First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft: Recent Episodes
Authors A.I.
Authors A.I. presents First Draft Friday! A regular open house for the author community. Every other week we’ll talk about the craft of novel writing and storytelling with a fellow author, editor or entrepreneur. Learn tips and trade secrets from the best names in fiction writing. Have a topic you’d like us to tackle? Know an author who would make a good guest? Let us know at https://authors.ai/first-draft-fridays/.
Our guest is instant #1 New York Times bestselling author Lucy Score who discusses how she adds humor to her work – and shares tips on how you can do the same.
Find out about our next First Draft Friday chats, and our manuscript analysis too, at https://authors.ai/
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
In this episode of First Draft Friday, our guest is bestselling thriller author Melissa F. Miller. Melissa discusses writing in multiple third-person POV thrillers.
Melissa says “I love writing big, juicy multiple POV thrillers. Every once in a while, I’ll do dual narrators (like my Shenandoah Shadows romantic suspense books and The Anniversary Party) or even just one narrator (the first three We Sisters Three mysteries), but most of the time, my view on points of view is the more, the merrier!”
If you haven’t already, Meet Marlowe: The self-editing tool and visit our Writers Resource Center with free resources our team of authors has put together to help you on your writing journey.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Catch up as our guest, bestselling romantic fantasy author Scarlett St. Clair discusses her work with Alessandra Torre, and explains how she creates dark anti-heroes who readers fall in love with.
More about our manuscript analysis tool and author resources at authors.ai
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Bestselling contemporary romance author Xio Axelrod and Alessandra Torre discuss themes related to writing romance, and Xio’s journey from indie to published author.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Variety is the spice of life – but is it also the secret to a long and prosperous author career? Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler knows his stuff, and with a recent pivot into writing thrillers, he’s the perfect author to have this discussion with.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Authors Alessandra Torre and Debbie Weiss discuss stepping through self-imposed boundaries of fear and anxiety to pen your first book.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Authors Alessandra Torre and Mary Carroll Moore discuss how writers can incorporate themselves into their characters.
Mary Carroll shares how she incorporated some of her own life experiences into her latest book, A Woman’s Guide to Search and Rescue.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Variety is the spice of life – but is it also the secret to a long and prosperous author career?
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler knows his stuff, and with a recent pivot into writing thrillers, he’s the perfect author to have this discussion with.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Authors Alessandra Torre and Lynne Golodner discuss the similarities & differences between creative nonfiction & fiction.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Authors Lael Raphael and Alessandra Torre discuss how to use the Theory of the Outstanding Question to set up a plot which will engage and entertain readers.
Listen here to discover what is an Outstanding Question? Two great examples of an Outstanding Question from movies and TV are: “Who is Kaiser Soze?” and “Who is Jon Snow’s mother?”
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Alessandra Torre and Jane L. Rosen discuss how Jane went from Screenwriter To Published Author and how she takes her real-life experiences & turns them into novels.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Authors Alessandra Torre and Kathleen Fine discuss steps, advice, and tips on how first-time novel writers can get their book published.
In this episode, she shares the inside scoop of what worked for her (and what didn’t) to ignite you into authorhood!
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
April White sits down with Alessandra Torre to talk about the real history and actual mysteries she researches for her books, and how to write responsibly in an age when representation and diversity is so important in our stories.
Hear about how the truth can be a powerful tool for plotting stories and creating realistic settings.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Authors Alessandra Torre and Kim Catanzarite discuss the many phases of the editorial process—from the first draft to the proofreading pool and everything in between.
Hear about what it really means to produce a finished manuscript, and how the editorial process can help get you there.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Alessandra Torre and Ines Johnson discuss how to write more bingeworthy books using pacing techniques from episodic television structure.
Novelists, are you ready to learn the pacing techniques employed by episodic television writers that keep millions in their seats through commercial breaks and coming back for more each week, each season, and every year?
Tune in as two bestselling authors discuss Pacing Techniques.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Alessandra Torre and Jessica Flory discuss how to choose a relatable theme that will resonate with readers, how to use character arcs to bring out theme, and how to deliver a powerful message without sounding preachy or overbearing.
