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Explore every episode of the podcast Writing Pursuits

Dive into the complete episode list for Writing Pursuits. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–50 of 71

TitlePub. DateDuration
70: Serial Storytelling - Let's Get Started with Guest, Kimboo York27 Sep 202300:52:13

Kimboo York, author of Become an Unstoppable Storyteller: How to Craft Compelling Serials, gives us the low down on writing serial stories for publication. Serials are a longstanding and honored publishing tradition that are now a growing trend.

Guest: Kimboo York

Kimboo York's website: HouseofYork.info

Substack: https://houseofyork.substack.com/

Ream: https://reamstories.com/houseofyork/public

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

YourFirstChapter.com

69: Challenges for Late Blooming Writers20 Sep 202300:07:28

Tips for mature, first-time authors to get over impostor syndrome and conquer self doubt.

Mentioned in the episode:

AI for Authors: Practical and Ethical Guidelines. Alliance of Independent Authors

Independent Book Publishers Association

Question of the week: What is the most challenging part of being a mature author?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

If you would like to sign up for a free Draft2Digital account, click the link to use my affiliate code and support the show. You never have to pay upfront to publish; Draft2Digital only makes money if you sell ebooks through one of their distributors.

Workflowy (affiliate) - https://workflowy.com/invite/958bd78a.lnx

YourFirstChapter.com

60: 8 Ways to Make Author Connections02 Jun 202300:10:32
59: How to Use Body Language to Improve Storytelling24 May 202300:12:14

Today, we will cover using body language to improve your writing by conveying emotions, showing instead of telling, boosting characterization, and so much more.

Former FBI Agent Explains How to Read Facial Expressions | WIRED - YouTube

Question of the week: What are some overused phrases you try to avoid in your fiction writing?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

The Dictionary of Body Language: A Field Guide to Human Behavior

The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

58: 7 Tips to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Writing17 May 202300:10:51

58: 7 Tips to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Writing, focusing on brain health and wellbeing for authors.

The question of the week is: How do you refresh and renew your mind?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

57: Magic, Myth, and Man - Wield Supernatural Power (6)10 May 202300:10:53

This is the last part of a six-part World Building Series. Today, we discuss five tips for incorporating myth and magic into your world building.

The question of the week is: What are your favorite books, series, or movies that include mythology or magic?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

56: Past and Present – Explore History’s Legacy (5)04 May 202300:13:16

In this episode, we cover 5 tips to help your create and remember your world's history and use it to drive your stories forward.

The question of the week is: What is your method for creating the history for your fictional worlds, and how do you keep track??

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

World Anvil

Plottr.com

55: Wheels of Progress - Shape Your World (4)27 Apr 202300:17:15

Today, iwe discuss everything from transportation and communication to architecture, construction, technology, and medical knowledge that goes into creating a believable, immersive world.

Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: LINK

The question of the week is: What are your favorite books and movies where these topics played a pivotal role. Share your favorites in the comments?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

54: Society's Rules - Bend Them, Break Them (3)23 Apr 202300:23:51

Society's rules is a part of world building that often does not get enough attention. This is part 3 of a six-part world building series.

Helpful Sources:

77 Caste System Examples (2023) - Helpful Professor

Elumis - What Are Basic Human Rights?

Sanderson's Three Laws of Magic: Worldbuilding Advice for Game Masters

The question of the week is: How have you used society's rules as an important aspect in your stories?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

53: Nature's Realm - Set the Stage (2)06 Apr 202300:11:51

This is part 2 of a 6-part series on Worldbuilding entitled "Natures' Realm: Set the Stage." Discover ways to exploit the setting of your story for plot points and sources of conflict to make your novels more engaging and immersive.

Accompanying YouTube video: https://youtu.be/_dl7rvWseqg

Question of the week: How does the place you set your stories add to the plot and enhance conflict?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

52: Building Better Worlds & Why It Matters (1)30 Mar 202300:17:37

Unlock the secrets of effective world building with the tips from my world building Series. Today, we explore how world building benefits your writing.

The question of the week is: What fictional book world have you always wanted to visit and why?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

51: ChatGPT for Authors - Pros and Cons22 Mar 202300:41:23

Is ChatGPT for Authors? Angela Haas and V.E. Griffith are my guests as we discuss the pros and cons of ChatGPT for writers. Listen in as three authors discuss how they use ChatGPT, its strengths and weaknesses, and the potential legal ramifications.

