Podcasts about storycraft

Did you like the episode? Send me a text and let me know!!Defeat Your Business Monsters with Paul Pape | Undiscovered Entrepreneur**Episode Summary: What if the secret to building a profitable creative business was hidden inside a game of Dungeons & Dragons? In this episode, entrepreneur, fabricator, and "Santa For Nerds" Paul Pape shares how he turned 20 years of custom creative work — including projects for Disney, Universal, and Nickelodeon — into a revolutionary business consulting model called Gamified Business. Paul doesn't teach creatives traditional business strategy. He runs campaigns. He builds character sheets. He slays monsters.If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, fear of failure, or just getting off the couch and starting — this episode is your quest giver.What You'll Learn:Why creatives struggle with business (and the D&D fix that works)How Paul turned a broke 7-figure company into a thriving one in 6 monthsThe monster metaphors for imposter syndrome, failure, perfectionism & fearWhy your ideas are worth more than your labor — and how a stolen ad taught Paul that lesson the hard wayThe one piece of advice Paul gives every new entrepreneur (it's two questions)Why charging for your services actually helps your clients succeedThe Thousand Asks Challenge and Paul's 6-month goalTimestamps:[00:00:00] – Introduction & Meet Paul Pape[00:01:30] – 20 Years as "Santa For Nerds" — Disney, Universal & Custom Collectibles[00:02:30] – Birth of Gamified Business: The D&D Consulting Method[00:04:30] – How a Dragon-Making Company Went from $50K Net to 4X Revenue[00:06:00] – The Four Business Monsters: Imposter Syndrome, Failure, Perfectionism & Fear[00:11:30] – Quitting a Professor Job, a Viral Side Hustle & $50K in 6 Weeks[00:16:00] – Why the Inner Shadow Stops Most Entrepreneurs[00:18:00] – The Universe Hands Out Quests — Will You Accept Yours?[00:22:00] – The Grocery Store Lawsuit That Changed How Paul Protects His Ideas[00:29:30] – The Best Advice for New Entrepreneurs (Two Questions)[00:31:00] – Paul's 6-Month Goal & The Thousand Asks Challenge[00:32:00] – How to Find Paul & Gamify BusinessConnect with Paul Pape:

A lot of people say they want to write a book, but what they really mean is they want to have written one. We get honest about the gap between those two things, and why the difference is almost never talent. It's grit, craft, and the decision not to quit when the work turns into a long, hot march. We talk with the author behind the Gunny Mac historical fiction series, a storyteller shaped by the Marine Corps, deep reading, and a love of character-driven plots. He shares the simple mindset shift that helped him stop romanticizing the process and start finishing pages, plus the surprisingly powerful lesson he picked up at a small writers conference: nail your concept and premise, then let character logic do the heavy lifting. If you've ever felt stuck, this will give you a practical way forward without gimmicks. From there, we dig into what makes historical fiction feel alive. He explains how research becomes story texture, why humor belongs even in hard times, and why shock-value violence can't replace real character development. We also get into the themes that run through his books: duty, honor, service, faith, redemption, and the kind of loyalty that turns strangers into family. You'll hear how Gunny Mac is built as a tough Marine with a bruised heart, and why flawed people trying to do the right thing can be the most compelling heroes. If you love WWII-era history, Marine Corps stories, character-driven novels, and no-nonsense writing advice, you'll get a lot out of this conversation. Subscribe for more author interviews, share this with a writer friend who's been stalling, and leave a review so more readers and storytellers can find the show. Grab the series here: https://amzn.to/4uI0ux1Support the showElsa's AMAZON STORE Elsa's FAITH & FREEDOM MERCH STOREElsa's BOOKSElsa Kurt: You may know her for her uncanny, viral Kamala Harris impressions & conservative comedy skits, but she's also a lifelong Patriot & longtime Police Wife. She has channeled her fierce love and passion for God, family, country, and those who serve as the creator, Executive Producer & Host of the Elsa Kurt Show with Clay Novak. Her show discusses today's topics & news from a middle class/blue collar family & conservative perspective. The vocal LEOW's career began as a multi-genre author who has penned over 25 books, including twelve contemporary women's novels. Clay Novak: Clay Novak was commissioned in 1995 as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and served as an officer for twenty four years in Mechanized Infantry, Airborne Infantry, and Cavalry units .  He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019. Clay is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and is a Master Rated Parachutist, serving for more tha...

“To love disharmony back into harmony creates a greater harmony than existed before!” Jupiter and the craft of Liberating Story… We live in a Story-Telling Creation- Everything telling us its story by its color, song, rhythm, and if we simply approached the world with informed reverent curiosity – our species would rejoin the Guiding Narrative…”Tell me your story & I will spiral it forth…” Jupiter and the lineage of story-telling- just returned from worthy arduous journey to Morocco, suffused with so many stories….re-combobulating, as be we all…. Honoring Jupiter, Idries Shayh, and his son Tahir Shah…. Whose books we be proffering as thankyou gifts for pledging to KPFA/KPFK /Pacifica. “Caravan of Dreams” by Idries Shah And “In Arabian Night- A Caravan of Moroccan Dreams” by Tahir Shah And always – Alf Lyla wa Layla – “A Thousand ands One Nights.” In which Scheherazade, quintessential liberating folk hero -liberates women, men, the land, even the crazed tyrant….the entire atmospheric circumstance….whoise bastion be handed to us all… To cultivate the craft of complexity, irony…. To be deeply informed of the world's corrupt creepitude – and love it anyway….Art of Blessing.. Many narratives proffered …cause we gotta know…What's at stake…syncretizing Chris Smalls, Maryann Ishani, Mathew Remsky on Pope Paul in Algeria, Voting Rights, Maya Angelou and more!   The post Jupiter Liberating Storycraft appeared first on KPFA.

