Authors Talking Bookish

An Interview with Author Patricia Sands

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

What happens when a passion for travel, friendship, and embracing life's changes becomes the heart of unforgettable stories? In this episode, award-winning author Patricia Sands shares her journey from indie publishing to traditional success and the inspiration behind her novels set in the South of France. We discuss her latest release, The French Effect, the themes of friendship, reinvention, and aging that resonate throughout her work, and how she's built a career spanning more than a decade. Patricia also offers valuable insights into the writing life, publishing, and finding your authentic voice. Whether you're a writer or an avid reader, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace change and write the stories only you can tell.

SHOW NOTES:

Bio & books

The French Effect

Inspiration

Writing and travel

Narrating an audiobook

Process & Research

Writing advice

SOURCES & LINKS

Patricia’s Website

The French Effect

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

10 Tips for Deep Revision of Your First Draft

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

What separates a decent first draft from a truly compelling novel? In this episode, we’ll provide you with 10 tips on the art of revision and explore the strategies that transform rough manuscripts into powerful stories readers can’t put down. Whether you’re tackling your first revision or your fifth, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and a sharper editorial eye.

SHOW NOTES:

Walk Away
Read Through
Identify your Core Story
Focus on Big Ideas First
Revise in Layers
Strengthen Character Motivation
Raise the Stakes
Cut and Move
Check Scene Purpose
Sharpen Openings and Endings

SOURCES & LINKS

“How to Revise a Novel,” Holly Lisle https://hollylisle.com/how-to-revise-a-novel/

“Novel Revision Checklist,” Nathan Bransford https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2022/06/revision-checklist

Books on story structure, character, motivation and stakes

Story Genius, Wired for Story by Lisa Kron

Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

Related ATB Episodes:

Editing and Revision Methods, Episode 21 (backwards outline, color coding, notecards…)

Editing (interview with 2 editors), Episode 51

Tension and Conflict, Episode 61

DO NOW: Determine where you are in your editing process and try an editing technique that you haven’t tried yet

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Then vs. Now: Third Anniversary Episode

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

How much can change in a year or three or more? In this special anniversary episode, Hope and Donna reflect on their journeys as authors and podcasters through a fun and revealing “Then vs. Now” conversation. From evolving writing processes and shifting definitions of success to behind-the-scenes podcast moments, they share what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what they wish they’d known from the start. Honest, insightful, and full of personality, this episode is a celebration of the winding path of writing life.

SHOW NOTES:

How has your approach to writing changed from when you first started to today?

What did you believe about writing or publishing early on that you see differently now?

What used to intimidate you most about writing—and does it still?

What were your goals as a writer when you began, and how have they shifted?

When did you first feel like a “real writer,” and has that feeling changed?

How has your confidence—in your voice, your stories, and your place in the writing world—evolved?

What’s one aspect of podcasting that has changed from when you first started?

What did you think your favorite part of podcasting would be vs. what is it?

What is the biggest lesson you learned from podcasting?

How do you define “success” as an author today compared to when you started?

What’s one piece of advice you would give your earlier writing self?

Surprise: Rapid Fire Questions

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with Author Wendy Haller

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

What happens when a lifelong storyteller finally answers the call to write? In this episode, we sit down with Wendy, a former special education teacher turned multi-genre author, to explore her inspiring journey from the classroom to the page. From her emotionally rich novel The Flannigan Girls to her upcoming release Regret No More, Wendy shares how love, trauma, and personal experience shape her stories for both children and adults. We dive into the art of writing across genres, the influence of teaching and motherhood, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Honest, heartfelt, and full of insight, this conversation is a must-listen for writers looking to follow their joy—and their voice.

SHOW NOTES:

Biography

Women’s Fiction

Impact of Teaching

Multi-Genre Writing

Personal Connections in Writing

Writing Process

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Rapid Fire Questions

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.wendyhallerauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyHallerAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyhaller_author/

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with author Grace Sammon

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT

What does it take to reinvent yourself through storytelling and truly find your voice? In this episode, we sit down with Grace Sammon, award-winning author of The Reliable Narrator, The Eves and the LAUNCH PAD series, to explore the transformative power of writing at any stage of life. From her own career reinvention to crafting authentic narrative voice, Grace shares hard-earned insights on storytelling, publishing, and what it really means to connect with readers.

SHOW NOTES:

The Reliable Narrator

Storytelling and Voice

Writing and Publishing

Personal Insights

Reading Recommendations

The Reliable Narrator

As one of New York’s most sought-after ghostwriters, she tells other people’s stories so seamlessly they forget she was ever there. In an age of AI-generated prose, she is prized for what machines cannot do: capture a voice so authentic it feels lived-in. For Darby, disappearing into other lives is both her superpower and her refuge.

Then comes a late-night message from Phoebe Zaslove, Darby’s truest friend – fearless, magnetic, and now terminally ill. For reasons Darby cannot name, the women have not spoken in a year. But Phoebe is running out of time and makes one final request: Write my story.

Set between the wooded banks of New York’s Hudson River and Albuquerque’s lush North Valley, The Reliable Narrator is a layered, emotionally charged novel about the unbreakable bond between friends, the legacies carried from mothers to daughters, and the truths we bury to survive. As Darby walks Phoebe into the last chapter of her life, she is forced to confront her own traumas, her family’s silences, and the realization that fragments of her truth have been hiding in plain sight in every book she has ever ghostwritten.

SIGNED COPY GIVEAWAY: All you have to do is subscribe to our website @authorstalkingbookish.com AND Grace Sammon’s @ https://www.gracesammon.net/contact

by June 1st and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a free signed copy of The Reliable Narrator

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.gracesammon.net/

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

What if mid-life isn’t a crisis—but a powerful second coming-of-age? An interview with authors Elissa Bass and Christine Consolino

Tue, 05 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we explore the rising genre of mid-life fiction with authors Elissa Bass (Happy Hour) and Christina Consolino (The Marriage Debt), who are redefining what it means to find love, identity, and purpose in the middle chapters of life. Through their unforgettable protagonists, KK and Nika, these writers explore how relationships evolve under the weight of experience, shifting expectations, and hard-earned self-awareness. Together, we unpack why readers are increasingly drawn to these stories now, and how mid-life fiction balances realism with possibility.

SHOW NOTES:

Book Summaries

Mid-life fiction

Connecting with audience

Inspiration

Balance

Writing Life

What’s next

What you learned the hard way

SOURCES & LINKS

Elissa Bass Links

Website https://www.elissabass.com/general-8

Happy Hour: https://bookshop.org/p/books/happy-hour-elissa-bass/4ca0d102bfc3fed9?ean=9781665756747&next=t

Please Wait to Cross: https://bookshop.org/p/books/please-wait-to-cross-elissa-bass/0ec211895feba746?ean=9781665783354&next=t

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14319840.Elissa_Bass

Christina Consolino Links

Facebook Instagram

or @AuthorChristinaConsolino for FB and @cmconsolino for IG

Website: https://christinaconsolino.com/

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Smart, Legitimate Book Marketing Strategies for Authors

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Authors, are you looking to build a strong foundation as an entrepreneur who is at the helm of marketing your own work? After hearing about all the scams and red flags in our January episode, it’s important to know that there are honest, effective, and affordable ways to promote your book. These proven strategies (and a long directory with links) help you build visibility, connect authentically with readers, and establish long-term credibility.

SHOW NOTES:

Build a Strong Author Platform

Collaborate with other Authors

Work with Reputable Publicists or Marketers

Pursue Authentic Media Coverage

Optimize your Book Metadata

Leverage Paid Ads the Smart Way

Engage Readers Directly

Final Takeaway

SOURCES & LINKS

Qwoted Connects credible experts with authors (podcasts, blogs, PR…)

Haro: Help a Reporter Out Connects journalists to stories/potential interviews

Writer Beware Blog that identifies scams and provides advice

ALLi Watchdog Alliance of Independent Authors, protects from predatory practices and misinformation

SOURCES & LINKS

Links available on our website/ click link below

DO NOW: Research some of the links we’ve provided, so you not only know what’s available to you but to curate a list of marketing strategies that meets your specific goals.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

DO NOW: Research some of the links we’ve provided, so you not only know what’s available to you but to curate a list of marketing strategies that meets your specific goals.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Brainstorming Bootcamp:Creative Sparks for Storytellers

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we provide brainstorming techniques you can use today to help spark ideas and methods to begin to flesh them out. From character-driven sparks to high-concept “what if” questions, we’ll show you how to move past creative paralysis and into momentum. Whether you’re starting your first novel, searching for your next project, or feeling stuck midway through a draft, this episode will help you unlock creativity with purpose — and walk away with ideas you’re excited to write.

SHOW NOTES:

Idea Generators (lots of them)

Methods of Brainstorming

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.well-storied.com/blog/three-powerful-ways-to-brainstorm-new-story-ideas

DO NOW: Choose an idea generator and combine it with a method. Repeat until you have have a strong premise for your next story.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with Author Sue William Silverman

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Sue William Silverman is the award-winning author of five books of creative nonfiction, including her latest, Selected Misdemeanors which has been longlisted for the 2026 PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay, two craft books on writing, and three poetry collections. Her memoir Love Sick: One Woman's Journey through Sexual Addiction was also made into a Lifetime TV Original Movie. As a professional speaker and writer, Sue has appeared on many nationally syndicated radio and TV programs including The View and Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN; She's the co-chair of the MFA in Writing Program at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

SHOW NOTES:

Selected Misdemeanors

The Butterfly Effect

Writing Process

Teaching writing (craft books & MFA Program, Vermont College of Fine Arts)

Writing poetry

Advice for Writers

Next Steps

Rapid Fire Questions

Sue’s Book Recommendations:

anything by novelist Jean Rhys & The Love by Marguerite Duras

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.suewilliamsilverman.com

https://www.instagram.com/suewilliamsilverman/ https://www.facebook.com/SueWilliamSilverman https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19942.Sue_William_Silverman

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Genre Is Not a Box: Using Story Categories as Creative Tools

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:00:00 GMT

This episode explores genre not just as a marketing label, but as a powerful storytelling framework that shapes reader expectations, craft choices, and publishing opportunities. We’ll begin by defining what genre really means, then break down how different genres function, what readers of each genre expect, and how those expectations influence plot, pacing, character, and tone. By the end of the episode, you will have a clearer understanding of how to position your stories, communicate your genre, and use it as a creative tool instead of a restriction.

SHOW NOTES:

Why Genre Matters More than you Think

Understanding Genre as a Framework

Positioning Your Story in the Marketplace

Communicating Genre to Agents and Readers

Genre as a Creative Tool

Common Pitfalls

SOURCES & LINKS:

“How Important is Genre When Pitching and Promoting a Book?” Sangeeta Mehta, Jane Friedman, FEB 2025

“Understanding Genre: How to Writer Better Stories,” Savannah Gilbo, 2026

“In Defense of Labels: On Genre as a Literary Conversation," Lit Hub, Lincoln Michel, 2021

DO NOW (with samples):

Identify your primary genre. Study 5 successful books w/in that genre. Fill out the FREE DOWNLOAD to help get you started writing a genre positioning statement.

Next, write a pitch using genre-specific language:

[Genre] + Protagonist + Goal + Obstacle + Stakes

EX: Romance

A contemporary romance about a burned-out wedding planner who’s forced to work with the cynical journalist who once broke her heart—only to discover that saving her career might mean risking it all for love again.

