Afleveringen
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Would you believe me if I said social media could make you a better writer? If youâre shaking your head NO, youâll want to check out this episode.
[02:26] What led Lara to specialize in social media marketing for authors, and how she can help you find your target audience of readers online [06:09] How writers often have a negative perception of social mediaâitâs either a necessary evil to help them promote their books, or itâs a time suck that threatens their writing (and sometimes their mental health)[07:34] Unexpected ways social media can increase your creativity, inspiration, passion, and motivation (along with some practical examples so you can put these things into practice, too)[17:35] How to conduct actionable market research using social mediaâthink getting reader input and feedback, sensitivity awareness, and things like that[29:51] A few different ways you can use social media to find the community, accountability, and support you need to finish your book[32:56] How to use social media intentionally to maintain your boundaries and focus on what matters mostâwriting your book!
My guest, Lara Ferrari, is an Instagram marketing specialist who has helped hundreds of writers grow engaged communities of readers online (and have FUN while doing it).
In this episode, sheâs sharing how you can use social media to increase your creativity and motivation, get reader input and feedback, do market research, and find the accountability and support you need to become a better writer.
In the episode, youâll hear us talk about things like:If youâve ever felt unsure about social media, or if social media consistently feels like something thatâs just too hard to tackle, youâre going to LOVE this episode with Lara!
Lara Ferrariâs InstagramGrab Laraâs Instagram Glow Up Guide here!
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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Earlier this year, I published my first book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stoneâand I learned soooo much about book marketing.
Tune into this episode to hear the ten surprising lessons I learned from my first book launch, including things like:
[03:10] What I learned about asking for Amazon reviewsâand how asking for favors was the most uncomfortable part of the book launch process for me[04:30] A look behind the scenes at my marketing plan, including how I balanced things like social media, emailing my list, and working with ARC Readers and influencers[07:50] What moved the needle for me and made it possible for my book to become an Amazon bestseller and the #1 New Release in the category[12:00] The hardest part of the book launch for me emotionallyâand how I dealt with people who didnât show up for me like they said they would[15:30] Why itâs important to celebrate after publishing a book (and what my celebration looked likeâspoiler alert: it was very low-key but still fun!)If you want a peek behind the scenes to hear what worked, what didnât work, what Iâm glad I did, and what Iâd do differently next time, youâre going to love this episode!
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:
Ep. #107 - List Building Essentials For AuthorsGrab a copy of my new book, The Story Grid Masterwork Guide To Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone (and then claim your bonuses) here!Leave a review for my book on AmazonClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Do you ever wish you could see a behind-the-scenes look at how other people write?
In this episode, youâll get to hear directly from five of my Notes to Novel students as they share how they brainstormed, outlined, and wrote their books inside the Notes to Novel course. I asked each of them to share the biggest thing that helped them get to âThe Endâ of their drafts, and thatâs exactly what theyâre sharing with you today.
In the episode, youâll hear things like:
[01:50] How fast drafting and using placeholders for pending details helped Poornika finish a 114,000-word draft in only 88 days [04:50] How Alison learned to embrace scene structure (and what this did in terms of her ability to write a first draft)[07:40] How a small mindset shift around outlining gave Mark a framework to develop his ideas (without stifling his creativity or ability to have fun)[12:10] How Sharonâs critique group noticed an improvement in her writing after she learned how to write a well-structured scene[16:30] How Rhonda defeated her inner critic that used to tell her she was too old to writeâand how she finished an 80,000-word first draftTrust me when I say that you will find these writersâ stories so inspirational! I had so much fun putting together this episode and canât wait to share their insights with you!
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:
Poornika Kakkanaiahâs website and InstagramAlison Ten Cateâs InstagramSharon Englandâs InstagramMark Mrozinskiâs website and InstagramClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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As someone whoâs worked with hundreds of authors, I see people making the same mistakes over and over and over again. Mistakes that are easily avoidable once you know theyâre mistakes.
[01:27] Why waiting until you feel more âreadyâ to write is actually one of the worst things you can do (and spoiler alert: you will never feel ready!)[06:18] Why most writing groups donât work (even if theyâre full of well-meaning members)âand how to find the right writing group for you[09:16] Why writing and revising at the same time is not the best thing to do (and what you should start doing instead to make progress on your book)[20:30] The problem with popular writing methodsâand why they can do more harm than good, especially if youâre brand new to writing[24:59] My thoughts on investing in your craft, including when (and how) you should invest both your time and money based on where youâre at in the process[28:26] Episode recap and final thoughts
In this episode, Iâm sharing some of these mistakes. Specifically, the 10 things that will NOT make you a better writerâand oh boy is it a juicy episode! In it, youâll hear me talk about:So, tune in and let me help you avoid making some of the most common mistakes writers makeâand letâs make this the year you finish (or publish!) your book.
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!đ Links mentioned in this episode:
Notes to NovelThe Spun YarnClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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âI think your story has a genre identity crisis. Thatâs probably why youâre not getting responses from agents.â â Thatâs what I told my new friend, Jac Sahlin, about the duology sheâs currently querying.
[04:59] Jacâs thoughts about what it was like to get feedback from a book coachâand how it was different than getting feedback when she was taking creative writing courses in college[08:32] My process for analyzing Jacâs query and first five pages, including where I start and what literary agents are looking for in a query package[15:41] The difference between writing womenâs fiction and romanceâand why this matters both when writing a draft and querying agents[31:25] Jacâs big a-ha moments about which genre she wants her story to fit into (and spoiler alert: she followed her gut and chose romance![01:03] Episode recap and final thoughts
Tune into this episode to hear Jac and I talk through her query letter and first five pagesâand to hear my thoughts on why she hasnât received any requests from agents. Although Jac isnât technically a client of mine, our conversation will give you a peek behind the scenes into what itâs like working with a book coach!
In the episode, youâll hear us talk about things like:If you want my help with your story, the doors to my Notes to Novel group coaching program are opening soon! Click here to get on the waitlist.
Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Book Talk for BookTok podcastBook Talk for BookTok on InstagramClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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âHow many scenes are in the Diagon Alley chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone?â Believe it or not, this is one of the most frequently asked questions I get from writers when they hear Iâve written a book breaking apart this mega best seller scene by scene.
[04:21] How to analyze your scenes from three different perspectivesâthe readerâs perspective, the characterâs perspective, and the authorâs perspective[11:33] A quick trick for determining if your scenes work (and how to identify which areas of your scenes need work once youâve written them)[20:12] Why we chose to analyze this chapter as one 6,500-word-long scene versus a bunch of smaller scenes (and how the structure of this scene works)[23:12] The purpose of the smaller moments within the scene that are arguably significant (and move the scene) forward but arenât technically âscenesâ[41:14] Our final thoughts on writing a scene like Diagon Alley
And itâs a valid question! This chapter was the hardest chapter for us to analyze when putting together The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone.
But this week, Abigail K. Perry and I have an answer for you! Tune into this weekâs episode to hear us take a deep dive into the structure of Chapter 5, âDiagon Alley,ââincluding how many scenes we see in this chapter.
In the episode, youâll hear us talk about things like:If you like this episode, youâll LOVE my book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide. Click here to pre-order a copy and get access to a collection of bonuses in addition to a copy of the book.
Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Pre-order my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses!Watch the video interview on Story Gridâs YouTube channelClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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How did Rowling deliver on the life-and-death stakes an action story requires, but in a way appropriate for middle-grade readers? How did she consistently weave together the external plot and Harryâs character arc in such a way that theyâre inseparable?
02:26] The structure of the beginning hookâaka how Rowling introduced us to Harry and immersed us in his world before sending him to Hogwarts. [10:08] How the middle build-up leads to the all-important midpoint moment. What will Harry do now that his lifeâs been threatened by a teacher?[22:56] How the middle breakdown brings Harry to an all-time lowâand why this is critical in terms of Harryâs growth and ability to defeat Voldemort[27:57] The structure of the ending payoffâaka how Rowling continued to raise the stakes and delivered an awesome Hero At The Mercy Of The Villain scene[32:25] And so much moreâŠ
Tune into this episode to hear Abigail K. Perry and I talk through the plot structure of Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone using the Story Gridâs Five Commandments of Storytelling. Yep, weâve broken down the beginning, middle, and end of the first Harry Potter book so you donât have to. Cool, right?
Youâll hear us talk about things like:If you like this episode, youâll LOVE my book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide. Click here to pre-order a copy and get access to a collection of bonuses in addition to a copy of the book.
Pre-order my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses!Watch the video interview on Story Gridâs YouTube channel
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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Rowling is a master at weaving the external plot with Harryâs internal character arcâand using the external plot events to help Harry grow and change.
Pre-order my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses!The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know by Shawn CoyneAction Story: The Primal Genre by Shawn Coyne
In this episode, youâll hear Abigail K. Perry and I talk through the big-picture plot structure of Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone using the Story Gridâs Five Commandments of Storytelling. Weâll also discuss how this story fits in the Action Genre Framework and how Rowling adapted that framework to suit a middle-grade audience.
