The Kate and Abbie Show

Nobody tells you this when you're starting out: the biggest mistakes new authors make usually have NOTHING to do with the writing itself. 😬 In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, we're getting real about the 5 biggest mistakes we made when we were first starting out as published authors—things like hiding our work for way too long, letting perfectionism stall our progress, and ignori...

Ever feel like your story just… isn’t hitting anymore? Like something is missing, the spark is gone, and suddenly every scene feels kind of *meh* no matter how hard you try to fix it? In this episode, Kate and I are sitting down for a very real conversation about WHY that happens — and how to figure out what your story actually needs before you scrap the whole thing and start over (because we know...

If you’re a writer trying to figure out what you actually need before publishing your book… this episode is for you. Editors, beta readers, proofreaders, coaches... it can feel like you need all of it just to move forward. And it gets overwhelming (and expensive) fast. 😵‍💫PRE-ORDER ABBIE'S NEW BOOK HERE: https://abbieemmonsauthor.com/make-your-story-matter In this episode of The Kate & A...

Want to keep your readers on the edge of their seats? In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, we’re breaking down 7 easy ways to add suspense to your story and make it impossible to put down. From building tension through your character’s deepest fears to raising the stakes with a ticking clock, these powerful storytelling techniques will help you craft suspenseful, high-stakes fiction that ke...

Struggling to create a tragic villain backstory that tugs your reader's heartstrings? In this podcast, we'll show you how to write a villain with depth, exploring backstory techniques that make your antagonist unforgettable. Learn the secrets to writing a compelling villain by understanding villain motivation, how to make a villain relatable, and writing a tragic backstory that resonates....

Are you ready to write faster than you ever have? Ready to charge into your writing projects with reckless creativity and write more words than you thought possible? In today's podcast, Kate and I will share our top 10 unique writing hacks for getting more words on the page FASTER (without rushing!) Grab a notebook and get ready to be inspired. Let's go! WATCH THE MUSE CHALLENGE SUMMIT REPLAY: htt...

Whether you're embarking on a New Year's goal or you're getting ready to tackle a big writing project whose time has come, Abbie and I are here to share with you our secrets for writing the book of your dreams FAST. We believe that writing a book doesn't have to be a never-ending project or a pipe dream; in fact, it can be something that you finish within 1-3 months. It's time to STOP putting your...

Do you struggle to commit to creative time every day? Are you ready to build a writing habit that lasts long after NaNoWriMo ends? In today's podcast, we're sharing our best advice for creating a bulletproof writing habit that sticks. So if you've been struggling to show up for your book, this episode will give you the tools you need to make writing a daily habit. Grab a notebook and let's get sta...

Writing a novel (or 50k words) in one month comes with unique challenges. Whether you're embarking on the adventure of tackling NaNoWriMo 2024 or simply starting a new literary endeavor, we're here to help you prepare yourself to write your best novel. We will cut through the clutter and overwhelm and focus on the FEW vital things that will help you write more words this November. So grab a notebo...

Is it possible to write "insta-love" romance that actually feels believable and earned? That's the big question we're tackling in today's podcast. We'll explore six powerful tried-and-true methods for making your couple's relationship feel well-developed and compelling, even if you're working with a short timeline for your story. So, if you need two characters to...

Do you want to write flawed, lovable, and relatable characters? In this new podcast episode, we're exploring five simple techniques for making your characters more unique and realistic by giving them vices and virtues that will make your readers fall in love. Ready to take your characters to the next level? Grab a notebook, and let's dive into this discussion! _____________________________...

Do you want to kick your story off with a bang and captivate your readers in chapter one? The secret is to make us care about your characters and write an explosive inciting incident within those crucial first few pages of your story. That's why, in today's podcast, we're exploring how to shove your characters outside their comfort zone in the first chapter of your book and keep your r...

