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Announcements:
PNW inspired horror [email protected]; Submissions open until stories filled. Starting to read May 1st. 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series)Author Update:
Valerie:
adopted a new dog "Buddy 'Keif' Nelson" Monthly Reflection tonight, or this weekend at the latest (if you are a patron and want to do it with me, let me know) just coming out of Q1+ funk and catching up on visiting with friends and self-care, so my tasks in the last week have been skewed towards personal/not business: haircut, birthday party, meditation, journaling, appointments with my life coach, yoga, introducing Usha to new doggy friend, fancy brunches, attending a new mastermind group I'm in, hot tub soaks, lunch out with a friend, and taking our new dog to the vet. And the next few days will be the same: catching up with friends, seeing my dad and step-mom, taking my son out to dinner, Chiro, yoga, the gym. starting work at the bookstore again part time starting next week.I'm reading:
beta read manuscript The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointeNotes:
I read from the Foreward and Step One of new permafree book Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers.
**
Foreward
I’m a not-so-closet list-lover. Some of you may not like lists. Some of you might have tried list-making in the past and found it didn’t work for you. But even if you are not a list-lover, you will find usefulness and value from this book and the exercises and resources in it.
I think we’ve all had the experience at one point in our lives where we’ve woken up and discovered that what we are doing is not what we want to do and, in fact, was someone else's idea all along. Maybe that was the job that your dad wanted you to have, or maybe it's the parenting style that your partner wants you to use, or maybe it's the vacation that your friend wants you to go on. Maybe none of those things held interest for you—or went against a core belief, even—yet you somehow made yourself believe you wanted them and you trapped yourself into doing them.
For instance, if you have been saying out loud all your life that you wanted to be a lawyer, and you went to law school, and you took the bar exam, and you passed the bar, and now you’re working in a law firm, and you're doing the hours, and you say to yourself (and you say to everyone else), “I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer, and now I'm a lawyer. Isn't that great?” but underneath all that, you discovered at some point that, actually, you never really wanted to be a lawyer. What you wanted to be was a scuba dive instructor. If that is your passion and you can find a way to make a living doing scuba, then why are you a lawyer?
This book will help you identify your dreams and plan for a future of success doing the things that are truly important to you.
Happy Planning!
Valerie
**
Step One
The system I’m about to show you is one I do at least twice a year, because I know myself. And I know that I get caught up in the zeitgeist. I get caught up in the excitement that other people have about their businesses and I think, “I can do that, too!”
For instance, all my life, one of my dream jobs was to own a bookstore. And then, some years ago, I was offered the chance to buy, very inexpensively, a little bookstore. My breath quickened. My heart rate accelerated. Whoa. This was my dream. Here it was, handed right to me. It would be so easy to do—the way it was set up, the finances and the inventory and the space, and even the internship, basically.
I thought about it for weeks.
The reason she wanted to give up the bookstore was because she wanted to put more time into her own writing, which should've been a red flag from the very start, but I was still hooked into that old dream of owning my own bookstore.
I sought the advice of my best friend.
“If you were already making money as a published author, would you want to own a bookstore?" she asked.
“No,” I said. I didn't even have to think about it. The word just blurted out all by itself.
"Then there's your answer,” she said.
"Oh."
And I didn't have to think about it anymore.
Continually checking in with yourself and writing out your passions, writing out your dreams, is what's going to help you achieve them later on. Not just in the goal setting, in the strategizing and planning around it, but in acknowledging that this is your dream and you want to work towards it. Whatever it is—scuba diving, traveling, becoming a mailperson. Training dogs.
It can be anything. It can be work-related or can be personal. Maybe you just want to learn Russian because it's a gorgeous language. It would just be for fun. Do it.
Dream it. Write a goal around it. And do it.
Ideals change. Intentions change. It’s natural. So, twice a year, I use this system to make sure I’m living the life I want, reaching for the goals that will fulfill my dreams.
* * *
There are two ways to go about doing this process, arguably a third, and on first glance it’s going to be a big giant wishlist. But for you non-list-lovers, think of them as bullet points. Or mind-mapping.
Option one is to go about these exercises wearing the Business Owner Hat. If you are a small-business owner, freelancer, or writer/teacher/artist, and you want to get a head start on your business plan, this could be a good option for you. You’ll be planning and goal-setting with only your business or art in mind.
Option two is to mix it all up: personal, spiritual, business, home/yard. If you work at home, all these areas merge anyway—to some degree—and feed into one another.
Option three is great if you are a linear thinker or you like to think in categories. Option three is really option one, over and over again. (i.e. personal goals/wishes, then business goals/wishes, then home/yard goals/wishes.)
Choose one and go with it. If you choose option one and you veer off in the middle of it, no worries. The exercises all work the same. It’s your mindset that can change as needed.
Option two is my personal preference, but what usually happens for me is I do option two and then shift to option three. And what I mean by that is when I first start making my list of dreams, goals, and wishes, I dump everything in—reaching out to all aspects of my existence. My personal life, my spiritual life, my business life, my health projects, my gardening goals. And then at the end, when I feel like there's nothing left to put on the list, I reach back and look at the categories in my mind, starting with my business.
