The best podcast for writers! Learn how to write a book, listen to author interviews, and get tangible writing tips, advice, motivation and inspiration to achieve your dream of writing a book.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I share three things that have changed my writing life for the better lately including:1. Kanban Board2. Setting not only a daily, but also weekly word count target for my WIP (and of course, stickers!)3. Scrivener (desktop version for writers ~ not sponsored!)The Word Weaver Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I share how using the rule of three in your writing to create compelling character arcs can help raise the stakes in your novel.The Word Weaver Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
Today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast is short and sweet, but imperative for a great story. Learning how to write a book premise, logline, and define your book's elevator pitch is the first step to writing a book. The second step is structuring, outlining, and plotting — but first, you need to understand your book's central idea/theme, what drives the plot. Typically, a premise needs to contain 3 things in a single sentence: A protagonistA goal (what does your protagonist want or need?)A situation or crisis (the protagonist is facing)You should be able to define what your story is about, why readers should care, and be able to complete this sentence: [Character] must [do something] to [story goal] or else [disaster/crisis situation/reason why the audience should care].The Word Weaver Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I have the pleasure of chatting with author Lindsay Zier-Vogel about her debut novel, LETTERS TO AMELIA. In our conversation, we discuss (amongst many things): the transformative power of letter writing, what it's like to launch your first book during a pandemic, the research process into the undocumented parts of Amelia Earhart's life, dealing with devastating rejections, and how specificity is key to great writing. The Word Weaver Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube.Lindsay's LinksWebsite: lindsayziervogel.comInstagram: @lindsay.ziervogelTwitter: @lindsayzvWord Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I chat about ways to handle constructive criticism and negative feedback as a writer. Writing and publishing books requires a level of vulnerability that can make the harsh sting of criticism hurt on a personal level, but learning how to deal with criticism is crucial for a long-lasting career as an author. In this episode I talk about differentiating between constructive criticism you should ignore and helpful feedback that can enhance your writing, along with sharing some ways I manage self-criticism and literary criticism as a full-time writer.The Word Weaver Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I chat with Colby Sharma, speaker and author of THE CURVEBALL: A Story of Grit, Adversity, and Winning the Game of Life. Colby discusses his debut book, the heroic vs. egoic self, and shares valuable insights on what it means to live a life of impact. We also discuss the importance of mentorship, failure, family support (his father is motivational speaker and bestselling author Robin Sharma), and using fear as fuel to overcome adversity on your path to growth. The Word Weaver Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube.Connect with Colby:Website: colbysharma.comInstagram: @colbysharmaofficialBuy Colby's Book: THE CURVEBALLBooks Mentioned in the Podcast:On Writing by Stephen KingPerennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work that Lasts by Ryan HolidayWord Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I share my top five tips on how to write a great book blurb. Your title and cover can grab a potential reader's attention, but it's your book description that does most of the heavy lifting in enticing a reader to buy your book. Think of your book description as a movie trailer in written form. It's not a play-by-play summary, but in a few compelling paragraphs you should be able to accurately describe your novel, set up the main conflict and give the reader a reason to care about your protagonist without giving too much away. “Your book is a story, but your book description is an ad.” The Word Weaver Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I have the pleasure of chatting with bestselling historical romance (and mystery) author, Rachel McMillan. Rachel has published over 16 books and counting, including bestseller THE LONDON RESTORATION and THE MOZART CODE (available for pre-order, forthcoming in March 2022). She is also a literary agent, fierce author advocate, and a wealth of literary wisdom. Rachel shares so many great nuggets of advice for anyone trying to making it in the publishing industry. I so enjoyed our conversation and hope you do, too! The Word Weaver Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube.Rachel McMillan's Links:Website: rachelmcmillan.netInstagram: @rachkmcTwitter: @rachkmcFacebook: /rachkmc1 *Don't miss Rachel's weekly Facebook Live conversations with authors/writers! Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I give a very brief (we are talking the briefest of brief) life update before I delve into why internal conflict is a necessary ingredient to any good story and how it drives character development. I touch on the different types of internal conflict including: religious, moral, societal, existential etc., the five (5) main triggers for a protagonist's internal struggle including: desire, needs, duty, fear, and expectation, and some ways you can add internal conflict into your character profiles or WIP manuscript.The Word Weaver Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I chat with Liselle Sambury, the Simon & Schuster debut novelist of BLOOD LIKE MAGIC, also an Indigo Staff Pick. Liselle is a wealth of knowledge on the traditional publishing industry and I loved hearing her thoughts on publishing in a pandemic, her writing and querying process (including why books take so long to hit shelves after a book deal), why your goal post is always moving as a writer, an author's relationship with social media, and the balance of having big dreams with realistic expectations. The Word Weaver Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube.Liselle's LinksWebsite: lisellesambury.ca YouTube: youtube.com/c/LiselleSamburyInstagram: @lisellesamburyWord Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