EX: Thriller

A domestic thriller about a woman who begins to suspect her perfect husband is connected to a string of disappearances—and must uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

The “Write” Path: Conquering Writer’s Burnout and Block

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we dive deep into the differences between Writer's Block and Writer's Burnout. Discover how burnout manifests through symptoms like fatigue and a waning passion for writing. We’ll share effective recovery strategies that are not only practical but also inspiring. Learn the importance of taking refreshing breaks, establishing a consistent writing routine, and exploring new environments to spark creativity. We'll also discuss how engaging with various creative works and building connections with fellow writers can reignite your passion. Plus, find out which foods can boost your mood and help you on your writing journey

SHOW NOTES:

Understanding Writer's Burnout vs. Writer’s Block

Signs to Look For

How to Get Inspired Again (10 methods)

RECAP

SOURCES & LINKS:

“Writers, We Need to Talk About Creative Burnout,” Medium, Erin Fulmer, OCT 2022

“Writer’s Burnout: Will you let yourself smolder until you become a cinder?” CreativeIndie, Laura Hartman

“8 Foods to Beat Writer’s Block,” The Writer, APR 2024

“How to Blast through Writer’s Burnout…or Block…or Not,” Lit News Magazine, Betsy Robinson, DEC 2022

DO NOW:

If you are looking for a creative boost in your writing, use some of these ideas we’ve discussed. Or come up with a list of your own, tailored to your needs. Also, perhaps take an inventory of your writing habits. Look to see if any of these signs are creeping into your work and think of ways on how you can avoid them.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with author Linda Rosen

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Linda Rosen is the author of four historical fiction novels, The Disharmony of Silence, Sisters of the Vine, The Emerald Necklace, and her newest release, Abandoning the Script, available March 6th. Linda’s novels are set in the “not-too-distant past” and examine how women

reinvent themselves despite obstacles thrown their way – and they always feature a piece of

jewelry!

She is a member of the Women Fiction Writers Association and co-founder of the South Florida chapter of the Women’s National Book Association where she holds the position of VP of Programming. In addition, Linda is on the board of Trails of Delray, her local chapter of the Brandeis National Committee, an administrator of the 5K+ member Facebook Group Bookish Road Trip and editor of their newsletter, Wanderlust.

Fitness professional turned novelist Linda Rosen, after living most of her life in New Jersey (and only a short trip into NYC) now lives with her husband in sunny Florida happily wearing sandals all year long. When she’s not writing, you’ll find Linda on the Pickleball court, in the pool, or reading with her feet in the sand.

SHOW NOTES:

Abandoning the Script

Back Catalogue

Writer Life

Rapid Fire Questions

SOURCES & LINKS

Website: https://www.linda-rosen.com/

Abandoning the Script is available for pre-order, the paperback, discounted at 15% off until March 5th. And a first chapter sample of all of Linda’s books including Abandoning the Script, as well its trailer, are available on her website.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Marketing Scams Every Author Should Know

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Every author wants their book to reach readers—but in the world of publishing, that dream can make writers vulnerable to marketing scams. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the shady side of book promotion and show you how to spot red flags before they cost you time, money, and trust.

SHOW NOTES:

How to spot a scam

Questions to ask

How to vet a scam

Rules of thumb

Samples

SOURCES & LINKS:

ScamVoid: Checks fake websites

Writer Beware: Blog that identifies scams and provides advice

ALLi Watchdog: Alliance of Independent Authors, protects from predatory practices and misinformation

Writers Weekly: Online magazine with a host of articles (including those aimed at protecting indie authors from being scammed

Author’s Guild: Author organization that offers online forums and legal services

DO NOW: Peruse the links we attached to know where you can turn if you suspect being scammed.

Next Episode:

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Publishing Industry Predictions

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 22:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we highlight the top publishing trends for 2025 and 2026. We discuss the rise of new romance subgenres, the impact of artificial intelligence on editing and marketing, and the nostalgic comeback of 90s and early 2000s-inspired fiction. We also explore the evolution of audiobooks into immersive experiences, the bookstore renaissance with a surge in new openings, and the growing trend of “readaways,” where readers merge travel with literature

SHOW NOTES:

The Enduring Allure of Romance

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Publishing

Nostalgia as Cultural Capital

The Evolution of Audiobooks

Bookstore Renaissance

Transforming the Reading Experience

SOURCES & LINKS:

Lumina Datamatics. (2026). Top 10 Publishing Trends to Watch Out For in 2026. Retrieved from Lumina Datamatics

Booksshelf. (2026). What’s Going to Be Hot in 2026: Predictions for Fiction. Retrieved from Booksshelf

New York Times. (2025). Book Sales Trends 2025. Retrieved from NY Times

VRBO. (2026). Readaways: Trends in Literary Travel. Retrieved from VRBO

“2026 Author Trends You need to Know,” Written Word Media (2026)

Next Episode: Marketing Scams Every Author Should Know

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with Bestselling Author Barbara Conrey

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:15:10 GMT

SUMMARY:

In this episode, bestselling author Barbara Conrey discusses her inspiring journey to publication, her creative process, and the themes behind her emotionally powerful novels, including A Fine Layer of Dust. The conversation also features fun rapid-fire questions, offering a personal glimpse into her life and passions.

Barbara Conrey is the USA Today Bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye, her debut novel published on August 4, 2020, by Red Adept Publishing. Her sophomore novel, My Secret to Keep, was released on August 23, 2022 and her third, A Fine Layer of Dust, debuted in October 2025.

An active member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Women’s National Book Association, and the Author Talk Network, Barbara also moderates the online book club for the Facebook Group Bookish Road Trip.

SHOW NOTES:

Bio

A Fine Layer of Dust

Journey to Publication

Work as a Book Club Host for Bookish Road Trip

Involvement with Women’s Fiction Writers Association

Bonus Rapid-Fire Questions

Links:

https://www.barbaraconreyauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/barbara.conrey

Next Episode: We are taking off a month for the holidays and will see you mid-January

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Tension & Conflict: The Writer’s Secret Weapons

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 22:00:13 GMT

Every novel needs fuel to keep it moving forward, and that fuel is conflict and tension. In this episode, we break down the difference between scene-level tension and story-level conflict—and show how they work together to keep readers hooked. From internal struggles to epic battles, we’ll explore techniques that create momentum and make your story impossible to put down. With practical tips and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for any writer looking to craft gripping fiction.

SHOW NOTES:

What Is Tension? Conflict?

How Tension and Conflict Work Together

Writing Tips

Examples

SOURCES & LINKS:

The Conflict Thesaurus & The Emotion Thesaurus, Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi

“Courting Conflict: The Agent of Change,” Wired for Story, Lisa Cron

“Dude with a Problem: Surviving the Ultimate Test,” Save the Cat Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody

*analysis of conflict w/in Stephen King’s Misery

G.M.C.: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, Debra Dixon

The Compass of Character, David Corbett

DO NOW: Look at your current project—is each scene tense? Is the conflict clear and escalating? Check out our FREE Download to see a sample of HOW to use the Thesaurus Series to Create Tension at the scene level and Conflict at the plot level.

Next Episode: An Interview with USA Today Bestselling author Barbara Conrey

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Pitch Perfect: How to Sell Your Story in Minutes

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 22:00:11 GMT

Ready to pitch your book? Pitch events can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also one of the best opportunities for writers to connect with literary agents. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 10-minute pitch: what it is, how to prepare, and how to make the most of those precious few minutes.

You’ll learn how to research agents before you pitch, craft a clear and compelling hook, and present yourself with confidence. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid, tips for turning your pitch into a conversation, and how to use feedback—even a rejection—to your advantage.

Whether you’re attending your first conference or polishing your pitch for a big event, this episode will help you walk in prepared, stay calm, and maximize your chances of making the right connection with an agent.

SHOW NOTES:

What is a 10-Minute Pitch Event?

Our Experience

How to Prepare

Using the pitch to your advantage

Take-aways

SOURCES & LINKS

Related ATB Podcasts Episodes:

“Query Basics: How to Attract the Attention of the RIGHT Agents and Publishers,” Ep 19

“Writing the Dreaded Book Jacket Summary and Pitch,” Ep 42

Hooked from Page One: Nailing Your Novel’s Beginning, Episode 57

“Pitch it To Me!” Save the Cat Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody

Before and After the Book Deal, Courtney Maum

DO NOW: Script your pitch. Practice saying the words. Edit out what seems unnatural to say. Once your script is polished, practice saying it in front of a mirror until you’ve memorized it. Next, practice in front of people: family members, friends, bookish community.

Next Episode: Tension & Conflict: The Writer’s Secret Weapons

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with author Joanna Monahan

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:25:05 GMT

Joanna Monahan lives in North Carolina with her husband, children, and two distracting cats.

Before she began writing, Joanna worked a variety of jobs, including marketing, professional

organizing, and setting up book fairs. She enjoys theater, baseball, and bookmarking recipes she will never make. A child of the 80s, she regrets that she no longer receives pizza coupons in exchange for reading.

You can find her at joannamonahan.com talking about books, writing, and all things GenX or on

Instagram where she regularly torments her characters by participating in fiction writing

Challenges.

Joanna is a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, the North Carolina

Writers’ Network and the Author’s Guild.

About the Book: SOMETHING BETTER is a coming-of-(middle-) age tale of love, family, and

the dangers of attending your high school reunion. It was published in June 2023 by Blue Ink

Press.

SHOW NOTES:

Something Better

Synopis
Inspiration
Gen Xer & Musical references
“Every villain is the hero of their own story” & complex protagonist

Welcome to Blooms, release date April 2026

Synopsis
Inspiration
Possible series

Writing and things learned the hard way

Writing process & schedule
Personal branding
Community & the WFWA
Book cover creation
Current WIP

Trivia

The title SOMETHING BETTER comes from the song “Start a War” by The National. The first lines are: “We expected something, something better than before. We expected something more.”
Joanna’s favorite authors are Beverly Cleary and Jan Karon. Her love of the Mitford series was part of the reason her family chose to relocate to North Carolina from Colorado in 2015.

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.joannamonahan.com/

Instagram: @joannamonahanauthor

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Hooked from Page One: Nailing Your Novel’s Beginning, Episode 57

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 21:20:08 GMT

The first page of a novel can make or break a reader’s attention. In this episode, we explore what goes into crafting an irresistible opening that hooks your audience from the very first line. From setting the tone and establishing stakes to introducing compelling characters and planting questions that beg to be answered, we’ll break down the techniques successful authors use to keep readers turning the page. We’ll also share examples of unforgettable openings, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies you can use to strengthen your own writing. Whether you’re starting your first novel or polishing your next, this episode will help you create an opening that truly captivates.

Why Openings Matter

Key Elements of a Strong Opening

Techniques That Work

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Practical Strategies for Writers

Examples

SOURCES & LINKS:

“100 Best First Lines from Novels,” American Book Review, 2006

DO NOW: Read through some of the best first sentences. Notice what you like about them, what is similar among them, what draws you in.

Write several versions of your own for one work to see which captures the characteristics for a strong opening.

Next Episode: An interview with Joanna Monahan, author of Something Better

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

From Page to Screen: What Makes a Story Adaptable? Episode 56

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 20:00:15 GMT

In this episode, Donna and Hope dive into the ever-evolving world of literary adaptations, exploring why so many novels are making their way to screens—both big and small. They break down the difference between loose and tight adaptations, share the essential qualities that make a novel ripe for adaptation, and examine the rising trend of limited series as the ideal format for complex storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for writers, book lovers and screen buffs alike.

Show Notes:

Number of films made from novels

Upward trend of series adaptations

Loose vs. tight adaptation

What characteristics of a novel make for a good adaptation?

OUR PICKS

SOURCES & LINKS

How to Write a Book Like a Movie, Richard M. Craft

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need, Jessica Brody

Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies: The Screenwriter's Guide to Every Story Ever Told, Blake Snyder

DO NOW:

Choose a companion novel and film. Study HOW (using the characteristics mentioned above) the adaptation brings the written work to life.

Next Episode: Hooked From Page One, the importance of strong openings

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with Author Gail Priest, Episode 55

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:00:16 GMT

Award-winning author, Gail Priest shares her passion for women’s fiction, inspired by her background in theatre and psychology. Her stories explore healing, family secrets, love, and second chances, set along the New Jersey and Maryland coast. When not writing, she enjoys reading, birdwatching, and beachcombing. She’s the author of Soul Dancing.

SHOW NOTES:

Soul Dancing themes

Supernatural story elements

Awards

Influence of theater background

Research

Common threads throughout Gail’s work

Writing process

Advice for writers

SOURCES & LINKS

https://gailpriest.com/

Next Episode: From Page to Screen: What Makes a Story Adaptable?

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Build, Engage, Monetize: Why Creators are Turning to Substack, Episode 54

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 21:00:13 GMT

In this episode, we explore how writers can effectively monetize their work on Substack by leveraging paid subscriptions, exclusive content, and additional products. We also discuss strategies for building an engaged audience and turning their passion for writing into a sustainable income.

SHOW NOTES:

Substack is an online platform that allows writers and creators to host subscription-based email newsletters. Think of it as a digital publishing house that puts your content directly into your readers’ inboxes, creating a more intimate connection than a typical blog or social media post.

Founded in 2017, Substack gained popularity because of its simplicity and the direct monetization it provides. Instead of relying on ad revenue or social media algorithms, you can charge subscribers. Whether that’s a small monthly fee or a one-time payment, keep a much larger share of the revenue.

It’s used by journalists, novelists, niche bloggers, and increasingly, book reviewers who want to cultivate a dedicated community around their work.

Types of Posts You Can Create
Advantages of Substack vs. Traditional Blogging
How to Get Started
Tips for Success

SOURCES & LINKS

Hope’s Substack

Donna’s Substack

DO NOW:

Sign up for Substack. Observe what other content creators are doing. Brainstorm ideas for your own substack and create goals. Download our FREE How to SUBSTACK to get you started today!

Next Episode: An Interview w/ Gail Priest author of the award-winning Soul Dancing

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Scrivener Simplified: Your Beginner’s Guide to Writing Smarter, Episode 53

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 21:00:17 GMT

Ready to finally conquer Scrivener without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Authors Talking Bookish, we’re breaking down the basics of Scrivener and showing you how to set up your first project like a pro. From organizing chapters to using the powerful Corkboard and Compile tools, we’ll help you unlock the features that make writing easier—and way more fun. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, Scrivener can streamline your process and keep your manuscript on track. Tune in for our best tips, real writer-tested advice, and the benefits that’ll make you wonder how you ever wrote without it!

SHOW NOTES:

1. What Is Scrivener and Why Writers Love It

2. Getting Started: Setting Up Your First Project

3. Key Features Writers Should Use

4. Top Benefits of Using Scrivener

5. Tips & Best Practices

*NOTE: We are not affiliated with Scrivener, but simply find it a useful tool for writers

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview

https://scrivener.app/

DO NOW:

Download the Free Trial for Scrivener to try it out. And use our SCRIVENER BASICS: FREE DOWNLOAD to get you started

Next Episode: Substack-What it is, why authors are using it and the basics of how to use it

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with James Arnett, Episode 52

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 21:00:13 GMT

In this episode, we sit down with James Arnett, acclaimed author of The Monmouth Manifesto and Bean Fate, two gripping works of historical fiction. Arnett opens up about the deeply personal inspirations behind his novels and how his legal career shaped the complex worlds he creates. From intense research to navigating the road to publication, Arnett shares the passion and process behind his writing. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation—and find out why these books belong on your must-read list.

The Monmouth Manifesto” delves into the American Revolution through the eyes of Loyalists, revealing a gripping tale of two New Jersey farmers turned soldiers. Their daring exploits against the Patriots lead to deadly reprisals, shattering lives and igniting international tensions in a struggle for survival on the wrong side of history.

Congratulations on The Monmouth Manifesto! Can you give us a synopsis of this book and tell us what drew you to this story.
The book really dives into loyalty and moral dilemmas. How do you want readers to think differently about those ideas, especially when it comes to understanding people on both sides of a conflict?
How much research did you do for this book and your first?
Talk about the difficulty that you encountered in writing the dialogue for this book. It’s set 250 years ago. And obviously English today is very different.
Are there any historical figures or hidden truths from the Revolution that you wish more people knew about? Did you include any of those in your story?
Can you tell us about your first book, Bean Fate? What inspired you to write it, and how was the experience of getting started.
As a Canadian, what attracted you to telling stories about American History?You’ve had this impressive career in law and business. What made you decide to pivot to writing after retiring? What was the spark that motivated you to start storytelling?
What was your road to getting the book published? Did you face any surprises along the way?
What does your typical day look like as a writer/author?
What is something, as an author, that you learned the hard way?

SOURCES & LINKS

James’ Website: https://www.jamesarnett.ca/

Buy Link: https://www.jamesarnett.ca/the-monmouth-manifesto

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Editing Uncovered: What Writers Need to Know, Episode 51

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 21:00:17 GMT

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the editing process with two expert guests: Sarah Rexford, a seasoned editor from a Manhattan publisher and John DeDakis, author, freelance editor, book coach and former CNN editor. Whether you're prepping your manuscript for submission or self-publishing, this conversation offers invaluable insights into what editors really look for. You'll hear their biggest pet peeves, hard-won lessons, and the advice every writer needs before hitting "send." Plus, a peek into a typical day in the life of an editor—and how they balance editing with their own creative work. Writers, this one’s for you!

Can you tell us about your experiences as an editor and book coach?
What types of editing do each of you do?
What’s the most common mistake you see writers make during revisions?
What tools or software do you rely on in your editing workflow?
How do you handle giving tough feedback to an author?
John, does being an author affect your processes as an editor? If so, in what ways?
Sarah, you provide a free downloadable eBook for authors on your website, what golden nuggets can they find there?
At what stage in the writing or revision process should writers approach an editor?
What are your pet peeves in a manuscript?
What have you learned the hard way that might help our authors in their writing or in working with editors?

SOURCES & LINKS

Sarah’s website:

http://sarahjrexford.com/

John’s Website:

http://www.johndedakis.com/

@johndedakis.bsky.social

X: @johnDeDakis

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/john.dedakis/

Instagram: @dedakisjohn

Craft Book Recs from John and Sarah:

Weekend Novelist by Robert J. Ray

Anything by Stephen James and DiAnn Mills

Anything that delves into the psychology of characters

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

“Fifty and Fearless: Hope and Donna Unfiltered,” Episode 50

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:00:23 GMT

For our 50th episode, we’re turning the mic inward! Join Hope and Donna as they interview each other in a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that dives deep into their lives as writers, readers, and creatives. From the highs and lows of the publishing journey to quirky habits and guilty pleasures, nothing is off-limits. You’ve heard their thoughts on craft and industry—now get ready to meet the women behind the voices in a way you never have before. Honest. Unfiltered. Fun.

Next Episode: Editing Uncovered: What Writers Need to Know

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with author Lisa Montanaro, Episode 49

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 21:00:25 GMT

Bio: Lisa Montanaro is the author of the debut novel, Everything We Thought Was True, which released in January 2025, by Red Adept Publishing, and won first place for LGBTQ Fiction in the International Firebird Book Awards and Honorable Mention from the Los Angeles Book Festival. At turns heartbreaking and hopeful, the novel explores not only the consequences of secrets—even secrets kept out of love—but also the courage it takes to speak the truth, to forgive, and to let go. Lisa is part no-nonsense Italian American New Yorker and part sunny Californian. She has a unique background as a performer, teacher of deaf students, lawyer, coach, speaker, and author. Lisa is also the author of The Ultimate Life Organizer,published by Peter Pauper Press. She serves as webinar host for the Women's Fiction Writers Association and as facilitator of the Retro COLAGE group for adult children of LGBTQ parents. When not writing, Lisa enjoys cycling and hiking with her veterinarian husband, tending to her garden, and chasing after her rescue dogs. Lisa has enjoyed living snow-free since 2012 in Northern California, where she’s made it her mission to sample the wines of the region.

SOURCES & LINKS

Author Website: http://www.LisaMontanaroWrites.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaMontanaroAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.montanaro/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lisa.montanaro

BlueSky: https://lisamontanaro.bsky.social

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisamontanaroauthor

Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lisa-Montanaro/author/B00585O2TC

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4985348.Lisa_Montanaro

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/786071194

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Writing Resistance: Breaking Down The Handmaid’s Tale from the Writer’s Lens, Season 3, Episode 48

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:00:15 GMT

In this episode of Authors Talking Bookish, we take a deep dive into The Handmaid’s Tale—not just as readers, but as writers. We explore Margaret Atwood’s masterful craft: her use of voice, world building, and the chilling plausibility that makes this dystopian classic so enduring. We also share our take on the most recent adaptation and how it expands (or shifts) the original narrative. Most importantly, we discuss why stories like this matter now more than ever—especially in today’s cultural and political climate. Whether you're a fan, a critic, or reading it for the first time, this conversation will challenge you to think about the power and responsibility of storytelling.

SHOW NOTES:

Happy 2 Year Anniversary Episode!
Our first exposure to The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
- Then vs. now impressions
- Reading in a pre versus post-Roe v. Wade-overturning climate
The Handmaid’s Tale and today’s political climate

A writer’s perspective on style, plot, world building & character
- Do you prefer stories that lean heavily on internal narration or action?
- Dystopian fiction genre

Alignment and critical view of the 1990 Film & Hulu adaptation
- The shift to a visual medium
- How 1st person, stream-of-consciousness is handled differently through visual flashback
- Fleshed-out storylines (Ofglen, Serena Joy, Nick, Moira)
- Did the adaptations remain true to the heart of the novel or change too much?

The Testaments, Margaret Atwood

SOURCES & LINKS

The Handmaid’s Tale & The Testaments, Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale, 1990, Director Volker Schlöndorff

The Handmaid’s Tale, 2017-2025, TV Series Creator Bruce Miller (6 seasons)

“Gilead Revisit: What Went Wrong with The Handmaid’s Tale Movie”, Collider

Sarah Grynberg Podcast, “The Dark Truth About The Handmaid’s Tale”

DO NOW:

Read them. Watch them.

Become informed about women’s rights.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Pen to Page: How Journaling Fuels Storytelling, Episode 47

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 21:00:28 GMT

In this episode, we explore how a simple journal can become a novelist’s most powerful tool. From unlocking character secrets to breaking through writer’s block, journaling helps writers tap into their deepest creative instincts. You’ll learn five practical ways journaling can support your novel at every stage—and get inspired with fresh prompts to spark your next breakthrough. Whether you're stuck in the middle or just starting out, this episode will help you turn the blank page into your best ally.

SHOW NOTES:

Five Journal Writing Methods to Support Novel Writing:

Brainstorm

Journaling allows you to freely explore story ideas, themes, and "what if" scenarios without pressure. This can lead to unexpected insights and help you discover the emotional or philosophical heart of a story.

Develop Characters More Deeply Writing from a character’s point of view, or just journaling about them, can reveal their inner lives, motivations, fears, and backstories in a more intimate way than structured outlining.
Overcome Writer’s Block Journal writing removes the need for perfection. It’s a private space where you can write without judgment, which often helps break through blocks and get the words flowing again.
Track Emotional & Creative Progress Keeping a writing journal can help you reflect on your process, track struggles and breakthroughs, and stay motivated by seeing how far you’ve come.
Inspire Authentic Dialogue and Voice Journaling in different voices—your characters’, your narrator’s, or even a fictional letter—can help you nail down tone, dialect, and authentic dialogue that breathes life into scenes.

SOURCES & LINKS:

Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg

Bird by Bird, Ann Lamott

Write for Your Life, Anna Quindlen

The Playful Way to Serious Writing, Roberta Allen

Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper, Sark

Srivener

DO NOW:

Explore the recommended sources and choose one to get you started on your journal writing journey. Also access this FREE Download to give you some ideas throughout your novel writing process: Journal Writing Prompts for Novelists

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with author Jenn Bouchard: Episode 46

Tue, 20 May 2025 21:00:21 GMT

Author Jenn Bouchard is a member of Grub Street and the Women Fiction Writers' Association, as well as a board member for her local Dollars for Scholars chapter. She is an avid cook and is always planning her next adventure. FIRST COURSE was published in 2021 by TouchPoint Press and released as an audiobook in 2023 by Tantor Audio. It is now available in a second edition through Coastal Whisk. You will find her short stories in The Bookends Review, Litbreak Magazine, The Penmen Review, MARY, the Little Patuxent Review, and FOLIO. She also teaches short story classes for adults in the Boston suburbs. Her second novel, CONSIDERING US, was published on February 6, 2025 by Black Rose Writing.

