Becoming a Blockbuster YA Author

Despite the fact that most of our writing schedules are our own personal goals, we often tell ourselves we are “behind” at them, or we think that other writers are further ahead than us. Our brains love to tell us that “we are behind,” as though they are just stating the obvious. When actually, there is no universal measuring stick to tell us where we should be in our progress. Being ‘behind,’ or ‘ahead,’ in writing is simply our own thoughts, not a fact of the world. We believe that thinking, “We are behind,” will light a fire under us to get writing, but it does the exact opposite and makes us write less. Here’s how you can start to notice this thought pattern so you can get ahead in your writing. https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/behind-in-writing * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this podcast, we answer listener-submitted questions like; How can I stop being distracted by social media? What is the difference between YA and Middle Grade? How can I overcome my fear of failure? What if I can’t pick a story idea? Tune in for the answers or read the blog: https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/listener-qa-1 * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

For all writers (especially first-time authors), the desire to write competes with the desire not to write. This often looks like a short period of time where you write consistently, immediately followed by a long period where you find yourself not writing as much as you want to be. In your head, you find yourself thinking thoughts like, "I work better in the morning; I’m just going to rest tonight instead.” “I had a long day, and I want to relax.” "I worked all day; I want a break." So you take a break instead of writing. It feels great in the moment, but afterwards, you berate yourself for it. You end up feeling miserable, and you're angry at yourself for giving in. What’s actually going on here is that not that you don’t want the book badly enough or that you don’t have a good enough reason to write, it’s that you have competing desires. But the more you push against your desires, the more you are creating a combative relationship with yourself. You will never get to the finished novel in this kind of relationship – because it’s forced and miserable. In this podcast and blog, learn why the fastest way to get that finished novel is by loving that part of yourself that doesn’t want to write. * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Do you know someone who makes writing hard for you? Are you constantly trying to tip-toe around their desires, or getting frustrated with their lack of understanding? Writing can certainly be difficult when you spend the whole time wishing that this person was different, feeling guilty about upsetting them, or trying to write and do everything else at the same time. I’ve come across two kinds of “challenging” people when it comes to writing. There is the person who can feel abandoned because of the time you spend writing, and the person who can feel threatened or inadequate because of your writing. In this podcast and blog, learn how you can stop feeling guilty, angry, and anxious, and how to make your writing (and relationships) more effective. https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/when-writing-is-affecting-your-relationships * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hi writers! I'm super excited to announce a new group program I'm launching called Advancing Authors. I get a kick out of the name because I look at it like the anti-writing retreat. The problem with writing retreats is they tell us that our lives are somehow a problem that need to be escaped from. But you do not need to hide away from your life in order to write. Your life is not the problem. Your mindset is the problem. In Advancing Authors, we teach you the tools to grow your self-confidence, to manage your calendar, to stop people-pleasing, and to reprogram your brain so it works with you and not against you. We teach you lifelong skills for living your best life. Combined with individual writing tips along the way that will make your story stand out among the crowd. You do not have to give up your job, your sleep, your family, or your sanity to be a writer. You can be that writer now – let us show you. Sign up for the waitlist at https://www.blockbusterya.com/advancing-authors * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Do you want to write or publish a novel because you think it will prove something about yourself? Do you want a novel because you secretly believe you are not good enough as you are? You’re not alone. Many writers, including myself, try to write books to feel better about ourselves. But it doesn’t work. Thinking that you aren’t good enough without a published novel puts way too much pressure on yourself to write a novel. You end up failing and proving yourself true that you are worthless. So to try and feel better, you bully yourself into writing. But this just makes you feel terrible and makes writing incredibly difficult. The only way to write a novel (and to learn how to feel good about yourself) is to see yourself as worthy now. This is some of the hardest and most profound work. Learn how you get started in this podcast episode. https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/self-worth * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Fights and battles need to be written carefully so they don't come across like a list of actions. The key is to assign meaning and emotional drama to every fight, and to weave the protagonist's interpretation and inner voice into the action. Let’s look at five guidelines to keep in mind as you write. In this lesson, we'll discuss: Using the protagonist's inner voice to amplify tension. Different types of goals to lace through your fight/battle scenes. Tips for sentence structure and word choice. Important considerations for fight scenes in YA. Two lessons from screenwriting. Download free writing checklists and worksheets at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/blog