Today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast is a short solo episode where I talk about why I'm currently taking a writing break and the importance of refilling your creative well. Available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I reunite with a Harvard classmate, Liz Hauck, the author of HOME MADE: A Story of Grief, Groceries, Showing Up, And What We Make When We Make Dinner, published in June 2021 by Penguin RandomHouse. Reading HOME MADE brought me back to our nonfiction writing class six years ago, when I was lucky enough to read the burgeoning beginnings of what would become Hauck's debut memoir. I loved getting the chance to catch-up and chat craft with Liz from her home in Boston! You can listen to the podcast on your preferred platform or watch the full interview on YouTube.Connect with LizBuy Home MadeWebsite: lizfranceshauck.com Instagram: @lizhauckwritesTwitter: @lizhauckwritesWord Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I share a few tried and true tips 'n tricks on how to motivate yourself to write (even when you don't want to). It's summer and we're slowly emerging from a long pandemic-induced season of hibernation, so it's natural to feel unmotivated to sit at your desk and write. We all need a little kick in the pants sometimes and hopefully this episode inspires you to return to your writing roots (even if it's in a few months from now). I know I'll be returning to these 10 tips on how to motivate myself to write come fall :) Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I get the chance to chat with the beautiful and brilliant Marlowe Granados. She's a writer, filmmaker, and author of the debut novel HAPPY HOUR. I loved getting to hear about her writing process, journey to publication, and the importance of trusting your creative vision (even when no one else does).Connect with MarloweWebsite: marlowegranados.comInstagram: @marlowetatianaBuy Happy Hour! Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
Today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast is short, but sweet. I wanted to introduce the new updated podcast branding and design look ~ a little sleeker, chicer, simpler and give a general life update post publication of my first book. In a way, it feels like things are only just beginning! Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastNEW episodes weekly on Word Weaver Wednesdays. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media, as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I'm fresh from the launch of my debut book, BEHIND THE RED DOOR, and giving you my raw, real, honest answers to your book launch Q&A. Thank you for asking such great questions — and for sharing & supporting BTRD. I love you all so much it hurts! Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I explain why everyone needs a DONE LIST in their lives and how writing one has helped decrease my stress/overwhelm from my never-ending To Do List. My motivation and mood has been amplified by seeing the small wins in a neat list on a daily basis. It has also helped me wind down for the evening without looking at my To Do list and seeing what I haven't gotten done, but instead focusing on what I have accomplished. Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I'm sharing five ways to come up with book ideas and what to do with them when inspiration strikes!Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I'm giving a little author life update as I gear up for my book launch this spring. I also talk about why we self-sabotage right before we're about to achieve a goal and how to stop getting in the way of our own success.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the #WordWeaverPodcast I'm talking about how to stop procrastinating on writing your book and start prioritizing “To Do” tasks that move the needle closer to achieving your big goals. Preparing to write instead of actually writing can seem “productive,” but stems from fear of facing the blank page and ultimately preventing you from finishing your manuscript. Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm diving headfirst into a highly Googled topic for most writers and aspiring authors, and that is how to land your book on the coveted New York Times bestseller list.For many of us, the credibility, ego boost, bragging rights, external validation and readership that come along with this prestigious credential after years of toiling away behind a keyboard = the equivalent of our Super Bowl ring or Olympic gold medal. Becoming a NYT bestselling author is traditionally seen as the holy grail for an author in the publishing world. However, it's important to note that the NYT bestseller list is not a true measure of bestselling status, which accounts for total actual sales. It's largely controversial, as the list is subjective and a lot of the criteria is reportedly a “trade secret,” meaning a lot of it is arbitrary and has been subject to curated elitism.That being said, if you, like many writers, have your heart set on becoming a New York Times bestselling author, I chat about what it takes to get on the list including: Understanding what the NYT is looking for exactlyObtaining fast sales, captured within a week, not cumulatively (Think: 10,000 min copies in 7 days, again this is relative/can vary, but in case you really are just looking for a ballpark number) Diversity of sales across multiple retailers throughout the countryEstablish a large author platformHave a pre-order email list before you launchI also discuss the importance of pre-order sales (probably your best bet for having a shot of getting onto a bestseller list)! Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I chat with Toronto-based writer and art curator, Tatum Dooley. Her writing has appeared in the Globe & Mail, Artforum, The Walrus, Vogue UK, Lenny Letter, TeenVogue and more. She is also the founder of Canadian Art Forecast, showcasing upcoming and mid-career Canadian artists.I loved getting to talk shop with Tatum! As we're currently in another lockdown, conversations like these really fill me up and motivate me to keep going. We chat, amongst other things, about:The current media landscape (click quota culture & quality journalism)Cultivating a creative community as an introvertLockdown writing routines/ritualsIf working in a bookstore is as romantic as it soundsHow to pitch freelance articles to editors (she's a pro!)Canadian Art Forecast and why art is needed now more than everWhat it was like working for TeenVogueWhat she's reading, watching and listening to these days!Substack newsletters Connect with TatumInstagram: @tatum_dooleyCanadian Art Forecast: @cdnartforecastWord Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm answering the burning questions every (Canadian) author asks themselves or types into Google: how many books do you have to sell to be a bestseller in Canada and how can you become a bestselling author?In next week's episode I'll do a deep dive into the crown jewel, the gold standard of bestseller lists, and share everything I know about how to get on the New York Times bestseller list, but for today's episode I wanted to break it down specifically for how to be a Canadian bestseller. Today, I'll do my best to answer these questions: How do you measure what qualifies as a bestseller?How many copies do you need to sell to be on the bestseller list? Which books are eligible to appear on a bestseller list in Canada?What sales count toward becoming a bestseller?When can you label yourself as a “National Bestseller,” vs. “International Bestseller,” vs. “#1 Bestseller,” vs. “Globe & Mail #1 Bestseller,” etc.