The Novel Writing Podcast
Writing a novel doesn't have to take decades. Author and book coach Colleen Mitchell provides authors with bite-sized mindset tips, encouragement, inspiration, and tips for the writing process. So grab a cup, cozy up, and let's get to writing! The Novel Writing Podcast is a production of Colleen Mitchell Writes, LLC.
Episodes
202 episodes
What Does a Developmental Editor Do?
Do you really need a developmental editor? If you hire one, what should you expect from them? There are some cases where you can get away with not hiring dev editors, but they don't apply to every writer.For a spicy take on the ...
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Episode 202
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10:11
Author Nation 2025 Takeaways
Author Nation 2025 was my 3rd time at an author conference, and this year I went looking for audio narration solutions (among other things). This episode covers my thoughts on the conference, favorite sessions, and whether it's wort...
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Episode 201
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6:33
Let’s Rock 2026: An Update from Last Year
I'm back! Listen in for an update on:- Why you haven't heard a new episode for a bit- What I've been doing for the last 3 months- My goals for 2026- What to expect going forwardThis year is full of goals and ambition...
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Episode 200
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4:49
Seth Ring on Dictating Your Books
Seth Ring, a prolific fantasy and litRPG author, shares his process for dictating 10-12 books a year. Since backlist is key for the successful indie author, the faster you can build your backlist, the sooner your career will take off.
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Episode 199
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45:54
Killer Organic Marketing, with Z.S. Diamanti
Indie author ZS Diamanti (Zac) shares his journey with organic marketing through social media, his newsletter, and using the momentum from his readers to run successful Kickstarters.Whether you're an old hat author or a brand new writer...
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Episode 198
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43:20
Case Study: Age of Scorpius, by Audra Winter
TikTok sensation Age of Scorpius by Audra Winter absolutely tanked upon release despite accumulating 7,000 pre-orders.So what happened?Today's episode is a case study on what Audra did right, what she did wrong, and what lessons...
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Episode 197
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13:48
Protecting Your Copyright, with Samantha Bradshaw
AI is the hot-button topic for authors nowadays. Lawyer Samantha Bradshaw discusses how authors can protect their work in the age of AI, especially now that large language models (LLMs) have been given the legal go-ahead to train o...
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Episode 196
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38:58
What the Heck are Tropes?
What are tropes? Do we need them, and if so, how do we use them?Tropes are popular in marketing books right now, but the reality is we all use tropes in our writing whether we realize it or not.Listen in for an overview of trope...
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Episode 195
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11:31
Amy Lynn McConahy on Clean Fiction Magazine
Ever thought of submitting your novel to a review magazine? Clean Fiction Magazine reviews both Christian and secular novels for free!Check out this interview with Amy Lynn McConahy, author and publisher of Clean Fiction Ma...
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Episode 194
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11:10
Common Mistakes When Naming Characters
Are you falling into any of these common mistakes with naming characters?From too many names starting with the same letter, to your MC "Bob Smith" accidentally becoming an NPC, this episode will help you identify whether you need to cha...
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Episode 193
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6:24
Collin Smith on Reputable Freelancers
How do authors find reputable freelancers? We've all heard the horror stories (or experienced them ourselves) about being ripped off or ghosted, the work not being acceptable, or that the "freelancer" fabricated their qualifications.
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Episode 192
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17:44
Lessons from the Realm Makers Conference
These are the top 4 lessons I learned going to the Realm Makers Conference in July 2025. Realm Makers is a conference and community for Christian Speculative Fiction writers which has been going for more than ten years.Learn mor...
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Episode 191
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4:53
Why You Should Start an Author Newsletter Now
What's the deal with author newsletters? Do you really need one before you release your book? The answer is ABSOLUTELY YES. Author newsletters are data-backed as the number 1 way to reach your audience. Listen in for 3...
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Episode 190
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3:36
Self Publishing Options: Direct vs. Indirect Sales
What are the self-publishing options available to indie authors?This is the third and last of three episodes unpacking the variety of ways authors can set themselves up for success with indie publishing.This episode dives into t...
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Episode 189
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7:17
Self Publishing Options: eBook & Digital
What are the self-publishing options available to indie authors?This is the second of three episodes unpacking the variety of ways authors can set themselves up for success with indie publishing.This episode dives into the eBook...
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Episode 188
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8:37
Self Publishing Options: Print on Demand
What are the self-publishing options available to indie authors?This is the first of three episodes unpacking the variety of ways authors can set themselves up for success with indie publishing.This episode dives into the Print ...
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Episode 187
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9:09
Curios Cofounder Greg Keogh on Direct eBook Sales
www.curios.com/JoincolleenmitchellwritesHow do you control direct eBook sales as an indie author? The big platforms take a dramatic cut of your profits, don't provid...
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Episode 186
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51:21
Dialogue Tags vs. Action Tags
SAID IS DEAD. Or is it? Do you even need to use dialogue tags?Action tags are the kings of showing over telling in dialogue, and when used correctly can deliver a far weightier emotional punch than dialogue tags.Listen in for mo...
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Episode 185
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3:43
What is Story Structure?
Struggling with a slow pace or a saggy middle? Story structure may be the answer. But what is story structure?In short, it's the skeleton of your book that lays out where major beats take place.But it's not a formul...
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Episode 184
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3:12
Literary Sins: Not Enough “GMC”
If your story feels weak, you may have a problem with your characters' goals, motivation, and conflict.Digging deeper into "GMC" will help strengthen the plot because GMC is what drives a story forward.Learn more about GMC in
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Episode 183
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5:39
JD Barker on Standing Out as an Author
Suspense thriller author JD Barker shares why it's important to think differently as an author, and how to build a stand-out author brand in today's publishing landscape.Connect with JD at jdbarker.com...
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Episode 182
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21:29
Exciting News from Tally Ink!
We've got an announcement!This coming October, the 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge is becoming FREE again!Listen in for the full details on this change, and what to expect from us going forward.
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Episode 181
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5:08
Publishing Myth #3: You Don’t Need to Market
If you build it (write it) they will come, right?Not so fast. Publishing is just like any other industry.... If you want to be make money, you have to market your book. There's a pervasive myth among new author...
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Episode 180
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3:45