Turning Readers Into Writers

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Line Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Reclaim Your Author Career: Using the Enneagram to build your strategy, unlock deeper purpose, and celebrate your career - https://amzn.to/3LTyKQLBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website https://www.denisedt.com/https://drstephaniehan.com/Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Premade Book Covers - Bookcoverzone.comThe Cover Collection Prolific Works - free ebook giveawaysCritique CircleStoryOrigin (storyoriginapp.com) Line Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Line Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Dean Wesley SmithPlottrBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website The 5 C's of Being a Writer | Nancy ChristieRoz Morris, author | 'A unique voice rising in contemporary fiction' Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website ChatGPT launches boom in AI-written e-books on Amazon Line Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website  Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Launchpad: The Countdown to Writing Your Book (Amazon UK)Launchpad: The Countdown to Writing Your Book (Amazon US) Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers. She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Emma's website Launch Pad: The Countdown To Writing Your BookLine Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers. She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links:Emma's website Launch Pad: The Countdown To Writing Your Book Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers. She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way. Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links: Be a Bestseller 4.0Emma's website Line Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Join Emma Dhesi as she helps turn readers into writers with a unique blend of interviews, personal experience and lessons learned from other writers.She guides you through the emotional minefield of writing a novel, how you can improve your craft, how to keep your big vision at the forefront of everything you do - and how to enjoy the ride along the way.Short and sweet, every episode has the potential to get your writing career off to a flying start!Links:Emma's websiteFacebook page3 Easy Steps cheat sheet Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

For more info on how I can help you with your writing career, visit my website at: www.emmadhesi.com Support the show

In today's episode, I ponder if there's such a thing as a balanced life. LinksEricka EmendsBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode, I give 3 reasons why it's important to set up a writing routine. Line Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

This week I take a look at some money blocks that have a surprisingly big impact on your writing life.From fear of failure, to fear of success and fear of judgement by those we love, all contribute to how much or how little we turn up for our writing.We have a complex relationship with money and it brings up a lot of issues for us. There's nothing to be embarrassed about here, we all go through it. We've all learnt to view money in particular ways and in this episode I dig into some of those. A perfect listen for you if you know money holds you back from writing your novel.Links:Interview with Michele Tracy BergerSupport the show

This week I introduce you to the new sound of Turning Readers Into Writers.After two years of interview episodes, I'm stripping back all the fancy music and introductions, and instead talking to you straight from the hip!Over the next 12 months I'm focusing on four areas I believe hold most new writers back from finishing their first novel.I'm going to help you:Have a big vision for your writing lifeTackle your creative blocksPut boundaries in placeEnjoy the rideI can't wait to dive into these areas and offer my thoughts and techniques for moving past these obstacles so you can have the confidence and stamina to reach The End.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: This week I take you through the power of a vision board. Manifestation board, vision board, mood board, or whatever you call them, are wonderful tools to help you achieve whatever you want in life, both physically and emotionally.I go through what they are, how to create one and what to include on your board. Get 2023 off to a flying start and create your own.Links:Manifestation BabeJennie NashCanvaLine Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Jennie gives me all the lowdown on how she got started in the publishing industry, her own writing career and why she ultimately created her book coaching business, Author Accelerator.We talk about why working with a coach can be so transformative to your writing, but it all starts with understanding why you want to write, and the kind of writing you want to do.Is it to write one book from your heart, or is it to win a big contract and write a commercially successful series of books?Your goal will shape how and what you write, and your measure of success.If you're considering hiring a coach but are on the fence, Jennie Nash offers great insight into how, with the