The Writing Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub

How to Develop a Creative Idea for Your Nonfiction Book

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:22:38 -0500

If you want to write a book that influences the world, you need to start with a creative idea. Great ideas form the essence of great books. And yet idea development is one of the biggest struggles of writers. In this episode, Dave and Melissa talk about what an idea really is, how to sharpen your idea, and how to develop an idea, so that readers read your book from beginning to end.

Great Moments in the Episode

7:37 – 12:19 What an idea is and examples of how to narrow an idea.

12:20 – 15:06 How to use research effectively to narrow your idea.

15:07 – 17:59 Why having a narrow idea is better than a general idea.

18:00 – 22:14 How to use quotes and interpret other ideas to support your idea.

22:15 – 22:53 The three things you can do with an idea.

22:54 – 27:26 What explaining an idea looks like in writing, and why it’s important.

27:27 – 29:48 How to prove your idea with examples of what proving look like.

29:49 – 32:18 How to use reasoning to prove an idea.

32:19 – 33:13 Using stories and counterarguments to develop an idea.

33:14 – 35:47 How to apply an idea.

35:48 – 39:06 How to develop an idea in a book through structure.

39:07 – 40:27 How to arrest the attention of your reader with each chapter.

40:28 – 41:56 How to thread your thesis—or idea—throughout the entire book.

41:57 – 43:05 How to use transition paragraphs to thread your ideas throughout the book.

43:06 – 47:18 When an idea is not big enough for a traditional book.

Words of the Episode

elysian (adj): blissful, delightful

limn (v): depict or describe in painting or words; or, suffuse or highlight something with a bright color or light

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Octavia Goredema on Finding Support throughout the Book Writing Journey

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500

The book publishing journey doesn’t always start with writing the book. It often starts with a book proposal, especially if you want to pursue traditional publishing. But how do you get a book proposal in the hands of a publishing house? You might need a literary agent. Octavia Goredema, author of PREP, PUSH, PIVOT: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women talks about how she landed a literary agent and secured a book deal with Wiley. She also shares how to authentically grow your influence and create partnerships, like she did with the Harvard Business Review.

Great Moments in the Episode

8:42 – 10:12 How to grow your influence through consistent online writing.

10:30 – 12:01 How to attract partnership opportunities through your blogging.

12:25 – 14:24 How to get published in the Harvard Business Review.

14:55 – 18:19 How to balance writing a book while building a coaching business.

18:25 – 19:55 How to find your natural writing rhythm to optimize your productivity.

20:27 – 22:39 The benefits of traditional publishing and how to find a literary agent to help you land a book deal.

24:23 – 25:55 What the terms and financials look like working with a literary agent.

26:26 – 28:32 The true value of literary agents.

29:00 – 31:55 The importance of platform in pitching a book.

32:39 – 34:09 Two most effective strategies for launching a book.

34:24 – 36:41 Why you should embrace uncomfortable publicity opportunities.

37:00 – 38:04 Difference between blogging and social media and how to overcome your weaknesses in social media.

38:10 – 41:19 The value of hiring experts to help you so you can play to your strengths.

Words of the Episode

hirsute (adj): having or covered with hair.

rematriating (n): refers to the process of returning to, reclaiming, or revitalizing Indigenous knowledge, practices, lands, and cultures, often led by Indigenous women.

Connect with Octavia

Website: https://www.octaviagoredema.com/

How to Change Careers with Octavia Goredema: https://www.audible.com/pd/How-to-Change-Careers-Audiobook/B0C5F4L45L

PREP, PUSH, PIVOT: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women: https://www.amazon.com/Prep-Push-Pivot-Strategies-Underrepresented/dp/1119789079/

Fire Memos - a new app that empowers you to record and recognize your work accomplishments with AI powered career coaching: https://firememos.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/octaviagoredema/

Instagram: @octaviagoredema

Pinterest: pinterest.com/octaviagoredema/

Twitter: @octaviagoredema

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Becky Robinson on How to Cultivate Online Followers

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 13:26:14 -0600

The ever-evolving digital landscape can be daunting, leaving authors unsure of where to focus their efforts. Becky Robinson, founder and CEO of Weaving Influence, shares insights from her book Reach and discusses the four commitments to cultivating online followers. From practical tips to words of encouragement, this conversation is a must-listen for both seasoned and first-time authors seeking to expand their reach in the digital world.

Great Moments in the Episode

4:23 – 6:02 Why many authors fail at digital marketing.

6:33 – 8: 27 Where to start building your online presence.

8:54 – 10:50 The two-prong approach to driving people to your website.

10:55 – 11:34 What to keep in mind when doing paid advertising online.

11:50 – 14:01 One of four commitments to cultivating online followers: value.

14:10 – 16:25 What value looks like in content and in relationships online.

