Bestselling author Tim C Taylor joins us to break down story structure and share his best tips for writing a complete, compelling, and satisfying short story. If you’re an author considering writing for an anthology, get ready to take notes, because this one’s for you!
The Writer's Journey Podcast
How Do I Use a Beat Sheet? with Jami Gold
Plotting out a novel can be confusing and overwhelming, but there are tools to help. Novelist and author coach Jami Gold is here to explain how to use beat sheets to help you plot out your next novel. What Can We Do with a Beat Sheet? If you’ve decided to try using beat sheets, you […]
How Do I Build a Plot from a Premise? with Robert Kroese
You’ve got a smashing story idea. Now you’ve got to use character, conflict, and theme to develop it into a plot. But how do you do that? Bestselling SciFi/Fantasy author Robert Kroese is here to help us answer that question. We cover what makes an excellent plot and what kills it, how to develop your […]
How Do I Come Up With Ideas? with Nick Cole & Jason Anspach
So you’ve decided to write a story. But how do you come up with a novel idea? We’re bringing on two creative storytellers–Jason Anspach and Nick Cole–to chat about idea generation. Authors of the ground-breaking and beloved scifi series, Galaxy’s Edge, Nick and Jason break down the difference between plot and premise, and equip you […]
Author Collaborations with Josh Hayes & Richard Fox
During this special episode of The Writer’s Journey, we’re chatting with Richard Fox and KSM’s very own Josh Hayes. They’re going to break down author collaborations with us. So whether you’re thinking of getting into a collaboration or want to know how to make one you’re in work better, this episode is for you.
What Do I Need to Write My Novel? with Chris Kennedy
So you’ve decided to become a writer. What do you need to get started? Bestselling author and publisher Chris Kennedy is here to break down everything you need as a novice author–from selecting writing tools and publishing platforms to creating a healthy author mindset. We’ll talk about work/life balance, meeting deadlines and goals, and overcoming […]
Is Writing Right for Me? with Craig Martelle
Tonight we’re considering a tough question, but one that every author and would-be author needs to ask before committing the time it takes to write and publish a book. To help us answer this question, we’re bringing on Craig Martelle, best-selling author and co-founder of 20Booksto50K, a writers group with thousands of active members. The […]
Approaching Subject Matter Experts, with Walt Robillard
Need to know how a black hole works for your science fiction story? Never touched a gun, but you’re writing a shoot-’em-up scene? Kalene and Lauren have been there and bought the shirt. Tonight they ask military veteran, martial arts instructor, gun specialist, and scifi author Walt Robillard on the best ways to approach a […]
Editors Talk Tips for Engaging Reader Imagination
What happens when three editors get four writing samples to talk writing craft tips? One good time. Okay. That might have been a little cheesy. But seriously. This episode is fun. Join Ellen, Kalene, and Lauren as they dig into the writer’s first task, to connect with the reader. We talk about what makes effective […]
Pacing & the Saggy Middle with Mal Cooper
Gotten lost in the middle of your plot? Feel like something’s missing, but you’re not sure what? NYT bestselling science fiction author Mal Cooper is here to talk story structure, pacing strategies, and how to tighten up the middle of your story that might be sagging.
Cutting Purple Prose with Ellen Campbell
Tonight, we’re talking about purple prose. Making your words more clear and concise. Sharpen your red pencils and get ready to cut some words.
Criteria-Driven Story Structure with Larry Brooks
Tonight the Story Engineer himself, Larry Brooks, drops by to chat story structure.
In this episode, Larry walks us through three key questions we need to ask ourselves: How do I know if my story idea is strong enough? How can I revise my WIP to make it even better? How will I know when I’m done?
We talk pacing, structure, pinch points, and more as we go through the big ideas of his latest book for authors, Great Stories Don’t Write Themselves: Criteria-Driven Strategies for More Effective Fiction.
5 Ways to Make Readers Happy with Jason Winn
Want to sell more books? Keep your readers happy. But HOW?
In this episode we look at four things most readers are looking for (even if they don’t know it)… Plot, Pacing, Fulfilling Reader “Promises,” Humor, and the Rule of Cool.
Take a listen as Lauren, Kalene, and author Jason Winn break down each one.
$10K Kickstarter Tips with Jon Del Arroz
Tonight on The Writer’s Journey, we dig into how to make Kickstarter work for you with guest Jon Del Arroz!
Have a listen.
Dictation Tips for Authors with Kevin J. Anderson
Ready to up your word count game? Need to bust through writer’s block? Thinking about getting into dictation, but you’re not sure how? With over 165 novels and 15 million words written, Kevin J. Anderson, the author of “On Being a Dictator,” knows all about dictation for authors, and he here to share his best tips and tricks. Join Kalene and Lauren as they get ready for their next step in the writer’s journey.
Writing While Working a Full-Time Job, with Kacey Ezell, EP. 1.41
Tonight on The Writer’s Journey, Lauren and Kalene discuss the balancing act of writing while working a full-time job. And who better an expert than the amazing Kacey Ezell!
Take a listen.
Best Tips for Building an Author Website with Rob McClellan
Considering setting up a website for you as a creative entrepreneur? What are the pros and cons? Is that move right for you? Veteran web designer Rob McClellan joins us to answer these questions, and share his best tips for easily setting up a beautiful website that accomplishes all your goals. We chat branding, audience […]