Beating around the Book

An in depth look at my experience with Authors AI.  *Some of the links below are affiliate. You get the same price and support me and indie bookshops at the same time! Yay! Book Nook Segment: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Resources Mentioned: Your Mom Writes Books Authors.ai

Even if you're not in the place you think you want to be with your writing or reading, maybe nothing has gone wrong, maybe you're exactly where you need to be.

Looking for good book recommendations? Here's a quick update on the best books I've read since October. *Links below are affiliate. You get the same price and support me and indie bookshops at the same time! Yay! #5. Vinegar Girl by Anne Taylor https://bookshop.org/widgets.js #4. Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards https://bookshop.org/widgets.js #3. Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson https://bookshop.org/widgets.js #2. Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas https://bookshop.org/widgets.js #1. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Other Books Mentioned: Bossypants by Tina Fey Dear Girls by Ali Wong Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling Go Ask Ali by Ali Wentworth Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey     Want more book recommendations? Check out this episodes for more ideas! What Readers Want and How to Get Kids to Read with Janssen Bradshaw

Making your story entertaining isn't just your only hope of anyone reading it, it's also your job as writer, your only job. Entertainment is the reason we're all here. *The links below are affiliates. If you enjoy my work, please consider using my links and supporting me and at no extra cost to you. Book Nook Book: https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Me Before You Sara B. Larson Links: Website  Instagram  Other Books Mentioned: https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Defy  https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Humor, Seriously 

  No one wants to read your book, that's why you'll have to make them. Step one: Make it readable. Grammar, sentence structure, and spelling aren't sexy, but they are essential in grabbing your readers and holding on till the last page. Resources: https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Eats, Shoots and Leaves Pro Writing Aid Other Mentions: Writing Excuses 16.27  Jenna Moreci - 10 Worst Writing Quirks

Three ways to reward yourself to success when arbitrary punishments and false deadlines are letting you down. *The links below are affiliates. If you enjoy my work, please consider using my links and supporting me and at no extra cost to you. :) Books Mentioned: https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Hyperbole and a Half  https://bookshop.org/widgets.js The Little Book of Hygge Resources Mentioned: How to Get Your Butt in the Chair and Keep it There (Beating around the Book Season 1 Ep. 31)

It's been said that every story has already been told. If that's true how do we keep telling stories? One way is with retellings and inspired by's and author Tiana Smith is here to tell us all about it.  This post contains some affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase may be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. Book to Movie Club: Holes https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Post Tiana's Books: Match Me If You Can https://bookshop.org/widgets.js How To Speak Boy https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Find Tiana: Website Instagram Twitter

  Bee and I talk about why artists seem to be tortured souls, if there is any truth to the stereotype, and if we think it truly helps in the work. This post contains some affiliate links. If you click on the link a small percentage of your purchase may be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and other amazing businesses! TBR Segment: Evvie Drake Starts Over https://bookshop.org/widgets.js The Oysterville Sewing Circle https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Lovely War https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Oona Out of Order https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Other Mentions: Episode with Janssen Bradshaw Big Magic https://bookshop.org/widgets.js

Three suggestions for getting over creative block, and they're more fun than you might think! This post contains some affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase may be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and other amazing businesses! Book Nook: Things You Save In a Fire https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Resources and Websites Mentioned: Shonda Rhimes Masterclass Matthew Walker Masterclass Dan Brown Masterclass Thomas Edison, Power Napping Article Thomas Edison's Secret Trick to Maximize His Creativity by Falling Asleep Article From Thomas Edison to Winston Churchill Here are the Sleeping Habits of 12 Great Leaders Article

Whether you've seen Bridgerton or not this episode discusses actionable ideas for staying true to your characters, specifically in the portrayal of sex scenes. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase may be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Bookish Inspirations:  A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow https://bookshop.org/widgets.js A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow Made Me Do It (Post) Traditional Cuban Rice Pudding Other Websites/ Articles Mentioned: N. K. Jemisin Master Class Health.cleaveland.org WebMD Womansday.com

