Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing
Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing episodes
- Reasons Why Every Author Needs an Editor
Episode 40
Every writer needs an editor, but do you know why and what they do for you?
Do you know what editors do and what different types of edits mean? Developmental. Substantive. Line. Copy. They each have their own purposes.
As well as being an author, writing coach and instructor, and cover art designer, I am also a freelance editor. Today I'm talking with Donalee Moulton, who is also an author and freelance editor. This episode is chock full of great information. Enjoy!
✨ Check out the Ready, Set, WRITE! Online course to dig deeper into writing techniques: ✨ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com ✨
✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
- Donalee Moulton's Website: https://donaleemoulton.com/
- Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
- Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
- Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
Additional Resources
- WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
- Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
- Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
- Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
- Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
- Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
- Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨
59 min - Use these 8 Strategies to Get Past Writer’s Block
Episode 39
Every writer gets stuck now and then. It's part of the journey. Getting stuck doesn't mean you need to stop, though, and it isn't just about pushing through. I have 8 strategies to help get you past 'Writer's Block' so you can move forward with your writing.
(Read along on the WriterSpark blog)
✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
- Silent Obsession
- Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
- Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
- Learn about WriterSpark Courses: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
Additional Resources
- WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
- Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
- Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
- Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
- Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
- Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
- Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨
9 min - You NEED these 11 Tips to CRUSH NaNoWriMo
Episode 38
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is HERE, and writers all over have jumped into this exciting challenge. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a seasoned writer, National Novel Writing Month may be just the special (not-so-secret) sauce you need to get motivated. If you are taking this writing challenge, you're in for a whirlwind of creativity, inspiration, and, yes, probably a little bit (or maybe even a lot) of madness. I have tips to help you CRUSH NaNoWriMo.
(Read along on the WriterSpark blog)
✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
- Cinder
- Night Circus
- Calculating Stars
- Fangirl
- A little Something Different
- Absolutely Remarkable Thing
- Modern Girl
- First Grave to the Right
- With the Fire on High
- Water for Elephants
- The Wedding Date
- Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
- Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
- Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
Additional Resources
- WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
- Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
- Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
- Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
- Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
- Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
- Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨
14 min - Interview (Not Interrogation) Techniques for Fiction Writers
Episode 37
George Cramer spent years as a PI and Police Officer (turned writer), and many hours interviewing (not interrogating!) victims, suspects, and witnesses during investigations. Join me for this interesting conversation with George where he shares anecdotes, techniques, and tips for fiction writers.
✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
- George Cramer's Website: https://gdcramer.com/
- Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
- Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
- Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
Additional Resources
- WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
- Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
- Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
- Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
- Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
- Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
- Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨
1 hr - Turning True Crime into Thrilling Fiction
Episode 36
Join me for a captivating podcast interview with Eryk Pruitt, the author of Something Bad Wrong, a gripping novel inspired by an unsolved true crime case from the 1970s in North Carolina. We talked about the fusion of fact and fiction in this great interview. Get ready for an insightful and intriguing conversation! 📖🕵️♂️
Learn more about WriterSpark's Writing a Novel Online Course ➤https://bit.ly/How-To-Write-A-Novel-Course
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:
- The Long Dance Podcast: https://longdance.libsyn.com/
- Yonder Bar: https://yonderbarnc.com/
- Something Bad Wrong: https://amzn.to/46wZKP3
- Dirtbags: https://amzn.to/3ZWAcbA
- Blood Red Summer: https://amzn.to/403zqtC
- Dark Yonder 1: https://amzn.to/3PZEgTQ
- Dark Yonder 2: https://amzn.to/3ZWAxLo
- Dark Yonder 3: https://amzn.to/46S7riO
- Bare-Naked Lola: https://amzn.to/3PVh6yc
- Crust No One: https://amzn.to/48Rc7XV
- Flour in the Attic: https://amzn.to/3M13EaK
- Visit Eryk Pruitt's Website: http://www.erykpruitt.com/
- Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
- Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
- Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
Additional Resources
- WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
- Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
- Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
- Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
- Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
- Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
- Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨
48 min - Using Your Real-Life as an Influence in Your Writing
Episode 35
Marjory McCown Final Cut Signed Copy Giveaway! If you’d like to enter for a chance to win, go HERE:
https://forms.gle/8PkJnGUYtRqZQfu97
How do you use your real-life as an influence in your writing? Marjorie McCown did just that in her book, Final Cut. She was a costume designer in Hollywood for 30 years and she used experiences from her own life in her book as she created the fictional world of her protagonist, costume designer Joey Jessop.
If you’ve wondered how to incorporate part of your real-life career in your book, listen to this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast.