right coach, you can't go wrong.Author Accelerator doesn't just match writers with coaches, they are on a mission to help writers write books worth reading by training book coaches to support writers through the process.They offer a certification programme for prospective coaches in both fiction and non-fiction. You can find out more here: All About Book Coaching | Author Accelerator (bookcoaches.com)Links:Jennie NashAuthor AcceleratorWired For Story, Lisa CronStory Genius, Lisa CronLine Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Molly Fader's first fiction love was romance, which she discovered at the tender age of 12 and which was “Putting words to feelings I had.”Having never thought of romance stories in that way, I really appreciated this new way of seeing the genre.In our conversation, we talk about Molly's new book, The Sunshine Girls. It's a dual timeline story that tells the tale of BettyKay and Kitty who, in 1967, run away to Hollywood hoping to hit the big time.A year later BettyKay returns home, and her life takes a new direction. Kitty stays in Hollywood.Fifty years later, at BettyKay's funeral, her daughters are shocked when the famous movie star, Kitty, makes an appearance and turns their world upside down.It's a love story between friends and examines the lengths women will go to protect their friends.If you enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, you'll love The Sunshine Girls, by Molly Fader.Molly has been writing for many years now, publishing over 60 books and she kindly shared with us how she puts together a synopsis, what goes into that document, at what point she stops planning and starts writing, and what a writing day looks like for her.Molly starts with her premise and builds upon it like a snowball. She figures out as much as she can ahead of time, but at some point, she says you've just got to write. It's the gaps in her planning that allow for magic to happen, and that's what she loves. She says that if she had it all worked out ahead of time, she'd lose interest.Molly was incredibly generous with her time and expertise, and I for one cannot wait to step into The Sunshine Girls.Connect with Molly:https://mollyfader.com/https://twitter.com/MollyOKwrites https://www.bookbub.com/authors/molly-o-keefehttps://www.facebook.com/molly.faderhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18435981.Molly_FaderBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Liz Alterman and I discuss the dos and don'ts of writing a memoir, in particular how to write about people who have not been very nice to you, and are the reason you're writing your story in the first place!Sad Sacked is Liz Alterman's memoir about her and husband being made redundant at the same time, and the effect it had on their large family. This is still a timely subject as we move into winter and prices are going up.She tells me about her transitions from financial services to journalism and from memoir to fiction. Workshopping was the biggest breakthrough for her.We then go on to talk about how to make more time in your busy week to write and Liz shares she had to make the change from long writing sessions to writing on the hoof.Her first adult suspense novel, The Perfect Neighborhood, came out in July 2022 and is available on Amazon.Her memoir is currently in audio only, but you can order it at your local library or, if you're a member of Audible Plus, it's free as part of your subscription.If you're not a member of Audible, you can find out more here: Audible UK | Free Audiobook with 30-Day TrialConnect with Liz:https://www.lizalterman.com/TwitterElizabeth Alterman | LinkedInLiz Alterman • Instagram photos and videosA Perfect Neighborhood, Liz AltermanSad Sacked, Liz AltermanAudible UK | Free Audiobook with 30-Day TrialBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: After a very successful career as a cellist, Alice McVeigh decided to try her hand at writing, something she had always had a passion for, but which took second place after her cello.Alice has experienced the highs of being signed by a top agent and publisher on her first attempt, as well as the lows of losing both her agent and her publisher. She's worked with top hybrid publisher Unbound, and is now indie-publishing her latest books, a Jane Austenesque trilogy.What Alice has learnt is that it's never too late to reinvent yourself. If something doesn't work, try something else. The most important thing is to keep trying.If you're feeling lost right now, you need to listen to my conversation with Alice McVeigh. She'll help you make the right decision for you.Connect with Alice:https://www.alicemcveigh.com/Alice McVeigh | FacebookAlice McVeigh • Instagram photos and videosAlice McVeigh / TwitterHarriet: A Jane Austen Prequel, Alice McVeighSusan: A Jane Austen Prequel, Alice McVeighLast Star Standing, Spaulding TaylorLine Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Distinguished Professor Emerita at Boise State University (USA), N.K. Napier has published widely on organizational creativity, innovation, and emerging economies over the years.Because life is not just research and teaching, Napier reached out to leaders and managers in other formats. She co-created and hosted her NPR local affiliate's Idaho Business Matters, was a regular guest on KTVB Channel 7's Noon News, wrote for Forbes Vietnam, and continues to write for blogs for Psychologytoday.com and the Idaho Statesman. In the last few years, she has received two of Vietnam's top honors for foreigners, the Medal of Honor, for contributing to the advancement of education in the country, and the Medal of Friendship for helping to build relationships between the U.S. and Vietnam.After 35+ years in the academic and research world, N.K. Napier is embarking on something completely new: Fiction Writing, which offers her the joys and challenges of being a beginner again. Links:https://nancyknapier.