Writing Pursuits

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

AI for Authors: Practical and Ethical Guidelines. Alliance of Independent Authors

69: Challenges for Late Blooming Writers

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0500

Tips for mature, first-time authors to get over impostor syndrome and conquer self doubt.

Mentioned in the episode:

Independent Book Publishers Association

Question of the week: What is the most challenging part of being a mature author?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Three Story Method Certified Editor

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

If you would like to sign up for a free Draft2Digital account, click the link to use my affiliate code and support the show. You never have to pay upfront to publish; Draft2Digital only makes money if you sell ebooks through one of their distributors.

Workflowy (affiliate) - https://workflowy.com/invite/958bd78a.lnx

YourFirstChapter.com

68: 10 Reasons to Consider Substack

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 22:00:00 -0500

An overview of the benefits to authors of using Substack for blogging, newsletters, and a stand-in website.

The question of the week is: What email service provider do you use and why?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

67: Ethics of ChatGPT for AUthors

Kathrese McKee — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Explores plagiarism, academic cheating, intellectual property concerns, and the ethical use of AI by authors.Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: LINK

The question of the week is: What are your predictions about how authors will use AI in the future?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Accompanying post: https://writingpursuits.substack.com/p/ethics-of-using-chatgpt-for-authors

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

66: Storytelling Revolution: Humans and AI Unite!

Kathrese McKee — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Interview with J. Thorn, author of Three Story Method: Cowriting with ChatGPT: AI-Powered Storytelling.

Join the revolution transforming storytelling as we explore the synergy between human creativity and AI's formidable power. Discover how this union will shape the narratives of tomorrow.

J. Thorn has published two million words and has sold more than 185,000 books worldwide. He is an official member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, and the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers.

J. co-founded the Writers, Ink podcast with J.D. Barker, and has interviewed some of today's most successful authors including Matthew McConaughey, James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Seth Godin, Joyce Carol Oates, Hugh Howey, Andy Weir, Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks, Lee Child, Stephen Pressfield, Chuck Palahniuk, and many more.

Thorn earned a B.A. in American History from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.A. from Duquesne University. He is a husband, father, full-time writer, part-time professor at John Carroll University, founder of The Author Life Community, podcaster, FM radio DJ, musician, and owner of the Three Story Method Editing Agency.

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

65: The Power of Story Structure - Pacing and Excitement Unleashed

Kathrese McKee — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:15:00 -0500

Discover the key plot points that drive the narrative, from the thrilling inciting event to the breathtaking resolution. Don't miss this in-depth analysis of how structure plays a pivotal role in creating an unforgettable adventure.

Resources mentioned:

*The Hero with a Thousand Faces* by Joseph Campbell - https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Faces-Collected-Joseph-Campbell/dp/1577315936/

*The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure For Writers* by Christopher Vogler - https://www.amazon.com/Writers-Journey-Anniversary-Library-Structure/dp/1615933239/

*The Heroine's Journey: Woman' Quest for Wholeness* by Maureen Murdock - https://www.amazon.com/Heroines-Journey-Womans-Quest-Wholeness/dp/1611808308/

*The Heroine's Journey: For Writers, Readers, and Fans of Pop Culture* by Gail Carriger - https://www.amazon.com/Heroines-Journey-Writers-Readers-Culture/dp/1944751343/

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

64: The Art of Collaboration with JP Rindfleisch IX

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:15:00 -0500

JP Rindfleisch IX and Kathrese McKee discuss must-know tips for author collaborations.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

https://www.jprindfleischix.com/

Book 3 of the Leah Ackerman series launched last month!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5XWG3G9

Story Hypothesis will be coming out in August (no link yet)

I also host coworking streams on Twitch with the pomodoro method.

https://www.twitch.tv/cheshirepope

The question of the week is: Share a collaboration you have been a part of or one you have in mind.

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

63: Building Writing Momentum - Transform Habits with the 12-Week Year

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:30:00 -0500

The 12 Week Year - Discover how accountability, commitment, and greatness in the moment can elevate your writing game.

"The 12 Week Year" by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington - https://www.amazon.com/12-Week-Year-Others-Months/dp/1118509234/

"The 12 Week Year for Writers" by A. Trevor Thrall - https://www.amazon.com/12-Week-Year-Writers-Comprehensive-ebook/dp/B09CLX3NMK/

Question of the week: What does greatness in the moment mean to you?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

62: Fantasy Tropes - High Fantasy to Urban Dystopia

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 00:15:00 -0500

Fantasy authors get to create captivating worlds, epic battles, and unforgettable characters. We do a deep dive into the realms of fantasy subgenres and their tropes.

Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: LINK

The question of the week is: What are your favorite fantasy books, series, or authors?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

61: Mastering the Art of Dialogue with Jeff Elkins

Kathrese McKee — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:15:00 -0500

Jeff Elkins, aka, the Dialogue Doctor, who is an author, podcast host, and writing coach. Jeff shares his experience of conducting over 200 coaching sessions to help authors improve their dialogue and create engaging characters.

He explains that the ideas and techniques in his book, "The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now: How to Write Dialogue and Characters Readers Will Love," were developed through collaborative efforts within the dialogue doctor community. He emphasizes the importance of dialogue in immersing readers in a story and discusses the distinction between dialogue and exposition.

Jeff also provides insights on crafting character voices and building a dynamic cast of characters that excite readers. He suggests techniques like grouping characters together, using vocalizations, body language, and dialogue tags to bring characters to life, and introducing engines (characters that help growth) and anchors (characters that hinder growth) to create conflict and facilitate character development.Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: LINK

The question of the week is: Who are your favorite lone wolf characters?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Jeff Elkins - https://www.dialoguedoctor.com

The book - https://www.amazon.com/Dialogue-Doctor-Will-See-You-ebook/dp/B0C7D1WNZL/

(The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now: How to Write Dialogue and Characters Readers Will Love)

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Collaboration for Authors: A Complete Guide to Collaborating, Finding a Partner, and Accelerating Your Author Career by Daniel Willcocks and J. Thorn

60: 8 Ways to Make Author Connections

Kathrese McKee — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 09:30:00 -0500

Making connections as writers is important. But how do you go about leaving your shell to make those connections? Here are eight ways to connect.

Co-writing a book: Collaboration and Co-creation for Authors by J. Thorn and Joanna Penn

Question of the week: How do you make writing related connections?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Former FBI Agent Explains How to Read Facial Expressions | WIRED - YouTube

59: How to Use Body Language to Improve Storytelling

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 24 May 2023 00:15:00 -0500

Today, we will cover using body language to improve your writing by conveying emotions, showing instead of telling, boosting characterization, and so much more.

Question of the week: What are some overused phrases you try to avoid in your fiction writing?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

The Dictionary of Body Language: A Field Guide to Human Behavior

The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

58: 7 Tips to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Writing

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 17 May 2023 00:15:00 -0500

58: 7 Tips to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Writing, focusing on brain health and wellbeing for authors.

The question of the week is: How do you refresh and renew your mind?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

57: Magic, Myth, and Man - Wield Supernatural Power (6)

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 10 May 2023 00:15:00 -0500

This is the last part of a six-part World Building Series. Today, we discuss five tips for incorporating myth and magic into your world building.

The question of the week is: What are your favorite books, series, or movies that include mythology or magic?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

56: Past and Present – Explore History’s Legacy (5)

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 03 May 2023 21:15:00 -0500

In this episode, we cover 5 tips to help your create and remember your world's history and use it to drive your stories forward.

The question of the week is: What is your method for creating the history for your fictional worlds, and how do you keep track??

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

World Anvil

Plottr.com

55: Wheels of Progress - Shape Your World (4)

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 23:00:00 -0500

Today, iwe discuss everything from transportation and communication to architecture, construction, technology, and medical knowledge that goes into creating a believable, immersive world.

Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: LINK

The question of the week is: What are your favorite books and movies where these topics played a pivotal role. Share your favorites in the comments?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

77 Caste System Examples (2023) - Helpful Professor

54: Society's Rules - Bend Them, Break Them (3)

Kathrese McKee — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 17:00:00 -0500

Society's rules is a part of world building that often does not get enough attention. This is part 3 of a six-part world building series.

Helpful Sources:

Elumis - What Are Basic Human Rights?

Sanderson's Three Laws of Magic: Worldbuilding Advice for Game Masters

The question of the week is: How have you used society's rules as an important aspect in your stories?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

53: Nature's Realm - Set the Stage (2)

Kathrese McKee — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0500

This is part 2 of a 6-part series on Worldbuilding entitled "Natures' Realm: Set the Stage." Discover ways to exploit the setting of your story for plot points and sources of conflict to make your novels more engaging and immersive.

