Main Topic: Author A.B. Herron on writing cross-genre with dyslexia Amanda is passionate about discussing the realities of being an indie author while being dyslexic, straddling the fantasy and romance genres, the importance of highlighting sex positivity in our society, and the impact her background in anatomy and zoology has on her magic systems and world building. PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.  Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Announcements: PNW inspired horror caretakerpress@gmail.com; Submissions open until stories filled. Starting to read May 1st. 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series) Exploring Imagery in Creative Nonfiction   Patron comment:  Comments/email from listeners:  Questions from listeners:   Author Update: Erick:     Valerie: sick last week wrote lesson plans in bed   I'm reading: Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe Slow Productivity by Cal Newport  Amanda is reading comfort books right now: Arrows of the Queen series.  Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog by Susannah Charleson Erick:   Notes: A.B. Heron is a dyslexic author residing in the Pacific Northwest. She works full time, writes in the cracks between responsibilities, and plays with dogs because she just can’t help herself. For more insights into what make her fantasy stories flourish, follow her on Instagram @a.b.herron or check out her website www.abherron.com Tip: If you have a Barnes and Noble near you, walk in and say you are a local indie author and ask if they are doing author signing.   Writes adult urban fantasy, romantasy, paranormal romance. Elemental World Series (two books now, third coming this year, 5 total in series).   Dyslexia was a barrier to being a writer only emotionally. Looked for strong technical editors. Spelling and word choice are struggles. Name recall is hard.    Showed original work to trusted people, started getting positive responses, showed little bits at a time. "I can write, just not spell. The distinction was powerful for me. I am smart." Not barriers; just work arounds. Used a small press that didn't keep the rights. They help you make a book. Luminare Press.   Vellum dyslexia font choice: 1 in 5 people with dyslexia, fonts don't make it easier to read for all people. Font doesn't slow Amanda down. Ask your readers if they want a paperback with a font designed for dyslexic readers.   Need magic systems to make sense with science background. Looking at the anatomy of humans and canines. Build physical laws into magic systems. How water or energy works, conservation of matter. HOW does it work?    Wished she'd maybe finished writing series before publishing. Learn as you go. IG book community very supportive. Tripped into publishing.   Abherron.com Instagram a.b.herron Books available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble  Coffee Fueled Stories Podcast, Ep with A.B. Herron Amanda is signing at Hot and Steamy Romance Writers in Portland '24 event.   Find Us:   Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor