SEASON 1—2019

Season 1 Episode 1: What’s Holding You Back?

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Did you know that 80% of people want to write a book? So what's holding them back? Nakita and Kim talk about the common reasons why people stop themselves from creating the book they've been eager to write! What's realistic to expect when you're writing? What are the hardest issues for writers? And how are some ways to push past these obstacles?

Season 1 Episode 2: Developing Your Idea into a Manuscript

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Nakita and Kim explore how writers get their ideas "from brain to the page." Blueprints, outlines, templates, and writing programs are some of the topics...along with sexy British accents and "Kill Bill"!

Season 1 Episode 3: The Pros and Cons of Traditional Publishing

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Do you want to know what it takes to publish your book traditionally? Learn the ups and downs of going with traditional publishing and what's involved in this Sociable Scribes episode with Nakita and Kim!

Season 1 Episode 4: Making Writing a Habit

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

You have an intention to write, but do you? Nakita and Kim discuss practical ways to ensure that you are not just saying you're a writer, but to ensure you are WRITING!

Season 1 Episode 5: Sociable Scribes Speak with Mary Foley: Speaking and Writing

mary foley, nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

In a delightful and insightful interview, Nakita and Kim meet with Mary Foley, an incredible entrepreneur and author of several books. Being bodacious, introverts versus extroverts, and how to live like your nail color are topics in this lively hour of conversation.

To learn more about Mary Foley, check out her website, www.maryfoley.com, or join her REV UP Red Cape Gals group on Facebook. You can find Mary's three books: "Bodacious Woman", "Bodacious Career", and "Live Like Your Nail Color" on her Amazon Author Central. And, as mentioned in the podcast, at the time of our interview, Mary was the President of the National Speakers Association of Virginia. Go here to learn more about Mary: https://www.maryfoley.com/

Season 1 Episode 6: Superheroes and Overcoming Writers’ Block

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Nakita and Kim discuss their favorite comic book characters, what superpower they would have if they could, and oh yeah, about tackling writer's block!

Season 1 Episode 7: Guest Kelli Lemon, Social Entrepreneur and RVA Storyteller!

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley, kelli lemon

We turn the tables on online radio personality Kelli Lemon by asking her the questions! Nakita and Kim interview Kelli who has created a name for herself in Richmond, Virginia (RVA) as a self-proclaimed “social entrepreneur.” She's the owner of Hang Suite RVA, originator of the series "Coffee with Strangers," and a storyteller extraordinaire. Join us for this fun and inspiring interview!

Season 1 Episode 8: Hybrid Publishing Pros and Cons

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Hybrid Publishing - what is it? Nakita and Kim talk about the three types of publishing, traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. They discuss how it works and their experience. And they discuss if they would stay in a haunted hotel room! Join them for a great and fun discussion!

Season 1 Episode 9: Guest Mary Margaret Chappell, Editor, Blogger and Chef!

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley, mary margaret chappell

Have you ever dreamed of living and writing in France? Guest Mary Margaret Chappell, former food editor of Vegetarian Times for over 10 years, writer of amazing articles, blogger for My Cancale Kitchen, and cookbook editor and writer joins Nakita and Kim. Learn more about this amazing writer and chef in this interview with the Sociable Scribes!

Season 1 Episode 10: Realistic Expectations When Publishing

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

What should you expect when you publish? Nakita and Kim dig into realistic expectations, what a platform is, and how ebooks and Amazon have changed. Tune in for a lively discussion!

Season 1 Episode 11: Guest Kris Vreeland, Children’s Book Buyer

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley, kris vreeland

What do book buyers look for in a children's book? The delightful Kris Vreeland, former book buyer for Vroman's Bookstore and Once Upon a Time in California, librarian and storyteller, Read to Them volunteer, and one of Winnie the Pooh's biggest fans joins Nakita and Kim for a great discussion!

Season 1 Episode 12: Migrating from Nonfiction to Fiction - Measuring the Distance!

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

It's great to move from nonfiction to fiction! Nakita and Kim talk about the spectrum of book genres. From journalism to pure fiction, the Sociable Scribes talk about how to tell each type of story.

Season 1 Episode 13: Guest Valley Haggard, From Life in Ten Minutes

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley, valley haggard

Have you ever written a story in six words? Nakita and Kim speak with Valley Haggard, guest writing expert and founder of Life in 10 Minutes, about that and more. Valley Haggard has written in short and long form all her life. She is a big fan of the postcard, the 6-word memoir and drawers full of unfinished manuscripts. She has slept in tents, hostels, motels, couches, tool sheds, log cabins, bunk beds and ship bowels for short periods of time and the house she grew up in for much longer than that. She has lived in Virginia, New York, Italy, Colorado, Arkansas, and Alaska, holding jobs as a Waffle House waitress, Dude Ranch Cabin Girl, cruise ship stewardess and hotel maid. Join us for a fun and fascinating interview with Vivacious Valley!

Season 1 Episode 14: Writing Memoirs and Telling Your Story

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Do you have to be on your deathbed to write your story? Um, no! Nakita and Kim discuss memoirs and how to tell your story. What's your intention? Are you writing for catharsis? At what point to you start telling your story? An interesting discussion about memoirs...join us for a listen?

Season 1 Episode 15: Pantsers vs. Plotters

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Are you a Pantser or a Plotter? Knowing which writing style fits you can empower your writing! Nakita and Kim discuss what defines a pantser and a plotter, and how these "opposites" can support and strengthen each other's writing. Join us for a great discussion, and of course, a lot of laughter!

SEASON 2—2020

Season 2 Episode 1: Tools For Writers

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Nakita and Kim discuss tools that writers love to use - and even some tools writers may not know about!

