A Writing Life
StoryADay
What's life really like as a writer? Well, the answer is as varied as the number of writers you ask, but for me, this is how things are going: Listen in, you might be inspired! LINKS Join Superstars + I, WRITER Course at a discount before Dec 15, 2024 Writing Prompts: Flash Fiction Primer: The StoryADay blog: CHAPTERS 00:27 Bluesky/BSKY 05:16 Flash Fiction Notes 11:49 The Power Of Others 20:32 Recap
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Planning Ahead, 2024-25 Edition
StoryADay
It's that time of year again, when we look back at what happened last year in our lives and what we hope to make happen next year in our writing lives. 1-6 projects Planning Pie: LINKS:
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Reading Short Stories
StoryADay
This week I rant about the Best American Short Story Collection...and more 00:00 20241018Podcast 06:00 Read literary fiction if you like it 07:29 Read in your chosen genre 10:38 Using Your Knowledge In Your Writing - How I Wrote A Story 14:28 Read widely 18:55 Reading from Critique Week 21:40 Book Club
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Writing Character Reactions
StoryADay
How to write realistic, fascinating characters that readers adore...and what it can teach you about BEING a writer... LINKS One Story Challenge: https://storyaday.org/one-story-signup
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Being You Is The Best Way To Be A Writer
StoryADay
This week's StoryADay podcast is about loving your writing and sharing the love! Yes, there is stuff about marketing your writing in here, but don't let that put you off. CHAPTERS 00:00 StADa321 - Being You 01:09 The One-Story Challenge: Show, Don't Tell Edition 08:07 Marketing LINKS The One-Story Challenge - Show Don't Tell Edition: https://storyaday.org/one-story-signup Elizabeth Wheatley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethwheatley Elizabeth Wheatley's Books: https://elisabethwheatley.com/collections/books-ebooks
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The Engine of Success
StoryADay
Sometimes it seems like success comes easily to other people when it feels so elusive to us. But there are secrets to making it more likely you'll be one of those success stories, and that's what I'm talking about this week on the StoryADay Podcast. Whether you're a writer or not, I think you'll like this one! LINKS: Tell me what you're celebrating: The StoryADay Handbook: CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Engine Of Success for Writers 01:13 Things I Learned About Motivation, from My Kids 03:49 Our Inner Writer Is Just A Kid 07:36 The Characteristics of Resilient People 10:46 Steal the Strategies of...
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Find Wonder Everywhere
StoryADay
In which I share revelations from my recent travels to Scotland, and talk about the importance of seeing the wonder in everyday life. 0:00 Find Wonder Everywhere 10:14 This Week's Assignment 17:49 Your gift to the world LINKS Leave a comment: Handbook:
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Building a Better Writing Practice
StoryADay
This week I share what worked from StoryADay May this year, including our secret weapon, the warm up and brainstorming exercises. 00:09: Inspiration from Unlikely Sources 04:31 Encouragement from Writing Friends 07:12 Building a Supportive Writing Community 10:28 Back to Fundamentals: Improving Your Writing Practice 11:58 Warm-Up and Brainstorming Exercises 20:40 Resources and Programs for Writers 24:43 Upcoming Topics and Conclusion LINKS The StoryADay Challenge Handbook: https://storyaday.org/challenge-handbook
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Character Needs
StoryADay
Characters need to need something. They need to want something. Otherwise, it's just a series of things happening to a character...and readers won't care. In this episode I share a writing prompt and lesson from my year-long email series, all about creating a story in which a character needs something. I also talk about creating suspense in creative and marketing writing, and about why it's so important to build a writing practice. LINKS
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The Courageous Writer
StoryADay
In a week when a(nother) rockstar writer is falling from their pedestal, I made a case for the rest of us being brave enough to complete and release our work into the world; to flood the reading public with good options, and not worry about what might happen if we accidentally become successful. LINKS: Contact: The StoryADay Challenge Handbook:
info_outlineAre you looking to find success in the publishing world?
Join me on The StoryADay Podcast as I discuss the importance of engagement in writing and publishing.
In this episode titled "Lurk Your Way to Success in Publishing", I share strategies and insights that can help you achieve your goals as a writer.
Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:
1️⃣ Don't rush into building an author platform: While it's tempting to focus on social media presence and building a following, it's crucial to prioritize the writing itself. Spend time honing your craft and creating compelling content before diving into the world of author branding.
2️⃣ Engage with the publishing world: Stay updated by following authors on social media, reading industry publications, and educating yourself about the realities of being a writer. Become part of the conversation, learn from experienced authors, and stay informed about industry trends.
3️⃣ Define your own success: Don't let societal expectations or external pressure define your writing journey. Take the time to reflect on what success means to you personally and set realistic goals that align with your values. Remember, writing is a journey of personal growth and creativity, and your definition of success should reflect that.
🎧 Listen now!
Timestamps
[00:02:03] Engaging With The Publishing World
[00:03:42] Should You Even Pay Attention?
[00:06:54] Have a Strong Definition of Success For Yourself
[00:09:18] If You Want To Publish
[00:10:25] First Steps In Pursuing Publication - Lurk (aka 'research')
[00:11:53] Agents
[00:14:44] Queries and Book Proposals
[00:15:45] Why Submission Guidelines Matter
[00:18:33] Ways to Lurk
[00:19:35] Publishing Shorter Pieces
[00:21:56] Get Off My Lawn
[00:23:22] Be Human, Make Friends, Be Successful
[00:25:37] Where To Find Writers and Publishing Folks, Online in 2023
[00:29:04] Wrap Up
Links:
Kate McKean's Agents & Books Substack Newsletter
The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing
Want to go deeper? Take the 3-Day Challenge
Want to go for longer? Let me send you a** StoryAWeek writing lesson & prompt**