The Bestseller Experiment

Maria started as a screenwriter. Her book, Where’d You Go, Bernadette? spent over a year on the New York Times bestsellers. She spoke to us about the things that stop us writing truthfully. In this episode you will discover: - Why she prefers writing novels: learn to love being in control. - Find your voice: and how to cut writing classes. - The voice of self-sabotage: you need to be true and real to defeat this monster. - Writing for revenge: what makes you a stronger writer? Revenge or generosity? Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

The two Marks bring you up to date on the trials and tribulations their nascent bestseller, the processes that they’re going through, and how two writers can work together without driving each other bonkers. In this episode you will discover: - How they decided on what to write about and how you can use the same template. - How to take your big ideas and themes and apply them to your story and characters. - Discover if you’re a plotter or a pantser (that’s a word, apparently). - What we’ve learned from our guests so far and how we’re applying that to our story. - The dangers of relying on your outline too much. - Why it’s essential to be able to hold two opposing views in your head. - Why texture can wait, and why it pays to be observant. - And why you should be thinking of where your book will sit in a bookshop. Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com  

Robin is the author of the Murder Most Unladylike Mysteries books, a middle grade series following schoolgirl detectives Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong in a 1930s English boarding school, but Robin started out on her bestselling adventure with NaNoWriMo. In this episode you will discover… How to get through that first draft and accept that all first drafts are horrible. How you can take that first draft and make it awesome. The importance of an elevator pitch. The thing that happens to all first drafts at 33,000 words! How to use word count to structure your writing day. How to use Pinterest for your research.  

Joe Abercrombie burst onto the fantasy scene in 2003 with his debut The Blade Itself. His books have climbed high up the Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, and he had some unusual advice for writers when we spoke to him at GollanczFest.

We were delighted to welcome NaNoWriMo’s Grant Faulkner back to the podcast in mid-November, where we discussed strategies for coping with the ‘muddy middle’. Those second-act blues where a storyteller can get completely lost or overwhelmed. In this episode you will discover… You are not alone! Even the most experienced writers share your pain. Simple strategies to keep your writing going through even the thickest mud. How writers have used NaNoWriMo as a springboard for their careers. Everyone’s story matters, and it’s never too late for you to start. Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

Michael Connelly is one of the most successful crime authors in the world with over 60m book sales. Having just released his new Harry Bosch thriller, he shares secrets about developing characters & writing book series - in the back of a London cab! In this episode you will discover… - The secrets to writing a series character. - How you can make an emotional connection with the reader. - How much ego you need to be a writer. - And how fifteen minutes’ writing a day can make all the difference.   Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

In this episode you will discover… How the problems in your life can make for great stories later on. How you can stay authentic and honest. How to cope with artistic frustration. What Bryan looks for when taking on a character, and how you can apply that to your writing. And how you can apply CAPS - the Cranston Assessment of Projects, Bryan’s own system of selection - to your project to make it stand out. And how to avoid being a ‘Sneaky Pete’!

In this episode you will discover…   That NaNoWriMo is a community: and you can be part of it.   How it can benefit your writing: it’s not about critiquing, but more like a worldwide support group.   Embrace the fear of the fist draft: all the books we loved started as first drafts, and NaNoWriMo gives you permission to write that rough first draft.   A goal and a deadline are a creative midwife: give yourself permission to do it!

Best known for her novel Chocolat, which sold well over a million copies and was made into a movie starring Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche, Joanne has written over twenty books, including Runemarks and Gospel of Loki, which were based on Norse legend. We spoke to her at GollanczFest about writing, aspiration and sheds. In this episode you will discover…    How to find your voice: it’s what will make you a better writer.   Prepare for success: not failure!   Writing for Twitter: Joanne’s shed has changed how she writes. Could it work for you?   Are you an aspiring writer? Joanne has some excellent advice for you…  

In this episode you will discover…    How to earn a living from writing: It can be done, and Shannon shows you how. Spoiler: it involves a lot of hard work!   Agents: do you need one?   Training: Train yourself to learn your craft and how the industry works.   Develop a work ethic: This is not a hobby and you’ll need to work around the day job.   Your muse is your bitch! Don’t wait for creativity to show up.   Editors: You need one. Yes, you do. And Shannon tells you where to find one.