Episode 20

• Transitioning Between Genres: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the challenges and opportunities that come with shifting from one writing genre to another. Whether you’re moving from genre fiction to traditional fiction or simply trying something new, this transition can be daunting. USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle joins me to share her experiences and insights on successfully navigating this change, drawing from her own shift with her newest release, The Shell Collector.

Making a shift in your writing genre doesn’t have to be intimidating. Nancy Naigle’s journey from cozy mysteries to broader fiction with mystery elements is proof that with determination and creativity, you can successfully explore new territories in your writing. This episode will inspire you to take control of your writing career and remind you that you’re never stuck in one place. Embrace the freedom to change, grow, and experiment with your storytelling. So grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and let’s ignite your WriterSpark!

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• Transitioning Between Writing Genres

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Episode 19

• Why Diversity Matters in Fiction: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the critical topic of diversity in storytelling. Creating diverse characters is essential for crafting fictional worlds that truly reflect the richness of the real world. Cozy mystery author VM (Valerie) Burns joins us to discuss why it’s so important for writers to intentionally incorporate diverse races, cultures, sexualities, and backgrounds into their stories.

In a world as diverse as ours, it’s essential for writers to create stories that reflect that diversity. Valerie Burns’ insights will inspire you to think critically about the characters you create and the communities you portray. This episode is a call to action for writers to embrace diversity in their storytelling, making their fictional worlds as rich and varied as the world we live in. By writing with intentionality and respect, you can create stories that resonate with a wider audience and contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape.

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• Creating Diverse Characters in Fiction

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Episode 18

• The Role of Weather in Fiction Writing: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the powerful impact that weather can have on your storytelling. Weather isn’t just a backdrop; it can be a dynamic tool for setting mood, revealing character, and driving the plot. No one understands this better than our guest, Katherine Ramsland, a prolific author and expert in criminal psychology.

Weather is more than just a setting detail; it can be a powerful force in your narrative. Katherine Ramsland’s insights will inspire you to think differently about how you use weather in your fiction writing. Whether it’s a storm that mirrors a character’s internal turmoil or a sunny day that contrasts with dark events, weather can add depth and nuance to your story. Embrace Katherine’s philosophy of saying yes to opportunities and see how it can open doors in your writing journey. This episode will leave you motivated to experiment with weather in your own stories and to seize every opportunity that comes your way.

• How to Use Weather in Fiction Writing

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• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Episode 17

• Exploring Character Depth: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we delve into the tools and techniques that help writers mine the depths of their characters, making them more complex, relatable, and compelling. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, learning how to dig deeper into your characters’ psyches is essential for creating stories that resonate with readers.

Character depth is what transforms a good story into a great one. By incorporating Leslie Budewitz’s techniques into your writing routine, you’ll be able to create characters that are not only believable but also deeply engaging. Whether you’re struggling to get to know your characters or looking for new ways to enhance their complexity, this episode will inspire you to dig deeper and discover the hidden facets of your characters’ personalities. Add these tools to your writer’s toolbox and watch your characters come to life like never before!

• Mining Character Depth in Writing

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• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Episode 16

• What Are Turning Points in a Story? In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the concept of Turning Points—critical moments in a story where something significant changes, propelling the narrative forward. Whether you're a plotter meticulously planning each twist or a pantser discovering the story as you go, understanding Turning Points is essential to crafting a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked.

Turning Points are the moments that keep your readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next. By mastering the use of Turning Points, you can create a dynamic and engaging narrative that captivates your audience from start to finish. Whether you're outlining your next novel or revising a draft, this episode will inspire you to think critically about the key moments in your story and how they shape the overall narrative. Follow along with this podcast on the WriterSpark website for additional insights and resources.

• Understanding Turning Points in a Story

You can follow along with this podcast on the WriterSpark website.

Also, you can download a PDF of the Three Act Structure with the major Turning Points and Pinch Points delineated. 

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• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Episode 15

• Every Writer’s Plotting Journey: Whether you’re a meticulous planner or prefer to write by the seat of your pants, plotting plays a crucial role in shaping your story. In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the world of Plottr, a versatile plotting software designed to assist writers at any stage of the plotting spectrum.

Plotting doesn’t have to be a daunting task, and with tools like Plottr, you can make the process both efficient and enjoyable. Listening to Troy Lambert’s expertise on how to leverage Plottr’s features will inspire you to experiment with new ways of organizing your story. Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking to streamline your process or a beginner seeking structure, this episode will encourage you to explore how plotting software can support your creative journey.

Here's the link if you want to dig in:

Try Plottr Now!

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• Plottr Software for Writers

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyr

Episode 14

• Journalistic Tools for Novel Planning: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore an innovative approach to novel planning using the classic journalistic tools: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, these tools can help you organize your thoughts, develop your plot, and ensure that your story is compelling and well-structured.

Plotting a novel can be daunting, but by using the journalistic tools of Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How, you can create a clear roadmap for your story. Dianne Freeman’s experience and advice will inspire you to look at your novel from a new perspective, giving you the confidence to experiment with different planning techniques. Whether you’re writing a historical mystery or any other genre, this episode will help you develop a more organized and thoughtful approach to your writing.

• Planning a Novel with Journalistic Tools

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• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Episode 13

• Creating Characters That Come Alive: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into three essential strategies for creating compelling characters that resonate with readers. While there are many techniques to bring characters to life, these three tips—Stimulus, Response, and Result—are foundational to character development in any genre.

Great characters are the heart of any memorable story. By applying the tips shared in this episode, you’ll be able to create characters that not only fit seamlessly into your plot but also stand out in the minds of your readers. Take a moment to consider how stimulus, response, and result play out in your characters' lives and use these insights to enhance your writing. And don’t forget to download the cheat sheet for a handy reference as you craft your next story!

• Tips for Creating Compelling Characters

Don’t miss out on our free resource! Download the Three Tips for Writing Great Characters Cheat Sheet to keep these strategies at your fingertips as you write.

• Download the Cheat Sheet: Three Tips for Writing Great Characters Cheat Sheet.

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• • • WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

• The Power of Myth and Lore in Storytelling: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore how integrating myth and lore into your novels can add depth, richness, and complexity to your stories. Our guest, Julia Buckley, author of the Hungarian Tea Shop cozy mystery series, shares how she masterfully weaves these elements into her books through setting, character history, and memories.

If you’re looking to add more depth and intrigue to your writing, this episode will inspire you to explore the world of myth and lore. Julia Buckley’s approach to embedding cultural stories and legends into her cozy mysteries offers a fresh perspective on character development and world-building. Whether you're writing a mystery, fantasy, or any other genre, integrating myth and lore can elevate your storytelling, making your novel more compelling and memorable.

• Adding Myth and Lore to Novels

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• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

• What is a Reluctant Hero? In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the concept of the reluctant hero—a character who, despite not seeking heroism, ends up becoming a hero through the course of the story. Often portrayed as an "ordinary person" thrust into extraordinary circumstances, the reluctant hero is a staple in literature and film, capturing our imaginations with their reluctant bravery and unexpected courage.

• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Reluctant heroes remind us that heroism often comes not from a desire for glory but from a sense of duty, necessity, or personal growth. As you listen to this episode, consider how you can incorporate the reluctant hero archetype into your own writing. Whether you’re developing a new character or refining an existing one, the reluctant hero offers rich possibilities for depth and transformation in your storytelling. Don’t forget to check out our related articles for more insights, and be sure to like, follow, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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• What is a Reluctant Hero

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Resources

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra