Beyond the Words: Recent Episodes
The Modern Meltdown
Beyond the Words is a podcast that talks about writing, publishing and promoting your future bestselling novel. Join bestseller Holly Hunt as she talks to other authors and guides you, step by step, through the process of writing a great novel. Each week, join us for a new episode discussing a part of the writing journey with a new wonderful author, and gain some insight into the mixed and varied world of publishing in the 2010s.
Episode List:
Chapter 1 - Components
1.Deciding Why to Write
2.Coping with perfectionism
3.Your writing area
4.Finding the time to write
5.Developing characters
6.Settings and conflicts
7.Crafting a plot
8.Researching your story
Chapter 2 – Mechanics
9.Crafting a beginning
10.You've set off on your adventure – now what?
11.The first conflict
12.Initiating change in your characters
13.Character development
14.The Big Conflict/the final battle
15.The Return Home
16.The HEA/HFN: Can you finish a book without one?
17.Planning for a sequel
Chapter 3 – Techniques
18.Description vs Action
19.Clichés
20.Archetypes
21.The Villain You Wish You Could Strangle
22.Dialogue and dialogue tags
23.When is infodumping okay?
24.Finding the Ending
Chapter 4 - Polishing Your Book
25.The rewrite
a.Transitioning from Fiction to Non-Fiction: Why?
26.Finding those pesky mistakes
27.Grammar
28.Fleshing out your world
29.My hero is a sook – help!
30.Finding good betas
a.Relating to your editor
Chapter 5 - Publishing
31.You've written a book! Now what?
32.Discovering publishers
33.How to present your work
34.The dreaded rejection
35.I got a personalised rejection – now what?
36.Rewriting again!
37.Into the rabbit hole – presenting your work to publishers
38.Self-publishing – Is it worth it?
39.Amazon and other self-publishing tools
40.Coping with bad reviews
Chapter 6 – Promotion
41.You're published! Wait, the journey's not over?
42.Basics of promotion: How & Where
43.Promotion for free
44.Marketing in the Modern World
45.Paying for promotion – is it worth it?
46.Physical vs Online
47.Book Tours and Author Appearances
48.The Dreaded Convention
A quick update on the series! Pick up a copy of the book at tinyurl.com/beyondthewordsbook
In this episode, join Holly and her guest interviewer as they discuss the end of an era (3 years of work!) and the next step for the podcast. Don't cry for us, for we are already moving onto the next podcast series! Stay tuned (and subscribed) for more info!
xxx
I would like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who subscribed to the series, listened to or even just downloaded a single episode over the last 19 months of the podcast's existence. I also extend a thank you to every guest, whether their interview made it to air or not, and their followers for joining us on the ride. It was wild.
Stay subscribed to hear news of the new Beyond the Words Project, coming out sometime in the next few months (We're aiming for before Christmas!)
If you have any questions, concerns or issues, or you want to talk about your writing, please feel free to contact me at The Modern Meltdown Facebook page, here: https://www.facebook.com/TheModernMeltdown
Until then, stay safe, and keep on writing.
~ Holly Hunt
Author of:
DARK URBAN FANTASY:
The Devil's Wife: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y635Y5Q
The Inuit Nightmare: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y62YJSB/
SWORD & SORCERY FANTASY:
Scale and Feather: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009K5DDYG/
The Tyrant of Tarsit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C4NU46G/
THRILLER/HORROR:
Blood Moon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087QFMA2/
The Holiday Killer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01910O6I6
COMIC:
The Battle of the Blood Moon (Graphic Novel): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078H971BM/
EROTICA:
Blood Lovers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VGY44W/
Dust to Dust: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7KVOF8/
Cleaning Up: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EY29IVW/
Plus assorted short stories and novellas.
For the second-to-last episode of the series, we begin looking at the adaption of your work, focusing on book to comic, though touching on other forms as well.
Join Holly as she discusses the difference between music and fiction, and the complicated history of the two. Includes a review of "The Brothers of Darkness and Light" by Jeff Thomson at the end.