Tune in to learn about crafting themes to inspire!
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Alessandra Torre and Rebecca Zanetti discuss how to write across several genres and stay true to your brand. Discover tips for writing fiction in different genres.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Literary strategist, book coach and 23-time published author Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson joins us with actionable tips on building compelling plotlines through planning, foreshadowing and character development.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Dylan Thomas Pratt, son of the late, great international best-selling author Scott Pratt who’s work has sold more than six million copies, will discuss the evolution of his role in the further development of his father’s work. His father, Scott Pratt was known for both his Joe Dillard series and his Darren Street series.
Join in as we discuss continuing a legacy.
Listen in to this special episode!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Pamela Fagan Hutchins, USA Today bestselling and Silver Falchion Best Mystery winning author of 24 mystery/suspense/thriller novels (Patrick Flint & What Doesn’t Kill You) discusses tips for writing a compulsively readable crime fiction series.
In this unedited chat, she answers questions and give actionable tips.
Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
James Rosone discusses how to craft a series that draws readers into books seven, eight, and beyond.
In this unedited chat, he answers questions and give actionable tips.
Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author of several mysteries and thrillers, including the Jack Noble and Rachel Hatch series., LT Ryan, discusses crafting compelling characters in order to create the best character-driven stories.
In this unedited chat, he answers questions and give actionable tips.
Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
NYT bestselling author A.L. Jackson shares insight on how to develop unforgettable characters that will live in our readers’ hearts forever.
In this unedited chat, she answers questions and give actionable tips.
Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Author Timothy Byron discusses how an author’s subconscious biases, and life experiences may determine the traits and personality types of their characters.
In this unedited chat, he answers questions and give actionable tips.
Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
With never-ending, relentless day-to-day obligations and options pulling us in different directions, writing (and completing) projects can at times seem a tough, borderline impossible task. Bestselling author of the David Wolf and Ali Falco Series Jeff Carson shares some of what helps him stay on track and mostly sane as he juggles life and creating the next novel.
In this unedited chat, he answers questions and give actionable tips.
Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Science fiction author Scott Bartlett shares his simple method for structuring stories. Knowing where you’re going in a story will help you define goals for each scene, keeping the words flowing!
In this unedited chat, he answers questions and give actionable tips.
Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Robin James, bestselling author of over 16 small-town crime thrillers (Cass Leary & Mara Brent series) will discuss tips for how to build fictional towns that can become like characters unto themselves.
Join us as we discuss how to create authentic settings that readers love returning to book after book.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Douglas E. Richards, New York Times bestselling author of numerous near-future science-fiction thrillers, discusses research, how to use factual information to enhance thrillers, and how to invoke a sense of wonder in readers.
Join us as we discuss Enhancing fiction using facts!
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I. our guest, Michele Scoott is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre.
NYT and USA Today bestselling author Michele Scott discusses the journey from bestselling book series to film and how to create worldwide hype around your books.
Join us as Michele discusses, The journey from book to film.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I. our guest, Amy L. Bernstein is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about the critical do’s and don’ts of dialogue in fiction.
Writing convincing dialogue is not easy! Characters tell us who they are by what they say, what they withhold, and what they think to themselves. Which techniques work best in a scene?
Join us as Amy discusses Revealing Character Through Dialogue.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I. our guest, Gordon Byron is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about the role writers play in character development.
Writers are actors who must play all roles and get inside every characters’ head to make stories interesting and characters real, multi-layered and memorable.
Join us as Gordon discusses playing your role(s).
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I. our guest, Becca Puglisi is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about conflict’s role in plot and character arc.
Becca’s excited to discuss the pivotal role conflict plays in storytelling. It shapes plot, influences character development, and generates tension and emotion for readers—all vital elements for a successful story.
Join us as she discusses using conflict for maximum impact.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I. our guest, best-selling author Danielle Girard is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about the long road to publication.
Join us as she discusses facing rejection—how to stay motivated, how to get over the disappointments, and ways to keep the job fun while waiting for news.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I. our guest, best-selling author Sierra Simone is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre.
Sierra discuses how to infuse a story with feeling and depth to make your book an unforgettable experience for your readers.