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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J.K. Rowling is the master of layering things within her scenes. Sheâs also fantastic at raising the stakes from scene to scene, too. But how does she do it
Tune into this episode to hear Abigail K. Perry and I talk to Tim Grahl (the CEO of Story Grid) about what it was like to study Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stoneâwhat we learned from J.K. Rowling about writing scenes and so much more.
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Pre-order my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses!Watch the video interview on Story Gridâs YouTube channel
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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Ever wonder how Rowling created such a fantastic, three-dimensional story world for her Harry Potter series?
[02:38] How Rowling built a fantastic story world ripe for life and death conflicts (but in a way thatâs age-appropriate for middle-grade readers)[04:39] How Rowling focused on fleshing out the world-building details that mattered for book oneâand introduced them to readers right alongside Harry[08:18] How to think about your own world-building (spoiler alert: you donât need to have everything figured out or perfectly mapped in your early drafts!)[12:43] How Rowling made every detail of her world countâand how she used those details to hide important plot clues and encourage character development[16:27] And so much moreâŠ
Thatâs exactly what youâll hear in this weekâs brand-new podcast episode! Join me, Abigail K. Perry, and Tim Grahl, as we discuss the world-building in Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stoneâand what we learned from our analysis of this mega best seller.
Youâll hear us talk about things like:
If you like this episode, youâll LOVE my book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide. Click here to pre-order a copy and get access to a collection of bonuses in addition to a copy of the book.
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!đ Links mentioned in this episode:
Pre-order my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses!Watch the video interview on Story Gridâs YouTube channelClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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Plot catalysts make it difficult for a character to achieve their goals. If youâre writing an Action story, there are three main plot catalysts youâll want to include in your bookâa speech in praise of the villain, a deadline or ticking clock, and one or more set-piece action sequences.
Tune into this episode to hear a sneak peek from my new book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone, and hear how Rowling used plot catalysts to keep readers engaged.
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:
Pre-order a copy of my book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses!Click here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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Ever wonder how Rowling created such a wonderful cast of quirky and relatable characters in the Harry Potter series?
If so, tune into this episode to hear Abigail K. Perry, Tim Grahl, and me talk about the characters in Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone.
Youâll hear us talk about things like:
[02:32] How to think about the number of characters you include in your story (and what we can learn from the characters Rowling highlighted in book one)[09:17] How to write a dynamic cast of characters that can help your protagonist grow and change (and, in Harryâs case, aid or harm his ability to survive)[09:49] Why Rowling layered the forces of antagonism Harry faces in this first book (and why this was necessary based on his age and skill level)[17:07] How point of view choice affects our interpretation of the events in the storyâand influences whether we classify certain characters as âgoodâ or âevilâ[20:26] And so much moreâŠIf you like this episode, youâll LOVE my book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide. Click here to pre-order a copy and get access to a collection of bonuses in addition to a copy of the book.
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:
re-order my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses!Watch the video interview on Story Gridâs YouTube channelClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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What made Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone a worldwide bestseller? Why does this story still resonate with readers almost thirty years later?
And why did Abigail and I agree to spend so much time dissecting every single scene and page to find out how and why it works?!
Tune into this episode to hear Abigail K. Perry and I talk to Tim Grahl (the CEO of Story Grid) about what it was like to study Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stoneâwhy we chose this book, what we learned from our analysis, and so much more.
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:
Pre-order my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses!Watch the video interview on Story Gridâs YouTube channelClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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Ever wish you could understand exactly what makes your favorite stories so lovable? Me too! So much so that I deconstructed every single scene in the first Harry Potter book to see how and why it worked.
And today, Iâm super excited to share with you that my brand-new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, is officially available for pre-order right now!
Tune into this episode to hear me talk about things like:
[03:25] Whatâs inside the book and how itâs structured (spoiler: itâs a writerâs companion guide to the first Harry Potter book that examines every single scene)
[06:00] Who this book is for (another spoiler: itâs for anyone who wants to learn how to write like Rowling, whether youâre writing fantasy or not)
[07:15] All the JUICY details about the pre-order bonuses Iâm giving awayâbonuses so good theyâre worth paying for (but yours free with purchase)
[10:00] Behind-the-scenes insight into why pre-orders are so important (hint: I want to deconstruct the whole Harry Potter series and need your help!)Click here to pre-order your copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and youâll also get access to a collection of bonuses in addition to a copy of the book as soon as itâs available on July 31st, 2024.
