WriterSpark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing

Episode 41   In this episode, Melissa talks with Michael Griffo, who also writes at JD Griffo and Michael Falco. The topic is All About Agents: Do you need them? What to look for... But it ended up being so much more. Enjoy!   Resources mentioned in this episode:   Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: Michael Griffo's Website: https://michaelgriffo.com/ Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com WriterSpark Book Cover Design: https://writersparkbookcovers.com/ Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/ Michael Falco's books: https://michaelgriffo.com/michael-griffo-books/ Melissa Bourbon's books: https://melissabourbon.com/bookshelf/ Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/ Deep Point of View:          Podcast: https://writersparkacademy.podbean.com/e/going-into-deep-point-of-view-by-adding-thought-emotion-action-and-decision-in-your-writing/              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfI59DkiLUk&t=56s   ✨ Check out the Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery Online course:  ✨ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/how-to-write-a-cozy-mystery-master-class ✨   ✨ Check out the Ready, Set, WRITE! Online course to dig deeper into writing techniques:  ✨ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com ✨   ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Additional Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/     ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Episode 35   Marjory McCown Final Cut Signed Copy Giveaway! If you’d like to enter for a chance to win, go HERE: https://forms.gle/8PkJnGUYtRqZQfu97   How do you use your real-life as an influence in your writing? Marjorie McCown did just that in her book, Final Cut. She was a costume designer in Hollywood for 30 years and she used experiences from her own life in her book as she created the fictional world of her protagonist, costume designer Joey Jessop.   If you’ve wondered how to incorporate part of your real-life career in your book, listen to this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast.   Learn more about how to write a cozy mystery with WriterSpark's self-paced online course ➤https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy   Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/   A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery Online Course (https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy) Melissa Bourbon and Winnie Archer Books (https://melissabourbon.com) Marjorie McCown’s Final Cut  Marjorie McCown’s Website    ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨   Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy

Episode 46   Story structure is at the heart of storytelling. Many writers use the Hero's Journey, the Three-Act Structure, the Snowflake Method, or Save the Cat, but there is another way to write a novel; Unlock your creativity with process writing and you'll harness amazing benefits. In this episode, Boo Trundle and I talk about process writing, its benefits, and ways to tap into your creativity.    Links for this Episode   Buy the Book The Daughter Ship https://www.bootrundle.com/   Cut Ups (new novel) https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyTlbHCLT2D/?igsh=MXZzajd4MzI5MWlkOA== Art Boo made while working on The Daughter Ship https://www.instagram.com/p/CvHqBzBO0nb/?igsh=bDExMnAybzdjc2tx   Chakra outline (connected to clairvoyant healing) https://youtu.be/TI6qr_QGPjY?si=Bx3sccL8qI7a50ka   Index cards in the dining room https://youtu.be/TI6qr_QGPjY?si=Bx3sccL8qI7a50ka   _____   Learn more about WriterSpark Book Cover Design ➤ https://writersparkbookcovers.com/   Check out WriterSpark’s self-paced, online courses ➤  https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/   Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/   ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨   Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share      

Episode 45   Get a glimpse behind the publishing curtain from Shawn Reilly Simmons, co-founder of Level Best Books, a woman-owned and -operated boutique publisher. Whether you are a published or aspiring author, whether you are indie, traditional, or hybrid (published or not), learn from an expert in the industry.   Learn more about Level Best Books ➤ https://www.levelbestbooks.us/   Learn more about Shawn Rielly Simmons ➤  https://www.shawnreillysimmons.com/   Learn more about WriterSpark Book Cover Design ➤ https://writersparkbookcovers.com/   Check out WriterSpark’s self-paced, online courses➤  https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/   Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/   ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨   Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share

Episode 44   Every author has two jobs, one as an author, and the other as a marketer. It's a necessary part of the writing life if you are in it to earn money. Nicolette Lemmon is an industry expert with experience in marketing. This episode taps into marketing fundamentals to help writers succeed in this part of the writing process.   Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this Episode:   The Author’s Marketing Playbook   Newsletter Ninja   Diane Kelly’s Paw Enforcement Series    The Magical Dressmaking Mystery Series   Wisconsin Quilt Show   Visit Nicolette Lemmon’s Website   Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com WriterSpark Book Cover Design: https://writersparkbookcovers.com/ Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com          ✨ What's Your Story: Writing Your Memoir self-paced course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable   ✨ Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/https://writersparkacademy.com/newsletter-signup/)   Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!     Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com    ✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨   *Some links may be affiliate links        