To try ChatGPT, go to https://chat.openai.com/

See the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jf3h8_bIdkQ

The question of the week is: How will ChatGPT fit into your author process?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

68: 10 Reasons to Consider Substack07 Sep 202300:06:58

An overview of the benefits to authors of using Substack for blogging, newsletters, and a stand-in website.

The question of the week is: What email service provider do you use and why?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

YourFirstChapter.com

50: Plottr Tips from a Pro with guest: Troy Lambert15 Mar 202300:46:33

Plottr is an app that helps authors outline faster, organize smarter, and turbocharge their productivity. Troy Lambert, author of more than 25 mystery novels, reveals how he uses Plottr to keep up with the demanding writing schedule of a commercial writer. Troy reveals his process for plotting, creating character profiles, revision, and keeping the facts straight for his ambitious series.

Get a 30-Day Money Back Gurantee at https://Plottr.com

My favorite advice was:

If your spouse or a relative asks if you are still doing that writing thing, say, "You bet I am. You still doing that golfing thing? You still got that boat, Uncle Fred?"

"You know, whatever the case may be—whatever their hobby is—it's costing them money, I guarantee, and they're investing money in it deliberately. I also guarantee that."

This and MUCH, MUCH more in this episode!

The question of the week is: Have you tried Plottr yet? If so, let us know what you think!

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

49: 5 Steps to Fight Author Fade08 Mar 202300:20:20

What is "Author Fade?" How do you recognize it? And how do you avoid it or recover from it? Learn 5 steps to fight author fade.

Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: https://www.writingpursuits.com/5-steps-to-fight-author-fade/

The question of the week is: Do you have tips and tricks for overcoming author fade?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

48: How to Write a Strong Synopsis and Why21 Sep 202200:17:16

A synopsis is a useful tool for authors and a necessary one to attract an agent or publisher. Use these tips to make the process easier.

The question of the week is: Do you have any pointers or experiences to share about writing synopses?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Laube, Steve. 2018. “Book Proposals: The Fiction Synopsis -.” The Steve Laube Agency. https://stevelaube.com/why_write-a-synopsis/

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

47: Getting to the Finish Line with Guest, Emma Dhesi07 Sep 202200:44:45

Getting to the finish line for your first book is the most important task for a new author. How do you overcome the obstacles and develop the mindset to get to The End?

Emma Dhesi coaching at https://www.emmadhesi.com

Special offer ending Saturday, September 10, 2022 https://www.emmadhesi.com/21days.

The question of the week is: What is your biggest challenge to finish writing your novel?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

46: Twelve Great Ways to Find Story Ideas01 Sep 202200:12:00

In this episode of Writing Pursuits, I will discuss twelve ways to find story ideas.

Question of the week: What is your favorite method of brainstorming new story ideas?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

45: Don't Call It an Outline24 Aug 202200:15:14

The puzzler approach takes a fair amount of prewriting and preparation before the real work begins, but don't call it an outline.

Check out The Heroine's Journey: For Writers, Readers, and Fans of Pop Culture by Gail Carriger for a great addition to your author library.

Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: "Don't Call It an Outline".

The question of the week is: How do you map out your stories? What methods work best for you?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

44: Use Content Pillars to Generate Strong Content17 Aug 202200:12:00

Use content pillars to generate content for your blog, social media posts, and newsletters. Stop struggling with what to write about in your blog and your author newsletter and your social posts!

Who Is Your Ideal Reader Avatar? goes with Episode 2: Who Is Your Ideal Reader?.

Use Content Pillars to Generate Strong Content

Content Pillars Exercise downloadable pdf file

The question of the week is: What are your content pillars?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

43: Finding Your Mirror Moment10 Aug 202200:10:25

The mirror moment in a story is when the main character experiences a moment of clarity that pushes them to change direction. It is the turning point.

That moment of clarity is when your character experiences an ah-hah moment. Most often, it is the unveiling of a truth about—themselves, the world, what they must do if they hope to survive, or what they must do to be "save the world," regardless of the price.

Your homework for this episode is to read Write Your Novel From The Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between by James Scott Bell.

The question of the week is: What is your favorite "mirror moment" in a book, play, or movie?

Leave your answer at writingpursuits.com/podcast/43.

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

42: Seven More Ways to Improve Your Manuscript03 Aug 202200:14:29

This is part 2 of a two-part series. Part 1 is in Episode 41. Your story is finished. You've reached the end. Your beta readers are waiting, an agent has asked for a full manuscript, or maybe you are getting it ready for your editor. What are some easy ways to immediately improve it before your send it out? Let's find out in this episode of Writing Pursuits.

Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: "Seven More Ways to Improve Your Manuscript."

The question of the week is: What is your biggest challenge when you revise your manuscript?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

41: Seven Easy Ways to Improve Your Manuscript27 Jul 202200:11:06

Before you send your manuscript to an agent, editor, or your beta readers, use these steps to immediately improve your manuscript.

Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: Seven Easy Ways to Improve Your Manuscript.

The question of the week is: What are your favorite last-minute checks before your send your manuscript out?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

67: Ethics of ChatGPT for AUthors31 Aug 202300:10:01

Explores plagiarism, academic cheating, intellectual property concerns, and the ethical use of AI by authors.Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: LINK

The question of the week is: What are your predictions about how authors will use AI in the future?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Accompanying post: https://writingpursuits.substack.com/p/ethics-of-using-chatgpt-for-authors

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

YourFirstChapter.com

40: Make a Scene in a Good Way20 Jul 202200:10:38

Scenes are the building blocks of novel writing. If you master writing scenes, your stories will be unputdownable. Riveting. Engaging. If you are an experienced author, you know these things, but every fiction author must learn how to write a good scene.

The question of the week is: How do you know you have reached the end of a scene?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

39: Ways to Break Through Writer's Block13 Jul 202200:13:05

Is writer's block real? Yes. Can you beat it? What to do when you have writer's block. Writer's block is not a permanent condition, and there are ways to minimize its impact.

The question of the week is: What is your favorite way to get unstuck and beat writer's block?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

38: Fear and Desire, Keys to Conflict29 Jun 202200:12:44

Figuring out your characters' fears and deepest needs and desires is a key to characterization and generating conflict for your plot.

The question of the week is: How have you used your characters' fears to drive your plot? Or, what is your favorite example of a character's fears driving a plot?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

37: Branding for Middle Grade Fiction, Guest - S. A. Schneider22 Jun 202200:34:00

Today, I have a guest, Stephen Schneider, and we will be discussing his middle grade fiction and a few other topics.

Stephen writes as S. A. Schneider, and he is a purveyor of fantasy and a travel guide for kids to explore the many worlds found in books. Anyone who has a wolf should be a writer of fantasy, right? Enjoy the adventure.

Discovered Wordsmiths (podcast) https://www.discoveredwordsmiths.com/

Stephen's website and resources for parents and teachers at https://www.sa-schneider.com/

Links:

Make sure you get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric at https://www.firstchapterrubric.com/.

If you would like to sign up for a free Draft2Digital account, I am an affiliate, and this is my link:  https://www.draft2digital.com/writingpursuits. You never have to pay upfront to publish; Draft2Digital only makes money if you sell ebooks through one of their distributors.

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

36: Five Things Authors Should Quit Doing15 Jun 202200:11:42

Time is our most precious commodity, but we spend too much effort and thought--too much time--on stuff that actually holds us back. We also avoid a couple of things that make all the difference.

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

35: Is Kindle Vella for You? Guest: Christine Daigle08 Jun 202200:26:50

In this week's episode, I interview Christine Daigle about her experience with Kindle Vella, and she gives lots of tips and insights for successfully writing serial fiction. Christine is co-writing two Kindle Vella series with Stewart Sternberg under the pen name of L. P. Styles.

Guest: Christine Daigle who co-writes with Stewart Sternberg

Author Website: https://www.christinedaiglebooks.com/

L. P Styles Website: https://www.lpstylesbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpstylesbooks/

The Molecule Thief on Kindle Vella: https://www.amazon.com/The-Molecule-Thief/dp/B0957CZ7M1

Dark Is A Way: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Is-A-Way/dp/B094GY3S2Y

Make sure you get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric at https://www.firstchapterrubric.com/.

Writing Pursuits is run by Kathrese McKee who has been trusted by fiction authors since 2014 to take their writing to a new level of excellence. Kathrese is a Three Story Method Certified Editor who specializes in story diagnostics, coaching, and line editing to help you “prepare your story for the journey ahead.” For more information, go to WritingPursuits.com. The link is below.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

34: Seven Tips for Using Universal Book Links02 Jun 202200:10:01

There are plenty of tools and apps to help you market your books, but most of those come at a premium.

Today, we are going to look at a free tool that will simplify your life and help you market your books. In fact, you can earn money on books you didn't write by maximizing your affiliate links.

Let's learn about Universal Book Links and how to use them.

If you would like to sign up for a free Draft2Digital account, I am an affiliate, and this is my link:  https://www.draft2digital.com/writingpursuits. You never have to pay upfront to publish; Draft2Digital only makes money if you sell ebooks through one of their distributors.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

33: Is Blogging a Waste of Time for Authors?25 May 202200:14:21

Do authors of books need to write blog posts too? What about doing blog tours during your book launch? Who should blog and who shouldn't? What are the best topics to blog about?

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

32: First Chapter Analysis with Guest Alden T Burgess19 May 202201:06:42

First Chapter analysis with Alden Burgess's science fantasy YA novel, The Elusion Crystals. Great discussion with this film maker turned novelist.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

31: Eight Ways to Create Margin in Your Author Life12 May 202200:09:13

An emergency in my personal life taught be lessons about needing margin in my life. Here, I share 8 ways I have found to create margin.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

66: Storytelling Revolution: Humans and AI Unite!24 Aug 202300:52:47

Interview with J. Thorn, author of Three Story Method: Cowriting with ChatGPT: AI-Powered Storytelling.

Join the revolution transforming storytelling as we explore the synergy between human creativity and AI's formidable power. Discover how this union will shape the narratives of tomorrow.

J. Thorn has published two million words and has sold more than 185,000 books worldwide. He is an official member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, and the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers.

J. co-founded the Writers, Ink podcast with J.D. Barker, and has interviewed some of today's most successful authors including Matthew McConaughey, James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Seth Godin, Joyce Carol Oates, Hugh Howey, Andy Weir, Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks, Lee Child, Stephen Pressfield, Chuck Palahniuk, and many more.

Thorn earned a B.A. in American History from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.A. from Duquesne University. He is a husband, father, full-time writer, part-time professor at John Carroll University, founder of The Author Life Community, podcaster, FM radio DJ, musician, and owner of the Three Story Method Editing Agency.

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

YourFirstChapter.com

30: What is the best email marketing software for authors?27 Apr 202200:17:04

What do you do when your email service provider changes their product, changes their pricing, and doesn't let you migrate your data to the new platform?

This is what happened to me and thousands of other clients lately when MailerLite rolled out their newer, better, shinier MailerLite and assured their existing clients that the "classic" version would continue to function for some time to come at the existing pricing structure. But all new clients would only be able to sign up for the new MailerLite. This is what I did.

Resources:
Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

29: Tips for Writing a Strong Author Biography19 Apr 202200:20:08

Your author biography is your business card, your elevator pitch, and your introduction rolled into one. Taking the time to craft a strong author bio will help you establish a consistent image across your books and across the internet.

Authors mentioned in this episode:


Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

28: Use Plain Text to Future-Proof Your Writing13 Apr 202200:13:50

You need to consider plain text as a means to future-proof your written work. Why plain text? How hard is it to do? What are the advantages and disadvantages? My suggestions? Let's find out.

The question of the week is: What steps have you taken to archive your manuscripts or other important work? Alternate question: What is your favorite text editor or notetaking app?


Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

27: First Chapter Analysis with Katherine Vinson06 Apr 202200:15:48
26: Mind Maps for Authors30 Mar 202200:13:45
25: How to Choose Book Writing Software23 Mar 202200:14:17

You want to be an author. Or maybe you already are an author, but for some reason, you are dissatisfied with the book writing software you are currently using. Today, I am going to concentrate on software you would use on a PC or Mac, not standalone writing machines like the Traveler by FreeWrite. So which software should you look at? Which one should you choose? Answers to these questions in Episode 25 of Writing Pursuits.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

Atticus Formatting Software Review

24: Shields Up! Five-Day Security Challenge09 Mar 202200:18:41

Cybersecurity

is always a concern, but due to the war in Ukraine, world governments have

issued warnings about data security to protect against hacking. How can authors

protect their work and take action to protect their data? What easy steps can

you take this week to be in a much better state of preparedness? To be ready?

To safeguard your finances and your work? Let's dive into the Five-Day Security

Challenge in Episode 24 of Writing Pursuits.

Resources:

•     Five-Day Security Challenge especially for

authors. Google Docs link.

•  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NmY28l-vQ4A.

•     The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently issued a "Shields

Up" notice.

•     Facebook: go through their security checkup.

•     Use Twitter's recommendations.

•     Follow Instagram's guidelines.

•     Read this article from Wired about TikTok.


Links:

WritingPursuits.com

First Chapter Rubric Download it for free.

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite

(affiliate link)

23: First Chapter Analysis with Becky Appleby-Sparrow02 Mar 202200:37:52
Introducing the First Chapter Rubric

In this episode, we analyze Becky Appleby-Sparrow's first chapter of Love Unlikely, a YA romantic fantasy. We use the newly available First Chapter Rubric, available for free at FirstChapterRubric.com.

Get your copy and follow along.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

FirstChapterRubric.com

22: Agent Scams, Shams, & Frauds23 Feb 202200:13:46

An agent can be an invaluable partner, but how do can you tell if an agent is legit? Which literary agents should you avoid? How much do literary agents cost? Do you pay literary agents upfront? Do agents charge fees?

Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). Founded in 1991 as the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR) http://aaronline.org/Find

Absolute Write Water Cooler. Look in their "Bewares, Recommendatons & Background Checks" section.

PublishersMarketplace. Membership required.

QueryTracker

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

21: Interview with Valerie Ihsan - Memoirs, Myths, & Memories16 Feb 202200:31:31
Show Notes

What is a memoir, really? Why would you choose to write one? Does it have to be 100% factual and accurate? Will you get sued? Answers to these questions and more on Episode 21 of Writing Pursuits.

My guest, Valerie Ihsan, is a published author, a story analyst, podcaster, and coach. As a certified Three Story Method editor, she nurtures and empowers authors to create their best work. She specializes in helping writers find the core message of their memoirs; diagnosing underdeveloped areas in their fiction or non-fiction manuscripts with a story rubric; and taking writers through the process of writing a memoir from beginning to end. She hosts a summer writing retreat in Oregon, along the MacKenzie River, and is living the dream life with a Turkish husband, and three rescue dogs. She works in an independent bookstore, and plans a move to Costa Rica in two years.

Be sure to check out: Socially-distanced summer writing retreat outside of Eugene, Oregon along the MacKenzie River. August 11-14, 2022. All inclusive (lodging, meals, and instruction, plus three days and nights of gorgeous retreat space) for $840. Payment plans available. https://valerieihsan.com/retreat

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

65: The Power of Story Structure - Pacing and Excitement Unleashed28 Jul 202300:18:10

Discover the key plot points that drive the narrative, from the thrilling inciting event to the breathtaking resolution. Don't miss this in-depth analysis of how structure plays a pivotal role in creating an unforgettable adventure.

Resources mentioned:

*The Hero with a Thousand Faces* by Joseph Campbell - https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Faces-Collected-Joseph-Campbell/dp/1577315936/

*The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure For Writers* by Christopher Vogler - https://www.amazon.com/Writers-Journey-Anniversary-Library-Structure/dp/1615933239/

*The Heroine's Journey: Woman' Quest for Wholeness* by Maureen Murdock - https://www.amazon.com/Heroines-Journey-Womans-Quest-Wholeness/dp/1611808308/

*The Heroine's Journey: For Writers, Readers, and Fans of Pop Culture* by Gail Carriger - https://www.amazon.com/Heroines-Journey-Writers-Readers-Culture/dp/1944751343/

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

YourFirstChapter.com

20: Interview with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor08 Feb 202200:35:39
Show Notes

Today I welcome Jeff Elkins to Writing Pursuits. Jeff is an author of more than 10 novels, an editor, and a professional speaker. He is the host of the Dialogue Doctor Podcast and a Three Story Method Certified editor.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

Guest Links:

DialogueDoctor.com

2022 Workshops

5 Mistakes You're Making with Your Dialogue

19: Your First Chapter - The Three Cs02 Feb 202200:19:50
Show Notes

Conflict, choices, and consequences are the engine that powers your story and engages your readers. How can you build these three Cs into your first chapter? What are the types of conflict, and how can you use them to your advantage? Finally, what is the fourth C to make your first chapter irresistible?

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

18: Your First Chapter - Setting, Normal World, Genre, & Stakes26 Jan 202200:13:13
Show Notes

As part of the series on how to write a strong first chapter, we consider the setting of the story, the normal world, the types of stakes in a story, and the genre expectations.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

17: Your First Chapter - Point of View19 Jan 202200:17:07
Show NotesToday's Question: What is your favorite kind of point of view and why?

Point of view is one of the most important decisions you must make before you begin writing your first chapter. Whose perspective will you choose–yours, one of your characters, or multiple points of view? Which type of point of view will you choose? These questions and more on Episode 17 of Writing Pursuits.

Links:

WritingPursuits.com

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor

KathreseMcKee.com

Mailerlite (affiliate link)

YourFirstChapter.com

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