Writer Spark is a biweekly broadcast about business, creativity, and the craft of writing fiction hosted by bestselling author, fiction writing teacher, and writing coach, Melissa Bourbon. It’s your go-to resource for all things writing! Featuring successful authors who share invaluable insights on various craft topics, each episode is designed to inspire and educate. Enjoy stand-alone episodes packed with essential writing tips, from plotting and character development to mastering the art of storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, WriterSpark Podcast is here to ignite your creativity and elevate your writing journey.
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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.
Show Notes:
Key Topics Covered:
Importance of a Writing Routine:
Why having a routine is crucial for writers
How a routine helps you stay focused and reduce procrastination
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
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
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.
Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.
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.
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Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!
Using Setting as a Character in Fiction Writing
Épisode 49
mardi 23 juillet 2024 • Durée 49:48
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:
From Fiction to Fact: The Intersection of True Crime and Fiction Writing
Épisode 48
jeudi 11 juillet 2024 • Durée 01:08:20
Episode 48
Have you ever thought about the parallels between writing True Crime and Fiction Writing? That is what this episode is all about. I had the opportunity to talk with investigative journalist and true crime writer Doug Kari to explore the similarities in writing these two genres and dig into his investigative process as he researched and wrote The Berman Murders.
Doug’s meticulous research and storytelling techniques bring his true crime story to life. It also mirrors the narrative drive and character development in fiction.
Whether you’re a fiction writer or a true crime enthusiast, this episode offers unique insights into the art of weaving fact into compelling narratives. Tune in to explore how the worlds of true crime and fiction converge, and gain valuable tips to enhance your own writing journey.
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Welcome to The WriterSpark Podcast, the podcast that ignites your creativity and fuels your passion for storytelling. I'm your host, Melissa Bourbon, and today I have an enchanting episode you won't want to miss. I am thrilled to be joined by the bestselling author Barbara Davis, who is a true master at weaving magic into her novels. In this episode, Barbara shares her expert tips on writing books with magical elements.
Barbara's Insights
Barbara's insights range from creating immersive magical worlds with just enough enchantment to charm readers to developing complex and relatable characters. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your writing skills, this conversation is fun and inspiring.
So, grab your favorite notebook and a cup of tea, and get ready to dive into the magical art of storytelling with the wonderful Barbara Davis. Let's spark your creativity and bring a little magic into your writing!
Harness the Benefits of Process Writing to Unlock Creativity
Épisode 46
vendredi 17 mai 2024 • Durée 01:06:54
Episode 46
Story structure is at the heart of storytelling. Many writers use the Hero's Journey, the Three-Act Structure, the Snowflake Method, or Save the Cat, but there is another way to write a novel; Unlock your creativity with process writing and you'll harness amazing benefits.
In this episode, Boo Trundle and I talk about process writing, its benefits, and ways to tap into your creativity.
Get a glimpse behind the publishing curtain from Shawn Reilly Simmons, co-founder of Level Best Books, a woman-owned and -operated boutique publisher. Whether you are a published or aspiring author, whether you are indie, traditional, or hybrid (published or not), learn from an expert in the industry.
✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
The Fundamentals of Marketing for Writers
Épisode 44
lundi 1 avril 2024 • Durée 01:16:13
Episode 44
Every author has two jobs, one as an author, and the other as a marketer. It's a necessary part of the writing life if you are in it to earn money. Nicolette Lemmon is an industry expert with experience in marketing. This episode taps into marketing fundamentals to help writers succeed in this part of the writing process.
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
We can all use a little MAGIC in our writing lives. In this case, I'm talking about the MAGIC from "Organisational Consultant and workplace mediator Sharon Darmody". In our conversation, we talked about how to apply her MAGIC framework to the writing life.
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
In this episode, Melissa talks with Lynne Golodner, author of Woman of Valor and prolific creative nonfiction writer, about mining your life for stories. This is such a great topic and applicable to people who write (or want to write) memoirs, creative nonfiction, and fiction.
Enjoy!
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Literary Agents: What to think about and look for, and so much more!
Saison 41 · Épisode 41
mercredi 13 décembre 2023 • Durée 01:23:47
Episode 41
In this episode, Melissa talks with Michael Griffo, who also writes at JD Griffo and Michael Falco. The topic is All About Agents: Do you need them? What to look for... But it ended up being so much more.
Enjoy!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Michael Griffo's Website: https://michaelgriffo.com/
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✨ Check out the Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery Online course: ✨ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/how-to-write-a-cozy-mystery-master-class ✨
✨ Check out the Ready, Set, WRITE! Online course to dig deeper into writing techniques: ✨ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com ✨
