Avsnitt
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Main Topic: Self-Doubt
Mental Performance Shot: MagicMind.com/Valerie20 for 20% off one purchase, or up to 48% off monthly subscription. Use code VALERIE20 at checkout.
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.
Embracing mistakes and self-doubt. Accept they are real, most accomplished people have it and figure out how to work through it.
Where does it show up? When the world is moving too fast (v) Doing routine things (e) (fear of unexpected unexpectedly happening)
What works: Training? Reframing?
Elizabeth Gilbert (Big Magic) talks about allowing fear in the car with you, but not allowing it to drive.
Tips:
Getting over it is an illusion. Get over it in the moment instead. (On the way to a client, think about seeing a friend. And maybe they are feeling self-doubt. You aren't alone.)
"Please help me to say the thing they need to hear."
Is the job description creating the self-doubt?
Talk to self-doubt out loud.
Next episode:
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE184
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
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Main Topic: Pricing for Author Services (starts at 16:33)
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.
Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):
EMBODY (fit and intuitive) on Patreon. (Valerie) writing new short stories from Ghost Story Weekend inspiration (Erick) (got feedback from the participants; all loved it.) tying up loose endings (finishing energy at the end of the year); clean slate for my birthday. (Erick) Jan 23rd re-thinking Patreon (Erick)What are you reading?
Valerie: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz); A Happy Pocketful of Money (David Cameron Gikandi) The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley; Be Ready When Luck Happens Ina Garten Erick: The October Country (Ray Bradbury)(Shout out to local bookstore: Parallel Worlds; NE Portland, OR); Flight of Icarus (Stranger Things prequel book)(Caitlin Schneiderhan) Tom Clancy: Shadow State Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: Brandon McNulty YouTube channel (craft of writing and story) Tidbit #2: talking with a friendSegment 3 (Mindset-Craft-Biz Check):
Segment 4 (Main Topic): Pricing
Epiphany on pricing (E) What we charge for service.
Gig pricing. Are you a fit? What's the work going to be? What charge for project? How much am I (cost) to pay for this?
"What is your budget for this?"
The Dance:
Components of pricing:
Standard pricing:
"Dynamic" pricing (sliding scale in head):
Base line $1/word $7.50/pg.
Standard jobs don't exist.
Editorial rates linked out.
Write in contact: opt-out cause, renegotiate prices.
Rapport, base line (and how much flex on it), build in protection to self.
AI clause in contract?
The scope of work is this:..... If the scope changes during the course of project, we shall renegotiate the contract (including pricing).
Learn how to talk about money and value yourself.
Review each project. Ideal? What went wrong? Did more work than I got paid for?
Interview client when done for testimonials (social proof is enormous).
Next episode:
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE184
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Hello Writers and Crafters!
I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 171 of the podcast and it's November 20, 2024 as we record this.
Main Topic:
PATREON:
Thank you to new patron Elizabeth Amber from Anchorage, Alaska. THANKS! I appreciate you.
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.
Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):
(Accidental Stranger Book 2 out) Print out NOW! On Amazon. https://wordcrafters.org/unlock-the-heart-of-your-memoir/ (Valerie's teaching a class in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday, December 7, 2024; 10am-5pm.) EMBODY (fit and intuitive) on Patreon. (Valerie) writing new short stories from Ghost Story Weekend inspiration (Erick) (got feedback from the participants; all loved it.) tying up loose endings (finishing energy at the end of the year); clean slate for my birthday. (Erick) re-thinking Patreon (Erick)What are you reading?
Valerie: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz); A Happy Pocketful of Money (David Cameron Gikandi) Erick: The October Country (Ray Bradbury)(Shout out to local bookstore: Parallel Worlds; NE Portland, OR); Flight of Icarus (Stranger Things prequel book)(Caitlin Schneiderhan) Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: Jane Friedman's newsletter The Hot Sheet, amazing information (fundamental) Tidbit #2:Segment 3 (Mindset-Craft-Biz Check):
Segment 4 (Main Topic):
Start with a character, What's your story? (Valerie)
archetypes intrigue/attrack me and do something different than before. (Erick)
theme early on (V);
why this character, why now (E); element of surprise makes it interesting (E); be open to surprise; fully plot out after the brainstorming. Create a structure and continue to pants through it. Invent a thing on the way to something else. Plotting isn't boring. Defy the plot points. If char reacts to a stale moments, it's because you are stale and bored. When stuck (process changes), a day-to-day thing: toss it out if you are rewriting it too much. What are the necessary elements? Straight-forward way. "The scene actually begins here." If it's content and not story, it has to go. Keep changing the container as you right. Know the beats before you sit down. (Erick)
Next episode:
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE184
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
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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.
Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):
(Accidental Stranger Book 2 out) Print out NOW! On Amazon. Write in the Harbor (Erick teaching.) (Valerie will be at Write in the Harbor in Gig Harbor, WA this year, too! back from Ghost Story Weekend in Rainbow, OR. (Erick) https://wordcrafters.org/unlock-the-heart-of-your-memoir/ (Valerie's teaching a class in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday, December 7, 2024; 10am-5pm.) EMBODY (fit and intuitive) on Patreon. writing new short stories from Ghost Story Weekend inspiration (Erick) re-thinking Patreon (Erick) (Anne) first book published in April (She Writes Press); next book on September 2025; writing third book; social media IG went viral just from showing off apartment. Tip: do videos/reels.What are you reading?
Valerie: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) Roland Rogers isn't Dead Yet (Samantha Allen); A Happy Pocketful of Money (David Cameron Gikandi) Erick: The October Country (Ray Bradbury) The Great When (Alan Moore) (Shout out to local bookstore: Parallel Worlds; NE Portland, OR); Safe Enough (Lee Child) Anne: The Wedding People (Alison Espach); I Hope This Finds You Well (Natalie Sue) Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: Tidbit #2:Segment 3 (Mindset-Craft-Biz Check):
Segment 4 (Main Topic):
Anne Abel
Anne Abel’s story about unwittingly rescuing an aggressive dog, Milo, won a Moth StorySLAM in New York City. She has won two additional Moth StorySLAMs in Chicago. Her credentials include an MFA from The New School for Social Research, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a BS in chemical engineering from Tufts University. She has freelanced for Lilith; Philadelphia Daily News; The Jewish Exponent; Philadelphia Weekly, Main Line Life and Main Line Today, and formerly wrote a weekly column, “The Homefront,” for Main Line Welcomat. She also taught English and creative writing at the Community College of Philadelphia. Anne lives in New York City with her husband, Andy, and their three rescue dogs, Ryan, Megan, and Chase. She grew up outside Boston, MA.
Suffered from depression and writers block, and start telling stories is what saved her. Following Bruce Springsteen's tour for the structure.
Started writing stories through emails for hours a day.
Storytelling open mic. Worked on seven minute story. 7 minute story framework. MOTH is 5 minutes.
Don't question what comes out.
Positive immediate feedback.
Use story beats. Outline.
Tell myself the story over and over. (Absolute key points.) (Tell them what they don't expect.)
Everyone sees art in a different way.
If Bruce Springsteen was saying, "How do we get through the day?" maybe I can do this.
Australia changed the trajectory of my life.
Blinded by the Light. (Movie about a British-Pakastani teen who discovers Bruce Springsteen's music.)
A lot of courage and connection. The courage led to the connectivity.
"I live outside my comfort zone."
She tried and she tried and she tried. (For my tombstone.)
"I don't let fear stop me."
"What's the worst? Just do it."
anneabelauthor.com (Listen to a couple of Anne's stories from the MOTHSlam.)
Next episode:
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE184
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
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Main Topic: Writing as a Black Woman in the Speculative Fiction World (Main Topic starts at 28:00.)
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.
Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):
(Accidental Stranger Book 2 out) Print out NOW! On Amazon. Write in the Harbor (Erick teaching.) (Valerie will be at Write in the Harbor in Gig Harbor, WA this year, too! back from Ghost Story Weekend in Rainbow, OR. (Erick) https://wordcrafters.org/unlock-the-heart-of-your-memoir/ (Valerie's teaching a class in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday, December 7, 2024; 10am-5pm.) EMBODY (fit and intuitive) on Patreon. Michele: teaching at NC Writers Network Conference "Bending Reality" (Keynotes: art and creativity unifies and grounds us; What is your Zone of Genius? Create a keynote talk from there.) Book rec: The Big Leap (Hendricks); teaching "Afro-Futurism and the Black Imaginary" classWhat are you reading?
Valerie: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) Roland Rogers isn't Dead Yet (Samantha Allen); A Happy Pocketful of Money (David Cameron Gikandi) Erick: The October Country (Ray Bradbury) The Great When (Alan Moore) (Shout out to local bookstore: Parallel Worlds; NE Portland, OR) Michele: Nalo Hopkinson (Jamaica Ginger and Other Concoctions); How to Be Old (Lyn Slater) Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: Invite the Random into your Storytelling. (Roll the dice.)Tidbit #2: Eat fries before dinner.
Segment 3 (Mindset-Craft-Biz Check):
Segment 4 (Main Topic):
Dr. Michele Tracy Berger is a professor, an award-winning writer, a creativity coach and a pug-lover. Her main love is writing speculative fiction, though she also is known to write poetry and creative nonfiction, too.