ABOUT NAOMI CLARE CRELLIN:Naomi Clare's LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/naomi-clare-crellin Websites: storycraft.education (Company) belongingplaybook.com (Company) storycraftlab.com (Company) Email: naomi.clare@storycraftlab.com BIO: Naomi Clare Crellin is a visionary leader who excels in transforming intent and insights into actionable, accessible strategies.  As the Founder and CEO of Storycraft Lab, she specializes in refining big ideas and concepts into meaningful and measurable experiences. Naomi is adept at mapping strategic processes that guide both teams and clients from development through delivery, helping to define goals, refine messages, and measure the impact of the stories crafted.  Her expertise lies at the intersection of spatial experience and messaging, having collaborated with a diverse range of organizations including Microsoft, Motorola, Bloomberg, the IFC, the Smithsonian, the Human Rights Campaign, and many more. Beyond her work at Storycraft Lab, Naomi has served as an adjunct faculty member, bringing her passion for education into the classroom. She partners with organizations dedicated to making the world a better place, inspiring students to harness their creativity and curiosity. As an empowering educator and experience strategist, Naomi is committed to helping others succeed.  She finds immense joy in co-creating with teams, generating engagement, and telling stories through interactions. Her dedication to collaboration and innovation is at the heart of her work, and she loves the impact she and her teams create together.  Naomi Clare Crellin is not just a leader but a catalyst for change, fostering an environment where ideas flourish, and meaningful experiences are crafted.' SHOW INTRO: Welcome to Episode 87! of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast… In every episode we follow our catch phrase of having “Dynamic Dialogues About DATA: Design, Architecture, Technology and the Arts.”  And as we continue on this journey, we'll continue to invite guests on our journey that are thought provoking futurists, AI technology mavens, retailers, international hotel design executives as well as designers and architects of brand experience places. We'll talk with authors and people focused on wellness and sustainable design practices as well as neuroscientists who will continue to help us look at the built environment and the connections between our mind-body and the built world around us. If you like what you hear on the NXTLVL Experience Design show, make sure to subscribe, like, comment and share with colleagues, friends and family. The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is always grateful for the support of VMSD magazine. VMSD brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. I think the IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience place makers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing us to keep on talking about what makes retailing relevant.  You will find the archive of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast on VMSD.com. Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience.  SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.org  Today, EPISODE 87… I talk with Naomi Claire Crellin is a visionary leader who excels in transforming intent and insights into actionable, accessible strategies. Her work uses story as a vector towards belonging.  Naomi believes that a well-told story builds trust and genuine peer-to-peer connection in audience advocacy. This in turn bolsters personal growth and psychological safety; encouraging participants to take calculated risks towards innovation. We'll get into all of that in a minute but first a few thoughts...   ABOUT DAVID KEPRON: LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582b Websites:  https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website) vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog) Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.com Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/ Bio: David Kepron the Retail Studio Principal for the architecture and design firm Little (https://www.littleonline.com). He is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe.  David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels.  In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies.  As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace.  David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University. He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.   In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon.      The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production is by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

One viewer described this episode as “a university lecture on creative writing.” This week, we unearth the systems behind a sustainable, profitable indie author career.Our guest is romantic suspense author and book coach Maria L. Secoy.As a former English teacher with a Master's in Secondary English, Maria spent over a decade in the classroom before transitioning into a full-time indie career. Her teaching background shines through as she breaks down the science of writing and the business of being an author.In this episode, we discuss:The 15-Hour Productivity Rule: How to write four high-quality books a year without burning out.The "Legacy Quest": Transitioning from writing for your soul to building a commercial catalog.Crafting Fierce Heroines: Using the "Vulnerability Gap" to create strong, relatable characters.The 80/20 Research Method: How to build authentic tech and security worlds without "data dumping."The Masterclass HighlightsProductivity & Deep Work: Maria emphasizes that full-time writing doesn't require a 40-hour week. By utilizing "Power Hours"—60 to 90 minutes of disconnected deep work—and batching administrative tasks, you can protect your creative energy. The Science of Character: We dive into Maria's Taylor Industries and On-Trail Love Adventures series. She explains why competence is key for romantic suspense heroines and how to find the one thing your strongest character is afraid of.Treating Writing as a Business: Passion is the spark, but systems pay the bills. Maria advocates for a "Truly Successful Author" mindset where rest is treated as a vital productivity metric.The Research Balance: Learn how Maria handles deep research into tech and security. The goal is to use research to build your own confidence so the dialogue feels authentic to the reader, even if 80% of the facts never leave your notes.Join the Community: If you enjoyed this "University Lecture" on the craft, consider subscribing for more deep dives into the indie author world.Visit our home base: thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community

Learn 3 things your editing is missing: https://unsplice.com/helpIn this mini episode of The Video Editing Podcast, I return after a hiatus with exciting news about my Emmy® nomination and ambitious plans to create 100 episodes in 100 days.You'll discover how you're only one edit away from your dreams. You'll also learn about the new programs designed to transform your workflow, and build a portfolio that attracts clients paying £300-500 per day.Listen now to kick off this 100-day journey of video editing mastery with an Emmy-nominated editor!Timestamps:[00:00:00] Where Shiny's been and Emmy nomination[00:02:33] What's coming on The Video Editing Podcast: 100 episodes in 100 days[00:03:55] Industry-standard technical workflow and the new workshop[00:04:54] The Story Craft sprint and building your portfolio[00:05:52] Free mentorship session and diagnosing your editing mistakesLinks mentioned:Get help from me: https://unsplice.com/helpWatch my Emmy®-nominated documentary: https://unsplice.com/aboutJoin the StoryCraft Sprint waitlist: https://unsplice.com/storySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-video-editing-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence dives into how passion, persistence, and service shape a life in film and community. Our guest Teddy Grouya—founder of the AmDocs Film Festival—traces a path from UCLA film studies and foreign-exchange days in Denmark to a State Department posting in Australia, then back to Hollywood and ultimately to creating a globally respected documentary and animation showcase. He explains how AmDocs curates 200+ films, hosts meaningful industry events, and consistently earns top marks from filmmakers. We explore why strong documentaries need more than talking heads, the surge of docuseries on streamers, and the hunt for that elusive story “hook.” He shares personal projects—from a Vivaldi passion piece to the heartfelt short Memory Collector—and his work restoring Palm Springs' Plaza Theatre. Plus: volunteer opportunities, premieres, and how great festivals are built like great films—one dedicated department at a time.Takeaways:A global path: Denmark exchange student → UCLA → State Department in Australia.AmDocs screens 200+ titles and prioritizes real industry networking.Festival success = curation, community, and nightly experiences beyond theaters.Submissions: generally completed within three years; 70-mile premiere radius.Docs should avoid “talking heads” fatigue—use dynamic visuals and archives.Memory Collector spotlights returning lost VHS memories to families.Vivaldi project began with curiosity and became a documentary narrative.Call for volunteers: drivers, theatre teams, and social media helpers.#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #TeddyGrouya #AmDocsFilmFestival #DocumentaryFilmmaking #InternationalRelations #DanishLanguage #PlazaTheaterRestoration #FilmFestivalNetworking #PalmSpringsCulture #MemoryCollector #UCLAFilmStudies #AustraliaEmbassyExperience #CoachellaValleyIndependent #AmericanDocumentaryAwards

