Podcast appearances and mentions of jeff elkins

Mark interviews Lydia and David Sherrer about their company Chenoweth Press and the books and games they produce and publish collaboratively. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by the awesome supporters of this podcast who provide their supprt via Patreon and Buy Me A Coffee. With special thanks to Nikki Guerlain for the recent huge BUY ME A COFFEE donation. In the interview, Mark talks to Lydia and David about: How Lydia's role as a writing is part of a biological imperitive Growing up reading everything in sight and also being into Lord of the Rings by the time she was five years old Always telling herself stories and writing some of them down over the years Finding out that what she studied in college wasn't a good career fit and then following her father's example of being an entrepreneur Publishing her first two books around 2012/2013 Lydia and David setting a ten-year plan that by then David would be able to quit his full-time job David enjoying playing Magic The Gathering card game when he was young Getting invited to a gaming store that was in his town and becoming enamored with it Opening up his own gaming store when he graduated from highschool The technical engineering background that David had and how he applied those skills to ads and marketing Getting frustrated with his job at about the time that Lydia was starting to earn good money from her writing Deciding that he wanted to turn his gaming hobby into a career by starting with a spreadsheet How playing cards are one of the easiest and most flexible mediums to make a game in The game Cat Magic taking roughly twenty minutes of calculations and figuring to get the first draft of the game started The catch-phrase for Love, Lies, and Magic Book 8 in that series releasing March 1, 2024 How Cat Magic the novel was the best of Lydia's books that had an existing audience for creating the first game of David's game design career David's role in being an alpha reader and providing Lydia with early feedback on her writing The Kickstarter campaign they ran to get the Cat Magic game off the ground The important Give 90% of the time, ask 10% of the time rule with communities you are engaged in The years of behind the scenes hard work and constantly giving and sharing with the community that built up the success seen in recent Kickstarters 80% of their sales coming from direct sales versus sales from retailers Storing 15,000 copies of Lydia's books in their basement Hiring a college student to help with some of the menial tasks like packaging up books for direct sale orders The various logistics of their shipping operation Hiring a nanny to keep their kids close and at home, but allowing them the freedom to get their work done during the day Their five-year-old discovering capitalism, entrepreneurship, and wanting to become a part of their business Advice that David and Lydia would offer to other couples interested in running a business like this And more . . .   After the interview, Mark reflects on the concept of building the kind of life that you want as well as the community-giving focus as an authentic way to connect and offer something of value.   Links of Interest: Lydia Sherrer's Website Chenoweth Press Lydia Sherrer's Store EP 312 - The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now EP 266 - "Let's Talk Dialogue with Jeff Elkins," He Said Reflectively EP 157 - A Conversation with Jeff Elkins The Dialogue Doctor The Uncollected Anthology Website Uncollected Anthology Live Author Chat (April 10, 2024 - YouTube) There Ain't No Cure For The Winter Wolf Blues 2024 The Write Stuff StoryBundle (Limited Time Offer) WMG Anthology Workshop August 2024 Stark Publishing Support for Authors Via Margins Agency ScribeCount (Mark's Affiliate Link) Mark's YouTube Channel Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections How to Access Patreon RSS Feeds An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and Libraries The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard   Lydia Sherrer is an award-winning and USA Today-bestselling author of snark-filled adventures creating stories you love to love, and hate to leave. She is the author of the bestselling urban fantasy Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus universe of books featuring several series, which have sold over half a million copies world-wide. Most recently she has released the TransDimensional Hunter series with NYT bestselling author John Ringo. Lydia subsists on liberal amounts of dark chocolate and tea, and hates sleep because it keeps her from writing (though she needs it because she has kids to wrangle). Due to the tireless efforts of her game-designer husband and her fuzzy overlords—i.e. cats—she remains sane and even occasionally remembers to leave the house. David Sherrer is a born storyteller and has been an obsessive gamer ever since he was seduced by Magic the Gathering at the tender age of fourteen. He has alternately owned a gaming store, street performed for a living, and survived eleven years in the soul crushing world of telecommunications. He lucked out by marrying a force of nature who was determined to making living off writing, and has since escaped his 9-5 to become the Marketing Director and Lead Game Designer of Chenoweth Press. His most fond achievements include being Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2006—there's a story there, just ask him—and that time he made his entire DnD party cry at the end of a campaign. In addition to his work, he wrangles his growing family and a herd of feline supervisors, while secretly plotting how to add to the mountain of board games that he swears to his wife he actually plays.   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Matty Dalrymple talks with JP Rindfleisch about THE TOLLING BELL & THE STORY HYPOTHESIS, including the formula of Story Hypothesis (initial want + developing need + true need); the nine fundamental needs and identifying the driving needs; using the Story Hypothesis to create a resonating theme; the downside of how the concept of "theme" is usually taught; the power of a non-hierarchical approach; applying the Story Hypothesis to a series; and considering the driving needs of the antagonist (with a fun conversation about Hannibal Lecter). Links, summary, and transcript at https://www.theindyauthor.com/223---the-tolling-bell--the-story-hypothesis.html If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple JP Rindfleisch IX, is a writer, editor, and podcaster from Rockford, Illinois, who loves the dark, strange, and queer. They co-author NRDS: National Recently Deceased Services with Jeff Elkins and the Leah Ackerman Dark Urban Fantasy series with AB Cohen. JP also penned the cozy queer fantasy Mandrake Manor. They co-host Writer's Ink podcast with JD Barker, Christine Daigle, Kevin Tumlinson, and Patrick O'Donnell, discussing author interviews and publishing news. JP also leads a local authors' group in Rockford Illinois with over 60 members, dedicated to promoting, educating, and connecting writers with opportunities to enhance their careers and community presence. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.

This week Ken and I continue to expose ourselves (note - don't forget to change that wording before publishing) in our ongoing Q&A. We then sit down with author, Jeff Elkins to discuss writing, philanthropy, traumatic events and leaving the evangelical church. Fortunately, he is able to find humor in all of it.

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Pa Theriot to talk about their work in progress that has unique structure. After reviewing the story, they brainstorm together where they might publish it. To find more on Pa's work, go to https://payitforwardeditorial.com/ For more on dialogue go to https://dialoguedoctor.com/  

In this Self-Publishing Conference Highlight, Jeff Elkins discusses how to emotionally reach your readers. It's not enough to get a reader to pick up our books. We also have to reach them emotionally in order to keep them reading past the first chapter and to inspire them to tell their friends about our stories. The good news is, people are communal in nature. We are hard-wired to connect emotionally with one another, and authors can exploit that wiring with our storytelling by keeping our stories dialogue-centric. By the end of this session, you will learn: how humans connect with one another emotionally and how they can exploit that desire for connection with their writing how to write a dialogue-centric story how to build character partnerships that cause the reader to feel a sense of community This is a post from SelfPubCon (The Self-Publishing Advice Conference), an online author event, run free twice-yearly, in association with the Alliance of Independent Authors. Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. You can do that at http://allianceindependentauthors.org. About the Host Jeff Elkins is the author of 10 supernatural thrillers, an editor, a podcaster, and a speaker. As the Dialogue Doctor, he helps authors defeat mono-mouth by empowering them to write dialogue that engages readers and keeps them reading to the end of the book. When he isn't writing or editing, Jeff leads the writing team for a simulation company that trains professionals in difficult conversations.

In this episode, Tom Holbrook and Jeff Elkins sit down to talk about publishing and craft. They talk about mixing genre and go over stories they believed did it effectively. They discuss stories they love, stories that are broken, and they reflect on the state of the industry. They also cover why sometimes stories with no dialogue still work. To learn more about Tom or look at his editing business, check out https://holbrookauthorservices.com/holbrook-author-services/ For more on writing dialogue, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

Dialogue expert Jeff Elkins explains how the way our characters talk influences the way our readers view their personalities.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Jeff Elkins about his book THE DIALOGUE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW, including how the writing craft is like football; the importance of understanding the craft tools you need to attain moments of artistry; how writing dialogue is not a soft skill; how dialogue isn't only verbal; the three tools of communicating a character's emotional journey; how, if you really want to hammer a moment, you need to bang on it; and, coming back to our sports analogy, how dialogue is a team sport. Show notes at https://bit.ly/TIAP198  Did you find the information in this video useful? Please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple Jeff Elkins is a writer, podcaster, and writing coach. He's the author of eleven novels including INSIDE OUTSIDE and the NRDS Series. As the Dialogue Doctor, he helps writers engage with readers by teaching them to write better dialogue. He has a BA in Religion from Baylor University and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. He lives with his wife and five kids north of Baltimore, Maryland. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Episode 178 / Do you want to improve the dialogue in your novels? Author and dialogue coach Jeff Elkins shares tips on differentiating character voices and tips for using (or not!) dialogue tags. We also touch on the “rules” of writing versus reader expectations. Author website: https://jeffelkinswriter.com/https://dialoguedoctor.com/

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  The difference between dialogue and exposition Making dialogue shine in the four parts of a scene Developing character voice Letting emotion influence dialogue The four types of characters This week's question is: recommend me a podcast Recommendation of the week is: Existential Kink by Carolyn Elliot Apple Kobo Amazon UK Amazon USA ***this show uses affiliate links Links I mentioned: Katlyn's Course: From Chaos to Control Find out more about Jeff: The Dialogue Doctor   Rebel of the Week is: Omar If you'd like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you'd like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack  This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid Get 20% off using this Rebel Discount link. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram    

Jeff Elkins, aka The Dialogue Doctor, has finally written a book! Over the last two years, Jeff has done more than 200 editing sessions with writers. This book is a collection of the tools he built together to solve problems around writing dialogue. Reading it will help you write dialogue and create characters that connects with readers. Want to find out more? Listen in or find the book here. Find more about Jeff at https://dialoguedoctor.com/.Sign up for my writer's newsletter here:https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletterSign up for my reader's newsletter here: https://katcaldwell.com/readersFind me at https://katcaldwell.com or on Instagram as @katcaldwell.author or @pencilsandlipstickFind the transcription for this episode here.

