Unstoppable Authors

Episode 96: Why You Need An Author Coach With Daniel Willcocks

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Holly interviews returning guest, Daniel Willcocks. In the interview, Holly and Dan talk about his journey to become an author coach,...

Episode 95: How To Write A Series Without Plotting It First

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Holly & Angeline bust some common myths about discovery writing, discuss the pros and cons of this approach, and share som...

Episode 94: Making the Most of Networking and Other Opportunities

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Angeline talks all about how to get the most out of opportunities that come your way. She looks at the benefits of both in-per...

Episode 93: How and Why You Need Comp Titles

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Holly & Angeline get stuck into what comp titles are, how you find them and what to do with them once you know them. If yo...

Episode 92: Writing Interconnected Series and Hybrid Publishing with Steve McHugh

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Holly chats to best selling urban fantasy author, Steve McHugh. They covered his writing journey so far, getting picked up for a book...

Episode 91: Writing For Different Age Groups

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Angeline and Holly explore the ins and outs of writing middle grade, young adult and new adult fiction. They cover the difference between a...

Episode 90: Worldbuilding Strategies with Nathan Scammell

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Angeline chats to YA fantasy author, Nathan Scammell, about the fictional worlds that fuelled his love of fantasy, and his proudest worldbuilding mome...

Episode 89: When, How and Why to Use a Pen Name

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Angeline and Holly go through the pros, cons, and logistics of setting up a pen name - why you might want one, how to choose o...

Episode 88: Celebrating 2 Years of Unstoppable Authors

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join Angeline and Holly today for an audience Q&A in celebration of the two year anniversary of podcasting together. Audience members submitted th...

Episode 87: Freelancing and Making Extra Income from Writing

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Angeline explores the pros and cons of freelance writing, including insights from her own freelancing experience. She talks about the benef...

Episode 86: Selling Books Directly to Readers

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Angeline and Holly are talking about direct sales - why you might want to consider them and how to go about setting it all up. They go over...

Episode 85: What Indie Authors Can Learn From Traditional Publishing

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Holly gives a rundown of some of the things that indie authors can learn from their traditionally published counterparts. Both...

Episode 84: Foreshadowing and Laying Breadcrumbs

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Angeline and Holly discuss what foreshadowing is, why you need it, how to do it, how NOT to do it, and the mystical power of the MacGuffin!...

Episode 83: Backwards Engineering Your Worldbuilding

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Angeline is taking you backwards, upside-down, inside-out, and every which way! She discusses how to take those super cool, but un...

Episode 82: Everything You Need To Know About Pre-Orders

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Holly & Angeline get stuck in to the meaty topic of pre-orders. They cover the pros and cons, the nitty-gritty technical details and sh...

Episode 81: How To Get Reviews For Your Book

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Holly digs deep into the subject of book reviews. She walks you through the different types of review, where to find reviewers...

Episode 80: Outsourcing and Working With Freelancers

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Angeline and Holly dig into the nitty-gritty of outsourcing tasks in your author business. They talk about what you might want to out...

Episode 79: Book Release Strategies

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Angeline and Holly discuss ways to help make your book launch a success. They talk through setting up pre-orders, utilising so...

Episode 78: Worldbuilding Festivals and Celebrations

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Off the back of her New Year's Day traditions, Angeline talks about creating festivals and celebrations for your books. She talks about how festivals ...

Episode 77: Reviewing Your Progress Helps You Plan Your Author Business Better

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Holly goes in depth on the subject of reviewing your progress in order to make better plans for the future. She talks about th...

Episode 76: 2020 All Wrapped Up

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Angeline and Holly go over what their plans were this year, celebrate the successes and reflect on the plans that changed and goals t...

Episode 75: Back to Basics - Self Publishing from Scratch

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our 75th episode of Unstoppable Authors! What a landmark episode. This week we are delighted to be bringing you some 101 publishing tips in...

Episode 74: Getting Organised and Managing your Time with Anita Davies

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Angeline chats with Anita Davies of Freedom From Tedium, talking all about how to get yourself organised and manage your time well. Anita d...

Episode 73: Live at Indie Fire!

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this special epsiode, Holly and Angeline reflect on the big event and talk about world building, their first love, with guests Marisa Noelle and J....

Episode 72: NaNoWriMo From the Trenches - The Value of Your Tribe

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Holly interviews her NaNoWriMo writing tribe. Meet first-time novelist, Sam Frost; adult fantasy adventure author Laura Kendrick; and...

