Coffee and Catastrophe

Episode 2.10: Extra Extra Read All About Newsletters

Coffee and Catastrophe — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 18:38:25 +0000

The coffee is running out for host William Brian Johnson, while host DA Bale continues to drink her fill - and it shows. Listen in on this episode when DA shares a missed opportunity for sales when she failed to have a mailing list set up for a newsletter to keep in touch with her readers. A newsletter you ask? Why yes! Find out why it is of vital importance for authors to have mailing lists. Discover where to go to set up said list, whether or not to incentivize readers to join said list, and what to include in your newsletter to your list of readers - and how often to contact them. It's important not to let them forget about you, but also not to spam them either. The night is late and the harassment intense at times as DA and Brian cuss and discuss this all-important issue. Questions and comments, as always email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com and you might hear your question on a future podcast.

Episode 2.9: Nuts & Bolts - Wordprocessors

Coffee and Catastrophe — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 16:35:47 +0000

Your author hosts DA Bale and William Brian Johnson took the summer off for some desperately needed writing time. But never fear! We're back with the school year. Brian shares a rather frustrating experience over word processor subscriptions and the impact it can have on writing. Are you looking for a program that just allows you to get words down on paper, or do you want to add a little flourish? He'll give it to you straight here. Then stick around for a unique writing tool that will give you the Kamikaze experience. Don't know what that is? You'll have to stay until the end to find out why even the idea of trying it gives DA nightmares. Questions, comments, or concerns just email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com and you might have your questions answered in a future episode.

Episode 2.8: What's Going On?

Coffee and Catastrophe — Fri, 25 May 2018 20:10:23 +0000

It's the end of another school year and your hosts DA Bale and William Brian Johnson preview what is on their horizon. From writing camps to storm chasing, it's shaping up to be an interesting summer - and stay tuned for a tidbit of some super secret info. We're also answering the questions you've been sending us this season, so hang out for our thoughts on subjects like writing in series or standalone, marketing, and when to throw in the towel on this self-publishing venture. As usual, questions, comments, or concerns just email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com and you might hear your question in our next Q&A.

Episode 2.7: Editing

Coffee and Catastrophe — Wed, 09 May 2018 20:56:38 +0000

How's that for a boring podcast episode title? Your host William Brian Johnson decided to "edit" the title down to its simplest form because...you know...this one's about editing! From developmental edits to proofreading, learn the differences so you know what you're paying for from a novel editor. Or if you're really on a budget, find out some helpful techniques to polish up that manuscript on your own, even if you are going to eventually send it out for paid editing. We're all about helping our fellow authors save money around here at Coffee and Catastrophe. So join DA Bale as she tries to stay focused and keep Brian awake on a late night while he's off the coffee bandwagon. Question, comments, or topics for a future podcast just email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com.

Episode 2.6: Attack of the Blurbs

Coffee and Catastrophe — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 19:10:42 +0000

Are you like most authors who struggle writing a description for your novel? Does putting the finishing touches on your novel bring with it a stomachache to rival Montezuma's Revenge because you know you're going to have to write the blurb? Well struggle with blurbs no more! Your hosts DA Bale and William Brian Johnson break down the basics for writing a blurb you can be proud of...of which you can be proud. Learn the handful of key points to tackle to turn your 100k tome into an appetite-whetting sales pitch that'll make readers click BUY. And we even provide examples. Comments or questions for us to tackle in future podcast episodes? Email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com.

Episode 2.5: Finish What You Started

Coffee and Catastrophe — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 20:29:24 +0000

How many novels have you started writing only to get stopped by the muddy middle? How do you get unstuck and plow through to the end? Join your pantser author hosts William Brian Johnson and DA Bale as Brian contemplates taking his pants off to finish a novel that has taken years off his life. He promised a book release last year only to miss the mark because he got stuck in the weeds of world building. Pantsing allows the opportunity of discovery while writing, but plotting moves things along faster in the writing process. Both methods hold great value for authors, but when you get bogged down it's not the time to quit. It's time to knuckle under, change things up, and figure out how to get out of the mud and weeds to move forward again. Questions or comments email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com and you might find your question discussed in an upcoming podcast coming soon!

Episode 2.4: Industry Insights - To KU or Not To KU

Coffee and Catastrophe — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 21:42:11 +0000

No, we're not talking about the University of Kansas (though our March Madness brackets are a topic of discussion). It's that reader subscription service through Amazon known as Kindle Unlimited. Is it beneficial for new authors or only existing? Are there certain genres that do better than others? Why should I give Amazon exclusivity to my work? If you wanna get an interesting argument going on author boards, just start a thread about whether or not authors should consider putting their books in Kindle Unlimited - then sit back and watch the crazy happen. Whether you're a proponent for or vehemently against indie authors making their books exclusive to Amazon, you'll enjoy hearing about DA's current foray into the KU fracas, while Brian considers what he'll do when he finishes his current writing project. Either way, it's sure to be entertaining as the caffeine wears off on this late night. Questions, comments, concerns - email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com and you might hear our thoughts on your thoughts in a future podcast.

