Teaching Myself to Write Novels

When you say "you'll finish it by the end of the year" but the end of the year has already come and goneBuy Transitus on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1631070657Buy Transitus on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/transitus-briauna-mariah/1145029394Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6bOpening Music:Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-loungeLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

The top secret news I wouldn't tell you all about... I have a precious little baby and she's the best! In this episode, I'll catch you up with how it's all been going and how I've been balancing it all. Hint: you'll have to go with the flow. New mom, published book--so many changes, I decided this one needs to be the launch of a new Teaching Myself to Write Novels podcast "season"!Buy Transitus on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1631070657Buy Transitus on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/transitus-briauna-mariah/1145029394Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6bOpening Music:Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-loungeLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Transitus is now available for order! In this episode, I go over my marketing strategy for the launch of my debut novel.Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1631070657Buy on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/transitus-briauna-mariah/1145029394Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6bOpening Music:Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-loungeLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Another rewrite, another update, and AI isn't so helpful, but still kinda is? Forewarning: I'm out of breath this whole episode. For reasons. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6bOpening Music:Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-loungeLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

You're probably all interested now in how I've been using AI lately to help me with my novel. Listen to find out more. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6bOpening Music:Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-loungeLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I will update you on my current progress between 3 WIP novels, talk about my TikTok journey so far,  and recognize the journey of leveling up your "writing craft" is quite difficult. Hope you find this one interesting! And if you want to follow me on TT, find me here: https://www.tiktok.com/@briaunamariah Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6bOpening Music:Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-loungeLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

An update on my progress and the last and final part 3 of my editing session with Randy Surles and Laura Graves. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6bOpening Music:Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-loungeLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Part 2 is up, by request. Thanks for speaking up and requesting it. 3rd and final part of my editing session will be coming soon. This piece of recorded session with Randy Surles and Laura Graves is preceded by an exciting update!Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6bOpening Music:Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-loungeLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Stay tuned for my "writing craft" = "pottery" metaphor and my mini-rant on how bad Avatar 2 was (no spoilers).Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6bOpening Music:Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-loungeLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

I'm back! We're back on track and moving along. I had a 2 hour long session with Story Grid editors Randy Surles and Laura Graves after they looked at my manuscript. In this episode, I give a quick update on where things are at and get right into the first 50 minutes of my editing brainstorm session.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6bOpening Music:Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-loungeLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

I lost 100 pages of editing and it set me back more than 2 months.  At the end of the day, art is unpredictable and you have to put one step in front of the otherSign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Seriously throw away all the rules. Don't let the rules  whisper in your ear that you're doing it wrong. You're doing it right if you've found your rhythm and joy.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

It really is a ramble, but I'm feeling great and it's what I have  - so, enjoy. Or don't. I talk a bit about where I'm at currently, work life balance, the editing process on my 2nd pass at Transitus with my editor, and of course social media IG/Tiktok. If you're curious and you're viewing this after July 30th, check out: @briaunamariah and @wespeakmodels Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Life happens! Stick around for my rant about the locals. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

My findings on the current market for authors, what to do about the oversaturated market (it has to do with what I also ask my We Speak rep'd models to do!), finding and discovering new genres, and more on my POV/story structure journey. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Lots of of useful info in this one! I've included 30 minutes of a session with Storygrid editors Randy Surles and Laura Graves. The focus of this conversation is all around theme and me figuring out how to enhance storytelling. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

My editing journey continues! I'm facing obstacles but finding motivation in spite of them, finding time where ever I can to work on my (now various) projects, and still exploring what I like in a book by going outside of my usual genres.  Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Today I talk about Editing. Going from 1st draft to 2nd is one thing. And from 2nd to 3rd... well, I'm just beginning but it's a whole other thing. And hiring an editor to help with this project is a necessary step, and a giant leap of faith.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Recap, Self Publishing, And What's Next... Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

How tips and tricks have changed my entire writing style and what to be aware of in your own writing.At then end I talk about the concepts from and read from the following article:https://theconversation.com/how-did-white-become-a-metaphor-for-all-things-good-140674Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Listen to the next session in my "Story Grid with Randy & Laura" installment.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

