Write Now! Workshop Podcast: Write A Book, Change The World

EPISODE 253I Today's guest is http://www.myauthorconcierge.com/ (Maria Connor of My Author Concierge), a company that provides services like author assistant, project management, and more so that authors have more time to write. Maria shares with us 10 reasons why getting organized will help you, and 6 tips to get your author business more organized today. She also explains how to use her https://amzn.to/2SNVxG9 (Self-Publishing Checklist Series) of short books, and talks briefly about her book https://amzn.to/2SdRClB (Do Less. Write More) about how to find an author assistant. At the end, when we talked about how to track your books sales, Maria made these suggestions: BookTrakr (multiple platforms) https://www.booktrakr.com/ (https://www.booktrakr.com/), Book Report (Amazon sales only) https://www.getbookreport.com/ (https://www.getbookreport.com/), and Tracker Box (multiple platforms) http://www.storyboxsoftware.com/tdownload.htm (http://www.storyboxsoftware.com/tdownload.htm). You can find out more about

EPISODE 252I Today's guest is autistic biohacker, http://thrivewithautism.ca/ (Jackie McMillan), chatting with us about how the lymph system in our bodies affects our ability to be creative. Jackie shares a lot of ways we can help our bodies to help our minds, helping our lymph system to carry away the waste and deliver the nutrients we need to be at the top of our game. This is a don't-miss episode! You can learn more about Jackie at her website, http://thrivewithautism.ca/ (http://thrivewithautism.ca/), on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Thrive.With.Autism (https://www.facebook.com/Thrive.With.Autism), and at her Quora profile, https://www.quora.com/profile/Jackie-McMillan (https://www.quora.com/profile/Jackie-McMillan). Check our her book, Answers to Educators' Top 30 Questions About Reducing Autism Challenges in the Classroom, https://www.amazon.com/Educators-Questions-Reducing-Challenges-Classroom-ebook/dp/B00MYC98HI/ (https://www.amazon.com/Educators-Questions-Reducing-Challenges-Classroom-ebook/dp/B

EPISODE 251E Some days it's hard to remember that it's perfectly okay to disagree...and that we can do so without having an argument or causing a rift. Today I want to encourage you to be willing to say, this just isn't working for me...and then calmly and kindly move on with your life.

EPISODE 250I Welcome to the 250th episode of the show! Today's guest is https://jodyhedlund.com/ (Jody Hedlund), author of the new https://amzn.to/3cebKLi (Come Back to Me), a time crossing historical romance. Jody tells us a little about her new series and then jumps into how she creates buzz for her books. Her ideas will work for both traditionally published authors and indie authors, and many will be useful even before you are ready to launch a new book. Learn more about Jody and her many books at her website, https://jodyhedlund.com/ (https://jodyhedlund.com/).

EPISODE 249I Today's guest is https://annkroeker.com/ (Ann Kroeker), writing coach, author, speaker and podcaster. Together we explore what it means to work with a writing coach. How do you know if you need a writing coach and, more importantly, how do you know if you're ready? We discuss all the types of people you might work with to improve your writing, the different ways you can get help from a coach, and how to find the right coach for you. We also share tips on other ways you can get help without hiring a coach. Learn more about Ann and everything she does at her website, https://annkroeker.com/ (https://annkroeker.com/) and get all the links you need at her Everything page, http://annkroeker.com/everything/ (http://annkroeker.com/everything/).

EPISODE 248T I have been saying since the beginning of this podcast 3 1/2 years ago that I believe YOU can write a book and change the world. Today I talk about how to finish your book. The three most important things you need are time to write, the mindset to get started and keep going, and the structure for the kind of book you want to write. I share a lot of suggestions and tips in all three areas to encourage YOU to write and finish your book. Happy writing! TRANSCRIPTION If you’ve been listening for awhile, you know that I’ve been working with writers to finish their book and get it out into the world. Whether you want to go the traditional route and publish with a publishing house or take the entrepreneurial route and learn how to publish it yourself, if you have a burning idea inside, I think it’s important to get it out. I absolutely believe YOU can write a book, and I absolutely believe books change the world. What if you and I could change the world for the better? I’m a writer so I know how it feel

EPISODE 247I Today's guest is literary agent Cynthia Ruchti of https://www.booksandsuch.com/ (Books & Such Literary Management). You may remember Cynthia from https://podcast.writenowworkshop.com/episodes/reaching-out-with-deep-emotion-an-interview-with-cynthia-ruchti/ (Episode 240) when she spoke to us about writing with deep emotion. Cynthia gives us a great bird's eye view of what agents do and don't do, how that will differ among agencies, and things for you to consider in order to know when is the right time for you to look for an agent. Part of what a literary agent does is to eliminate all the reasons why an acquisitions editor would say no to a manuscript, she says. But depending on the agent, they also help manage an author's career. Learn more about Cynthia and Books & Such (and what they're looking for) on their website, https://www.booksandsuch.com/ (https://www.booksandsuch.com/).