Thank you so much for being on this journey with me! Your support means the world to me, and I canât thank you enough. Iâm sooo excited to hear your thoughts on this book, so please tag me on Instagram (@savannah.gilbo) when you get your copy!
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:
Pre-order my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses!Click here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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Antagonists can make or break a storyâboth for the writer and the reader.
Writers who donât spend time developing their antagonists tend to write drafts that fall apart in the middle. Anyone who reads a story with a weak or unconvincing protagonist is unlikely to finish it.
So, how do we go about making our antagonists just as compelling as our protagonists? How do we write an antagonist with impact?
In this episode, Iâm sharing five questions that will help you create a compelling, genre-appropriate antagonist who will provide the central conflict in your novel.
In the episode, youâll learn things like:
[02:25] What does it mean to write âan antagonist?â Plus, my thoughts on the common misconception that antagonists are always âbad guysâ[04:11] Tips for fleshing out your antagonistâs goal, motivation, and plansâaka THE KEY to writing a solid antagonist (and avoiding a middle that sags)[13:47] An easy way to determine whatâs at stake for your antagonist should they succeed or fail in accomplishing their goal (hint: itâs related to your genre!)[19:26] How to determine the thematic significance of your antagonist (and how identifying this will help you write a more cohesive and impactful story)[23:09] Episode recap and final thoughtsIf youâve ever had trouble fleshing out your storyâs antagonist, or if youâve ever written a draft that falls apart in the middle, this is the episode for you!
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:
Ep. 131 - 5 Steps To Start Planning Your Book SeriesEp. 145 - How To Develop Your Character's BackstoryPre-order my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis GuideClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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âNever wonder if readers will love your story again.â This is exactly what Theodora Taylor teaches you how to do in her book 7 FIGURE FICTION: How to Use Universal Fantasy to SELL Your Books to ANYONE.
[04:52] How Theodora discovered Universal Fantasy in a Facebook ads classâand how this immediately resulted in an increase in book sales[09:05] How Universal Fantasy can be the missing link between your book and the right kind of readers who will love it just as much as you do[13:33] An example of a Universal Fantasy from Disneyâs Beauty and the Beast (and also how this relates to the fixer-upper trope)[16:33] What Cinderella, Harry Potter, and Mark Watney have in common (spoiler alert: theyâre all the same Universal Fantasy: the Suffering Cinderella!)[20:05] How Universal Fantasy can help you âbutter upâ your settings, characters, and dialogueâand write the most DELICIOUS stories possible[35:12] How Universal Fantasy can help you write your back cover copy, find accurate comp titles, and write query letters that agents will love
Despite writing fiction in a niche genre (interracial romance), Theodora Taylor has grown a fanbase of rabid readers and fans through the power of something she calls Universal Fantasyâaka âthe ingredients you need to write DELICIOUS stories!â
In this episode, Theodora Taylor shares how she discovered Universal Fantasy, and how she uses it to codify what works (or doesnât work) in her own writing. She gives examples from popular books and movies, and even shares how you can use Universal Fantasy in your back cover copy, query letters, and more.
In the episode, youâll hear us talk about things like:If youâve ever wondered how some books feel like theyâre made with magic (or some kind of special secret sauce), youâre going to love this episode with Theodora Taylor!
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:
Theodora Taylorâs Website7 FIGURE FICTION: How to Use Universal Fantasy to SELL Your Books to ANYONE by Theodora TaylorTheodora Taylorâs FictionClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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Want a peek behind the scenes into my work week? đ
[05:07] A behind-the-scenes look at the making of this podcastâhow (and why) I batch script and record multiple episodes at a time[09::07] What it was like to work through the copy edits on my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide[13:15] How I manage my energy and mental health when I have a week full of live videos that require lots of extroverting (and why this is so important)[18:10] A preview of some of the marketing plans for my upcoming book release in July (including how Iâm thinking about my ARC Team & Street Team)[27:55] Some client wins, including a book cover reveal, a revise and resubmit (R&R) request, and how one writer is stuck choosing between two agents
In this episode, Iâm taking you behind the scenes and sharing what I do as a developmental editor and book coach.
Iâll talk through the projects Iâm working on, what Iâm excited (or not excited) about, whatâs coming up in the next few weeks, what I learn from the writers I work with, and basically anything else that happens during the week!
Tune into the episode to hear me talk about things like:Thanks for coming on this journey with me, and I hope you enjoy this peek behind the scenes! See you next week!
Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Click here to get on the waitlist for my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis GuideAuthor Acceleratorâs Book Coach Certification ProgramJust Food For Dogs
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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If youâve ever felt frustrated with your progress (or lack of progress), itâs probably time to take a step back from your writing and consider your mindset.