To purchase a copy of The Brothers of Darkness and Light, click here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Brothers-Darkness-Light-Jeff-Thomson/dp/1452511942
Join Holly and her guest as they explore the psychological reactions readers have to certain elements of a book, and the best way to elicit those responses. Includes a review of "Kalanon's Rising", by Darian Smith, at the end.
To purchase a copy of Kalanon's Rising, click here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWZOTWS/
On this week's show, join Holly and her guest as they talk about the Indie (independant) Scene, and how you can get out and support them - sometimes without spending a cent! Includes a review of "Kin Seeker"by Naomi Eccles-Smith, at the end.
To purchase a copy of Kin Seeker, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Kin-Seeker-Fantasy-Adventure-Calling-ebook/dp/B00EP7E7HQ
Every member of Beyond the Words has a full-time job to balance around our show, but we do it because we love it, and because we love all of you. However, now that Beyond the Words has reached 50 episodes, we think it’s time to start doing what all good authors do best: implementing some character development in our show.
If you'd like to donate to our fundraiser for new microphones, hosting and equipment, head on over to http://www.gofundme.com/the-modern-meltdown-podcast
Every donation pledged before 3:30PM AEST Sunday August 19th will receive a shout out at the start of Episode 51.
Want to be in on the action? Donate today!
http://www.gofundme.com/the-modern-meltdown-podcast
See you Sunday!
Join Holly and her guest as they discuss the motivations and benefits of publishing your book with the help of the internet's greatest source of income: crowdfunding. Includes a review of "The Seclusion" by Jacqui Castle at the end.
The Seclusion will be released in early September, 2018.
Join Holly and her guest as they discuss preparing for, attending, and winding down from author appearances and guest spotting at conventions! Includes a review of "Harlequin's Riddle" by Rachel Nightingale at the end.
To purchase a copy of Harlequin's Riddle, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Harlequins-Riddle-Tales-Rachel-Nightingale-ebook/dp/B07CH9MHXH
Join Holly as she walks you through one of the most time-honoured part of promoting your book: A book tour!
What's worse than a pirate? A whole community of them. This episode is designed as a step-by-step on how to get your books off pirate sites, and learning to live with the swashbucklers. Arr.
Join Holly and her returning guest as they discuss the differences between generating sales online and in person. Includes a review of "The Circuit " series by Rhett C. Bruno at the end.
To purchase a copy of The Circuit, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Circuit-Complete-Rhett-C-Bruno-ebook/dp/B076QJGLSD
Join Holly and her guest as they discuss the best mailing list provider services, what to put in your newsletter, and how to stop people pressing the 'Unsubscribe' button. Includes a review of "Insanity" by Andre Gonzalez at the end.
To purchase a copy of Insanity, please click here:https://www.amazon.com/Insanity-Book-1-Andre-Gonzalez-ebook/dp/B075SPHS69
Join Holly and her guest as they discuss the finer points of one of the best attention-grabbing tools you have in your arsenal: The Giveaway. Includes a review of "Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter" by Russell Nohelty, at the end.
To purchase a copy of Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K14ZBIK/
Join Holly and her guest as they discuss promotion in a modern world, and give you the groundwork for a marketing plan you can enjoy. Includes a review of "The Drago Tree" by Isobel Blackthorne at the end.
To purchase a copy of The Drago Tree, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBMBBFD/
We take another small aside as we contemplate bestseller lists, and what you have to do to get on them. Is it worth it? Listen in and find out.
Join Holly and her guest as they discuss the best marketing, and highlight the good and bad parts of paying for promotion. Includes a review of "Obsidian", by Alan Baxter, at the end.
To purchase a copy of Obsidian, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JIDE4TS
Join Holly and her guest as they begin the journey to promoting your book: The basics. Includes a review of "Matched in Heaven", by Angela Page, at the end.
To purchase a copy of Matched in Heaven, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Matched-Heaven-Angela-Page/dp/0998990191
Join Holly and her guest as they celebrate the contract and face the daunting prospect of life after publishing - where the work has only just begun! Includes a review of "Crimson Fire" by Mirren Hogan at the end.
