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: Join us in conversation with Libby McNamee, author of award-winning upper middle grade novels including "Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War" and "Dolley Madison and the War of 1812: America’s First Lady," and their Study Guides. She is also the co-editor of "The Epic Story of 1776" and "The Epic Story of America 1777-1779." Currently she is writing a third novel, "The Union Spymistress: The Story of Elizabeth Van Lew." .We’ll delve into what led her to becoming an author, what fuels her to write historical novels, her writing process and more. SHOW NOTES: Welcome Tell us about your books Tell us about your author journey What fuels you to write historical novels? What made you want to write upper middle grade novels? How do you market to a young audience? What is something you learned the hard way? Advice for authors wanting to write to this age group? What are you working on now? SOURCES & LINKS: Website: LibbyMcNamee.com Facebook: LibbyMcNameeAuthor Instagram: libbymcnameeauthor Goodreads: Libby McNamee LinkedIn: Libby McNamee 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: Are you interested in writing a book but don’t quite know where to begin? This episode delves into the beginning stages of writing a novel. From brainstorming, to research, character creation and world building, we’ll discuss the process to set a good foundation for the novel you always dreamed of writing. Show Notes: How to begin? Character, world, plot, title, a question… How to explore seeds of inspiration Once you decide, write a quick summary of the plot or even a tagline to help you begin conceptualizing the story Do you need to conduct research? Freewrite what you know Make a list of what you need to know & begin researching: record details and sources in a document Create extensive character bios: goals, conflicts, arcs Create a timeline of major plot points/ when and where major events in your novel occur Create an outline Establish a schedule and goals for writing Begin! The first draft will be messy (and probably not good). Refrain from trying to perfect it. Just get it all down on paper. Remember, the first draft is the story you tell yourself. Sources: Save the Cat Writes A Novel, Jessica Brody (structure) Story Genius and Wired for Story, Lisa Cron (structure and character development) Launch Pad: The Countdown to Writing Your Book, Emma Dhesi, Grace Sammon Everybody Writes, Ann Handley Busy Writer’s Guide, Marcy Kennedy Write the Damn Book, Elizabeth Lyon Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg Do Now: First decide what your book will be about. Use the Fiction Inception worksheet. Next, get the gist of the story. Write a plot summary or tagline. Create in-depth bios for your characters with the Create a Character worksheet. Conduct research, timelines and an out. And, then begin. FREE Downloads are also available on our website. If you enjoyed this episode AND are a member of the WFWA, consider attending our workshop “What We Learned the Hard Way” which will not only address next steps, but will highlight all the steps from inception of an idea to beyond publication. Our webinar will take place on September 25 @ 7:00 PM ET. 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: 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