WriterSpark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing

10 Reasons to Read and Write Cozy Mysteries

Episode 34
 
If you've ever thought about writing a cozy mystery, this WriterSpark Podcast episode is for you! The mystery genre is huge, and cozy mysteries are a pretty special part of it. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 reasons to read and write cozy mysteries. What makes them so popular? Listen to find out!
 
Learn more about how to write a cozy mystery with WriterSpark's self-paced online course ➤https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy
 
Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
 
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
 
Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery Online Course (https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy)
Melissa Bourbon and Winnie Archer Books (https://melissabourbon.com)
 
✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
 
✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨
 
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
 
Resources
WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy

Learn All About Audiobook Production and Narration

Episode 33
 
Have you ever wondered what audiobook production and narration entails for an author? If you haven't, this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast is for you! Audiobooks can be a huge asset to an author's bottom line. There is a lot to learn, and that's what we're talking about in today with author and audiobook narrator Mary Castillo. She has great tips and resources about the audiobook arm of the publishing industry.
 
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
 
Ready, Set, WRITE! (How to write a novel course) (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/30-day-intensive-in-fiction-writing)
Mary Castillo's Books (https://marycastillo.com/books-by-mary-castillo/)
Audacity Free Open Source Software (https://www.audacityteam.org/)
RX7 Software (https://getintopc.com/softwares/audio-processing/izotope-rx-7-audio-editor-advanced-vst-free-download-1356257/)
Canva (http://canva.com)
Listen to Mary's Voice Samples: https://marycastillo.com/audiobooks/audiobook-narrator/
Silent Echoes & Silent Obsession  (https://amzn.to/45OHWOB)
Living the Vida Lola (https://amzn.to/47AbIIL)
Murder in Devil's Cove (Book Magic #1-https://amzn.to/45M0S0z)
Suggested reading:
 
On the Mic by Nic Redman (https://amzn.to/3syMFWB)
 
Audiobook Recording: A Beginner's Guide to Producing Audiobooks using Audacity (https://amzn.to/45v1oQH)
 
 
✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
 
✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨
 
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
 
Resources
WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
Visit Mary's website: http://marycastillo.com
Visit Mary's Voice Website: http://marycastillvo.com
Mary's Social Media:
www.marycastillovo.com
IG @marycastillovoiceover
Tiktok @marycastillovoice
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marycastillo
Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
 
 

Extraordinary Attorney Woo’s Hero’s Journey

Episode 32
 
Books. Movies. TV shows. Most of them are structured using at least some, if not all, of the elements of The Hero's Journey. That includes Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the Netflix original South Korean show.
 
This is one of my favorite things to watch on television. It's smart, heartwarming, poignant, interesting, romantic, and I love it! From the ratings and success, I'm definitely not the only one who thinks so.
 
This episode is a quick breakdown of The Hero's Journey using episode one of Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
 
As always, thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
 
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
 
The Hero's Journey Mini Course (Just $9.99) (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/the-hero-s-journey-mini-course)
Extraordinary Attorney Woo (https://www.netflix.com/title/81518991)
 
Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
 
✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨
 
Resources
WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy

How to Avoid Getting Stuck With Your Writing

Episode 31
 
Whether you call it writer's block or simply getting stuck, the feeling of not being able to keep writing is very real. Certain strategies and tactics can help you get past the wall that sometimes appears and interferes with your forward progress. 
 
Today I'm in conversation with author Anne Louise Bannon, author of the Operation Quickline, the Old Los Angeles series and the brand new Running from Boston techno-thriller. Anne offers several strategies to help work past that sense of writer's block to keep you moving forward with your writing. 
 
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
 
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
 
Ready, Set, WRITE! (How to write a novel course) (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/30-day-intensive-in-fiction-writing)
Anne Louise Bannon's Books on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3Y2r4kZ)
Scrivener(https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview)
Aeon Timeline (https://timeline.app/)
 
 
Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
 
✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨
 
Resources
WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
Visit Anne’s Website: https://annelouisebannon.com/
Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
 

Writing a Memoir: Tips and Processes to Tell Your Story

Episode 30
 
Everyone has a story to tell. Robin Schepper turned her story and the search for her biological father into her book: Finding My Way, A Memoir of Family, Identity, & Political Ambition. In this episode, we talk about writing a memoir with tips and processes to tell your story. We talk about Robin's writing process, delving into the past, developing themes in a braided memoir, her memoir-writing tips, and more.
 
If the thought of writing a memoir intrigues you, you will find this episode so inspiring!
 
A QUICK LOOK AT MOVIES, BOOKS, and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
 
What’s Your Story, a Memoir-Writing course (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/writing-your-memoir-master-class)
Finding My Way: A Memoir of Family, Identity, & Political Ambition (https://amzn.to/3Y2r4kZ)
Gone with the Wind (https://amzn.to/3Dg50JU)
 
Please like and follow this podcast, and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter at https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
 
✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨
 
Resources
WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
Visit Robin’s Website: https://robinfschepperauthor.com/
Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy

How to Start Your Book: ’In Media Res’ or with a Wide Lens

Episode 29
 
In this craft topic episode, I'm talking about different ways to begin your book, scene, or chapter: 'In media res' or with a wide-lens view. 
Have you ever thought about the opening scenes of movies? If you pay attention, you will start to notice how they often begin with a sort of wide-angle view of the world in which the story takes place.
 
