• Harness the Benefits of Process Writing to Unlock Creativity
    May 17 2024

    Episode 46

    Story structure is at the heart of storytelling. Many writers use the Hero's Journey, the Three-Act Structure, the Snowflake Method, or Save the Cat, but there is another way to write a novel; Unlock your creativity with process writing and you'll harness amazing benefits.

    In this episode, Boo Trundle and I talk about process writing, its benefits, and ways to tap into your creativity.

    Links for this Episode

    Buy the Book The Daughter Ship https://www.bootrundle.com/ Cut Ups (new novel) https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyTlbHCLT2D/?igsh=MXZzajd4MzI5MWlkOA== Art Boo made while working on The Daughter Ship https://www.instagram.com/p/CvHqBzBO0nb/?igsh=bDExMnAybzdjc2tx Chakra outline (connected to clairvoyant healing) https://youtu.be/TI6qr_QGPjY?si=Bx3sccL8qI7a50ka

    Index cards in the dining room https://youtu.be/TI6qr_QGPjY?si=Bx3sccL8qI7a50ka

    _____

    Learn more about WriterSpark Book Cover Design ➤ https://writersparkbookcovers.com/

    Check out WriterSpark’s self-paced, online courses ➤ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/

    Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

    ✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

    ✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨

    Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

    Resources

    • WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
    • Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
    • Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
    • Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
    • Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
    • Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Get a Glimpse Behind the Publishing Curtain
    Apr 15 2024

    Episode 45

    Get a glimpse behind the publishing curtain from Shawn Reilly Simmons, co-founder of Level Best Books, a woman-owned and -operated boutique publisher. Whether you are a published or aspiring author, whether you are indie, traditional, or hybrid (published or not), learn from an expert in the industry.

    Learn more about Level Best Books ➤ https://www.levelbestbooks.us/

    Learn more about Shawn Rielly Simmons ➤ https://www.shawnreillysimmons.com/

    Learn more about WriterSpark Book Cover Design ➤ https://writersparkbookcovers.com/

    Check out WriterSpark’s self-paced, online courses➤ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/

    Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

    ✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribe to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

    ✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨

    Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

    Resources

    • WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
    • Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
    • Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
    • Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
    • Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
    • Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • The Fundamentals of Marketing for Writers
    Apr 1 2024

    Episode 44

    Every author has two jobs, one as an author, and the other as a marketer. It's a necessary part of the writing life if you are in it to earn money. Nicolette Lemmon is an industry expert with experience in marketing. This episode taps into marketing fundamentals to help writers succeed in this part of the writing process.

    Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

    • The Author’s Marketing Playbook
    • Newsletter Ninja
    • Diane Kelly’s Paw Enforcement Series
    • The Magical Dressmaking Mystery Series
    • Wisconsin Quilt Show
    • Visit Nicolette Lemmon’s Website

    • Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
    • WriterSpark Book Cover Design: https://writersparkbookcovers.com/
    • Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com

    ✨ What's Your Story: Writing Your Memoir self-paced course:

    https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable

    ✨ Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/https://writersparkacademy.com/newsletter-signup/)

    Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

    Learn more about the host, Melissa

    Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com

    ✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨

    *Some links may be affiliate links

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • How to Tap into M.A.G.I.C. in your Writing
    Mar 4 2024

    Episode 43

    We can all use a little MAGIC in our writing lives. In this case, I'm talking about the MAGIC from "Organisational Consultant and workplace mediator Sharon Darmody". In our conversation, we talked about how to apply her MAGIC framework to the writing life.

    Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

    * Work Your Magic*

    https://www.amazon.com.au/Work-Your-Magic-Business-Community/dp/1647425336

    * Sharon Darmody's Website: https://www.sharondarmody.com/

    *Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com

    * Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com

    * WriterSpark Book Cover Design: https://writersparkbookcovers.com/

    * Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com

    * Melissa Bourbon's books: https://melissabourbon.com/bookshelf/

    ✨ What's Your Story: Writing Your Memoir self-paced course:

    https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable

    ✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/https://writersparkacademy.com/newsletter-signup/)

    Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

    Learn more about the host, Melissa

    Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com

    ✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨

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    58 mins
  • Mining Your Life for Stories
    Jan 23 2024

    Episode 42

    In this episode, Melissa talks with Lynne Golodner, author of Woman of Valor and prolific creative nonfiction writer, about mining your life for stories. This is such a great topic and applicable to people who write (or want to write) memoirs, creative nonfiction, and fiction.