SHOW NOTES:

Considering Us, February 6, 2025, Black Rose Writing

Overview

Inspiration

First Course

Food Motif

Publishing the first novel versus the second

On being a writer

Path to publishing

Planning events

Early inspiration for writing a novel

Juggling teacher, author, mom roles

Advice for new authors

Next novel

SOURCES & LINKS

Jenn’s Website: jennbouchard.com

Jenn’s Socials: Facebook, Instagram, X, BlueSky: @JennBouchardBOS

The Author’s Guild

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

The Write Resources to Set You on the Path to Writing, Publishing & Marketing, Episode 45

Tue, 06 May 2025 21:10:09 GMT

In this episode, we dive deep into the best resources for writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're plotting your first novel or preparing for a book launch, we've got you covered with expert recommendations and actionable advice. Tune in for a treasure trove of writing wisdom and get one step closer to achieving your publishing goals!

SHOW NOTES:

Books on Craft Master the art of structure, character development, and the nuances of showing vs. telling. Plus, find tools for sparking creativity and refining your editing process.

Writing and Querying Explore top websites for improving your craft, finding genre-specific tips, engaging in critiques, entering contests, and nailing your queries.

Book Marketing & Publishing Learn strategies for building your author platform, leveraging social media, gaining reviews, and creating effective publicity campaigns.

SOURCES & LINKS

ATB: Writing Resources

DO NOW: Determine where you are in the writing process. Select three-five resources to survey to see what works for you.

Next Episode: An Interview with author Jenn Bouchard, Considering Us and First Course

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Character Alchemy: Crafting Complex Characters, Episode 44

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 21:10:07 GMT

When writing a novel, it’s essential to develop complex, authentic characters that your readers come to care about in some way. In this episode, we’ll talk about ways in which you can create nuanced characters your readers can connect to, love or hate. And we’ll provide models of characters as examples and a FREE DOWNLOAD of exercises to help you achieve them in your work.

SHOW NOTES:

Develop Rich Backstories A character's history shapes their motivations, fears, and desires.

Embrace Flaws and Contradictions Complex characters aren't perfect; their inconsistencies make them feel real.

Focus on Internal Conflict Characters with layered emotions and dilemmas feel more authentic.

Create Distinct Motivations and Goals Well-defined motivations make characters’ actions believable and compelling.

Show Relationships and Reactions How characters interact with others and the space around them can reveal hidden aspects of their personality.

Examples of Well-Developed Characters

SOURCES & LINKS

Writers Helping Writers Series:The Thesaurus Collection by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi (showing vs. telling)

The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression

The Conflict Thesaurus, The Emotional Wound Thesaurus…

Launch Pad: The Countdown to Writing Your Book, Emma Dhesi, Grace Sammon

Story Genius and Wired for Story, Lisa Cron (structure and character development)

DO NOW: Character Development Exercises:

Backstory Journaling, Flaw vs. Virtue Chart, Internal Conflict Mapping, Dialogue Scenarios and Relationship Snapshot

FREE DOWNLOAD Character Development Exercises

Next Episode: The Write Resources to Set You on the Path to Writing, Publishing & Marketing

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with NY Times Bestselling author J.D. Barker, Episode 43

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:30:16 GMT

Join us as we interview author J.D .Barker, renowned for his thrilling novels, including Forsaken, The Fourth Monkey, and Dracul (co-authored with Bram Stoker’s family using Bram’s original notes and journals). With a reputation for pushing the boundaries of suspense and supernatural storytelling, his works have appeared on bestseller lists worldwide, and Dracul is currently in development for film by Paramount. J.D. has also collaborated frequently with James Patterson, further cementing his presence in the literary world.

SHOW NOTES:

“Something I Keep Upstairs”

Inspiration & Setting: What inspired you to write Something I Keep Upstairs, and how did the real haunted house influence the story?

Unique Elements: Can you share some unique elements of the book that you think set it apart from your previous works?

Immersive Experience: How do you think the giveaway of an overnight stay in the haunted house adds a new dimension to your readers' experience with the book?

Co-Authoring and Collaboration

Co-Authoring with James Patterson: What have you learned from collaborating with James Patterson, and how has that experience shaped your writing style?

Stephen King Endorsement: What impact did it have on your career?

Collaborating on Dracul using Bram Stoker's original notes What insights did you gain about his writing process?

Publishing and the Industry

Indie vs. Traditional Publishing: What are some key differences you’ve observed between indie publishing and traditional publishing in terms of creative freedom and marketing?

What are some of the things you learned the hard way?

Questions about Writing and Fiction

Book Doctor & Ghost Writer What are some key lessons you learned from this role that you apply to your own writing today?

GIVEAWAY for Something I Keep Upstairs

SOURCES & LINKS

Website: https://www.jdbarker.com

Giveaway: https://woobox.com/vcevs2

Preorder: https://jdbarker.com/books/something-i-keep-upstairs/

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Writing the Dreaded Book Jacket Summary and Pitch, Episode 42

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 22:20:08 GMT

Writers craft thousands of words to create a novel, so why is it so difficult to write a summary and pitch for books? We’ll delve into the difficulty of whittling down a novel into these necessary tasks which could make-or-break selling a novel. In addition, we’ll discuss the functions of a summary and pitch as well as how to write them.

SHOW NOTES:

Summary: a concise overview of a book with the purpose of enticing a reader

Pitch: one sentence that encapsulates story for the purpose of selling it to agents and publishers

Summary: Hook, main character(s), setting and/or theme, conflict/stakes, and a teaser

voice
third person (no matter the POV of the book)
captivate your reader
flows
100-200 words in length

Examples:

Pitch (also called elevator pitch or logline):

character descriptor
inciting incident
conflict/stakes
goal
make it memorable & concise
1 sentence (approximately 20-30 words)

Examples:

*Note: a tagline is different & often appears on the book

Examples:

“How to Write a Book Pitch No One Can Resist,” Abi Wurdeman

“How to Write an Elevator Pitch for Your Novel,” Harry Bingham

DO NOW: Write a book jacket summary first, using the models provided. Then, whittle it down to a few different pitches; choose the one that is most enticing. Consider running these by your friends or writing partners to get their perspectives.

Next Episode: An interview with author J.D. Barker, author of Something I Keep Upstairs, & you won’t want to miss his amazing GIVEAWAY

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Our Take on Publishing Industry Predictions, Episode 041

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:00:12 GMT

Each year some of the top industry publications predict trends in publishing for the upcoming year. In today’s episode, we’ll share some of these and give you our take on where we think the publishing industry is heading.

SHOW NOTES:

“Top Ten Publishing Trends of 2025,” Emma Boyer, Written Words Media, 2 JAN 2025

“Publishing Leaders Share Nine Bold Predictions for 2025 and Beyond,” Audrey DeRobert, BookBub, 23 JAN 2025

Noteworthy Predictions

Building loyal audiences

Investment in email marketing campaigns and subscribers:

Meta’s domination over the industry

Traditional and Indie publishing converge

Benefits and drawbacks of AI

Hybrid publishing will be on the rise

Publishers will continue the fight against censorship

SOURCES & LINKS

“Top Ten Publishing Trends of 2025,” Emma Boyer, Written Words Media, 2 JAN 2025

“Publishing Leaders Share Nine Bold Predictions for 2025 and Beyond,” Audrey DeRobert, BookBub, 23 JAN 2025

Authors Against Book Bans

Author’s Guild

DO NOW: Target the trend that is most beneficial to where you are in your writing journey and learn all you can about it to make you better informed.

Next Episode: Writing the dreaded book summary and pitch

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with author Sarahlyn Bruck, Episode 40

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 22:00:11 GMT

Sarahlyn Bruck writes contemporary, book club fiction—slice-of-life stories with heart and humor centered on friendships and family. She is the award-winning author of three novels: Light of the Fire (2024), Daytime Drama (2021), and Designer You (2018). When she’s not writing, Sarahlyn moonlights as a full-time writing and literature professor at a local community college. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she now lives in Philadelphia with her family.

Synopsis and Inspiration
Writing Process
Previous Works
Journey to Publication
What have you learned the hard way?
Building an Author Brand
Balancing Roles
Looking Ahead

SOURCES & LINKS:

Website: https://sarahlynbruck.com

FB & IG: @sarahlynbruck

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

The Mystique of Book Reviews and Blurbs: Episode 39

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 22:30:10 GMT

SUMMARY: In this episode, we dive deep into the world of book reviews and blurbs. These essential elements serve as crucial communication tools for authors, helping them convey the value of their work to potential readers. We explore how impactful reviews and compelling blurbs can significantly influence a book's success, while also sharing insights from notable authors about the key components to include and the common pitfalls to avoid. Additionally, we discuss the benefits for readers who take the time to write reviews—from cultivating a deeper appreciation for the stories they read to developing their voices as reviewers, bloggers, or even Bookstagrammers. Engaging with literature in this way enriches the reading experience and fosters a vibrant community of book lovers.

DO NOW: The next time you read a book, write a review. Post it in as many places as you can (suggestions: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BookBub, Goodreads…on your own social media). Not confident about reviewing books yet? Read reviews that others have written for your favorite books.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Best Book Recs from 2024 and Most Anticipated in 2025: Episode 38

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 20:14:44 GMT

SUMMARY:

To kick off the new year, we’re talking about our top reads of 2024 and what we’re most looking forward to in 2025. What’s on your TBR list?

SHOW NOTES:

Top 2024 Reads:

Donna

James, Percival Everett

Echo of Old Books, Barbara Davis

The Little Liar, Mitch Albom

Mad Honey, Jodi Piccoult

Hope

The Housemaid, Freida McFadden

It’s Hard for Me to Live with Me, Rex Chapman

Of Lies and Honey, Donna Norman Carbone

* The Empress of Cooke County, Elizabeth Bass Parman, Soul Dancing, Gail Priest

Most anticipated Reads of 2025:

Donna

Here One Moment, Liane Moriarty

The Names, Florence Knapp

Tell Me Everything, Elizabeth Strout

From Here to the Great Unknown, Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

Hope

Beach House Rules, Kristy Woodson Harvey

Reading trackers: Goodreads, Fable, Story Graph, Shepherd

SOURCES & LINKS: **See Do Now

DO NOW: Sign-up for an online book club on FB (Bookish Road Trip…) and/or download a reading app (Goodreads, Fable, Story Graph…) or check out Shepherd

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Authors Making the Most of the Holidays, Episode 37

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:50:07 GMT

This episode speaks to marketing techniques to help you make the most of the holidays as a vehicle to sell more books. Learn how to customize your sales pitch and graphics for optimal success whether you are running ads, sharing to social media, appearing at holiday-centric events, or working collaboratively with other authors to get the word out about your books. We’ll teach you how such “holidays” can help you lean into your brand, so you can use this as a marketing strategy throughout the year.

SHOW NOTES:

Holidays:

Seasonal: Fall, Summer…

Religious: Easter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa…

National “blank” day/month: Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Women’s Fiction Day, Library Month, National Buffet Day, Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, National Indie Author Day…

Customize your graphics

Alter your pitch

Visual images

Events

Lean into your brand

Collaboration with other authors

SOURCES & LINKS:

https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/

DO NOW:

Research days/months that go with your book/brand.Create a calendar of events & social media. Make a plan (whether it’s monthly or weekly). Brainstorm how you can make the most of the holidays that fits with your brand.

Next Episode: Taking a break until mid-January

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Bookstagrammers: Helping Authors Establish a Platform, Episode 36

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 21:00:10 GMT

Curious about how to get traction for your book before it’s released or after? Today, we are joined by three bookstagrammers who will talk to us about how they can be helpful with your book launch by getting eyes on your books and reviews to establish or sustain the momentum of your book marketing campaign. Suzanne Leopold, the founder of Suzy Approved Book Tours, helps to match readers to your books through her customized tour program. We are also joined by two bookstagrammers, Caitlyn Aresti and Christy Taylor, who read and review books for the joy of it. We hope you’ll join us today to gain insight on how bookstagrammers can help your author platform.

