Episode 50   Welcome to The WriterSpark Podcast! I'm your host, Melissa Bourbon, a bestselling author, podcaster, teacher, and book cover designer. In this episode, we're diving into the essentials of building a killer writing routine that promotes consistency and productivity. Whether you're struggling to find time to write or looking for ways to stay motivated, this episode will give you practical strategies and tools to help you succeed. We'll discuss effective time management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique and time blocking, and explore some of the best tools and apps to support your writing habits.  Show Notes: Key Topics Covered: Importance of a Writing Routine: Why having a routine is crucial for writers How a routine helps you stay focused and reduce procrastination Time Management Strategies: The Pomodoro Technique: Writing in focused bursts with breaks Time blocking: Setting aside specific times for writing Communicating your schedule to minimize interruptions Tools and Apps to Support Writing Habits: Scrivener: Organizing your manuscript, research, and notes Evernote: Jotting down ideas and organizing research Trello and Notion: Goal setting and tracking progress Focus@Will & Brain FM: Background music designed to improve concentration Real-Life Examples and Tips: Setting small, achievable goals Writing at the same time every day Creating a dedicated writing space Celebrating your progress Books Mentioned and/or Recommended: Scrivener for Dummies by Gwen Hernandez An Everyday Guide to Scrivener 3 for Mac by Mary Crawford Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen Living the Vida Lola Facebook Scrivener, Evernote, Trello, Notion   Remember to: Subscribe to The WriterSpark Podcast: Don't miss out on future episodes packed with tips and inspiration for your writing journey. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more writers like you. Follow Us on Social Media: Stay updated with the latest episodes, writing tips, and more by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook,  and Pinterest. Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Episode 49   Delve into the idea of using setting as a character in fiction writing. This week, I'm thrilled to welcome my special guest Marjorie McCown, author of the Hollywood Mystery series, who expertly uses the Hollywood movie set and Los Angeles as 'characters' in her books. In this episode, Marjorie and I explore how a well-crafted setting can amplify elements of your story, adding depth and dimension that brings your narrative to life. Discover how to create settings that resonate with readers and become integral to your plot and characters. Tune in to learn: The role of setting in enhancing the mood and tone of your story. How setting can reflect and influence your characters' journeys. Tips for weaving setting seamlessly into your narrative. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your journey, this episode shares insights that will inspire you to rethink how you use setting in your fiction.  Subscribe to The WritersSpark Podcast!   Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Visit Marjorie McCown's Website (https://marjoriemccown.com/) Buy Final Cut and Star Struck, books 1 & 2 in The Hollywood Mysteries (https://amzn.to/3WxFIS4)   The Lola Cruz Mystery Series (https://amzn.to/3WAex96) The Bread Shop Mystery Series (https://amzn.to/4dbjSJn) The Book Magic Novels (https://amzn.to/46gjuae)   Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell (https://amzn.to/3y6rn5J)     Podcast with Katherine Ramsland on using Weather as an element in your fiction (https://writersparkacademy.podbean.com/e/how-and-why-weather-can-be-an-important-part-of-fiction-writing/) Additional Links: * Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com * WriterSpark Book Cover Design: https://writersparkbookcovers.com/ * Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com            ✨ Self-Paced Writing Courses: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/   ✨ Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter   SIGN UP: https://writersparkacademy.com/https://writersparkacademy.com/newsletter-signup/    Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!     Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com    ✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨     #FictionWriting #WritingTips #Podcast #MelissaBourbon #MarjorieMcCown #WritingCommunity #AuthorInterview #CreativeWriting  

Whether you’re a fiction writer or a true crime enthusiast, this episode offers unique insights into the art of weaving fact into compelling narratives. Tune in to explore how the worlds of true crime and fiction converge, and gain valuable tips to enhance your own writing journey.

Today I am thrilled to be joined by the bestselling author Barbara Davis, who is a true master at weaving magic into her novels. In this episode, Barbara shares her expert tips on writing books with magical elements. Barbara’s insights range from creating immersive magical worlds with just enough enchantment to charm readers to developing complex and relatable characters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your writing skills, this conversation is fun and inspiring.  So, grab your favorite notebook and a cup of tea, and get ready to dive into the magical art of storytelling with the wonderful Barbara Davis. Let’s spark your creativity and bring a little more magic into your writing!

Story structure is at the heart of storytelling. Many writers use the Hero’s Journey, the Three-Act Structure, the Snowflake Method, or Save the Cat, but there is another way to write a novel; Unlock your creativity with process writing and you’ll harness amazing benefits. In this episode, Boo Trundle and I talk about process writing, its benefits, and ways to tap into your creativity.

Episode 45 Get a glimpse behind the publishing curtain from Shawn Reilly Simmons, co-founder of Level Best Books, a woman-owned and -operated boutique publisher. Whether you are a published or aspiring author, whether you are indie, traditional, or hybrid (published or not), learn from an expert in the industry.

Every author has two jobs, one as an author, and the other as a marketer. It’s a necessary part of the writing life if you are in it to earn money. Nicolette Lemmon is an industry expert with experience in marketing. This episode taps into marketing fundamentals to help writers succeed in this part of the writing process.

Episode 43   We can all use a little MAGIC in our writing lives. In this case, I'm talking about the MAGIC from "Organisational Consultant and workplace mediator Sharon Darmody". In our conversation, we talked about how to apply her MAGIC framework to the writing life.   Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:   * Work Your Magic* https://www.amazon.com.au/Work-Your-Magic-Business-Community/dp/1647425336 * Sharon Darmody's Website: https://www.sharondarmody.com/ *Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com * Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com * WriterSpark Book Cover Design: https://writersparkbookcovers.com/ * Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com * Melissa Bourbon's books: https://melissabourbon.com/bookshelf/                ✨ What's Your Story: Writing Your Memoir self-paced course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable ✨ 📝  Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/https://writersparkacademy.com/newsletter-signup/)   Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!     Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com    ✨ 📝  Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝  ✨    

Mining your life for stories is such a great topic and applicable to people who write (or want to write) memoirs, creative nonfiction, and fiction. Listen to Melissa Bourbon’s conversation with Creative nonfiction and fiction writer Lynn Golodner.

In this episode, I talk with Michael Griffo, who also writes at JD Griffo and Michael Falco. Our topic is All About Agents: Do you need them? What to look for... But it ended up being so much more. Enjoy!

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 ✨

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.

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.

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. 📝  ✨

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. 📝  ✨    

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.

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!

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.

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.

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