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyknapier/Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Julie Artz started fast drafting back in 2011, when she took part in her first NaNoWriMo. All she had was a 5 beat cheat sheet and the resulting novel was very messy!She now does a lot more preparation for NaNoWriMo, taking her time to think about the characters, plot points and end of the book. By the time November rolls along, she has a solid synopsis. She explains her process in the interview.We talk about the benefits of having a synopsis, even if you're a pantster which, at her heart, Julie still is.We talk about how and when imposter syndrome can hit, and Julie makes great suggestions on how best to manage it. She even has a free downloadable for you (link below) to help you when you're feeling uninspired and are wondering why you're even trying to write this novel!Today's episode is perfect if you want to incorporate fast drafting into your life. It's a great way to beat imposter syndrome because you're powering your way through a skeletal first draft, upon which you layer and build the finished story.Julie Artz is a fabulous writer and coach and I highly recommend you take a look at her website and take in all her wisdom!Links:https://julieartz.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJulieArtz/https://www.instagram.com/julieartz/https://twitter.com/julieartzWelcome | NaNoWriMoJulie's ‘Ready, Set, Draft' mindset downloadable Line Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Fran Hawthorne knew right from the beginning she was going to be a writer and even sent in her first submission at the age of eight.After college, Fran worked for an award-winning chain of weeklies in Silicon Valley.Fran tells me about her new novel, I Meant To Tell You and we discuss some of the themes and questions behind the book, which explores the nature of secrets and how much one person is willing to do for another.She talks about her favoured point of view to write, which is a very close third-person. With this style, she omits all intermediary verbs such as she saw or she heard. What Fran Hawthorne likes about this is how honest and immediate the voice is. This style brings the reader right into the scene, almost removing the narrator. She enjoys how clean this style is and that there are no wasted words. We go on to talk about the business of submitting and publishing, and Fran shares her experiences of finding an agent and working with publishers.Finally, we talk about how Fran shapes her day, so she can fit in everything that is important to her. For Fran, the day starts with a run, then she focuses on the small jobs that need doing before feeling free enough to be creative knowing that all her chores are completed.This is the perfect listen for you if you're stuck in your wip and want to try writing Fran's very close third pov (she shares an extract from her novel as an example).Connect with Fran:www.hawthornewriter.comhttps://www.instagram.com/hawthornewriterhttps://twitter.com/hawthornewriterhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/339886.Fran_Hawthornehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/franhawthorne/ Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Danielle M Orsino is a fantasy novelist whose lifelong vision is to create whimsical realms that her readers can escape to. Her compelling word-weaving pays homage to a multitude of personal musings from Chris Claremont and George Perez to Anne Rice, Jim Henson and Wonder Woman.With‌ an unwavering passion for cosplay and comics, it was a unanimous decision by her publishers to place her on the cover of each book in all her Fae cosplay glory (and the covers look amazing!) The Birth of Fae, her book series, features Los, an affable chameleon dragon inspired by her fun-loving Yorkie named Carlos. I had a lovely conversation with Danielle, her passion, her enthusiasm, her creativity and the joy that she takes in the work she does, and the cosplay that she takes part in. It is clear right from the outset, she really enjoys her writing. She enjoys telling stories. She enjoys doing the marketing for it and the creative visual side of it all. It was a lovely reminder to me that this is meant to be fun. It's easy for writers to get caught up in the seriousness of the work we're doing and the earnestness of the craft of writing. But really, what draws us to this is the chance to be creative, the chance to play, to explore, to be other people for a period. My conversation with Danielle was a wonderful and timely reminder of that. So, if you've been feeling that you're getting stuck