#158: What Happens When You Bet on Yourself as a Writer

In this episode, Becky interviews debut fantasy author Ang T. Dalton, who shares how her lowest moments became the foundation and inspiration for her first book, The Scars Within. From 80+ rejections to landing a Big Five audiobook deal with Simon Maverick, Ang opens up about mental health, resilience, and redefining success on her own terms. This conversation shines a light on what’s possible when you bet on yourself as a writer.

During the episode, you’ll learn:

• About Ang and her book, The Scars Within.
• Where Ang is on the journey of writing the other two books in her Twisted Thorn trilogy.
• How Ang balances the priorities of writing a new book, marketing the first one, working a full-time job, and making time for her family.
• Some of the hardships Ang faced as a debut author.
• Ang’s timeline from writing The Scars Within to securing an audiobook deal.
• About the various book cover designs Ang created and the intention behind them.
• How it felt for Ang to be rejected by literary agents, make the pivot to self-publishing, and then finally get the Big Five audiobook deal she dreamed of.
• How Ang’s own personal experiences and mental health struggles were transformed into the emotional core of her novel.
• How writing The Scars Within created a powerful space for Ang’s healing.
• About BookTok and Ang’s complicated relationship with the platform.
• How Ang’s best friends have supported her dream of sharing her books with the world.
• How being embedded in BookTok culture shaped Ang’s view of what makes a book marketable.
• The activity surrounding Ang’s book that caught the attention of a traditional publisher.
• Ang’s plans for the launch of book two, The Darkness Within.
• What “popping off” as an author means to Ang.

Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.

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