The Writing Podcast

As a writer, you understand the effort needed to transform raw ideas into polished words. Feedback from beta readers, book coaches, or developmental editors can show that a seemingly complete work requires significant revisions. In today's episode, Lisa Tener, an acclaimed book writing and publishing expert, shares her experiences and insights on navigating feedback to bring your manuscript to fruition. Great Moments in the Episode 2:29 – 6:30 Introduction to Lisa’s new book, Breathe Write Breathe, and how to focus your energy when you start writing. 6:31 - 10:21 How to integrate videos into your book using QR codes. 10:22 – 12:09 Tips for producing videos for your book. 12:10 – 15:48 How to deal with feedback that demands deleting entire passages and rewriting. 15:50 – 17:15 Why you need a book editor who champions for you early on in the book process. 17:19 – 18:09 What an editor looks like who is a “champion” of your work. 18:10 – 19:35 Tips for beta readers and the four questions you should ask them to help them provide valuable feedback. 19:39 – 20:47 How to find trustworthy beta readers. 20:48 – 25:10 Why you also need a ruthless developmental editor, and what that type of editor looks like. 25:27 – 27:41 Why you also need a line editor who helps you finesse your work, including looking at word choice, jargon, and connections between ideas. 27:48 – 32:08 Signals that an editor isn’t a good fit. 32:10 – 34:36 How to use discernment when evaluating feedback from readers and editors. 34:37 – 36:51 How to put yourself in the shoes of your reader when revising your work. 36:52 – 41:21 How to determine if you should self-publish or pursue traditional publishing. 41:22 – 42:50 Examples of when you should traditionally publish, even though there are many benefits to self-publishing. 42:52 – 45:45 How to know when your manuscript is ready to pitch a publisher and/or literary agent. Words of the Episode fecund (adj): producing or capable of producing an abundance of new growth; fertile. apotheosis (noun): the highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax. Connect with Lisa Join Lisa's launch party on June 12 at noon for prizes, a fun writing exercise, and special guests! You can check out her launch party and book here: https://www.lisatener.com/breathe/ Lisa's website: https://www.lisatener.com/ What to Do with a Messy Manuscript: https://www.lisatener.com/2024/03/what-to-do-with-a-messy-manuscript-revision/ Tips for Recording Video and Audio: https://www.lisatener.com/2024/04/tips-for-recording-video-and-audio/ Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/journeysixty6/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub

Writing a memoir likely will dredge up some difficult memories. For some writers, the pain of these memories might slow down the process of writing, like it did for Cheryl Landes, author of The Best I Can Do. It took Cheryl nearly two decades to complete her memoir. In this episode, Cheryl offers advice for structuring a memoir after years of being stuck. She also shares strategies for relieving tension and writing complex characters that the reader will cheer for. Great Moments in the Episode 4:57 – 9:37 How painful memories lead to procrastination, and how to push through. 10:05 – 13:30 Creating a scene list to develop a structure for a memoir. 12:40 – 14:44 Identifying scenes that capture a reader’s imagination. 14:45 – 16:18 How to write a memoir in which readers will root for the protagonist (you). 16:47 – 18:22 Creating an invisible character in a memoir to create tension. 18:25 – 19:58 How simple scenes can become pivotal, profound scenes. 21:05 – 23:58 How to provide relief in an emotionally heavy memoir. 23:59 – 25:33 How to weave in flashbacks in a memoir. 25:34 – 28:18 How to honestly portray characters in your memoir without villainizing them. 28:19 – 30:33 How writing a book can change you and your perspective on the world. 30:34 – 34:09 Advice for writers who are stuck in the memoir writing process. Words of the Episode dolce far niente: (n) The 'sweetness of doing nothing'; pleasant relaxation in carefree idleness inure: (v) to become accustom to something, especially something unpleasant. Connect with Cheryl Website: https://tabbycatco.com/about-cheryl-technical-writer/ Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/journeysixty6/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub

The book publishing journey doesn’t always start with writing the book. It often starts with a book proposal, especially if you want to pursue traditional publishing. But how do you get a book proposal in the hands of a publishing house? You might need a literary agent. Octavia Goredema, author of PREP, PUSH, PIVOT: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women talks about how she landed a literary agent and secured a book deal with Wiley. She also shares how to authentically grow your influence and create partnerships, like she did with the Harvard Business Review. Great Moments in the Episode 8:42 – 10:12 How to grow your influence through consistent online writing. 10:30 – 12:01 How to attract partnership opportunities through your blogging. 12:25 – 14:24 How to get published in the Harvard Business Review. 14:55 – 18:19 How to balance writing a book while building a coaching business. 18:25 – 19:55 How to find your natural writing rhythm to optimize your productivity. 20:27 – 22:39 The benefits of traditional publishing and how to find a literary agent to help you land a book deal. 24:23 – 25:55 What the terms and financials look like working with a literary agent. 26:26 – 28:32 The true value of literary agents. 29:00 – 31:55 The importance of platform in pitching a book. 32:39 – 34:09 Two most effective strategies for launching a book. 34:24 – 36:41 Why you should embrace uncomfortable publicity opportunities. 37:00 – 38:04 Difference between blogging and social media and how to overcome your weaknesses in social media. 38:10 – 41:19 The value of hiring experts to help you so you can play to your strengths. Words of the Episode hirsute (adj): having or covered with hair. rematriating (n): refers to the process of returning to, reclaiming, or revitalizing Indigenous knowledge, practices, lands, and cultures, often led by Indigenous women. Connect with Octavia Website: https://www.octaviagoredema.com/ How to Change Careers with Octavia Goredema: https://www.audible.com/pd/How-to-Change-Careers-Audiobook/B0C5F4L45L PREP, PUSH, PIVOT: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women: https://www.amazon.com/Prep-Push-Pivot-Strategies-Underrepresented/dp/1119789079/ Fire Memos - a new app that empowers you to record and recognize your work accomplishments with AI powered career coaching: https://firememos.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/octaviagoredema/ Instagram: @octaviagoredema Pinterest: pinterest.com/octaviagoredema/ Twitter: @octaviagoredema Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/journeysixty6/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub

One of the most memorable days for an author—especially a first-time author—is their book launch party. It’s a celebration of the hours, days, months—maybe even years—you’ve devoted to writing your book. A book launch event, however, is more than a party. It’s a strategic move where your word-of-mouth marketing begins. So just as with your book, it's worth putting effort into its planning and execution. And it also means getting creative. In this episode, Virginia Frischkorn, the founder and CEO of Partytrick, offers insights on hosting successful book launch events. Great Moments in the Episode 4:50 – 6:20 Tips for not overthinking a book launch event. 6:28 - 7:38 How to prepare your guests for the book launch event to increase attendance. 7:40 - 9:29 The difference between in-person and online events, and how to prepare for both. 9:30 – 10:57 Introducing elements of surprise to your book launch event. 11:00 – 13:07 How to get people excited to promote your book at a book launch event. 13:09 – 14:59 How to successfully use book clubs to create conversation around your book. 14:45 – 17:30 The ins-and-outs of getting people to in-person events, and the danger of bookstore events. 17:31 – 18:24 The benefits of cross-promotional partnerships. 18:25 – 19:43 Why you should do in-person and online events. 20:35 – 23:22 What a broadcast channel is and how to use it to promote your book. 23:25 – 24:37 How to think of social media in terms of your book launch. 24:40 – 27:13 Advice for authors who struggle being in the spotlight. 27:15 – 31:59 Creative content ideas for book launch events. 32:10 – 36:14 Going back to the three basics of planning an event. Connect with Virginia Her Business, Partytrick: https://www.partytrick.com/about Her Blog: https://www.partytrick.com/blog The Power of Moments: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Moments-Certain-Experiences-Extraordinary/dp/1501147765 Words of the Episode untrammeled: (adj) not deprived of freedom of action or expression; not restricted or hampered. wanton: (adj) deliberate and unprovoked. Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/journeysixty6/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub

There’s a story behind every successful family business and enterprise. Some families will write a book. But some families might find a documentary is the best way to capture the family story. In this episode, Dave and Melissa will help you explore why a documentary might be a better vehicle than a book. They also offer 7 tips on how to create a compelling documentary that best tells your family’s story. Great Moments in the Episode 5:15 – 8:35 The limits of a book for capturing your family history. 9:05 – 11:45 Tip 1: Start with preliminary comprehensive research. 11:44 – 13:55 What a “through line” is in a documentary. 17:00 – 18:25 Tip 2: Start with a script. 18:30 – 20:02 The script as a plan for shoot day. 20:05 – 23:36 Tips for writing a script, including scenes where something is at stake. 23:37 – 24:00 Danger or relying on post-production editing without a script. 24:20 – 27:30 Tip 3: Building trust with your interviewees. 27:46 – 30:14 Tip 4: The first take is often the best. 30:15 – 31:10 The problem with teleprompters. 31:15 – 34:02 Tip 5: You can never have enough b-roll. 34:42 – 36:30 Tip 6: Know when you need a partner. 36:40 – 39:30 Tip 7: Create a book to complement your video. 39:35 - 41:45 Why invest in a family history documentary. Words of the Episode bauble (n): a small, decorative sphere hung from a Christmas tree. tippet (n): in fly fishing, the end section of a tapered leader, the part that attaches to the fly. Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub https://www.facebook.com/journeysixty6 https://www.linkedin.com/company/journeysixty6/

You have a great idea and you’ve written a terrific book, but that’s only the first step in the book writing journey. How do you sell the book and use it to extend your thought-leadership platform and your business? Ryan Frederick, author of “Right Place, Right Time: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Home for the Second Half of Life,” shares how he leveraged his book after its publication. He provides insights into the development of an online assessment, workshops, and courses. More importantly, Ryan discusses the importance of keeping your idea relevant in the minds of your target audience. Great Moments in the Episode 3:06 Learn about Ryan’s business. 5:23 How Ryan came to the ‘why’ of his book. 7:57 How Ryan found his ideal audience. 9:53 How Ryan structured his book to engage readers. 14:25 How Ryan used his book to extend his platform. 18:21 Differences between workshops and courses. 21:26 How to market courses. 25:27 Fitting your book idea into a cultural conversation. 27:36 Ryan’s publication journey. 33:22 Book marketing and how to reach your audience. 37:33: What Ryan learned from working with a PR firm. 39:22 What does success look like to you? 42:47 Ryan’s final words—make sure your work is substantive Words of the Episode Gloaming: a literary term synonymous with twilight and dusk, the darker part of twilight. Chiaroscuro: the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting. Find Ryan Check out Ryan’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Right-Place-Time-Ultimate-Choosing/dp/1421442302 Check out Ryan’s Assessment: https://www.here.life/assessment Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub https://www.facebook.com/journeysixty6 https://www.linkedin.com/company/journeysixty6/

In this episode, Dave and Melissa are back together to tackle a pressing question: What's the optimal format for your ideas? Is it really a book? Or are there alternatives that are a better fit for you? Our world is ripe with content formats for you to package your ideas, from videos, blog posts, podcasts to eBooks, and even paid subscription newsletters. There are so many options. The key is choosing the right format. By the end, we hope you discover the best format for your ideas. Great Moments in the Episode 9:59 – 14:25 What has changed in podcasting since its early days and strategies for differentiating. 19:06 – 25:17 Questions to ask to determine if you should write a book. 25:18 – 27:10 Substack as a format for your content. 27:11 – 30:20 Podcasting as a format for your content. 30:21 – 34:52 Short-form video as a format for your content. 34:53 – 36:24 Long-form video as a format for your content. 36:25 – 37:59 eBook as a format for your content. 38.00 – 39:24 Online courses as a format for your content. 39:26 – 40:42 Audiobook as a format for your content. 41:30 – 43:01 Telling your family story through letters. 43:03 – 45:13 Curating your family story through audio/video interviews. 45:15 – 46:53 Telling your family story through an image driven book. Words of the Episode Orotund (adj): a formal word used as a synonym of sonorous to describe something—usually a voice—marked by fullness, strength, and clarity of sound. It can also be used disapprovingly to mean "pompous" or "bombastic." Sedulously (adj): carefully and with a lot of effort and determination. Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub https://www.facebook.com/journeysixty6 https://www.linkedin.com/company/journeysixty6/