Season 2 Episode 2 (Video): Interview with Alexa Bigwarfe

alexa bigwarfe, nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Amazing interview with Alexa Bigwarfe!

Season 2 Episode 3 (Video): Interview with Greg Smith

greg smith nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Amazing interview with Greg Smith!

Season 2 Episode 4 (Video): Ghostwriting, Choosing a Pen Name

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Ghostwriting, choosing a pen name.

Season 2 Episode 5 (Video): Interview with Shanna Kabatznick

shanna kabatznick, nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Amazing interview with Shanna Kabatznick!

Season 2 Episode 6: Interview with Charles George

charles george, nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Amazing interview with Charles George!

Season 2 Episode 7: Interview with Lee Savino - “Smexy” Books!

lee savino, nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Amazing interview with Lee Savino!

Season 2 Episode 8: Nine Things All Writers Should Do

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Nine things all writers should do.

Season 2 Episode 9: How to Set Yourself Up for Success

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

How to set yourself up for success with your book

Season 2 Episode 10: Treating Your Book Like a Business

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Nakita and Kim discuss how you should treat your book like a business if you want to make money from it.

Season 2 Episode 11: Who is Your Audience for Your Book?

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Nakita and Kim discuss how to identify the audience for your book, and how to build your audience.

Season 2 Episode 12: How You Know You Are Ready to Publish

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Nakita and Kim discuss how writers can determine when they are ready to turn their draft in to be published.

Season 2 Episode 13: Sociable Scribes Discuss Reader Magnets

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Nakita and Kim discuss reader magnets, how they work, and why they are a smart strategy for authors.

Season 2 Episode 14: Sociable Scribes Meet with NYT Bestselling Author, Skye Warren

skye warren, nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

The Sociable Scribes sit down with New York Times bestselling dark romance author Skye Warren! Hear all about her writing process (and her evil cat)!

SEASON 3—June 2023

Season 3 Episode 1: You've Written Your Book...Now What? (June 28, 2023)

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

You've done it! You've written your amazing book! Now what? Nakita and Kim have you covered!You've done it! You've written your amazing book! Now what? Nakita and Kim have you covered!

Season 3 Episode 2: Why Editing is So Important! Document Fatigue is REAL (July 5, 2023)

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Editing is a HUGELY important part of the writing process! So why is it sometimes underrated or (shudder) overlooked? Before you think to yourself, "Well, I can just edit my own book!" STOP! And listen to this episode. 

Nakita and Kim cover:

• Picking a lane: for this project, are you the author or editor?

• Defining "document fatigue"

• Why editing a document is similar to beta testing in software

• Ensuring you are creating marketable content

• Being vulnerable is important as an author, and the reasons why

Season 3 Episode 3: Wait, Can You REALLY Write a Book...In a Month? (July 12, 2023)

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

You've likely heard of NaNoRiMo, when writers challenge themselves during the month of November to write a book in only one month! How do writers really accomplish this feat?

Nakita, who herself is an expert on writing books in a short amount of time, and Kim explore what it takes to create a manuscript in only 30 days. They talk about why:

• You must have a clear intention

• Discipline plays a crucial role in writing a book in a short time period

• Planning your schedule in advance is integral to your success—including a tip about grace that might surprise you

• Knowing yourself as a writer is important, and knowing if an accountability partner can make the difference

• Celebrating is a MUST! 

Season 3 Episode 4: "How Do You Know If Self-Publishing Is Right For You?" (Please read in an announcer's voice for fun!) (July 19, 2023)

nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

When you're writing your book, decisions abound! One of them? How do you know if self-publishing is right for you?  (We encourage you to read this in your best professional announcer's voice!)

Kim, who specializes in guided self-publishing for clients, and Nakita discuss what to consider before you decide the right path for you and your book. During this episode, Kim and Nakita explore:

• Creating a professional book you are proud of can be achieved with self-publishing...and it starts with your intention for your book

• Preparation and the crucial role it plays

• How your desired timeline for your book influences whether or not you self-publish

• Even "Pantsers" can create goals and milestones!

• The importance of understanding your level of effort

• You can self-publish with a team! You are not alone in the process

Season 3 Episode 5: Special Guest Speaker Blaire Brown - Marketing Your Book on a Shoestring Budget (Launches Wednesday, July 26, 2023)

blaire brown, nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Does thinking about marketing your book hurt your head? Many writers profess they don't have the skill set, but they know marketing is a crucial to get their books in front of readers. How do you get the word out if you have a tiny budget? Brilliant Blaire Brown, CEO and Founder of Visionary Advantages Brand Lab, reveals fantastic ways to market your amazing book that won't break the bank! She makes marketing your book very doable and digestible. During this informative interview, the Sociable Scribes and Blaire discuss:

• Analytics that are available to writers

• Personal branding—it is more than just logos and letterhead

• Visually representing yourself consistently

• Creating a consistent voice

• Crafting a cohesive book series

• Judging books by their covers (not people)!

Writers, this important episode will give you important tips whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer honing your marketing skills.

Season 3 Episode 6: Special Guest Speaker Raquel Borras - Influencer Marketing - What A Modern Influencer is Today (Launches Wednesday, August 2, 2023)

raquel borras, nakita rowell-stevens, kim eley

Exploring what it means to be a modern influencer, Nakita and Kim interview the effervescent and authentic Raquel Borras. She's the real deal—with over 30k followers on LinkedIn—and yet she doesn't see herself as an influencer. During this revealing chat, the Sociable Scribes and Raquel discuss:

• The importance of defining what you want to accomplish as an influencer

• Authenticity - Being the same person online and offline 

• Cultivating real relationships

• Being an influencer is not the same as "going viral"

• As an influencer, you get to choose the social media platforms that work best for you

Writers, these tips will empower you, whether you want to become an influencer, or want to engage with influencers online to market your amazing book.