Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

Welcome to season 2 of Ask The Author.  The first question of the year is all about dreaded writer's block. Is it real? Is it just a form of procrastination? And what do you do when you feel like there's something stopping you from sitting down and writing? All will be revealed in this detailed episode with some great tips to get you writing again. Don't forget to like and subscribe so you don't m...

In the final episode for 2023, Jodi reflects on the year that was personally in writing and publishing, and also for the Ask The Author podcast. What were the top most listened to episodes for the year? You'll have to listen to find out that and more about the season ahead in 2024.    A big thank you to everyone who listened to the pod during the year, especially those who were kind enough to leav...

Should you write under a pen name? What are the things to consider when choosing a pen name or pseudonym? What are the legalities of writing under a pen name? If you've ever wondered why some authors write under a different name, or considered doing so yourself, then this is a must-listen episode for you.    For more information and a transcript summary of this and past episodes please visit https...

This week Jodi offers tips to help a writer learn to love the editing process. Okay, so you may not ever love it, but learning how to push through the challenge of rewriting your novel and working through the structural/developmental editing is something that you can learn how to do. For more information and a transcript summary of this and past episodes please visit https://www.jfgibson.com.au/bl...

Have an exciting idea for a novel but not sure if it has legs? In this week's episode Jodi offers tips to help you work out whether your story idea is worth pursuing for a novel with five handy questions to ask before you start writing. 

What's the best piece of writing advice Jodi has ever received? Something that changed and improved the way she wrote immediately? You'll have to listen to find out!  For more information and a transcript summary of this and past episodes please visit https://www.jfgibson.com.au/blog   And if you have a question you'd like to have answered on the podcast, reach out to Jodi on Instagram at https://...

Writing your first draft? Then you'll want to listen to this episode where Jodi shares her top 5 tips for writing a first draft. Whether it's your very first first draft or you're a seasoned writer these tips will help you move forward with your writing and finish that first draft.  For more information and a transcript summary of this and previous episodes head to https://www.jfgibson.com.au/blog...

What's the biggest challenge as an indie author? That's the question this week's listener has asked Jodi. In this episode you'll hear about what Jodi believes is the biggest challenge for indies, but which is also one of the biggest challenges all authors face in the current publishing landscape.  For more information and a transcript summary of this and previous episodes head to https://www.jfgib...

In this week's episode Jodi answers a listener's concerns at being told to read their manuscript out loud. Jodi explains why reading your manuscript out loud is good advice and something you should make part of your writing process.

In this week's episode Jodi answers a listener's question all about beta readers. What are they? When should you use them? And, what to do with the feedback.

This week is all about upcoming NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month which is happens in November every year where writers attempt to write 50,000 words of their novel. Jodi has taken part in NaNo many times and shares her top 3 tips for those wanting to take on the challenge.

This week Jodi answers a question about comp titles. What they are, why agents and publishers ask for them in your pitch, and how to choose them. She also chats about why comp titles aren't only necessary for trad authors but also indies too. 

In this week's episode Jodi helps a new writer with suggestions on how to find their 'voice'. Coming from a corporate world it can be difficult to settle into a fiction voice and lose the formality of language. Jodi shares three tips to help.

In this week's episode Jodi tackles a question from someone new to writing who wants to know what the inciting incident and the role it plays within the structure of a novel. 

In this episode a listener has asked Jodi to share her favourite writing craft books. Jodi has chosen three of her very much loved books that sit on her desk always in arms reach. Listen to find out what they are.

This week Jodi answers a quesion from a writer who is feeling despondent after not seeing any success after years of writing. This epiosde is essential listening for those who have ever felt like giving up, which, is 99% of most writers!

This week's episode tackles the common subject of dealing with rejection. Unfortunatley, it's something every author will deal with. Listen in as Jodi shares her tips and advice on how to deal with rejection.

In this week's episode Jodi helps a writer who wants to begin plotting and planning their novels in advance. If you're a plotter or someone who thinks plotting could work for them then this episode will offer the basics you need to get started and go from pantser to plotter. 

In this week's episode Jodi answers a listener's question regarding how and when to research while writing a novel. Useful for general research and also those tackling historical timelines.

Where should you seek out writing advice? This week's topic is a can of worms. There are so many resources and places offering writing and publishing advice, so who should you trust? Who should you listen to? 

Should authors read their reviews? This question is a can of worms and I have many thoughts how authors can navigate the world of book reviews. 

I loved answering this week's question about what has surprised me the most about the writing process. There are a couple of things that have caught me off guard, but in a good way. Hope you enjoy the episode. 

Do I have to write everyday? Jodi chats about the advice that writers should write everday (and why it's not true).

What's the difference between traditional, self, and vanity publishers? This week's episode discusses the different ways authors can get their book out into the world and what pitfalls (namely vanity publishers) to avoid.

How to deal with fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. It's something all writers are faced with, but for some it can stop them from writing. Jodi shares her thoughts on tackling these thoughts and feelings head on.