Writing Pursuits

Writing Pursuits

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Writing Pursuits episodes

  • 50: Plottr Tips from a Pro with guest: Troy Lambert

    Plottr is an app that helps authors outline faster, organize smarter, and turbocharge their productivity. Troy Lambert, author of more than 25 mystery novels, reveals how he uses Plottr to keep up with the demanding writing schedule of a commercial writer. Troy reveals his process for plotting, creating character profiles, revision, and keeping the facts straight for his ambitious series.

    Get a 30-Day Money Back Gurantee at https://Plottr.com

    My favorite advice was:

    If your spouse or a relative asks if you are still doing that writing thing, say, "You bet I am. You still doing that golfing thing? You still got that boat, Uncle Fred?"

    "You know, whatever the case may be—whatever their hobby is—it's costing them money, I guarantee, and they're investing money in it deliberately. I also guarantee that."

    This and MUCH, MUCH more in this episode!

    The question of the week is: Have you tried Plottr yet? If so, let us know what you think!

    Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

    Links:

    WritingPursuits.com

    Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

    Three Story Method Certified Editor

    KathreseMcKee.com

    Mailerlite (affiliate link)

    YourFirstChapter.com

    47 min
  • 49: 5 Steps to Fight Author Fade

    What is "Author Fade?" How do you recognize it? And how do you avoid it or recover from it? Learn 5 steps to fight author fade.

    Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: https://www.writingpursuits.com/5-steps-to-fight-author-fade/

    The question of the week is: Do you have tips and tricks for overcoming author fade?

    Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

    Links:

    WritingPursuits.com

    Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

    Three Story Method Certified Editor

    KathreseMcKee.com

    Mailerlite (affiliate link)

    YourFirstChapter.com

    21 min
  • 48: How to Write a Strong Synopsis and Why

    A synopsis is a useful tool for authors and a necessary one to attract an agent or publisher. Use these tips to make the process easier.

    The question of the week is: Do you have any pointers or experiences to share about writing synopses?

    Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

    Laube, Steve. 2018. “Book Proposals: The Fiction Synopsis -.” The Steve Laube Agency. https://stevelaube.com/why_write-a-synopsis/

    Links:

    WritingPursuits.com

    Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

    Three Story Method Certified Editor

    KathreseMcKee.com

    Mailerlite (affiliate link)

    YourFirstChapter.com

    18 min
  • 47: Getting to the Finish Line with Guest, Emma Dhesi

    Getting to the finish line for your first book is the most important task for a new author. How do you overcome the obstacles and develop the mindset to get to The End?

    Emma Dhesi coaching at https://www.emmadhesi.com

    Special offer ending Saturday, September 10, 2022 https://www.emmadhesi.com/21days.

    The question of the week is: What is your biggest challenge to finish writing your novel?

    Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

    Links:

    WritingPursuits.com

    Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

    Three Story Method Certified Editor

    KathreseMcKee.com

    Mailerlite (affiliate link)

    YourFirstChapter.com

    45 min
  • 46: Twelve Great Ways to Find Story Ideas

    In this episode of Writing Pursuits, I will discuss twelve ways to find story ideas.

    Question of the week: What is your favorite method of brainstorming new story ideas?

    Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

    Links:

    WritingPursuits.com

    Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

    Three Story Method Certified Editor

    KathreseMcKee.com

    Mailerlite (affiliate link)

    YourFirstChapter.com

    12 min
  • 45: Don't Call It an Outline

    The puzzler approach takes a fair amount of prewriting and preparation before the real work begins, but don't call it an outline.

    Check out The Heroine's Journey: For Writers, Readers, and Fans of Pop Culture by Gail Carriger for a great addition to your author library.

    Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: "Don't Call It an Outline".

    The question of the week is: How do you map out your stories? What methods work best for you?

    Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

    Links:

    WritingPursuits.com

    Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

    Three Story Method Certified Editor

    KathreseMcKee.com

    Mailerlite (affiliate link)

    YourFirstChapter.com

    16 min
  • 44: Use Content Pillars to Generate Strong Content

    Use content pillars to generate content for your blog, social media posts, and newsletters. Stop struggling with what to write about in your blog and your author newsletter and your social posts!

    Who Is Your Ideal Reader Avatar? goes with Episode 2: Who Is Your Ideal Reader?.

    Use Content Pillars to Generate Strong Content

    Content Pillars Exercise downloadable pdf file

    The question of the week is: What are your content pillars?

    Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

    Links:

    WritingPursuits.com

    Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

    Three Story Method Certified Editor

    KathreseMcKee.com

    Mailerlite (affiliate link)

    YourFirstChapter.com

    12 min
  • 43: Finding Your Mirror Moment

    The mirror moment in a story is when the main character experiences a moment of clarity that pushes them to change direction. It is the turning point.

    That moment of clarity is when your character experiences an ah-hah moment. Most often, it is the unveiling of a truth about—themselves, the world, what they must do if they hope to survive, or what they must do to be "save the world," regardless of the price.

    Your homework for this episode is to read Write Your Novel From The Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between by James Scott Bell.

    The question of the week is: What is your favorite "mirror moment" in a book, play, or movie?

    Leave your answer at writingpursuits.com/podcast/43.

    Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

    Links:

    WritingPursuits.com

    Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

    Three Story Method Certified Editor

    KathreseMcKee.com

    Mailerlite (affiliate link)

    YourFirstChapter.com

    11 min
  • 42: Seven More Ways to Improve Your Manuscript

    This is part 2 of a two-part series. Part 1 is in Episode 41. Your story is finished. You've reached the end. Your beta readers are waiting, an agent has asked for a full manuscript, or maybe you are getting it ready for your editor. What are some easy ways to immediately improve it before your send it out? Let's find out in this episode of Writing Pursuits.

    Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: "Seven More Ways to Improve Your Manuscript."

    The question of the week is: What is your biggest challenge when you revise your manuscript?

    Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

    Links:

    WritingPursuits.com

    Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

    Three Story Method Certified Editor

    KathreseMcKee.com

    Mailerlite (affiliate link)

    YourFirstChapter.com

    15 min
  • 41: Seven Easy Ways to Improve Your Manuscript

    Before you send your manuscript to an agent, editor, or your beta readers, use these steps to immediately improve your manuscript.

    Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: Seven Easy Ways to Improve Your Manuscript.

    The question of the week is: What are your favorite last-minute checks before your send your manuscript out?

    Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

    Links:

    WritingPursuits.com

    Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

    Three Story Method Certified Editor

    KathreseMcKee.com

    Mailerlite (affiliate link)

    YourFirstChapter.com

    12 min

About Writing Pursuits

From the publisher's feed

Writing Pursuits with Kathrese McKee is a weekly podcast for authors who drink too much coffee, endure judgmental looks from their furry writing companions, and struggle for words. If you are a writer…