Episode 2.3: Industry Insights - Baby Steps to Publishing

Coffee and Catastrophe — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 03:59:43 +0000

So...you've written a book. Congratulations! Now what? Join DA Bale and William Brian Johnson as our author hosts take your hand and help you toddle along down the indie path to self-publishing. Get a brief rundown on editing, beta readers, ARC's (what's that?), social media and all the baby steps you'll need to take before you stand tall and click "publish". Then you'll be ready to take that most important final step...but you'll have to listen to find out what that is. Questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com.

Episode 2.2: Industry Insights - The Nigerian Prince Publisher

Coffee and Catastrophe — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 20:44:32 +0000

Your author hosts begin a new series for all of the newer authors in the audience (and those who've been out of the picture for awhile). The indie world of publishing is full of people seeking to separate you from your money like a Nigerian email scammer. Those contests, vanity presses, and other unsolicited emails prey on authors desperate for a windfall payday or an ego stroke. Learn some of the red flags and things to watch out for so you don't become their next victim. That old adage applies here - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Questions, comments, or a topic you'd like to see discussed in an upcoming podcast, email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com.

Season 2 Episode 1: Where the Hell Have We Been?

Coffee and Catastrophe — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 23:47:15 +0000

It’s the start of a new podcast season! Find out what your author hosts have been up to over the last several months. From train trips, spilled drinks, and men writing from a female character’s perspective to missed publishing deadlines, the Hemingway Method, and shooting in the raw (it’s not what you think…or maybe it is), get caught up on our 2017 failures and where we’re going for 2018 as we flesh out our writing. Questions, comments, concerns, or if you have an idea for a future podcast episode email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com.

Episode 16: Nuts & Bolts - Get Your Genre Act Together

Coffee and Catastrophe — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 20:37:07 +0000

From romance to mystery. Sci-fi to suspense. Genre to sub-genre. There's a lot of confusion out there about how to go about categorizing your novel - and it's vitally important to choose correctly from the outset. Your hosts help break apart the confusion so you can cut through the categories to get it right the first time. If you have questions, comments, or an idea for future podcasts, email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com. Then stay tuned for the start of Season 2!

Episode 15: Nuts & Bolts - Archetypes Part 2

Coffee and Catastrophe — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 21:34:38 +0000

The long awaited second half of Archetypes in our Nuts & Bolts series is live with this edition. Stay tuned for the start of season two. As always, email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com for questions, comments, or if you have a subject you'd like to hear us discuss.

Episode 14: Nuts & Bolts - Archetypes Part 1

Coffee and Catastrophe — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 23:01:27 +0000

Yep, your author hosts are high on the coffee fumes in this episode as they talk about Vogler's archetypes, those characters that seem to show up in virtually every novel or movie, whether you're aware of them or not. But as writers, we should be aware of them and what purposes they serve to our stories. So while William Brian Johnson takes the reins for this episode, D.A. Bale takes harassment to a whole new level of laughter to keep Brian from devolving into coma-inducing academic anemia. Is there a subject you'd like us to discuss in a future episode? Questions? Comments? Email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com and we'll take a swing at the balls you lob our way.

Episode 13: Nuts & Bolts - Plot Roller Coaster

Coffee and Catastrophe — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 21:46:18 +0000

Is there a method to the madness when it comes to writing a novel? Do you want to put your reader to sleep or grab their interest within the first few paragraphs? Well if that's you, you're listening to the right podcast. Join your author hosts DA Bale and William Brian Johnson on a caffeinated journey as they talk about the basic structures and strictures necessary for plotting your novel - thereby providing readers a reason to stick with your story until three A.M. instead of listening to "Careless Whisper" from Wham! You'll have to listen to understand that one. Comments or questions you'd like answered in another podcast, just send us an email at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com

Episode 12: Nuts & Bolts - Point-of-View...Stop Head-Hopping

Coffee and Catastrophe — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 21:31:07 +0000

Authors DA Bale and William Brian Johnson are trying out a new coffee, strong with a bit of an after-bite, because their brains need it after long days and even longer nights. In this next installment of the Nuts & Bolts series, join our hosts as they cuss and discuss a topic that is often the bane of many an indie author's existence - writing solid point-of-view. From first person, third person limited, and third person omniscient (with WB insisting on an insert of least used second person), we'll talk about what works best for a positive reader experience. After all, every author wants readers to stay engaged until the very last page of their book. If you have questions or a topic you'd like discussed in an upcoming episode, email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com.

