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Punch Keys episodes
- The Secret Layers of Editing Your Novel
This week, Cass and Poppy talk about how they tackle editing and how to find the best story hiding within your unedited words.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- http://www.punchkeys.com
58 min - What Are Genre Expectations?
This week, Poppy and Cass discuss what genre expectations are and how they can give insight on how to turn readers into mega fans. Come on, don't shudder at the word expectations. You got this!
Links mentioned in this episode:
- http://www.punchkeys.com
44 min - The Run Down on Series Writing
This week, Poppy and Cass break down series writing for fiction novelists. The different types, tips and tricks for keeping you consistent, and power to keep punching the keys!
Links mentioned in this episode:
- https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-series/
- http://punchkeys.com
49 min - Interview with YA Horror Romance Author Lauren Blackwood
This week, Poppy and Cass talk with Lauren Blackwood about her debut novel, Within These Wicked Walls. Her novel was selected for the Reese book club and is a NYT best seller. She discusses her novel, character building, and the music that inspires her characters.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- http://www.punchkeys.com
- https://www.laurenblackwood.com
- https://www.instagram.com/laurenblackwoodwrites/
- https://twitter.com/LJ_Blackwood
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/basic-pitches/id1540910625
- https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/
- https://pitchwars.org/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYNMTocU5KE
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
46 min - Podcast Takeover! Imogen Keeper Interviews Romcom Author Poppy Minnix
You read that right. Podcast takeover! Steamy, romance, indie author Imogen Keeper interviews our very own Poppy Minnix about her newest release, Holiday Hotel.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- http://www.punchkeys.com
- https://poppyminnix.com
- https://www.imogenkeeper.com
- https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Hotel-Simona-Island-Book-ebook/dp/B09JL64JRV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=V0WRZWEZ92RG&keywords=holiday+hotel+poppy+minnix&qid=1638335743&sprefix=holiday+hotel%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-1
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
1 hr 7 min - Get the Scoop on Pen Names and Social Media
This week, Poppy and Cass discuss how to pick a pen name and then use it to step into the world of social media as an author. It's all about making friends. You've got this! Below are our podcast and author social media links if you want a buddy to cheer you on.
Twitter:@punchkeys@casskaywrites@poppyminnixInstagram:@punch.keys@poppyminnixLinks mentioned in this episode:
- http://www.punchkeys.com
- http://www.buildbookbuzz.com
- https://kindlepreneur.com/social-media-for-writers/
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
45 min - Interview With Indie Mystery Author Paul Bradley Carr
This week, Poppy and Cass interview Paul Bradly Carr on his recent release of 1414°, braving self-publishing, embracing the journey that's got him here, and everything in-between.
Books and Authors Mentioned in the Episode:
A Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug by Sarah LacyHaven't They Grown by Sophie HannahThe Startup Wife by Tahmima AnamImposter Syndrom by Kathy WangThe Moving Toyshop by Edmund CrispinAgatha ChristieRuth WaraLinks mentioned in this episode:
- http://www.punchkeys.com
- https://bookworm.fm/
- https://www.ingramspark.com/
- http://www.paulbradleycarr.com
Twitter handle: @paulbradleycarrThis podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
1 hr 13 min - What to Do After Your First Draft
This week, Poppy and Cass discuss what to do with your completed, first-draft manuscript. And no, the answer is not query it. Take a deep breath. Let's talk about editing and what it entails beyond spellcheck and filter word searches.
As promised in the episode, here are Cass and Poppy's individual checklists for editing.
Cass Editing ChecklistGathering Info Before Diving In- Combine all beta notes and make a list of problem areas and suggestions I want to address
- Make notes of cupcake adjustments from areas beta readers were confused
- Look over my own research notes and see what I forgot to put into the story
- Study genre for manuscript and check that I have delivered satisfying tropes and avoided negative ones
- Pick a scene that reveals the heart/theme of the story
- Check character arcs and refernce them with theme
- Check character relationships and make them believable and natural
Round OneI do a read through with the notes from this list and edit as I go. I look over the list before each chapter and see if the chapter is capable of fixing any of those problems. If a new scene or chapter is needed, I add them in on this round. Same goes if I need to combine scenes or cut/add characters.I also check time passage at this stage and make sure it's consistent and clear.Round TwoNow I do a read through where the focus is scene-by-scene. I check that each scene is doing a minimum of two of these things: furthering plot, furthing character arc, furthering relationship arcs, revealing cupcakes for the ending scene, or revealing cupcakes for a series arc. This tightens pacing.I also look at character voice in this round. All metaphors should reveal something about the character, swears unique to upbringing, literaray devices implemented for outer dialogue on certain characters, and cut any meaningless polite chatter that will bore the reader.Round ThreeHere's where I look at spag. I check sentence structure and dialogue tags a lot. Make sure all movement makes senese and all sentence structures are varied. I run each chapter when I'm done reading through ProWritingAid in this read through.Poppy Editing Checklist
- Poke alpha/beta readers notes and any notes I left myself during the drafting process
- ProWritingAid repetition check while rereading outloud and altering sentence style if needed
- ProWritingAid combo check
- Reread
- Send to editor
- Developmental edits from editor
- Secondary pokes (nitpicks) from editor
- Copyeditor approvals
- Reread for typos
- Friend reread for typos
- Publish that sucker
Links mentioned in this episode:
- http://www.punchkeys.com
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
54 min - Research Interview with Army Ranger and Officer Jason
This week, Poppy and Cass talk with Jason (Danger Ranger) about his life experience as an army ranger and law enforcement. He shares how military and crime have affected him psychologically and how he fights depression and seeing the worst in every scenario.
Developing characters in your story that are other than you can be an uphill battle. In this interview, we show how it works to reach out, listen, and broaden the depth of your knowledge base.Links mentioned in this episode:
- http://www.punchkeys.com
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg3PR4QN8hk
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
1 hr 5 min - How To Sculpt Your Words Into Swoon-Worthy Prose
This week, Poppy and Cass discuss cleaning up prose and scultping words in order to get the best version of your story. Make sure to stop by our website if you'd like to join our writer tribe on discord.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- http://www.punchkeys.com
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
47 min
About Punch Keys
From the publisher's feed
Punch Keys gives writer support to keep you punching those keys. Cass Kay and Poppy Minnix talk about fiction novel writing over a glass of wine every Wednesday night. Uncork and join us!