Ep 27: Solving the Mystery of Author Success with best-selling author Tom Fowler

Introduction:

 

Hey there, literary aficionados and scribblers of the night! Welcome back to the Pen to Profit Podcast, where we dive deep into the trenches of writing, editing, and publishing, all while keeping it lighter than a helium balloon at a comedy club. I'm your host, Ray Evans, coming to you live from the iconic Simpsons' residence (don't mind the yellow family if they pop in). Today, we're unraveling the mysteries of mystery writing with none other than Tom Fowler, a maestro of the genre, whose keyboard is mightier than any weapon in a detective's arsenal.

 

Why You Should Tune In:

- Ever wondered how a tech guru becomes a USA Today Bestselling Author of mysteries and thrillers? Spoiler: It involves more twists than a pretzel factory.

- Discover the hacks, from outlining woes to dealing with the dreaded "writer's block" (or as we like to call it, the temporary lack of murderous creativity).

- Marketing your book without selling your soul (or emptying your wallet) – let's talk about making your book the next big thing since the invention of the alphabet.

 

Problems We're Solving:

- How to transition from tech wizard to mystery/thriller author without losing your mind.

- Navigating the choppy waters of book marketing with the grace of a literary swan.

- Building an engaging author platform when you're more used to code and cybersecurity.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

1. From Byte to Might: Learn how Tom Fowler transitioned from the world of computer security to penning page-turners that keep readers up at night.
2. Crafting the Perfect Crime (on Paper): Discover the secrets to creating compelling mysteries and thrillers, including why it's okay for your characters to take a bullet (or a stab).
3. Marketing Without Mourning: Get insider tips on promoting your books through email newsletters, social media, and why sometimes, you need to let a man with a gun walk into the room (figuratively, of course).
4. Building Your Author Empire: Why every author needs a newsletter and how to grow your subscriber list faster than you can say "plot twist."
5. Ads, Ads, Ads: The skinny on using Amazon and Facebook ads to boost your book sales without needing to rob a bank to fund them.
6. The Anti-Writer's Block Toolkit: Tom's top tips for beating writer's block, including why walking away (temporarily) might just be the best thing you can do for your manuscript.

Remember, folks, in the world of writing, the only crime is NOT following your passion. So, keep plotting, keep writing, and maybe, just maybe, let a man with a gun walk into the room every now and then. 

 

Call to Action:

 

🎙️If today's episode left you more intrigued than a cat at a laser show, don't forget to hit that subscribe button. Dive deeper into the literary labyrinth with us on "Pen to Profit," and leave us a five-star review if you love the journey!

 

🔗 Quick Links🔗:

🌟 Want to unravel more mysteries with Tom Fowler? Check out his latest escapades and join his legion of fans at http://tomfowlerwrites.com. 

 

Follow him on Instagram and TikTok @TomFowlerWrites for a behind-the-scenes look at a writer's life, sprinkled with a healthy dose of snark and suspense.

- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips

 

Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html

 

Check out this episode for more tips on dealing with writer's block: Write more, stall less: 4 secrets to crush writer’s block

 

For a masterclass on building a newsletter, tune into episode 9: Write Emails, Sell Book: Why Every Author Needs an Email List