Is there anything in my business world that I’m leaving out? Is there anything that I haven't given myself permission to say out loud on the page? Is there anything that I'm too embarrassed, afraid, or irritated to mention on this list? And I write it down. And then I go to the next category. Is there anything that I'm forgetting about gardening that I want to put on this list? Et cetera.
* * *
Okay, let's get started.
Get yourself situated where you can be comfortable – and that could mean sprawling on the floor with markers, or at a bar stool with sharpened pencils, or lounging in a chair by the fire with a laptop. You need something to write with and something to write on, and probably a tasty beverage close by.
Once you're situated, think about whether you are going to focus on a specific area in your life right now, or let it fly and write down anything that comes to mind. If you decide that you just want to concentrate, for example, on your business goals, you could do that. Again, I prefer to lump it all in to one. I find that one feeds into the other and, because I'm self-employed, sometimes it's hard to segregate anything out.
Step 1
Take as long as you need to write down anything and everything you want. This is the place to let go. No one will see this. Write down all the things. Think magic wand. Think No Barriers—financial, time, reality. This is the Dreaming Page.
If you could do anything, if you could be anything, if you could have anything, what would it be? Maybe think of the Dreaming Page as your ideal life. What’s on the page? What’s in the dream life?
Your “bullet points” don't have to be huge grandiose things, like Go to China—although that could be one of them. It can also be Paint the Shelf in the Bathroom Turquoise.
Big dreams and little dreams. Write it all down.
There may be a slight concern that, unleashed, this might turn into an eighty-two page To Do list. Don't worry too much about that, because if that's what ends up happening for you, I have another exercise at the end of Step Three that will fix it. So for right now, in any category in your life, or in every category in your life, write down the things that—if there were nothing standing in the way—you’d want to do, be, see, have, or experience.
* * *
Tips/Resources:
• For this exercise, you can use any kind of notebook, but since I’m a Passion Planner nerd, I like using the Passion Planner Road Map found in physical Passion Planners (or on passionplanner.com—affiliate link—under their downloads) as a template.
• I prefer to write on a notepad first and transfer the information over to my planner with better penmanship, and after I’m clearer about my goals.
• If you need more structure, you can set a timer and brainstorm for a specified length of time.
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
Resources:
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Komp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
Story Rubric version 1.1 and podcast episode. Three Story Method worksheetBook Recs for writing/creativity/business:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
Take Off Your Pants: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing by Libbie Hawker Story Hypothesis: A Writer's Guide to Crafting Resonating Stories by JP Rindfleisch IX Fast-Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours by Rachael Herron Three Story Method: Foundations in Fiction by J.Thorn and Zach Bohannon -
Announcements:
PNW inspired horror [email protected]; Submissions open until stories filled. Starting to read May 1st. 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series)Author Update:
Erick:
building landing pages for ads (for testing) Dead Still presale price 99 cents Revision of Book Two in new series finished (this weekend) Pikes Peak Writing Conference in Colorado Springs, CO using content from conferences for social media clips Valerie: new printer (printed out all the things) published a permafree book (first in series) Book two is half written from repurposed contentI'm reading:
beta read manuscript Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointeErick:
The Institute Stephen King
Notes:
First Lines--book, chapters, scenes; sets the stage, POV, entice the reader away from other distractions, vary the opening lines within a book to prevent boredom; repetitive, stylistic elements only sometimes work.
Openings--protag's needs and wants
Hooks-- into the story, seducing; narrative voice; themes; settings; odd or curious, "First lines are invitations." - Stephen King; what kind of party is your book?
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
Resources:
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Komp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
Story Rubric version 1.1 and podcast episode. Three Story Method worksheetBook Recs for writing/creativity/business:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
Take Off Your Pants: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing by Libbie Hawker Story Hypothesis: A Writer's Guide to Crafting Resonating Stories by JP Rindfleisch IX Fast-Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours by Rachael Herron Three Story Method: Foundations in Fiction by J.Thorn and Zach Bohannon -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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Main Topic: Writing Through Chronic Illness, with guest Kathie Giorgio
KATHIE GIORGIO is the author of a total of fifteen books: eight novels, two story collections, an essay collection, and four poetry collections. She’s been nominated for the Pushcart Prize in fiction and poetry and awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Library Association, the Silver Pen Award for Literary Excellence, the Pencraft Award for Literary Excellence, and the Eric Hoffer Award In Fiction. Her poem “Light” won runner-up in the 2021 Rosebud Magazine Poetry Prize, and her work has also been incorporated into many visual art and musical events. Kathie is the director and founder of AllWriters’ Workplace & Workshop LLC, an international creative writing studio. She lives with her husband, mystery writer Michael Giorgio, their daughter Olivia, a cat named Oliver, and an eccentric dog named Ursula after Ursula Le Guin in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Three of her adult children, Christopher, Andy, and Olivia, live close by, along with her solo granddaughter, Maya Mae. One adult child has wandered off to Louisiana and lives among the mathematicians and alligators.
PATREON:
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.
Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.