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm sharing the second book club episode from The First Step Podcast where Calissa and I discuss the novel Monogamy by Sue Miller. We also discuss our favourite books from 2020. These book club episodes originally air on The First Step Podcast. Our next read is Off Script by Marci Ien! Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm talking all about pen names, aka. nom de plumes, and whether or not you should publish under a pseudonym. Overall, it's a personal choice and there really is no right or wrong answer, but in this episode we'll dissect some reasons why a writer might want to use a pen name and things to think about if you choose to use a nom de plume in your publishing journey. Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm sharing my personal annual review process for reflecting on the past year and my planning process for how I set and achieve goals (hint: think quarterly, not annually!) Can you believe we are in the last week of December 2020?! This year will go down in history…and WOW, guys, we made it. Mentally, emotionally, physically, financially it was a true test on humanity, so take a moment to pat yourself on the back and give yourself a gold star for getting to this point. You did it!Every December, I love to do an annual audit to see how much I actually DID accomplish, even if they were small wins like changing from one sweatsuit into another. It's easy to diminish our accomplishments, or forget about them entirely in a year like 2020, but I promise you that once you write it down in a journal and look back on your wins, you'll be astonished at how much you've done and how far you've come. Let me know if you enjoy this episode and how you review and plan to achieve your dream life!Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm sharing six ways you can read more with a busy life. It can be hard to get back into the habit of reading, especially with digital technologies like social media vying for our (vastly shortened) attention spans. We all only have 24 hours in a day and it can be hard to find pockets of time to justify reading a book when we have a million other tasks we've had to prioritize (props to all of the parents out there). I've gone through my fair share of reading slumps, but these are my tried-and-true tips on how to read more.In this episode, I'll explain in more detail the following 6 methods: AudiobooksThe 2-Minute Rule Habit Tracker / Star StickersSticky Note Method Pick a topic or genre you actually enjoy, NOT what's popularRe-visit an old faithfulWord Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm sharing my candid discussion with Calissa, the founder and host of The First Step Podcast (previously aired on that podcast!) For the first book club pick, we discussed Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman.It's the story of two friends (also hosts of the Call Your Girlfriend podcast), Aminatou and Ann, on the art of friendship maintenance and how these relationships ebb and flow over time.In this episode, we recap the book, give our reviews and go deep into how the book's themes, from shine theory to stretching for your friendships have affected our own lives. We'll be doing a book club review every month until April 2020! Our next book club pick is Monogamy by Sue Miller, so grab a copy and read along with us! Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.Available on all podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Stitcher. Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcast
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm talking about Chekhov's Gun — firstly, what the hell is it? Secondly, how can you employ it in your writing? I took this concept WAY TOO LITERALLY for a long time, but have come to love the setup and payoff it brings to add dramatic significance to my plot. Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcast
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I share a lesson that took me a long time to fully grasp and is one of the key's to success in any field, but especially when it comes to writing a book and becoming a published author.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcast
Today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast is part 2 (of 2) where I go into more detail about how to plot a thriller and outline a mystery/suspense novel with 27 different story beats using the 3 Act Structure. There's a lot of information in here, so you might want to grab a notebook and pen beforehand, but hopefully it provides a semblance of structure when you're outlining or hit writer's block in your plot. Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcast
Today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast is part 1 of 2 where I share my findings on how to plot a thriller / murder mystery / suspense novel — and it starts by working backwards! The plotting principles could also be useful for writers of all genres to think about when outlining their current or future book projects. Hope everyone's #NaNoWriMo is going well! Happy Writing :) Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I chat with Travis King (who joins me from Mexico City) on his new travel memoir, Not That Anyone Asked: A Travel Memoir about Sex, Drugs, Love and Finding Purpose.After finishing his Master's Degree at the age of 28, Travis couldn't bring himself to follow the traditional American blueprint laid out for success, so he took off to South America. That first flight was the start of an adventure around the world—an adventure that his friends didn't understand and of which his father openly disapproved.Travis shares how his father feels about the release of his raw and revealing book, how he learned to create his own version of success and the importance of following through on the promises we make to ourselves.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm sharing my recent speech for the University of Toronto's “How to Become Published” panel to journalism and creative writing students.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I have the honour of speaking with 13-year-old bestselling thriller author and mental health writer for Arianna Huffington's Thrive Global, Kristina Naydonova.Wise beyond her years, it was a treat getting to chat with Kristina about her debut thriller, The Black Sisterhood Files, her writing process, how she balances school and authorhood, her thoughts on social media, advice for writers of all ages, her dreams for the future and how she came to be such a prolific writer and speaker.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.