Episode 43   We can all use a little MAGIC in our writing lives. In this case, I'm talking about the MAGIC from "Organisational Consultant and workplace mediator Sharon Darmody". In our conversation, we talked about how to apply her MAGIC framework to the writing life.   Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:   * Work Your Magic* https://www.amazon.com.au/Work-Your-Magic-Business-Community/dp/1647425336 * Sharon Darmody's Website: https://www.sharondarmody.com/ *Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com * Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com * WriterSpark Book Cover Design: https://writersparkbookcovers.com/ * Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com * Melissa Bourbon's books: https://melissabourbon.com/bookshelf/                ✨ What's Your Story: Writing Your Memoir self-paced course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/https://writersparkacademy.com/newsletter-signup/)   Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!     Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com    ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨    

Episode 42   In this episode, Melissa talks with Lynne Golodner, author of Woman of Valor and prolific creative nonfiction writer, about mining your life for stories. This is such a great topic and applicable to people who write (or want to write) memoirs, creative nonfiction, and fiction.   Enjoy!   Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: Woman of Valor: https://amzn.to/3Ss64Tr Lynne Golodner's Website: https://lynnegolodner.com/ Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com WriterSpark Book Cover Design: https://writersparkbookcovers.com/ Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/ Melissa Bourbon's books: https://melissabourbon.com/bookshelf/              ✨ What's Your Story: Writing Your Memoir self-paced course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/writing-your-memoir-master-class   ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Additional Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/     ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Episode 40   Every writer needs an editor, but do you know why and what they do for you? Do you know what editors do and what different types of edits mean? Developmental. Substantive. Line. Copy. They each have their own purposes. As well as being an author, writing coach and instructor, and cover art designer, I am also a freelance editor. Today I'm talking with Donalee Moulton, who is also an author and freelance editor. This episode is chock full of great information. Enjoy! ✨ Check out the Ready, Set, WRITE! Online course to dig deeper into writing techniques:  ✨ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com ✨   ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: Donalee Moulton's Website: https://donaleemoulton.com/ Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/ Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Additional Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/     ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Episode 39   Every writer gets stuck now and then. It's part of the journey. Getting stuck doesn't mean you need to stop, though, and it isn't just about pushing through. I have 8 strategies to help get you past 'Writer's Block' so you can move forward with your writing.    (Read along on the WriterSpark blog)   ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: Silent Obsession Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com Learn about WriterSpark Courses: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/ Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Additional Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/     ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Episode 38   National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is HERE, and writers all over have jumped into this exciting challenge. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a seasoned writer, National Novel Writing Month may be just the special (not-so-secret) sauce you need to get motivated. If you are taking this writing challenge, you're in for a whirlwind of creativity, inspiration, and, yes, probably a little bit (or maybe even a lot) of madness. I have tips to help you CRUSH NaNoWriMo.    (Read along on the WriterSpark blog)   ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: Cinder Night Circus Calculating Stars  Fangirl  A little Something Different  Absolutely Remarkable Thing  Modern Girl  First Grave to the Right  With the Fire on High  Water for Elephants  The Wedding Date Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/ Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Additional Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/     ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨    

Episode 37   George Cramer spent years as a PI and Police Officer (turned writer), and many hours interviewing (not interrogating!) victims, suspects, and witnesses during investigations. Join me for this interesting conversation with George where he shares anecdotes, techniques, and tips for fiction writers.   ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: George Cramer's Website: https://gdcramer.com/ Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/ Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Additional Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/     ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Episode 36 Join me for a captivating podcast interview with Eryk Pruitt, the author of Something Bad Wrong, a gripping novel inspired by an unsolved true crime case from the 1970s in North Carolina. We talked about the fusion of fact and fiction in this great interview. Get ready for an insightful and intriguing conversation! 📖🕵️‍♂️   Learn more about WriterSpark's Writing a Novel Online Course ➤https://bit.ly/How-To-Write-A-Novel-Course   A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: The Long Dance Podcast: https://longdance.libsyn.com/ Yonder Bar: https://yonderbarnc.com/ Something Bad Wrong: https://amzn.to/46wZKP3 Dirtbags: https://amzn.to/3ZWAcbA Blood Red Summer: https://amzn.to/403zqtC Dark Yonder 1: https://amzn.to/3PZEgTQ Dark Yonder 2: https://amzn.to/3ZWAxLo Dark Yonder 3: https://amzn.to/46S7riO Bare-Naked Lola: https://amzn.to/3PVh6yc 
 Crust No One: https://amzn.to/48Rc7XV Flour in the Attic: https://amzn.to/3M13EaK Visit Eryk Pruitt's Website: http://www.erykpruitt.com/ Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/ Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Additional Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/     ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨    

