Podcast
Let's Start Writing
Hosted by Let's Start Writing · EN
a podcast for new writers
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 27: What is a picture book?
Apr 8, 202200:15:34Tap to summarizeThis week, I’m talking about what a picture book truly is. We all read them as kids, but standards have changed. Here’s what’s expected from a modern picture book. These expectations are just one of things I cover in my brand new course: Stellar Self Publishing for Picture Books. And you can get it as part of a HUGE bundle of kidlit resources in the KidLit Creators 2.0 SuperStack. Over $2000 worth of resources for a teeny-tiny fraction of the price! Grab it before it goes away. Not interested in kidlit? Let me know in the comments what kind of courses you would like to see down the road. https://kidlit.com/early-reader-chapter-book-market/And if you are thinking your kids’ book might actually be an early reader or early chapter book, here’s some further reading.
Transcribe →Episode 26: What is voice?
Apr 1, 202200:13:04Tap to summarizeVoice is an essential quality for compelling writing, but it can be confusing for new writers. So, what is voice in writing? Grab The Messy Author Planner 2022 or the undated version. Get your book edited.
Transcribe →Episode 25: When inspiration distracts
Mar 25, 202200:14:36Tap to summarizeToday’s episode is a joint one with Authoring Onward, so if you also subscribe to AO, no need to listen to both–they are the same! Today’s tips episode is about what to do when you’re writing along on one project and a shiny new story idea comes up, tempting you to cheat on your current manuscript. What do you do with these ideas? Are they an indication you should jump ship on your current project? How do you keep your writing commitments while not losing the power of a new, inspiring idea? Next week is back to the regular schedule, with two separate episodes, one for each podcast. P.S. Now scheduling editing clients for April 20th and onward.
Transcribe →Episode 24: New Writer Worries
Mar 18, 202200:19:29Tap to summarizeThere’s a lot of worries when you’re just starting to take writing seriously. Today I tackle some of the big ones that stop newer writers from sharing their work. This is always going to be a bit scary, but let’s dive deep into these worries and how to tackle the overwhelm and learn to live with some level of worry so you can let others read your unique work. Ready for an edit? I’m now booking clients for April onward.
Transcribe →Episode 23: Kid lit rookie mistakes
Mar 11, 202200:22:16Tap to summarizeThis week is especially for those of you who write or want to write for kids and teens. I work with a lot of children’s and YA books as a freelance editor and coach, and today I go over some of the common things I see with newbies that mean it’s time to do more research. If you recognize any of these in your own work, that’s okay. It just means it’s time to head to the library to read more fantastic children’s and YA books.
Transcribe →Episode 22: Different publishing paths
Feb 25, 202200:28:03Tap to summarizeWhat’s the difference between self publishing and traditional publishing? Is there anything in between? And how do you decide? Only you can make that choice, and it’s a choice you might make differently for each book or series. But today’s episode is a breakdown of the different publishing methods with some benefits and drawbacks to each. I also highly recommend Jane Friedman’s wonderful infographic on this subject! P.S. If self publishing is a path that interests you, don’t miss my upcoming webinar Jump the First Hurdle of Self Publishing on March 3rd at 7 p.m. Eastern. And there will be a replay for those who register.
Transcribe →Episode 21: Head Hopping and Point of View
Feb 18, 202200:15:55Tap to summarizeHead hopping is a term you may have heard in writing circles, and it can sound a little baffling at first. Heads? Hopping? Are we rabbits? Head hopping is actually an error in point of view, so today’s episode gives a primer of point of view and how to identify head hopping and distinguish it from multiple point of view writing. P.S. Upcoming webinar: Join me March 3rd at 7 p.m. Eastern (or catch the replay) to learn about common rookie mistakes in self publishing and how to avoid them.
Transcribe →Episode 20: Open the door
Feb 11, 202200:12:14Tap to summarizeLast week the podcast took a short break because of Covid-related school closures (thank goodness my family all okay, though), and I’m so glad to be back in front of the mic this week. This week is about getting feedback from others. As Stephen King says, write with the door closed. That is, write with no one else looking at your work. But after you’ve finished and done some initial revision, it’s time to open that door and get others’ input. WEBINAR: Wanna know the rookie self pub mistakes I’ve seen in my time (and a few I’ve made myself)? Join my webinar on March 3rd! And, yes, there will be a replay, so sign up to get that. Finally, I’ve taken the plunge into TikTok. If you’re on there or want to join in, I’d love to hear from you.
Transcribe →Episode 19: This podcast gets tense!
Jan 28, 202200:15:23Tap to summarizeVerb tenses! Most of us are familiar with simple categories of tense like past, present, and future, but what about more complicated tense questions? Today, let’s dive into two categories of tense: perfect tenses and progressive/continuous tenses. Have a listen to learn about what distinguishes these from simple tenses and how to use them effectively in your writing.
Transcribe →Episode 18: Adverbs
Jan 21, 202200:09:10Tap to summarizeThis week on Let’s Start Writing: You may have heard the common writing advice to eliminate adverbs. But why would you get rid of adverbs? And do you really need to ditch all adverbs in your prose? Let’s dive into the adverb conundrum. Looking to get more out of your writing time or find more time to write in the first place? Take my free mini course.
Transcribe →