Accompanying YouTube video: https://youtu.be/_dl7rvWseqg

Question of the week: How does the place you set your stories add to the plot and enhance conflict?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

52: Building Better Worlds & Why It Matters (1)

Kathrese McKee — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:30:00 -0500

Unlock the secrets of effective world building with the tips from my world building Series. Today, we explore how world building benefits your writing.

The question of the week is: What fictional book world have you always wanted to visit and why?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

51: ChatGPT for Authors - Pros and Cons

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:15:00 -0500

Is ChatGPT for Authors? Angela Haas and V.E. Griffith are my guests as we discuss the pros and cons of ChatGPT for writers. Listen in as three authors discuss how they use ChatGPT, its strengths and weaknesses, and the potential legal ramifications.

To try ChatGPT, go to https://chat.openai.com/

See the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jf3h8_bIdkQ

The question of the week is: How will ChatGPT fit into your author process?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

50: Plottr Tips from a Pro with guest: Troy Lambert

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:15:00 -0500

Plottr is an app that helps authors outline faster, organize smarter, and turbocharge their productivity. Troy Lambert, author of more than 25 mystery novels, reveals how he uses Plottr to keep up with the demanding writing schedule of a commercial writer. Troy reveals his process for plotting, creating character profiles, revision, and keeping the facts straight for his ambitious series.

Get a 30-Day Money Back Gurantee at https://Plottr.com

My favorite advice was:

If your spouse or a relative asks if you are still doing that writing thing, say, "You bet I am. You still doing that golfing thing? You still got that boat, Uncle Fred?"

"You know, whatever the case may be—whatever their hobby is—it's costing them money, I guarantee, and they're investing money in it deliberately. I also guarantee that."

This and MUCH, MUCH more in this episode!

The question of the week is: Have you tried Plottr yet? If so, let us know what you think!

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

49: 5 Steps to Fight Author Fade

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:15:00 -0500

What is "Author Fade?" How do you recognize it? And how do you avoid it or recover from it? Learn 5 steps to fight author fade.

Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: https://www.writingpursuits.com/5-steps-to-fight-author-fade/

The question of the week is: Do you have tips and tricks for overcoming author fade?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

48: How to Write a Strong Synopsis and Why

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 00:15:00 -0500

A synopsis is a useful tool for authors and a necessary one to attract an agent or publisher. Use these tips to make the process easier.

The question of the week is: Do you have any pointers or experiences to share about writing synopses?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Laube, Steve. 2018. “Book Proposals: The Fiction Synopsis -.” The Steve Laube Agency. https://stevelaube.com/why_write-a-synopsis/

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

47: Getting to the Finish Line with Guest, Emma Dhesi

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Getting to the finish line for your first book is the most important task for a new author. How do you overcome the obstacles and develop the mindset to get to The End?

Emma Dhesi coaching at https://www.emmadhesi.com

Special offer ending Saturday, September 10, 2022 https://www.emmadhesi.com/21days.

The question of the week is: What is your biggest challenge to finish writing your novel?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

46: Twelve Great Ways to Find Story Ideas

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 22:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Writing Pursuits, I will discuss twelve ways to find story ideas.

Question of the week: What is your favorite method of brainstorming new story ideas?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

45: Don't Call It an Outline

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 00:15:00 -0500

The puzzler approach takes a fair amount of prewriting and preparation before the real work begins, but don't call it an outline.

Check out The Heroine's Journey: For Writers, Readers, and Fans of Pop Culture by Gail Carriger for a great addition to your author library.

Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: "Don't Call It an Outline".

The question of the week is: How do you map out your stories? What methods work best for you?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Use Content Pillars to Generate Strong Content

44: Use Content Pillars to Generate Strong Content

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Use content pillars to generate content for your blog, social media posts, and newsletters. Stop struggling with what to write about in your blog and your author newsletter and your social posts!

Who Is Your Ideal Reader Avatar? goes with Episode 2: Who Is Your Ideal Reader?.

Content Pillars Exercise downloadable pdf file

The question of the week is: What are your content pillars?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

43: Finding Your Mirror Moment

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 00:15:00 -0500

The mirror moment in a story is when the main character experiences a moment of clarity that pushes them to change direction. It is the turning point.

