Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Episode 50

Welcome to The WriterSpark Podcast! I'm your host, Melissa Bourbon, a bestselling author, podcaster, teacher, and book cover designer. In this episode, we're diving into the essentials of building a killer writing routine that promotes consistency and productivity. Whether you're struggling to find time to write or looking for ways to stay motivated, this episode will give you practical strategies and tools to help you succeed.

We'll discuss effective time management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique and time blocking, and explore some of the best tools and apps to support your writing habits. 

Key Topics Covered:

1. Importance of a Writing Routine:

   • Why having a routine is crucial for writers
   • How a routine helps you stay focused and reduce procrastination

2. Time Management Strategies:

   • The Pomodoro Technique: Writing in focused bursts with breaks
   • Time blocking: Setting aside specific times for writing
   • Communicating your schedule to minimize interruptions

3. Tools and Apps to Support Writing Habits:

   • Scrivener: Organizing your manuscript, research, and notes
   • Evernote: Jotting down ideas and organizing research
   • Trello and Notion: Goal setting and tracking progress
   • Focus@Will & Brain FM: Background music designed to improve concentration

4. Real-Life Examples and Tips:

   • Setting small, achievable goals
   • Writing at the same time every day
   • Creating a dedicated writing space
   • Celebrating your progress

Books Mentioned and/or Recommended:

• Scrivener for Dummies by Gwen Hernandez
• An Everyday Guide to Scrivener 3 for Mac by Mary Crawford
• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
• Living the Vida Lola
• Facebook
• Scrivener, Evernote, Trello, Notion

1. Subscribe to The WriterSpark Podcast: Don't miss out on future episodes packed with tips and inspiration for your writing journey. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform.
2. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.
3. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more writers like you.
4. Follow Us on Social Media: Stay updated with the latest episodes, writing tips, and more by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook,  and Pinterest.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Episode 49

Delve into the idea of using setting as a character in fiction writing. This week, I'm thrilled to welcome my special guest Marjorie McCown, author of the Hollywood Mystery series, who expertly uses the Hollywood movie set and Los Angeles as 'characters' in her books.

In this episode, Marjorie and I explore how a well-crafted setting can amplify elements of your story, adding depth and dimension that brings your narrative to life. Discover how to create settings that resonate with readers and become integral to your plot and characters.

Tune in to learn:

• The role of setting in enhancing the mood and tone of your story.
• How setting can reflect and influence your characters' journeys.
• Tips for weaving setting seamlessly into your narrative.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your journey, this episode shares insights that will inspire you to rethink how you use setting in your fiction. 

Subscribe to The WritersSpark Podcast!

Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Visit Marjorie McCown's Website (https://marjoriemccown.com/)

Buy Final Cut and Star Struck, books 1 & 2 in The Hollywood Mysteries (https://amzn.to/3WxFIS4)

The Lola Cruz Mystery Series (https://amzn.to/3WAex96)

The Bread Shop Mystery Series (https://amzn.to/4dbjSJn)

The Book Magic Novels (https://amzn.to/46gjuae)

Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell (https://amzn.to/3y6rn5J)

Podcast with Katherine Ramsland on using Weather as an element in your fiction (https://writersparkacademy.podbean.com/e/how-and-why-weather-can-be-an-important-part-of-fiction-writing/)

Additional Links:

* Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com

* WriterSpark Book Cover Design: https://writersparkbookcovers.com/

* Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com

✨ Self-Paced Writing Courses:

https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/

✨ Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter

SIGN UP: https://writersparkacademy.com/https://writersparkacademy.com/newsletter-signup/ 

Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!  

Learn more about the host, Melissa

Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com 

✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨

#FictionWriting #WritingTips #Podcast #MelissaBourbon #MarjorieMcCown #WritingCommunity #AuthorInterview #CreativeWriting

Episode 40

Every writer needs an editor, but do you know why and what they do for you?

Do you know what editors do and what different types of edits mean? Developmental. Substantive. Line. Copy. They each have their own purposes.

As well as being an author, writing coach and instructor, and cover art designer, I am also a freelance editor. Today I'm talking with Donalee Moulton, who is also an author and freelance editor. This episode is chock full of great information. Enjoy!

✨ Check out the Ready, Set, WRITE! Online course to dig deeper into writing techniques:  ✨ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com ✨

✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Donalee Moulton's Website: https://donaleemoulton.com/
• Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
• Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
• Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/

Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

Additional Resources

• WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
• Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
• Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
• Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
• Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
• Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
• Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Episode 39

Every writer gets stuck now and then. It's part of the journey. Getting stuck doesn't mean you need to stop, though, and it isn't just about pushing through. I have 8 strategies to help get you past 'Writer's Block' so you can move forward with your writing. 

(Read along on the WriterSpark blog)

✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Silent Obsession
• Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
• Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
• Learn about WriterSpark Courses: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/

Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

Additional Resources

• WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
• Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
• Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
• Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
• Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
• Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
• Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Episode 38

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is HERE, and writers all over have jumped into this exciting challenge. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a seasoned writer, National Novel Writing Month may be just the special (not-so-secret) sauce you need to get motivated. If you are taking this writing challenge, you're in for a whirlwind of creativity, inspiration, and, yes, probably a little bit (or maybe even a lot) of madness. I have tips to help you CRUSH NaNoWriMo. 

(Read along on the WriterSpark blog)

✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• • Cinder
  • Night Circus
  • Calculating Stars
  •  Fangirl
  •  A little Something Different
  •  Absolutely Remarkable Thing
  •  Modern Girl
  •  First Grave to the Right
  •  With the Fire on High
  •  Water for Elephants
  •  The Wedding Date

• Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
• Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
• Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/

Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

Additional Resources

• WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
• Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
• Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
• Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
• Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
• Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
• Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Episode 37

George Cramer spent years as a PI and Police Officer (turned writer), and many hours interviewing (not interrogating!) victims, suspects, and witnesses during investigations. Join me for this interesting conversation with George where he shares anecdotes, techniques, and tips for fiction writers.

✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• George Cramer's Website: https://gdcramer.com/
• Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
• Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
• Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/

Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

Additional Resources

• WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
• Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
• Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
• Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
• Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
• Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
• Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Episode 36

Join me for a captivating podcast interview with Eryk Pruitt, the author of Something Bad Wrong, a gripping novel inspired by an unsolved true crime case from the 1970s in North Carolina. We talked about the fusion of fact and fiction in this great interview. Get ready for an insightful and intriguing conversation! 📖🕵️‍♂️

Learn more about WriterSpark's Writing a Novel Online Course ➤https://bit.ly/How-To-Write-A-Novel-Course

A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• The Long Dance Podcast: https://longdance.libsyn.com/
• Yonder Bar: https://yonderbarnc.com/
• Something Bad Wrong: https://amzn.to/46wZKP3
• Dirtbags: https://amzn.to/3ZWAcbA
• Blood Red Summer: https://amzn.to/403zqtC
• Dark Yonder 1: https://amzn.to/3PZEgTQ
• Dark Yonder 2: https://amzn.to/3ZWAxLo
• Dark Yonder 3: https://amzn.to/46S7riO
• Bare-Naked Lola: https://amzn.to/3PVh6yc 

• Crust No One: https://amzn.to/48Rc7XV
• Flour in the Attic: https://amzn.to/3M13EaK
• Visit Eryk Pruitt's Website: http://www.erykpruitt.com/
• Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
• Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
• Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/

Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

Additional Resources

• WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
• Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
• Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
• Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
• Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
• Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
• Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Episode 35

Marjory McCown Final Cut Signed Copy Giveaway! If you’d like to enter for a chance to win, go HERE:

https://forms.gle/8PkJnGUYtRqZQfu97

How do you use your real-life as an influence in your writing? Marjorie McCown did just that in her book, Final Cut. She was a costume designer in Hollywood for 30 years and she used experiences from her own life in her book as she created the fictional world of her protagonist, costume designer Joey Jessop.

If you’ve wondered how to incorporate part of your real-life career in your book, listen to this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast.

Learn more about how to write a cozy mystery with WriterSpark's self-paced online course ➤https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy

Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery Online Course (https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy)
• Melissa Bourbon and Winnie Archer Books (https://melissabourbon.com)
• Marjorie McCown’s Final Cut 
• Marjorie McCown’s Website 

✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

Resources

• WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
• Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
• Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
• Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
• Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
• Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy

Episode 34

If you've ever thought about writing a cozy mystery, this WriterSpark Podcast episode is for you! The mystery genre is huge, and cozy mysteries are a pretty special part of it. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 reasons to read and write cozy mysteries. What makes them so popular? Listen to find out!

Learn more about how to write a cozy mystery with WriterSpark's self-paced online course ➤https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy

Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery Online Course (https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy)
• Melissa Bourbon and Winnie Archer Books (https://melissabourbon.com)

✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

Resources

• WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
• Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
• Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
• Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
• Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
• Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy

Episode 33

Have you ever wondered what audiobook production and narration entails for an author? If you haven't, this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast is for you! Audiobooks can be a huge asset to an author's bottom line. There is a lot to learn, and that's what we're talking about in today with author and audiobook narrator Mary Castillo. She has great tips and resources about the audiobook arm of the publishing industry.

A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Ready, Set, WRITE! (How to write a novel course) (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/30-day-intensive-in-fiction-writing)
• Mary Castillo's Books (https://marycastillo.com/books-by-mary-castillo/)
• Audacity Free Open Source Software (https://www.audacityteam.org/)
• RX7 Software (https://getintopc.com/softwares/audio-processing/izotope-rx-7-audio-editor-advanced-vst-free-download-1356257/)
• Canva (http://canva.com)
• Listen to Mary's Voice Samples: https://marycastillo.com/audiobooks/audiobook-narrator/
• Silent Echoes & Silent Obsession  (https://amzn.to/45OHWOB)
• Living the Vida Lola (https://amzn.to/47AbIIL)
• Murder in Devil's Cove (Book Magic #1-https://amzn.to/45M0S0z)

✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨

Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

Resources

• WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
• Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
• Visit Mary's website: http://marycastillo.com
• Visit Mary's Voice Website: http://marycastillvo.com
• Mary's Social Media:
  • www.marycastillovo.com
  • IG @marycastillovoiceover
  • Tiktok @marycastillovoice
  • Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marycastillo
• Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
• Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
• Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
• Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy