School for Writers

Have you asked yourself the question, "Why didn't anyone tell me about THIS?" when it came to writing and purpose? Transformative writing carries exactly that sentiment, and that is what Lauren and Jenn are talking about in this episode.

Jenn has been writing for many years publicly and privately. As a fat, queer person who doesn't fit into society's acceptable standards and understands the scientific side of fatness, she found a way to share her experiences and views through the written word. An intimate space where, amongst other things, she wrote about fat activism, liberation, and acceptance.

In this episode, Jenn shares how she uses writing as a transformative tool. She also talks about her journey to learning Spanish and how writing in this language has helped her shape a different understanding of the world. She talks about the risks she has taken writing fiction and how scary this can be. To Jenn, writing is more than just words on paper. It is a way to explore what lies deep within us, to find clarity, community, and bliss.

Connect with Lauren and the show: Website - https://businessschoolforwriters.com/ Instagram - @laurenmariefleming & @schoolforwriters

Head over to businessschoolforwriters.com/podcast/ to find all the resources and book recommendations mentioned in this episode!

The big day is here!

Yes, my friend, election day is today. The day we get the opportunity to decide our future, demand social equality, and be part of the process of change.

It's been a difficult year. Not only have we been dealing with Covid-19, but we've been bombarded with fake news, disinformation, and the influence of sinister political turmoil left and right. And if you're experiencing angst, fear, or depression-We don't blame you. We've all been there.

What we can do for you, though, is help you gain control of your emotions and improve your mental health through the power of journaling. Journaling has been found to be beneficial in relieving stress, easing anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, and so many more amazing things! The effectiveness of this writing therapy can positively impact your physical and mental well-being, release negative emotions, and help you clear your mind.

In this episode, Lauren brings us 4 ways journaling can help you handle politics and the news. She talks about how successful people around the world use journaling as a tool to help them thrive and also shares effective journaling techniques you can use right now to manage anxiety and overwhelm.

Connect with Lauren and the show: Website - https://businessschoolforwriters.com/ Instagram - @laurenmariefleming & @businessschoolforwriters

Head over to businessschoolforwriters.com/podcast/ to find all the resources and book recommendations mentioned in this episode!

How can writing help you survive during political turmoil and have difficult conversations with your family and friends during this time of social unrest? Listen in to hear Lauren and Caroline talk about bridging the political divide through writing.

In this episode, Lauren is having a special and rather deep conversation with Caroline Rothstein. Caroline is an internationally acclaimed writer, poet, journalist, and performer, based in New York City. She and Lauren met years ago via Twitter, and ever since this happened, Lauren has been delighted by the way this magnificent artist puts her thoughts into words, making the online space what our host describes as "a bearable place" thanks to the thoughtful input she shares and her storytelling abilities.

Today, you'll hear Lauren and Caroline talk about the challenges of being an artist in a capitalist world, the psychology of being a writer, Caroline's activism through the written word, how creativity and art have helped heal her inner child, activism, social justice, and so much more!

Connect with Caroline: Website - https://www.carolinerothstein.com/ Instagram - @carolinerothstein Twitter - @cerothstein

Connect with Lauren and the show: Website - https://businessschoolforwriters.com/ Instagram - @laurenmariefleming & @businessschoolforwriters

Head over to businessschoolforwriters.com/podcast/ to find all the resources and book recommendations mentioned in this episode!

In today's this episode, Lauren brings us a beautiful analogy from the Hero's Journey. The Dark Night of the Soul to be more specific. Brought up by one of the participants from her Write Your Friggin' Book Already program, this plot represents the inner transformation that follows after the stages of hardship and obstacles in our lives.

Here at Business School For Writers, Lauren wants you to know that if you are experiencing the abyss, your own Dark Night of the Soul, feeling lost or stuck, you're not alone. She also talks about every human being worthy of moving onto the next stage of their own hero's journey. She recommends we take this time to do things that nurture our spirits. Things like taking the time to rest, relax, harness the benefits of journaling, and leaning into the power of storytelling, for example.

As a writer, Lauren has experienced first hand how this higher power beyond herself, called writing and storytelling, has given her something to look forward to and move on with her life even during her darkest hours. She has tasted the perks of journaling, and in this episode, she wants to share them with you.