That moment of clarity is when your character experiences an ah-hah moment. Most often, it is the unveiling of a truth about—themselves, the world, what they must do if they hope to survive, or what they must do to be "save the world," regardless of the price.

Your homework for this episode is to read Write Your Novel From The Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between by James Scott Bell.

The question of the week is: What is your favorite "mirror moment" in a book, play, or movie?

Leave your answer at writingpursuits.com/podcast/43.

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

42: Seven More Ways to Improve Your Manuscript

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 10:30:00 -0500

This is part 2 of a two-part series. Part 1 is in Episode 41. Your story is finished. You've reached the end. Your beta readers are waiting, an agent has asked for a full manuscript, or maybe you are getting it ready for your editor. What are some easy ways to immediately improve it before your send it out? Let's find out in this episode of Writing Pursuits.

Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: "Seven More Ways to Improve Your Manuscript."

The question of the week is: What is your biggest challenge when you revise your manuscript?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

41: Seven Easy Ways to Improve Your Manuscript

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Before you send your manuscript to an agent, editor, or your beta readers, use these steps to immediately improve your manuscript.

Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: Seven Easy Ways to Improve Your Manuscript.

The question of the week is: What are your favorite last-minute checks before your send your manuscript out?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

40: Make a Scene in a Good Way

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Scenes are the building blocks of novel writing. If you master writing scenes, your stories will be unputdownable. Riveting. Engaging. If you are an experienced author, you know these things, but every fiction author must learn how to write a good scene.

The question of the week is: How do you know you have reached the end of a scene?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

39: Ways to Break Through Writer's Block

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Is writer's block real? Yes. Can you beat it? What to do when you have writer's block. Writer's block is not a permanent condition, and there are ways to minimize its impact.

The question of the week is: What is your favorite way to get unstuck and beat writer's block?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

38: Fear and Desire, Keys to Conflict

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Figuring out your characters' fears and deepest needs and desires is a key to characterization and generating conflict for your plot.

The question of the week is: How have you used your characters' fears to drive your plot? Or, what is your favorite example of a character's fears driving a plot?

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

37: Branding for Middle Grade Fiction, Guest - S. A. Schneider

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Today, I have a guest, Stephen Schneider, and we will be discussing his middle grade fiction and a few other topics.

Stephen writes as S. A. Schneider, and he is a purveyor of fantasy and a travel guide for kids to explore the many worlds found in books. Anyone who has a wolf should be a writer of fantasy, right? Enjoy the adventure.

Discovered Wordsmiths (podcast) https://www.discoveredwordsmiths.com/

Stephen's website and resources for parents and teachers at https://www.sa-schneider.com/

Links:

Make sure you get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric at https://www.firstchapterrubric.com/.

If you would like to sign up for a free Draft2Digital account, I am an affiliate, and this is my link: https://www.draft2digital.com/writingpursuits. You never have to pay upfront to publish; Draft2Digital only makes money if you sell ebooks through one of their distributors.

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

36: Five Things Authors Should Quit Doing

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Time is our most precious commodity, but we spend too much effort and thought--too much time--on stuff that actually holds us back. We also avoid a couple of things that make all the difference.

Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

35: Is Kindle Vella for You? Guest: Christine Daigle

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 17:30:00 -0500

In this week's episode, I interview Christine Daigle about her experience with Kindle Vella, and she gives lots of tips and insights for successfully writing serial fiction. Christine is co-writing two Kindle Vella series with Stewart Sternberg under the pen name of L. P. Styles.

Guest: Christine Daigle who co-writes with Stewart Sternberg

Author Website: https://www.christinedaiglebooks.com/

L. P Styles Website: https://www.lpstylesbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpstylesbooks/

The Molecule Thief on Kindle Vella: https://www.amazon.com/The-Molecule-Thief/dp/B0957CZ7M1

Dark Is A Way: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Is-A-Way/dp/B094GY3S2Y

Make sure you get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric at https://www.firstchapterrubric.com/.

Writing Pursuits is run by Kathrese McKee who has been trusted by fiction authors since 2014 to take their writing to a new level of excellence. Kathrese is a Three Story Method Certified Editor who specializes in story diagnostics, coaching, and line editing to help you “prepare your story for the journey ahead.” For more information, go to WritingPursuits.com. The link is below.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

34: Seven Tips for Using Universal Book Links

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 21:15:00 -0500

There are plenty of tools and apps to help you market your books, but most of those come at a premium.