You want a traditional book deal? First you need a stand-out book proposal. But for many first-time authors, creating a book proposal is a mystery. What do you include? What don’t you include? What are agents really looking for? In this episode author and book proposal coach Lisa Tener provides insider knowledge of what it takes to create a proposal that catches the eye of a literary agent and a publisher. Great Moments in the Episode 6:50 – 8:16 The number one thing publishers and literary agents look for in a book proposal. 8:18 – 10:19 Lisa answers the question: What size platform do agents and publishers look for? 10:20 – 12:18 What to do when an agent likes your idea but you do not have a platform. 12:19 – 13:49 How to grow a basic platform. 13:50 – 16:01 Help for developing your book idea when it needs to be differentiated. 16:03 – 16:36 Signs your book is based on a crummy idea. 17:37 – 18:52 When you should pursue an independent publisher instead of a traditional publisher. 18:53 – 19:52 Signs your idea is suited for an article and not a book. 19:54 – 21:15 How to differentiate your book from comps. 21:16 – 22:15 How many comps and what types of comps to include in your book proposal. 22:16 – 25:54 How much of your book should be completed when you submit your proposal. 25:55 – 28:18 How much time a writer should devote to a book proposal. 28:20 – 30:23 Reasons why your literary agent might accept your book but a publisher won’t. 30:25 – 32:05 How your publishing on external digital platforms influences literary agents and publishing boards. 32:06 – 35:01 Missteps when writing a book proposal. 35:53 – 37:21 Managing expectations for first-time authors pitching a book. Words of the Episode ephemeron (n): an insect that lives only for a day or a few days. lissome (adj): thin, supple, and graceful. Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub https://www.facebook.com/journeysixty6 https://www.linkedin.com/company/journeysixty6/ Check Out Lisa Lisa’s Website: https://www.lisatener.com/ Lisa’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Writing-Journal-Creativity-Minutes-dp-195581127X/dp/195581127X

Our interview with Josh Rutherford, author of The Fourpointe Chronicles, provides aspiring fantasy novelists valuable insights on how to create a believable fantasy world, how to develop characters over a series of books, and how to apply screenwriting techniques to novel writing. Josh also encourages new writers to get started, even when you don’t have it all figured out, and to find the right type of feedback during the writing journey. You won’t want to miss this episode. Great Moments in the Episode 00:00 - 06:12 About Josh and his books. 06:12 – 07:34 How to balance point of view in fiction writing. 07:36 – 09:35 How to build a convincing fantasy world through character development. 09:36 – 11:47 Why you don’t need everything figured out to get started. 13:13 –15:02 When you’re lost in the middle, the value of cutting, and what to do with the cut material. 15:03 – 16:37 The wisdom of “Start late, end early” and how the principle creates suspense. 16:38 – 20:21 Principles of screenwriting applied to novel writing, specifically the importance of creating a sensory experience for the reader. 20:22 – 22:44 How to develop characters in a series, and the importance of not rushing character development. 22:45 – 24:49 How to get into a character’s head when you don’t have much in common with the character 25:20 – 27:23 Finding opportunities to write when writing isn’t your full-time job, and the power of forgiving yourself when you don’t show up. 27:53 – 29:59 How to find the right person to review your work, how to seek the right feedback, and how you use feedback in the revision process. 30:-00 - 35.05 The benefits of self-publishing your fiction, the power of beta reviews in promoting your book, and how to use Amazon ads. Words of the Episodes macabre (adj): disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury. esperance (n): the belief that what is wanted can be or that the events will turn out for the best. Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub https://www.facebook.com/journeysixty6 https://www.instagram.com/journeysixty6/

How do you keep your reader reading till the wee hours of the morning—because they have to figure out how the story ends? You must create a narrative arc that, scene by scene, plot point by plot point, keeps the reader questioning. Paula Munier, author of Plot Perfect: Building Unforgettable Stories Scene by Scene, offers a plot-building strategy that works no matter the genre you’re writing in. Great Moments in the Episode 6:19-7:10: How people decide to buy a book. 7:10-8:52: The importance of the first page and “that feeling” you want readers to experience. 8:54-12:42: What is an inciting incident and why you need it immediately in your story. 13:02-16:01: Definition and examples of big story questions and small story questions—and how to use them to make your story different. 16:20-18:05: How to plant major and minor story questions to drive your story. 18:10-20:01: Why you must know your genre to know your obligatory story questions. 23:24-24:58: Using index cards to help you visually plot your story. 25:00-27:04: How to use your genre tropes without becoming cliché. 30:27-35:48: Tips for writing a visually engaging setting that sets the tone and creates tension. 39:15-41:25: How to know if your writing is good before you pitch a literary agent. Words of the Episode Vermillion: A deep, brilliant red color. Stelliferous: Having or abounding with stars. Paula Munier’s Books to Check Out! Plot Perfect Home at Night Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub https://www.facebook.com/journeysixty6 https://www.instagram.com/journeysixty6/

Lisa Cron is no fan of how the writing world teaches writers to craft stories. She has several beefs with the standard ways novel writing is taught, including starting your project with "plotting." In this episode, Lisa offers a fresh, practical perspective on the key to writing a compelling story. Lisa has written three books on story, including Wired for Story, Story Genius, and Story or Die. She has worked in publishing at W.W. Norton, as an agent at the Angela Rinaldi Literary Agency, as a producer on shows for Showtime and Court TV, and as a story analyst for Warner Brothers and the William Morris Agency. Great Moments in the Episode (5:06) The two things that the writing world has gotten wrong about writing stories. (7:00) Page one of the novel is the first page of the second half of the novel. (10:05) The biggest lie that the writing world tells you: "Use backstory sparingly and only when the reader needs to know something." (14:25) What are "misbeliefs" and the importance of knowing the origin story of the misbeliefs of your main character. (19:20) The art of writing is to take what is inchoate ... and put it into language. (25:35) Story structure is a byproduct of a story well told. And the story polishes the prose, not the other way around. (30:01) Story is story, whether you're writing nonfiction, a memoir, or fiction. (39:03) The mark of a writer is being able to throw stuff away. (43:08) Words of the Episode Pluviophile - someone who loves rain and rainy days - and the fresh smell of rain. Mercurial - subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind. Visit Lisa's Website Wired for Story Website Lisa's Books Wired for Story: The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel (Before You Waste Three Years Writing 327 Pages That Go Nowhere)Story or Die: How to Use Brain Science to Engage, Persuade, and Change Minds in Business and in Life Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub https://www.facebook.com/journeysixty6 https://www.instagram.com/journeysixty6/

Most writers simply want to write and publish. And not have to deal with the hassle of social media and selling their book. In this episode with book marketing coach Emily Enger, she introduces the concept of "good enough" book marketing. She says that writers should focus on the writing first and foremost, putting "your perfectionism marbles in that corner." Great Moments in the Episode (4:18) How marketing a fiction book is different from marketing a nonfiction book. (6:54) The essence of good enough book marketing. (7:13) Emily defines what marketing is. (9:20) How authors must create a personal brand. (14:07) What is the "awkward newsletter" and how not to create one. (20:37) A short history of publishing and the emergence of the "indie" author. (24:59) Emily sets expectations on how many copies a book will sell. (26:35) Some powerful sales strategies for fiction and creative writers who have some resources to spend. (34:39) How to select some early or beta readers for your book. (37:40) How minimalist marketing can create natural momentum if the writing is exceptional. (49:28) Words of the Episode Raconteur - a person who excels in telling anecdotes, a spinner of yarns Sobriquet - a person's nickname Follow Emily on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emilyengerwrites/ Visit Emily's Website https://emilyenger.com/ Visit Emily on Substack https://goodenoughbookmarketing.substack.com/ Follow Journey Sixty6 https://www.journeysixty6.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@journeysixty6writingforpub https://www.facebook.com/journeysixty6 https://www.instagram.com/journeysixty6/