Today on the show, Instagram gets filters for Story Replies, Unread messages, Unanswered messages, messages from Followers, and messages from Verified users. Additionally, the Instagram @creators account shares a strategy for using AI to write scripts with viral hooks, TikTok adds voice messages in the inbox, and Cyndi Zaweski stops by to share storytelling strategies.Links:Instagram: @Creators account shares DM Inbox Updates (Instagram)Instagram: Using Meta AI to write scripts with viral hooks (Instagram)TikTok: TikTok now lets users send voice notes and images in DMs (TechCrunch) Interview with Cyndi Zaweski:Crafting Your Brand's Story with Cyndi Zaweski of StoryCraft with CyndiVideo Interview: (YouTube)Audio Interview: (Apple Podcasts) (Spotify) (Others)Sign Up for The Weekly Email Roundup: NewsletterLeave a Review: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@danielhillmedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join host Alex Greenwood for a conversation with Colonel Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke (U.S. Army, Ret.)—West Point graduate, U.S. Army veteran, and author of the award-winning Jake Fortina military thriller series. Steinke draws on 28 years in the Army and 14 with the Department of Defense to bring high-stakes realism to his novels. His latest, Vital Mission—releasing August 26, with pre-orders starting August 12—tackles the harrowing issue of Ukrainian children being abducted.Steinke's distinguished career took him to more than 30 countries, including Afghanistan and Ukraine. His honors include the US Legion of Merit, French National Order of Merit (Commander), and the US Army Ranger Tab. He holds master's degrees in West European studies and diplomacy, along with security affairs certificates from Harvard and Stanford.In this episode, Steinke discusses the inspiration behind his thrillers, the realities of national security work, and the enduring fidelity to the Constitution that guides a soldier's service.More at www.ricksteinke.com | Connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.Order his books from Amazon here.CONNECT with the SHOW:​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All the Fits That's News on Substack (Free or Paid)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alex's Author Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mysterious Goings On website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Alex about advertising/sponsorship here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy a Book!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Going to Killing City...Alex's True Crime PodcastEnjoy this episode? Please leave us a review on your podcast platform of choice, and don't forget to subscribe for more literary journeys!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Announcer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mary McKenna⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Original theme music "Mysterious Goings On" by Jamie Green. Want your own cool score for your podcast or website? Contact Jamie at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Greenhouse Consulting.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out Jamie's interview on the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Intro music: "Half Mystery" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This Mysterious Goings On Podcast episode was recorded and mixed at Green Shebeen Studios in beautiful Kansas City, Missouri. Copyright 2024, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.We are an Amazon Associates seller, and some of our links may earn us a commission. 

Alexa Bigwarfe chats with award-winning writer and writing coach Alida Winternheimer about the essentials of story craft. They explore the three-act structure, including how to craft a compelling Act 1 with hooks, stakes, and inciting incidents, and how Act 1 reflects the entire story. Alida shares insights on balancing showing vs. telling, navigating feedback, and transitioning between genres like nonfiction, literary fiction, and romantic comedies. With actionable writing tips, advice on working with editors or coaches, and a focus on developing your craft, this episode is perfect for aspiring and experienced authors alike.

From Amy:I met Nicole Diaz in the life-coaching world around the time that I was first envisioning my online community for real-life writers. She demonstrated a brilliant understanding of the creative process, and I had this idea of hosting Idea Parties as the centerpiece of my work with writing groups, with Parker Palmer's work as my model. Nicole was a Parker Palmer fan too. So for a few years, we collaborated to host once-a-month calls on Saturday mornings where we let beautiful words draw us into our writing.Afterwards, people spoke their voices into the room, and nobody corrected or coached or edited each other. Instead, we let you be at the heart of your story and reflected your words back. And books began to be written and friendships began to be made.Together, Nicole and I developed a flexible and potent Idea Party format that works to this day, even after she has moved on.There were other experiments Nicole and I tried, among them this little series of three podcasts. It was going to be available in the community library only, as one of many exclusive features. Since then I've streamlined my online Writing Circle space to center on writing calls and there's no reason to house a three-part podcast series with a leader who's no longer there.On the other hand, Nicole and I agree that these three episodes would make a beautiful Winter Solstice gift to YOU, my podcast listeners, at a time when creativity could bring us all comfort if we could just calm down about the creative process itself.These are shorter than my other episodes, and I find talking with Nicole delightful. I hope you enjoy.Happy holiday season.Love, AmyPS–Nicole sends her love too.Nicole Diaz is a creativity coach and business strategist. She works with business professionals to access their creative flow, and with creatives to build the structure they need to stay on track without losing inspiration. Through private coaching and workshops, she helps people balance strategy and creativity so they can bring their ideas to life. www.nicolemdiaz.com Amy Hallberg is the author of Tiny Altars: A Midlife Revival and German Awakening: Tales from an American Life. She is the host of Courageous Wordsmith Podcast and founder of Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life Writers. As an editor and creative mentor, Amy guides writers through their narrative journeys—from inklings to beautiful works, specifically podcasts and books. A lifelong Minnesotan and mother of grown twins, Amy lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and two cats. Get Amy's Books and AudiobooksLearn about Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life WritersWork with Amy 1:1

From Amy:I met Nicole Diaz in the life-coaching world around the time that I was first envisioning my online community for real-life writers. She demonstrated a brilliant understanding of the creative process, and I had this idea of hosting Idea Parties as the centerpiece of my work with writing groups, with Parker Palmer's work as my model. Nicole was a Parker Palmer fan too. So for a few years, we collaborated to host once-a-month calls on Saturday mornings where we let beautiful words draw us into our writing.Afterwards, people spoke their voices into the room, and nobody corrected or coached or edited each other. Instead, we let you be at the heart of your story and reflected your words back. And books began to be written and friendships began to be made.Together, Nicole and I developed a flexible and potent Idea Party format that works to this day, even after she has moved on.There were other experiments Nicole and I tried, among them this little series of three podcasts. It was going to be available in the community library only, as one of many exclusive features. Since then I've streamlined my online Writing Circle space to center on writing calls and there's no reason to house a three-part podcast series with a leader who's no longer there.On the other hand, Nicole and I agree that these three episodes would make a beautiful Winter Solstice gift to YOU, my podcast listeners, at a time when creativity could bring us all comfort if we could just calm down about the creative process itself.These are shorter than my other episodes, and I find talking with Nicole delightful. I hope you enjoy.Happy holiday season.Love, AmyPS–Nicole sends her love too.Nicole Diaz is a creativity coach and business strategist. She works with business professionals to access their creative flow, and with creatives to build the structure they need to stay on track without losing inspiration. Through private coaching and workshops, she helps people balance strategy and creativity so they can bring their ideas to life. www.nicolemdiaz.com Amy Hallberg is the author of Tiny Altars: A Midlife Revival and German Awakening: Tales from an American Life. She is the host of Courageous Wordsmith Podcast and founder of Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life Writers. As an editor and creative mentor, Amy guides writers through their narrative journeys—from inklings to beautiful works, specifically podcasts and books. A lifelong Minnesotan and mother of grown twins, Amy lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and two cats. Get Amy's Books and AudiobooksLearn about Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life WritersWork with Amy 1:1