Mark interviews Jeff Elkins about his writing, about dialogue and character voice, about his new book The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now, and more . . . Prior to the interview, Mark shares the winners of the complimentary tickets to BookMARCon, the surprise winners of complimentary pizza, a personal update, and a word from this episode's sponsor. You can learn more about how you can get your audiobooks distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. During their conversation Mark and Jeff talk about: Jeff's "nickname" as "The Dialogue Doctor" as well as his background as a writer What Jeff has seen in the past eight years that he has been involved in the indie author space The latest novel Jeff released in March 2023 co-authored with J.P. Rindfleisch called NRDS: National Recently Deceased Services which is described as "Ghostbusters meets The Office" The first collaboration Jeff had done with his best friend years ago Wanting to reengage in and looking for a way to give back to the author community in 2020 Adapting what he does professionally, training professionals in difficult conversations, and leveraging that to help authors apply those skills to their writing Doing more than 200 1:1 sessions since 2020 with authors to help them with their dialogue Liking helping writers perhaps more than he even likes writing The Dialogue Doctor community that seems to operate as a problem-solving community Jeff's book The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now, coming July 1, 2023 The structure of the book, which is hear the problem, learn the philosophy and the strategy for fixing it, then do a reading challenge, then a writing challenge The emotional journey a character goes on and the emotional shape of stories How you can have all the right plot points but not have the right emotional journey and the reader will disconnect from it Replacing the words hero, alley, and villain with terms like vehicle (the point of view character), the engines (characters who help move them forward), the anchors (those who weigh the vehicle down or bring out the worst versions of the vehicle) If you need the character to struggle, put them in scenes with their anchor If you want a big emotional moment where the character has to make an emotional choice, have the character enacting upon the influence of the anchor, then introduce the engine into that scene How when we talk about dialogue we're really talking about overall character interaction Building a character voice and ways of building a dynamic cast around a character where they can all build upon one another The difference between segments and scenes Jeff's "Apple a day" style advice for writers And more... After the interview Mark reflects on dialogue being one important aspect of overall character interaction, the readers emotional journey, and the value in helping other authors. Links of Interest: Jeff Elkins Website The Dialogue Doctor Website Kurt Vonnegut on the Shape of Stories (YouTube) Full Kurt Vonnegut Lecture (YouTube) Findaway Voices Spotify Royalty Increase (Findaway Blog) Converting Your Audiobook From Exclusive to Non-Exclusive (Findaway Blog) BookBub Blog: Promoting Your Audiobook For Skyrocketing Sales Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles   Jeff Elkins coaches authors and podcasts as the Dialogue Doctor. Since launching the Dialogue Doctor in 2020, he's held over 200 1-on-1 coaching sessions with authors focused on helping them improved their dialogue. In addition to 12 novels, Jeff is the author of The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now: How to Write Dialogue and Characters Readers Will Love -- a primer on how to write great dialogue, dynamic character voices, and powerful casts of characters.   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Jeff Elkins, aka, the Dialogue Doctor, who is an author, podcast host, and writing coach. Jeff shares his experience of conducting over 200 coaching sessions to help authors improve their dialogue and create engaging characters. He explains that the ideas and techniques in his book, "The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now: How to Write Dialogue and Characters Readers Will Love," were developed through collaborative efforts within the dialogue doctor community. He emphasizes the importance of dialogue in immersing readers in a story and discusses the distinction between dialogue and exposition.Jeff also provides insights on crafting character voices and building a dynamic cast of characters that excite readers. He suggests techniques like grouping characters together, using vocalizations, body language, and dialogue tags to bring characters to life, and introducing engines (characters that help growth) and anchors (characters that hinder growth) to create conflict and facilitate character development.Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: LINKThe question of the week is: Who are your favorite lone wolf characters?Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.Jeff Elkins - https://www.dialoguedoctor.comThe book - https://www.amazon.com/Dialogue-Doctor-Will-See-You-ebook/dp/B0C7D1WNZL/(The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now: How to Write Dialogue and Characters Readers Will Love)Links:WritingPursuits.comInstagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcastThree Story Method Certified EditorKathreseMcKee.comYourFirstChapter.com

Announcements:  free 7-day trial of my Mary Poppins Fan tier on Patreon. Regularly 15/mo https://patreon.com/valerieihsan.   I've started a new book and will be rolling out the chapters as I write them on Patreon. Early Access; Feedback encouraged. Watch me write a book in real time. shared lodging ticket; $650; Go to valerieihsan.com/shopping Focused Fan $50/mo includes one group mastermind call/month + weekly 1:1 15-minute accountability calls and emails + monthly scene analysis. Group Coaching Sept 12- Dec 12 $500 for 3-months ($165/mo) Patron announcement:  UPDATE:  Valerie:  Patreon, podcast, emails, weekly planning Erick:  website re-launched erickmertzwriting.com Jeff Elkins' new book launches July 1st:  The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now  Jeff's latest read: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas    Just finished:  I'M READING: Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston   Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next: Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer Erick's Reading:    Rick Rubin The Creative Act: A Way of Being The Passenger by Cormac McCarthy Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling Cascade by Craig Davidson (stories)     Show Notes: Jeff Elkins is a writer, podcaster, theologian, and writing coach. He's the author of eleven novels including Inside Outside and the Adventures of Watkins and Howe Detective Series. He helps writers engage with readers by teaching them to write better dialogue as the Dialogue Doctor podcast. He talks about life after the evangelical church on the We Just Came for the Tacos Podcast. He has a BA in Religion from Baylor University and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. He lives with his wife and five kids north of Baltimore, Maryland. 7 components: exchanges, segments, scenes, utterances, vocalizations, body language, dialogue tags   Scenes (emotional movement); Segments (portions of the conversation within the scene); Exchanges (char participate in the conversation--character voice); Utterances (char's participation)   Touch on the reaction of char, even if not verbal, or they get lost in the fog and the reader forgets the char is there (pulls them out of the book). Don't skip a char for more than two segments.   How do I use this in memoir?  (Resource: Michael Lewis (nf writer)) Get someone's vocalization in the segments. (Inner dialogue counts) exchanges create energy in the text. Rapid back and forth.  Powerful narrative voice tells story in a reflective (authentic and vulnerable) way, but use scenes whenever possible. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. Voice example. Handmaid's Tale (fictional memoir) doesn't feel dialog-lite.   Vocalizations (what comes out of their mouth)(absence of vocalizations count too) Body language shapes the vocalizations. Dialogue tags: they are for I.D.; what they do/embellish; shape the vocalization (put said at end, readers ignore; at beginning, it slows them down; in middle of sentence, creates pauses for the reader to imagine the scene.)   Char Voice: words, topics, body lang, construction of utterances (punctuation, length, how often participate in conversation) Plotters: think about personality of char, how do you want the reader to describe character? Plan out main character's voice before you start writing. What kind of body language will they have? What does this personality sound like?   Jeff Elkins: dialoguedoctor.com; courses and community Ep#53: Dialogue Doctor Jeff Elkins Interview from 2/1/2022.   Next Episode: Different Types of Editing and Budget Alternatives Resources:  Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles

Defining character voice, writing for stress relief, and finding your own path . . .We were thrilled to have Jeff Elkins, the Dialogue Doctor, join us on this week's show! It was an incredible interview, with SO MANY fantastic nuggets of wisdom. We talked about everything from coming from a non-writing background and how hard it was to admit we were writers, to developing character through their dialogue, and the fact that readers want something familiar with a twist.Jeff is the author of 10 novels, an ongoing vella, and over 100 short stories. He trains authors in how to improve their dialogue through his podcast and coaching as the Dialogue Doctor.Final Question: Have you ever used a plot frame or story map to outline as you go? Let us know in the comments to this week's post on Facebook @AuthorWheel!Free Resource: The Top 5 Roadblocks Aspiring Authors Must Overcome, available for free when you join our newsletter at www.AuthorWheel.com/stuff.Follow Us! Jeff ElkinsWebsite: https://dialoguedoctor.com/2022/03/27/coaching/Podcast: https://dialoguedoctor.com/the-podcast/The Author Wheel:Website: www.AuthorWheel.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheelGreta Boris:Website: www.GretaBoris.comFacebook: @GretaBorisAuthorInstagram: @GretaBorisMegan Haskell:Website: www.MeganHaskell.comFacebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor Support the showFREE Mini Email CourseHave you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel's new mini-course might be your solution. 7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language. Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it's free. Click here to learn more!

