WriterSpark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing

1. Reasons Why Every Author Needs an Editor

Episode 40 Every writer needs an editor, but do you know why and what they do for you?Do you know what editors do and what different types of edits mean? Developmental. Substantive. Line. Copy. They each have their own purposes.As well as being an author, writing coach and instructor, and cover art designer, I am also a freelance editor. Today I'm talking with Donalee Moulton, who is also an author and freelance editor. This episode is chock full of great information. Enjoy! Check out the Ready,

Nov 22,2023 58:17

2. Use these 8 Strategies to Get Past Writer’s Block

Episode 39 Every writer gets stuck now and then. It's part of the journey. Getting stuck doesn't mean you need to stop, though, and it isn't just about pushing through. I have 8 strategies to help get you past 'Writer's Block' so you can move forward with your writing. (Read along on the WriterSpark blog) Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/) Book

Nov 11,2023 08:55

3. You NEED these 11 Tips to CRUSH NaNoWriMo

Episode 38 National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is HERE, and writers all over have jumped into this exciting challenge. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a seasoned writer, National Novel Writing Month may be just the special (not-so-secret) sauce you need to get motivated. If you are taking this writing challenge, you're in for a whirlwind of creativity, inspiration, and, yes, probably a little bit (or maybe even a lot) of madness. I have tips to help you CRUSH NaNoWriMo. (Read along

Nov 02,2023 13:54

4. Interview (Not Interrogation) Techniques for Fiction Writers

Episode 37 George Cramer spent years as a PI and Police Officer (turned writer), and many hours interviewing (not interrogating!) victims, suspects, and witnesses during investigations. Join me for this interesting conversation with George where he shares anecdotes, techniques, and tips for fiction writers. Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/) Boo

Oct 25,2023 59:41

5. Turning True Crime into Thrilling Fiction

Episode 36Join me for a captivating podcast interview with Eryk Pruitt, the author of Something Bad Wrong, a gripping novel inspired by an unsolved true crime case from the 1970s in North Carolina. We talked about the fusion of fact and fiction in this great interview. Get ready for an insightful and intriguing conversation! ️‍♂️ Learn more about WriterSpark's Writing a Novel Online Course ➤https://bit.ly/How-To-Write-A-Novel-Course A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Oct 15,2023 47:30

6. Using Your Real-Life as an Influence in Your Writing

Episode 35 Marjory McCown Final Cut Signed Copy Giveaway! If you’d like to enter for a chance to win, go HERE:https://forms.gle/8PkJnGUYtRqZQfu97 How do you use your real-life as an influence in your writing? Marjorie McCown did just that in her book, Final Cut. She was a costume designer in Hollywood for 30 years and she used experiences from her own life in her book as she created the fictional world of her protagonist, costume designer Joey Jessop. If you’ve wondered how to incorporate part o

Oct 06,2023 51:22

7. 10 Reasons to Read and Write Cozy Mysteries

Episode 34 If you've ever thought about writing a cozy mystery, this WriterSpark Podcast episode is for you! The mystery genre is huge, and cozy mysteries are a pretty special part of it. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 reasons to read and write cozy mysteries. What makes them so popular? Listen to find out! Learn more about how to write a cozy mystery with WriterSpark's self-paced online course ➤https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writerspar

Sep 29,2023 19:18

8. Learn All About Audiobook Production and Narration

Episode 33 Have you ever wondered what audiobook production and narration entails for an author? If you haven't, this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast is for you! Audiobooks can be a huge asset to an author's bottom line. There is a lot to learn, and that's what we're talking about in today with author and audiobook narrator Mary Castillo. She has great tips and resources about the audiobook arm of the publishing industry. A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ready, S

Aug 29,2023 01:09:56

9. Extraordinary Attorney Woo’s Hero’s Journey

Episode 32 Books. Movies. TV shows. Most of them are structured using at least some, if not all, of the elements of The Hero's Journey. That includes Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the Netflix original South Korean show. This is one of my favorite things to watch on television. It's smart, heartwarming, poignant, interesting, romantic, and I love it! From the ratings and success, I'm definitely not the only one who thinks so. This episode is a quick breakdown of The Hero's Journey using episode one