Join us to learn more about creating characters capable of complex feeling and then layering a story with moments of powerful emotion.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I. our guest, best-selling author James Rosone is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre.
He will discuss how to use your Marlowe report to engineer a bestseller and develop effective audience targeting for your marketing campaign.
James used Marlowe to craft two incredible series in Thrillers and SciFi, proving it works in both genres.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., our guest, USA Today best-selling author Tiffany Reisz is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre.
Setting in a novel isn’t simply the background to your story…it’s another character.
The right setting can make or break your novel.
Join us as she discusses the importance of your novels setting.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Author and editor for award-winning and best-selling books, Stephenie Magister helps us take a deeper look at what experience the reader is REALLY having in the genre you thought you were writing in (comedy, horror, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, literature, memoir, creative nonfiction vs personal essay).
Join us as she discusses understanding your genre.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Our guest, writing coach, ghostwriter, and author Jeff Deck is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about conquering the writer’s block myth.
Jeff shares his STICK framework for overcoming self-doubt and self-sabotage to finally finish your novel.
Join us as he discusses, Conquering the Writer’s Block Myth.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Sign up for our next LIVE Event > https://authors.ai/first-draft-fridays/
Guest author Ryan Schow is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about transitioning between genres.
Should you step outside your genre? USA Today Bestselling author Ryan Schow talks about making the transition from a highly successful career in post-apocalyptic fiction to dipping his toes in the thriller market as an independent author.
Join us as he discusses the keys to tapping into a brand new market!
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author Greta Boris is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about how to create character sheets with Enneagram.
Does it sometimes feel your characters are more like video game avatars than actual people? Or have you fallen in love with a character only to find they absolutely won’t do what you want them to in Act 3? Learn how to use the 9 Enneagram personality types to develop deep, three-dimensional protagonists, love-interests, villains, and sidekicks.
Join us as we discuss how to hook your readers from page one.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author Robert Dugoni is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about writing plots to keep readers turning the pages.
New York Times bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite and Charles Jenkins series, Robert Dugoni, discusses the keys to grabbing a reader’s attention and keeping it through to the last page.
Join us as we discuss how to write books readers will devour.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author Tamie Dearen is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about writing characters your readers will love and sympathize with, even when your plot forces them to do unlikable things.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author Jeff Wheeler is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about his secrets of writing in different voices.
Bestselling author Jeff Wheeler has an uncanny ability to make believable characters that are unique and believable—especially his female characters.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author C. R. Rowenson is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about what it takes to make your magic system unique.
Learn what to expect from the first draft of your magic system, key areas you can change, and how to know when your system is different enough.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author, and writing coach, Joan Dempsey is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about writing a gripping first page.
Ready to captivate readers from the opening page of your novel?
Discover the keys to a great first page, including the power of a terrific opening sentence as well as which elements to include and what’s best to avoid.
Join us as we discuss how to hook your readers from page one.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author Jack Pierce is in a discussion with Alessandra Torre about writing horror stories that hit the mark.
Jack will communicate how to write horror effectively and why horror is the most timeless genre of them all.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author Stefan Emunds discusses the origins of story outline.
A story is a dramatized virtual adventure.
Likely, in the earliest days of storytelling, people took real-life adventures, like raiding a village, surviving a storm, escaping a death trap, or abducting a woman of another clan, gilded those with dramatic devices, and told the tale at the campfire.
Joseph Campbell analyzed those stories, extracted the dramatic devices, categorized them, and put them in a sequence. That became the Hero’s Journey. But since the Hero’s Journey is an outline of dramatic devices, it doesn’t show what a story really is, neither does it reveal story dynamics.