Episode 71 - Let's Get Sexy! How to Write Sex Scenes

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Holly and Angeline discuss the dos and don'ts of writing sex scenes. They cover: Genre Tropes Audience Degrees of explicitnes...

Episode 70: Creating Characters with J E Nice

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Angeline interviews fellow fantasy author, J E Nice. She chats about how she creates her characters, and whether they could fit into another ge...

Episode 69: Writing Ghost Stories with Becky Wright

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Holly interviews gothic horror writer, Becky Wright.  They discuss Becky's background in storytelling as a child, how she was drawn to wri...

Episode 68: Reanimating Classic Horror Monsters

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Angeline and Holly dissect their favourite classic horror monsters and the books, films and TV shows that put a new twist on t...

Episode 67: A Special Announcement

19 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is a super short episode as Holly hasn't been well this week. But we wanted to make this special announcement. We are delighted to announce that ...

Episode 66: Making the Most of Writing Courses and Workshops

12 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Angeline's talking all about the merits of writing courses and workshops. From online workshops to university degrees, she offers up advice...

Episode 65: Author Responsibilities and Reader Expectations

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Angeline and Holly talk about the best ways to ensure you're meeting readers' expectations, through the right covers, tropes and e...

Episode 64: Writing for Screen with Robert Cano

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Holly is chatting with poet and dark fantasy author, Robert Cano. They talk about the value of learning from poetry and other mediums...

Episode #63: Balancing Productivity with Self-Care

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Holly and Angeline discuss ways to increase efficiency in your author business, identifying burnout, and ways to take care of ...

Episode #62: Recharging Your Creativity

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In a time when many writers have experienced a shift in their creativity and productivity, whether for the worse, or for the better, Angeline looks at...

Episode #61: Your Author Brand

07 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's new episode, Holly & Angeline discuss what it takes to create a cohesive and memorable author brand for your business. They talk ab...

Episode 4.17: Author Branding and Getting Into Libraries and Bookstores with Mark Leslie Lefebvre

10 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Holly interviews "the Kobo guy", Mark Leslie Lefebvre. Mark talks about his author journey, his background working for Kobo and Draft...

Episode 4.16: Smash Your Goals with Holly Lyne

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Angeline interviews Holly about her new book, Goal Setting for Writers. They talk about Holly's history with planning and organisation; how her...

Episode 4.15: Coping with Bad Reviews and Rejection

27 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Any writing career is full of ups and downs, and today, Angeline's tackling the inevitable down moments with her top tips for coping with bad reviews ...

Episode 4.14: Sanctity and Sorcery with Angeline Trevena

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Holly interviews Angeline about her new non-fiction book, From Sanctity to Sorcery: An Author's guide to building belief structures a...

Episode 4.13: Writing Crime with Samantha Goodwin

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Holly talks with mystery author, Samantha Goodwin. They discuss what it takes to write a compelling crime story, the importance of networking, ...

Episode 4.12: How to Pull-Off a Successful Book Release

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Holly and Angeline are talking book releases, offering up their top tips, and admitting their biggest mistakes. With advice ab...

Episode 4.11: You've Written a Book. Now What?

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Angeline runs through the main options for publishing, looking at the differences between traditional publishing, small and independent pre...

Episode 4.10: Your Unique Author Journey

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Angeline and Holly discuss why you shouldn't compare your path to anyone else's. Talking about how to sift through all the advice, th...

Episode 4.9: Formatting Your Books with Julia Scott

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Holly talks to sci-fi and fantasy author Julia Scott about her writing process and the importance of good formatting. They get into ideas comin...

Episode 4.8: Taking Ownership of Your Author Platform

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Angeline and Holly are talking about author platforms, and the importance of owning as much as you can. They define what an au...

Episode 4.7: How to Write Post-Apocalyptic Worlds

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we're attempting to survive the apocalypse. Along with guest co-host, Twitch streamer Paul, Angeline explores the post-apocaly...

Episode 4.6: How To Write What You Know

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We've all heard the old adage 'write what you know', but what does that really mean? It certainly doesn't stop you from writing about dragons, or magi...

Episode 4.5: How to Relaunch Your Novel

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Holly discusses the hows and whys of doing a relaunch. Your back list consists of vital assets that you can leverage to gain long term income. But if ...