Mark interviews Liz Worth, a professional tarot reader, a poet and author. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a brief personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. You can learn more about how you can get your audiobooks distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their chat, Mark and Liz talk about: The many things that Liz "slings" Satisfying that craving Liz and her husband have to be surrounded by "vintage things" via owning an antique shop The importance of helping take something inherited off someone's hands in a meaningful way and to someone that will find use in it How Tarot, the occult, and writing have always been a part of Liz's life, and her mother's influence in this area Growing up going to psychic fairs, learning astrology and card reading Being draw to punk and goth culture in the 90s in high school Making her own goth zine (Last Breath Escapes), photocopying it, and making it available through a local record store Doing something similar for her poetry How zines were a precursor to the niche market ability of eBook digital publishing nowadays The first book projects Liz worked on How "Punk" is an entire ecosystem of creativity and not just a style of music and dress Liz's work not only doing Tarot readings but teaching others how to do a Tarot reading The things Liz would do during her performance poetry that she would never do in other professional aspects of her life How, logically, Tarot is a thing that shouldn't work The vulnerability and expectations that a person has going into a Tarot reading How you're always going out on a limb when you're interpreting and giving a Tarot reading Looking for narratives and story in the images and how do things make sense Some of the intangible things about Tarot that are difficult to explain Things that Hollywood, Television, and writers often get wrong about Tarot readings The importance of running with something in a creative way rather than feeling like everything had to be so "tamped down" Liz's latest vampire novel, The Mouth is a Coven And more...   After the interview, Mark reflects on that importance of letting one's creative license work its magic.   Links of Interest:   Liz Worth's Author Website Liz on Instagram Liz's Books Liz Worth's Tarot Website Episodes with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor Be a guest on the Stark Reflections Podcast Superstars Writing Seminars (Save $100 with code: STARKSSWS2023 Findaway Voices Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles     Liz Worth is the author of eight books. Her newest novel is called The Mouth is a Coven, published through Manta Press. She has been nominated twice for the ReLit Award for Poetry, and her writing has also appeared in FLARE Magazine, Chatelaine, and the Globe and Mail. She works as a professional tarot reader by day.   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 

Sometimes it feels like it doesn't seem to matter what we try, the dialogue in our stories falls flat and it's affecting sales. Our characters all sound the same and their voices don't change regardless of what is happening in the story. Today we speak with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor, on how to make dialogue the centerpiece of our stories.For more info on The Dialogue Doctor, visit: https://dialoguedoctor.com///Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

“Humility brings a miraculous life.” – Jeff ElkinsToday's featured award-winning author is father, husband, ex. Pastor, Chief Script Engineer, and fellow Baltimore Bookcaster (Author Who Podcasts), Jeff Elkins. Jeff and I had a fun chat about his latest book, “Inside Outside”, why it's okay to question your beliefs to learn more about them, and tons more!! Key Things You'll Learn:The inspiration behind his latest book and what to expect from itWhy observation and humility are key traits of successful leadersWhy it's okay to reflect and question your beliefs Jeff's Site: https://jeffelkinswriter.com/Jeff's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Elkins/e/B00IXPW1XI/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1Jeff's Podcast, “The Dialogue Doctor”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dialogue-doctor-podcast/id1527246125 The opening song for this episode is titled, "Faith" by Marcus D. Cop the full track by using the following link: https://wordisbond.bandcamp.com/track/faith You May Also Like… Ep. 378 – “Writing Adventures with The Dialogue Doctor” with Jeff Elkins (@Jffelkins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-378-writing-adventures-with-the-dialogue-doctor-with-jeff-elkins-jffelkins/ Ep. 386 – “Revelations for a New Millennium” with Andrew Elias Ramer: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-386-revelations-for/ Ep. 330 – “A Long Way from Ordinary” with Ann Charles (@AnnWCharles): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-330-a-long-way-from-ordinary-with-ann-charles-annwcharles/ 273 – “Rewiring Your Brain For Manifestation Success” with Bob Doyle (@bobdoyle): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/273-rewiring-your-brain-for-manifestation-success-with-bob-doyle-bobdoyle/ 279 – “Peak Performance Ghostwriting” with Kathrin Hutson (@ExquisitelyDark): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/279-peak-performance-ghostwriting-with-kathrin-hutson-exquisitelydark/ Ep. 392 – “Chasing the Captain” with Terry Shepherd (@TheTShepherd): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-392-chasing-the-captain-with/ Ep. 462.5 – “Beacons of Leadership” with Chris Voss of The Chris Voss Show (@ChrisVossShow1): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-4625-beacons-of-leadership-with-chris-voss-of-the-chris-voss-show-chrisvossshow1/ Ep. 567 – “The Suffering Guy” with Jim Barnard (@jimmahbarnard): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-567-the-suffering-guy-with-jim-barnard-jimmahbarnard/ Ep. 389.5 – “The Sixth Sola” with Michael Ward (@6thsola): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3895-the-sixth-sola-with/

Author (and once upon a time CTB writer) Jeff Elkins joins the show to talk about his newest spoooooky venture on Vella “National Recently Deceased Services (NRDS),” a comedy horror project that seems to be doin’ alright! (find it here) Also discussed: Werewolf by Night, the upcoming Picard Season 3, Hellraiser (2022) and more! JOIN […]

Mark interviews Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill of the Story Nerd Podcast. The Story Nerd Podcast demystifies story theory so writers spend less time studying and more time writing. Literary editors and writers, Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill, analyze a film a week as an example of a storytelling principle. Prior to the main segment, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation, Mark, Valerie, and Melanie talk about: How long it took for the three of them to coordinate the interview (2 months) and a bit of banter about time zones and Melanie being so further in the "future" than Valerie and Mark Mark's nerding out on how the Y2K bug wasn't solved, it was just pushed back to 2050 Mal's background as a poet and her passion for writing poetry and how much passion could be conveyed in such a "small" piece Loving poetry that has artwork or imagery with it The real art that is involved in writing books that engage children The point at which Valerie's day job got on her nerves enough and how she'd always enjoyed being creative via music and writing Keeping track of how many words Valerie had written for and discarded from her novel Immortal How Valerie and Melanie met Applying story theory to their own manuscripts Being an extrovert in an introvert's job Learning something new with every single episode they produce Doing things that are a bit fearful so that you can grow and improve How their "hourly" recording session usually takes 3 hours because they're having so much fun and such insightful story discussion It doesn't matter what genre one writes in, one can learn from reading all genres How the concepts that they talk about on the podcast that relate to film can be applied to novel writing, because the story structure elements are all the same Comparing walking, running, and running a marathon to the various steps on the writer journey The way the podcast is broken down into seasons and the themes they are exploring And more...   After the interview Mark reflects on how Valerie and Melanie make story theory so easy by providing clear examples in a way that's easy and fun to digest, and recommends listeners go check out an episode or two starting with movies they're familiar with. Links of Interest: Story Nerd Podcast EP 213 - Putting Story Theory Into Practice with Valerie Francis EP 104 - Living the Writing & Editing Life with Valerie Francis EP 270 - Reflections from the NINC 2022 Conference EP 269 - Dreaming a Writer's Dream Straight on Until Morning with Gama Ray Martinez EP 268 - Neurodivergence and the Creative Process with October K. Santerelli EP 266 - "Let's Talk Dialogue with Jeff Elkins," He Said Reflectively EP 263 - Terry Brooks and Susanna Kearsley When Words Collide Keynotes The Official LOVER'S MOON Spotify Playlist Lover's Moon Podcast (Spotify) Thrifty Tips for Authors (Facebook Group) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 

This week we are delighted to introduce you to our new friend, former minister, and current member of the REVcovery Community, Jeff Elkins! This episode really is a full circle moment for us because neither Justin or Sarah knew Jeff before this podcast got started. Jeff is an active member of our REVcovery Discord Community and after learning more about his story and seeing how much of the work he has already done we know we had to have him on the show. This episode is a special one folks so sit back and enjoy your time this week in the REVcovery room! You can check out Jeff's writing by clicking here The song we mentioned by Nato Poppins is here If you would like to join a community of like minded people check out our Patreon: patreon.com/revcovery If you would like to see us live we will be at Theology Beer Camp in Chapel Hill, NC on October 13-15. If you use the code "REVcovery" you get $50 off your registration fee. Sign up here www.TheologyBeer.Camp This podcast is edited by Elizabeth Nordenholt from Podcat Audio: https://elizabethnordenholt.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Elkins writes stories about outsiders who fight for outcasts, rejects, and the oppressed. He is the author of more than ten novels, a Certified Three Story Method Editor, and the host of the Dialogue Doctor podcast. During the day, he leads the writing team for a training company that simulates difficult conversations. He lives north of Baltimore, Maryland with his wife of twenty-years and his five kids.In this episode, you'll learn:The benefits of writing a dialogue-centric first draftHow to add more emotion into your writingWhy character interaction is so importantHow to write a dialogue-centric first draft

