Writing Roots

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any oth...

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any oth...

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any oth...

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any oth...

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. There’s nothing quite like reading a book, expect...

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Three is the magic number when it comes to establ...

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Writing a good – and by this we mean interesting...

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Writing humor, for many authors, is one of the mo...

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Not every story has to be a tale of good versus e...

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. A character’s voice should be unique compared to...

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Killing a character can be a difficult decision –...

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Dreams, flashbacks, and prologues are all devices...

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Momentum in a story is what drives the reader to...

Happy New Year, listeners! Welcome to 2020. Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Dialo...

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. The ease of self-publishing has made it so nearly anyone can be an author. Their supporters – whether they be family,...

It’s time for another Battle of the Hosts. The topic of conversation is adverbs. Are they good or bad? Should authors use them or avoid them? Ley takes up the pro-adverb argument, believing that adverbs can help add flavor and understanding. Leigh argues against them, calling them redundant and often replaceable. Which side are you on? First aired December 28, 2019. The post S5 Bonus – Battle of t...

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. New authors tend to let their head take over their work. While using your head is good for things like grammar and sen...

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. How do I know which publishing path is right for me? Is self-publishing an option if I want to become a best-seller? W...

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. What if I get a negative review? Do I have to go to school for writing to be a writer? How do I find my voice as an au...

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. What is the difference between being a writer and being an author? How do I even get a book published? Should I be goi...

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. This is a question that dogs many writers in their process. They wonder about writing that explicit or violent scene....

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. Time is a constant pressure weighing down on so many writers. There are always questions about time. How long should i...

Lindsey Teske, head editor and publisher at Of Ink and Pearls, joins us in this Industry Spotlight episode of Writing Roots. She and hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull discuss the job of an editor, what writers should know, and the publishing process. Of Ink and Pearls, started by Lindsey, is a boutique publisher much like AspenHouse Publishing. They offer services to help authors along the path to pu...

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. Doubt can be crippling for any author, but especially new ones. There’s always that voice in the back of your head won...

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. What makes a good book? How do I actually sell the book? How do I even get it published? Writing Roots was designed to help authors tackle any obstacles along the way, so we are taking December as our opportunity to explore your ques...