Podcast
Write & Accelerate with Natalie Forslind
Hosted by Natalie Forslind · EN
Turning author dreams into achievements, one story at a time. Here to help writers reach their potential.
📝 Writing
🚀Marketing
⏳Productivity
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Your First Chapter Is Losing Readers — Fix These 5 Mistakes
2d ago00:13:46Tap to summarizeIs your first chapter losing readers?Your opening chapter has one main job: to make the reader want to keep reading. But many writers accidentally slow their story down before it has even started.We’ll talk about why you might be starting your story too early, how too much backstory or worldbuilding can kill curiosity, why your protagonist needs to be active, how to create emotional stakes, and why the end of chapter one needs a turn that pulls the reader into chapter two.If you are writing a novel, revising your first chapter, editing your manuscript, or preparing to self-publish your book, this video will help you make your opening stronger and more engaging.In this video, you’ll learn:how to tell if your first chapter starts too earlywhy readers do not need all the backstory right awayhow to make your protagonist more activehow to add emotional stakes to your opening scenewhy every first chapter needs a turnhow to make chapter one promise the right kind of bookVideo where I talk about Lisa Cron's book Story Genius https://youtu.be/ORAxSsXR26E?si=FgGd0mSHSX3g-7oPTimestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:35 Mistake 1: Starting too early 03:17 Mistake 2: Explaining instead of creating curiosity 05:11 Mistake 3: Passive protagonist 08:11 Mistake 4: No emotional reason to care 10:31 Mistake 5: No turn at the end 12:15 Bonus: The first chapter is a promise
Transcribe →Don’t Self-Publish Your First Book in 2026 Until You Do This
1w ago00:25:43Tap to summarizeThinking about self-publishing your first book in 2026? Before you upload your manuscript to KDP, there are a few important things you need to have in place.In this video, I walk you through the complete self-publishing checklist I would follow if I were publishing my first book today. We’ll talk about finishing and revising your manuscript, getting feedback, editing, book covers, KDP keywords and categories, pricing, reviews, launch planning, and marketing your book before release.Self-publishing is not just about uploading your book to Amazon. It is about making sure your book is ready for readers, easy to understand, easy to find, and professionally presented.If you are an aspiring author, indie author, or first-time writer trying to publish your book, this video will help you understand the full process before you hit publish.Subscribe for more videos about writing, self-publishing, book marketing, author platform growth, productivity, and building a sustainable author career.💬 What part of self-publishing feels most confusing to you right now: editing, cover design, KDP setup, keywords, reviews, pricing, or marketing?✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro01:20 Start with the reader03:36 Finish the manuscript05:32 What do DIY and when to hire a professional08:53 Crafting a great blurb11:12 Research before KDP15:15 Build a platform in advance19:07 Getting reviews21:46 Time to upload23:01 Marketing after launch
Transcribe →NaNoWriMo Is Gone. Here’s What Writers Should Do Now
2w ago00:15:55Tap to summarizeNaNoWriMo is gone, but writing challenges do not have to disappear with it.Stop struggling with rigid schedules and one-size-fits-all word count goals. In this video, I’ll show you how to create a personalized writing challenge that fits your real life, helps you create a writing routine. Popular events like NaNoWriMo worked because they gave writers a deadline, a number, and a sense of community. But they also discouraged many writers because 50,000 words in 30 days does not fit every schedule, every project, or every season of life.Instead, you’ll learn how to use the WRITE Framework to build your own sustainable writing challenge:W — What are you actually trying to do?R — Right-size the goalI — Install a tracking systemT — Think in minimums, targets, and stretch goalsE — Expect disruptionWhether you are drafting, outlining, revising, editing, rebuilding your writing habit, or returning after a long break, this approach will help you design a daily writing habit that creates a personalized writing challenge that actually fits your life instead of burning you out.By the end of the video, you’ll know how to choose the right goal, set a realistic timeline, track your progress, plan for missed days, and keep writing even when life gets messy.♥️ Subscribe for weekly writing productivity breakdowns, and comment below: what kind of writing challenge are you building — drafting, outlining, revising, or rebuilding your writing habit?FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245897025-library-of-eternity📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online. #indieauthor #authortube #growthforauthors___________________✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro01:24 Why writing challenges work02:28 What is nanowrimo?03:05 Why writing challanges fail04:17 The WRITE framework04:27 W — What are you actually trying to do?05:12 R — Right-size the goal07:30 I — Install a tracking system10:18 T — Think in minimums, targets, and stretch goals11:28 E — Expect disruption12:47 Common questions
Transcribe →How Readers Discover Books Now — What Authors Can Learn From BookTok