I hope you enjoy my second recorded session with Story Grid editors Randy & Laura, following the first brainstorm session (episode 24, published in July) I had with them. Slow progress is still progress! I found this helpful. You might, too.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Just giving you a little update with nuggets of useful info! Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Progress is slow on this next book. I hope you enjoy my recorded session with Story Grid editors Randy & Laura! I have no time & wish I were writing more. But at least I'm writing! (And plotting! Still...)Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Check out Randy Surles here: https://randysurles.com/Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Today's podcast features: Allergies. How my queries are going. How my plotting is going (not well). Having my own whole entire personal character arc. Finding my inner artist. Breaking my non-writing streak with 94 words. And how very, very burnt out I am. (:Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Sometimes I make a lot of sense. Sometimes I make no sense. You decide.  I talk mostly about character arcs in this episode as I try to make sense of them myself. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

I think this one is actually pretty useful, especially if you need permission to be lazy with your edits. Stick around for the bonus update (from today, April 25th) at the end.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Recorded this right after I posted the last one. I talk about aliens :)Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Took me a minute to make this live! Thanks for listening. I can't guarantee consistency of these episodes but I do plan to keep going! (with writing and with the podcast)I mention Margie Lawson in this episode. Check her out here: margielawson.com Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Give yourself to permission to break/change/amend whatever rules you want.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Check out Jenn here: https://jennwindrow.com/Margie Lawson references here: https://www.margielawson.com/Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Forget backstory. CONTEXT is everything.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Just an update on where I'm at post-nano and a new word I invented. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Welp, that was interesting. Given the date of this episode, you can safely assume I did not complete NaNo. But I did not fail at it. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

I have a backlog of episodes because of computer issues, so enjoy! I'm trying to be Tony Robbins in this episode & hardly talk about writing, but I think you'll get something out of it!Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

I have a backlog of episodes because of computer issues, so enjoy! I've decided to be a crazy work-a-holic (nothing new there) and try NaNoWriMo for the first draft of the next book I plan to write - while still completing and polishing my first book, Transitus.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Recorded pre-US election: As I re-read the Harry Potter books, I found a pretty cool thing Rowling did to conceal a surprise in book 3. Somehow, I managed to imitate that structure. I blame it on my "muse" (ie, completely accidental) but hopefully telling you about it helps you in some way!Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Comparing ourselves to other writers' journeys can be fun... until it's not.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Some audio issues mostly in the beginning - sorry! Tis' the life of a multitasker. Almost lost this morning's writing (but didn't! *phew*)Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

My mom sent me a flashdrive with my cruddy first (middle schooler) attempt at a book on it and it saved me from today's writers block. (Saved, as in, got me to procrastinate).Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b The class I mention in this episode can be found at: www.MargieLawson.comOpening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

I am racing the release of James Cameron's Avatar 2. Thank you 2020 for delaying the long awaited movie once again.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b The class I mention in this episode can be found at: www.MargieLawson.comOpening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Does anyone else hate every time someone says "the craft"? I do. But I keep saying it. And I'm probably not going to stop. What else am I supposed to say?Also - sorry about the audio in the second half of this one! I stopped for a video and then forgot to pic up the mic from my jacket. Oops. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b The resources/classes I mention in this episode can be found at: www.MargieLawson.comOpening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

I was being lazy with the title. Honestly, I'm overworked and my creative energy has been expended. So really, it's the best title possible for this one. The struggle is real right now! Listen to me rant about stress and discuss the process of how I wrote a recent opening passage of mine.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b The resources I mention in this episode can be found at: MargieLawson.comOpening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Apparently it is! And my life is a roller coaster.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b The resources I mention in this episode can be found at: MargieLawson.comOpening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

I hate everything. But I will get through this!Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Winded, but (maybe a little too) inspired, I've been going on meditative walks & runs to help me with this editing phase. Oh, also: failure does not exist.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Opening up with a deep discussion on next steps with Lisa of Heart Ally Books (my lovely mother-in-law). She is also deeply involved with Margie Lawson's Writers Academy.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b MLWA: https://www.margielawson.com/lawson-writers-academy Heary Ally Books: https://heartallybooks.com Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Some things I keep in mind when as plotting out my novels (and what I've learned from Story Grid).Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Today I talk about my lull before I begin the editing process on my first ever novel. I've been spending time working on my book series I plan to write next! (There’s a spoiler)Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Draft "Zero" is complete! Where am I going next? Here's what's new (and old) on this journey of mine.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

How to kick social media (ahem Facebook) in the butt.Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0