Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing

Episode 25   Episode Highlights: Embracing Imperfection: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the powerful lesson of letting go of perfection in your writing. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that your work needs to be flawless from the start, but the truth is, everything can be revised, improved, and evolved. Embracing imperfection allows you to move forward in your crea...

Episode 24   Episode Highlights: Mastering Finances as an Author: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we tackle a topic that many writers might shy away from—finances. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few books under your belt, it’s never too early to start thinking about how to manage your financial life as an author. From tracking expenses to evaluating the most worthwh...

Episode 23   Episode Highlights: Understanding Deep Point of View: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we delve into the powerful concept of Deep Point of View (DPOV) and how it can transform your fiction writing. Deep Point of View allows readers to experience the story directly through the character’s eyes, making your narrative more immersive and emotionally resonant. While it can be ch...

Episode 22 " Episode Highlights: Exploring Different Perspectives in Writing: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the art and challenges of writing from a perspective that’s different from your own. Whether it’s writing from the viewpoint of a different gender, race, or ethnicity, crafting authentic characters requires understanding and empathy. Join me as I speak with John De...

Episode 21   Episode Highlights: Publishing Later in Life: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the unique experience of publishing your first book as an older author. Publishing is a tough industry at any age, but with age comes wisdom, experience, and perspective that can deeply enrich your writing. I had the pleasure of speaking with Martha Anne Toll, whose award-winning boo...

Episode 20   Episode Highlights: Transitioning Between Genres: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the challenges and opportunities that come with shifting from one writing genre to another. Whether you’re moving from genre fiction to traditional fiction or simply trying something new, this transition can be daunting. USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle joins me to share h...

Episode 19   Episode Highlights: Why Diversity Matters in Fiction: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the critical topic of diversity in storytelling. Creating diverse characters is essential for crafting fictional worlds that truly reflect the richness of the real world. Cozy mystery author VM (Valerie) Burns joins us to discuss why it’s so important for writers to intention...

Episode 18   Episode Highlights: The Role of Weather in Fiction Writing: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the powerful impact that weather can have on your storytelling. Weather isn’t just a backdrop; it can be a dynamic tool for setting mood, revealing character, and driving the plot. No one understands this better than our guest, Katherine Ramsland, a prolific author and ex...

Episode 17   Episode Highlights: Exploring Character Depth: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we delve into the tools and techniques that help writers mine the depths of their characters, making them more complex, relatable, and compelling. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, learning how to dig deeper into your characters’ psyches is essential for creating stories tha...

Episode 16   Episode Highlights: What Are Turning Points in a Story? In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the concept of Turning Points—critical moments in a story where something significant changes, propelling the narrative forward. Whether you're a plotter meticulously planning each twist or a pantser discovering the story as you go, understanding Turning Points is essential...

Episode 15   Episode Highlights: Every Writer’s Plotting Journey: Whether you’re a meticulous planner or prefer to write by the seat of your pants, plotting plays a crucial role in shaping your story. In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the world of Plottr, a versatile plotting software designed to assist writers at any stage of the plotting spectrum. Interview with Plottr Exp...

Episode 14   Episode Highlights: Journalistic Tools for Novel Planning: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore an innovative approach to novel planning using the classic journalistic tools: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, these tools can help you organize your thoughts, develop your plot, and ensure that your story is com...

Episode 13   Episode Highlights: Creating Characters That Come Alive: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into three essential strategies for creating compelling characters that resonate with readers. While there are many techniques to bring characters to life, these three tips—Stimulus, Response, and Result—are foundational to character development in any genre. Stimulus, Response...

Episode 12   Episode Highlights: The Power of Myth and Lore in Storytelling: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore how integrating myth and lore into your novels can add depth, richness, and complexity to your stories. Our guest, Julia Buckley, author of the Hungarian Tea Shop cozy mystery series, shares how she masterfully weaves these elements into her books through setting, cha...

Episode 11   Episode Highlights: What is a Reluctant Hero? In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the concept of the reluctant hero—a character who, despite not seeking heroism, ends up becoming a hero through the course of the story. Often portrayed as an "ordinary person" thrust into extraordinary circumstances, the reluctant hero is a staple in literature and film, capturing our...

Episode 10   Episode Highlights: The Hero’s Journey Explained: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most timeless and effective story structures in fiction—The Hero’s Journey. By analyzing Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (the movie), we uncover how this classic narrative framework is applied to create a compelling and relatable protagonist in Percy...

Episode 9   Episode Highlights: The Challenge of Historical Mysteries: Writing a historical mystery is no easy task. It requires extensive research, a deep understanding of the era, and the ability to weave historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the intricacies of writing historical mysteries with bestselling author Heather Redmon...

Episode 8   Episode Highlights: From Author to Entrepreneur: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore how to transition from simply being an author to running a successful writing business. USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes joins us to share her secrets for building a six-figure career through strategic systems and business-savvy practices. The Power of Systems: As creatives,...

Episode 7 Episode Highlights: Inside the Hollywood Writer’s Room: Ever wondered what it’s like to be a fly on the wall in a Hollywood Writer’s Room? While most of us don't get that chance, today’s guest, mystery author Ellen Byron, shares her firsthand experiences from years spent in various Writer’s Rooms. Discover the unique dynamics, collaborative techniques, and creative processes that drive s...

Episode 6   Every Author Starts Somewhere: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, I'm exploring the universal truth that all authors were once unpublished, aspiring writers. Every author has an origin story—a journey filled with challenges, perseverance, and ultimately, success. Today, I'm sharing my own origin story, from my early days as a writer to the publication of my first book in 2008....

Episode 5 Struggling to plot your fiction novel? Whether you’re a dedicated plotter or prefer to write by the seat of your pants, understanding the fundamentals of plotting can elevate your storytelling. In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, bestselling author Libby Klein shares her invaluable plotting 101 tips. Join us as we explore the differences between plotting and pantsing, and discove...

Episode 4 Do you want to add humor to your writing but worry that you're not naturally funny? You don't need to be a stand-up comedian to bring laughter to your readers. In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the art of writing humorwith bestselling mystery and romance author Diane Kelly. Discover how to intentionally infuse your stories with humor, regardless of your comedic cho...

Episode 3 Do you find yourself torn between detailed plotting and the freedom of writing by the seat of your pants? You're not alone! In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore how these two seemingly opposing methods can actally complement each other. Join us for an insightful conversation with bestselling mystery and suspense author Daryl Wood Gerber as we delve into the art of combi...

Crafting a Convincing Villain: Essential Strategies for Unforgettable Antagonists   Episode 2   In this episode of the WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the crucial elements of writing a convincing villain—one that not only challenges your protagonist but also leaves a lasting impact on your readers. Villains are more than just obstacles; they are the driving force that can elevate your story to new...

Creative Writing Success: Choosing Passion Over Market Trends Episode 1   Welcome to the first episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, where my goal is to help you ignite your passion for writing with insightful discussions and expert advice. I'm your host, Melissa Bourbon--national bestselling author, writing coach and instructor, and book cover designer.     This episode is a must-listen for any wri...