Episode 4.4 No Job To Quit? Starting Your Author Career as a Full-Time Parent

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we discuss what it's really like to get started as an author when you're a full time parent. We realise that not all writers are working to...

Episode 4.3: Writing Romance with TL Clark

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Angeline chats to cross-genre romance author, TL Clark. TL Clark has penned romance stories in several sub-genres, from regency ...

Episode 4.2: Writing Through Lockdown

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Angeline and Holly get perosnal this week and talk about their experiences of writing through this bizarre time. Get tips and motivation as well as he...

Episode 4.1: Fantasy Worlds and Engaging Readers with Meg Cowley

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Holly talks to epic fantasy author Meg Cowley about creating rich fantasy worlds, readers block, cultivating strong relationships with readers ...

Episode 3.14: Tropes We Love, Cliches We Hate

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss all things tropes: our favourites and our pet peeves. We clarify the difference between a trope and cliche and talk about ...

Episode 3.13: How to Procrastinate and Still Get Stuff Done with Cindy Guentert-Baldo

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Holly talks to illustrator and online content creator, Cindy Guentert-Baldo about her amusing floral illustrations, being approached by a publi...

Episode 3.12: How To Find and Develop Your Author Voice

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Angeline & Holly discuss what "author voice" means, where it comes from, what influences it, and how we all already have one, whe...

Episode 3.11: Crowdfunding for Authors with Kit Power

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Having just finished a successful crowdfunding campaign for his upcoming collection of essays, 'My Life in Horror', author Kit Power discusses how he ...

Episode 3.10: Writing Morally Grey Characters and Antiheroes

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Angeline and Holly discuss the characters we all secretly wish we could behave like - antiheroes! There are a lot of things to consid...

Episode 3.9: Getting Back Into Writing After A Break

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Holly talks about how to overcome the struggle to get back into writing mode after a break. Life can get in the way of writing and ge...

Episode 3.8: Author Bucket Lists

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Angeline and Holly talk about what success means to them in this author business and how important it is to make your own definition ...

Episode 3.7: Writing in Shared Worlds and Fighting with Editors with Dion Winton-Polak

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Angeline chats to freelance editor Dion Winton-Polak. Dion discusses his anthology, This Twisted Earth, which he both edited and conceptualised. He ta...

Episode 3.6: Social Media for Authors

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Holly and Angeline discuss how to get the best out of social media and how to avoid getting distracted by it. It's one of our greatest tool...

Deadlines and Dealing with Stress

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Despite Holly working frantically to meet a deadline, she has taken the time out to chat with Angeline. They discuss the horrors of meeting deadlines,...

Co-Authoring and the Writing Community with Daniel Willcocks

20 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Holly chats to Amazon bestselling author and award-nominated podcaster of dark fiction, Daniel Willcocks. He discusses best practices for co-auth...

Making the Big Publishing Decisions

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Angeline talks about the big publishing decisions she made in her career, and how and why she made them. The general estimate is that we each make aro...

How To Successfully Write Urban Fantasy

06 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Angeline and Holly discuss the differences between high and low fantasy, how to delve into adding fantasy elements to a real-world setting, and why yo...

3.1 Improv and Publishing with Bryan Cohen

30 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Holly talks to indie author and business owner, Bryan Cohen about his background in improv and how to sell more books. Find out Bryan's number ...

Episode 2.17: 2019 Review and Goal Setting for 2020

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're looking back at the highs and lows of 2019. We're also looking forward to 2020, and discussing our goals, or lack of goals! Holly teaches...

Episode 2.16: Worldbuilding Valuable Items

16 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

People and animals aside, what would you save from a fire? While one man's trash is another man's gold, we all have things that are precious to us. In...

Episode 2.15: Author Confessional

09 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We've got something to tell you... In today's episode, we're confessing to our crimes to literature. We're reliving painful mistakes, feeling cheated ...

2.14: Health, Self-Care & Goals When Life Happens

02 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Holly talks candidly about her health situation, forgiveness, “losing” NaNoWriMo and much more.

Episode 2.13: Writing FAQs

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We answer some questions that we see being asked a lot online and give constructive advice for writers navigating any of these burning topics, from "H...

Episode 2.12: An Interview with Emma Kalson of Escaped Ink Press

18 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Angeline is joined by Emma Kalson, owner of independent British press, Escaped Ink. We chat about our joint love of short fiction,...