If you ever get stuck in the middle of a story here's some ideas and suggestions that could help! This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Book Nook: Northern Spy https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Other Books: Save The Cat https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Save The Cat Writes a Novel https://bookshop.org/widgets.js The Nutshell Technique https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Other Resources Mentioned: 10 Minute Writers Workshop 10 Writing Excuses 10:27 Jessica Brody's Udemy Course The Nutshell Technique Youtube

I've been binging the 10 Minute Writers Workshop. Here's some favorite advice so far, with my two cents tacked on, of course. ;) This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Book Nook: Holes https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Other Resources Mentioned: Writers Retreat

As creatives it can be easy to get in our heads about things like 'What if everyone hates it?' This episode explains why that probably won't happy, and why even if it does, it's not a problem. It's especially not your problem. *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Book Nook: The Light Between Oceans https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Other Resources Mentioned: Episode with Janssen Bradshaw JK Rowling Interview Shannon Hale

This episode is a quick look into what objectification is, why it's so important to stop it, especially in our industry, and what we can do about it. *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Beauty Redefined: Website Instagram Book - More Than a Body https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Brene Brown: Website Instagram Other sources mentioned: The New York Times Article  The 10 Minute Writers Workshop Podcast

If you're listening to this podcast you probably agree that reading should be fun, like Janssen does. As a book blogger, mom, and former elementary school librarian, she helps us tune into the needs of readers from young to old, and explains tips and tricks to promote reading for even the most stubborn opposers.  This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Find Janssen at: Everyday Reading Website/Blog Instagram Savvy Reading Book Nook Books: What Alice Forgot https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Would Like to Meet https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Lovely War https://bookshop.org/widgets.js

Best selling author Amy Harmon shares wonderful insights about her newest book, The Song Book of Benny Lament and answers questions about the disconnect that can happen between writing and storytelling and how to bridge the gap. Book Nook Book: The Song Book of Benny Lament https://bookshop.org/widgets.js

If you've ever been anxious or nervous about your work someone might tell you that you have Imposter Syndrome, but Imposter Syndrome is not your problem. *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Book Nook Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Other Books and Links: The Practice by Seth Godan https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Writing Wisdom from Amy Harmon on Beating around the Book Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome (Harvard Business Review) What Is Imposter Syndrome? (Very Well Mind) Imposter Syndrome (Wikipedia)

  Books and stories cover a wide range on the sex and intimacy scale from 'Erotic' to 'Clean' and Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, a licensed sex therapist, is here to help us explore that range and how it can intersect with and enrich our lives.  *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Book Nook: Outlander https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Edenbrooke https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Find Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-FIfe: Website https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-finlayson-fifes-podcast-archive/id1479472319 Instagram Other Resources:  Lisa Kleypas https://bookshop.org/widgets.js

Miranda Anderson is a creative lifestyle and practical minimalism expert AND she's a book lover like us. She opens up the bookish box to new ideas to use and think about books in your home and life. And offers suggestions on how to spread the love so that you and your family, friends, and community can enjoy the books you love more than ever before. *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Find Miranda: Live Free Creative Website Miranda's Book Miranda on Instagram Book Nook: The Read-Aloud Family https://bookshop.org/widgets.js

The romance myth is that everything is more fun and sexier if you DON'T plan it or talk about it. In this episode I breakdown why this is a lie, how this is impacting our stories and our communities, and what we can do about it. *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Book to Movie Club: The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Turkish Delight Recipe  Recommended Books: Talking to Strangers https://bookshop.org/widgets.js

