In this episode, we explore an often-overlooked storytelling tool: using food for character development. Whether you’re writing fantasy, contemporary fiction, romance, or memoir, the way your characters cook, eat, order takeout, or avoid certain dishes can reveal deep layers of their personality, background, culture, and emotional state.

If you’ve ever struggled with flat characters or repetitive dialogue tags, this episode will help you bring your cast to life—one bite at a time.

Links from today's episode and beyond (some are affiliate links)

The Ruby Diamond (available TODAY from your favorite book seller, this link will take you to Amazon, but it is available everywhere)

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

#WritingTips #CharacterDevelopment #StorytellingPodcast #WritingCommunity #WritersOfInstagram #WritersOfTikTok #FoodInFiction #FoodSymbolism #CulinaryCharacterization #FoodAsMetaphor #EdibleImagery #SensoryWriting #CreativeWritingPodcast #AuthorLife #BookPodcast #WriteBetterCharacters #WritingCraft #WriteWithFlavor #TasteOfCharacter #StorySeasoning #FoodForThought #FictionWithFlavor

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Bluesky

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Your book cover is the first thing readers see—and it can determine whether they click “buy” or keep scrolling. In this episode, we explore how to find a book cover that grabs attention, attracts your ideal reader, and boosts book sales.

Whether you’re self-publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing, preparing to launch your first novel, or refreshing an older book, this episode will give you practical strategies to make your cover work for you.

Perfect for indie authors, self-publishers, and writers who want to strengthen their author brand, this episode will show you how to make your book cover a powerful marketing tool.

Links from this episode and other helpful links (some are affiliate links):

Las Vegas Book Festival (October 18, 2025)

The Ruby Diamond (Publication date Oct. 1, 2025)

Fiverr

Shutterstock

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

#bookcoverdesign #selfpublishingtips #indieauthormarketing #howtosellmorebooks #bookmarketingstrategies #authorbranding #writingtips #publishingadvice

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Bluesky

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Technology is a huge part of our lives. How your characters use technology is a great way to bring your reader into the setting and help them get to know your characters better.

First, I will talk about non-fiction and how you as the author/narrator can incorporate technology into your book (and I do not mean AI). Then I will get into fiction and discuss different ways you can incorporate the characters’ use of technology into the story to help with setting and character development.

So, sit back, relax, and let’s talk tech.

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook