The Writer's Block Podcast: Recent Episodes
United Podcast Network
Are you an aspiring writer? We will discuss tips, tricks and share with you keys to writing on The Writer's Block.
Debby is thrilled to welcome Chris Trapper to the Writer’s Block. Chris is a singer/songwriter with a soulful, honeyed tenor, sly humor, and knack for melody. But even more, he’s a storyteller. Today we will discuss his songwriting process and how we can use the tools of songwriting to improve our own writing.
- Melody often comes first
- Chord structure follows
- Instrumental of the song is third
- Lyrics often written last
- Where does the music come from?
- What about rhyme schemes timing…what are the rules?
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Today we welcome Charisse Glenn of TheLetGo.com to discuss the importance of clearing energy from what was, allowing what will be to have space to grow., In our books and in our soul, we need that white space, that blank space, to create stories that speak the truth in our heart May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well. All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
We at the Writer’s Block get asked all the time where one should look to find inspiration for their next book or project. Look no further than this episode as we journey down Deborah’s path of inspiration for her 4th book “The Wisdom Of Women; 10 Decades, 10 Women, 5 Questions”
- Inspiration is all around you just need to see it when it arrives…pay attention to the world around you
- Time is always of the essence…write now
- Write your ideas down immediately
- Tap into your internal guidance
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Normally the ladies of the Writers Block are the interviewer. Today Debby will switch roles and share her experience being the interviewee.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Today Jessica Castillo, author of The Mark of the Dragon Whisperer, available on Amazon and Barns and Noble’s website, joins Debby to discuss the importance of transporting your readers into the world of you story.
- What is world building
- Not much difference between fiction and non-fiction you must bring your reader in
- How does the time period play into the story?
- Show your reader don’t tell them…adding tiny details can pull your reader in deeper
- How can a cliffhanger ending help sell the next book?
- Using foreshadowing can help tie multiple books in your series
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Shelly and Debby have both finished their memoirs and will share what they learned through this very personal experience.
- How does it feel to finish?
- It’s done what question should you ask your self before moving to the next step?
- What did writing this book teach you?
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Join the ladies of The Writers Block as they explore the pitfalls to writing memoir. The last thing you want is for your book to fail, pick up a few tips and some easily guidelines to create a masterpiece, because a Memoir done right is an art!
- Should you write a Memoir?
- Books fail because of poor voice
- Transformation
- What is your pace?
- Its good to have a writing group to help you with all of the aspects of pacing and voice
- Bad sentences lack the five senses
- If you are writing about something that is a popular you should have more or more vetted credentials
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Barbara Wallace award winning author of romance and mystery will continue her discussion of the most common writing mistakes. Weak endings are bad in lovemaking and in stories. Debby, Shelly and Barbara will help you reach a great climax to your book.
- If the reader remembers the ending, they will forgive any early misgivings
- Don’t let your deadline stop you from flushing out your endings
- Is the pot so complicated that you can’t get out of the story satisfactorily?
- You should have an arc for your character (the murder gets solved, someone dies…)
- Readers like when the story ties up the loose ends
- You shouldn’t drag the ending out too long either
- Happy ending are not always satisfying endings
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
2019 has been a crazy ride for the women of the Writer's Block. Join the ladies as they revisit the resolutions, they set one year ago today. The past year has been like a shot of adrenaline so 2020 is sure to sparkle.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Barbara Wallace award winning author of romance and mystery will continue her discussion of the most common writing mistakes. Shelly and Debby and Barbara will teach you how to make your characters memorable.
- We spend a lot of time developing main characters but how much time do we spend on secondary characters?
- Is the secondary character necessary?
- They exist to further the plot
- How do you choose who is important to move the story along?
- Holmes, who lacks social awareness, had Watson to balance him out
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Barbara Wallace award winning author of romance and mystery will continue her discussion of the most common writing mistakes. Debby and Shelly will explore the benefit of showing rather than telling, which include how to emotionally connect your readers with your characters.
- It’s a weakness many authors have
- Telling is just giving the information
- Showing is demonstrating the narrative through the Human experience often through the
- Use all the senses
- Who is noticing what and why?
- Lay off the “ly” words
- Small details rather than the big picture
- Powerful verbs and adjectives
- Be specific to the character
- Dialogue vs simple narrative
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Without conflict, you have no story…good conflict is multi-layered. A great story has two kinds of conflict we will discuss on today’s show. External conflict is the adversity the hero faces from outside forces. Internal conflict is born of the characters thoughts, fears, obligations, needs, desires, etc.
- Conflict is not
- Constant bickering
- Solved quickly
- Balance your internal and external conflicts
- Character driven stories often center around internal conflict
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Pacing is the speed with which your narrative unfolds. The Writer’s Block welcomes Barbara Wallace to talk about the importance of pacing.
- Your book should be like a symphony
- The pace should be variable
- There should be a purpose to your pacing
- At what point in the writing process should pacing be addressed?
- Language and sentence structure can be used to control pace
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Today on the block, Barbara Wallace joins us to discuss the importance of honing your dialogue skills... in writing. Dialogue is not just conversation between characters. It is a vital story tool that, if done properly, should:
- Advance the plot
- Can often point out subtext
- Reveal story information
- Provide insight into character
- Heighten tension
- Character’s with heavy accents…don’t overdo it. Transition from very brief dialect and then make it easy for the reader going forward
- Repetitive words that you hear in real life have no place in the story…”Um, Like, Well” readers don’t want to read them over and over again
- Sex noises during love scenes are a no no
- Don’t over vary or over use your tags…”She Said, they replied, and he asked” are examples of good easy tags that can lubricate the dialogue
- Dialogue is not a tool for info dumping
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
A good setting isn't just where your story takes place. It is an integral part of your story, sometimes to the point where it could actually become a character itself. When you are in your characters POV, you're not just writing what they're saying and thinking... you are writing where they are, what is happening around them, and what stimuli is involved. Written correctly, what they notice about their environment can tell so much about a character. What a real estate agent notices about a house will not be the same thing as what a criminal breaking in will notice. Barbara and Debby will share ways to make your scene stand out by using setting most effectively.