Connect with Lauren and the show: Website - https://businessschoolforwriters.com/ Instagram - @laurenmariefleming & @businessschoolforwriters

Head over to businessschoolforwriters.com/podcast/ to find all the resources and book recommendations mentioned in this episode!

Today on the show, we're chatting with the amazing Michaële Antoine. Michaële is a facilitator, educator, leader, and creator who focuses on equipping the community with the tools to have conversations that matter. She is the founder of Curios, a consulting company where people can engage in healthy discourse about all the things and topics that have social and organizational impact.

In today's episode, Michaële tells us all about her book club. A place where she brings people together with the goal of empowering worthwhile conversations, discuss their favorite books, and learn from each other. You'll hear Michaële and Lauren talk about the why and how of a book club, the challenges of moving this type of community to an online space, tips on how to find the right book club for you, and much more!

Connect with Michaële: Instagram - @curiosbynature Website - https://curiosbynature.com/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/curios-consulting/

Connect with Lauren and the show: Website - https://businessschoolforwriters.com/ Instagram - @laurenmariefleming & @businessschoolforwriters

Head over to businessschoolforwriters.com/podcast/ to find all the resources and book recommendations mentioned in this episode!

Today, we want to break down the three different categories available when it comes to publishing your book. In this episode, we about the five big publishing houses in the English-speaking world and what their role is, what independent publishers and small presses you can find out there, the pros and cons of traditional publishing, the benefits of self-publishing, the hybrid or the third-option publishing process, and much more!

Connect with Lauren and the show: Website - https://businessschoolforwriters.com/ Instagram - @laurenmariefleming & @businessschoolforwriters

Head over to businessschoolforwriters.com/podcast/ to find all the resources and book recommendations mentioned in this episode!

If you're a writer looking to publish your book the traditional way, a literary agent can prove to be your best ally especially if you're just starting your journey as an author.

Today's guest is literary agent, Elise Capron. Elise has been working with the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency for over 16 years. During this time she has negotiated contracts, acted as a mediator between writers and publishing houses, licensed rights for book authors, and more. All of this with the goal of setting her clients up for success in their writing careers.

In today's episode, Elise explains the role of literary agents, what they do, what they don't do, and also what you can expect from one and what they expect form writers. She stresses the importance of finding the right agent for your book as there is no one-size-fits-all path to publish. This episode is packed with so much great information! You'll hear Elise mention some very interesting tips and resources on how and where to find agents, what a good query letter should look like, how to cultivate long-lasting business relationships between agents and writers, and more!

Connect with Elise: Twitter - @elisecapron Facebook - Elisecapron1 Instagram - @elisecapron Website - https://www.dijkstraagency.com/agent-page.php?agent_id=Capron

Connect with Lauren and the show: Website - https://businessschoolforwriters.com/ Instagram - @laurenmariefleming & @businessschoolforwriters

Resources mentioned in this episode: -Check out our step by step roadmap to help you get your story out into the world HERE. -Dijkstra Agency - https://www.dijkstraagency.com/ - San Diego Festival of books - https://go.sandiegouniontribune.com/2020festivalofbooks/p/1 - Find literary agents HERE. - Grab my FREE Spreadsheet to keep track of all the people you've pitched HERE.

Book recommendation of the week: The Mothers by Brit Bennett

Love audiobooks? Listen on Libro.fm and support independent bookstores. Plus, use this link and we both get a free audiobook: http://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm116869

Wondering why we don't link to Amazon? Check out Episode 2 of the Business School for Writers Podcast to hear all about how supporting independent bookstores helps you see more stories like yours out in the world.

If you've been wondering how you can make money writing books, then this episode is for you!

Believe it or not, writing can be a lucrative opportunity to generate income and build a reputable personal brand as an author. Of course, there are things like marketing and sales involved but once your book is out into the world, this process becomes second nature. So, can you get paid to write a book? Absolutely yes!

Today, we bring you three ways you can earn money by writing books, the difference between them, and which is best for you depending on your particular situation. We talk about book proposals, how you can make a long-term impact with your book and continually make money off of it, and much more!

If you haven't listened to episode 6 where I interview multi-award-winning author Jenn Givhan, then go back and check it out! It's all about the importance of being patient when publishing your book, how to deal with rejection as a writer, and how to know when your book is ready to be published.