EPISODE 246I Today's guest is former stealth pilot and award-winning novelist, https://jamesrhannibal.com/ (James R Hannibal). His latest novel, https://amzn.to/2Sv48gl (The Paris Betrayal), is a spy left out in the cold story so we decided to talk about exactly how to write a spy novel! You'll have a great time listening to James explain how to create a great spy story! Learn more about him and his books at his website https://jamesrhannibal.com/ (https://jamesrhannibal.com/). Read his blog post about escaping the research bog here: https://www.blueridgeconference.com/research-escaping-the-research-bog-part-three/ (https://www.blueridgeconference.com/research-escaping-the-research-bog-part-three/). Find out what James is doing with the DragonRaid game at https://lightraiders.com/ (https://lightraiders.com/). And read https://amzn.to/2Sv48gl (The Paris Betrayal), out now.

EPISODE 245E Spider-man is one of my favorite superheroes -- a regular guy with an unexpected and ginormous change in his life tries to figure out how to make the best of it. He's a good guy, although not perfect. He makes mistakes but mostly he's trying to figure out how to use his gifts in the best way, how to help other people, and he's also inclined to just enjoy his gifts. Swinging through the city must be fun! There is a lot to be learned from Spider-man. We can take some of his lessons and apply them to our own lives, both in helping ourselves and in using our gifts to help others.

EPISODE 244I Today's guest is Dr Debra Holland, https://debraholland.com/ (award-winning romance author) as well as https://drdebraholland.com/ (psychotherapist and grief counselor). Dr Debra taught an online class for our Romance Writers of America chapter once called "Understanding Men." It was so helpful, I've never forgotten it -- and I asked if we could talk about it on the show. With humor and insight, Dr Debra helps us understand both the biological and the emotional differences between men and women and why it leads us to think, act, and speak as we do. This is a great episode for learning to write better, more believable scenes from the other's point of view. It's also a fabulous mini-course on better understanding the significant people in our personal lives. You can find Debra's fiction on Amazon or on her writing website, https://debraholland.com/ (https://debraholland.com/), and you can learn more about her counseling work at https://drdebraholland.com/ (https://drdebraholland.com/).

EPISODE 243E HAPPY EASTER!! This month's Encouraging Words episode focuses on taking time to find renewal in your life and in your writing. It's important to take time to pause and think about whether we're still headed in the direction we meant to go. Things have changed a lot for everyone this past year. Is there anything we need to do to smooth out the road in front of us for the next nine months? I hope this gives you some food for thought, and encouragement on your journey! God bless you!

EPISODE 242I Today's guest is best-selling and award-winning author https://www.irenehannon.com/ (Irene Hannon). We're talking about the latest book in her Hope Harbor series, https://amzn.to/2OaOKE6 (Blackberry Beach), which releases April 6, 2021, with more books in the series coming. Irene shares about standing at the fork in the road when she had to decide between pursuing psychology and something in writing. Later, she had to decide at another fork if she would continue with her amazing corporate writing job or pursue writing fiction full-time. Along the way, she learned a lot about both writing better books and balancing all the pieces of the writer's life. She is full of encouragement and advice for listeners, no matter what you write. Find out more about Irene and her books at her website, https://www.irenehannon.com/ (https://www.irenehannon.com/), and follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Irene-Hannon-426433004084567 (https://www.facebook.com/Irene-Hannon-426433004084567).

EPISODE 241I Today's guest is Ricardo Fayet, one of the founders of https://reedsy.com/ (Reedsy), a one-stop shop for writers. At Reedsy, authors can find editors, book cover designers, marketers and more to help with the business of publishing a great book. Writers can also use the Reedsy Book Editor, and learn a ton from the blog, Reedsy Live (live webinars), and Reedsy Learning -- all for free. We talk about these things as well as Ricardo's first book, https://www.amazon.com/How-Market-Book-Overperform-Marketing-ebook/dp/B08TZJQ1FB/ (How to Market a Book: Overperforming in a Crowded Market). It just came out in January 2021, and is free as an ebook, and also available in print. Ricardo gives us so much valuable information in this episode, you'll need to take time to write it all down! Be sure to sign up for Reedsy's email newsletter on https://reedsy.com/ (their home page) so you don't miss anything! You can also follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ReedsyHQ, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.

EPISODE 240I Today's guest is author and literary agent, https://cynthiaruchti.com/ (Cynthia Ruchti). Her newest book, https://amzn.to/3vC1JiW (Facing the Dawn), has just come out with Revell. With over 30 years' experience on radio, Cynthia learned to write for the ear, how a passage sounds, and that experience shines through in her novels. She encourages listeners to think about how very many ways there are to tell a story -- novels, nonfiction, short stories, radio shows, plays, blog posts, magazine articles, etc. -- and find the one you're best at. She talks about her writing process, how to find the emotion for your characters, even if you haven't experienced it, and she shares the best writing tip she ever got. You can learn more about Cynthia and her books and speaking at her website, https://cynthiaruchti.com/ (https://cynthiaruchti.com/) or hemmedinhope.com, easier to spell. Follow her on most social media as Cynthia Ruchti. TRANSCRIPTION 

