Writer Craft Podcast

Main Topic: Truth-Telling in Fiction and Memoir with Grace Sammon

But our conversation spans The Difference Between Telling Your Truth and Owning Your Truth; The Ghostwriter as a Literary Device; and Why Fiction Holds What Memoir Sometimes Can't; Who Owns the Truth and what Silence costs us; invisibility, and relevance. (Really interesting conversation.)

• PATREON:

Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it.

Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.

And you can support my friend and colleague and Visiting Co-Host author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.

Announcements/Author Updates:

• designing my next writing retreat in Costa Rica. My first international retreat (even though I live here) so there are a lot more moving pieces than I first imagined. Taking a four-month course to get me through all the legalities and best practices. If you are interested in the updates on the retreat, you can go to valerieihsan.com/retreat.
• request to bring back a regular patron gathering for all members (paid and unpaid) Mini writing retreat (cozy, candle; oracle card pull to set intention; check-in: 1 struggle, 1 win, what you are working on tonight; guided meditation; writing words; share word count (optional)); PLEASE send me a DM or a comment where you heard this podcast, or in the Patreon community. Let me know if this is something you crave. It's not just shared writing space. It's a retreat from regular life (dishes, dogs, kids, day job) and a safe and sacred space to connect and to write.
• talking with the architect, nailing down our must-haves
• half to drive north to sign a document (complications with names and lawyers)
• What are you reading?

• Just finished:
• Soul Sourced Entrepreneur (Christine Kane)
• Mosswood Apothecary (JP Rindfleisch IX)
• The Reliable Narrator (Grace Sammon)

Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...)

• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;

(Main Topic): Notes:

1. As a novelist, a memoirist, and an author looking into offering ghostwriting services, I was super intrigued by many of your talking points in your media kit. I hope we get to talk about all my favorites. Let's start with Why Fiction Holds What Memoir Sometimes Can't. That's a juicy statement!

A place for both; memoir is huge right now; tell our story to ourselves first, and then to others next. Hear a story better as fiction sometimes. Why you are writing the book?

2. I'm a sucker for books about authors, and the last novel that had that hook was also about a ghostwriter, what can you say about using the ghostwriter as a literary device? Fascinated by the job and wanted to dive into that; For instance, what is it like to see your book hit the NYT Bestseller List without your name on it? We see her through the stories she's writing.

3. Difference Between Telling the Truth and Owning Your Truth.

Experienced childhood abuse, can you hide behind your own story, what are these effects on me,

Invisibility starts when you lose your roles and don't have anything to talk about it. Relevance, meaning, purpose.

4. Who Owns the Truth? And What does silence cost us as women and as authors?

(GoShiftKey.com, Joelle)

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Tools:

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

• PATREON:

Thanks so much to new patron Faye Whyte.

Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it.

Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.

And you can support my friend and colleague and Visiting Co-Host author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.

Announcements/Author Updates:

• hole in my roof (Feng shui story)
• seen the dentist
• Sunday Summit (weekly reflection from Soul-Sourced Entrepreneur)
• request to bring back a regular patron gathering for all members (paid and unpaid) Mini writing retreat (cozy, candle; oracle card pull to set intention; check-in: 1 struggle, 1 win, what you are working on tonight; guided meditation; writing words; share word count (optional)); PLEASE send me a DM or a comment where you heard this podcast, or in the Patreon community. Let me know if this is something you crave. It's not just shared writing space. It's a retreat from regular life (dishes, dogs, kids, day job) and a safe and sacred space to connect and to write.
• met with an architect
• What are you reading?

• Just finished: Smoke Screen (J.L. Kwak)
• Soul Sourced Entrepreneur (Christine Kane)

Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...)

• Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
• We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)***
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;

(Main Topic): Notes:

• What top two tips for new authors (clear on vision: why now, why you; make commitment so you don't stop when it's hard) (what is your voice? Physicality of voice, talk all the time, style/tone, brand personality)(go forth with a plan, use Amazon, use AI for marketing copy, learn what works best for your genre and your lane, then add more)(do it with intention)

For authors with an old back list: (branding) look at covers and the book, major trends change every 5 or 6 years, change the covers unless doing well, check manuscript for relevancy (check your reviews: rush the ending? Took too long to get started), make minor changes.

with a cold email list? (Manage: consistency and congruency. Write more books.) Learn the rules of email, tell stories in email, make offers (book is a product, series, themed package (events, retreats, talks, coaching, products, merchandise -- what can I create? Experiences, clothing, conferences.)