From Amy:I met Nicole Diaz in the life-coaching world around the time that I was first envisioning my online community for real-life writers. She demonstrated a brilliant understanding of the creative process, and I had this idea of hosting Idea Parties as the centerpiece of my work with writing groups, with Parker Palmer's work as my model. Nicole was a Parker Palmer fan too. So for a few years, we collaborated to host once-a-month calls on Saturday mornings where we let beautiful words draw us into our writing.Afterwards, people spoke their voices into the room, and nobody corrected or coached or edited each other. Instead, we let you be at the heart of your story and reflected your words back. And books began to be written and friendships began to be made.Together, Nicole and I developed a flexible and potent Idea Party format that works to this day, even after she has moved on.There were other experiments Nicole and I tried, among them this little series of three podcasts. It was going to be available in the community library only, as one of many exclusive features. Since then I've streamlined my online Writing Circle space to center on writing calls and there's no reason to house a three-part podcast series with a leader who's no longer there.On the other hand, Nicole and I agree that these three episodes would make a beautiful Winter Solstice gift to YOU, my podcast listeners, at a time when creativity could bring us all comfort if we could just calm down about the creative process itself.These are shorter than my other episodes, and I find talking with Nicole delightful. I hope you enjoy.Happy holiday season.Love, AmyPS–Nicole sends her love too.Nicole Diaz is a creativity coach and business strategist. She works with business professionals to access their creative flow, and with creatives to build the structure they need to stay on track without losing inspiration. Through private coaching and workshops, she helps people balance strategy and creativity so they can bring their ideas to life. www.nicolemdiaz.com Amy Hallberg is the author of Tiny Altars: A Midlife Revival and German Awakening: Tales from an American Life. She is the host of Courageous Wordsmith Podcast and founder of Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life Writers. As an editor and creative mentor, Amy guides writers through their narrative journeys—from inklings to beautiful works, specifically podcasts and books. A lifelong Minnesotan and mother of grown twins, Amy lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and two cats. Get Amy's Books and AudiobooksLearn about Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life WritersWork with Amy 1:1

Show Notes:TikTok is adding new ways to fine-tune your For You Page algorithm (The Verge)Snap, Show Up, and Set Your Own Sound: New Features to Express Yourself (Snapchat)Instagram testing portrait and landscape letterboxing in Carousels (Instagram)Cyndi Zaweski is an award-winning journalist and content strategist here to help you tell better stories. Her StoryCraft marketing framework gives founders a cohesive strategy to share their passions and expertise, using their story as the throughline between what they love and who they serve. She writes about the intersection of business growth and personal growth to inspire storytelling ideas in her community of more than 80,000 people online.In this episode, Cyndi Zaweski, owner of StoryCraft with Cyndi, dives deep into the art of storytelling for solopreneurs and brands. Cyndi discusses the importance of storytelling beyond just answering why a business was started. She explains how a brand's story is its personality and can be used to connect with the audience, make content engaging, and drive home a brand's mission.Cyndi shares practical tips on finding and crafting your own story by looking at your life experiences and the common struggles you've faced. She emphasizes that every story needs tension or conflict to be compelling, using examples like her journey from being an uncomfortable news anchor to becoming confident on camera through consistent practice on Instagram Stories.The episode also explores how individuals can position themselves as authorities without traditional credentials, by associating with experts and packaging valuable information effectively. Cyndi's approach provides hope for aspiring content creators and entrepreneurs, showing that expertise is not just about having a degree but about experience and adding value.Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on how to reframe their personal struggles into inspirational stories, and how to use these stories to build a strong, relatable brand presence. The conversation highlights the significance of consistency, vulnerability, and the willingness to learn and evolve in the process of storytelling. Find Cyndi online at:Website: ⁠www.cyndizaweski.com⁠Newsletter: ⁠www.cyndizaweski.com/newsletter⁠Short-Form Storytelling Course Waitlist:⁠www.cyndizaweski.com/storytelling-course⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cyndizaweski/  Enjoy Ad-Free Episodes: Patreon Leave a Review: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@danielhillmedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Show Notes:Head of Instagram Explains Their Value Proposition (@Instagram)Instagram Adds Music to Profile (@Creators)Broadcast Channels Can Now Be Posted To Directly (@Threads)Turn on Instagram Broadcast Channel Replies (Instagram Help)TikTok's Songs of the Summer 2024 (TikTok)New Podcast Episode!  Cyndi Zaweski of StoryCraft with Cyndi on Crafting Your Brand's StoryYouTube (Full Video Interview)Audio Only (Plink!)Apple Music Spotify    Enjoy Ad-Free Episodes: Patreon Leave a Review: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@danielhillmedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Whether you're a professional keynote speaker or an entrepreneur, executive, or community leader, you need to be able to command the stage and captivate any audience. My good friend Mike Ganino is back on Hustle & Flow this week to share what YOU need to know to go from good to great to legendary!  Chapters 00:29 - Introduction to Mike Ganino 02:27 - Summer Camp memories 07:27 - Good to great to legendary  11:45 - Stop boring us   17:55 - Memorizing versus winging it  23:51 - #1 thing to improve your speech  26:24 - Benefits of a keynote director 31:00 - Building trust through communication   34:00 - Free download plus discount code    Download the free guide – Story Craft: 5 Stories Entrepreneurs Must Tell and How To Do It Well – at https://www.mikeganino.com/storycraft/ For $800 off The Mike Drop Era Retreat in NYC, use discount code HeatherMadeMeDoIt at https://mikeganino.thrivecart.com/nyc-june-2024/  Be sure to follow Mike on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mikeganino To listen to my previous interview with Mike, check out Episode 143 - Using Stories To Be More Persuasive.  Want insider access and perks? Join my newsletter to unlock free bonuses and special announcements. Sign up at http://www.heatherjoyhubbard.com/subscribe  Follow me on on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/heatherjoyhubbard For the video interview of this episode and to keep the conversation going in the comments, visit https://www.HustleAndFlowPodcast.com

