how to write

Tune in to the latest episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast as writing coach Karena Akhavein unravels the complexities of the age-old writing adage: "Show, Don't Tell." In this insightful discussion, Karena dives deep into the nuances of this fundamental rule, providing invaluable guidance for both novice and seasoned writers alike.

Discover why "Show, Don't Tell" is more than just a mantra—it's a powerful technique that breathes life into your writing, captivating readers and immersing them in your narrative world. Karena shares practical tips, real-life examples, and actionable strategies to help you master this essential skill and elevate your storytelling to new heights. But sometimes, writers misunderstand this rule and make mistakes that can sink their narratives. Sometimes, it's better to tell than to show.

Whether you're struggling to grasp the concept or seeking to refine your craft, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of "Show, Don't Tell" and empower you to wield its transformative power in your writing journey. Don't miss out—subscribe now and unlock the secrets to creating compelling narratives that leave a lasting impact.

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Eric Heuser to look at a scene Eric is working on. Jeff and Eric talk about adding a POV to a work in progress, building emotional resonance, writing a character with a different interior and exterior voice, using reflective prose in segment breaks to give the reader a feeling of intimacy.

For more on dialogue, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

In this insightful episode of the How to be an Author podcast with writing coach Karena Akhavein, we delve deep into the pivotal decision every writer faces at some point: to continue on their current writing path or to take a different route. Whether you're grappling with the challenges of a specific book project, wanting to quit wriitng one book to start on a brand new one, questioning your overall writing career and even wondering if you're cut out to be a writer, or reevaluating your book marketing strategy, this episode provides the guidance you need.

Join us as we explore key considerations and offer practical advice to help you make an informed decision. From assessing the viability of your current book to reimagining your writing career or refining your book marketing approach, we've got you covered.

Discover the signs that indicate it's time for a change, learn how to overcome common hurdles, and gain insights into crafting a new narrative for your writing journey. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that might just be the catalyst for your next chapter as a writer.

On today’s show we chat with a legend of Australian and indeed World literature, both for adults and children, about her author journey and what it takes to be a professional writer.

Today’s guest is a world-renowned author and speaker, with an Order of Australia for services to literature. She is the Head of SCBWI Australia East and NZ. She is an ambassador of the Premiers Reading Challenge. A Writer Ambassador of Room to Read which has reached more than 20 million children in Asia and Africa, a Committee Member of Books in Homes, a former Chair of Writers NSW, an Australia Day Ambassador, and her work has been included in anthologies together with Sir Salmon Rushdie, David Malouf, and Thomas Keneally. I could go on and on, because there is still so much more. And, she is still writing and publishing books today. 

To tell us all about it, along with tips on the craft of writing and creating amazing literature, please welcome the wonderful, the awe-inspiring, Susanne Gervay.

Successful authors seem to have a knack for vivid and immersive descriptive writing that transports readers to the heart of the story. But done wrong, description can weigh down your narrative and ruin the pacing of your book.

In this episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, hosted by writing coach Karena AKhavein, you'll be inspired by the idea of the alchemy of words that passes from author to reader, as we dive into the intricacies of crafting vivid descriptions for your novel. 

Your writing coach will give you all the hacks and secrets she shares with her coaching clients so that you too can improve your craft and harness the power of all 5 senses, (in addition to synesthesia!) to convey your message, while leaving room for the reader's imagination. Always been confounded by "Show, don't tell"? Don't be- it'll all be decoded in this episode, which will help newer writers and experienced authors alike.

But that's not all! We'll also explore the crucial skill of perfecting your novel synopsis. Learn the secrets to condensing your entire narrative into a concise yet compelling summary that hooks literary agents and publishers, increasing your chances of getting your work published, and also, learn the secrets of the elevator pitch for readers.

Join us as we unravel the techniques and strategies to paint a world with words and master the art of both descriptive writing and crafting the perfect synopsis. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your writing journey, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your storytelling prowess. Don't miss out on this essential guide for aspiring authors!

In this week's episode Jodi answers a listener's concerns at being told to read their manuscript out loud. Jodi explains why reading your manuscript out loud is good advice and something you should make part of your writing process.

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Liz Hurley to talk about building a cast of characters in order to develop the stories plot. They build character voices together, talk about vehicle characters, and then develop a cast.

For more on writing dialogue, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Gladys Strickland to talk through the voices in her cast. They talk about building voices from back story and personality traits, finding a character's wants and needs, and pairing characters together in a cast.