Lindsay and Bee merge three methods to build a system for you to consistently get your butt in the chair and keep it there. So you can be successful with your writing and reading goals. *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Book Nook Books: The Power of Habit https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Atomic Habits https://bookshop.org/widgets.js The Science of Getting Started https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Bee's Book Recommendations: Start With Why https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Essentialism https://bookshop.org/widgets.js The Practice: Shipping Creative Work https://bookshop.org/widgets.js

Kim Tells us about her experience trunking her first novel, as well as resources and tips for finding new good reads over and over again. She is my book Guru! Where to Find Kim: Instagram Website Promptly Journals Kim's Favorite Books Spotlighted Bookstagrammers:   hereweeread Diversity and Inclusion Expert   Bookish and Black   Well-Read Black Girl   Books from Episode: *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love!   Becoming by Michelle Obama https://bookshop.org/widgets.js     The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas https://bookshop.org/widgets.js   Beach Read by Emily Henry https://bookshop.org/widgets.js   The Midnight Library by Matt Haig https://bookshop.org/widgets.js   The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton https://bookshop.org/widgets.js

Our book world is full of passionate readers and writers. But what do you do if you're having doubts? What happens when your craft gets hard or you're just feeling too busy to read or write? That can be discouraging and difficult. This pep talk will give you quotes and suggestions to offer a different perspective through your book troubles.  *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Books Mentioned Affiliate Links: The Boys in the Boat https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Unbroken https://bookshop.org/widgets.js All the Light We Cannot See https://bookshop.org/widgets.js The Book Thief https://bookshop.org/widgets.js

This epilogue is the final episode for Infectious. A few loose ends are tied up and the stage is set for a sequel. It's been wonderful to have you join Maddy and her journey through Infectious. We hope you enjoy it!

We loved having you join us for the entertainment of INFECTIOUS and now we're going to make it even more worth your while by sharing insights and specific examples of how it could be better. There are some small spoilers, so if you haven't already listened to INFECTIOUS but would like to, we recommend you do that first. Enjoy the show!

Bee and Lindsay have a sisterly pep talk over post novel blues, the kind you get when you finish a good book that you didn't want to end, or have been working toward a goal and now that it's done you don't know what to do.  Links and credits: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=post-Potter%20depression https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/fleur-morrison/theres-no-cure-for-the-post-book-blues_a_21655697/ https://people.com/celebrity/j-k-rowling-sad-to-finish-harry-potter-series/

Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, it gets worse when she accidentally releases a virus. Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live. Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.)  

Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, it gets worse when she accidentally releases a virus. Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live. Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.) 

Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, it gets worse when she accidentally releases a virus. Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live. Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.) 

Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, it gets worse when she accidentally releases a virus. Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live. Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.) 

Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, it gets worse when she accidentally releases a virus. Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live. Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.) 

Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, it gets worse when she accidentally releases a virus. Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live. Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.)  

Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, it gets worse when she accidentally releases a virus. Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live. Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.)  

Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, it gets worse when she accidentally releases a virus. Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live. Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.)   Find us on instagram @beatingaroundthebook

Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.) Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, it gets worse when she accidentally releases a virus. Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live Find us on instagram @beatingaroundthebook

Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.) Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, it gets worse when she accidentally releases a virus. Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live Find us on instagram @beatingarounthebook

Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.) Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, it gets worse when she accidentally releases a virus.  Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live Find us on instagram @beatingaroundthebook

Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this brings you the gift of entertainment and makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.) Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, everything gets so much worse when she accidentally releases a deadly virus.  Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live Find us on instagram @beatingaroundthebook

Happy Holidays! 2020 has been rough. We hope this brings you the gift of entertainment and makes your season a little brighter. (Written in 2018. This is not a covid novel.) Infectious Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, everything gets so much worse when she accidentally releases a deadly virus.  Maddy has to work with a secret government agency to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live Find me on instagram @beatingaroundthebook

If you haven't listened to Ch 1 and 2, listen to them first! Infectious in a contemporary young adult novel that was written in 2018. It is not a covid novel, though it does deal with a fictional virus.  Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, everything gets so much worse when she accidentally releases a deadly virus into her new town.  Maddy has to work with a secret government agency and follow some deranged scientists clues to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live. *Infectious is about a PG - PG13 rating for a few mild curse words, some innuendo, and small amounts of violence. 

We know 2020 has been a hard year. So we want to bring a little more cheer and entertainment into your life this holiday season. Please enjoy a Trunk Novel on us. Happy Holidays! Infectious in a contemporary young adult novel that was written in 2018. It is not a covid novel, though it does deal with a fictional virus.  Sixteen-year-old Maddy doesn't want to be the new girl, but as bad as it is that her parents made her move, everything gets so much worse when she accidentally releases a deadly virus into her new town.  Maddy has to work with a secret government agency and follow some deranged scientists clues to save the people she loves in the town where she never wanted to live. *Infectious is about a PG - PG13 rating for a few mild curse words, some innuendo, and small amounts of violence. 

As 2020 comes to an end, the isolation and struggle of it isn't. That's why, the last half, of the last month, of the-year-that-shall-not-be-named, we have something extra special for you. We're producing a serialized audiobook as our gift to you. We hope it brings, if nothing else, a little distraction 

The power of the pause is real. In this episode Bee and Lindsay talk about some of the science behind why and how the pause can help with progressing your work, as well as personal experiences and recommendations. 

Have you written a book? Ever wondered what's next? Now you know. Here are the 8 steps to edit your novel before a professional sees it.

Charlie shares her journey to becoming an author, tips for faster writing, and industry insight. *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Books Mentioned Affiliate Links: https://bookshop.org/widgets.js https://bookshop.org/widgets.js https://bookshop.org/widgets.js https://bookshop.org/widgets.js https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Other Links: Author Brandon Sanderson Author Caitlyn H. McFarland Charlie's Website

Tips on creating a writing oasis that invites comfort and creativity.  *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at not extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Affiliate Links: The Little Book of Hygge The Year of Living Danishly Other Links: The Alison Show Podcast  

Tips for getting through National Novel Writing Month and coming out the other side with your fifty thousand words and your mental / physical health intact.  It's not too late to join! Find Nano here: https://nanowrimo.org And follow @beatingaroundthebook on instagram. We'll be sharing resources all month.

New York Times Best Seller Amy Harmon shares advice and words of wisdom that inspire and encourage in writing and in life. Find her website here: https://www.authoramyharmon.com Pre-order her next book (The Song of Benny Lament) here: https://www.authoramyharmon.com/thesongbookofbennylament.html And follow her on insta @amy.harmon2 for more of her awesomeness! 

Your main character should get all your best lines, but give your secondary characters a little life too. Most of us aren't interested in lifeless skeletons. Your readers and your plot will thank you. "The key to creating better plots rests in a deeper understanding of character." — Kristen Lamb (Great Characters - The Beating Heart of Great Fiction) Writing and Editing for relatable secondary characters and a few examples we've found. *This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the link a percentage of your purchase will be paid to me, at not extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that I love. If you chose to use them, thank you for supporting me and the businesses I love! Books Mentioned: https://bookshop.org/widgets.js https://bookshop.org/widgets.js https://bookshop.org/widgets.js https://bookshop.org/widgets.js Other Links: Nate Bargetze: https://www.natebargatze.com Eurovision Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q6Co-nd0lM Lit Service Podcast: https://litservicepodcast.wixsite.com/litnation Helping Writers Become Authors Blog: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com 

A podcast on a screenwriting method by Jill Chamberlin and how to apply it to novel writing and editing. After listening to the episode, check out the link to the book, her website below, and a YouTube, from Film Courage, of her explaining the technique. https://bookshop.org/widgets.js https://www.jillchamberlain.com  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwh6P34MpLI&list=PLez8jOvskc-PPqF5ZVdL8wxZPatraHdYe&index=12