Today, we are going to look at a free tool that will simplify your life and help you market your books. In fact, you can earn money on books you didn't write by maximizing your affiliate links.

Let's learn about Universal Book Links and how to use them.

If you would like to sign up for a free Draft2Digital account, I am an affiliate, and this is my link: https://www.draft2digital.com/writingpursuits. You never have to pay upfront to publish; Draft2Digital only makes money if you sell ebooks through one of their distributors.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

33: Is Blogging a Waste of Time for Authors?

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 25 May 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Do authors of books need to write blog posts too? What about doing blog tours during your book launch? Who should blog and who shouldn't? What are the best topics to blog about?

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

32: First Chapter Analysis with Guest Alden T Burgess

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 18 May 2022 23:30:00 -0500

First Chapter analysis with Alden Burgess's science fantasy YA novel, The Elusion Crystals. Great discussion with this film maker turned novelist.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

31: Eight Ways to Create Margin in Your Author Life

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 11 May 2022 20:00:00 -0500

An emergency in my personal life taught be lessons about needing margin in my life. Here, I share 8 ways I have found to create margin.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

30: What is the best email marketing software for authors?

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0500

What do you do when your email service provider changes their product, changes their pricing, and doesn't let you migrate your data to the new platform?

This is what happened to me and thousands of other clients lately when MailerLite rolled out their newer, better, shinier MailerLite and assured their existing clients that the "classic" version would continue to function for some time to come at the existing pricing structure. But all new clients would only be able to sign up for the new MailerLite. This is what I did.

Resources:

Email Deliverability Test: A Detailed Look at the Best-Performing Tools by Inka Wibowo on April 21, 2022
First look: The new version of MailerLite is preparing to launch by Ignas Rubezius on March 1, 2022
Introducing the new MailerLite: What’s new (+ FAQ) by Ignas Rubezius on March 22, 2022.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

29: Tips for Writing a Strong Author Biography

Kathrese McKee — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Your author biography is your business card, your elevator pitch, and your introduction rolled into one. Taking the time to craft a strong author bio will help you establish a consistent image across your books and across the internet.

Authors mentioned in this episode:

Lane Rebelo, LCSW at TinySigns.com
Jen Fisch at KetoInTheCity.com
James L. Rubard at jameslrubart.com

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

28: Use Plain Text to Future-Proof Your Writing

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 00:15:00 -0500

You need to consider plain text as a means to future-proof your written work. Why plain text? How hard is it to do? What are the advantages and disadvantages? My suggestions? Let's find out.

The question of the week is: What steps have you taken to archive your manuscripts or other important work? Alternate question: What is your favorite text editor or notetaking app?

Derek Sivers, "Write plain text files."
Shields Up: Take The Five-Day Security Challenge
-Shields Up video

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

27: First Chapter Analysis with Katherine Vinson

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Full episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/3LTx2NYPDoM

Katherine (Kat) Vinson's website: https://sparksofember.wordpress.com/

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

https://www.mindmeister.com

26: Mind Maps for Authors

Kathrese McKee — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 23:30:00 -0500

Mind maps are a powerful way to think about story writing, so today, we are looking at mind mapping software for writers.

https://www.coggle.it

https://www.ayoa.com

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

25: How to Choose Book Writing Software

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:15:00 -0500

You want to be an author. Or maybe you already are an author, but for some reason, you are dissatisfied with the book writing software you are currently using. Today, I am going to concentrate on software you would use on a PC or Mac, not standalone writing machines like the Traveler by FreeWrite. So which software should you look at? Which one should you choose? Answers to these questions in Episode 25 of Writing Pursuits.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Atticus Formatting Software Review

24: Shields Up! Five-Day Security Challenge

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Cybersecurity

is always a concern, but due to the war in Ukraine, world governments have

issued warnings about data security to protect against hacking. How can authors

protect their work and take action to protect their data? What easy steps can

you take this week to be in a much better state of preparedness? To be ready?

To safeguard your finances and your work? Let's dive into the Five-Day Security

Challenge in Episode 24 of Writing Pursuits.

Resources:

• Five-Day Security Challenge especially for

authors. Google Docs link.

• Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NmY28l-vQ4A.

