All About Writing

Ben and Sara bring back guest Michelle Robinson, a prolific book editor, to dive into the details on how to best work with an editor to have a great working relationship and get the best book out of the process. Learn what to do and not do when you bring an editor into your book writing, and what to look for when trying to find an editor to start! To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://y...

Ben and Sara bring marketing guru Judith San Vicente to All About Writing in this episode about marketing. What is a marketing team? How do you hire one, and what should authors expect when doing so? What do marketing professionals do for authors, and how soon one should be brought into the process - the answer is much sooner than one might expect! Learn from Judith's expertise as she offers...

This is a way for you to get to know us a little bit away from books. We recorded this around Christmas, and as the New Year hits, we wanted to share not our favorite top five desserts, but the ones we dislike the most, starting from the "ok, it's not the worst" to "the absolute most disgusting". We disagree, drink a bit more wine, and look forward to hearing how everyone...

Ben and Sara have a little back and forth (it's definitely NOT a disagreement) about where a story truly starts. Is it in the backstory? The moment the real action begins? There's more than one place to start a story, but they boil down to some of the best spots to do so. Ben also divulges some of his editorial and publishing pet peeves about where *not* to start a book! To watch this ep...

Writing is a creative process to be sure, and even some of the other elements around it can be creative - such as dreaming up unique marketing strategies. But in the end, to most book professionals, writing is a business. How can you frame your mind to see the pieces of the industry like the money-making opportunity it may be? Join Ben and Sara as they delve into the business side of books. To wat...

Writers often struggle with their first draft. Should it be perfect? When and how should one go back and edit? What if things aren't working out? What happens if you want to give up? As Ben and Sara discuss--the first draft is typically crap, but you can't fix what isn't built. Join them as they dissect how to barrel through that first draft. To watch this episode instead, visit: ht...

When writers hear all about the current book trends, craze, or popular genres and tropes, the question becomes: should I write what I want, or what might sell? Ben and Sara discuss the pros and cons of chasing trends, and how it factors into the publishing timeline for both traditional and indie authors. To watch this episode instead, check it out at: https://youtu.be/mSLOlycG7vI Learn more about...

Ben and Sara welcome guest Michelle Robinson, a prolific book editor, and discuss the pros and cons of handing over your manuscript to a beta reader or editor, and when to know it's the right time to do so. Perfect information for those uncertain about the next steps after their first draft - or drafts - are complete! To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/vI8GUUJ8mN4 Learn...

What's the climax of any book - no matter the genre? And where does it belong, how do you properly lead up to it, and what are cardinal rules about delivering a long-awaited "big bang" of a book? Join Ben and Sara as they discuss the most important piece of any novel. To watch this episode as a video, visit: https://youtu.be/2tfU_IC1mnw Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles...

Everyone is busy, and everyone has a life, but when you're a writer, you still have to figure out how to create a schedule or a formula that allows you the ability to carve out, or set aside time and a way to get some writing in! Ben and Sara discuss strategies they've used, or know to be helpful, in building a sustainable writing schedule for the busiest of writers. Whether you're...

Ben and Sara are thrilled to welcome special guest and internationally renowned, NYT and Sunday Times bestselling author Steven Erikson, who has sold multi-million copies of his The Malazan Book of the Fallen ten-volume series. Steven talks about where to find the "Big Idea", what to do when a spark of an idea hits and how to curate it to write a book. Or, conversely, whether an idea is...

How are scripts and books different, and how does one to navigate from writing novels to writing screenplays? Ben and Sara talk about the differences, the logistics, layout, how to describe scenes in detail, condensing and efficiencies expected in script writing verses books and more nitty gritty mechanicals about movie writing. Watch this episode instead at: https://youtu.be/rdel20mh3_Y Learn mor...

Ben and Sara break down the basics: what's a genre, a sub-genre, and what broadly defines them so you know what genre you're writing in (important for marketing to your audience!) and where to research your competition and discover your potential readership. How many genres are out there, and which one is right for you? Ben and Sara discuss the overarching themes of genre, with future ep...

Screenwriting is writing, and many writers hope to tackle it during their career. Sara, with her background in Hollywood and screenwriting, discusses with Ben the broad strokes of how screenwriting differs from writing books, and the top level ins and outs of navigating the industry itself. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/5mo5JiJ2GzI Learn more about Ben at: https://benne...

If you listen to the podcast, you know Ben and Sara like to enjoy a glass of wine while chatting.  In this episode, they each list their top five wine choices, make fun of one another's pronunciations, and learn about new different varieties. This is just the beginning of the Top Five. Ben and Sara plan to tackle their Top Five Horror Movies, Top Five Foods, etc To watch this episode, visit Y...

Writing is sometimes about reporting facts or theories, new science, or taking an old story--or one you've made up based on a core childhood memory--or even a story that comes to you in a dream. What inspires you to write, what to write? Ben and Sara discuss the ways one can be inspired, and how to turn that into a storytelling success. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.b...

Instagram, or "bookstagram" is now a piece of the marketing pie to discuss for any author looking to connect with a wide audience of potential readers. Ben and Sara dissect the pros, cons, and navigation of using Instagram to help market books and build an author brand. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/3lquMS8Pq3I Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.co...

Do you get writer's block? Can it be avoided? If so...how? Ben and Sara discuss their strategies for blasting through any snags in their writing process, and how to manage writer's block if it rears its ugly head. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/0_sYSlIYLJY Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/ Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

One of the most tricky parts of writing and always up for debate and discussion - especially in fiction - is the "make sure you show instead of tell" mantra. With Ben's extensive publishing and editing background, and Sara's varied body of work behind her, this episode is a deeper dive into how and why it matters, and how to show...not tell. Watch this episode on YouTube: https...

Marketing is the least favorite topic of Ben and Sara, but it will be an extensive number of episodes, starting with this one, which covers their personal experience and nuggets of advice. Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wMXLurVz9qU Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/ Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Editing is a massive part of writing - more than anyone generally suspects. Ben and Sara have worked for years together editing many projects for one another and others, and share their introduction to this massive topic. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RaCMS9MIdQU Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/ Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

The publishing world is ever changing. With Ben's experience as a novelist and publisher, and Sara's with large and small publishers, here's some insider tips about how to navigate the industry at large as of today. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WudBPpxYj-Q Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/ Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

In Ben and Sara's introduction to their writing craft series, they cover the basics of what the craft is, how to utilize it in your own writing, and the umbrella topics they'll discuss in length in future parts of this series. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5hkjhjj_R7A Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/ Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

What does it take, personally and professionally, to go down the path of becoming, officially, a writer? Ben and Sara discuss their own personal journeys and offer life hacks, tips, and advice to those looking to get started. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KqYS-pEYI9w Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/ Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Welcome to All About Writing! This is our first episode, covering who we (Ben and Sara) are, and what we'll be sharing with you every week...which is literally everything we can cover about writing from our extensive backgrounds in publishing, editing, ghostwriting, screenwriting, marketing, novel writing, non-fiction, and more! To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/WT5WTy...