1. Spec fiction definition: ideas that are outside the regular laws of the universe; Margaret Atwood (feminist author used ); sci fi, fantasy, paranormal, horror. Toni Morrison's Beloved is a ghost story (literary). Horror is a feeling (also a genre) (elevated horror, social horror). In social horror, Creatives of Color now write systems of power as the monster in the basement.
2. What challenges do you face? Meet reader's expectations; gatekeepers have changed; a decade of rejections for Doll Seed story; understanding African American literary history (more space now, public ready now for more interesting characters); black women were absent or monstrous in horror media from the 70s and 80s, now there's interest in a rebalance, and an appetite for complex characters, indie pubbing lead the way for this. Trad pub catching up.
"This May Hurt a Bit" (horror podcast)
3. Marketing through this lens: finding a press that resonates with you, being authentic and consistent, IG Live, learning as you go, embrace the work of marketer, watch documentary of Jackie Collins (Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins Story) and Harlan Ellison (Dreams with Sharp Teeth: A Film About a GrandMaster), writers have always had to think about how people find them.
Aunt Lute Press: mood board with intersection of empowered female characters, black readers of spec fiction, how to think about ideal reader ("If you like Octavia Butler, Kelly Link, AND Dean Koontz, you'll love Michele Tracy Berger").
Start with a character, then construct the story and follow the character through. Think about audience in the submission process.
4. Author services:
Write affirmations. Neutral to positive self-talk for writers as a pattern interruptor.
Coaching creatives for 15 years. The Creative Tickle. "Tickle your genius awake."
Specialize in writers interested in mindset work. Online classes. Group coaching.
"More Joy on the Path."
"See the joy in the process."
Next episode:
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE184
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 The Anatomy of a Best Seller by Sacha Black Slow Productivity by Cal Newport -
Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):
(Accidental Stranger Book 2 out) Print out NOW! On Amazon. Write in the Harbor (Erick teaching.) (Valerie will be at Write in the Harbor in Gig Harbor, WA this year, too! Host of Ghost Story Weekend for Wordcrafters. (Erick) print books going forward. wrapping up writing projects, PB out on the 15th of Accidental Stranger (plus prequel), finishing another book in Melville series "Signal Shadow" (Erick) https://wordcrafters.org/unlock-the-heart-of-your-memoir/ (Valerie's teaching a class in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday, December 7, 2024; 10am-5pm.)What are you reading?
Valerie: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) Erick: The October Country (Ray Bradbury) The Great When (Alan Moore) (Shout out to local bookstore: Parallel Worlds; NE Portland, OR) Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: Knowing Your Boundaries in Your Work (Erick(Tidbit #2: Exercise Gives You Energy (Valerie)
Segment 3 (Mindset-Craft-Biz Check):
Segment 4 (Main Topic): Foster Curiosity:
*moment of inspiration comes
what do you do when you get the idea?
don't memorialize the idea too fast (set in stone), instead, live with it. See how long I can tease it out.
Practice keeping the idea flowing. Live in the possible for as long as I can. Gather the what ifs.
Then download the ideas. Lose some of the ideas, but learned to trust the leaves that fall off.
Learn by playing. See yourself in the story and feel bigger.
Usually happens when not at home.
Next episode: Guest Michelle Berger Tracy on Being a Black Woman in the Speculative Fiction
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE184
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
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Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):
(Accidental Stranger Book 2 out) Print out NOW! On Amazon. Write in the Harbor (Erick teaching.) (Valerie will be at Write in the Harbor in Gig Harbor, WA this year, too! Host of Ghost Story Weekend for Wordcrafters. (Erick) print books going forward. wrapping up writing projects, PB out on the 15th of Accidental Stranger (plus prequel), finishing another book in Melville series "Signal Shadow" (Erick) met my client deadline, squeezed in some self-care, worked an extra shift at the bookstore, a lot of social time with my son and various friends (catching up), used ChatGPT4yo to help with a workshop description I needed to turn in--their name is Echo, signed up for a 14-day trial Class Pass and signed up for something almost every day. I'm both excited and dreading it. (Valerie)What are you reading?
Valerie: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Book of Witching (CJ Cooke) Erick: The October Country (Ray Bradbury) The Great When (Alan Moore) Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: Squibler (AI for Writers); tool for outline ideas, for plot holes, idea generator, lets you save things in files.Tidbit #2: If you aren't an early adopter (I'm not?), then start using A.I. as you need it. We're all creative. We can find creative ways of using it in our business. Starting using it with Pro-Writing Aid (affiliate link in the show notes), or using the free version of ChatGPT to get copywriting done. Like book blurbs, ad copy, workshop descriptions, sometimes you can even get a book summary if it's an older book. Finding book comps. My A.I. Assistant is super nice.
