writing coach

In this episode of "How to be an Author" with your novel expert, Writing Coach Karena Akhavein, we unravel the secrets behind crafting unforgettable plot twists that leave readers on the edge of their seats and elevate your storytelling to new heights.

Dive into the delicate art of plot twists as Karena shares the dos and don'ts, revealing the clichés to avoid and the common mistakes that can unravel even the most intricately woven narrative. Discover practical writing hacks that will have you expertly navigating the twists and turns of your storyline with finesse.

But it doesn't stop there! Karena delves into the intersection of life and writing, exploring how unexpected plot twists in your personal journey can impact your mindset as a writer. Learn how to protect your mindset and mental health, and even perhaps turn life's curveballs into literary gold. At the very least, you'll find inspiration in the unexpected.

Whether you're a seasoned wordsmith or just starting your writing journey, this episode is a masterclass in plot twist perfection.

Get ready to rewrite the rules and craft narratives that linger in readers' minds long after the last page is turned. #HowToBeAnAuthor #PlotTwistMastery #WritingWisdom #plottwist 

https://www.creativeandwritingcoach.com

Https://www.onlinecoursesforwriters.com

Welcome to another insightful episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast, where writing coach Karena Akhavein delves into the art of crafting the perfect ending and navigating the seemingly endless journey of writing. In this episode, titled "Start at the End? Writing the Perfect Ending and Reverse Engineering Your Writing Career," Karena explores the transformative power of understanding and strategically approaching your story's conclusion.

Join us as Karena shares invaluable tips on how to write a compelling and satisfying ending that resonates with readers. From the importance of foreshadowing to creating narrative arcs, Karena guides aspiring authors through the intricacies of concluding their literary works on a high note.

But the conversation doesn't stop there. Karena tackles the daunting reality that writing a book can feel like an endless process, offering practical advice on managing the challenges and staying motivated throughout the journey. Discover how to overcome writer's block, navigate plot twists, and maintain momentum, ensuring that your writing process remains a fulfilling and productive experience.

The episode also delves into the concept of reverse engineering your writing career, a strategic approach to achieving success in the competitive world of publishing. Learn how to set achievable goals, build a solid author platform, and leverage your unique strengths to carve out your path to success.

Whether you're a seasoned writer looking to enhance your storytelling skills or a novice embarking on your first literary adventure, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire and empower you on your writing journey. Tune in to "Start at the End? Writing the Perfect Ending and Reverse Engineering Your Writing Career" for a masterclass in crafting powerful conclusions and navigating the complexities of a writer's path.

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 scintillating episode of Master Fiction Writing, we're delving deep into the art of creating sexual tension that will leave your readers on the edge of their seats, yearning for more.

Whether you're a budding writer looking to infuse passion into your storytelling or a dedicated fan eager to dissect your favorite romantic narratives, this episode promises to be an enlightening and seductive journey through the art of crafting sexual tension.

Tune in, and get ready to turn up the heat in your own stories!

In this episode of the "How to be an Author" podcast with Writing Coach Karena Akhavein, we dive into the world of a unique challenge for writers: NaNoWriMo, otherwise known as National Novel Writing Month, in which authors both novice and experienced challenge themselves to write a 50,000 word novel in a single month. But is it the right choice for all writers? Not necessarily! We'll talk about whether it's right for you, as well as how to tailor this writing challenge to your unique needs, whether you're a memoirist, a playwright or screenwiter, and poet, or a blogger, or even a multimedia artist, or an author editing an existing manuscript. After that, we talk tips and strategies to excel at NaNoWriMo and how some writing coaching clients are maximizing the takeaways from the NaNoWriMo experience. Plus, we'll share valuable insights on what to do after NaNoWriMo to turn your rough draft into a polished masterpiece. If you're considering NaNoWriMo or want to make the most of your participation, consider this episode your NaNoWriMo masterclass.

Solitude is par for the course for an author- it’s necessary, at least at certain stages of the writer’s work. In this respect, solitude should be embraced. But it can be hard to do that. 

Sometimes, this solitude tips over into loneliness, that’s where it’s important to talk to someone. A friend. A writing coach. A critique partner.

We live in a time when we are overly “connected.” Everything is “social.” And I put those terms in quotes because we also feel uniquely disconnected despite all of the technology we have that supposedly helps us not to feel alone.

This is why this week’s episode of the podcast addresses the idea of solitude. Listen in to find out:

-Why it’s important for your main character to experience solitude at some point in your plot (and the fascinating reason why some writers, especially newer ones, tend to have too many characters in your first drafts).

-How to embrace the solitude inherent in the writer’s life.

-How to tell if your solitude is reaching a point of imbalance, and what to do about it.

-How to keep from feeling alone in the process of writing, editing, and self-publishing.

-The one social media thing that actually helped me to build community.

http://onlinecoursesforwriters.com

https://creativeandwritingcoach.com

Why does it feel so darn complicated to write a book with a decent plot?

Why does motivating to finish your novel feel so challenging, and why does the usual advice never work?

Who can blame writers for avoiding building an author platform when there are so many moving parts?

If you've caught yourself thinking or saying these things, chances are, you're over-complicating.

Tune in to this enlightening episode where writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D, armed with her extensive literary knowledge and longtime coaching experience, assists authors Cora, Matt, and Deirdre in conquering their writing challenges and unlocking their full potential.

-Cora, an aspiring author, grapples with plot structure, finding it challenging to create a compelling narrative arc. Karena breaks down the essential elements of storytelling, including plot points, pacing, and character development, providing invaluable plotting hacks to fuel Cora's creativity.

-Matt, a talented creative, struggles with maintaining motivation throughout his writing journey. Karena delves into why some of the conventional advice doesn't work, and brainstorms on some less conventional ways to help Matt stay motivated and productive.

-Deirdre, an author in the midst of writing her book, has hesitated to start her author platform. Karena demonstrates how a well-structured marketing and sales strategy, rooted in storytelling, can benefit Deirdre's book from day one, all while ensuring it's a manageable endeavor.

https://onlinecoursesforwriters.com

https://creativeandwritingcoach.com

Today's episode is all about the spine-tingling magic that keeps readers flipping page after page — romantic tension.

While sexual tension is a sizzling game of "will they or won't they get intimate?", romantic tension is a more profound, heart-pounding game of "will they or won't they end up together?" It's that underlying question, the heartbeat of every romance novel, and what makes readers invest in the characters and their love journey.

In this episode, we'll break down the elements that contribute to romantic tension. We'll discuss the importance of believability, what makes the romance truly captivating, and the nuances that separate romantic tension from its steamier cousin, sexual tension.

Whether you're a seasoned romance writer or just getting started, we'll provide insights and tips on ensuring your story is bursting with the tension that readers crave. We’ll also touch on the role of dynamic characters, and why romantic tension is non-negotiable in a good romance novel.

So, grab your pen and notebook and let’s dive into the world of heartbeats, hesitant glances, and the thrilling unknowns of romantic tension!

Have you ever wondered how to create characters that feel like real people with rich histories?

In my new course, "Emotional Echoes: The Art of Character Backstory", you'll discover the power of linking backstory to desires, forging connections that propel your characters through the plot. You'll learn how to expertly unveil their pasts, layering emotions and experiences to create truly three-dimensional individuals.

Find out more here.

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 episode, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D., unveils the art of effectively using your voice as an author. Learn to craft compelling dialogue, foster meaningful connections with fellow writers, and maximize the potential of word-of-mouth marketing for your book. Additionally, gain essential insights on thriving at writers' conferences. This episode is a goldmine of actionable writing techniques, productivity hacks, and marketing strategies, designed to propel your writing career to new heights. Tune in now and transform your writing journey!

https://creativeandwritingcoach.com

https://onlinecoursesforwriters.com

In this episode, explore the transformative journey of embracing vulnerability as a writer. Discover how vulnerability paradoxically can be the key to crafting stronger characters that resonate with readers. Embracing vulnerability is also one of the mindset secrets to building a successful writing career, but it's not comfortable or easy to do. Join us as we delve into the art of character development, the courage to share your authentic self, and the strategies for achieving writing success through the lens of vulnerability. Don't miss this insightful talk by PhD writing coach Karena Akhavein as she relates the stories of two of her clients- Sarah and  Paula, and herself, who were struggling with identity and vulnerability in their characterization, with their mindset, and in their author platform, specifically writing under a pseudonym. Whether it's the craft of storytelling, author mindset, or the business of being a successful writer, you'll find some valuable takeaways in this episode of the How to be an Author podcast.

https://onlinecoursesforwriters.com

https://creativeandwritingcoach.com

In this episode, we're delving into the heart of what makes unconventional protagonists so captivating: their diversity.

We'll explore how characters from different backgrounds, races, genders, and orientations have redefined heroism and left an indelible mark on literature. From classics to contemporary novels, we'll showcase characters who have shattered the mould and inspired readers around the world.

But it's not just about celebrating; it's about empowering writers too. I'll share practical tips on how to craft diverse and authentic characters in your own stories. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your literary journey, you won't want to miss this insightful episode.

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of "Master Fiction Writing," the podcast where we explore the art of storytelling from every angle. I'm your host, Stuart, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the enchanting world of symbolism in fiction.

📚 Join me as we unravel the mysteries behind symbols – those hidden keys that unlock layers of meaning within stories. As an Author Accelerator Certified book coach, I've helped countless writers shape their narratives into powerful tales that resonate. Today, I'm here to guide you through the magic of symbolism and how it can breathe life into your writing.

🔮 We'll journey through the significance of symbols, transcending their literal definitions to reveal the profound emotions and ideas they represent. From the elusive green light in "The Great Gatsby" to the innocence embodied by the mockingbird in "To Kill a Mockingbird," we'll uncover how masterful authors have harnessed symbols to elevate their narratives.

🌟 But this isn't just an exploration of the classics – it's a practical guide for writers like you. I'll offer actionable advice on choosing symbols thoughtfully, maintaining consistency, balancing subtlety with clarity, and engaging readers' interpretations. By the end of this episode, you'll be armed with the tools to infuse your stories with symbolism that resonates long after the last word is read.

