Ep 12: Improving Characters with the Enneagram
In this episode, I talk about working with beta readers, planning my next project, and how learning the Enneagram helped me make my characters better.
Note: I am an affiliate of some of the platforms you can access through the universal book links below, which means if you make a purchase, I get a few cents at no additional cost to you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Every Star that Shines preorder
The Emotional Wound Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi
H. Claire Taylor's email series about the Enneagram for writers: www.ffs.media/readnow
Mug quote of the week:
“I am the wound and the blade, the torturer and the flayed.”
― Charles Baudelaire, The Flowers of Evil
Question of the week:
What tools do you use when you are creating or refining characters?
Original music by Josh Rickard, www.joshrickardmusic.com.
S1E10: Change is the only Certainty
In this episode, I talk about tools for writing emotion and developing characters, a recent family situation that means a major adjustment, and my tools for coping with change and challenges.
Note: I am an affiliate of some of the platforms you can access through the universal book links below, which means if you make a purchase, I get a few cents at no additional cost to you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Brenna Davies's article about me on the Boomarten Editorial blog:
2022-02-25: Author Spotlight: Talena Winters
The Writer's Thesaurus series by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi:
Mug Quote of the Week:
"Let reality be reality."
From the following longer quote:
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” Lao Tzu
Bonus quote:
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” Joseph Campbell
Question of the Week:
If you've been affected by the stresses of the world or just the natural stresses of life, what are useful practices to help you adapt, in your business or in life?
Original music by Josh Rickard, www.joshrickardmusic.com.
S1E9: Taking Chances on Yourself with Jessica Renwick
In this episode, I interview Jessica Renwick, an independently published middle grade fantasy and sweet romance author and copyeditor who has bucked popular indie wisdom and reaped great rewards. We also talk about dealing with Impostor Syndrome, where she finds inspiration, and adventures in advertising. In the introduction, I talk about some new tools in the indie author space.
(Please note that I am an affiliate of Amazon.com, .ca, and .co.uk, so if you click through to one of those stores from the links below and make a purchase, I’ll get a few cents without any additional charge to you.)
Mentioned in this episode:
The Undine's Tear reviewed in Lorehaven last Friday. (Not an "interview" like I said in the episode!)
Rebel Author Podcast with Sacha Black Ep. 126 - Mailing Lists for Indie Authors with Tammi Lebrecque
About Jessica Renwick:
Jessica Renwick is the award-winning author of books about friendship, courage, and being true to yourself. The Book of Chaos was her first novel and the start of Starfell, her fantasy series for middle-grade readers. Since then she has also published the second and third book in the series, a paranormal mystery for middle-grade kids, and a sweet romance series for adults.
She lives in central Alberta, Canada with her loving partner, two pocket monsters (her dogs), and a flock of chickens.
Interviews with Jessica on my blog:
Jessica Renwick: Writing a New Ending (inspirational personal essay)
Author interview with Jessica Renwick when she released The Bow of Anarchy (Starfell Book 2)
Jessica on Instagram:
@jessicarenwickauthor, @jessicaannerenwickbooks
What we chat about:
How the inspiration for Jessica's first book, The Book of Chaos, came from a long-running DnD campaign
How she got her copy editing certification through Writers Digest University
How she's continually worked to improve her craft
A book that helped her with Impostor Syndrome: The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women - Valerie Young
Resource for middle grade indie authors: How to Self-Publish and Market a Children's Book - Karen Inglis
Facebook groups Jessica recommends for middle grade authors: Society of Middle-Grade Writers
The Creative Penn episode: Draft2Digital Acquires Smashwords with Mark Coker and Kevin Tumlinson
Podium Audio: https://podiumaudio.com/
Courses Jessica recommends:
Bryan Cohen's 5-Day Author Ad Profit Challenge - Free Amazon Ads challenge
Mark Dawson's advertising course: comprehensive cross-platform ads course
David Farland's craft and business courses: https://mystorydoctor.com/
Find Jessica’s upcoming books here:
March 15 - The Book of Chaos (Starfell Book 1) releasing on audio. Pre-order on Audible.
March 29 - The Curse of the Warlock (Starfell Book 4) on eBook & print. Audiobook in September.
Mug quote of the week:
"Our own life has to be our message." Thich Nhat Hanh
Question of the week:
What's a risky decision you've made about your indie author business that has paid off in unexpected ways?
Tweet me: https://twitter.com/talenawinters
Original music by Josh Rickard, www.joshrickardmusic.com.
S1E8: Inviting Opportunity to Knock
In this episode, I talk about:
My recent struggles with Impostor Syndrome and Resistance and how I overcame them (this week)
Branding and marketing are both telling stories
Putting lots of hooks in the water - how we create doors for Opportunity to Knock on. (Don’t worry, the metaphor is only mixed in these notes, not the episode. Or is it?)
Marketing done right is actually serving our readers
Mentioned in this episode:
Sell More Books Show, Episode 410: Helpful Mindsets and Pursuing Your Passion
Mug Quote of the Week:
“If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” Milton Berle
Question of the Week:
When was a time opportunity knocked because you'd built a door for it to knock on, and how did it pay off?
Tweet me: https://twitter.com/talenawinters
Original music by Josh Rickard, www.joshrickardmusic.com.