    Enjoy!

    Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

    • Woman of Valor: https://amzn.to/3Ss64Tr
    • Lynne Golodner's Website: https://lynnegolodner.com/
    • Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
    • Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
    • WriterSpark Book Cover Design: https://writersparkbookcovers.com/
    • Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
    • Melissa Bourbon's books: https://melissabourbon.com/bookshelf/

    ✨ What's Your Story: Writing Your Memoir self-paced course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/writing-your-memoir-master-class

    ✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

    Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

    Additional Resources

    • WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
    • Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
    • Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
    • Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
    • Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
    • Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
    • Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

    ✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨

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    58 mins
  • Literary Agents: What to think about and look for, and so much more!
    Dec 13 2023

    Episode 41

    In this episode, Melissa talks with Michael Griffo, who also writes at JD Griffo and Michael Falco. The topic is All About Agents: Do you need them? What to look for... But it ended up being so much more.

    Enjoy!

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

    • Michael Griffo's Website: https://michaelgriffo.com/
    • Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
    • Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
    • WriterSpark Book Cover Design: https://writersparkbookcovers.com/
    • Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/
    • Michael Falco's books: https://michaelgriffo.com/michael-griffo-books/
    • Melissa Bourbon's books: https://melissabourbon.com/bookshelf/
    • Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/
    • Deep Point of View:

    Podcast: https://writersparkacademy.podbean.com/e/going-into-deep-point-of-view-by-adding-thought-emotion-action-and-decision-in-your-writing/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfI59DkiLUk&t=56s

    ✨ Check out the Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery Online course: ✨ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/how-to-write-a-cozy-mystery-master-class ✨

    ✨ Check out the Ready, Set, WRITE! Online course to dig deeper into writing techniques: ✨ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com ✨

    ✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

    Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

    Additional Resources

    • WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
    • Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
    • Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
    • Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
    • Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
    • Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
    • Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

    ✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Reasons Why Every Author Needs an Editor
    Nov 22 2023

    Episode 40

    Every writer needs an editor, but do you know why and what they do for you?

    Do you know what editors do and what different types of edits mean? Developmental. Substantive. Line. Copy. They each have their own purposes.

    As well as being an author, writing coach and instructor, and cover art designer, I am also a freelance editor. Today I'm talking with Donalee Moulton, who is also an author and freelance editor. This episode is chock full of great information. Enjoy!

    ✨ Check out the Ready, Set, WRITE! Online course to dig deeper into writing techniques: ✨ https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com ✨

    ✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

    Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

    • Donalee Moulton's Website: https://donaleemoulton.com/
    • Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
    • Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
    • Learn about WriterSpark Course: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/

    Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

    Additional Resources

    • WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
    • Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
    • Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
    • Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
    • Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
    • Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
    • Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

    ✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨

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    58 mins
  • Use these 8 Strategies to Get Past Writer’s Block
    Nov 11 2023

    Episode 39

    Every writer gets stuck now and then. It's part of the journey. Getting stuck doesn't mean you need to stop, though, and it isn't just about pushing through. I have 8 strategies to help get you past 'Writer's Block' so you can move forward with your writing.

    (Read along on the WriterSpark blog)

    ✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter (https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/)

    Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

    • Silent Obsession
    • Visit Melissa Bourbon's Website: http://www.melissabourbon.com
    • Visit WriterSpark Academy: http://www.writersparkacademy.com
    • Learn about WriterSpark Courses: https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/

    Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast!

    Additional Resources

    • WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com
    • Sign up for the WriterSpark newsletter: https://writersparkacademy.com/newslettersignup/
    • Grab WriterSpark Swag! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/writerspark/share
    • Learn more about the host, Melissa Bourbon: http://melissabourbon.com
    • Subscribe to WriterSpark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKN2ZVZwjoAOeHlBO-cRIw/videos
    • Follow WriterSpark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWriterSpark
    • Instagram: http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy and http://instagram.com/writer_spark
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishly_cozy
    • Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/

    ✨ 📝 Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. 📝 ✨

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    9 mins