How can you make sure your subplots weave in with your main plot, how do they tie in to characters, and why is that important? Amy and D.C. discuss. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 121 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Episode 120: Insecurities and Professional Jealousy
Amy and D.C. discuss the ugliness of publishing insecurities and professional jealousy, as well as sharing our best tips for keeping them at bay. We also talk about the importance of community and supporting other authors. (Yes, this might be spurred on by the recent review-bombing mess in December 2023). Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download … Continue reading Episode 120: Insecurities and Professional Jealousy
Episode 119: The Journey to The Longest Autumn
Avery (now Amy) and D.C. discuss writing multiple timelines or flashbacks in a story. We chat about some possible best practices, finding the right reader for a multi-timeline story, and some of our favorite (and least favorite) examples. (Side note: This episode was originally recorded in October of 2023 but Amy just now got around … Continue reading Episode 119: The Journey to The Longest Autumn
Episode 118: Multiple Timelines and Flashbacks
Avery (now Amy) and D.C. discuss writing multiple timelines or flashbacks in a story. We chat about some possible best practices, finding the right reader for a multi-timeline story, and some of our favorite (and least favorite) examples. (Side note: This episode was originally recorded in October of 2023 but Amy just now got around … Continue reading Episode 118: Multiple Timelines and Flashbacks
Episode 115: Beefing up Side Characters
Amy and D.C. discuss some techniques and tricks for making memorable and three-dimensional side characters. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 115 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Episode 114: The Core of Your Story
Your story's theme is its heart, but how do you find yours or decide on one? In this episode, D.C. and Avery discuss the ways in which your throughline and theme play together to underscore your book's core message. Mentioned in this episode: The Longest Autumn, by Amy Avery A River Enchanted, by Rebecca Ross … Continue reading Episode 114: The Core of Your Story
Episode 113: The Murky Middle
So you've finished the initial rush of those first chapters and you're reaching the middle of your story when you hit that wall: the Murky Middle. Today, D.C. and Avery discuss some tips and tricks to get over the mental hurdles and craft-based befuddlement of your book's second act. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: … Continue reading Episode 113: The Murky Middle
Episode 112: Epigraphs
You know those extra italicized sentences at the top of chapters? Today Avery and DC talk about epigraphs. Why would you want to use them and what pitfalls should you avoid? They also dip their toes (see what I did there) into footnotes. Books Mentioned: The Stormlight Archive Series, by Brandon Sanderson The Farseer Trilogy, … Continue reading Episode 112: Epigraphs
Episode 111: Whose POV?
Avery and D.C. discuss how they decide which character should be the main point-of-view, when to choose multiple POVs, and how to decide which POV per scene. Books Mentioned: One of Us is Lying, by Karen McManus As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner Spinning Silver, by Naomi Novik Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn Spotify … Continue reading Episode 111: Whose POV?
Episode 110: Marketing Your Book (feat. Chase Neely)
Avery and D.C. sit down with Chase Neely, marketing expert and author of the book Every Step Counts: Your Guide to the Challenging Path of Marketing a Book, to discuss that very topic. We share some laughs as we chat about platform, ads, building a brand, networking, hosting events, and more. Find out more about … Continue reading Episode 110: Marketing Your Book (feat. Chase Neely)
...and it's writing. 