Episode 50

Welcome to The WriterSpark Podcast! I'm your host, Melissa Bourbon, a bestselling author, podcaster, teacher, and book cover designer. In this episode, we're diving into the essentials of building a killer writing routine that promotes consistency and productivity. Whether you're struggling to find time to write or looking for ways to stay motivated, this episode will give you practical strategies and tools to help you succeed.

We'll discuss effective time management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique and time blocking, and explore some of the best tools and apps to support your writing habits.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Importance of a Writing Routine:

   • Why having a routine is crucial for writers
   • How a routine helps you stay focused and reduce procrastination

2. Time Management Strategies:

   • The Pomodoro Technique: Writing in focused bursts with breaks
   • Time blocking: Setting aside specific times for writing
   • Communicating your schedule to minimize interruptions

3. Tools and Apps to Support Writing Habits:

   • Scrivener: Organizing your manuscript, research, and notes
   • Evernote: Jotting down ideas and organizing research
   • Trello and Notion: Goal setting and tracking progress
   • Focus@Will & Brain FM: Background music designed to improve concentration

4. Real-Life Examples and Tips:

   • Setting small, achievable goals
   • Writing at the same time every day
   • Creating a dedicated writing space
   • Celebrating your progress

Books Mentioned and/or Recommended:

• Scrivener for Dummies by Gwen Hernandez
• An Everyday Guide to Scrivener 3 for Mac by Mary Crawford
• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
• Living the Vida Lola
• Facebook
• Scrivener, Evernote, Trello, Notion

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Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Episode 47

Tips for Writing Books with Magical Elements

Welcome to The WriterSpark Podcast, the podcast that ignites your creativity and fuels your passion for storytelling. I'm your host, Melissa Bourbon, and today I have an enchanting episode you won't want to miss. I am thrilled to be joined by the bestselling author Barbara Davis, who is a true master at weaving magic into her novels. In this episode, Barbara shares her expert tips on writing books with magical elements.

Barbara's Insights

Barbara's insights range from creating immersive magical worlds with just enough enchantment to charm readers to developing complex and relatable characters. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your writing skills, this conversation is fun and inspiring.

So, grab your favorite notebook and a cup of tea, and get ready to dive into the magical art of storytelling with the wonderful Barbara Davis. Let's spark your creativity and bring a little magic into your writing!

Links for this Episode

• ✨ Barbara Davis: https://barbaradavis-author.com/
• ✨ Barbara's Books: https://amzn.to/3Vwy3mi
• ✨ Susanna Kerarsely: https://amzn.to/3VuC3Uy
• ✨ Emilia Hart: https://amzn.to/3ySm8qi
• ✨ Alice Hoffman: https://amzn.to/3ySISq8
• ✨ Adrienne Young: https://amzn.to/3z06fhk
• ✨ Matt Haig: https://amzn.to/3Xf8Eiq
• ✨ Sarah Addison Allen: https://amzn.to/4cc0ZWs
• ✨ Erin Morgenstern (Weyward!): https://amzn.to/3KxYQZ9
• ✨ Alix E. Harrow: https://amzn.to/3KAfXK4

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!

• 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

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

_____

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

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

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

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. 📝 ✨