The Writing Forge

Hosts Bonnie and Miranda welcome Dr. Pamela D. Williams for an updated discussion on imposter syndrome, this time specifically on academic writing. The transition from student to independent scholar often leaves writers feeling unqualified, even in the midst of earning credentials. Dr. Williams and your hosts provide some tips for how academic writers can build confidence in their own voices, with...

In this episode, Miranda and Bonnie dive into the value of books on writing craft, focusing on learning about the art of writing versus the act of writing itself. Your co-hosts reflect on their experiences with various craft books, exploring what separates the truly helpful ones from those that fall short. They emphasize the importance of concrete examples and actionable suggestions. The conversat...

Debut author Kristin Owens shares tips and tricks from her journey as a first-time author. After a brief rundown on the differences between traditional and self-publishing, our hosts discuss the importance of knowing your own strengths and goals. For those with time and patience, the traditional publishing route offers professional support all along the way, from editing to securing audiobook deal...

Amber Byers, founder of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest , joins Bonnie and Miranda to explore the themes of authenticity and joy in writing. Finding and maintaining your voice amidst external pressures and criticism can be difficult, particularly in the pursuit of writing. And yet, it is important to stay true to your vision while navigating feedback and the publishing process. The host...

Bonnie and Miranda welcome Amy Trent for a discussion on the timeless allure of fairy tales. Elements of fairy tales can enhance writing in any genre, from themes and motifs to character development and beyond. The conversation emphasizes the significance of happily ever afters, the challenge of avoiding clichés, and the importance of empathy in storytelling. Tune in for valuable insights and insp...

In this episode of The Writing Forge, hosts Bonnie and Miranda focus on the positive, celebrating elements in books that elevate their reading experience. Small physical touches can make a huge difference, like consistent heights that avoid the frustration of mismatched series and detailed maps in fantasy novels. Bonnie and Miranda also highlight the appeal of well-crafted chapter titles and engag...

In this episode, hosts Bonnie and Miranda delve into the intricacies of crafting natural and distinct dialogue with guest Jordan Taper , a writer and director of audio dramas and audiobooks. Good dialogue is crucial for writing an enjoyable narrative, and a variety of techniques can help characters sound believable: reading a manuscript out loud, ensuring character-specific word choice, even weigh...

Many writers dream of ditching the day job and writing full-time. Author and speaker Andrew Buckley joins Bonnie and Miranda to discuss his journey to full-time creativity and provide tips and tricks for thriving when writing becomes your 9-to-5. From diversifying income streams to outsourcing to tackling marketing strategies, writers have a lot of choices to make on their road to writing self-rel...

In this episode, Miranda poses the question “Bonnie, what would make you absolutely love a potential client?” Together they delve into the many ways authors can impress potential editors and agents. Tips and tricks include understanding different levels of editing, leveraging alpha and beta readers, and engaging in self-editing. They also highlight the value of preparing key documents like a style...

In the modern era of Kickstarter and Backerkit, crowdfunding has become a viable option for self-published authors to access the funds needed to publish their work. Experienced crowdfunder Jason Brick joins Bonnie and Miranda to discuss why crowdfund, as well as lay out strategies for successful campaigns and pitfalls to avoid. From setting achievable goals and offering enticing rewards to underes...

Plottr creator Cameron Sutter joins Bonnie and Miranda to discuss their favorite story structures and how to effectively use them. Whether you’re a planner or a pantser, understanding the elements of structure is crucial to crafting a compelling narrative. A solid grounding in a variety of structures can help you avoid plotholes, meet reader expectations, and deliver satisfying character arcs. Thr...

Bonnie and Miranda delve into the roles of beta and alpha readers in the writing process. While alphas and betas perform somewhat different functions, establishing clear expectations with both is key to the early reading process. Ultimately, emotional reactions are some of the most useful feedback an alpha or beta can provide, and an author’s job is to reflect on the underlying issues behind the f...

Sensory details are crucial to immersing readers in a story. In both fiction and narrative nonfiction, different senses establish the setting, evoke emotions, and deepen characterizations. In today’s episode, author Ritu Anand joins Bonnie and Miranda to explore how to balance the senses in your writing and how to choose which senses are emphasized in a given scene. And once again our hosts return...