How did you become a book influencer?

What genres do you enjoy?

Do you read/review genres other than the ones you enjoy personally as a book influencer?

How do you contribute to the book community?

What challenges do you face as a book influencer?

What are the joys of being a book influencer?

What should authors know about you and the ways in which you can help them?

How can they find you?

SOURCES & LINKS:

Suzy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzyapprovedbooktours

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/suzyapprovedbooktours

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzyapproved

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzyapprovedbookreviews

Caitlyn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plots.pages.puppies

Christy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmtloveswineandbooks/

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Is Creating Ads Right for You? The Basics of Advertising on FB and/or Amazon, Episode 35

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:50:08 GMT

In this episode, we'll dive into the fundamentals of advertising on Facebook and Amazon for authors. We’ll explore whether ads are the right choice for you, depending on your goals, budget, and readiness to invest in promotional strategies. You’ll learn about the benefits of each platform, what types of ads work best, and how to get started with your first campaign, including tips for optimizing results over time. This episode will help demystify the process and empower you to make informed advertising decisions.

OVERVIEW: Brief overview of the goals for this episode: helping authors understand if Facebook or Amazon ads could work for their book marketing strategy.

Facebook Ads:
- Types of ads (Boosted posts, Sponsored content, Carousel ads).
- Audience targeting features (demographics, interests, custom audiences).
- Advantages of Facebook’s powerful targeting capabilities for niche audiences.
Amazon Ads:
- Types of ads (Sponsored Product Ads, Sponsored Brand Ads).
- Reaching readers directly
- Advantages for visibility in highly competitive categories.

Budget: Estimating realistic ad spend, starting with a modest budget.
Marketing Goals: Identifying if you want to increase brand awareness, generate sales, or build your reader base.
Understanding Ad Metrics: Basics of impressions, CTR (Click Through Rate), CPC (Cost per Click)
Time Commitment: Emphasis on monitoring ads, testing, and optimizing.

Creating Your AD

Our Experiences

Sources & Links

David Gaughran – Insights on Facebook Ads, and tips on how to leverage Facebook’’s platform for book sales. YouTube: Facebook Ad Tutorial We highly recommend signing up for his newsletter as well because he gives updated tips and trends of Facebook ads
Jane Friedman – Facebook advertising strategies for authors, understanding audience targeting, and budget tips. “Amazon Ads for Authors: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide” & “Amazon Ads: A Step-by-Step Walk Through for Beginning Authors”

Do Now:

Evaluate whether Facebook and/or Amazon ads align with your goals & your budget. Start small by setting up a test campaign with a limited budget to get a feel for ad management. Consult the links above for step-by-step instructions.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

To Blog or to Newsletter? Episode 34

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 21:10:06 GMT

Blogs and newsletters are excellent ways for you to connect with readers. Have you ever wondered whether you should do one over the other or both? In this episode, we’ll provide you with the purposes and differences of blogs and newsletters, so you can make an informed decision about how you can best connect with readers. And, we’ll make suggestions for content for both.

SHOW NOTES:

Key differences between blogs and newsletters

Blogs usually focus on one topic and go into some depth about it. They are a great way to connect to readers and let them know something about you, personally and professionally.

Newsletters usually include several short topics, lead magnets, and links. They are a great way to keep your readers updated on your author-life and provide ways for them to take action (writing a review, entering a giveaway, buying your book…)

Hybrids can be a combination of both

Both can be sent on a schedule which you should determine based on your needs

Challenges:

Matching your own skill set & what you are comfortable sharing

Getting readership-relying on social media promotion

Gaining subscribers-sign-up sheets, giveaways that collect email addresses, Many Chat (app for Meta) Linktree

How we use blogs and newsletters

Blog sites: Wix, Wordpress, Squarespace

Mailers: Mailchimp, MailerLite

Substack: for both blogging and newsletters

Blog Topics:

Tell a personal story

Share a hobby

Provide instruction (a How To)

Write a review

Share your writing inspiration

A new project you’re starting

Newsletter Topics:

Quick writing update

News about upcoming events

Links to books, website, etc.

Links to giveaways or special offers

Exclusive offers

Links to appearances

Lists (Top Ten…)

Book recommendations

SOURCES & LINKS:

Blogging Versus Email Newsletter: Which Is Better for Writers?, Jane Friedman

How to Start Blogging: A Definitive Guide for Authors, Jane Friedman

Email Newsletters for Authors: Get Started Guide, Jane Friedman

“Creating Effective Author Newsletter,” Rebecca Rosenberg/ LaunchPad: The Countdown to Marketing Your Book

Episodes mentioned in this one:

Creating a Website: Options and Content, Episode 23

DO NOW: Assess your goals and skills. Research some of the (blog/newsletter) websites to determine the best fit for your needs. Make a list of topics that align with your brand.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Leveraging a Successful Career through Public Relations, Episode 33

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:00:13 GMT

SUMMARY:

Today we are interviewing two publicists, Michelle Glogovac, THE Podcast MatchmakerTM and Lilian Sue, publicist and author, to help you leverage a successful career through public relations.

SHOW NOTES:

Journey into public relations

Specializing in storytelling and relationship-building

Unique approach to PR

Overcoming fears, imposter syndrome, etc.

Establishing your Unique self

Key milestones as “The Podcast Matchmaker”

The Powerful Publicity Prescription

Broadening your reach as an author

Beyond the podcast: sharing content to expand your audience

SOURCES & LINKS:

Lilian Sue, PR Coach & Publicist

www.linkedin.com/in/liliansue

https://www.instagram.com/liliansuecopywriterpr

www.inretrospectwritingservices.com

https://in-retrospect-marketing-academy.thinkific.com/

Michelle Glogovac, The Podcast Matchmaker

https://michelleglogovac.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheMLGCollective/

https://www.instagram.com/michelleglogovac

https://twitter.com/micglogovac

Episodes mentioned in this one:

So What Kind of Writer Do You Want to Be? Episode 30

What is an author brand & how do you get one? Episode 5

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with Author Libby McNamee, Episode 32

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 19:20:20 GMT

SUMMARY:

Join us in conversation with Libby McNamee, author of award-winning upper middle grade novels including "Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War" and "Dolley Madison and the War of 1812: America’s First Lady," and their Study Guides. She is also the co-editor of "The Epic Story of 1776" and "The Epic Story of America 1777-1779." Currently she is writing a third novel, "The Union Spymistress: The Story of Elizabeth Van Lew."

.We’ll delve into what led her to becoming an author, what fuels her to write historical novels, her writing process and more.

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome

Tell us about your books

Tell us about your author journey

What fuels you to write historical novels?

What made you want to write upper middle grade novels?

How do you market to a young audience?

What is something you learned the hard way?

Advice for authors wanting to write to this age group?

What are you working on now?

SOURCES & LINKS:

Website: LibbyMcNamee.com

Facebook: LibbyMcNameeAuthor

Instagram: libbymcnameeauthor

Goodreads: Libby McNamee

LinkedIn: Libby McNamee

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

So, You Want to Write a Novel? Where to Begin, Episode 31

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:10:22 GMT

Summary:

Are you interested in writing a book but don’t quite know where to begin? This episode delves into the beginning stages of writing a novel. From brainstorming, to research, character creation and world building, we’ll discuss the process to set a good foundation for the novel you always dreamed of writing.

Show Notes:

How to begin?

Character, world, plot, title, a question…

How to explore seeds of inspiration

Once you decide, write a quick summary of the plot or even a tagline to help you begin conceptualizing the story

Do you need to conduct research?

Freewrite what you know

Make a list of what you need to know & begin researching: record details and sources in a document

Create extensive character bios: goals, conflicts, arcs

Create a timeline of major plot points/ when and where major events in your novel occur

Create an outline

Establish a schedule and goals for writing

Begin! The first draft will be messy (and probably not good). Refrain from trying to perfect it. Just get it all down on paper.

Remember, the first draft is the story you tell yourself.

Sources:

Save the Cat Writes A Novel, Jessica Brody (structure)

Story Genius and Wired for Story, Lisa Cron (structure and character development)

Launch Pad: The Countdown to Writing Your Book, Emma Dhesi, Grace Sammon

Everybody Writes, Ann Handley

Busy Writer’s Guide, Marcy Kennedy

Write the Damn Book, Elizabeth Lyon

Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott

Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg

Do Now:

First decide what your book will be about. Use the Fiction Inception worksheet. Next, get the gist of the story. Write a plot summary or tagline. Create in-depth bios for your characters with the Create a Character worksheet. Conduct research, timelines and an out. And, then begin.

FREE Downloads are also available on our website.

If you enjoyed this episode AND are a member of the WFWA, consider attending our workshop

“What We Learned the Hard Way” which will not only address next steps, but will highlight all the steps from inception of an idea to beyond publication. Our webinar will take place on September 25 @ 7:00 PM ET.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

“So What Kind of Writer Do You Want to Be?” Setting Goals, Priorities and Boundaries, Episode 30

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 19:00:24 GMT

Summary:

A recent article by author Rea Frey, “Protecting Author Privacy: The Cost of Marketing Your Own Books,” Writer's Digest, touches on the challenges of today’s authors and why the question “So what kind of writer do you want to be?” is fundamental for all writers. In this episode, we’ll discuss the article, our own take on some of the key points and discuss how to set goals, priorities and boundaries as a writer.

SHOW NOTES:

Rea Frey’s Perspective: Key points from article.

Self-Assessment: Now ask yourself…what drives you to write? What kind of impact do you want to have? What are you willing and not willing to do?

Writing Exercise: Discuss a writing exercise or prompt to help listeners explore their own writing identity. For example, "Write a letter to your future self about the kind of writer you hope to be in five years."
Examples of Successful Writers: Share examples of well-known authors who have clearly defined their writing paths and discuss how this focus contributed to their success.

Setting Goals: Discuss the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals to help steer your writing career in the desired direction.
Setting Boundaries: What are you not able/willing to do?

Claiming your Boundaries in a Social Media World:

Engaging with Your Audience Beyond Social Media

SOURCES AND LINKS:

“Protecting Author Privacy: The Cost of Marketing Your Own Books,” Writer's Digest, Rea Frey

“Marketing Your Books: 4 Essential Questions for Authors,” Linkedin, Drew Garber

DO NOW:

Write a letter to your future writer-self projecting where you will be in five years. Make a list of goals for the next five years AND a list of boundaries. Finally, prioritize what is on these lists from most to least important.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Reading Like A Writer, Episode 29

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:00:39 GMT

SUMMARY:

Have you ever wondered if or how a writer reads differently than a reader? Join us on this episode as we discuss passive versus active reading. What are writers paying attention to when they read as compared to what most readers don’t even notice? Learn how you can use reading as a school for writers.

SHOW NOTES:

What writers say vs. what they do

Reading as a reader (passive reading): characterization, plot, conflict…

Reading as a writer (active reading): style (diction, syntax, tone)

Anthony Doer, All The Light We Cannot See: Wordsmith/prose *excerpt

Barbara Kingsolver, Demon Copperhead: Architect, constructing intricate plots

Liane Moriarty, Apples Never Fall: Ensemble cast, characterization

Taylor Jenkins Reid: Daisy Jones and the Six, journalistic style

Edith Wharton,The Age of Innocence: Omniscient narration *excerpt

Elin Hilderbrand, The Nantucket Hotel: Establishing atmosphere/setting

Jean Meltzer, The Matzo Ball: Creating culture

Infusing what we’ve learned into our craft

SOURCES & LINKS:

Elements of Style, E.B. White & William Strunk Jr.

On Writing, Stephen King

Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott

Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg

DO NOW: Make a list of the authors you love. What is it about them that attracts you? Take a look at a passage from their writing. Highlight examples of what you admire about it.

