Authors Talking Bookish

Have you heard the terms plotter and panster? What about a planster? They refer to the level or lack thereof of planning that goes into storytelling before the story is told. We’ll talk about the characteristics and benefits of each, so that you may determine your organizational style in your approach to writing a novel. SHOW NOTES: Plotter - someone who outlines their work fully before any writin...

Have you ever considered designating a dedicated writing space in your life? Whether it’s a tranquil corner adorned with books and soft lighting, a bustling café fostering an ambiance of creative energy, or a minimalist desk that evokes focus, your environment can affect your creativity and productivity. SHOW NOTES: Famous Author’s Writing Spaces ‘A woman must have money and a room of her own if s...

In a sea full of social media platforms, how do you choose the right one for you? Once you choose a platform, how do you establish a community? Join us in an overview of the major social media platforms as we reveal our best social media navigation tips. And as a bonus, we’ll address how to maintain a healthy “writing/life” balance while you are juggling social media marketing. SHOW NOTES:The Powe...

Have you heard the term “brand”? As an author, you’ll need one. This episode addresses what a brand is, what you need to think about to develop one and steps to take to create an author brand that is unique to you. SHOW NOTES:How is the brand of an author defined? Aesthetics Message Aesthetics: What is the “look” you want to achieve to represent your essence? Color scheme Fonts Logo Symbols Headsh...

So, you have a complete first draft of a novel. Congratulations, first of all, you’ve written a novel; that is an accomplishment unto itself. Now what? Is it ready for publication? Probably not yet. This episode addresses next steps after you complete that first draft. SHOW NOTES:You need eyes on your work for unbiased feedback. What are some options? Writing group Critique partners Content editor...

When you want to write a book but don’t know where to begin, there are some exercises you can do to discover what is and what is not in your wheelhouse. Let’s face it, writing a book is a commitment. You need to write a topic that will sustain your interest (and ultimately your readers) for 70K + words. This episode addresses how to get started, from idea to draft. SHOW NOTES:How do you conceive o...

Long before you write the words “THE END”, know the next steps for your book’s future. How does a book get published in 2023? Hope and Donna discuss the various ways in getting your book into the hands of the reading public. From traditional, small press, hybrid and self-publishing, they will share the benefits and the drawbacks of each and will give helpful tips to navigate some of the pitfalls....

How do you know when you’re an author? What’s the difference between a writer and an author? Hope and Donna discuss their paths to becoming authors and what makes them experts in addressing the many steps and skills necessary from being a writer to becoming published. Writer life The jump from writer life to publication Author acronym soup WIP MS MC CP Alpha/beta readers Our expertise on what we l...