17:20 – 19:10 Two of four commitments to cultivating online followers: generosity.

19:30 – 23:50 Three of four commitments to cultivating online followers: consistency.

21:45 – 23:50 Four of four commitments to cultivating online followers: longevity.

24:00 – 25:45 Preparing to invest in building your online presence.

26:10 – 28:34 Tap into IRL relationships to build an online presence quickly.

28:35 – 30:04 How to build your online presence with the release of your book—a long-term view.

30:30 – 33:10 Why going viral is not the goal, and the definition of “reach.”

33:13 – 36:52 The value of a fresh, well-written book in your reach and the importance of your story.

37:09 – 40:13 Final remarks about building your digital reach.

Words of the Episode

masticate (v): To grind, crush, and chew (food) with or as if with teeth in preparation for swallowing.

vivify (v): To enliven or animate. To endow with life or renewed life. To give new life or energy to.

Connect with Becky

Becky's Website: https://beckyrobinson.com/

Reach: https://www.amazon.com/Reach-Biggest-Possible-Audience-Message/dp/1523000872/

Weaving Influence: https://weavinginfluence.com/

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Virginia Frischkorn on Hosting Successful Book Launch Events

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0600

One of the most memorable days for an author—especially a first-time author—is their book launch party. It’s a celebration of the hours, days, months—maybe even years—you’ve devoted to writing your book. A book launch event, however, is more than a party. It’s a strategic move where your word-of-mouth marketing begins.

So just as with your book, it's worth putting effort into its planning and execution. And it also means getting creative. In this episode, Virginia Frischkorn, the founder and CEO of Partytrick, offers insights on hosting successful book launch events.

Great Moments in the Episode

4:50 – 6:20 Tips for not overthinking a book launch event.

6:28 - 7:38 How to prepare your guests for the book launch event to increase attendance.

7:40 - 9:29 The difference between in-person and online events, and how to prepare for both.

9:30 – 10:57 Introducing elements of surprise to your book launch event.

11:00 – 13:07 How to get people excited to promote your book at a book launch event.

13:09 – 14:59 How to successfully use book clubs to create conversation around your book.

14:45 – 17:30 The ins-and-outs of getting people to in-person events, and the danger of bookstore events.

17:31 – 18:24 The benefits of cross-promotional partnerships.

18:25 – 19:43 Why you should do in-person and online events.

20:35 – 23:22 What a broadcast channel is and how to use it to promote your book.

23:25 – 24:37 How to think of social media in terms of your book launch.

24:40 – 27:13 Advice for authors who struggle being in the spotlight.

27:15 – 31:59 Creative content ideas for book launch events.

32:10 – 36:14 Going back to the three basics of planning an event.

Connect with Virginia

Her Business, Partytrick: https://www.partytrick.com/about

Her Blog: https://www.partytrick.com/blog

The Power of Moments: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Moments-Certain-Experiences-Extraordinary/dp/1501147765

Words of the Episode

untrammeled: (adj) not deprived of freedom of action or expression; not restricted or hampered.

wanton: (adj) deliberate and unprovoked.

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Jordan Rosenfeld on Storytelling Techniques to Use in Nonfiction Writing

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:19:57 -0600

In the realm of nonfiction writing, facts and information reign supreme. They are critical to educating and persuading your audience. To do this, however, your writing must have emotional resonance. Storytelling is an elemental way to emotionally engage and connect with your reader. But nonfiction writers often feel insecure when it comes to creative storytelling. Expert storyteller and writing coach Jordan Rosenfeld explores how to write stories into your nonfiction writing to create a lasting impression on your audience.

Great Moments in the Episode

8:11 – 10:25 What a scene is and how to engage readers with scenes in your nonfiction writing.

10:28 – 12:15 How to not get hung-up on the exact details when telling stories in nonfiction.

12:20 – 12:58 How to use metaphors, similes, and imagery to wake up your nonfiction writing.

13:29 – 14:22 Alert the reader when you are telling a memory to the best of your ability.

14:42 – 16:00 An example of exceptional storytelling in nonfiction writing.

16:10 – 17:59 Signs your sentences are tripping up each other; the importance of cadence; how to make your sentences come to life.

18:18 – 18:44 Signs you are overwriting.

19:05 – 21:00 How to create suspense in nonfiction writing—so you keep the reader turning the page.

21:10 – 22:38 Four qualities of a page-turner, including embracing conflict and an opposing point of view.

22:52 – 26:30 Why emotional resonance is important to all types of nonfiction writing.

26:35 – 28:15 How to begin improving your storytelling in your nonfiction writing.

29:28 – 31:58 How to sustain a persistent writing life.

