Pen to Paper

Struggling to understand critique partners, alpha readers, and beta readers? In this episode, Leah explains what they are, what they do, why they're essential for your writing, and how they fit into your revision process. From accountability and vulnerability to catching plot holes early and getting real reader reactions—learn why these feedback partners are game-changers for aspiring writers and...

Struggling to finish your novel, script, or blog posts? Discover why writers NEED accountability from writing groups and readers to 3X your productivity and actually complete your projects! In this podcast, I break down the real reasons solo writing can lead to procrastination and how joining a writing group or sharing with beta readers transforms your creative process. You'll learn: Why accountab...

In this episode, I'm thrilled to chat with Ottawa-based author Alyssa Delle Palme about her upcoming adult romance novel, Signing Off for the Summer, releasing June 6, 2025! We dive into her inspiration behind the book, her love for summer romances, and how her experiences as a broadcast journalist and cottage life shaped this heartfelt story. Plus, we geek out over Broadway musicals, her Read Bet...

In this episode, I'm sharing my top tips on how to write a strong chapter opening that hooks your reader and keeps them turning pages. We're diving into the three key elements you need—Compelling, Conflict, and Character—and how to use them to craft unforgettable beginnings for any genre, from fantasy to mystery to romance. Plus, I'm filming outdoors in my backyard for a change, and I share a quic...

In this episode, I'm thrilled to chat with Judy Leslie, author of the captivating Cook's Cove series! Judy shares her incredible journey as a writer, from her mentorships with bestselling authors to crafting her mystery-driven, character-focused novels. We dive deep into her first book, House at the Cove, and explore the inspiration behind its gripping story, slow-burn romance, and unforgettable t...

Struggling to make your writing pop? In this video, I'm diving into my top 3 tips to write visually and bring your stories to life! From engaging the five senses to mastering "show, don't tell" and using powerful similes and metaphors, I'll show you how to captivate your readers' senses and emotions. Plus, I'm sharing examples from Edgar Allan Poe, Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, and even my own work...

Hey everyone! In this video, I'm spilling all my secrets on how to hook your readers in under 60 seconds with the ultimate guide to creating book trailers. Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, this is your one-stop resource for mastering book trailers—why, they're a game-changer for book marketing, how to make one, and where to share them for maximum impact. I dive deep into wha...

Hey everyone! Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Alyssa Milani, an incredibly talented author of the upcoming dark romance novel, "The Chosen Secret." In this interview, we explored Alyssa's journey from writing horror and sci-fi to blending those elements into dark romance. We talked about her creative process, the unique challenges she faced while writing her latest book, and her exp...

Hey everyone, welcome back to Pen to Paper! Today we're diving into how to craft a writing routine that truly works for you. The Role of Movement: Learn why incorporating exercise or some form of movement can significantly boost your creativity and focus. From Charles Dickens' walks to my own HIIT sessions, find what energizes your writing process. How much should you write? I share my personal go...

Hey everyone! I'm thrilled to share with you an insightful interview with the wonderful Madeline Nixon. In this episode, we dive deep into her latest release, "Not Actually", which hit the shelves last November. Here's what we cover: Madeline's writing journey from her high school days to her current success with 14 educational kids' books and three adult novels. Inspiration behind "Not Actually",...

Welcome to Pen to Paper 2025! Hey everyone! I'm thrilled to be back with you on this journey through my writing world. After taking a little break at the end of last year, I'm super excited to shake things up here on the channel. 2024 was a whirlwind for me, starting with the release of "Unborn Melody," which really set the pace for my year. I released my first audiobook, "Redeemed from the Ashes,...

My First Scriptwriting Experience & Year-End Reflections 🎭✨ Today, I open up about my creative journey in my first attempt at adapting my book into a play script, and the exciting shifts in my life and career. Adapting a Book to a Play: Challenges and creative decisions behind turning Redeemed from the Ashes into a concise, impactful 6500-word play. Learning the Scriptwriting Process: My approac...

Thinking about attending a writing conference but not sure if it's worth the in-person commitment? In this video, I break down 3 major reasons why you should prioritize attending in-person writing events—whether it's a writing conference, festival, or workshop. While online events are convenient, nothing beats the real-time connection, energy, and opportunities that come from being face-to-face wi...

Want to create a villain that keeps your readers hooked? In this video, I dive deep into the art of writing a deliciously attractive villain. Using examples from my own work, particularly my book Wisps of Gold, and comparing them to iconic characters like The Darkling from Shadow and Bone, I reveal the secrets behind crafting a compelling antagonist. You'll learn: How to give your villain a unique...