Segment 3 (Mindset-Craft-Biz Check):
Segment 4 (Main Topic): Starts at 19:14 on the video.
Next episode:
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE184
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
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Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):
(Accidental Stranger Book 2 out) Write in the Harbor (Erick teaching.) (Valerie will be at Write in the Harbor in Gig Harbor, WA this year, too! Host of Ghost Story Weekend for Wordcrafters. (Erick) wrapping up writing projects, PB out on the 15th of Accidental Stranger (plus prequel), finishing another book in Melville series "Signal Shadow" (Erick) client work (Valerie)What are you reading?
Valerie: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Life Impossible (Matt Haig) The Book of Witching (CJ Cooke) Erick: The Color of Magic (Terry Pratchett) The October Country (Ray Bradbury) Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: Locus magazine (sci/fi and fantasy) FANTASTICTidbit #2: Query Manager (filtering, but not totally accurate--check the agent's website)
Segment 3 (Mindset-Craft-Biz Check): A previous guest said Erick and I reminded her of being on a morning radio show. I brought up the sitcom "Community," with the "Troy and Abed in the morning" tagline, and CRICKETS. Ha! Here's what I mean: https://images.app.goo.gl/rG9fff2Xko9PSAQMA
Segment 4 (Main Topic): Starts at 20:40
Can nudge an agent about submission after 6-8 weeks.
Why are you going?
Networking, learning something, building relationships, clients, creating community, make fans, building confidence,
"If you plant bulbs today, you get flowers in May."
Why don't they reach out?
Conference Buddy
Set Boundaries for yourself, and be aware of other's boundaries.
Need for brevity in questions, pitches, and elevator pitches.
Next episode:
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE184
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
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Main Topic: Jeanne Blasberg, Story Retellings (starts at 21:39 on video)
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.
Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):
(Accidental Stranger Book 2 out) SWWC and Write in the Harbor (Erick teaching.) (Valerie will be at Write in the Harbor in Gig Harbor, WA this year, too! And also speaking at Alaska Writers Guild conference in Anchorage in October.) Host of Ghost Story Weekend for Wordcrafters. (Erick) writing, working on print version of Accidental Stranger, rewriting next Strange Air novel, client biz. (Erick) client work, getting ready for conference next weekend. (Valerie)What are you reading?
Valerie: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Horse (Willy Vlautin); We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman's Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power (Rachel Rodgers) Erick: The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters (J.W. Ocker)Jeanne Blasberg's reads:
Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family's Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer (Brian Reisinger)
Entitlement (Rumaan Alam)
Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: Six-Week Writing From Your Body workshop (author Anna Willman)--starts September 28 -- $40 per session or discounted rate for all six. They always work with individuals to make their workshops accessible to all. Focusinginternational.org Writing from your body FII workshopTidbit #2: Squibler (new writing organizer); Knowing what your boundaries are is key. I get to say what I do.
Tidbit #3: Chris Frizzell (Frizz Lit) Book club of the classic, chapter by chapter, funny host
Segment 3 (Mindset-Craft-Biz Check):
Segment 4 (Main Topic): Jeanne Blasberg is an award-winning and bestselling author and essayist. Her novel The Nine (SWP 2019) was honored with the 2019 Foreword Indies Gold Award in Thriller & Suspense and the Gold Medal and Juror’s Choice in the 2019 National Indie Excellence Awards. Eden (SWP 2017), her debut, won the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award for Best New Voice in Fiction and was a finalist for the Sarton Women’s Book Award for Historical Fiction. Her forthcoming novel, Daughter of a Promise (SWP, April 2, 2024) is a modern retelling of the legend of David and Bathsheba, completing the thematic trilogy she began with Eden and The Nine.
Jeanne cochairs the board of the Boston Book Festival and serves on the Executive Committee of GrubStreet, one of the country’s preeminent creative writing centers. Jeanne was named a Southampton Writer’s Conference BookEnds Fellow in April 2021. She reviews contemporary fiction for the New York Journal of Books, When not in New England, she splits her time between Park City, UT, and growing organic vegetables in Verona, Wisconsin.
Jeanne Blasberg
Daughter of a Promise
Retellings: def -- not side story (that's its own genre) -- have the events from the original tellings (same or parallel); reimagined in different setting; make things contemporary and relevant. Not a 'diss' on the original. Opportunity to retell is a fun journey for reader and author. Plots are familiar (off-beat romance, forbidden relationship, etc), can insert or end story at a different point. In conversation with other works.
Only so many plots, we process our lives with story. Not derivative.
