The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips
Amelia D. Hay
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The Authorpreneur PodcastTM️ is hosted by Indie Author, Amelia D. Hay. The show acts as a virtual writing and business coach for fiction writers. Every Thursday, Amelia will teach you how to develop a story idea, create compelling characters and outline your novel. In each season of the podcast, you will learn how to write your first draft, revise your story, self-publish, establish your author platform, and reach readers. Season one of the podcast is on Plot and Story Structure, season two documents my writing adventure during 2020, and season three is about how to outline and the pre-writing phase.
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TAP033, The Case for Outlining, Outlining Pitfalls, and Overcoming Writing Obstacles
The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips
01/21/22 • 31 min
Before I dive into discussing how to outline a novel or the planning phase of writing, I thought it would be best to ask an obvious but nonetheless important question.
Is outlining a good idea? Depending upon who you listen to, you will hear conflicting advice. Some authors will say in order to write quicker, you need to ditch the outlining phase. While others abide by the age-old saying, "fail to plan, plan to fail."
So which option is best for you?
In this episode, I will share the things you need to consider, an important question that you need to ask yourself, a piece of advice that you need to keep in mind, and my recommendations for new writers. On top of this, I talk about the downsides of creating an outline in order to give you a balanced and somewhat unbiased answer to this age-old question.
Podcasts, Books, and Tools MentionedWriting into the Dark (Workshop)
Writing into the Dark (eBook) *
Writing into the Dark (Paperback) *
Book Review by AuthorLevel Up on Writing into the Dark: Write a book without an outline!
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (Audiobook) *
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (Paperback) *
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (eBook) *
The Authorpreneur Podcast Community on Facebook
Support the show by buying me a coffee
Want the podcast straight to your inbox?
My ServicesTry The Formatting Wizard Book Formatting Services for FREE **
The Formatting Templates offered by my services.
Le Villain Book Covers (Affordable Premade Book Covers) **
My BooksBecome a Beta Reader and Start Reading Duplicity
Connect with Me on Social MediaTwitter: @WriterADHay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
FB group: The Authorpreneur Podcast Community
Instagram: @authorpreneurpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/authoradhay
This is an affiliate link where I receive a very small commission if you purchase this product.
** This is a service offered by me
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TAP034, From Idea to Outline: How to Outline a Novel (Part 1 of 3)
The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips
02/17/22 • 29 min
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Since 2014, I've written two novellas, one short story, and two full-length novels, three of which I have self-published. One novel is being rewritten because I wanted to change a story device and plot thread. For me, this second storyline was unrealistic and painted the character in an unprofessional light, thus creating a sense of trust with the reader. I needed the character to be seen as trustworthy for the reader. The second full-length novel is waiting for its turn to be published. After I wrote that novel, I realised the story occurred further on in the series. Between 2011 and 2014, I wrote screenplays, then changed to writing novels when I discovered self-publishing.
But enough about my writing journey.
About this Episode
In this episode, I will discuss how I go from a story idea to a fleshed-out outline. I know this is obvious, but this is my process instead of 'the way to outline a novel.' This process has evolved since my very first novel. As I wrote the next story, more steps were added to my intricate outlining approach. After publishing my first novella, in 2020, I added another step to my outlining process, but I will share this in a separate episode because it's a huge step and needs a detailed explanation.
This episode is not scripted because I want it to be a chat about how I outline a novel. In saying that, I have compiled a list of steps and broke down exactly how I outline a story. Each of these steps has a bullet point list of notes to help me stay on track. I'm sharing this with you so you know that I've thought about this episode in detail. Because there is no script, I'm not sure how long this episode will be in terms of minutes. Depending upon the length of the show, I may choose to divide this up into two or three parts, which I will release weekly. The one thing I do know is this first episode will focus on how I create a basic outline, and the subsequent episodes will focus on the steps that make my outline more of a zero draft.
So stay tuned for all of this and much more.
Podcasts, Books, and Tools Mentioned
Writing a Short StoryUsing Story Cubes and a Massive Tea Haul | BTS Vlog #8
Psychology of why people commit murder | ABC News Australia
Psychology of why people commit murder | Mysterious Matters Blog
The Making of a Murderer | Psychology Today
Elizabeth Craig: 15 Tips for Writing a Murder Mystery
Am Writing Fiction Community by The Authorpreneur Podcast (Facebook Group)
Support the show by buying me a coffee
Want the podcast straight to your inbox?
My Services
Try The Formatting Wizard Book Formatting Services for FREE **
The Formatting Templates offered by my services.
Le Villain Book Covers (Affordable Premade Book Covers) **
My Books
Become a Beta Reader and Start Reading Duplicity
Connect with Me on Social Media
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BTS020, Hiring a Professional Editor, Revising Book Two, and Writing a Short Story
The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips
05/11/19 • 11 min
Coming up in this show, I discuss how I hired a line editor and proofreader for my thriller novella, Missing, and my plans for book two. And, I've made progress with writing a short story which I intend to use as a lead magnet to build a mailing list.
But first, a short travel update.
I'm currently in San Francisco working from The Palace Hotel. The next few episodes of the Behind the Scenes Podcast Diary will be filmed and recorded in this location. On Friday, Roland and I flew premium economy with British Airways, and I do think the price difference between economy and premium is worth it, especially for a longer flight. The flight from London to San Francisco was ten hours. I'm not saying it flew by, but I think the seats and the extra legroom made all the difference.
Next week, I'll let you know about my progress on writing the short story and my revisions for book two, whether I will hire a professional editor for my short story. And, I'll share some pictures from my USA Trip.
Thanks for listening, and happy reading and writing, everybody.
Thanks for listening!
Check out the show notesBTS020, Hiring a Professional Editor, Revising Book Two, and Writing a Short Story | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts020/
Tools & ResourcesAsk a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions on writing, editing and Self Publishing Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Support the Podcast by buying me a coffee | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/authoradhay
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
** Connect with Me on Social Media **
Twitter: @WriterADHay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
FB group: The Authorpreneur Podcast Community
Instagram: @authorpreneurpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/authoradhay

