Writing

The Book Learning Podcast: #4 + 5

Hey you! Have you been listening in? If not, you’ve been missing out!

Since I last posted about podcasting, we’ve recorded 2 more episodes. Episode 4 is described and linked in great detail on Gabrielle’s blog, so head over there to learn more/download it/put it in your ears.

Episode 5 is crazy cray cray. We’re beginning to talk about the steps of the editing process. Put it this way: according to Gabrielle, there are 7 steps in editing a novel, and we only covered two of them in this podcast! I’m way in over my head and feel like running away at full speed, but luckily my podcast partner is an old pro with editing and can walk me through it (relatively) calmly. It makes me nervous just writing about it!

If you, too, need a little guidance when it comes to editing your work, I encourage you to tune in to this series. You can watch the video above, or download (and subscribe) to the audio podcast on iTunes here.

Confused by all this podcast talk? If you’re new to The Book Learning Podcast, I have a FAQ written up here.

The Book Learning Podcast: #3

Hey beautiful people! In case you hadn’t heard, episode 3 of the best writing podcast ever is out and ready for your earbuds.

As always, the podcast (subscribe on iTunes here!) is a conversation between my friend Gabrielle and I, about writing and reading, and all things book learnin’! We have fun.

This week in particular, we’re covering part two of our “Beginner Writer’s Toolbox” miniseries, and we discuss three important things that new writers sometimes struggle with:

  • Finding a work environment or system that works for you
  • Getting inspired or finding ideas to write about
  • Setting goals and writing schedules
And of course, we tell you what we’re reading! We are both pretty excited about our books, so if you’re looking for an excellent read, look no further. 

The podcast is an hour long this time (!) but I promise it’s jam-packed full of good tips and quotes and motivation. You’ll be writing again in no time! Give it a listen, and let me know what you think, either here in the comments, on the Youtube video, or on iTunes. And if you feel like it, ask us a question, or perhaps make a suggestion for a future podcast topic.

Thanks for listening! We appreciate each and every one of you.

Now get out there and enjoy the sunshine! But take us with you in your headphones, okay? Ciao, bellas.

The Book Learning Podcast: #2

Episode 2: The Beginner Writer’s Toolbox (Part 1)

It’s a juicy week for the podcast! This week, we’re tackling the major mental obstacles that most beginning writers have to deal with as they start their journey as a writer. These are big ideas – really big ones! Writing can be very discouraging and difficult at times, so (we hope that) learning what not to do when you start writing can keep you writing for longer! Make sense? Maybe you should watch the video. Or, you can listen to the podcast here.

Make sure to subscribe in iTunes and give us a quick rating while you’re at it!

Mentioned

We mentioned a few different resources this week for the beginner writer. Check them out!

We also talked up some really great books that we’re reading! These are them.

My First Book!

This as a crazy moment. You should have seen me at the Post Office, picking up my slimmer-than-expected brown cardboard package, practically beaming with delight as I thrust my delivery notice at the bored cashier. I held it together until I got home, I definitely didn’t hyperventilate at the crosswalk or anything (okay, so I did. In a good way.), and then did a happy dance in my apartment. Cause it’s just cute, right?

This is the first book I wrote myself. It was a labour of love. And sometimes hate. There were times (they were usually way past my bedtime times) where I couldn’t express how much I resented my pre-November self who decided to take this project on. Other times, those 1667 daily words whizzed by – but those times were rare. But being able to hold a bound copy of my work, flip through and look at my words (half of which I no longer remember writing)…it makes it all worth it.

I printed a “proof copy” from CreateSpace – NaNoWriMo winners get 5 free copies of their novel, but only after paying for a proof copy – and guess what? I didn’t double and triple check the file, so my book showed up missing the last few pages. Let me emphasize: this was because of my own stupidity. CreateSpace couldn’t have been easier to use. So I’ve now uploaded the right file and will probably order another copy in the future.

How do you think my name looks in print? I’m hoping this won’t be the last time I author a real, tangible book. A belated thank you to everyone who egged me on during that crazy writing month – I’m thrilled it helped me get to this point. Thrilled, I say!

Have a happy Tuesday. xo.

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