Our human struggle has really never changed. The setting has, but universal truths haven't. As a species, have we really made much progress?
Take plot, make modern day, explore the relationships.
Do the research of retellings (all) already written first. Find what hasn't been said. Why are you telling this version? What questions exist? Why are you driven to write about it?
Follow your why's? What story has you still thinking about it? Follow your curiosity. This is the ultimate fan fiction. What are you obsessed with?
What are you wanting to say with this retelling?
"Inspired by" -- have permission to make these stories our own.
Insert our own thoughts and conversation with this art.
Art evolves this way. Museums hold many variations of the Virgin Mary. For instance.
License to play with it.
What about exposing yourself to the "scholars" and experts response?
Interest and curiosity is the response. Tip: Don't feel like anything is out of bounds for you. Just do it well. You are allowed to do it. If it lights you up, I think you should do it.
If you've triggered someone, clearly you've done it right.
@jeanneblasbergauthor
Constantly Curating on Substack (writing and farming)
Sonic Branding (link TBD)
Next episode:
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE184
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 The Anatomy of a Best Seller by Sacha Black Slow Productivity by Cal Newport -
Main Topic: Welcome to Season 5
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.
Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):
Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series; out now.) Black Springs Saga Book 1 out now (it's the prequel) 99 cents (Accidental Stranger Book 2 preorder this coming week) SWWC and Write in the Harbor (Erick teaching.) (Valerie will be at Write in the Harbor in Gig Harbor, WA this year, too! And also speaking at Alaska Writers Guild conference in Anchorage in October.) Host of Ghost Story Weekend for Wordcrafters. (Erick) submitting stories, client biz, new ad campaign. Working on next novel. (Erick) finishing 2024 retreat (Valerie) upcoming: courses, new novel (Valerie)What are you reading?
Valerie: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Horse (Willy Vlautin) The Universe Has Your Back (Gabrielle Bernstein) Erick: The Tusks of Extinction (Ray Nayler), The Glass Hotel (Emily St. John Mandel) Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: Six-Week Writing From Your Body workshop (author Anna Willman)--starts September 28 -- $40 per session or discounted rate for all six. They always work with individuals to make their workshops accessible to all. Focusinginternational.org There is a free introductory workshop (one hour) on Saturday, September 14 at 7:00 a.m. pacific Writing from your body FII workshopTidbit #2: Open rate and engagement rate on mailing list is more important than the size of the mailing list.
Segment 3 (Mindset-Craft-Biz Check):
Segment 4 (Main Topic):
Next episode: Jeanne Blasberg on Story Retellings
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE184
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 The Anatomy of a Best Seller by Sacha Black Slow Productivity by Cal Newport -
Announcements:
2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat (Day Passes $400) I've got four spaces left. I have decided that because of the Costa Rica move next year, I will NOT be having a retreat in 2025. So, if you've been on the fence, NOW is the time to make the decision to purchase a ticket for this month. Part of my Burnout Recovery Series on Patreon now includes the addition of The Artist's Way. I'll be hosting a "Creative Cluster" via Zoom, starting Aug 8, (tomorrow!) Thursday, 10am-noon Pacific. It's a 12 week program only for my patrons, so go over and pick out any of the tiers. You'd need to attend live for how the sharing and caring is done, and there will not be replays. Instead, for those that can't attend live, I'll be posting in the Patron Community about my growth and inviting you to share yours in the comments. What's your experience with The Artist's Way? Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series; out now.) Black Springs Saga Book 1 out now (it's the prequel) 99 cents (Accidental Stranger Book 2 preorder this coming week) SWWC and Write in the Harbor (Erick teaching.) (Valerie will be at Write on the Sound in Gig Harbor, WA this year, too! And also speaking at Alaska Writers Guild conference in Anchorage in October.) Host of Ghost Story Weekend for Wordcrafters. (Erick)Author Update:
Erick:
Valerie: getting ready for the retreat Working with my Burnout Recovery plan; Updates through my Patreon page. I'm reading: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman and Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Huang Bo-Reum. Just finished: A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber. Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe The Entire Sky by Joe WilkinsErick:
Becky is reading: Annie Ernaux's "A Woman's Story" and "A Man's Place"
Notes:
Main Topic starts at: 11:42
Becky Ellis is a Timberwolf Pup. The
daughter of a highly decorated
World War II combat sergeant, she
is a veteran of a war fought at home. She earned a BA
in English Literature at UC Berkeley and has over
twenty years of experience in the publishing industry.
She teaches writing in Portland, Oregon, where she
lives, plays, and has raised three daughters. Little
Avalanches is her debut memoir. https://instagram.com/beckyellisauthor
Won Rubery Book Award 2024.