“Massive action” means taking action consistently, until you get what you want. It can be a game-changer for writers who struggle with commitment, or self-doubt, or the frustration that comes with trying to achieve a goal and not having it go as planned. If you’re trying to get a publisher, finish a novel, or get a movie deal, you can apply massive action to get it. Massive action eliminates this pressure of doing the right or wrong thing because it doesn’t matter what you choose. You just keep taking action until you get the result you want. If something doesn’t work, you try something else. Maybe that’s after 5 actions, maybe that’s after 500. It doesn’t matter. If you don’t have the result, it’s because you’re not done taking action. In this podcast, learn how you can achieve your writing goals through massive action. https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/massive-action * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

A lot of book marketing strategies exist, but which ones are the most effective? Where should you focus your time, effort, and money when promoting your book? Let’s talk about the most effective channels for authors. In part two of this two-part book marketing series, we’ll cover: Why reviews are so important and how to get them Connecting with book bloggers Price promotions and Bookbub Ads, influencing, and other strategies Download the example book marketing checklist at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/book-promotion

How many of you think you are committed writers? Despite the fact I had very little work to show for it, for ten years I thought I was committed to writing a novel. The truth was, I was just wanting to write a novel. Wanting, though it was a very safe place to be, left me feeling pretty awful about myself. Commitment requires risk. That’s why our brain doesn’t like it. But if you want to write a novel, you need to go from wanting to write a novel to being committed to writing a novel. It’s the only way. Many of you writers are also stuck in this place of wanting. We tell ourselves we are committed, but actually, we are not willing to keep taking action no matter what. We are not willing to keep writing when it gets hard or when we get busy. In this podcast and blog, learn about commitment vs. wanting so you can spot the difference and save yourself from the decade of struggle I went through. * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, understanding book marketing strategies is crucial to selling copies and expanding your audience. Let’s spend two lessons talking about tips and strategies for promoting your book. In this first part, we’ll cover: Defining your target audience Connecting with readers Building a personal brand Your two biggest marketing assets Learn more about writing, publishing, and marketing a blockbuster YA novel at https://www.blockbusterYA.com * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Do you have a long list of reasons why you don’t have time to write? Chances are if you believe you don’t have enough time, you do. Your list of reasons might be good, but if you are truly motivated to write, why not find half an hour, once or twice a week to write? You don’t – because the real thought you have is that 30-minutes is not enough. And if you don’t have enough time to write, it’s not worth doing. But if you were to write for 30-minutes, twice a week for a whole year, you’d have 52 hours of writing done. Is that 52 hours worth it? Listen to our latest podcast and stop underestimating what a little bit of writing can do. https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/no-time-to-write * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The key to writing great dialogue is subtext. This is one of the hardest things to write, but it really is the stand-out factor that will get you noticed by agents, editors, and readers. In this writing lesson, we’ll talk about what subtext is, along with a few other tips for how to write great dialogue. We’ll cover: Why it’s important that characters never say exactly what they’re thinking. Strategies for rewriting a line of dialogue to include subtext. An example of great subtext from a popular TV show. 4 additional tips for writing better dialogue. Download the subtext worksheet at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/dialogue-and-subtext * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

As writers and humans, we all get busy. We all have different priorities that compete for our attention. You might find yourself struggling to balance all the different things you want to do, and more often than not, writing gets bumped for something else that feels more important. Even though you consciously pass up writing for that other activity, sometimes it doesn’t feel like you have a choice. The decision feels automatic. So you beat yourself up about not being dedicated to writing. When you find yourself constantly giving up your writing time for something else that seems more important, there are a couple of factors that come into play. But that doesn’t mean you can’t change this pattern. If you want a different result, like a published novel, it starts with changing your thinking. Learn how in this episode! https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/the-most-important-thing * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Think of some of your favourite characters in books or movies. A few of those favourites are probably not the protagonist, right? Kudos to the writer of that story for making such a great minor character that they actually become some people’s favourites! There is a straightforward way to make an amazing, three-dimensional supporting cast that readers will fall in love with. In this lesson, we'll discuss: How to use physical hooks to make readers remember every minor character in your story. Creating simple but effective backstories that bring minor characters to life. How you can strengthen your theme and your cast by constructing them around one another. Tips for dealing with a lot of characters, like if your story takes place in a school, academy, or kingdom. Download the Minor Characters worksheet and tips at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/minor-characters * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Do you find yourself waiting until some kind of break to get writing? Waiting for the weekend? Even just waiting until tomorrow? The idea of getting to write a lot over some kind of break is the perfect, perfectionist fantasy. But that tomorrow – or that break – is not reality. Reality is the moment you have right now. Waiting for the break to write means that you don’t actually spend time writing. Or if that break comes around and you do start writing a little, it usually doesn’t last because you’re not able to achieve the perfection you dreamed of and start feeling bad about it. In this podcast and blog, learn how this perfectionistic thought pattern is stopping your writing and 3 ways you can overcome it. https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/stop-waiting-for-a-vacation * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