in the quagmire of the story you're telling and perhaps just taking things a little too seriously, then this conversation with Danielle is what you need. It will help remind you that you're doing this for the love of it. Links:Home | Birth of the FaeDanielle M. Orsino (@birthofthefae_novel) • Instagram photos and videosDanielle Orsino – 4 Horsemen PublicationsBirth of the Fae seriesBooky Call | Book Discovery AppBookyCon 2022: A Mega Meta Book Festival (flodesk.com)Line Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Heidi Colthup, like so many of us, has been writing since she was a child, but it took her a long time to find her calling as a writer and academic.We talk about getting a writing education, whether that be a formal qualification at university, or informally online or with a writing group. The important thing is to get the support you need.Support that will challenge and improve your writing so you continue to grow rather than keep writing at the same level.Interestingly, Heidi doesn't believe everyone has a novel in them, but she believes everyone has a story to tell, and she explains more about that in our conversation.If you're unsure whether education is the next right step for your writing career, this episode is for you, particularly if you've been told at school you'd never be good enough.If you're interested in submitting to Heidi's online magazine, Short Reads Magazine, you'll find details below.Links:Short Reads on Medium: https://medium.com/short-reads-magazine Short Reads Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/542063707596087 Dr Heidi Colthup – MediumDr Heidi Colthup (@Heidi_Colthup) / TwitterDr Heidi Colthup (@heidi_colthup) • Instagram photos and videosBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Lois Letchford exemplifies perfectly why you need to know who you are writing for and why it's important to you. She had a message to share and, despite her dyslexia, worked hard to bring to life the beautiful tale of how one mother and son beat the odds and learnt to read.I'm always going on about how every story deserves to be told and Lois Letchford proved me right because Reversed: A Memoir is about an ordinary family who found extraordinary ways to learn even when the school system failed them.This is the perfect listen for you if you are dyslexic and want to write, or you have a child who is struggling to navigate literacy at school.Links:Reversed: A Memoir www.loisletchford.comLois Letchford - YouTubeLine Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Alanna Irving published her debut novel this year and fulfilled a dream she's long held - to see her name on the cover of her book.She also wanted to be able to buy that book in Waterstones and so, rather than go indie, she opted to work with a hybrid press and take advantage of their distribution channels.She talks me through the advantages and disadvantages she found in working with a hybrid, and explains what she would do differently next time.Alanna tells me about her novel - Abolish The Rose - and where the inspiration for the book came from and the funny story of how she started writing it.This episode is perfect for you if you're curious about working with a hybrid publisher, as I was. Despite the negatives, it's a route I'm going to pursue. By the end of my conversation with Alanna you might too.Connect with Alanna:Alanna IrvingAbolish The Rose, Alanna IrvingAlanna Irving (Author of Abolish the Rose) | GoodreadsAlanna Irving (@alannairving) • Instagram photos and videosAlanna Irving (@alanna_irving) / TwitterBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: It's the personal, specific and unique stories that make readers feel something. Small stories are so powerful and touch people's hearts, and that's why we read - to feel.After reading Daniel Mendelsohn's The Lost: A search for Six of Six Million for the third time, Edward di Gangi knew he had to at least try to find his birth mother and discover where and who he came from.This led him on a voyage of discovery. His birth mother turned out to be Genevieve Knorowski, a very successful ice-dancer in the 1940s and 1950s, when ice-dancing was at the height of its popularity.Di Gangi intertwines a homage to his mother's success with his own research journey and how it shaped his understanding of what mothers go through when they make the difficult decision to give their child up for adoption.The Gift Best Given is a story of love and drama against a backdrop of 1940s glamour.Links:www.digangiauthor.comEdward Di Gangi • Instagram photos and videosThe Gift Best Given, Edward di GangiThe Lost: A Search for Six of Six Million, Daniel MendelsohnLine Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Susan Dennis published her first two books at 67 years old, exemplifying why you are never too old to write.Susan compiled her book by writing snippets on the backs of utility envelopes or supermarket receipts. She pulled those little pieces together as and when she had time and would settle down to write when she had something tangible to put together, showing you don't have to spend hours on a keyboard to write a novel.Key to Susan's success was giving herself the permission to write the novel, trusting her inner voice and her discernment, which