What do you do when the muse isn't singing and the motivation just isn't sparking? Amy and D.C. discuss some of their favorite tips for getting the mojo back. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 123 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Tag: mini-episode
Episode 122: Navigating Reader Interactions
When should you interact with your readers, and when should you keep out of reader spaces? Today, Amy and D.C. discuss this touchy topic. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 122 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Episode 121: Connecting the Dots of Subplots
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 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 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)
Episode 109: You’re Not Making It Worse
When rewriting, how do you handle the creeping fear that you're ruining your book? Amy and D.C. discuss their own struggles with those doubts and some techniques for working through them. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 109 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
...and it's writing. 