writing coach

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, I'm delighted to be interviewing Margaret McNellis, a historical fiction writer with whom I've had the pleasure of working on two of her books: Daughter of the Seven Hills (due for publication on 21st May 2024) and Hearts of Iron & Gold.

We talk about all things historical fiction, from the challenges of research to wearing funny hats.

Oh, and we talk about what it's like to be coached!

You can find Margaret's site here: https://mcnelliswrites.com/

Unravel the ins and outs of genre conventions for fiction authors with renowned writing coach Karena Akhavein on this episode of the How to be an Author podcast. Discover the significance and impact of genre conventions, including their role in shaping reader expectations and enhancing storytelling. Gain insights into the balance between adherence to conventions and creative freedom. Tune in to explore the importance, interpretation, and flexibility of genre norms in crafting compelling narratives. Whether you're writing romance, thriller, fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, or literary fiction, you'll get the information that will help you to master the art of navigating genre conventions to elevate your writing career. Don't miss this insightful discussion on genre conventions, essential for aspiring and established authors alike.

Unlock the power of compelling dialogue with Karena Akhavein in this transformative episode of the How to be an Author podcast. Delve into the essential role dialogue plays in captivating storytelling as Karena expertly navigates through the nuances of crafting authentic and engaging conversations on the page. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your literary journey, this episode is a treasure trove of invaluable insights and practical tips to elevate your dialogue writing skills. Learn how to infuse your characters with distinct voices, avoid common pitfalls, and breathe life into every exchange. Tune in to discover why dialogue is the heartbeat of any great book and embark on a journey towards writing mastery. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion that promises to revolutionize your approach to storytelling!

In this episode of the How to Be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein breaks down the crucial process of defining your writer identity. With practical examples and actionable advice, Karena explores why it's essential for authors to determine the type of writer they want to be. From discussing the differences between fiction and non-fiction authors to exploring various genres such as romance, mystery, thriller, and more, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of the diverse paths available to writers. Karena emphasizes the importance of understanding your strengths, interests, and goals to carve out a niche that aligns with your passion and expertise. Whether you aspire to be a bestselling novelist, a freelance journalist, or a niche blogger, Karena's insights provide clarity and direction for navigating the complex landscape of authorship. Tune in to gain practical strategies for finding your writer identity and embarking on a fulfilling writing journey.

In this enlightening episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, join experienced writing coach Karena Akhavein as she delves deep into the most often-overlooked obstacle hindering so many writers from realizing their book writing and publishing dreams: fear of success. 

Don’t believe fear of leveling up is affecting you? Tune in and you may recognize some of your own self-sabotaging ways as Karena unveils the intricate ways in which this fear manifests, exploring how the prospect of success and its potential to change lives can instill apprehension in writers. blocking even the most promising writing endeavors. From subconscious self-sabotage to giving in to resistance, to lying to yourself, to imposter syndrome, we’ll unravel the intricate web of emotions and beliefs that hold writers back from reaching their full potential. Drawing from her extensive experience in guiding aspiring authors to literary success, Karena shares invaluable strategies and exercises to help listeners identify and begin to overcome their fear of success, empowering them to confidently pursue their writing goals. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just embarking on your literary journey, this episode promises to be a transformative exploration into the hidden barriers obstructing your path to success.

What's in a name? As it turns out, a lot! Especially if you are trying to. create an iconic fictional character like Holly Golightly, Hermione Granger, James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, or Holden Caulfield. In this episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast, your host, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D., delves into the fascinating world of character naming. Listen in for expert insights on crafting the perfect monikers for your fictional creations. This episode unravels the art and science behind choosing names that resonate with readers and breathe life into your characters. From exploring cultural nuances to understanding the psychological impact of names, to avoiding common naming mistakes authors make, you'll get practical tips and creative techniques to help you navigate the intricate process of naming your book's characters. Tune in for a blend of literary wisdom, storytelling magic, and actionable advice that will elevate your character-naming game to new heights.

In this special episode, I have the unique pleasure of sharing my own journey and insights as the author of "The Writer's Shield: Building Emotional Resilience for Writers." This is a deep dive into the heart of emotional resilience, a topic I am passionately dedicated to, especially in the context of the challenges that we, as writers, face.

During this interview, I open up about my personal experiences and the critical moments that led me to write "The Writer's Shield." I discuss the concept of emotional resilience for writers, shedding light on the strategies and tools that have been instrumental in my own journey and can support others in theirs. This episode is a candid look at the struggles with rejection, criticism, writer's block, and impostor syndrome, and how to emerge stronger from these experiences.

I also share tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, cultivating a positive mindset, and building the inner strength needed to navigate the ups and downs of a writing career. My aim is to provide listeners with practical, real-world advice that can be applied to their writing and personal lives.

