Rough Drafts Welcome by Salt and Sage Books

We're lucky enough to be joined again by Amy for part one of this conversation about mental health and creativity.

As a skilled therapist and editor, and a gifted artist in her own right, Amy's perspective on creativity is an intriguing one. Tune in as we discuss the way creativity has become associated with mental illness, the harmful impacts of being anti-medication, and the deep intersectionality between systems of oppression and the act of creation.

Join us for part 2 next week!

Learn more about Salt and Sage Books on our website, www.saltandsagebooks.com, and hire Amy to work on your manuscript!

So you want to find a critique group. You know they’re important for your growth as a writer. Maybe you’re hungry for some writing friends! Maybe you really need a reliable set of eyes on your work. Maybe you need some external pressure for getting your own writing done. Whatever your reason, it’s time to find a critique group, and we’re here to help!

Sachiko and Erin have a wide variety of experiences with critique groups, and they both approach finding (and attending) critique groups in very different ways.

Tune in to get an insider’s view on what it’s like to be in a critique group, how to find a good critique group, and good critique group manners. Plus, we also talk about how to politely leave a critique group — we know that can be really tricky!

If you like what you hear, we’d love a five-star review. Thank you for your support!

If you’d like to work with us or learn more about Salt and Sage Books, check out our website at www.saltandsagebooks.com. 

Join Erin for this solo episode where she talks about the dos--and don'ts--of setting writing goals for the new year. Whether you're a newbie writer and want to write every day or you're an established author, the pressure to set new writing goals can be really intense!

Erin's got a lot of ideas about how to make those writing goals feel more attainable and how to be kinder to yourself while you're working towards them.

Don't worry, we're not going to talk about SMART goals or insinuate that you just need more discipline! We're here with real-life tips for how to fit writing into your busy schedule, how to set your goals low enough that they feel good and achievable, and how to balance the drive for creativity with the demands of real life.

If you like what you hear, we'd love to know it! Please leave us a five-star review. Learn more about Salt and Sage Books at www.saltandsagebooks.com.

Erin & Sachiko discuss the benefits and drawbacks of monetizing your hobbies, including writing, quilting, art, etc., and the importance of having space in your life for additional emotionally fulfilling things.

Because we all have things we love, but hey, we also live in capitalism, and we also need groceries.

Do you want to be a full-time writer? A well-loved author? A famous quilter? This is the conversation for you.

You can book edits with the entire Salt and Sage Books team at www.saltandsagebooks.com and help us keep our other hobbies funded.

🎙️ Welcome back to another heartfelt episode of Rough Drafts Welcome! 📝

Erin sits down with one of Salt and Sage Books' editors, Amy, who a licensed clinical therapist. They dive into the realm of mental health representation in fiction. They focus on the profound impact that authentic representation can have on real-life attitudes towards mental health and therapy.

Amy shares insights on the importance of weaving mental health narratives into fiction and explores how accurate portrayals can positively influence people's willingness to engage in self-care and seek therapy. Amy believes that writers play a powerful role in shaping societal perspectives around mental health!

Tune in for an enlightening discussion & plenty of suggestions for where to start on your own journey mental health rep.

Visit www.saltandsagebooks.com to connect, collaborate, and discover more about 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast!

🎙️ Join us for another episode of 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast with your host, Erin! 📝

In this solo episode, Erin shares valuable insights on sparking your creativity and achieving that elusive flow state. Discover the power of Pavlovian conditioning for writers and an intriguing 'eyeball trick' to boost your creative output.

We'll explore the nuances of routines and habits, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Erin offers practical advice on using visual cues, like the 'Focus Toast' method and visual timers, to enhance your productivity. She discusses creating unique soundtracks for each story and the magic of selecting a theme song to immerse yourself in while writing. Erin also loves headphones, especially noise-canceling ones, for a helpful writing companion.

Explore external support systems, including sprint groups, body doubling, and the Pomodoro method to keep your writing journey on track and motivating.

We'll also dive into taste cues and somatic tricks, like using specific treats as rewards for achieving word count goals and understanding the role of your body's state in creativity, including the vagus nerve and the weird ear-pulling trick that Erin swears by.

Don't miss this episode filled with creative hacks and tips to enhance your writing experience and boost your productivity.

Tune in and connect with us as we explore 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast! 🚀📚✨

Ready to embark on your creative journey with us? Visit www.saltandsagebooks.com to connect, collaborate, and discover more about 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast! 🖋️🎶📢

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast with your host, Erin! 📝

In this solo episode, Erin delves into a topic close to the hearts of many new writers. We've all heard well-meaning advice for budding authors, like "write every day," "start with a super intense pitch," or "avoid adverbs like the plague." But what if these seemingly helpful tips are causing more harm than good?

