All About Writing

How much to writers actually get paid in the traditional publishing industry? What about self-publishing? And how many books can an author realistically expect to sell? Ben puts on his publisher hat and answers Sara’s questions about the reality behind book sales. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/4SPvsItbKfE  To learn more about Ben visit www.bennett...

Join Ben & Sara as they welcome Rebekah Bryan, who is not only an author but also a fashion consultant specifically for authors to aid them on creating persona and branding. Together, the three of them discuss how one article of clothing or costumes or anything in between can help with your author persona, whether that's on social media or at in-person events.  To watch this episode on Yo...

Join Ben & Sara as they dive into what constitutes a chapter - are there any loose rules, page counts, and requirements? They talk about the ways to break apart plots and pacing, what kind of chapters suit certain genres, and what kind of tool a chapter is for writing books overall. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/C1x11Y_n8cE To learn more about...

Ben and Sara talk researching - and the surprising genres that actually require it. From what consitutes a proper source, and what doesn't, and the unique places a writer can find inspiration and tactile experiences to perform research beyond books, they dive into what researching really means, from a 1000 foot view. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu...

Join Ben & Sara as they discuss the pros and cons of collaborating with another writer. This is not ghost-writing - this is sharing a byline with someone else. They discuss in brief the legalities, but also the most important tips to working with another person and how you can break up the writing duties fairly. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/AH...

Join Ben and Sara as they drink all the wine and discuss a bit about themselves - mostly, horror movies they find the scariest and have scarred them the most. Granted, neither watch much horror. So these are also sort of like the only horror films they've ever seen.  To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/QJLdKOSDNwM To learn more about Ben visit www.b...

Join Ben & Sara as they discuss the mega-plot. This is mostly for those writing a series - and ideally something you decide before you even write book 1. Learn: what is a "mega-plot" or "story engine" for a series? To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/_4imYSWce88 To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more a...

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about how to make a living as a writer in ways other than writing books. If you have an interest in getting paid to write, there’s plenty of opportunities out there. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/HTooys23pU4 To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com  

Ben & Sara are joined by special Spade Robinson, a professor and industry expert on all things screenwriting. Join us in a wide-ranging discussion about the ins and outs of writing screenplays for the contemporary film industry. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/rrIJv-ncbyc To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about...

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about worldbuilding. Every story, no matter the genre, needs some aspect of worldbuilding, but how much effort should you put into it? To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/dZxgfvZIPao To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com  

Ben & Sara bring back screenwriter, director, and film producer Timothy Boissey to discuss what working with Hollywood looks like, what to expect, and insider realities when it comes to building a career in the film industry. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/6Xq8-OBtS7c To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara...

Valerie Biel returns to talk to Ben & Sara about marketing for authors, and deep dives into author websites: what they are, the best way to utilize them, and what to include online for readers to find and learn about you – the author! To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/SHB1LwjLLnY To discover more about Valerie, her marketing work, and her books, vi...

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about subtitles, how they can help sell your book and when it’s a good idea to use them. And also, when it’s not such a good idea to use them. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/kSC_Cn4Afms To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com  

Ben and Sara discuss the differences between using past tense and present tense in writing fiction and non-fiction, general publishing expectations around certain genres, when and how to use, mix and match, and when you generally don't want to use different verb tenses. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/PiTo3jVzSpY To learn more about Ben visit ww...

Sara interviews Ben, an experienced ghostwriter. He offers the basics and nitty gritty of what it is, what it takes, and the pros and cons of working as a ghostwriter. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/0Q2jr2mHz-8 To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com  

Listen to Ben and Sara talk about expectations of yourself, your writing, and why it's important to give yourself permission to not be perfect as your work on your craft. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/WkDHh0aJIJI To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com  

Join Ben & Sara as they discuss the first step in getting your screenplay in front of Hollywood: the pitch deck! To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/B3-jio9Ozt0 To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com  

Join Ben & Sara as they sit down with marketing expert Judith Sanvicente to discuss author style. What’s that, you ask? Tune in to find out. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/n_tXnUTtCFM  To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com  

Join Ben & Sara as they discuss the implications of using a pseudonym as an author. What are some reasons to use one? What are the pros and cons? To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/HbpF0Jvy2lc To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com  

Join Ben & Sara as they discuss the process of uncovering and understanding your main character. How do you decide who is the main character? Can you have more than one? Is it always who you thought it was? To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/Pr0iNONtdm8 To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.co...

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about their favorite books. The most influential, the most enjoyable and the ones they always have ready on the shelf. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/EgpxwCmMEz0 To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com  

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about the different points of view (POV) you can use in your writing. First Person, Third Person Limited, Third Person Omniscient and even Second Person are all on the table.  To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/ArLokDKtex8 To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com...

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about how you can draw from your own life and experience to help get your story started. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/rKsOoT9et_8 To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com  

Join Ben & Sara as they talk with their guest, Hollywood screenwriter and producer Tim Boissey, about the many ins and outs of writing a pilot and getting it seen. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/DO69Ix_thLU To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com  

Join Ben & Sara as they talk with their guest, book marketing guru Valerie Biel, about the importance of reviews. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/G-A_cTgTb04 To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com   To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com