Promotion skills: mindset needs to be BOLD; carry books with you, leave them in airports, talk about your books all the time, get help for marketing plan

Build marketing into the book: 1. Have a layer of marketing understanding. Write as series, or a themed standalone. 2. Know and understand the genre and what the market expects from the genre, knowing where your story fits on the bookshelf.

Visibility: creative and production energy. Creative spirit is regenerative at the cellular level. Live longer. Moving into production energy, don't be careless, but care less.

How to move into production energy: marketing plan/to do (spinning wheels and squirrel), patience, show up, stand up (Sorry I'm late, I didn't want to be here by Jessica Pan), be distinctive (find your uniqueness is and plan on that) part of your brand (tagline, footer, tell the story in speech, work it in appropriately)

What about those writers that don't want to write to market, writing first then market afterwards

Fiction: idea/story --> How do I monetize?

Series marketing: amazon loves a series, book 1 watch, if does well, when book 2 comes out, amazon algorithm helps you.

Promo Hour, Monday, 4-5 p.m. ET boldauthorsnetwork.com zoom link via email. Fill out a form once.

Strong community.

Books by Kae Wagner: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/22232801.Kae_Wagner

Brewing Love (Building Dreams series), only on Amazon

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

In this conversation, we talk about:

• developing a book coaching program
• membership sites
• ghostwriting vs writing for self
• marketing in 90 day increments
• PATREON:

Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. I've just revamped my Patreon Page. I'm so so so pleased with it and proud of my work in simplifying it. Too many pay walls and exclusions. Now it is fresh and easy. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it.

Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer.

Announcements/Author Updates:

• finally have a mailing address, had our second dinner guest to wild success, our lot was burned today (need to move the trailer back), in conferences all this week, Signed up for Relaxed Money (Solstice story)

• PATREON:
• Thanks to new patron Heidi Walker!

Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. I've just revamped my Patreon Page. I'm so so so pleased with it and proud of my work in simplifying it. Too many pay walls and exclusions. Now it is fresh and easy. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it.

Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer.

Announcements/Author Updates:

• finally have a mailing address, had our second dinner guest to wild success, our lot was burned today (need to move the trailer back), in conferences all this week, Signed up for Relaxed Money (Solstice story)
• What are you reading?

• Just finished: Smoke Screen (J.L. Kwak)
• Soul Sourced Entrepreneur (Christine Kane)
• The Haunting of Payne's Hollow (Erick)

Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...)

• Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
• We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)***
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;

(Main Topic): Notes:

Writing is an escape.

And is a place where we can somewhat control the events around us.

Writing nonfiction is a little harder to write when you are seeking escape from your worldly challenges.

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Hello Writers!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, and this is Episode 208 of the podcast and it's April 8, 2026 as I record this.

Main Topic: Infusing Self into Your Work When You Come Back to the Page (with Jessie Kwak)

(Part of the series on "Starting Over Again, or Coming Back to Yourself and Your Writing")

Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer.

Announcements/Author Updates:

• doctors appointments, vet appts, try again for Starlink in another month
• What are you reading?

• Just finished: Smoke Screen (J.L. Kwak)
• Soul Sourced Entrepreneur (Christine Kane)
• March Sisters : On Life, Death, and Little Women by Kate Bolick, Jenny Zhang, Carmen Maria Machado, and Jane Smiley

The Haunting of Payne's Hollow (Erick)

Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...)

• Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
• We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)***
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;

(Main Topic): Notes:

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Hello Writers!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, and this is Episode 207 of the podcast and it's March 31, 2026 as I record this.