Today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast was inspired by a trend I noticed a couple years ago that still seems to prevail—and that is the use of the word GIRL in book titles! Gone Girl, Girl on a Train, THe Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest…you've probably noticed and wondered about it too!I've also typed into google such questions as: “What are the most popular book titles?” and “What are bestselling book titles?” — I was curious to see if the most popular and bestselling novels out there fit a particular pattern, and lo and behold, yes they do! Many use repetitive, cliché words and often fall into a mold based on genre.Selecting a book title is a great opportunity to indicate plot, character and the overall aura or atmosphere. Readers like to know what they're getting into and a book title is a key way to capture their attention.I discovered eight (8) general trends that the most common book titles *usually* possess. In today's chapter, I discuss in more detail the following:Female NamesMale NamesThe Weighty WordsThe (followed by a) NounThe Noun SandwichThe Fragmented SentenceThe Run-On SentenceThe Biblical ReferenceI also touch on specific popular WORDS (i.e. “Girl” “Woman” “Life” “House”) that are trending in each genre.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm talking about visualization and how you can use it as a transformational tool for achieving your wildest writing goals.Visualization, on its own, is picturing in your mind the outcome of something BEFORE it has happened. By utilizing all five senses to vividly imagine your idealized outcome, it brings your desired goal into the realm of possibility.Our thoughts are energy, they are so powerful! Your amygdala, the part of our brain responsible for the fight or flight response (our survival instinct), has trouble distinguishing between something that is being seen in your mind during a visualization and something that is actually happening in real time. Simply by visualizing it, you are bringing it into your reality.When you consistently practice visualization, you're engaging the familiarity effect, where your wildest writing dreams suddenly seem less scary or impossible and more tangible!Olympic athletes, like Michael Phelps, have leveraged the powers of visualization (often up to two hours a day) in psychological preparation for big competitions and events. Michael would see himself winning, feel the weight of a gold medal around his neck, smell the chlorine in the pool, taste the water on his lips, hear the sound of the gun going off and the crowds cheering.As writers, we can employ the same techniques in order to be mentally fit for the marathon of writing and publishing a book. That could be envisioning yourself typing “THE END” on your first draft, getting a phone call from your agent with a book deal, walking into your favourite bookstore and seeing your novel on the Hot New Releases table or opening up the newspaper and seeing your name in print on the bestseller list.Along with helping to manifest your book goals faster, 8 other benefits of visualization are:Improved performance (incl. word count output)Increased focusDecreased levels of stress and anxietyInsomnia reliefBoosted immunityAlleviate migraines and chronic painDecreased depressionBoosted confidenceVisualization through meditation, or simply by sitting cross-legged with your eyes closed for five minutes, can start off feeling silly and as though nothing is happening (we are so used to instant gratification) — but through consistent practice, I have noticed the benefits only in hindsight, they happened almost invisibly over time. If you can BELIEVE IT, you can ACHIEVE IT!Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm taking you on a trip down typography lane and chatting about the best fonts for books.Did you know, on average, a bookstore browser spends 8 seconds looking at the front cover, 15 seconds reading the back cover and about 5 seconds flipping through a book? Not only are people judging a book by the imagery on the cover, they're also subconsciously judging the typography!I found myself down a research rabbit hole looking up the best fonts to use for my manuscript (if you take nothing else away from this episode, always use Times New Roman 12pt font for your manuscript!) — then I got curious about the typography of my favourite books.In this episode, I discuss the history of typefaces produced just after the invention of the printing press, the five (5) most popular fonts by genre for the interior body of a book, fun fonts for book covers and the difference between a serif and sans serif font.After listening, you likely won't be able to pick up a book without investigating the typesetting, as hopefully you find the psychology as fascinating as I do!Book fonts are important for two (2) main reasons:Readability — the font has to be easy on the eyes for the reader to absorb for a long period of time (includes the spacing between letters, the height and thickness and the size of the serifs)Elicit emotion — the typesetting of a book can drastically change how a reader receives your words. When choosing font for your own finished book, ask yourself what message is your book trying to send and what do you want readers to feel?The Most Popular Five (5) Fonts for a Book By Genre:Literary Fiction: BaskervilleRomance Novels: SabonThillers and Airport Page-Turners: GaramondAcademic Non-Fiction: CaslonGeneral Interest: UtopiaWord Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I have the surreal experience of speaking with ANOTHER author named Louise Johnson on the launch day of her debut memoir, Lou Who?I couldn't pass up the opportunity to speak with my literary doppelgänger and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did!Louise moved from Scotland to Vancouver following a traumatic divorce and turned her transformative six-year period into a self-reflective memoir: detailing her discovery of selfhood, personal health, sexuality and ultimately her gratitude for this land she now calls home, which has returned her to the essence of herself.Her writing style is unabashed and her stories are anything but sugarcoated. As a writer, Louise believes in conveying her experiences using a mixture of stark reality and dark humour; and as a woman, she's not afraid to tell the truth, especially if that truth is hard.If you're considering self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, Louise has some great insight on her positive experience with The Self Publishing Agency.Happy listening!Connect With LouiseWebsite: louisejohnsonauthor.comInstagram: @_louise_johnson_Facebook: /louisejohnsonauthorWord Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I'm talking about how to plan a productive solo writing retreat and sharing my 7 tips to maximize your experience.I'm going on a solo writing retreat in a few weeks to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia ( SO excited) and wanted to share how I prepare, so you can smash your word count goals and leave feeling accomplished and motivated.Word Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I speak with my dear friend Bryn Turnbull in the midst of launching her debut historical fiction novel, The Woman Before Wallis.If you've ever dreamed of writing and traditionally publishing a book (with a big 5 publisher to boot), Bryn gives us a real-time glimpse into the emotions and behind-the-scenes happenings of not only what it takes to write a book, but what it's like to market and launch that book into the world!RIGHT before we recorded the podcast she found out that in her first week she was a #1 National Bestseller…by the time you're listening to this episode, she's still running strong at six weeks and counting as a Toronto Star and Chapters Indigo Bestseller.Bryn's journey to becoming a bestselling debut author will inspire and motivate every word weaver out there to KEEP GOING until you actualize your dream of writing a book.Make sure to check out Bryn's WORD WEAVER IN RESIDENCE Author Q&A and buy a copy of The Woman Before Wallis, if you haven't already, wherever books are sold.Connect with BrynWebsite: brynturnbull.comInstagram: @brynturnbullwritesTwitter: @brynturnbullFacebook: /brynturnbullwritesWord Weaver Podcast LinksInstagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#wordweaverpodcastIntro Song: Late July by Shakey GravesOutro Song: Way With Words by BahamasNEW episodes are posted weekly.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and screenshot/share the Word Weaver Podcast on social media as it helps more people find it! I appreciate it so much.