1. Did you yoga or write first? Yoga came first. Part of the process of getting into my body. Writers live in our heads. Yoga kept me body aware. Start feel yourself. Accesses to feel your feelings. Access internal world in more embodied way. Bad Acting = Facial Expressions. Get on the Body. Get off the face. Exercise: close eyes and feel everything.
2. How did writing impact your healing? Transformational impact as a person. Understanding my father, saw them separate from me. See myself for the first time. Writing from the child's perspective. A lot of inner-child work. Consciously explore my own reasons for doing what. Study of the self = memoir. Putting your characters IN the story. Concrete sensory details. Have access to that place.
3. Talk a little about the fears memoirists have around writing about their family. Any tips or guidelines? And how does that feed into breaking cycles of silence and secret-keeping?
So important to get the stories on the page. Be a Just God on the page. Give everyone their reasons for doing what they did. Take a step back, and ask Why they did it. Shifts out of victimhood. People want to be seen and felt. Everyone was totally fine with it. Take time to figure out why they did it.
4. Your media kit mentions Trauma Bounce (bouncing back from the trauma). What should we be on the lookout for when writing and getting retriggered? Spent half the time crying. Strategies: therapy while writing, yoga, find safety where you can.
Exercise for memoirists: Highlight all the exposition. Get rid of all the the exposition and repetition. You can thread it back in afterwards.
5 How can wisdom come through action? Show it in the character arc, actions at end of story different than at the beginning.
So many objects in rough drafts. Use them for metaphor. Don't mine your life, mine your page.
Positive side to trauma. Try and try and try. "If you quit, you'll die." Train to survive. Feel so powerful in the end.
Writing to be in service to the reader. What are we in service to? The reader. What psychological practice can we share with the reader?
Structure of book to manipulating reader's emotions.
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
-
Announcements:
2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat (Day Passes $400) I've got four spaces left. Burnout Recovery Series on Patreon, and part of my recovery is the addition of The Artist's Way. I'll be hosting a creative cluster via Zoom, starting Aug 8, Thursday, 10am-noon Pacific. It's a 12 week program, AND a bonus cluster meeting next week on the 1st to go over the intro and basic tools. Only for my patrons, so go over and pick out a tier. You'd need to attend live for how the sharing and caring is done, and there will not be replays. Instead, for those that can't attend live, I'll be posting in the Patron Community about my growth and inviting you to share yours in the comments. What's your experience with The Artist's Way? I'm reading: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. And A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber. Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe The Entire Sky by Joe Wilkins -
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:
2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat (Day Passes $400) Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series; out now.) Black Springs Saga Book 1 out now (it's the prequel) 99 cents (Accidental Stranger Book 2 preorder this coming week) SWWC and Write in the Harbor (Erick teaching.) (Valerie will be at Write in the Harbor this year, too!) Host of Ghost Story Weekend for Wordcrafters. (Erick)Author Update:
Erick:
Valerie: back much better (still stiff) and knee improving, but slow; seeing the need to focus on my health needs (physical and mental) speaking Alaska Writers Guild conference in Anchorage in October and Write on the Sound in Gig Harbor, WA in November. Working with my Burnout Recovery plan; Updates through my Patreon page. I'm reading: (Gina's Reads) "But Everyone Feels This Way" Paige Layle - memoir on autism diagnosis; "Quit" Annie Duke Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe The Entire Sky by Joe WilkinsErick:
Notes:
Main Topic starts at 17:25.
https://ginasoldano.com/author-spotlight-valerie-ihsan/ (Valerie's Author Spotlight feature on Gina's blog)
Getting to the Heart of Why We Write (Gina's podcast)
The Curious Compassionate (marketing podcast for children's books) with currated booklist
Nia's Rescue Box (50% of profits go to Colorado Food Rescue)
Food Rescue U.S. (national)
Noise cancelling headphones
Writing short
Organized folders in Google and date every document (DATETitle.docx)
Type with thumbs.
Know what project I'm working on.
Think about it first (a lot).
Leave the sentence open (notes for rest of scene).
Prefer writing memoir or essays and middle-grade fantasy (faves), but picture books are easy right now for those stolen moments.
Writing in multiple genres not a choice. Have stories and ideas in brain. Have to get them out. Direction of energy is career and curiosity led. Focusing on picture book and middle grade (rather than memoir and novels) right now.
Would like to be more focused in my direction: querying and direct submissions.
Drafting emails and query moments during the screaming moments. Admin on laptop at couch.
Things that work for me:
Grace. Bullet journaling. Lists on post-it notes, less stressful to move the list than rewriting the list on a new day.
Daydreaming and stickers.