How do we say ‘yes' to life, without saying ‘no' to death? How do we “rise to the occasion” and “wrestle something good” from the heartbreak of a terminal diagnosis? What does it look like to “become familiar with grief and uncertainty in intimate ways”? Today's virtual fire-side conversation about being human and being alive is with Duncan Passmore - husband, father, writer, and woodworker of 20 years - as he shares his story and the story of his son, Torin, diagnosed at a young age with Pearson syndrome, a rare and incurable mitochondrial disorder. It's a story of life and death, grief and beauty; punctuated with the power of story, the mystery of ceremony, the practice of craft and community… and the building of boats. It's also a way of inviting you, if you feel able and called to, to weave into the community Torin has inspired and contribute to Duncan's family's GoFundMe; raising the funds to support them spending six months with Torin's presence and his memory as they build a boat and sail it on Lake Windermere - a request of Torin's he didn't live to see fulfilled. As someone grappling in my own ways (as most of us are) with fears, griefs, and the way life laughs at plans; as someone who believes in the power of community, of cultures devoted to full-spectrum aliveness, mystery, story, and ceremony; this feels like a deeply worthy story to share and a deeply worthy endeavor to support. Join us around the fire? You're most welcome here. May we shed the armor which keeps us trying to hold off what is. May we become vulnerable enough and brave enough to share our stories so community might find us and, when the time comes, hold us. May we use our hands and heart to craft beauty from grief so we might fully embody at least some small part of what it seems to mean to be human and to be alive. May Torin's presence and memory live on through the ripples of his story and the way it disarms us and invites us to rise to the occasion of our own lives. You can find out more about the project and become a part of the prayerful building of the boat through Duncan's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/9983ec87 Please also consider sharing the GoFundMe so we can continue casting the net wider and weaving more people into this story. They're at 50% as of the recording/ publishing of this episode and have until June 9th to make it the rest of the way. P.S. My Zoom seems to have finally caught up to the version with the floating reaction videos - so please excuse the random thumbs up and balloons which seem to pop up at strange and slightly inappropriate times. _____________________ And if you've come for Duncan, I hope you'll stick around for more conversations to access, repair, inspire, and evolve our humanity and serve the wild, tender aliveness of our personal and collective hearts. To further support the podcast and conversations that aim to awaken, inspire, repair, and evolve something deep within us and serve as good medicine for our wild, tender personal and collective hearts: 1. Please ‘follow', ‘like' or ‘subscribe' where you listen so you stay up-to-date on all our conversations and help others find them, too. On Apple Podcast, please consider rating and leaving a review. 2. share widely 3. consider joining the new Patreon community! For as little as $1/ month, patrons get access to community gatherings and get to play a more interactive role in the growth of the podcast. ⁠https://patreon.com/wildsacredjourney⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kate-powell-wsjp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kate-powell-wsjp/support

Jeff and editor/writer/bookstore owner Tom Holbrook come together to talk about what they are seeing in the book world. They talk about things they are encountering frequently as editors, stories that they've recently loved, stories they consumed that were broken, and about the state of publishing in general. To find Tom online, go to https://holbrookauthorservices.com/  For more on writing dialogue, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/  

This week, we're so excited to welcome cartoonist, animator, and game developer Adrienne Bazir (she/they) into the studio to talk about their 2023 timeloop RPG, In Stars and Time!In Stars and Time is a turn-based RPG that follows a group of adventurers at the end of their journey to defeat a king slowly freezing the land in time. It's also a game about found family, snacks, cosmic indifference, and the power in knowing where you come from and embracing who you are. Safe to say it has us in a chokehold. 0:57 - patreon shoutouts2:07 - introduction of adrienne6:53 - discussion of In Stars and Time beginsLearn more about Adrienne and In Stars and Time:https://www.insertdisc5.com/https://www.instarsandtime.com/ - available now on Steam, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch!Side Questhttps://www.instagram.com/anat.international/ Salma Shawa (@anat.international) is a content creator pushing followers to think critically about Palestine. Give her a follow on Instagram! About Pixel TherapyWe're a podcast queering and transcending video games for all kinds of gamers and those who love them--get cozy with us! If you like what you hear, please take a moment to rate us, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts (or your listening app of choice) and subscribe! Want more? Join for free or unlock monthly bonus episodes for $2/mo at patreon.com/pixeltherapypod

Chapter 1 What's Storycraft Book by Jack HartStorycraft: A Guide to the Art of Narrative Nonfiction is a book written by Jack Hart. It serves as a comprehensive guide for aspiring writers who want to master the craft of narrative nonfiction writing. The book delves into various aspects of storytelling, including developing characters, creating compelling narratives, conducting research, and organizing information effectively.Hart, a former newspaper editor and writing coach, draws upon his vast experience in the field of journalism to provide practical advice and insights. He offers numerous examples from renowned nonfiction writers to illustrate his points and showcases the power of storytelling in capturing readers' attention.Storycraft Book aims to help writers better understand the art of storytelling and apply its principles to their work, regardless of the genre they specialize in. It provides a framework for structuring stories, emphasizes the importance of thorough research, and emphasizes the need to engage readers emotionally.Overall, Storycraft Book by Jack Hart is a valuable resource for anyone interested in enhancing their narrative nonfiction writing skills and learning from a seasoned professional in the field.Chapter 2 Is Storycraft Book A Good BookI'm sorry, I cannot provide personal opinions as I am an artificial intelligence. However, you can check out reviews from readers or professional critics to make an informed decision about whether the book "Storycraft: A Guide to the Art of Narrative Nonfiction" by Jack Hart is considered good or not.Chapter 3 Storycraft Book by Jack Hart SummaryThe Storycraft Book by Jack Hart is a comprehensive guide that teaches aspiring writers how to craft compelling and engaging stories. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of storytelling.Part one delves into the fundamentals of storytelling, covering topics such as finding inspiration, developing characters, and creating a plot. Hart emphasizes the importance of understanding conflict and tension in order to create a story that captivates readers. He also provides practical advice on how to conduct research and organize ideas.Part two explores the art of structure and organization in storytelling. Hart discusses various techniques for outlining and planning a story, including using story beats and creating a story arc. He also delves into the different narrative structures that writers can use to create tension and suspense in their stories.Part three delves into the revision and editing process, providing valuable insights on how to refine and polish a story. Hart explains the importance of revision in strengthening plot, character development, and overall storytelling. He also offers tips on how to approach the editing process and make critical decisions to improve the narrative.Throughout the book, Hart includes examples and analysis of various storytelling techniques used in popular works of fiction. He also shares personal anecdotes and advice from his own experience as a journalist and writing coach. The Storycraft Book is a valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced writers, providing guidance on how to create compelling and memorable stories. Chapter 4 Storycraft Book AuthorJack Hart is an experienced journalist and author known for his book "Storycraft: A Guide to the Art of Narrative Nonfiction." He released the book in 2011. Apart from "Storycraft," Jack Hart has not written any other books. However, he has an extensive career in journalism, having worked as a...

In this episode of the Books for Men podcast, Douglas Vigliotti recaps the month of November 2023, expresses gratitude to listeners for their support, and encourages them to spread the word about the podcast. He then proceeds to summarize the three books discussed in the previous month's episodes. The first book is Vigliotti's own novel, Tom Collins, which explores the theme of consumption versus creation. The second book is The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware, which delves into the regrets people have about life on their deathbeds. The third book is City of Thieves by David Benioff, a historical fiction novel set during the Nazi siege of Leningrad. The host shares his thoughts and favorite quotes from each book and encourages listeners to listen to the podcast episodes or read the books themselves. He concludes by reminding listeners to share the podcast and provides information on accessing full transcripts and signing up for the newsletter at BooksforMen.org.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the podcast. Any of the three things below will help provide awareness for the initiative—inspiring (more) men to read and bringing together men who do. (Ladies, of course, you're always welcome!)Share with a friend or on social mediaSubscribe or follow on your favorite podcast platformLeave a rating or reviewVisit BooksforMen.org to sign up for the Books for Men newsletter, a monthly round-up of every episode with full book and author info, all the best quotes, and newsletter-only book recommendations!

