Pen to Paper

In "Pen to Paper," Canadian historical fiction author Leah Lindeman shares how, with a healthy growth mindset and the right writing tools and techniques, you can achieve your dream of writing your story and sharing it with the world.

S4—E8—Author Scene: Alyssa Delle Palme 08/22/2025

S4—E9—Author Scene: Alyssa Delle Palme 05/30/2025

S4—E8–What Makes a Great Chapter Beginning? 05/23/2025

S4—E8–What Makes a Great Chapter Beginning? In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips on how to write a strong chapter opening that hooks your reader and keeps them turning pages. We’re diving into the three key elements you need—Compelling, Conflict, and Character—and how to use them to craft unforgettable beginnings for any genre, from fantasy to mystery to romance. Plus, I’m filming outdoors in my backyard for a change, and I share a quick life update about my exciting house move (a miracle story I can’t wait to tell you about)! What You’ll Learn: How to create compelling chapter openings that grab attention Examples from classics like 1984 and Peter Pan to inspire you Tips for balancing action, conflict, and character-driven starts How to adapt these techniques to your genre Don’t miss my upcoming incredible story of how we got our new home! If you found this helpful, please subscribe for weekly writing tips. 🎬Book Trailer Service leahlindeman.com/trailer 🇨🇦Canada Book Events Submit your event: IG: @canadabookevents 📚 Explore My Books: Redeemed From the Ashes: Ghost of My Heart: Wisps of Gold: Scathed Bones: Unborn Melody: ‼️ Follow Me on Socials linktr.ee/leahtlind 📧 Sign up for my newsletter leahlindeman.com ☕️ Buy me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/leahlindeman ✍🏽 WriteNow High Performance Writing Coaching ( Write your book in 3 months! 3 month plan now 20% off—receive a free edit of your choice valued at $700 plus and 3 free months of writing group mastery valued at $150. Today is your day to write.) leahlindeman.com/writenow/ 🙋🏽‍♀️ About Me Feisty Latina—Love of classic literature—History buff—I'm the author of the Canadian Reminiscence Series. I live with my husband and seven children in the idyllic countryside of Eastern Ontario where I daydream daily of the Scottish Highlands. I love people and books! Yours truly, Leah /episode/index/show/f98b1a5d-b390-437a-a980-1a330cc56402/id/36689615

S4—E7–Author Scene: Judy Leslie 04/24/2025

S4—E7–Author Scene: Judy Leslie In this episode, I’m thrilled to chat with Judy Leslie, author of the captivating Cook’s Cove series! Judy shares her incredible journey as a writer, from her mentorships with bestselling authors to crafting her mystery-driven, character-focused novels. We dive deep into her first book, House at the Cove, and explore the inspiration behind its gripping story, slow-burn romance, and unforgettable twists. Plus, Judy drops invaluable advice for aspiring writers! Grab Judy’s books here: amazon.com/author/judyleslie Timestamps: – Intro & Welcome Judy Leslie – Judy’s Writing Journey & Mentors – The 20-Year “Training Novel” & First Published Book Success – Overcoming Physical Challenges to Write Again – The Power of Book Club Ads & Hitting #3 on Amazon – Inspiration Behind House at the Cove & Bellingham Roots – Jenny’s Story: Grief, Secrets, and a Slow-Burn Romance – Crafting Suspense & Character-Driven Mysteries – Judy’s Research Trip to Ireland for For the Love of Ireland – Writing the Cook’s Cove Series & Plot Twists – Advice for New Mystery Writers: Craft & Character Depth – Judy’s Favorite Craft Books (Wired for Story & Story Genius) – Rewriting House at the Cove for Success – Planting Seeds for Series Continuity – Judy’s Unique Character Inspirations (Burlesque Trapeze Artist?!) 1:05:00 – Outro & Book Recommendations Subscribe, and hit the bell for more author interviews and writing tips! 🎬Book Trailer Service leahlindeman.com/trailer 🇨🇦Canada Book Events Submit your event: IG: @canadabookevents 📚 Explore My Books: Redeemed From the Ashes: Ghost of My Heart: Wisps of Gold: Scathed Bones: Unborn Melody: ‼️ Follow Me on Socials linktr.ee/leahtlind 📧 Sign up for my newsletter leahlindeman.com ☕️ Buy me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/leahlindeman ✍🏽 WriteNow High Performance Writing Coaching (Write your book in 3 months! 3 month plan now 20% off—receive a free edit of your choice valued at $700 plus and 3 free months of writing group mastery valued at $150. Today is your day to write.) leahlindeman.com/writenow/ 🙋🏽‍♀️ About Me Feisty Latina—Love of classic literature—History buff—I'm the author of the Canadian Reminiscence Series. I live with my husband and seven children in the idyllic countryside of Eastern Ontario where I daydream daily of the Scottish Highlands. I love people and books! Yours truly, Leah /episode/index/show/f98b1a5d-b390-437a-a980-1a330cc56402/id/36293035