A QUICK LOOK AT MOVIES, BOOKS, and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Star Wars, Episode  IV
Flour in the Attic (https://amzn.to/3pQZxpN)
Ender's Game (https://amzn.to/46W3P02)
Murder in Devil's Cove (Pippin Lane Hawthorne) (https://amzn.to/3raRg0q)
Pleating for Mercy (Harlow Cassidy/Magical Dressmaking Mysteries) (https://bit.ly/MagicalDressmakingMysteries)
Kneaded to Death (https://amzn.to/3tQCLNE)
Gone with the Wind (https://amzn.to/3Dg50JU)
Ready, Set, WRITE! Self-paced writing course (https://bit.ly/ReadySetWRITE)
 
Please like and follow this podcast, and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter at https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
 
✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨
 
Resources
WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy

8 Secrets from Science to Fire Up Your Readers’ Brain

Episode 28
 
Seeing things from a new perspective can really give you a new way of seeing and internalizing things. That’s how I felt after reading Bill Birchard’s new book Writing for Impact: 8 Secrets from Science to Fire Up Your Readers’ Brain.
 
This book really hit home for me on so many levels. There are a ton of craft books out there, but this one is different. It’s science-based, for one, and it gives a new vernacular and a new understanding of what most writers already do.
 
The fundamental principle is to fulfill the desires hard-wired into the human brain. There are 8 of them, and that is what Writing for Impact is all about…and it’s what we’re talking about today.
 
DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:
8 Secrets to Fire Up Readers' Brain
Keep it simple
Keep it specific
Keep it surprising
Keep it stirring
Keep it seductive
Keep it smart
Keep it social
Keep it story-driven
Anatomy of comprehension: The brain processes meaning and reward
Ready, Set, WRITE! self-paced writing course
What happens in the brain while reading and writing
 
✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨
 
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Writing for Impact, by Bill Birchard (https://amzn.to/3rt0PIg)
Ready, Set, WRITE! Self-paced writing course (https://bit.ly/ReadySetWRITE)
Book Magic Mysteries (Pippin Lane Hawthorne) (https://amzn.to/3raRg0q)
Harlow Cassidy/Magical Dressmaking Mysteries (https://bit.ly/MagicalDressmakingMysteries)
 
Please like and follow this podcast, and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter at https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
 
Resources
WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
Visit Bill Birchard's Website: https://billbirchard.com/
Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
 
Learn more about our self-paced online courses at: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
 

Revise your Manuscript like a Boss!

Episode 27
 
Love it or hate it, revision is an essential part of the writing process. Today, I'm sharing my four steps for revising your manuscript like a boss! After 32 books, I've distilled how I revise into this process. Wherever you stand on the revision, I hope today's episode gives you something to add to your process.
 
 DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:
Big Magic when you're writing
Four steps for revising your manuscript
 
✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨
 
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert (https://amzn.to/3NZ3pys)
Book Magic series (https://amzn.to/3raRg0q)
Living the Vida Lola (https://amzn.to/3NJqioi)
Dialogue Mini Course
FREE Quick Guide for Writing Dialogue
 
 
 
Connect with Melissa:
▸ Online | http://melissabourbon.com
▸ WriterSpark | http://writersparkacademy.com
▸ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/writer_spark/
▸ Dialogue Mini Course | https://bit.ly/WSDialogueCourse
▸ FREE Quick Guide to Writing Dialogue | https://writersparkacademy.podbean.com/e/revise-your-manuscript-like-a-boss/
 
 
▸  All The WriterSpark Podcasts (https://writersparkacademy.com/blog/writerspark-podcast/)
 
▸ Learn more about our self-paced online courses
( https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/)
 
Just a quick note to say that this post includes affiliate links. That means if you click the link to purchase the product listed, I may receive a commission for sharing this with you, but it won't cost you more. 
 
 

How to Introduce the Protagonist in your Book

Episode 26
 
Figuring out how to introduce your protagonist (and sleuth) can be a real challenge. In today's episode, Melissa discusses this craft topic with author Zara Altair.
 
 DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:
The protagonist in the ordinary world
Not getting hung up on the beginning
Diving in with action
 
A QUICK LOOK AT THE BOOK MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Used Virgin, an Argolicus Mystery by Zara Altair
 
RESOURCES
 
Resources
WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
Visit Zara Altair's Website: https://amzn.to/3NMVoMG 
Learn more about our self-paced online courses at: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
 
 
Just a quick note to say that this post includes an affiliate link. That means if you click the link to purchase the product listed, I may receive a commission for sharing this with you, but it won't cost you more. 
 
 
 

Letting Go of Perfection & Five Hacks to Chase Away Negative Self-Talk

Episode 25
 
Here’s a great lesson. Whatever you do can be changed. Because things evolve and nothing is perfect the first time around. That’s what today’s episode is all about. We're talking about the importance of letting go of the idea of perfection and remembering that you can change, improve, revise, or enhance anything. On the flip-side, we also need to banish negative self-talk, which can stem from not being perfect out of the gate. I have five hacks to help you chase away that negative self-talk. Let's go!
 
 DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:
How negative self-talk holds us back
Changing our internal narrative
Five strategies or hacks to help you get past the doubts
 
A QUICK LOOK AT THE BOOK MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert
 
RESOURCES
 
Resources
WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
Learn more about our self-paced online courses at: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
 
 
Just a quick note to say that this post includes an affiliate link. That means if you click the link to purchase the product listed, I may receive a commission for sharing this with you, but it won't cost you more.