The Page & Podium Podcast with Dr. Amanda Nell Edgar

One of the most obvious ways to measure the progress you've made on your book is word count. But writing a book is more than just stringing words together (otherwise, it wouldn't be so hard). When you feel like you're putting in the mental effort, but not seeing that word counter go up, it can make you lose that precious new year's momentum and energy. There are other forms of work that go into a...

Happy New Year! The New Year is a time we set new goals for ourselves--but so often we don't set the framework and habits needed to make that goal successful. This week, Amanda reviews why celebrating every win is important to keep you going through the long process of writing your book. Happy writing is writing that lasts! 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the step...

There is a pervasive myth of solitary writers who toil away completely on their own before emerging with a sparkling, perfectly polished book ready to hand off to the publishers. While much of writing can be a lonely and solitary endeavor, this image is a myth because writers need and get support for their work all the time. The question many writers face is not whether they need support (they do!...

One of the main reasons our channel exists is because we want to help writers finish their books and avoid the mistakes that will derail their projects. Stories deserve to be told and not languish in the bottom of drawer or in some untouched computer file for years and years. From working with authors, we have found that all mistakes really come back to the same starting point--resisting the plann...

Writing a book can be a very lonely process. It can also require a huge investment in time, labor, and money to see it all the way through to publication. So how do you know when it's time to devote those resources to getting this project done? When is it time to get outside or professional help to make sure your book will make it to market in a way you're proud of? This week, Amanda reviews five...

In our Memoir Method program, outlining is a major backbone to our process. Many writers who love writing but hate outlining might be holding over some annoyance from typical outline assignments from high school or college--tedious exercises in formatting and nit-picky scaffolds. Outlining does not have to be that way. It can be an enormously beneficial process to you and your project. It can even...

Writing a book is hard, but you can do hard things. If you've wanted to write a book for a long time, but it always feels like something is getting in the way, it might be time to consider if that something is simply your mindset. One of the hardest things about writing a book is that you have to believe in the project for a really long time, without much in the way of external validation, in orde...

For those of you familiar with our Memoir Method and the journey of transforming personal stories into impactful narratives, today’s video goes one step deeper. Crafting a memoir that resonates requires more than recounting events—it demands a well-defined, powerful message that runs like a spine through the story. In this video, we discuss techniques for developing that essential key message that...

There is a lot of contradictory advice out there about how writers should (or shouldn't) incorporate audience expectations, trends, and wants into your writing process. It is after all, your story, so shouldn't it be as unique as you are? There is a way to balance these two needs against each other with some clarity about how audiences find books, how to separate your process from your project, an...

What can you earn from publishing a book, really? There are lots of complications and factors to consider in how much money you could possibly make from publishing, but is that all there is to it? This week, we explore not only how your book can help your financial career, but also reap benefits that are harder to count but so much more valuable. If a memoir is the right way for you to share your...

It's ~~spoooooky~~ season and this week we're talking about one of the biggest fears so many first-time non-fiction authors face: Building a Platform. Building your platform doesn't have to be your boogeyman. With some key strategies, a clear understanding of your idea and audience, some mindset shifts, and a healthy dollop of patience, you can develop a presence that can build a engaged audience...

Are you struggling to find joy in your writing? Feeling burnt out and unmotivated? In this video, we delve into six simple but powerful strategies to help you reconnect with the fun and creativity that made you fall in love with writing in the first place. Whether you're working on a memoir, fiction, or non-fiction, these tips can help bring back the excitement and motivation you need to complete...

Are you ready to turn your life story into a compelling memoir? In this video, I break down the 7 essential tools you need to successfully write your memoir. From defining your core topic and key message to structuring your story and staying accountable, these tools are the backbone of any powerful memoir. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your writing process, these tips will help you...

In this video, we delve into the captivating world of memoirs, uncovering five essential types that every aspiring author should be familiar with. Whether you're considering writing your own memoir or simply intrigued by the diverse storytelling possibilities, this breakdown will provide valuable insights to guide your creative journey. 🕒 Timestamps/Table of Contents: 00:00 - Introduction 01:25 -...

Embarking on your memoir journey? 📖 Join me as we delve into four powerful structures for crafting your narrative. From the widely used Three-Act Structure to the thematic richness of Thematic Structure, and the heroic odyssey of The Hero's Journey—explore the pros and cons. But, wait! There's an innovative approach, "The Memoir Method," a unique quadrant system that strikes the perfect balance....

Are you struggling to write about the villains in your memoir without alienating loved ones or facing legal trouble? In this video, I share essential tips on how to depict antagonists accurately and respectfully. Learn how to balance truth-telling with sensitivity to maintain relationships and protect yourself legally. 📘 Take the Book Strategy Quiz: https://pageandpodium.com/quiz/ 🔗 Connect with...