Writing Bloc Podcast

Writing Bloc Podcast

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Welcome to the Writing Bloc Podcast, where we discuss all aspects of being a writer. Join us as we host authors of all genres and publishing tracks, and talk about everything from world-building to publishing.

Writing Bloc


    • Jul 7, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 21 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Writing Bloc Podcast

    University Presses: Featuring Andrew Berzanskis & Travis Stimeling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2020 33:41


    On today's episode we're happy to be joined by guests Andrew Berzanskis & Travis Stimeling to talk about University Presses and how they might differ from other types of publishers. We'll discuss what types of projects university presses are looking for, go over the submission process, and touch on the publishing process(including the peer review process). RESOURCES MENTIONED From Dissertation to Book by William Germano Nashville Cats: Record Production in Music City by Travis D. Stimeling (Oxford University Press) #ReadUP Hashtag on Twitter(University Press Discussion)   __________________ Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Writing the Narrative RPG Guide. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Join our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP Thanks everyone, and happy writing. 

    Co-Authoring a Novel: Featuring Brendan Reichs and T.W. Piperbrook

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2020 63:42


    Host: Jacqui Castle Guests: Brendan Reichs and T.W. Piperbrook On today's episode, we are excited to be joined by NYT Bestselling author Brendan Reichs, and Amazon bestselling indie author T.W. Piperbrook! We're talking about the process of co-authoring a novel. We discuss testing the co-authoring relationship and what to look for, navigating the process, and some of the joys and challenges of having someone else who is as invested in a project as you are. CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS BrendanReichs.com The Darkdeep by Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs TWPiperbrook.com The Last Conquest by T.W. Piperbrook and Bobby Adair Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Publishing with a University Press. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Sponsorship opportunities are available on this podcast and in our Newsletter for those hoping to reach an audience of indie authors! Reach out to Join our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP Thanks everyone, and happy writing.   

    Short Stories and Flash Fiction: Featuring Ran Walker

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2020 48:01


    On today's episode, we are excited to be joined by the 2019 winner of the Indie Author Project - Ran Walker! We're talking about writing short stories and flash fiction! We'll touch on what defines a short story and various types of flash fiction, as well as the differences in the writing process, finding inspiration, and marketing when it comes to marketing short fiction versus a standard novel. _____________ Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Writing nonfiction about a subject close to your heart. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Sponsorship opportunities are available on this podcast and in our Newsletter for those hoping to reach an audience of indie authors! Reach out to Join our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP Thanks everyone, and happy writing.    RESOURCES MENTIONED FiftyWordStories.com 100WordStory.org On Writing by Stephen King Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott This is the Story of a Happy Marriage (Featuring The Getaway Car) by Ann Patchett CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Ran Walker's Website Ran Walker on Twitter The Strange Museum: 50-Word Stories by Ran Walker Portable Black Magic by Ran Walker Daykeeper by Ran Walker

    Worldbuilding in Horror and Urban Fantasy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2020 49:49


    Hosts: Cari Dubiel Guest: G.A. Finocchiaro & Susan K. Hamilton Today we are joined by guest authors G.A. Finocchiaro and Susan K. Hamilton to talk all about writing horror and urban fantasy. We'll discuss the ups and downs of writing within these genres and the world building that goes along with crafting a dark fantasy world.  ____________________ Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Writing nonfiction about a subject close to your heart. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Sponsorship opportunities are available on this podcast and in our Newsletter for those hoping to reach an audience of indie authors! Reach out to Join our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP Thanks everyone, and happy writing.  CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS Grace Falls by G.A. Finocchiaro The Knightmares by G.A. Finocchiaro G.A. Finocchiaro's Website Shadow King by Susan K. Hamilton Susan K. Hamilton's Website  

    Nonfiction: Writing a Subject Close to Your Heart

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2020 45:11


    Hosts: Becca Spence Dobias and Michael Haase Guest: Danielle Delorenzo Today we are joined by guest author Danielle Delorenzo to discuss the joys and challenges of writing a nonfiction book on a subject that is close to your heart. We'll talk about objectivity, privacy concerns, and share first hand stories of what it is like to write about a subject(and sometimes a person) you are deeply familiar with. ____________________ Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Writing nonfiction about a subject close to your heart. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Sponsorship opportunities are available on this podcast and in our Newsletter for those hoping to reach an audience of indie authors! Reach out to Join our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP Thanks everyone, and happy writing.  CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Danielle Delorenzo's Website, Instagram, and Facebook    

