Writing Expensive Words

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The big question every writer has is: How can I sell more books? Or, if they’re not published yet, it’s how can I write books that sell? But when writers approach selling books from a numbers perspective, they’re missing out on the amazing relationships they could be building with readers through their stories. It’s impossible to write books that resonate with readers when you’re writing for money, because money can’t read. But shouldn’t writers be able to make a living with their stories? Well, when you connect with human souls, readers turn into fans and friends, and that’s when consistent income begins. That and so much more. But how do writers connect with readers? That is the question this podcast aims to answer. For more information on the host or upcoming episodes, check out https://expensivewords.com

Kristin N. Spencer


    • Dec 14, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 20m AVG DURATION
    • 143 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Writing Expensive Words

    How to Give Them Everything Without Divulging Anything

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2021 18:05


    Today we're going to talk about how to use real emotions in your writing without having to tell the reader any of your deepest darkest secrets. Let's do this. Keywords for this episode: -What makes a good sad story -Why is mood important in story -Why do we like sad stories -Why emotions are so powerful -What makes a story emotional -What is your emotional story -How to write an emotional story Support this podcast

    Emotion-Based Imagery

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2021 17:06


    Today we're going to talk about emotion-based imagery (also known as emotional imagery) and why readers love it. Questions/prompts to think about: How to write about your feelings. How to write character feelings. How to write emotional characters. How to write emotionless characters. How to write characters in love. Write about feelings. How to write feelings story (AKA a testimonial). Support this podcast

    Understanding Your Feelings as a Writer (with Author Kristina Adams)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 59:08


    Today's guest is the wonderful Kristina Adams, the host of The Writer's Mindset podcast. Learn how to be more in tune with your emotions so that you can write better character emotions, and learn a lot of other awesome writerly things in this episode. The Writer's Mindset Podcast: https://www.writerscookbook.com/podcast/ Kristina's Author Website: https://kristinaadamsauthor.com Support this podcast

    Being Okay With Your Story Idea Changing

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 19:09


    Today we're going to talk about: Transformation of idea into reality. How to transform idea into product. Transform your idea into a real business. How to turn idea into business. Transform idea into vision. Ideas to transform your writing. Can you change? Support this podcast

    Why Gimmicks Offend Readers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2021 22:04


    Readers are sick of gimmicks with no story. You don't want to betray the reader. How to listen to reader feedback (especially with your first story). How to avoid writing a bait and switch. Why you shouldn't change the rules halfway through. How to deal with extreme reader reactions. Be who you are, not who you think they want (and you won't have to worry about covering your lying butt). Support this podcast

    You Can't Write Your Way Out of a Gimmick

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2021 24:19


    Today we're going to discuss: Gimmick Writing Meaning Writing Gimmicky Characters Gimmick Definition What Is a Literary Gimmick? Examples of Literary Gimmicks What is the worst writing gimmick? and How to Distract Readers From Iffy Writing (and why this idea is wrong and you don't need it) Learn how to write an irresistible intro for free by heading to: https://literarysymmetry.com/hello (literarysymmetry.com/hello) Support this podcast

    How To Avoid Gimmicky Writing

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 18:25


    Today we're going to talk about how to avoid gimmicky writing and we'll define and answer the following: Gimmick Writing Meaning Writing Gimmicky Characters Gimmick Definition What is a Literary Gimmick Examples of Literary Gimmicks What is the worst writing gimmick? How to distract readers from iffy writing? Support this podcast

    Can You Sell a Story Idea?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2021 16:02


    According to askthepublic.com writers all over the world are searching about how to sell their story ideas. But should you do that? Can you sell story ideas? Find out on today's episode of Writing Expensive Words. Support this podcast

    Reel Story Breakdown: The Queen's Gambit Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2021 30:10


    Learn how The Queen's Gambit approaches storytelling in a compelling and convincing way that has won over at least 62 millions viewers. Today we're going to talk about foils and feelings of loneliness. Plus foreshadowing. When it comes to The Queen's Gambit, it's always about foreshadowing. Support this podcast

    Embracing Suffering

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2021 45:48


    Learning how to keep going when you feel like trash. As a writer, but also in general. We're going into the Dark Night of the Soul, so buckle up. Support this podcast

    Should Writers Ditch Adverbs Altogether?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2021 9:37


    This is the best (and shortest) class on adverb use you'll ever take. Become a master in adverb usage in under 10 minutes! Support this podcast

    Reel Story Breakdown: The Queen's Gambit Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 35:52


    Learn how The Queen's Gambit approaches storytelling in a compelling and convincing way that has won over at least 62 millions viewers. Foreshadowing galore as we meet almost all of most important characters in the story in one episode. Support this podcast

