Writer Unblocked is the go-to podcast for authors ready to elevate their craft, conquer mindset blocks, and navigate the ever-changing world of publishing with confidence. Hosted by Nicole Op Den Bosch—publishing executive, author coach, and audiobook expert—this show goes beyond the basics, delivering high-level insights from bestselling authors, literary agents, publishing insiders, and industry powerhouses.
Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, you'll gain actionable strategies to refine your writing, master book marketing, and scale your author career. If you're serious about success—whether in traditional publishing, self-publishing, or audio—this podcast is your shortcut to the knowledge and network that will get you there.
Tune in and unlock the next level of your writing career with Writer Unblocked.
For more information please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com (https://www.reignitewithnicole.com/writer-unblocked-podcast)
Want to buy me a coffee? (https://buymeacoffee.com/reignitewithnicole) https://buymeacoffee.com/reignitewithnicole
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Bria Rose went from Disney cast member to self-published dark romance author—and now she’s releasing her audiobook narrated by none other than Jacob Morgan.
In this episode, we talk about:
How Disney shaped her storytelling instincts
The origin of Her Dark Promise (a Beauty & the Beast retelling where Belle is the beast)
Working with a professional editor and designing a standout cover
Booking Jacob Morgan & Grace Noble for the audiobook
How she landed book signings at Barnes & Noble (as an indie author!)
What’s next: a spicy Pinocchio novella and a secret project with HarperCollins’ One More Chapter (https://www.onemorechapter.com/) imprint
🎧 Buy Her Dark Promise audiobook (https://authorbriarose.com/products/audiobook-preorder-her-dark-promise)
📘 Buy the Kindle or paperback (https://authorbriarose.com/pages/books)
🛍️ Grab the merch (https://authorbriarose.com/collections/all)
For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com (http://writerunblockedpodcast.com).
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30 Oct 2025
#032: How Authors Can Unlock Creativity and Build a Brand Promise
In this episode of Writer Unblocked, I sit down with award-winning author Carol Van Den Hende to explore how letters can unlock creativity, why empathy and hope are essential in storytelling, and how authors can think about their brand as a promise. Carol also shares her journey from traditional publishing to founding her own B Corp press, and what it really means to publish responsibly.
We talk about:
How the epistolary format sparked seven chapters in one weekend
The neuroscience of empathy between writers and readers
Why authors should celebrate book clubs and community feedback
The difference between publishing for access and publishing with responsibility
Defining author brand beyond logos and colors
About Carol Van Den Hende:
Carol is the author of the award-winning Goodbye Orchid trilogy and the forthcoming Dear Orchid (Nov 11, Veteran’s Day). Her books have been named most-anticipated reads by Buzzfeed, Parade, and Travel+Leisure, and praised by Glamour and Woman’s World. Through her writing, speaking, and leadership, Carol champions stories of resilience, hope, and empathy.
Connect with Carol:
🌐 Website: carolvandenhende.com (https://carolvandenhende.com/)
📸 Instagram: @carolvandenhende (https://www.instagram.com/carolvandenhende/)
📘 Facebook: Carol Van Den Hende Author (https://www.facebook.com/CarolVanDenHendeAuthor)
▶️ YouTube: @authorcv (https://www.youtube.com/@authorcv)
🎵 TikTok: @carolvandenhende (https://www.tiktok.com/@carolvandenhende)
📝 Substack: cvdh.substack.com (https://cvdh.substack.com/)
🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/cvdh (https://linktr.ee/cvdh)
For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com (http://writerunblockedpodcast.com).
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23 Oct 2025
#031: Elegant Success for Authors: The Power of a Publishing Plan
In this episode of Writer Unblocked, Nicole talks with author, publisher and former CFO Kirsten Marion, who shares how she turned midlife reinvention into a thriving indie publishing career.
They dive into:
Why her fantasy series centers a 60-year-old heroine
How to plan a publishing schedule like a pro
Smart marketing lessons from book one vs. book two
The real value of email lists and evergreen content
The meaning of “Elegant Success” for authors
Learn more about Kirsten Marion → [kirstenmarion.com (http://kirstenmarion.com)]
Check out the Rowanswood Crones series https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTC7GN46 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTC7GN46)
Download The Empire Checklist → https://nicole-opdenbosch.mykajabi.com/empire-checklist (https://nicole-opdenbosch.mykajabi.com/empire-checklist)
For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit writerunblockedpodcast.com (http://writerunblockedpodcast.com)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Who has been a guest on Writer Unblocked
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Edoardo Ballerini
Rebecca Fenton
Nic DiDomizio
Victoria Jane
Linda Camacho
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
25
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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