Aug 23,2023 13:44

10. How to Avoid Getting Stuck With Your Writing

Episode 31 Whether you call it writer's block or simply getting stuck, the feeling of not being able to keep writing is very real. Certain strategies and tactics can help you get past the wall that sometimes appears and interferes with your forward progress. Today I'm in conversation with author Anne Louise Bannon, author of the Operation Quickline, the Old Los Angeles series and the brand new Running from Boston techno-thriller. Anne offers several strategies to help work past that sense of wr

Aug 10,2023 58:55

11. Writing a Memoir: Tips and Processes to Tell Your Story

Episode 30 Everyone has a story to tell. Robin Schepper turned her story and the search for her biological father into her book: Finding My Way, A Memoir of Family, Identity, & Political Ambition. In this episode, we talk about writing a memoir with tips and processes to tell your story. We talk about Robin's writing process, delving into the past, developing themes in a braided memoir, her memoir-writing tips, and more. If the thought of writing a memoir intrigues you, you will find this episod

Jul 25,2023 48:40

12. How to Start Your Book: ’In Media Res’ or with a Wide Lens

Episode 29 In this craft topic episode, I'm talking about different ways to begin your book, scene, or chapter: 'In media res' or with a wide-lens view. Have you ever thought about the opening scenes of movies? If you pay attention, you will start to notice how they often begin with a sort of wide-angle view of the world in which the story takes place. A QUICK LOOK AT MOVIES, BOOKS, and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Star Wars, Episode IVFlour in the Attic (https://amzn.to/3pQZxpN)Ender's Ga

Jul 17,2023 25:23

13. 8 Secrets from Science to Fire Up Your Readers’ Brain

Episode 28 Seeing things from a new perspective can really give you a new way of seeing and internalizing things. That’s how I felt after reading Bill Birchard’s new book Writing for Impact: 8 Secrets from Science to Fire Up Your Readers’ Brain. This book really hit home for me on so many levels. There are a ton of craft books out there, but this one is different. It’s science-based, for one, and it gives a new vernacular and a new understanding of what most writers already do. The fundamental p

Jul 12,2023 01:00:37

14. Revise your Manuscript like a Boss!

Episode 27 Love it or hate it, revision is an essential part of the writing process. Today, I'm sharing my four steps for revising your manuscript like a boss! After 32 books, I've distilled how I revise into this process. Wherever you stand on the revision, I hope today's episode gives you something to add to your process. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:Big Magic when you're writingFour steps for revising your manuscript Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. A QUICK LOOK AT

Jul 03,2023 28:26

15. How to Introduce the Protagonist in your Book

Episode 26 Figuring out how to introduce your protagonist (and sleuth) can be a real challenge. In today's episode, Melissa discusses this craft topic with author Zara Altair. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:The protagonist in the ordinary worldNot getting hung up on the beginningDiving in with action A QUICK LOOK AT THE BOOK MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Used Virgin, an Argolicus Mystery by Zara Altair RESOURCES ResourcesWriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.comSign up for the WriterSpark n

Jun 26,2023 35:18

16. Letting Go of Perfection & Five Hacks to Chase Away Negative Self-Talk

Episode 25 Here’s a great lesson. Whatever you do can be changed. Because things evolve and nothing is perfect the first time around. That’s what today’s episode is all about. We're talking about the importance of letting go of the idea of perfection and remembering that you can change, improve, revise, or enhance anything. On the flip-side, we also need to banish negative self-talk, which can stem from not being perfect out of the gate. I have five hacks to help you chase away that negative sel

Jun 20,2023 13:44

17. How to Tackle Your Financial Life as an Author

Episode 24 Finances for authors. It’s not the most appealing topic for people who spend their time with words…but wherever you are on your writing path, it’s never too early to start thinking about how to tackle your financial life as an author. Managing your expenses, especially in relation to current and/or future profits--or even just knowing what you are spending--is pretty important.Honing in on what’s most worth spending money on is vital. With all of the resources out there, it’s easy to