- Setting is one of the main characters of the book
- The setting is another way to reveal hints about different characters. A criminal is going to look at a room different than someone who stages homes for sale
- Choose your scenes that will work your plot
- Setting can be similar archetypes: Sad theme set on a rainy day
- Setting can be opposing archetypes: Sad theme on a bright sunny day
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Barbara Wallace, award winning author of romance and mystery, will continue her discussion of the most common writing mistakes.
This week's topic is Character Derailment. This is when the character does something so "out of character" that the writer loses credibility and the reader loses interest. Characters need to feel like real people to the reader so the writer can't make them do things just to move the story along or to hit a plot point.
- Is your hero too stupid to live?
- Every scene should have conflict but it needs to stay within the confines of the character that you have created
- When you really understand your character you will be less likely to derail them
- What is pre-writing?
- What is your character's motivation?
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Barbara Wallace and Debby will discuss one of the biggest mistakes rookie writers make... info dumping. To be fair, info dumping ins't limited to beginner writers, but the experienced writer usually knows when the words need to hit the cutting room floor. Back-story, Transition scenes, and world building are three of the common dumping grounds. Barbara and Debby will discuss how information can be woven through-out the story
- Too much too quick vs picking and choosing what is important
- Let the story play out like and onion layer after layer
- What would be important to the character in that scene right now
- Sometimes you do have to catch the reader up in the case of time traveling...6 months later...
- Science fiction tends to have the most info dumping with respect to technology
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Barbara Wallace, award winning author of romance and mystery, will join Debby today to discuss the ten biggest mistakes writers make. They will show you how to identify them, how to avoid them, and how to fix them when you do make them. This week they're discussing what makes a good beginning that will grab your reader and hook them into your story. A good opening scene will introduce us to the main character and their big problem. It will set the tone of the book and hint at the story's theme. Most of all, a good beginning will make the reader want to keep reading!
- A good beginning should grab the reader
- Set the tone
- Introduce the main character
- Identifies the main conflict
- Never break the promise with the reader
- Story action vs action action
- What is your character's motivation?
- Do you really need a prologe or is that cheating?
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Author Jill Sylvester joins the Writer's Block to discuss her latest book, Trust Your Intuition. In her book she shares 100 ways to transform anxiety and depression for stronger mental health. As a licensed mental health counselor, she guides people to health and wellness.
- Self published
- Why 100 ways and not the top 10?
- How did she find her intuition?
- This book is part of a series
- Fiction work to follow
- How does Jill find time to Write, be a therapist, and a mother?
- Why does she think that anxiety a good thing?
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Debby doesn't like traditional marketing tools so she's broken the rules and created her own marketing plan that resonates with her. Today she launches the grand opening of her Etsy store, DeborahMonkBooks. From her Seeds of Wisdom hand-made books to her inspirational jewelry, the shop will be home to all the art from her heart.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Mandra and Debby will explore the ways to make your antagonist a worthy opponent for your protagonist. They will give examples of bad guys we hate to love, as well as bad guys we love to hate.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
While Shelly's away, Debby and Mandra will play with her author bio. Now that Shelly's coming close to finishing her book, her editor reminded her it's time to write the dreaded author bio. Listen in as the kid gloves come off and we edit the first draft.
- Opening bi-line
- Credentials that are relevant to the work
- Synopsis of your writing work
- Interesting facts or two about you
- Be relevant not repetitive
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
The ladies of the Writer's block welcome Rick Peoples to the show to talk about the process of turning his novel into an audio book. We are delighted to also have Martha Polley, who is the voice of, "Hey Ma, Your Husband's Dead."
- Having your audio book out will boost sales. The industry is showing double digit growth every year
- Finding the right voice actor is key
- Someone who can deliver the story in the right tone
- Someone in your price range
- 10,000 words will end up being 1 hour of finished audio
- You will need a separate cover for your audio book
- Martha can be found on Facebook
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Is your writing a hobby, a business, or is it at least, in part, your lifestyle? Do you know? Would your answer change your actions? Mandra, Shelly and Debby will help you define the difference and lead you to your own definition of success.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
There are rules when it comes to writing. Some of these rules are iron clad and others have a flexibility to them. When can you start a sentence with “because?” How many ellipses can I use in my book? What are the rules to submitting my manuscript? What makes a paragraph a paragraph? The women of the block will answer all these questions and more and they will also tell you when, and why, it's okay to break them.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Fall is a good time to get back to a schedule, get back to your goals, maybe even go back to school. The hectic schedules of summer and vacation are over, now it's time to get back to your book. Join Shelly, Mandra and Debby as they help you get back on track, introduce Kanban Planning, and make this Fall season work for you!
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Shelly, Debby and Mandra will discuss the ways of inviting the Muse into their creative work and, even more important, into their lives.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
After the Great Beginning, the non-sagging middle, you need a fantastic ending. Join Debby, Mandra and Shelly as they share examples of great endings, the characteristics of a bad ending, and discuss the importance of an ending in a series, which essentially, is also a new beginning. Does your story deliver on its promise? Does the reader want more or has their story appetite been satiated?
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
The ladies of the Block invite David Garofalo back after the publication of his business marketing book, David vs. Goliath. He will share the ups and downs of his publishing experience, how it feels to be on the other side of the process and share with us his latest accomplishment of having his book translated into foreign languages.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
To continue with last week’s episode of "Great Beginnings", this week special guests Kelly Mcintire and Rick Peoples join us to discuss the dreaded "sagging middle" of your book. We will give examples of common mistakes, offer exercises to avoid losing momentum, and most importantly, save you the embarrassment of a droopy mid-section in the body of your work.
- Leave out the irrelevant details
- Know your audience
- Too much description can take away from the subject
- Show not tell
- Watch your dialogue
- Vomit the words on the page, Sharpen the knife with your group, then trim the fat in editing
- If you hit a block you can always kill off one of your favorite characters
- Betrayal is a great way to get some extra juice in the middle of the story.