Connect with Jordan

Jordan's website: https://jordanrosenfeld.net/

How to Write a Page Turner: https://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Page-Turner-Craft-Readers/dp/1440354340

Make a Scene: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Scene-Revised-Expanded-Powerful/dp/1440351414

Words of the Episode

mé·tier: an occupation or activity that one is good at.

belay: to protect a roped lead climber from falling by controlling the rope, usually a belay device (a mechanical device used by belayers to increase braking force when belaying).

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7 Tips for Producing a Family History Documentary

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:01:00 -0600

There’s a story behind every successful family business and enterprise. Some families will write a book. But some families might find a documentary is the best way to capture the family story. In this episode, Dave and Melissa will help you explore why a documentary might be a better vehicle than a book. They also offer 7 tips on how to create a compelling documentary that best tells your family’s story.

Great Moments in the Episode

5:15 – 8:35 The limits of a book for capturing your family history.

9:05 – 11:45 Tip 1: Start with preliminary comprehensive research.

11:44 – 13:55 What a “through line” is in a documentary.

17:00 – 18:25 Tip 2: Start with a script.

18:30 – 20:02 The script as a plan for shoot day.

20:05 – 23:36 Tips for writing a script, including scenes where something is at stake.

23:37 – 24:00 Danger or relying on post-production editing without a script.

24:20 – 27:30 Tip 3: Building trust with your interviewees.

27:46 – 30:14 Tip 4: The first take is often the best.

30:15 – 31:10 The problem with teleprompters.

31:15 – 34:02 Tip 5: You can never have enough b-roll.

34:42 – 36:30 Tip 6: Know when you need a partner.

36:40 – 39:30 Tip 7: Create a book to complement your video.

39:35 - 41:45 Why invest in a family history documentary.

Words of the Episode

bauble (n): a small, decorative sphere hung from a Christmas tree.

tippet (n): in fly fishing, the end section of a tapered leader, the part that attaches to the fly.

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Author and Book Coach Stacy Ennis on Systems for Book Writing and Landing a TEDx Talk

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 14:33:55 -0600

If you’re stuck in the book writing process, you’ll want to tune into this episode. Bestselling author, speaker, ghostwriter, and book coach Stacy Ennis offers practical systems for developing your voice, focusing your book idea, and how to land a coveted spot as a TEDx speaker.

Great Moments in the Episode

2:35 – 9:58 Strategies for packaging nonfiction principles as fiction.

12:00 – 13:43 A formula for writing a good article quickly.

13:45 – 15:39 Why you might be struggling with your book's big idea.

15:40 – 18:10 The elements of a great hook.

18:11 – 21:05 Defining voice and advice for developing your voice.

21:06 – 23:17 Strategies for developing the craft of writing.

23:45 - 26:42 What to expect when you work with a ghostwriter.

26:36 – 29:18 A system for organizing your book idea.

29:19 – 32:20 Where book writers get it wrong in the book writing process.

32:25 - 42:15 Strategies for landing and preparing for a TEDx talk.

42:16 – 44:35 A formula for writing a good talk.

Words of the Episode

align (v): place or arrange (things) in a straight line.

fustian (n): pompous or pretentious speech or writing.

Find Stacy

Check out Stacy's website here: https://stacyennis.com/

How to Get Selected for a TedX Talk: https://stacyennis.com/how-to-get-selected-for-a-tedx-talk/

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Author Ryan Frederick on Successful Platform Building

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:30:24 -0500

You have a great idea and you’ve written a terrific book, but that’s only the first step in the book writing journey. How do you sell the book and use it to extend your thought-leadership platform and your business? Ryan Frederick, author of “Right Place, Right Time: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Home for the Second Half of Life,” shares how he leveraged his book after its publication. He provides insights into the development of an online assessment, workshops, and courses. More importantly, Ryan discusses the importance of keeping your idea relevant in the minds of your target audience.

Great Moments in the Episode

3:06 Learn about Ryan’s business.

5:23 How Ryan came to the ‘why’ of his book.

7:57 How Ryan found his ideal audience.

9:53 How Ryan structured his book to engage readers.

14:25 How Ryan used his book to extend his platform.

18:21 Differences between workshops and courses.

21:26 How to market courses.

25:27 Fitting your book idea into a cultural conversation.

27:36 Ryan’s publication journey.

33:22 Book marketing and how to reach your audience.

37:33: What Ryan learned from working with a PR firm.

39:22 What does success look like to you?

42:47 Ryan’s final words—make sure your work is substantive

Words of the Episode

Gloaming: a literary term synonymous with twilight and dusk, the darker part of twilight.

Chiaroscuro: the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting.