S4—E6–How to Write Visually 04/16/2025

S4—E5–Hook Your Readers in Less Than 60 Sec. : The Ultimate Guide to Book Trailers 03/20/2025

S4—E4—Author Scene: Alyssa Milani 02/07/2025

S4—E4—Author Scene: Alyssa Milani Hey everyone! Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Alyssa Milani, an incredibly talented author of the upcoming dark romance novel, "The Chosen Secret." In this interview, we explored Alyssa's journey from writing horror and sci-fi to blending those elements into dark romance. We talked about her creative process, the unique challenges she faced while writing her latest book, and her experience with the anthology "Heart's Lock, Love's Key," where she contributed a charming hockey romance story. What You'll Learn: The inspiration behind "The Chosen Secret" and how Alyssa pushes her creative boundaries. - How she manages her writing with ADHD and the spontaneity of character-driven stories. The importance of being part of a writing community, especially for introverted writers like Alyssa. - A sneak peek into her upcoming works, including a sequel and more from her biker thriller romance series. Connect with Alyssa: Instagram: @alyssamilani Follow her for updates, book news, and more! Books Available: You can find all her books on Amazon, Indigo, Barnes & Noble, or wherever books are sold. The Chosen Secret: Alyssa also shared some personal insights, like her initial interest in law before turning to writing, and how her husband's love for hockey influenced her stories. Plus, we had some cute interruptions from my kids, making this interview uniquely memorable. If you're in the Ottawa area, don't miss the chance to meet Alyssa and myself at our upcoming event at Stittsville Main Street Cafe, where we'll have a lineup of 12 romance authors, each with their unique stories to share. Please leave a review! 🎬Book Trailer Service leahlindeman.com/trailer 🇨🇦Canada Book Events Submit your event: IG: @canadabookevents 📚 Explore My Books: Redeemed From the Ashes: Ghost of My Heart: Wisps of Gold: Scathed Bones: Unborn Melody: ‼️ Follow Me on Socials linktr.ee/leahtlind 📧 Sign up for my newsletter leahlindeman.com ☕️ Buy me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/leahlindeman ✍🏽 WriteNow High Performance Writing Coaching (Write your book in 3 months! 3 month plan now 20% off—receive a free edit of your choice valued at $700 plus and 3 free months of writing group mastery valued at $150. Today is your day to write.) leahlindeman.com/writenow/ 🙋🏽‍♀️ About Me Feisty Latina—Love of classic literature—History buff—I'm the author of the Canadian Reminiscence Series. I live with my husband and seven children in the idyllic countryside of Eastern Ontario where I daydream daily of the Scottish Highlands. I love people and books! Yours truly, Leah /episode/index/show/f98b1a5d-b390-437a-a980-1a330cc56402/id/35191075

S4—E3—How to Set Up Your Writing Routine 01/29/2025

S4—E3—How to Set Up Your Writing Routine Hey everyone, welcome back to Pen to Paper! Today we're diving into how to craft a writing routine that truly works for you. The Role of Movement: Learn why incorporating exercise or some form of movement can significantly boost your creativity and focus. From Charles Dickens' walks to my own HIIT sessions, find what energizes your writing process. How much should you write? I share my personal goal of writing at least 30 minutes a day, aiming for around 500 words, but discuss how this can vary based on your lifestyle. Do I wake up at 5 AM or stay up till 2 AM? Discover what time of day suits your writing style best - whether you're an early bird or a night owl. Creating a Distraction-Free Zone: Tips on setting up your physical space for maximum productivity, including the importance of a clutter-free desk and the power of a dedicated playlist to get you in the writing mood. Consistency is Key: I talk about the importance of establishing a routine, even if it’s not daily, to keep the writing habit alive and help you meet your goals. What's one tip from this audio that you think could help you establish or refine your writing routine? Let's brainstorm together and keep the writing momentum going into the new year. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more writing tips, author talks, and insights into the craft of writing! 🎬Book Trailer Service leahlindeman.com/trailer 🇨🇦Canada Book Events canadabookevents.ca 📚 Explore My Books: Redeemed From the Ashes: Ghost of My Heart: Wisps of Gold: Scathed Bones: Unborn Melody: ‼️ Follow Me on Socials linktr.ee/leahtlind 📧 Sign up for my newsletter leahlindeman.com ☕️ Buy me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/leahlindeman ✍🏽 WriteNow High Performance Writing Coaching (Write your book in 3 months! 3 month plan now 20% off—receive a free edit of your choice valued at $700 plus and 3 free months of writing group mastery valued at $150. Today is your day to write.) leahlindeman.com/writenow/ 🙋🏽‍♀️ About Me Feisty Latina—Love of classic literature—History buff—I'm the author of the Canadian Reminiscence Series. I live with my husband and seven children in the idyllic countryside of Eastern Ontario where I daydream daily of the Scottish Highlands. I love people and books! Yours truly, Leah /episode/index/show/f98b1a5d-b390-437a-a980-1a330cc56402/id/35061235

S4-E2-2025 Author Scene: Madeline Nixon 01/16/2025

S4-E2-2025 Author Scene: Madeline Nixon Hey everyone! I'm thrilled to share with you an insightful interview with the wonderful Madeline Nixon. In this episode, we dive deep into her latest release, "Not Actually", which hit the shelves last November. Here's what we cover: Madeline's writing journey from her high school days to her current success with 14 educational kids' books and three adult novels. Inspiration behind "Not Actually", a romantic tale spun off from an intriguing scene in her previous book, "Emergency Lullabies." Character development for Zoe and Kieran, the main duo in "Not Actually", including their backstory and the dynamics that drive their relationship. Future projects including a Valentine's Day anthology, "Heart's Lock, Love's Key," and a mystical Christmas novella coming out in June 2025. Writing tips for aspiring authors, focusing on self-awareness in your writing process and the importance of community among writers. Madeline also shares fun personal anecdotes, like being named after the famous French character, Madeline, and how she deals with writer's block and imposter syndrome. Don't forget to: Follow Madeline on social media (she's @markedwithanm everywhere from Instagram to Pinterest) to keep up with her latest work. Check out her books on your favorite e-book platforms or grab the paperback of Heart's Lock, Love's Key available from February 3rd, 2025. Leave a comment if you have any questions or if you're interested in ghost stories or romance novels! Subscribe for more author interviews, writing tips, and bookish content. Thanks for watching, and have a great day wherever you are! 🎬Book Trailer Service leahlindeman.com/trailer 🇨🇦Canada Book Events Submit your event: IG: @canadabookevents 📚 Explore My Books: Redeemed From the Ashes: Ghost of My Heart: Wisps of Gold: Scathed Bones: Unborn Melody: ‼️ Follow Me on Socials linktr.ee/leahtlind 📧 Sign up for my newsletter leahlindeman.com ☕️ Buy me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/leahlindeman ✍🏽 WriteNow High Performance Writing Coaching (Write your book in 3 months! 3 month plan now 20% off—receive a free edit of your choice valued at $700 plus and 3 free months of writing group mastery valued at $150. Today is your day to write.) leahlindeman.com/writenow/ 🙋🏽‍♀️ About Me Feisty Latina—Love of classic literature—History buff—I'm the author of the Canadian Reminiscence Series. I live with my husband and seven children in the idyllic countryside of Eastern Ontario where I daydream daily of the Scottish Highlands. I love people and books! Yours truly, Leah /episode/index/show/f98b1a5d-b390-437a-a980-1a330cc56402/id/34876795

S4-E1-2025 Author Goals 01/08/2025

S4-E1-2025 Author Goals Welcome to Pen to Paper 2025! Hey everyone! I'm thrilled to be back with you on this journey through my writing world. After taking a little break at the end of last year, I'm super excited to shake things up here on the channel. 2024 was a whirlwind for me, starting with the release of "Unborn Melody," which really set the pace for my year. I released my first audiobook, "Redeemed from the Ashes," after years of procrastination, and I even appeared on TV not once, but twice! From launching the Eastern Ontario Writers Festival to releasing paperbacks like "Ghost of My Heart" and "Scathed Bones," it's been one incredible journey. I've also started Canada's Book Events Directory to help connect readers with authors, which I'm super proud of. Looking Ahead to 2025: This year, my theme is renewal. I'm focusing on balancing my life, diving back into short stories and poetry, and working on a new novella titled "His Girl." I'm excited to introduce a new service for fellow authors. I'm now creating book trailers! If you write historical fiction, thrillers, contemporary romance, or fantasy, check out leahlindeman.com/trailer for more details. What's New on the Channel? More author interviews to give you diverse insights into the writing world. An in-depth tour of my new writing space next week, where I'll show off my new roll-top desk and gramophone. Continuing with tips and advice for writers, with some new twists. Your Turn: What are your writing goals for 2025? Let's share our visions and support each other in the comments below. If you're an author looking for an interview, drop me an email at . Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated with all the new content coming your way. Have a great week, and see you next time for a tour of my new writing sanctuary! 🎬Book Trailer Service leahlindeman.com/trailer 🇨🇦Canada Book Events Submit your event: IG: @canadabookevents 📚 Explore My Books: Redeemed From the Ashes: Ghost of My Heart: Wisps of Gold: Scathed Bones: Unborn Melody: ‼️ Follow Me on Socials linktr.ee/leahtlind 📧 Sign up for my newsletter leahlindeman.com ☕️ Buy me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/leahlindeman ✍🏽 WriteNow High Performance Writing Coaching Write your book in 3 months! 3 month plan now 20% off—receive a free edit of your choice valued at $700 plus and 3 free months of writing group mastery valued at $150. Today is your day to write. leahlindeman.com/writenow/ 🙋🏽‍♀️ About Me Feisty Latina—Love of classic literature—History buff—I'm the author of the Canadian Reminiscence Series. I live with my husband and seven children in the idyllic countryside of Eastern Ontario where I daydream daily of the Scottish Highlands. I love people and books! Yours truly, Leah /episode/index/show/f98b1a5d-b390-437a-a980-1a330cc56402/id/34769370

S3-E10- Transforming My Book Into a Play Script 11/07/2024

S3-E10- Transforming My Book Into a Play Script My First Scriptwriting Experience & Year-End Reflections 🎭✨ Today, I open up about my creative journey in my first attempt at adapting my book into a play script, and the exciting shifts in my life and career. Adapting a Book to a Play: Challenges and creative decisions behind turning Redeemed from the Ashes into a concise, impactful 6500-word play. Learning the Scriptwriting Process: My approach to adapting my characters, condensing timelines, and making hard cuts—all without formal training in scriptwriting. Studio Changes & Future Content: Updates on my workspace, content rhythm, and plans to keep up with videos on writing tips. 2023 Accomplishments: From releasing new books and audiobooks to countless book signings and events, I reflect on a productive year and my future goals. If you’ve wondered about the transition from novel to script, or are interested in my thoughts on the creative process, this episode is for you. Let’s celebrate our achievements together—what’s something you’re proud of accomplishing this year? Drop a comment below! 🔔 Don’t forget to review this podcast! 📚 Explore My Books: Redeemed From the Ashes: Ghost of My Heart: Wisps of Gold: Scathed Bones: Unborn Melody: ‼️ Follow Me on Socials linktr.ee/leahtlind 📧 Sign up for my newsletter leahlindeman.com ☕️ Buy me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/leahlindeman ✍🏽 WriteNow High Performance Writing Coaching (Write your book in 3 months! 3 month plan now 20% off—receive a free edit of your choice valued at $700 plus and 3 free months of writing group mastery valued at $150. Today is your day to write.) leahlindeman.com/writenow/ 🙋🏽‍♀️ About Me Feisty Latina—Love of classic literature—History buff—I'm the author of the Canadian Reminiscence Series. I live with my husband and seven children in the idyllic countryside of Eastern Ontario where I daydream daily of the Scottish Highlands. I love people and books! Yours truly, Leah /episode/index/show/f98b1a5d-b390-437a-a980-1a330cc56402/id/33830172

S3—E8—Why In-Person Writing Conferences 09/26/2024

S3—E8—Why In-Person Writing Conferences Thinking about attending a writing conference but not sure if it’s worth the in-person commitment? In this video, I break down 3 major reasons why you should prioritize attending in-person writing events—whether it’s a writing conference, festival, or workshop. While online events are convenient, nothing beats the real-time connection, energy, and opportunities that come from being face-to-face with fellow writers, speakers, and industry professionals. Here’s what we’ll cover: In-Person Learning: Discover the unmatched value of learning directly from experienced authors and teachers in the same room. Community & Networking: Build lifelong friendships and professional connections with other writers. Growth Opportunities: Step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of unique experiences like pitching agents, public speaking, and more. Whether you're an extrovert who thrives in crowds or an introvert who prefers smaller interactions, I’ll share tips on how to make the most of these events. Join me for practical advice on expanding your writer’s journey beyond the screen and into real-world connections! Tell me, did I convince to attend a writer's conference? 👍 Like this video if you found it helpful! 🔔 Subscribe for weekly writing tips: youtube.com/pentopaper/ 📚 Explore My Books: Redeemed From the Ashes: Ghost of My Heart: Wisps of Gold: Scathed Bones: Unborn Melody: ‼️ Follow Me on Socials linktr.ee/leahtlind 📧 Sign up for my newsletter leahlindeman.com ☕️ Buy me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/leahlindeman ✍🏽 WriteNow High Performance Writing Coaching Write your book in 3 months! 3 month plan now 20% off—receive a free edit of your choice valued at $700 plus and 3 free months of writing group mastery valued at $150. Today is your day to write. leahlindeman.com/writenow/ 🙋🏽‍♀️ About Me Feisty Latina—Love of classic literature—History buff—I'm the author of the Canadian Reminiscence Series. I live with my husband and seven children in the idyllic countryside of Eastern Ontario where I daydream daily of the Scottish Highlands. I love people and books! Yours truly, Leah /episode/index/show/f98b1a5d-b390-437a-a980-1a330cc56402/id/33221277