🎭 Symbols are the heartbeat of storytelling, and in this episode, we'll show you how to wield them as instruments of depth and resonance. So, whether you're a seasoned author seeking fresh insights or an aspiring writer taking your first steps, tune in and join the conversation as we uncover the enduring allure of hidden meanings in literature.

🖋️ Ready to unleash the power of symbolism in your stories? Stick around for the practical exercises that will ignite your creative fire and empower you to embark on your own symbolic journey.

Hit that subscribe button to stay up-to-date with "Master Fiction Writing" because every story is waiting to be uncovered!

Have you ever marveled at an actor's meticulous preparation for a role? The depth, the dedication, the transformation—it’s truly art in motion. Now, what if writers could harness that same dedication in their editing process?

Join us as we unveil the second part of our deep dive into a revolutionary method of editing a novel—one that draws inspiration from the world of theatre. 🎭

Discover the 7-step journey, from "Character Study" to "Polishing the Performance", that borrows from an actor's toolkit but is tailored for writers. Today, we're diving deep into the steps of Blocking, Improvisation, Feedback, and Polishing the Performance. Whether you're an experienced novelist or just getting started, these insights will transform your editing game.

📖 Unravel the art of setting description, the magic of free writing, the value of constructive criticism, and the importance of a final polish.

Ready to reimagine your editing process and craft a manuscript that's truly stage-worthy? Grab your pen, put on your director's hat, and let's dive in! 🎬

Happy listening, and remember, in the theatre of writing, every word sets the stage! 🌟

Have you ever watched an actor prepare for a role? The meticulous detail, the character immersion, the rehearsal, feedback, and fine-tuning—it's a masterclass in creation and refinement. So, why can't writers adopt the same method?

In this first part of two episodes, we're going to explore my new, innovative approach to editing a novel, one that draws inspiration from the world of theatre. You might wonder how the process of preparing for a role could possibly relate to the task of refining a manuscript, but the parallels are surprisingly rich and insightful.

I'll guide you through seven comprehensive steps—from "Character Study" and "Rehearsal", all the way through to the final "Polishing the Perofrmance". Each step borrows from an actor's approach to preparation, adapted to the needs of a writer polishing their novel.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or a fresh-faced newcomer, these steps will help breathe new life into your editing process, ensuring your final manuscript is ready to take the stage and captivate its audience.

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors!

In this episode, I chat with author, book coach, and writing retreat host, David Rocklin. Some of the topics we discuss in this episode include:

·       Why David’s drawn to hosting writing retreats and what’s in store for you if you join his writing retreat in France in 2024.

·       Why being a part of a writing community is so important.

·       David’s take on writing block and how you can overcome it.

·       The importance of story intimacy and how to really get to know your characters.

·       Why writing your way into a corner can be a good thing.

·       The pros of switching publishers.

·       Where the inspiration for David’s latest book, The Electric Love Song of Fleischl Berger, came from.

·       How to know when it’s time to start writing your book.

This episode is guaranteed to get you inspired to attend a retreat, read David’s books, and reconsider your relationship to your story and your characters. When you’re ready, grab a drink, find a comfy chair, sit back and enjoy the show!

Learn more about David and check out his novels here: https://davidrocklinauthor.com/

Purchase a copy of David’s craft book, The Write Formula, here. 

To learn more about David’s writing retreats connect with David on Instagram or Facebook:

Instagram: @david.rocklin  or  @the.write.formula  

Facebook: @david.rocklin.75  or  The Write Formula Facebook Group

Listen to Alchemy for Authors Episode 50: Storytelling with David Rocklin here. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support helps me keep this podcast going.

Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor.

Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here. 

Purchase my new Paranormal Cozy Hades’s Haunt here: https://books2read.com/hadesshaunt

Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/

In June 2023, Sara Gentry from Solutions for Writers invited me for an interview at KidLit Summer Camp.

Despite not being a KidLit Book Coach myself, I agreed. After all, many writing techniques span many genres and categories, and that’s why I’m sharing this interview with you.

During the conversation, Sara and I discussed how theatrical techniques can improve writing, especially for character building.

And we really get to the heart of the struggles writers can face, even beyond the work itself.

Some writers believe that they can't afford to hire the writing professionals who can boost their sucecss. Some know that sometimes, you can't afford not to hire someone like a writing coach, an editor, or a cover designer. Join writing coach Karena Akhavein in this insightful episode of the "How to Be an Author" podcast as she shares valuable insights on the essential writing and publishing professionals authors might consider hiring. Learn about the pros, cons, and costs of working with writing coaches, freelance editors, literary agents, cover designers, formatters, book publicists, and marketing consultants. Discover how these professionals can elevate your writing career and increase your chances of success in the ever-evolving publishing industry, and learn how to save yourself time and money in the process of writing and publishing, whether you decide to hire someone or not. Don't miss this episode packed with expert advice to help you navigate the path to authorship.

https://creativeandwritingcoach.com

https://onlinecoursesforwriters.com