    Connecting with Readers During Quarantine: Featuring Marcia Freeman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 53:01


    Hosts: Cari Dubiel & Jacqui Castle Guest: Marcia Freeman   Today we are joined by Marcia Freeman, event manager and wife of NYT Bestselling author Brian Freeman. We're discussing ways to connect with readers from our own private quarantine locations, and what to do about all of those events now marked postponed or cancelled. Cari also talks about how libraries are adapting in these uncertain times, and what services are still out there to be found.  ____________________ Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Writing nonfiction about a subject close to your heart. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Sponsorship opportunities are available on this podcast and in our Newsletter for those hoping to reach an audience of indie authors! Reach out to Join our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP Thanks everyone, and happy writing.  CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Brian Freeman Website Author’s Wife Facebook RESOURCES MENTIONED NEO-RLS website: https://www.neo-rls.org/online_programming_resources.php    

    Bonus Episode: Writing In the Time of Corona

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2020 37:03


    Hosts: Becca Spence Dobias & Jacqui Castle Writing Bloc's Becca Spence Dobias and Jacqui Castle jump on for an impromptu episode about Coronavirus, quarantine, and realistic expectations. We discuss how we are cutting ourselves some slack, and brainstorm how we can support each other in the weeks and months to come.  ____________________________ Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Live Writing Events. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Sponsorship opportunities are available on this podcast and in our Newsletter for those hoping to reach an audience of indie authors! Reach out to Join our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP Thanks everyone, and happy writing.  RESOURCES MENTIONED Mo Willems Lunch Doodles - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL14hRqd0PELGbKihHuTqx_pbvCLqGbOkF Zoom Web Conferencing Software(free up to 40 minutes) - https://zoom.us/ April Camp NaNoWriMo(National Novel Writing Month) - https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/pages/camp-nanowrimo Inlandia Institute (Free online courses and workshops) - http://inlandiainstitute.org/ Master Class - https://www.masterclass.com Writing Bloc's Writing Box - https://writingbloc.com/writing-box/

    Writing and Mental Health: Featuring J. Danielle Dorn and Tahani Nelson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2020 41:53


    Hosts: Becca Spence Dobias & Christopher Lee Guests: J. Danielle Dorn & Tahani Nelson Welcome to the Writing Bloc Podcast where we talk all things writing and indie publishing. In today's episode we talk with authors J. Danielle Dorn and Tahani Nelson about writing and mental health.  We'll talk about how mental health impacts our writing process, how our experiences make their way into our writing, and discuss our feelings about the 'tortured artist' trope. Also, listen to find out why we may owe J. Danielle Dorn's grandmother an apology. ____________________________ Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Writing and Mental Health. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Sponsorship opportunities are available on this podcast and in our Newsletter for those hoping to reach an audience of indie authors! Reach out to Join our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP Thanks everyone, and happy writing.  Connect with our guests! Tahani Nelson's Website The Last Faoii by Tahani Nelson Follow J. Danielle Dorn's on Twitter Devil's Call by J. Danielle Dorn  

    Setting the Mood: Featuring Author Sara Bond

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2020 52:39


    Hosts: Jacqui Castle & Michael Haase Guest: Sara Bond Welcome to the Writing Bloc Podcast where we talk all things writing and indie publishing. Today's episode we talk with author Sara T. Bond about setting the mood, both in our scenes and for ourselves as writers. We'll discuss methods we use for getting into the heads of our characters, and reveal some resources we have used when we need a push. Thanks for listening!  ____________________________ Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Writing and Mental Health. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Sponsorship opportunities are available on this podcast and in our Newsletter for those hoping to reach an audience of indie authors! Reach out to Join our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP Thanks everyone, and happy writing.  ----------------------------------   Connect with our guest! Gravity's Heir by Sara Bond SaraTBond.com Sara T. Bond Twitter Account - @SaraMuse   Resources Mentioned The Writers Helping Writers Series(Including the Emotion Thesaurus)  

    Dealing with Rejection: Featuring Katherine Forrister and Ahmed G. Letterman

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2020 44:42


    Hosts: Cari Dubiel & Christopher Lee Guests: Katherine Forrister & Ahmed G. Letterman Welcome to the Writing Bloc Podcast where we talk all things writing and indie publishing. Today's episode is all about dealing with rejection, and we're happy to be joined by guest authors Katherine Forrister & Ahmed G. Letterman Rejection - every author faces it in one way or another, yet many don't talk about it, so let's dive in! We'll talk about our personal experiences with rejection, both with agents and readers, and how we navigate the minefield while keeping a positive attitude(most of the time - hey, we're all human). ------------------------------ Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Dealing with Rejection. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Sponsorship opportunities are available on this podcast and in our Newsletter for those hoping to reach an audience of indie authors! Reach out to Join our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP Thanks everyone, and happy writing.  ---------------------------------- RESOURCES MENTIONED Ahmed G. Writes Twitter Account https://twitter.com/agletterman Curio Citizen by Katherine Forrister    