For more on writing dialogue, go to https://dialoguedoctor.com/

In this motivational episode of "How to be an Author," Writing Coach Karena Akhavein, PhD helps you to delve deep into the writer's world to conquer the common challenges thematically grouped around the idea motivation. Join us as we introduce three authors on their unique journeys, covering craft, mindset, and business:

• Craft: Daniel, Author 1, was wrestling with the inciting incident in his novel, struggling to propel his character forward and maintain their motivation. You’ll learn about what an inciting incident is, how to avoid common inciting incident mistakes, and how to make your inciting incident a true engine for your plot.
• Mindset and Productivity: Author 2, Heather, grapples with a lack of motivation and a pesky habit of procrastination. Forget the tips you’ve heard before- Writing coach dives into the underlying mindset issues, like the fear of failure, and shares powerful productivity hacks to help you finally overcome procrastination and stay on track.
• Business: Author 3, Keisha, is experiencing resistance when it comes to her book promotion and marketing efforts and dreams of just finding an agent who will be OK with her being hands off.  Tune in as we discuss whether it’s necessary for an author to be an “authorpreneur,” and how to make the business parts of being a writer less painful. 

Discover actionable insights, tips, and strategies to reignite your motivation, overcome writer's block, and supercharge your productivity in this episode of "How to be an Author." Don't miss out on these secrets to becoming a more successful and prolific writer!

https://onlinecoursesforwriters.com

https://creativeandwritingcoach.com

In this week's episode Jodi tackles a question from someone new to writing who wants to know what the inciting incident and the role it plays within the structure of a novel. 

Jeff and Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch IX sit down together to talk about the Story Hypothesis system. They dive deep into understanding character wants and needs, building those wants and needs into a plot, and using those wants and needs to demonstrate character growth.

To get a copy of Story Hypothesis, go to https://books2read.com/storyhypothesis/

For more on dialogue, go to https://dialoguedoctor.com/

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm sits down with newer author Vivian Figueredo to talk about organizing your story. Together they layout the plot lines in Vivian's story and talk about how to line her plot lines interwork with her themes. Through the episode, Laura coaches Vivian in taking a story from her family history and turning it into story that takes a reader on a coherent journey.

To learn more about dialogue, go to https://dialoguedoctor.com/

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach sits down with author John Krause to examine his cast of 4 characters. They talk about writing voices for characters who are teenagers and children, building voices that are true to their personalities, and designing a cast of contrasting voices that enhance your story.

To see more of John's work, check out https://www.johnkrausebooks.com/

 For more on dialogue, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

If you're enjoying the Hardcore Literature Show, there are two ways you can show your support and ensure it continues:

1. Please leave a quick review on iTunes.

2. Join in the fun over at the Hardcore Literature Book Club: patreon.com/hardcoreliterature

Thank you so much. Happy listening and reading!

- Benjamin

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Carol Lynn Francis and looks at a chapter Carol has written. They talk about writing strategic and simple descriptions, writing in the 1st Person POV, writing reflections that keep the reader in the moment, and other ways the vehicle character can take the reader on an emotional journey.

For more on dialogue, go to https://dialoguedoctor.com/

The Writers Advice Podcast is bought to you by Booksprout.

Booksprout is my go-to platform to share my stories with readers to engage with reviewers before they are launched with the rest of the world. Head to booksprout to increase your online reviews today! Or start reading my YA dystopian series through booksprout now!

This week on the Writers Advice Podcast I am joined by Author Nicole Fiorina!

On this episode Nicole and I talk about:

- How writing became her main source of communication and how she turned it into a thriving creative career

- What she is inspired by and how story ideas come to her

- All of her fabulous books and how she loves to switch genres

- How the Stay with me trilogy and Hollow Heathens came to be

- What's next for Nicole and working with other writers

- And all her advice for up and coming authors

Check out all of Nicole's books here

Jointhe NF Gang on Facebook

Grab a copy of my Shadow & Shifter Series here

JOIN THE WRITERS ADVICE FACEBOOK GROUP

Become a part of my ARC TEAM HERE

To Contact Nicole:
Website: nicolefiorina.com
Instagram: @authornicolefiorina

To Contact Me:
Website: oliviahillier.com
Instagram: @oliviahillierauthor

Award winning author and illustrator, Karen Blair pops in to share her new book, offer up some tips on the process of creating a picture book and her author journey.

Plus, Liv reviews 2 amazing picture books: Neal the Amazing Sea Cucumber and The Sydney Harbour Fairy. And you could WIN a copy of both books. 

Description:

Have you ever wanted to write a book but didn’t know where to start? In this episode, the guys talk with Champ Thornton (author and Acquisitions Editor at Crossway) to discuss the writing process, what publishers are looking for, and much more.

Resources:

• Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
• The Really Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

Connect With Us!


If you have any questions or suggestions for the show, please email team@crossformedkids.com 

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URLs:

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Tips on Writing a Graphic Novel

Sean E Avery is the international best-selling author of Frank’s Red Hat. He’s popped in today to share his process of writing a graphic novel.

He shares how he taps into what kids want, what kids find funny, and how to format a graphic novel. With strong characters and a willingness to write a page per day, Sean shows how a graphic novel comes together. And, we chat about his new graphic novel, Friendly Bee.

https://apple.co/3ETviTu