- Character movement can inspire your story telling
- A time crunch can help push the story’s excitement and tighten up the middle
- Mirror your character don’t be afraid to make a major change
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Debby and Mandra will explore ways three different authors have chosen to start their books.
Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard, Glennon Doyle Melton's Carry On Warrior and Kathleen Glasgow's Girl in Pieces are three examples of books that have great beginnings. Whether they chose to use a close-up camera angle, a universal emotion, or stunning analogy's, these three books grab the reader right from the first page and draw the reader into the story.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Have you ever thought about writing a book with a partner? What would it be like to co-author a book and share the writing process? Our guest today, Cathy Waldron aka Catherine Dougherty has done just that and is here to share what it's like to write and edit with a collaborator.
- You need a partner whose style is complimentary to yours
- Each other can write for their own character
- One can start and the other can finish
- Editing can be a struggle so final say should be decided prior to beginning the project
- Having a writing partner helps you stay on task and motivated
- https://www.fanstory.com/ is a great website to help you edit for $9.99 a month
- Go to http://catherinedougherty.com/ to find out more about Cathy
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Mary Vensel White Special Guest author, editor, and Guest of the Writing on the Beach retreat joins the writer's block.
- What are the top 5 Tips she has for writers from and editor’s perspective
- Being a good reader
- Choosing a consistent voice
- Character knowledge – Do they know too much or too little
- Over writing – when is it too much
- Duplication of description from dialogue to narration
- Best tip for a student: “Find out what your skin is in the game as the author writing the story…what is your connection to the character?”
- Ins and outs of the Young Adult genre
- Making time to write by boking your own personal retreat by booking a hotel room to write
- Visit MaryVenselWhite.com if you are looking for an editor or more information about Mary.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Shelly and Debby finally make it to Harvard. . . after purchasing a ticket to see Elizabeth Gilbert at the Harvard Campus! Liz Gilbert, Author of Eat, Pray Love and her new book, City of Girls, which explores promiscuous women of the 1940's and their sexual escapades in New York City.
- How can you go to Harvard for $40?
- How important is the research for your book?
- How long does it take to research your book?
- Don’t get too caught up because there is a such thing as being too prepared
- Research until you are proficient in the topic
- Your research can help set the stage for and almost be one of the characters
- Consider the consequences of your character’s life choices
- Should your book be included in the ticket price of your launch presentation?
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Podcast host, fitness guru, and soon-to-be-author Katie Boyd will share marketing tips that have helped her build a business, got her on the Dr. Oz show, and strategies she will use to launch the publication of her book, Ambitchious.
- There are introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts which one you are can help you understand your strategy for marketing
- Don’t get up to sell get up to serve
- You don’t have to get good at what you don’t like. Hire the right people to do it!
- Worry less about how many followers you have and more about how many conversions you get from the posts
- When building an email list always give a freebie!
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
More and more, writers are using public speaking to spread the word about their books. But how do you prepare? What makes a public speaker effective? Join the Writer's Block as Debby shares her experience giving talk at UMASS Lowell, and find out if she really did picture the audience in their underwear!
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
One of the ways to strengthen your writing voice is to pull from your own life experience. Shelly, Mandra and Debby will share excerpts of their own writing where they used life experiences to enhance the honesty of their writing, develop characters that feel more real than made-up, and how being more specific reveals more of the Universal themes that connect us all.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Today we welcome Katie Boyd, host of the Ambitchious Podcast, fitness guru, and soon-to-be-author, to the Writer's Block. Katie has finished the first draft of her self-help book, Ambitchious, and we will support her in her journey of being published.
- First draft of here book was lost forever
- Re-wrote the second draft in 3 days
- Self edited for over a year
- Worked with a mastermind group for second round of editing
- Sending the final edition to a professional editor
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are using a professional editor or not, you want your book to be in the best shape possible! Join the ladies as they share tips to edit and polish your manuscript. If you are using an editor, self-editing first will save the editor time and help you get the most out of the editing process as possible. If a professional editor isn't in your budget, then these tips are a must for a professional looking book!
- You can have your editor do it all and pay full price
- The more you do prior to turning in your pages the less it will cost you to go to print
- Print your work out on paper and read it like its someone else’s work
- To use a red pen or is there a better color?
- Read your work out loud or you can use a program that reads your work for you
- Look for words you use too often (“That” is a big culprit)
- Are you using “ly” adverbs when you should be replacing these with stronger verbs?
- Don’t try to edit everything at once. Pick one thing you are looking to improve and see it through to the end.
- Know what your direction is in your writing.
- Cut the clutter…Often less words will equal more understanding for the reader
- One metaphor vs multiple metaphor
- When you are done you are done!
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Debby will share her experience in Joyce Maynard's private writing class hosted at her apartment at Yale. The author of “At Home in the World,” “Labor Day” which was made into a movie with Kate Winslet, and most recently her memoir “The Best of Us”, gave her full attention and love to the writers accepted into this private affair.
• To go you must apply and be accepted
• There are only 8 slots open
• Joyce is truly a gifted teacher
• If you get accepted, you can expect to pay $500
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
How do you write a book for the toughest audience -- kids? With busy bodies and short attentions spans, your writing better be up for the challenge of engaging little ones. Children's author and poet Matt Forrest Esenwine will share some secrets about timing, cadence, story concept, and rhyming. We'll also explore children's poetry, a little-known niche that captivates the smallest of readers.
Matt Forrest Esenwine’s poetry has been published in various collections including the upcoming Donald Hall tribute anthology, "Except for Love" (Encircle, 2019)., and in 2012 his poem, “Apple-Stealing,” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Meanwhile, his children’s poetry can be found in anthologies like The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry and The Poetry of US (National Geographic Children’s Books, 2015 & 2018) and “Highlights for Children” magazine. His picture book, Flashlight Night (Boyds Mills Press, 2017), received a starred review from Kirkus, critical national praise, and was selected by the New York Public Library as one of the Best Picture Books for Kids of 2017.