Episode 11: You've Got Questions - We've Got Answers

Coffee and Catastrophe — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 21:55:03 +0000

Ah-ha! We knew you were out there listening - and now we have proof. Join authors DA Bale and William Brian Johnson as they discuss three very important questions from our listening audience. How do you know when your story is complete? How do you balance writing/publishing rapidly versus quality of work? Lastly, if you didn't get a chance to finish beta reading for another author BEFORE they published, should you inform them of errors AFTER they've published? Wow! Good questions - and listen in for responses (quirky and otherwise) from your hosts. And if you have other questions, feel free to email us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com, and we'll answer them in another podcast coming soon.

Episode 10: Nuts & Bolts - 3-Dimensional Characters

Coffee and Catastrophe — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 23:01:49 +0000

Authors DA Bale and William Brian Johnson are at it again with how to improve your novel writing. Someone take away their coffee now! Many authors struggle with one of the most important things in a writer's arsenal - making your characters come alive. It's not enough to describe hair and eye color, weight and height. Matter-of-fact, neither of your hosts think you should spend more than a fleeting thought on outward appearances. Dig deeper and then listen in on how to take your characters from flat cardboard cutouts to flesh and blood waiting to leap from the page in this next segment of our Nuts & Bolts series. Something new in this episode - we're testing out some intro and outro music so let us know what you think at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com.

Episode 9: Nuts & Bolts - Setting

Coffee and Catastrophe — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 21:01:10 +0000

It's a new year and there's no better time to get back to the basics with your writing. In this first Nuts & Bolts installment, join your author hosts DA Bale and William Brian Johnson as they discuss the importance of setting in novels and how it is such a vital, yet often overlooked, component to account for before you put pen to paper. There's more to it than simply place and time - particularly for several very popular genres. Learn why it's important to delve deeper into the Who, What, Where, When and Why (and sometimes How) of Setting.

Episode 8: 2017 - Please Tell Me It'll Be Better

Coffee and Catastrophe — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 20:13:47 +0000

After a lackluster 2016, your hosts DA Bale and William Brian Johnson are crossing their fingers, legs, arms, and eyes hoping 2017 offers something better in the realm of indie writing and self-publishing. They aren't setting New Year's resolutions but goals for what they want to accomplish: Brian just wants to finish a new book while D sets some even loftier goals than she had in 2016. Will they make it? You'll have to wait and see. Coming later this month is the Nuts and Bolts series, where they'll get back to basics on novel writing structure like plot, pacing, point-of-view and the like. Don't miss sharing these little nuggets of gold if you'd like to improve your writing. And don't forget to contact us at catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com if you have questions, concerns, and/or have a topic you'd like us to discuss.

Episode 7: Wrap-up 2016

Coffee and Catastrophe — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 20:59:19 +0000

Here we are at the end of 2016, brought to you by the pharmaceutical companies repping depression and anxiety medications. Your hosts offer up a sad commentary on the wonderful actors we lost in 2016, then talk about D's recent release and the foibles she encountered promoting in December. Brian is FINALLY writing again and has several novel projects he wants to tackle in the upcoming year. Then for those who are interested in writing to market, let's discuss some hard numbers for the top genres and some anecdotal evidence for what might be the next hot topic on the horizon.

Episode 6: Please Sir...May I Have More

Coffee and Catastrophe — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 23:07:17 +0000

It's a late night and your author hosts DA Bale and William Brian Johnson have waaaay too much caffeine in their systems as they discuss how and where to find those necessary reviews for their books. As a professional reviewer, DA ends the podcast with her Top Ten Pet Peeves about the mistakes authors make when approaching reviewers about reading their book(s). You do NOT want to miss this rant.

Episode 5: Coming Soon - New Releases

Coffee and Catastrophe — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 23:31:50 +0000

Host William Brian Johnson rants about his NaNoWriMo efforts, so clear the kids from the room - don't worry, we've bleeped out the worst of it. Plus DA Bale shares about how her upcoming release is faring, so get out your credit card and look for the eBook December 15th.

Episode 4: Marketing for Idiots, Complete Idiots, No Not You

Coffee and Catastrophe — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 00:00:51 +0000

Join authors DA Bale and William Brian Johnson as they tackle the subject of marketing your book in today's self-publishing world. Learn what has worked and what hasn't with DA's efforts - and why. We have a new email address now too catastrophiccoffee@gmail.com and welcome your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes.

Episode 3: Return of the Muse

Coffee and Catastrophe — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 22:43:56 +0000

Hosts DA Bale and William Brian Johnson gear up for National Novel Writing Month. Find out how Brian is faring as he prepares to join NaNoWriMo participants after years of nothing but academic writing.

Episode 2: Having Another Baby

Coffee and Catastrophe — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 03:16:41 +0000

Join your hosts DA Bale and William Brian Johnson as Mighty Bri begins the rehabilitation process from academic writing back to creative writing by visiting the Vomitarium.

Episode 1: We're Wingin' It

Coffee and Catastrophe — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 02:34:12 +0000

An introduction to your magnificent hosts, authors DA Bale and William Brian Johnson in the world of novel writing and self-publishing.