa shares how learning to be content with small beginnings was the most powerful mindset shift she made as a writer.

21 – Steps to Take When Your Blog Content Gets Stolen (And How to Legally Share Others’ Content)

Has someone ever copied an entire blog post you’ve written and pasted it on their own blog? It has happened to me more than once. In episode #21 (with complete written transcript + links to resources), you’ll learn what to do if this happens to you. I’ll also explain how to legally share someone else’s content.

20 – “Get it said. Shut up. Post.” (with Tim Fall)

During his 2008 election campaign for Superior Court judge, Tim Fall was diagnosed with generalized anxiety order. Tim explains how his mental health diagnosis led to publishing his memoir, Running for Judge: Campaigning on the Trail of Despair, Deliverance, and Overwhelming Success. Tim also reveals how he’s coping with “pandemic fatigue” by posting short, unscripted daily videos.

19 – Three Irritants That Pull Readers Out of a Story

When you’re reading a novel, what pulls you out of the story? In this 7-minute episode, I reveal three irritants that yank me out of a story, and recommend ways writers can avoid these mishaps.

18 – Swag Ideas for Your Book Launch, With Lindsay A. Franklin

Lindsay A. Franklin joins us again to continue our conversation about writing and marketing Young Adult (YA) fantasy. This week, we discuss how to create a book launch vibe fans will love, ideas for fandom swag, and budgeting for a launch.

17 – The Delicate Dance of Writing YA Fantasy, With Lindsay A. Franklin

Award-winning author, Lindsay A. Franklin, shares what attracted her to writing young adult (YA) fantasy, as well as world-building strategies and secrets for weaving subtle Christian themes into her stories.

16 – An Easy Way to Show You Mean Business

There’s one quick and easy – almost no-brainer – way to show people you’re serious about your business. Do you know what it is?

In this “Learn With Laura” episode and written tutorial, I’ll answer that question and challenge you to take an action that’ll put one tiny-but-important element of your marketing on auto-pilot.