Find Ryan

Check out Ryan’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Right-Place-Time-Ultimate-Choosing/dp/1421442302

Check out Ryan’s Assessment: https://www.here.life/assessment

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The Writer’s Voice: https://www.amazon.com/Writers-Voice-Techniques-Tuning-Process-ebook/dp/B0C8BZZ3G3/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Anne+Janzer&qid=1695914485&s=audible&sr=1-1-catcorr

Anne Janzer on Joyful and Successful Book Marketing

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0500

When most writers think about the book journey, they’re focused on writing and then publishing. But what about book marketing? In this episode, Anne Janzer, a thought leader in the marketing industry, explores the ever-evolving book marketing landscape. Discover Anne's philosophy of “servant-authorship” and the power of building focused audiences. You’ll come away with practical strategies that make book marketing a joyful and successful endeavor.

Great Moments in the Episode

4:19 – 6:24 Why book marketing is built on a trusting relationship with your reader.

6:25 – 8:25 How to frame your book writing and marketing as servant authorship.

8:26 – 10:10 Helpful metaphor of making a splash in a pond with your writing.

10:11 – 12:17 What servant authorship looks like in marketing, including creating a community.

12:18 – 14:19 How to create communities around your ideas.

14:20 – 16:48 How to identify where to focus your marketing efforts.

16:49 – 21:06 Three things you need for author marketing.

21:07 – 21:45 Why the best marketing for a book is the book itself.

21:46 – 23:46 How to sustain marketing when you’re discouraged.

23:47 – 25:21 How to do a discount book campaign.

25:22 – 28:29 What is BookBub and how to become a BookBub featured book.

28:30 – 30:41 How to make the most of IRL marketing.

30:42 – 34:00 What surprises first-time authors most about book marketing.

34:01 – 34:56 The value of gathering with fellow writers to brainstorm creative marketing ideas.

34:57 – 36:31 How to make marketing fun and not painful.

36:32 – 37:31 How to measure the success of your book marketing.

37:32 – 40:07 When it’s worth investing in a PR firm and what you can achieve without one.

40:08 – 41:32 The measure of a great book.

Words of the Episode

ether (N): the clear sky; the upper regions of air beyond the clouds.

scablands (N): flat elevated land deeply scarred by channels of glacial or fluvioglacial origin and with poor soil and little vegetation.

Anne’s Recent Book

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What Form Should Your Content Take?

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:43:58 -0500

In this episode, Dave and Melissa are back together to tackle a pressing question: What's the optimal format for your ideas? Is it really a book? Or are there alternatives that are a better fit for you? Our world is ripe with content formats for you to package your ideas, from videos, blog posts, podcasts to eBooks, and even paid subscription newsletters. There are so many options. The key is choosing the right format. By the end, we hope you discover the best format for your ideas.

Great Moments in the Episode

9:59 – 14:25 What has changed in podcasting since its early days and strategies for differentiating.

19:06 – 25:17 Questions to ask to determine if you should write a book.

25:18 – 27:10 Substack as a format for your content.

27:11 – 30:20 Podcasting as a format for your content.

30:21 – 34:52 Short-form video as a format for your content.

34:53 – 36:24 Long-form video as a format for your content.

36:25 – 37:59 eBook as a format for your content.

38.00 – 39:24 Online courses as a format for your content.

39:26 – 40:42 Audiobook as a format for your content.

41:30 – 43:01 Telling your family story through letters.

43:03 – 45:13 Curating your family story through audio/video interviews.

45:15 – 46:53 Telling your family story through an image driven book.

Words of the Episode

Orotund (adj): a formal word used as a synonym of sonorous to describe something—usually a voice—marked by fullness, strength, and clarity of sound. It can also be used disapprovingly to mean "pompous" or "bombastic."

Sedulously (adj): carefully and with a lot of effort and determination.

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Author Kristin Keffeler on Writing a Nonfiction Book that Connects with Your Ideal Audience

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 08:31:05 -0500

If you have done research and want to know how to turn that research into a book, this podcast episode is for you. Author of The Myth of the Silver Spoon, Kristen Keffeler, discusses her journey turning her research into a nonfiction book that was picked up by a traditional publisher. Kristin explains the importance of narrowing your audience, sharpening your thesis, and creating a structure that pulls the reader through from beginning to end. Kristin also shares the highs and lows of marketing her nonfiction book.

Great Moments in the Episode

8:12 – 9:33 Packaging graduate studies research into a book.

9:34 – 12:40 The evolution of a thesis as you sharpen your ideal audience.

12:42 – 14:36 How to speak to secondary and tertiary audiences beyond your ideal audience.

14:38 – 17:43 How to strengthen your nonfiction storytelling.

17:45 – 22:27 An example of a four-part structure that goes from general to specific.

22:28 – 25:29 Persevering even when your book isn’t picked up by a publisher.

25:31 – 28:59 How to get a publisher’s attention after your first proposal is rejected.

31:08 – 34:21 The difficulty of marketing a book and tips for using a book trailer to drive traffic.

34:22 – 36:20 How to host a successful virtual book launch on LinkedIn.