Full Show Notes Here: www.authorlkhill.com/post/ep196   The Writer's Journey: https://amzn.to/3Fbtc16 Story Engineering: https://amzn.to/46uuHne The Virgin's Promise: https://amzn.to/48P1NiU Write to Market: https://amzn.to/3FbcJda Story Genius: https://amzn.to/48JXZQ9

Welcome to the Success with Soul Podcast! Today's guest, Kayley Hamilton, has walked the red carpet with some of the world's biggest celebrities – and now she coaches others on how to have confidence in developing a PR strategy. Whether you know it or not, you could probably develop more of a strategy for your own business. In today's episode, learn how to boldly tell your story and craft a PR strategy that would have you "red carpet ready"! What You'll Learn in This Episode:  Why you need a PR strategy as much as a marketing strategy  How to boldly tell your story, even when you're afraid to do so  Tips for crafting an effective PR strategy  How to ditch hustle mentality and find balance in work and life  Links + Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Follow Kayley on Instagram or visit her website Superhuman Meditation App The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz The Success Principles by Jack Canfield Dr. Joe Dispenza Join the Success with Soul Incubator mastermind to gain more money mindset and making tips Become a member of the Success With Soul Membership program! Follow me on Instagram @katekordsmeier Subscribe, Review + Connect Thanks so much for listening in this week! If you enjoyed this episode, here are some ways you can join our Success with Soul movement:  Leave an honest review for The Success with Soul Podcast on Apple Podcasts so we can improve and better serve you in the future. I personally read each and every one of them, and they are super important for rankings, which help us continue to produce free content just for you! You may even be featured on the episode in our listener spotlight!  Curious about our group coaching program, the Success With Soul Incubator? Check out our behind the scenes tour here! Email me new episodes Don't forget to join our free Success With Soul Facebook community for follow-up conversations about the podcast episodes and where I also often go live to answer your burning questions. Hangout with like-minded bloggers and heart-centered online business owners exchanging priceless feedback, encouragement, and other golden insights from the trenches

Filmland Spirits Charlie Flint & Steve Canepa Chat Moonlight Mayhem Small Batch Bourbon, Origin Story, Craft Blending, Barrel Finishes, PGA Tour, California Golf & More The Birdies & Bourbon team had a blast chatting with Charlie Flint and Steve Canepa about Filmland Spirits origin story, current lineup of spirits and new releases coming out soon. Filmland Spirits is offering some wonderful expressions with a blockbuster in every bottle. On the show we sampled their Small Batch Bourbon Moonlight Mayhem and the full proof Moonlight Mayhem Extended Cut. Each of these whiskies were outstanding and a compliment to their whiskey geek and movie nerd roots. Pour some Filmland Spirits sip along and listen/watch. Be sure to check Filmland Spirits out online at https://www.filmlandspirits.com/ The Neat Glass. Be sure to check out The Neat Glass online at theneatglass.com or on Instagram @theneatglass for an improved experience and use discount code: bb10 to receive your Birdies & Bourbon discount. Thank you for taking the time listen to the Birdies & Bourbon Show for all things PGA Tour, golf, gear, bourbon and mixology. Dan & Cal aim to bring you entertaining and informative episodes weekly. Please help spread the word on the podcast and tell a friend about the show. You can also help by leaving an 5-Star iTunes review. We love to hear the feedback and support! Cheers. Follow on Twitter & Instagram (@birdies_bourbon) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/birdies-bourbon/support

Wow, what a year! In this calendar year not only did we kick off the number one site for writers The Story Craft Cafe, but we also started this podcast as an offshoot of that very special place. We had some fantastic guests that stopped by to share their stories and to drop some hard […]

Filmland Spirits Founders Troy Bolotnick & Steve Canepa Chat Whiskey Geeks & Movie Nerds Lifestyle, Small Batch Rye, New Releases, Origin Story, Craft Blending, Barrel Finishes, California Golf & More The Birdies & Bourbon team had a blast chatting with Troy Bolotnick and Steve Canepa about Filmland Spirits origin story, current lineup of spirits and new releases coming out soon. Filmland Spirits is offering some wonderful expressions with a blockbuster in every bottle. On the show we sampled their Ryes of the Robots Small Batch Rye Whiskey. They have also recently released Moonlight Mayhem which is their first Small Batch Straight Barrel Bourbon. Each of these whiskies were outstanding and a compliment to their whiskey geek and movie nerd roots. Pour some Filmland Spirits sip along and listen/watch. Be sure to check Filmland Spirits out online at https://www.filmlandspirits.com/ The Neat Glass. Be sure to check out The Neat Glass online at theneatglass.com or on Instagram @theneatglass for an improved experience and use discount code: bb10 to receive your Birdies & Bourbon discount. Thank you for taking the time listen to the Birdies & Bourbon Show for all things PGA Tour, golf, gear, bourbon and mixology. Dan & Cal aim to bring you entertaining and informative episodes weekly. Please help spread the word on the podcast and tell a friend about the show. You can also help by leaving an 5-Star iTunes review. We love to hear the feedback and support! Cheers. Follow on Twitter & Instagram (@birdies_bourbon) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/birdies-bourbon/support

Wow, what a year! In this calendar year not only did we kick off the number one site for writers The Story Craft Cafe, but we also started this podcast as an offshoot of that very special place. We had some fantastic guests that stopped by to share their stories and to drop some hard earned wisdom on us as well. In this episode we look back at a few of those highlights as we get ready to spend some special moments with family and friends and reflect on all of the good that 2022 brought us. We hope you take this time to rest and recharge your creative batteries and come back ready to tackle your stories with renewed hope and vigor. From all of us at Dabble and the Story Craft Cafe, Happy Holidays! In this episode we hear from: Sally Britton Richard Fox Christopher Paolini Liv Constantine James Rollins Sarah Pinborough Beverly Jenkins J. T. Ellison Brian McClellan Jenna Moreci R. A. Salvatore Jasinda and Jack Wilder  

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge a couple of weeks ago to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going […]

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge a couple of weeks ago to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going […]

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge a couple of weeks ago to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going […]

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge a couple of weeks ago to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going through the process of developing an idea, making a fully formed plot and plan, then executing the writing of a first draft in 60 days.  Last week we talked about characters. We know that characters drive your story through their own accomplishments and the way they do, or do not, handle plot devices you throw their way, but what about /where/ your story is set? Have you ever heard the term "place as character"? Well, in today's show we talk about it.  Join us as we look at what makes a great setting and how you can use that setting to set your story apart from the rest. Go to storycraft.cafe to join in the challenge. We'd love to have you!

