The Writing Podcast Melissa Parks and Dave Goetz

Writing a memoir likely will dredge up some difficult memories. For some writers, the pain of these memories might slow down the process of writing, like it did for Cheryl Landes, author of The Best I Can Do. It took Cheryl nearly two decades to complete her memoir. In this episode, Cheryl offers advice for structuring a memoir after years of being stuck. She also shares strategies for relieving tension and writing complex characters that the reader will cheer for.
 
Great Moments in the Episode
4:57 –   9:37    How painful memories lead to procrastination, and how to push through.
10:05 – 13:30    Creating a scene list to develop a structure for a memoir.
12:40 – 14:44    Identifying scenes that capture a reader’s imagination.
14:45 – 16:18    How to write a memoir in which readers will root for the protagonist (you).
16:47 – 18:22    Creating an invisible character in a memoir to create tension.
18:25 – 19:58    How simple scenes can become pivotal, profound scenes.
21:05 – 23:58    How to provide relief in an emotionally heavy memoir.
23:59 – 25:33    How to weave in flashbacks in a memoir.
25:34 – 28:18    How to honestly portray characters in your memoir without villainizing them.
28:19 – 30:33    How writing a book can change you and your perspective on the world.
30:34 – 34:09    Advice for writers who are stuck in the memoir writing process.
 
Words of the Episode
dolce far niente: (n) The 'sweetness of doing nothing'; pleasant relaxation in carefree idleness
inure: (v) to become accustom to something, especially something unpleasant.
 
Connect with Cheryl
Website: https://tabbycatco.com/about-cheryl-technical-writer/
 
 

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If you want to write a book that influences the world, you need to start with a creative idea. Great ideas form the essence of great books. And yet idea development is one of the biggest struggles of writers. In this episode, Dave and Melissa talk about what an idea really is, how to sharpen your idea, and how to develop an idea, so that readers read your book from beginning to end.
 
Great Moments in the Episode
7:37 – 12:19    What an idea is and examples of how to narrow an idea.
12:20 – 15:06    How to use research effectively to narrow your idea.
15:07 – 17:59    Why having a narrow idea is better than a general idea.
18:00 – 22:14    How to use quotes and interpret other ideas to support your idea.            
22:15 – 22:53    The three things you can do with an idea.
22:54 – 27:26    What explaining an idea looks like in writing, and why it’s important.
27:27 – 29:48    How to prove your idea with examples of what proving look like.
29:49 – 32:18    How to use reasoning to prove an idea.
32:19 – 33:13    Using stories and counterarguments to develop an idea.
33:14 – 35:47    How to apply an idea.
35:48 – 39:06    How to develop an idea in a book through structure.
39:07 – 40:27    How to arrest the attention of your reader with each chapter.
40:28 – 41:56    How to thread your thesis—or idea—throughout the entire book.
41:57 – 43:05    How to use transition paragraphs to thread your ideas throughout the book.
43:06 – 47:18    When an idea is not big enough for a traditional book.
 
Words of the Episode
elysian (adj): blissful, delightful
limn (v): depict or describe in painting or words; or, suffuse or highlight something with a bright color or light
 
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The book publishing journey doesn’t always start with writing the book. It often starts with a book proposal, especially if you want to pursue traditional publishing. But how do you get a book proposal in the hands of a publishing house? You might need a literary agent. Octavia Goredema, author of PREP, PUSH, PIVOT: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women talks about how she landed a literary agent and secured a book deal with Wiley. She also shares how to authentically grow your influence and create partnerships, like she did with the Harvard Business Review.
 
Great Moments in the Episode
8:42 – 10:12    How to grow your influence through consistent online writing.
10:30 – 12:01    How to attract partnership opportunities through your blogging.
12:25 – 14:24    How to get published in the Harvard Business Review.
14:55 – 18:19    How to balance writing a book while building a coaching business.
18:25 – 19:55    How to find your natural writing rhythm to optimize your productivity.
20:27 – 22:39    The benefits of traditional publishing and how to find a literary agent to help you land a book deal.
24:23 – 25:55    What the terms and financials look like working with a literary agent.
26:26 – 28:32    The true value of literary agents.
29:00 – 31:55    The importance of platform in pitching a book.
32:39 – 34:09    Two most effective strategies for launching a book.
34:24 – 36:41    Why you should embrace uncomfortable publicity opportunities.
37:00 – 38:04    Difference between blogging and social media and how to overcome your weaknesses in social media.
38:10 – 41:19    The value of hiring experts to help you so you can play to your strengths.
 
Words of the Episode
hirsute (adj): having or covered with hair.
rematriating (n): refers to the process of returning to, reclaiming, or revitalizing Indigenous knowledge, practices, lands, and cultures, often led by Indigenous women.
 
Connect with Octavia
Website: https://www.octaviagoredema.com/
How to Change Careers with Octavia Goredema: https://www.audible.com/pd/How-to-Change-Careers-Audiobook/B0C5F4L45L
PREP, PUSH, PIVOT: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women: https://www.amazon.com/Prep-Push-Pivot-Strategies-Underrepresented/dp/1119789079/
Fire Memos - a new app that empowers you to record and recognize your work accomplishments with AI powered career coaching: https://firememos.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/octaviagoredema/
Instagram: @octaviagoredema
Pinterest: pinterest.com/octaviagoredema/
Twitter: @octaviagoredema
 

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The ever-evolving digital landscape can be daunting, leaving authors unsure of where to focus their efforts. Becky Robinson, founder and CEO of Weaving Influence, shares insights from her book Reach and discusses the four commitments to cultivating online followers. From practical tips to words of encouragement, this conversation is a must-listen for both seasoned and first-time authors seeking to expand their reach in the digital world.
 