“Show, don’t tell” is one of the most common pieces of writing advice. This means that instead of describing what’s happening to the reader, you’re immersing them in it. You’re showing them the scene by picking meaningful details to describe. Mastering this can take your writing style from "good" to "great", and it'll really make you stand out to agents, editors, and readers. In this episode, we'll talk about six ways to show your story rather than tell it. Follow our step-by-step process for writing a blockbuster YA novel at www.BlockbusterYA.com * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

It’s been over a year since the first case of Covid-19 was reported. In that time, a message we are all hearing over, and over, and over again is; “when things go back to normal, everything will be fine.” When things go back to normal, life will be better. But we don’t realize that this thought is a huge problem to have. We don’t realize that this thought is largely what is creating our miserable experience. Because thinking that, “when things go back to normal, life will be better,” implies that… Things are not normal now. The present is bad and unbearable. We just have to get through this present moment until we get to the other side in the future when things are better. But none of this is true, or even helpful to think. It certainly is certainly not helping your writing. In this podcast/blog learn about the radical concept of believing that “you’re right where you’re supposed to be,” and how it can change everything. https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/wanting-things-to-be-different * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Following last week's episode about Fearing Plot Holes, let's talk about some practical tips for what to do if you or a beta reader find a flaw in your story. You might be relieved to know that a plot hole is never as much work to fix as you think it will be – and there are ways to minimize the risk of writing one. In this lesson, we'll cover: Two things you can do if you find a flaw in your story. How to work a "fix" into your manuscript. Tips to help you avoid writing plot holes in the first place. Join the community at blockbusterYA.com/forum to connect with other YA writers and find beta readers. * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Do you worry about someone pointing out a plot hole in your story? Maybe you get overwhelmed about the idea of fixing plot holes or use the discovery as a reason to beat yourself up. But plot holes happen to every writer. They are not a problem. When you overcome your fear of plot holes, finding a solution is easy. Read the blog: https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/fear-of-plot-holes * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

After every scene plays out, it's important to give the protagonist (and the reader) a moment to reflect on what happened and think about what to do next. These “stop and think” moments are critical in making a novel emotionally satisfying, because this is where real character growth happens! Let's discuss the anatomy of these moments. In this lesson, we'll cover: - The 3 parts of a stop-and-think moment. - Why these moments are so important. - A common mistake when writing action scenes. - How to maintain tension during these moments. Download the scene structure checklist and get more resources at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/scene-structure-reaction * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Avoidance is changing your behaviour, so you don’t have to do something, feel something, or think something. If you are avoiding writing, you might find that you’re not only avoiding opening your computer, you’re also avoiding reading and listening to your favourite writing podcasts too. What’s going on? If you’ve been studying with us, you know that your THOUGHTS cause your feelings, which cause your actions. It’s not actually the writing you’re avoiding; it’s your own THOUGHTS about writing. Everything starts with your thoughts. The problem with this is that when we are in avoidance, we are actually avoiding our thoughts, making it hard to overcome avoidance. In this podcast/blog, learn why you are avoiding your thoughts in the first place and how you move through avoidance to get writing and live the life you want to live. * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Every scene in your book should include three key components that follow a nice arc. These arcs can be seen in virtually every blockbuster story, from Hollywood films to #1 bestselling novels. Failing to include these elements could mean losing your readers' interest or confusing them. So let's talk about how to structure your scenes. In this lesson, we'll cover: - The 3 parts to a scene arc. - Examples of different ways this arc can manifest. - The most important piece of every scene. - How to keep your readers' rapt attention. Download the scene structure checklist at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/scene-structure _ © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