38:10 – 41:06 How to collaborate successfully on a book.

Words of the Episode

Toothsome (adj): temptingly tasty.

Dewclaw (n): a digit – vestigial in some animals – on the foot of many mammals, birds, and reptiles (including some extinct orders, like certain theropods).

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The Myth of the Silver Spoon

Find Kristin’s books here:

Wealth 3.0: The Future of Family Wealth Advising

Lisa Tener on Writing a Book Proposal that Lands You a Deal

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 17:31:26 -0500

You want a traditional book deal? First you need a stand-out book proposal. But for many first-time authors, creating a book proposal is a mystery. What do you include? What don’t you include? What are agents really looking for? In this episode author and book proposal coach Lisa Tener provides insider knowledge of what it takes to create a proposal that catches the eye of a literary agent and a publisher.

Great Moments in the Episode

6:50 – 8:16 The number one thing publishers and literary agents look for in a book proposal.

8:18 – 10:19 Lisa answers the question: What size platform do agents and publishers look for?

10:20 – 12:18 What to do when an agent likes your idea but you do not have a platform.

12:19 – 13:49 How to grow a basic platform.

13:50 – 16:01 Help for developing your book idea when it needs to be differentiated.

16:03 – 16:36 Signs your book is based on a crummy idea.

17:37 – 18:52 When you should pursue an independent publisher instead of a traditional publisher.

18:53 – 19:52 Signs your idea is suited for an article and not a book.

19:54 – 21:15 How to differentiate your book from comps.

21:16 – 22:15 How many comps and what types of comps to include in your book proposal.

22:16 – 25:54 How much of your book should be completed when you submit your proposal.

25:55 – 28:18 How much time a writer should devote to a book proposal.

28:20 – 30:23 Reasons why your literary agent might accept your book but a publisher won’t.

30:25 – 32:05 How your publishing on external digital platforms influences literary agents and publishing boards.

32:06 – 35:01 Missteps when writing a book proposal.

35:53 – 37:21 Managing expectations for first-time authors pitching a book.

Words of the Episode

ephemeron (n): an insect that lives only for a day or a few days.

lissome (adj): thin, supple, and graceful.

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Check Out Lisa

Lisa’s Website: https://www.lisatener.com/

Lisa’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Writing-Journal-Creativity-Minutes-dp-195581127X/dp/195581127X

Vikrant Shauruya on Becoming a Nonfiction Bestselling Author

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 12:57:03 -0500

In this podcast, Dave and Melissa interview Vikrant Shauruya, founder of Authors on a Mission, on how to market and sell your nonfiction book. Vikrant discusses what a “bestselling book” actually is, and why a successful book is built on a well-written book.

Great Moments in the Episode

05:15 – 07:57 Expectations for sales of first book.

8:04 – 09:41 Podcasting as a marketing strategy.

09:43 – 12:26 How to identify podcasts to pursue in order to maximize marketing.

12:27 – 14:19 How to pitch podcasts.

14:21 – 18:59 Explanation of the term “bestselling book”.

19:01 – 21:30 What to do during launch to gain sales momentum.

21:31 – 24:01 Managing expectations of book sales.

24:02 – 25:14 Why you need a focused book idea and to identify the "why" of your writing.

25:15 – 28:01 The importance of following through with promoting your book.

28:03 – 31:15 The interconnection of a book, speaking engagements, and business growth.

31:16 – 35:10 The role of a well-written book in sales.

Words of the Episodes

Wabi-sabi: a Japanese aesthetic concept that finds beauty and serenity in objects, landscapes, designs, etc., that are simple, imperfect, and impermanent.

Pustule: a small elevation of the skin containing pus.

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Follow Vikrant Shauruya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikrantshaurya/

Website: https://bestsellingbook.com/vikrantshaurya/

Author Josh Rutherford on Applying Screenwriting Principles to a Fantasy Book Series

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:28:41 -0500

Our interview with Josh Rutherford, author of The Fourpointe Chronicles, provides aspiring fantasy novelists valuable insights on how to create a believable fantasy world, how to develop characters over a series of books, and how to apply screenwriting techniques to novel writing. Josh also encourages new writers to get started, even when you don’t have it all figured out, and to find the right type of feedback during the writing journey. You won’t want to miss this episode.

Great Moments in the Episode

00:00 - 06:12 About Josh and his books.

06:12 – 07:34 How to balance point of view in fiction writing.

07:36 – 09:35 How to build a convincing fantasy world through character development.

09:36 – 11:47 Why you don’t need everything figured out to get started.

13:13 –15:02 When you’re lost in the middle, the value of cutting, and what to do with the cut material.

15:03 – 16:37 The wisdom of “Start late, end early” and how the principle creates suspense.

