DIY MFA Radio

I'm especially excited to share today's episode with you because it features my awesome agent, Jeff Kleinman. In this episode, Jeff and I talk about query letters: what they are, why you need one, and how to make yours stand out from the slush. After asking Jeff about the nuts-and-bolts basics of query letters, we then launch into a query critique session in which he gives feedback on queries submitted by people in the DIY MFA audience. You'll want to read the show notes for this one, and also follow along reading the queries as you listen to the critiques. Head on over to DIYMFA.com/035 for all the details.

Supporting characters are an essential ingredient for crafting your story. Not only do these characters add depth and further the plot, they also help support the protagonist's character arc. In this episode, I'll share five supporting character archetypes, who they are and why they exist. While in writing there are no hard and fast rules, these archetypes can serve as a jumping off point so you can create dynamic, interesting characters in your story. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/034

Voice is one of those topics in writing that is so hard to pin down and define. The one thing that we can be certain of with voice, though, is that we know it when we hear it. When we read a story or book with a particularly strong voice, we can tell right away. Today's episode was inspired by a question from a listener about how to keep character voices distinct and engaging. In this episode, I share my go-to techniques for voice, but in making your characters come to life, and for finding your voice in the narrator. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/033

One of the biggest game-changers for my writing career has been attending writers' conferences. In this episode, I share some insider conference tips to help you get the most out of the experience and help you network like a pro (even if you're an introvert, like me). I used to be terrified of live events because I'm painfully shy, but with practice I've learned how to bring my A-game to every conference I attend, and now I'm speaking at them too! In this episode I reveal the #1 thing you must do at a conference in order to get the most out of it. I also walk you through the before, during, and after stages, with practical tips of what to do at each point. I share a simple 4-step formula to help you connect with bigwigs in any situation, plus I'll give you insights on what NOT to do so you always put your best foot forward. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/032

Do you ever feel pulled in a million different directions, chasing one sparkly writing project after nother. This episode is all about figuring out where to focus your writing energy so you can get results and finish a project. Finding focus is all about balancing three things: your passions, your strengths, and ROI (return on investment). For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/031

 Today is an extra special episode because I’ll be interviewing a fabulous author and my good friend: Kathryn Holmes. We're going to be talking about how to create a setting that feels real to the reader, a subject you'll find she knows a lot about. Kathryn's debut novel is out this week and (as you can imagine from the title of this episode) setting and world-building play a HUGE role in her story. In this episode, Kathrny and I do a deep dive on setting, exploring different aspects of it and techniques that writers can use to make the world of their stories come to life. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/030

I have been a long-time follower of author Jeff Goins and his work, so it was an absolute thrill to host him on the show for this episode. In it we discuss his journey as a writer and how he got to where he is now, how he found his purpose (and how other writers can do the same), and the power of building an online platform. We also talked about finding that "sweet spot" between what you're passionate about, what you're good at and what the market wants in order to make maximum impact. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/029

Today's episode is especially for the children's writers out there. Have you wanted to create a picture book, but weren't sure how to translate it from paper to a Kindle eBook? Fear not! Kindle has made some amazing changes lately that make publishing an electronic picture book super-easy. Not only that, now that picture books have gone digital, the flexibility and options available to writers and illustrators have expanded exponentially! In this episode, I talk with Laura Backes, co-founder and publisher of CBI (Children's Book Insider) a newsletter and database filled with valuable information for children's book writers. Not only that, Laura has delved into this wild world of electronic picture books and has become an expert at this new technology. In this interview, she shares insights she has learned and discusses why digital publishing is a fantastic option for indie picture book authors and illustrators. For more details and information, head over to the show notes at DIYMFA.com/028

I am absolutely thrilled for this episode today. Not only is the topic timely and something that's on a lot of writers' minds, but I get to interview two awesome authors about their new book: The Art of Social Media. These authors are, of course, Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick and their book is filled with tips and techniques that will help with your social media, whether you've been on social media since it started, or are just starting out. After having the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of The Art of Social Media, I would would recommend it for newbies and social media junkies alike, though for different reasons. For newbies, this book breaks breaks things down into small, manageable pieces, so even a topic as broad (and potentially overwhelming) a social media can feel totally doable. And for social media junkies, I would recommend this book for its more overarching ideas: like how to continue to generate good content, and create an integrated social media strategy. As someone who spends a lot of time on social media, I found some great actionable tips and ideas that I've already implemented in my own social media strategy. In this interview, the authors share some of their best tips about social media. From big picture ideas about content marketing, to the nuts-and-bolts of social media, listen in for a great interview about social media for writers.  For more details and information, head over to the show notes at DIYMFA.com/027

Many people say they want to write a book, but very few actually do it. Stop dream, start doing. I'll show you how. Today's episode is all about getting those words on the page and that book out into the world. During the show I talk about why you need to write this book in the first place. Then I debunk three major myths about writing, plus give you a "secret" formula for how to up your game. Finally I share the #1 writing tool that has changed my writing forever and walk you through the step-by-step of putting that tool into action. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/026