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PODCAST

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing

Melissa Bourbon

Writer Spark is a biweekly broadcast about business, creativity, and the craft of writing fiction hosted by bestselling author, fiction writing teacher, and writing coach, Melissa Bourbon. It’s your go-to resource for all things writing! Featuring successful authors who share invaluable insights on various craft topics, each episode is designed to inspire and educate. Enjoy stand-alone episodes packed with essential writing tips, from plotting and character development to mastering the art of

education how to

All Episodes

01:08:20

From Fiction to Fact: The Intersection of True Crime...

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2024/07/11

Episode 48Have you ever thought about the parallels between writing True Crime and Fiction Writing? That is what this episode is all about. I had the opportunity to talk with investigative journalist and true crime writer Doug Kari to explore the similarities in writing these two genres and dig into his investigative process as he researched and wrote The Berman Murders. Doug’s meticulous research and storytelling techniques bring his true crime story to life. It also mirrors the narrative

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01:06:54

Harness the Benefits of Process Writing to Unlock...

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2024/05/17

Episode 46Story 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

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57:45

How to Tap into M.A.G.I.C. in your Writing

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2024/03/04

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:

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58:07

Mining Your Life for Stories

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2024/01/23

Episode 42In 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

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01:23:47

Literary Agents: What to think about and look for,...

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/12/13

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

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58:17

Reasons Why Every Author Needs an Editor

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/11/22

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

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08:55

Use these 8 Strategies to Get Past Writer’s Block

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/11/11

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

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13:54

You NEED these 11 Tips to CRUSH NaNoWriMo

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/11/02

Episode 38 National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is HERE, and writers all over have jumped into this exciting challenge. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a seasoned writer, National Novel Writing Month may be just the special (not-so-secret) sauce you need to get motivated. If you are taking this writing challenge, you're in for a whirlwind of creativity, inspiration, and, yes, probably a little bit (or maybe even a lot) of madness. I have tips to help you CRUSH NaNoWriMo. (Read along

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59:41

Interview (Not Interrogation) Techniques for Fiction...

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/10/25

Episode 37 George Cramer spent years as a PI and Police Officer (turned writer), and many hours interviewing (not interrogating!) victims, suspects, and witnesses during investigations. Join me for this interesting conversation with George where he shares anecdotes, techniques, and tips for fiction writers. ✨ 📝 Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter

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47:30

Turning True Crime into Thrilling Fiction

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/10/15

Episode 36 Join me for a captivating podcast interview with Eryk Pruitt, the author of Something Bad Wrong, a gripping novel inspired by an unsolved true crime case from the 1970s in North Carolina. We talked about the fusion of fact and fiction in this great interview. Get ready for an insightful and intriguing conversation! 📖🕵️‍♂️ Learn more about WriterSpark's Writing a Novel Online Course ➤https://bit.ly/How-To-Write-A-Novel-Course A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS

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51:22

Using Your Real-Life as an Influence in Your Writing

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/10/06

Episode 35 Marjory McCown Final Cut Signed Copy Giveaway! If you’d like to enter for a chance to win, go HERE: https://forms.gle/8PkJnGUYtRqZQfu97 How do you use your real-life as an influence in your writing? Marjorie McCown did just that in her book, Final Cut. She was a costume designer in Hollywood for 30 years and she used experiences from her own life in her book as she created the fictional world of her protagonist, costume designer Joey Jessop. If you’ve wondered how to incorporate

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19:18

10 Reasons to Read and Write Cozy Mysteries

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/09/29

Episode 34 If you've ever thought about writing a cozy mystery, this WriterSpark Podcast episode is for you! The mystery genre is huge, and cozy mysteries are a pretty special part of it. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 reasons to read and write cozy mysteries. What makes them so popular? Listen to find out! Learn more about how to write a cozy mystery with WriterSpark's self-paced online course ➤https://bit.ly/FieldGuideCozy Follow WriterSpark on Pinterest ➤