16:38 – 20:21 Principles of screenwriting applied to novel writing, specifically the importance of creating a sensory experience for the reader.

20:22 – 22:44 How to develop characters in a series, and the importance of not rushing character development.

22:45 – 24:49 How to get into a character’s head when you don’t have much in common with the character

25:20 – 27:23 Finding opportunities to write when writing isn’t your full-time job, and the power of forgiving yourself when you don’t show up.

27:53 – 29:59 How to find the right person to review your work, how to seek the right feedback, and how you use feedback in the revision process.

30:-00 - 35.05 The benefits of self-publishing your fiction, the power of beta reviews in promoting your book, and how to use Amazon ads.

Words of the Episodes

macabre (adj): disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury.

esperance (n): the belief that what is wanted can be or that the events will turn out for the best.

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Cristen Iris on How to Move your Story Forward with Scenes

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0500

The best television shows and movies have memorable scenes. In those scenes, characters are forced to make choices that move the story forward. This is the essence of screenwriting. And, according to ghostwriter Cristen Iris, it’s also the essence of great memoirs and fiction. In this episode we chat with Cristen about how the basic principles of screenwriting can be applied to fiction and memoirs so your reader will read from beginning to end.

Great Moments in the Episode

Basic elements of a scene: 2:22 – 3:37

How to think of scenes in terms of moving the story forward: 3:38 – 6:53

How to roughly calculate scenes in your novel to create movement: 6:55 – 9:23

How to create flow between scenes: 9:25 – 12:04

How to use narrative commentary throughout your scenes, without boring your reader: 12:05 – 14:18

How to create pacing in your book: 16:54 – 18:10

How to use action to develop your characters, including in memoirs: 18:20 – 21:01

The dangers and difficulty of dialogue, exposition, and backstory and tips for creating dialogue that moves the story along: 21:38 – 28:15

How to move beyond writing paralysis: 28:16 – 32:01

Words of the Episode

Nudnik (n): a person who is a bore or nuisance.

modus vivendi (n): an arrangement or agreement allowing conflicting parties to coexist peacefully, either indefinitely or until a final settlement is reached.

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Author Paula Munier on How to Create the Perfect Plot

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 08:51:48 -0500

How do you keep your reader reading till the wee hours of the morning—because they have to figure out how the story ends? You must create a narrative arc that, scene by scene, plot point by plot point, keeps the reader questioning.

Paula Munier, author of Plot Perfect: Building Unforgettable Stories Scene by Scene, offers a plot-building strategy that works no matter the genre you’re writing in.

Great Moments in the Episode

6:19-7:10: How people decide to buy a book.

7:10-8:52: The importance of the first page and “that feeling” you want readers to experience.

8:54-12:42: What is an inciting incident and why you need it immediately in your story.

13:02-16:01: Definition and examples of big story questions and small story questions—and how to use them to make your story different.

16:20-18:05: How to plant major and minor story questions to drive your story.

18:10-20:01: Why you must know your genre to know your obligatory story questions.

23:24-24:58: Using index cards to help you visually plot your story.

25:00-27:04: How to use your genre tropes without becoming cliché.

30:27-35:48: Tips for writing a visually engaging setting that sets the tone and creates tension.

39:15-41:25: How to know if your writing is good before you pitch a literary agent.

Words of the Episode

Vermillion: A deep, brilliant red color.

Stelliferous: Having or abounding with stars.

Paula Munier’s Books to Check Out!

Plot Perfect

Home at Night

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What Is a Developmental Edit? And Why It Matters to the Success of Your Book

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 14:56:56 -0500

A developmental edit for your book project is as essential as eating right and working out if you want to be fit. You always need a developmental edit, no matter your experience as a writer. The most sophisicated writers expect it. Developmental editing is not about tearing down your work or diminishing your voice as a writer. It's a collaborative effort between an expert and you. In this episode, Melissa and Dave define what a developmental edit is and identify some of the emotions when hearing the editor's recommendations and seeing her edits for the first time.

Great Moments in the Episode

(8:40) Who needs a developmental edit? Every writer, including veterans and newbies.

(10:20)What a developmental edit is NOT. Plus, the other kinds of editing services that you will need for your book project.

(17:25) What do to if your agent or publisher isn't engaging you in a developmental edit of your book.

(19:00) A developmental edit is, for starters, a meta edit.

(29:18) Why we resist someone giving us a developmental edit.

(39:49) The best writers crave developmental editing.

(41:53) Words of the Episode

Malaise: a general feeling of discomfort or unease or overall bodily weakness

Brigand: A thief with a weapon, especially one of a group living in the countryside, stealing from people who are traveling through the area.

