Turn Write

In this episode, I discuss the 5 tools of being a writer. 

1. Imagination
-the vision for your work, not just limited to writing, but shows up in many ways in your life -the desire to live a creative and artistic life

2. Storytelling
-the ability to take the temperature of the room and understand how your work is coming across -how to engage with an audience and be relevant

3. Grit
-the tenacity to write consistently and deal with rejection and the negative statistics of being a writer -most people think a 5 paragraph essay is challenging but you're writing a 50,000 word novel!

4. Command of Language
-love of language and metaphor -understanding the rhythm of sentence structure -the ability to be your own editor 

5. Emotion
-deep feelings within you create deep feelings within the reader -sensitivity is a great asset for a writer 

I created the Turn Write Podcast for beginning writers, for indie authors, for people who are looking for their voice and who want to know how to use it. The idea for this bite-sized podcast came to me as I sat in endless traffic commuting an hour each way to and from my 9-5 job, wondering why do I write? Why do I rush home every day with the agonizing hope of trying to string together meaningless words to create a feeling deeper than I could dare hope to describe? Well, day after day I kept thinking and there was only one answer: I loved to write. I am on a journey to becoming a published author, and I want to help you get there too.

Read my novel The Sweep: https://www.amazon.com/Sweep-Kaitlin-Greco/dp/1702161706/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=the+sweep+kaitlin+greco&qid=1577982814&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1579103732446

Follow my Socials:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGrecoLIT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9NohirDBeTym6K-70RDow

Medium: https://medium.com/@kaitlinagreco

In this episode, I discuss 5 essential elements of a strong first chapter.

1) Hook the reader as close to the beginning as possible

2) Feed and starve

3) Strong character motivations

4) Emotional connection 

5) End with a cliffhanger

I created the Turn Write Podcast for beginning writers, for indie authors, for people who are looking for their voice and who want to know how to use it. The idea for this bite-sized podcast came to me as I sat in endless traffic commuting an hour each way to and from my 9-5 job, wondering why do I write? Why do I rush home every day with the agonizing hope of trying to string together meaningless words to create a feeling deeper than I could dare hope to describe? Well, day after day I kept thinking and there was only one answer: I loved to write. I am on a journey to becoming a published author, and I want to help you get there too.

Read my novel The Sweep: https://www.amazon.com/Sweep-Kaitlin-Greco/dp/1702161706/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=the+sweep+kaitlin+greco&qid=1577982814&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1579103732446

Follow my Socials:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGrecoLIT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9NohirDBeTym6K-70RDow

Medium: https://medium.com/@kaitlinagreco

In this episode, I discuss 5 ways to create compelling characters.

1) A compelling character always has a relatable flaw, no matter how seemingly perfect their life looks

2) A compelling character has a voice, a unique viewpoint of the world, and something to say

3) A compelling character has multiple plot goals

4) A compelling character has a back story that shapes his future

5) A compelling character is continually evolving 

I created the Turn Write Podcast for beginning writers, for indie authors, for people who are looking for their voice and who want to know how to use it. The idea for this bite-sized podcast came to me as I sat in endless traffic commuting an hour each way to and from my 9-5 job, wondering why do I write? Why do I rush home every day with the agonizing hope of trying to string together meaningless words to create a feeling deeper than I could dare hope to describe? Well, day after day I kept thinking and there was only one answer: I loved to write. I am on a journey to becoming a published author, and I want to help you get there too.

Read my novel The Sweep: https://www.amazon.com/Sweep-Kaitlin-Greco/dp/1702161706/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=the+sweep+kaitlin+greco&qid=1577982814&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1579103732446

Follow my Socials:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGrecoLIT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9NohirDBeTym6K-70RDow
Medium: https://medium.com/@kaitlinagreco

What is a pantser and how can you outline your novel if you are one?

Don't worry. I hate outlining too, and in this episode, I discuss 4 ways to create a snapshot of your novel to fill in those tricky parts without actually "outlining" your novel. 

I created the Turn Write Podcast for beginning writers, for indie authors, for people who are looking for their voice and who want to know how to use it. The idea for this bite-sized podcast came to me as I sat in endless traffic commuting an hour each way to and from my 9-5 job, wondering why do I write? Why do I rush home every day with the agonizing hope of trying to string together meaningless words to create a feeling deeper than I could dare hope to describe? Well, day after day I kept thinking and there was only one answer: I loved to write. I am on a journey to becoming a published author, and I want to help you get there too.