TAP028, 5 Tips for Structuring a Story with the Hero’s Journey (Part 4 of 4)
The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips
04/26/19 • 15 min
Welcome to the final instalment of this mini-series on how to structure a story using the Hero’s Journey. In this show, I will share five tips on how to structure a story using the Hero’s Journey. And, at the end of this episode, I will also share examples of this story structure in film and literature and provide you will a list of recommended reading so you can do further research.
After you’ve listened to this episode come on over to the show notes at https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-028/ and let me know by sharing in the comments section, a tip you’ve learned from the episode or ask a question if you’re stuck with structuring a story using the hero’s journey, or tweet me at WriterADHay.
Thanks for listening!
** Check out the show notes **
TAP028, 5 Tips for Structuring a Story with the Hero’s Journey (Part 4 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-028/
** The Hero’s Journey Mini-Series **
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 1 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-025/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 2 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-026/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 3 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-027/
** Blog Posts on World Building **
Worldbuilding: the Master Guide (with Template)
How to Create a Breathing World for Your Fantasy Novel
Creating a fantasy world? Ask 10 questions
World building tips: Writing engaging settings
Tools & ResourcesAsk a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions on writing, editing and Self Publishing Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Support the Podcast by buying me a coffee | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/authoradhay
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
** Connect with Me on Social Media **
Twitter: @WriterADHay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
FB group: The Authorpreneur Podcast Community
Instagram: @authorpreneurpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/authoradhay

BTS018, Revision with AutoCrit, Back to Blogging, and Professional Beta Reading
The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips
04/24/19 • 23 min
Last week my revisions for Missing became analytical thanks to the AutoCrit software. I’m also getting back to blogging my novella after a long absence. And, I have some exciting personal news to share with you. So, stay tuned for more details coming up in the show.
Here’s what you can expect from this episode:
- Exciting news that’s both personal and has an impact upon my publishing schedule.
- An update on my revisions on tenses and dialogue using AutoCrit.
- I share a series of great blog posts on writing dialogue from the blog off an editor (you can find these below).
- The reason why I’m getting back to blogging my novella.
- And, I share my decision on using professional beta readers.
Thanks for listening!
** Check out the show notes **
BTS018, Revising a Novella with AutoCrit, Back to Blogging, and Professional Beta Reading
** Check out the Blog Posts on Dialogue from Pen Ultimate Word**
Dialogue in fiction: Part I – How to write authentic dialects and foreign accents
Dialogue in fiction: Part II – The essentials
Dialogue in fiction: Part III – The nuts and bolts
Dialogue in fiction: Part IV – The nuts and bolts, cont’d.
Dialogue in fiction: Part V – Writing your characters’ thoughts
Tools & ResourcesAsk a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions on writing, editing and Self Publishing Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Support the Podcast by buying me a coffee | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/authoradhay
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
** Connect with Me on Social Media **
Twitter: @WriterADHay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
FB group: The Authorpreneur Podcast Community
Instagram: @authorpreneurpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/authoradhay