The Practice by Seth Godin (Your work needs to rhyme with itself.)
Ginasoldano.com
Podcast, all the socials, IG @gina.soldano, Substack, (check out new Core Connected Marketing/Substack)
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
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 The Anatomy of a Best Seller by Sacha Black Slow Productivity by Cal Newport -
Listener comment: suggestion to timestamp if the video is about a specific thing (Main Topic starts at 24:58)
Announcements:
PNW inspired horror [email protected]; Submissions closed. Reading stories now. 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat (Day Passes $400) Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series; out now.) Black Springs Saga Book 1 out now (it's the prequel) 99 cents (Accidental Stranger Book 2 preorder this coming week) SWWC and Write in the Harbor (Erick teaching.) (Valerie will be at Write in the Harbor this year, too!) Host of Ghost Story Weekend for Wordcrafters. (Erick) featured on KBOO radio (link coming soon)Author Update:
Erick:
launched new book series (Black Springs Saga) writing and client work list of short stories for the summer Valerie: back much better (still stiff) and knee improving, but slow (ultrasound tomorrow); seeing the need to focus on my health needs (physical and mental) speaking Alaska Writers Guild conference in Anchorage in October and Write on the Sound in Gig Harbor, WA in November. Working with my Burnout Recovery plan; Updates through my Patreon page. I'm reading: Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware The Manor House Governess by C.A. CastleErick:
Cold Victory by Karl Marlantes You Like it Darker Stephen King Anders Fager "Grandma's Journey" Swedish Cults (HP Lovecraft on acid)Notes:
Imagery can be intimidating if you think it has to be beautiful, flowery, lurid, prose. Think more realistic expectations.
It's a tool. Imagery as tone setting. Character interacting with environment. Relevant to the action. More vivid images.
Use concrete sensory images to "explain" feelings.
Get unique with imagery. Use different senses besides visual.
Layer senses. Work in reverse in heightened scenes (tactile first?). Maximize effect. Cinematic thing. Sound cue, reaction cue, visual cue.
Cliches come from not having a grasp of a moment or character when use simile. Remember to use character's POV, not yours. Metaphor is more powerful than simile, often. Imagery progresses from simile to metaphor (personal style choice), character development. Using the old comparisons to make sense of the new thing, but as they continue exploring the new, it becomes more metaphor than simile.
The movie in my head will always be different than the reader's movie.
Set up imagery so the reader is allowed to watch their own movie.
Co-create with your reader.
Find the balance. Fresh but familiar.
Imagery can be (should be?) intentional. Happy accidents. ;-) What's new and unique? How can I riff on that?
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
-
Main Topic: Discovery Writing with KimBoo York
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 closed. Reading stories now. Garden Home Community Library Writers Series "Self Publishing Success" June 25 gardenhomelibrary.org 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat (Day Passes $400) Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series) Focus and Finish Group Coaching Cohort Black Springs Saga Book 1 out now (it's the prequel) 99 cents (Accidental Stranger Book 2 preorder this coming week)Author Update:
Erick:
launched new book series (Black Springs Saga) June 21st, Importance of Telling Your Story. 90.7 FM KBOO Erick 9am-10am frustrated with the stories coming in (writers are not listening to submission requirements) Valerie: injured, humping along speaking Alaska Writers Guild conference in October Moose's Tooth Pizza (Erick recommends I eat there.) I'm reading: Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointeErick:
Cold Victory by Karl MarlantesKimBoo York is reading: Nirvana in Fire (English translation) (This is the graphic novel/manga version.)
Notes:
Writing fan fiction helped [KimBoo] come into her own voice and writing process.
Discovery writing is a technique.
Leaning into your curiosity.
Writing into the Dark (Dean Wesley Smith)
Can intuitive writers use it?
Dear Writer, Are you intuitive? Becca Syme.
Instinct comes in.
Study and practice = intuition
Discovery writers lean on intuition heavily. New writers may have a hard time with discovery writing until they practice.
After one million words, you will discover your writing style.
Discovery writing as improve "Yes And" -- leaning on knowledge.
Not free association writing. Writing into your curiosity (guard rails, not stream of consciousness). Going on the journey with the character.
Don't get stuck on what "should" happen. Just follow the curve as it goes around.
Start small. Practice.
Discovery writing before the page (Erick).
Write out of order.
Reverse story beats, reverse outline.
How can you use this in nonfiction or blog posts and essays?
YES. A different process.
Nonfiction: Start with the introduction. Choose sentences to pull out as a section header. Move things around in manuscript for flow. Writing it out is what helps her (KimBoo) understand the organization.
First draft or second is not the finished product.
Do this with your marketing! Take two days to do it and stay curious.