Read my novel The Sweep: https://www.amazon.com/Sweep-Kaitlin-Greco/dp/1702161706/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=the+sweep+kaitlin+greco&qid=1577982814&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1579103732446

Follow my Socials:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGrecoLIT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9NohirDBeTym6K-70RDow

1. Smart protagonist
-Defy stereotypes, smart characters give you a lot to work with

2. World building
ex: Lisi Harrison's The Clique -delve into the brands and setting of the story, DETAILS

3. Developed characters
-How does your character change throughout the novel?

4.  Hot love interest
-This is a must!

5. Voice
-This separates good chick-lit from mass-consumed "soap opera" type stories 

6. Humor
-Helps move the story along, ex: sarcasm or outrageous actions -strive for a rom-com element

7. A theme that makes the reader think about life differently
ex: Women can be friends, the girl next door wins the hot guy, but the morality of the situation isn't clear

8. Romance subplot
-Funny element + romance = win -the reader wants it all! 

9. Interesting cast of characters
ex: Sisterhood of Traveling Pants

I created the Turn Write Podcast for beginning writers, for indie authors, for people who are looking for their voice and who want to know how to use it. The idea for this bite-sized podcast came to me as I sat in endless traffic commuting an hour each way to and from my 9-5 job, wondering why do I write? Why do I rush home every day with the agonizing hope of trying to string together meaningless words to create a feeling deeper than I could dare hope to describe? Well, day after day I kept thinking and there was only one answer: I loved to write. I am on a journey to becoming a published author, and I want to help you get there too.

Read my novel The Sweep: https://www.amazon.com/Sweep-Kaitlin-Greco/dp/1702161706/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=the+sweep+kaitlin+greco&qid=1577982814&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1579103732446

Follow my Socials:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGrecoLIT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9NohirDBeTym6K-70RDow

1) Failed to develop minor character's arcs
2) No IT Factor
3) Sacrificed plot for description 
4) Love interest was unbelievable
5) Repetitious information to the reader 

I created the Turn Write Podcast for beginning writers, for indie authors, for people who are looking for their voice and who want to know how to use it. The idea for this bite-sized podcast came to me as I sat in endless traffic commuting an hour each way to and from my 9-5 job, wondering why do I write? Why do I rush home every day with the agonizing hope of trying to string together meaningless words to create a feeling deeper than I could dare hope to describe? Well, day after day I kept thinking and there was only one answer: I loved to write. I am on a journey to becoming a published author, and I want to help you get there too.

Read my novel The Sweep: https://www.amazon.com/Sweep-Kaitlin-Greco/dp/1702161706/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=the+sweep+kaitlin+greco&qid=1577982814&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1579103732446

Follow my Socials:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGrecoLIT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9NohirDBeTym6K-70RDow

In this episode, I discuss 6 ways to keep writing when your spirits are low.

1) Give yourself time off 
    
    Writing is tiring. Sometimes, we feel defeated when we have been working on a project for too long. Step away and give yourself a mental break every now and then. 

2) Take ownership of your dream

    Writing is not an even playing field. It is a difficult dream just like a dream of becoming a CEO or a professional athlete. Hard work is the price of admission. When you believe in your calling of being a writer and think about all you have to gain, you will have purpose. When you have purpose, you are less likely to give up. 

3) Give yourself grace

    To be a good writer, you have to be a perfectionist. There are no deadlines or managers to tell you to rip your scene to pieces. However, you will never be a perfect writer or human. Be kind to yourself and remember why you started.

4) Give yourself credit for the little things

    As long as you are improving and being better than the writer you were yesterday, you should feel proud of yourself. Don't discount article publications or any seemingly insignificant steps you're taking on your writing journey.

5) Don't inundate yourself with statistics

    The stats on being a published author are far from encouraging, but everyone started out as a nobody. Don't follow the trends. Follow the vision. 

6) Writing is hard

    If you don't feel like giving up every now and then, you probably aren't writing at the level you are capable of. Clear writing requires clear thinking, which can be immensely difficult.

I created the Turn Write Podcast for beginning writers, for indie authors, for people who are looking for their voice and who want to know how to use it. The idea for this bite-sized podcast came to me as I sat in endless traffic commuting an hour each way to and from my 9-5 job, wondering why do I write? Why do I rush home every day with the agonizing hope of trying to string together meaningless words to create a feeling deeper than I could dare hope to describe? Well, day after day I kept thinking and there was only one answer: I loved to write. I am on a journey to becoming a published author, and I want to help you get there too.

Read my novel The Sweep: https://www.amazon.com/Sweep-Kaitlin-Greco/dp/1702161706/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=the+sweep+kaitlin+greco&qid=1577982814&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1579103732446

Follow my Socials:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGrecoLIT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9NohirDBeTym6K-70RDow

In this episode, I outline what are pinch and plot points using an example from the Wizard of Oz. 

