DIY MFA Radio

Hey there word nerds! Today I am delighted to have author Zinzi Clemmons on the show! Zinzi’s gorgeous debut novel, What We Lose, has already taken the literary world by storm establishing her as a strong new voice to watch. Raised in the Philadelphia suburbs by a South African mother and American father, Zinzi has much in common with the main character of her novel, Thandi, so much so that What We Lose has been described as autobiographical fiction. Listen in as we dive into Zinzi’s novel and how to craft fiction and reality in a novel that defies normal expectations. In this episode Zinzi and I discuss: Autobiographical fiction, and how to decide what pieces of reality to include in your novel. How to weave big topics—such as race and identity—into your novel organically. What to do when you receive pushback about your story, and how to preserve that emotional truth. Why art and literature can shine a light on the grey areas of life. When to keep pursuing a novel and when to throw it out. Plus, Zinzi’s #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/165

Hey there word nerds! In today’s episode I bring you again live to ThrillerFest 2017! This time I’ve assembled a panel of authors all published by Quercus books and who all start their very different books with a bang. I am so excited to be speaking with Adam Hamdy, K.J. Howe, and Sam Wiebe, and sharing our panel discussion on the show! Listen in as we discuss the process of writing a high paced first chapter and the many facets of the Thriller genre. In this episode Adam, K.J., Sam, and I discuss: How to start a book with a bang that pulls the reader in and introduces your character. The “silence” after the bang, and how to craft that moment so that it holds the reader’s interest. Dramatic tension, and how to raise the stakes in scenes that might not be life or death. How to craft opening scenes that hook your readers, whether you start with a group, a one-on-one interaction, or inside a single character’s head. What the authors’ favorite opening scenes are and why. Plus, each of these fabulous authors’ #1 tips for writers. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/164

Hey there word nerds! Today I am so delighted to have Nancy Pearl on the show! Nancy is a book world legend. From her more than three decades of experience as a librarian and a bookseller, to her worldwide speaking engagements on the importance of reading she has become the go-to person for all things literary. Now with the publication of her debut novel, George and Lizzie, Nancy throws her own words onto the fiction bookshelf. Listen in as we discuss how being a good reader makes you a good writer, and the sensation of moving from the person who recommends books to being the author of a book that is recommended. In this episode Nancy and I discuss: How to nudge yourself to read outside your comfort zone, and why doing so can help your writing. The difference between reading for pleasure and reading with purpose and how to shift gears between the two. How to do know when to quit on a book, and why it aids you when you do. Letting your characters tell their story and drive your novel to the correct conclusion. The difference between ideas in your head and what actually gets written on the page, and why this distinction is so important. Plus Nancy's #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/163 

Hey there word nerds! Today I am delighted to have Sebastien de Castell on the show! Sebastien is the author of the four part Greatcoats series which includes Traitor's Blade, Knight's Shadow, Saint's Blood, and most recently Tyrant's Throne. Before coming to writing Sebastien bounced around from careers as diverse as archaeologist and fight choreographer, and with the Greatcoats series completed can now add author of swashbuckling saga to his list. Listen in as we discuss how to craft a series from beginning to end and how to use dramatic tension between characters to build a more entertaining world. In this episode Sebastien and I discuss how to: Tap into your writing flow and find the method that works for you. Write a true “swashbuckling” story. Build a world that feels real and forms organically on the page. Craft a series by building on what’s happened in previous books through dramatic tension between characters. Create plot twists that work, and how to know when they’re not working. Plus Sebastien's #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/162

Hey there word nerds! Today I have the pleasure of hosting Gina Cascone and Bryony Williams Sheppard on the show! This mother-daughter powerhouse team has co-authored the picture book Around the World Right Now, a multicultural adventure through our world's 24 time zones. Gina is the author of 30 books in several different genres, and Bryony is a teacher at heart and loves bringing stories to life for her students, making them the perfect duo to bring this story to life. Listen in as we dissect the writing elements of Around the World Right Now and the exciting, often daunting, task of crafting a picture book. In this episode Gina, Bryony, and I discuss: What the important things you must consider when writing a picture book. The delicate balance between not fixating too much on the images while also giving the illustrator something to work with. How to craft a good story that can also be a great learning tool. Why it is much more difficult to write for children than adults. How to craft a picture book that can engage and entertain children while not being flashy. Plus both of these ladies' #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/161  

