Writer Unblocked

What if the biggest thing blocking your progress... is you?In this episode of Writer Unblocked, I’m joined by conflict resolution coach and author Dana Bernstein, whose book It’s the Thought That Counts: Mastering the Art of YOU vs. you is an empowering guide to untangling your thoughts, owning your identity, and getting out of your own way.This conversation dives deep — from the internal “committee” we all battle, to what it means to define your core “Who,” to a real-time coaching moment where I share something I’ve been struggling with (yes, it's personal).About Dana Bernstein:Dana Bernstein is a conflict resolution coach, mediator, and author. With a background in legal studies and years of experience in both coaching and mediation, she helps individuals navigate both external and internal conflict to create more clarity, alignment, and joy in their lives.Connect with Dana:Website: https://danalynnbernstein.com/Buy the Book: It’s the Thought That Counts: Mastering the Art of YOU vs. youFor more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

What happens when a hip-hop artist turns his lyrical fire toward children's books? You get Rhymosaurs—a brilliant mashup of storytelling, rhythm, and prehistoric swagger that’s turning picky eaters and fussy sleepers into poetry-loving dino fans.In this high-energy episode, Nicole chats with Orlando Molina, the creative force behind Rhymosaurs, about how he went from laying down bars in studios to writing rhyming picture books that actually slap. Orlando opens up about his unexpected pivot into children’s publishing, how a life-changing move to Norway shifted his path, and why poetry is a secret weapon for child development.They dive deep into:The magic of rhyme and rhythm in storytellingTurning real-life parenting struggles (like picky eating!) into joyful readsHow to make audiobooks more than just books read aloud—think beats, flow, and full-on performancesThe power of believing in your voice, even when the industry tells you noAnd yep—there’s a live reading and performance at the end that you do not want to missIf you're a parent, educator, author, or just someone who believes in the power of creative pivots, this episode will leave you hyped—and maybe writing your own rhymes.🎧 Press play and prepare to smile.📚 Rhymosaurs Book Serieshttps://www.rhymosaurs.comA children’s book series blending dinosaurs, hip-hop, and life lessons. Each book includes the “Graffiti Spot” for kids to remix rhymes and color.🎧 Rhymosaurs Audiobooks & MusicAvailable on Audible, Spotify, Apple Music, and other major platforms. Includes original songs, acapella versions, and instrumentals for kids to freestyle with.🎤 MC ZEPS (Orlando Molina's music & performance alias)Orlando’s music background and alter ego, featured in performances, events, and kids' shows.📸 Instagram@rhymosaurs – Follow for updates on new books, events, and music drops.For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

In this solo episode, Nicole breaks down the key ideas behind The 12 Week Year and how this framework can radically shift the way you write, publish, and promote your book. She shares how she’s adapted the method into a full author success system—and how you can too.Whether you're drafting, revising, querying, or marketing your work, this approach gives you a plan with urgency, structure, and momentum. Plus, Nicole introduces her group program, The Strategic Author, designed to help writers stop spinning their wheels and start hitting their goals with clarity and community.You’ll learn:Why annual goals don’t work for most writersHow to create a compelling author vision that fuels your motivationWhat a “model week” looks like (and why it matters)How to track progress without beating yourself upThe six essential steps to build your own 12-week writing planWhy weekly check-ins and real-time strategy are game-changersWhether you’re launching a book, building an audience, or simply trying to get your draft done, this episode is your invitation to stop waiting for "someday" and start taking action today.Ready for structure and support? Learn more about The Strategic Author group program at reignitewithnicole.comMentioned in this episode:The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran (affiliate link)The 12 Week Year for Writers by A. Trevor Thrall (affiliate link)My upcoming program: The Strategic Author WaitlistFor more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Your author website shouldn't just sit there looking pretty—it should work for you. In this episode, I chat with web designer and strategist Kate Cross, who specializes in creating websites that actually help authors sell books, grow newsletters, and connect with readers.We get into the good stuff, including:Why “just having a website” isn’t enough anymoreHow to design a homepage that hooks readers instantlyThe must-have features every author site should include (no, a blog isn't always one of them!)Common website mistakes that make authors look unprofessionalTips for monetizing your author brand—yes, even if you're just starting outKate also shares her thoughts on the best platforms (Wix vs. Squarespace vs. WordPress), how to build a site that reflects your genre and personality, and why you might be scaring off potential readers with your contact form (yikes).Whether you're DIY-ing your website or ready to hire a pro, this episode is packed with practical tips that’ll help you turn your digital home into a powerhouse for your author career.You can find Kate Cross on Instagram @guidedwebdesign and her website is guidedwebdesign.com.Resources mentioned:Kate’s favorite narrator is Imogen Church! SquarespaceWixWordPressShopifyPinterest course for authors: https://writersparkacademy.podia.com/pinterest-power-for-authorsFor more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

