Leading the Laptop Lifestyle as a Writer

Discover the magic that unfolds when setting takes center stage in a novel, transforming lifeless backdrops into dynamic entities with a soul of their own. This week, best-selling author Danny Petrie joins me, Wendy H Jones, to unravel the secrets behind crafting settings that captivate and characters who resonate with readers like old friends. Amidst the rugged Alaskan wilderness and the vibrant streets of Santa Fe, we delve into the art of choosing the perfect locale to reflect the essence of our stories, and how these choices impact every twist and turn of the narrative.

As an author who loves to sketch out the bones of dialogue and action, I share my unique process of dressing these bare frameworks with the flesh of immersive settings. Danny and I discuss the balance required to maintain narrative momentum without sacrificing the rich tapestry of descriptive detail that brings a world to life—especially crucial in genres where the stakes are high, and the suspense is thicker than fog. Our talk is a celebration of storytelling, marked by the release of "One Wrong Move," a novel that epitomizes the harmony of setting and plot in a thrilling dance of intrigue.

To all fellow writers and fervent readers, our conversation is a tribute to the craft that unites us. I offer gratitude for your unwavering support and invite you to join the community that fosters these insightful dialogues. Your patronage on Patreon ensures the continuity of this creative exchange, and for that, I thank you. Remember, the journey continues next week with another inspiring guest, and I eagerly anticipate sharing more wisdom that lights the path for your literary adventures.

Have you ever faced a character in a book so flat they seem to fall off the page? Fear not, fellow wordsmiths, for I, Wendy H Jones, am here to share the secret sauce to spicing up your characters! This episode of the Writing and Marketing Show is a treasure trove of insights into the subtle art of characterisation. From the lush setting of Wester Wootatelle and Spa to the vibrant aisles of the London Book Fair, I take you on a whirlwind tour of a writer's life, replete with the unexpected twists that demand a nimble mind and a flexible pen.

Characterisation isn't just about crafting a biography; it's about breathing life into your protagonists and antagonists with a finesse that makes them leap off the page and into readers' hearts. I delve into the nuances of showing emotions, why a tapping finger can speak volumes more than an exclaimed "I'm frustrated!", and how varying word choices can transform a mere description into an experience. Danny Petrie may not join us this time around, but the conversation doesn't lack for depth, exploring everything from evocative verbs to avoiding the pitfalls of emotional repetition.

Finally, I pull back the curtain on what's ahead and where you can join this literary journey with me. Humor mingles with earnest advice as I navigate the everyday chaos of a husky's treat-time amidst musings on character flaws and dialogue pauses. The promise of next week's special guest lingers enticingly as I bid you adieu, inviting you to stay connected and continue fostering your love for the written word. Remember, the stories we craft are as alive as we make them, so let's keep the pages turning and the ink flowing.

Fate threw a curveball that had us scrambling from the flames of my cousin's house fire to the tranquil embrace of a dense woodland retreat. As I share the harrowing details and our impromptu relocation, you'll feel the weight of the narrative's backdrop—the enigmatic allure of the woods—taking center stage. It's in this unexpected haven where I ponder the profound influence of setting on storytelling, drawing parallels between the haunting whispers of the forest and the tapestry of genres it can paint, from spine-chilling horror to gritty survival epics. Battling against the odds, with the local bar's lively chatter as my makeshift studio, my dedication to keeping our community connected and inspired endures. 

Venture with me beyond the airwaves as I lay out the avenues to stay updated on my latest escapades and literary musings. From my personal website to the rich tapestry of social media, your support breathes life into our creative journey. The vibrant community on Patreon rises as an emblem of this solidarity, much like a hearth in our digital woodland. As the anticipation for the next episode's guest bubbles, rest assured, the conversations we foster will continue to bring light to the craft we cherish and the shared experiences that shape us.

Life has a way of tossing curveballs that can either strike us out or propel us to new heights. When my home was devastated by a flood, it felt like a heart-wrenching setback, but that experience became a catalyst for growth and new opportunities in my writing and work. Embrace change with me, Wendy H Jones, as I recount the resilience it took to rebuild and how this unexpected twist led to inspiring roles like managing a crime anthology and pioneering the Sisters in Crime presence on TikTok.

This episode isn't just about overcoming personal adversity; it's a testament to the power of venturing into uncharted territories. I take you along on my journey into historical fiction, sharing the trepidation and anticipation of awaiting feedback from my agent. Discover the joys of fostering creative spirits through a writing retreat in Scotland and leading a vibrant Facebook group for women writers. Together, we'll explore the importance of extending beyond familiar confines, whether it's trying your hand at flash fiction or supporting fellow authors to flourish in their craft. Join me as I reveal how embracing the unknown can unlock a world of exhilarating possibilities for any writer willing to step out and seize them.

Get ready for a thrilling journey as we sit down with Marty McNair, debut author of the riveting dystopian novel, Island of Ruin. McNair's fascination with dystopian fiction, her inspirations, and the journey of her protagonist, Jasmine, are laid bare in this intriguing conversation. The struggle against oppression, the power of resilience and the art of creating an immersive world, are just a handful of the topics we'll be sinking our teeth into.

Turning the tables in the second half, we delve into the fascinating process of publishing. From her experiences with publishing "Island of Ruin", to the significance of crafting a captivating title and cover design, there's a wealth of information for voracious readers and budding authors alike. McNair also gives us a glimpse into her writing process, her debut author challenges, and invaluable tips for those embarking on their own writing journey. Tune in for this vibrant exploration of dystopian fiction and publishing!