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01:09:56

Learn All About Audiobook Production and Narration

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/08/29

Episode 33 Have you ever wondered what audiobook production and narration entails for an author? If you haven't, this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast is for you! Audiobooks can be a huge asset to an author's bottom line. There is a lot to learn, and that's what we're talking about in today with author and audiobook narrator Mary Castillo. She has great tips and resources about the audiobook arm of the publishing industry. A QUICK LOOK AT BOOKS and RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ready,

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13:44

Extraordinary Attorney Woo’s Hero’s Journey

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/08/23

Episode 32 Books. Movies. TV shows. Most of them are structured using at least some, if not all, of the elements of The Hero's Journey. That includes Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the Netflix original South Korean show. This is one of my favorite things to watch on television. It's smart, heartwarming, poignant, interesting, romantic, and I love it! From the ratings and success, I'm definitely not the only one who thinks so. This episode is a quick breakdown of The Hero's Journey using episode

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58:55

How to Avoid Getting Stuck With Your Writing

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/08/10

Episode 31 Whether you call it writer's block or simply getting stuck, the feeling of not being able to keep writing is very real. Certain strategies and tactics can help you get past the wall that sometimes appears and interferes with your forward progress. Today I'm in conversation with author Anne Louise Bannon, author of the Operation Quickline, the Old Los Angeles series and the brand new Running from Boston techno-thriller. Anne offers several strategies to help work past that sense of

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48:40

Writing a Memoir: Tips and Processes to Tell Your Story

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/07/25

Episode 30 Everyone has a story to tell. Robin Schepper turned her story and the search for her biological father into her book: Finding My Way, A Memoir of Family, Identity, & Political Ambition. In this episode, we talk about writing a memoir with tips and processes to tell your story. We talk about Robin's writing process, delving into the past, developing themes in a braided memoir, her memoir-writing tips, and more. If the thought of writing a memoir intrigues you, you will find this

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25:23

How to Start Your Book: ’In Media Res’ or with a Wide...

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/07/17

Episode 29 In this craft topic episode, I'm talking about different ways to begin your book, scene, or chapter: 'In media res' or with a wide-lens view. Have you ever thought about the opening scenes of movies? If you pay attention, you will start to notice how they often begin with a sort of wide-angle view of the world in which the story takes place. A QUICK LOOK AT MOVIES, BOOKS, and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Star Wars, Episode IV Flour in the Attic

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01:00:37

8 Secrets from Science to Fire Up Your Readers’ Brain

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/07/12

Episode 28 Seeing things from a new perspective can really give you a new way of seeing and internalizing things. That’s how I felt after reading Bill Birchard’s new book Writing for Impact: 8 Secrets from Science to Fire Up Your Readers’ Brain. This book really hit home for me on so many levels. There are a ton of craft books out there, but this one is different. It’s science-based, for one, and it gives a new vernacular and a new understanding of what most writers already do. The fundamental

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28:26

Revise your Manuscript like a Boss!

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/07/03

Episode 27 Love it or hate it, revision is an essential part of the writing process. Today, I'm sharing my four steps for revising your manuscript like a boss! After 32 books, I've distilled how I revise into this process. Wherever you stand on the revision, I hope today's episode gives you something to add to your process. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: Big Magic when you're writing Four steps for revising your manuscript ✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨ A

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35:18

How to Introduce the Protagonist in your Book

Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of... ·

2023/06/26

Episode 26 Figuring out how to introduce your protagonist (and sleuth) can be a real challenge. In today's episode, Melissa discusses this craft topic with author Zara Altair. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: The protagonist in the ordinary world Not getting hung up on the beginning Diving in with action A QUICK LOOK AT THE BOOK MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Used Virgin, an Argolicus Mystery by Zara Altair RESOURCES Resources WriterSpark Website: http://writersparkacademy.com Sign up for

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