Ben and Sara break down the basics: what's a genre, a sub-genre, and what broadly defines them so you know what genre you're writing in (important for marketing to your audience!) and where to research your competition and discover your potential readership. How many genres are out there, and which one is right for you? Ben and Sara discuss the overarching themes of genre, with future episodes to tackle the specifics to come! 

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

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

Screenwriting is writing, and many writers hope to tackle it during their career. Sara, with her background in Hollywood and screenwriting, discusses with Ben the broad strokes of how screenwriting differs from writing books, and the top level ins and outs of navigating the industry itself.

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/5mo5JiJ2GzI

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

If you listen to the podcast, you know Ben and Sara like to enjoy a glass of wine while chatting. 

In this episode, they each list their top five wine choices, make fun of one another's pronunciations, and learn about new different varieties.

This is just the beginning of the Top Five. Ben and Sara plan to tackle their Top Five Horror Movies, Top Five Foods, etc

To watch this episode, visit YouTube at: https://youtu.be/pn0z0zWwa5c

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

Writing is sometimes about reporting facts or theories, new science, or taking an old story--or one you've made up based on a core childhood memory--or even a story that comes to you in a dream. What inspires you to write, what to write? Ben and Sara discuss the ways one can be inspired, and how to turn that into a storytelling success.

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/2tm-RMLHihw

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

Instagram, or "bookstagram" is now a piece of the marketing pie to discuss for any author looking to connect with a wide audience of potential readers. Ben and Sara dissect the pros, cons, and navigation of using Instagram to help market books and build an author brand.

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/3lquMS8Pq3I

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

Do you get writer's block? Can it be avoided? If so...how? Ben and Sara discuss their strategies for blasting through any snags in their writing process, and how to manage writer's block if it rears its ugly head.

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/0_sYSlIYLJY

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

One of the most tricky parts of writing and always up for debate and discussion - especially in fiction - is the "make sure you show instead of tell" mantra.

With Ben's extensive publishing and editing background, and Sara's varied body of work behind her, this episode is a deeper dive into how and why it matters, and how to show...not tell.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8PiIEB56-V4

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

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

Marketing is the least favorite topic of Ben and Sara, but it will be an extensive number of episodes, starting with this one, which covers their personal experience and nuggets of advice.

Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wMXLurVz9qU

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

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

Editing is a massive part of writing - more than anyone generally suspects. Ben and Sara have worked for years together editing many projects for one another and others, and share their introduction to this massive topic.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RaCMS9MIdQU

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

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

The publishing world is ever changing. With Ben's experience as a novelist and publisher, and Sara's with large and small publishers, here's some insider tips about how to navigate the industry at large as of today.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WudBPpxYj-Q

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

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