To purchase a copy of Crimson Fire, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0716MVQ3F
Join Holly as she and her guest discuss the merits of building your next book on the mistakes of the past. Includes a review of "Faerie Apocolypse" by Jason Franks at the end.
To purchase a copy of Faerie Apocalypse, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Faerie-Apocalypse-Jason-Franks-ebook/dp/B0789FGYFM/
Join Holly and her guest as they examine a case of mistaken reviews, and discuss coping with bad reviews. Includes a review of "The Black Witch", by Laurie Forest at the end.
To purchase a copy of The Black Witch, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Witch-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B06VST8NHX
Join Holly as she discusses one of the two most important marketing tools in an author's box: getting reviews for your book. Includes a review of "Never Too Late" by B. Lynn Goodwin at the end.
To purchase a copy of Never Too Late, click here (don't forget to review!): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077ZK468Y
Join Holly as she goes over the pros and cons of the internet's leading book publishing platforms. Includes a review of "The Coelho Medallion" by Kevin Tumlinson at the end.
To purchase a copy of The Coelho Medallion, click here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FEMX6PO/
Join Holly as she gives a rundown on what to do, and what not to do, when it comes to creating your cover and blurb. Includes a review of "Scarab: Falling Through Time" by Helen Allan, at the end.
To purchase a copy of Scarab, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07967LQXY
Join Holly and her guest as they talk the pros and cons of self-publishing your baby. Time, money and patience all play a part! Includes a review of "Vampire in Brazil", by Jodie Pierce, at the end.
To purchase a copy of Vampire in Brazil, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018PCOLJU
The submissions responses are beginning to return - Help! Join Holly and her guest as they talk rejection and the best strategies to get back in the saddle. Includes a review of "The Pale" by Clare Rhoden at the end.
To purchase a copy of The Pale, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077T3G34B
We're on the path to publishing! Join Holly as she runs through how to construct the 4 main parts to a publishing submission: Query letter, cover letter, synopsis, sample!
To purchase The Wonder Down Under, by by Nina Brochmann and Ellen Stokken Dahl (translated by Lucy Moffatt), click here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y1YN75P
Join Holly as she explores the first step in publishing: working out what publishing route to follow and finding the best publishers for you. Includes a review of "Dustrunner" by Dean F Wilson at the end.
You can purchase a copy of Dustrunner here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1909356220
Join Holly and her guest as they talk about the publishing industry, and the decisions you have to make regarding where to go now you have a manuscript. Includes a review of "Fallen to Grace" by A.J. Flowers at the end.
For a copy of Fallen to Grace, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXM5NZ7
Join Holly and her guest as they head off in one of the last diversions before we begin Chapter 5. They'll talk about editing, creating, and what to do - and not do - when talking to your editor. Includes of a review of "Framed" by Nikki Andrews at the end.
To purchase a copy of Framed, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015JWZHWY
Have you ever wondered how to improve your books? Can't find someone to help? Tune into the latest episode to discover what a beta reader is, why you need one, and how to find one. Includes a review of "The Teacher and the Astronaut" by Bokerah Brumley at the end.
To purchase The Teacher and the Astronaut, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JH55CV
Join Holly as she and her guest Matthew Soall examine the fixes needed to turn that irritating, childish hero into a knight in shining armour.
On this small deviation from the normal path of things, follow Holly and her guest L.L. Hunter as they talk the craft of a spin-off. Includes a review of "The Chronicles of Fire and Ice" by L.L. Hunter at the end.
To purchase a copy of The Chronicles of Fire and Ice, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KYAZKU6
Join Holly as she discusses the many routes to world building, and decide the best way for you.
includes a review of Confronting the Demon by Ciara Ballintyne at the end.
To purchase a copy of Confronting the Demon, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FF8NY3C
Join Holly as she talks about her greatest pet peeves when editing. Includes a review of A Blood Moon Rising by Stephanie O'Hanlon at the end.
