#152: Should You Self Publish Or Go The Traditional Route?
Should you self publish? Or traditionally publish? In this episode, we'll weigh the pros and cons of both. So you can make an informed decision on which publishing path is right for you. We'll cover: What steps to expect as a traditional authorHow much time it takes to bring a self-published book vs. a traditionally published bookUpfront costs self publishers shouldn't ignoreRoyalties (and why marketing and distribution are key to sales)A side by side comparison of incom...
8 Aug 202322min
#151: How Objects Create Stronger Storytelling
The mark of a great story is specificity. And to make your writing pop, you want to bring concrete details into the scene. In last week's episode, we talked about setting a scene in a particular place. And each particular place - whether it's a room, a yard, or an alley - will have objects. In this episode, we're going to talk about objects to give your story more muscularity and vividness. We'll explore 3 different types of objects and the various purposes each play in a scene...
1 Aug 202323min
#150: How To Build Multi-Dimensional Story Settings
In story, setting is an essential yet often under-used element. Setting allows for the interaction between characters and their environment, weaving together a vivid world. In this episode, I’ll share 4 ways to bring vivid, multi-dimensional settings to your scenes. We’ll explore how setting influences character development and gives the reader an immersive experience. So that the setting doesn’t serve as mere backdrop, but transports readers into the world of your story. Epis...
25 Juli 202324min
#149: 5 Essential Elements To Make A Scene
What undermines an otherwise compelling story? Poorly written scenes. So, how can you write more captivating, impactful and structured scenes? In this episode, you'll learn 5 essential elements that make a scene, along with an example to illustrate. We'll cover: What a scene is (and what it's not)The difference between scenes and chapters, and why I recommend writing in scenes first Different types of action that give a scene immediacyHow setting each scene's intention ...
18 Juli 202329min
#148: 3 Guidelines For Writing Riveting Dialogue
How do you write dialogue that doesn’t feel artificial, cliche or dull? How do you use dialogue to create character depth, subtlety and originality? Conversation that’s not over the top dramatic or overly direct, and yet absolutely riveting. In today’s episode, we’ll go over 3 questions to guide you in writing dialogue that has readers hanging on every word. We'll cover: Why using dialogue to advance your plot is the wrong approachWhy what's not being said is just as important as wha...
11 Juli 202319min
#147: How Uncertainty During The Writing Process Helps You Write Better Stories
Paralyzed by uncertainty during the writing process? In this episode, learn why uncertainty is every great writer's secret weapon. You'll learn why uncertainty is vital to the creative process, and how to court, even intensify uncertainty to write your most riveting work. Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in just three simple steps. You’ll walk away with a one-sentence premise you can bu...
4 Juli 202317min
#146: 5 Ways To Fine Tune Character Voice
How do you give your characters a distinct, unmistakable voice? What people say and how they say it is a big part of character development. And each character has a unique way of speaking, thinking, and interacting. In this episode, we'll go over 5 ways to bring your characters' voices to life. To make them distinct, magnetic, believable, and memorable. These elements help bring authenticity and depth to your characters by reflecting their cultural backgrounds, age, experiences, and ...
27 Juni 202323min
#145: Four Levels To Deeper Character Development
In this episode, you're going to go beneath the surface of your characters. We'll go 4 levels deep, starting on the surface, and moving a level deeper until we get to your character's truest self. The self he's trying so hard to hide, suppress, and protect. This will bring multi-dimension, complexity, and believability to your characters. Even if your reader doesn't relate to your character's external situation, or their particular plot problems, they will connect in every way to their...
20 Juni 202324min
