#88: "Outline First" and Other Rules You Should Break
Many writers have fixed ideas about the best ways to write and finish a story. But they don’t work for every writer. And in many instances, they don’t even work for the writers who swear by them. So in this episode, I'm going to challenge 3 common rules I hear over and over, and give you a different perspective to try on. Episode Website Links mentioned in this episode: Episode 11: How to Make Time to Write When You Have No Time Splendid Spoon - Plant-based, feel-good food rea...
3 Maj 202219min
#87: Four Writing Myths Holding You Back
There’s no shortage of writing advice. Especially in the online space. Google is not the best gatekeeper. And some FB groups are doling out conflicting advice, canned advice, bad advice. Writers hear the same advice so often, a lot of them have come to regard them as the only way to craft a story. But these are often half baked ideas that are keeping you from moving forward. They’re taking you totally in the wrong direction. They’re myths. Myths about plot and struct...
26 Apr 202223min
#86: Five Reasons You Have Writer's Block and How to Break Through It
We all hit a block at some point in the writing process, even the best of us. Accomplished writers know how to navigate that impasse, to notice when and why they're getting blocked, so that they can move through it. But so many writers get stuck there, and they can't move forward. In this episode, we'll explore five reasons you may be experiencing writer's block. And you'll learn some strategies to blast through it. Episode Website Links mentioned in this episode: Episode 20: Four Ways You...
19 Apr 202223min
#85: How to Get Back into the Writing Zone After a Really Long Break
Between careers, kids, and everything else life throws our way, sometimes we have to step back from our writing. Sometimes for months. Sometimes for years. So, how do you get back to your writing after a long hiatus? In today’s episode, I'm sharing strategies I’ve used to get back into the writing zone after an extended break. You'll also learn the secret to staying motivated, plus how to create an environment that supports your writing. Episode Website Link Mentioned: Downlo...
12 Apr 202225min
#84: How to Keep Writing After Rejection
Rejection never feels good. And it can throw our entire identity as a writer into doubt. The question is… How do you get your confidence back? So that you can get back to work? In this episode, you'll learn 4 strategies to get back on track. So you can stop identifying with the rejection and become a more resilient and skilled writer. We'll also cover why even good books are rejected by publishers, and why you, as an unknown debut author, has an advantage. Episode Website Not su...
5 Apr 202220min
#83: Four Ways to Open Your Story
Your story opening is your only chance to hook your reader. So you want to start strong. It doesn’t matter if the middle of your story is brilliant. Or your second chapter is fantastic. It doesn't matter if your story starts picking up speed 7 pages in. Readers won’t wait for that. In today’s episode, I’m going to break down 4 story openings to spark some ideas. So you can craft a story opening that keeps readers longing to read more. Episode Website Not sure if your idea ...
29 Mars 202229min
#82: How to Write Fiction That Feels True
What makes a piece of writing feel false? What makes it feel true? Why does it move us? Or fail to? How do we drop readers directly into a character’s experience so that they become the character and go on the journey with them? In this episode, you'll borrow 3 acting techniques for writing stories that feel more real, more believable, and more true. Episode Website Download your FREE Character Questionnaire Also Listen to: Episode 81: Story Details: What to Leave In, What to ...
22 Mars 202223min
#81: Story Details: What to Leave In, What to Leave Out
Details are the lifeblood of your story. And writing is all about the selection of those details. But how do you decide which details matter? When we sit down to write, we’re often bombarded with too many details. We’re in this constant and brutal battle with the facts of our experience, the details of the world, and the needs of our story. The question we must continually ask is, What do I leave in? What do I leave out? But selecting the right story details is easier than y...
15 Mars 202216min