Take a piece of writing you have written & try a mirror writing exercise. Use elements of the authors’ style you have flagged with your content. Try to get as close to the author's style as you can.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Making Your Live Events Come to Life, Episode 28

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 22:20:19 GMT

Being an author is more than just putting words on a page—it's about bringing your story to life for the world to discover. It's about stepping into the spotlight and sharing your passion with readers far and wide. One of the most thrilling and effective ways to promote your work and connect with your audience is by attending live events. In this episode, we’ll share with you all of your tips for scheduling and preparing live events.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

From Book Writer to Book Keeper: Budgeting Your Author Endeavors, Episode 27

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:10:17 GMT

Authors set out to write a book. They often don’t realize the bookkeeping and budgeting aspect of becoming a published author. In this episode, we’ll talk about establishing a budget, what to regard as high priority vs. low priority and how the publishing path you choose should figure into your budget.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

An Interview with Maggie Smith, Episode 26

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:59:04 GMT

Join us as we chat with award-winning author Maggie Smith, known for her books "Truth and Other Lies" and "Blind Spot." Drawing on her psychology and business background, Maggie crafts stories of resilient women facing extraordinary challenges. She also hosts the "Hear Us Roar" podcast and manages The Write City Magazine. Tune in for insights into her writing and inspirations.

SHOW NOTES:

Bio:

Influenced by her former careers as a psychologist and a business owner, author Maggie Smith pens compelling stories of ordinary women who face extraordinary challenges with grit, brainpower, and strong doses of empathy and humor. She hosts the podcast Hear Us Roar and is managing editor of The Write City Magazine. She is the award-winning author of Truth and Other Lies and Blind Spot.

Book synopsis

How was your experience different/better launching book two vs. book one?

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this book, in the context of your journey as a writer of women's fiction?

Can you give us a glimpse into your writing process? Research process?

Affiliation with the WFWA

Hear Us Roar podcast

The Write City Magazine

SOURCES & LINKS:

Website: www.maggiesmithwriter.com

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

The Obscurity of the Label: Women’s Fiction, Episode 25

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:50:12 GMT

In 2022, Publisher’s Marketplace announced its decision to retire the term “Women’s Fiction” as a genre because they “aim not to presume or define a book’s audience, or categorize books, by gender.” In this episode, we’ll take a look at the effects of their decision, its implications and the status of “Women’s Fiction” as a genre today.

SHOW NOTES:

Women’s Fiction Writers Association definition of Women’s Fiction: “layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey.”

How we define Women’s Fiction as writers

Criticism of “Women’s Fiction”:

“Arbitrary” “Sexist” “Limited” “Perpetuates stereotypes” “Too Broad”

Gender stereotyping

Marginalizing women

The problem with retiring “Women’s Fiction”

Genre Characteristics:

Audience

Issues

Authors

Exceptions:

Men writing women’s fiction

Women writing women’s fiction with male protagonists

Genre Label Confusion/Misconceptions:

Writing Style: Commercial, upmarket, literary

Commercial: plot-driven, fast paced, trope-based

Literary: slowed-pace, character-driven, elevated prose, depth of characterization, layered themes and motifs

Upmarket: contains elements of both

Timeframe: Historical, Contemporary, or a blend

Target Audience: children, YA, adult..

Type: paranormal, dystopian, western, romance…

Where does Women’s Fiction fit?

SOURCES & LINKS:

Women’s Fiction Writers Association

Publishers Marketplace

“Embracing the Women’s Fiction Genre Label” By Orly Konig, the founding president of WFWA

“Genre and Gender: Grappling With the Awkward Question of ‘Women’s’ Fiction,” Writer Unboxed, by Barbara Linn Probst

“What Do We Really Mean By ‘Women’s Fiction’?” Lit Hub, by Rachel Howard

“Genre Guide: Women’s Fiction, Upmarket, Romance, Literary…?” by Lidija Hilje

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

One Year Anniversary: A Year in Review, Episode 024

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 21:20:17 GMT

One year ago, Hope and Donna sought to embark on a journey to bring a writing, publishing, and marketing podcast to writers. The goal was to address the many learning opportunities brought about through their journeys as debut authors. This mission was to teach aspiring writers about everything they learned the hard way to clear a path for success for other writers. Join Hope and Donna as they look back at their first year of podcasting.

SHOWNOTES:

How the seed of starting a podcast sprouted and what needed to be done for it to fully blossom.

First Year Stats

What have we learned?

How do we come up with ideas?

What is our process?

What was your favorite episode?

A Look Ahead?

Feedback??

Creating a Website: Options and Content, Episode 023

Tue, 28 May 2024 21:10:13 GMT

In this episode, we explore the essentials of building a successful author website, covering key elements like design and content, as well as practical tools and tips to enhance your online presence. Tune in to learn how to establish your credibility, connect with readers, and effectively market your books through a professional and engaging website.

SHOWNOTES:

Importance of an Author Website

Domain Name

Design your own website or hire someone?

Author Website

Key Elements of a Successful Author Website

Remember:

Use High-resolution photos

Choose a color scheme and font that you can carry throughout all of your marketing materials–stay on-brand.

Keep it consistent

LINKS & SOURCES:

Hope’s Website: https://www.authorhopegibbs.com

Donna’s Website: https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

Go Daddy

Wordpress

Wix

Best Web Hosting of 2024: Forbes Advisor

Hague Consulting

“Unpublished Writers Websites,” Jane Friedman

“Step-by-step Guide to Build an Author Website” Writer’s Digest

DO NOW:

Google some of your favorite author websites for inspiration.

Think of design ideas that work with your author brand.

Create a domain name.

Weigh the pros and cons of designing a website yourself or should you hire a web designer.

An interview with Leslie Rasmussen, Episode 022

Tue, 14 May 2024 19:00:20 GMT

Leslie A. Rasmussen is the award-winning author of the novel, After Happily Ever After and The Stories We Cannot Tell. She was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from UCLA. She went on to write television comedies for Gerald McRaney, Burt Reynolds, Roseanne Barr, Norm McDonald, Drew Carey, as well as The Wild Thornberrys and Sweet Valley High. After leaving the business to raise her boys, she obtained a master’s degree in nutrition and ran her own business for ten years. Recently, she’s written over twenty essays for Huffington Post, and Maria Shriver, and spoken on panels discussing empowering women in midlife and other women's issues. You can also hear her on NPR talking about her latest book.

Leslie is a member of The Writers Guild of America, as well as Women In Film and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. In her free time, Leslie loves to read, exercise, and hang out with friends. She lives in Southern California and is married and has two sons. Leslie is hard at work on her next novel.

SHOW NOTES:

Can you tell us about your novel?

Can you describe your Writing Process?

What advice do you have for writers?

Can you describe your television writing experience and talk about how similar or different it is to writing a novel?

What are you working on next?

What have you learned the hard way in terms of publishing and writing a book(s)?

LINKS:

Website: https://www.lesliearasmussen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslierauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliearasmussenauthor

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

Editing & Revision: The Advice You Didn’t Know You Needed, Episode 021

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:00:32 GMT

You’ve heard it said that a first draft anyone writes is a story they tell themselves. Seldom, if ever, is the first draft ready for any reader’s eyes, especially not an agent or publisher. So, how do you get a draft ready to be read by anyone besides the writer? This is where editing and revision comes in. This episode addresses various stages and techniques for piecing your manuscript into a cohesive whole.

SHOW NOTES:

“The difference between a published writer and an unpublished one might be their ability to revise.” Courtney Maum

Stages of editing:

Development/Content

Copy/Line edit

Proofreading

Put distance between yourself & your manuscript before beginning the revision process.

Methods of revision:

Notecards

Creating a beat sheet

The Backwards Outline (nod to Jeni Chapelle, editor)

Backwards vs. forward editing/outlining

Storyboarding

Color-coding problem scenes: showing, telling, dialogue (for example)

Nuts and bolts:

Structure (3 or 5)

Word count

Cutting

Crutch words & echoes

Cliches

Passive Voice

Showing vs. telling

Every scene must have a purpose

Working with a Critique Partner:

Develop a list of questions (focusing on problem points)

SOURCES & LINKS:

“Getting it Right: Learning to Revise,” Before and After the Book Deal, Courtney Maum (process and methods, such as writing groups and critique partners)

Save the Cat Writes A Novel, Jessica Brody (structure)

Story Genius and Wired for Story, Lisa Cron (structure and character development)

The Thesaurus Collection by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi (showing vs. telling)

The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression

The Conflict Thesaurus, The Emotional Wound Thesaurus…

Launch Pad: The Countdown to Writing Your Book, Emma Dhesi, Grace Sammon

(finishing touches)

On Writing, Stephen King (2nd half: on making writing concise)

DO NOW:

TRY at least one of the revision methods you learned today; see if that helps your story come together more fluidly.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

An interview with Jill Hannah Anderson, Episode 20

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 18:30:25 GMT

Join us as we interview Jill Hannah Anderson, author of four novels:A Life Unraveled, Crazy Little Town Called Love, and The To-Hell-And-Back Club and, her most recent, Closer to Home released in March. Jill shares her journey to publication, discusses the differences between writing and publishing each of her novels, research and her experience as a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA).

SOURCES & LINKS:

https://jillhannahanderson.com

FB: Jill Hannah Anderson

IG: @jillh.anderson

For complete Show Notes, visit our website

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

Query Basics: How to Attract the Attention of the RIGHT Agents and Publishers, Episode 019

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 19:23:22 GMT

When your manuscript is polished and your beta readers have given you the green light, the next step in the process is the query letter which is essentially a cover letter to agents and publishers in order to land a publishing contract. What should it include and where do you begin? This episode will share our best advice for attracting the right agent and/or publisher for your book.

For Show Notes, Links, Sources and FREE Downloads, please visit our website

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

An Interview with Lainey Cameron, Episode 018

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 19:00:39 GMT

Join us as we interview Lainey Cameron, author of multi award-winning & best selling The Exit Strategy, creator and host of The Best of Women’s Fiction Podcast, book marketing coach, member of WFWA and nomad author exploring the world.

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome

How did you get into the business of writing?

You are so well-traveled, living as a nomad, having been to 50+ countries, yet you say writing is the scariest thing you’ve ever done. Can you speak to that?

In your novel, The Exit Strategy, you write about a character working against all odds in a venture capitalist environment. Why that setting and that topic?

In everything you do, you seek to empower women? How does that drive your business endeavors?

WFWA
WF Marketing Co-op
Podcast
Marketing Coaching

How do you choose where you will travel? Is it based out of pure curiosity or something connected with your writing?

What’s one piece of advice would you give an aspiring author?

What’s next for you?

Sources:

Website: https://www.laineycameron.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lainey_cameron/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laineycameronauthor

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laineycameronauthor

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

Beyond the Launch: Shift Your Marketing Strategies, Episode 017

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 20:00:25 GMT

This episode addresses the importance of book marketing beyond the launch. In it, Hope and Donna will share various methods through diverse platforms to market your book and tips to make them successful.

SHOW NOTES:

Traditional Book Signings

Major retailers
Indie Bookstores

Local Events

Businesses
Organizations
Libraries
Schools
Newspapers and magazines

Collaborations

With other authors
Bloggers
Podcasts (Episode 014)

Book Festivals and Fairs

Use Google and your local newspapers
References from local authors and/or chapters of writer’s organizations
Make a “tickler” list for next year

Book Awards and Recognition

Use Google
Get references from other authors

SOURCES:

American Fiction Awards, Firebird Awards, Literary Global Awards, Chanticleer Awards, BookFest Awards, Best Book Award…

DO NOW:

Make a well-rounded plan. Take your budget into consideration. Download a FREE copy of an EVENT SPREADSHEET. Make a copy of it in your own folder. And start executing your plan.

Character Development: How to Make Your Characters Jump Off the Page

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:00:27 GMT

What is Character Development?

Characters are at the core of every story. This episode dives deep into how to create characters that will jump off the page. From types of characters to creating backstory, conflict and arc, you’ll learn how to create dynamic characters to anchor the plot of your next story.