• The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently issued a "Shields

Up" notice.

• Facebook: go through their security checkup.

• Use Twitter's recommendations.

• Follow Instagram's guidelines.

• Read this article from Wired about TikTok.

Links:

First Chapter Rubric Download it for free.

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Mailerlite

(affiliate link)

23: First Chapter Analysis with Becky Appleby-Sparrow

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Introducing the First Chapter Rubric

In this episode, we analyze Becky Appleby-Sparrow's first chapter of Love Unlikely, a YA romantic fantasy. We use the newly available First Chapter Rubric, available for free at FirstChapterRubric.com.

Get your copy and follow along.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

FirstChapterRubric.com

22: Agent Scams, Shams, & Frauds

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:15:00 -0500

An agent can be an invaluable partner, but how do can you tell if an agent is legit? Which literary agents should you avoid? How much do literary agents cost? Do you pay literary agents upfront? Do agents charge fees?

Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). Founded in 1991 as the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR) http://aaronline.org/Find

Absolute Write Water Cooler. Look in their "Bewares, Recommendatons & Background Checks" section.

PublishersMarketplace. Membership required.

QueryTracker

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

21: Interview with Valerie Ihsan - Memoirs, Myths, & Memories

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:15:00 -0500

Show Notes

What is a memoir, really? Why would you choose to write one? Does it have to be 100% factual and accurate? Will you get sued? Answers to these questions and more on Episode 21 of Writing Pursuits.

My guest, Valerie Ihsan, is a published author, a story analyst, podcaster, and coach. As a certified Three Story Method editor, she nurtures and empowers authors to create their best work. She specializes in helping writers find the core message of their memoirs; diagnosing underdeveloped areas in their fiction or non-fiction manuscripts with a story rubric; and taking writers through the process of writing a memoir from beginning to end. She hosts a summer writing retreat in Oregon, along the MacKenzie River, and is living the dream life with a Turkish husband, and three rescue dogs. She works in an independent bookstore, and plans a move to Costa Rica in two years.

Be sure to check out: Socially-distanced summer writing retreat outside of Eugene, Oregon along the MacKenzie River. August 11-14, 2022. All inclusive (lodging, meals, and instruction, plus three days and nights of gorgeous retreat space) for $840. Payment plans available. https://valerieihsan.com/retreat

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

20: Interview with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor

Kathrese McKee — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Show Notes

Today I welcome Jeff Elkins to Writing Pursuits. Jeff is an author of more than 10 novels, an editor, and a professional speaker. He is the host of the Dialogue Doctor Podcast and a Three Story Method Certified editor.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

5 Mistakes You're Making with Your Dialogue

Guest Links:

DialogueDoctor.com

2022 Workshops

19: Your First Chapter - The Three Cs

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 15:15:00 -0500

Show Notes

Conflict, choices, and consequences are the engine that powers your story and engages your readers. How can you build these three Cs into your first chapter? What are the types of conflict, and how can you use them to your advantage? Finally, what is the fourth C to make your first chapter irresistible?

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

18: Your First Chapter - Setting, Normal World, Genre, & Stakes

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Show Notes

As part of the series on how to write a strong first chapter, we consider the setting of the story, the normal world, the types of stakes in a story, and the genre expectations.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

17: Your First Chapter - Point of View

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Show Notes

Today's Question: What is your favorite kind of point of view and why?

Point of view is one of the most important decisions you must make before you begin writing your first chapter. Whose perspective will you choose–yours, one of your characters, or multiple points of view? Which type of point of view will you choose? These questions and more on Episode 17 of Writing Pursuits.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

16: Your First Chapter - The Hook

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 23:45:00 -0500

Show Notes

The first thing a first chapter must do is hook the reader with one or more catchy opening sentences. Learning how to write the first chapter of a book is difficult, but mastering how to write a great first sentence is at least as important. We will cover ways to hook your reader and more on Episode 16 of Writing Pursuits.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

15: When Is Your Story Finished?

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:15:00 -0500

This is the last episode for 2021; please join us again on Wednesday, January 5th for the first episode of 2022.

How do you know when your story is finished? The answer to that question is a judgment call with artistic and practical factors to consider. Are you wasting time on endless revisions? What do your readers want? What do agents and publishers want? Is the story long enough or is it too long? How do you know when you’re done writing a book?