Matt lives in Warner, NH with his wife and kids, and has many more children’s books & poems contracted for publication in the next few years.
Communication relies on so many things from tone of voice to facial expression there are non-verbal cues, inflection, and even intention. As writers we only have words, so every word does matter. Join the ladies on the block as they give examples of how to write clichés, emotions, and dialogue better. If you struggle with which words to use this is the episode for you!
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Shelly will share her experience at the writing retreat she did on Topsail island, North Carolina, by Rewired Creatives.
How close is she now?
- What is a writing retreat?
- What are the benefits of going vs just writing on your own?
- What are mentor sessions all about?
- What is the Zig Zigler method of book selling?
- Is there really magic in the Post-It note outline technique?
- What does the expense of the retreat look like and is it a good value?
- Is there a possible tax deduction in going on the retreat as an author?
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Join the ladies as we play our own version of good cop/bad cop with Brian Casey who has written the book Good Cop Good Cop, the first of its kind, a health and wellness book written specifically for law enforcement. We will grill Brian on how his experience as a first-time author.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
The Writer's Block welcomes back, Martha Stavrou a Memoir writing instructor/professor at the New Hampshire Institute for Art. Listen in as she discusses the importance of memoir, the craving we all have to find people who help us express experiences we sometimes aren't able to. We'll delve into the craft elements of memoir such as character, landscape, and time stamps, and take a look at the importance of details to pull the reader into your story.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Join Debby, Mandra, and Shelly as they share examples of their own writing to teach you how to ground your reader into your world. They peel back the layers and show you behind the scenes. Some of it starts weak but listen to how they work together to see: Who is in the scene? Where is the story set? What is the major conflict? “When are you” in the whole story?
Never be afraid to write a lousy first draft. It will make a great outline for the final draft. You can always use dialogue to show character traits rather than telling your audience about them.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Join the ladies as they dig in the importance of grounding in your writing. Whether writing fiction or memoir you need to pull your reader into your world. You need to ground them in who, where and what is going on in every scene.
- Who is in the scene?
- Where is the story set?
- What is the major conflict?
- “When are you” in the whole story?
- Past
- Present
- Future
- How much does emotion play a roll in the story?
- How important is suspending reality to the story?
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Having trouble getting started? Intimidated by the blank page staring back at you? Ladies of the Writers' Block will give you prompts to trigger emotion, spark imagination, and breath through your writer's block.
- Writing prompts can help you break through the other side
- Dream catcher
- Eaves dropper
- Mirror-mirror
- All the scars on my body
- Writing about how you are feeling
- Find a way to relieve the pressure…you can write what you want when you want
- What brings you joy…focus on that!
- Writing on location
- Guided meditation
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
The book is done, but HOW do you get people to find and read it? Don't miss this episode of The Writer's Block as we welcome author and tv personality Mike Morin to talk marketing strategies for your book. Mike is the author of 50 Shades of Radio, and Lunch with Tommy and Stasia, and is an authority on how to use traditional mass media to promote your writing.
- How do you get the booking for signings?
- Are libraries willing to pay to have you speak?
- Should you bring books to every signing especially when the place doesn’t sell your book?
- You gave birth to this baby now its time to raise it!
- Reach out to local radio and news papers who for the most part love to do stories and pieces on locals
- MikeMorinMedia.com
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Are you a closet writer looking to find your tribe? Does an evening out with other writer's sound like your idea of a good time? Then don't miss our guest Martha Stavrou as she introduces us to the Writers Night Out, an extension of the NH Writer's project. From the lakes region to the coast, there are meetings held on the first Monday of every month. It's free, you don't have to be a member, and it's a great way to meet writing friends. If we're lucky, our listeners will be invited to the meeting Martha is holding in Londonderry on April 1, 2019.
Check out https://www.nhwritersproject.org/ to see what is going on in writing in the great state of New Hampshire
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Join the ladies of the Block today as we interview Poet Deborah Schwartz who will be talking about her poetry book, A Girl Could Disappear Like This. We will examine the evolution of poetry, the resurgence of this genre, and the many ways to get your poetry out in the world. You can connect with Deborah at her website www.DeborahCecielShwartz.com
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
What a difference a year makes. From their humble beginnings in the garage of Shelly's salon, to the professional podcast studio at Studio 21, The Writer's Block Podcast has certainly come along way in 1 year! Join Debby, Mandra, and Shelly as they reminisce about their first year as a podcast, and celebrate with a champagne toast. Who knows, they might just be inclined to give something away!
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
You finished your book. You think you're done. You buy big sunglasses so you can hide from your fans. And then reality, in the name of your editor, sets in. The book isn't done. The first draft is done. Now is the time to find the holes and fill them in. Find your why and thread that through. Today we interview Shirley Jump, who is the full package. A best-selling author in multiple genre's, an editor, a teacher, and a ghostwriter, she knows writing from every angle.
You can reach out to Shirley at her website www.ShirleyJump.com.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
What drives each story? Conflict - that struggle between opposing forces! The Writer's Block welcomes Barbara Wallace, author and long-time writing group partner of Debby's to discuss the importance of conflict in stories. We'll dive deep and look at the difference between internal and external conflict in writing.
Barbara Wallace, famous author and long-time writing group partner with Debby, is only 100,000 books shy of selling 1 million copies worldwide. Today she joins the block to discuss the importance of conflict in stories. She will also explain the difference between internal conflict and external conflict. If we're lucky, maybe she'll share her secret to selling so many books!
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
This episode is our Valentine's gift to you! Most books contain a love story, a journey of human relationships and emotions. Join us as we explore why we love the books we love.
- Mandra talks about the book All About Us
- The panel discusses the workbook format of the book
- Should you consult a psychic about your relationship?
- How to have a Happy Valentine’s Day
- Deb reads from her first book Gypsy’s Fortune
- Can Deb write about romance?
- Shelly picks the book Bad Boy for her discussion about love and romance
- What’s on the cover of the book?