As a special offer to my listeners, I encourage you to sign up for my mailing list. By joining, you'll receive regular updates filled with valuable content and resources tailored for writers. Plus, as a token of my appreciation, you'll receive a free copy of my book "The Writer's Shield: Building Emotional Resilience for Writers." This book is a culmination of my experiences and learnings, and I'm excited to share it with you. Sign up today to start fortifying your emotional resilience on your writing journey! https://www.thebookcoach.co/

In this episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast, join writing coach Karena Akhavein as we delve into the question of prolific authors. Discover the strategies and insights that propel some writers to exceptional productivity, unlocking the key to their prolific output. From time management techniques to creative practices, Karena shares valuable tips for aspiring authors looking to enhance their writing productivity.

Explore the advantages of being a prolific writer and how it can positively impact your writing career. Karena Akhavein provides a nuanced perspective on the benefits of high productivity, such as increased visibility, faster career growth, and the development of a consistent writing routine. However, she also delves into the potential challenges and pitfalls of prolific writing, addressing burnout, quality vs. quantity debates, and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance.

Whether you're an aspiring author seeking to boost your output or simply curious about the habits of prolific writers, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration. 

Dr. Watson. Hermione Granger. Donkey. Pancho Villa. A good sidekick can become a reader or fan favorite in books and movies, but writing a good one is not as easy as you may think. A sidekick can either be too insipid, too static, and not contribute to the plot, or they can take over, taking attention away from the main character and confusing the storyline. And we know you want your character to have friends, but sometimes, it's important to isolate them to allow better character development.

Join writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, in this insightful episode of the How to be an Author podcast as she delves into the art of creating compelling sidekick characters. Whether you're a novice writer or an experienced author, Akhavein shares valuable techniques to avoid common pitfalls and develop sidekicks that enhance your storytelling. Discover the secrets to writing effective sidekicks that enrich your narrative without succumbing to clichés. Don't miss this masterclass on crafting dynamic companions that elevate your characters and engage your readers.

Welcome back to another episode of "Master Fiction Writing" with me, your host, Stuart Wakefield, an Author Accelerator Certified book coach dedicated to helping you navigate the intricacies of crafting compelling fiction. Today's episode dives deep into the art of creating authentic characters through the power of dialogue.

Have you ever read a book where every character sounded exactly the same? Or watched a movie where the dialogue felt flat and unconvincing? In this episode, we'll explore how to avoid these common pitfalls by utilising character-specific language. This powerful technique involves tailoring vocabulary, syntax, and even the rhythm of speech to align with each character's unique background, education, and personality.

Join me as how we can use dialogue to breathe life into our characters. Whether it’s the refined articulation of a seasoned academic, the vibrant slang of a spirited teenager, or the concise pragmatism of a no-nonsense professional, you’ll learn how to give each of your characters a distinct and believable voice.

Plus, I'll share practical tips and exercises that you can apply to your own writing. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with the skills to create a rich tapestry of voices in your narratives, making your characters stand out and speak directly to the hearts of your readers.

Don't miss this journey into the heart of character development! Tune in to "Master Fiction Writing" and transform the way you write dialogue. Remember, in fiction, every word speaks volumes about your characters. Let's make sure they're saying the right things!

If you're a writer, you've probably experienced this frustrating thing: all kinds of people feel free to give you advice. Usually, it's not because they're experts, or bestselling authors, or even avid readers. It's because their one friend ffrom high school is a successful author, and maybe you should talk to them to get help. Or because they're no expert, but they've heard you should write every day to succeed. Do you write every day? No? Yikes. (Neither does your host, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D.) Or because they care about you, and it's really hard, maybe impossible, to succeed as a writer. Or because you asked them their opinion on the rough draft of your book, and they don't read much, but they really don't like that genre so maybe you should rewrite it to sound more like Stephen King?

Writing advice is everywhere. And more often than not, though advice comes from a good place and has some golden nuggets troughout, much writing advice can actually be harmful to writers in the long run and hold them back from their writing goals and their dream of being a successful published author.

Tune into this uplifting episode of the How to be an Author podcast to dissect which wriitng advice is helpful, which can be harmful, and which ideas and concepts can actually move the needle in your writing career.

Join me and let's explore a range of transformative practices and exercises designed to elevate your writing journey. I'll talk about setting DREAM goals, the power of a grateful writing mindset, and the importance of regular reflection and adaptation in your craft. Whether you're looking to overcome a creative block, refine your skills, or simply find new ways to invigorate your writing practice, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

Perfect for both budding and experienced writers, this episode promises to leave you feeling motivated and equipped with new tools to make this year your most productive and creative yet. Tune in, and let's embark on this journey to make your writing aspirations a reality!

#WritingTips #CreativeJourney #WritersCommunity #UnlockYourPotential 🎧✍️📚

Do you want to write a book or are you having trouble finding time and motivation to complete your book?

Or… does writing a book seem like a monumental task you can’t even imagine taking on even though one of your goals is to write a book?

A couple months ago, podcaster Lisa Shaughnessy interviewed me about how my book writing process on her podcast, Your Writing Retreat Connection.

I’ve written six books and my seventh book for all types of business owners will be released in 2024. (More information about that book to come about in the coming months.)

Lisa usually limits her interview guests to workshop retreat hosts (which I am not!) but she wanted to offer a fresh perspective for her podcast listeners who prefer writing in solitude, rather than a structured writing retreat with other writers.

