At Authors Talking Bookish, our mission is to dedicate ourselves to inspiring writers and readers by providing the-road-to-publishing insights from two debut novelists who learned the hard way and discussing our love of books from the writer’s perspective.
Summary: A recent article by author Rea Frey, “Protecting Author Privacy: The Cost of Marketing Your Own Books,” Writer's Digest, touches on the challenges of today’s authors and why the question “So what kind of writer do you want to be?” is fundamental for all writers. In this episode, we’ll discuss the article, our own take on some of the key points and discuss how to set goals, priorities and boundaries as a writer. SHOW NOTES: Rea Frey’s Perspective: Key points from article. Self-Assessment: Now ask yourself…what drives you to write? What kind of impact do you want to have? What are you willing and not willing to do? Writing Exercise: Discuss a writing exercise or prompt to help listeners explore their own writing identity. For example, "Write a letter to your future self about the kind of writer you hope to be in five years." Examples of Successful Writers: Share examples of well-known authors who have clearly defined their writing paths and discuss how this focus contributed to their success. Setting Goals: Discuss the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals to help steer your writing career in the desired direction. Setting Boundaries: What are you not able/willing to do? Claiming your Boundaries in a Social Media World: Engaging with Your Audience Beyond Social Media SOURCES AND LINKS: “Protecting Author Privacy: The Cost of Marketing Your Own Books,” Writer's Digest, Rea Frey “Marketing Your Books: 4 Essential Questions for Authors,” Linkedin, Drew Garber DO NOW: Write a letter to your future writer-self projecting where you will be in five years. Make a list of goals for the next five years AND a list of boundaries. Finally, prioritize what is on these lists from most to least important. Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
SUMMARY: Have you ever wondered if or how a writer reads differently than a reader? Join us on this episode as we discuss passive versus active reading. What are writers paying attention to when they read as compared to what most readers don’t even notice? Learn how you can use reading as a school for writers. SHOW NOTES: What writers say vs. what they do Reading as a reader (passive reading): characterization, plot, conflict… Reading as a writer (active reading): style (diction, syntax, tone) Anthony Doer, All The Light We Cannot See: Wordsmith/prose *excerpt Barbara Kingsolver, Demon Copperhead: Architect, constructing intricate plots Liane Moriarty, Apples Never Fall: Ensemble cast, characterization Taylor Jenkins Reid: Daisy Jones and the Six, journalistic style Edith Wharton,The Age of Innocence: Omniscient narration *excerpt Elin Hilderbrand, The Nantucket Hotel: Establishing atmosphere/setting Jean Meltzer, The Matzo Ball: Creating culture Infusing what we’ve learned into our craft SOURCES & LINKS: Elements of Style, E.B. White & William Strunk Jr. On Writing, Stephen King Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg DO NOW: Make a list of the authors you love. What is it about them that attracts you? Take a look at a passage from their writing. Highlight examples of what you admire about it. Take a piece of writing you have written & try a mirror writing exercise. Use elements of the authors’ style you have flagged with your content. Try to get as close to the author's style as you can. Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
Being an author is more than just putting words on a page—it's about bringing your story to life for the world to discover. It's about stepping into the spotlight and sharing your passion with readers far and wide. One of the most thrilling and effective ways to promote your work and connect with your audience is by attending live events. In this episode, we’ll share with you all of your tips for scheduling and preparing live events. Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
Authors set out to write a book. They often don’t realize the bookkeeping and budgeting aspect of becoming a published author. In this episode, we’ll talk about establishing a budget, what to regard as high priority vs. low priority and how the publishing path you choose should figure into your budget. Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
Join us as we chat with award-winning author Maggie Smith, known for her books "Truth and Other Lies" and "Blind Spot." Drawing on her psychology and business background, Maggie crafts stories of resilient women facing extraordinary challenges. She also hosts the "Hear Us Roar" podcast and manages The Write City Magazine. Tune in for insights into her writing and inspirations. SHOW NOTES: Bio: Influenced by her former careers as a psychologist and a business owner, author Maggie Smith pens compelling stories of ordinary women who face extraordinary challenges with grit, brainpower, and strong doses of empathy and humor. She hosts the podcast Hear Us Roar and is managing editor of The Write City Magazine. She is the award-winning author of Truth and Other Lies and Blind Spot. Book synopsis How was your experience different/better launching book two vs. book one? Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this book, in the context of your journey as a writer of women's fiction? Can you give us a glimpse into your writing process? Research process? Affiliation with the WFWA Hear Us Roar podcast The Write City Magazine SOURCES & LINKS: Website: www.maggiesmithwriter.com Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode. Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/ Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you