Main Topic: Changing the Way You Put Words on the Page: A conversation between two writers recovering from burnout and trying to get back to the page

(Part of the series on "Starting Over Again, or Coming Back to Yourself and Your Writing")

In this conversation, we talk about:

• burnout and then fear of burnout
• learning in public
• podcasting/building business/creating content
• journaling is still writing
• doing things gives us energy and structure/managing energy levels
• test the boundaries
• starting libraries (reminds me of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek)
• paying attention to your body
• building structure to hold the growth
• content time vs creative time (I can do both.)
• What's the (mentally) lowest risk way of doing things for me?
• changing the way we put words on the page
• tricking self to do things (even writing)
• "back door" way in to writing in different patterns to avoid the emotional weight/responsibility
• ID list or the butter of the book. What will make me want to go back to the page and spend time with the characters.
• outlining
• reinventing self as a writer
• what gives us satisfaction while writing a book
• identity
• connections with other writers
• accountability
• writing sprints (Rachael Says Write)
• writing times/routines
• brainstorming Costa Rican writing workshop ideas

PATREON:

Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. I've just revamped my Patreon Page. I'm so so so pleased with it and proud of my work in simplifying it. Too many pay walls and exclusions. Now it is fresh and easy. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it.

Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer.

Announcements/Author Updates:

• doctors appointments, vet appts, try again for Starlink in another month
• What are you reading?

• Just finished:
• March Sisters : On Life, Death, and Little Women by Kate Bolick, Jenny Zhang, Carmen Maria Machado, and Jane Smiley

Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...)

• Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
• We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)***
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;

(Main Topic): Changing the Way We Put Words on the Page with guest Crys Cain @itscryscain

Notes:

• Relationship/divorce "I don't believe in romance" ; dropped the series, Nov 22/23: shoulder freeze chronic pain plus emotional burnout, moved to small town, coasting on income from royalties, volunteering language conversation, exchange ...

Reading craft books a way to get back in, podcasts don't work so well anymore.

Identity: on the edge of burnout, scheduled 5-7 new things since February (don't add more for a month), routine, more energy for doing things.; worry about always being on the edge of burnout for my whole life. Resentment is a sign that it's not feeding me. Just awareness, not limiting. Consistent, emotional costs, pacing, checks and balances,

Introvert, autism, person hangover, recovery day, test the boundaries ("Do I have space for this?")

Library Book Trailer mobile

Lowest risk: notebook

Trick self into washing dishes, write one sentence, put one sock away.

Just get started.

Back door way in that doesn't have the emotional weight/ responsibility.

Be creative in different patterns.

What's the 'butter' in your story?

Reinventing Self as Writer.

Being around other writers really helps to feel connection and fulfillment and accountability.

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

5 TAKE HOME TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED ANYWHERE ON YOUR JOURNEY HOME

Starting a series on "Starting Over Again, or Coming Back to Yourself and Your Writing"

(Next several episodes will have this flavor because I think we all get lost sometimes and struggle to get back to the page, get back to ourselves. I'm been struggling with this for a couple of years (I'm not going to lie and Instagram filter for you) and with my long journey to Costa Rica via car and my one-month anniversary of living in Costa Rica, I thought today would be a great day to talk about AND to revisit this struggle. I want to use my new location, my hero's journey road trip, and the new moon to ritualize this Starting Over Again, With Purpose. And so it is.

PATREON:

Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. I've just revamped my Patreon Page. I'm so so so pleased with it and proud of my work in simplifying it. Too many pay walls and exclusions. Now it is fresh and easy.

If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts.

If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it.

Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer.

Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):

• settling in to rental home with a view
• thinking about lifestyle vlogging about Costa Rican life
• fired up with new content ideas
• written a couple of essays (published one on my Patreon page) (can access it for free using the free trial option on Patreon page.)
• What are you reading?

• Valerie: a cozy fantasy called the crescent moon tearoom by Stacy sivinski
• Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
• We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)***
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

• let yourself be imperfect
• let yourself be uncomfortable (bored, annoyed, fearful)
• let there not be rules (write for the one, write for you)
• Let yourself feel inspired (explore what that is for you: nature walk, fresh air, meditation, feeling good in your body)
• start small (short timed blocks, write one phrase)

#puravidabound

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Patreons:

https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

Tools:

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

• Erick is stepping away for some time. His mom just got diagnosed with cancer, so he wants to spend more time and bandwidth on her. And I'm moving to Costa Rica this month! In 2 1/2 weeks, so it is cray-cray over here.

Fresh new episodes will arrive in February (with a little bit of a revamp) and a special series on getting back to your writing or creative practice after grief, loss, addiction, or big life stress, but do look for some bonus episodes from the road.