When COVID-19 left me, Wendy H Jones, wiped out, it was a wake-up call to the importance of self-care. Fellow authors, this episode is an intimate reflection on that experience and a stark reminder of how crucial looking after ourselves is. We're diving deep into the strategies that have seen me through - quality sleep, avoiding late-night exposure to blue screens, and staying well hydrated. 

We're not stopping at simple self-care though. The latter half of our discussion is all about embracing habits that foster a robust lifestyle as a writer. From stretch exercises to social connections, I'll share my personal tips and tricks for physical and mental health. Let's stimulate our brains, get out in the sun, and even explore different cultures to enrich our creativity. So, are you ready to join me on this journey to improved self-care and productivity as an author? Just grab your earbuds and let's get started!

Summoning all mystery enthusiasts and budding crime writers! Get ready for an engrossing conversation with Phoenix-based author, Claire A Murray. Armed with a suite of compelling short stories and novels, she'll reveal the secret behind crafting narratives that have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

Ever wondered how to create dialogue that resonates with reality? Claire's insights will provide you the answer. Together, we venture into the art of developing realistic and persuasive conversations that only enrich your characters, but also drive your plot forward. We also examine the role of settings and atmosphere in amplifying the tension in crime short stories. 

But that's not all! Claire also drops valuable nuggets on writing compelling crime stories while managing brevity, the significance of thorough research, and the pitfalls of relying on mainstream media for facts. We also touch upon common cliches to avoid, drafting engaging investigation processes, and even share some exclusive tips for publishing mysteries. Get set for a masterclass that promises to elevate your craft to a whole new level. Don't miss out!

Imagine strolling through the lush greens of nature, absorbing tranquility, and penning down your observations to engage readers worldwide. Our guest Linda Brown has done just that! She’s turned her lockdown walks into a successful career, writing for Nature magazines. Linda's experiences and writings bring nature to life, painting vivid imagery with her words. She starts by sharing her journey, beginning with how her nature rambles during lockdown led her to write for Ayrshire magazine.

Linda further unpacks the uniqueness of nature articles in local magazines. She reveals how to select engaging topics, source accurate information, and embed the spirit of the seasons in your writings. Safety is paramount in her advice, and she's got some fantastic app recommendations for identifying birds and plants. Linda's tips are not just about writing; they include embracing the community and the importance of place in your pieces to make them resonate with readers.

Capturing nature's beauty isn't just about words. Linda discusses how patience, silence and a good camera are vital in capturing breathtaking photographs that complement her articles. She gives us a peek into her strategies to keep her work locally relevant while retaining her unique authorial voice. As she wraps up, Linda points our listeners to where they can find more of her work. For our part, we conclude this enlightening episode by expressing gratitude to our listeners and sharing various ways to connect with us online. This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to explore the world of writing for Nature magazines, so don't miss out.

Ayrshire Magazine https://ayrshiremagazine.com/

Writers' Narrative https://subscribepage.io/WritersNarrative

Auscot Publishing and Retreats https://www.auscotpublishing.com/

Ever wondered how to make your series characters captivating, engaging, and real? The key is layering their personalities, their stories, their motivations, and their unresolved issues in just the right way. Today, we're honored to have Linda Mather, author of a murder mystery series starring an astrologer-private investigator, on the show. As a seasoned writer, she takes us behind the scenes, sharing how she crafts her characters and their world with depth and intrigue.

The galaxy of characters in a book series are the lifeblood of your narrative. Linda uses her unique blend of experiences, along with a strong sense of place, to breathe life into her characters. We discuss her sixth book, which is based on Virgo themes, and how she makes her characters relatable and dynamic to a diverse audience. We also delve into the importance of maintaining a clear arc for the characters, balancing their traits, and drawing upon real-life experiences to breathe authenticity into their personas.

Lastly, Linda offers an in-depth look into how to develop characters and storylines, bringing a fresh perspective to the storytelling techniques. We discuss methods of slowly revealing backstories, using conflict to enhance character depth, and how to create a diverse and interesting world that keeps readers hooked. Listen in as we uncover the power of meaningful challenges, engaging editing, and the importance of continuity in a series. With inspiration from series like the BBC Four’s Swedish detective Beck or Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series, we hope to give you the tools to weave captivating narratives and compelling characters that your audience won't be able to forget.

A  fascinating glimpse into the world of mortuary archaeology with our expert guest, Sarah N Rubin. Sarah, a seasoned archaeologist, takes us on an enlightening journey through the lens of time, sharing her rich experiences from excavations all over the world, from Ohio to Jerusalem. Promising a wealth of intriguing insights, we traverse the boundaries of science, history, culture, and literature in this captivating episode.

Eager to decode the mysteries of the past through the study of burials and bones? You're in for a treat. We discuss how the whisperings of the long-departed, from royalty like Tutankhamun to the common man, can unveil a treasure trove of knowledge about ancient cultures. Sarah sheds light on how bones offer clues about age, sex, pathology, and cultural practices. But it's not all smooth sailing - we also delve into the ethical dilemmas and unique hurdles faced in mortuary archaeology.

Finally, we turn the spotlight onto literature and how mortuary archaeology has been masterfully woven into the narrative by authors such as Aaron Alkins and Elizabeth Peters. Sarah, who is also an accomplished writer, candidly shares how she incorporates her expertise into her work. For all budding writers out there, we offer a list of valuable resources to help you bring authenticity to your novels through this unique perspective. So sit back, tune in, and let the secrets of the past unfold before you.

You can find out more about Sarah and her books at https://linktr.ee/WriterMeRSNR

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Find out more about Mists and Manuscripts, a writing retreat in the heartland of Scotland, surrounded by lochs and mountains.