BTS017, I'm Sharing My Business and Writing Goals With You for the Next Quarter
The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips
04/16/19 • 26 min
I think accountability is a beautiful thing. And, I realise that’s a super nerdy thing to say. So, what do I mean by accountability? Basically, I’m referring to accountability, in terms of setting and striving towards writing goals. In this episode, I’m going to share with you my business and writing goals for the next quarter. As you can expect, I’m going to share an update on my successes and failures from the first quarter of 2019.
And, I’m going to discuss a new writing-related tool that I’m using to revise Missing. That tool is new to me but has been around for a while. This tool has evolved over time. As I’m using this tool, I’m watching the help videos, and I’ve noticed the version in the videos is slightly different from the version I’m currently using. It’s good to see the product has evolved over time, which is what you want when purchasing a piece of software.
It appears that I have a lot of tasks to complete over the next quarter. However, many of these tasks are larger goals broken down into tiny steps, just to make things a little easier for me. What are your writing goals for the next three months? I want to hear from you. Let me know by coming over to the blog post at authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts017/ and share your goals in the comments section.
Thanks for listening and happy reading and writing everybody!
** Check out the show notes **BTS017, I'm Sharing My Business and Writing Goals With You for the Next Quarter | authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts017/
** Tools Mentioned **Ask a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions on writing, editing and Self Publishing Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Support the Podcast by buying me a coffee | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/authoradhay
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
** Connect with Me on Social Media **
Twitter: @WriterADHay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
FB group: The Authorpreneur Podcast Community
Instagram: @authorpreneurpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/authoradhay

TAP026, How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 2 of 4)
The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips
03/28/19 • 14 min
So, you’ve started to plot out ideas for your story using the Hero’s Journey, and you’ve reached the end of the first act. But now you’re wondering how to transition from the first act to the second, and take your character through to the last leg of the journey. In this episode, I will share with you the five stages of the Hero’s Journey that occur in the second act. And, I will also unpack the second act of the Fellowship of the Ring so you can see the Hero’s Journey in action.
After you’ve listened to this episode come on over to the show notes at authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-026/ and let me know by sharing in the comments section, a tip you’ve learned from the episode or ask a question if you’re stuck with structuring a story using the hero’s journey, or tweet me at WriterADHay.
Thanks for listening!
Check Out the Show NotesHow to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 2 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-026/
The Hero’s Journey Mini-SeriesHow to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 1 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-025/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 2 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-026/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 3 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-027/
5 Tips for Structuring a Story with the Hero’s Journey (Part 4 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-028/
Tools & ResourcesAsk a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions on writing, editing and Self Publishing Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Support the Podcast by buying me a coffee | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/authoradhay
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
** Connect with Me on Social Media **
Twitter: @WriterADHay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
FB group: The Authorpreneur Podcast Community
Instagram: @authorpreneurpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/authoradhay

TAP027, How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 3 of 4)
The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips
04/07/19 • 11 min
So, you’ve fleshed out your story idea for the first and second act using the Hero’s Journey, and now your story has reached the cusp between the second and third act. And, now, you’re wondering, how to structure the final act of your story using the Hero’s Journey. If this is a situation that you can relate to, then this episode is for you.
What to Expect from this EpisodeIn this show, I will unpack the final three stages of the Hero’s Journey. Just as a word of warning, I will also be sharing scenes from the film, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the ring. It goes without saying, spoiler alert.
As I wrote, what I was hoping to be the final instalment in this series, the word count reached 3,700 words which meant the show would reach almost 28 minutes. That length is well above the short length that I promised you in the earlier podcast episodes. I’ve decided to break this final episode into two parts and by default turning this mini-series into four parts. The next part of this series, episode twenty-eight will be released on Monday, April 8. And, the usual behind the Scenes Podcast Diary will be released the following Saturday, April 13.
A Podcast UpdateOver the next few weeks, you will notice a few changes in The Authorpreneur Podcast. The first is this episode is the second last show on plot and story structure for season one. Between season one and two, there will be weekly Behind the Scenes podcast Diary episodes. In season two the diary episodes will continue on in a weekly schedule.
On Monday, July 1 the first show of season two will be released. Season two will have a focus on how to outline, and in this season I will break down the components of a story. Closer to the start of season two, I will release an episode that breaks down exactly what you can expect from this second season, in greater detail. To be honest, I’m glad to get a break from the research, write, edit, and record cycle and focus on the new chat style format of the Behind the Scenes Podcast Diary. A lot of effort goes into creating a show like the one you are currently listening to, but, I digress.
After you’ve listened to this episode come on over to the show notes at authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-027/ and let me know by sharing in the comments section, a tip you’ve learned from the episode or ask a question if you’re stuck with structuring a story using the hero’s journey, or tweet me at WriterADHay.
Thanks for listening!
Check out the show notesHow to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 3 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-027/
The Hero’s Journey Mini-SeriesHow to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 1 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-025/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 2 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-026/
How to Structure a Story Using the Hero's Journey (Part 3 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-027/
5 Tips for Structuring a Story with the Hero’s Journey (Part 4 of 4) | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/episode-028/
Tools & ResourcesAsk a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions on writing, editing and Self Publishing Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Support the Podcast by buying me a coffee | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/authoradhay
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
** Connect with Me on Social Media **
Twitter: @WriterADHay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
FB group: The Authorpreneur Podcast Community
Instagram: @authorpreneurpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/authoradhay