May 23,2023 48:21

18. Going into Deep Point of View by Adding Thought, Emotion, Action, and Decision in your Writing

Episode 23 Today's WriterSpark episode is about deep point of view and how to incorporate it into your fiction writing. Deep point of view is a concept that can be hard to explain and hard to understand. But you CAN master it if you use these four elements as you write your scenes: EmotionThoughtActionDecision Today I'm showing you exactly how to do that through examples. Take a listen! I'd love to hear if this helped you understand the concept. Leave a comment! Please like and follow this podca

Apr 28,2023 22:55

19. Writing from a Perspective that’s Different from your Own

Episode 22 Who says you can't write from a woman's perspective if you're a man? Or from a man's perspective as a woman? Writing is about understanding people, and not just people who look and sound and live like you. Today's conversation is about just this: writing from a perspective that is different from your own, whether that means gender, race, or ethnicity. Join me in conversation with John DeDakis, author of the Lark Chadwick mystery series. John is a former White House correspondent and f

Apr 03,2023 40:20

20. Publishing Your First Book with the Wisdom and Experience of Age

Episode 21 Publishing is a tough industry no matter what age you are. Author Martha Anne Toll's award-winning book, Three Muses, was published when she was 64 years old. Today I am in conversation with her to talk about what it means to publish your first book as an older person--because with age comes wisdom, experience, and perspective.I loved having this conversation with Martha and I know you will enjoy listening to it and learning about her very fascinating career, her book Three Muses, and

Mar 01,2023 34:58

21. How to Make the Shift from Writing One Genre to Another

Episode 20 Making the shift from writing in one genre to another...or from genre fiction to a traditional fiction category...can be daunting. As writers, we sometimes feel as if we are going to be stuck in the genre in which we started. Or we may think we'll never want to make a change. In this episode, USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle and I have an insightful conversation about this topic, specifically how to make the shift from writing in one genre to another. She's done with her newe

Feb 19,2023 53:19

22. The Importance of Creating Diverse Characters in your Stories

Episode 19 As writers, creating diverse fictional worlds that reflect the world and communities we live in is so important. And it is a conversation we don't have nearly often enough.Cozy mystery author VM (Valerie) Burns and I talked about this (among other things) on this episode of the WriterSpark podcast. Valerie and I talked about the importance of adding diversity to your cast of characters. It's essential to have conversations like these so we all learn how to represent races and cultures

Jan 17,2023 57:04

23. How Weather Can Play an Important Part in Your Writing

Episode 18 Weather can be an Important Part of Fiction Writing and no one does it better than Katherine Ramsland. Katherine is one accomplished woman. She holds multiple graduate degrees and currently teaches forensic psychology at DeSales University in Pennsylvania, where she is also the Assistant Provost. Listen to this. Katherine has appeared as an expert in criminal psychology on more than 200 crime documentaries and magazine shows. She is an executive producer of Murder House Flip, and she

Jan 08,2023 50:03

24. Tools to Mine the Depths of Your Characters

Episode 17 As writers, we are always learning and filling our virtual toolboxes with new information. It's how we continue to grow as writers. In today's episode, I'm chatting with Leslie Budewitz, who also writes as Alicia Beckman. Rants and free writing to channel characters are two of Leslie's Go To methods of mining the depths of her characters. Learn more about her tried and true methods. I came away with several new ideas, and you will, too! Please LIKE this episode, follow the podcast,

Dec 15,2022 44:41

25. What are Turning Points in a Story?

Episode 16 What are Turning Points in a Story? Are they necessary? What do they do? Let’s talk about it! Whether you are a plotter or a pantser, understanding certain components of storytelling will help you create a more engaging story, which keeps readers turning the pages. In today's episode we’re talking about one of these key components: Turning Points. The simplistic explanation of a Turning Point is that something in the story changes. While that is true, there is a lot more to it.You can