    Crafting Compelling Dialogue: Featuring Kendra Namednil and Jason Chestnut

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2020 51:08


    Hosts: Michael Haase & Christopher Lee Guests: Kendra Namednil & Jason Chestnut Welcome to the Writing Bloc Podcast where we talk all things writing and indie publishing. Today's episode is all about dialogue, and we're happy to be joined by guest authors Kendra Namednil & Jason Chesnut We'll talk about methods for writing dialogue, how we feel about hot topics such as dialogue tags, where we pull inspiration so that our characters don't all sound like duplicate versions of each other, and then we'll verge off into unrelated territory such as what Chris' mom sounds like and why we can't feed Kendra Salmon. ------------------------------ Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Dealing with Rejection. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Sponsorship opportunities are available on this podcast and in our Newsletter for those hoping to reach an audience of indie authors! Reach out to Marketing@WritingBloc.com Thanks everyone, and happy writing.  ---------------------------------- RESOURCES MENTIONED Borehole Bazaar by Kendra Namednil Escape! A Writing Bloc Anthology featuring Michael Haase, Christopher Lee, Jason Chestnut, and Kendra Namednil  Keep up with Jason's Comic Book news on Twitter

    Making an Audiobook: Featuring Tahani Nelson and Peter L. Harmon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2020 39:25


    Hosts: Jacqui Castle & Becca Spence Dobias Guests: Peter L. Harmon & Tahani Nelson Welcome to the Writing Bloc Podcast where we talk all things writing and indie publishing. Today's episode is all about audiobooks, and we're happy to be joined by guest authors Peter Harmon and Tahani Nelson.  We'll go over various routes for audiobook production available to indie authors, and discuss some experiences with each! Thanks for listening! ------------------------------ Subscribe to hear our future episodes - including our upcoming one on Writing Dialogue. We have some great topics in the pipeline and our goal is to release a new episode every other Tuesday.  We want to thank all of the wonderful members of our writing bloc community. You can find us on Twitter or Facebook, or online at WritingBloc.com, where you can also find information about our books-- two cooperatively created anthologies as well as our first full-length novel.  Sponsorship opportunities are available on this podcast and in our Newsletter for those hoping to reach an audience of indie authors! Reach out to Marketing@WritingBloc.com Thanks everyone, and happy writing.  ---------------------------------- RESOURCES MENTIONED The Last Faoii by Tahani Nelson The Happenstances at the Yellow County Community Swim and Racquet Club the Summer Before Last by Peter L. Harmon ACX Audiobook Production Audible Overdrive (Ebooks and Audiobooks at Public Libraries) LibriVox Free Public Domain Audiobooks Audacity OpenSource Editing and Recording Software Garage Band for Mac Recording and Editing Software  

    Happy New Year! Reviews and Resolutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2020 37:33


    Hosts: Jacqui Castle and Cari Dubiel Guest: Jason Pomerance Join us as we chat about the year we're leaving behind us, and the year ahead. We'll discuss books we've read, how we feel about our past year as writers, and our resolutions for 2020 as writers and readers.    Recommended Reading: Clock Dance by Anne Tyler The Seclusion by Jacqui Castle Bunny Mellon: The Life of an American Style Legend by Meryl Gordon Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody Wired for Story by Lisa Cron Wanderers by Chuck Wendig Beartown by Fredrik Backman How to Stop Time by Matt Haig Devil's Call by J. Danielle Dorn The Electric Woman by Tessa Fontaine Celia at 39 by Jason Pomerance

    Writing as a Parent with Brandy Ferner

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2019 54:28


    Join this week's hosts Cari Dubiel and Becca Spence Dobias in an honest conversation with author Brandy Ferner all about the realities of juggling writing and parenting! Listen as we touch on topics from unrealistic expectations, to writing retreats, to Marie Kondo. Have fun! Hosts: Cari Dubiel & Becca Spence Dobias Guest: Brandy Ferner   Resources Mentioned: Adult Conversation: A Novel by Brandy Ferner Adult Conversation Podcast All the Rage by Darcy Lockman Fair Play by Eve Rodsky Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

