The Wake Up Call Podcast | High Performance Leadership and Business Strategy

-Are you using Goodreads?

-How do you use Goodreads?

-Do you use to it learn from the reviewers on what to work on to improve your fiction writing? -

Do you know what a KPI is?

These things and more are covered in this fun new Own Your Greatness Episode with my 19-year-old niece Sienna Krieg.

We each had a different process that we mentioned of using Goodreads as a writing tip tool.

Here is Sienna's process:

1. Picked a book she hasn't read

2. Read a 5 star review

3. Read a 1 or 2 star review Sienna is looking for a book to read and also learning about writing.

Here is Melinda's process:

1. Picked a book she has read and didn't like (you can do this in the opposite fashion)
2. Read a 1 or 2 star review (b/c they likely would be in alignment in viewpoint)
3. With the same reviewer- read a 5 star review- which would be on another book being that it's from the same reviewer.

Melinda is trying to learn what her audience (the reviewer in this case as a model) looks for in "good writing" for her genre as she is writing a book now and created KPIs as a measurable writing tool.

Use these examples to copy or create your own! It's fun and a great way to learn.

Shout out and thank you to these Goodreads reviewers we mentioned: Ali L, Heather X, Clace, Rowan, Manas

Sienna Krieg is a Freshman at DePauw University majoring in Communications.

Sienna Krieg is also a freelance writer for her school newspaper, a blogger on Medium.com and also helps with other social media channels.

https://medium.com/@melindavf

https://medium.com/@SiennaKrieg

Connect with Melinda further at www.melindavanfleet.com

Thank you for listening!

-What makes a good fiction book?

-One that you can't put down?

-You want to read more from the author?

Learning what makes a good fiction book is important as far as writing tips and being able to implement those concepts into your book or book series.

In this episode of Own Your Greatness YouTube (Wake-Up Call Podcast)- my niece Sienna Krieg and I discuss our thoughts and writing tips on what makes a good fiction book.

In that discuss two books- The Secretary by Renee Knight and The Life Impossible by Matt Haig (spoiler! we both loved the books we read).

Thank you for listening!

Sienna Krieg is a Freshman at DePauw University majoring in Communications.

Sienna Krieg is also a freelance writer for her school newspaper, a blogger on Medium.com and also helps with other social media channels.

The radio station she mentioned is: https://www.wgre.org

Connect further with me https://www.melindavanfleet.com

/ melindavf

/ siennakrieg

Do you find yourself reading books that have too many cliches?

Or are you a writer and curious if all cliches are necessarily bad to use?

What are some other writing tips that may help you think about as you are writing your book? And more.

Thanks for joining my niece Sienna Krieg and I on this video/podcast deep dive into Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley and Heaven Breaker by Sara Wolf to demonstrate some aspects of cliches.

This video series on Writing Tips and How to Write a Book Series is layering in a special guest who used to podcast with my Circa 2021-2022 on The Good Karma Success Coach podcast- my niece Sienna Krieg. Sienna's email is [email protected]. Sienna Krieg is a Freshman at DePauw University majoring in Communications.

Sienna Krieg is also a freelance writer for her school newspaper, a blogger on Medium.com and also helps with other social media channels.

Melinda on Medium: / melindavf Sienna on Medium: / siennakrieg

YouTube Playlists mentioned: Podcasts with Sienna Krieg: • Podcasts w Sienna Krieg

Writing Tip Videos from other YouTubers: • writing tip videos

Melinda Van Fleets Writing Tips Playlist: • Writing Tips- Melinda's Videos

Connect further with me https://www.melindavanfleet.com

My Amazon Affiliate link which has my two bestselling nonfiction books- paperback, eBook, Audible and Show Don't Tell by Sandra Gerth and other goodies: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

How focused are you on your goals?

Are you overwhelmed by all the writing tips and videos out there?

Are you using your intuition to help guide you to how you can best achieve your goals as a writer or something else?

Do you understand what you intuition is?

How to know the difference?

Do you ask The Universe for help?