You want to write a novel. You committed to it and you can’t wait to hold the finished book in your hands. You want this so badly that you even scheduled a time to write every day. But more often than not, when that time to write comes, you don’t want to write. What gives? This is a frustrating pattern a lot of writers can find themselves in. We want one thing, but another part of our brain wants another. The thing is, your brain is lying to you when it says it doesn’t want to write. You DO want to write. So instead of taking your brain seriously when it tells you “I don’t want to,” you need to remind yourself why you put it on your calendar in the first place. In this blog & podcast, learn two simple brain hacks that can get you writing even when your brain is arguing that it doesn’t want to. https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/brain-hacks-to-get-writing * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

No matter what genre you're writing, it's important to spend time building the world in which your story takes place. This comprehensive Worldbuilding Checklist will help you define the world that best suits your story, from weather patterns to cultures to which swear words your characters use. If you're writing speculative fiction (e.g. fantasy, sci-fi), you'll want to fill out as much of the checklist as you can. If you're writing a novel that takes place here and now, you'll have less worldbuilding to consider and can treat the checklist as optional. This podcast episode will cover: How your setting and plot should serve each other. Making the most of the world you build. How and when to convey worldbuilding information to the reader. Inventing cultures for fantasy and sci-fi stories. Download the complete worldbuilding checklist at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/worldbuilding _ © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Feelings are what drive every single action that we take. This means that how you feel is going to determine how many books you write, how much money you make, and how successful you are as an author. As a writer, you have to learn how to use emotions and be able to spot the ones that aren’t working for you. Your books depend on it. Get started with recognizing these 6, unhelpful emotions that are halting your progress. Read the blog: https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/unhelpful-emotions * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Imagine The Dark Knight with a boring Joker. Or Thor without his siblings. Or a weak Darth Vader. A well-thought-out antagonist has the power to make a story brilliant. Let's talk about how to make the best possible antagonist for your story. They will become your protagonist's worst nightmare, the spark that ignites your conflict, and a fleshed-out, three-dimensional character with realistic qualities. In this lesson, we'll cover: How to make an antagonist who is best suited to oppose your protagonist. How to make your antagonist realistic and sympathetic. How to 'wow' your readers with an epic opposing force. Designing your antagonist's backstory. 4 steps to structure your antagonist's character arc. Download the antagonist worksheet at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/antagonists * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Emotions are the reason we do anything, including writing novels. This makes emotions an important tool for authors. Learn six helpful emotions that can not only lead you to a published novel but can also make your writing incredible for your readers. Blog: https://www.blockbusterya.com/blog/post/6-helpful-emotions-for-writing * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Before you start your first draft, you have to decide on what point of view, or "POV", to write in, as well as your story's tense. Do you write in first person or third person, and do you choose present tense or past tense? In this episode, we'll compare different approaches and talk about which options work for Young Adult and Middle Grade novels. We'll also talk about how to achieve a "deep POV", which is important in today's literary market. In this lesson, we'll cover: - Different POV options available to you and their pros and cons. - What a “deep POV” is and how to achieve it. - How to properly write more than one POV. - Which POVs and tenses are used in top bestselling books. Download "deep POV" examples at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/point-of-view Join our community of YA/MG authors at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/forum _ © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Do you create writing schedules that only seem to work for short stints? Are you spending more time hating yourself for not writing than you are spending actually writing? You're not alone. Many writers think in black and white ways when it comes to their writing schedules. But these perfectionist schedules are destroying your self-integrity and self-trust. Learn how to create a schedule that can repair your relationship with yourself and get you results. Read the blog: https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/scheduling-time-to-write * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Many writers find the first draft the hardest part of writing – harder than outlining, revising, editing, marketing, and everything else involved. Yes, it’s daunting to turn a blank page into a story, but it’s also exciting! Time to let your imagination fly. This episode includes 6 tips to help you climb that first-draft mountain. We'll touch on mindset, timing, tools, and more. For more writing resources, visit blockbusterYA.com/blog Links discussed in the podcast: https://thewritepractice.com/permission-to-suck/ & https://www.paymoapp.com/blog/pomodoro-apps/ * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The success of your goal depends on how well you’re able to commit to it. What determines our commitment is whether or not we have a strong reason to do so. Listen to our podcast to learn what commitment pitfalls to avoid and then use our free workbook to define your writing Reason. Get the workbook and read the blog: https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/commit-to-writing * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Many of us writers are goal-oriented. So you’re probably no stranger to the idea of goal setting. But writers often do goal setting wrong. Are you feeling desperate to reach your goal? Or if you have not yet committed 100% to it? If this is you, this is completely normal. Most people resist setting goals because it’s uncomfortable. It brings up a lot of doubt when we’re reaching for something we’ve never done before. But having a measurable goal, set from the correct mind frame will make achieving it more likely, and more enjoyable. Learn more in our latest blog and podcast. Read the blog: https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/goal-setting * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

