The Alchemy of Writing Podcast

Do you dream of becoming a professional copywriter? Large firms pay Grant Butler‘s Editor Group to write and edit everything from annual reports to ad copy.

How do you become a powerfully persuasive salesperson? Misa Zhang should know. She brought in bags of money for leading news organisations, including Reuters, Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal.

TJ Guttormsen, a shyness coach, shares his journey from insecurity to confidence. Topics include embracing authenticity, challenging the super ego, mastering communication skills, and building genuine connections. Insights on centering confidence, transforming negative voices, and enhancing rapport for better interactions.

Journalist turned author Vera Sprothen shares insights on engaging readers with soulful storytelling, navigating the complexities of writing, and the enchantment of short stories. She discusses her passion for words, the art of crafting engaging anecdotes, and the challenges of online journalism.

How are Ted Talks chosen? And how are they edited to make an impact? Della Zhuang has the enviable task of picking Tedx Talks for her district in Sydney, Australia. Here she shares her insights into how to get your talk selected. 

The key to communicating fearlessly is being authentic, says Weh Yeoh, who stays true to himself whether he’s networking with strangers, blogging on controversial topics, or delivering a Ted Talk.

Nicolas Johnson, a Toronto-based blogger and former senior editor for Bloomberg News in Tokyo, shares his journey of transitioning from journalism to blogging. He dives into the challenges of balancing formal and conversational writing styles while crafting engaging content for niche audiences. The conversation touches on the evolving relationship between writers and editors, the nuanced dance of grammar and style, and practical tips for overcoming writer's block. Nicolas's insights highlight the importance of authentic communication in both writing and public speaking.

Nicholas Johnson, a senior editor for Bloomberg News, shares valuable insights on crafting engaging content for a niche audience. Topics covered include overcoming negative self-concept, the influence of The Bloomberg Way style guide, a controversial gun rights blog in Canada, the difference between writing news and opinion, elements of bad writing, and the importance of artistic freedom in writing.

Topics discussed include Korean drama, setups and payoffs in storytelling, importance of structure, plotter vs pantser writers, creating well-rounded characters, dealing with publishers and editors, and productivity hacks for writers.

Author and writing coach Jessica Brody discusses the art of writing a bestselling novel. They explore the value of writing down ideas and not aiming for perfection in the first draft. They also discuss their journey as writers, the Unremembered Trilogy's time travel plot, the 'fish out of water' element in storytelling, the psychological preparation for writing, and the balance between curiosity and planning in the writing process.