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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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??