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I introduce you to my HOLY SHIT LIST, my ultimate milestone checklist (or bucket list) for writers, to celebrate checkpoints throughout the writing/publishing process that make you go “holy shit! I did it!”Writing can be a lonely business and since everyone's journey to publishing a book varies, it's important to be your own biggest cheerleader and celebrate your wins, both big and small, along the way!You can download my exact Holy Shit List for free HERE — a printable, one-page PDF to tape to your wall, stick on your fridge, put in your journal or agenda to remind you of how far you've come and what you still strive to achieve.Word Weaver Podcast Links:Instagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#WordWeaverPodcast
Today's Word Weaver podcast chapter is all about the law of attraction and using the power of manifestation to achieve your wildest writing dreams, from finishing your manuscript to getting a book deal.I used to think it was a bit “woo-woo,” but I truly believe you attract what you think. If you're always focused on the negative, it's almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy where the worst case scenario will happen. Like attracts like and positive thoughts attract positive outcomes. I share my favourite tips and tricks to implementing the law of attraction in your everyday life and learning to focus more on what you WANT instead of what you don't want.The first thing is getting HONEST with yourself on what it is you actually want (it's a lot harder than it sounds!). Then, it's about learning to change “I want” to “I will” and fully embodying the emotions and feelings associated with achieving your future goals.Self-doubt will creep in, but it becomes easier to ignore with these practices:Write it down (in a journal or on a sticky-note in your agenda/day planner so it's visible)Create a vision board of what your future self as a bestselling author looks like (I like to create a mood board for my book that encompasses the theme, setting, time period of the book and a second mood/vision board of my personal life as a full-time author)Make a “mock” design of your future book cover and put it as the background of your computer or cell phone — you could also change it to an image of an author/writer you admire or a bookish photo from Pinterest of what you hope to achieveSay it out loud, first to yourself in your room or in a car or while walking, and then start talking about what you want to manifest to other peopleMeditate — use it as a visualization exercise to think about what it will be like walking into a bookstore and seeing your novel on shelf, what the cover design will look like, what it will feel like signing copies on a book tour, what it will be like opening galleys and ARCS, what kind of food you'll serve at your book launch party — for 5, 10, or 15 minutes of your day let your mind fantasize about the fun rewards that come after the long slog of writing, editing, and querying a book — it's a great way to manifest and motivate yourself to keep goingOne of my favourite tips comes from Jim Carrey — he wrote himself a cheque for $10 million in 1985 for “acting services rendered” and dated it 10 years in the future. For a decade he kept that cheque in his wallet and call it a coincidence or the law of attraction and manifestation, but in 1995 he was cast in “Dumb and Dumber” and his paycheque was $10 million.Try writing yourself a cheque for “writing services rendered” and pick a date in the future — tape it to your wall or keep it in your wallet as a daily manifestationAnother fun one I heard recently was an author who created a fake New York Times Best Seller list — she got a real one and photoshopped the name of her future book (she hadn't even written it yet) and picked a date four years in the future (near her birthday as a gift to herself). She printed off her NYT Best Seller list, circled her name/book in the #1 spot and kept it on her vision board.Try creating your own NYT Best Seller (or Amazon or USA Today or Wall Street Journal or Globe & Mail Best Seller list) and allow yourself to work toward that dream!The key to the law of attraction and manifestation as a writer or an author, is that you don't have to know HOW you are going to do something, or WHEN you will get it, you just have to know that IT WILL HAPPEN.Remember, you are not only the author of the work you are producing, but the author of your own life. If you believe it, you can achieve it! 6 Books on The Law of Attraction and Manifestation if you'd like to learn more:The Power of Now by Eckhart TolleA New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart TolleThe Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent PealeThe Power of the Subconscious Mind by Joseph MurphyThe Secret by Rhonda BryneAsk and It is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther and Jerry HicksWord Weaver Podcast Links:Instagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#WordWeaverPodcast#WordWeaverPodcast
In today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast, I'm sharing seven things nobody tells you about being a writer! There are a million more things you'll discover as you go along through this bookish journey, but these are a few I've experienced. Happy listening!Word Weaver Podcast Links:Instagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast#WordWeaverPodcast
In today's chapter, I'm sharing my advice on what to do when you get an offer of representation from a literary agent. A friend of mine recently got her first offer after being in the querying trenches for nearly a year and had a few questions for me! It reminded me of my experience along this crazy publishing journey and how I really wished I'd had someone to ask all of these burning questions to.From making sure you take the time celebrate this huge milestone (pop that champagne!! This is a big deal!!) to what to avoid, what to ask, and everything else in-between, I hope you find this episode reassuring and helpful as you chase your dream of becoming a writer. If you haven't already, you WILL hit this milestone. The key is just not to give up.Word Weaver Podcast Links:Instagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcastInstagram: @wordweaverpodcast