In this episode, Nicole discusses the concept of author resilience, emphasizing that it is an ongoing journey rather than a one-time achievement. She shares her personal experiences in building a coaching business for authors and highlights the importance of self-kindness and acceptance during challenging times. Nicole encourages authors to recognize their feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome as natural, and to develop coping mechanisms to navigate these emotions. The conversation concludes with a reminder that resilience is a continuous practice that all authors must cultivate throughout their careers.If today's episode sparked ideas for your author career, don’t let them sit in your head—take action. If you need clarity on your next steps, Nicole offers one-on-one strategy sessions to help authors like you navigate publishing, audiobook expansion, and marketing with precision. Head to reignitewithnicole.com to book a session or apply for the author strategy program. And if you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow writer. Thanks for listening to Writer Unblocked, see you next time!Resources:Mindset by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.The Ikigai Journey by Hector Garcia and Francesc MirallesOverwhelmed and Over It by Christine AryloFor more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Today on Writer Unblocked, I’m chatting with audiobook narrator Samantha Norbury. Samantha shares her journey from theater to audiobook narration, the importance of quality production for indie authors, and the impact of AI voices on the industry. We also talk about the emotional connection of this craft, the use of pseudonyms, and the growing accessibility of stories through audiobooks.You can find Samantha here:https://www.instagram.com/samantha.norbury_narrator/https://www.samanthanorburyvo.com/https://www.youtube.com/@SamanthaNorburyNarratorFor more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Today on Writer Unblocked, I’m chatting with Meredith Kasian! Meredith shares her journey as an author, discussing her debut novel, The Wielder's Discovery. We delve into the inspiration behind her story, the character development, and the intricate world-building that combines elements of science and magic. She is a chemical engineer, afterall!  Meredith also provides insights into her writing and editing process, the challenges of self-publishing, her strategic plan for the audiobook, and the importance of balancing creativity with the business of being an author. Meredith’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meredithkasianauthor/Meredith’s Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/meredithkasian/the-wielders-discovery-audiobookPurchase The Wielder’s Discovery:https://www.amazon.com/Wielders-Discovery-Witches-Astria/dp/B0DKHCS5J8NaNoWriMo:https://nanowrimo.org/For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

Today on Writer Unblocked, I’m chatting with author and publisher Tanya Anne Crosby! Tanya Anne is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of thirty novels. She’s been featured in People, Romantic Times, and Publishers Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Tanya Anne shares her journey from traditional publishing to becoming a successful indie author and publisher. She discusses the importance of testing cover art, the significance of managing a backlist and delves into the growth of her publishing company, Oliver Heber Books.Tanya’s Website: https://tanyaannecrosby.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tanyaannecrosby/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyaannecrosby/Newsletter: https://tanyaannecrosby.com/subscribe/Jewels of Historical Romance: https://jewelsofhistoricalromance.com/Previous Tanya Anne Crosy interviews:KDP University interviewB&N InterviewFor more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.

In this conversation, Ashton M. Smith shares her journey into the world of book design, emphasizing the importance of cover art in attracting readers, especially in the self-publishing landscape. She discusses her educational background, her passion for helping indie authors, and the detailed process she follows to create compelling book covers. Ashton also addresses the challenges of working with authors who may struggle to articulate their feedback and the balance between honoring their vision while applying her design expertise. The conversation concludes with insights on expanding services to include branding and marketing assets, as well as considerations for different formats like audiobooks. In this conversation, Nicole and Ashton M. Smith delve into the intricacies of book cover design, particularly within the romance genre. They discuss the importance of audio considerations in writing, the evolution of cover art trends, and the psychological impact of cover designs on readers. Ashton shares insights on how familiarity in design can attract readers, the challenges posed by movie tie-ins, and offers valuable advice for authors navigating the cover design process. Ashton M. Smith is a freelance graphic designer specializing in book covers for self-published authors. With a background in bookselling and advertising design, she understands what it takes to make books stand out on shelves and in digital spaces. Driven by a love for storytelling and a belief that indie authors deserve covers that are as compelling as their traditionally published counterparts, Ashton combines creativity, strategy, and a keen eye for detail to craft designs that attract readers and build author brands.Ashton’s Website: https://www.ashtonmsmith.com/Ashton’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtonmsmithdesigns/For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com.Keywords: book design, cover design, indie authors, self-publishing, graphic design, author branding, design process, feedback, marketing assets, audiobook covers, audio writing, romance genre, book cover design, trends, psychology, movie tie-ins, indie authors, marketing, graphic design, publishing.