Erin believes that they can inadvertently hinder new writers, pressuring them to write 'correctly' rather than embracing the invaluable act of WRITING. In this episode, Erin candidly discusses five pieces of advice that she wishes new writers would ignore.

Tune in, expand your creative horizons, and connect with us as we explore 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast!

Ready to embark on your creative journey with us? Visit www.saltandsagebooks.com to connect, collaborate, and discover more about 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast! 🚀📚✨

🎙️ Get ready for another captivating episode of 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast, featuring the brilliant Mandy Ballard in conversation with Erin! 📚

In this episode, Mandy takes us on an exciting journey into the heart of storytelling through the lens of character development. She has a treasure trove of techniques, worksheets, and in-depth processes to help you build your stories from the characters and out. Whether you're a plotter who loves to meticulously plan your tales or a pantser who thrives on spontaneity, Mandy's approach is a valuable tool for every writer.

We explore how Mandy's emphasis on character development can serve as a powerful foundation for your storytelling. Her method not only enhances your characters but also enriches your plot, making your narrative more compelling and authentic.

We'll also dive into the notion that the emotional depth of a character is what gives your story profound meaning. Mandy's insights shed light on how creating multi-dimensional characters can breathe life into your writing and connect with your readers on a deep and personal level.

If you're eager to harness Mandy's expertise and discover how her character-centric approach can elevate your storytelling, you can hire her by filling out our form on www.saltandsagebooks.com. To learn more about Mandy and her editing services, visit her profile on our website at https://www.saltandsagebooks.com/profiles/mandy-ballard.

Don't miss this episode filled with invaluable tips, inspiring ideas, and a fresh perspective on character-driven storytelling. Tune in, expand your creative horizons, and connect with us as we explore 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast!

Ready to embark on your creative journey with us? Visit www.saltandsagebooks.com to connect, collaborate, and discover more about 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast! 📝📖🌟

🎙️ Join us for a special episode of 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast, where Erin has an engaging conversation with the talented Mandy Ballard, a developmental and line editor at Salt and Sage Books. 📚

Mandy wears many hats; she's not only an accomplished editor but also a hobby homesteader who has a profound love for plants and yoga. Her home is in the heart of Southern Utah, where she finds inspiration for her work.

In this episode, we explore Mandy's unique approach to developmental editing. She's all about being on the same team as the author, with a mission to uplift their work. Mandy's goal is to find what the author excels at and help them harness their strengths.

We delve into the nuanced difference between kindness and being nice in the editing process. For Mandy, kindness means providing clear feedback while approaching the author with the utmost respect and good intentions, ensuring the work improves in meaningful ways.

Community is a vital cornerstone of every writer's journey, and we discuss its significance in fostering creativity and growth. Mandy shares her insights on how a supportive community can transform your writing experience.

When it comes to line editing, Mandy's approach is to enhance the piece's flow and pinpoint patterns unique to each author while preserving their distinct voice.

We encourage you to explore Mandy's profile on our website, ⁠https://www.saltandsagebooks.com/profiles/mandy-ballard⁠, and consider hiring her for your editing needs. Her dedication and expertise can take your writing to the next level.

Don't miss this enlightening episode that showcases Mandy's passion for editing, her commitment to authors, and the transformative power of community in your creative journey. Tune in, expand your horizons, and connect with us as we explore 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast!

Ready to embark on your creative journey with us? Visit ⁠www.saltandsagebooks.com⁠ to connect, collaborate, and discover more about 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast! 🖋️🌿🧘‍♀️

In our latest episode, we dive headfirst into the complex world of book marketing and the importance of creating nervous system safety while you promote your literary creations, especially for neurodiverse creators. If you have rejection sensitive dysphoria, ADHD, autism, or PDA, we've got ideas for you.

Join our hosts, Erin and Sachiko, as they unpack the challenges of marketing, exploring why it can feel so daunting, especially for writers. We'll delve into how marketing interacts with the creative writing process, shedding light on the systems that often keep individuals feeling small and quiet.

But here's the exciting twist – marketing and social media offer you the opportunity to take up space and amplify your voice. Yes, it's hard, but it's also incredibly empowering. We'll share strategies and insights on how to overcome those hurdles and embrace the spotlight.

Our focus isn't just on marketing; it's on creating supportive communities and building a space where you can feel safe and authentic within your own social media and marketing experiment. We'll help you navigate the potentially overwhelming aspects so that you can avoid burnout and flourish as a writer.

Remember, this episode is all about providing you with the tools and strategies to market your books confidently while prioritizing your well-being and creative journey.

Don't miss out on this transformative discussion! Tune in, expand your marketing horizons, and connect with us as we explore 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast!

Ready to embark on your creative journey with us? Visit www.saltandsagebooks.com to connect, collaborate, and discover more about 'The Rough Drafts Welcome' podcast! 📚✨