    Marketing Outside the Box with Dawn Hosmer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2019 46:30


    From social media, to conventions, to selling your book in an Uber.... today's podcast is all about Marketing Outside the Box. Hosts Jacqui Castle and Christopher Lee talk with indie author Dawn Hosmer about what works, what doesn't, and finding your own marketing path. Hosts: Christopher Lee & Jacqui Castle Guests: Dawn Hosmer Relevant Links: Find a Genre-Specific Conference - https://www.evanmarshallagency.com/top-writers-conferences-according-to-genre/ Find a Book Festival - https://www.bookreporter.com/book-festivals Fussy Librarian(book bargain newsletter): https://www.thefussylibrarian.com/ Dawn Hosmer's website: https://www.dawnhosmer.com/ Follow Dawn on Twitter - @DawnHosmer7   Visit Writing Bloc to sign up for our newsletter, find a copy of our short story anthology, "Escape," and read detailed articles about the indie author experience: https://writingbloc.com/ Get your very own comfy Writing Goat T-shirt here: http://bit.ly/WritingGoatShirt

    Exploring World-Building: Featuring Authors Max Held and Joshua Robertson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2019 51:28


    We dive back in to the enormous topic of world-building with authors Max Held and Joshua Robertson. This is a tremendous episode filled with great perspectives on the writing process. Flubs are made. Cats interrupt. Fun is had. Enjoy! Hosts: Christopher Lee & Jacqui Castle Guests: Max Held & Joshua Robertson Relevant Links: Joshua Robertson's website: https://robertsonwrites.com/ Max Held's work: http://bit.ly/MaxHeldBooks Aeon Timeline: http://aeontimeline.com/ Archivos: https://www.archivos.digital/ Visit Writing Bloc to sign up for our newsletter, find a copy of our short story anthology, "Escape," and read detailed articles about the indie author experience: https://writingbloc.com/ Get your very own comfy Writing Goat T-shirt here: http://bit.ly/WritingGoatShirt

    Crowdfunding a Novel: Featuring Author Jason Stokes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2019 50:15


    Have you thought about crowdfunding a novel? Writing Bloc's own crowdfunding champions Cari Dubiel, Becca Spence Dobias, and Jacqui Castle talk to guest author Jason Stokes about the process: the good, the bad, and everything in between. Relevant links: The current projects from Jason's Gestalt Media: http://gestalt-media.com/projects Jacqui's current campaign for the sequel to The Seclusion: https://www.inkshares.com/books/the-seclusion-part-2 Becca's successfully funded book, Rock of Ages: https://www.inkshares.com/books/rock-of-ages Cari's successfully funded book, How to Remember: https://www.inkshares.com/books/how-to-remember Crowdfunding platforms: Inkshares, Kickstarter, and Indiegogo

    Approaching World-Building: Featuring Author Rachael Sparks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2019 55:08


    Rachael Sparks, author of hard sci-fi thriller "Resistant," discusses the art of world-building with your hosts, Christopher Lee and AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR Jacqui Castle. There's plenty in this episode to enjoy, from discussion of different world-building approaches and resources to another appearance from the Writing Goat. Enjoy this "Podcast Editor's Edition" of this episode of the Writing Bloc Podcast. Thanks for your support and thanks for listening! Resources/links: Digitized resources from the New York Public Library:https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/ The Novel Factory: https://www.novel-software.com/ World-Building Warrior: https://www.well-storied.com/worldbuilding-warrior Resistant, by Rachael Sparks: http://bit.ly/ResistantSparks Get your own Writing Goat T-Shirt HERE: http://bit.ly/WritingGoatShirt

    Tackling Rewrites: Featuring Author Laney Wylde

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2019 44:17


    Join Writing Bloc core members Becca Spence Dobias and Christopher Lee and the incredible author Laney Wylde as they discuss their approaches to rewrites, including all of their successes and how they approach any hurdles. Thank you for listening, thank you for your support, and thank you for listening!

    Writing Processes and the Value of Writing Goat Ownership

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2019 44:54


    Join Writing Bloc core members Jacqui Castle, Christopher Lee, Cari Dubiel, Becca Spence Dobias, and Michael Haase as they discuss their experiences, writing processes and routines, and talk about a little bit of everything—even the value of owning a pet writing goat. Thank you for listening, and happy writing!

    Writing Bloc Podcast - Teaser Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2019 30:19


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