In this lively discussion, April Dávila, an award-winning author and writing coach, shares how mindfulness transformed her writing journey. She reveals how a simple daily meditation practice helped her overcome writer's block and achieve literary success. April emphasizes the importance of understanding emotions to create authentic characters and offers a unique editing tip that goes beyond just stepping away from drafts. She also discusses the role of community in overcoming challenges and encourages writers to embrace self-compassion for a healthier creative process.

Uncover how a character's past shapes their present identity and actions. Delve into the significance of wounding events and inner obstacles that create meaningful conflicts. Discover essential elements for crafting compelling backstories, including emotional wounds and current behavior. Explore practical exercises to develop rich character histories. Plus, gain insights through a detailed character analysis from a popular book. Elevate your storytelling by understanding the depth behind your characters!

Savannah Carlisle, a romance novelist and sports business reporter, shares her inspiring journey from writing a heartwarming debut novel, 'The Library of Second Chances,' to landing a deal with her dream publisher. She reveals how she drew inspiration from real-life experiences and 'You’ve Got Mail.' Discover her candid take on breaking up with her agent and the valuable lessons learned from a developmental editor. Savannah also discusses the importance of mentorship and why she chose traditional publishing over self-publishing.

In this discussion, Michelle Glogovac, a podcast publicist and author, shares her expertise on maximizing exposure for authors through podcast appearances. She introduces the concept of a podcast book tour and its benefits. Michelle dives into effective pitching strategies, even for those without a finished book, and emphasizes the importance of personal storytelling. She encourages authors to repurpose content from their interviews for better ROI and highlights the value in sharing unique experiences to engage audiences.

Savannah Gilbo, a writer and expert in query letters, shares tips on writing a compelling query letter that grabs agents' attention. Topics include the importance of query letters, how to write one effectively, troubleshooting if it's not working, and final thoughts. Learn the key components needed to craft an engaging query letter for literary agents and editors.

Author Randy Ellefson discusses how to create believable monsters, types of monsters, common motivations, and the impact of exploring diverse genres. The conversation covers monster origins, symbolic representations, and the role of monsters in driving conflicts in fiction writing.

Join as literary analyst Abigail K. Perry discusses how Suzanne Collins masterfully sets up themes of resistance and survival in the opening chapter of 'Mockingjay'. Analyzing macro and micro elements, the discussion explores the protagonist Katniss Everdeen's internal conflict as she grapples with the pressure to become the Mockingjay. The episode highlights the balance between engaging the audience from the start and delivering intricate details effectively.

Learn about the 5 most common multi POV mistakes writers make and how to avoid them. From including too many POV characters to not tying storylines together, this episode provides valuable insights for crafting engaging narratives.

Strategist Rhonda Douglas shares tips on handling creative anxiety and writer's block. She discusses preventive vs. curative measures, breaking down writing tasks, and proactive approaches like setting a cozy writing ambiance. The episode emphasizes personalized solutions for writers to manage anxiety and foster creativity.

Tips for better fiction writing: Embrace scene structure, avoid excessive backstory, focus on protagonist's journey, navigate the story's midpoint, shift perspectives when stuck. Insights from editors and coaches on crafting compelling fiction at all levels.