Join Holly this week as she talks to her guest Carolyn Denman about finding the mistakes in your writing, and how best to combat them. Includes a review of the upcoming book "A Black Seraphim" by Stephanie O'Hanlon at the end.
Join us this week as Holly discusses how to figure out when to rewrite, and how to make the most of it.
This week, we're going to take a small deviation from our normal schedule, and close Chapter 3 with a shirt, small topic that will give you food for thought. This is a topic that you may want to consider at a later date, once you've completed all your research – after all, if you have enough research that it fills a book, why not write one? This week's guest is Maren Robison.
VIsit Maren's blog here:
http://paradoxtalk.com/
This week, we take a quick look back, and finish the thoughts introduced in Episode 19, approaching from the other end: How do you end your series? Includes a review of "The Night and the Land" by Matt Spence at the end.
The Night and the Land available soon from Eternal Press
In this episode, we discuss the importance of Descriptive balance, and avoiding the dreaded Infodumping/Exposition traps. Includes a review of "Gifts, Glitches and Falling Stars" by Kendall Bistretzan at the end.
Gifts, Glitches and Falling Stars available soon from Eternal Press.
Join Holly this week as she discusses the correct use of dialogue and the tags that follow. He said, she said, indeed! Includes a review of "The Slow Regard of Silent Things" by Patrick Rothfuss at the end.
For a copy of The Slow Regard of Silent Things, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Regard-Silent-Things-Kingkiller-Chronicle/dp/0756411327
Join Holly as she talks this week about building the biggest part of your book: The antagonist. Includes a review of "Firelight of Heaven" by Lizbeth Klein at the end.
For a copy of Firelight of Heaven, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Firelight-Heaven-Bethloria-Lizbeth-Klein-ebook/dp/B00EVG8GFA
Join Holly as she discusses the pros and cons of the Archetype, and how to adjust them to your story. Includes a review of "The Circle" by Cindy Cipriano at the end.
For a copy of The Circle, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Circle-Book-One-Sidhe/dp/1922200042
To use them, or not to use them, that is the question? Join Holly as she talks cliches and when to break them. Includes a review of "Cultown", by Duncan Smith, and the title track of the book's soundtrack, "Cultown", at the end.
To grab a copy of Cultown, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Cultown-Duncan-Smith-ebook/dp/B071NS5HHB
And for the CD, click here: http://vortexwinder.com/product/cultown/
Join Holly as she begins talking the technicals of writing, in the first episode of Chapter 3. She and her guest discuss the Dialogue-Description balance, and how to find it for your novel. Includes a review of "The Darkest Shade of Grey" by Alan Baxter, at the end.
For a copy of The Darkest Shade of Grey, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Darkest-Shade-Grey-Alan-Baxter-ebook/dp/B007N9B7F8
Join Holly as she talks to Erinland author Kathryn Berryman about the amount for foreshadowing needed, and how to best set up a sequel to your works. Includes a review of "Erinland" at the end.
To purchase a copy of Erinland, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Erinland-Kathryn-Berryman-ebook/dp/B01MR9IAQL
In this second-last episode of Chapter 2, Holly and her guest discuss whether the Happily Ever After is required reading, or if you can get away without happiness on all sides for your characters. Includes a review of "Goblin Fires", by Brantwijn Serrah, at the end.
To purchase a copy of Goblin Fires, click here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012DZS1PA
Join Holly and Lauren as they discuss the last scene of a novel - the return home - and discuss whether it needs to be a physical return, as in fantasy, or a metaphorical, as in non-speculative fictions. Includes a review of "The Problem with Crazy" at the end.
The purchase a copy of The Problem with Crazy, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Problem-Crazy-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B00IFH4NI0
In this episode, we get closer to the end of your book. Join Holly as she's joined with Jeffery E Doherty, and they talk about the Final Battle, the big bang that brings all your hard work together. Includes a review of "Olivia Stone and the Trouble with Trixies" at the end.