    Reel Story Breakdown - Free Guy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2021 22:31


    Today we're going to talk about how even if your story has the same basic premise as another story, it can still be just as epic as the aforementioned story. Today we're going to compare "Summer Frost" by Blake Crouch to the film Free Guy written by Matt Lieberman and Zak Penn. Let's do this! Support this podcast

    Stop Playing Hard to Get

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2021 19:36


    Today we're going to talk about how to be creative without confusing or alienating your reader. Books and Films discussed in this episode: "You Have Arrived at Your Destination" by Amor Towles "Guardians of the Galaxy" directed by James Gunn "Emergency Skin" by N.K. Jemisin "If I Let You In, Again" by Kristin N. Spencer (https://kristin-n-spencer.medium.com/if-i-let-you-in-again-ad0a7abd9e34 (https://kristin-n-spencer.medium.com/if-i-let-you-in-again-ad0a7abd9e34)) Support this podcast

    Reel Story Breakdown: The Queen's Gambit Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021 25:22


    Today we're going to talk about the introduction to the show "The Queen's Gambit" and whether a flash-forward intro is a good idea. This episode mentions: The Queen's Gambit Guardians of the Galaxy The Tomorrow War and some show I can't remember the name of Support this podcast

    Otherness and Superheroes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2021 26:13


    In today's episode we are going to talk about otherness is, why it matters to the reader, and how superhero stories use otherness to gain fans. Mentioned in this episode: -Black Widow -Superman -Miles Morales's Spiderman Support this podcast

    When Launch Day Comes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2021 23:47


    How to get to launch day, and why I haven't made a video or podcast in two months. Write, self-edit, sensitivity reader, self-edit, send to copy editor, implement and argue over notes, format final manuscript, make cover, upload... The Bryan Cohen advertising course [FREE] can be found here: https://bryancohen.lpages.co/july21/ Support this podcast

    My Writing Process

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2021 25:08


    Today, we're going to talk about how it feels to work with an editor who reveals that everything you wrote, that you thought was simple, maybe isn't so simple and needs revising. I'm also going to go through my entire process with you from sitting down to write (after planning) to being ready to publish. Here we go! Support this podcast

    Expensive Doesn't Equal Complicated

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 19:01


    Just because you use real emotions that cost you something to write (expensive words), doesn't mean that everything you write has to be super complicated. Today, we're going to talk about simplicity, and why it's every writer's friend. Support this podcast

    Is Envy Ruining Your Writing?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2021 17:31


    Today we're going to talk about what envy is doing to your writing and your life, and what you can do to stop it. Support this podcast

    Embracing the Uncomfortable

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 17:19


    Whenever you learn something new or try something difficult, you are putting yourself in a position where you are likely to feel uncomfortable. But if you are willing to take that risk and to embrace the comes-fast-goes-fast nature of uncomfortable, that might just be your superpower. Support this podcast

    Writing Dual POV Introductions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 31:51


    Today you're going to learn how to write two main POVs by looking at examples from two of my favorite books: The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon and Star Wars: Lost Stars by Claudia Gray Because who doesn't love a dual POV story? Support this podcast

    Embracing All Parts of Me

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 19:04


    Today we're going to talk about the battle for supremacy within and how to embrace all of our creative selves without feeling guilty or like a failure. Support this podcast

    The Breaking Point

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 17:45


    Learn how to write a compelling breaking point for your character that won't catch your reader off guard. Support this podcast

    Trope Trials: Time Loop

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 27:55


    Trope Trials is the series from the Writing Expensive Words podcast that puts two books from the same trope up against each other. Today's trope is time loop. Today's battlebooks are Recursion by Blake Crouch and The Map of Tiny Perfect Things by Lev Grossman. Mandatory shout-outs to Groundhog Day, The Edge of Tomorrow, About Time, and, regrettably, Palm Springs (which doesn't have enough character growth to make you care about the story). Support this podcast

    What Owning Who You Are Doesn't Mean

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2021 20:06


    Today we're going to talk about how to balance who you are and your art with the rules that are meant to make your art better, not limit you individually. Learn how to be who you are without sacrificing reader experience. The way I write (create) does NOT equal who I am. Support this podcast

    How to Emotionally Shelter-In-Place as a Writer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 19:04


    Today we're going to talk about how to shelter-in-place as a writer to maintain emotional health and gain a broader perspective. Support this podcast

    Dealing With Reviews

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 18:32


    Learn how to live with the review you get, how to mine reviews for useful information, and how to ignore the haters. -Separate facts from opinion. -Learn how to deal with trolls. -Use empathy to think about the readers who leave negative reviews and whether their unrealistic expectations are to blame for their bad reading experience. Support this podcast

    When Doubt Creeps In...

