Barbara Nickless, an award-winning author, discusses mindset and writing craft in this wide-ranging interview. Topics include moving past fears in writing, creating unique and compelling characters, writing as a form of healing, and the challenge of developing well-rounded characters in a series.
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Quick takeaways
Overcoming fears and listening to the inner voice are crucial for pursuing a passion for writing.
The act of writing itself is therapeutic and serves as an avenue for healing and escapism.
Creating unique and compelling characters is essential for keeping readers engaged and coming back for more in a series.
Deep dives
Craft and Mindset: Overcoming Fears and Listening to the Voice Inside
In this podcast episode, Barbara Nickus discusses various craft and mindset aspects of writing. She talks about overcoming fears and how she finally listened to the voice inside that told her she should be a writer. She emphasizes the importance of writing even when it may feel pointless, highlighting that the act of producing itself is a balm to the soul. Additionally, she explores the concept of healing through writing and the importance of creating unique and compelling characters.
Trends for Independent Authors: Direct Sales and Generative AI
The podcast episode also delves into publishing and book marketing trends for 2024. The hosts discuss the rising popularity of direct sales and the importance of creating beautiful physical products beyond just digital content. They also touch upon the emerging trend of generative AI and its implications for the publishing industry. By focusing on these trends, the discussion offers valuable insights for independent authors seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of book marketing.
News and Technological Advancements: GPT Store, CES, and Getty's Generative AI
The podcast covers recent news and technological advancements related to writing and publishing. They mention the launch of the GPT store on chat GPT, providing subscribers with custom GPTs for various tasks. The hosts also discuss the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) and highlight the Rabbit, an AI-powered handheld device that aims to revolutionize the mobile and app experience. In addition, Getty's launch of their own generative AI in iStock photo is mentioned, providing authors with a reliable resource for generative AI images. These advancements reflect the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on the writing and publishing industry.
Balancing Writing and Editing Software
Using writing software like ProWritingAid can be helpful in improving writing by identifying and suggesting fixes for various issues such as repetitive words, passive voice, sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. While some may argue that learning the grammar rules and applying them oneself is a better approach, using software tools is a common practice to enhance the writing process. These tools act as an extra pair of eyes, helping writers identify blind spots and improve their writing. Although human editors can provide valuable feedback, software like ProWritingAid can assist in addressing specific editing concerns before engaging with a human editor.
Following the Inner Call to Become a Writer
Barbara Nicholas shares her personal journey of becoming a writer, tracing back to a young age when she told stories on get well cards during her hospital stay. Overcoming fear and societal perceptions, she emphasizes the importance of listening to the inner voice and pursuing one's passion for writing. Additionally, she highlights the therapeutic aspect of writing, serving as an avenue for healing and escapism. Barbara also discusses the significance of storytelling, as even books primarily meant for entertainment can resonate deeply with readers, providing them an escape, new perspectives, or empathy for diverse experiences.
How can we move past our fears to write the books that mean the most to us? How can we write unique and compelling characters that keep readers coming back for more in a series? Barbara Nickless talks about mindset and writing craft in this wide-ranging interview. In the intro, Planning for a Creative 2024 […]