Packed solo podcast.

****And yes, by mistake, I said 2,000 words a minute vs. day. LOL! You can tell I am a Gen X and had to take typing in High School.

The incredible book I mention and recommend is First Pages of Best Sellers by C.S. Lakin.

Below is my Amazon Affiliate link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XS2Z2PWDEKZ0?ref_=wl_share

The YouTube channel I mention and recommend is Story Grid.

Below is my YouTube writing tips playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLENkdjV4JiQeNmq_QhDLoV12RSvx8DXrd

Interested in connecting further?

My website is https://www.melindavanfleet.com IG @Melinda_vanfleet

Thanks for subscribing and also checking out my episodes with my niece Sienna Krieg.

—How do you think about transitions between chapters so your reader is hooked and can't book your book down?

—What makes a bestselling book series?

—What tropes and inspiration are used in A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas?

—What makes A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas so popular?

And more.

Thanks for joining my niece Sienna Krieg and I on this video/podcast deep dive into A Court of Thorns and Roses to demonstrate some aspects of what makes a great fantasy book and fantasy book series.

This video series on Writing Tips and How to Write a Book Series is layering in a special guest who used to podcast with my Circa 2021-2022 on The Good Karma Success Coach podcast- my niece Sienna Krieg. Sienna's email is [email protected].

Sienna Krieg is a Freshman at DePauw University majoring in Communications. Sienna Krieg is also a freelance writer for her school newspaper, a blogger on Medium.com and also helps with other social media channels.

Melinda on Medium: / melindavf

Sienna on Medium: / siennakrieg

YouTube Playlists mentioned: Podcasts with Sienna Krieg: • Podcasts w Sienna Krieg

Writing Tip Videos from other YouTubers: • writing tip videos

Melinda Van Fleets Writing Tips Playlist: • Writing Tips- Melinda's Videos

Connect further with me https://www.melindavanfleet.com

My Amazon Affiliate link which has my two bestselling nonfiction books- paperback, eBook, Audible and Show Don't Tell by Sandra Gerth and other goodies: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

What is your writing process?

As a freelance writer? author? blogger?

Do you have a writing process?

Have you ever doubted your writing process?

How do you manage or view time in regards to your writing process?

This and more is covered in this video/podcast about developing and using your own unique writing process.

I also share some other ideas in case you wish to try another type of process or adapt.

Following your intuition in your writing process is the best way at the end of the day.

My website is https://www.melindavanfleet.com Media page has the links I mention.

1:1 coaching/mentoring options on the Work Together page.

Life & Love Lessons is my 2nd book that I mentioned the story about my event from April 2019.

Available on Amazon- eBook, Paperback and Audible.

Playlist for my podcasts with my niece Sienna Krieg: • Podcasts w Sienna Krieg

Thank you for listening!

—What is "Show Don't Tell" in the world of writing?

—How do you use Show Don't Tell to write the best character descriptions?

—What are some tips to help you write great character descriptions?

And more.

This YouTube/podcast about Top Writing Tips to help you write a book is full of insight from my niece Sienna Krieg who is a Freshman at DePauw University and majoring in Communications.

Here is Sienna's Medium.com link: https://www.medium.com/@SiennaKrieg

We both love and refer to Circe by Madeline Miller.

Sienna also shares her thoughts and reads from The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski and The Cove by Ron Rash.

All of these books are excellent examples of character development. The book I mentioned is called Show Don't Tell by Sandra Gerth.

I found Circe through Tim Ferris's podcast with Hugh Howey who wrote the books for Silo.

The playlist below is one of all my podcasts with Sienna Krieg: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

The writing tips playlist I mentioned is: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Connect with me further and all links on: https://www.melindavanfleet.com

Thank you for watching and liking!

What are some tips to help you find your voice?

What does it mean to use your voice?

How can you own your voice?

What are some examples of voice?

How important is voice in relation to AI and a sea of content?

Finding your voice, having confidence to use your voice, own your voice and stay the course is a journey.