EPISODE 239I Today's guest is http://www.amandacabot.com/ (Amanda Cabot), bestselling author of the brand new https://amzn.to/3qDxyUO (Dreams Rekindled), book two in the Mesquite Springs series. Amanda has strong feelings about goal, motivation, and conflict (GMC) and choosing the internal and external conflict of her main characters. Don't like to think of all the ways you can make your hero's life worse? Want to give him or her a good life? Amanda has a great way to create compelling conflicts that will make you excited about the terrible things that are going to happen! (Torture is optional.) Whether you're a plotter or a write-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of writer, Amanda has great tips for everyone. She believes in the power of fiction not just to entertain, but to heal. Inspiring food for thought! Find out more about Amanda and her books, and get more writing tips, at her website, http://www.amandacabot.com/ (http://www.amandacabot.com/).

EPISODE 238E Not only should we "give it up for our writing" as in applaud and cheer, but sometimes we need to make choices about what we're going to give up in order to get more writing done. What are you willing to spend a little less time on in order to move your writing business another step forward? I gave up TV 6 days a week for Lent, and wow, has it opened up more relaxing time! In addition to going to bed a little earlier, I also have more personal reading time. And even with that extra sleep and extra reading, I'm finding more time to work on my books. What is something you could cut back on for awhile, and how could you use that time? TRANSCRIPTION [00:00:07.650]  Welcome to Write Now Workshop Podcast, where you can write a book and change the world, I'm your host, Kitty Bucholtz, and this is episode 238, Give It Up For Your Writing, an Encouraging Words episode coming to you on Sunday, March 7th, 2021. You know, there's a saying, let's give it up for... And then often it's something that's sai

EPISODE 237I Today's guest is the wonderful http://wiredforstory.com/ (Lisa Cron) sharing with us about her new book, https://amzn.to/3uZ7KGd (Story or Die: How to Use Brain Science to Engage, Persuade, and Change Minds in Business and in Life). While Lisa's previous books, Wired For Story and Story Genius, were aimed more at writers, Story or Die is for everyone who is trying to understand someone else -- whether a potential customer or a neighbor -- and persuade them to change how they think and act. Lisa loves talking about story and her passion overflows to her listeners. There is so much to learn here about how we think and how we can influence others. Think about your readers when you're listening, as well as other people you do business with or live with or interact with in any way. Learn more about Lisa and her books at her website, http://wiredforstory.com/ (http://wiredforstory.com/)​, or connect with her on Twitter, @LisaCron.

EPISODE 236I Today's guest is John Ondrasik of https://fiveforfighting.com/ (Five For Fighting) music fame. In addition to writing and performing music, John is also an inspirational speaker. John shares with us how he views art and creativity, how he gets out of a funk, and the importance of doing things you love. He encourages us to find new creative challenges in addition to our main interest. He also reminds us that we are entrepreneurs, and we have to figure out new ways to make our creative businesses work as times change. Learn more about John and Five For Fighting on his https://fiveforfighting.com/ (website) https://fiveforfighting.com/, and be sure to listen to his https://youtu.be/OukUOjhArQM (TEDx talk) for even more encouragement. https://youtu.be/OukUOjhArQM [Photo credit: Jeremy Cowart] TRANSCRIPTION [00:00:07.690] - Kitty Welcome to Write Now Workshop Podcast, where you can write a book and change the world, I'm your host, Kitty Bucholtz. And this is episode 236, Music to Last a Lifetime. An i

EPISODE 235I Today's guest is https://wynweightloss.com/ (Jill Cruz), a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist and the founder of Work with Your Nature Weight Loss. I asked Jill to help us understand how we can be more creative in our work and keep up our good health even though most of us sit in front of a computer all day. She explained what some call the five pillars of health -- nutrition, sleep, stress management, physical activity, and mindset -- and how we can make small changes that will make a big difference. Jill cautions us, though, not to tackle everything at once. That can lead to overwhelm and cause us to give up without seeing much progress. This is a brilliant interview with so many tips to help us improve our creativity by improving our health! The night after I interviewed Jill, I slept better than I have in a year! You can find Jill on her website, https://wynweightloss.com/ (https://wynweightloss.com/), where you can sign up for her amazing newsletter. Here's to a healthier, more productive

EPISODE 234I Today's guest is https://www.jenniferdeibel.com/ (Jennifer Deibel), whose debut novel, https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Donegal-Jennifer-Deibel/dp/0800738411/ (A Dance in Donegal), just came out! Jennifer tells us about life as a debut author, and how she started writing. She lived in Ireland at the time, and felt she'd finally found her heart there. That made her want to write about Ireland in a real way, not how it's portrayed in some movies and TV shows. We talk about using all the senses when you write, and trying to capture what a place feels like when you write it. Jennifer also talks about starting a book, setting it aside when she had a child, picking it up and working on it again, having to set it aside again -- and how some stories just won't let you go. You can buy Jennifer's novel wherever you buy books, and find out more about her and her upcoming projects at her website https://www.jenniferdeibel.com/ (https://www.jenniferdeibel.com/). You can follow her on major social media sites, es