Mark has a conversation with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor. Prior to the main segment, Mark explains his goof-up that led to releasing this particular episode and then shares a few words about this episode's sponsor. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. During their conversation Mark and Jeff speak, chat, discuss, converse, reflect, consider, chew on, and talk about about: How a book that is 160 K can read like it's so much shorter because it's 95% dialogue Remembering that dialogue is just another tool that we, as writers can use - and how can it help impact the emotional resonance of your story The distance skyline of NYC versus the details of a narrow street as a parallel for two types of writing (prose and dialogue) The energy-building dialogue of Aaron Sorkin in shows like The West Wing Dialogue in action scenes The love/hate relationship writers can have with dialogue tags And more... After the interview Mark reflects on one of the things he is going to try in his own writing to help improve his dialogue.   Links of Interest: Jeff Elkins' Website The Dialogue Doctor Sept 10, 2022 - Dialogue MasterClass Draft2Digital LIVE (Self-Publishing Insiders) - Sept 1, 2022 - The Dialogue Doctor with Jeff Elkins (FULL INTERVIEW) Episode 157 - A Conversation with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor Episode 172 - Understanding and Navigating Gender Episode 226 - Reflective Round Table December 2021 Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles   Jeff Elkins writes stories about outsiders who fight for outcasts, rejects, and the oppressed. He is the author of more than ten novels, a Certified Three Story Method Editor, and the host of the Dialogue Doctor podcast. During the day, he leads the writing team for a training company that simulates difficult conversations. He lives north of Baltimore, Maryland with his wife of twenty-years and his five kids.   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0   

Ever wanted to know what it takes to write good dialogue? Well, you're in luck! In this episode, romance author, Charmyra E. Fleming takes a seat as guest on, The Dialogue Doctor Podcast. During this discussion, Host, Jeff Elkins provides his feedback on Charmyra's approach to writing dialogue for a current WIP. Listen to this episode now, and hear them get into the nitty gritty of writing compelling dialogue that grips the reader!  As always, the Creative Calfuray, "M.A.I." Branded Merchandise is available on the Creative Calfuray website and Etsy. Click Here to check it out! As a token of my appreciation, if you choose to purchase Creative Calfuray's "M.A.I." Branded Merchandise, you are eligible to receive 10% off by using the coupon code: MAITHANKYOU at checkout! Be sure to read my weekly blog "M.A.I. Pop Life" on my website, and check out my website and social media pages! To connect with me and engage, follow me on social media! www.CreativeCalfuray.com Become a Purple Charm VIPatron Click Here! Instagram  Facebook Twitter Pinterest

This week, Holly sits down with Dialogue Doctor, Jeff Elkins to discuss the ups and downs of translating real-life experiences into a fictionalised memoir. The conversation covers: What it means to deconstruct religion How to explore sensitive subjects respectfully Self-care while delving into emotionally intense subjects Getting feedback on your writing Get the show notes at www.unstoppableauthors.com

Jeff Elkins, the Dialogue Doctor, discusses THE COLOR WHEEL OF CHARACTERIZATION. He discusses the building blocks of character voice, getting past physical description, the musicality of character voice, letting modulation happen, bolstering scene tone with character voice, and creating the emotional journey. Do any of those topics pique your interest? Check out my new YouTube playlist 2 MINUTES OF INDY https://bit.ly/2MinutesOfIndy, where over the week following the airing of the episode, I'll be posting brief video clips from the interview on each of those topics! You can also catch up on some highlights of previous episodes there. For a transcript of this interview and links to more information, go to https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html. Did you find the information in this video useful? Please consider supporting my work at The Indy Author via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple). Jeff Elkins is a novelist, ghostwriter, and editor with more than 10 novels on the market. During the day, he leads the writing team for a company that simulates difficult conversations for professionals to practice. He also helps authors improve their dialogue to engage readers more fully through one-on-one consulting and through his podcast The Dialogue Doctor.

Valerie's Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie's Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Erick's Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick's Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick's Facebook Page and Instagram account   Writer Craft Facebook Group   Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link) Retreat tix: https://valerieihsan.com/retreat   Resources: 5-Day Challenge (How to Write ‘How To' Books), starts April 18, 2022: https://howtobookchallenge.com The Author Life Community: https://theauthorlife.com JP Rindfleisch is a writer of things dark, strange, and queer; a co-host of the Write Away Podcast and Serial Fiction Show; and a Three Story Method editor and coach. When they aren't spouting on about the importance of community or how theme can be an excellent tool for writers, they find themself wandering into nature with their Siberian husky, partner of 11 years, and a campervan aptly called Hank the Tank. Their works include several short stories, a serial called NRDS with Jeff Elkins, an upcoming Dark Urban Fantasy Series with AB Cohen, and an upcoming Three Story Method's Masterwork Analysis of the Road with J Thorn.   Resources: You are a Storyteller podcast Max Neef 9 needs:  subsistance, protection, affection, understanding, participation, recreation, creation, identity, freedom. Centered app   Books We Talked About: How to Write Light Novels and Webnovels by R.A. Paterson Children of Blood and Bone by Tom Adeyemi Editing Your Novel's Structure by Bethany A. Tucker Ever After by F.T. Lukins The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin A Boy with a Bird in His Chest by Emme Lund The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa The Golden Theme by Brian Macdonald

In this episode, Jeff sits down with writer Angela Haas to look over a space opera scene Angela has written. They discuss lining your character's voice up with their personality, including inner thoughts as part of your character's voice, contrasting characters to increase the intensity of the scene, and when to modulate a character's voice. For more on dialogue, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

Show NotesToday I welcome Jeff Elkins to Writing Pursuits. Jeff is an author of more than 10 novels, an editor, and a professional speaker. He is the host of the Dialogue Doctor Podcast and a Three Story Method Certified editor. Links:https://www.writingpursuits.com/captivate-podcast/1/WritingPursuits.com (WritingPursuits.com) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingpursuitspodcast/ (@WritingPursuitsPodcast) https://theauthorlife.com/editing/ (Three Story Method Certified Editor) https://www.kathresemckee.com (KathreseMcKee.com) https://www.mailerlite.com/a/w0b4qwbvfg (Mailerlite (affiliate link)) https://www.yourfirstchapter.com (YourFirstChapter.com) Guest Links: https://dialoguedoctor.com/ (DialogueDoctor.com) https://dialoguedoctor.com/2022-workshops/ (2022 Workshops) https://dialoguedoctor.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=486bed00f9c27e9e5f39bb863&id=9a924168ac (5 Mistakes You're Making with Your Dialogue) Mentioned in this episode: Get Your First Chapter Rubric at FirstChapterRubric.com Is your first chapter ready? Be confident! What if you had a resource to help you figure out the strengths and weaknesses of your first chapter? An objective, informative rubric to go by? If your first chapter doesn't work, then you have probably lost a customer for life. Or a chance to sign an agent or get a publishing contract. Don't leave things to chance. This rubric will help you identify the problem areas in your first chapter and figure out how to fix them. Be ready for queries. Be ready for readers. Get the results you dream about. Go to FirstChapterRubric.com.

Valerie's site: https://valerieihsan.com Erick's site: https://erickmertzwriting.com Jeff's site: https://dialoguedoctor.com Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan Retreat tix: https://valerieihsan.com/retreat (Registration closes on April 2, 2022)

In this inbetweenisode of The Indy Author Podcast, I pose a question to fellow podcaster Jeff Elkins about what he's getting from The Dialogue Doctor podcast, both for himself and in terms of his goals related to helping other authors, that's different after over 70 episodes than he expected when he did his first episode. As is often the case when I speak with Jeff, he took that question in a truly wonderful direction. He talked about the importance to him of building community, and how that differs from podcasters like me whose primary goal is to provide content (and he illustrated the difference with examples of several other podcasters whose names you'll recognize). He talked about factoring in where your energy comes from in a way that's much more useful than the usual introvert / extrovert model, and about how we can change the story we tell ourselves to achieve the results we are aiming for. And he offered some great insights about serving one's community while also enlisting the support of that community in keeping a creative endeavor going. In fact, I was inspired by my conversation with Jeff to update The Indy Author patronage program, as I describe after the conversation with Jeff. For a transcript of this interview and links to more information, go to https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html. Did you find the information in this video useful? Please consider supporting my work at The Indy Author via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple). Jeff Elkins is a novelist, ghostwriter, and editor with more than 10 novels on the market. During the day, he leads the writing team for a company that simulates difficult conversations for professionals to practice. He also helps authors improve their dialogue to engage readers more fully through one-on-one consulting and through his podcast The Dialogue Doctor.

This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Jeff Elkins, the Dialogue Doctor, talks about USING ENGINES, ANCHORS, AND HAZARDS TO DEFINE CHARACTER VOICE. He talks about how words like hero and villain, while useful for assessing plot, are less useful for assessing character development, or how the character operates in culture and how he or she negotiates the relationships with the people around them. We delve into examples, including BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY, LORD OF THE RINGS, HARRY POTTER, and GAME OF THRONES, to understand how the characters surrounding the protagonist, or vehicle character, function as engines, anchors, or hazards to bring out the best or worst in that vehicle character. For a transcript of this interview and links to more information, go to https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html. Did you find the information in this video useful? Please consider supporting my work at The Indy Author via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple). Jeff Elkins is a novelist, ghostwriter, and editor with more than 10 novels on the market. During the day, he leads the writing team for a company that simulates difficult conversations for professionals to practice. He also helps authors improve their dialogue to engage readers more fully through one-on-one consulting and through his podcast The Dialogue Doctor.