Hey there word nerds! Today I am delighted to have debut novelist Katherine Nouri Hughes on the show! Katherine is publishing her debut, The Mapmaker's Daughter, at the age of 67. Her book is a remarkable feat not only in its scope, but in its depth. Listen in as we discuss the different and largely unknown (in western culture) historical framework of Katherine's novel, and the craft of writing the truth in fiction through your own experiences. In this episode Katherine and I discuss: How to piece together facts of an unknown person in history to create an exciting and believable novel. How to reveal the core truth of your story through showing instead of telling. How to keep the proportions of your story's narrative in check. Why learning to be calm and relaxed with your novel helps you write better. The challenges and advantages are of writing a novel later in life. Plus, Katherine's #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/160  

Hey there word nerds! Today I have the pleasure of having bestselling author Jane Green on the show! Jane has written 17 New York Times bestsellers, and her books have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. While her latest book The Sunshine Sisters might be pegged as a "beach read" there is a depth and richness to the relationships between the characters that makes it so much more. Listen in as we discuss Jane's latest novel and the craft of writing intricate characters relationships. In this episode Jane and I discuss: How to craft a story around a large issue, such as the right to die, without writing an issue driven book. How to craft characters with very different personalities all striving to find their "happiness" in a way readers will love, and the poem that inspired Jane to write about mother-daughter relationships. How to balance the tug-of-war between writing for the market and writing from your heart. Why you need to hear feedback, and how to know whether you need to listen to it. How using a unique POV framework can crystalize who the characters are, and keep things exciting for you as a writer. Plus, Jane's #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/159

Hey there word nerds! Today I am delighted to have Joseph Finder on the show! Joseph is The New York Times bestselling author of thirteen previous novels, including the international bestseller Killer Instinct, which won ITW's Thriller Award for Best Novel in 2006, and two novels- Paranoia and High Crimes- which became major motion pictures. Listen in as we talk about his new book, The Switch, in which a simple mix-up at airport security throws an innocent man into the crosshairs of sinister government secrets, and the craft elements behind creating a realistic suspense novel and a likeable antagonist. In this episode Joseph and I discuss: What to include when writing a mistaken identity story. How to craft an unlikeable character that is relatable to readers. How to keep a story gripping when the audience knows more than the character. How to use dual point of view to craft a sympathetic antagonist and protagonist. How to create a sense of reality in a suspense novel. Plus, Joseph's #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/158

Hey there word nerds! In today's episode I bring you live to ThrillerFest 2017 where I have assembled a panel of five, that's right five, debut authors. Not only are all these fabulous authors debuts, they are also all women and represent different sub-genres in the broad category of thriller. I am so excited to be speaking with Jennifer Soosar, Christina Kovac, Lili Wright, Shelia Sobel, and Alexia Gordon, and sharing our panel discussion on the show! Listen in as we discuss the life of a debut author and take away some nuggets of wisdom for your own debut experience. In this episode Jennifer, Christina, Lili, Shelia, Alexia, and I discuss: What sub-genre they each tackle in the broad scope of the thriller genre. What the best and worst parts of being a debut author are. How to use writing conferences to your best advantage to network and find your publisher. How to navigate both the expected and unexpected hurdles of first time publication. How to tackle marketing and self-promotion as a debut. Plus, the #1 tip for writers from each of these talented ladies. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/157

Hey there word nerds! Today I am so excited to have Courtney Maum on the show! Courtney is the author of I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You, and pieces of short fiction an essays that have appeared in places such as New York Times. Her latest novel, Touch, is the satirical story of Sloane Jacobson a trend forecaster who sees a move against electronics and toward in-person interaction ahead. Listen in as we discuss the strange yet believable world of Touch, an dhow limiting our electronic usage can be beneficial to our creativity. In this episode Courtney and I discuss: Why a huge emphasis on electronics is damaging to your writer's intuition and creativity. How to craft a "blind spot" for a character who's job it is to know everything, thus giving readers a reason to read on. How to best research and craft a story of speculative fiction. Why it is important to find friends outside the writing community. How learning to write copy can help you in other writing endeavors. Plus Courtney's #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/156