To get a copy of Olivia Stone and the Trouble with Trixies, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Olivia-Stone-Trouble-Trixies-Guardians-ebook/dp/B01AXZ5I26
Join host Holly Hunt as she talks all things Character Development with Matt Pike, author of Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor. A review of Apocalypse is included at the end of the show.
For a copy of Apocalypse, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Apocalypse-Diary-Survivor-Matt-Pike/dp/B00LGBN1G2
This week, join Holly as she talks to B. Lynn Goodwin, author of Talent, about the process of initiating change in characters. Includes a review of Talent at the end.
To get a copy of Talent, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Talent-B-Goodwin-ebook/dp/B0182N1PZA
On this week's episode, Holly Hunt sits down with Felicity Banks, author of Heart of Brass, and together, they talk about the First Conflict, the first problem a character faces on his or her journey. A review of Heart of Brass is included at the end.
To buy a copy of Heart of Brass, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Brass-Antipodean-Queen-Book-ebook/dp/B01J58E7RE
Join Holly Hunt today as she wonders at where to go with her guest, Ivana L. Truglio. Includes a review of Ivana's book Rilla at the end of the show.
Purchase a copy of Rilla here: https://www.amazon.com/Rilla-Book-Paradise-Ivana-Truglio-ebook/dp/B00SJWGRVC
Introducing Chapter 2: Writing! Join Holly Hunt today as she dissects beginnings and opening lines with her guest, James Owen. Includes a review of Defender, by GX Todd at the end.
On this episode, we delve into research, and where to begin. Holly interviews Joseph Hirsch about his book 'The Dove and the Crow'. Includes a review of The Dove and the Crow at the end.
For information on NaNoWriMo, click here: http://www.nanowrimo.org/
To buy a copy of The Dove and the Crow, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Dove-Crow-Joseph-Hirsch-ebook/dp/B010MWCIL4/
In today's episode, Holly and her guest Belinda Crawford look into the process of creating a plot, and how it can lead people off into unexplained places. Includes a review of Hero by Belinda Crawford at the end.
To get a copy of Hero, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Rebellion-Book-1-ebook/dp/B015LYJVOA
Join Holly and her guest JE Cammon as they talk about the process of creating settings, and the conflicts that spout from them, for both characters and creator. Includes a review of 'Bay City ' by JE Cammon.
To buy Bay City , click here: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Shadows-Lie-Bay-City-ebook/dp/B004QZ9TMU
Our longest episode to date! Join Holly and her guest Tracy Joyce as they talk about the creation and development of characters as you plot and put pen to paper. Includes a review of 'Altaica' by Tracy Joyce.
To buy Altaica, click here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KSNC3FO
Just how does one find the time to write with a full time job and a family? The same way they find time to sleep! Holly explains where she has found time to write her books, and challenges you to find your own. Includes a review of 'The Species Within' by Kimberly Clark.
To buy a copy of The Species Within, click here: http://www.amazon.com/Species-Within-Battles-Dark-Book-ebook/dp/B00GA638T8
Where should you write? In a cafe? At a bar? With one hand on your Xbox control? Holly highlights some writing areas, and encourages you to find your own style. Includes a review of 'The South Forsaken' by Rachel Drummond
To buy a copy of The South Forsaken, click here: http://www.amazon.com/The-South-Forsaken-Rachel-Drummond-ebook/dp/B00G5S0OIO
Holly talks a little about beating that little voice in the back of your head complaining about where you put that comma and the word you chose to begin the sentence, and offers some tried-and-true ways of ignoring the perfect sentence, lying just out of reach. Includes a review of 'UnEarthed' by Rebecca Bloomer.
To purchase UnEarthed, click here: http://www.amazon.com/UnEarthed-Rebecca-Bloomer-ebook/dp/B006B2LUOQ
In this episode, we talk to Australian author Patricia Leslie about her book 'A Single Light'. This episode will help you decide why you want to write, and how to start. Includes a review of 'A Single Light'
To buy a copy of A Single Light, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Single-Light-Patricia-Leslie-ebook/dp/B01BURRI7E
Meet Holly Hunt, the author hosting the show, and discover just what it's going to be about!