Once you type The End on your manuscript, the real work begins: editing. But editing is not just re-reading and tweaking a few words here and there. Editing involves some deep work. So let's get into the top five tips I have for writer, indie or traditional, for polishing their book to the best potential.

Be sure to check out CS Lakin at LiveWriteThrive.com and find my masterclass Building a Story for the Character that Haunts You here: https://katcaldwell.com/character-masterclass

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

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I'm super excited for you to listen to this interview (chat, really) that I had with Antonio Michael Downing. It isn't everyday that I get to have such a great conversation with a stranger! Check out more about Antonio and get his books here: https://www.antoniomichaeldowning.com/ Also, follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.orpheus.3/ or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/antoniomichaeldowning

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @author_katcaldwell or on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katcaldwell.author

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Is it possible to set goals as a writer? As a creative? When there are so many different variables that go into creating a story? In this episode I go into the reality of goal setting as a writer, especially one just starting out (with 4 books or less). I believe in going into the new year with eyes wide open, but also with encouragement. Let's get those books written in 2026! And not falling into the pit of thinking we should be on track with everyone else out there.

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @author_katcaldwell or on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katcaldwell.author

Merry Christmas! Thank you for listening to Pencils&Lipstick this year! It's been an amazing one. And to finish it with a bang, I'm chatting with Viktoria Nikola about writing, social media (the pros and cons of it and being a writer) and so much more! You won't want to miss it!

You can find out more about Viktoria on her website at: https://www.viktorianikola.com/

Follow her on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@viktoriannk

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This week let's talk about the Muddy Middle. That moment when you hit about 40-45,000 words and then you lose ALL MOMENTUM. I have a solution for you. It'll take some work, but it will make your story move forward!

Be sure to get on my mailing list for access to the 12 Days of Christmas! Sign up here ---> https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @author_katcaldwell

This week I talk about the Big 5 Personalities and how we can use them to create depth in our characters.

Grab the pdf here: https://katcaldwell.com/big-5

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @author_katcaldwell

Let's get into the micro of scenes and learn about the essentials you can look at when deciding which scenes stay in your book.

Grab the cheatsheet here. https://katcaldwell.com/288

Get on my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @author_katcaldwell

This week and next week we are going to review scenes. Today we'll be looking at the macro of scenes. What scenes are needed in genre fiction as well as what the difference is between Character Arc Scenes and Plot Scenes.

Grab your free download here and let's go! https://katcaldwell.com/287

Get on my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @author_katcaldwell

Today is a writing tip day. I'll be doing more of these, which will be a bit shorter than the interview episodes. Let me know what topics you want to hear about by joining my newsletter and mailing me, going to katcaldwell.com and filling out the contact form or DM'ing me on Instagram or TikTok.

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @author_katcaldwell

I have Nancy Christie back on the show to talk with us about selling our books in person. Nancy has had several dozen in person book events working with Barnes and Noble and other indie bookstores and she is FULL of advice for us today. I hope this encourages you to get out there and set up an author event! And when you do, please tag me on social media. I would love to see it!

You can find out more about Nancy on her website: https://www.nancychristie.com/

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @author_katcaldwell