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Level up your author brand: 5 tools you need for social media
“The bottom line is that posting on social media doesn’t have to be a shot in the dark.” I am a social media junkie. It’s embarrassing to...

julienavickasautho
Jan 11, 20244 min read


5 tips for leaving a strong book review
“Readers, take the time to leave a review. They mean more to an author than anything else.” It’s the season of giving! When I opened...

julienavickasautho
Dec 18, 20233 min read


10 tips to level up your writing
On November 8, 2023, Julie spoke to students in the School of Communication at Illinois State University about writing. I recently had...

julienavickasautho
Nov 21, 20236 min read


The top 15 “must-have” items every author needs for a book signing
“Reflecting back on some of my first book signing events, I can recall how clueless and unprepared I felt.” About a week ago, I was...

julienavickasautho
Oct 9, 20234 min read


Writing characters: 6 quick tips to elevate your fictional friends
“Master the craft of writing your fictional friends well and your story will jump from the page.” Which came first, the chicken or the...

julienavickasautho
Sep 15, 20233 min read


Alpha readers, beta readers and critique partners, OH MY! What’s the difference? (and why you should
“Every role is important. Every reader and early insight are critical to the release of a strong story.” The further I get into this...

julienavickasautho
Aug 10, 20233 min read


5 tips for writing better scenes
“Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings .” – William...

julienavickasautho
Jul 21, 20233 min read


10 tips to maximize your author presence on Instagram
“The algorithm changed. The platform grew. What used to work, no longer does. And as an author looking to connect with readers,...

julienavickasautho
Jun 22, 20234 min read


5 books that will both shatter and stitch your heart
I’m an avid reader. Like most authors, it’s only natural to want to consume words, stories, plots, and characters written by others....

julienavickasautho
May 22, 20233 min read


Optimize your Amazon sales: The 4 critical components of a book description
“A book description on Amazon will make or break a sale, which means authors must do more than just simply copy and paste the back clover...

julienavickasautho
Apr 26, 20233 min read


Your fiction novel: 5 things your first chapter simply must do
“Any element in the prologue that advances the story should be written in the story itself.” The most edited page of an entire...

julienavickasautho
Mar 20, 20234 min read


Launch your book: 5 cornerstone strategies for a successful release day
“You are your own brand. You are selling yourself as an author just as much as you are selling your novels or stories.” Launch days are...

julienavickasautho
Feb 27, 20235 min read


When a blank page looks back: 6 USEFUL tips for combatting writer’s block
“ There are no other words for it. I was, quite simply, suffering from writer’s block. ” I cannot pretend that there are not already a...

julienavickasautho
Jan 25, 20234 min read


2022: The year I published a book (er—well, 2)
“ I’m Julie Navickas. I’m an award-winning published author. The journey just started, and I have a lifetime to reach my...

julienavickasautho
Dec 13, 20225 min read


Did you write a book? Then you need a digital press kit
“A digital press kit is a central hub for all the pertinent details about your book. It’s an easy to navigate clickable link that’ll...

julienavickasautho
Oct 21, 20224 min read


10 things I learned after publishing my 1st novel
“Once you decide to pursue your passion, document the struggles and successes. It’s about the journey. It’s about the growth. It’s about...

julienavickasautho
Aug 31, 20224 min read


Book hooks: How to snag a reader (hook, line & sinker)
“What you think might snag a reader may turn out to just be a tiny nibble. And what you need is the hook, line, and sinker. Keep fishing...

julienavickasautho
Jul 1, 20223 min read


Are you ready to publish your book? Optimize your success and publish at the right time of year
“And with that shift, new trends are on the rise. But one thing that has not changed is the seasonal approach to the way books are...

julienavickasautho
Jun 4, 20222 min read


1 year in the making: The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy
“If you’ve played a role in my author journey, please know that I sincerely appreciate you. I’m grateful for you. And not one person goes...

julienavickasautho
Apr 30, 20224 min read


So, you want to be a better writer? 5 quick tips to help you show, not tell.
Originally appeared on the Burning Soul Press Blog 4.4.22 Everyone thinks they can write a book. How hard can it be, right? You sit...

julienavickasautho
Apr 4, 20223 min read
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