The 3 Ms of Character Setup by C.S. Lakin

Mindset

Motivation

Mood

“Everything we do is goal directed, and our biggest goal is figuring out everyone else’s agenda, the better to achieve our own.” Lisa Cron

Internal & external goals

Understanding Your Characters

Tips on creating detailed character profiles, including background, personality, and motivations.

Types of Characters

Character Arcs

SOURCES:

Creating Character Arcs Workbook: The Writer's Reference to Exceptional Character Development and Creative Writing (Helping Writers Become Authors) by K.M. Weiland

Writers Helping Writers Series Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi

“Finding the Core of Your Character,” Launch Pad: Countdown to Writing Your Book, Emma Dhesi & Grace Sammon

“What Does your Protagonist Really Want?” & “Digging up Your Protagonist’s Inner Issue,” Wired for Story, Lisa Cron

Story Genius, Lisa Cron

The 3 Ms of Character Setup by C.S. Lakin

https://janefriedman.com/the-3-ms-of-character-setup/

Examples of Character Development – Writer’s Edit

https://writersedit.com/fiction-writing/what-are-some-good-examples-of-character-development-in-literature/

15 Top Character Traits with Definition and Examples by Jennifer Herrity

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/character-traits-definition-and-examples

DO NOW: Download Create A Character Dosser. Start by building your character’s backstory, then choose which features, traits, experiences will be integral to the arc of your character in this story. Identify the 3 M’s.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred https://www.donnanormancarbone.com/

An Interview with Grace Sammon

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:00:21 GMT

SUMMARY:

Join us as we interview Grace Sammon, accomplished author, editor and radio show host. We talk about the many hats she wears in the publishing industry and the lessons she learned the hard way.

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome

What is the one question you think writers should ask themselves when embarking on the writer’s journey?

How does one prepare for the success of a book?

What advice would you give an author about creating a brand and sharing it on social media?

With the many hats you wear, can you offer some advice about time management?

You have mentioned your strategy for throwing “spaghetti against the wall” to see what sticks. What caused you to establish that strategy and how has it worked for you?

Which has been both the most difficult and the most beneficial lesson you learned the hard way?

Your tagline is “When our stories are told, everything changes” what has been the most significant thing that’s changed for you?

Sources:

Website: https://www.gracesammon.net/

Facebook: @gracesammon

Instagram: @gracesammonwrites

The Eves, Launch Pad: Countdown to Writing Your Book, Launch Pad: Countdown to Publishing Your Book, Launch Pad: Countdown to Marketing Your Book

NEXT EPISODE: Character Development: How to Make Your Characters Jump Off the Page

How Can Podcasts Benefit Your Writing Career?

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:00:46 GMT

SUMMARY:

We listen to them, we appear on them, and some of us create them: Podcasts, 2024. How can your writing career benefit from them? In this episode, we’ll explore some of our favorite writing podcasts, how to become a guest on them and a behind-the-scenes look at our own podcast creation journey.

SHOW NOTES:

Some of our favorite podcasts to listen to, as writers:

The Storytellers, host Grace Sammon

TufFish, host Jen Milius

Write the Damn Book Already, host Elizabeth Lyons

The Shit No one Tells You about Writing, hosts Bianca Marais, Carly Watters, CeCe Lyra

The Best of Women’s Fiction, Lainey Cameron & Ashley Hasty

How to become a guest on a podcast?

Follow them if you don’t already

Listen to their episodes to see if their podcast would be a good fit for you and your book

Check their websites for forms or email them (create a query-type email to send)

Write up a list of topics you’d like to cover

Follow their guidelines

Be professional

Promote to highlight not only you and your book but the podcast too

A behind-the-scenes look at our own journey into podcasting:

The inspiration

Brainstorming and establishing a mission

The nuts and bolts of starting a podcast

Establishing roles

Creating content and keeping it fresh

SOURCES:

“11 Simple Rules of Podcast Guest Etiquette” https://double-forte.com/11-simple-rules-of-podcast-guest-etiquette/

Mary Helen Sheriff https://maryhelensheriff.com/marketing/

DO NOW:

Start listening to podcasts. Make a list of the features you enjoy about the various shows. Keep a list of podcasts you’d like to appear on. And, remember to take a nugget or more away from the shows you listen to that will enhance your own writing.

2023 Recap of Top Industry Stories: A Look Back and Forward

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 23:00:19 GMT

Donna and Hope take a look at some of the top industry newsworthy topics of 2023 and make some predictions for the upcoming year. The recap includes Tik Tok fame, cancel culture, book banning, ghostwriting and AI.

SHOW NOTES:

The articles referenced are taken from Lit Hubs “The 10 Biggest Literary Stories of the Year: At Least 2023 is Over Now”

The CoHo Obsession and Tik Tok Fame

Cancel Culture

Colleen Hoover’s coloring book

Elizabeth Gilbert’s novel The Snow Forest postponement

Ron DeSantis and book banning

Reader sensitivities
Trigger Warnings

Ghostwriting

Prince Harry’s Spare
Millie Bobby Brown’s Nineteen Steps: A Novel

2 sides
Creativity
Book Narration

SOURCES:

“The 10 Biggest Literary Stories of the Year: At Least 2023 is Over Now,” LitHub. 23 DEC 23.

https://lithub.com/the-10-biggest-literary-stories-of-the-year-3/

“Get Started with Digital Narration,” https://authors.apple.com/support/4973-get-started-digital-narration

“I tried to guess if Apple audiobooks were narrated by AI or real people. It was harder than you'd think,”

https://www.businessinsider.com/apples-ai-narrated-audiobooks-i-listened-apple-books-ai-narrator-2023-1?amp

Publisher’s Marketplace, https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/

DO NOW:

Keep an eye on the topics that affect you directly. See how they develop over the course of the next year. How do you feel about them? Is there any action you can take to support the issues you are passionate about?

A Realistic Timeline for a Book Launch and a To Do List to Get You There: Episode 012

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 04:00:29 GMT

Whether you’ve signed a publishing contract or are self-publishing, you need a launch plan. From author brand to gaining an audience, to release day and beyond, we’ve tracked our own journeys in order to provide you with a realistic timeline to follow for your own launch.

SHOW NOTES:

Your launch plan might look different based on how you are publishing your book:

Big 5

Small Press

Self-publishing

How to figure out your ducks (To Dos) before you can get them in a row

Three phases of launching:

Before (18-12 month prior to launch)

During (6-1 month before launch)

After (3-6 months after launch)

SOURCES:

Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum

Launch Pad: The Countdown to Marketing Your Book, Mary Helen Sheriff & Grace Sammon, EDs.

Jane Friedman https://janefriedman.com/

David Gaughran https://davidgaughran.com/

We Grow Media, Dan Blank https://wegrowmedia.com/about/

Book Marketing with Mary, Mary Helen Sheriff https://maryhelensheriff.com/marketing/

DO NOW:

Download your free READY TO LAUNCH timeline and get to work!

We are taking a break in December to spend time with family. Yes, writers need a break and we hope you’ll take one too. We’ll be back in January with an added feature to our podcast that we’re excited to unveil, so stay tuned for our first episode of 2024 on January 10th

Reviews: How to get them, when to listen to them and how to let go? Episode 011

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 20:00:21 GMT

When an author/writer writes a book, they invest not just their time and effort but a piece of their soul. Their hearts.They pour their thoughts, emotions, and creativity into the pages, and when that book is finally out in the world, it becomes vulnerable to the opinion of readers. And this is where book reviews come into play. They serve as the bridge between the book and its readers, helping prospective readers decide whether or not a book is worth their time and money. But why are these reviews so crucial?What are book reviews?Why are they important?Are all reviews created equal?

The hierarchy of reviews
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- BookBub
- Kirkus and other industry standards
- Blurbs
- Readers
The pros and cons of reviews

How does an author get reviews?

The old fashioned way: ask, query, create a street team
Look at reviewers of book comps

Book Review Platforms

Suzy Approved Book Tours
Kate Rock Tours

DO NOW:Make a list of comps. Look on Amazon, Goodreads (on the author’s page for each). Read their reviews. Notice who has reviewed their books. Make a list. Take a look at Bookstagrammars pages to notice who reviews books like yours, follow them, add their names to a list. This take a lot of time, but time well spent.Join us for our next episode: Book Launch TimelineAuthors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacredhttps://www.donnanormancarbone.com

Writer’s Block: Is it real? Episode 010

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 22:00:30 GMT

Is writer’s block a real phenomenon? Or is it a story you tell yourself when you aren’t writing?In this episode, we’ll discuss our thoughts and experiences surrounding writer’s block, what others say, and provide you with some tips to keep the words flowing.SHOW NOTES:According the the New York Times article “How to Beat Writer’s Block,” by Maria Konnikova,psychologists deem it a real phenomenon. The term was introduced in the 1940s by a psychiatrist named Edmund Bergler who claims writers are blocked psychologically and need therapy to become unblocked. In the 1970s, two Yale professors Jerome Singer and Michael Barrios did a study that showed anxiety, depression, perfectionism, OCD, and self-doubt were the result of blocks to writing.Not all blocked writers fit into these categories, however.What are some characteristics of Writer’s Block?

feeling unmotivated
feeling uninspired
staring at a blank page
lack of ideas
writing below one’s standards

What are some tips to combat Writer’s Block?

determine the cause if you can
establish a writing routine and stick to it
word sprints
join the NaNoWriMo challenge
assess how you’ve prepared/outlined a work
- it may simply lack planning or be too rigid of a plan
write through the crap & come back to it later to make it shine
refrain from ending a writing session at the end of a scene or chapter
- instead, stop in the middle when you already know where the scene is headed
work with writing prompts to get the juices flowing
brainstorm with a writing group or critique partner
write in a different locale
work on a new project
journal
take a writing break (go for a walk, shop, meet a friend for coffee…)
work with a book coach

SOURCES & LINKS:“How to Beat Writer’s Block,” Maria Konnikova “How to Overcome Writer’s Block: Get Your Groove Back,” Reedsy BlogWriting Down the Bones, Natalie GoldbergJuicy Pens, Thirsty Paper, SarkWrite for Your Life, Anna Quindlenhttps://nanowrimo.org/DO NOW:Make a list of what you could do IF you encounter writer’s block. What are the fixes you will try?Join us for our next episode: Reviews: How to get them, when to listen to them and how to let go?Joins us for our next episode: Reviews: How to get them, when to listen to them and how to let go?Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

Showing vs. Telling: When are they appropriate? Episode 9

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 01:00:25 GMT

You’ve heard the old adage: Show NOT Tell. Is it true? What are the benefits to showing not telling in writing and when it is appropriate to tell? We’ll provide insight into the differences between showing vs. telling and advice regarding when one is most appropriate.SHOW NOTES:Showing- when a writer slows down a scene to provide clues as to action and concrete descriptionTelling- providing exposition by abridging time or details thus providing a summaryExamples of eachWhat matters most to the story?

The benefits of showing
The benefits of telling
Effects of showing vs. telling

LINKS & SOURCES:“Show and Tell: The Key to Engaging Meaningful Storytelling,” Heather Davis, Launch Pad: The Countdown to Writing Your Book, ED. Emma Dhesi and Grace Sammon“Don’t Tell, But Show” and “Be Specific,” Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg“Show Don’t Tell,” Everybody Writes, Ann HandleyDO NOW:Take a piece of writing you’ve done and two highlighters (3-5 pages for this exercise, anywhere in your draft). Highlight where you show with one color and highlight where you tell with the other color. Think about the goals for this scene and what really matters.Is there something you should have shown instead of told? Is there something you should have told instead of shown? Take a look at the balance of both within the scene. How does it affect the pacing?

