"How to Write a Book" Featured Author Interviews


Kelsey Blackwell

Kelsey Blackwell

Decolonizing the Body: Writing a healing book for women of color. Claire Nakamura interviews Kelsey Blackwell, MS about her writing process, a viral article, breaking through imposter syndrome, her publishing deal with New Harbinger and how it came about and more. Read more.
Dr. Christine Stroble
Dr. Christine Stroble, author of Helping Teen Moms Graduate, shares her 7 year publishing journey--the publisher who just wouldn't give up, how the interviews helped shape her book and add to her conviction, advice and tips along the way and more. Read the post.
Jacquelyn Mitchard, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
What a thrill it was to interview one of my favorite novelists and author of 22 novels, including the inaugural pick of Oprah's Book Club! Jacquelyn Mitchard shares about her process and insights in writing fiction, and a look inside the writing of her latest novel, The Good Son. Read or watch the video interview...
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This is the place for you if:

  • You are asking yourself, “Can I write a book?”
  • You have begun to write it but found yourself stuck or overwhelmed
  • You are well into the book-writing process but are looking for encouragement and inspiration
  • You are an experienced writer looking for a few tips to improve your writing process or are interested in engaging with a broader writing community

Every week “How to Write a Book” brings you author interviews with traditionally published and self-published authors of nonfiction and fiction, including memoir, self-help, how-to books, novels and more.

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You will find interviews with famous and first-time authors, authors who have busy careers in other fields, and those for whom the writing of a book kicked off an entirely new career. These authors share information and insights, inspiration and practical tips about how to write a book, including:

  • How and why they decided to write their book(s)
  • The first steps they took before they even started writing
  • How they got clear on their book concept
  • How they created a book outline or structure
  • Their writing process
  • How they edited their book
  • How they overcame writing challenges
  • How they made their decision to self-publish or work to attract a traditional publisher (and book deal)
  • How they marketed their books
  • And other topics

Visit often! New interviews are added every week. You can engage the community by leaving comments and asking questions.

Check Out our Writing Resources

How to Write a Book

This is a brief, step-by-step overview of the book writing and publishing process.

Video Library

A series of short video clips answering questions on a variety of topics related to writing a book, finding a co-author, working with a literary agent, and finding a publisher.

Inspired Author Support Course >

Includes: 7-day book writing e-course + Crucial advice on how to start + Powerful book writing exercises + Weekly book writing & publishing news, tips and articles!

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Learn more about the author support toolkit

lisa-tener-book-writing-coach

Lisa Tener, Book Writing Coach

 

Why Author Interviews?

When I began my journey into book publishing, I did not know how to write a book. Sure, I’d taken writing classes in college, but I was unaware of the best writing strategies to get from idea to completed manuscript, or how to get that manuscript into the hands of a literary agent and, ultimately, a publisher.

It took time, research and hard work to achieve my goal, but I did it and was so proud when I finally held that first published book in my hands. I knew the lessons I’d learned about how to write and publish a book could ease the way for others with a great idea for a book but no idea how to move it forward. I began sharing my knowledge as a personal book-writing coach and as a teacher.

THIS website – “How to Write a Book” – is the result of my work with hundreds of authors and aspiring authors. It is intended to provide information and insight, inspiration and practical tips about how to write a book for:
  • People who are just starting to ask themselves, “Can I write a book?”
  • People who have begun to write a book but found themselves stuck or overwhelmed by the process
  • Writers who are well into the book-writing process but looking for a little encouragement and inspiration
  • Experienced writers looking for some new tips or interested in engaging with the broader writing community

I hope that “How to Write a Book” will become a valuable meeting place where experienced authors, newly published authors, aspiring authors and readers can connect and build community. I hope you will visit the site often to read new author interviews and to interact by leaving comments and questions.

Welcome to the journey.

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