Episode 34   If you've ever thought about writing a cozy mystery, this WriterSpark Podcast episode is for you! The mystery genre is huge, and cozy mysteries are a pretty special part of it. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 reasons to read and write cozy mysteries. What makes them so popular? Listen to find out!   Learn more about how to write a cozy mystery with WriterSpark's self-paced online course ➤https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy   Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/   A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery Online Course (https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy) Melissa Bourbon and Winnie Archer Books (https://melissabourbon.com)   ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨   Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy

Episode 33   Have you ever wondered what audiobook production and narration entails for an author? If you haven't, this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast is for you! Audiobooks can be a huge asset to an author's bottom line. There is a lot to learn, and that's what we're talking about in today with author and audiobook narrator Mary Castillo. She has great tips and resources about the audiobook arm of the publishing industry.   A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Ready, Set, WRITE! (How to write a novel course) (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/30-day-intensive-in-fiction-writing) Mary Castillo's Books (https://marycastillo.com/books-by-mary-castillo/) Audacity Free Open Source Software (https://www.audacityteam.org/) RX7 Software (https://getintopc.com/softwares/audio-processing/izotope-rx-7-audio-editor-advanced-vst-free-download-1356257/) Canva (http://canva.com) Listen to Mary's Voice Samples: https://marycastillo.com/audiobooks/audiobook-narrator/ Silent Echoes & Silent Obsession  (https://amzn.to/45OHWOB) Living the Vida Lola (https://amzn.to/47AbIIL) Murder in Devil's Cove (Book Magic #1-https://amzn.to/45M0S0z) Suggested reading:   On the Mic by Nic Redman (https://amzn.to/3syMFWB)   Audiobook Recording: A Beginner's Guide to Producing Audiobooks using Audacity (https://amzn.to/45v1oQH)     ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨   Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Visit Mary's website: http://marycastillo.com Visit Mary's Voice Website: http://marycastillvo.com Mary's Social Media: www.marycastillovo.com IG @marycastillovoiceover Tiktok @marycastillovoice Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marycastillo Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy    

Episode 32   Books. Movies. TV shows. Most of them are structured using at least some, if not all, of the elements of The Hero's Journey. That includes Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the Netflix original South Korean show.   This is one of my favorite things to watch on television. It's smart, heartwarming, poignant, interesting, romantic, and I love it! From the ratings and success, I'm definitely not the only one who thinks so.   This episode is a quick breakdown of The Hero's Journey using episode one of Extraordinary Attorney Woo.   As always, thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   The Hero's Journey Mini Course (Just $9.99) (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/the-hero-s-journey-mini-course) Extraordinary Attorney Woo (https://www.netflix.com/title/81518991)   Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   ✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨   Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy

Episode 31   Whether you call it writer's block or simply getting stuck, the feeling of not being able to keep writing is very real. Certain strategies and tactics can help you get past the wall that sometimes appears and interferes with your forward progress.    Today I'm in conversation with author Anne Louise Bannon, author of the Operation Quickline, the Old Los Angeles series and the brand new Running from Boston techno-thriller. Anne offers several strategies to help work past that sense of writer's block to keep you moving forward with your writing.    Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!   A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Ready, Set, WRITE! (How to write a novel course) (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/30-day-intensive-in-fiction-writing) Anne Louise Bannon's Books on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3Y2r4kZ) Scrivener(https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview) Aeon Timeline (https://timeline.app/)     Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)   ✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨   Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Visit Anne’s Website: https://annelouisebannon.com/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy  

