Steps to Story

In today's episode, I'm taking a deep dive into the BIG shifts in publishing with my publisher, Brooke Warner.We're having an open conversation about:Publishing pathsThe world of hybridThe changing landscapeRealities of book distributionExpectations of a new generationOpportunities and tips for authorsAnd so much more! This episode is packed with insight that you don

Welcome to a special month of podcast episodes! Because this is my book launch month (CITY OF BOOKS releases May 28th📚), I’m taking my podcast from solo episodes to interviews.⁠⁠Today, I'm talking with Jennie Nash.⁠Inside this episode, we're talking about why mentors matter. We're uncovering what happens when someone shines a light on our creative path, to re

Crafting a strong opening scene is crucial for grabbing the reader's attention and setting the tone for the entire novel. As writers, we know this on some level, and yet when it comes to crafting that important opening chapter, we sometimes forget which elements to include.So, in today’s episode, I'm discussing key elements that writers need to know when creating the opening

Today’s episode is meant to be a gentle reminder for anyone who is feeling perplexed or frustrated with certain elements of the writing and publishing journey. While some elements of the publishing world may be out of a writer's control, there are SO many things that aren't.⁠ ⁠ My number one recommendation is to take time to focus on the craft. Because in this, there

In this episode, we'll be delving into the art of restraint in novel writing. Specifically, we'll discuss why it's crucial for writers to resist the temptation to throw in everything but the kitchen sink into their novel manuscript.Otherwise known as kitchen sink syndrome.It’s something I see often in my book coaching and developmental editing business – writers fin

If you've been second-guessing yourself and letting doubt hold you back from your writing goals, this episode is for you!As a book coach, I have writers come to me and admit they have a nice story outline with all kinds of good research and prep work complete…yet they just can’t find a way to get words onto the page.So, today I want to talk about something that comes up in

Inside this episode of Steps to Story, we discuss why knowing your protagonist on a deeper level allows you to create a more engaging and relatable story. When you understand your character's hopes, dreams, fears, and flaws, you can craft a narrative that resonates with readers on a profound emotional level. Tune in to discover an exercise to help you identify the "why&quo

In this episode of Steps to Story, I'm talking about practices that can fuel our writing process and propel us forward. I’m sharing my top ten list of things that can elevate your writing habits. This includes:1. Consistency & productivity2. Mental & emotional well-being3. Goal achievement4. Quality of writing work5. Overcoming challenges6. Writing community &

Today we're tackling a crucial aspect of storytelling: the top three story questions you should be asking yourself as a writer.This includes taking a deeper look at:Your story's unique messageYour intention for how your want your reader to feelBetter understanding the arc of change that occursAnd I'm sharing resources! Need some help with crafting your story arc? Good n

In today's episode of Steps to Story, we're looking into the crucial aspect of accountability in novel writing. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your journey, staying accountable can make all the difference in reaching your writing goals. I first encourage you to acknowledge that the business of life has a natural ebb and flow, so in this regard none of