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge a couple of weeks ago to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going through the process of developing an idea, making a fully formed plot and plan, then executing the writing of a first draft in 60 days. Last week we talked about characters.  Today we have a special episode of the podcast for you with one of the most prolific authors that I've had the pleasure of befriending over the years. Rick Partlow has written and published dozens and dozens of science fiction novels. In the midst of our write a novel in 60 days challenge, hearing from a writer that is putting in the work everyday is greatly motivating, and I hope that you, like me, get excited by hearing Rick's story. Thanks for listening. 

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge a couple of weeks ago to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going through the process of developing an idea, making a fully formed plot and plan, then executing the writing of a first draft in 60 days. Last week we talked about characters. You can have a brilliant plot idea, a stellar setting, and amazingly grand ideas, but without characters that readers can relate to and ultimately root for, you don't have much that will keep readers engaged. Join us as we look at what makes characters who they are, and what character traits can add to your story.

It's October, and that means it's time to start working on that novel that you've been thinking...

It's October, and that means it's time to start working on that novel that you've been thinking about. Our friends at NaNoWriMo have famously dubbed November as National Novel Writing Month, and we look forward to that time each year. Dabble has some amazing built in features to help you prepare for writing that novel. So we decided to form a group of writers who could prepare together, and then write their novels together as a way to inspire and help each other through the process. Last Thursday we had our first meeting of the Dabblers and talked about what we planned to do and how we wanted to make it happen. Listen in and join us and the writing challenge. There's still time. Tuesday night we'll have another hang out, this time with Jacob Wright, Dabble CEO, and we'll talk all about how Dabble's tools can help you succeed at your own writing challenge.  Thanks for listening.

Adam Hamdy is a bestselling British author and screenwriter who works with studios and production companies on...

Adam Hamdy is a bestselling British author and screenwriter who works with studios and production companies on both sides of the Atlantic. Together with David Headley, Adam founded Capital Crime, one of the UK's largest literary festivals. He teaches creative writing in the UK and US and is on the board of the International Thriller Writers Organization.   “I couldn't stop thinking about the story's incredible twist…like no crime novel I've ever read.” —James Patterson For fans of Matt Haig and Anthony Horowitz, an “intriguing and thought-provoking” (Liv Constantine, author of The Last Mrs. Parrish) novel in which the lives of a disgraced police officer, a prolific author, and an upstanding citizen are inextricably bound together by a series of mysterious deaths. The Other Side of Night begins with a man named David Asha writing about his biggest regret: his sudden separation from his son, Elliot. In his grief, David tells a story. Next, we step into the life of Harriet Kealty, a police officer trying to clear her name after a lapse of judgment. She discovers a curious inscription in a secondhand book—a plea: Help me, he's trying to kill me. Who wrote this note? Who is “he”? This note leads Harri to David Asha, who was last seen stepping off a cliff. Police suspect he couldn't cope after his wife's sudden death. Still, why would this man jump and leave behind his young son? Quickly, Harri's attention zeroes in on a person she knows all too well. Ben Elmys: once the love of her life. A surrogate father to Elliot Asha and trusted friend to the Ashas. Ben may also be a murderer.​ The Other Side of Night is a thought-provoking, moving “head-spinner of a novel” (John Connolly) with intriguing narratives and plot swerves that will leave you reeling. By the end, you'll be shaken as each piece slots satisfyingly into place.

In Part 2  of this conversation with master of Epic Fantasy R. A. Salvatore we dig deep...

In the first of this 2 part episode we talk with Master of Fantasy Fiction R. A....

https://storycraftcafe.podbean.com/e/why-writing-with-a-plan-makes-a-difference-with-jean-kwok-story-craft-cafe-episode-47/ Welcome to the Story Craft Café podcast. Today we get to spend some time with Jean...

Welcome to the Story Craft Café podcast. Today we get to spend some time with Jean Kwok, author of the instant New York Times bestseller Searching For Sylvie Lee. Jean has a short story in the brand new collection of stories called Marple: Twelve New Miss Marple Mysteries, celebrating the life and work of Agatha Christy. In this episode we talk all about Jean's creative process, why planning and outlining are so important to her work, writing mysteries, channeling the voice of Agatha Christy and Miss Marple, and getting to contribute to a collection such as this. This show is chock full of advice from a writer that is in the thick of it right now, and at the top of her game.  We talked with Jean about the upcoming Write A Novel In 60 Days With Dabble challenge, and Jean offered some sage advice for writers that are trying this daring challenge. If you would like to join in the challenge and write your dream with a community of like minded writers at your side, go over to storycraft.cafe and sign up. Thanks for listening.  https://www.jeankwok.com/

Welcome to the story craft cafe podcast. We're continuing our monthlong celebration of romance that we're calling #KissTember. Today we have husband and wife duo Jasinda and Jack Wilder and we talk about the ups and downs of the writing life, understanding your audience and delivering what that audience has come to love from your writing, the changing market and how publishing has changed over the last decade and so much more. Later this month we are kicking off something that I know you are going to love. We call it the writer a novel in 60 days with Dabble Challenge. A group of writers from all across the genre spectrum will join together to each write a novel in 60 days. It's going to be challenging, but it's going to be epic. We will have weekly check-ins where we report about our progress and share our frustrations and successes. We hope you'll join with us. We'll share more about this as we get closer. Now onto our interview with the Wilders. Thanks for listening.  JasindaWilder.com

We're kicking off a month that we're calling #KissTember. Since we are roughly six months away from Valentine's Day, if you are a romance author, or just thinking about dipping your toe in the romance waters, now is a great time to start focusing on that February release. To kick off this special month we have a conversation with Romance superstar Sierra Simone. From finding her voice to staking out her own corner of this wildly popular genre, Sierra has something for all us writers to add to our writer's toolkits.  Sierra is a voracious reader of all things including the smuttiest smut, young adult, piles of non-fiction for research, and everything Bill Bryson (especially on audio). She loves writing the dirtiest things that she can think of, King Arthur, sparkling water, Tarot, coffee, leggings, and learning new words daily.  Her previous jobs have included firing ceramics, teaching living history lessons in one-room school house in full, 1904-approved school marm attire, and working as a librarian for several years—not in that order She lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, two children, and two giant dogs. (And two cats, but they're so naughty we don't talk about them.)  Her novels have been published in Czech, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, and Romanian. She's been featured in Buzzfeed, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, Marie Claire, and Library Journal with a starred review. Sierra is an internet introvert, but you can follow her on Spotify and Instagram, and chat with other readers in her Facebook group! You can also reach her at thesierrasimone@gmail.com. (Please note that due to a high volume of emails, responses may be significantly delayed.)