Episode 30   Everyone has a story to tell. Robin Schepper turned her story and the search for her biological father into her book: Finding My Way, A Memoir of Family, Identity, & Political Ambition. In this episode, we talk about writing a memoir with tips and processes to tell your story. We talk about Robin's writing process, delving into the past, developing themes in a braided memoir, her memoir-writing tips, and more.   If the thought of writing a memoir intrigues you, you will find this episode so inspiring!   A QUICK LOOK AT MOVIES, BOOKS, and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   What’s Your Story, a Memoir-Writing course (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/writing-your-memoir-master-class) Finding My Way: A Memoir of Family, Identity, & Political Ambition (https://amzn.to/3Y2r4kZ) Gone with the Wind (https://amzn.to/3Dg50JU)   Please like and follow this podcast, and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter at https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/   ✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨   Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Visit Robin’s Website: https://robinfschepperauthor.com/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy

Episode 29   In this craft topic episode, I'm talking about different ways to begin your book, scene, or chapter: 'In media res' or with a wide-lens view.  Have you ever thought about the opening scenes of movies? If you pay attention, you will start to notice how they often begin with a sort of wide-angle view of the world in which the story takes place.   A QUICK LOOK AT MOVIES, BOOKS, and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Star Wars, Episode  IV Flour in the Attic (https://amzn.to/3pQZxpN) Ender's Game (https://amzn.to/46W3P02) Murder in Devil's Cove (Pippin Lane Hawthorne) (https://amzn.to/3raRg0q) Pleating for Mercy (Harlow Cassidy/Magical Dressmaking Mysteries) (https://bit.ly/MagicalDressmakingMysteries) Kneaded to Death (https://amzn.to/3tQCLNE) Gone with the Wind (https://amzn.to/3Dg50JU) Ready, Set, WRITE! Self-paced writing course (https://bit.ly/ReadySetWRITE)   Please like and follow this podcast, and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter at https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/   ✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨   Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy

Episode 28   Seeing things from a new perspective can really give you a new way of seeing and internalizing things. That’s how I felt after reading Bill Birchard’s new book Writing for Impact: 8 Secrets from Science to Fire Up Your Readers’ Brain.   This book really hit home for me on so many levels. There are a ton of craft books out there, but this one is different. It’s science-based, for one, and it gives a new vernacular and a new understanding of what most writers already do.   The fundamental principle is to fulfill the desires hard-wired into the human brain. There are 8 of them, and that is what Writing for Impact is all about…and it’s what we’re talking about today.   DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: 8 Secrets to Fire Up Readers' Brain Keep it simple Keep it specific Keep it surprising Keep it stirring Keep it seductive Keep it smart Keep it social Keep it story-driven Anatomy of comprehension: The brain processes meaning and reward Ready, Set, WRITE! self-paced writing course What happens in the brain while reading and writing   ✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨   A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Writing for Impact, by Bill Birchard (https://amzn.to/3rt0PIg) Ready, Set, WRITE! Self-paced writing course (https://bit.ly/ReadySetWRITE) Book Magic Mysteries (Pippin Lane Hawthorne) (https://amzn.to/3raRg0q) Harlow Cassidy/Magical Dressmaking Mysteries (https://bit.ly/MagicalDressmakingMysteries)   Please like and follow this podcast, and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter at https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/   Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/ Visit Bill Birchard's Website: https://billbirchard.com/ Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy   Learn more about our self-paced online courses at: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/  

Episode 27   Love it or hate it, revision is an essential part of the writing process. Today, I'm sharing my four steps for revising your manuscript like a boss! After 32 books, I've distilled how I revise into this process. Wherever you stand on the revision, I hope today's episode gives you something to add to your process.    DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: Big Magic when you're writing Four steps for revising your manuscript   ✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨   A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert (https://amzn.to/3NZ3pys) Book Magic series (https://amzn.to/3raRg0q) Living the Vida Lola (https://amzn.to/3NJqioi) Dialogue Mini Course FREE Quick Guide for Writing Dialogue       Connect with Melissa: ▸ Online | http://melissabourbon.com ▸ WriterSpark | http://writersparkacademy.com ▸ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/writer_spark/ ▸ Dialogue Mini Course | https://bit.ly/WSDialogueCourse ▸ FREE Quick Guide to Writing Dialogue | https://writersparkacademy.podbean.com/e/revise-your-manuscript-like-a-boss/     ▸  All The WriterSpark Podcasts (https://writersparkacademy.com/blog/writerspark-podcast/)   ▸ Learn more about our self-paced online courses ( https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/)   Just a quick note to say that this post includes affiliate links. That means if you click the link to purchase the product listed, I may receive a commission for sharing this with you, but it won't cost you more.