In today's chapter, I'm sharing how to take your amazing book idea and create an outline. It's one thing to have a starting point, it's something else entirely getting to the finish line.Whether you're a plotter, a pantser or a hybrid of both, an outline will act as your daily roadmap with the milestones you want to hit (the big scenes) and the highways/roads in-between en route to the final destination (when you can type "The End").I use good old fashioned pen and paper as well as digital outlines (index cards, sticky-notes, my white wall, binders, scrivener and excel spreadsheets).Hopefully, sharing my method will at least motivate you to go from idea to outline in whichever format you choose!Word Weaver Podcast Links:Instagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcastInstagram: @wordweaverpodcast
On this chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast, I chat with children's fantasy author, Maram Taibah, about her magical world building, the differences between writing children's books vs. screenplays, and the importance of filling up your creative juice tank. She also introduces me to a new genre: steampunk. Don't miss the rapid fire Q&A at the end!MARAM'S LINKS:Instagram: @maram.taibah.authorWebsite: maramtaibah.comWORD WEAVER LINKSWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcastInstagram: @wordweaverpodcast
The Word Weaver Podcast is BACK! In today's chapter, I'm sharing my 6 tips on creating a productive writing routine at home when life feels uncertain and disrupted.Writers are built for working from home (this is our Super Bowl!) but managing stress, fear and anxiety is a very real thing right now during these difficult times. It's easy to get distracted (especially if you're working from home with a partner or little kids), but it's important to create a daily habit to help alleviate some of that overwhelm, while improving your writing skills.Word Weaver Podcast Links:Instagram: @wordweaverpodcastWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcast
On today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast, I chat with Yeldah Yousfi, one of Canada's first and most beloved bookstagrammers (55k followers), better known on Instagram as The Beautiful Bibliophile (@beautiful.bibliophile).Yeldah gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how, in two short years, she transformed her side hobby into a business and became one of the biggest bookstagrammers in the country. Before the word even existed, Yeldah began what she called a “literary and lifestyle” Instagram account while she was still in university. She merged her dual interests in photography and books by using them as the subject of her Instagram posts. After the account attracted over 55,000 likeminded literary followers, Yeldah began a blog with the goal to connect with people from all over the world and inspire readers - as well as herself - to dream big, read more and travel often.In short, the term bookstagram is a hybrid of books and Instagram. It's a bookish community on Instagram where people post anything book-related; what they're currently reading, to book hauls, to how they organize their bookshelves, to bookish events.The #bookstagram aesthetic is recognizable in that books are the focus of every photo and the feed is cohesive with similar colours, a mix of flat-lays (i.e. overhead shots of books on a flat surface) or a photo of someone reading and/or surrounded by a stack of a books. Cups of coffee and tea are used often and the most common locations for bookstagram shots are cafés and cozy bedroom nooks (bookshelves and twinkle lights galore!)There are other variations of bookstagram on other social media platforms, except that it's called BookTube or AuthorTube on YouTube and Booklr on Tumblr.What piqued my interest to learn more about bookstagram was how engaging, positive, inclusive, and supportive the online community seems to be. It's like a global, virtual book club where everyone is just happy to connect, share knowledge and chat about all things bookish! Social media can often lead to a lot of negative emotions, but if there's one good thing to come out of the darkness that can be the Internet, bookstagram is one of them!
For today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast I thought it would be helpful to walk through a complete guide/glossary of literary, writing, and publishing terms. I know that when I first started out on my book publishing journey — and even now — I found myself Google-ing all of these new words, phrases, acronyms and jargon. Lots of websites, books and publishing veterans are so well-versed in this literary language that they just assume you know what they're talking about! After asking a million times, “Sorry, what exactly does that mean?” I decided to create my own simple, easy to understand guide for these new-fangled publishing terms. I hope this is a helpful breakdown and handy reference guide for all of you word weavers out there too!I also received a listener question asking me to go over manuscript specifications and formatting so I included that below as well :)How to Format Your ManuscriptManuscript: evolved from Latin and means “written by hand.” Manu is “hand” and scriptus is “to write." It refers to a writer's unpublished work whether it's handwritten or typed. A full manuscript is your fully finished body of work, whether it's your first or final draft. A partial or unfinished manuscript is your work-in-progress. Many literary agents, editors and publishers simply refer to a manuscript using the abbreviation MS or MSS (plural).In terms of manuscript formatting, the disclaimer is that each literary agency has specific requirements (outlined on their website) – so make sure that you follow their guidelines before firing off your MS to an agent. That being said, the general rule of thumb for a completed manuscript is:Times New Roman font (boring but it's a classic!)Double spaced (always, always, always double space your manuscript! Even if you think it looks better at 1.5 spacing, all professional literary agents and editors expect double spaced)Standard 1” marginsSimple cover page that includes the book's title and subtitle (if you have one) centered about 3/4 of the way down the page, with the author(s) name(s) centered below the title. In the bottom right corner (or left-hand, but I prefer bottom right) include your contact information: email, phone, address, website and any social handles if necessaryPage numbers (I do the bottom right corner) on every page except for the title pageHeader at the top of each page (example below)[LAST NAME BOOK TITLE GENRE]For reference, my full manuscript ended up being about 90,000 