My Languishing TBR: X #AtoZChallenge2022 #Books #Bookreview

X is for X-Factor

This year I’m taking a break from Faerie and doing an A to Z of my TBR (to be read) list instead. Each letter will have books starting with that letter on my list, a book I’ve read and reviewed (with the review!) and one of my books matching the letter with a link about more info about the book. I’ve decided not to include words like “A”, “The” and “An” during this challenge.

I had to get creative with this one. I think Steff’s non-fiction books add the X-factor to what you need to know about writing.

My TBR

Books that start with numbers.

About the Book I’ve Read

I first came across Steff on the 2020 Women in Publishing Summit and have since read some of her books and followed her on several social media networks. Her way of thinking about writing and publishing has been an eye-opener for me in many ways.

About the Book

Do you have a story you’re bursting to tell the world?
Are you sick of being rejected by the publishing establishment?
Do you want to inject a little punk rock, DIY ethos into your indie author career?

In How to Rock Self-Publishing, bestselling indie author and publishing coach Steff Green shows you how to tell your story, find your readers, and build a badass author brand.

As a self-published author you’ll learn how to:
– Define your measure of success and set attainable goals.
– Create an exciting author brand you want to write under forever.
– Tame your monkey mind and consolidate your gazillion ideas into a solid plan.
– Choose the best platforms, editors, designers, and tools to create a high-quality book.
– Plan a compelling book series in any genre that will have your readers chomping for more.
– Write faster, release more often, and enjoy what you create.
– Spot trends and gaps in the market where you can add your unique voice.
– Publish your book in print, ebook, and audio with all the nuts and bolts.
– Launch with a BANG! – including handy launch checklists.
– Create an engaging author platform to turn your readers into lifelong fans.
– Find unique and emerging opportunities in self-publishing to build your audience and earn a living.

Steff breaks down the 11-step process that’s seen her go from failed archaeologist and obscure music blogger to a USA Today bestseller with a six-figure income. With dozens of examples from across the publishing landscape and real-talk from her own career, Steff shows how imagination, creativity, and perseverance can help you achieve your dreams.

How to Rock Self-Publishing isn’t just a book about writing, it’s about grabbing your dreams by the balls, living faster, harder and louder, and cranking your art up to 11.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

A complete look at what it takes to be an indie author. I liked how she shared her personal stories for each aspect and outside resources to dig deeper into subjects. I found her advice to be sane and sound. My favourite piece of advice: enjoy what you’re doing.

A good primer for anyone stepping into the realm of self-publishing – and a good reminder of the basics for those who’ve been around the block a couple of times.

About the Book

Are you creative? Do you wish you were creative? Do you struggle to find the time, energy, and patience for pursuing creative projects? Do you want to make creativity an important part of your career, and your life?

“Unleash the Beast: Releasing Your Inner Creative Monster” is a simple guide to walking a creative path through life – a perilous journey that starts with a single, brave step – admitting to yourself that you want to make your creativity the driving force behind your life.

Taking that first step isn’t easy, and nor are the steps that follow. You’re embarking on an incredible adventure, full of intrigue and danger and man-eating dragons and hot, roadside tavern wenches who try to lure you off-course with their feminine wiles.

So what’s this book all about? Unleash the Beast – which I know sounds like a b-grade porn film (hey, sex sells, right?) – is about taking that spark of creativity floating around inside your brain, screaming “argh!” and basically spewing that creativity all over the place. More like a b-grade horror film (my personal favorite of all the b-grade persuasions).

I’m going to share some of the techniques I use (as a successful writer and artist) – as well as explore some ideas used by other creatives – to keep that creative spark alive. Because whether you’re a writer, trapeze artist or accountant, you can’t run a successful business, or enjoy your life, if you don’t learn to nurture that inner beast.

When I was a little girl, doodling mad drawings and getting up at 7am on weekends so I could write adventure novels, I knew exactly what my life would be like. I knew I would probably work harder than everyone else I’d ever meet, but that the rewards would be the life I wanted to have – the adventure, the sheer joy of exercising my mind every day, of piecing together words and pictures that bring joy and hope to others.

Are you ready? It’s time to Unleash the Beast!

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

Loads of inspiration and actionable advice in this short book.

What I appreciate of Steff’s no-nonsense approach is that it helps me to figure out what I like and don’t like to work on and how to think strategically about my career – while still having fun.

“Spending time on your passion means the world ceases to exist, time stops, the zombie apocalypse is coming but you just don’t care.”

This definition of what writing should be like is absolutely awesome. Which means I have to take her advice about stopping my stressing over everything else that isn’t writing and just write.

A great book for writers at any stage of their career.

About the Book

Learn how to write the hottest new romance genre… reverse harem!

Reverse harem books are hot in the charts right now. The trope of one woman having multiple male partners is attracting writers from all genres.

If you want to write your own reverse harem and create the ultimate wish-fulfillment story where a strong, sassy heroine gets all the hot guys, check out this guide by a bestselling six-figure reverse harem author.

You’ll learn:
– What readers are looking for in their next reverse harem read.
– How to write sizzling sex between multiple partners.
– Whether or not to include MM in your reverse harem novel.
– A simple 7-step method for plotting your book.
– How to build a successful reverse harem series.
– Popular tropes reverse harem readers love.
– Tips to create a cover that grabs eyeballs (not literally!)
– Marketing your novel to this growing audience, and…
– How to build a thriving long-term writing career!

Filled with tips and examples from Steff’s own personal experience, as well as references to popular reverse harem novels, this book will be your essential guide to this hot new genre!

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

A good guide to what reverse harem is, what readers expect, and how to write it. There’s also a section on how to promote it. The selected reading at the back is a good place to find various books mentioned throughout and I’ll try a few I haven’t encountered before.

Felt a bit thin on the writing advice part, relying on the reader to read the example books.

My Book

The 30 Day Author Platform Challenge

I hope you enjoyed this. For more books I’ve read and reviewed, check out either my Pinterest board about reviews or my Goodreads profile. Alternatively, you can check out my reviews on BookBub. Have you read any of the books? Loved or hated any of them?

*FYI, my reviews are my honest opinion and if something bothers me, I tell it straight. How else will anything change? My opinions are based on being a voracious reader and book buyer, not an attack on the author.*