3w ago00:14:04Tap to summarizeHow do readers discover books now? In this video, we look at what authors can learn from BookTok, reader recommendations, tropes, emotional hooks, social proof, and online book communities. You’ll learn how modern readers find books, why some stories are easier to share, and how to make your book easier to recognize, recommend, and remember.Link to the news referred in the video: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/booktok-community-50-million-books?lang=en-150✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro01:07 Mistakes03:40 Why BookTok matters04:19 How readers discover books06:18 What makes a book discoverable09:31 Q&A
Transcribe →Want to Write a Book But Have No Ideas? Start Here
Jun 600:14:03Tap to summarizeWant to write a book but have no ideas? In this video, I’ll show you how to find a book idea from your own life, interests, questions, fears, and favorite stories. You’ll learn simple ways to generate ideas, turn a tiny concept into a real book premise, and start writing even if you don’t feel like a “real writer” yet.FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245897025-library-of-eternity📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online.#indieauthor #authortube #growthforauthors___________________✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro00:46 You don’t need and idea04:00 The easiest book to write06:58 I’m not a writer08:22 Idea generators11:40 Avoid copying others
Transcribe →Every Great Novel Does This in the First Chapter
May 3000:13:56Tap to summarizeMost writers think the first chapter's job is to explain the story.It's not.Its job is to make the reader need the next page.In this video, I'll break down some of the best opening lines ever written, explain why they work, and show you a simple framework for writing hooks that keep readers turning pages.What is your favorite opening line from a novel?Books mentioned:Deadly Education by Naomi NovikPromised to the Pyre by Vendy EmberfieldHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling1984 by George Orwell
Transcribe →Can Authors Still Grow on BookTok in 2026?
May 2300:22:18Tap to summarizeFor authors aiming to expand their audience and sell more books, understanding how to use tiktok for business is crucial. This video offers practical tips on tiktok marketing, helping you navigate the platform's unique landscape. Learn how to get followers on tiktok and leverage social media marketing to boost your author marketing efforts. ✍️You can find me on Tiktok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalie.forslindhttps://www.tiktok.com/@natalieforslind✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro01:23 Starting from Zero04:50 Why most authors fail BookTok08:58 Why you should post ever day14:45 Be authentic and real 16:05 Content strategy18:11 Common mistakes20:03 The most important lesson
Transcribe →Why Your Story Feels Broken (And How the 7-Point Structure Fixes It)
May 1600:14:42Tap to summarizeIf you have an idea for a story but don't know where to start, this video is for you! I'll guide you through the seven plot point system, offering practical writing tips and essential writing advice for effective storytelling. This approach simplifies plotting a novel, helping you plan your novel beyond just structural points, making the process of how to write a book more manageable and fun. ✍️✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro02:05 What is the 7 Plot Point Story Structure04:06 The Hook05:34 Plot Turn 106:50 Pinch Point 107:50 The Midpoint09:27 Pinch Point 210:41 Plot Point 212:00 The Resolution12:36 How to use it
Transcribe →everything i learned when editing Library of Eternity
May 200:12:57Tap to summarizeEditing Library of Eternity was more than just fixing sentences; it involved a complete story and character arc rework. In this episode, I share essential writing advice and writing tips I learned during the process, so you can avoid common mistakes. This includes insights on novel writing and effective revision strategies to help you how to revise a novel successfully.Videos I mention:https://youtu.be/ORAxSsXR26E?si=UQH1RgNrn_oZAeaqhttps://youtu.be/UxhMpvCKM_U?si=yO3AsCHM7lmvqDdU______FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245897025-library-of-eternity📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online.___________________✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro00:50 The native plan03:58 The reality check04:45 The rebuild07:26 The professional edit10:01 The big takeaways
Transcribe →5 things I wish I knew before my debut as an author
Apr 2500:18:25Tap to summarizeBefore you publish your first book, discover five harsh truths I learned as a self published author. As an author and growth marketer, I want to share my writing advice so you can accelerate your career. This video offers essential writing tips for navigating the world of book publishing.______FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📓 Library of Eternity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245897025-library-of-eternity📘 The 66-Day Writing Challenge: Build a Sustainable Writing Habit with Daily Prompts https://a.co/d/8rAAeng📙 Flykten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138323690-flykten 🎧 Flykten - ljudbok https://www.storytel.com/se/books/flykten-2255091📔 Essäer om skrivande och vardagsflykt https://amzn.eu/d/0eUeZSLTMy name is Natalie Forslind, I am a writing coach, author, and Growth Markter who teaches writers how to become more productive and market themselves online. #authortube #writingcommunity #selfpublishing #amwriting #booklaunch ___________________✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro00:46 First lesson03:03 Second lesson07:27 Third lesson10:52 Fourth lesson15:00 Fifth lesson
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