In this episode, Jeff is joined by seven other Three Story Method Editors to talk about the Three Story Method story rubric, what they each enjoy about editing, what is the hardest thing to catch as an editor, and what they think a writer should consider when they are picking an editor. Links from the discussion: Three Story Method Story Rubric: https://theauthorlife.com/storyrubric/ All the Three Story Method Certified Editors: https://theauthorlife.com/editing/ Crys Cain: https://www.cryscain.com/ Christine Daigle: https://www.christinedaiglebooks.com/author-services Valerie Ihsan: https://valerieihsan.com/ Catherine Hernadez: https://www.scribes-pen.com/ Cathy Peper: https://cathypeper.com Kathrese McKee: https://www.writingpursuits.com/ JP Rindfleisch: http://www.jprindfleischix.com/services/ Jeff Elkins: https://dialoguedoctor.com/editing/ For more on the Dialogue Doctor or to get engaged in the Dialogue Doctor community, go to https://dialoguedoctor.com/

Jeff Elkins writes thriller novels, helps other writers improve their dialogue through his company, The Dialogue Doctor, and has a full-time job. Oh yeah, and he has five kids! How does he get so much done? Join Jeff and I as we discuss the balance of writing, building a side hustle from scratch, and working a full-time day job, all while being a loving husband and father. I'm Zach Bohannon—I make my living telling stories, but I'm also a metal head, retired drummer, avid gamer, and most importantly, a loving husband and father. Join me each week as I sit down with a fellow dad and discuss balancing a creative life with family, careers, hobbies, and all the other things guys love. This…is the Creator Dad Podcast. Join the Creator Dad Community and Discord at https://patreon.com/creatordad Links The Dialogue Doctor - https://dialoguedoctor.com Jeff Elkins Thrillers and Mysteries – https://jeffelkinswriter.com Creator Dad – http://creatordad.life Creator Dad on Patreon – https://patreon.com/creatordad Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com

Show Notes In this episode we cover:  What conflict is and why it's so important for your novel How to layer conflict Mistakes writers make with conflict How to show conflict How to use “choice” and complicating choice to further tension and plot This week's question is: what is the best book you've read in your genre? Recommendation of the week is: 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft a Superbad Villain audiobook written and narrated by ME! Audible US  Audible UK  Direct Link ***this show uses affiliate links Find out more about Becca at: The Conflict Thesaurus  One Stop for Writers   Rebel of the Week is: Andy Park If you'd like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor Huge thank you to existing patron Jeff Elkins for upping his pledge and welcome and thank you to new patron Luke Kondor. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you'd like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

This week we talk to the co-author duo - JT Blakely - author of NRDS (National Recently Deceased Services) about writing a Kindle Vella Serial, the future of writing stories, and how to effectively write comedy! When JT takes off his long trench coat and sunglasses (revealing that he is in fact two grown men with one on the other's shoulders), I have a great conversation with the men behind the man - Jeff Elkins & JP Rindfleisch! These two are truly hilarious, beside the invaluable views they have on proper writing techniques, this conversation was genuinely a blast to record. Witty, silly, everything you could want in a writer pair if you ask me. As a co-author unit they fill in the gaps the other lacks like a perfect ying and yang, but don't be fooled, indivudally these two are powerhouses in their own right. For more of these two, visit their Amazon Kindle Vella author page and/or visit their social media feed for the latest to come from this dynamic duo. Make sure to also check out their podcast, it's a great listen! JT Blakely's Links: INSTAGRAM - @jtblakelyauthor TWITTER - @JTBlakely WEBSITE - linktr.ee/JTBlakely JP Rindfleisch's Links: INSTAGRAM - @jp_rindfleisch TWITTER - @JohnRindfleisch WEBSITE - linktr.ee/JPRindfleisch Jeff Elkins's Links: INSTAGRAM - @jeffelkinswriter TWITTER - @Jffelkins WEBSITE - jeffelkinswriter.com For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services. A.R.'s Links: ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

Decades in the writing and publishing industry makes Karen an expert on so many things. And amazingly enough, she says everything comes back down to story. Karen ghost writes stories, coaches authors to get their story written and works at the hybrid publisher James Morgan, so basically her life is all about helping stories get out into the world! Karen loves using Scrivener for writing and organizing books and highly recommends it. She talks quite a bit about it in the podcast. Here's the link for the software: This is the link to the quick videos.  Jeff Elkins is the next masterclass in the Creative Writing Community! In October BookBrush is coming in! Want to join us? We have writing sprints, brainstorming sessions, masterclasses and more! Find the tiers here.

A few things I've learned this summer as I waited for the feedback to come in on my third novel, Coffee Stains, and subsequently what I learned once I got the feedback in my inbox. Sometimes things don't work out how you want them to! I keep getting older every year, and yet every year I can pinpoint specific things I've learned regarding the craft of writing. Does it ever end? I'm not sure about that. Probably due to me specifically NOT learning during my third decade due to an enlarged EGO.   Jeff Elkins is the next masterclass in the Creative Writing Community! In October BookBrush is coming in! Want to join us? We have writing sprints, brainstorming sessions, masterclasses and more! Find the tiers here.

Find out more about Laura Humm and her work at the Dialogue Doctor, register for their summit and get their free Character Wheel at dialoguedoctor.com You can also get into the Dialogue Doctor group by going to Patreon. Jeff Elkins is the next masterclass in the Creative Writing Community! In October BookBrush is coming in! Want to join us? We have writing sprints, brainstorming sessions, masterclasses and more! Find the tiers here.

Find out more about Jeff Elkins and the Dialogue Doctor, register for their summit and get their free Character Wheel at dialoguedoctor.com You can also get into the Dialogue Doctor group by going to Patreon. Jeff Elkins is the next masterclass in the Creative Writing Community! In October BookBrush is coming in! Want to join us? We have writing sprints, brainstorming sessions, masterclasses and more! Find the tiers here.

In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. Whether you're traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today's publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins. Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business. Join us on Patreon and ask your question LIVE on the podcast! https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast Questions asked: I know J. has tried doing a dialogue only first draft, and I'd love to know what you think now. Will this be part of your normal process going forward? I'm trying it myself now, after a conversation with Jeff Elkins. I can definitely Here's a question that J. gets to ask everyone else, and I'm going to ask you...where do you see the publishing landscape in 5 years? I'm struggling to find my voice for my newsletter. Any advice or will it just take practice and trial and error? Do you think it's worth the effort to create free stories to offer readers, especially prospective readers, as a marketing strategy? I don't mean just a reader magnet, but stories offered in addition to that. What do each of you think are 3 necessary elements of a bestseller (100K+ sales) ignoring author name, sales and marketing. They could be 3 things that stood out for you from a bestseller you have read, or 3 things you suggest one might try to include in a novel. What's the best piece of advice you have received or given in regards to writing? What are your recommendations for getting started in ghostwriting fiction? If you break it down in a rough estimate: How much of your working time on any day do you spend on writing versus publishing (incl. marketing, preparing the book pages on the platforms and such)? And what's the first thing you'd outsource? When do you read? Or an expanded question: How does your typical day look like regarding Writing, Business, Reading? Links: J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/ J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/ Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/ The Serial Fiction Show Podcast - https://www.serialfictionshow.com/ Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.com The Career Author Summit 2021 - https://thecareerauthor.com/summit2021/ Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://kobowritinglife.com/ Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.com Contact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ *Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/writersink/support

Suffering from a case of dry and stodgy characters? It's time to meet the Dialogue Doctor.