not enough new writers manage.From there she sought help from editors and readers, which led to an agent and then to the publisher, Atmosphere Press.At its heart, Susan Dennis' memoir is a love story. The love that grew between Susan and her husband, the now deceased photographer, Charles Dennis. It's also a love story between one man and a creative passion.This is a must listen if you are writing a memoir and are curious about how you can find a publisher.Links:Susandennisauthor.comsusan dennis • Instagram photos and videosThe Swing, Susan DennisAtmosphere Press - HomeBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: On her 16th birthday, Ella Čolić's Aunt Amelia gave her a series of letters she and Ella's father, Denis, wrote when they were children living in war-torn Bosnia. So moved by what her father and aunt had gone through, Ella decided to write a book about their experiences.She deliberately emphasised the emotional journey Denis and Amelia went through. Being children, they didn't understand the political and religious background to the war. All they knew was that their family was being torn apart.Ella is now an ambassador for BMG Tulza, and together they are on a mission to increase literacy amongst Bosnia's children, and to encourage people of all ages to write their stories with the festival My First Book, which had its inauguration last year.Submissions to the festival are now open and will close in November ahead of the festival in December.If you want to know more about My First Festival go here >> BMG Bosanska medijska grupaLinks:Trees Without Roots, Ella Čolićwww.treeswithoutroots.comČolić ♠ (@ella.colic) • Instagram photos and videosBMG Tuzla Facebook Page (for My First Festival details)BMG Bosanska medijska grupa (@bmg.tuzla) • Instagram photos and videosLine Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Tiffany Obeng has managed to combine passion and profit. She writes books she loves, and she knows there is a market for them. She's filling a gap in the children's picture book market and it makes her proud to know she's playing her part in filling that gap.Tiffany talks me through how she built her publishing team, what she's learnt along the way and how she now helps new children's authors navigate the complicated world of publishing.Working full time, looking after two pre-school children and coaching new authors means that she is a busy lady, and Tiffany shares how she makes space in her week to write, publish and market her books. And it's working, judging by her ranking on Amazon!This episode is for you if you want to write children's picture books and are unsure how to start, or where you can find an illustrator, editor and formatter.Connect with Tiffany:Sugar Cookie BooksInstagram: @SugarCookieBooksFacebook: @SugarCookieBooksBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Fuelled by his desire to escape his corporate day job, Brian Livingston started writing his debut novel before work, and late into the night when everyone else was sleeping. Those gruelling hours were worth it because he published his debut in 2022 and he hasn't looked back.Brian Livingston was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. He earned his B.A. in History at Clemson University before setting off to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2013 (where he earned his trail name “Mister Frodo”). After his thru-hike, he started law school at Washington & Lee University School of Law, graduating in 2016. Since 2016, he has worked as a trial attorney in South Carolina. He currently resides in Charleston, SC with his wife, Olivia, and black lab, Maddux. His debut novel, The Habits of Squirrels, is inspired by experiences and encounters on the Appalachian Trail.Links:https://www.brianlivingstonbooks.com/ Wild, Cheryl StrayedOn Writing, Stephen Kingwww.reedsy.comElements of Style, Strunk and WhiteConnect with Brian:Brian Livingston • Instagram photos and videosAuthor Brian Livingston | FacebookAuthor Brian Livingston / TwitterLine Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode:This week, I'm talking about the five ways to feel good about your writing. It's so important to feel good about your writing in order to carry on and not give up because you think none of it's any good, none of it's worthwhile, and no one will want to read your work anyway. But you need to keep on going, keep on writing and get to the end of that story, because your story deserves to be told and the world deserves to hear your story. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: love lay down before me and we wept sprang from an essay that was published a couple of years ago in Boundless magazine about Helen Taylor's experience of being admitted to a psychiatric ward and sectioned under the Mental Health Act. An experience which, as you might imagine, was pretty grim. Amid the horror though, there were moments of pure comedy and unexpected comradeship. And of course, plenty of material for writing.When Helen first wrote the essay (Inside Ferguson House), her Open University tutor encouraged her to share it. But she couldn't. Not back then. She was too vulnerable. Still too unwell, even if she didn't entirely realise it. Years later, she saw a Channel 4 News feature about proposed changes to the Mental Health Act in England. As she listened to the people who were interviewed, to their accounts of frustration and anger at their loss of agency and their sense of being treated as less than human, and even though all their circumstances varied widely, their experiences resonated so clearly with hers that Helen knew it was the time to send her essay out into the world. Now, for the first time, she tells the entire story of why she was there, what happened, and the love she discovered during those dark days. This really is a story of love in the dark.Helen Taylor is appearing at the WayWORD Festival in Aberdeen 23-24 September 2022. Tickets are free.Links:Support Helen's book on Unbound - https://unbound.com/books/love-lay-down-beside-me-and-we-wept/Open University - https://www.open.ac.uk/Inside Ferguson House - Helen Taylor's personal essayNick Cave - Red Hand FilesWayward Festival, Aberdeen, Scotland - https://www.waywordfestival.com/Line Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Barbara Conrey worked in the health care industry for many years before opting for an early retirement which lasted all of three months. Retirement didn't suit, so Barbara accepted a position in finance with a national company (for which she had absolutely no background), and four years later she decided to write a book. But not about finance.In the early morning hours, you can find Barbara walking her neighborhood streets, head down and deep in thought.Travel is a passion, along with reading, writing, hiking and exploring antique shops. Barbara's greatest passion is Miss Molly, her rescue beagle. There are stories to be told about beagles and Barbara hopes to incorporate some of those stories into her books.Barbara lives in Central Pennsylvania, close to family and friends, and of course, Miss Molly.Links:Author Talk NetworkNowhere Near Goodbye, Barbara ConreyMy Secret To Keep, Barbara ConreyRed Adept PressLiza Royce AgencyWomen's Fiction Writers Associationwww.facebook.com/baconreywriter www.Twitter.com/barbaraconreywww.Instagram.com/barbarawww.barbaraconreyauthor.comBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: "I just want to write my book." This is what Heather Davis said to herself and what led her to find book coach and author, Lisa Cron, which ‌led to Heather finding Jennie Nash and Author Accelerator, with whom she trained to be a book coach.We both agree that being a coach has made us better writers and we talk about the difference between plot and story.For Heather, plot is what happens externally to the character, but story is what happens internally. It's that “common human experience.”Without that story, the plot wouldn't interest anybody, and so you have to have the two intertwined. When the story is done well, it's invisible.Heather offers a tip to discover for yourself just how well expert writers incorporate the story elements of their novel into the plot elements. By doing this exercise, you'll see just how often writers express the emotions and feelings of their characters without you even realising it.We move on to talk about "show, don't tell" and why so many new writers misunderstand what this phrase means. It means shifting from narration to an external video camera that does tell. What is happening to your character? But you also need to show specifically why someone is responding or feeling the way they do in a given situation.For Heather, it's not "show, don't tell," it's "show and tell."This takes us onto the importance of putting feelings and emotions on the page. Don't leave your reader in suspense, but take them through the journey with you. We discuss how it's a mistake to hide things from your reader and how you, as the writer, must be very clear about what the character is trying to express in any given scene.We move on to talk about how writers can stay accountable and just why working with a coach or mentor helps with exactly that. It's why both of us work with our own coaches.Working with a coach gives you, as Heather says, “someone to nerd out with” about your novel.To round off our conversation, Heather tells me about the book she's been working on for the last two years with Lisa Cron. She's only just finished the first draft and is very proud of the work she's done. She knows it's a great book because she got great coaching.She also shares more about how she coaches new novelists and just why she is passionate about helping those telling stories about those who are more marginalised in our communities. Connect with Heather:https://thekreativeauthorpreneur.com/ https://www.instagram.com/h.leedavis/https://twitter.com/HLeeDavisWriterLinks: Tim Urban YouTube video on procrastination: https://youtu.be/arj7oStGLkUBilly Summers, Stephen KingLine Editing Made Simple Kick-start your editing for free!