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Story Rubric

14: How to Avoid Plot Convenience

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:30:00 -0500

What is a plot convenience? Can you identify examples of plot convenience in books and movies? Learn how to avoid plot convenience in your novels.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

13: Debunking Author Myths

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:15:00 -0500

Episode 13: Debunking Author Myths

There are several, common myths about writing for a living. Today we discuss and debunk the myths.

This week’s question is: What lies are holding you back from writing? Please share.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Three Story Method Certified Editor What does that mean?

12: Big Rocks for 2022

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 01:15:00 -0500

The big rocks first principle works, but there are problems with the analogy. For authors, it is essential to decide what your big rocks are to avoid failure.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

11: Use Unreliable Narrators in Your Stories

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:15:00 -0500

The unreliable narrator is a tool every writer needs to have in their toolbelt. What are unreliable narrators, what categories do they fall in, and how do you write them?

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

10: Reduce Friction for Writing

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:15:00 -0500

Reducing friction is one of the most overlooked keys to getting things done. For the author, friction can come in many forms, but there are ways to reduce or eliminate friction and get the work started!

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

9: Self-Editing Overview

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 00:15:00 -0500

Show Notes

If you can get good at self-editing, you will save money by making it easier and thus less expensive for your editor to do their job.

Today, I’m going to give an overview of a process any author can use to save time. You can save yourself from making twenty passes through your manuscript.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Guests’s Links:

2k to 10k: Writing Faster, Writing Better, and Writing More of What You Love by Rachel Aaron (affiliate link)

8: Should You Write a Series?

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 00:15:00 -0500

Is writing a series for you? Or are standalone books better for you? Why would you choose to write a series? What are the pros and cons?

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Guests’s Links:

ChrisFoxWrites.com

7: Interview with H. L. Burke

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 00:15:00 -0500

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

Guests’s Links:

HLBurkeauthor.com

FellowshipofFantasy.com

Instagram for H. L. Burke: @BurkesDragons

6: Ten Tips to Keep Writing

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 00:15:00 -0500

Grinding to a halt during a writing project is a given. You get to a point in a book, an article, or your author newsletter, and you feel as though you just. Can’t.. Go. On.

I’ve been there, and so have you. But the point is to somehow—SOMEHOW—get back in the zone. Here are ten ways to reset.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

5: Choosing Point of View

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 00:15:00 -0500

When you are planning your novel, how do you decide whose point of view to tell it from? If your novel has two protagonists, how do you decide which one gets the scene--Character A or Character B? Do you choose one, two, or more points of view?

Today, we have covered:

Types of Point of View
Examples
Answers to the questions:
When you are planning your novel, how do you decide whose point of view to tell it from?
If your novel has two protagonists, how do you decide which one gets the scene--Character A or Character B?
Do you choose one, two, or more points of view?

Links:

Star Wars crawl: https://www.filmsite.org/starw.html

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

4: Interview with Linda Kozar

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 00:15:00 -0500

Interview with Linda Kozar

Today, we feature a lively interview with Selah Award winner, Linda Kozar, who writes cozy mysteries and devotionals. But don’t hem her in; Linda enjoys coloring outside the lines.

Find all of her books and her podcast information at LindaKozar.com.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

3: Safeguard Your Manuscripts

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 00:15:00 -0500

What you will learn:

Best practices for safeguarding your manuscript from loss and destruction.
How to adequately back up your manuscript and other working documents.
Version control and redundancy
How to build logical file structure
Virus Protection
Password management

Resources:

Ashlynn Carter of Ashlynn Writes: “A How-to Guide for GoogleDrive File Organization: The Exact System I Use,” https://ashlynwrites.com/googledrive-how-to/

Literature & Latte, “Syncing Scrivener Projects to the Cloud” by Kirk McElhearn https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/syncing-scrivener-projects-to-the-cloud

2: Find Your Ideal Reader

Kathrese McKee — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Do you know who your readers are? How do you identify your audience, and how can you connect? In this episode, we discuss:

How to identify your ideal readers.
Ways to learn about them, and
How to connect with readers before and after you publish your book.

Resource: Free, Printable Avatar Worksheet PDF

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast

1: Overcome Impostor Syndrome

Kathrese McKee — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0500

What you'll learn:

How to recognize impostor syndrome?
When to expect it.
The need to accept it.
How to push past it.

Links:

Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast