This is a way for you to get to know us a little bit away from books. We recorded this around Christmas, and as the New Year hits, we wanted to share not our favorite top five desserts, but the ones we dislike the most, starting from the "ok, it's not the worst" to "the absolute most disgusting". We disagree, drink a bit more wine, and look forward to hearing how everyone either also disagrees or totally agrees with us! 

Watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/X97JZYISxeI

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Ben and Sara have a little back and forth (it's definitely NOT a disagreement) about where a story truly starts. Is it in the backstory? The moment the real action begins? There's more than one place to start a story, but they boil down to some of the best spots to do so. Ben also divulges some of his editorial and publishing pet peeves about where *not* to start a book!

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/h_XiCVMZDuQ

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Writing is a creative process to be sure, and even some of the other elements around it can be creative - such as dreaming up unique marketing strategies. But in the end, to most book professionals, writing is a business. How can you frame your mind to see the pieces of the industry like the money-making opportunity it may be? Join Ben and Sara as they delve into the business side of books.

To watch this episode as a video, visit: https://youtu.be/GdvFDtF3ikk

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Writers often struggle with their first draft. Should it be perfect? When and how should one go back and edit? What if things aren't working out? What happens if you want to give up? As Ben and Sara discuss--the first draft is typically crap, but you can't fix what isn't built. Join them as they dissect how to barrel through that first draft.

To watch this episode instead, visit: https://youtu.be/W2n9fU9Ok1k

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

When writers hear all about the current book trends, craze, or popular genres and tropes, the question becomes: should I write what I want, or what might sell? Ben and Sara discuss the pros and cons of chasing trends, and how it factors into the publishing timeline for both traditional and indie authors.

To watch this episode instead, check it out at: https://youtu.be/mSLOlycG7vI

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Ben and Sara welcome guest Michelle Robinson, a prolific book editor, and discuss the pros and cons of handing over your manuscript to a beta reader or editor, and when to know it's the right time to do so. Perfect information for those uncertain about the next steps after their first draft - or drafts - are complete!

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/vI8GUUJ8mN4

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

What's the climax of any book - no matter the genre? And where does it belong, how do you properly lead up to it, and what are cardinal rules about delivering a long-awaited "big bang" of a book? Join Ben and Sara as they discuss the most important piece of any novel.

To watch this episode as a video, visit: https://youtu.be/2tfU_IC1mnw

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Everyone is busy, and everyone has a life, but when you're a writer, you still have to figure out how to create a schedule or a formula that allows you the ability to carve out, or set aside time and a way to get some writing in! Ben and Sara discuss strategies they've used, or know to be helpful, in building a sustainable writing schedule for the busiest of writers. Whether you're jugging another job, kids, or simply need to figure out how to focus, this is all about helping you find time to get those burning words on the page.

Watch this episode instead at: https://youtu.be/QBrgvoVqUzY

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Ben and Sara are thrilled to welcome special guest and internationally renowned, NYT and Sunday Times bestselling author Steven Erikson, who has sold multi-million copies of his The Malazan Book of the Fallen ten-volume series.

Steven talks about where to find the "Big Idea", what to do when a spark of an idea hits and how to curate it to write a book. Or, conversely, whether an idea is worth pursuing and how to know if it is. Best of all, Steven offers up some of his own strategies for writing, and gives us a glimpse into how this brilliant author of dozens of books creates the magic.

Discover Steven's books at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APIXTU
Or learn more about him and his current work at: https://www.facebook.com/steveneriksonofficial/

Watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/Cm9PmeEInQs

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

How are scripts and books different, and how does one to navigate from writing novels to writing screenplays? Ben and Sara talk about the differences, the logistics, layout, how to describe scenes in detail, condensing and efficiencies expected in script writing verses books and more nitty gritty mechanicals about movie writing.

Watch this episode instead at: https://youtu.be/rdel20mh3_Y

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/