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

Reasons Why Every Author Needs an Editor

Episode 40
 
Every writer needs an editor, but do you know why and what they do for you?
Do you know what editors do and what different types of edits mean? Developmental. Substantive. Line. Copy. They each have their own purposes.
As well as being an author, writing coach and instructor, and cover art designer, I am also a freelance editor. Today I'm talking with Donalee Moulton, who is also an author and freelance editor. This episode is chock full of great information. Enjoy!
✨ Check out the Ready, Set, WRITE! Online course to dig deeper into writing techniques:  ✨ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com ✨
 
✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
 
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Donalee Moulton's Website: https://donaleemoulton.com/
Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
 
Additional 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
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Use these 8 Strategies to Get Past Writer’s Block

Episode 39
 
Every writer gets stuck now and then. It's part of the journey. Getting stuck doesn't mean you need to stop, though, and it isn't just about pushing through. I have 8 strategies to help get you past 'Writer's Block' so you can move forward with your writing. 
 
(Read along on the WriterSpark blog)
 
✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
 
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Silent Obsession
Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
Learn about WriterSpark Courses: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
 
Additional 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
Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
 
 
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You NEED these 11 Tips to CRUSH NaNoWriMo

Episode 38
 
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is HERE, and writers all over have jumped into this exciting challenge. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a seasoned writer, National Novel Writing Month may be just the special (not-so-secret) sauce you need to get motivated. If you are taking this writing challenge, you're in for a whirlwind of creativity, inspiration, and, yes, probably a little bit (or maybe even a lot) of madness. I have tips to help you CRUSH NaNoWriMo. 
 
(Read along on the WriterSpark blog)
 
✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
 
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Cinder
Night Circus
Calculating Stars
 Fangirl
 A little Something Different
 Absolutely Remarkable Thing
 Modern Girl
 First Grave to the Right
 With the Fire on High
 Water for Elephants
 The Wedding Date
Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
 
Additional 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
Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
 
 
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Interview (Not Interrogation) Techniques for Fiction Writers

Episode 37
 
George Cramer spent years as a PI and Police Officer (turned writer), and many hours interviewing (not interrogating!) victims, suspects, and witnesses during investigations. Join me for this interesting conversation with George where he shares anecdotes, techniques, and tips for fiction writers.
 
✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
 
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
George Cramer's Website: https://gdcramer.com/
Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
 
Additional 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
Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
 
 
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Turning True Crime into Thrilling Fiction

Episode 36
Join me for a captivating podcast interview with Eryk Pruitt, the author of Something Bad Wrong, a gripping novel inspired by an unsolved true crime case from the 1970s in North Carolina. We talked about the fusion of fact and fiction in this great interview. Get ready for an insightful and intriguing conversation! 📖🕵️‍♂️
 
Learn more about WriterSpark's Writing a Novel Online Course ➤https://bit.ly/How-To-Write-A-Novel-Course
 
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
 
✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
 
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
The Long Dance Podcast: https://longdance.libsyn.com/
Yonder Bar: https://yonderbarnc.com/
Something Bad Wrong: https://amzn.to/46wZKP3
Dirtbags: https://amzn.to/3ZWAcbA
Blood Red Summer: https://amzn.to/403zqtC
Dark Yonder 1: https://amzn.to/3PZEgTQ
Dark Yonder 2: https://amzn.to/3ZWAxLo
Dark Yonder 3: https://amzn.to/46S7riO
Bare-Naked Lola: https://amzn.to/3PVh6yc 

Crust No One: https://amzn.to/48Rc7XV
Flour in the Attic: https://amzn.to/3M13EaK
Visit Eryk Pruitt's Website: http://www.erykpruitt.com/
Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
 
Additional 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
Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
 
 
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Using Your Real-Life as an Influence in Your Writing

Episode 35
 
Marjory McCown Final Cut Signed Copy Giveaway! If you’d like to enter for a chance to win, go HERE:
https://forms.gle/8PkJnGUYtRqZQfu97
 
How do you use your real-life as an influence in your writing? Marjorie McCown did just that in her book, Final Cut. She was a costume designer in Hollywood for 30 years and she used experiences from her own life in her book as she created the fictional world of her protagonist, costume designer Joey Jessop.
 
If you’ve wondered how to incorporate part of your real-life career in your book, listen to this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast.
 
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)
Marjorie McCown’s Final Cut 
Marjorie McCown’s Website 
 
✨ 📝  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

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