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Hannah Lyon, like so many of us, started her life in fiction as a reader. It wasn't until later that she wanted to figure out the formula or recipe for putting a novel together. She wanted to discover the magic behind the words, and that led her to editing.What makes Hannah different is that she conducts what she calls a Comprehensive Edit for her clients. This means she does multiple edits in one go!She's trained herself to move easily between the more creative content edit and the detailed line edit at the same time.This saves her clients the time and expense of going through multiple edits at different times. It saves them waiting months at a time, and it proves to be more cost effective.Working so closely with her clients, Hannah can build a safe and empathetic relationship with them. She's not just coming in at the end with a big red pen, but is invested in her client and what they want to share with the world. Relationship building is a very important part of her work.And it shows in the way she talks about her role and the work she does. One of her favourite aspects of her job is watching her clients build their skill base between when they first start working together and when the book is finished. It lifts her heart to see that she's helped someone do what they love.As long as her client is open to constructive feedback, she can help them grow as an artist. As she says, ‘Critique is part of any artist's life.' This is where you learn and grow.Plus, she says, ‘There is magic in the rewrite.' I know that to be true!We go on to talk about some common mistakes Hannah Lyon sees in new writers and she gives suggestions on how to look out for those mistakes and rectify them.I asked Hannah how she honours the author's voice while editing, and she explains that it's all about being a good listener. Before they start working together, she asks them about their motivation for the book, why they are writing it, what's important about it and, crucially, who they are writing it for.After that discussion, she can keep that vision in mind when editing, thus ensuring she honours the writer's voice while lifting the story.Today's episode is perfect for you if you are hesitant about sharing your work with an editor. It might be that you're scared in case they tell you to go back to the drawing board!Hannah shows that's not what an editor does. She wants to see you succeed and, in our conversation today, Hannah shares how she does that in an empathetic and heart centred way. Connect with Hannah:https://www.castlelyonediting.com/https://www.facebook.com/castlelyoneditinghttps://www.instagram.com/ladylyon19Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Kim Marsh is a writing and book coach. In her own words, she's "not a New York Times bestselling author, but still a worthwhile human." Kim founded The Open Book Company to help authors, coaches, entrepreneurs, inspirational speakers and "but-I'm-not-really-a-writer" writers to find, hone and use their voice. She does this through a coaching practice rooted in empathy, authenticity and self-compassion. Her clients go on to create blogs and articles, pen speeches and presentations and publish manuscripts with her partnership and support. In addition to providing one-on-one coaching, Kim recently launched Open Book Writing Circles to create a space for accountability and community to anyone experiencing self-doubt or a desire for more support when it comes to their writing process. Kim firmly believes you don't need to have a major book deal, a spot on a global stage or a PhD in English Lit to have a story worth telling. In today's episode, Kim talks about building a community with heart. Connect with Kim:Web: www.openbookco.com Instagram: @theopenbookcompanyBook Editing Blueprint A Step-By-Step Plan To Making Your Novels Publishable Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode:Jo Bavington-Jones started writing her first novel when she was made redundant in 2016. This was the opportunity she'd been waiting for it to finally write her first novel, and she took it.She explains why she opted for a Hybrid publisher and how that publisher differs from indie publishing and vanity publishing.We go on to talk about why events, both in-person and online are so beneficial to spreading the word about your books, even if you find them terrifying!Jo shares that she finds live events terrifying, even now, but she absolutely believes they are the best way of connecting with readers and promoting her novels.To counter the nerves, Jo uses brown paper bags to stop herself from hyperventilating as well as essential oils and Rescue Remedy to help her stay calm.And, she says, once she's up and running at the event, her nerves calm down, she gets in the zone and has a great time.Jo explains how she finds the events and why, especially in the early days, it's a great idea to have a buddy go along with you, particularly if they're a writing friend. You can support one another.What she's discovered is that now she's been around for a while, people tend to come to her and ask her if she'd like to be on a podcast or talk at a book group or have a stall at a festival. But she had to put the groundwork initially, and that included using social media.Facebook and Instagram have been the best sites for Jo Bavington-Jones and she emphasises the importance of reposting the same things again and again. People won't get irritated by it (on average people need to see things 16 times before they take a look!)If you're curious to learn if attending events and networking that way is a good move for you, this episode is well worth a listen.Jo gives great ways to get started and manage those nerves!Connect with Jo:https://jobavingtonjones.