Announcements:
PNW inspired horror [email protected]; Submissions open until stories filled. Starting to read May 1st. 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now.Author Update:
Erick:
Web design changes, Dead Still ARCs out now Revision of Book Three in new series happeningValerie:
adopted a new dog (foster fail) got cover for new book yesterday, uploading this week, permafree ebook, first in series Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for WritersValerie's reading:
Worthy
Dead Still ARC
Erick:
The Institute Stephen King
Kathie:
How to Be Eaten (Maria Adelmann)
Show Notes:
One moment of happiness a day on FB for a year. (Today's Moment of Happiness Despite the News)
Throw away idea that writers write 8 hrs a day.; write for half hour day.
Write when you can, use your time.
Lean towards fiction. Put your situation on another character's shoulders; if the character gets through it, so can you. A path to follow.
Writing is a life saver.
Go through it, roll with the punches.
motivation (my students keep me accountable to write; walk my talk/role model; what if I die? Gotta finish the book)
How to get inspired when super stressed: accept it's dry, (don't panic, remember your successes); hear something that captures attention; always listening; never give up playing, don't go for logic.
KathieGiorgio.org, FB, IG
Allwritersworkshop.com
Self care for the caregiver: learning on the run. (piano lessons, writing is a passion but job so writing not self care, start back to the gym, Nintendo.)
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
Resources:
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Komp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
Story Rubric version 1.1 and podcast episode. Three Story Method worksheetBook Recs for writing/creativity/business:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
Take Off Your Pants: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing by Libbie Hawker Story Hypothesis: A Writer's Guide to Crafting Resonating Stories by JP Rindfleisch IX Fast-Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours by Rachael Herron Three Story Method: Foundations in Fiction by J.Thorn and Zach Bohannon -
Announcements:
Registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop in Marcola, Oregon. At this point, there is only three private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info. New book out for writers: Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books by Valerie Ihsan, J. Thorn, and Miranda Weingartner Erick is publishing an anthology; call for submissions for Back in the Ground (horror inspired by PNW); https://caretakerpress.org UPDATE: Valerie: goal: create workshops for retreat, create the lesson plans for upcoming class, create memoir checklist, finish taxes son's birthday have a couple more conferences to pitch Tax Start this week! (find time in between meetings, the gym, and my son) Erick: roadtrip gave me two short story ideas and wrote them• inspired by the anthology submissions
Just finished:
I'M READING: Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima
Up Next:
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Erick's Reading:Monica by Daniel Clowes (graphic novel)
Show Notes:How do you explore, or understand, the world and your own values in the books and stories you write?
"I love this weird stuff. How can I use this?"
If you explore this, you'll engage yourself.
The magic is I unconsciously know there is a lot to learn.
Connect the dots of inciting incident to the relationship
When the themes come up, now I know how to steer this (know where we are going). (Starts out unconsciously.)
Engaging with the mystery. Making sense of relationships.
Stories that won't let me go are the ones that I learn from.
No original stories but that's a propellent. Where you go with the trope is up to you.
Open to the magic. "It doesn't start at the end."
Next Episode: Kathy Giorgio (writing with a chronic illness) Find Us:Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
Resources:
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Komp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
Story Rubric version 1.1 and podcast episode. Three Story Method worksheetBook Recs for writing/creativity/business:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
Take Off Your Pants: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing by Libbie Hawker Story Hypothesis: A Writer's Guide to Crafting Resonating Stories by JP Rindfleisch IX Fast-Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours by Rachael Herron Three Story Method: Foundations in Fiction by J.Thorn and Zach Bohannon -
Announcements:
Registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop in Marcola, Oregon. At this point, there is only three private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info. New book out for writers: Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books by Valerie Ihsan, J. Thorn, and Miranda Weingartner Erick is publishing an anthology; call for submissions for Back in the Ground (horror inspired by PNW); https://caretakerpress.org UPDATE: Valerie: started re-reading Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (Focus and Finish series, Book 1), need to make some decisions (ebook and a workbook, audio book)(free audio book?) = Loss Leader/permafree bought the cover from 100covers.com but need to order the service now have a couple more conferences to pitch Tax Start this week! (find time in between meetings, the gym, and my son) Erick: week off with the family meeting with a digital marketer today to promote the author services part of his business (have pla launching a new series (Season in the Bush); first book Dead Still going to betas soon.Just finished:
I'M READING: Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima
Up Next:
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Erick's Reading:Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein
The Bachman Books (Stephen King)
Ring Shout P Djèlí Clark
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
Resources:
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Komp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
Story Rubric version 1.1 and podcast episode. Three Story Method worksheetBook Recs for writing/creativity/business:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
Take Off Your Pants: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing by Libbie Hawker Story Hypothesis: A Writer's Guide to Crafting Resonating Stories by JP Rindfleisch IX Fast-Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours by Rachael Herron Three Story Method: Foundations in Fiction by J.Thorn and Zach Bohannon -
Announcements:
Registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop in Marcola, Oregon. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info. Erick is publishing an anthology; call for submissions (horror inspired by PNW); https://caretakerpress.org UPDATE: Valerie: 50th birthday Calendly vs Acuity (I have both!) ;-( New book out for writers: Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books by Valerie Ihsan, J. Thorn, and Miranda Weingartner started re-reading Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (Focus and Finish series, Book 1), need to make some decisions (ebook and a workbook, audio book)(free audio book?) = Loss Leader/permafree hire out workbook formatting (scrivener not the best with this; please prove me wrong) bought the cover from 100covers.com but need to order the service now have a couple more conferences to pitch Tax Start this week! (find time in between meetings, the gym, and my son) Erick:Just finished: The Book Keeper by Sarah Painter
I'M READING: Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima
Up Next:
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Erick's Reading:The Bachman Books (Stephen King)
Ring Shout P Djèlí Clark
Show Notes: Rec Book List for creative writing: Take Off Your Pants: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing by Libbie Hawker Story Hypothesis: A Writer's Guide to Crafting Resonating Stories by JP Rindfleisch IX Fast-Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours by Rachael Herron Three Story Method: Foundations in Fiction by J.Thorn and Zach Bohannon Other mentions: Story Rubric version 1.1 and podcast episode. Three Story Method worksheet Next Episode: Erick will be back Find Us:Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
Resources:
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Komp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
Book Recs for writing/creativity/business:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
-
Announcements:
Registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop in Marcola, Oregon. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info. Erick is publishing an anthology; call for submissions (horror inspired by PNW); https://caretakerpress.org UPDATE: Valerie: New book out for writers: Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books by Valerie Ihsan, J. Thorn, and Miranda Weingartner Erick: working with marketer (digital); an analysis of web presence has a LOT of tasks to do (do this when you've been in the market--author services--for a while and have some idea of where you lack before hiring the analysis.)Just finished: The Ward Witch by Sarah Painter
I'M READING:
The Book Keeper by Sarah Painter
Up Next:
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Erick's Reading:The Bachman Books (Stephen King)
Ring Shout P Djèlí Clark
Show Notes: KDP is always changing. In marketing main series, put lead magnet as permafree on Amazon (instead of using Book Funnel to get people on mailing lists). 1. New cover 2. 99 cents on amazon 3. Barnes and Noble free 4. Let amazon know for the price match 5. No marketing to it. But naturally 100 downloads from organic reach. Led to sell through to rest of series. A+. Plus led to multiple reviews to all the books. Permafree method still works. Next step: running ads to permafree and amping up the sell-through. Virtual Voice on Amazon/KDP (in KDP profile opt in to Beta testing). Ease of use is great. Have an audio book at a click of button. Cost of narrator and editor (local guy) = ~$2200 Two different versions of the audio book? Narrated by Virtual Voice vs Narrated by the author. Can we proof the audio files? Am I "locked in" to this audio? We do outgrow things. We can pivot. Next Episode: solo show "Bringing Your Manuscript from Boring to BadAss." Find Us:Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
Resources:
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Komp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
Book Recs for writing/creativity/business:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
-
Announcements:
Registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop in Marcola, Oregon. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info. UPDATE: Valerie: affirmations 15 mins/day of writing to my audience (new affirmation: This is how I create joy and change people's lives.) Erick: Book 1 in new series coming out this month new anthology out with co-producer (caretaker.org)Just finished: Eat Smarter by Shawn Stevenson
I'M READING:
The Ward Witch by Sarah Painter
Spill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara Baume
What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping
Up Next:
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Erick's Reading: Lost Places by Sarah PinskerFull Dark No Stars by Stephen King (novellas)
Ring Shout P Djèlí Clark
Show Notes:Who do you know?
Look for listings to submit. Google search calls for submissions for topics/genres.
Anthologies vs journal
Doing is a great way of attracting readers and colleagues.
What you like and don't in the genre (you'll get a wide variety within the genre) -- pick a sub-genre.
What formats do you want?
What's in and What's out?
Best case scenario process.
Budget
See the stages.
Get the cover to promote the call of submissions. (Add names later; have an agreement with cover designer)
Send out call.
Start reading once enough stories in the hopper; don't have to accept all these.
Marketing: IG lives to promote
Accept simultaneous submissions; accept as they go.
Caretaker Press (caretakerpress.org)
Next Episode: Writing During Prolonged Illness with author Kathie Giorgio (business without loans)Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
Resources:
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Komp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
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Hello Writers and Crafters!
I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 147 of the podcast and it's March 6, 2024 as we record this.
Main Topic: Reset Buttons and Pivoting for Authors
PATREON:
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.
Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre
Patron comment:
Comments/email from listeners:
Questions from listeners:
Announcements:
Registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop in Marcola, Oregon. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info. UPDATE: Valerie: Erick:Just finished:
I'M READING: Spill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara Baume
What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping
The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
Up Next:
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Erick's Reading: Lost Places by Sarah Pinsker Show Notes:You can't always take both paths. Choosing becomes more important as we age.
"There's a different way to do this." (Message from the universe)
How do I pivot from this to this?
Identification of other way (journey begins)
Take time to process. You aren't cheating or doing a disservice to the readers. Acknowledging limiting beliefs. How do I take the next growth step?
Asking What if? often helps to challenge the limiting belief. (QTP. Question the Premise. Becca Syme.)
Getting past the what if is the next step. (Yes, I can do this.)
Research next step. Forgive yourself for not knowing.
"I've never tried this. Please help me." (Try it for 6-9 months)
We have permission to explore.
Reflection.
Remembering by adding, you aren't removing. It's not all or nothing.
Next Episode:Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
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Hello Writers and Crafters!
I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 146 of the podcast and it's February 14, 2024 as we record this. Happy Valentine's Day!
Main Topic: How to Maintain Your Business During Crisis
PATREON:
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.
This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.
Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre
Comments/email from listeners:
Questions from listeners:
Announcements:
Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for info on this year's writing retreat in August. Reading in Eugene, OR on March 8th (Friday). I'm in a new anthology by Tsunami Press with my essay "Eye Contact." • Stay tuned for new series stuff from Erick.UPDATE:
Valerie: in Turkey; mother-in-law in ICU for the last week; no change for the last two days Sound Effect https://wordcrafters.org/nonfiction-imagery/ class on Wednesdays starting in May 15th for six weeks "Exploring Imagery Through the Senses in Creative Nonfiction" hybrid class (virtual and in person) Erick: finishing up new series stuff while rewriting novel in Strange Air period piece (30s and 40s), paranormal baseball season -- releasing short pieces based on baseball season calendar; baseball scout is main protagonistJust finished:
Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé
Jane and the Man of the Cloth by Stephanie Barron
I'M READING:
Up Next:
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
Erick's Reading: The Devil Himself Dollar Sign on the Muscle Show Notes: Grief and brain fog are exhausting. Do what you can to stay inspired and maintain motivation, but above all: Be kind to yourself and be self-aware.Next Episode:
Resources:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Kemp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Other Resources:
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.
I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news
The Author Life Community
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE407
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
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Hello Writers and Crafters!
I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 145 of the podcast and it's January 31, 2024 as we record this.
Main Topic: Using Your Local Library as an Author Resource
PATREON:
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.
Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre
Patron comment:
Comments/email from listeners:
Questions from listeners:
Announcements:
Registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop in Marcola, Oregon. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info. UPDATE: Valerie: getting ready for Turkey trip updating website slowly pitch conferences from Turkey new name for my coaching program for authors: Aligned Author (haven't decided whether to do it as a 12 week program for $1499, or just list it as $500/mo (tell me which you'd like, email) Erick: writing a lot (40K goal - blew past that) recovering reader magnet relaunching author marketing ideas (ads? New covers?) Analysis: cost, versatility, marketing, immediate ROI not likely, transparent with what they are doingJust finished:
I'M READING: Spill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara Baume
What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping
The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
Up Next:
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin Redefine Life for Yourself: How to Stop Chasing Money and Finally Live Your Life's Purpose by Patrice Washington
Erick's Reading:A Prayer for the Crown Shy
Killing Floor by Lee Child
Show Notes:Saves us money. Only place (one of few) to go where there is no expectation of spending money.
Places to sit.
Free wifi.
Work away from home.
Quiet space.
Hub for education.
Free talks. (To give or receive.)
Writers groups/book clubs.
Utilize the research department.
Local historical info available.
Research what books *look* like (read first chapter of ten books in your genre).
If you want your books in libraries, ISBN and Ingram Spark, Book Vault, not just Amazon.
People watching space (people are reading!)
Writer residency
Ask them to get local authors' books in.
Pay your library fines.
Next Episode: solo episodes or a two week break -- come back and see! ;-)Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
-
Announcements:
Registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop in Marcola, Oregon. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info. UPDATE: Valerie: meditation: Balance app updating website slowly pitch conferences (Accountability for Authors)(What could I teach?) Erick: ice storm cabin fever novella in Strange Air series on 2nd draft still developing second series; plotting from beginning to end Happy Birthday! (48)Just finished: Ma and Me by Putsata Reang
I'M READING:
What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping
Praying with Jane Eyre by Vanessa Zoltan
The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
Up Next:
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Erick's Reading:A Prayer for the Crown Shy
Anna's reading:
Dortmuder novels (Donald Westlake)
Show Notes:Bio: Anna Willman has been a certified Focusing Trainer since 1982. She has a Master’s degree in International Studies from Claremont Graduate School and a Master’s in Comparative Politics from Columbia University. She was a Fulbright Scholar in Zagreb, Yugoslavia, in 1971 and 1972. She retired in 2008 after fourteen years as director of the Confidence Clinic, a Focusing-oriented community wellness program for women. Since retirement she has written extensively about the program’s history, its philosophy and practice, and its outcomes. She has also written and published six novels and a humorous short story about disappointed expectations.
Our bodies hold our experiences in its cells. You feel your emotions in your body. (Pain, etc.)
It starts like meditation, but with focusing you create an inner space and listen to Self and garner wisdom from it.
Shift = noticing how to carry my experience of past trauma TODAY.
It's always healing. The shift that happens is a big sigh of relief. Because now you know. A Knowing. A Clarity.
A way to heal and understand yourself better.
Your characters also (as they become more and more real) have past experiences that they feel in their bodies.
Select a character (problem, won't do what I want, motivation issues, or discomfort with the character). Slow down and relax, feel your chair, your feet, aware of body, notice rhythm of your breathing, ... Bring your character into your body, see if you can sense your character's discomfort in a situation. Can you feel your character's body? Do they notice what they are feeling? Any physical discomfort? Sit with the experience. How is your character physically feeling it? Where is it? What is the quality of the sensation--lethargic, energetic, restless? Does it have a color? Soft, hard, loose, tight? What words can you use to describe it? When you have a strong sense of it, how does your character respond to it? If it is painful, how do they escape it? Hide from it? Run away? Whimper? What is their normal response? Do they have to respond out of their ordinary? Is this a normal response to them or brand new? Given nature of your plot, pause and write down the words about how character is feeling, etc. How aware are they showing their feeling? Show not tell. Write what they do. Is there an awakening for them? How do they act afterwards? Sit with your char, let your body feel your char's body, write down everything (even if it doesn't make sense), ask "What else?" Listen with compassion and curiosity. You want to understand. Not judging. If you do, your character will clam up on you.If I let characters do what they want to do, instead of plotting it, they get where I want them to be regardless, usually. (Anna)
Use when you have limited actionable responses for characters. Deepen the char, improve the writing, character's interact with each other is more Real.
Use this to develop metaphors.
Loose Ends (novel Anna wrote with the serial killer character)
Kaleidoscope (novel Anna wrote about focusing and D.I.D.) (Whole Body Focusing.)
Anna's Amazon page with all her titles.
Focusing Initiatives International: webinars (check for any workshops Anna does).
Next Episode: How to Use Your Local Library as an Author ResourceFind Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
Resources:
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Kemp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
Book Recs for writing/creativity/business:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
Some of the Books We've Read This Year:
Nejishiki Yoshiharu (Erick)
Ma and Me by Putsana Reang (Valerie)
The Weird and Eerie
Children of Ruin
-
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.
Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.
Announcements:
Registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop in Marcola, Oregon. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info. I'll be doing a reading this Saturday at Tsunami Books in Eugene Oregon at 5 p.m. for the new anthology, and there will be a wine reception afterward, hosted by Tsunami Press. Order wherever books are sold. My new Focus and Finish Group Coaching cohort starts next week. We'll meet most Tuesdays through March at 4 p.m. Pacific. It's discounted to $333 this week. You can go to ValerieIhsan.com/shopping to purchase. Season of the Shadow up now! (Erick's new title.) UPDATE: Valerie: meeting with co-writers next week follow the feeling; Aligned Action are my 2024 buzz words. updating website slowly Erick: new series work: mapped out first three books have cover for print book nowI'M READING: What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping and Ma and Me by Putsana Reang
Praying with Jane Eyre by Vanessa Zoltan
Erick's Reading:The Weird and Eerie
Children of Ruin
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Resources:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Kemp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Other Resources:
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
-
Announcements:
Early Bird registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info. I'm in a new anthology by Tsunami Press with my essay "Eye Contact." It's in stores now; order wherever books are sold. Season of the Shadow up now! (Erick's new title.) UPDATE: Valerie: meeting with co-writers in Jan follow the feeling; Aligned Action are my 2024 buzz words. reflection Erick: new series work: mapped out first three books written reader magnet for new seriesJust finished:
I'M READING: What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping and Ma and Me by Putsana Reang
Praying with Jane Eyre by Vanessa Zoltan
The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
Up Next:
Soiled Doves: Prostitution in the the Early West by Anne Seagraves
Frog Music by Emma Donoghue
Harness: A Systemic Approach: Guaranteed to Revolutionize Your Coaching by Tess Cope
Erick's Reading:Nejishiki Yoshiharu
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
-
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.
Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre
Announcements:
Early Bird registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info. EARLY BIRD $899 0r $128.45/mo for seven months. (Early Bird Registration is open from November 1-December 31, 2023. Monthly payment option ends December 31, 2023.) I'm in a new anthology by Tsunami Press with my essay "Eye Contact." It's in stores now; order wherever books are sold. Season of the Shadow up now! (Erick's new title.) UPDATE: Valerie: meeting with co-writers in Jan follow the feeling; Aligned Action are my 2024 buzz words. Erick: new series work written reader magnet for new series day planner arrived!Just finished:
I'M READING: What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping and Ma and Me by Putsana Reang
Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch
Up Next:
Soiled Doves: Prostitution in the the Early West by Anne Seagraves
Frog Music by Emma Donoghue
Harness: A Systemic Approach: Guaranteed to Revolutionize Your Coaching by Tess Cope
Erick's Reading:Widowmaker by Paul Doiron
The Last Ronin (TMNT)
How to Sell a Haunted House
The Ultimate Werewolf Collection
The Lover by Rebecca Sacks (Lynne's read)
Show Notes:Lynne Golodner writes emotional novels with compelling Jewish characters who are determined to fill their lives with passion, purpose and love. Her first novel, Woman of Valor, joins a body of work that includes two poetry collections and six nonfiction books, including Hide and Seek: Jewish Women and Hair Covering and The Flavors of Faith: Holy Breads. Lynne is a writing coach, marketing entrepreneur and host of the Make Meaning Podcast, and her creative nonfiction has been published around the world. With a BA from University of Michigan and an MFA from Goddard College, Lynne is the mother of four and lives in Huntington Woods, Michigan, with her husband, Dan.
Writes nonfiction to make sense of life.
Fiction is imagination; some pulled from lived experience, but not intended. In future, addressing world events in fiction.
Always thinking about something, what it means to me, where will this take me? Do research for the creative essays. Write essays for self, show to critique partners, then submit.
2022 = 12 essays published
2023 = publishing and marketing Woman of Valor
Explore a topic, process old past events, idea file (lists of where I've been, who did I know, how was this formative?)
Read a bunch, make lists of experiences with extreme emotions, places you've been; research elevates the pieces.
Author brand: strong jewish women (risky), narrowing focus strengthens the brand.
Promote: lead writers retreats (sept mackinaw island, no cars) (2024 in Redwoods in Cali) writing in am and activities in pm. More info at lynnegolodner.com
https://www.yourtango.com/self/climbing-dog-mountain-after-divorce-grueling-hike-easiest-thing-could-do (Dog Mountain essay)
Next Episode: 2023 ReviewFind Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
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Thank you to new patrons Lily Fouts and Leslie Hall and Meyari McFarland. Welcome!
Also, the winner of the Goody Bag drawing is Kathleen Kendricks. Congratulations! You've already been contacted. And to the patrons who signed up in November, I'll be sending out the stickers and calendars, your postcards, and the Goody Bag contents this month. I need to wait for the printing of the wall calendars first. I'll make an announcement on the Patreon page to let you know when they ship out. Thank you so much for making my first Patreon campaign so much fun. I think I might do this every year. :-)
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.
This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.
Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to
Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre
Patron comment:
Comments/email from listeners:
Questions from listeners:
Announcements:
Early Bird registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. I'm in a new anthology by Tsunami Press with my essay "Eye Contact." It's in stores now. You can order at http://www.tsunamibooks.org/shop/pre-order-tsunami-press-first-anthology with free shipping in the U.S. or order wherever books are sold. Season of the Shadow up now! (Erick's new title.) UPDATE: Valerie: finishing up life coaching training Thinking about my next campaign for new clients, and the bonus material I'll put together for that. Erick: 48.484K words in Nanowrimo book, taking some unexpected turns; been a great experience. wrote a Nano book (now a new series!); working on Book 3 of NEW series print edition of new book newsletter hygiene cover designsJust finished:
I'M READING: What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping and Ma and Me by Putsana Reang
Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch
Up Next:
Soiled Doves: Prostitution in the the Early West by Anne Seagraves
Frog Music by Emma Donoghue
Harness: A Systemic Approach: Guaranteed to Revolutionize Your Coaching by Tess Cope
Erick's Reading:Widowmaker by Paul Doiron
The Last Ronin (TMNT)
Show Notes:Erick surprises me with a question that I have to answer on the spot!
Next Episode: Lynne Golodner on Mining Life for StoryFind Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
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Thank you to new patron Kathleen Kendrick. Welcome!
She will get the limited edition sticker and entry to the drawing for the Goody bag that includes a 2024 Passion Planner and coaching with me, along with a couple of other fun things. PLUS, a wall calendar I designed.
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.
This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.
Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to
Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre
Announcements:
Early Bird registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. I'm in a new anthology by Tsunami Press with my essay "Eye Contact." It's in stores now. You can order at http://www.tsunamibooks.org/shop/pre-order-tsunami-press-first-anthology with free shipping in the U.S. or order wherever books are sold. Season of the Shadow up now! (Erick's new title.)UPDATES:
Valerie:
doing more life coaching training Thinking about my next campaign for new clients, and the bonus material I'll put together for that. finishing up a course I bought in the summer Show the Fuck Up (on branding).Erick:
48.484K words in Nanowrimo book, taking some unexpected turns; been a great experience.I'M READING:
Just finished: Quit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, or Trust Fund Required by Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung
Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
Up Next:
Ma and Me by Putsana Reang
Harness: A Systemic Approach: Guaranteed to Revolutionize Your Coaching by Tess Cope
Erick's Reading:
All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby
Show Notes:
Limiting beliefs limits the action steps to success. Perhaps we use our ideals to create them. When you name them, it gives them power. "I'm not good at basketball." "I'm not a morning person." "I can't write short."Add a "yet" to help turn it around. Train your brain to believe whatever. Reframe What's the goal? -
Thank you to new patron Chad Boyer. Welcome! He will get the limited edition sticker and entry to the drawing for the Goody bag that includes a 2024 Passion Planner and coaching with me, along with a couple of other fun things. PLUS, a wall calendar I designed.
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.
This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.
Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre
Patron comment: I figured it was time to put my money where my ears were since I listen to you and Erick each week.
Announcements:
Early Bird registration is now for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat, at this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. I'm in a new anthology by Tsunami Press with my essay "Eye Contact." It's in stores now. You can order at http://www.tsunamibooks.org/shop/pre-order-tsunami-press-first-anthology with free shipping in the U.S. or order wherever books are sold. Preorder of Season of the Shadow up now. (Erick's new title.) Nov 30th. I'm really excited about the new tiers. I've added some really special things to the benefits. And if you sign up for a patron tier, you get a limited edition large vinyl sticker with the quote:As well as a 2024 wall calendar I designed with photos I've taken in my travels this year and of my dogs ('cuz who doesn't love a cute doggy picture), and entry into a drawing for a Goody Bag with a 2024 Passion Planner (red Year of the Dragon, weekly, Monday start), some stickers and pens, and 30 minutes of life or business coaching from me.