- Is a woman’s body like a diesel engine
- What do you need to do to prepare to read Bad Boy?
- What is the perfect Valentine’s Day?
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Dave Garofalo, the Podfather of the Studio 21 Podcast Cafe, joins the Writer's Block to discuss his writing journey. Dave has just completed the first draft of his book for business owners, sharing over 35 years of years of business and marketing experience. Marketing your business takes a little creativity, foresight, and experience unless you have access to someone like Dave to guide you through. His book is a step by step playbook to some of the most creative and best working promotions. They have been proven to move the needle!
- Wrote the first draft in just under 6 weeks
- Brick and Mortar stores need to create an experience to compete with online sales
- Plans to take the show on the road
- Does a hard cover add to sales?
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Join the ladies as they dissect the beginning of one of the most popular and prolific writers of all time, James Patterson. Debby, Shelly, and Mandra will study the first scene of his newest novel, “Liar, Liar”, written with Candace Fox. See how the authors manage to fit setting, character development, plot and tug on the visceral, guttural human emotion - fear - all within the first page!
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Ever wonder what it's like to have your pages professionally edited? Having received the notes from their editors, Debby, Mandra, and Shelly are all in the midst of editing and revision hell! What revisions do you make, which ones do you disregard? How do you decide? Join the Writer's Block Podcast to hear how the ladies survive the highs and lows of the editing process!
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Join the Writer's Block as we welcome back Larry Brill. Listen in as we find out how he is using his skills gleaned from twenty-five years as a tv anchorman to give authors a whole new platform. Listen in this week to hear about a FREE BOOK OFFER from Larry!
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Book trailers are all the rage to promote your book! Join us as we interview author Larry Brill, an expert on the subject. Learn what a book trailer is, how it can be used to spark interest in your book, and how to produce one that will catch people's attention, and where to put it to get the most traction. Trailer Shelf, Book Reals, Facebook, Good Reads, Amazon, YouTube are all places you can have your trailer video.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Join Shelly, Debby and Mandra as they share their 2019 writing resolutions, what they hope their writing careers will look like, the commitments they're making to their craft... and, of course, dreaming up some magical manifestation!
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Want to take your writing to the next level? In their never-ending quest to become better writers, Debby, Shelly and Mandra welcome back ghostwriter and writing professor, Dave Copeland. As a writing instructor at Bentley College, Dave helps students improve their writing skills. Listen in as we discuss what types of writing classes are most useful, suggestions for shutting out distractions and tips for overcoming writer's block.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
We have often talked on the Writer's Block about our concern for our loved ones bleeding onto our pages.
We talked to Sophie Monk once before about appearing in Debby's fiction work, but a memoir is a whole other level of vulnerability. Sophie joins us to give us perspective and help navigate those tough questions.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as Shelly Devlin, Mandra Biscornet, and Deborah Monk cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Craig’s list has more than just stuff for sale. Our Guest David Copeland found his book project while scouring the site for freelance writing gigs and found the concept for his first book. David can be found at www.CopeWrites.com if you have a non-fiction book that you need written.
Ever wonder if ghostwriting is right for you? How to find ghostwriting jobs and what they pay? And how does a ghostwriter capture the voice of those they write for? Join us as we welcome ghostwriter David Copeland to explore these questions and more in this episode of The Writer's Block Podcast
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well. All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Oprah ain't got nothing on us! Join The Writer's Block as we head into the holidays with a few of our favorite books! Deb, Mandra, and Shelly share their best-loved novels and the impact the words have had on their lives. See if your favorite makes the list!
Ahh yes, the infamous book signing. How does an author schedule a signing, prepare for one, and are they all the glamour and glitz we expect? Join The Writer’s Block as we discuss Debby’s recent book signing tour and find out if they are all they are cracked up to be!
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
What is the first thing people see when they pick up a book? The COVER! Join Mandra, Debby, and special guest Melissa Luella Rush as they discuss how to make the best first impression with your book cover. As a photographer, Melissa shares her expert opinion on visual art and what goes into getting your book noticed. They follow Melissa on the journey of her process in getting the perfect photo of her subject. How does she find the mood, the feel, and the energy of the scene laid out before her? Check her out at www.MelissaLuella.com
Melissa Luella Rush owner of Melissa Luella Photography based in Somerville, MA. Her studio shines light on boudoir photography for extraordinary everyday women. In her past life she worked as an Associate Media Director for an advertising agency in Chicago doing media strategy for music labels. She’s been photographing for over 11 years and fell in love with boudoir photography when working for a boudoir studio in Dallas 3 years ago. That’s when she made the switch of creating a career out of her passion. Her intimate portrait work celebrates sophistication, feminine qualities, and the joys and strengths of a woman.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin, Mandra Biscornet, and Deborah Monk discuss writers’ groups.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
Join Deborah Monk, Rick Peoples and Stephen Croke as they discuss how this band of writers formed, the impact it has had on all their writing, and suggestions on how to form your own writing group.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin, Mandra Biscornet, and Deborah Monk discuss writers’ groups.
Whether you choose indie or traditional publishing, you're going to have to market your book. Listen in as The Writer's Block discuss new and innovative ways to reach readers and sell more books! From merchandising to podcasts, book clubs to book trailers, we'll give you the tools to promote your book in new & creative ways!
- Should I join more than one writers’ group?
- Why did Rick and Stephen join a writer’s group?
- What motivates others to join a group?
- Why does Stephen play with his hair?
- How has the group been helpful?
- Do people get nervous when the group reviews their work?
- Do members play different roles within the group?
- How do I start a writing group?
- It takes time for the group to be comfortable with each other
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
One of the main questions that writers get asked is where do you character come from. In this episode we discuss where Debby's inspiration comes from and get to chat with one of her most significant influences. Sophie Monk , joins the writer's block today. She insists it's not just a coincidence that in both of Debby's novels her main character only has one child, and it's a daughter, just like Debby.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well. All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Lisa Tener is an authority on book writing and publishing, and winner of the Silver Stevie Award for Coach/Mentor of the Year, Lisa Tener guides experts, entrepreneurs and visionaries to joyfully write and publish their books. Lisa has been quoted in The New York Times, featured on ABC News and more. She blogs for The Business Journals and Thrive Global, serves on the faculty of Harvard Medical School’s publishing course, and teaches Award Winning Book Writing Courses.