“My emotional stability can't be based on mirages of success.” – Jeff Elkins Today's featured award-winning author is father, husband, ex. Pastor, Chief Script Engineer, and fellow Baltimore Bookcaster (Author Who Podcasts), Jeff Elkins. Jeff and I had a fun chat about his writing journey, using rockbottom moments to find your one thing to soar out of it, and tons more!!!   Key Thing's You'll Learn: What led Jeff to become a writer. Why it's important to know what genre your book truly belongs in. How Jeff stays productive as a writer and father of 5 kids. Why you must stick to your core values. How Jeff creates the scenery in his novels.   Jeff's Site: https://jeffelkinswriter.com/ Jeff's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Elkins/e/B00IXPW1XI/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 Jeff's Podcast, “The Dialogue Doctor”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dialogue-doctor-podcast/id1527246125   The opening track is titled “Vash The Stampede” by Asis Galvin. To listen to the full track and support the artist monetarily, click the following link. https://asisgalvin.bandcamp.com/track/vash-the-stampede   You May Also Like…   Ep. 330 – “A Long Way from Ordinary” with Ann Charles (@AnnWCharles): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-330-a-long-way-from-ordinary-with-ann-charles-annwcharles/   Ep. 341.5 – “Playful Cheeks” with Dr. Alison J. Kay (@ajkbliss): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3415-playful-cheeks-with-dr-alison-j-kay-ajkbliss/   216 – “The Write Way” with Amy Collins (@askamycollins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/216-the-write-way-with-amy-collins-askamycollins/   Ep. 361 – “Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing” with Mark Leslie (@MarkLeslie): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-361-stark-reflections-on-writing-and-publishing-with-mark-leslie-markleslie/   279 – “Peak Performance Ghostwriting” with Kathrin Hutson (@ExquisitelyDark): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/279-peak-performance-ghostwriting-with-kathrin-hutson-exquisitelydark/   176 - "Life Has a Way" with Dwayne Jenkins (@LeDwayneJenkins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/176-life-has-a-way-with-dwayne-jenkins-ledwaynejenkins/   Ep. 344 – “Jam Sessions” with Jerry Harwood (@jerryharwood13): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-344-jam-sessions-with-jerry-harwood-jerryharwood13/   Ep. 340 – “A Single Light” with Tosca Lee (@ToscaLee): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-340-a-single-light-with-tosca-lee-toscalee/   Ep. 332 – “Her Perfect Life” with Hank Phillippi Ryan (@HankPRyan): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-332-her-perfect-life-with-hank-phillippi-ryan-hankpryan/   Ep. 323 – “Shapers of Worlds” with Edward Willett (@ewillett): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-323-shapers-of-worlds-with-edward-willett-ewillett/   211 – “Tough Conversations” with David Wood (@_playforreal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/211-tough-conversations-with-david-wood-_playforreal/   25 - "Escapism, History, & Good Advice" with Kate Dolan (@KDHays): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/25-escapism-history-good-advice-with-kate-dolan-kdhays/   273 – “Rewiring Your Brain For Manifestation Success” with Bob Doyle (@bobdoyle): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/273-rewiring-your-brain-for-manifestation-success-with-bob-doyle-bobdoyle/   270 – "Forever Employable" with Jeff Gothelf (@jboogie): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/270-forever-employable-with-jeff-gothelf-jboogie/   120.5 (Local Author Bonus Special) [LABS] - "The Children of Time" with Victory Parsons (@ReadLiftRepeat): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/1205-local-author-bonus-special-labs-the-children-of-time-with-victory-parsons-readliftrepeat/   221 – “Righteous Leadership” with Dr. Ray Charles (@TheDrRayCharles): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/221-righteous-leadership-with-dr-ray-charles-thedrraycharles/   194 – “A Badass Butterfly Conversion” with Rev. Dr. Jane Galloway #chaostoclarity: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/194-a-badass-butterfly-conversion-with-rev-dr-jane-galloway-chaostoclarity/   Ep. 375.5 – “The Art of Human Care for COVID-19” with Dr. Hassan Tetteh (@doctortetteh): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3755-the-art-of-human-care-for-covid-19-with-dr-hassan-tetteh-doctortetteh/   Ep. 375 – “Aces High, Jokers Wild” with O. E. Tearmann (@ETearmann): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-375-aces-high-jokers-wild-with-o-e-tearmann-etearmann/   Ep. 373.5 – “Business Secrets for Walking on Water” with Frank Zaccari (@FZaccari): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3735-business-secrets-for-walking-on-water-with-frank-zaccari-fzaccari/

“My emotional stability can't be based on mirages of success.” – Jeff Elkins Today's featured award-winning author is father, husband, ex. Pastor, Chief Script Engineer, and fellow Baltimore Bookcaster (Author Who Podcasts), Jeff Elkins. Jeff and I had a fun chat about his writing journey, using rockbottom moments to find your one thing to soar out of it, and tons more!!!   Key Thing's You'll Learn: What led Jeff to become a writer. Why it's important to know what genre your book truly belongs in. How Jeff stays productive as a writer and father of 5 kids. Why you must stick to your core values. How Jeff creates the scenery in his novels.   Jeff's Site: https://jeffelkinswriter.com/ Jeff's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Elkins/e/B00IXPW1XI/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 Jeff's Podcast, “The Dialogue Doctor”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dialogue-doctor-podcast/id1527246125   The opening track is titled “Vash The Stampede” by Asis Galvin. To listen to the full track and support the artist monetarily, click the following link. https://asisgalvin.bandcamp.com/track/vash-the-stampede   You May Also Like…   Ep. 330 – “A Long Way from Ordinary” with Ann Charles (@AnnWCharles): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-330-a-long-way-from-ordinary-with-ann-charles-annwcharles/   Ep. 341.5 – “Playful Cheeks” with Dr. Alison J. Kay (@ajkbliss): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3415-playful-cheeks-with-dr-alison-j-kay-ajkbliss/   216 – “The Write Way” with Amy Collins (@askamycollins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/216-the-write-way-with-amy-collins-askamycollins/   Ep. 361 – “Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing” with Mark Leslie (@MarkLeslie): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-361-stark-reflections-on-writing-and-publishing-with-mark-leslie-markleslie/   279 – “Peak Performance Ghostwriting” with Kathrin Hutson (@ExquisitelyDark): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/279-peak-performance-ghostwriting-with-kathrin-hutson-exquisitelydark/   176 - "Life Has a Way" with Dwayne Jenkins (@LeDwayneJenkins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/176-life-has-a-way-with-dwayne-jenkins-ledwaynejenkins/   Ep. 344 – “Jam Sessions” with Jerry Harwood (@jerryharwood13): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-344-jam-sessions-with-jerry-harwood-jerryharwood13/   Ep. 340 – “A Single Light” with Tosca Lee (@ToscaLee): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-340-a-single-light-with-tosca-lee-toscalee/   Ep. 332 – “Her Perfect Life” with Hank Phillippi Ryan (@HankPRyan): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-332-her-perfect-life-with-hank-phillippi-ryan-hankpryan/   Ep. 323 – “Shapers of Worlds” with Edward Willett (@ewillett): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-323-shapers-of-worlds-with-edward-willett-ewillett/   211 – “Tough Conversations” with David Wood (@_playforreal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/211-tough-conversations-with-david-wood-_playforreal/   25 - "Escapism, History, & Good Advice" with Kate Dolan (@KDHays): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/25-escapism-history-good-advice-with-kate-dolan-kdhays/   273 – “Rewiring Your Brain For Manifestation Success” with Bob Doyle (@bobdoyle): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/273-rewiring-your-brain-for-manifestation-success-with-bob-doyle-bobdoyle/   270 – "Forever Employable" with Jeff Gothelf (@jboogie): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/270-forever-employable-with-jeff-gothelf-jboogie/   120.5 (Local Author Bonus Special) [LABS] - "The Children of Time" with Victory Parsons (@ReadLiftRepeat): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/1205-local-author-bonus-special-labs-the-children-of-time-with-victory-parsons-readliftrepeat/   221 – “Righteous Leadership” with Dr. Ray Charles (@TheDrRayCharles): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/221-righteous-leadership-with-dr-ray-charles-thedrraycharles/   194 – “A Badass Butterfly Conversion” with Rev. Dr. Jane Galloway #chaostoclarity: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/194-a-badass-butterfly-conversion-with-rev-dr-jane-galloway-chaostoclarity/   Ep. 375.5 – “The Art of Human Care for COVID-19” with Dr. Hassan Tetteh (@doctortetteh): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3755-the-art-of-human-care-for-covid-19-with-dr-hassan-tetteh-doctortetteh/   Ep. 375 – “Aces High, Jokers Wild” with O. E. Tearmann (@ETearmann): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-375-aces-high-jokers-wild-with-o-e-tearmann-etearmann/   Ep. 373.5 – “Business Secrets for Walking on Water” with Frank Zaccari (@FZaccari): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3735-business-secrets-for-walking-on-water-with-frank-zaccari-fzaccari/

In this monthly q & a session, the guys answer listener questions. Whether you're traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today's publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins. Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business. Join us on Patreon and ask your question LIVE on the podcast! https://www.patreon.com/writersinkpodcast Questions asked: I know J. has tried doing a dialogue only first draft, and I'd love to know what you think now. Will this be part of your normal process going forward? I'm trying it myself now, after a conversation with Jeff Elkins. I can definitely see the benefit, but it's taking me a lot longer. Any tips to share? Thank you! I will be releasing the final book in a trilogy soon, and I'm thinking about whether to start some paid advertising. I'd start with services like BookBub or The Fussy Librarian to test the waters. Since the trilogy will be complete and I can get read-through, is this a good idea? Or should I wait until I have a few more books out? Thanks! What aspect of the writing process have you recently changed or tweaked? My question is about chapters/episodes in serialized fiction. I have a space opera trilogy almost ready to go and have decided to release it in a serialized version first as an experiment (on Substack instead of Vella because I'm Canadian). Is a chapter a chapter regardless of how it's released? Or should I reconsider the arc of my chapters for each format? What's the best way to get started offering author services? Where might you be able to cut corners on editing? What writing achievement would you like to be remembered for? Links: J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/ J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/ Zach Bohannon - https://zachbohannon.com/ Story Rubric - http://storyrubric.com Nonfic Rubric - http://nonficrubric.com The Career Author Summit 2021 - https://thecareerauthor.com/summit2021/ Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://kobowritinglife.com/ Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.com Contact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ *Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/writersink/support

Writer's block--is it fact or fantasy? Does it require inspiration or willpower to overcome? What tips or tricks can get a writer writing again? In this episode, previous guests of The Indy Author Podcast share their perspectives on writer's block, from specific tasks you can perform to break through the block to frank discussions of its emotional and psychological basis. Many thanks to Robert Dugoni, Emma G. Rose, Pauline Wiles, Dale L. Roberts, M.K. Williams, Wade Walton, Jerri Williams, Jeff Elkins, and Julie Duffy for sharing their perspectives. For more information on my guests, go to https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html and search on the guests' names to find links to their episodes and bios.