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Wired for Story: The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence

Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel (Before You Waste Three Years Writing 327 Pages That Go Nowhere)

Story or Die: How to Use Brain Science to Engage, Persuade, and Change Minds in Business and in Life

Lisa Cron on the Misbelief of Your Protagonist and Why It Matters to Your Story

Thu, 11 May 2023 11:14:40 -0500

Lisa Cron is no fan of how the writing world teaches writers to craft stories. She has several beefs with the standard ways novel writing is taught, including starting your project with "plotting." In this episode, Lisa offers a fresh, practical perspective on the key to writing a compelling story. Lisa has written three books on story, including Wired for Story, Story Genius, and Story or Die. She has worked in publishing at W.W. Norton, as an agent at the Angela Rinaldi Literary Agency, as a producer on shows for Showtime and Court TV, and as a story analyst for Warner Brothers and the William Morris Agency.

Great Moments in the Episode

(5:06) The two things that the writing world has gotten wrong about writing stories.

(7:00) Page one of the novel is the first page of the second half of the novel.

(10:05) The biggest lie that the writing world tells you: "Use backstory sparingly and only when the reader needs to know something."

(14:25) What are "misbeliefs" and the importance of knowing the origin story of the misbeliefs of your main character.

(19:20) The art of writing is to take what is inchoate ... and put it into language.

(25:35) Story structure is a byproduct of a story well told. And the story polishes the prose, not the other way around.

(30:01) Story is story, whether you're writing nonfiction, a memoir, or fiction.

(39:03) The mark of a writer is being able to throw stuff away.

(43:08) Words of the Episode

Pluviophile - someone who loves rain and rainy days - and the fresh smell of rain.

Mercurial - subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.

Visit Lisa's Website

Wired for Story Website

Lisa's Books

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Cristen Iris on Thinking Like a Filmmaker When Writing Your Memoir

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 17:41:59 -0500

Ultimately, your memoir is not about you. It's about the reader. And what the reader takes away from spending hours, even days reading your book. In this practical episode, Cristen Iris gives memoir writers a clear path to writing a memoir that gets read. Cristen is an award-winning ghostwriter, developmental editor, and publishing consultant who specializes in working with high achievers on commercially viable nonfiction and upmarket fiction projects.

Great Moments in the Episode

(6:04) The importance of focusing on why you want to write a memoir

(9:05) The challenge of writing survival memoirs - cancer and divorce

(18:27) How you know that you have enough material for a memoir and the importance of vulnerability

(23:45) How to think about which structure will work for your memoir

(31:24) The two types of writers and how each approaches writing a memoir

(35:51) The difference between creating suspense and pacing - and how to use both in your writing

(37:28) What a "scene" is and why creating scenes are so important

(41:36) The difference between backstory and exposition and how to write better dialogue

(45:20) A memoir is not really about you, it's about the reader

(46:17) Words of the Episode

Jetsam - the part of a ship's cargo or equipment that is thrown overboard to lighten the load in a storm

Prorogue - to discontinue a legislative session without dissolving it entirely

Visit Cristen's Website

https://cristeniris.com/

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https://www.instagram.com/emilyengerwrites/

Emily Enger on Good Enough Book Marketing for Fiction and Creative Writers

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 15:48:02 -0500

Most writers simply want to write and publish. And not have to deal with the hassle of social media and selling their book. In this episode with book marketing coach Emily Enger, she introduces the concept of "good enough" book marketing. She says that writers should focus on the writing first and foremost, putting "your perfectionism marbles in that corner."

Great Moments in the Episode

(4:18) How marketing a fiction book is different from marketing a nonfiction book.

(6:54) The essence of good enough book marketing.

(7:13) Emily defines what marketing is.

(9:20) How authors must create a personal brand.

(14:07) What is the "awkward newsletter" and how not to create one.

(20:37) A short history of publishing and the emergence of the "indie" author.

(24:59) Emily sets expectations on how many copies a book will sell.

(26:35) Some powerful sales strategies for fiction and creative writers who have some resources to spend.

(34:39) How to select some early or beta readers for your book.

(37:40) How minimalist marketing can create natural momentum if the writing is exceptional.

(49:28) Words of the Episode

Raconteur - a person who excels in telling anecdotes, a spinner of yarns

Sobriquet - a person's nickname

Follow Emily on Instagram

Visit Emily's Website

https://emilyenger.com/

Visit Emily on Substack

https://goodenoughbookmarketing.substack.com/

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View Your Time Set Aside for Writing as Sacred

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 17:33:05 -0600

The word sacred is not too lofty of a word to describe your time set aside to write. In this episode, Melissa and Dave co-opt a religious term and apply it to the time set apart to write.

Great Moments in the Episode

(1:49) Dave's progress: his daughter is picking up the sport of lacrosse in high school.

(4:39) Melissa's progress: she launched her website for Megillicutti, something she has wanted to do for years.

(8:03) How the idea for this episode came up in our research for a workshop on writing rituals.