This video shares several examples- client examples, Circe from Madeline Miller, President Trump vs. Kamala Harris, and more!

The most important thing to understand is balance- and that is the journey.

Please refer to this awesome video I mentioned for deeper dive on character creation and voice from Abbie Emmons. https://www.youtu.be/HDrTTMJ3O3Q?si=s...

Blog I mentioned: https://www.publicwords.com/2015/11/1...

And other YouTube videos on writing from other YouTubers I mentioned: • writing tip videos

Connect further with me: https://www.melindavanfleet.com

Thank you for watching!

Looking for writing tips because you feel stuck?

Wishing to become a bestselling author and are getting in your own way?

Making excuses that you don't have enough time to write?

This video is designed to offer practical insights and actionable advice to help writers overcome common obstacles and improve their craft through personal experience and learned strategies.

In this writing tip video, I share three main tips (and three sub tips) that can help you move through your challenges with writing and gain success.

Tip 1 is about "Silly Notions": Common misconceptions writers may have, how these notions can hinder writing progress and strategies to address and overcome these misguided ideas.

Time Management and the importance of structuring time effectively for writing. Techniques to prioritize writing tasks amidst daily responsibilities and tools and methods to improve scheduling efficiency.

Imposter Syndrome and understanding imposter syndrome and its impact on writers. Tips to counter negative self-doubt and maintain confidence along with personal experiences and examples of overcoming these challenges.

Writers Block and my beliefs on writer's block along with easy practical approaches to break through creative barriers and advice on maintaining productivity.

Tip 2 is about Consistency and the role of consistency in developing writing habits and building routines that support regular writing practice along with long-term benefits of consistent writing efforts.

Tip 3 is about Momentum and the importance of maintaining momentum once it is gained.

Overall: Balancing writing enthusiasm with sustainable practices Encouragement for continuous growth and improvement

The writing tips playlist I mentioned from other freelance writers and authors: • writing tip videos

Connect further https://www.melindavanfleet.com

My other playlists that can help you: Medium.com link and article I mentioned about Facebook App on my phone: https://www.medium.com/the-shortform/...

Thanks for watching and subscribing!

—Are you writing a book and have yet to land on a cover that captivates your target audience?

—Do you judge a book by its cover?

—Do you decide what books to buy by its cover?

—Do you use Goodreads or Amazon to make a book buying or book reading decision?

—Have your read Fourth Wing or Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros? Did you decide to read it because Fourth Wing and Iron Flame have cool and intriguing book covers?

This podcast/video series on Writing Tips and How to Write a Book Series is layering in a special guest who used to podcast with my Circa 2021-2022 on The Good Karma Success Coach podcast- my niece Sienna Krieg. Sienna's email is [email protected].

Sienna Krieg is a Freshman at DePauw University majoring in Communications. Sienna Krieg is also a freelance writer for her school newspaper, a blogger on Medium.com and also helps with other social media channels.

In this episode, we dive into all things book covers and writing tips:

—Why we decide to read or buy a book.

—What if the book is then disappointing?

—What did we think about how big Fourth Wing and Iron Flame is in terms of page count?

—Violet as a relatable lead character in the Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros.

And more.

We hope you love this episode and gather some insights as we had fun recording it!

Please subscribe so you always know when we record again.

Also like and comment you favorite thing we discussed.

Thanks for listening!

Research Google Doc link I mentioned: https://www.forms.gle/T73iWyEQoasEp7wR8

Other links mentioned: https://www.melindavanfleet.com https://www.medium.com/@melindavf https://www.medium.com/@SiennaKrieg https://www.keysweekly.com/42/best-se...

YouTube Playlists mentioned: Podcasts with Sienna Krieg: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Writing Tip Videos from other YouTubers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Melinda Van Fleets Writing Tips Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

My Amazon Affiliate link which has my two bestselling books- paperback, eBook and Audible: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

Other fabulous books and writers mentioned:

Leigh Bardugo— Six of Crows and The Familiar

Nicholas Harvey

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

The Stars are Dying by Chloe C. Penaranda