This special bonus episode of the podcast includes a more than two hour discussion about gender. Jeff Elkins organized this discussion which took place on Saturday, January 9, 2021. Dr. Paz Galupo of Towson University and Carin Galupo join Crys Cain and JP Rindfleisch of the Write Away Podcast, Jeff Elkins and Laura Humm, of The Dialogue Doctor Podcast and Mark Leslie Lefebvre of The Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing Podcast to walk them through Gender Mapping and give insights into how we should understand the complexities of gender. Mark foregoes the regular introductory matter for this episode and moves straight to a word from this episode's sponsor prior to the recorded discussion. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. Links of Interest Dr. Paz Galupo The Dialogue Doctor Podcast Jeff Elkins Laura Humm EP 157 - A Conversation with Jeff Elkins Write Away Podcast Crys Cain JP Rindfleish Findaway Voices Wide Writer Survey Wide for the Win Submission Form Patreon for Stark Reflections     The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0      

In this episode Mark interviews Andrew Pyper, an international award winning Canadian author with novels published in multiple countries and multiple languages, with multiple property options in play, and more interesting creative projects in the works. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update that includes the two book projects due in early 2021 and the potential that he might reschedule one a few weeks back, a "wide writer" survey he has put out as well as a word from this episode's sponsor.   You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation, Andrew and Mark discuss: How Mark first discovered Andrew's work years ago when he was shelving new books in the bookstore he worked at The publishing progression that Andrew experienced, writing short fiction and earning publication credits How a journal/magazine editor Andrew had sold stories to introduced him to a publisher which led to his very first book (1996), which bypassed the normal submission/rejection cycle The cross genre elements of Andrew's novels that incorporate literary, horror, mystery, thriller (which Mark suggests are the "Andrew Pyper" genre) The darkness that exists in all of Andrew's novels Loving the stories of Alice Munro and the intriguing "shadowy" and "danger" elements that exist in her writing The latest short fiction pieces and projects Andrew has been working on Some of the properties that Andrew is involved in licensing How The Residence was based on actual historical details that happened with Franklin Pierce The challenge that can come with over-researching for an author The fun of having some trivia info in your back pocket about the White House being haunted The intriguing architectural layout of the White House and the residence, including passageways and secret doors A special book and audio drama Andrew is releasing via Audible The "writers killing writers" premise in THE KILLING CIRCLE And more...   Links of Interest Andrew Pyper's Website Twitter Instagram Facebook Goodreads Findaway Voices Wide Writer Survey Wide for the Win Submission Form EP 157 - A Conversion with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor Parodys Stuck in this House Here with You (Music) Isolation Parody Songs - K-Tel (Medley Parody) You Call Me Fever (Music) There Is No Monster Mash (Music) A Christmas Howl (Christmas Carol Dad Joke) Dramatic Exit (Stupid Dad Joke Short) You Better Knock First (Stupid Dad Joke Short) Mark's Tavern (Cheers Parody) Patreon for Stark Reflections   Andrew Pyper was born in Stratford, Ontario, in 1968. He received a B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from McGill University, as well as a law degree from the University of Toronto. Although called to the bar in 1996, he has never practiced. His most recent novels include The Homecoming (2019), The Only Child (2017), and The Damned (2015). His 2013 novel, The Demonologist, won the International Thriller Writers Award for Best Hardcover Novel, and was a #1 bestseller in Canada and Brazil. A number of Pyper's works have been acquired for TV or feature film. The Homecoming is being developed by eOne with Andrew acting as Co-Creator and Executive Producer. Other active projects have not yet been announced. Among the earlier novels, The Guardians was published in Canada (Doubleday Canada) in January 2011, the U.K. (Orion) in February 2011, and following this internationally in various territories. It was selected a Globe and Mail 100 Best Books of the Year. The Killing Circle, Andrew's fourth novel, was a national bestseller in Canada, and has been published in the U.K. (HarperCollins) and U.S. (St. Martin's/Minotaur). Translation rights have been sold in Holland, Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Japan. Kiss Me, a collection of short stories, was published to acclaim in 1996. Following its publication, Mr. Pyper acted as Writer-in-Residence at Berton House, Dawson City, Yukon, as well as at Champlain College, Trent University. His first novel, Lost Girls, was a national bestseller in Canada and a Globe and Mail Notable Book selection in 1999 as well as a Notable Book selection in the New York Times Book Review (2000) and the London Evening Standard (2000). The novel won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel and is an Otto Penzler pick on Amazon.com. Lost Girls has been published in the U.S. (Delacorte Press) and U.K. (Macmillan) in 2000, and has also been translated into Italian, Dutch, German and Japanese. Andrew's second novel, The Trade Mission, was published in Canada, the U.K., U.S., the Netherlands and Germany. It was selected by The Toronto Star as one of the Ten Best Books of the Year. Andrew's third novel, The Wildfire Season, was a Globe and Mail Best Book of the Year and has been published to acclaim in the U.K., Canada, U.S. and Holland. Andrew's creative writing teaching experience includes terms at Trent University, the University of Toronto, and, currently, Colorado College. He lives in Toronto.   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Episode Show Notes  In this episode we cover: The most important elements when creating dialogue Mistakes to avoid when writing dialogue How to use psychology to help improve your dialogue How to differentiate character's dialogue How to manage a big cast of characters and all their different ways of speaking What monomouth is and how to get rid of it This week's question is: What character/book or movie's dialogue do you like best? Recommendation of the week is: Nail Your Novel: Writing Characters Who'll Keep Readers Captivated by Roz Morris Kobo Apple Amazon UK Amazon USA Links I mentioned are: The Senses Course Launch Story Bundle Dialogue Doctor Discount Jeff is also giving listeners a discount on his services. His 1-hour chapter session is typically $99. If you include the name of my podcast when you register, he'll give you 25% off. Register here Search for "Writer's Well" in your podcasters and look for Episode 138 where Rachael and J discuss Jeff and the help he gave J with his dialogue Find out more about Jeff on: Website Twitter Facebook Jeff had some recommendations for books and movies with great dialogue: Books with dialogue he loves: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway Beloved by Toni Morrison The Great Divorce by CS Lewis The Goldfinch by Donna Tart A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace TV Shows and Movies with Amazing Dialogue: The Magicians Gilmore Girls When Harry Met Sally The Princess Bride Mission Impossible (1996 movie - best dialogue in an action film)   Listener Rebel of the Week is: Bobbie Ann Atwood If you'd like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or tweet me @rebelauthorpod   If you'd like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