(10:35) Some may use the word sacred to describe the kind of writing, but we use it to describe the act of writing itself.

(13:52) Sacred is the opposite of secular. The secular in in our lives is the grind, the daily parts of life - making dinner for the kids, attending sporting events, attending meetings - and everything that we do to make our way in this world.

(17:45) So much of our lives flows towards utility - exchanging time for money or for survival.

(22:37) Your sacred time for writing may not look like actual writing. It might be a long meditative walk or a visit to a museum.

(26:23) No one is coming to save you; no one will help you set aside sacred time to write. It's on you.

(29:12) The role of rituals in creating sacred space for you to write.

(36:46) Words of the Episode

Apricity - the warmth of the sun in winter

cynosure - a person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration

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Follow Dave on 2 Guys and a River

https://2guysandariver.com/

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https://www.instagram.com/megillicutti/

Rosanne Bane on How to Overcome Writer’s Block

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 19:38:33 -0600

In this extensive interview, Rosanne Bane helps writer's unlock their resistance to write. Author of "Around the Writer's Block," she explains the science behind our procrastination and excuses, and provides practical tips to get back on track.

Great Moments in the Episode

(3.30) The story of a woman in France in 1906 with a brain injury and how her response to pain illustrates conscious and unconscious memory.

(8:08) Rosanne discusses how, traditionally, the brain is thought to be made up of three main areas.

(11:06) Rosanne says that we don't need to know the why of writer's block to overcome it.

(13:41) How writing rituals put you in the right state of mind to write.

(15:40) The different cues that you may use for your writing ritual.

(24:01) "If you want to write well, you have got to be willing to write crap."

(24:58) The difference between process writing and product writing.

(34:04) The six stages of the writing process.

(46:17) The importance of separating writing from publishing.

(51:38) Words of the Episode

Jebel

Equipoise

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Book: https://baneofyourresistance.com/around-the-writers-block-book/

Follow Rosanne Bane

Blog: https://baneofyourresistance.com/

Bryan Cohen on How to Sell Your Self Published Book with Amazon Ads

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 14:39:20 -0600

Bryan Cohen is Da Guru when it comes to selling your book with Amazon ads. In this practical interview, Bryan gives us the inside scoop on how self-published authors can use Amazon ads to promote their books and other products and services. Bryan, the founder of "Author Ad School," is a USA Today bestselling author. He is also CEO of "Best Page Forward" and the author of many fiction and nonfiction books.

Great Moments in the Episode

(4.10) How Bryan used fictionalized characters to engage the reader on an emotional level with his nonfiction books

(6:20) Bryan's writing rituals

(9:15) Bryan explains what an Amazon ad is and how it works

(14:00) How Amazon is unique in that if you set a low enough bid, Amazon won't spend all your budget

(19:19) How specific targeting helps you find the right audience for your book, including book titles, author names, and key words

(22:34) How writing a fiction series can benefit you with Amazon ads

(24:34) How nonfiction authors can promote courses and services with Amazon ads

(26:59) The importance of growing your email list

(29:30) Using a QR code in your nonfiction book to get people to visit your website

(30:08) How Bryan thinks about social media as it relates to his publishing strategy

(33:59) Where to go to create your first Amazon ad

(35:50) Managing your expectations with your first Amazon ads

(41:08) Words of the Episode

Obdurate

Ineffable

90 Day Cohort Coaching Intensives

Be sure to check out our 90 day cohort coaching intensives for writers who want professional editorial expertise to complete their writing project.

Visit https://www.journeysixty6.com/cohort-coaching-intensives for more information.

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https://thewriteengle.com/

About Bryan Cohen

Podcast: https://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/

How to Get Started with Amazon ads: https://www.authorsadvertise.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryancohenblurbs/

Website: https://bryancohen.com/

Novelist Jaimie Engel on Becoming a Romcom Screenwriter

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 15:07:50 -0600

In this interview with youth fantasy fiction and non-fiction writer Jaimie Engle, she describes her journey to become a RomCom screenplay writer.

Great Moments in this Episode

(4:30) How Jaime made a surprise connection to an attorney in the film industry during what she calls the Apocalypse (the first couple years of Covid)

(6:00) Her decision to take a Zoom class on "How to write the Christmas RomCom"

(8:20) The moment Jaime heard the news that she had landed a contract for her first screen play

(9:25) What Jaime learned from the screenwriting class that she applied to her writing

(11:40) The importance of cliffhangers in any kind of writing

(16:35) What inspired the idea for the RomCom

(17:54) The definition of a logline in screenwriting

(19:24) How to write dialogue for a screenplay

( 21:32) The hardest thing to remember when writing a screenplay

(36:38) Words of the Episode: freudenfreude and preternatural

Visit Jaimie Engle's website

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