words and 400 pages long (double-spaced, TNR font).GENRES DEFINEDFiction: imagined, made-up story not based on factsNon-fiction: true, factual storyHistorical Fiction: a made-up story based on a real time and place in history but the characters and events are not true, accurate or realHistorical Non-Fiction: a true story based on historical factScience Fiction (Sci-Fi): writing based on real OR imaginary scientific developments and these books are usually set in the futureAutobiography/Memoir: the writer's story of his/her own life (note: many celebrity “autobiographies” are ghostwritten but are still marketed/defined as memoir)Biography: the writer's account of someone else's lifeLITERARY TERMSNovel: people often interchange novel and book, but a ‘novel' is a fictional, untrue or imagined story (so since my book is non-fiction, I am not a novelist)Prose: literary work that uses familiar, conversational forms of languageProtagonist: the main character, often the hero or force of good in a storyAntagonist: the person or external force that works against the main character or hero of the storySetting: the place, location, and time frame where the story takes placeExposition: at the beginning of the story where the characters are introduced, the background is established and setting is describedConflict: problems, obstacles or struggles that appear in a book — there are FOUR BASIC types of CONFLICT in a book:1. Person vs. Person: conflict between two or more characters2. Person vs. Self: a character has an internal struggle with themselves/their mind3. Person vs. Society: problem between a character and the world or society in which they live (i.e. school, law, religion, etc.)4. Person vs. Nature: conflict between a character and some natural element like a blizzard, tornado, a mountain climb, lost at sea etc.Climax: no sexual innuendo here but this is the high point in the action of a story, the big point of CHANGE where something happens that forces your character(s) on a path where some sort of transformation happensFalling Action: right after the climax / point of transformation and the subsequent consequences that lead towards the story's endResolution: what editors commonly use instead of “the ending” where all of the loose ends in the story are tied upAlliteration: repeating initial consonant sounds to emphasize and link words, used a lot in poetry (ex: I love alliteration so the drop-down headers on my website are: plot, purpose, portfolio, prose, podcast, places, and play)Simile: comparing two things using the words “like” or “as” – ex: “Her smile was as cold as ice.”Metaphor: similar to a simile in that a metaphor also compares two things that are essentially different but with some commonalities; however a metaphor does not use “like” or “as” — ex: “Her smile was ice. (note: you are encouraged to use similies and metaphors sparingly and to avoid clichés (they should be unique and specific)Personification: human qualities attributed to animals or objects — ex: “The wind exhaled.”Foreshadowing: hints that help the reader anticipate the outcome without giving away the ending (helpful to foreshadow at the end of each chapter to entice readers to keep coming back for moreImagery: use descriptive words or phrases that appeal to all five senses (smell, hear, touch, taste, sight)Onomatopoeia: words that imitate sounds — ex: hiss, buzz, swish, crunchPOV: Point Of View — when this is circled or noted by an editor or agent on your manuscript it usually means that you aren't using the correct POV or should think about switching itFirst-person: the narrator is a character, usually the main character, and written using “I” and “we”Third-person: narrator who is separate or outside the story, and instead uses “he,” “she,” “they,” etc.Third-person limited: the narrator tells only what ONE character perceives/their POVThird-person omniscient: narrator can see into the minds of all of the characters and writes from all of their POVsUnreliable narrator: narrator who is telling the reader the story but they themselves might not have all of the information (i.e. they seem suspicious or lack credibility) — common in thrillers and mystery novels (Gone Girl and The Woman in the Window use unreliable narrators)Reliable narrator: you trust that the narrator is telling the story with full factual information (most books are written from this POV)Publishing TermsComps: in the publishing world, “comps” does not refer to product comps, complimentary, or computers etc. It means COMPETITIVE or COMPARATIVE titles/authors. A literary agent usually requires 3-5 “comps” to help them define your genre to publishers and the press. Comps should show how your book is similar but also different/unique from another title and authorAcquisition: when the publisher buys the rights to publish a book from the author. Publishers have key meetings where the team sits around a big table and decides which books to buy – that meeting is called “Acquisitions” or the “Acquisitions Meeting.”TBR: To Be Read (referring to a pile or stack of books that a reader hopes to get through) i.e. “My TBR pile is overflowing!” Used frequently on Instagram and Twitter with the bookstagram communityWIP: Work In Progress (writers often refer to their partial manuscripts as WIPs)ARC: Advanced Reading Copy or Advanced Review Copy (same as ARE/Galley)ARE: Advanced Reader's Edition (same as an ARC/Galley)Galleys: When I first heard this I thought of Pirates of the Caribbean and Johnny Depp “down in the galleys” of the ship… but in the publishing industry galleys are the same as ARCs, AREs or uncorrected proofs. Galleys are created by the publisher months before the final printing and release of the book. They are sent to reviewers, booksellers, bloggers, journalists and other people crucial to the critical and commercial success of the book. There might be some typos but galleys/ARCs are bound like paperback books. Occasionally called “pre-first editions”Advance: sum of money paid to an author upon signing a contract with a publisher. The terms are negotiated by the author's literary agent – the one catch is that the author's advance needs to be “earned out” by sales of the book once released (i.e. it's not “free money” the publisher is essentially investing in the author's ability to sell the book). Upon the book's release, the author will have to “earn out” - or sell at least the amount of the advance - before the author makes a profit. Advances are typically paid out in 