Want to know how to authentically write from a child's point of view? In this video, I'll share my five tips that will help you accomplish this. PURCHASE THE CANADIAN REMINISCENCE SERIES Redeemed From the Ashes: https://books2read.com/u/mgPvK4 https://amz.run/9DtC Ghost of My Heart: https://books2read.com/u/49DgQX https://amz.run/9DtD Wisps of Gold: https://books2read.com/u/4XKJZN https://amz.run/...

Want to know how to sell your books at a book signing? In this video, I'll share how SERVE will set you up for a profitable and successful book signing. REDEEMED FROM THE ASHES AUDIOBOOK  Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Redeemed-from-the-Ashes-Audiobook/B0D82CSDDS GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Leah_Lindeman_Redeemed_From_the_Ashes?id=AQAAAEDSMx1z3M Kobo: https://...

Have you ever wondered what weird habits writers have that imbues them with the power to create? In this video, I'll share weird writer habits I have that are TOXIC, downright CRAZY, and might just GET ME KILLED. PURCHASE THE CANADIAN REMINISCENCE SERIES Redeemed From the Ashes: https://books2read.com/u/mgPvK4 https://amz.run/9DtC Ghost of My Heart:  https://books2read.com/u/49DgQX https://amz.run...

How do you condense your story into the succinct form of the novella? In this video, I share some tips on how to write a novella.  PURCHASE THE CANADIAN REMINISCENCE SERIES Redeemed From the Ashes: https://books2read.com/u/mgPvK4 https://amz.run/9DtC Ghost of My Heart:  https://books2read.com/u/49DgQX https://amz.run/9DtD Wisps of Gold: https://books2read.com/u/4XKJZN https://amz.run/9DtE Scathed...

Wondering how to get your book into any bookstore, be it indie or a brick and mortar chain? In this video, I share with you the email structure I send to owners/managers that gets my book into their stores 99% of the time.   PURCHASE THE CANADIAN REMINISCENCE SERIES Redeemed From the Ashes: bit.ly/re-fromashes​​​​​​ Ghost of My Heart: bit.ly/ghostofmyheart​​​​​​ Wisps of Gold: bit.ly/wispsofgold​​...

Want to read books for free and be good at it? Learn all about being a helpful beta reader and becoming a key part of the editing process for your favourite authors. PURCHASE THE CANADIAN REMINISCENCE SERIES Redeemed From the Ashes: bit.ly/re-fromashes​​​​​​ Ghost of My Heart: bit.ly/ghostofmyheart​​​​​​ Wisps of Gold: bit.ly/wispsofgold​​​​​​ Scathed Bones: bit.ly/scathed-bones​​​​​​ FOLLOW LEAH...

Stressed out as an author? Deadlines, projects, and clutter are significant ways that can mentally pull you out of the game. Listen to these tips to combat the stress and put you back in control. PURCHASE THE CANADIAN REMINISCENCE SERIES Redeemed From the Ashes: bit.ly/re-fromashes​​​​​​ Ghost of My Heart: bit.ly/ghostofmyheart​​​​​​ Wisps of Gold: bit.ly/wispsofgold​​​​​​ Scathed Bones: bit.ly/sc...

How do you combine genres in a way that they compliment each other without ruining the flavour of the other? Prioritizing, identifying, and blending seamlessly will accomplish your mission of writing a book of combined genres. 0:00 Intro 0:38 What is your main purpose? 5:49 What is your second genre? 6:38 Where to insert the markers? 8:40 How to figure out competing genres?   PURCHASE THE CANADIAN...

How do you write the best kind of foreplay for two characters before they ever kiss? History, emotions, and body create the perfect recipe for sizzle. PURCHASE THE CANADIAN REMINISCENCE SERIES Redeemed From the Ashes: bit.ly/re-fromashes​​​​​​ Ghost of My Heart: bit.ly/ghostofmyheart​​​​​​ Wisps of Gold: bit.ly/wispsofgold​​​​​​ Scathed Bones: bit.ly/scathed-bones​​​​​​ FOLLOW LEAH ON ALL SOCIAL M...

Wondering how to write strong, compelling dialogue in your novel or short story? Find out the 10 best practices you need to follow in order to bring your characters to life and to move your plot forward in the best way possible.   PURCHASE THE CANADIAN REMINISCENCE SERIES Redeemed From the Ashes: http://bit.ly/re-fromashes​​​​​​ Ghost of My Heart: http://bit.ly/ghostofmyheart​​​​​​ Wisps of Gold:...

What are your writing goals for this year? Make sure you come up with actionable steps to achieve your goals.   PURCHASE THE CANADIAN REMINISCENCE SERIES Redeemed From the Ashes: http://bit.ly/re-fromashes​​​​​​ Ghost of My Heart: http://bit.ly/ghostofmyheart​​​​​​ Wisps of Gold: http://bit.ly/wispsofgold​​​​​​ Scathed Bones: https://bit.ly/scathed-bones​​​​​​   FOLLOW LEAH ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA lin...