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/JoBavingtonJones https://twitter.com/jbavingtonjones https://www.instagram.com/jobavingtonjonesauthor/ Links mentioned in the show:The Conrad PressJoanna PennIf you're a first-time author and need help with your manuscript, then The Story Builder is what you need. It's a 12 month, small group programme that will get you from fearful and stuck, to feeling ready to achieve a long desired dream. Book a call today >> www.emmadhesi.com/StoryBuilderBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: 14 year old Shanti Hershenson has always been a writer but when lockdown happened, she decided to take the plunge and transition from short stories to a novel.Bursting with energy and enthusiasm for her writing, Shanti says it's too easy for teen writers to underestimate themselves and think that because they're so young, they can't possibly write a novel. But, she says, you can absolutely do it no matter what age you are. You just have to be consistent, write regularly and little by little you'll get better. But you must keep writing.Shanti's best known book is You Won't Know Her Name, a novel that tackles the subject of bullying at school. Shanti was bullied and she was so angered by her school's lackadaisical response that she wrote her novel - in verse form.I asked why she chose to write it in verse, and she told me that's the way the book wanted to be written. It was the most natural way to tell the story she had in her head.The novel resonates with a lot of people her age because it acknowledges that most bullies are a friend of the victim. They are not a random kid from another class or year, but someone the victim knows.Shanti Hershenson's advice for anyone being bullied is to talk to a trusted adult, whether that be a coach, teacher, parent or other family member. Don't feel you've got to deal with it alone. There's always one person you can reach out to who will know what to do.Her advice for schools is to not shy away from the problem. Listen to the victim. They don't make up being bullied. If the school doesn't know it's happening, then get observant. Make it a priority to find out what's going on in your playground.Shanti feels too many principals deny that bullying happens in their school, which doesn't fix the problem.Shanti Hershenson's productivity rate is explosive and she shares her writing routine and how she balances school life and writing. The trick for her is to write as soon as she gets home, before switching off for the day.We finish our conversation with Shanti telling me about book 17 and her hopes for the future, which I'm sure is very bright.Book 17 is her most complicated story to date, and it's clear she's having fun writing it and is excited to share it with the world.Connect with ShantiWebsite: Author | Shanti HershensonInstagram: @shantihershensonBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this episode: Lucinda Sage-Midgorden grew up in Portland, and it was there she first got involved with a theatre company called The Musical Company. She was involved both on and off stage and really developed her stage and story craft.While there, she had the opportunity to really study story structure and look for what made a play great - both plot and character-wise. Lucinda told me about the inspiration behind her debut novel, The Space Between Time. The story delves into the grief one feels when a parent is ill or dies. It's a rite of passage we all go through, and writing the story helped Lucinda work through her own grief when her father passed away.She later started a blog called Sage Woman Chronicles as a way for her to investigate her own emotions and feelings about what was happening in her life. This would help her write her fiction better and even a memoir. She says she wanted to break down her defences.The blog did exactly that, and helped her grow comfortable being vulnerable. In addition to the blog, Lucinda Sage-Midgorden has also studied miracle and energy work, and has read a lot of personal growth material, all of which has helped her grow her confidence and do things she would never have imagined, such as starting her podcast, Power-Story.Lucinda Sage-Midgorden is a busy woman, and she also hosts a Patreon community for authors and storytellers, which is a great place if you want to explore structure more, as well as get together with fellow writers and storytellers.In today's episode, Lucinda gives us a couple of starting points for analysing story, and you can find out more over at her podcast and in her Patreon community.This episode is a great lesson if you are new to writing or haven't yet analysed story before. Lucinda gives you what you need to get started. And this really is a skill all authors need. Not only to study individual works, but the genre in which you write so you can look for trends and reader expectations.Connect with Lucinda:Sage Woman Chronicles – The Arts, Spirituality, LifeThe Space Between Time, Lucinda Sage-MidgordenLucinda Sage-Midgorden | FacebookL. Sage-Midgorden (@Wyrdwoman) / TwitterLucinda Sage-Midgorden - LinkedInBook Editing Blueprint A Step-By-Step Plan To Making Your Novels Publishable Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show