Dec 10,2022 17:19

26. Planning Your Book Like a Pro with Plottr

Episode 15 Every writer plots, we just do it differently. Some of us are meticulous. Some...not so much. Personally, I land somewhere in the middle on the plotting spectrum.Which is why I was so curious about how plotting software like Plottr can help someone like me. In this episode, I talk with Troy Lambert, an education specialist with Plottr, about different ways to use their software.I actually learned a lot and am excited to give the Plottr trial a go to see how it can work for me. Here's

Dec 07,2022 43:41

27. Using JournalisticTools (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) to Plan Your Novel

Episode 14 There is no shortage of plotting and planning methods when you're writing a book, but no matter where you are in your writing journey, you can learn new methods and who knows, maybe something will resonate. In this episode, I talk with historical mystery writer, Dianne Freeman, about her use of journalistic tools (who, what, when, where, why, and how) in her planning and plotting process.Take a listen, and happy writing! Please LIKE this episode, follow the podcast, and leave a revi

Nov 30,2022 37:46

28. Three Tips for Writing Compelling Characters

Episode 13 There are a lot of strategies for creating compelling characters in fiction. I have three tips for you to consider. These are, by no means, the only ways to help bring your characters alive. Part of it is about Stimulus; Response; and Result. Take a listen, and happy writing! Download the Cheat Sheet: Three Tips for Writing Great Characters Cheat Sheet. Please LIKE this episode, follow the podcast, and leave a review! I appreciate you! Join me on WriterSpark: Tips and Tricks for Fict

Nov 19,2022 12:24

29. Adding Myth and Lore to the Novels you Write

Episode 12Adding Myth and Lore to the Novels you Write Author Julia Buckley writes the Hungarian Tea Shop cozy mystery series. She embeds myth and lore to her stories through setting, character history, and memories. Why should writers think about how to do this? I believe it adds depth to a story and layers to characters.Take a listen to my chat with Julia and be inspired to dig into myth and lore. Please LIKE this episode, follow the podcast, and leave a review! I appreciate you! ResourcesSig

Nov 11,2022 42:37

30. Core Qualities of the Reluctant Hero in Fiction Writing

Episode 11What is a reluctant hero? The answer to that question is very simple. A reluctant hero is someone who does not set out to act heroically, but ends up doing so. They are often considered an "ordinary man (person)" who is a reluctant participant in a story. They don't want to be heroes, but they end up being heroes anyway. There are several core qualities most compelling reluctant heroes share.Keep listening for more! If you'd like to follow along, read the blog post, and Please LIKE thi

Nov 04,2022 16:37

31. The Hero’s Journey through the lens of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Episode 10 Have you looked at The Hero's Journey through the lens of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief? If not, you are in the right place because that is exactly what I do in this podcast.One of the best ways to really begin to internalize the steps and importance of The Hero's Journey in writing is to analyze books and movies that use the story structure. Disney and Pixar movies offer particularly strong examples of this story structure in action. Watching movies and breaking down the Hero

Oct 26,2022 29:20

32. How to Research and Write Historical Mysteries

Episode 9How to Research and Write Historical MysteriesWriting historical mystery books--or any novel, for that matter--is no easy feat. It takes time, research, a desire to learn about the era about which you are writing,And if you want to write a real showstopper, you have to fully immerse yourself. Heather RedmondHeather Redmond knows just how to do the research required to write truly authentic novels. She is the author of the Dickens of a Crime series with Kensington. Heather's TipsHeather

Oct 24,2022 25:59

33. Creating Workable Systems for Writers to Elevate Your Career

Episode 8Creating workable systems for writers is a clear and strategic way to elevate your writing career. As a creative, my brain doesn't naturally skew toward creating systems. Being an author is one thing, but elevating that writing career to a business that earns in the 6 figures is a different ballgame for most of us.Prolific USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has figured out just how to do this--to go from an author to a savvy businesswoman running Tonya Kappes Books. She has eleva