UPDATE:
Valerie: doing more life coaching training Thinking about my next campaign for new clients, and the bonus material I'll put together for that. finishing up a course I bought in the summer Show the Fuck Up (on branding). woodcrafters.org class tomorrow. cleaning up the back end of Patreon. Nanowrimo in November is becoming more of a RebalWriMo for me. going to an Altin Gün concert in Portland on Friday--staying with our friend Josh Erick: 24,800K words in Nanowrimo book, taking some unexpected turnsI'M READING:
Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits by Reece Witherspoon
Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
Erick's Reading:Fiends in the Furrow (anthology)
The Singer's Gun by Emily St. John Mandel
https://www.oldgodsofappalachia.com podcast
Show Notes:
Use the Writer Beware services! If you've been approached, that's a red flag. And companies asking for money, that's a red flag. Making relationships may help you. Talk with the contractor whom you are hiring. Know the parts and why they are important, research different prices, make a choice, learn what you need to learn, shop, hire. -
Thanks to current patrons Leah Joy Espinoza and Michelle Coleman who have edited their memberships to one of the new tiers. They will both get the limited edition sticker and entry to the drawing for the Goody bag that includes a 2024 Passion Planner and coaching with me, along with a couple of other fun things.
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.
This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.
Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre
Patron comment: Both were great sessions! Thank you!!!
Announcements:
Early Bird registration is now for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat, at this point, there is only five private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. I'm in a new anthology by Tsunami Press with my essay "Eye Contact." It's in stores now. You can order at http://www.tsunamibooks.org/shop/pre-order-tsunami-press-first-anthology with free shipping in the U.S. or order wherever books are sold. Preorder of Season of the Shadow up now. (Erick's new title.) Nov 30th.I'M READING:
Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
Harness: A Systemic Approach: Guaranteed to Revolutionize Your Coaching by Tess Cope
Up Next: What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping
Soiled Doves: Prostitution in the the Early West by Anne Seagraves
Frog Music by Emma Donoghue
Ma and Me by Putsana Reang
Erick's Reading:Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
The Singer's Gun by Emily St. John Mandel
https://www.oldgodsofappalachia.com podcast
KimBoo is reading:
History of the Book (nonfiction), Master and Commander (audiobook), Family Secrets (podcast)
SHOW NOTES:
Find KimBoo on Ream and her website, House of York.
1000-2000 words per episode/installment (but doesn't matter) post one a week or every two weeks
5000-10000 once a month up to six months
Find a rhythm.
Hard things about serial writing (beware list): don't forget the long story arc (at least lurking in the background)
Process: release in installments (as a consumer it's exciting)
Go back the long arc in revision. What part does this season meet in the long arc?
Story beats
Serial expectations
Commitment: you can wrap it up and rush the ending if you need to--as long as know the long arc. (Maybe even within 2-5 episodes)
novel=season
The Wandering Inn (longest(?) running serial)
Spreadsheet breaks down long arcs and season arcs. Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E6I6Z4TwKgVtUTaid28J2ng_tSxU0HjauV9OievkcTE/edit?usp=sharing
Name of book coming out: By the Seat of Your Pants: Using the Discovery Writing Technique (in January 2024)
Unstoppable Storyteller (current nonfiction available from KimBoo York)
Tip: Character Motivation (ask the bigger question, what's the critical thing that drives the story's long arc)
What makes a story exciting? Analyzing what makes a good long writing series (television, multiple seasons with structure, story arcs are nested = key) long story arc (hero's journey), season arc nested and have own structure (three act structure) when season ends, the long story is not resolved. Installment arcs (like a chapter in a book); cliff hangers are not necessary if you've done a good job with the long arc. When one ends, marry it up with a long arc beat.
Lord of the Rings classic (side quests)
Transmigrated Teri on Ream (but some on Substack).
The Queen's Eiry is being serialized right now. (On Wattpad, romance)
A serial story designed to be very long and complex. A different format.
Different consumers of art: little bit vs big chunks
Hit multiple markets.
Serial fiction prior to Vella? LiveJournal, Archive of our Own, (for fan fiction)
Options now: Radish, Ream, Patreon, Vella, etc.
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Thanks to new patron Leah Joy Espinoza!
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.
This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.
Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre
Patron comment: Both were great sessions! Thank you!!!
Announcements:
Early Bird registration is now for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat, at this point, there is only five private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. I'm in a new anthology by Tsunami Press with my essay "Eye Contact." It's coming out next week. I'm told the books will be in the store November 9th. You can preorder at http://www.tsunamibooks.org/shop/pre-order-tsunami-press-first-anthology Preorder of Season of the Shadow up now. (Erick's new title.) Nov 30th. New patronage tiers are out TODAY at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. I'm really excited about the new tiers. I've added some really special things to the benefits. And if you sign up for a patron tier, you get a limited edition large vinyl sticker with the quote:Patron announcement:
UPDATE:
Valerie: getting ready for the conference, launched the new Patreon tiers and released the summer retreat tickets today woodcrafters.org class on November 16th. (Need one more person to sign up for that. It's in-person and also online Nanowrimo in November (Erick is too!) Erick: prepping to send out ARCS house closed on MondayJust finished: The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin
I'M READING:
Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch
Indelible by Laurie Buchanan
Harness: A Systemic Approach: Guaranteed to Revolutionize Your Coaching by Tess Cope
Up Next: What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping
Soiled Doves: Prostitution in the the Early West by Anne Seagraves
Frog Music by Emma Donoghue
Erick's Reading:Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
- Visa fler
