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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YouTube

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Bluesky

Facebook

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

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

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

5 Things I wish I had known before I published my first book.

Hindsight is 20/20, right? Here are the top five things I wish I had known before I self-published my first book. (book 13 comes out October 1st!) #writngtips #writingabook #publishingtips

Links from this episode:

The Ruby Sapphire (preorder from your favorite bookseller)

TikTok (my handle @AlbaArango007)

YouTube (my name @AlbaArango)

Follow me on TikTok for quick, 60-second videos about writing tips, publishing tips, and marketing tips, and YouTube for shorts as well as longer (2-5 minutes) videos.

Bowker (where to purchase ISBNs)

Library of Congress (where to get a Library of Congress PCN number)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

Are writer’s conferences worth the money? Absolutely. In this episode, I will talk about the importance of writer’s conferences for both new/unpublished authors as well as seasoned authors.

Links from this episode:

TikTok (my new, unhacked, TikTok channel) [@AlbaArango007]

Las Vegas Writer’s Conference

Other helpful links (some are affiliate inks):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website)

The Lady Ghost (one of my books)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

What is the best way to start paragraphs? In this episode, I will delve into the some cautions of writing in first person, especially in regards to paragraph opening sentences, as well as general tips for keeping your writing from becoming monotonous.

So, sit back. Relax. And let's talk paragraphs.

Links mentioned in this video

The Ruby Diamond (release date is October 1)

Other helpful links (*note: some are affiliate links)

Scrivener (writing software…the one I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

Are you ready to publish your book? Now comes the toughest decision you have to make...do you go traditional or self (indie)-publishing? Things have changed in the publishing world in the past ten (let alone 20) years.

In this episode, I focus on some of the main things to consider when deciding on how to publish your book in today's market. Topics covered include time, money, getting into bookstores, earning potential, and, of course, (the bane of every author's existence) marketing.

It's a longer episode than normal, but the topic is just too important.

You have a big decision to make. I hope this gives you some things to consider.

Weigh your options seriously. :)

Helpful links (some are affiliate inks):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

The Magic Sapphire (my first book)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook

We all want to help our author friends, but sometimes buying books isn't within our budget. Here are seven ways we can all help our author friends and family without spending any money.

Helpful links (some are affiliate inks):

Scrivener (the writing software I use)

AlbaArango.com (my website and contact information)

Jeopardy in Geneva (one of my books)

Social Media links

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

TikTok

Bluesky

Facebook