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BUILD A BADASS AUTHOR BRAND 

writing and publishing blog


Browse our library of articles on improving your writing, marketing your books, and changing up your author mindset. Or download Unleash the Beast, a free guide to kickstart your creativity.

Dig into writing, self-publishing, and marketing with free resources


Below you'll find a bunch of free articles, to-do lists, guides, and resources to help you level up your author game and move closer to your goals.

How I made $200k in 2019 self-publishing my novels

This video is my journey from aspiring author to multi-six-figure self-publisher. I talk about how I quit my day job (twice), found my readers, and built my brand – and how you can do it, too.

WRITING CRAFT

Outline your novel using the skeleton drafting method

Skeleton drafting is the technique I use to plot intricate, emotionally-charged books quickly, while having fun! I explain this plotting technique and why it's powerful.

AUTHOR MINDSET

Writing and publishing strategy – PART 1: looking back

In order to look forward, you first have to look back. SO, here are some questions I ask myself about my writing/creativity/business and life to get clear of where to go next.

AUTHOR MINDSET

Writing and publishing strategy – PART 2: Let's do this

Now that you’ve asked yourself the important questions and figured out what rocked and what didn’t in the previous year, it’s time to look forward – let’s do this. 

AUTHOR MINDSET

How to overcome self-doubt as an author

It sucks when you pour your soul into a book and readers don't care. Here's how to push through the doubts.

LEVEL UP YOUR CAREER

10 reasons freelance writing rocks (and you should give it a whirl)

I wouldn't be a six-figure author today without freelance writing. Find out what freelancing could be right for you.

QUIT YOUR DAY JOB

Surviving and thriving as an author

What I've learned about myself through building my author career and saying goodbye to my day job.

LEVEL UP YOUR CAREER

Growing your readership with multi-author boxsets

How to collaborate strategically with other authors on boxsets, bundles, and anthologies.

LEVEL UP YOUR CAREER

Non-fiction authors: double your income with these 10 ideas

Want to earn more than your book royalties every month? Try these tips and additional income streams.

LEVEL UP YOUR CAREER

Advice I'd give to an author who wanted to earn 6-figures a year.

If someone asked me what I think an author should be doing if they want to hit 6-figures, this is what I’d say.

Download your FREE ebook


In my FREE creative guide for writers, Unleash the Beast: Releasing Your Inner Writing Monster, you'll discover:

  • How to build a successful and productive writing process.

  • How to explore and nurture your unique writing voice.

  • How to rock a badass writing career and strive for your goals.

AUTHOR MINDSET

Writer's block exists: here's how to beat it

Struggling to get the words down? I've got some surefire tips to get you psyched to write again.

QUIT THE DAY JOB

How to write more with a day job

It's tough fitting writing around your real life. Here are my tips to get the words down even with a job.

WRITING CRAFT

How to finish the damn book

You gotta have a book before you can do something with it. I've got some tough love to get you to THE END. 

AUTHOR MINDSET

10 weird questions people ask me about being a writer

When you start introducing yourself as a writer, you'll get all kinds of responses. Here are some of mine.

LEVEL UP YOUR CAREER

8 tips for surviving (and rocking) your next writer's conference

I love conferences, but they can be overwhelming. Here's how to get the most out events for writers.

AUTHOR MINDSET

5 fears holding you back from writing

If you’re struggling to push through your fears so you can keep going with your book, these tips and techniques should help.

LEVEL UP YOUR CAREER

Diversifying your income as a writer

Tips to create a sustainable long-term income as a writer, and future-proof your business from turmoil.

AUTHOR MINDSET

How to decide what idea to write next

You've got too many ideas and not enough lifetime to do them all! How do you decide where to focus your writing energy?

WRITING CRAFT

How to research and write diverse characters

If you're writing characters outside your own lived experience, it's important to get the details right.

AUTHOR MINDSET

How to do all the things

How to set up your life for maximum creativity and deal with the anxiety and rejection and other stuff that comes up as a working writer.

LEVEL UP YOUR CAREER

5 tips for a successful Kickstarter (and 5 things to change).

If you're interested in crowdfunding a book project, take a look at my tips from the launch of Only Freaks Turn Into Bones.

QUIT YOUR DAY JOB

Surviving and thriving as an author

What I've learned about myself through building my author career and saying goodbye to my day job.

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How to Rock Self-Publishing

Get Steff's definitive guide to self-publishing and learn:


  • Set goals, learn new skills, and have fun writing and publishing your work. 

  • Publish your book in print, ebook, and audio with all the nuts and bolts.

  • Discover your own path to building an audience and making money from your writing.