You’ve got a brilliant story idea that you’ve been working on for ages. You can’t wait to publish it. Then, one day, you’re at the movies or you turn on your favorite streaming service and… A trailer shows up. And the concept is like, the same thing you’re working on. What do you do? Stop writing your book now that the idea has already been done? Change your whole story? Sue someone for stealing your idea? Answer: None of the above. In fact, your response should be the opposite of panicking and despairing! You should be excited. Let's talk about why. For more blogs, free resources, and personalized coaching, visit https://www.blockbusterYA.com/. Join our community at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/forum. * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Whether you're a writer who finds writing easy or a writer who finds writing hard, we all need to encourage ourselves on the way to our goals. This podcast will take you through seven exercises that you can start using right away to get you writing. Get the worksheet at blockbusterya.com/post/encouraging-yourself-to-write * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Whether you're writing fantasy, horror, literary fiction, or any other genre, you as a writer have reader expectations to fulfill. In this lesson, we talk about the rules for writing Young Adult and Middle Grade novels, along with rules for specific genres and subgenres. By familiarizing yourself with these rules, you'll set yourself up to meet your readers' expectations and even exceed them. We'll cover: 7 guidelines for writing Young Adult and Middle Grade novels. What tropes are and how to use them to your advantage. Genre example: rules for writing Action-Adventure How to figure out your subgenre and why this helps you make sales For more writing resources, visit https://www.blockbusterYA.com/blog. Join our community of YA/MG writers at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/forum * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Self-doubt shows up in a multitude of ways for writers. For some, it's the struggle to start or finish their book. But it can also show up in writers who sit on their novels and don't seek representation or self-publishing, or those who choose not to get beta readers, enter contests, or hire editors. In this podcast, learn how you can overcome this pattern. Read this podcast as a blog and access free resources on: https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/self-doubt * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The exciting thing about being an author is that there is no ceiling to how much you can earn. This is also the biggest challenge, because there's no baseline salary. So how can you increase your income as an author so you can quit your day job and live the life of your dreams? Here are five pieces of advice to help you earn a living as an author, including building your platform, treating your books as a business, and making smart investments. Read this podcast as a blog and access free resources on https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/earn-a-living * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

If you find yourself idling and potentially in “Writer’s Block,” it’s important to identify and understand the cause so you can ultimately overcome it. While some causes are more obvious, others are harder to spot because they are not where you thought to look. Writer’s Block is never permanent. Once you practice self-awareness and recognize the cause, the solution will become obvious. Read the blog: https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/redefining-writers-block * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The first scene of your novel determines whether agents, publishers, and readers will keep going or put your book down. That's a lot of pressure! The good news is that there are proven techniques you can use to craft the perfect opening scene. This lesson will help you decide on the best opening scene for your plot and what components it should include. We'll talk about what makes an effective opener and some tricks to hook the reader and pull them into the next chapter. We'll also cover opening lines, which need to serve the same purpose in fewer words! Use the worksheet to brainstorm ideas and pick the best opening scene and opening line for your story. In this podcast episode, we'll cover: - The 3 things your first scene needs to include. - How to make readers care about your protagonist right away. - How to write the best opening line for your book. - Examples of effective opening scenes and opening lines. Download the opening scenes/lines worksheet at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/opening-scenes * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

If you want to make writing a daily habit, or a significant part of your lifestyle, it’s important to prioritize it. In this episode, learn what a priority is, what it isn’t, and some of the common pitfalls you can avoid. Read the blog: https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/how-to-make-writing-a-priority * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

A theme is a statement that your story makes about life. A strong theme can make a difference between a story that resonates and one that is easily forgotten. By choosing the right statement and using it to link everything in your story together, your story will stick in readers' minds long after they put your book down. In this lesson, we'll cover: - Why a strong theme is so important. - How to identify the theme in the story you're working on. - Examples from popular book series. - How to use your theme to connect everything in your story. Download the worksheet to create a strong theme for your novel at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/theme * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With everything going on in the world – most of us still in quarantine due to COVID-19, many people fighting against atrocities and even fighting for their lives, and other global issues – it can be hard to find the energy to be creative. I recorded this podcast a few weeks ago when quarantine was the biggest issue for many of us in North America, but a lot has changed since then. While the podcast refers to living in quarantine, the teachings apply to any time of upheaval. I hope that wherever you are and whatever you are going through, you can apply some of this thought-work to help you get through. Read the blog: how-to-write-during-a-time-when-it-s-hard-to-be-creative * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