The landscape of fiction in the United States has been morphing over the last twenty years, due in part to the translation and influence of TV shows, movies, books, and comics from other countries and cultures. Guest Katie Lewis along with hosts Bonnie and Miranda discuss their experiences reading translated works from other cultures and how it has shaped their writing and reading. Explore how man...

Got any writing pet peeves? Miranda and Bonnie take advantage of the opportunity to rant about some things that have made them put books down (or throw them across the room), discussing the pitfalls of playing tricks on readers, being unnecessarily coy, and making characters behave inconsistently for the sake of the plot. They dissect common grievances such as forced relationships, miscommunicatio...

Hosts Bonnie and Miranda welcome guest Trina Burgermeister to discuss the intricacies of writing from multiple points of view (POVs). Trina shares insights from her own writing journey, highlighting the challenges and rewards of weaving together distinct character perspectives. The conversation delves into the decision-making process behind employing multiple POVs, emphasizing the importance of le...

Bonnie and Miranda talk with Tracy Hume about reinventing yourself to get your writing career off the ground. The trio explores the ever-evolving landscape of the writing industry, discussing platforms like webinars, conferences, and social media for staying informed. The conversation sheds light on the importance of saying yes to new opportunities and the significance of discarding what doesn&#39...

Happy New Year, and welcome to Season 3 of The Writing Forge, listeners. Returning guest David E. Sharp joins Bonnie and Miranda to talk about anti-resolutions. Embrace your personal weaknesses for yourself and your characters this year to give your story a punch, to achieve some character development, and maybe see that your weakness can be a strength after all. What sort of anti-resolutions are...

The end of 2023 is upon us! In their traditional end-of-year season finale, Miranda and Bonnie analyze the movie The Lost City . Comparing a fictional portrayal of an author with real-life writer experience provides plenty of fodder for discussion. Your hosts explore the movie’s unique take on romance, adventure, comedy, and action, highlighting the clever use of humor and the way the movie subver...

In this episode, hosts Bonnie and Miranda welcome special guest Valerie Ihsan to discuss the critical elements of conflict, choice, and consequence in storytelling. The conversation delves into the importance of conflict in hooking readers, the significance of character flaws, and how conflict drives the overall story. Compelling conflicts are crucial for both fiction and memoir, as readers need t...

In this episode of the Writing Forge podcast, Kelly Lydick of Pure Carbon Publishing joins Bonnie and Miranda to delve into the world of editing. The trio unravels the distinctions between developmental and other kinds of editing, shedding light on the nuanced roles each plays in the writing process. They discuss the importance of finding the right editor, the benefits of a sample edit, and the co...

Hosts Bonnie and Miranda and guest Beth Bonness delve into the fascinating connection between dreams and poetry. Beth's unique perspective of rediscovering her passion for poetry after experiencing life-altering strokes sheds light on how dreams and the subconscious mind can influence the creative process. The discussion explores the randomness of dreaming, the emotional seeds found in vivid d...

Join hosts Bonnie and Miranda and guest Sonja Dewing, an award-winning author and CEO of the Women's Thriller Writers Association, as they delve into the world of AI and its applications in the realm of social media marketing. Amidst a discussion on the limitations and possibilities of AI, they explore how AI, particularly Chat GPT, can enhance your social media presence without replacing the...

Bonnie and Miranda use their experiences as anthology judges, editor, and author to share valuable insights and tips for writers looking to submit their work to anthologies. From uncovering niche opportunities to avoiding common mistakes to crafting standout submissions, they share invaluable tips and tricks to help you make your mark in the competitive world of anthologies. Whether you're new...

Uncover the keys to building and sustaining a thriving writing community in the Writing Forge’s very first live episode! Writing Heights Writers Association director Amy Rivers and Northern Colorado Writers founder Kerrie Flanagan join Bonnie and Miranda for an important conversation on the significance of connecting with our fellow writers. From feedback that refines your work to finding your uni...