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
18episodes
Episodes
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I Rewrote My Book Blurb Using BookTok Hooks (Before & After)
5d ago00:12:50Tap to summarizeYour book description might be costing you readers—and you may not even realize it.When I started preparing my upcoming romance novel, A New Chapter by the Canal, for publication, I had a nagging feeling that my blurb explained the story… but didn’t make people want to read it.So I decided to run an experiment.I studied the language behind some of the most talked-about books on BookTok and rewrote my book description using the same psychological principles that make readers stop scrolling. In this video, I compare my original blurb with the new version, explain every change I made, and share five lessons any author can apply to make their book description more compelling.Whether you’re writing romance, fantasy, thrillers, or nonfiction, these storytelling techniques can help your blurb create curiosity instead of simply summarizing the plot.In this video you’ll learn:• Why most book blurbs explain too much• How BookTok creates curiosity without spoilers• The difference between selling a plot and selling an emotional experience• How I rewrote the blurb for A New Chapter by the Canal• Practical tips you can use on your own book description todayA New Chapter by the Canal releases the 18th of August 2026.Let me know in the comment which of the blurbs is your favorite?🚀 Publisher Rocket – My favorite keyword research tool for authors (affiliate): https://publisherrocket.cartknox.com/buy-rocket?aff=539______FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📙 A New Chapter by the Canal https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255267123-a-new-chapter-by-the-canal 📓 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 - 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 #growthforauthorsSome of the links in this description are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the channel!✨Timestamps ✨00:00 Intro01:14 The original blurb04:24 Lesson 105:36 Lesson 207:15 Lesson 308:52 Lesson 4 09:39 Lesson 511:34 The biggest lesson
Transcribe →I Studied 1,346 Indie Authors—Here’s What High Earners Do Differently
2w ago00:26:23Tap to summarizeWhat do high-earning indie authors do differently?I studied survey results from 1,346 indie authors to look for patterns in what separates lower-earning authors from authors who are making more money from their books. This is not a get-rich-quick video, and there are no guarantees in self-publishing. But the data does reveal some useful patterns around catalog size, series, email lists, book packaging, marketing systems, direct sales, and long-term author business strategy.In this video, I’m breaking down the biggest lessons aspiring and indie authors can learn from high earners — and what you can start applying even if you are still at the beginning of your author career.We’ll talk about why one book usually cannot carry an entire author business, why series and read-through matter, why email lists are so important, how covers and blurbs affect sales, and why marketing works better when it is a system instead of random promotion.In this video, you’ll learn:what high-earning indie authors tend to do differentlywhy catalog size and series can affect author incomewhy email lists matter for indie authorshow book covers, blurbs, and packaging influence saleswhy random promotion is not the same as a marketing systemwhat beginner authors should focus on firsthow to think about self-publishing as a long-term author businessThis video is based on my interpretation of data presented in Written Word Media’s 2025 Indie Author Survey. You can read the full survey here: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2025.... 💬 Comment below: Which part of your author system needs the most work right now — writing more books, building an email list, improving your cover and blurb, learning marketing, or planning your next book?🚀 Publisher Rocket – My favorite keyword research tool for authors (affiliate): https://publisherrocket.cartknox.com/...Subscribe for more videos about writing, self-publishing, book marketing, author platform growth, and building a sustainable author career.00:00 Intro 01:44 Pattern 1 04:22 Pattern 2 07:18 Pattern 3 12:23 Pattern 4 16:29 Pattern 5 19:17 Pattern 6 22:48 Pattern 7 24:32 Takeaways
Transcribe →The 90-Day Book Launch Plan for Authors With No Audience
3w ago00:24:32Tap to summarizeMaster effective book launch strategies to reach your ideal readers. Learn why specific audience targeting beats chasing fame.New authors often struggle with the pressure of trying to reach everyone, but the most successful book launch strategies focus on quality over quantity. This video breaks down how to identify your specific niche and connect with the readers who actually want your work. Using examples like Library of Eternity by Natalie Forslind, we examine practical ways to position your title without getting lost in the noise of broad marketing.By narrowing your scope, you stop wasting energy on broad campaigns and start building a real readership. This approach helps you clarify your author marketing tips, ensuring your effort goes toward people interested in your genre. Whether you are prepping for your first release or refining your process, these book launch strategies offer a clearer path to connecting with your audience.Subscribe for weekly writing advice and author marketing tips, and comment below with your biggest challenge when launching a new book.______FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK: https://diaryofanauthor.substack.comMY BOOKS:📗A New Chapter by the Canal https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255267123-a-new-chapter-by-the-canal📓 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 Intro02:06 Day 90-61 Step One06:04 Day 90-61 Step Two08:45 Day 90-61 Step Three13:06 Day 90-61 Step Four15:59 Day 60-3118:52 Day 30-Launch21:10 Launch Week and Beyond22:47 Recap
Transcribe →Your First Chapter Is Losing Readers — Fix These 5 Mistakes
4w 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
Jun 2700:25:43Tap 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
Jun 2000:15:55Tap 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
Jun 1300:14:04Tap 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
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