Is your dialogue falling flat, sounding repetitive, or feeling forced? Do you want to elevate your dialogue-writing skills but don’t know where to begin? In this new podcast episode, Kate and I reveal three game-changing tips to transform dull dialogue into compelling conversations—as well as how to pinpoint problem areas so that you can take your story to the next level! Grab a notebook, and let’...

The "aha moment" is one of the most important parts of your ENTIRE story! In this episode, we're diving into your character's realization and transformation... and how to leave a lasting impact on your audience. This is YOUR moment – the reason why you wanted to write this story in the first place! We're going to break this down step-by-step. So grab a notebook and let's...

Are you a young writer or just a beginner, and you’re feeling...overwhelmed? If so, you’re not alone. Kate and I are both familiar with the feeling of starting out on this writing journey and feeling pulled in a hundred different directions. How do you know if your writing is any good? When should you publish your first novel? How do you edit your own work and become better? In this podcast, we’re...

Do you want to design a book cover that stops your readers in their tracks and instantly pulls them in? Are you struggling to figure out where to even begin with cover design? If so, today's podcast is for you. In this episode, Kate and I will divulge our best tips and techniques for designing a show-stopping cover — whether you're flying solo or working with a cover designer. We'll sh...

Do you ever compare your writing to others and feel like you just don't measure up? Does self-doubt ever make you want to throw your manuscript into the trash bin? Are you feeling discouraged because you're not where you want to be in your writing/publishing journey? If so, you’re not alone. These are mental battles that plague writers everywhere… And that’s why, in this episode of the Kat...

Crafting a fictional setting, also known as world-building, is a crucial aspect of any good story. A well-crafted setting has the power to capture our attention and transport us into the world of the characters. However, if you reveal your world in the wrong way, you risk boring your readers and overwhelming them with information. In today's podcast, Kate and I will discuss the do's and do...

Are you struggling to find the time to write? Do you feel like you just can't get enough words down? This year, all that can change. In this podcast episode, Kate and I will share simple but powerful techniques that can help you overcome this challenge. We'll dive into developing personalized habits, finding an accountability partner, cultivating a daily habit of creativity, and committing...

You asked us writing questions... and we are here to answer them! In this end-of-year special episode of The Kate & Abbie Show, we're sitting down and tackling your toughest writing struggles, offering insightful tips and tricks that have helped us throughout the years to build successful and joyful author careers. So grab your favorite cozy blanket and something yummy to drink...and let&#...

Every writer faces it at one time or another: doubt, discouragement, fear, hesitation… the feeling of wanting to give up on your novel. Sometimes we reach a point in the writing process where we ask ourselves: is it even worth it to keep going? We writers are introspective by nature, but sometimes our reckless imaginations come back to bite us when we start to think that our books aren't worth...

We’re nearly halfway through NaNoWriMo! A lot of writers experience a creative lull during the halfway point of a writing project — also known as the “mushy middle” 😰 when you might be feeling burnt out or lacking creativity. That’s why, in this new podcast, Kate and I are tackling one of the most daunting challenges any writer can face: writer's block. It's a universal struggle, that ove...

One of the most daunting hurdles for writers is finding the time to sit down and write. 😩🕒 Kate and I understand the struggle of juggling various responsibilities and still trying to squeeze in some time for writing. That's why, in today’s podcast, we’re sharing our best tips for building an unstoppable writing habit and avoiding distractions. We’re also going to share our top 4 hacks for st...

There's one big mistake I often see many new writers make… a mistake that can ruin your whole story and end your author career before it even begins. (No exaggeration.) This mistake has destroyed many writers who could have been great, if they had just done this ONE THING differently. What is this mistake? That's the big question we are unpacking and addressing in today's new episode o...

Preptober starts now! Are you preparing to write your novel for NaNoWriMo 2023, but you're not sure where to start? We believe that everyone's process is different -- and that's why, in today's podcast, Kate and I are sharing out perspectives and best advice for bringing joy and creative inspiration to the story-planning journey. Grab your notebook and a cup of coffee, and let'...