• Went to Breitenbush, Portland (Powell's), Seattle, Write in the Harbor writing conference in Gig Harbor, WA (*heart*), sold a car, rented the house, cancelling services, buying foreign auto insurance, washing ten years of dirt off of all the things we stored outside, tricking out the FJ Cruiser for the drive, buying special dog beds and storage for the vehicle, inspection and minor repairs today. Movers on Monday. Cleaners on Thursday. Walk on bark and blinds for upstairs, too. Saying Goodbyes.
• crossing the border at Tijuana, driving thru Baja California, taking ferry to Mazatlan; spending some time in Oaxaca with a friend

• What are you reading?

• Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
• We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)***
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

Follow my drive to Costa Rica on Instagram! #puravidabound

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Flawed Female Leads with guest Heather Snodgrass

PATREON:

Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.

Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations.

Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.

Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot.

Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code

VALERIE20 at checkout

You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20

***

Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):

• (Valerie): launching my four-month book coaching container Aligned Author TODAY. The price is drastically cut this week (it's $667 off the regular price.) Go to valerieihsan.com/alignedauthor for all the details.
• Write in the Harbor conference is coming up (2 presentations to prep for)
• feeling some feelings lately about the finality of the move and the recognition of Last Times I Will See/Do ...
• (Erick):
• running google ads and qualifying potential clients
• polishing stories up for omnibus edition
• What are you reading?

• Valerie:
• Just finished: None of This is True (Lisa Jewell)
• Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
• We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee)
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;
• Erick:
• • Summer of Night (Dan Simmons)
• My Favorite Thing is Monsters (gn)
• Batman: The Long Halloween (gn)
• Flash Fiction America: 73 Very Short Stories

Heather: authorheathersnodgrass.com

• Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits):

• Tidbit #1:
• Tidbit #2:

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

Hi! My name is Heather Snodgrass. I have always had a love for novels, movies, and the creative arts. I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2007 as an actor and have pursued different avenues to bring stories to life.

I currently live with my husband, JD, and dogs, in Colorado, but I have lived in many places and I enjoy traveling. I also enjoy playing video games and gardening. Like Ariana, I have a playlist for everything I do and I love to have people make me a playlist about themselves when they meet. I am more than happy to share mine with anyone interested.

Unapologetic female leads:

In a time when we're drawn to flawed characters; the Real is coming through.

Personal growth journey

Tips for writing strong women without bashing men:

Draw from personal experience, and talk to men and women

Is a women punished more than a man for doing things?

Ask a societal question and asking the character

What makes a human strong?

A Love Letter to Reading

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Get 48% off the Magic Mind :

https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout.

#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Patreons:

https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

Tools:

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

How POV Affects Your Story

PATREON:

Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.

Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations.

Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.

Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot.

Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code

VALERIE20 at checkout

You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20

***

Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):

• (Valerie): launching my four-month book coaching container Aligned Author TODAY. The price is drastically cut this week (it's $667 off the regular price.) Go to valerieihsan.com/alignedauthor for all the details.
• Write in the Harbor conference is coming up (2 presentations to prep for)
• feeling some feelings lately about the finality of the move and the recognition of Last Times I Will See/Do ...
• Also having some "Get over it" feelings about not showing up online. I used to show up more in pictures and words on social media and blogged (wrote a lot of personal essays), and since I've become a published author
• (Erick):
• running google ads and qualifying potential clients
• polishing stories up for omnibus edition
• Ghost Story Weekend (Newport)
• What are you reading?

• Valerie:
• Just finished: The Witch of Willow Sound
• Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;
• Erick:
• • Summer of Night (Dan Simmons)
• My Favorite Thing is Monsters (gn)

• Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits):

• Tidbit #1:
• Tidbit #2:

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

1. POV = promise: what intimacy, information, and bias will the reader get? • 1st = interiority + voice; close 3rd = balance of interior/exterior; omniscient = scope + theme.
2. The camera test: what can the narrator see/know/believe in this scene? • Ban anything they couldn't realistically perceive; use misbeliefs to create tension.
3. Distance is a dial, not a switch: • Zoom in (sensory, thought-beat, micro-movements) for emotion; zoom out (summary, context) for pace/theme.
4. POV shifts = scene breaks + reason: • Change only to add net new conflict, clue, or consequence. Track continuity of diction and metaphor.
5. Try this: rewrite a 200-word scene in 1st, close 3rd, and omniscient. • Ask: which version delivers the most tension, clarity, and theme resonance?

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Get 48% off the Magic Mind :

https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout.

#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Patreons:

https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

Tools:

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)