How to Write a Book by Thinking Like a Producer
Exclusive contribution about new author Allison Chin... I mean Bettes. Plus why tapping into your genius and embracing your voice can help you create powerful content
Why Thinking Like a Producer is Power
I often hear, “Working with you is like working with three people. You do so much!” This is because - I AM A PRODUCER.
Producers are trained to work under tight deadlines, deliver under pressure, and design content that connects.
Solid producers are detail oriented, curious and can think through complex situations to ensure a show or content debuts effectively.
Producers guide on-camera talent, craft shows, and run productions so they are on schedule.
The role of a producer is different depending on the deliverables, but overall producers think strategically.
This week I invited a guest contribution on my colleague Allison Bettes. She is a weather anchor and now romance novelist.
When I saw her living a duel life I reached out to understand — HOW?!
“Oh wait, I know how,” see Allison is a producer! As an on-camera talent who works under deadline she needs to think like a producer to deliver what her audience needs to understand complex situations.
In this special edition of the newsletter we connect thinking like a producer to meeting author deadlines.
So with that — a special interview with Allison Bettes.
From Storms to Storylines a Guest Contribution
From Storms to Storylines: How a Weather Nerd Turned Lockdown into a Thrilling Literary Career
Romantic suspense author Allison Bettes debuts her fast-paced series with small-town charm, second chances—and plenty of adrenaline.
Like many of us, Allison found herself with extra free time during the early days of the pandemic. But instead of learning to make sourdough or binge-watching every true crime docuseries on Netflix, this Atlanta-based meteorologist-turned-author decided to write her first novel.
What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into something bigger. “I used writing as a form of catharsis during Covid,” Bettes says. “It became this unexpected joy—and five years and four books later, I’m finally ready to share my stories with readers.”
Earlier this year, Bettes officially launched her debut romantic suspense series, Ranger Shield Security, described in her own words as “Cupid meets crime scene.” Each book features a pulse-pounding plot wrapped around a slow-burning love story—and yes, despite the danger, you’re always guaranteed a happy ending. Oh and they are based in North Georgia—though for fiction purposes, some of the town names have been changed.
“There’s always a sense of danger—whether it’s a stalker, a crime, or a hidden identity—but the romance is the heart of it all,” she says. “And maybe that’s leftover pandemic energy too. We all just wanted some hope. A little light at the end of the tunnel.”
Her first book, Betrayal & New Beginnings, introduces us to Ellie Hutchinson, a woman desperate to escape a dangerous ex. With the help of her brother and his fellow Army veterans—now running a private security firm in Georgia—she finds refuge, and unexpectedly, romance with former soldier Wade Watson. But just as she begins to settle into her new life, her past comes back with a vengeance. Between the relentless pursuit of her unhinged ex and betrayal from someone she once trusted, Ellie must choose between hiding or fighting back—with Wade at her side.
The second installment, Instinct & New Identity (releasing May 6), brings readers the story of Catalina Rivera, a woman in Witness Protection whose quiet life is disrupted when her former military pen pal, Vince, shows up at her doorstep. What follows is a reunion wrapped in danger, unresolved grief, and a rekindled connection that could cost them both everything.
And here’s the good news for those who hate the wait between books: Bettes is releasing all four books in the series by September.
“Reader feedback made it clear that no one has patience anymore,” she laughs. “We got used to binge-watching, binge-reading—no one wants to wait a year for the next story to come out. And since all four books were already written, I decided to just go for it.”
The series is fueled by Bettes’ love for storytelling and her signature mix of suspense, emotional depth, and just enough sass. She’s quick to describe herself as a romantic suspense writer fueled by caffeine and chocolate, and proudly wears many hats: part-time chef, full-time weather nerd, and mom to both 2-legged and 4-legged kids.
Her love of romance novels began with hand-me-downs from her grandma—dog-eared copies of Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel that opened a whole new world. “I was hooked,” she says. “And now I get to write stories like that, only with my own twist.”
Up next for Bettes? A brand-new series spotlighting strong female leads in STEM. “It’s a nod to my roots as a scientist,” she says. “Still romantic suspense, but this time the heroines are smart, bold women in science careers, tackling more than just love.”
"My career as a meteorologist and science writer oddly helped me in many ways in my transition to fiction writing," she says. "You work with copy editors to tweak and enhance your novels, but I also used them in my day job as well. Every forecast or science article I ever wrote for tv stations, newspapers, or research journals had to be reviewed by copy editors, so I got used to that rhythm of working side by side with them. When it came time to working with editors for my fiction novels, it was a very smooth transition for me to work with the editors."
Deadlines were also something very familiar to Bettes. In her tv and writing career deadlines are a key component to the job—but those are also critical for publishing a novel.
"I have a day job, but also needed to keep up with my fiction writing, which meant I often didn't have hours to spend just sitting in front of my laptop writing," she explains of her writing process. "Oftentimes, my best ideas would come to me while I was at the grocery store, or at my son's karate practice. I keep a journal with me and would write if I could, or will even text myself some lines for the book, and then would transfer all those back to my laptop later when I had the time."
Bettes explains it's not always about forcing yourself to write, but making writing more convenient to your lifestyle, even if it seems unconventional.
"I have an app on my phone where I can talk into it, and it will transcribe everything and email me the text version. So I will go for walks in my neighborhood and literally talk into my phone the dialogue for some scenes in my books, or even write entire chapters simply by speaking into my phone, and then when I get home, the text is there in my email waiting for me to transfer it over to my word document."
For Bettes, her career in news made it easier to transition to an author and juggle both career paths. "In both careers you have to stay adaptable and ready for the unexpected, and my job as both a meteorologist and journalist prepared me well for that."
Ranger Shield Security Series
Betrayal & New Beginnings — Out now
Instinct & New Identity — Out May 6th
Deception & New Direction — Coming July 22
Restart & New Revenge — Coming September 23
For more on Allison Bettes and her books, visit www.allisonbettes.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook @allisonbettesauthor.Links (both ebook and paperback copies are listed):
Thank you to all our our newsletter supporters
If you are looking to work with a producer or start to think like a producer so you can turn your ideas into content email hello@oncamready.com
In Atlanta? I offer production services! I have a pool of videographers. We produce events, social media, real estate videos and more! Reach out for a quote: jamie@oncamready.com
COMING UP:
May 15th - Attend our workshop meant to help you become more confident on camera. Attendees receive a workshop and walk away with content. Upgrade for the VIP experience and receive hair and make-up touchups.