I created the Turn Write Podcast for beginning writers, for indie authors, for people who are looking for their voice and who want to know how to use it. The idea for this bite-sized podcast came to me as I sat in endless traffic commuting an hour each way to and from my 9-5 job, wondering why do I write? Why do I rush home every day with the agonizing hope of trying to string together meaningless words to create a feeling deeper than I could dare hope to describe? Well, day after day I kept thinking and there was only one answer: I loved to write. I am on a journey to becoming a published author, and I want to help you get there too.

Read my novel The Sweep: https://www.amazon.com/Sweep-Kaitlin-Greco/dp/1702161706/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=the+sweep+kaitlin+greco&qid=1577982814&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1579103732446

Follow my Socials:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGrecoLIT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9NohirDBeTym6K-70RDow

In this episode, I discuss 6 ways to write voice. Voice is not some elusive concept only begotten by experts. Every author should strive to implement a robust and unique voice in their novels.

1. Word Choice

This is the most apparent way to build voice. This is not limited to accents and dialect, but also the lense through which your character views the world.

2. Unique Characters

The more unique the character, the stronger the voice. Examples include Louisa Clark from Me Before You, Aza Holmes in Turtles All the Way Down and JD Salinger's Holden Caulfield. Make your reader think this character is the only person qualified to tell the story.

3. Strong Motivations

Nick Carraway's desire to prove something moral about American Society in The Great Gatsby adds complexity to the plot. A character's thought process is an extension of his voice. If your character is falling flat, try making him prove some absolute truth about the world. 

4. Integrate Theme

A way to increase a character's uniqueness is to tie him to the theme. Theme is what is special about your novel. It's what a character learns. If your character isn't learning anything, he has nothing to comment on. 

5. Write in First Person

First person creates a greater intimacy with your reader. It allows you to go deep in the character's head and uncover his every motivation. 

6. Strong Imagery

Don't be afraid to write steamy love scenes in romance and grotesque aspects of the world in sci-fi. The stronger the imagery, the brighter your character will appear. 


I created the Turn Write Podcast for beginning writers, for indie authors, for people who are looking for their voice and who want to know how to use it. The idea for this bite-sized podcast came to me as I sat in endless traffic commuting an hour each way to and from my 9-5 job, wondering why do I write? Why do I rush home every day with the agonizing hope of trying to string together meaningless words to create a feeling deeper than I could dare hope to describe? Well, day after day I kept thinking and there was only one answer: I loved to write. I am on a journey to becoming a published author, and I want to help you get there too.

Read my novel The Sweep: https://www.amazon.com/Sweep-Kaitlin-Greco/dp/1702161706/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=the+sweep+kaitlin+greco&qid=1577982814&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1579103732446

Follow my Socials:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGrecoLIT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9NohirDBeTym6K-70RDow

In this episode, I discuss 6 ways to build effective and sustainable writing habits.

1. Write every day

The newer the writer, the more important this is. Your writing muscle won't be as strong when you first start out so even taking one day off can be detrimental to the process.

2. Treat writing like a 9-5 job

When you sit down to write, sit down with the expectation that you are going to work. Having a clear routine and expectation for what you want to accomplish just like the feeling of Monday morning email checks and meeting invites will get you in the mental state to be a productive writer.

3. Prepare yourself before writing

Think about what you want to accomplish for the day whether it be a word count goal or character development on the car ride home or in the shower. When you go in with a solid mental plan, you will write faster and clearer.

4. Get control over daily, routine tasks

Everyone has laundry and yard work. This shouldn't prevent you from achieving your writing goals. Create a system to bucket activities like grocery shopping and meal prep. When you have a routine in place for everyday activities, you will have the freedom to be a more productive writer.

5. Believe in yourself

Self-sabotage is the quickest way to sink an effective habit. Turn inward to create mental discipline. Stop comparing yourself to others. When you have faith in your work, you will be a more productive writer.

6. Set goals for yourself

In an industry as subjective as writing, it is incredibly important to set an external metric for yourself to measure your progress. Set word count or chapter count goals. This will move your novel forward and help you see the progress you've made.

I created the Turn Write Podcast for beginning writers, for indie authors, for people who are looking for their voice and who want to know how to use it. The idea for this bite-sized podcast came to me as I sat in endless traffic commuting an hour each way to and from my 9-5 job, wondering why do I write? Why do I rush home every day with the agonizing hope of trying to string together meaningless words to create a feeling deeper than I could dare hope to describe? Well, day after day I kept thinking and there was only one answer: I loved to write. I am on a journey to becoming a published author, and I want to help you get there too.

Read my novel The Sweep: https://www.amazon.com/Sweep-Kaitlin-Greco/dp/1702161706/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=the+sweep+kaitlin+greco&qid=1577982814&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1579103732446

Follow my Socials:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGrecoLIT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9NohirDBeTym6K-70RDow