BTS016, Writer's Insecurity, Revising a Thriller Novel, Editing a Nonfiction Book, and Starting a New Series
The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips
03/23/19 • 25 min
So, I started filming weekly writing Vlogs on my Youtube Channel after remembering, this had helped with my productivity and making time for revisions. But, I soon came to another realisation. Video editing is, and it’s like pulling teeth which is why I decided to turn this Behind the Scene Diary into a chatty weekly update. Let’s face it, if I can do it on video, I can do it on a podcast. This means I’ll be sharing what’s going on behind the scenes as I publish my three thriller novels and the journey beyond publication. It will be like a chat over a cup of tea between friends. So, you’re going to get an honest inside scoop.
Here’s what you can expect from this episode:
- I’ve completed the major plot revisions for Missing.
- The next steps in my revisions for Missing.
- Setting a dealing for revisions and contacting editors.
- My struggles with insecurity about my writing and how they’ve intensified as I approach publication.
- Where I’m at with the second edition of my short nonfiction book.
- And, I’m starting a new series, and what this means for my future publication schedule.
Did you like this week's chatty behind the scene podcast diary episode? Or, do you prefer the diary to be more focused around a single topic with actionable steps? Let me know by tweeting me at WriterADHay.
Thanks for listening!
** Check out the show notes **
Tools & Resources
Ask a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions on writing, editing and Self Publishing Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Support the Podcast by buying me a coffee | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/authoradhay
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
** Connect with Me on Social Media **
Twitter: @WriterADHay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
FB group: The Authorpreneur Podcast Community
Instagram: @authorpreneurpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/authoradhay

BTS019, Self-Editing a Novel and Hiring a Professional Beta Reader
The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips
05/01/19 • 6 min
It’s been one of those weeks. You know that week that starts of crappy and turns into a nightmare. But, the week eventually redeemed itself in the final hour. This is going to sound overdramatic, but I’ve got the opposite of the Midas touch. I’m sure there’s a name for that, but it’s completely escaped my mind. However, I’m going to keep this show rant free as much as humanly possible.
I had huge dreams for this week, commission a professional beta read, finish my revisions for Missing, and work on Smarter Goal Setting. And, on top of that, I had a weird experience with PayPal and a potential coaching client that I’m still scratching my head about. Just hearing that makes me want to laugh and cry all at once. For the sake of adding to this drama, I’m starting to get bored of working on Missing. There’s a part of me that needs to look at something different.
So, that’s what I got up to last week. I’m hoping in the next Behind the Scenes Podcast Diary which will be episode 020, that I will have finished the self-editing phase for Missing, submitted the story to a professional Beta Reader, and started revisions for Silence. And, received a quote from my line-editor and hopefully some good news in regards to whether my manuscript is ready for editing. Are you revising a story as well? I want to hear from you. Let me know by coming over to the blog post at authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts019/ and share your goals in the comments section.
Thanks for listening!
** Check out the show notes **
BTS019, Self-Editing a Novel and Embracing Professional Beta Reading | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/bts019/
** Tools Mentioned **Emotion Thesaurus
Tools & ResourcesAsk a Question on Writing | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/
Your Questions on writing, editing and Self Publishing Answered | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/question/faq/
Support the Podcast by buying me a coffee | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/authoradhay
Want podcast episode updates sent straight to your inbox? | https://authorpreneurpodcast.com/podcast/tap/
** Connect with Me on Social Media **
Twitter: @WriterADHay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpreneurpodcast
FB group: The Authorpreneur Podcast Community
Instagram: @authorpreneurpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/authorpreneurpodcast/videos
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/authoradhay
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips have?
The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips currently has 98 episodes available.
What topics does The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips cover?
The podcast is about Arts, Business, Books and Careers.
What is the most popular episode on The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips?
The episode title 'TAP033, The Case for Outlining, Outlining Pitfalls, and Overcoming Writing Obstacles' is the most popular with 1 listens and 1 ratings.
What is the average episode length on The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips?
The average episode length on The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips is 29 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips released?
Episodes of The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips are typically released every 8 days, 19 hours.
When was the first episode of The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips?
The first episode of The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips was released on Oct 12, 2017.
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