Plotter or Panster or Something In-between? Episode 8

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 01:00:29 GMT

Have you heard the terms plotter and panster? What about a planster? They refer to the level or lack thereof of planning that goes into storytelling before the story is told. We’ll talk about the characteristics and benefits of each, so that you may determine your organizational style in your approach to writing a novel.SHOW NOTES:Plotter- someone who outlines their work fully before any writing takes placePanster- someone who starts with an idea and begins writing without a planPlanster- a combination of the two: generally one who creates a broad outline, then allows the story to take them where they need to goWhat are the benefits and drawbacks to each?Types of Outlines:

Timeline
Chapter by Chapter
Acts (3-5 acts)
Character Arcs
Character Bios

How do you know which you are? Are you right brained or left brained?LINKS & SOURCES:“Pantser or Plotter? Deciding Which Can Save Your Writing Life” Jane Friedman Blog https://janefriedman.com/panster-or-plotter/“Outlining a Novel for Plotters, Pansters, and Puzzlers Alike,” Lewis Jorstad, Launch Pad: Countdown to Writing Your Book, ED. Emma Dhesi and Grace SammonSave the Cat: Writes a Novel,Jessica Brody“Writing Quiz: Are You a Plotter or a Pantser?” Kate Sullivan https://www.tckpublishing.com/writing-quiz-plotter-or-pantser/DO NOW: Take the quiz. Experiment. You won’t find your groove until you try both methods and somewhere in-between to figure out where you lean. Do what works for you!

Exploring Author Spaces: From Writing Nooks to Creative Havens, Episode 7

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 01:00:12 GMT

Have you ever considered designating a dedicated writing space in your life? Whether it’s a tranquil corner adorned with books and soft lighting, a bustling café fostering an ambiance of creative energy, or a minimalist desk that evokes focus, your environment can affect your creativity and productivity.

SHOW NOTES:

Famous Author’s Writing Spaces

‘A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction,’ Virginia Woolf famously says in A Room of One’s Own.

Roald Dahl’s – writing hut
Stephen King’s – Maine house the Sanctuary of Scares
Charles Dickens – special desk and chair
Edith Wharton – writing in bed
J.D. Salinger - a shed
Virginia Woolf - a room, (then) the OG She-Shed

Writing Spaces:

“writing space” and its significance for writers
How can the physical environment around you influence your writing style and productivity?
Types of writing spaces: home office, dining room table, shed, cloffice
Tips for creating an inspiring work space, regardless of budget
Sensory elements (color, scents, sounds, music)

Different Spaces for the Writing Process and Stages

Tailor your space to the different stages of the writing process (brainstorming, drafting, editing, marketing)
Change the setting – how mixing up your writing spaces can help you overcome writer’s block and stimulate fresh ideas
Benefits of writing in public: A coffee shop. Park. On vacation.
Retreats

Writing in a Digital Age:

Virtual writing spaces, online writing communities. How they can impact your writing by collaborative creativity.
Balancing your writing time with constant distractions from the internet being at your fingertips.

LINKS & SOURCES:

“Where writers write: Virginia Woolf’s writing room,” Charlotte Peacock

https://charlottepeacock.co.uk/2021/01/02/where-writers-write-virginia-woolfs-writing-room/

Donna’s Home Office Pinterest Board https://pin.it/7IA1769

DO NOW: Put together a list of what inspires you—music, favorite colors, books, aromas, authors. Make a mood board of the spaces that speak to you. Decide if you would work best at home, your local coffee shop, or even outdoors.

Remember, your writing space should be a reflection of your unique personality and style that should fuel your imagination and help you craft your novel.

Navigating Social Media: Tips for Writers

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 03:50:11 GMT

In a sea full of social media platforms, how do you choose the right one for you? Once you choose a platform, how do you establish a community? Join us in an overview of the major social media platforms as we reveal our best social media navigation tips. And as a bonus, we’ll address how to maintain a healthy “writing/life” balance while you are juggling social media marketing.SHOW NOTES:The Power of Social Media for Authors and Writers

How has social media has transformed the role of the writer/author?
Benefits of using platforms to build your audience and establish your brand

How do you choose which Social Media Platform is right for you and your brand?

Overview of each (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, TikTok)
Demographics

Building a Social Media Community – It’s not all about followers, it’s about engagement

How do you build a community?
Interacting with followers
Supporting other writers and authors in the community

Content ideas – How to use social media to market you and your book/work?

Content buckets
Varying your posts

Tools (APPS) to Make your Social Media Shine

Canva: Design, Photo & Video
InStories: Reels and Story Maker
Scrl: Photo Collage Maker
RePost: For Posts, Stories

How does one maintain a healthy “writing/life” balance on social media?

Set boundaries (time limits)
Consistently of posts
Take “mental” breaks
Remain professional in a world of trolls and negative comments

SOURCES & LINKS:Launch Pad: Countdown to Marketing Your Book, ED. Mary Helen Sheriff and Grace SammonMary Helen Sheriff, author marketing coach, https://maryhelensheriff.com/marketing/Follow @maryhelensheriff on InstagramWe Grow Media, Dan Blank https://wegrowmedia.com/follow @danblank on InstagramJenn Hanson dePaula @JennBookMarketing on Tik Tok or @mixtusmedia on InstagramShelby Leigh @shelbybookmarketing on Tik Tok or @writers.poets on InstagramJane Friedman https://janefriedman.com/Social Media Today https://www.socialmediatoday.com/Reedsy https://reedsy.com/Hootsuite https://www.hootsuite.com/Canva https://www.canva.comDO NOW:Study the social media platforms you feel are a right fit for you. Choose one or two to start out. Find accounts that you’d like to model your account after. Follow these accounts. Interact with people. Start engaging. Once you feel you are comfortable with one platform, repeat the same process with another.Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

What’s an Author Brand and How Do You Get One?

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 03:50:16 GMT

Have you heard the term “brand”? As an author, you’ll need one. This episode addresses what a brand is, what you need to think about to develop one and steps to take to create an author brand that is unique to you.SHOW NOTES:How is the brand of an author defined?

Aesthetics
Message

Aesthetics: What is the “look” you want to achieve to represent your essence?

Color scheme
Fonts
Logo
Symbols
Headshot

Message: What is the unifying message in your work?

Tagline
Mission Statement
Genre
Unique characteristics
Recurring themes/motifs

AudienceHow do you implement your brand?Look for apps like Canva, Fotor, Adobe, PhotoshopWhere do you implement your brand?SOURCES & LINKS:Launch Pad: Countdown to Marketing Your Book, Grace Sammon & Mary Helen Sheriff“Your Guide to Branding Yourself as an Author,” NY Book Editorshttps://nybookeditors.com/2016/09/guide-branding-author/“Seven Author Branding Tips,” Mark Coker, Publishers Weeklyhttps://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/pw-select/article/78616-seven-author-branding-tips.htmlAuthor Marketing Coach, Mary Helen Sheriff, https://maryhelensheriff.com/marketing/Follow Mary on Instagram @maryhelensheriff We Grow Media, Dan Blank https://wegrowmedia.com/Follow Dan on Instagram @danblank Examples of Instagram Accounts: Look for the consistencies throughout the following feeds.@authorhopegibbs@donnanormancarbone@zibbyowens@bradeighgodfrey@realbethweg@joannamonahanauthor@bestofwomensfiction@pieladybooks@rozierreadsandwineDO NOW: Create a brainstorm list addressing the characteristics above you want to embody as an author and present to your audience. What are common messages in your work? How will you present these visually? Use the (FREE download) Episode 005- Branding Brainstorm.pdf Study the brands of others on social media. Begin creating your brand.Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

You’ve Written a first draft. NOW what?

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 04:00:29 GMT

So, you have a complete first draft of a novel. Congratulations, first of all, you’ve written a novel; that is an accomplishment unto itself. Now what? Is it ready for publication? Probably not yet. This episode addresses next steps after you complete that first draft.SHOW NOTES:You need eyes on your work for unbiased feedback. What are some options?

Writing group
Critique partners
Content editors
Writing coaches

What’s the difference between alpha readers and beta readers? And at what stage do you need them?

Creating a guide for the kinds of feedback you are looking for on your novel: Sample (FREE DOWNLOAD) Alpha/Beta Reader, CP Questions

Where do you find people to review your book?

LINKS:

Critique Circle https://www.critiquecircle.com/Megan Lally’s CP Match https://www.meganlallywrites.com/cpmatchmakerWomen’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) https://www.womensfictionwriters.org/Reedsy https://reedsy.com/write-a-bookFiverr https://www.fiverr.com/categories/writing-translation/book-editing?source=category_tree

DO NOW:Research some of the links we’ve provided. See what is the best fit for you. Create your own list of Desired Feedback. Reach out & share your work.

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

So, You Want to Write a Book? Where & How a Writer Begins

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 04:00:53 GMT

When you want to write a book but don’t know where to begin, there are some exercises you can do to discover what is and what is not in your wheelhouse. Let’s face it, writing a book is a commitment. You need to write a topic that will sustain your interest (and ultimately your readers) for 70K + words. This episode addresses how to get started, from idea to draft.SHOW NOTES:How do you conceive of an idea for a full length book?Take an inventory of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.Pay attention to what it is about them that you enjoy.

Certain kinds of characters or tropes
Genres
POV
Writing style
Endings
Settings

Read what you want to write.What are some craft books that are necessary? Save the Cat Writes A Novel, Jessica BrodyLaunch Pad: The Countdown to Writing Your Book, Emma Dhesi, Grace SammonStory Genius and Wired for Story, Lisa CronThe Thesaurus Collection by Angela Ackerman & Becca PuglisiThe Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character ExpressionThe Conflict Thesaurus, The Emotional Wound Thesaurus…Busy Writer’s Guide, Marcy KennedyWrite the Damn Book, Elizabeth LyonWrite for Your Life, Anna QuindlenBird by Bird, Anne LamottDO NOW: Choose a craft book or two to read & fill out the (FREE DOWNLOAD) Fiction: Inception Checklist to get a sense of the kind of book you want to write. Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

Demystifying the Paths to Publishing

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 04:00:11 GMT

Long before you write the words “THE END”, know the next steps for your book’s future. How does a book get published in 2023? Hope and Donna discuss the various ways in getting your book into the hands of the reading public. From traditional, small press, hybrid and self-publishing, they will share the benefits and the drawbacks of each and will give helpful tips to navigate some of the pitfalls.What are the main ways of getting a book published?a. Traditional – The Big Five (Simon and Schuster, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin, Hachette) and Amazon’s imprints.b. Small Press. Hybrid. SelfHelpful resources to assist you with finding publishers and agents:

Publisher’s Marketplace
Women’s Fiction Writers Association
Query Tracker
Manuscript Wish List
Self Publishing for Dummies

DO NOW: Assess your book goals. What form of publishing works for you? What are your next-steps in securing that goal?

If traditional or small press, make lists of possible agents. Follow trends on Publisher’s Marketplace.
If Hybrid, begin vetting publishers, finding the right fit for you and your budget. Possibly looking into crowd sourcing.
If self, finding editors and designers you can hire to get your book to the marketplace in tip top shape.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Query Template https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Sduu0mfipI3l7t3eSY0PGEoZu5Kqboj8pawKusC1TZ4/edit?usp=sharing

DO NOW:Explore the links below, especially the Manuscript Wish List. Take a look at boutique/small publishing houses and hybrid. Do some research on self-publishing

LINKS:

Publisher’s Marketplace https://www.publishersmarketplace.comWomen’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) https://www.womensfictionwriters.org/Query Tracker https://querytracker.netManuscript Wish List https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com

Writing C(urriculum) V(itae): What makes you an author?

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 04:00:26 GMT

How do you know when you’re an author? What’s the difference between a writer and an author? Hope and Donna discuss their paths to becoming authors and what makes them experts in addressing the many steps and skills necessary from being a writer to becoming published.

Writer life
The jump from writer life to publication
Author acronym soup
- WIP
- MS
- MC
- CP
- Alpha/beta readers
Our expertise on what we learned the hard way, so you don’t have to

DO NOW:: Assess where you are as a writer and determine what your goals are. Begin by writing something you truly believe in, then find critique partners, a writing group to give you feedback.LINKS:NaNoWriMo https://www.nanowrimo.orgCritique Circle https://www.critiquecircle.com/Megan Lally’s CP Match https://www.meganlallywrites.com/cpmatchmakerQuery Mastery Class/ NY Book Editors https://nybookeditors.com/Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) https://www.womensfictionwriters.org/