Great Moments in the Episode
4:23 – 6:02    Why many authors fail at  digital marketing.
6:33 – 8: 27    Where to start building your online presence.
8:54 – 10:50    The two-prong approach to driving people to your website.
10:55 – 11:34    What to keep in mind when doing paid advertising online.
11:50 – 14:01    One of four commitments to cultivating online followers: value.
14:10 – 16:25    What value looks like in content and in relationships online.
17:20 – 19:10    Two of four commitments to cultivating online followers: generosity.
19:30 – 23:50    Three of four commitments to cultivating online followers: consistency.
21:45 – 23:50    Four of four commitments to cultivating online followers: longevity.
24:00 – 25:45    Preparing to invest in building your online presence.
26:10 – 28:34    Tap into IRL relationships to build an online presence quickly.
28:35 – 30:04    How to build your online presence with the release of your book—a long-term view.
30:30 – 33:10    Why going viral is not the goal, and the definition of “reach.”
33:13 – 36:52    The value of a fresh, well-written book in your reach and the importance of your story.
37:09 – 40:13    Final remarks about building your digital reach.
 
Words of the Episode
masticate (v): To grind, crush, and chew (food) with or as if with teeth in preparation for swallowing. 
vivify (v): To enliven or animate. To endow with life or renewed life. To give new life or energy to.
 
Connect with Becky
Becky's Website: https://beckyrobinson.com/
Reach: https://www.amazon.com/Reach-Biggest-Possible-Audience-Message/dp/1523000872/
Weaving Influence: https://weavinginfluence.com/
 
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One of the most memorable days for an author—especially a first-time author—is their book launch party. It’s a celebration of the hours, days, months—maybe even years—you’ve devoted to writing your book. A book launch event, however, is more than a party. It’s a strategic move where your word-of-mouth marketing begins.
 
So just as with your book, it's worth putting effort into its planning and execution. And it also means getting creative. In this episode, Virginia Frischkorn, the founder and CEO of Partytrick, offers insights on hosting successful book launch events.
 
Great Moments in the Episode
4:50 – 6:20      Tips for not overthinking a book launch event.
6:28 -   7:38     How to prepare your guests for the book launch event to increase attendance.
7:40 -   9:29     The difference between in-person and online events, and how to prepare for both.
9:30 – 10:57    Introducing elements of surprise to your book launch event.
11:00 – 13:07  How to get people excited to promote your book at a book launch event.
13:09 – 14:59  How to successfully use book clubs to create conversation around your book.
14:45 – 17:30  The ins-and-outs of getting people to in-person events, and the danger of bookstore events.
17:31 – 18:24  The benefits of cross-promotional partnerships.
18:25 – 19:43  Why you should do in-person and online events.
20:35 – 23:22  What a broadcast channel is and how to use it to promote your book.
23:25 – 24:37  How to think of social media in terms of your book launch.
24:40 – 27:13  Advice for authors who struggle being in the spotlight.
27:15 – 31:59  Creative content ideas for book launch events.
32:10 – 36:14  Going back to the three basics of planning an event.
 
Connect with Virginia
Her Business, Partytrick: https://www.partytrick.com/about
Her Blog: https://www.partytrick.com/blog 
The Power of Moments: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Moments-Certain-Experiences-Extraordinary/dp/1501147765
 
Words of the Episode
untrammeled: (adj) not deprived of freedom of action or expression; not restricted or hampered.
wanton: (adj) deliberate and unprovoked.
 

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In the realm of nonfiction writing, facts and information reign supreme. They are critical to educating and persuading your audience. To do this, however, your writing must have emotional resonance. Storytelling is an elemental way to emotionally engage and connect with your reader. But nonfiction writers often feel insecure when it comes to creative storytelling. Expert storyteller and writing coach Jordan Rosenfeld explores how to write stories into your nonfiction writing to create a lasting impression on your audience.
 
Great Moments in the Episode
8:11 – 10:25  What a scene is and how to engage readers with scenes in your nonfiction writing.
10:28 – 12:15  How to not get hung-up on the exact details when telling stories in nonfiction.
12:20 – 12:58  How to use metaphors, similes, and imagery to wake up your nonfiction writing.
13:29 – 14:22  Alert the reader when you are telling a memory to the best of your ability.
14:42 – 16:00  An example of exceptional storytelling in nonfiction writing.
16:10 – 17:59  Signs your sentences are tripping up each other; the importance of cadence; how to make your sentences come to life.
18:18 – 18:44  Signs you are overwriting.
19:05 – 21:00  How to create suspense in nonfiction writing—so you keep the reader turning the page.
21:10 – 22:38  Four qualities of a page-turner, including embracing conflict and an opposing point of view.
22:52 – 26:30  Why emotional resonance is important to all types of nonfiction writing.
26:35 – 28:15  How to begin improving your storytelling in your nonfiction writing.          
29:28 – 31:58  How to sustain a persistent writing life.
 
Connect with Jordan
Jordan's website: https://jordanrosenfeld.net/
How to Write a Page Turner: https://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Page-Turner-Craft-Readers/dp/1440354340
Make a Scene: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Scene-Revised-Expanded-Powerful/dp/1440351414
 
Words of the Episode
mé·tier: an occupation or activity that one is good at.
belay: to protect a roped lead climber from falling by controlling the rope, usually a belay device (a mechanical device used by belayers to increase braking force when belaying).
 
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