You probably don’t know this about me: I wrote 70% of my first book in two 3-day weekends. That’s right, 70% of my first book was written in just 6 days!

In this episode, you’ll hear how I created the perfect environment to spark my creativity and finish most of my first book in two long weekend solo writing retreats.

You’ll also hear me share how writer's block threatened my ability to complete my book and how I changed course to get past my blocks and finish my book.

Listen as Lisa and I discuss how to create a writing process that works best, doing what's right for you, and how and why I’ve written books as part of my business growth strategy.

Join me in this enlightening episode of Master Fiction Writing, where we dive into the art of managing multiple writing projects without losing your mind or your creative spark. Hosted by me, Stuart Wakefield, an Author Accelerator Certified book coach, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and practical advice for writers at all stages.

We start by exploring the common challenges writers face when juggling various projects, from deadline pressures to creative fatigue. Then, we move on to the crucial task of setting priorities and goals, offering you tangible methods to navigate the often overwhelming writing landscape.

But that's not all! We delve into effective time management strategies specifically tailored for writers, helping you maximize your productivity while maintaining your creative flow. Discover the wonders of the Pomodoro Technique, time blocking, and the Eisenhower Matrix, and learn how to apply them to your writing routine.

No episode on time management would be complete without discussing organizational tools and resources. We cover everything from project management software and writing apps to the more traditional methods like notebooks and calendars, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your style.

Most importantly, we address the critical issue of maintaining your creative energy and avoiding burnout. Learn the importance of taking breaks, balancing your writing life with personal time, and setting realistic expectations to keep the joy in your writing journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, "Balancing Multiple Projects: Time Management for Writers" is packed with actionable advice, encouraging words, and a friendly voice to guide you through the complexities of managing multiple writing endeavors.

Tune in to Master Fiction Writing for an episode that promises to leave you feeling inspired, organized, and ready to tackle your writing projects with renewed vigor and clarity.

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.

Well-crafted subplots are the secret sauce that readers crave! But they're not easy to write properly.

In this epiosde of the How to be an Author podcast, your writing coach, Karena Akhavein, unravels the mystery of creating the perfect subplot, providing a treasure trove of insights and breaking down the essential elements that transform a subplot from ordinary to extraordinary. Expect practical tips that not only elevate your story but also add layers of depth to character development and thematic richness. And guess what? Karena spills the beans on some of the writing hacks that most instructors keep under wraps!

But that's not all – subplots aren't just confined to the pages of your novel. Karena reveals how you should have your own sub-plots in your author life, as a way of achieving balance for writers. Through personal anecdotes and expert advice, she navigates the challenges of managing a writing career, emphasizing the art of finding equilibrium between the writing craft and the demands of everyday life. Gain access to practical strategies and actionable steps that empower writers to maintain a harmonious existence while chasing their literary dreams.

The adventure doesn’t stop there! Karena dives headfirst into the realm of side hustles and side gigs for writers. Discover the transformative benefits of diversifying income streams and witness how engaging in related activities not only financially supports a writer but also sparks creativity and broadens skill sets. From freelancing to teaching and beyond, Karena unravels various avenues for writers to explore, providing invaluable insights into why these pursuits can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

If you're yearning for nitty-gritty advice delivered in a warm and encouraging tone, look no further. Tune in to the How to be an Author podcast for unwavering support, whether you're a budding writer, a seasoned author aiming to level up, or anywhere else on your writing journey. 

https://creativeandwritingcoach.com

https://onlinecoursesforwriters.com

Welcome back to The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast, where we celebrate the incredible stories of women balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal passions.  Today, I'm  joined by the amazing Mary Adkins – successful writer, coach, and a mompreneur who has amazing insights to the art of juggling it all.

Conversation Highlights:

• Gain insights into Mary Adkins' remarkable journey from the corporate world to successful author and coach.
• Learn practical tips for balancing writing novels and coaching with the demands of motherhood, especially with young children.
• Discover strategies for developing a framework to accomplish big tasks, whether it's writing a book or pursuing other significant goals.
• Uncover Mary's secrets to nurturing creativity and incorporating self-care to achieve both business and writing objectives.
• Explore the intriguing connection between understanding your Enneagram type and accomplishing your writing goals.

Connect with Mary Adkins:
🌐maryadkinswriter.com
Youtube: @maryadkins 

For more resources and support on your mompreneur journey:
📋Enroll in my FREE mini-course - 5 Keys to Confidence
🔗 Website: https://mombusinesscoach.com/
💖 "Oh my goodness, I love this podcast!" If that sounds like you, subscribe, follow, share and
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Leave a Review on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen! 🎧

Thank you for listening and keep up the great work, mama!

Letting your characters' words reveal their traits and emotions, instead of explaining them in the narrative, is an art - and one that many writers overlook.

"Show, don't tell" is a fundamental principle in writing, especially when it comes to dialogue. It means allowing the reader to deduce character traits and emotions from what the characters say and do, rather than directly informing them through narrative exposition. This approach draws readers deeper into the story, making them active participants in understanding and connecting with the characters.

And for dialogue? Well, that's what we'll cover in this episode!