In this episode, Rebecca Paciorek discusses how authors can harness the energy of eclipse season to enhance their creativity. She explores the psychological effects of eclipses, offering practical strategies for capturing inspiration and transforming it into writing. The conversation includes tips on setting intentions, using prompts, and engaging with a community of writers to foster creativity.

Takeaways

• Eclipses evoke awe and emotional reflection, which can fuel creativity.
• Use sensory details to enrich your writing.
• Engage with a community for support and inspiration.
• Utilize prompts to spark creativity and exploration.
• Honor your emotional state during creative processes.
• Rest and reflection are essential parts of the creative journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eclipse Season and Creativity

02:48 Understanding the Psychological Impact of Eclipses

05:27 Practical Strategies for Capturing Inspiration

08:18 Creating Your Eclipse Season Playbook

11:38 Exploring Prompts and Techniques for Writing

14:29 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Total Eclipse of the Art of writing… during eclipses and nature events worksheets and prompts freebie:

https://payhip.com/b/0kOZS

Want to sign up for the full host of presentations for the summit mentioned in the show? The Shadow Mansion Quest:

https://shop.unicornmojo.com/friday-13th-shadow-mansion-quest/?aff=006f25ac

Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/

⁠

Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://payhip.com/b/oiNTX

📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠

Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.

😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek

Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

In this episode, Rebecca Hallbach Paciorek explores the intersection of writing rituals and superstitions among authors. She discusses how these practices can provide comfort and structure, especially during significant moments like book launches. The conversation delves into various personal rituals, the significance of launch days, and the balance between embracing these traditions and not letting them hinder creativity. Ultimately, the episode encourages writers to find their unique blend of ritual and strategy to enhance their creative process.

Takeaways

• Writers often have rituals that blend magic and superstition.
• Rituals can calm nervous systems and create a sense of control.
• It's important to question superstitions that hinder progress.
• Embracing a bit of sparkle can enhance the writing journey.

Chapters

00:00 The Magic of Writing Rituals

04:33 Superstitions and Launch Strategies

07:57 Embracing Rituals Without Fear

Want the presentation mentioned in the show? The Shadow Mansion Quest:

https://shop.unicornmojo.com/friday-13th-shadow-mansion-quest/?aff=006f25ac

Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠

Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://payhip.com/b/oiNTX

📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠

Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.

😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek

Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

Your Book Is the Best Marketing You Can Do

If you’re an author who feels overwhelmed by marketing, this episode is your permission slip to simplify. In this episode, Rebecca Hallbach Paciorek—magazine publisher turned book marketer—breaks down why your book itself is the most powerful marketing tool you already have… and how to make sure it’s working for you, not against you. I do hold up some samples in this episode so you may want to be sure and catch the video version as well.

• Why ads don’t sell books—the book sells the book
• Why solid editing matters more than you think (and how bad reviews are word-of-mouth in disguise)
• The role of professional covers and clear blurbs in reader trust
• How QR codes, links, and clear instructions help readers stay connected
• Why the last page of your book is prime marketing real estate
  

Take Action:

Audit your cover, blurb, and back matter

Make it obvious where readers should go next

Ask for reviews—don’t assume readers will think of it

Ensure your book reflects the author career you want to build

Your book is already doing the heavy lifting. Let’s make sure it’s lifting in the right direction. 💫

Blogs-

https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/post/your-book-is-the-main-marketing-piece

https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/post/the-last-page

Books mentioned:

Podcast planner by Rebecca Paciorek: https://a.co/d/08eLty1L

My Success Planner by Stacy Baxley: https://amzn.to/4qipqIu

California Stars by Carlie Yates: https://amzn.to/4qXn7M7

Mailboat IV by Danielle Lincoln Hanna: https://amzn.to/4bv93Vb

Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠

Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook⁠

📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠

Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.

😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek

Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases, an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations (including Amazon -except for my products, which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

Feeling stuck every time you go to post on social media? Same… 😂 In this quick, cozy episode of Books and Brew, I’m sharing my simple system for planning content without the panic: monthly themes + weekly content buckets (or, if you’re in Authors’ Allies… content cauldrons 💫).

You’ll learn how to choose a theme for the month, assign easy “daily prompts” (like Tip Tuesday), and create a go-to list of content ideas you can pull from on those days when inspiration is nowhere to be found. Bonus: this isn’t just for social media—you can repurpose these ideas into emails, blogs, and videos, too.

• How monthly themes make your content easier to plan (and easier to stick with)
  A simple way to assign day-of-the-week prompts (Sunday Fun Day, Tip Tuesday, etc.)
  

• • What “content buckets/cauldrons” are, and how they stop the what do I post?! spiral
    

  • How planners and pantsers show up in marketing… and how to support both styles
    

  • The quick repurposing move: post → email → blog → video
    

  • Monthly themes like: planning, sales sheets/blurbs, birthday bash, anniversaries
    

  • Weekly prompts like: Social Sunday, Media Kit Monday, Tip Tuesday, Testimonial Tuesday
    

  Want the two planning sheets I mention (monthly themes + content buckets/cauldrons)? Drop a 🔮 (crystal ball emoji) in the comments or send me a DM, and I’ll send them over!

  Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠

  Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook⁠

  📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠

  Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.

  😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/

  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/

  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek

  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5

  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

Do you tell yourself you just need more time, more motivation, or more willpower? In this episode of Authors’ Allies, Rebecca sits down with success and personal growth coach Stacy Baxley, creator of INTENTIONAL, a simple framework that helps busy women stop living in survival mode and start designing their days with purpose.

Stacy shares how her 25 years in career development shaped the tools she now teaches women—clarity, confidence, goal-setting, decision-making, self-awareness, and follow-through—using 5–10 minute daily practices that actually stick.

You’ll hear how to choose a “word of the day,” identify your MVPs (Most Valuable Priorities), reframe negative thoughts, and create momentum without burnout… even if your calendar is already a trash fire. 😂📝✨

In this episode, we cover:

00:54 The Importance of Personal Connection in Coaching

01:00 Stacy's Journey to Empower Women

01:55 Designing Your Day with Purpose

06:14 The Concept of a Word of the Day

08:27 Overcoming Overwhelm with Small Habits

11:38 Breaking Down Goals into Manageable Steps

13:47 Tracking Progress and Reflection

15:10 Celebrating Small Wins

16:32 The Limitations of Vision Boards

17:56 Finding What Works for You

19:54 The Importance of Accountability

20:57 Habit Stacking for Success

24:59 Prioritizing Tasks Effectively

30:12 Creative Energy for Authors

32:26 Taking Baby Steps Towards Goals

33:33 Where to Find More Tips and Resources

RESOURCES:

➡️ Grab Stacy’s Note Card Guide + program info:

https://stacy-baxley-healthy-habits-inside-ou.aweb.page/p/0c54c1aa-b26d-4cd0-af69-275cb1a83935

Stacy’s Journal on Amazon: https://amzn.to/45V6jwz

You might also consider

Eat That Frog https://amzn.to/4pOpu2f

Atomic Habits https://amzn.to/49PBeLX

And, if you’d like my class on finding your best energy times: https://payhip.com/b/t0nhG

Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠

Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook⁠

📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠

Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.

😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek

Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

#authorsallies #indieauthor #selfpublishing #authorsallies #habits #habitstacking

Want more visibility without living on social media? Podcast guesting is one of the fastest ways for authors to grow an audience, build trust, and increase book sales… by borrowing other people’s audiences. 📚💫

In this episode, Rebecca breaks down how to find the right podcasts, how to get chosen as a guest (without landing in File 13 🗑️😂), and how to show up like a pro so you get invited back again and again.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Podcast Guesting

01:01 Finding the Right Podcasts

03:53 Getting Chosen as a Guest

06:11 Preparing for Your Podcast Appearance

09:59 Recording and Promoting Your Episode

11:25 Action Plan for Podcast Guesting

Quick Action Plan

Make a list of 10 dream podcasts
Listen to 2 episodes each + read the show notes
Prep your assets folder (bio, photos, links, freebie)
Apply consistently—start with one per week
Promote every episode like you mean it

Resources:

Podmatch for getting hooked up with podcasters. https://joinpodmatch.com/rpaciorek

Monitor clip for filtering glare on glasses: https://amzn.to/45LuWM5

Our blog about podcast guesting.https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/post/why-authors-should-get-on-podcasts

Join the RoundTable: Want help planning your next magical marketing move? Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun again. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠

Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook⁠

📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠ Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.

😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek

Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you. #author #indieauthor #selfpublishing #authorsallies

In this episode of the Authors Allies podcast, Rebecca Hallbach Paciorek discusses effective annual planning and goal setting for authors. She emphasizes the importance of finding a planning tool that works for the individual, whether it be a vision board, bingo board, or a word of the year. The conversation covers the significance of reflecting on the past year, experimenting with different planning styles, and creating a loose plan to achieve writing goals. Ultimately, the episode encourages authors to embrace flexibility and creativity in their planning process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Annual Planning for Authors

02:04 Understanding Different Planning Styles

03:39 Reflecting on the Past Year

04:35 Creating Vision Boards and Bingo Boards

06:56 Choosing a Word of the Year

08:20 Converting Dreams into a Loose Plan

10:16 Finding the Right Tools for You

12:09 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Get the notes/worksheets HERE.

Follow Stacy Baxley, coming guest, HERE.

Join the RoundTable: Want help planning your next magical marketing move? Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun again. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com⁠⁠Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.

😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE.I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you. #author #indieauthor #selfpublishing #authorsallies

In this episode of Authors Allies, Rebecca Paciorek discusses the evolving landscape of book marketing for 2026. She emphasizes the importance of authors transitioning from merely launching books to establishing themselves as media brands.

Key predictions include the rise of direct sales, the significance of newsletters, the emergence of micro communities, and the integration of AI as a marketing co-pilot. Rebecca also provides actionable steps for authors to implement these strategies effectively, highlighting the need for a strategic approach to building an author ecosystem.

Takeaways

• 2026 is the year that authors fully behave like media brands.
• Direct sales and book extra bundles will be where the real money is.
• Micro communities are going to beat that broad reach.
• AI is going to become your marketing co-pilot.
• Video first podcasts can become evergreen discovery machines.
• Hybrid launches are becoming the norm.

Join the RoundTable: Want help planning your next magical marketing move? Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun again. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/

Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook

📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com

⁠⁠

Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.

😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek

Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE.

I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

#author #indieauthor #selfpublishing #authorsallies