The Writing Forge

Hosts Bonnie and Miranda welcome Dr. Pamela D. Williams for an updated discussion on imposter syndrome, this time specifically on academic writing. The transition from student to independent scholar often leaves writers feeling unqualified, even in the midst of earning credentials. Dr. Williams and your hosts provide some tips for how academic writers can build confidence in their own voices, with a particular look at the anxiety that can mount while trying to follow a strict style guide. Whether you're a new student or seasoned scholar navigating imposter syndrome, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement to trust your innate expertise and embrace the writing process.

If you’re up for being vulnerable with us on our socials, share with us where you have encountered imposter syndrome, in academia or in your professional life!

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The first Writing Forge episode on Imposter Syndrome

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Sound engineering by Luke Fischer

Cover art by Maggie Walke

In this episode, Miranda and Bonnie dive into the value of books on writing craft, focusing on learning about the art of writing versus the act of writing itself. Your co-hosts reflect on their experiences with various craft books, exploring what separates the truly helpful ones from those that fall short. They emphasize the importance of concrete examples and actionable suggestions. The conversation also explores other ways to hone writing skills, including watching YouTube tutorials, reading editing and style books, consuming content in one's genre, and, of course, actually writing. Take a listen for insights into navigating the balance between learning about writing and putting pen to paper.

What are your favorite and least favorite writing craft books? Share with us on our socials!

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Links: 

Chicago Manual of Style, 18th edition

The Emotion Thesaurus

The Anatomy of Story

Story Genius

Donald J. Maas’s books on writing

Brandon Sanderson’s Creative Writing Lectures

Overly Sarcastic Productions

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Sound engineering by Luke Fischer

Cover art by Maggie Walker

Debut author Kristin Owens shares tips and tricks from her journey as a first-time author. After a brief rundown on the differences between traditional and self-publishing, our hosts discuss the importance of knowing your own strengths and goals. For those with time and patience, the traditional publishing route offers professional support all along the way, from editing to securing audiobook deals. Regardless of publishing route, a debut author should consider building up a social media presence as early as possible, finding a support group of other debuting authors, and planning a book launch that fits their personality.

Check out Kristin’s debut novel, Elizabeth Sails, launched on October 8th, 2024!

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The Debutante Ball

Rising Action Publishing

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Sound engineering by Luke Fischer

Cover art by Maggie Walker

Amber Byers, founder of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest, joins Bonnie and Miranda to explore the themes of authenticity and joy in writing. Finding and maintaining your voice amidst external pressures and criticism can be difficult, particularly in the pursuit of writing. And yet, it is important to stay true to your vision while navigating feedback and the publishing process. The hosts and guest exchange insights on overcoming perfectionism, staying motivated, and finding inspiration through community and diverse creative inputs.

How do you find joy in writing? Share the love with us on our socials!

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Writing Forge episodes referenced:

• Fairy Tale Foundations: The Power of Classic Stories in Any Genre
• The Community that Stays Together, Writes Together

Shut Up and Write

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Sound engineering by Luke Fischer

Cover art by Maggie Walker

Bonnie and Miranda welcome Amy Trent for a discussion on the timeless allure of fairy tales. Elements of fairy tales can enhance writing in any genre, from themes and motifs to character development and beyond. The conversation emphasizes the significance of happily ever afters, the challenge of avoiding clichés, and the importance of empathy in storytelling. Tune in for valuable insights and inspiration on weaving fairy tale magic into your own writing.

What’s your favorite fairy tale? Share on our socials!

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Sound engineering by Luke Fischer

Cover art by Maggie Walker

In this episode of The Writing Forge, hosts Bonnie and Miranda focus on the positive, celebrating elements in books that elevate their reading experience. Small physical touches can make a huge difference, like consistent heights that avoid the frustration of mismatched series and detailed maps in fantasy novels. Bonnie and Miranda also highlight the appeal of well-crafted chapter titles and engaging appendices, discussing how these extras enrich the storytelling experience. With a nod to nuanced character portrayals and clever trope subversions, Bonnie and Miranda share insights on what can make a book not just enjoyable but unforgettable—at least for these two opinionated readers!

How about you? What makes you put a book in a vaunted space on your bookshelf or check it out of the library 50 times? Let us know at our socials!

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Books/authors referenced

Harry Potter

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Princess Bride

The Night Circus

Brandon Sanderson

The Wheel of Time

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Sound engineering by Luke Fischer

Cover art by Maggie Walker

In this episode, hosts Bonnie and Miranda delve into the intricacies of crafting natural and distinct dialogue with guest Jordan Taper, a writer and director of audio dramas and audiobooks. Good dialogue is crucial for writing an enjoyable narrative, and a variety of techniques can help characters sound believable: reading a manuscript out loud, ensuring character-specific word choice, even weighing the use of contractions. Our hosts explore these methods and more for ensuring each character's voice is unique and discuss pitfalls to avoid.

What’s an example of really great dialogue you’ve enjoyed in a recent work? Let us know at our socials!

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Casting Call Club

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Sound engineering by Luke Fischer

Cover art by Maggie Walker

Many writers dream of ditching the day job and writing full-time. Author and speaker Andrew Buckley joins Bonnie and Miranda to discuss his journey to full-time creativity and provide tips and tricks for thriving when writing becomes your 9-to-5. From diversifying income streams to outsourcing to tackling marketing strategies, writers have a lot of choices to make on their road to writing self-reliance. If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, take a listen!

For those trying to make money as a writer, what has been your biggest marketing challenge? Let us know on your socials and hopefully we can help crowdsource some solutions!

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Writing Forge episode Outsourcing for Authors

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Sound engineering by Luke Fischer

Cover art by Maggie Walker

In this episode, Miranda poses the question “Bonnie, what would make you absolutely love a potential client?” Together they delve into the many ways authors can impress potential editors and agents. Tips and tricks include understanding different levels of editing, leveraging alpha and beta readers, and engaging in self-editing. They also highlight the value of preparing key documents like a style sheet, an outline, a “story bible,” and a list of comp titles to blow away an editor and make their job easier. Tune in for great tips on how to go above and beyond for your editor—and strengthen your manuscript in the process.

What other things have you heard editors say they’d love to see from a client? Let us know on our socials!

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Lady Knight Editing

• Previous Writing Forge episodes referenced:
• The Importance of Reading Widely
• Shaping Stories: The Role of Developmental Editing
• All Greek to Me: Alpha and Beta Readers
• Choose Your Own Adventures: Using Story Structure

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Sound engineering by Luke Fischer

Cover art by Maggie Walker

In the modern era of Kickstarter and Backerkit, crowdfunding has become a viable option for self-published authors to access the funds needed to publish their work. Experienced crowdfunder Jason Brick joins Bonnie and Miranda to discuss why crowdfund, as well as lay out strategies for successful campaigns and pitfalls to avoid. From setting achievable goals and offering enticing rewards to underestimating costs and failing to deliver on promises, the discussion runs the gamut of the good and bad of crowdfunding.

Are you considering crowdfunding to publish? If you have, what lessons have you learned? Let us know on our socials!

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Jason’s Facebook page

Brandon Sanderson’s record-setting Kickstarter

(Since this episode was recorded, Sanderon broke records yet again with another campaign on Backerkit)

Most popular crowdfunding platforms:

• Kickstarter
• Backerkit
• Indiegogo

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Sound engineering by Luke Fischer

Cover art by Maggie Walker