Lisa Tener's clients have received 5- and 6-figure book deals from a variety of publishers (from Random House, Harper Collins to niche and university publishers. Her clients' books have been featured by Oprah, NPR, Today, Good Morning America and all-over national media, including the New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Forbes and much more.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin, Mandra Biscornet, and Deborah Monk discuss Marketing Mania!
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Join Debby Monk and Mandra Biscornet as they welcome Author and reporter Tom Duggan to the show this week.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing
Debby and Mandra talk to Tom about writing, editing and his book Heroes in Our Midst: From the Pages of The Valley Patriot. Some of the topics covered include:
- How does Tom go about editing his writing?
- How does one become a guest columnist for The Valley Patriot?
- Tom discusses his approach to flirting
- How did Tom get his start in writing?
- What would Tom like to write about?
- How did Tom get his book published?
- What was Tom’s marketing strategy?
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin, Mandra Biscornet, and Deborah Monk discuss the difference between plot driven stories and character driven stories…is one better than the other in certain circumstances?
- Plot Driven
- What are choices the character must make?
- Plot driven stories are focused on the external world, exciting, fast paced, driven by the choices the character makes
- If writing plot driven story, use character to develop plot
- Character Driven
- Who your story is about
- Character driven stories delve into the psyche, focusing on the transformation of the character and/or the characters relationships
- If you are writing character driven store, use plot to develop character
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin, Mandra Biscornet, and Deborah Monk discuss Marketing Mania!
Whether you choose indie or traditional publishing, you're going to have to market your book. Listen in as The Writer's Block discuss new and innovative ways to reach readers and sell more books! From merchandising to podcasts, book clubs to book trailers, we'll give you the tools to promote your book in new & creative ways!
- Book Themed Gifts
- Expensive looking packaging
- Swag items that tie into the theme or title of your book
- Create a Book Trailer
- Podcast tours
- Start your own podcast
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin, Mandra Biscornet, and Deborah Monk discuss writing a memoir. Everyone has at least one story in them this episode we will give you some of the tools to deal with the Pandora’s box of emotions that get drawn out during the writing process.
- Be prepared to potentially open some old wounds
- The most interesting stories cross from conflict to resolution
- What did you learn from this experience?
- What can others learn from your experience?
- Writing can be very cathartic
- Give you self a safe place to write and have a life line (friend) to call if you need to talk it out
- Why are you writing
- Who do you want to read it?
- What kind of growth did you experience from your story?
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin is away so Mandra Biscornet and Deborah Monk interview Stephanie Queen and Mishka Thebaud. Mishka is a professional actor who is currently recording Stephanie's book into audio form.
Learn: What are the advantages to going audio? What are the costs involved? What is the process to finding the right narrator? Do you market audio books differently than regular books.
Stephanie Queen has always been a writer–ever since second grade when the Nuns of Sacred Heart School got her hooked by offering fame–though not fortune–when she won first prize in their story contest. That was her first publishing gig.
Since then Stephanie kept writing in the background while she built up a catalogue of life experiences. She went to UConn, got married had two sons who could star as heroes in any lucky girl’s romance story, got a Masters degree at Harvard University, worked a few jobs–Math teacher, Keebler Elf and desk jockey at various cubicle farms doing bureaucratic things. Then she finally put writing stories back into the foreground.
Since then, Stephanie has published more than twenty-five novels and novellas. She teaches a class in novel writing and also speaks at libraries, conferences and workshops on writing and publishing.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin, Mandra Biscornet, and Deborah Monk interview Dawn Reno Langley.
Dawn Reno Langley is the author of more than 30 books -- children's books, nonfiction books on art and antiques, and novels -- as well as an academic who's taught at every level. She is a Fulbright scholar, having spent time in Pakistan, and she's also a TedX speaker who advocates for animal rights, as well as women's issues.
Dawn is a professional writing coach who walks her authors through the many steps of writing. She can take you from concept to the finished product, published to marketing, and everything in between.
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Winning the Battle of Resistance.
Are you a writer who doesn’t write? A painter who doesn’t paint? An entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then this show is for you. Armor up as we charge into battle.
- We explore Steven Pressfield's, The War of Art.
* Learn ways to break through your blocks and defeat the negative energy field called Resistance.
- Deb:“The War of Art”
- Shelly:Struggle with personal resistance
- Mandra:Working through Resistance…
- -that which we resist, persists. Look at what you are giving energy to. Fighting against something, rather than moving in the direction of the energy...Mother Theresa, don’t invite to Anti- War rally, but a demonstration for peace.
- -Recognize, name the resistance. Identify it. Examine it without judgement, why is it showing up here? Is there something important here that I’m missing?
- -Does it serve me? Is it standing in the way of my larger goal?
- -Recognize that you are the director of your life, and is there one small step you can take to move through the resistance?
Examples: Cancer Chapter, going to yoga at night,
Closing…Thank you for listening, thank you to the Studio 21 Podcast Cafe & please check out The Writer’s Block NH Facebook, and The Writer’s Block podcast on your favorite podcast catcher...
May you be inspired, feel empowered, and B. Well.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin, Mandra Biscornet, and Deborah Monk discuss how to craft your story’s arc through 3 acts including Plot Point one, Plot Point Two, and Midpoint
- Plot point One
- Moves you from act 1 to act 2
- Often the start of the main character’s journey
- The point of no return the character can not back out of the central conflict
- Midpoint
- Main character turns from reactive to proactive
- He/She gets some of the information to prepare themselves for the “black moment”
- Plot Point 2
- This is when all seems lost for the hero of the story
- This is the transition for act 3 which is the story’s resolution
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin, Mandra Biscornet, and Deborah Monk discuss writing a memoir. Everyone has at least one story in them this episode we will give you some of the tools to draw that story out.