Stay curious until it's done.
Purposely leave holes so readers will be curious and explore.
Plug: houseofyork.info
By the Seat of Your Pants: Secrets of Discovery Writing
One Million Words Club on Discord (productivity, mindset)
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 The Anatomy of a Best Seller by Sacha Black Slow Productivity by Cal Newport -
Main Topic: Using Tropes to Avoid Writer's Block
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 closed. Garden Home Community Library Writers Series "Self Publishing Success" June 25 gardenhomelibrary.org 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) Exploring Imagery in Creative Nonfiction Black Springs Saga Book 1 out now (it's the prequel) 99 centsAuthor Update:
Erick:
launched new book series (Black Springs Saga) Valerie: new class good (planning on repurposing the content) I'm reading: Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointeErick:
The Manitou by Graham MastertonNotes:
Use the tropes to get started.
The obligatory scenes are already outlined for you.
You can definitely make it your own. It's not cheating.
Read in your genre. Understand the tropes in your genre. (Deconstruct books you love so you can learn to write that way. Read: The Anatomy of a Best Seller by Sacha Black.
Make an Id List to discover your favorite tropes.
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 The Anatomy of a Best Seller by Sacha Black Slow Productivity by Cal Newport -
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, or May 31st. 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) Exploring Imagery in Creative Nonfiction Submissions class June 25th in Portland area. Link TBA. (Taught by Erick.)Patron comment:
Comments/email from listeners:
Questions from listeners:
Author Update:
Erick:
prepping for new class launched new book series (Black Springs Saga) went camping with son (Cub Scouts) writing new story (TV pilot) (using as a sample for ghostwriting website) Valerie: started teaching new class mastermind helping me make some decisions getting ready for LeslieSophia changing website to streamline and point to coach I'm reading: Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointeErick:
Werewolf anthology Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter by Shelly Brady HT to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack by Chuck Sambuchino Homicide (GN based on The Wire) by David Simon One Tough Mother by Gert BoyleNotes:
Single use content is labor intensive.
Blog --> YT video, marketing material on various sites, podcast talking points.
Podcast episode --> YT video, social media, newsletter, public newsletter.
Think about the purpose of the work you do. Harmonious message. Expert in field.
Different video lengths serve different scenarios for your audience.
Takes more than one time before they click on your content and engage with you.
Look at HOW to use it, and where.
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 -
Main Topic: Author A.B. Herron on writing cross-genre with dyslexia
Amanda is passionate about discussing the realities of being an indie author while being dyslexic, straddling the fantasy and romance genres, the importance of highlighting sex positivity in our society, and the impact her background in anatomy and zoology has on her magic systems and world building.
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. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series) Exploring Imagery in Creative NonfictionPatron comment:
Comments/email from listeners:
Questions from listeners:
Author Update:
Erick:
Valerie: sick last week wrote lesson plans in bed I'm reading: Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe Slow Productivity by Cal NewportAmanda is reading comfort books right now: Arrows of the Queen series.
Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog by Susannah Charleson
Erick:
Notes:
A.B. Heron is a dyslexic author residing in the Pacific Northwest. She works full time, writes in the cracks between responsibilities, and plays with dogs because she just can’t help herself. For more insights into what make her fantasy stories flourish, follow her on Instagram @a.b.herron or check out her website www.abherron.com
Tip: If you have a Barnes and Noble near you, walk in and say you are a local indie author and ask if they are doing author signing.
Writes adult urban fantasy, romantasy, paranormal romance. Elemental World Series (two books now, third coming this year, 5 total in series).
Dyslexia was a barrier to being a writer only emotionally. Looked for strong technical editors. Spelling and word choice are struggles. Name recall is hard.
Showed original work to trusted people, started getting positive responses, showed little bits at a time. "I can write, just not spell. The distinction was powerful for me. I am smart." Not barriers; just work arounds. Used a small press that didn't keep the rights. They help you make a book. Luminare Press.
Vellum dyslexia font choice: 1 in 5 people with dyslexia, fonts don't make it easier to read for all people. Font doesn't slow Amanda down. Ask your readers if they want a paperback with a font designed for dyslexic readers.
Need magic systems to make sense with science background. Looking at the anatomy of humans and canines. Build physical laws into magic systems. How water or energy works, conservation of matter. HOW does it work?
Wished she'd maybe finished writing series before publishing.
Learn as you go. IG book community very supportive. Tripped into publishing.
Abherron.com
Instagram a.b.herron
Books available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Coffee Fueled Stories Podcast, Ep with A.B. Herron
Amanda is signing at Hot and Steamy Romance Writers in Portland '24 event.
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
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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 - Visa fler