Oct 20,2022 01:10:20

34. Lessons Fiction Writers can learn from the Hollywood Writer’s Room

Episode 7WriterSpark: Tips and Tricks for Fiction Writers PodcastHow writers in a writer's room write is different from fiction writers. But there are lots of lessons to be learned from those writer's rooms.Really, wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall in a Hollywood Writer's Room? I would! RealityUnfortunately, most of us don't get that chance, but mystery author Ellen Byron spent years in a variety of Writer's Rooms. On the podcast today, she is sharing lessons she learned from those exper

Oct 17,2022 29:02

35. My Author Origin Story

Episode 6All authors were unpublished, aspiring authors at one point.All authors started at the beginning. They all have an origin story. How did they get their start? What was their path to publication? InspirationThese stories can be inspiring. Motivating. Whether it’s the Joker’s, Batman’s, or our own, they are all meaningful. WriterSparkWriterSpark is me…I am WriterSpark. Today I am sharing my origin story. I started my writing journey in the early ’90s, but my first book wasn’t published un

Oct 16,2022 26:05

36. How to Excel at Plotting your Fiction Novel

Episode 5How to Plot your Fiction NovelSo how, exactly, do you plot a fiction novel? Bestselling author Libby Klein has some plotting 101 tips that are invaluable.Plotting Versus PantsingPlotting versus pantsing is a popular topic. Everyone has their own process, and there is no one way to do things when it comes to writing. The most important thing is to figure out what works for you. In this EpisodeIn this episode, author Libby Klein joins me to talk through her plotting process, her love of c

Oct 14,2022 56:29

37. How to Add Humor to your Writing

Episode 4Do you know how to add humor to your writing?You don't have to be a side-splitting funny person to be able to add humor to your writing. You don't even need to be funny at all.So what do you need?You just need to understand the techniques needed to add humor to your writing and you'll be golden.Scott SeditaThere are a lot of ways you can approach humor. Scott Sedita's Eight Characters of Comedy is one way to create characters with that sole intention. His Eight Characters of Comedy are

Sep 27,2022 26:34

38. Outlining while Still Writing by the Seat of your Pants

Episode 3 Outlining while Still Writing by the Seat of your PantsOutlining (or plotting) seems opposite of writing by the seat of your pants. In a lot of ways it is. But it doesn't have to be. See how they work together. In this episode, I'm talking with bestselling mystery and suspense author Daryl Wood Gerber about how these two methods of writing actually work hand-in-hand.FirstFirst of all, are you a plotter or a pantser? Most writers fall somewhere in between. Plotting can be a roadmap, all

Sep 22,2022 40:16

39. How do you Write a Compelling Villain?

Episode 2How do you Write a Convincing Villain?The villain is just as important as the hero. In fact, in the WriterSpark Ready, Set, WRITE! course, I recommend starting with the villain to ensure complexity. In This EpisodeIn this episode, Melissa chats with author Annette Dashofy about her tips to writing a compelling villain. Annette gives several tips on writing villains. Definitely keep them in mind as you write yours. Listen Now! Please LIKE this episode, follow the podcast, and leave a rev

Sep 22,2022 28:23

40. Tips for Writing Historical Mysteries

Episode 2How to Research and Write Historical MysteriesWriting historical mystery books--or any novel, for that matter--is no easy feat. It takes time, research, a desire to learn about the era about which you are writing,And if you want to write a real showstopper, you have to fully immerse yourself. Heather RedmondHeather Redmond knows just how to do the research required to write truly authentic novels. She is the author of the Dickens of a Crime series with Kensington. Heather's TipsHeather

Sep 21,2022 25:42

41. Writing Your Bliss Rather than Following the Market

Episode 1Writing your Bliss Rather than Writing to the MarketWriting your bliss rather than writing to the market may not be easy to do. It's tempting to want to write to the market. If you do that, however, you risk:being uninspired by your own plotboring readers because they will sense the lack of inspirationyour writing lacking authenticityyour readers sensing that lack of authenticity Follow Your HeartIn this episode, Melissa chats with mystery writer, Brook Peterson, about 'Writing Your Bli

Sep 20,2022 31:35

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