I want to know who you are and where you've been! Come hang out with me in the Writers Squad Facebook group and over on Instagram @laurenmariefleming. I can't wait to chat with you there! You can also stay tuned for new weekly episodes @businessschoolforwriters, and if you want to spread the love even further, consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing!

Resources mentioned in this episode: -Want access to my writing rituals? Then join my Write More Challenge™ today! For 30 days I'm going to be your writing coach, helping you to create the physical and mental space you need to sit your butt down and write! www.businessschoolforwriters.com/writemore -One Funnel Away Challenge https://bit.ly/WriterOFA

Book recommendation of the week: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781524700485?aff=BSW

Love audiobooks? Listen on Libro.fm and support independent bookstores. Plus, use this link and we both get a free audiobook: http://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm116869

Wondering why we don't link to Amazon? Check out Episode 2 of the Business School for Writers Podcast to hear all about how supporting independent bookstores helps you see more stories like yours out in the world.

How many times do you think famous authors were rejected before literary agents considered their work? How many query letters do writers have to send before landing a book deal? What is the best way to handle and overcome these rejections?

Want to know the answers to these questions? Then stick around until the end of this episode!

Today on the show we have the impressive, multi-award-winning author Jennifer Givhan. Jenn is a Mexican-American poet and novelist who has published more than 300 poems, stories, and creative nonfiction pieces and whose work has appeared in several media organizations around the United States.

In this episode, we'll get into how Jenn has hustled her way as a writer, how her writing has evolved over the years, the negative stigma around being a writer, and much more!

Things you will learn in this episode: -How to deal with writer's rejection -How to see rejection as an encouragement -How to know when your book is ready to be published -Why Jenn chose the traditional publishing path vs. self-publishing

Connect with Jenn: Website - https://jennifergivhan.com/ Facebook - @JennGivhan Instagram - @thebrujapoeta Twitter - @JennGivhan Buy Jennifer's book HERE!

Connect with Lauren and the show: Website - https://businessschoolforwriters.com/ Instagram - @laurenmariefleming & @businessschoolforwriters

Resources mentioned in this episode: - Headless Mama by Jenn Givhan: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780807165416?aff=BSW - A Night Without Armor by Jewel: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780061073625?aff=BSW

Love audiobooks? Listen on Libro.fm and support independent bookstores. Plus, use this link and we both get a free audiobook: http://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm116869

Wondering why we don't link to Amazon? Check out Episode 2 of the Business School for Writers Podcast to hear all about how supporting independent bookstores helps you see more stories like yours out in the world.

Welcome to a new episode of the Business School for Writers Podcast!

How do you know when you're ready to publish your book? How do you go from the first draft to polished manuscript?

We know the word "publishing" itself can be frightening, especially when you fear other people's judgment or you don't think you have the perfect manuscript. We know the struggle is real in the writer's life and also how important it is to confidently get your story out into the world. That is why in this episode, we want to share with you 3 editing processes that will help you make sure your book is fully developed and ready to go. We talk about the differences between line and content editing, the importance of having a second set of eyes go through your work, how and where you can find professional editors, and much more!

If you haven't listened to episode 4 where I interview self-published author KishaLynn Moore Elliot, then go back and check it out! It's all about self-publishing, the healing power of writing, and how to create long-lasting relationships with your readers.

I want to know who you are and where you've been! Come hang out with me in the Writers Squad Facebook group and over on Instagram @laurenmariefleming. I can't wait to chat with you there! You can also stay tuned for new weekly episodes @businessschoolforwriters, and if you want to spread the love even further, consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing!

Resources mentioned in this episode: Stop feeling overwhelmed when it comes to publishing your book! Get the step by step roadmap to help you get your story out into the world: www.businessschoolforwriters/publishing Interested in getting the list of editors I use on my books and my client's books? Email me at [email protected]

Book recommendation of the week: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson. Grab a copy of this book from your local bookstore through this link: Shop your local indie bookstore

Love audiobooks? Listen on Libro.fm and support independent bookstores. Plus, use this link and we both get a free audiobook: http://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm116869

Wondering why we don't link to Amazon? Check out Episode 2 of the Business School for Writers Podcast to hear all about how supporting independent bookstores helps you see more stories like yours out in the world.