If we want to write true-to-life stories, we need to take a wide step back, analyze the dynamics of real-life adventures, and emulate that.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in! Then get your FREE handout here>https://authors.ai/first-draft-fridays/
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author Fiona Quinn along with author Alessandra Torre discuss strategies for writing believable fiction. Writing your scene with confidence comes from having a good intellectual and sensory understanding of what your protagonist is attempting. Join us for strategies to get the information you need under your belt so your writing is seamless and authentic.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Or read about it here > https://authors.ai/writing-believable-scenes-in-your-novel/
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author Michael Hurd along with author Alessandra Torre will discuss strategies and tips for transitioning from objective writing to subjective writing. Each form has its own rules, style, and yes, habits. Switching isn’t always easy. Your pre-read (beta) team could be one of your best allies to help you overcome, and unlearn those habits.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author Dave Reed discusses how to stop the never-ending cycle of years of NOT finishing a book—with a little help from his friends. Hiring a writing coach can feel daunting and expensive and fraught. Learn the seven secrets to getting more than your money’s worth from a professional writing coach.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Guest author Andy Maslen is back with Alessandra Torre to discuss more about unpredictable emotions, unstable characters, and undermining perceptions in psychological thrillers.
This is an unedited chat loaded with valuable and actionable advice. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Episode notes: Bestselling author Andy Maslen outlines the genre conventions, challenges and rewards of writing psychological thrillers. He discusses sympathetic victims and ambiguous villains with Alessandra Torre - you won't want to miss this one!
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Author MJ Blehart will discuss comparing and contrasting the different approaches of writing styles between “pantsers” and “planners” and the pros and cons of both. In this unedited chat, he’ll answer questions and give actionable tips.
Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Author Jim Woods will discuss with author and CEO of Authors AI a simple way to structure your book. Learn how to create a compelling story that draws in the reader and keeps them turning the page. In this unedited chat, he’ll answer questions and give actionable tips.
Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?
Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Thank you for joining us today! We hope you enjoy this First Draft Friday Episode(FDF 20) with best-selling author and CEO of Authors AI, Alessandra Torre in a discussion with author Cindy Skaggs.
Side characters are often written without development, created for a specific purpose, and then discarded without a second thought. On this most recent First Draft Friday, author Cindy Skaggs explored why side characters desire proper attention, and how they can improve your story.
Side characters can be instrumental in giving your book depth, opening up your fictional world, and can be a great place for additional plotlines and main character development to occur.
You'll listen as she answers audience questions, and get actionable tips on how to make the best use of these characters.
Learn more about us and get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
Thank you for joining us today! We hope you enjoy this First Draft Friday Episode(FDF 19) with best-selling author and CEO of Authors AI, Alessandra Torre in a discussion with editor Marion Archer.
There comes a time in every novel’s life when it is time to leave the safe haven of the author’s computer and journey out into the world. Before it reaches retailer shelves, a variety of individuals should read and critique your masterpiece.
Editor Marion Archer discusses what you need to know about building in the right beta readers and developmental eyes, when to bring them on, and the importance of a well-rounded editing team.
You'll listen as she answers audience questions, and get actionable tips on how to have a stronger editing team and process.
Learn more about us and get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
Thank you for joining us today! We hope you enjoy this First Draft Friday Episode(FDF 18) with best-selling author and CEO of Authors AI, Alessandra Torre in a discussion with best-selling YA author Morgan Baden.
Young Adult stories are everywhere these days, but what makes YA…well, YA?
On this episode of First Draft Friday, author Morgan Baden discusses how to nail the Young Adult voice in your writing. In this uncut chat, we explore how tone and language can make or break an authentic teen voice, and we learn what makes a book be classified as YA in the first place.
Get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
Romance authors Bron Whitley and Alessandra Torre discuss heat levels in different romance subgenres. Learn tips on building chemistry among characters in sweet and steamy ways, along with some do’s and don’ts of writing romantic scenes.
Get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
Bestselling author Chris Fox and Alessandra Torre discuss how to get the most out of your writing time by increasing your writing speed. Learn tips and effective habits to improve your daily word count.
Get your handout for Achieving Flow State: To write all the words
Get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
Editor and author Tex Thompson and Alessandra Torre discuss some common pitfalls of a novel’s first pages, and how to kick yours into proper place.
Get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
First drafts are supposed to be ugly, but this chat with book editor Susan Barnes will reveal the most common missteps that authors make. These mistakes can cause poor reviews, lost sales, and the worst of them all… readers setting down your book for something else.
In this half-hour live event, Susan will teach how to avoid common pitfalls and what to watch our for when you’re writing and rewriting a draft.
Get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
Location vs Characters. On this First Draft Friday, bestselling author Maria Luis will share how to use your location in the same way that you do your characters – to help bring your book to life! Maria Luis and Authors A.I. CEO Alessandra Torre discuss how to make readers fall in love with your world.
Authors Alessandra Torre and Andy Maslen discuss creating complex characters on First Draft Friday. Learn the art of creating complex, believable, three-dimensional characters, starting with your protagonist and antagonist from a bestselling British crime and thriller author.
BONUS!: 10 tips on creating flawed heroes & virtuous villains
Get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
Don’t have time (or the will) to create detailed book outlines in advance? Paranormal romance/urban fantasy author Steffanie Holmes will share her skeleton draft method. Steff writes a first draft for a book in a few days without any kind of plan or outline. Hosted by Romance author Lucy Score.
BONUS!: Creating skeleton drafts
Get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
Most writers are familiar with the concept of the three-act structure. But a deep dive into story composition shows that it is more accurate to look at most novels in terms of four acts.
Lou Aronica, Publisher of The Story Plant and New York Times bestselling author, and John Adcox CEO of Gramarye Media and author of the just-released novel Raven Wakes the World will discuss four-act structure, using the Marlowe analysis of Raven Wakes the World as the foundation for this conversation. (Marlowe is the Authors A.I. self-editing tool)
Get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
Learning how to improve your manuscript is an important skill for any author to have. On this First Draft Friday, USA Today bestselling romance author Penny Reid and Authors A.I. CEO Alessandra Torre discuss self-editing. Penny will share the steps she takes in her own self-edit process.
Get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
Where do you start when creating characters for a new book or series that your readers will love? Veteran authors Judith Lucci and Fiona Quinn — who have more than 40 bestsellers between them — discuss a little-known technique they use to harness memory, sensory perception and logic to build engrossing characters and scenes. Hosted by romance author, Alessandre Torre.
BONUS!: A technique to create memorable characters
Get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/
In a special Halloween episode of First Draft Friday, we are joined by cozy mystery authors Sara Rosett and Tonya Kappes.
These bestselling mystery authors will have an open discussion about writing in the mystery genre. They’ll share tips for appealing to mystery readers, what those readers expect in a novel, and what to avoid when you’re penning a mystery novel. Don’t miss out! It’ll be an informative and fun chat – a spooky good time!
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What are the benefits of working with a professional book editor? Editor, Jason Kirk, and fantasy author, Charlie Holmberg, discuss the long-term benefits of working with a professional book editor. Learn how good editors can teach authors to “fish” and improve their self-editing skills with each succeeding manuscript. Jason is the award-winning editor of 100+ books with 20 years of editing and publishing experience.
BONUS!: Are you ready for an editor? 4 tips
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Legal thriller author Robin James has a special superpower: writing through distractions. She and Danielle Girard offer tips on how to be more productive with your writing and how to power your way to success.
BONUS!: 6 key productivity hacks for authors
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Dr. Matthew Jockers talks with author Alessandra Torre about how A.I. can help authors in the rewrite process. Details: Matthew Jockers, PhD, co-author of The Bestseller Code and co-founder of Authors A.I., talks about how artificial intelligence can help authors enhance their storytelling and sell more books. Dr. Jockers is a pioneer in the applications of machine learning to the study of fiction. He is the creator of the groundbreaking new A.I. tool Marlowe.
BONUS!: How A.I. can enhance your fiction writing
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James Rosone discusses how he uses A.I. to improve his novel’s story beats with Alessandra Torre and JD Lasica. James Rosone, a bestselling military thriller author, recently turned to writing a military sci-fi series. Learn how he uses artificial intelligence to help his storytelling at key parts of the rewrite process.
BONUS!: Story elements cheat sheet for novelists
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Romance author Alessandra Torre discusses how authors can flesh out their character development with veteran editor/publisher Lou Aronica. Learn about what goes into successful character development.
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Romance author Alessandra Torre and historical romance author discuss some of the top challenges they face as they write their fiction and how to tackle them.
BONUS!: How A.I. can enhance your fiction writing
Get an expert analysis of your novel in minutes! https://authors.ai/