Episode 2.11: Worldbuild Climate and Weather

11 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode, we talk all things weather and climate, indulging the ultimate British stereotype! Find out how we use the weather in our own writ...

Episode 2.10: A Halloween Reading: The Black Rope by Angeline Trevena

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In a break from our usual format, we're bringing you something totally different. Listen to Angeline performing her gothic horror poem, The Black Rope...

Episode 2.9: Approaching NaNoWriMo With or Without a Plot

28 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On the final approach to NaNoWriMo, we chat about the projects we'll be working on through November. We talk plotting, discovery writing, and everythi...

Episode 2.8: Using Dialogue to Reveal Character and Advance the Plot

21 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Angeline explains how to get your dialogue working hard for you and your story. She shares her top tips for writing believable and useful dialogue. An...

Episode 2.7: Worldbuilding Mental Health and Paranormal Abilities

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In honour of Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day, we open up about our own mental health struggles, and how writing has helped us. We also...

Episode 2.6: World-build With Me

07 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Holly talks about the creation of her writing sandbox; creating the history, mythology and cultures of her dark, urban fantasy wor...

Episode 2.5: The Importance of Ongoing Learning

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Happy International Podcast Day! We’re celebrating with an episode about all the great things we’ve learnt, and a tribute to all the great podcast...

Episode 2.4: Building Your Author Platform

23 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today it's time for Angeline's first solo episode, and I'm talking about building your author platform. It's not just a simple case of getting yoursel...

Episode 2.3: Worldbuilding Education, Training, and Mentoring

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we're going back to school, and talking about building education and learning into your world. We discuss the different things you...

Episode 2.2: From Villainy to Heroism - Worldbuilding with Sacha Black

09 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is the first with our new format. From now on, we'll be publishing new episodes every week. Today, Holly is flying solo and interviewing ...

Episode 2.1: Goal Check and What's Next?

02 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode marks the beginning of our second season, and we have some big changes and big news for you. We look back over the year so far; discussin...

Episode 1.11: Worldbuilding with Food

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On request, we're revisiting the subject of food in your fictional world. And we love to talk about food! In this episode, you'll hear about our own f...

Episode 1.10: Making Maps

05 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a classic expectation: a beautiful map in the front of a fantasy book. But, whether you're an expert cartographer, or your drawing skills are l...

Episode 1.9: Edge-Lit After Party

22 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On the morning after attending Edge-Lit writing convention, while still suffering from post-con exhaustion, we gathered our thoughts about the event. ...

Episode 1.8: Author Events, Networking, and Meeting Readers

08 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re breaking away from the stereotype of the solitary author hunched over the manuscript, and we’re getting out in the real world. Yes; i...

Episode 1.7: Worldbuilding Essentials

24 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're going back to basics, and talking about all the essential things you need both before, and just as you start, worldbuilding. We chat ...

Episode 1.6: Indie Author Week UK

10 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In celebration of Indie Author Week UK, we're talking all things indie. We chat about our lives as indies, the highs and lows, and offer our top tips...

Episode 1.5: Living Legends

27 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about creating religions, belief structures, rituals, and legends. We discuss the urban legends from our childhoods, and those we ...

Bonus Episode: #WorldbuildingQuest

24 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bringing you a special episode with an invitation to join us for #WorldbuildingQuest this June.

Episode 1.4: Horror Stories

13 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we discuss our love of horror, share our tips for scaring your readers, and, most likely, scare ourselves a little bit too!

Episode 1.3: Origin Stories

29 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Could this be the truth about how Angeline and Holly got their superpowers? Do they have superpowers? Time to find out...

Episode 1.2: Camp NaNoWriMo Survival Tips

15 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We may both like our creature comforts, but we do love Camp NaNoWriMo. Listen to our reasons why, and our top survival tips.

Episode 1.1: Relaunch Party

01 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for our relaunch party: meet the co-hosts, and find out just how nerdy things are going to get.

Episode 10: Holidays and Leisure

22 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Oh, I do love to be beside the seaside... Where do your characters go on holiday, and what do the locals really think of them?

Episode 9: Food

12 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

One of my favourite subjects, and the thing that kicked off my worldbuilding obsession.

Episode 8: Animals

29 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Animals have important roles to play in the lives of humans. Here's some different things to consider when adding them into your world.

Episode 7: Introduction to the Environment

11 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A starting point to thinking about the physical environment of your world, and how it affects everything else.