Learn more about how to write a cozy mystery with WriterSpark's self-paced online course ➤https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy
Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery Online Course (https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy)
- Melissa Bourbon and Winnie Archer Books (https://melissabourbon.com)
- Marjorie McCown’s Final Cut
- Marjorie McCown’s Website
✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
Resources
- WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
- Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
- Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
- Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
- Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
- Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
52 min - 10 Reasons to Read and Write Cozy Mysteries
Episode 34
If you've ever thought about writing a cozy mystery, this WriterSpark Podcast episode is for you! The mystery genre is huge, and cozy mysteries are a pretty special part of it. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 reasons to read and write cozy mysteries. What makes them so popular? Listen to find out!
Learn more about how to write a cozy mystery with WriterSpark's self-paced online course ➤https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy
Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery Online Course (https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy)
- Melissa Bourbon and Winnie Archer Books (https://melissabourbon.com)
✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
Resources
- WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
- Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
- Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
- Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
- Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
- Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
20 min - Learn All About Audiobook Production and Narration
Episode 33
Have you ever wondered what audiobook production and narration entails for an author? If you haven't, this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast is for you! Audiobooks can be a huge asset to an author's bottom line. There is a lot to learn, and that's what we're talking about in today with author and audiobook narrator Mary Castillo. She has great tips and resources about the audiobook arm of the publishing industry.
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Ready, Set, WRITE! (How to write a novel course) (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/30-day-intensive-in-fiction-writing)
- Mary Castillo's Books (https://marycastillo.com/books-by-mary-castillo/)
- Audacity Free Open Source Software (https://www.audacityteam.org/)
- RX7 Software (https://getintopc.com/softwares/audio-processing/izotope-rx-7-audio-editor-advanced-vst-free-download-1356257/)
- Canva (http://canva.com)
- Listen to Mary's Voice Samples: https://marycastillo.com/audiobooks/audiobook-narrator/
- Silent Echoes & Silent Obsession (https://amzn.to/45OHWOB)
- Living the Vida Lola (https://amzn.to/47AbIIL)
- Murder in Devil's Cove (Book Magic #1-https://amzn.to/45M0S0z)
Suggested reading:On the Mic by Nic Redman (https://amzn.to/3syMFWB)Audiobook Recording: A Beginner's Guide to Producing Audiobooks using Audacity (https://amzn.to/45v1oQH)✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
Resources
- WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
- Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
- Visit Mary's website: http://marycastillo.com
- Visit Mary's Voice Website: http://marycastillvo.com
- Mary's Social Media:
www.marycastillovo.com- IG @marycastillovoiceover
- Tiktok @marycastillovoice
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marycastillo- Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
- Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
- Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
- Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
1 hr 10 min - Extraordinary Attorney Woo’s Hero’s Journey
Episode 32
Books. Movies. TV shows. Most of them are structured using at least some, if not all, of the elements of The Hero's Journey. That includes Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the Netflix original South Korean show.
This is one of my favorite things to watch on television. It's smart, heartwarming, poignant, interesting, romantic, and I love it! From the ratings and success, I'm definitely not the only one who thinks so.
This episode is a quick breakdown of The Hero's Journey using episode one of Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
As always, thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- The Hero's Journey Mini Course (Just $9.99) (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/the-hero-s-journey-mini-course)
- Extraordinary Attorney Woo (https://www.netflix.com/title/81518991)
Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨
Resources
- WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
- Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
- Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
- Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
- Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
- Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
14 min - How to Avoid Getting Stuck With Your Writing
Episode 31
Whether you call it writer's block or simply getting stuck, the feeling of not being able to keep writing is very real. Certain strategies and tactics can help you get past the wall that sometimes appears and interferes with your forward progress.
Today I'm in conversation with author Anne Louise Bannon, author of the Operation Quickline, the Old Los Angeles series and the brand new Running from Boston techno-thriller. Anne offers several strategies to help work past that sense of writer's block to keep you moving forward with your writing.
Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!
A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Ready, Set, WRITE! (How to write a novel course) (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/30-day-intensive-in-fiction-writing)
- Anne Louise Bannon's Books on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3Y2r4kZ)
Scrivener(https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview)
Aeon Timeline (https://timeline.app/)
Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)
✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨
Resources
- WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
- Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
- Visit Anne’s Website: https://annelouisebannon.com/
- Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
- Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
- Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
- Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
59 min
About Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing
From the publisher's feed
Writer Spark is a biweekly broadcast about business, creativity, and the craft of writing fiction hosted by bestselling author, fiction writing teacher, and writing coach, Melissa Bourbon. It’s your…
go-to resource for all things writing! Featuring successful authors who share invaluable insights on various craft topics, each episode is designed to inspire and educate. Enjoy stand-alone episodes packed with essential writing tips, from plotting and character development to mastering the art of storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, WriterSpark Podcast is here to ignite your creativity and elevate your writing journey.