Karen M. McManus is a #1 New York Times and international bestselling author of young adult thrillers. Her books include the One of Us Is Lying series, which has been turned into a television show on Peacock, as well as the standalone novels Two Can Keep a Secret, The Cousins, You'll Be the Death of Me, and Nothing More to Tell. Karen's critically acclaimed, award-winning work has been translated into more than 40 languages. To learn more about Karen and her books, visit karenmcmanus.com, or follow @writerkmc on Twitter and Instagram.   From #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying comes a new page-turning mystery. Be sure to keep your friends close . . . and your secrets closer. Four years ago, Brynn left Saint Ambrose School following the shocking murder of her favorite teacher—a story that made headlines after the teacher's body was found by three Saint Ambrose students in the woods behind their school. The case was never solved. Now that Brynn is moving home and starting her dream internship at a true-crime show, she's determined to find out what really happened.  The kids who found Mr. Larkin are her way in, and her ex–best friend, Tripp Talbot, was one of them. Without his account of events, the other two kids might have gone down for Mr. Larkin's murder—but instead, thanks to Tripp, they're now at the top of the Saint Ambrose social pyramid. Tripp's friends have never forgotten what Tripp did for them that day, and neither has he. Just like he hasn't forgotten that everything he told the police was a lie. Digging into the past is bound to shake up the present, and when Brynn begins to investigate what happened in the woods that day, she uncovers secrets that might change everything—about Saint Ambrose, about Mr. Larkin, and about her ex-best friend, Tripp Talbot. Four years ago someone got away with murder. More terrifying is that they might be closer than anyone thinks.  

Welcome to the story craft cafe podcast. Today we have a special show for you. We have been collecting conversations with authors all across the genre space, as well as authors that are traditionally published, as well as superstars in the indie publishing space. We don't always get the opportunity to record a full hour-long interview with everyone, even if we really enjoy the types of shows where we get to really dig into an author's journey as well as dig deeply into a certain aspect of craft. That's where this show comes in. Over the last couple of months I have had the opportunity to chat with some fantastic authors and today I am bringing you selected clips from each of them. If this is the Story Craft Cafe, then think of this as a sampler platter. Today we'll hear from Meg Gardiner, David Pepper, Faye Kellerman, William Kent Krueger, John Galligan, and the always entertaining Karin Slaughter. Be sure to join us next week as we resume our normal format. As always, thanks for listening.  

As we continue our #indiesummmer coverage, we shift gears a little bit to talk to Alex Newton from K-lytics. While writing is most definitely an art, publishing is a business. Did you know that there are ways for you to find out exactly who your competition is, and how saturated a particular genre or sub genre is? Alex Newton has done just that and today he shares some of his wisdom with us. Whether you are an indie author, or have your sights set on a traditional publishing career, Alex has information that can help us all.  K-lytics

Welcome to the Story Craft Cafe podcast. As we continue our #indiesummmer coverage, we talk with an author today that has seen indie publishing go through ups and downs, from the wild wild west to a mature industry with opportunities and challenges for anyone wanting to get their stories out to the masses. Kevin Tumlinson writes science fiction as well as his current passion of Archaeological thrillers, (think Indiana Jones meets Dan Brown) and in this episode we talk about his thoughts abut what it takes to write in a particular genre and gather an audience, why he pivoted in his chosen genre, what he thinks is the number one thing authors can do to take their publishing to the next level, his work with indie publishing platform Draft2Digital, and so much more. Kevin Tumlinson is the Novelist—an award-winning and bestselling author of hundreds of books crafted to thrill and inspire. He also serves as the Director of Marketing and PR for Draft2Digital, the leading distributor of books by independent authors and publishers, worldwide. Kevin is known as the Voice of Indie Publishing for his work in podcasts, conferences, public speaking, and consulting for authors. Every day he helps and encourages hundreds of thousands of will-be and established authors around the globe.

In Part 2  of this conversation with master of Epic Fantasy R. A. Salvatore we dig deep into his favorite topic, world building. From the terrain to the politics and religion of a place to how characters evolve based on their environment and how they have been nurtured, you don't want to miss this episode! As one of the fantasy genre's most successful authors, R.A. Salvatore enjoys an ever-expanding and tremendously loyal following. His books regularly appear on The New York Times best-seller lists and have sold more than 30,000,000 copies. Salvatore's most recent original hardcover, The Two Swords, Book III of The Hunter's Blade Trilogy (October 2004) debuted at # 1 on The Wall Street Journal best-seller list and at # 4 on The New York Times best-seller list. His books have been translated into numerous foreign languages including German, Italian, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Turkish, Croatian, Bulgarian, Yiddish, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Czech, and French. Salvatore's first published novel, The Crystal Shard from TSR in 1988, became the first volume of the acclaimed Icewind Dale Trilogy and introduced an enormously popular character, the dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden. Since that time, Salvatore has published numerous novels for each of his signature multi-volume series including The Dark Elf Trilogy, Paths of Darkness, The Hunter's Blades Trilogy, and The Cleric Quintet. His love affair with fantasy, and with literature in general, began during his sophomore year of college when he was given a copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings as a Christmas gift. He promptly changed his major from computer science to journalism. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Fitchburg State College in 1981, then returned for the degree he always cherished, the Bachelor of Arts in English. He began writing seriously in 1982, penning the manuscript that would become Echoes of the Fourth Magic. Salvatore held many jobs during those first years as a writer, finally settling in (much to our delight) to write full time in 1990. The R.A. Salvatore Collection has been established at his alma mater, Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, containing the writer's letters, manuscripts, and other professional papers. He is in good company, as The Salvatore Collection is situated alongside The Robert Cormier Library, which celebrates the writing career of the co-alum and esteemed author of young adult books. Salvatore is an active member of his community and is on the board of trustees at the local library in Leominster, Massachusetts. He has participated in several American Library Association regional conferences, giving talks on themes including "Adventure fantasy" and "Why young adults read fantasy." Salvatore himself enjoys a broad range of literary writers including James Joyce, Mark Twain, Geoffrey Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dante, and Sartre. He counts among his favorite genre literary influences Ian Fleming, Arthur Conan Doyle, Fritz Leiber, and of course, J.R.R. Tolkien. Born in 1959, Salvatore is a native of Massachusetts and resides there with his wife Diane, and their three children, Bryan, Geno, and Caitlin. The family pets include three Japanese Chins, Oliver, Artemis and Ivan, and four cats including Guenhwyvar. When he isn't writing, Salvatore chases after his three Japanese Chins, takes long walks, hits the gym, and coaches/plays on a fun-league softball team that includes most of his family. His gaming group still meets on Sundays to play.