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2021 17:58


    Learn how to snuff out doubt using your knowledge of why you did what you did with your story and a great support system made up of people who know more than you do. Support this podcast

    Writer Fear and Sir Kazuo Ishiguro

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 20:06


    What should authors do in this era of cancel culture? Should we let fear stop us? What about representation? Get the answers in this episode as I respond to the hottest topic in publishing right now: writer fear and the cancel culture. Support this podcast

    When Numbers Lie (And How to React)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 18:00


    How to get past the idea that writing more equals more money, and why you should take another look at your writing goals. Support this podcast

    Just Say What You Want!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2021 16:12


    Learn how to use insecurity to make your characters more relatable and how to spin that insecurity into triumph for the benefit of your story and your reader. Plus, a personal confession. Support this podcast

    The Storyteller Mindset Reminders

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2021 1:58


    This recording was taken from The Storyteller Mindset 5-Day Email Challenge so that you can listen to this reminder anytime you need to. Your voice matters, and so does your story. To sign up to join The Storyteller Mindset 5-Day Email Challenge, go to https://literarysymetry.com (literarysymetry.com) Support this podcast

    Food in Fiction (With Special Guest)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2021 39:53


    We're going to talk about food in fiction, naming off a few of our favorites, and why it's still okay to mention food in your writing. Special guest Travis Spencer joins us to talk about food inside of fiction. Support this podcast

    Should I Mix Other Forms of Writing Into My Novel?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 13:48


    A big shout out to Raman from Dharmshala, India, who wrote in to ask this question: should I include other forms of writing in my novel. Let's talk about poetry, journals, essays, letters, songs, and opinion pieces in today's episode. Support this podcast

    5 Books in 5 Weeks: The Conclusion?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2021 21:03


    Will our hero finish her seemingly impossible quest? Find out on today's episode of the Writing Expensive Words podcast. Support this podcast

    What You Do is NOT Who You Are

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2021 21:43


    Learn why you need to feel valuable before you can create, and how to allocate your daily creative credits accordingly. Support this podcast

    5 Books in 5 Weeks: Day 20

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 17:07


    Day 20 was my first failed word count day, and on today's episode, I talk about why I'm okay with that. Support this podcast

    Why You Should Push to the End of Your Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 16:31


    Knowing you've created an entire, amazing story is unlike any other feelings, and I know you can finish, if you just listen to this episode. Support this podcast

    The Best New Way to Write a Series

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2021 18:00


    Did I accidentally discover this method while working on the 5 books in 5 weeks challenge? Probably. Join me to learn why the traditional way we write book series is broken, and how to change that. Support this podcast

    5 Books in 5 Weeks: Day 15

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 19:07


    A short rant about mentoring, and a peek into my process as I attempt to write 5 books in 5 weeks. Support this podcast

    There Are No Guarantees in Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 19:43


    How to keep hoping, how to keep writing, and why storytelling is so important to me. Support this podcast

    The Anatomy of a Scene

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2021 20:08


    I'm feeling sassy today. Learn how the action & reaction formula works within a scene, and also what a scene is. Bonus: Learn how to make dialogue magic. Support this podcast

    5 Books in 5 Weeks: Day 10

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2021 17:24


    I finished book #2 in the Old School Series and have now written 50,000 in just two weeks. Am I still sane? Listen to find out. Support this podcast

    5 Books in 5 Weeks: Day 8

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2021 11:41


    An update on this crazy experiment I'm trying, and also my mental breakdown. Support this podcast

    Stop Lying to Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2021 17:20


    Think about how you really spend your time. Do you still not have time to write? Support this podcast

    Coming in 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 18:22


    What crazy projects will I attempt this year? Check it out, and also learn what Literary Symmetry is putting out in 2021. It's going to be a good year (well, at least better than last year, hopefully). Support this podcast

    My Favorite Things: 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2020 31:32


    Here is a list of all of the things that made 2020 into more than just a year of being scared/bummed out. Support this podcast

    Pixar's Soul: Was it Positive Representation or Not?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2020 25:42


    I give my candid opinion (back up by https://amzn.to/38FTOqh (this amazing book)) and share my impressions of Soul by Pixar. Support this podcast

    Story Boot Camp #10: Editing and Publishing

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2020 18:34


    How to have me edit your short story (https://www.facebook.com/groups/perfectreadwriting/ (for FREE)) and also where and when to publish. Support this podcast

    Story Boot Camp #9: The End of the Fictional Part

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2020 18:39


    Tune in for the third installment of Alone in Nashville at Christmas where we find out Joelle's fate, and learn how to separate scenes inside of a short story. Mmmm, hot chicken. Support this podcast

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