A plot twist gets people talking about a book. It’s what makes readers gasp aloud, tell their friends, and re-read the story after they’ve finished. As a writer, it seems hard to come up with a great twist that readers don't see coming. But it doesn't have to be complicated! Let's look at the anatomy of a twist and how we can use proven patterns to add one (or several) to your novel. In this lesson, we'll cover: Three strategies for writing a great plot twist. Common devices used in blockbuster stories, like red herrings. How to surprise and delight readers (without going overboard with an out-of-nowhere twist). Download the Plot Twist brainstorming guide at https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/plot-twists * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

A lot of writers are afraid of getting negative reviews, and it holds them back from reaching their true potential. Negative reviews are going to happen, but here’s why you don’t have to fear them. Read the blog at: https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/negative-reviews * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With your book's tent poles in place, it's time to build your complete story outline! This 12-step storyboard is an exclusive Blockbuster YA formula based on years of writing education and experience in the literary and film industries. By using these 12 key moments as your plot's foundation, your story will hook readers from the start and leave them satisfied. We'll cover: How to fill in the 12-step storyboard to build a blockbuster plot. Tips for how to make each scene reach its full potential. Intertwining the plot and character arc. Download the storyboard deck and fill it out for your plot at https://www.blockbusterYA.com/post/storyboard-deck * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Most YA authors think they need to be motivated or excited to write, but what happens when you don't feel that way? In this episode, learn what emotion can act as a sustainable fuel to power your writing. Read the blog at https://www.blockbusterya.com/post/motivation * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Your audience in 2020 is a tough sell. Readers demand cleverly structured stories, tight plots, and meaningful character transformations. It's no longer enough to write a novel using the basic idea that a plot has three acts. This is why Hollywood writers and bestselling authors have spent so much time analyzing what makes the best stories so great, coming up with plot formulas and models like The Hero's Journey, The Beat Sheet, and others. (These, by the way, are amazing resources and we highly recommend them!) As a writer, you need to outline your story before you begin if you want your book to be the best it can be. Our next two lessons will help you build a plot that will resonate with readers, agents, and publishers. This podcast episode focuses on the four main parts of your story that are crucial to building a satisfying character arc. We'll cover: Using your logline as a blueprint for your outline. Deciding on the 4 key pieces that form the tent poles of your novel. Why it's so important to plot your novel before you begin. Download the Blockbuster Plot Arcs worksheet at blockbusterYA.com/post/bestselling-plot-structure * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

You’ve got a great idea for a story. Heck, maybe you have a dozen great ideas. You want more than anything to bring them to life – to see them at the front of the bookstore or maybe even on the big screen – so why isn’t your manuscript done? Is it because of your time-sucking day job? Fear or uncertainty in your plot? Finding yourself on Netflix? The list can go on and it seems like there is a neverending list of reasons why writing is hard or even impossible. In our first life coaching podcast, we'll dive into the hidden problem that's stopping you from writing and take the first step in overcoming your mental block. * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

A logline is your one-line pitch of what your story is about. It's the first sentence you should write and the thing you should put on a sticky note as you flesh out your manuscript. It acts as a hook you can use to pitch to agents, publishers, and readers, plus it helps you stay on track as you write your first draft. In this lesson, we'll help you build a logline that sells. Use the worksheet to build your own logline based on a proven formula used in Hollywood, which you'll be able to use to pitch your story and set yourself up to write a blockbuster novel. This podcast episode will cover: The formula for building a marketable logline. Examples from blockbuster movies. How a logline is different from a tagline. Download the Logline Builder Worksheet at blockbusterYA.com/materials * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Launch a successful career as a blockbuster YA author by committing to these 5 steps. In this podcast, Tiana shares 5 tips that took her from being a stressed-out student with no books, to an award-winning author with a YA Fantasy series at the top of the Kindle Bestseller list. For free writing resources and pep talks, visit blockbusterYA.com * © Blockbuster YA Author Coaching LLP Created and produced by Tiana Warner and Stephanie Warner Jingle: Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/