Mark interviews Actor, producer, audiobook narrator, and singer Sarah Beth Goer. Prior to the interview Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a few words about this episode's sponsor... You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. During their conversation, Mark and Sarah talk about: The fact that this is Sarah's first appearance as a podcast guest Working with Erin Wright on releasing her romance novels in audiobook How and when Sarah got started in audiobook narration The reality of trying to be an actor in LA - including the difficulty of even getting an audition Sarah's determination to get at least 200 rejections before giving up on this pursuit The importance of understanding your goal of having your books in audio Other suggestions to authors on strategies for determining whether or not its worth investing on audiobooks What Sarah wants every author to know about licensing their audio rights to a publisher The original of where Sarah got the "bug" for acting Determining that she really had to do acting for her soul Coming to terms with the doors that are open for you and the doors that are closed for you, and walking through the doors that are open instead of banging your head on the doors that are closed How audiobooks are an actor's medium - where an actor can't be limited or typecast by how they look, for example The comparison of a one-hander, a play performed by a single actor with being a single narrator of an audiobook Why Sarah highly recommends the audiobook for Charlotte's Web The converted and sound-proofed/sound-dampened closet that Sarah records in within her home How Mark met Sarah while looking for narrators for the audiobook for his Obsessions anthology The way Sarah gets new clients - Different genres that Sarah likes to work on as an audiobook narrator and what she looks for in a collaborative writing partner The deeply satisfying experience of creating the feature film THREE ROADS The resonance of a specific scene in the film that was created in an ad hoc fashion of collaboration between the actors ad libbing with suggestions from the director Sarah's penchant for ad lib film creation, but why they didn't use that for THREE ROADS (other than a few short scenes) Behind the scenes of the "little details" put into a feature film, such as the "scene within a scene" of a fictional movie two of the characters are watching The mind-boggling realization that every single thing seen on a television show or movie was painstakingly created, designed, or placed by someone responsible for that The challenging reality of the fact that the cost to just distribute this film and would most likely far outweigh the funds that would be earned off of it The cross-training of working on multiple collaborative and creative projects And more After the interview Mark shares a reflection about Sarah's conviction to stick it out until she tried 200 times, as well as the need for disruption in the film industry. Mark also welcomes new Patron, Kevin Partner.   Links of Interest: Sarah Beth Goer's Website Sarah on Twitter Wonder Woman Productions Pink Flamingo Productions Lyric Audiobooks Episode 157 - A Conversation with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in New York (Book 1) Stowe Away (Book 1.5) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book 2) Findaway Voices Books2Read Draft2Digital Wide for the Win Submission Form Patreon for Stark Reflections   Sarah Beth Goer is a member of acting unions SAG-AFTRA and AEA. Her feature film THREE ROADS, which she co-wrote, starred in, and produced, won BEST WRITERS at the LA Femme International Film Festival in 2019. Sarah is also an audiobook narrator with over 100 titles under her belt. Notable works include Harper title The Unteachables (named in January 2019 an Apple Books Must-Listen), Disney Hyperion title The Devouring Gray (which placed on Barnes & Nobel's 20 most anticipated YA debuts of 2019), and Night Music – which Audiofile Magazine called “an exquisite listen,” deeming Goer's performance “dynamic,” and “noteworthy” as she “successfully capture[d] the raw emotions of first love muddled by racism and greed.”   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In this episode Mark interviews Kate Tilton about the work she does supporting and helping authors be successful. Prior to the interview, Mark shares shares comments from recent episodes and social media, offers a personal update, and says a word about this episode's sponsor... You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. During their conversation, Mark and Kate talk about: Meeting for the first time at the basement in the Javitz Center in New York at Book Expo America How Kate got into the book business The way that interacting in social media led to Kate falling into the role of author assistant Kate starting in the book business when she was still in high school and always being an "old soul" her entire life The fact that Kate has always been a "How" person who likes to figure out processes and how to make things work The challenges of "re-identifying yourself" within an industry How Kate helps authors make decisions within publishing based on what's best for the author and what's best for each book The important role Kate plays in terms of keeping her author clients accountable The value of focusing on humans and relationships and connection for a broader perspective of marketing The mistake that most authors make in thinking of social media as a marketing or sales platform The way that Kate's own use of social media has changed over the years Questioning certain "givens" of business such as "you have to keep increasing the incoming revenue" The importance of having someone as a "thought-partner" in the business of writing and publishing How two different people collaborating can come up with ideas and processes that are far better than they ever would on their own Advice that Kate would give to her younger self After the interview, Mark reflects on accountability and the human connection element of social media, particularly as it relates to how he and Kate have stayed connected over the years. Links of Interest: Kate Tilton's Website Kate Tilton on Social Media: Twitter Instagram Facebook Episode 157 - A Conversation with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in New York (Book 1) Stowe Away (Book 1.5) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book 2) Findaway Voices Books2Read Draft2Digital Wide for the Win Submission Form Patreon for Stark Reflections   Kate Tilton works with authors of all publication paths, from New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, award winners, and six-figure authors, to pre-publication authors, to authors somewhere in the middle. By standing beside authors as a partner, Kate turns scary and overwhelming things like marketing and finding an audience into tools that can be used to make an author's dream a reality. She achieves this mission with one-on-one partnerships with authors, free resources available on her website, and so much more.   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor, talks about building great protagonist and antagonist voices. He discusses how to build a villain voice that complements and contrasts to the hero's voice, how to use quirks to help define a character's voice, and how secondary characters can empower the change you want to make in the protagonist. Jeff Elkins is a novelist, ghostwriter, and editor with more than 10 novels on the market. During the day, he leads the writing team for a company that simulates difficult conversations for professionals to practice. He also helps authors improve their dialogue in order to engage readers more fully through his podcast The Dialogue Doctor, and through one-on-one consulting.

In this episode Mark chats with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor, about the importance of solid dialogue for characterization, moving a plot along, and creating a bestselling novel. Prior to the interview, Mark shares shares comments from recent episodes, welcomes new Patron, Macy Dixon, offers a personal update, and says a word about this episode's sponsor... You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. During their conversation, Mark and Jeff talk about: What good dialogue is going to do for your book The fundamental way that two people connect with one another, which is usually through conversation The reader engagement that comes for characters because of solid dialogue How Jeff filled a gap in the writing craft realm by focusing on dialogue Jeff's background writing conversation simulations and how that lead to his expertise in dialogue The way a person changes the way they speak when in different moods, anxious situations, circumstances Being intention with our dialogue when writing Peter Parker's dialogue as a shy nerd and behind the mask of Spider-man The concept of "putting the character in your mouth" The term "mono-mouth" used to describe multiple characters speaking in the exact same voice (the writer) Jeff's research on bestsellers and how many of them usually have less than four paragraphs between passages of dialogue How both John Grisham novels and Pride and Prejudice both have about 70% dialogue in them If your plot and the twists and turns are the bones, then dialogue is the muscle The value of taking out the "summaries" in your fiction rather than SHOWING that scene An example of a brilliant character reveal through dialogue in Toni Morrison's novel BELOVED The free download authors can get at Jeff's website on the five biggest mistakes authors often make in dialogue What you can get for signing up for Jeff's newsletter The services that Jeff offers for authors A new program/offering that Jeff is launching Jeff's new podcast where he shares ongoing dialogue sessions, advice, and tips   After the interview, Mark shares an offer from Jeff (the ability to get a 1 hour $99 booking for $75 by mentioning the Stark Reflections Podcast), and Mark shares a few reflections about things Jeff made him think about.   Links of Interest: Jeff's Author Website Jeff's Dialogue Doctor Website The 20-week experience Jeff is launching Jeff's Dialogue Doctor YouTube Channel Jeff Elkins on Facebook Jeff Elkins on Twitter Episode 156 - The Stark Reality Facing Authors Episode 118 - Wish I'd Known Then with Jami Albright and Sara Rosett Mark Leslie Lefebvre on Thinking Outside the eBook (guest on the Wish I'd Known Then for Writers Podcast) Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in New York (Book 1) Stowe Away (Book 1.5) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book 2) Findaway Voices Books2Read Draft2Digital Wide for the Win Submission Form Patreon for Stark Reflections   Jeff Elkins writes stories with engaging and diverse characters that help people escape the stress of the real world. He has published eleven novels and hundreds of short stories and lives in Baltimore, Maryland with his wife and five kids. A graduate of Baylor University and Truett Seminary, Jeff has been writing dialogue simulation for several years and has recently adapted this knowledge, and his writing experience, into a fantastic, and much-needed service for authors called The Dialogue Doctor.   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

The Dialogue Doctor: Jeff ElkinsDo you suffer from mono-mouth? Are you experiencing side effects such as decreased reader engagement, poor sales, and a lack of energy? If so, it might be time for a house call from the Dialogue Doctor, Jeff Elkins.In a rare interview on The Career Author Podcast, J. talks to Jeff about his most recent manuscript, how Jeff helped J. regain the joy of writing, and why every writer needs to pay attention to what characters say and how they say it.The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.In this episode, you'll discover:The problem with most dialogueWhy readers will bail on your story without sharp dialogueWhat the Dialogue Doctor does and how he can help writersWhy J. was thrilled when he had to convert a first draft into a screenplayAlso, J. recommends a new service for tracking your book's rank and reviews.Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ Leave us a comment: What book or movie has your favorite lines of dialogue?Thanks to all of our patrons! Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthorWant to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/Links:Best Sellers Rank - https://bestsellersrank.me/ The Dialogue Doctor - https://dialoguedoctor.com/ 2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ Chapter Check service - https://chaptercheck.com/ The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthorThree Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Jeff Elkins sits down with his friend and teacher, Laura Humm. Laura is the COO of SIMmersion, an innovative training company that builds simulations that train professionals in difficult conversations. Additionally, Laura was Jeff's first editor, got him into writing as a profession, and has taught Jeff much of what he knows about dialogue.  Jeff and Laura chat today about what makes great dialogue. 

After working with Jeff Elkins on his latest manuscript, J. asks Rachael about the uniqueness and authenticity of her character's voices.Consequences of Rock - https://consequencesofrock.com/ Rachael's Query Letter Service - http://rachaelherron.com/query/ J.'s Author Services - https://theauthorlife.com/editing/ What's your answer to our question? Leave one in the comments…Rate & subscribe on iTunes and then share with other writers.Support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thewriterswell More information here - http://thewriterswell.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Brian speaks with Jeff Elkins, Senior Tax Manager with Hall & Co. CPA's. They discuss the recent TIGTA report on the marijuana industry and its applications for business owners.

Intuitive healer and retired photo journalist Jeff Elkins talks about the near death experience that augmented his psychic abilities, what it's like to be a psychic cop, the spirit of a Native American medicine man who teaches him to see, and the secret life of crystals and minerals. Jeff owns Celestial Awakenings metaphysical store in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA.   The Mirror Cave is produced by Scott Harrison. Music by Acre. Acre's music can be found on the Monorail Trespassing label. http://monorailtrespassing.com   Theme by Tectonic Crystal. Graphics by Josh Sachs. You can reach us at themirrorcave@gmail.com