[03:18] How Aprilâs mindfulness practice helped her go from struggling to write her novel to getting an agent, selling her book, and winning awards[07:20] What you can do in just 5-10 minutes per day to develop your own mindfulness practiceâand how this can help you be a more focused writer[10:20] How to identify the root cause of your writerâs block (and why this is so important in terms of your ability to banish writerâs block for good)[12:54] Why understanding your emotions (and sitting with them even if theyâre uncomfortable) is the key to writing characters that are rich and engaging[20:19] Aprilâs favorite tip for editing your own work more effectively (and how itâs not just about âtaking time and space away from your draftâ)[29:35] Why itâs important to be kind and compassionate to yourself so that you donât get burned out or end up feeling so discouraged that you quit writing
To help you do just that, Iâm sharing a conversation in todayâs podcast episode with April DĂĄvila, an award-winning author, speaker, and writing coach who specializes in teaching writers to integrate mediation into their writing practice.
Tune into this episode to hear us talk about how integrating mindfulness in her writing practice helped April push past writerâs block, write fewer drafts, craft more compelling characters, and so much more.
In the episode, youâll hear us talk about things like:This is a super fun episode with my guest, April DĂĄvila, and I canât wait for you to hear her top 6 ways mindfulness can make you a happier and more productive writer.
Click here to listen!
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
April DĂĄvila on InstagramApril DĂĄvila WebsiteEp. 88 - Perfectionism vs. Procrastination: What's REALLY Going On?Ep. 123 - How To Overcome The 5 Types Of Imposter Syndrome
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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Crafting compelling backstories for your fictional characters is critical to developing a cohesive story, but itâs sometimes easier said than done.
There are endless options when it comes to which details you can include in your characterâs backstory, and what you do include will influence everything that happens in your storyâfrom the plot events to your characterâs motivations to your own ability to manage the thematic subtext of your story on a scene-by-scene-basis.
In this episode, Iâm going to walk you through how to develop your characterâs backstory in three steps, including things like:
[04:12] How to uncover your characterâs wounding event that gives rise to a specific fear (or inner obstacle) that haunts them in the present-day[06:57] A framework to help you crystalize your characterâs inner obstacleâand why doing this work helps you establish where their character arc starts[09:31] How your characterâs backstory can help inform your plot (and help you create meaningful conflict to help them grow and change)[12:55] An exploration of Simon Bassetâs backstory and character arc (from the first Bridgerton book, The Duke & I)[17:42] Episode recap and final thoughtsDeveloping your characterâs backstory before you start writing can help you develop your theme, craft your plot, build your story world, and so much more. That being said, thereâs no ârightâ or âwrongâ time to flesh out your characterâs backstory. Do whatever works best for you and your process!
Click here to listen!
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:
Ep. 14 - How to Handle Character Backstory in Your NovelThe Emotional Wound Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Psychological Trauma by Angela Ackerman and Becca PuglisiClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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Have you ever heard someone say that the only difference between a published author and an unpublished author is that the published author never gave up?
I wholeheartedly believe this, and my guest today proves itâs true.
Savannah Carlisle writes heartwarming romance novels that transport readers to fun and quirky small towns where friends feel like family. And her debut novel, The Library of Second Chances, is officially available for purchase as of May 2024.
Tune into this episode to hear us talk about her path to publicationâfrom writing the first draft of this story to breaking up with her agent to working with a developmental editor and #kisspitch mentor to ultimately finding a home at her dream publisher.
In the episode, we talk about things like:
[09:47] How Savannah pulled inspiration from her real-life, Youâve Got Mail, and her dream publisherâs wishlist to write The Library of Second Chances
[11:37] Why Savannah broke up with her agent (and how, in hindsight, this was one of the best decisions Savannahâs made in terms of her writing)
[14:10] The biggest takeaway Savannah had from working with a developmental editor (me!)âand how this still informs her writing today
[16:10] What it was like to work with Jessica Lepe, a #kisspitch mentor and author, who just finished querying a similar story based on Youâve Got Mail
[22:35] How Savannah found her dream publisher as an un-agented author at Harpeth Road (and why she went this route versus self-publishing)
[25:50] What it was like to find her current agentâand why she believes having an agent is important (even though sheâs a lawyer herself)
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:
Savannah Carlisleâs WebsiteSavannah Carlisle on InstagramThe Library of Second Chances by Savannah CarlisleJessica Lepeâs WebsiteThe Manuscript AcademyEp. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured SceneClick here to learn more about my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and claim your gifts with purchase!
đ Looking for a transcript? If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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