- Are you writing a memoir, biography, or autobiography
- Why are you writing
- Who do you want to read it?
- How do you get started?
- What kind of growth did you experience from your story?
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin, Mandra Biscornet, and Deborah Monk discuss the do’s and don’ts of writing good dialogue:
- Dialogue is everything between the quotations…Whenever the characters are speaking
- It should move the story along, develops the character, or builds the reader’s understanding of the character’s relationship to the others in the story
- Dialogue doesn’t belong if it doesn’t add to the story
- Poor dialogue can be disruptive to the reader
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Shelly Devlin is out sick today so Mandra Biscornet and Deborah Monk discuss the do’s and don’ts of developing strong characters:
- Make up a character bio so you know them very well more details are better
- Struggle is one way to develop your character quickly
- How characters interact with one another is also a great way
- Clichés have their place but be careful not to overdo them
- What are the redeeming qualities of the “Bad Guy”?
- What is the dirty little secret the “Good Guy” is hiding?
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Mandra Biscornet, Shelly Devlin, and Deborah Monk discuss ways to use Similes and Metaphors to make your writing really pop!
- Similes are a comparison between two objects using the words “like” or “as”
- A Metaphor is the comparison between two objects and not using the words “like” or “as”
- The items you are comparing do not have to be similar in any way
- Be careful that you are choosing comparisons that draw the reader into your story rather than into your writing.
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Mandra Biscornet, Shelly Devlin, and Deborah Monk discuss ways to Let Your Dialogue Speak For Itself With Dialogue Tags:
- Dialogue tags clarify who is speaking
- To use or not to use “said”
- Too many tags or tags that are over the top will pull the reader out of the story
- When only two characters are talking you can have one character refer to the other by name
- You can skip a tag if the tag before and after are clear
- Your dialogue should speak for itself
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Mandra Biscornet, Shelly Devlin, and Deborah Monk interview professional book and e-book formatter Pam Marin-Kingsley about What goes into formatting your book:
- Formatting can take as much as 100 hours to learn how to format your book
- Formatter’s know the tricks of the trade to get your book ready to go to publishing
- Ornate fonts are a no go for the text of your book
- One should not use more than 3 fonts for the whole book
- Fonts can help keep the reader involved in the story or they can pull the reader out
- Reach out to Pam at PamMarin-Kingsley.com
- Formatting is relatively inexpensive ($300 for up to 325 pages including the design plus $50 per e-book format)
- Are there bloggers that you can hire to review you book?
- Formatted Deborah Monk’s Book “Well-Behaved Woman Coming Undone”
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Mandra Biscornet, Shelly Devlin, and Deborah Monk to discuss the launch of Deborah’s new book as well as the re-release of her first book:
- Available on Amazon: “Well Behaved Woman Coming Undone” and “Searching for Julia Stone”
- Along with the book the merchandise that goes long with the art that appears in the book launches on the keepsake tab of DeborahMonk.com
- Enter Deborah’s monthly contest on her website to win some of her one of a kind pieces
- Would you like Deborah to speak at your book club?
- Do you own an independent book store and want to carry Deborah’s book?
- Her book’s and some of her stained-glass art are available at Sisters We Three in Newburyport, Ma
- Watch for the video trailer coming soon Follow her on Facebook and YouTube to get notified as soon as they are uploaded
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Mandra Biscornet is out this week so Rick Peoples sits in on the panel with Shelly Devlin and Deborah Monk to discuss:
- Rick Peoples Wrote “Hey Ma, Your Husband’s Dead”
- Available on Amazon, Barns and Noble, Itunes, Kobo, Kindle, and Nook
- Back drop of the 1970’s
- TheRickPeoples.weebly.com
- Self-Published
- How long does it take to self-publish once the editing is done?
- Hire an editor…You cannot self-edit. A fresh set of eyes can make ALL of the difference.
- What are the total costs to self-publish?
- How do you figure out what you really paid for your project?
- Formatting programs can limit your creativity.
- Should you buy your own ISBN number?
- Who pays for the ISBN number becomes the publisher of record
- People judge your book based on its cover. How can you make the process easier?
- What are the colors that people are drawn to on books?
- What Fonts are most popular
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Mandra Biscornet, Shelly Devlin, and Deborah Monk discuss the how to handle all the new things you learn in the writing process! Here are some great thoughts:
- Editing with an editor
- The process can be over whelming
- Be prepared to read as many as 4 lines about one of your single lines
- They are not all going to be bad
- Publishing
- Should your book be” YOUR book” or should you be open to making changes suggested by the publisher?
- What is the difference between self-publishing and hybrid publishing services?
- How much money should you expect to spend
- What are the ways to save money?
- What are the channels you can go through to network with the right people to do many of the things required to put a team together if you are going down the self-publishing route?
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Mandra Biscornet, Shelly Devlin, and Deborah Monk discuss the power of word choice. This week it’s all about the movers and shakers of the written word…The Verb! Here are some great thoughts:
- The verbs you choose should be strong and vivid
- Adverbs can also be replaced with powerful verbs
- Adjectives and even Nouns can be swapped for verbs
- “It is” and “there was” are weaker starters for sentences. Using a verb can make your sentence really pop
- Use your verbs to show rather than tell
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. Mandra Biscornet is out this week so Shelly Devlin and Deborah Monk discuss:
- The third architype of writing…The Puzzler
- Puts the key pieces of the puzzle on the treasure map early on
- The story reveals its self to the puzzler as the story unfolds
- The post-it note method allows you, as a puzzler, to move the pieces of the story around to suit your narrative
- Writers block…sometimes you must just keep writing
- You can re-write something you have done before
- Start with a paragraph of someone else’s writing
- Use this time to work on some editing
- Sit at your desk, set the timer, and write for 5 minutes
- Do some calisthenics
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. This week Shelly Devlin, Deborah Monk, and Mandra Biscornet discuss how to “Keep It Real.” The marriage of writing and real life is sometimes passionate, often chaotic, then there is the dreaded dry spell.
Other things discussed in this episode are:
- Are there distractions that are steeling time away from your writing?
- How do you manage major life events and still work in your writing?
- There may be times of the day, week, month, or year that writing just doesn’t work for you so you must make hay while the sun is shining
- Sometimes you are not feeling up to actually writing its ok to put your writing down and do something else like work on your Log Line, Cover Art, or do some editing…Its all important!
- Walk around the neighborhood
- Project up dates
For more information reach out to them at https://www.facebook.com/The-Writers-Block-Podcast-NH-1814535672172768/
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. This week Shelly Devlin, Deborah Monk, and Mandra Biscornet discuss “Log Lines” which came out of the movie industry. The Log Line answers the question “What is this story about?”
Other things discussed in this episode are:
- Keep your Log Line concise but general enough to captivate interest in one or 2 sentences.
- Main Character
- What they want
- What will it take for them to succeed?
- Three different formulas to create your own log line in minutes
- They each read their own Log Lines,
- Discuss how they arrived at them,
- And break them down in an attempt to make them better
- Strong or very active verbs are a huge key to capturing the attention of a would-be reader
- Walk around the neighborhood
- Project up dates
For more information reach out to them at https://www.facebook.com/The-Writers-Block-Podcast-NH-1814535672172768/
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Mandra Biscornet, Deborah Monk, and Shelly Devlin interview the Host of the “Friends in Recovery” podcast Mike Miles about the 30 year process of writing his book “Miles of Hope.” What started off as a therapeutic exercise ends up being a tool to aid in the reader’s recovery. They also discuss the power of journaling, also known as Narrative Therapy, as a tool to aid in one’s recovery from addiction. Mike’s podcast airs every Tuesday afternoon at 4pm on YouTube Live and can be found on iTunes, Podbean, IHeart Radio, and almost any podcast catcher. All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. This week Shelly Devlin, Deborah Monk, and Mandra Biscornet interview Stephanie Queen about her work as an author of 29 novels and how she accomplished them in only 7 years. A self-proclaimed procrastinator, she works best under pressure and sets deadlines for herself by setting pre-orders on Amazon 90 days out. This is one great way to help an author push through “the wall” many hit during their writing process especially if you find your self putting your writing off. Other things discussed in this episode are:
- Climax and resolution
- Preparation for writing
- Studying the market for your Memoir prior to its release
- Read some of the top books in your genre
- Look for incites in your market
- Find something that appeals to you and stay true to yourself
- You are looking for the intersection of the market you are writing in and your own passion
- Getting found in a virtual world with infinite shelf space when nothing goes out of print when it was never printed to begin with
- What an undiscovered author should be pricing their e-book at to get the most market penetration and why.
For information about her and to find her on social media (@StephanieQueen) go to www.StephanieQueen.com All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. This week Shelly Devlin, Deborah Monk, and Mandra Biscornet interview Dr. Bridget Cooper about her work as a public speaker and author of “Power Play” and “StuckU.”. As passion goes her cup is full as well as being the queen of one liners that make you think “What I charge has little to do with what I am worth” and “If you are judging me you either need more information or you need a hug and I will give you both!” are two examples. She discusses one of the many benefits of self-publishing. It takes the judgement of your marketability out of someone else’s hands and puts the future of your outcome in your own. For information about her and to find her on social media go to www.DrBridgetCooper.com All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. This week Shelly Devlin, Deborah Monk, and Mandra Biscornet discuss ways to parlay your writing into paid speaking engagements. One great example of this is Bridget Cooper who will be on the show live next week also Iyanla Vanzant takes things to the next level, she doesn’t just speak she puts on a performance! Being a speaker makes you an authority on the subject in the eyes of the public. Who gets to keep the money on the speaking engagements? Could this be a different stream of income? Deb needs people to vote for which of her book covers they like the best. You can see them at the 19 minute mark on the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFzd1nSndOc All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This podcast is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. This week Shelly Devlin is away so Deborah Monk and Mandra Biscornet interview each other about two separate writing conferences they each attended. Deborah attended Romance Writers of America while Mandra was at Harvard’s Writing, Publishing, and Social Media for Health Care Professionals Conference. Join or form your own writer’s group, read books in your genre, and make writing a habit are just some of the takeaways from this weekend. When you go to a conference you should not only have your elevator pitch written but you should also have it rehearsed so you can deliver it in an actual elevator! All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Whether you are writing fiction, Non-Fiction, a memoir, or are just into creative writing this is the podcast for you. This show is more than just about how to write as we cover the why’s, when’s, and where’s of writing. This week Mandra Biscornet and Shelly Devlin are away so Deborah Monk interviews bestselling author Marie Force. Your may know her from her books out of the Gansett Island Series and Fatal Series. Marie was one of the first authors to really break through with Independent publishing and she is only too happy to share her take on her whole career as an author. All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Mandra Biscornet, Deborah Monk, and Shelly Devlin discuss the difference between plotters and pantsers. Plotters plan first and write second whereas Pantsers just write and see where the story goes in real time. John Grisham and JK Rowling are well-known plotters. Steven King and Margret Atwood are great examples of pantsers. What are the pros and cons of each? Which one are you? Can you be both? Are you writing in the form that is right for you? All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Mandra Biscornet, Deborah Monk, and Shelly Devlin discuss how you get tone into your writing using all 5 senses. What your character Sees, tastes, smells, hears, and feels is what brings them to life on the page. The week they are watching their tone! All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast filmed at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.
Mandra Biscornet and Deborah Monk interview one of the group’s favorite authors, Marci Shimoff. Marci is known for teaching people how to find their happiness set point in her book “Happy for no Reason.” Marci gives away many of her “Secrets” that can work for everyone from the new writer to the most experienced. All this and more on this week’s episode of The Writer’s Block Podcast recorded at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and hosted on the United Podcast Network.