4 instalments: after signing the contract, after the finished manuscript is submitted to the publisher, after the book is published in hardcover and finally after the book is published in paperbackBacklist titles: books that have been published in the past or a long time ago but they're still in print – ex: Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mocking BirdBlurb: short quote or paragraph of text on the back of a book; basically a short summary for the reader of what the book is about. Blurbs also include quotes from other authors or celebrities that you see on the cover and are often used to pitch the book to media.The House: In Canada we have “5 big banks” and in the publishing world there are “5 big houses” — term for Publishing Houses such as Penguin Random House, Harper Collins, Simon and Schuster etc. There are also many smaller publishing houses that are just as amazing and can often provide more individualized author attention. Beneath all of these “houses” there are various imprints that specialize in different genres, interest areas or types of books. For example, Penguin Random House has over 50 imprints such as Penguin Classics, Putnam, Bantam, Alfred A. Knopft, Crown, Doubleday etc.ISBN: every book is assigned a unique ISBN number and it stands for International Standard Book Number, a 13 digit number that's used to identify each bookThe Jacket: term used to describe the book's front cover (often removable on hardcovers). In key internal meetings at publishing houses where decisions are made about the graphics and blurb copy for the cover, these meetings are called “Jackets.”Literary Agent: you've heard this before (I use it a lot) but what the heck does it actually mean and what the heck does a literary agent actually do? They are the person responsible for managing an author's entire career – including helping them to develop, pitch and sell their book to publishers. They also act as the facilitator or mediator between the author and their editor. In return, literary agents take a percentage (standard is 15%) of an author's advance and royalties.PUB DAY: I also picture an English pub with pints of beers, which would actually be a great way to celebrate, but PUB DAY is the author's official PUBLISHING DAY when the book is officially on sale online and in bookstoresPre-Orders: the period during before the book is officially released but is available for “pre-order” purchase online. Pre-orders are SUPER important and can make or break whether an author is a bestseller. For example: if you get pre-orders for 8-12 months, ALLLL of those sales count on the first day that your book is officially released (PUB DAY). The New York Times Bestseller list looks at sales by week, so technically if you had 8-12 months worth of pre-orders and they all counted on your first day of the first week, that is typically your best bet for making any bestselling listSlush Pile: this always makes me crave a Slushee from 7-11 (!!) but the “slush pile” is a stack of manuscripts that have been sent to a literary agent or publisher for consideration that they haven't had a chance to read yetUnsolicited submissions/manuscripts: you'll see this mentioned on pretty much every publisher's website, whereas before a writer could often bypass having a literary agent and directly submit their manuscript to a publisher, nowadays every publisher requires a manuscript to be submitted ONLY from literary agent — i.e. they do NOT accepted “unsolicited submissions” or “unsolicited manuscripts” directly from the writer. Literary agents, in that sense, are gatekeepers and vet manuscripts for the publishers that they actually believe are worth their time. That's why it can be so hard to even secure a literary agent in the first place, as they won't accept any submissions that they don't believe they could sell to a publisher.Word weaver linksWebsite: louiseclairejohnson.com/podcastInstagram: @wordweaverpodcast#WordWeaverPodcast
Today's chapter of the Word Weaver Podcast is my in-depth interview with Ben McNally, the legendary bookseller behind "Toronto's Most Beautiful Bookstore” and his namesake, Ben McNally Books. The shop first opened in 2007 at 366 Bay Street in Toronto's financial district but Ben has worked in the book business for over 40 years.We chatted over coffee inside his stunning shop, under the 14-foot ceilings, with the mahogany bookshelves as our backdrop. I was honoured that Ben would take the time to sit down and speak with me as he is somewhat akin to what a celebrity chef in the restaurant industry would be to the Canadian literary scene.Independent bookstores have long been thought of as a dying breed, particularly with the age of Amazon. Even big box superstores like Chapters Indigo are dedicating more of their retail space to housewares, a higher profit driver for them than books. Despite the recent revival of indie bookshops (much like the renaissance of vinyl records and polaroid cameras), many independent bookstores have been forced to shut their doors over the years as book sales are unable to cover their overhead. In a fraught industry, Ben McNally Books has managed to stay competitive, which he credits to building trusting, loyal and long-lasting relationships with his customers — a face-to-face interaction he fears is being lost in our overstimulated technology era.“On the internet you can find what you're looking for; in our store you can find what you are not looking for.”- Ben McNallyIn today's podcast chapter we discuss everything from how he went from parking cars at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) to being at the forefront of the literary industry. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look from the booksellers perspective of the publishing industry and his stance on why books are sexy again.Don't miss the rapid fire at the end where he tells us his favourite author, book of ALL time, favourite place to read and why he loves Harry Potter!I don't know if it was being in a bookstore on a quiet, snowy morning or listening to Ben talk about books, but I felt such a sense of calm during the interview. It was a magical conversation with a magical man! I hope you enjoy.ps. If you're located in Toronto, Ben hosts a monthly Books and Brunch in the Vanity Fair Ballroom at the King Edward Hotel with up to four authors and various In Her Voice events at the bookstore that support emerging female writers and poets.
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